
Listen Again: Everyone’s From Somewhere with Erin & Ben Napier
From Everything Happens with Kate Bowler by Everything Happens Studios
May 12, 2026 · 32 min
About this episode
Kate Bowler talks to Erin and Ben Napier about building a life in their hometown and the unexpected paths that led them to success.
Erin and Ben Napier didn’t plan on becoming household names. They were just trying to build a beautiful life in their beloved hometown of Laurel, Mississippi, one house, one neighbor, one Main Street at a time. In this heartwarming conversation, Kate talks to the stars of HGTV’s Home Town about what happens when our plans fall apart and something even better takes root. They reflect on the surprising twists that led from political aspirations and magazine dreams to woodworking, parenting, and a television show that celebrates belonging. Along the way, they explore how creativity is born out of necessity, making a home, building a community, and loving the place where you are. In this episode, they discuss: The ache and joy of making a home in the place that raised you How small acts of community build a life The beauty of third places and why talking to strangers still matters If you liked this episode, you may also like: Angela Williams on The Caring Power of Community Sharon McMahon, Drops Make an Ocean Priya Parker on The Art of Gathering This episode originally aired June 2025.
People in this episode
Host: Kate Bowler
Guests: Erin Napier, Ben Napier
Topics covered
- community
- home
- creativity
- belonging
- parenting
- small towns
Keywords
- Home Town
- community building
- creativity
- home making
- parenting
- small acts
- third places
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: HGTV
Places: Laurel, Mississippi
More episodes of Everything Happens with Kate Bowler
- Listen Again: Stay Curious with Alan Alda · June 9, 2026 · 56 min
- Listen Again: The Mystery of God with N.T. Wright · May 26, 2026 · 52 min
- Doubt, Depth, and the Future of Belief with Tomáš Halík · April 28, 2026 · 43 min
- How to Love the World Anyway with Nadia Bolz-Weber and Sarah Bessey · April 21, 2026 · 51 min
- How to Love the World Anyway with Nadia Bolz-Weber and Sarah Bessey · April 21, 2026 · 51 min
- Joy, Absurdity, and the Weird Ways We Survive with Rhett McLaughlin and Jenny Lawson · April 14, 2026 · 57 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Everything Happens with Kate Bowler podcast page.