460. The Man They Called Jew in Prison To Now Proud Father Ben Freedland

460. The Man They Called Jew in Prison To Now Proud Father Ben Freedland

“You can go from the depths of despair to a life of purpose.” — Ben Freedland

In this gripping episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts and her dad, Wayne Friedman, sit down with Ben Freedland—a man who’s lived multiple lives: Coconut King, federal inmate, devoted father, and now a respected government consultant.

A Wild Behind-the-Scenes Moment

Incredibly, during the recording of this interview, Ben was experiencing a spinal fluid leak. The moment we wrapped, he went straight to the hospital. He’s now out, recovering, and we’re grateful to share this episode—made even more powerful knowing what he was enduring in real time.

From Labels to Legacy

Ben opens up about being known as “the Jew” in prison, surviving solitary confinement, and the pivotal moment a compassionate chaplain changed the direction of his life. He shares how he reclaimed his identity, leaned into faith, and found mentors who helped guide his transformation.

Fatherhood as Redemption

Today, Ben is a proud and present father. He reflects on how parenting fuels his purpose, shapes his decisions, and inspires the legacy he’s dedicated to building for his children.

Key Themes
  • From privilege to crime during the recession

  • Faith, identity, and mentorship behind bars

  • Surviving solitary confinement and unexpected turning points

  • The responsibilities and rewards of fatherhood

  • Choosing redemption, purpose, and storytelling

Episode Highlights

(00:00) Welcome to the Better Call Daddy Show (01:15) Meet Ben Freedland: From Coconut King to Criminal Consultant (10:30) Solitary Confinement & a Life-Changing Encounter (20:45) Reclaiming Faith and Identity in Prison (30:00) Fatherhood: Joys, Struggles & Second Chances (40:15) Building a Legacy by Being Present (50:00) Wisdom from Wayne: Morality, Growth & Success

Connect with Reena Friedman Watts Better Call Daddy Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube Thank you for tuning in to Better Call Daddy—where wisdom, resilience, and heart meet!

Episoder(479)

38. Jackie’s Birth Mom: Edie Taylor

38. Jackie’s Birth Mom: Edie Taylor

16 Okt 202059min

37. Jackie’s Birth Sister: Amanda (Part 3 of 4)

37. Jackie’s Birth Sister: Amanda (Part 3 of 4)

Families can be complicated, and boy is this true for Amanda. In this week’s episode of Better Call Daddy, she talks about finding her sister that her mother gave up for adoption. She also talks about...

14 Okt 202022min

36. Jackie’s Adoptive Mom: Wendy Acker (Part 2 of 4)

36. Jackie’s Adoptive Mom: Wendy Acker (Part 2 of 4)

Some of us will never know the challenges of raising an adopted child. But what if that child has an opportunity to meet their birth parents? Do you entertain the idea or challenge it? Insecurities mu...

13 Okt 202018min

35. My Adoptive Journey: Jackie (Part 1 of 4)

35. My Adoptive Journey: Jackie (Part 1 of 4)

Growing up knowing that you are adopted is one thing, but meeting your birth family WITH your adoptive family is a whole other story. Would you have resentment? Is it exciting or frustrating in any wa...

12 Okt 202018min

34. Radio to Rifle: Shalom Klein

34. Radio to Rifle: Shalom Klein

With everyone questioning their own countries and what they owe us, we must also think of what we can do in turn to serve our country. From lessons of leadership to completely unplugging yourself from...

9 Okt 202018min

33. Surviving Suicide: Karen Nowicki

33. Surviving Suicide: Karen Nowicki

In 2020, we have all been put in situations that we never expected. Some of us have learned to grow, some of us are just hanging on. Unfortunately there is also a silent population that literally cont...

7 Okt 202039min

32. Yeehaw Wonky Donkey Man: Craig Smith

32. Yeehaw Wonky Donkey Man: Craig Smith

Yeee-Haw!!  Now imagine that phrase with a New Zealand accent! In this awesome episode you will not only learn what it’s like to be a New Zealander dancing in Texas, but you are going to learn how to ...

5 Okt 202018min

31. Oh Good Grief! Victoria Volk

31. Oh Good Grief! Victoria Volk

As if dealing with a global disaster wasn’t bad enough, some of us have had to also deal with the loss of someone close. Some of us have had to deal with personal issues that have no relation to what ...

2 Okt 202012min

Populært innen Samfunn

rss-spartsklubben
giver-og-gjengen-vg
aftenpodden
konspirasjonspodden
aftenpodden-usa
lydartikler-fra-aftenposten
popradet
rss-nesten-hele-uka-med-lepperod
rss-henlagt-andy-larsgaard
alt-fortalt
grenselos
min-barneoppdragelse
wolfgang-wee-uncut
krisemoter
fladseth
rss-dette-ma-aldri-skje-igjen
rss-dannet-uten-piano
synnve-og-vanessa
rss-frekvens-med-anine-olsen
frokostshowet-pa-p5