Arts Episodes

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.

In this heartfelt conversation, Rich sits down with Carter Polakoff, President and CEO of Port Discovery Children’s Museum, to explore why play is essential not just for kids, but for parents, caregivers, and families as a whole. Carter shares her personal journey from intern to CEO, how Port Discovery supports neurodiverse families and military households, and why joy, curiosity, and connection belong at the center of education.

Music has a way of stopping time, unlocking memories, and reminding us who we were—and who we still are. In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with friends for a powerful roundtable conversation about the songs and albums that shaped their lives. From classic rock and heavy metal to punk and emotional deep cuts, this episode dives into how music connects to family, grief, identity, and personal milestones. You’ll hear stories about first albums, misunderstood lyrics, unforgettable concerts, and the artists who left a permanent mark. If you’ve ever heard a song and felt instantly transported back to a moment in your life, this episode will resonate with you. Be sure to check the show notes for the Spotify playlist and add the song that means the most to you.

Poet and author Laura Dilworth joins Rich Bennett and Wendy Beck for a powerful conversation about heartbreak, healing, and the transformative power of poetry. Laura shares the deeply personal journey behind her poetry collection The Heartbreak Chronicles, including writing through heartbreak, postpartum depression, anger, grief, and self-discovery. Throughout the episode, Laura reads several poems live, offering listeners an intimate look into how words can heal when life feels overwhelming. This episode is raw, honest, emotional, and relatable for anyone who has ever loved deeply, lost painfully, or turned to creativity to survive. If you believe in purpose behind pain and the power of storytelling, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Alan Katz, the legendary writer and producer behind Tales from the Crypt, joins Rich Bennett for one of the most honest and powerful conversations ever recorded. Alan opens up about Hollywood success, creative betrayal, the disastrous making of Bordello of Blood, and the depression that nearly cost him his life. This episode goes far beyond film and television. Alan shares how healing from trauma transformed him from a writer into a true storyteller and why podcasting has become the ultimate platform for creative freedom. If you care about storytelling, mental health, authenticity, or the future of media, this is an episode you cannot miss.

What if the same techniques used to create iconic TV characters could help you redesign your life? In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with Emmy Award-winning producer Jordan Geary, a former executive at Sesame Workshop and the creative force behind hit shows like Ghostwriter and Mecha Builders. Jordan shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories from Sesame Street, explains why empathy is the most powerful storytelling tool, and reveals how short-form content is changing the way kids and adults consume media. More importantly, Jordan walks us through how you can use storytelling frameworks to become the main character of your own life. From confidence and identity to creativity and purpose, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and heart. Sponsored by Freedom Federal Credit Union.

Author and artist Lara Luna never planned on becoming the “angel number lady” in her Florida 55+ trailer park. After years of painting and working as a mobile home agent, she hit a breaking point and started asking bigger questions about why she was here and what she was meant to do. A trip into hidden caves in Lecanto, Florida, where she found 444 and 111 spray painted on the walls, sent her down a rabbit hole of synchronicities, angel numbers, and a full-on spiritual awakening. In this episode, Lara joins Rich to talk about her memoir Trailer Park Angel and the podcast of the same name, where trailer park drama, spiritual signs, and everyday humor collide. She shares how numbers like 444, 555, 666, and 11:11 helped her move out of a fear-based belief system, how her book helped a depressed neighbor feel less alone and protected, and why she believes we never really die. You will also hear hilarious stories about gnome-filled lawns, Captain Crunch the one-eyed alligator, and the “…

Author Claudine Marcin returns to Conversations with Rich Bennett, and this episode goes places. From real-life ghost encounters that shaped her horror novels to the research behind The Owl Witch, Claudine offers a fascinating look into her storytelling process. We dig into folklore, the craft of building fear, and even how historical journal entries helped bring her characters to life. But that’s only half of it. Claudine also opens up about her adventures in modern online dating—complete with catfishing, red flags, unsolicited photos, and stories wild enough to inspire her upcoming smut/romance novel. With Kayla cohosting, this episode is equal parts spooky, hilarious, and brutally honest. If you enjoy horror, folklore, writing, dating stories, or just great conversation, you’ll love this one. Learn more about Claudine and her books at ClaudineMarcin.com.

Rapper, producer, and entrepreneur Robert “B-Cide” Cardillo joins Rich to share the raw story behind his memoir, Myelin My Shoes—from underground tours and handing out mixtapes to launching a streetwear brand from a wheelchair after an MS diagnosis at 28. He breaks down how creativity became therapy, what the music business really teaches you, and why he refuses to let chronic illness define the art—or the hustle. If you need proof that purpose outlasts pain, this one’s for you.  Sponsored by Daniel McGhee and the Victory Team

Author and researcher D. H. Morris reveals the gripping true story behind her historical novel The Girl of Many Crowns, following Princess Judith of Francia and Baldwin “Iron Arm.” We dig into how Deborah turned medieval annals, songs, and court records into a vivid, faith-infused saga of love, power, and defiance—plus the surprising family link that started it all. If you love stories where history breathes and the stakes are royal, this one’s for you.  Sponsored by Daniel McGhee & the Victory Team

Local fine artist Pamela Wilde joins Rich—along with her husband, veteran and GI Joe restorer Scott Wilde—to talk about portraits that capture the “human moment,” her 120-portrait community project in Havre de Grace, and her “Boots on the Ground” series honoring veterans. They dive into technique (why oil is “forgiving”), teaching/learning, galleries and grants, plus a wild mid-recording tech glitch and Scott’s eerie encounter at Bachelor’s Grove.

Horror author and editor Taryn Womack joins Rich and co-host Kayla Deickman to talk ghost hunting in Gettysburg, haunted dolls, and her short-story collection Down a Dark Road. She opens up about writing vs. editing, the reality of self-publishing and marketing, and why campfire-style micro-stories can still deliver big chills. You’ll also hear actionable ideas for audiobook production, gift-shop placement, and turning local legends into page-turners.  Sponsored by Harford County Living