Best Ben Novak Podcasts (2026)

1
The Big Friend 31:40

Play Pause

4h ago31:40

31:40

Original Release Date: October 4, 2008 Joe Friday and Ben Romero investigate the murder of a man’s wife, with the husband emerging as prime suspects. Original Air Date: April 5, 1951 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘ Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, P…

101
Boundaries, Solved: How to Set (And Keep) Your Boundaries This Year 4:10:55

2d ago4:10:55

4:10:55

This is probably the most comprehensive, no-BS breakdown of boundaries you're going to find anywhere. We cover what boundaries actually are (spoiler: it’s not just telling people to f*ck off), why they matter more than you think, and how your entire life—your relationships, mental health, identity, even career—is quietly shaped by whether or not yo…

1
The Big Ben 29:53

7h ago29:53

29:53

Original Release Date: September 27, 2008 Joe Friday and Ben Romero search for an armed and dangerous carjacker. Original Air Date: March 15, 1951 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘ Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take…

1
The Big New Years 35:49

1d ago35:49

35:49

Original Release Date: September 20, 2008 Joe Friday and Ben Romero search hunt for an an escaped robber. Original Air Date: March 8, 1951 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘ Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the lis…

1
The Big Partner 31:55

2d ago31:55

31:55

Original Release Date: September 13, 2008 Joe Friday and Ben Romero search hunt for an an escaped robber. Original Air Date: March 1, 1951 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘ Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the lis…

1
The Big Couple 30:24

6d ago30:24

30:24

Original Release Date: September 6, 2008 Joe Friday and Ben Romero search for a husband and wife con artist team. Original Air Date: February 15, 1951 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘ Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 …

1
Power, Narrative, and Influence: Van Jones and Promise CEO Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins 41:36

7d ago41:36

41:36

Van Jones is a political commentator, author, and former Obama White House advisor. Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins is founder and CEO of Promise, a software company transforming how governments deliver services to people in need. They joined the Village Global team to discuss what founders building in complex sectors need to know about power, narrative, and…

1
The Big Cast 30:57

9d ago30:57

30:57

Original Release Date: September 2, 2008 Friday and Romero question a man they suspect of being a serial killer. Original Air Date: February 8, 1951 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘ Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Ta…

1
Solved, Answers: Finding Purpose, Failing Better, and the AI Future 1:29:34

20d ago1:29:34

1:29:34

This one’s different. In this special year-end episode, I answer your questions—from the deep stuff about purpose and motivation, to the uncomfortable realities of change, burnout, failure, and dealing with unsupportive family. I also share the behind-the-scenes chaos of building SOLVED this year, what I learned about making massive, meaningful con…

51
The Big Children 39:45

19d ago39:45

39:45

Original Release Date: August 23, 2008 Joe Friday and Ben Romero investigate a case of neglected children in one of Los Angeles’ wealthiest neighborhoods. Original Air Date: February 1, 1951 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘ Mail a donation to: Adam G…

1
Scaling in the AI Era with PagerDuty CEO Jennifer Tejada 47:07

14d ago47:07

47:07

Jennifer Tejada is CEO of PagerDuty, a public company serving 30,000+ customers worldwide. She joined Village Global GP Ben Casnocha for a masterclass on scaling in the AI era, followed by live feedback sessions with four founders building AI-native companies. Takeaways: Enterprise sentiment has shifted from “fear of missing out” to “fear of gettin…

51
The Big Tomato 31:17

16d ago31:17

31:17

Original Release Date: August 17, 2008 A high schooler in a car accident sends Joe Friday and Ben Romero up the narcotics foodchain in search of an elusive Drug Kingpin known only by his odd nickname. Original Air Date: January 25, 1951 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.gr…

51
The Big Dance 31:49

20d ago31:49

31:49

Original Release Date: August 9, 2008 Joe Friday and Ben Romero hunt for 2 young hold up men. Original Air Date: January 18, 1951 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘ Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener sur…

1
Finding Your Purpose, Solved 4:49:48

1M ago4:49:48

4:49:48

This is the episode I’ve been waiting to make for a long time. Purpose has been at the core of everything I’ve written and done for over a decade—and in this episode, we go all the way down the rabbit hole. From Viktor Frankl surviving Auschwitz to the myth of “finding your one true purpose,” we break down what purpose really is, why you feel lost …

51
The Big Jump 31:49

23d ago31:49

31:49

Original Release Date: August 2, 2008 Friday and Romero try to talk a suicidal man off a ledge. Original Air Date: January 11, 1951 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘ Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener s…

51
The Big Hold-Up 32:59

27d ago32:59

32:59

Original Release Date: July 26, 2008 Joe Friday and Ben Romero capture a dangerous armed robber who tries to prove no jail can hold him. Original Air Date: January 4, 1951 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘ Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913…

101
The Big Break 34:27

1M ago34:27

34:27

Original Release Date: July 19, 2008 Joe Friday and Ben Romero capture a dangerous armed robber who tries to prove no jail can hold him. Original Air Date: December 14, 1950 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘ Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 159…

101
The Big Picture 33:41

1M ago33:41

33:41

Original Release Date: July 13, 2008 Joe Friday and Ben Romero track down two phony talent scouts who are victimizing teenage girls with Hollywood dreams. Original Air Date: December 7, 1950 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘ Mail a donation to: Adam G…

101
The Big Car 33:06

1M ago33:06

33:06

Original Release Date: July 5, 2008 Joe Friday and Ben Romero search for an Armed robber with an exotic taste in cars. Original Air Date: November 30, 1950 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘ Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 8…

1
Comparing Yourself to Others, Solved 2:08:51

2M ago2:08:51

2:08:51

We all compare ourselves to other people—our friends, coworkers, strangers on the internet—and most of the time, it makes us feel like shit. But why do we keep doing it? In this episode of Solved, we dig into the uncomfortable truth behind social comparison, how it quietly ruins our self-worth, and why most of what we envy in others is a projection…

1
The Big Betty 39:29

2M ago39:29

39:29

Original Release Date: June 28, 2008 Joe Friday and Ben Romero go after a gang of conmen who are victimizing the families of recently deceased people. Original Air Date: November 23, 1950 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘ Mail a donation to: Adam Grah…

101
The Big Parrot 38:53

1M ago38:53

38:53

Original Release Date: June 21, 2008 Joe Friday and Ben Romero investigate a murder that’s covered up by an arson. Original Air Date: November 16, 1950 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘ Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715…

1
The Big Mother 32:53

2M ago32:53

32:53

Original Release Date: June 14, 2008 A baby is kidnapped in the dead of night from a local maternity ward and Friday and Romero must find him. Original Air Date: November 9, 1950 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘ Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Bo…

1
The Big Church 41:44

2M ago41:44

41:44

Original Release Date: June 7, 2008 Joe Friday and Ben Romero look into threats on the life of a woman after she recently began attending a new church. Original Air Date: November 2, 1950 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘ Mail a donation to: Adam Grah…

1
How to Make Friends as an Adult 4:44:04

2M ago4:44:04

4:44:04

Friendship is the most important thing nobody talks about. In this episode of The SOLVED Podcast, Drew and I dig into what makes friendships work, why they fall apart, and why so many of us are struggling to build or keep them as we get older. We’re talking loneliness stats, Darwin’s confusion about cooperation, and the deep emotional mechanics beh…

1
The Big Meet 38:52

2M ago38:52

38:52

Original Release Date: June 1, 2008 Joe Friday goes undercover to catch a big time drug smuggler. Original Air Date: October 26, 1950 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘ Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener…

1
The Big Grandma 38:18

2M ago38:18

38:18

Original Release Date: May 25, 2008 Joe Friday and Ben Romero are on the trail of a serial check forger whose been in operation for 9 years. Original Air Date: October 19, 1950 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘ Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box …

1
The Big Quack 47:17

2M ago47:17

47:17

Original Release Date: May 18, 2008 Joe Friday and Ben Romero search for a phony psychiatrist who robs the homes of his “patients.” Original Air Date: October 12, 1950 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘ Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Bo…

1
The Big .38 Caliber 45:35

2M ago45:35

45:35

Original Release Date: May 11, 2008 Joe Friday and Ben Romero search for a robber who uses a taxi cab to escape the scene of the crime. Bonus: Pat Novak for Hire “Dixie Gillan, Part Two”: Novak confronts the woman who hired them. Original Air Date: October 5, 1950 Pat Novak Air Date: November 24, 1946 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetect…

1
The Big Death 51:24

3M ago51:24

51:24

Original Release Date: May 4, 2008 Joe Friday goes undercover and is hired to kill the wife of a prominent busiessman. Bonus: Pat Novak for Hire “Dixie Gillan, Part One”: Novak is hired to frighten someone into leaving town. Original Air Date: September 28, 1950 Pat Novak Air Date: November 24, 1946 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectiv…

1
A Comprehensive Guide to Stoicism (ft. Ryan Holiday) 2:57:39

3M ago2:57:39

2:57:39

What does it actually mean to live like a Stoic? In this wide-ranging conversation with bestselling author and modern Stoicism evangelist Ryan Holiday, we unpack the origins of Stoic philosophy, why it exploded during turbulent times in ancient Greece and Rome, and how its principles—like courage, temperance, justice, and wisdom—still apply in a wo…

1
The Big Pair 53:57

3M ago53:57

53:57

Original Release Date: April 28, 2008 Joe Friday and Ben Romero must find two robbers who are cleaning out the homes of vacationers. Also, we feature a special preview of the Old Time Radio Superman show. Original Date: September 21, 1950 Superman Original Air Date: April 29, 1940 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the …

1
The Big Make 35:32

3M ago35:32

35:32

Original Release Date: April 20, 2008 Joe Friday and Ben Romero think they’ve found an armed robber who committed a senseless shooting. They’re job: prove it. Original Air Date: September 14, 2008 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘ Mail a donation to: …

1
The Big Poison 35:11

3M ago35:11

35:11

Original Release Date: April 13, 2008 An Elderly Couple disappears and Joe Friday and Ben Romero suspsect foul play. Original Air Date: September 7, 1950 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘ Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 837…

1
The Big Check 38:03

3M ago38:03

38:03

Original Release Date: April 6, 2008 Joe Friday and Ben Romero track down a serial check forger. Original Air Date: August 31, 1950 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘ Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener s…

1
How to Become Resilient 3:32:50

3M ago3:32:50

3:32:50

Resilience isn’t about pretending you’re fine or never feeling pain—it’s about learning how to act in your best interest despite the pain. In this episode of Solved, we dive deep into the science, psychology, and real-life examples of resilience—from Ernest Shackleton’s crew surviving two years stranded in Antarctica to my own slightly insane decis…

1
The Big Chance 37:38

3M ago37:38

37:38

Original Release Date: March 30, 2008 Joe Friday, Ben Romero and a team of officers from various police departments search for a missing Highway Patrolman. Original Air Date: August 24, 1950 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘ Mail a donation to: Adam G…

1
The Big Youngster 38:04

3M ago38:04

38:04

Original Release Date: March 23, 2008 A young lawyer’s office is vandalized and Ben Romero and Joe Friday must find the culprit. Original Air Date: August 17, 1950 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘ Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise,…

1
The Big Actor 32:13

3M ago32:13

32:13

Original Release Date: March 15, 2008 Joe Friday and Ben Romero search for $100,000 in missing narcotics. Original Air Date: August 10, 1950 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘ Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the l…

1
The Big Dare 37:07

4M ago37:07

37:07

Original Release Date: March 8, 2008 Joe Friday and Ben Romero search for a man who killed his girlfriend. Original Air Date: August 3, 1950 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘ Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the l…

1
The Big Gent, Part Two 38:15

4M ago38:15

38:15

Original Release Date: March 1, 2008 Joe Friday and Ben Romero’s search for the gentleman bandit continues. Original Air Date: July 27, 1950 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘ Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the l…

1
The Big Gent, Part One 33:21

4M ago33:21

33:21

Original Release Date: February 23, 2008 Joe Friday and Ben Romero try and track down two hold up men responsible for a robbery and killing in San Diego. Original Air Date: July 20, 1950 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘ Mail a donation to: Adam Graha…

1
The Big Bomb 36:07

4M ago36:07

36:07

Original Release Date: February 16, 2008 A man has threatened to blow up city if his brother’s not released by 9 o’clock. Joe Friday and Ben Romero must get the bomb away from him. Original Air Date: July 13, 1950 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘ Mai…

1
The Big Frame 32:33

4M ago32:33

32:33

Original Release Date: February 9, 2008 When an alleged hit and run felony doesn’t add up, Joe Friday and Ben Romero have to find out what seven witnesses are covering up. Original Air Date: July 6, 1950 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘ Mail a donati…

1
The Big Grab 36:06

4M ago36:06

36:06

Original Release Date: February 2, 2008 Joe Friday and Ben Romero search for a kidnapped woman. Original Air Time: June 15, 1950 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘ Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener surv…

1
How to Let Go of Your Shame 3:47:59

4M ago3:47:59

3:47:59

Chances are, there’s something in your life you feel deeply ashamed about—something you’ve never told anyone, something you can’t even admit to yourself. In this episode, we go deep into the emotion we all experience but almost no one wants to talk about: shame. Where it comes from, why it’s so powerful, how it screws up our lives—and more importan…

1
The Big Mink 36:23

4M ago36:23

36:23

Original Release Date: January 26, 2008 Joe Friday and Ben Romero hunt for the killer of a local mink merchant. Original Air Date: June 22, 1950 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘ Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take t…

1
The Big Press 56:50

4M ago56:50

56:50

Original Release Date: January 19, 2008 Joe Friday and Ben Romero investigate a purse snatching spree. Original Air Date: June 15, 1950 Johnny Madero continues his search for the elusive Pete Sutro. Original Air Date: June 19, 1947 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatde…

1
The Big Smart Guy 52:55

4M ago52:55

52:55

Original Release Date: January 12, 2008 A woman is murdered in her apartment and Joe Friday and Ben Romero suspsect her husband was involved. Original Air Date: June 8, 1950 Bonus: Johnny Madero, Pier 23: Johnny is hired to find a man that his client has only heard of in his dreams. Original Air Date: June 19, 1947 Support the show monthly at patre…

1
The Big Key 40:13

5M ago40:13

40:13

Original Release Date: January 5, 2008 Joe Friday and Ben Romero search for a Christmas murderer. Original Air Date: May 25, 1950 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.‘ Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener sur…