In this episode of The Malliard Report, host Jim Malliard welcomes Kevin Benton — former professional basketball player, minister, and author of The Field Trip to Hell. Benton shares his remarkable life story: from the basketball courts of China to a hospital bed where doctors gave him one day to live, and the spiritual experience that changed everything.
Benton recounts his near-death encounter, where he says a mysterious janitor prayed over him — and moments later, his heart condition inexplicably reversed. The experience sparked not only gratitude but a lifelong mission: to use his testimony to inspire others to search for faith, purpose, and healing. His book explores both the metaphoric “hells” we endure in life and the literal afterlife visions he claims to have experienced firsthand.
As the conversation unfolds, Benton reflects on the duality of his book — part memoir, part theological study — and the years of research he undertook to align his experiences with scripture. He and Jim explore the intersection of faith, skepticism, and evidence, tackling questions of miracles, mortality, and the human need for meaning without sensationalism.
In the latter half, Benton shares how his experiences reshaped his work as a youth pastor — one grounded in authenticity and connection. He discusses mentoring through sports, reaching kids through realism rather than rigidity, and how faith can thrive outside the pulpit. The two also touch on sports scandals, the human cost of silence, and why genuine compassion remains the key to redemption.
It’s an episode that blends spirituality, lived experience, and raw humanity — a conversation where the paranormal meets Pennsylvania grit.
00:00 – Opening & Basketball Memories
Jim and Kevin start with Olympic basketball and Benton’s days playing professionally in China — setting the stage for his story of perseverance.
05:00 – The Heart Diagnosis & One Day to Live
Kevin describes being hospitalized with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and given 24 hours to live — before a mysterious visitor’s prayer seemingly sparked a miraculous recovery.
10:00 – Wrestling with Faith and a Calling
Kevin’s anger toward God turns to surrender as he experiences healing. He begins to understand suffering as part of his calling and vows to share his story.
15:00 – The Out-of-Body Vision
Benton details a vivid experience he interprets as a visit to hell — complete with flames, paralysis, and a divine message: “Whatever you do, don’t give up.”
25:00 – Researching the Afterlife
Driven to prove what he saw, Benton studies scripture and theology, finding biblical parallels to his experience. He connects with global researchers and media exploring similar accounts.
35:00 – From Player to Pastor
Kevin talks about transitioning to ministry, acting, writing, and Christian comedy — proving faith doesn’t mean giving up joy or authenticity.
45:00 – Engaging Youth and Modern Faith
The two discuss mentoring kids, authenticity over appearance, and how basketball and humor help bridge generational gaps.
50:00 – Scandals, Redemption, and Real Leadership
They examine how institutions fall — from sports programs to churches — and how accountability and compassion must coexist.
55:00 – Final Thoughts: Purpose and Perspective
Kevin urges listeners to live fully, love others, and pursue truth. “If you’ve been given another chance,” he says, “make it count.”
“If you want attention, hell is not the topic to pick — I’m just telling the truth.”
“Whatever you do, don’t give up. That’s what the devil wants you to do.”
“Faith doesn’t mean wearing a suit — it means showing up, sneakers and all.”
“You can’t change your message, but you can change your method.”
“I just deliver the mail — my testimony. What people do with it is up to them.”
