Stephen Dest on love, loss, fatherhood, and the legacy behind the lens. By Andrea Benitez | Beyond The Story With Andrea Some stories entertain us. Others reach into the quiet places of our hearts and remind us that we are not alone. The work of filmmaker, writer, producer, professor, and author Stephen Dest carries that kind of power. Behind his films and accomplishments is a man whose creative journey began with the loss of his father at a very young age. That absence left

Beyond The Story With Andrea: Written by Andrea Benitez Mattika Westgate, Writer, Filmmaker, Humanitarian, Martial artist, and visionary creator of The World Mission Film. Mattika Westgate’s extraordinary journey of creativity, compassion, resilience, and a vision created to inspire the world. Some people are recognized for the titles they carry. Others are remembered for the hope they leave in the hearts of those they meet. Mattika Westgate is an entrepreneur, writer, author

Filmmaker Jared Weesner, true success is not measured only by the doors that open, but by having the faith and courage to refuse those that require him to compromise who he is. By Jared Weesner Andrea: There are stories I approach as a writer, and then there are stories I carry much closer to my heart. Jared Weesner’s is one of those stories. He is my fiancé, the man I am preparing to build a life with, and someone whose journey has allowed me to

Tim Ryan and Jennifer Gimenez transformed personal pain into purpose, using their recovery journeys to bring healing, hope, and support to others.

Michael Brodsky on Family, Purpose & a Life of Incremental Improvements By Andrea Benitez | Beyond The Story With Andrea Michael Brodsky, financial advisor, author, television producer, actor, mentor, and connector. A résumé can tell us where someone studied, the positions they have held, the books they have written, and the accomplishments they have collected along the way. But it cannot always tell us who they are. Michael “Mike” Brodsky has built a life across seemingly di

Beyond the fighter, the titles, and the recognition stands a man whose greatest strength comes from his faith, his family, and his commitment to lifting others. By Andrea Benitez I met China Smith many years ago, and through the years, I have come to consider him a good friend. Beyond the champion recognized by the world, I have personally witnessed a caring and generous man who offers godly advice, encourages others, and consistently gives back to his community. His willingn

From Unimaginable Loss to an Award-Winning Life Behind the Camera By Andrea Benitez | Beyond The Story With Andrea Ranelle Golden, Award-winning Filmmaker, Director, producer, and Screenwriter. Some people discover their purpose by following a carefully planned road. Others find it when life closes the door they believed they were meant to walk through. I first met Ranelle while working on the set of Rekindled for Christmas, and I was immediately drawn to her passion and comm

Nathan, World champion, husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and a man whose greatest victory was choosing Christ World champion. Husband. Father. Grandfather. Mentor. Behind every title stands a man whose greatest victory was not won inside a ring, but through surrendering his life to Jesus Christ. Nathan knows what it means to fight. Long before becoming a professional mixed martial arts world champion and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, he was a little boy trying to unde

DAVID L. WRAITH Beyond The Story With Andrea Written by Andrea Benitez David L. Wraith’s story began in Pensacola, Florida, with childhood days filled with family, neighborhood friends and sports. Those early years quietly shaped the athlete, educator, father and author he would become. But beyond his accomplishments is a thoughtful man fascinated by people, purpose and human potential. I wanted to know more about David—the person behind the titles. A Conversation With David

Beyond The Story With Andrea Stories of Resilience Written by Andrea Benitez Tess McCleary, A life shape by survival, resilience, and the courage to rise. THE CHILD THEY COULDN’T BREAK Written by Andrea Benitez There are childhoods remembered through birthday parties, family dinners and the comfort of knowing someone will be there when morning comes. Tess McCleary remembers something different. She remembers wanting what every child should be able to expect: to feel safe, l

Carolina Beaumont: Mi Segundo Debut—Helping Women Find the Courage to Begin Again A Legacy That Continues to Inspire Some people enter our lives for a season, yet the lessons they give us remain forever. Carolina Beaumont is one of those people in my life. I first met Carolina when I was only fourteen years old and became a student at her modeling academy. During those formative years, she taught me far more than how to walk confidently or present myself with grace. She helpe

Beyond The Story With Andrea Written by Andrea Benitez Betsy Lemus, Financial Expert and Monthly Contributor for Financial Wellness for Women Financial health is an important part of a woman’s overall wellbeing. Yet many women, including successful professionals and business owners, were never taught how to manage money, protect their assets, prepare for taxes, or plan confidently for the future. This is why I am honored to welcome financial expert Betsy Lemus to Beyond The S

Beyond The Story With Andrea Written by Andrea Benitez Some people begin a business because they see an opportunity. Others begin because something inside them is calling them toward a life with greater purpose, freedom, and possibility. For my cousin Kilsis Gomez, building The Travel Luxe Lifestyle by Gomez represents all of those things. Kilsis holds an associate degree in Human Services and has worked for Boston Public Schools for approximately fifteen years. As an adminis

A story of faith, family, kindness, and the courage to keep choosing life Written by Andrea Benitez | Beyond The Story With Andrea Some people first capture our attention through their accomplishments. But when we look beyond the titles, we often discover that their greatest achievement is the person they chose to become. Justin Hurr is a disabled combat veteran, entrepreneur, actor, musician, athlete, husband, and father of five. His life has many impressive chapters, yet th

Beyond The Story With Andrea Written by Andrea Benitez Sometimes a person enters your life through someone you love, and what begins as a simple introduction becomes a meaningful connection. I met Erin Williamson through my fiancé, Jared. And it did not take long for me to understand that there was something special about the woman behind Gran’s Kitchen. There is a warmth about Erin that seems to find its way into the food she prepares, the space she has created, and the way

Attorney R. Rudy Ramjeawan Beyond The Story With Andrea Written by Andrea Benitez When Integrity Becomes the Practice There are moments in life when the person we need is not simply someone who knows the law, but someone who understands the human being standing in front of them. I met Rudy Ramjeawan. during one of the most challenging chapters of my life, as my 20-year marriage to the father of my two children was coming to an end. I had first consulted another attorney and l

Dominico Pagan Beyond The Story With Andrea Written by Andrea Benitez Some people help you find a house. Others become part of the story of how that house became a home. I first met Dominico Pagan in 2005, when I purchased my home after moving to Florida from Boston. I had sold my car before the move and was trying to settle into a new state while making sure my daughter could begin school. One moment from that time has stayed with me for more than twenty years. After the sal

BEYOND THE STORY WITH ANDREA Written by Andrea Benitez Beautiful at Every Age 🌹Remembering Ida White There are some people who come into your life and leave something in your heart that time can never take away. Ida White was one of those people for me. When Ida and I began working on her story, she was here. We sat together for hours talking, laughing and sharing pieces of her life. I never imagined that I would now be finishing her story while grieving the loss of my bea