History Episodes

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…

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 …

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 th…

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, …

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.…

Author and researcher D. H. Morris reveals the gripping true story behind her historical novel The Girl of Many Crowns, following Princess Judith of Francia and Baldwin “Iron Arm.” We dig into how Deborah turned medieval annals, songs, and court records into a vivid, faith-infused saga of love, pow…

In this special Independence Day episode, Rich Bennett explores the true meaning and powerful history behind July 4th. From the colonial struggle against British rule to the signing of the Declaration of Independence and its lasting legacy, Rich dives deep into the origins, traditions, and evolving…

In this powerful solo episode, Rich Bennett reflects on the true meaning of Memorial Day, a day too often overshadowed by cookouts and beach trips. Tracing its roots from the Civil War to today, Rich shares moving historical insights, ways to meaningfully honor the fallen, and why remembrance is vi…

Sponsored by Eco-Cool HVACStep into history with author and retired firefighter Andrew Serra as he joins Rich Bennett to discuss Hell’s Hundred Acres, his gripping novel about the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire. From first responder insight to untold immigrant stories, Andrew brings the …

Get ready for a festive deep dive into St. Patrick’s Day—its rich history, surprising myths, and how it became a global celebration! In this episode, Rich Bennett explores the truth behind St. Patrick’s legacy, the legend of the snakes, and why we really wear green. Plus, he shares personal family …

In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich Bennett and co-host Robyn Burke sit down with former TV news anchor Jamie Costello to discuss his incredible 37-year career in broadcasting and his new mission with Costello Your Story. Jamie shares his passion for storytelling, the impact of…

In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, author Erica D’Arcangelo shares the inspiring story behind her book A Story About Pizza, which chronicles her family’s journey from coal mines in Pennsylvania to running a thriving, family-owned pizzeria. Discover how tradition, resilience, and a …

Sponsored by CleverCat MarketingIn this heartwarming episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Mallory Lewis, daughter of the legendary Shari Lewis, joins us with the one and only Lamb Chop to share incredible stories, laughter, and nostalgia. Mallory dives into her mother’s remarkable career, …

Sponsored by Daniel McGhee and The Victory TeamIn this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with Robert Wolf, author of the critically acclaimed book Not a Real Enemy: The True Story of a Hungarian Jewish Man's Fight for Freedom. Robert shares the incredible story o…

Sponsored by Richardson FarmsIn this festive episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Wendy Beck and Robyn Burke take listeners on a heartwarming journey through cherished Christmas traditions, including the enchanting legend of the Christmas Spider. The duo surprises Rich with a special guest…

Sponsored by Harford County Health DepartmentIn this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich is joined by award-winning journalist and author Roni Robbins to explore her powerful novel, Hands of Gold. Roni shares the incredible story of her grandfather, whose resilience through the Holoc…

In this gripping episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with Aiden Gabor, a former mob enforcer turned DOJ informant. Aiden shares his incredible journey from a violent life of crime to a path of redemption, peace, and spiritual transformation through the Baha'i faith. He opens …

In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich is joined by a diverse group of locals from Harford County as they share personal stories about the county’s rich history, strong sense of community, and haunted legends. From eerie encounters at the State Theatre to the deep-rooted family hi…