Brad Thomas Benson
Current New Yorker. Former Pittsburgher. Digital Marketer. Actor. Avid Reader. Marathoner. Traveler. Amateur Cook. Moon/SAS/Pitt Alumnus. Optimist. Lover of Life. Lover of Beer.
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#BRADpacking GermanyMy one-man show, #BRADpacking, is now a library of nearly 90 minutes worth of anecdotes, but it started as a single story profiled during a writing elective led by Melanie Hoopes at Camp Magnet in 2014. It is a vulnerable story about a challenging moment, and elicited one of the most powerful reactions by an audience I’ve felt as a performer.
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I’ve Logged 1,000+ RunKeeper Activities, including 2,770+ Miles!After about 9 years I‘ve logged my 1,000th activity on Runkeeper. I genuinely consider my fitness accomplishments to be one of the most extraordinary things about me, not because of the physical results (which I honestly believe are average, at best), but because fitness was never a core component of my identity until relatively recently. I’m just a normal dude who made a decision and stuck with it ...through an astonishing 3,574+ running miles ...and counting!
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What to Pack for an Unforgettable Winter Trip to Iceland
Reykjavík sits at the termination of the Atlantic Current, making the City’s climate much more temperate and misty than expected. Beyond the City’s limits, however, weather can be quite unpredictable and downright frigid, with sudden snow squalls and fierce storms known to limit passage, so you’ll want to check out our packing tips to ensure you’re warm and safely prepared.
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Brad, the Monologist… Yet Again!The Armando Diaz Experience is an improv show -originally created in 1995 at the iO Theater in Chicago- produced in New York City by Magnet Theater. On Saturday, January 5, 2019, I was the monologist that inspired the improvised scenes, and shared stories about (1) My 100-Day Trip Around the World on Semester at Sea, (2) A Family Secret Revealed via DNA Results, & (3) the Dark History Behind my Second NYC Apartment.
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Top 3 Can’t Miss Winter Festivals in EuropeWinter vacation ideas – the best winter festivals in Europe:
*Grindlewald, Switzerland, World Snow Festival *Venice, Italy – Venice Carnival *Dublin, Ireland – St. Patrick’s Festival |
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Best Places To Celebrate New Years Around The World
New Year’s Eve is the party-of-all-parties …but that means the pressure is on to make the night memorable, festive, and accommodating to all involved. What if New Year’s Eve was used as a jump-off to a longer, more indulgent trip? Many locations will still be decked-out for the holidays, have unique celebrations already planned, and the arrival of a new year at midnight is sure to elicit fond memories you won’t soon forget.
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10 Tips On How To Save Money When Traveling To Iceland
It’s as inexpensive as ever to get to Iceland but the Country's high prices are notorious among travelers; however, an Icelandic vacation doesn’t have to be cost-prohibitive. Here are a few tricks I’ve used to save money without compromising an authentic and exhilarating adventure.
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Brad, the Monologist… AGAIN!
The Armando Diaz Experience is an improv show -originally created in 1995 at the iO Theater in Chicago- produced in New York City by Magnet Theater. On Saturday, August 11, 2018, I was the monologist that inspired the improvised scenes, and shared stories about (1) My ill-fated 2012 Philadelphia Marathon run, (2) A Harrowing Experience I had in 2016 while #BRADpacking in Argentina, & (3) I’m a Registered Minister and Wedding Officiant.
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Where To Spend Your Spring Break Off-The-Beaten PathA week-long escape called “Spring Break” is on the horizon – and is just what you need to get you through the final stretch before the summer is here. But don’t settle for the same-ole-same-ole Spring Break destination. Here are a few alternative spots that’ll add a lil’ extra spring to your break!
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At 36, I Downsized and Got a Roommate. It's a Huge Life Upgrade.At 36, this New Yorker downsized from his luxe new building apartment to a walk-up with a roommate, and he couldn't be happier.
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The Year(s) Of Travel: A Fun Way Of Showcasing Your ExperiencesIf as the year is wrapping up you are reflecting on your travels & wondering how to showcase your experiences in a meaningful way, then this blog is for you!
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Brad, the MonologistThe Armando Diaz Experience is an improv show -originally created in 1995 at the iO Theater in Chicago- produced in New York City by Magnet Theater. On Saturday, October 7, 2017, I was the monologist that inspired the improvised scenes, and shared stories about (1) Growing-Up on an Old Golf Course Outside of Pittsburgh, (2) Taking a Man-cation to the Riviera Maya, & (3) My First Job in NYC -at the Food Network.
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10 Small Travel Items That Make a Big DifferencePacking tips – these items aren’t necessities, but they create an exponentially more enriching travel experience (and they’re easy to fit!)
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3 Finger Licking Foodie Experiences in Stockholm and CopenhagenOur culinary journey through the Scandinavian cuisine – from restaurants to street food – your must try spots.
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BRADpackingIntroducing #BRADpacking: A series of blogs sharing personal anecdotes, practical advice, and an assortment of other goodies to inspire the travel bug in you!
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Be Visible. Be an advocate.Thank You For Coming Out celebrates the LGBTQ community with improv and storytelling from performers of all experience levels. It features an amazing, rotating cast and I was honored to be a featured storyteller on December 12, 2016.
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Sunday, May 15, 2016 was my 10yr Improv-ersaryWhat started in 2006 as a way to go-with-the-flow, reduce the need to feel so rehearsed in a professional setting, and spend (most of) my first legitimate tax return has grown into an invaluable outlet for expression, a springboard to creative pursuits, and a passion that has consumed a huge portion of my time and energy.
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Today is My Ten-Year New York-iversaryOn March 19th, 2005, I moved from Pittsburgh (Moon Township) to New York City. I didn’t have a job. I didn’t have friends. I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. Now, ten years later, it’s a very different story.
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A Recap of my 2014 Resolution: A Dinner-Party-A-Month
In 2014, my New Year’s resolution was to research, plan, cook, and host a dinner party each month, challenging myself to explore recipes and cuisines beyond my comfort zone. In tandem, I aimed to bring together a unique and diverse group of friends each time. Twelve months later, I’ve achieved my goal through what affectionately became known as BRADinners.
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My Advice to Fellow RunnersWhen I started running about 6yrs ago, I “hated” running. Now, I’ve got 6 Ragnars, 5 Half-Marathons, 3 Marathons under my (running) belt! A friend of mine asked if I had any advice as he starts up a ½-marathon training program… of course I do!
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The Marathon that Wasn’tI wrote this in hopes that it offers insight into the mindset of a native runner following the cancellation of the 2012 ING NYC Marathon.
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