Hard Work Pays Off

In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey sits down with Ben Nichols, a 22-year-old photographer whose career has already stretched from Ohio high school gyms to NCAA arenas, NFL sidelines, and even a future climb up Mount Everest. Ben shares the wild, unexpected, and deeply driven journey behind Wayne County Sports, his rapidly growing media brand that reaches millions each year.

Ben opens up about launching his first sports page in high school, getting his start shooting games during Army basic training, and the break that changed everything: an invitation to photograph at Murray State University. Since then, his work has taken him across the country and connected him with top athletes, including Travis Hunter, whose engagement photos catapulted Ben onto a national stage.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How a $175 pawn shop camera sparked a career in sports media

• The moment a single college photographer gave Ben his first real shot

• What it’s like to shoot NCAA tournaments, Colorado football, and high-profile athletes

• How Ben built a mentoring community of more than 40 young photographers

• The local impact of Wayne County Sports — and why he believes the spotlight belongs on the kids

• Why his next chapter includes a Mount Everest climb and a documentary on school violence

Through humor, honesty, and relentless hustle, Ben shares how grit, gratitude, and faith shaped every step of his story.