Education Episodes

What if the thing you’ve been trying to hide is actually your greatest strength? In this powerful conversation, Willie Blake shares how he transformed his struggle with dyslexia into a competitive advantage. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has ever felt behind, broken, or unsure of their potential.

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.

Why does music make you feel so powerful, even without words? In this episode, Dr. Kurt Ellenberger breaks down the fascinating connection between sound, math, and the human brain in a way that will completely change how you listen to music. If you’ve ever felt chills from a song, this conversation explains exactly why.

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.

Photographer, writer, and podcast host James Walters joins Rich Bennett to discuss how creativity can become a powerful tool for resilience during life's most difficult transitions. After experiencing personal loss, identity shifts, and burnout, James rediscovered purpose through writing, journaling, and storytelling. This conversation explores how creativity helps us rebuild our lives, find meaning, and move forward when everything changes.

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.

Podcasting expert Arielle Nissenblatt joins Rich Bennett to discuss the evolving future of podcasting and why audio-only shows may be more powerful than ever. Arielle shares insights on podcast discovery, audience connection, and why strong storytelling and sound matter more than flashy video. If you are a podcaster or podcast listener wondering where the medium is heading, this conversation offers clarity, encouragement, and practical perspective.

Leadership sounds great in theory, but the real test happens when leaders must have difficult conversations, motivate disengaged teams, and build trust under pressure. Leadership expert Ronald Reich joins Rich Bennett to discuss the biggest mistakes managers make and why emotional intelligence, clear expectations, and strong relationships matter more than authority. With nearly three decades of experience, Ron shares practical advice leaders can start applying immediately.

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.

Irina Shehovsov shares her journey from emotional exhaustion and single motherhood to becoming a bestselling author, speaker, and podcaster. After hitting a breaking point, she chose personal growth over survival mode and rebuilt her life from the inside out. This conversation explores healing unworthiness, breaking free from victim mentality, and discovering the gift within.

March 1933. The Great Depression has Americans on edge, banks are shutting their doors, and fear is moving faster than facts. In this America Explained episode, Rich Bennett sets the scene and then shares a historic voice that helped steady the country: Franklin D. Roosevelt’s first Fireside Chat, delivered March 12, 1933.

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.

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.

Marine biologist and podcast host Andrew Lewin joins Rich to explore what is really happening beneath the surface of our oceans and how storytelling can inspire action without fear or guilt. From ocean conservation and podcasting longevity to purpose driven work and human impact, this conversation is both eye opening and deeply hopeful. If you care about the planet, meaningful communication, or using your voice to make a difference, this episode is a must listen.

Troy Horne joins Rich Bennett for a powerful conversation about reinvention, resilience, and redefining what midlife truly means. From Broadway and reality TV to bestselling books and fatherhood, Troy shares how embracing change, clarity, and purpose can turn life’s second half into its most meaningful chapter yet. This episode is a must-listen for anyone questioning what’s next or feeling called to start again. Sponsored by Financial Advisor Paul Applegate – Edward Jones

What does it really take to design learning that works? In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich is joined by instructional designer, professor, and podcast host Jackie Pelegrin, who brings nearly two decades of experience in higher education and curriculum design. Jackie breaks down what instructional design actually is, why so many online courses fail to engage learners, and how education must be built with intention, empathy, and real-world outcomes in mind. The conversation also explores AI in education, adult learning challenges, podcasting as a teaching tool, and how Jackie turned one of her most popular podcast series into a book. Whether you’re an educator, trainer, podcaster, or lifelong learner, this episode delivers practical insights and behind-the-scenes wisdom on designing learning experiences that truly stick.

What if just seven words could change your life? In this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with award-winning author and publisher Aurora Winter to explore how the right message can transform heartbreak into healing, stories into income, and ideas into lasting impact. Aurora shares deeply personal experiences of loss, resilience, and reinvention, along with practical insights on why most authors fail to market their books and how entrepreneurs can build real brands through storytelling. From grief recovery to publishing strategy, video marketing, and AI tools, this conversation is packed with wisdom for anyone ready to share their story and make it matter. Listen in and discover how your words can work for you 24/7.

Screens are everywhere, but at what cost to our families, our kids, and our joy? In this powerful conversation, Rich Bennett sits down with S. S. Coulter to explore how families can reclaim heart, mind, and joy in a screen-filled world. S. S. Coulter is an author, joy coach, and the creator of Planet FASSA, a playful ecosystem designed to help children unplug from screens and reconnect with imagination, creativity, and real human connection. From her FASSA Tales children’s book series to her upcoming Planet FASSA app, she shares practical, compassionate tools for parents who want to raise emotionally healthy, resilient kids without shaming or guilt. This episode dives deep into how screen time is reshaping childhood, why imagination is a muscle that must be exercised, and how play, presence, and conversation help families thrive. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, educator, or simply someone concerned about the future of our kids, this is a conversation that will change how…

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Rich Bennett and cohost Greg Derwart take a deeper look at what America’s Founding Fathers got right and wrong. This episode explores the real stories, leadership decisions, and human flaws behind Ben Franklin, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson. From Franklin’s entrepreneurial mindset and inventions, to Washington’s quiet leadership and willingness to step down from power, to Jefferson’s role as philosopher, writer, and dealmaker, this conversation goes far beyond what most of us learned in school. Rich and Greg connect history to modern leadership, business, and civic responsibility, showing why these lessons still matter today. Sponsored by Eco-Cool HVAC, a veteran-owned Harford County business committed to comfort and community.

What happens when a veteran, podcaster, and truth-teller shows up every day for over a decade? In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with Pete A. Turner, host of The Break It Down Show, to talk about what it really takes to build a podcast that matters. Pete shares real, no-nonsense advice on consistency, monetization, evergreen content, guest relationships, and why most people quit before they ever find their voice. From taking his podcast on the road to using PodMatch to build meaningful connections, this conversation is packed with insight for podcasters, creators, and anyone trying to do meaningful work. If you’ve ever thought about starting a podcast or wondered why yours isn’t growing, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

From living out of his truck at 27 to generating over $90 million in tech sales, Mark J. Silverman’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and real leadership. In this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Mark opens up about addiction, long-term sobriety, ADHD, fear, faith, and what it truly means to lead with presence and humanity. Mark shares how listening to guidance changed his life, why fear never disappears, and how meditation, structure, and self-awareness have shaped his success as a coach, author, and speaker. He also dives into writing best-selling books with ADHD, navigating leadership as a spiritual practice, and why helping even one person makes it all worth it. This is an honest, inspiring conversation for leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, and anyone rebuilding their life with purpose.

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.