If you watched MTV during the height of reality television, you probably came across The Buried Life. Unlike shows such as Laguna Beach, The Osbournes, or My Super Sweet 16, The Buried Life stood out as inspirational and transformative. It pushed audiences to live boldly while helping others along the way. This was a far cry from the gossip-driven, drama-heavy shows typical of that era.
For many of us, the show left a lasting impression. Curious about how it all began, Lauryn and Michael reached out to Ben Nemtin, co-founder and frontman of The Buried Life. You can listen to the full episode below, but we’ll share our most memorable takeaways from the conversation with him below:
Meet Ben Nemtin: Co-Founder of MTV’s The Buried Life
In this post, we’ll explore who Ben Nemtin is, how The Buried Life started, and what he’s up to today. We hope his life’s work inspires you just as much as it inspired us!
Here’s what you need to know about Ben Nemtin:
Who Is Ben Nemtin?
Ben Nemtin is a motivational speaker, New York Times bestselling author, mental health advocate, and co-founder of The Buried Life movement. He grew up in British Columbia and struggled with crippling depression until after college. This is when he and his friends decided to complete a bucket list together. The journey gave them purpose and the chance to help others fulfill their dreams.
What Is Ben Nemtin Famous for?
Ben Nemtin is best known for his many outrageous bucket list achievements. He’s accomplished things like having a beer with Prince Harry, becoming a bestselling author, playing basketball at the White House, delivering a baby, and appearing on The Oprah Winfrey Show.
He has a diverse portfolio, to say the least. He documented some of these adventures on his MTV reality show, The Buried Life, and shared others through media outlets, his book, and his website.
If you don’t recognize him from The Buried Life, you may know Ben as a motivational speaker. His message of “radical possibility” has been featured at events and workshops worldwide. He’s found the perfect formula for inspiring audiences to overcome fear, embrace growth, and chase their biggest goals—in both their personal and professional lives.
What Does Ben Nemtin Do?
Keynote Speeches and Workshops
Ben Nemtin is a popular public speaker who has delivered over 500 keynotes for companies, universities, and organizations worldwide. Ranked one of the best motivational speakers in the world by Global Gurus, he shares a message built on radical self-expression, radical action, and radical kindness.
Books and Journals
One item on Ben Nemtin’s bucket list was to become a New York Times bestselling author, and he did it! He co-authored the book What Do You Want to Do Before You Die?: Moving, Unexpected, and Inspiring Answers to Life’s Most Important Question. The book chronicles his bucket list adventures, shares the lessons he learned along the way, and encourages readers to create their own lists.
He also has a guided journal that’s a must-have in your mental health toolkit! The Bucket List Journal: Science-Backed Guided Journal for Goals & Happiness helps people establish a vision, create actionable plans, and reach their potential. Journaling is one of those habits that will change your life, and this is the perfect one to start with.
If you’re curious to learn more about this, Nemtin talks about the process of writing a book in his episode of the Him & Her Show!
Advocacy
After experiencing depression himself, Ben Nemtin knew he wanted to make a positive impact on those who are suffering like he did. He focuses on high performers and young people, helping normalize conversations about mental health and providing practical strategies for self-care. He also partners with mental health organizations to find solutions to the global mental health crisis.
The Buried Life Project
In 2006, Ben Nemtin and three of his friends created a list of 100 things they wanted to do before they died. Instead of just writing it down, they set off on the adventure of a lifetime to accomplish every goal.
Their journey sparked a global movement to seize the day, serve communities, and live fully. The project was so inspiring that it became the MTV reality show The Buried Life, which ran from 2010 to 2011. While the show has ended, the movement continues to thrive.
Feeling inspired? Listen to the podcast episode to hear Ben Nemtin explain how to create and pursue your own bucket list. He lays out the steps to make the impossible feel possible, no matter how ambitious your dreams may be.
How Did Ben Nemtin Start The Buried Life?
In college, Ben Nemtin struggled with severe depression that nearly derailed his life. He withdrew from school, sports, friends—everything he once loved. In his search for meaning, he reconnected with three childhood friends, (Jonnie Penn, Duncan Penn, and Dave Lingwood) hoping to restore a sense of purpose and joy.
During that time, Ben discovered the poem “The Buried Life” by Matthew Arnold. Its themes of feeling disconnected from one’s true self and longing for a more meaningful life struck a deep chord with him. Inspired, Bena and his friends created a list of 100 things they wanted to do before they died. Many of the goals were wild, outrageous, and seemingly impossible.
Undeterred, in 2006 they bought a rundown purple bus (nicknamed Penelope) and hit the road to chase their dreams. Their rule was simple: for every goal they achieved, they would help a stranger accomplish one of their own “buried dreams.”
The rest is history. MTV soon picked up the project, and the world watched as The Buried Life grew into a global, dream-fulfilling community.
What Happened to The Buried Life?
Today, Ben Nemtin is still a leading motivational speaker and author sharing the cultures of The Buried Life movement. The brand remains strong, regularly accomplishing new bucket list goals while continually inspiring its global community. You can find out more about The Buried Life on the Ben Nemtin podcast with TSC and on his website.
Where to Watch “The Buried Life”
Ben Nemtin has inspired millions to dream big and reach their potential.
Ben Nemtin’s story is proof that with courage, action, and passion, even the wildest dreams can become reality. From co-founding The Buried Life to motivating millions through books, keynotes, and advocacy, he exemplifies what’s possible when you lead with cultures of service, gratitude, and endless potential.
If you liked this episode of the Him & Her Show, listen to these next:
- Mark Consuelos: Built to Win – Success, Love, & Discipline You Can Apply to Your Own Life
- Arthur Brooks on the Science of Happiness, Emotional Well-Being, & Setting Boundaries for a Better Life