He knows what contentment feels like, and that’s why he knows he wants to feel it far more often.
And Ben Casteel knows exactly what he would love to do – for a job, that is – if he can ever get such a gig. The job – his idea of THE perfect employment, anyway – exists, too, because entrepreneurs figured it out far before Bill Gates and Elon Musk ever did.
For Ben, though, it would never be about getting rich unless – hell yeah! – getting rich came with creating his work. His words. His music. And he holds an advantage, too, because Ben knows no barriers and he’s not afraid when challenged.
That’s why Mr. Casteel is a resident of downtown Wheeling. He’s within walking distance of a pretty cool entertainment scene that’s been wrongly overshadowed by orange barrels and false narratives. Despite the bad rap and depending on the evening, though there are as many as seven restaurants serving dinner, and live music is offered often at three venues, two theatres, and, at times, inside an arena.
And Ben takes full advantage of it … like it’s his job.
What is your favorite hobby? Why is it your favorite?
My favorite hobby is and has always been writing. Whether it be poetry or essays. It’s my favorite simply because I enjoy it and I enjoy sharing it with others. It’s my window reflected outwardly to the world. A person that is a writer is the most difficult and the easiest to understand if you ask me.
What is the best thing when you make people laugh with your comedy?
Honestly, I just like making people laugh. That’s about the long and short of it really. I like making people laugh and making that connection. If people get joy out of something I said, then it’s all good.
What is it that music offers you as a listener and fan?
It’s hard to really separate the two to me.
I’m a listener because I’m a fan! The listener is moved by the music to a certain degree, and the fan comes after. If something about the listening resonates with me on a personal or even musical level, that’s what grabs me first and foremost to make me fan from just being an objective listener first.
It has to hit my heart.
As a downtown Wheeling resident, what does the downtown need the most?
That’s an easy one. Downtown just needs more small businesses and maybe another venue or two. There’s so much potential for there to be a few more shops, some places to play or create, and just more space to be used. There’s so many buildings downtown that could be used to benefit downtown Wheeling!
If you could create your own job, what would your job be?
Well, If anything, I’d like to just be a writer and musician. I mean it’s that simple to me and something I’ve always been passionate about. If I could wake up tomorrow and someone were to hand me a contract for a book or to start songwriting as a profession, well, sign me up!
