Ben Moa grew up in California's violent gang world of the 90s. With few strong role models, he fell into gang life, drug use, crime, and more at the tender age of 9 years old. But he counts his first real miracle in life when he was arrested on a trip to Utah and spent the ages 12-16 in a correctional facility. He was given a chance to pick different role models and a different life focus, and he picked to become the best athlete he could be. While at the University of Utah for Football at the age of 18, he met and married his wife Christina. She did not understand the complexities of marrying a man shaped by gang life, but working together they have created an inspiring marriage and life. Both Ben and Christina share the start of their journey on the Relentlessly Resilient podcast, in this first part of a two-part series.

Even though we live in challenging times we can become Relentlessly Resilient as we lean on and learn from one another’s experiences. Hosts Jennie Taylor and Michelle Scharf are no strangers to overcoming adversity; Michelle lost her husband to cancer, while Jennie’s husband Major Brent Taylor was killed in the service of our country. Their stories bond them together and now listeners can join them weekly as they visit with others enduring challenges and who teach us how they are exercising resiliency, finding value in their grief, and purpose in moving forward. 

Listen to the Relentlessly Resilient Podcast regularly on your favorite platform, at kslpodcasts.com, kslnewsradio.com, or on the KSL App. Join the Resilience conversation on Facebook at @RelentlesslyResilient and Instagram @RelentlesslyResilientPodcast. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.