Welcome to the weekend and our Friday Friend interview. Having set a precedent last week by interviewing Heather via MSN and given the warm response it got, I was keen to continue in the same vein this week. This week’s friend, the lovely Ben Lumley from 6aliens.com, was initially a little reluctant to talk to me via Google Chat (our platform of choice this week) but I’m delighted to say he relented. If you’ve never met Ben, go and introduce yourself in 140 characters on Twitter or why not subscribe to his blog?
As was the case last week, I’ve cut out the occasional 
and 
from this interview and if there’s anything missing, be sure to ask Ben in the comment section below. He tells me he’s away from home for much of the day but he’ll be back later to answer any questions It feels very fortuitous that Ben should be our featured Friday Friend this week because he’s earned the title this week. It was a brainstorming session with Ben a week ago which led to the now infamous ‘We’re gonna need your help’ post and tweet. Thanks Ben 
El: Lots of people know you as the personal development geek but what got you into 6aliens and the stuff you write about?
Ben: My current job really. I started working for an educational company around 4 years ago and we’re all about inspiring young people to be success in life and my interest really grew from there.
El: So what made you go for your current job?
Ben: Money and opportunities really. I was working a job I really hated and got a really good opportunity to leave. I got to go back and work with kids (my degree in is education) and its paid well compared to what I was earning at the time.
El: What was the job you hated?
Ben: I was working as a leisure supervisor in a well know holiday park chain
El: Did you have to dress up as a bear?
Ben: Lol no. A rabbit once for Easter.
El: When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Did it change every couple of years or a constant aspiration?
Ben: Well I remembering wanting to be the following, a truck driver, a drummer, a lighting technicial in theatres, a teacher and a paramedic .But never took enough action on any of those dreams and gave up.
El: Lol I wanted to be a children’s TV presenter. After seeing Phillip Schofield in the broom cupboard with Gordon the gopher
Ben: lol Nice admit.
El: What one thing would most surprise people about you?
Ben: erm…I love country music
El: Good answer. I like Who’s your favourite artist?
Ben: Garth Brooks for sure
El: Cool. I can’t say I could name a song but I’m pleased for you. Just so long as you don’t start singing
Ben: Hehe its OK the mics off
El: You’ve talked on your blog about your marital arts. what got you into that?
Ben: A guy I used to work with was the World Thai Boxing Champion. He showed me some stuff and my interest grew from there.
El: Wow. Was he really scary?
Ben: Nah. well yeah but not to me
El: Did he have to dress up as a bunny too?
Ben: Haha no I was a gym instructor then.
El: So in an ideal world, where do you see yourself in two years time and what will you be doing?
Ben: Motivational speaking all over the world, motivating people to achieve great successes in their lives.
El: Cool Why did you very kindly decide to write for GAB not just once, but twice?
Ben: Because you have a great site with a great community. It’s such a great cause that I believe if I can write something that helps your ultimate goal then that’s what I’ll do.
El: Aww, thanks If you were me and could ask you one question, what would you ask you?
Ben: What is the hardest part of life for you?
El: And how would you answer that question if you asked you that? Great question btw
Ben: Haha am I conducting this interview or you? The people who don’t believe in me. Comments and opinions of those who are close to me can really hit me hard and I find it hard to deal with. It’s something I’ve not found a way to deal with without a few days analysing.
El: Last proper question (but I do have a quick fire round if you’re willing to play) Is there anything else GAB readers should know about you?
Ben: I’m passionate about helping other people. If there’s anything else you need help with on your road to success, contact me via the site and I’ll help. Always
El: Nice Do you want to play the quick fire round? 5 questions.
Ben: Sure
El: Favourite colour?
Ben: Red but people always buy me blue tshirts!
El: Favourite breakfast?
Ben: Continental.
El: Tea or coffee?
Ben: Neither. don’t like them. Redbull all the way
El: Icecream, chocolate or cake?
Ben: Depends. What flavoured ice-cream?
El: lol I don’t know. It’s the principle You choose your favourite flavour and choose between that and your fave cake and fave chocolate
Ben: Ok how about chocolate flavoured icecream with chocolate cake bits? Can I have that?
El: Cheat If you were throwing an intimate dinner party and could have any one well known person (living or dead) attend, who would it be and why?
Ben: I would have to pick the Dalia Lama because I’m a buddhist and because he’s an inspirational spiritual leader.
El: See, that wasn’t too painful was it Thanks Ben
Ben: Yes you held my arm behind my back the whole time!!!!
El: We’ll do an audio one next time. Then you’ll squirm
Ben: Hehe. Ok. You’re on!
So you heard it here folks but what did I miss out? Now is your chance to ask Ben that burning question you’ve always wanted to know the answer to. Many thanks must go to Ben for taking the time out of his busy schedule to chat with me. I’m glad he relented and went with instant messenger. It was a lot of fun
“Ok how about chocolate flavoured icecream with chocolate cake bits? ”
I wish I’d thought of that. Lol, great interview guys – brought a smile to my face!
Twitter: GiveABrick
Thanks Heather. Glad you enjoyed it. You’ll be pleased to hear that I had as much fun this week as last. You guys have set the bar high
Well El said I was more witty and sharp than her previous interviewees. lol
Glad you enjoyed it.
Lol, you’re just trying to get her in trouble! Besides her previous interviewees are prettier =P
I could tell
Keep it up, these are fun.
Question though; what’s happening with the challenge thingmy?
Twitter: GiveABrick
Worry not. The inaugral Give A Brick Audio Challenge is all set for our Sunday Surprise. I say ‘all set’ as in, planned in my head for Sunday. Still need to play with uploading your video
Fell asleep at the keyboard last night and out all day today (out in the garden with Dai & the children 
) but sorting it tonight.
El
Lol ok
Just wanted to check, because obviously if it doesn’t upload I’ll have to do it again but shorter! (which is technically against our rules, but we’ll see if its necessary)
Heading out soon myself – I get to watch a film. In 3D. It’ll be fun!
Twitter: ralphcarlson
Great format. I can see a facebook fan page for Ben. Buddists for Red Bull.
.-= ralph´s last blog ..Taking advantage of loopholes, a post to piss you off. =-.
Twitter: GiveABrick
Thanks Ralph. I’m glad you appreciated the interview. Ben already has a fan page of Facebook but you already know that of course
I really wouldn’t mention Red Bull today though. Last time we spoke, he hadn’t had any for 72 hours 
Thanks for stopping by. Great to see you here
Pleased you enjoyed it Ralph. Like the idea of the fanpage
Twitter: paulworswick
El,
A great interview and thanks Ben for agreeing to take part. Ben Lumley dressed as a bunny hummm, is this now a yearly occurance? Adding to Ralph’s page suggestion, how about a new band Ben and Bunnymen, whoops sorry couldn’t resist that one.
Well done to both of you a great way to share ideas.
Regards
Paul
.-= Paul´s last blog ..The benefits of meditation =-.
Thanks Paul.
The bunny suit was a one off and has now been retired.
But love the band idea