Health Episodes

Rich sits down with ADHD coach and author Sue Day, whose journey runs from dropping out of high school and burning out in multiple careers to embracing her diagnosis and helping others design lives that actually work for their brains. They unpack ADHD strengths (creativity, crisis focus, fairness), common myths, practical first steps after diagnosis, and Sue’s workbook-style guide, ADHD Brilliance: A Journey Into Your Extraordinary Brain. If you or someone you love has ADHD—or you simply want a more humane, strength-based way to live—this one delivers.  Sponsored by Daniel McGhee & the Victory Team

Diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis as a child, author and 2020 Bush Fellow Jenna Udenberg turned lifelong challenges into a mission: make accessibility the norm, not the exception. She shares how “Within My Spokes” captures resilience, why “committed over compliant” changes everything, and how her nonprofit Above & Beyond With U helps businesses and communities design with disabled people from the start. Expect practical truths on housing, travel, education, and what true inclusion really requires. Sponsored by Real Life Prosthetics

Business leader and mentor Irina Alexander joins Rich to unpack a neuroscience-rooted framework for staying regulated under pressure—especially in high-stress fields like first response and frontline leadership. She explains her C.A.R.E.S.™ approach (Communication, Awareness, Resilience, Emotional literacy, Self-mastery), why “knowing isn’t enough,” and how resilience is the byproduct of daily practices. Irina also shares candid stories of burnout, recovery, and the practical tools that help people shift from reactivity to regulation.  Sponsored by Maryland Pickers

In this Podathon For Recovery episode, Evie shares an extraordinary 44-year sobriety story—beginning with childhood trauma in post-war Austria, prescription drug misuse after a 1973 car accident, and the moment a newspaper listing led her to AA and a new life. She later sought help for sex addiction, moved to Los Angeles in 1982 for deeper recovery, and now helps clients as a coach and hypnotherapist. It’s a candid, hopeful conversation about breaking cycles, choosing healing, and why support programs still save lives.  Sponsored by Rage Against Addiction

Kayla shares a raw, resilient journey from childhood trauma and early addiction to a terrifying DUI wake-up call—and the decision to fight for her life and for her daughter. With support from Rage Against Addiction’s Sister’s House and Daughters’ House, she embraced meetings, structure, and service, eventually becoming a house manager and now helping other women enter recovery. This conversation shows how community, accountability, and motherhood can fuel lasting change.  Sponsored by Rage Against Addiction

In this Podathon for Recovery episode, co-hosted with Wendy Beck, Kayla G shares how an emotional plea—“try harder”—and a brutal bottom pushed her to choose recovery, detox at home during COVID, and rebuild her life through Narcotics Anonymous. Now five years clean, a mom and a certified peer recovery specialist, Kayla advocates for mothers in Baltimore City navigating CPS and the courts, bringing empathy, accountability, and hope to families in crisis. It’s a raw, honest look at what it really takes to get clean and stay clean.  Sponsored by Rage Against Addiction

In this National Recovery Month special, co-host Wendy Beck and program director Rachel share how Rage Against Addiction (RAA) went from a mother’s mission to a three-home sober living program for women, emphasizing that “healing begins with safe housing.” They walk through RAA’s structure—from 30-day acclimation to workshops across the Eight Dimensions of Wellness—and the powerful alumni network that proves long-term recovery is possible. Listeners hear how monthly giving fuels essentials like drug testing, linens, and even emergency appliances—practical support that protects women’s dignity and safety.  Sponsored by Rage Against Addiction

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

In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, angel medium and intuitive healer Laurie Parente shares her transformative journey of rediscovering her spiritual gifts in her 40s. Laurie reveals how she overcame chronic illness, connected deeply with the angelic realm, and began guiding others toward self-discovery, healing, and empowerment. This conversation offers inspiring stories, practical techniques for connecting with your angels, and a reminder that it’s never too late to align with your true purpose.  Sponsored by Freedom Federal Credit Union

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 Four Seasons Landscape & Construction Services  In this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Tigrilla Gardenia shares her extraordinary journey from Microsoft engineer to Cirque du Soleil performer to spiritual eco-community leader. Now a nature-inspired life coach and plant intelligence advocate, she opens up about how plants helped her reconnect with her true purpose. You’ll learn how music, plant communication, and reconnecting with nature can unlock healing, clarity, and emotional well-being.

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 Harford County Living  Rich sits down with Karen Pizza for a candid and often humorous conversation about what it means to be an empath. They explore how empaths absorb others' emotions, how this gift can lead to anxiety or trauma, and the ways Karen helps people clear their energy and protect themselves. With personal stories and a practical empath quiz, this episode sheds light on a topic many may recognize in themselves without knowing why.  If you’ve ever felt “too sensitive” or drained by others, this conversation is a must-listen. Karen’s insights on blocking negative energy, healing trauma, and understanding empathic abilities offer real tools for anyone feeling overwhelmed by life’s emotional load.

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 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 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 Living In this powerful episode, Rich Bennett sits down with Katharine Giovanni, a three-time award-winning author, international speaker, and forgiveness coach. Katharine shares her journey of overcoming trauma, addiction, and loss, and reveals her unique seven-part forgiveness system that transforms lives. Listen in as she explains how forgiveness is a personal journey, why it’s essential for mental health, and how it can unlock your potential for healing and growth.

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.