Ben describes himself as “one of the most talented unemployed people in radio or television you’ll ever meet.” With his knack for storytelling, voice work, audio/video production, branding, and marketing, it’s not hard to understand why. Ben has built a name for himself in the world of internet radio and public access TV, reaching more listeners with his 80’s nostalgia show than any of the five local stations in his area. “Not bad for a guy without and now with a GED,” he says.
Ben’s path to that milestone wasn’t easy. Growing up in an unstable home, he moved around Vermont often, each move feeling like a scene out of The Karate Kid. He was always the new kid, always the target of bullies. He ping-ponged from Rutland to elsewhere and back to Rutland over and over again. The constant upheaval, along with his own learning and social difficulties, including being an IEP student, made it hard to build a solid foundation.
Despite the challenges, Ben was always told by a few supportive teachers that he was a strong reader and a natural communicator. Though he kept his head down and focused on school, a popular student once warned him that keeping to himself might be seen as “stuck up.” Over time, though, Ben found friendship and even earned the nickname “The Wedge,” for the way he wedged himself into the social circle despite initial resistance at the last school he attended.
Unfortunately, tensions with teachers and the administration didn’t ease. A run-in with a teacher and a trip to the principal’s office left him feeling singled out again, especially after the principal admitted that a lingering sports rivalry between their school and Ben’s previous town of residence played a role in how he was treated. Facing six months of detention in the face of accusations for being “loud and disruptive,” Ben realized the obstacles in front of him weren’t going away.
In hindsight, it was often Ben’s reaction to being shunned or bullied that was perceived as disruptive, leading some administrators throughout his schooling to deliver punishment rather than explore why he was reacting that way. It seemed like that pattern would never be broken, leaving Ben with a feeling that school was “never going to work out” when all he ever wanted to do was set a foundation, blend in, and maybe make some friends. He dropped out just a few weeks into 10th grade in 1996.
Ben first connected with Vermont Adult Learning in 2001, but struggled to articulate his needs and didn’t stick with the program. His career in radio, however, had already begun. In 1998, with no formal training, Ben walked into a station and expressed interest in working there. The program director saw his natural talent and gave him a shot, starting him off with unpaid behind-the-scenes work for the first couple of weeks. Over time, Ben learned everything from answering phones to mastering the soundboard, editing commercials, and honing his voiceover skills.
One moment stands out to him from those early days: a client came in asking for a radio ad with Simpsons-style voices. Ben, who could do spot-on impressions of Homer, Barney, Mr. Burns, Moe, and others, nailed the job. The ad was a hit and led to listeners calling the station asking why he wasn’t on the air more often. With this encouragement, Ben’s Smash Ventura persona (originally from his childhood imagination) was reborn and he launched an independently produced 80’s themed nostalgia show.
Although he found his own success in radio, many years later, his girlfriend and biggest supporter encouraged him to go back and earn his high school credential. She reminded him that while his talent spoke for itself, having the diploma would make sure no one could dismiss his hard work.
In 2023, Ben returned to Vermont Adult Learning. With the support of staff members including his first contact at VAL, Jackie Proulx, who encouraged open conversations about the personal and academic challenges holding him back, he began to feel comfortable setting his own pace. “We all carry heavy weights,” he said, “and having someone take the time to understand that made a world of difference.”
From there, Ben worked with Janet Baker, who encouraged him to experiment and figure out the learning process that worked best for him. Together, they found that virtual learning suited him, and his girlfriend helped him communicate his needs more clearly. Bit by bit, he chipped away at the required subjects, starting with English and history, which he passed quickly, and then tackling science and math – the toughest hurdle of all.
During this time, Ben and his family were displaced by severe flooding, which put his studies on hold for over four months. Still, with his girlfriend and his small circle of friends’ encouragement, he kept practicing.
For Ben, the educational hurdles were rough enough but also combating depression which he said can range from difficult to crippling also proved to be one of those aforementioned heavy weights. When he finally felt ready enough, he took the GED practice tests. After many ups and downs, he decided to sit for the real thing. Jackie, Janet, and everyone at VAL stood behind him every step of the way.
When he arrived at the testing center, they even let him bring along his Smash Ventura action figure for support, which the proctor kept on her desk to “watch over” the exam. When the results came in and he learned he’d passed, it moved him to tears. “It’s hard to put into words,” he said. “For me, it wasn’t just completing something unfinished. It felt like I crawled over many of the educational and some of the psychological mountains that were preventing me from doing it in the first place.”
Today, Ben is continuing his education at CCV, working toward a liberal arts degree. He’s also preparing to submit real-world radio and production experience for credit, backed by letters from industry mentors and colleagues who know his impressive quality of work.
For Ben, education has become both a personal triumph and a way to validate the skills he’s taught himself over a lifetime. His documentaries for the Rutland Historical Society have aired on PEGTV, including three perennial favorites: What is it to be Irish?, The History of the Rutland Halloween Parade, and ‘Twas a Christmas in Rutland, featuring Raymond Mooney, whom Ben describes as “dear friend and Rutland’s embodiment of Jimmy Stewart.”
He has also produced commercials for 6 local businesses in his area. His online 80’s radio show draws 11 thousand followers every week and his 80’s YouTube show is up to 400 subscribers.
“I used to think it was rude to brag, and I still generally don’t,” he says, “but VAL helped me build confidence, which is different. It is ok to love yourself enough to be confident in who you are, and what you do. That is the difference.”
“My whole life I have tried to figure out how to evolve and love myself. You need to be able to look in the mirror and totally believe you’re on your own team,” Ben says, reflecting on his journey. “Self-confidence and self-love is still a very big struggle, but VAL and their warm caring team have been a very important part in the continued evolution to try and proudly be on my own team.” Ben’s advice to others is clear: “Finish what you started, you will be glad you did!”
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