Ron "Spinozi" Benton: From a 250 Dollar Bet to a Christmas Movement
In this inspiring and wildly entertaining episode of Voices of OKC, Jed sits down with Ron "Spinozi" Benton, beloved radio host from The Morning Animals on The Sports Animal, and the unexpected heart behind one of Oklahoma City's most powerful holiday traditions, 12 Days with Spinozi.
What began as a lost $250 college football bet turned into a chain reaction of generosity that now provides Christmas gifts for thousands of kids every year through City Center. Ron shares the unbelievable story of how Mike Gundy mailed him a personal check, how listeners flooded him with donations, and how driving around OKC picking up envelopes of support became a holiday movement.
You will hear hilarious behind-the-scenes moments, deeply emotional encounters, and the story of how Spinozi unknowingly became Santa to Jed’s young daughter at a moment her little heart desperately needed hope.
Through laughter, storytelling, and heartfelt honesty, Ron reveals why he feels called to show up for people, whether through Christmas fundraising, reading to schoolkids, or picking up strangers on freezing bus stop days, because “if you do not see the miracle, be the miracle.”
What You Will Hear in This Episode• How Spinozi accidentally became Santa to a City Center child
• The OSU football bet that sparked a massive Christmas outreach
• Mike Gundy's handwritten check that started it all
• How Facebook and Twitter exploded the moment Ron said, "I will come pick it up."
• The birth of 12 Days with Spinozi
• Donors climbing off ladders, stopping at work, and lining up to be part of something meaningful
• OG&E drivers volunteering and becoming part of the tradition
• A wish list from a child asking for one bed to share with two siblings
• Bob Stoops is calling the show in tears, asking, “How can I help?"
• Why Ron believes everyone wants to help, they just need someone they can trust
This episode captures the heart of OKC: neighbors helping neighbors, small gifts turning into big miracles, and one man using his platform to bring hope during the holidays. Spinozi's story shows how generosity multiplies and how one person's yes can change thousands of lives.
Key Quote“If you do not see the miracle, be the miracle.”