top of page



Financial Wellness for Women with Betsy Lemus
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
beyondthestorywith
Sep 182 min read


Justin Hurr: The Strength to Begin Again
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
beyondthestorywith
Sep 164 min read


Stephen Dest: The Heart of a Storyteller
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
beyondthestorywith
Sep 34 min read


Matika Westgate: The Warrior Who Chose Hope
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
beyondthestorywith
Sep 29 min read


Jared Weesner: Faith, Family & Legacy
or 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 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 witn
beyondthestorywith
Sep 25 min read


Tim Ryan & Jennifer Gimenez Ryan: From Pain to Purpose, Two Lives, One Mission
Tim Ryan and Jennifer Gimenez transformed personal pain into purpose, using their recovery journeys to bring healing, hope, and support to others.
beyondthestorywith
Sep 12 min read


Michael Brodsky: Beyond Success — The Heart Behind the Many Titles
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
beyondthestorywith
Sep 16 min read


China Smith: When Surrender Became His Victory
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
beyondthestorywith
Aug 319 min read


Ranelle Golden: When Losing Her Sight Reveled Her Vision
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
beyondthestorywith
Aug 314 min read


Nathan Kirby: A Fighter for Men
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
beyondthestorywith
Aug 307 min read


David L. Wraith: The Courage to Become Extraordinary
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
beyondthestorywith
Aug 295 min read


Tess McCleary: The Child They Couldn’t Break
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
beyondthestorywith
Aug 264 min read


Ida White: Beyond the Crown: A Queen in Every Meaning of the Word
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
beyondthestorywith
Aug 265 min read


Carolina Beaumont: Mi Segundo Debut
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
beyondthestorywith
Jul 276 min read
bottom of page