In Depth With Graham Bensinger Season 7 Episode 18 Lance Mackey

In Depth with Graham Bensinger season 7 episode 18 features an interview with Lance Mackey, a four-time winner of the grueling Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Bensinger sits down with Mackey at his home in Fairbanks, Alaska to discuss his remarkable career in dog sledding and his personal struggles with addiction and cancer.

The episode begins with Mackey sharing how he got into dog sledding, revealing that his father, Dick Mackey, was also an Iditarod champion. As a child, Lance would often accompany his father on training runs and quickly developed a love for the sport. He talks about the challenges of training his dogs and the close bond he forms with his team.

Mackey then opens up about his personal struggles, admitting that he battled addiction for many years. He talks about how he hit rock bottom and realized he needed to make a change to turn his life around. Mackey became sober and he explains how it has improved his relationships with his family and team.

The interview takes a more emotional turn when Mackey talks about his battle with cancer. In 2001, he was diagnosed with a rare cancer that required surgery and extensive chemotherapy. Despite the physical and emotional toll of his treatment, Mackey refused to let cancer defeat him. He continued to compete in dog sled races and eventually won his first Iditarod in 2007, just two years after completing his cancer treatment.

Throughout the episode, Bensinger and Mackey discuss the mental and physical toughness required to compete in the Iditarod. They touch on the toll the race can take on the body, including the potential for frostbite and hypothermia. Mackey explains how he pushes through the pain and exhaustion to reach the finish line.

The interview wraps up with Mackey discussing the future of dog sledding and his plans for retirement. He talks about his hope to pass on his knowledge and love for the sport to future generations and encourages others to never give up on their dreams.

In Depth with Graham Bensinger season 7 episode 18 offers a captivating look into the life of a true champion, both on and off the race trail. Lance Mackey's story is one of perseverance, resilience, and the power of the human spirit to overcome even the greatest challenges.