What if you could redefine limits and challenge societal norms? Join us as we uncover the extraordinary story of Neil Ben, a distinguished filmmaker born with Klippel-Feil Syndrome, who has navigated life with a determination that has defied everyone’s expectations. Through laughter and resilience, he has embraced his unique journey, turning what many saw as limitations into an inspiring narrative of self-fulfillment. Neil shares how humor became a powerful tool against the weight of societal attitudes, allowing him to pursue his passion for filmmaking and ultimately redefine what it means to conquer challenges.
Experience the heartfelt tale of a single father who, after a BAFTA nomination, made the courageous decision to prioritize his children over a burgeoning broadcasting career. Discover how he transitioned into creating business and training films while sharpening his writing and directing expertise. Now, at 61, he is eagerly stepping back into the broadcasting world with a focus on increasing the representation of disabled individuals on and off the screen. Listen as Neil discusses his involvement in major programs like the Director’s UK mentoring scheme and the BBC writers program, where his latest project—a comedy heist featuring disabled master criminals—is coming to life.
Embrace the power of personal strength and the art of letting go in a world that often tells us we can’t. Through candid conversations and reflections, Neil reveals how facing bullying due to his disability has shaped his creative endeavors, including a sitcom inspired by his life as a single dad. His journey emphasizes the importance of choosing where to invest energy, shedding unnecessary stress, and nurturing life’s challenges rather than taming them. This episode is a testament to authenticity and self-growth, painting a vivid picture of how our personal “dragons” can propel us forward on a path of acceptance and gratitude.
Course Content
Presenter
Malcolm Stern has worked as a group and individual psychotherapist for more than 30 years. He was a co-founder of Alternatives at St James’s Church in London and runs groups internationally.
He is the author of Falling in Love / Staying in Love (Piatkus 2004) and Slay Your Dragons with Compassion ( Watkins 2020). He co-presented Channel 4’s relationship series, ‘Made for Each Other’ in 2003 and 2004 and sailed on the ‘Rainbow Warrior’ with Greenpeace in the 1980s. The book he is currently writing is an exploration of the shadow and its necessity in our evolutionary development.
Malcolm Stern in conversation with guests overcoming & thriving through adversity.
