Ben Wilson’s Journey Toward Healing

In Orem, Ben Wilson’s daily routine typically involved lengthy walks in Provo Canyon while immersing himself in audiobooks. He would then transform his research notes into episodes for his popular podcast, “How to Take Over the World.”

“I really love what I do every day,” Wilson noted. “I had a fulfilling career before, but this feels different—more like following my curiosity. It’s just… well, it’s really fun.” Last year, the podcast, which shares insights from historical leaders, hit the top 100 charts and became his full-time job.

However, Wilson’s current reality is quite different from what he once envisioned. These days, he spends countless hours at a hospital undergoing treatment for cancer.

A few months back, he began to feel unusually fatigued during his walks, which was strange given his active lifestyle. “I started experiencing aches and pains that I wasn’t used to, and my appetite was off. Eventually, I thought, this can’t be normal. So, I visited a primary care physician for the first time. I typically shy away from doctors,” he shared.

The physician found a lump in his abdomen and quickly scheduled a CT scan. At a family gathering the day before the test, he optimistically told relatives, “We’ll see what the results show, but I don’t think I have cancer.”

“I was wrong,” he reflected. “Now, I know what it feels like, but back then, I really didn’t.” After the scan, Wilson received dire news: multiple masses were found in his lungs and liver, with subsequent scans revealing tumors in his spine and brain.

Wilson was diagnosed with stage 4 high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma. It had already spread extensively, and he was given about a year to live.

Despite the grim prognosis, Wilson expressed gratitude for his medical team and the ongoing advancements in cancer therapies that have the potential to support patients.

Community Gives Back

Initially, Wilson wrestled with how much to share about his diagnosis publicly. But he understood that his listeners, who have supported him throughout, deserved an explanation for his reduced energy and recording frequency. “When you put yourself in the public eye, you have to be honest with your audience,” he said. “I knew I had to say something.”

A close friend initiated a fundraiser for Wilson to cover medical costs, allowing him to focus on fighting cancer without the burden of financial stress. Initially hesitant about publicizing his situation, Wilson was convinced by friends that resources were essential for his survival. “We decided to do a GoFundMe,” he explained.

He later released a podcast episode discussing his diagnosis, which gained significant attention on social media and led to an outpouring of support.

In just a few days, the “Take Over the World” community raised nearly $400,000 for his family. “It really restores your faith in humanity. Seeing all those people rally around us… it’s heartwarming,” he said, noting that listeners from across the globe reached out to offer help.

Thanks to this generosity, the family can explore medical options that they might not have been able to pursue otherwise. Due to the media attention surrounding his case, Wilson has even been approached by pharmaceutical companies to help lower the costs of his treatment.

The donations are earmarked for an expensive medication called Tarlatamab, which isn’t covered by his insurance and may extend his life by a couple of years. However, he has to finish four rounds of chemotherapy before starting this treatment.

While Wilson appreciates the community’s support, he feels a twinge of guilt knowing that many others facing similar battles lack the same resources.

“I’m just trying to think about how to give back to those who don’t have the platform I do,” he remarked.

If anyone is inclined to provide support, he encourages them to consider donating to the Huntsman Cancer Institute, emphasizing the importance of aiding all those impacted by cancer.

The Show Must Go On

Although his future remains uncertain, Wilson is taking things one day at a time. He started his journey with the motto, “every day better than the last,” but he joked that this didn’t last very long. “It’s not always possible for every day to be better. Sometimes, just getting through the day feels like a victory,” he reflected.

Having moved to Utah in 2022, Wilson feels fortunate to be undergoing treatment in a community that has shown immense support. “We’ve received so many meals and help caring for our kids. It’s a very charitable place. If you have to face cancer, Utah is a good place to do it,” he noted.

As for the podcast? “The show goes on,” he affirmed. “I can’t promise how many episodes I’ll put out just now; things are a bit chaotic. But there will be more episodes. It’s therapeutic for me and helps me cope with everything.”