Rise and Climb - by Ben Barbic (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A powerful exploration of resilience, tracing Ben Barbic's journey from trauma and loss to purpose and transformation through music, movement, and unbreakable will.

From wild childhood rides on dirt bikes to nights in jail and the silent heartbreak of watching everything he loved burn to the ground, Ben Barbic has lived a life shaped by trauma, trial, and tenacity. Rise and Climb is his raw, unfiltered memoir of a boy who lost it all--twice--and found purpose through pain.

Growing up in the shadow of California redwoods and inside the roar of a motorcycle shop, Ben's early life was defined by adventure and grit. But after losing his home to a wildfire, living in a trailer without running water, and battling panic attacks and loss, Ben turned to the only things that gave him power--music, movement, and resilience. Through cassette tapes, weight benches scorched by fire, and the soul of hip-hop and reggae, Ben began to rebuild. He became a nationally performing recording artist, an endurance athlete, and a proud father, husband, and entrepreneur.

Unflinchingly honest, heart-wrenchingly personal, and ultimately triumphant, Rise and Climb is a memoir and self-help book for anyone who has ever faced the fire and wondered if they could survive it. Ben Barbic shares his journey, his tools, and his motivations to show readers that they can, too.

Review Quotes

"Rise and Climb is a powerful reminder that our greatest wounds can become the very source of our strength. Ben Barbic doesn't just tell his story--he hands us a blueprint for transforming pain into purpose. Raw, real, and profoundly human."--Robert Lufkin, MD, New York Times bestselling author of Lies I Taught in Medical School

"Rise and Climb is a testament to the fact that tough times don't last forever but the strength you build during those times can persist. Ben Barbic offers a shining example of how to find purpose in the pain and it's an inspiring book for anyone who wants to live a life of intention and resilience."--Amy Morin, author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do

"I know Rise and Climb will change many lives. It's authentic, raw, and full of lived truth. Ben Barbic proves that real transformation isn't theory -- it's daily practice."--Marc Recklau, author of 30 Days: Change Your Habits, Change Your Life

"A coming-of-age story packed with real-world lessons that leave you smiling, thinking, and turning every page. Holden Caulfield's got nothing on Ben Barbic--this one's the real thing."--Zack Reed, owner of Rebel Sound Records and former A&R at VP Records

"Rise and Climb isn't a 'feel-good' self-help pep talk; it's a blueprint written in callouses and consequences."--Manning Sumner, founder and CEO, Legacy & NO DAYS OFF

"Life doesn't come with a soundtrack, but perhaps it should. In his compelling book, Ben Barbic argues that music is far more than entertainment--it is a vital tool for survival. Through powerful storytelling and keen insight, Barbic reveals how a familiar song can ground us, a beat can give us courage, and a lyric can articulate our deepest pain when words fail. This is a moving exploration of how, no matter how difficult the path, and how painful our life experience has been, music has the unique power to carve out a space of normalcy and make the unbearable, bearable."--Keith Rowe, Reggae legend, Keith & Tex ("Stop That Train")

"Rise and Climb is an inspirational work that reminds us to be persistent in our pursuit of greatness. Nothing that is worth doing is ever easy. Ben's personal story reinforces that in life things happen for us and not to us. When we adopt that frame of mind and perspective, we grow and learn from setbacks and failures, rather than allowing them to break us. If you want to be inspired, read this book."--Dr. Nathan S. Bryan, scientist and author of The Secret of Nitric Oxide

"Rise and Climb is an uplifting guide that gives readers real tools to grow and stay inspired. Ben's honest, motivating voice makes the book powerful and genuinely transformative."--E.N Young, Reggae producer and artist

"Breaking my back was something I had to overcome. It taught me how to go on and made me better than before. Rise and Climb is a lesson in perseverance for all of us."--Kenny Roberts, first American to win a 500cc Grand Prix World Championship, three-time world champion, and motorcycle racing legend

"An enjoyable 'hero's journey' for any level of reader. Powerful, funny, and very well written. Ben Barbic is utterly fearless in telling his life's story.I feel overjoyed to get to know a man I've worked with only a handful of times with this depth of perspective. I'm so excited to hear the new music that comes from him now!"--Dan Konopka, drummer of Grammy Award-winning band OK Go

"Rise and Climb powerfully captures Ben's unwavering commitment to personal growth--a pursuit in which he consistently excels. As a close friend, I can say his outstanding work ethic and drive toward excellence are matched by a deep sense of service and compassion. Ben embodies the timeless truth that lifting others not only moves the world forward but also gives lasting meaning and purpose to those who choose that path.--Dino Campanella, Drummer and Keyboardist of Dredg

About the Author

Ben Barbic is a recording artist, music producer, author, entrepreneur, and lifelong fitness enthusiast. Known for his fusion of hip-hop, reggae, and acoustic music, Barbic has collaborated with Grammy-winning artists and toured internationally, creating music that inspires resilience and unity. Beyond the stage and the page, Barbic is the co-owner of a real estate brokerage and mentors others to pursue excellence in their fields. Whether he's producing music, training for endurance races, or writing his next book, Barbic approaches every challenge with the same core belief: the climb is the reward. Rise and Climb is his first book.