Business Episodes

Sponsored by CleverCat Marketing  In this eye-opening episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Meridee Hlokoff shares her powerful story of starting smoking at age 11, battling addiction for years, and finally quitting through a unique method: Cold Laser Therapy. But her journey didn’t end there. Now a coach and founder of LaserQuit, she’s helping others overcome addiction by addressing the trauma and emotional pain that fuels it. This episode goes far beyond nicotine, touching on alcohol, food, drama addiction, and the life-changing power of emotional healing.

Sponsored by Harford County Living After being fired from her federal government job, Megan Ewing didn’t crumble; she transformed. In this powerful episode, Megan shares her deeply personal journey of rebuilding her life and redefining success. From overcoming imposter syndrome to launching two books and a growing movement that empowers youth with vision boards, Megan shows how resilience and self-belief can create a ripple effect that changes lives. This episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with self-worth, thinking of starting a business, or needing inspiration to reclaim their narrative.

Sponsored by Tar Heel Construction Group In this inspiring episode, Martin Grams shares the journey of founding The Screaming Bean, a community-driven coffee shop in Aberdeen, Maryland. Martin discusses how the café goes beyond serving exceptional coffee by actively supporting local charities, fostering community connections, and creating a space where purpose takes precedence over profit. Listeners will gain insights into building a business that not only thrives economically but also makes a meaningful social impact.

Sponsored by Freedom Federal Credit Union Amanda Hickman, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Harford County, and longtime team member Erin Long join Rich and cohost Michelle Hayes to discuss the life-saving work happening behind the scenes at the shelter. From the challenges of open-admission operations to the critical importance of community support, they dive deep into what it really takes to protect, heal, and rehome thousands of animals each year. Whether you're a pet lover, potential adopter, or just curious about the incredible impact of animal shelters, this conversation will change the way you see your local Humane Society.

Sponsored by Eco-Cool HVAC What if one simple act of kindness could spark a global movement? In this powerful episode, Rich Bennett talks with Luke Mickelson, founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace , who left behind a successful sales career to build beds for children in need. What began in his garage in 2012 has grown into a nationwide nonprofit with chapters in nearly every state and several countries. Luke shares the emotional story behind the first bed build, the inspiration from his own upbringing, and the "two-by-four moment" that changed his life. It's a story of faith, purpose, and the power of taking action when you feel called to serve.

Sponsored by Four Seasons Landscape & Construction Services In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with Maria Chapman, a remarkable entrepreneur and advocate. Despite battling rare neuromuscular conditions, Maria rebuilt her life through writing and founded Connected Ghostwriting. She shares how she transformed personal challenges into a thriving business and now helps disabled entrepreneurs find their own paths to success.

Sponsored by Living Well Healthcare In this inspiring episode, Rich Bennett sits down with members of the Amputee Friends Group and Real Life Prosthetics to discuss their journeys of resilience, recovery, and community. Through humor, honesty, and mutual support, they share how they’ve turned personal challenges into powerful stories of strength and connection. Tune in to hear how they’ve built a vibrant community that supports each other through the ups and downs of life after amputation.

Sponsored by WHFC 91.1 FM Amanda Kenderes joins Rich Bennett to reveal the transformative power of her "Talk Types" model—a revolutionary framework developed over 35 years that breaks down the three core reasons humans communicate. From interpersonal growth to corporate dynamics and AI therapy, Amanda explores how understanding your talk type can radically improve relationships and self-awareness. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who speaks, listens, or leads.

Sponsored by Living Well Healthcare Ready to scale your business the smart way? In this episode, Tracy Beavers shares how she transitioned from corporate burnout to building a thriving coaching empire by mastering list growth and online visibility. If you’re serious about creating consistent income and authentic connections without paid ads, this conversation is packed with real-world strategies you can’t afford to miss.

In this inspiring episode, Rich Bennett sits down with Frank Healy, one of only about 100 people in the world with hyperthymesia, the ability to remember every day of his life. Frank shares how he turned this rare and often overwhelming gift into a tool for healing, becoming a licensed therapist and author of over 20 self-help books. Tune in to discover how memory, resilience, and emotional intelligence can transform pain into purpose.

Actor and fourth-degree black belt Matt Drago joins Rich and Tammie to dive deep into his role in Somewhere in Montana, a film about legacy, connection, and clashing perspectives. From method acting and indie film grit to personal stories that shaped his journey, Matt opens up like never before. If you love behind-the-scenes insight and heartfelt storytelling, this episode is a must-listen.

Sponsored by CleverCat Marketing What do toilet paper, jazz, and brand loyalty have in common? In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Ethan Decker reveals the surprising science behind how brands grow—and why small businesses struggle more than they think. From the Double Jeopardy Law to marketing myths that refuse to die, this is a must-listen for anyone who wants to build a brand that actually sticks.

Sponsored by Harford County Living Discover how AI expert Shahar Boyayan is helping businesses transform customer relationships through smart, hyper-personalized automation. From emotional consumer insights to real-world applications that save time and boost sales, this episode is packed with strategies you can start using today. Whether you’re curious or cautious about AI, Shahar’s insights will open your eyes to what’s coming next—and how to stay ahead.

This episode dives into the growing role of artificial intelligence in our daily lives and businesses—delivered entirely by AI itself. From productivity hacks to debunking fears, it’s a light, witty, and informative take on why embracing AI matters. Whether you're tech-savvy or just curious, it’s a must-listen for anyone navigating the digital age.

Sponsored by Tar Heel Construction Group Drewbie Wilson joins Rich Bennett to share how he turned his life around—from tipping the scales at 315 pounds to becoming a 7-figure sales leader and entrepreneur. He breaks down the mindset, discipline, and daily habits that help him (and his clients) crush the day before it crushes them. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in sales or business looking to level up with no gimmicks, just grit.

Sponsored by Daniel McGhee and The Victory Team In this feel-good episode, Rich Bennett sits down with travel advisor and mom of three, Julie Shaffer, to talk all things family travel. From Disney magic to African safaris, Julie shares hilarious moments, expert tips, and her journey from physical therapist to vacation planner extraordinaire. Whether you’re planning a multigenerational cruise or wondering if toddlers and tropical getaways mix—this episode has answers (and laughs). Bonus: Find out why Iceland and the Galapagos should be on your radar!

Sponsored by Richardson Farms From lacrosse fields to the shelves of Whole Foods, Gregory Vetter’s wild journey took a homemade salad dressing and turned it into a $300M clean food brand—only to lose it all. In this raw and revealing conversation, Greg opens up about bold risks, painful lessons, and what it really takes to build (and rebuild) a dream. If you’re chasing something big, this one’s a must-listen.

In this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, drug prevention expert Ray Lozano shares his deeply personal journey growing up in a family affected by addiction. From witnessing the devastating effects of drugs on his loved ones to dedicating his life to educating youth and parents, Ray delivers eye-opening insights on how to effectively talk to kids about substance abuse. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand addiction, prevention strategies, and the emotional impact of substance use on families.

In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Evgeniy Kharam shares powerful insights on overcoming fear and mastering soft skills to succeed in sales—whether in cybersecurity, tech, or any industry. He breaks down how to turn fear into confidence, connect with clients, and win more deals by improving communication. If you want to sell more, present better, and build stronger relationships, this episode is a must-listen!

Sponsored by Freedom Federal Credit Union In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, publishing expert Terry Whalin reveals the insider secrets to landing a book deal and navigating the complex world of traditional publishing. With decades of experience as an author, editor, and acquisitions professional, Terry debunks common publishing myths, shares the key mistakes aspiring authors make, and provides actionable strategies to increase your chances of getting published. Whether you're a first-time writer or a seasoned author, this episode is packed with invaluable advice you won’t want to miss!

Want to build a high-performance organization? In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, host Rich Bennett and cohost Greg Derwart sit down with Ryan McShane, founder of HR Evolution, to reveal the secrets to creating thriving workplaces, boosting employee engagement, and leading with impact. With over 20 years of experience in HR and leadership development, Ryan shares game-changing strategies to transform workplace culture and unlock the full potential of your team. Whether you're a leader, HR professional, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with must-hear insights that will change the way you think about leadership and success!

In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich is joined by co-host Joe Ayler, owner of Tar Heel Construction Group, for an eye-opening discussion with Paul Reed, co-founder of Roofers in Recovery. Paul shares his powerful journey to sobriety and explains how his organization is helping men and women in the construction industry break free from addiction through rehab scholarships and mentorship. Together, they explore the stigma surrounding addiction in the trades, the importance of mental health, and how one act of support can create a lasting impact. This is a must-listen for anyone passionate about recovery, resilience, and rebuilding lives.

Send us a text Sponsored by Daniel McGhee and The Victory Team In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, David Griffiths shares his journey from struggling with social media growth to amassing over 1.5 million followers through faith-driven content and strategic branding. He reveals the key mindset shifts, content strategies, and engagement techniques that helped him go viral, proving it's never too late to build a powerful online presence. Whether you're a business owner, content crea...

Struggling with perfectionism? In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, author and coach Susan Hensley reveals how art journaling can help you break free from the pressure of always getting it right and rediscover the joy of creative self-expression. Learn how simple, playful art exercises can reduce anxiety, spark innovation, and help you embrace imperfection—whether in art, business, or daily life. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will leave you feeling empowered to let go, create, and thrive!