Fitness Episodes

Speech‑language pathologist James Burden, founder of Stuttering Blueprint, shares a compassionate, research‑backed path to speaking with confidence—whether or not fluency is the outcome. He explains why techniques like the Camperdown Method must be paired with Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and “melting the iceberg” of fear and stigma. If you’ve ever felt your voice held back, this conversation reframes stuttering and shows practical ways to reclaim presence, purpose, and power.  Sponsored by Tar Heel Construction Group

Since this episode was recorded, it is with great sadness that I found out that Dan Steffensen passed away on July 26, 2025. Obituary information for Dan Steffensen Award-winning author and professor A.J. Otjen joins Rich to unpack “Burned Over,” the true story of Montana firefighter Dan Steffensen, who survived a 60-foot wall of fire and an agonizing road to recovery. They explore Red Lodge’s “summer of hell,” the honor guard, the nurses and burn survivors who rallied behind Dan, and the hard-won lessons about asking for help, resilience, and community. It’s a raw, human look at survival—and why first responders deserve our deepest respect.

ENT surgeon Dr. Brett Cordes shares his extraordinary arc from surviving Non‑Hodgkin lymphoma at 19 to building a thriving surgical career—then spiraling into a hidden opioid addiction that cost him everything. He opens up about rehab during COVID, the true causes of physician burnout, and how he rebuilt his life as “The Burnout Doc,” a coach helping doctors find fulfillment without losing their identity. A powerful listen on turning pain into purpose and asking for help before it’s too late.  Sponsored by Harford County Health Department

Dr. Albert Bramante joins Conversations with Rich Bennett to discuss how the mental “scripts” we live by can sabotage our growth, even when we appear successful. A former talent agent turned psychology professor and mindset coach, Dr. Bramante shares his personal journey of battling imposter syndrome, procrastination, and perfectionism—and how he finally took action to write his book Rise Above the Script. This episode is a powerful listen for anyone ready to stop performing and start living authentically.

Sponsored by Eco-Cool HVAC  In this inspiring episode, Esther Avant—coach, speaker, entrepreneur, and host of the To Your Health podcast—joins Rich to discuss how small, sustainable changes can lead to big transformations. From her early passion for fitness to becoming a military spouse and successful coach, Esther shares insights into how to navigate health, career, and parenthood without burnout. She also opens up about writing her award-winning book To Your Health, the myths around dieting, and the importance of mindset, planning, and support in sustainable wellness.

Sponsored by Real Life Prosthetics  Jessie Torres shares her extraordinary story of surviving sexual abuse, the tragic murders of both her brothers, and an abusive marriage. Through fierce grace, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of healing, Jessie turned her pain into a powerful mission to help others transform their lives. This heartfelt conversation dives deep into how facing our darkest moments can unlock our greatest potential.

Sponsored by Maryland Pickers Rick Cheatham’s story is one of incredible resilience, raw honesty, and deep transformation. A former firefighter and current marriage coach, Rick opens up about his battles with addiction, his near divorce, the murder of his son, and a devastating injury that left him temporarily paralyzed. Through it all, he found healing in forgiveness, faith, and purpose, and now helps other men do the same. This is a must-listen for anyone navigating trauma, broken relationships, or spiritual healing.

Sponsored by Eco-Cool HVAC In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich talks with performance coach and strategist Michael Ostrolenk. From learning meditation and biofeedback at age nine to training with Navy SEALs and launching Team Fudoshin, Michael shares how his unique path of self-mastery has helped elite performers and everyday individuals transform their lives. This powerful conversation dives into resilience, emotional regulation, peak performance, and living with purpose, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking personal growth.

Sponsored by Daniel McGhee and The Victory Team In this transformative episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett , Sophia Torrini shares how she turned a life-threatening medical crisis into a journey of profound healing. After surviving a misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgery that left her near death, Sophia discovered Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and neuroscience-based healing. Her compelling story of resilience, scientific insight, and spiritual awakening will inspire anyone seeking hope and healing beyond conventional medicine.

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 Harford County Health Department In this impactful episode, Rich Bennett interviews Shruti Sethi, the founder of Awaana Health, a nutritionist, cancer coach, and cancer survivor, who recounts her extraordinary journey of overcoming cancer holistically. Shruti elaborates on her transition from a successful fashion designer to a wellness advocate following her unexpected cancer diagnosis at the age of 34. Shruti, who has been cancer-free for eight years, demonstrates how a strong support system, yoga, nutrition, and perspective can enable anyone to improve their health.

Sponsored by Tar Heel Construction Group In this heartfelt episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, we meet Bob Wischer, a personal development coach and founder of Men Becoming Better Men. Bob opens up about life after divorce, the power of male community, and how he's helping men break free from isolation, reclaim confidence, and live with purpose. It’s real talk on mental health, masculinity, and what it takes to truly grow.

Sponsored by Eco-Cool HVAC In this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett (or is it Conversations with Wendy now?), we spotlight the unsung champions of Maryland Wellness. Rich and cohost Wendy Beck sit down with Leann, Ralph, and Ashia to explore how PRP services are transforming mental health care across Harford County. From home visits to building trust, these pros go beyond therapy to change lives—one relationship at a time.

Sponsored by Rage Against Addiction Join Rich Bennett and cohost Wendy Beck as they sit down with Ruby Comer and Laura Dahl to uncover the powerful story behind the Bethesda Transformation Center, a faith-based recovery home for women. From personal loss to divine purpose, they share how their mission is helping women reclaim their lives through grace, healing, and community. It’s a heartfelt conversation about transformation that you won’t want to miss.

Sponsored by Freedom Federal Credit Union In this heartfelt episode, Becky Galli and Polly Winde Surhoff reflect on 25 powerful years of impact through Pathfinders for Autism—a nonprofit born from personal journeys and fueled by community. They share the origins of their mission, the evolution of autism advocacy, and the inspiring milestones that have touched thousands of lives. Tune in for a moving conversation about acceptance, resilience, and the power of sharing what you’ve learned.

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 Chesapeake Podcast Network In this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, author and wellness advocate Karen Dittman shares her inspiring journey of faith, resilience, and overcoming life’s toughest challenges. From navigating adoption, anxiety, ADHD, autism, and addiction to discovering the power of grace and wellness, Karen opens up about her struggles and triumphs while raising her children and grandchild. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation on finding peace in chaos, trusting God through adversity, and embracing true healing—no matter what obstacles life throws your way.

Sponsored by Window Depot of Baltimore In this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Jessica Morris shares her deeply personal journey of overcoming addiction, childhood trauma, and finding faith. She introduces the concept of personal eschatology—a transformative process of spiritual rebirth—and reveals how hitting rock bottom led her to profound healing. Whether you're seeking inspiration, struggling with faith, or looking for a story of true redemption, this episode is a must-listen.

Sponsored by Your Pet AuPair In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, internationally recognized teacher and author Alan Questel shares powerful insights on how to like yourself more through intentional acts of kindness and self-awareness. Drawing from his book Practice Intentional Acts of Kindness and Like Yourself More, Alan explores how small, mindful actions can transform our self-image, relationships, and overall well-being. If you're looking to cultivate more kindness in your life—both toward yourself and others—this episode is packed with practical wisdom and inspiring stories you won’t want to miss!

Sponsored by Maryland Pickers In this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich and co-host Michelle Hayes sit down with Patrick Casey—an advanced registered nurse practitioner, personal coach, and competitive boxer—who shares his remarkable journey from childhood addiction to self-love and purposeful living. Patrick opens up about his early struggles with substance abuse, which began at the age of 10, and his life-altering wake-up call when his parents found him unconscious after a heroin overdose at 19. He recounts the pivotal moments in rehab, the internal battles with self-worth despite years of sobriety, and the breakthrough that ultimately helped him shed self-destructive behaviors. Patrick’s story is one of resilience, vulnerability, and hope. Now, through his coaching work, he helps other men break free from the patterns that hold them back and embrace their true selves. From rolling marijuana in Bible paper as a kid to stepping into the boxing ring as a thr…

Sponsored by Harford County Health Department In this inspiring episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, we sit down with Kenneth Kunken, a man whose journey redefines resilience and determination. After a tragic football injury left him paralyzed in 1970, Ken refused to let his circumstances define him. He became the first quadriplegic to graduate from Cornell University, earned multiple Ivy League degrees, and went on to have an impressive 40-year career as an Assistant District Attorney. Ken shares how he transitioned from an aspiring engineer to a motivational speaker, disability advocate, and father of triplets—all while overcoming the odds. His memoir, I Dream of Things That Never Were: The Ken Kunken Story, details his incredible journey of breaking barriers and proving that a positive mindset and a strong support system can change everything. This episode is sponsored by the Harford County Health Department, promoting their free 12-month Diabetes Prevention Program, …

Sponsored by Chesapeake Podcast Network Have you ever wondered what your personality reveals about you? In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, we dive deep into the fascinating world of personality types with educator and author Eric Gee, author of The Power of Personality. Eric introduces his unique personality framework, breaking away from traditional systems like Myers-Briggs. Instead, he uses animal archetypes—from foxes and peacocks to dolphins and bears—to help people understand themselves and others in a fun, relatable way. Together, we explore how personality shapes relationships, career paths, and even mental health. Plus, Eric shares insights on why personality typing is more of a craft than a science, how self-awareness leads to personal growth, and how understanding different personality types can improve communication and connections in all areas of life. 📖 Want to know your animal personality? Listen in and discover how these insights can help you thrive…

Sponsored by Four Seasons Landscape & Construction Services In this insightful episode, Rich sits down with Dr. Deborah Heiser, an applied developmental psychologist, TEDx speaker, and author of The Mentorship Age. Together, they dive into the transformative power of mentorship, discussing its profound impact on personal and professional growth. Dr. Heiser shares her expertise on generativity, the significance of meaningful connections, and how mentorship transcends traditional boundaries. Rich and Dr. Heiser also explore her new book, which provides actionable insights into fostering intergenerational mentorship to create lasting legacies. Tune in to learn how mentorship can redefine relationships and help build a brighter future for all. This episode is proudly sponsored by Four Seasons Landscape & Construction Services, a woman-owned Small Business Reserve (SBR) company with over 40 years of experience. Learn more about their sustainable landscaping and property services at fours…