Authors Episodes

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.

Cassian Bellino spent years searching for a conversational resource that could explain Scripture with historical and theological context. When she could not find what she needed, she followed God’s calling and created Biblically Speaking, a podcast that has reached listeners around the world. Cassian joins Rich to discuss learning to hear God, finding respected biblical scholars, building a faith community, growing through uncertainty, and recognizing that meaningful work begins long before the numbers confirm its value.

What would you do if you discovered at age 52 that everything you believed about your identity was built on a secret? In this unforgettable conversation, Rich Bennett sits down with author and comedian Al Isaacs to discuss the emotional journey that inspired his memoir Finding Mary Smith. From uncovering a gray-market adoption and navigating his parents' dementia to using DNA testing, genealogy, and relentless determination to find his birth family, Al shares a story filled with heartbreak, humor, resilience, and ultimately hope.

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.

What happens when a pastor trades the pulpit for a badge? Eric Robinson shares the incredible story of leaving ministry to become an FBI Special Agent, serving on SWAT, investigating everything from financial crimes to child exploitation, and discovering that compassion can be just as powerful as tactical training. This conversation explores faith, justice, purpose, resilience, and the emotional realities behind some of the FBI's toughest investigations. Eric's honesty, humor, and remarkable experiences make this an unforgettable episode.

What if the biggest thing standing between you and your next chapter is simply trusting yourself? In this inspiring conversation, Rich sits down with author, publisher, and storytelling guide Nicolette Halladay to discuss the transformative power of storytelling, self-trust, and finding the courage to share your story with the world. Nicolette shares her entrepreneurial journey, how Inspired Hearts Publishing was born, why so many people struggle with visibility and imposter syndrome, and how writing a book often transforms the author just as much as the reader. This episode is packed with encouragement for aspiring authors, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating a major life transition.

Michael Reed returns to Conversations with Rich Bennett to share the next chapter of his extraordinary journey through grief, healing, and purpose. Since his last appearance, Michael has become a certified grief coach, continued his education in behavioral health, published two additional books, and reached a major milestone in his own healing process. In this deeply moving conversation, Michael discusses The Million Stages of Healing, his children's grief workbook The Owl and the Ladybug, and how he has learned to carry the love of his wife and daughters forward while helping others navigate loss. This episode is a powerful reminder that grief is not the end of the story and that healing is possible.

After a brain tumor surgery left one side of his face completely paralyzed, John Kippen spent more than a decade hiding from the world. What began as a painful journey of isolation eventually became a mission to help others embrace their differences and discover their own strength. In this powerful conversation, John shares how magic, storytelling, resilience, and human connection transformed his life. From performing for Alex Trebek and meeting legends like Siegfried & Roy to helping coaching clients overcome adversity, John's story is a reminder that our greatest challenges can become our greatest gifts.

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.

Teresa Blaes shares an extraordinary story of survival, loss, faith, and redemption. From childhood trauma and the tragic loss of family members to losing her eyesight and walking away from God for five years, Teresa opens up about the experiences that shaped her life. This powerful conversation explores healing, resilience, podcasting, music, faith, and why sharing your story can help both yourself and others. Listeners will leave inspired by Teresa's courage and reminded that even life's darkest chapters can lead to purpose.

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.

Chris Bingham shares the deeply personal story of his journey in law enforcement, the loss of former K9 partners, and the unexpected bond he built with retired police dog Tambo. What began as a difficult partnership turned into an unbreakable connection that helped both of them heal through trauma, loss, cancer, and family struggles. As Tambo battles aggressive cancer, Chris opens up about hope, resilience, fatherhood, forgiveness, and the incredible support provided by Project K9 Hero. This episode is emotional, inspiring, and a powerful reminder that sometimes our greatest heroes walk on four legs.

In this heartfelt episode, Rich sits down with school psychologist and author Jessica Hackmann to discuss her new children’s book, You Are Brave, Amy G. Jessica explains how understanding the brain, especially the amygdala and emotional responses, can help children better navigate anxiety, stress, transitions, and overwhelming emotions. The conversation dives into the lasting emotional impact of COVID on children, the importance of emotional regulation, and why teaching kids about how their brains work can change the way they see themselves. This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, counselors, and anyone working with children.

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.

Lyubim Kogan shares an extraordinary journey that spans surviving the Cold War, competing in the 1998 Winter Olympics, living through 9/11, and walking away from financial success to help wounded veterans rebuild their lives. Through his nonprofit Wings4Heroes, Lyubim helps amputee and deaf veterans rediscover confidence, purpose, and healing through paragliding, rehabilitation, and community. This episode is a powerful conversation about trauma, resilience, service, and humanity. It shines a light on the emotional struggles veterans face after returning home and the life-changing impact of connection, purpose, and adventure therapy.

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.

Graham Robinson shares his powerful journey of overcoming childhood trauma and the long-lasting impact it had on his life, relationships, and identity. Through personal experience and professional insight, he explains how unresolved pain can shape behavior and why healing is possible at any age. This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to confront the past and take the first step toward emotional freedom.

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.

Amy Dickens shares her powerful journey from social anxiety, burnout, and fear into a life driven by joy, play, and purpose. Through van life, global travel, and bold personal growth, she discovered that joy isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you practice. This episode will inspire you to take small, courageous steps toward a more authentic and joyful life.

Dr. Rochelin Herold joins Rich Bennett to challenge the way we think about healthcare and personal responsibility. Drawing from nearly two decades as a chiropractor and public health advocate, he explains why many people are stuck managing symptoms instead of building true wellness. Through his book Dare 2 Live Well, Dr. Herold encourages listeners to take ownership of their health, build a healthcare dream team, and create generational habits that lead to longer, healthier 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.

Reed Davis, founder of Functional Diagnostic Nutrition, joins Rich Bennett to explain why most health systems chase symptoms instead of addressing root causes. Drawing from decades of experience and thousands of lab analyses, Reed shares his frameworks for identifying hidden health stressors and rebuilding wellness through lifestyle changes. If you have ever felt like your symptoms are being managed instead of solved, this episode offers a new way to think about healing.

What happens when a marriage looks perfect on the outside but intimacy quietly disappears? Xanet Pailet shares her journey from a 26-year sexless marriage to becoming a leading intimacy and emotional safety coach. This honest, eye-opening conversation dives into communication, emotional connection, desire gaps, and how couples can repair and reignite passion before it’s too late.