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Empty The Benches

Empty The Benches

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Grab a seat and crack a cold one with Nick and Mac on Empty the Benches, the hockey podcast that doesn't hold back. Whether you're a diehard fan who's been watching since the '90s or just getting into the game, we've got you covered. We're diving deep into the NHL, NCAA, and beyond, with unfiltered takes and exclusive conversations with players, coaches, and everyone in between. If you live for the game, you've found your new weekly ritual.
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Every medicine in your pharmacy has a human story behind it. Real people doing real work and living real lives. We all have romantic ideas about scientists working late into the evening or doctors dropping everything to answer a phone call about a patient. You can almost envision the moment when one of those researchers finally solves an intellectual puzzle and leaps into action. Their eyes go from an empty stare to an alert laser-like focus. They sit a bit taller and start to read frantical ...
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In this episode, Nick and Mac discuss Mac's recent trip to Berlin, highlighting the unique hockey culture and experiences he had. They delve into Thanksgiving food preferences, share insights on NHL player performances, and speculate on the upcoming Olympic roster. The conversation also touches on the current state of the Canucks and the Capitals, …
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I would love to hear from you! Send a text! The holidays have a way of exposing what’s tender. We set the scene at a real Thanksgiving table—the one with burnt rolls, a too-long prayer, and a determined dog—and talk directly to anyone carrying a diagnosis, a breakup, a job loss, or grief that hasn’t moved on your timeline. If your voice shakes when…
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I would love to hear from you! Send a text! What if your comeback doesn’t start on a stage, but at the edge of your bed with a two-line journal entry and a quiet prayer? We take a reflective lap through the “Little Things Matter” series and map the practical steps that turn heavy seasons into steady momentum—no grand reinvention required. We dig in…
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In this episode of Empty the Benches, hosts Nick Mannella and Nick Bowins engage in a lively discussion covering a range of topics from fantasy hockey matchups to the Mount Rushmore of favorite players NOT on their favorite teams. They analyze Adrian Kempe's recent contract extension, Miko Rantanen's ejection, and the surprising injuries affecting …
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On this episode of Empty the Benches, host Nick Mannella and guest host Nick Bowins discuss a variety of hockey topics, including the recent Hall of Fame inductees, the exciting college hockey matchups, goaltending concerns in the NHL, a review of Canada's Olympic jerseys, and the surprising performance of the Anaheim Ducks this season. The convers…
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I would love to hear from you! Send a text! Big life transitions can leave you staring into the mirror, wondering who’s looking back. We go straight to the heart of the comeback: rebuilding identity when the old labels don’t fit. From divorce to retirement to empty nesting and loss, we unpack a practical, faith-centered way to release what’s gone a…
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I would love to hear from you! Send a text! Change has a way of shaking the ground under our feet, and that’s exactly where this conversation begins: with the honest wobble of faith during big life transitions. We unpack a practical path toward steadiness, not through grand spiritual marathons, but through a handful of small, repeatable choices tha…
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Nick and Mac are back for another episode! They kick things off with the return of the question of the day, introduce a new segment called Empty The Mailbox, and dive into the recent struggles of the Washington Capitals in the Weekly ReCap. During the episode they also touch on the dynamic duos in Colorado and New Jersey, the 2027 stadium series lo…
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In this episode of Empty the Benches, hosts Nick Mannella and Mackane Vogel recount their recent adventures in Milwaukee and Chicago, including attending a Blackhawks game and hosting an event at their favorite bar, Elwoods. They share humorous anecdotes about meeting colorful characters and discuss the challenges of creating engaging trivia questi…
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I would love to hear from you! Send a text! When life flips the script—divorce, retirement, an empty nest, or a full-blown reset—the question isn’t “How do I leap?” It’s “How do I move at all?” I walk you through a practical, compassionate approach to rebuilding momentum using small wins that are easy to miss and powerful to stack. Instead of measu…
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I would love to hear from you! Send a text! Big change can make even simple tasks feel impossible, but there’s a quieter path that actually holds: small, steady actions that bring your footing back. We kick off a four‑week series called The Little Things Matter by laying out six daily anchors that help you move through divorce, retirement, empty ne…
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In this episode, Nick and Mac discuss the excitement surrounding their upcoming event at Elwoods, the NHL game schedule, and predictions for various teams. They delve into the Capitals' recent games, the promising future of the Canadiens, and the struggles of the Rangers and Sabres. The conversation also touches on surprising performances in the NH…
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I would love to hear from you! Send a text! Stop letting the clock boss your confidence around. We turn a birthday week into a working blueprint for a comeback—one grounded in gratitude, courage, and small, repeatable steps. The theme is simple and strong: aging isn’t decline; it’s refinement. Instead of measuring ourselves against old photos or pa…
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In this episode, Nick and Mac dive into the excitement of the NHL season, discussing the return of hockey, fantasy drafts, and significant player contracts. They analyze goaltending performances and the Washington Capitals' rocky start. The conversation shifts to team predictions and culminates in a detailed review of the new NHL jerseys, providing…
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I would love to hear from you! Send a text! The question isn’t “what’s next?” so much as “where does safety live now?” That’s where our conversation with Karla begins—mid-shock, mid-limbo—after she leaves her marriage, her home, and the routines that once defined her. Karla is a violinist with The OK Factor and the founder of The Inspired Foundry, …
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In this episode, Nick and Mac from Empty the Benches dive into a comprehensive preview of the Metropolitan Division in the NHL. Joined by Washington Capitals senior writer Mike Vogel, they discuss each team's strengths, weaknesses, and expectations for the upcoming season. From the formidable Carolina Hurricanes to the rebuilding Philadelphia Flyer…
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I would love to hear from you! Send a text! We explore how structure and routine become anchors when transition blows up your playbook, from empty nest and retirement to divorce and the loss of a spouse. Small, intentional habits become scaffolding that restores safety, momentum, and meaning. • why a blank slate overwhelms after a change • routines…
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In this episode, Nick and Mac provide a comprehensive preview of the NHL's Atlantic Division, discussing each team's prospects for the upcoming season. They cover key injuries, player performances, and the overall competitiveness of the division. The conversation highlights the Boston Bruins' transitional phase, the Buffalo Sabres' ongoing struggle…
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Skip Paige, legendary music festival executive sits down with Armie Hammer to share the untold story of his role in building one of the world's most iconic music festivals. From the struggles of the first Coachella in 1999 to booking legends for Desert Trip, Paige gives an unfiltered account of risk, triumph, and burnout. In this candid interview, …
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In this episode Nick, Mac, and Anders preview the Pacific Division of the NHL, discussing each team's offseason moves, key players, and expectations for the upcoming season. They share personal updates, analyze the Anaheim Ducks' trades, the Calgary Flames' quiet offseason, the Edmonton Oilers' pressure to win, the Los Angeles Kings' building momen…
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I would love to hear from you! Send a text! Have you ever felt trapped in an impossible situation with no way out? That's exactly where we find Benaiah in one of Scripture's most overlooked stories – facing a lion in a pit on a snowy day. The symbolism couldn't be clearer: a predator stronger than us, nowhere to run, and treacherous conditions maki…
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In this episode, Nick and Mac dive into the NHL Central Division, discussing each team's prospects for the upcoming season. They share personal anecdotes, introduce a new segment called 'Max Misfortune,' and analyze the Chicago Blackhawks' rebuilding phase, the Colorado Avalanche's playoff potential, the Dallas Stars' need to prove themselves, the …
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Armie Hammer sits down with film producer Kent Shaffer for a raw and unfiltered conversation about fame, disguises, and what it really means to live in the spotlight. From Hollywood highs to personal struggles, Armie opens up about identity, image, and reinvention. Like, share, and follow!By Armie Hammer
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I would love to hear from you! Send a text! What happens when our love of the familiar becomes the very thing that keeps us stuck? That's the question at the heart of this deeply reflective episode on breaking free from comfort ruts. As someone who thrives on routine and predictability—"If sameness has a fan club, I'd be president and treasurer"—I'…
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We're back!! Nick and Mac get you caught up on the recent flurry of NHL news from the past few weeks. They dive into the Caps' and Red Wings' new alternate sweaters, the Rangers' new captain, and the bold statement by one of Canada's most accomplished defensemen. Music: Coasting Mostly - Barely Civil Hearing Things - Poggioli Legal: DraftKings Gamb…
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I would love to hear from you! Send a text! Life transitions often force us into uninvited pauses that feel like being benched, but these pauses are actually opportunities for formation and growth. The stillness after major changes like divorce, empty nesting, or job loss isn't punishment but rather a necessary halftime that prepares us for our com…
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I would love to hear from you! Send a text! We've reached a milestone with our 100th episode, celebrating 100 weeks of showing up to share coaching, strategies, and stories about navigating life's transitions. This journey has been a joy, and I'm grateful for every listener who has allowed me to be part of their comeback story. • Understanding the …
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I would love to hear from you! Send a text! The classroom door closes behind you. It's just you and thirty expectant faces. Your teaching degree prepared you for lesson plans and pedagogy—but did it ready you for the real-world challenges of your first year? Whether you're a brand-new educator or a seasoned veteran, this episode delivers candid ins…
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Armie Hammer sits down with his mother (Dru Hammer) for one of his most vulnerable and heartfelt podcast episodes yet. Together, they revisit their complicated past, faith, family struggles, public scandals, and the hard-earned healing that brought them closer. What starts as a tense history of disconnection unfolds into a conversation about accept…
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I would love to hear from you! Send a text! Brittany Tinsley, author of "Stories Our Scars Tell," shares her 20-year journey through self-injury, healing, and finding purpose in her pain. This raw conversation explores how scars—both literal and metaphorical—can become powerful storytellers of hope and redemption. • Brittany explains how her strugg…
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In this episode of Armie Hammertime, things get… unpredictable. Armie and producer Jerry swap insane stories — from Jerry being attacked by a homeless man with a rock while filming a music video, to bizarre addictions like eating mattresses and drinking gasoline, to Sinatra's flag codes in Palm Springs. They debate AI (ChatGPT vs. Grok), reflect on…
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I would love to hear from you! Send a text! That gentle whisper of "it's time"—have you felt it lately? That nudge toward something new, even when everything familiar feels comfortable enough? In this deeply moving conversation with Andrea Ward Fernandez, we explore the complex emotions and practical realities of knowing when it's time to move. And…
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In this episode, Armie Hammer sits down with journalist and author James Kirchick for a wide-ranging conversation about Tucker Carlson, conspiracy culture, the Trump presidency, Clinton scandals, UFO myths, and the shifting dignity of the Oval Office. From LBJ's crude leadership style to political theater in Congress, this is an unfiltered, funny, …
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I would love to hear from you! Send a text! Ready to retire but feeling uncertain about what comes next? You're not alone. That identity crisis of "Who am I now?" hits harder than most expect when contemplating retirement. This episode dives deep into the emotional side of ending your career—something rarely discussed in traditional retirement plan…
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I would love to hear from you! Send a text! Have you ever found yourself questioning whether your workplace loyalty has crossed the line into simply being stuck? That gnawing feeling on Sunday nights, the constant daydreaming about being somewhere—anywhere—else, or the realization that your physical and mental health are suffering at the hands of y…
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Join Armie Hammer and longtime friend Ashton Ramsey in a raw, hilarious, and deeply personal conversation. From flying on Johnny Depp's smoke-filled private jet to losing everything and rebuilding from scratch, nothing is off-limits. They dive into behind-the-scenes chaos on The Lone Ranger, mushroom trips, Hollywood elitism, and real estate redemp…
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I would love to hear from you! Send a text! Divorce is one of the most difficult decisions a loyalist can face, especially when loyalty has crossed into codependence. I share my personal experience and four critical questions to ask yourself before making this life-altering decision. • Loyalty is noble and necessary, but becomes toxic when it binds…
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In this thought-provoking episode, attorney Charles Lew joins Armie Hammer to unpack how artificial intelligence (AI) is disrupting the legal system—from metaverse lawsuits to robot rights and sentient machines. They discuss AGI, ethics, and why the law must evolve now to keep up. Like, share, and follow!…
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I would love to hear from you! Send a text! Have you ever defended someone's behavior while secretly knowing things were exactly as bad as others suspected? That's not loyalty—that's the slippery slope into codependency. Drawing from my own painful journey, I open up about the fine line between standing by those we love and losing ourselves in the …
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Former international drug smuggler Kevin McGlaughlin sits down with Armie Hammer for a jaw-dropping episode of Armie Hammertime. Kevin reveals how he went from acting and modeling in LA to running the largest ecstasy ring in the world — all while staying sober. He details insane close calls, how the FBI tracked him, and the prison sentence that for…
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I would love to hear from you! Send a text! Feeling stuck in a holding pattern? You're not alone. Life's major transitions—divorce, job loss, empty nesting, or losing a loved one—can plunge us into what feels like solitary confinement. Not the restful solitude we sometimes crave, but the punishing isolation that whispers lies about our worth and fu…
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In this powerful conversation, actor Armie Hammer interviews Iranian musician and activist King Raam. They talk about Raam's emotional performance in Venice Beach, the horrifying story of his father's arrest and death in Evin prison, the cruelty of the Iranian regime, and how music became his protest and therapy. This episode explores identity, res…
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I would love to hear from you! Send a text! Have you ever noticed how, after surviving a major life upheaval, you suddenly find yourself standing on solid ground—yet still bracing for waves that aren't coming? That disorienting moment marks the beginning of an unexpected freedom journey. Freedom after transition arrives quietly. After treading wate…
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Former Laker Girl and news reporter Tiege Dooley-Panko joins Armie Hammer for a vulnerable, eye-opening conversation on life after fame, social media addiction, and reclaiming mental clarity. They talk about validation addiction, dopamine traps, digital detoxing, and how we can reconnect with real life in a tech-dominated world. Raw, funny, and dee…
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I would love to hear from you! Send a text! That simmering feeling beneath your "everything's fine" smile? It's not your enemy. Anger—especially during major life transitions like divorce, loss, retirement, or relocation—often gets a bad rap. But what if this powerful emotion could actually fuel your comeback instead of derailing it? In this episod…
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Armie Hammer sits down with iconic drag queen Willam for a brutally honest, wildly hilarious conversation about drag, sex work, celebrity hookups, self-worth, and life on stage and off. From DIY tucking hacks to deep chats on gender and confidence, nothing is off limits. This is one podcast episode you won't forget. Like, share, and follow!…
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