Ben struggled with depression growing up and was forced to drop out of college. Searching for purpose, he created the world’s greatest bucket list with his three childhood friends.

They borrowed a rickety, old RV and criss-crossed North America, achieving the unthinkable. And most importantly, every time they accomplished a dream of their own, they helped a complete stranger cross something off their bucket list. From playing basketball with President Obama to having a beer with Prince Harry, from raising over $400,000 for charity to placing a record-breaking $250,000 bet on roulette—Ben’s bucket list quest has inspired millions to believe that impossible is truly possible.

Ben is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? and the star of the MTV show The Buried Life.

As the co-founder of The Buried Life movement, Ben’s message of radical possibility has been featured in major media including The Today Show, Oprah, CNN, FOX, ABC, CBS, NBC News, and more. Oprah called Ben’s story “truly inspiring”…

Read more

2018 University of Utah Commencement Address

What they're saying

TIM FERRISS

5x #1 NY Times Bestseller, Host of The Tim Ferriss Podcast, Angel Investor, Speaker

If you want a lesson in boldness, and to cross things off of your bucket list, there is no better teacher than Ben Nemtin.

KEITH ODEN

President, Camden Property Trust

Ben took the time to understand our company and culture and adapted his presentation for us. He even arrived the day before and attended several of our other conference events and utilized his observations to further customize his remarks for Camden. The feedback from our employees was phenomenal. Many said Ben was the best speaker they had ever seen. Ben is relatable, humorous, inspiring and motivational. He brought energy and a positive message that invoked thought and emotion. We highly recommend Ben.

BARACK OBAMA

44th President of the United States

I like the way you help folks, keep doing what you’re doing.

GENE RAPISARDI

Market President, CIGNA HealthCare

When we did our survey of the event, Ben’s was the only segment that received a 100% approval rating. People were sincerely moved. I have actually heard from a few attendees that are now working on things that have felt buried and they want to do before the Lord calls them home. I have already told my marketing team that we MUST use Ben again.

JUMA WOOD

Leadership Development, Lululemon Athletica

Ben’s work is as personal as it is universal. Beyond living a joyful, bold life, the underlying message he has imparted onto our people is to curate a life of mental wellness, and that self-care and care for others are indivisible. His is a message of heart and humanity.

ROBERT CAMERON

VP of Global Marketing, Levi Strauss & Co

Perfect alignment with our corporate values, authentic and inspiring.

OPRAH WINFREY

Talk Show Host, Actress, Producer, and Philanthropist

I think what you’re doing is truly so inspiring.

ERIC STEIN

Senior Athletics Director, Stanford University

I must say that Ben personally brought me to my knees with emotion when he spoke about the journey of life and going for what we all feel is truly important.

Read more

Featured on

The poem that inspired the name
"But often, in the world's most crowded streets,
But often, in the din of strife,
There rises an unspeakable desire
After knowledge of our buried life;"

— The Buried Life, Matthew Arnold, 1852

How to Cross Anything Off Your List

Ben Nemtin has delivered over 500 inspiring keynotes to brands and organizations around the world including AMEX, Amazon, Microsoft, Nationwide, Viacom, Verizon, Levi's, FedEx, Harvard and more. See why Inc. Magazine called Ben’s live performances ‘Powerful and inspiring’.

Watch Ben speak

Clients