Arts Episodes

Vocalist Chris Pinnella joins Rich Bennett to share how a school musical, an unexpected paid performance at 16, and experiences with Julie Andrews and Trans-Siberian Orchestra helped shape his career. From reimagining Christmas classics to building an audience at the STAR Centre in Havre de Grace, Chris explores why live music creates connections that stay with us long after the final song.

Julia Capallo of A Marvelous Spark joins Rich Bennett to discuss her journey from art teacher to entrepreneur and why authentic storytelling matters in small business marketing. Their conversation explores branding, website upkeep, concerns about AI-generated graphics, mindfulness, and Julia’s work connecting local families through Macaroni KID. Sponsored by Harford County Living

Author Mia Godfrey joins Rich Bennett to discuss Buried, Not Broken, her memoir about childhood in communist Romania, addiction, grief, faith, and starting over. Through memories of her sister Mona, one unforgettable orange, and a shoebox gift that changed her life, Mia reveals how generosity and honest storytelling can help people feel less alone. Sponsored by Harford County Health Department

Children’s author and illustrator Piper Thomas joins Rich Bennett to explore how stories, imagination, and simple creative activities can help children feel heard. From the tiny-book project in The Littlest Library to her own experiences with self-doubt, mentorship, and marketing, Piper shares an honest, funny conversation about finding your voice and building a creative life. Sponsored by Freedom Federal Credit Union

Emily Adolph joins Rich Bennett to share her experience with suicidal thoughts, the shame that kept her quiet, and the meaningful shift she felt when she opened up to her family. She also discusses her personal wellness practices, photography, and the Healing Arts and Music Festival, bringing artists, musicians, and wellness practitioners together in support of the Maryland Center for the Arts. Sponsored by Eco-Cool HVAC

Samantha Heil joins Rich Bennett to share how Book Fair at Bel Air grew from a conversation at Panera Bread into a literary celebration welcoming more than 2,400 attendees. She reveals plans for year-round workshops, book clubs, outreach, and author support while discussing why every reader deserves access, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. Sponsored by Freedom Federal Credit Union

After years of severe depression, anxiety, homelessness, and suffering in silence, Dave Mowry discovered an unexpected path forward through a stand-up comedy class for people living with mental illness. Dave explains how turning painful experiences into jokes helped him reclaim his identity, challenge stigma, and empower others to tell their stories. This conversation offers an honest, hopeful look at mental illness while demonstrating that laughter does not erase pain. It can change how we carry it.

Author and Greta Garbo’s great-nephew Scott Reisfield reveals how the legendary actress influenced far more than motion pictures. Drawing from private family letters, archival research, and his personal connection to Garbo, Scott explains how she challenged Hollywood conventions, represented a new kind of female independence, and helped shape the rise of the modern woman.

Recorded during the Book Fair at Bel Air, this special episode introduces ten authors working across a remarkable variety of genres. They discuss where their ideas originate, the realities of publishing and marketing, the excitement of meeting readers, and why aspiring authors must give themselves permission to finish their books.

Author Jennifer Godwin shares how an unexpected calling led her from retirement and a 24-year photography career to writing Go Make Ripples. She explains how simple acts of kindness, prayer, encouragement, and invitation can help people share their faith naturally while creating an impact far beyond what they may ever see.

Author Jessica Dodge and artist Jenny Barroso reveal how an unexpected online connection grew into an ambitious collaboration blending historical fantasy, magical realism, and fine art. As Jessica writes The Cursed Painting of Gabriel Moretti, Jenny is creating paintings inspired by the unfolding story, leading toward an immersive book release and gallery exhibition. Their conversation also explores creative reinvention, trusting intuition, starting over later in life, and what becomes possible when artists from different disciplines inspire one another.

What happens when someone tells a 13-year-old they'll never learn to sing? For Kris Keppeler, it became the motivation that shaped an extraordinary career. In this inspiring episode, Kris shares how determination led her from musical theater to becoming an accomplished audiobook narrator, voice actor, podcaster, and storyteller. Rich and Kris dive into the fascinating world of audiobook narration, voice acting, podcasting, AI, creativity, and why authentic human emotion can never truly be replaced. Whether you're an author, aspiring voice actor, podcaster, or simply someone chasing a dream, this conversation is packed with inspiration and practical insights.

What happens when a lifelong playwright, filmmaker, and professor finally decides to pursue a dream he's carried since childhood? In this inspiring episode, Rich sits down with Seth Panitch to discuss his debut novel, Antique, and the powerful journey that led him to become a first-time novelist in his 50s. Their conversation explores the difference between value and worth, the importance of history and human connection, and why it's never too late to reinvent yourself. Seth also shares invaluable advice for aspiring authors about publishing, finding an agent, and building a writing career.

Laura Van Wormer shares her powerful journey from bestselling novelist to traumatic brain injury survivor after a devastating head-on collision with a drunk driver. After years of silence and struggle, she found a new creative voice through her serialized audio drama, The Class of ’74, proving that storytelling can heal, reconnect, and give life new meaning.

What happens when life forces you to start over? In this heartfelt conversation, Lee Ann Walling shares the inspiration behind her debut novel, The Salt and Light Express, a story about grief, healing, friendship, faith, and finding hope after devastating loss. Lee Ann opens up about reinventing herself throughout her life, earning her MFA in her late 60s, publishing her first novel at 69, and the lessons she's learned about writing, resilience, and pursuing dreams at any age. This episode is packed with inspiration for readers, writers, and anyone facing a major life transition.

What happens when a lifelong dream refuses to fade away? In this episode, Rich talks with author and retired business executive Sam Polakoff about finally pursuing his passion for storytelling after decades spent leading a successful supply chain company. From recurring dreams that inspired his first novel to deep dives into shamanism, reincarnation, and Revolutionary War history, Sam shares how research, curiosity, and determination helped him become an award-winning author. This conversation is packed with inspiration for anyone who's ever put a dream on hold.

Jessie Fahay joins Conversations with Rich Bennett to discuss how theater can become more than entertainment and instead serve as a catalyst for meaningful conversations and social change. As the founder of Ripple Effect Artists, Jessie shares how productions focused on mental health, racism, human trafficking, and other critical issues inspire audiences to continue the conversation long after the curtain closes. This episode dives into the realities of running a nonprofit theater company, the challenges artists face, the importance of human connection in a divided world, and why storytelling still has the power to transform lives.

Nancy Shear shares the extraordinary story of how a teenage girl sneaking into Philadelphia Orchestra concerts became part of one of the most legendary musical worlds in history. From working alongside Leopold Stokowski to discovering how music can unite people across every background, Nancy offers a powerful reminder about passion, curiosity, and truly listening. Even if you’ve never attended a symphony, this episode will make you want to experience music in a whole new way.

Rich sits down with Melora Fern to explore the fascinating, largely forgotten world of concert whistling and the Chautauqua movement of the 1920s. Inspired by her grandmother’s real-life story, Melora shares how she uncovered hidden history and turned it into a powerful novel about women finding their voice. This episode blends storytelling, history, and inspiration for anyone chasing creativity later in life.

Jim Ebert shares his journey from legendary music producer to founder of Cancer Can Rock, a nonprofit helping cancer patients record their final songs. As a 25-year brain cancer survivor, Jim brings a deeply personal perspective on life, music, and legacy. This episode is a powerful reminder of what truly matters and how music can preserve it forever.

Tory Gates shares his journey from decades in radio broadcasting to becoming an award-winning author, revealing how storytelling connects both worlds. He dives into character creation, the emotional depth behind his books, and how real-life struggles shape powerful fiction. This episode is a must-listen for writers, creatives, and anyone who believes stories can truly change lives.

Author John David joins Rich Bennett to discuss his debut mystery thriller The Bystander, a gripping story about a reporter whose camera captures an active shooter incident that launches his career and a dangerous mystery. Inspired by real events, John explains how media narratives, public perception, and unanswered questions shaped the story. This conversation dives into writing, storytelling, and the fascinating intersection between truth, headlines, and fiction.

Melissa Roos shares her journey from growing up seven miles outside a small Iowa town to becoming a six-book mystery romance author. She opens up about overcoming shyness, embracing indie publishing, revealing secrets one page at a time, and why reader feedback fuels her creative fire. If you love strong female leads, emotional depth, and suspense that keeps you guessing, this conversation will inspire you.

Jenny C. Cohen shares an unforgettable journey of resilience—surviving breast cancer, navigating family trauma, and using dance as a powerful path to healing and embodiment. From elite performance stages to the hardest moments of motherhood, Jenny reveals how reconnecting to your body can restore hope, confidence, and purpose. This is a raw, inspiring conversation about visibility, truth, and turning pain into power.