Conversations with Rich Bennett

In this kickoff to the 12 Days of Hope Podathon , Rich Bennett sits down with Wendy Beck, founder and executive director of Rage Against Addiction. Wendy shares the deeply personal story behind starting the nonprofit and how it now operates three sober-living homes for women, providing safe housing, structure, and long-term recovery support. This episode highlights the real challenges, victories,...

On Overdose Awareness Day, Rich Bennett and co-host Wendy Beck sit down with Mandolyne Eleazar for a courageous conversation about the life and loss of her 18-year-old son, Jovanni , to fentanyl toxicity. Mandolyne shares what helped, what didn’t, and why harm reduction, family therapy, and speaking our loved ones’ names matter. It’s a raw, hopeful listen for anyone navigating grief, stigma, or th...

Licensed mental health counselor and certified digital addiction specialist Mary Catherine Liscinski joins Rich to unpack how excessive screen time rewires our brains, fuels anxiety and depression, and strains families—and what we can do to reverse it. She breaks down the neuroscience (limbic system vs. prefrontal cortex), the dopamine loop in gaming and social media, and a practical path back to...

Musician/author Brad Cox joins Rich and Dan Bennett for a fast, funny deep-dive into how songs change meaning over time—from CCR and Springsteen to Sex Pistols and System of a Down—plus why some “big name” guests don’t always drive podcast plays. They swap practical editing tips (Hindenburg, Descript, AI enhancers), talk Baltimore’s scene (Turnstile, Infinity Knives), and share how to keep a show...

Rich sits down with Greg Derwart, Chris Coleman, and Robyn Burke to unpack what a true mastermind is—and what it isn’t. Using Napoleon Hill, Ben Franklin’s Junto, and real community examples, they show how purpose, harmony, and structure turn brainstorming into outcomes for businesses, nonprofits, and families. It’s a grounded conversation about building something that matters, online and off. Spo...

Former IT consultant Ron Kinscherf shares how a backyard moment with his grandson sparked a rich universe of ant characters—and an 11‑book run in just four years. We dig into his newest book “Adorable,” the craft choices that keep parents engaged, and the quiet life lessons his stories deliver for kids and adults alike.  Sponsored by Real Life Prosthetics   Guest Bio:   Ron Kinscherf is a children...

Speech‑language pathologist James Burden, founder of Stuttering Blueprint, shares a compassionate, research‑backed path to speaking with confidence—whether or not fluency is the outcome. He explains why techniques like the Camperdown Method must be paired with Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and “melting the iceberg” of fear and stigma. If you’ve ever felt your voice held b...

Since this episode was recorded, it is with great sadness that I found out that Dan Steffensen passed away on July 26, 2025.  Obituary information for Dan Steffensen Award-winning author and professor A.J. Otjen joins Rich to unpack “Burned Over,” the true story of Montana firefighter Dan Steffensen, who survived a 60-foot wall of fire and an agonizing road to recovery. They explore Red Lodge’s “s...

ENT surgeon Dr. Brett Cordes shares his extraordinary arc from surviving Non‑Hodgkin lymphoma at 19 to building a thriving surgical career—then spiraling into a hidden opioid addiction that cost him everything. He opens up about rehab during COVID, the true causes of physician burnout, and how he rebuilt his life as “The Burnout Doc,” a coach helping doctors find fulfillment without losing their i...

In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett , angel medium and intuitive healer Laurie Parente shares her transformative journey of rediscovering her spiritual gifts in her 40s. Laurie reveals how she overcame chronic illness, connected deeply with the angelic realm, and began guiding others toward self-discovery, healing, and empowerment. This conversation offers inspiring stories, practic...

Marine Corps combat veteran and former police officer Joe Smarro shares his powerful journey from the battlefield to the forefront of mental health advocacy. Known for his role in the Emmy Award–winning documentary Ernie and Joe: Crisis Cops , Joe opens up about childhood trauma, military service, and the personal struggles that fueled his mission to change how public safety handles mental health...

Award-winning family musician, children’s author, and Navy veteran Greg Lato joins Rich Bennett to share the story behind his heartfelt new album, Dandelion: Songs Inspired by Military Kids and Families . Blending his own military experience with personal stories from real military children, Greg crafts music that uplifts, comforts, and raises awareness about the resilience of these unsung heroes....

Dr. Albert Bramante joins Conversations with Rich Bennett to discuss how the mental “scripts” we live by can sabotage our growth, even when we appear successful. A former talent agent turned psychology professor and mindset coach, Dr. Bramante shares his personal journey of battling imposter syndrome, procrastination, and perfectionism—and how he finally took action to write his book Rise Above th...

Sponsored by Freedom Federal Credit Union   In this heartfelt and transformative episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett , Dr. Mark Hicks—counselor, minister, and author—shares the five essential components of love from his new book Learning Love . He unpacks how love is more than a feeling—it’s a skill we must learn and practice. Whether you’re healing from heartbreak, navigating family dysfun...

Sponsored by Harford County Chamber of Commerce   What happens when your world collapses and you're left with nothing but a bottle of whiskey and broken dreams? For Ben Albert, it became the turning point. In this energizing and heartfelt episode, Ben shares how he rose from being furloughed during the pandemic to creating Real Business Connections , launching a marketing agency, and building...

Sponsored by Four Seasons Landscape & Construction Services   In this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett , Tigrilla Gardenia shares her extraordinary journey from Microsoft engineer to Cirque du Soleil performer to spiritual eco-community leader. Now a nature-inspired life coach and plant intelligence advocate, she opens up about how plants helped her reconnect with her true p...

Sponsored by Eco-Cool HVAC   In this inspiring episode, Esther Avant—coach, speaker, entrepreneur, and host of the To Your Health podcast—joins Rich to discuss how small, sustainable changes can lead to big transformations. From her early passion for fitness to becoming a military spouse and successful coach, Esther shares insights into how to navigate health, career, and parenthood without burnou...

In this thought-provoking solo episode, Rich Bennett dives deep into the destructive power of rumors—how they spread, why they take hold, and the devastation they cause to individuals, businesses, and entire communities. Through real-world examples and a heartfelt call to integrity, Rich explores how misinformation erodes trust, ignites panic, and undermines mental health. This episode is a must-l...

Sponsored by Harford County Living   Rich sits down with Karen Pizza for a candid and often humorous conversation about what it means to be an empath. They explore how empaths absorb others' emotions, how this gift can lead to anxiety or trauma, and the ways Karen helps people clear their energy and protect themselves. With personal stories and a practical empath quiz, this episode sheds ligh...

Sponsored by Tar Heel Construction Group   In this engaging roundtable, Rich Bennett sits down with nonprofit consultant Katie Ramirez, alongside co-hosts Greg Derwart and Robyn Burke, for a candid discussion on the realities of nonprofit work. They dive into the importance of strong boards, smart fundraising strategies, and the evolving landscape of nonprofit leadership. Whether you're runni...

Sponsored by Real Life Prosthetics   Jessie Torres shares her extraordinary story of surviving sexual abuse, the tragic murders of both her brothers, and an abusive marriage. Through fierce grace, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of healing, Jessie turned her pain into a powerful mission to help others transform their lives. This heartfelt conversation dives deep into how facing our darkest mo...

Sponsored by Harford County Living   When Tanya Gioia’s husband got sober five days before Christmas, she thought the hardest part was over—but the real journey had just begun. In this heartfelt conversation, Tanya shares how she navigated life as a wife, mom, and coach while rebuilding trust, setting boundaries, and finding strength through faith. This powerful episode is a must-listen for anyone...

Sponsored by Your Pet AuPair   When life crumbled around her—art career, finances, marriage—Stephanie Jackson hit rock bottom. Instead of giving up, she rebuilt her life and launched Practical Sanctuary, pioneering Sensory Interior Design , a unique blend of neuroscience, psychology, and art to create spaces that support focus, healing, and better relationships. In this inspiring episode, Stephani...

In this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett , Gavin Masumiya shares his emotional journey from a shy, self-conscious child to a confident speaker, coach, and musical artist. Through freestyle rap, public speaking, and deeply personal songwriting—especially after the loss of his mother—Gavin discovered the healing power of voice and vulnerability. Listeners will be inspired by his r...

Sponsored by American Auto Repair   In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett , Michael V. Morgan shares how intentional networking transformed his career trajectory—from Penn State and a fraternity brotherhood to executive roles in top firms like JP Morgan, Chevron, and Amazon. He offers actionable strategies and inspiring stories from his book The Power of Networking , proving that real...