Local Episodes

Vocalist Chris Pinnella joins Rich Bennett to share how a school musical, an unexpected paid performance at 16, and experiences with Julie Andrews and Trans-Siberian Orchestra helped shape his career. From reimagining Christmas classics to building an audience at the STAR Centre in Havre de Grace, Chris explores why live music creates connections that stay with us long after the final song.

Julia Capallo of A Marvelous Spark joins Rich Bennett to discuss her journey from art teacher to entrepreneur and why authentic storytelling matters in small business marketing. Their conversation explores branding, website upkeep, concerns about AI-generated graphics, mindfulness, and Julia’s work connecting local families through Macaroni KID. Sponsored by Harford County Living

Children’s author and illustrator Piper Thomas joins Rich Bennett to explore how stories, imagination, and simple creative activities can help children feel heard. From the tiny-book project in The Littlest Library to her own experiences with self-doubt, mentorship, and marketing, Piper shares an honest, funny conversation about finding your voice and building a creative life. Sponsored by Freedom Federal Credit Union

Michele Love and Steven Hofmeister join Rich Bennett to share how Voice of Truth Center’s Hope on Wheels brings prayer, food, essentials, and Christian fellowship directly into communities. Their conversation explores listening to God, putting faith into action, and finding renewed purpose, including Rich’s personal story about why he chose to keep podcasting. Sponsored by Bel Air Window and Door

Emily Adolph joins Rich Bennett to share her experience with suicidal thoughts, the shame that kept her quiet, and the meaningful shift she felt when she opened up to her family. She also discusses her personal wellness practices, photography, and the Healing Arts and Music Festival, bringing artists, musicians, and wellness practitioners together in support of the Maryland Center for the Arts. Sponsored by Eco-Cool HVAC

Samantha Heil joins Rich Bennett to share how Book Fair at Bel Air grew from a conversation at Panera Bread into a literary celebration welcoming more than 2,400 attendees. She reveals plans for year-round workshops, book clubs, outreach, and author support while discussing why every reader deserves access, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. Sponsored by Freedom Federal Credit Union

After 16½ years as a teacher, Tim Markland made a difficult leap into real estate and helped grow The Markland Advantage from a venture with his father into a Bel Air team that includes his wife, Amy. He and Rich discuss what teaching still brings to his work, how he guides buyers and sellers through changing conditions, and why his podcast, The TMA Connection, keeps him close to the stories in his community. Sponsored by Harford’s Heart Magazine

Harford County Health Department’s Hannah Lux and Bonnie Harbin explain how a new pilot program will place 15,000 oral rabies vaccine baits for raccoons. Joined by Ronya Nassar, they discuss where the baits go, why pets still need their own vaccinations, and when residents should call the health department about a wildlife encounter. Sponsored by Harford County Health Department

Kat returns to share how her recovery has evolved into a life built around purpose, authenticity, fitness, motherhood, and service. She discusses launching Simply Serenity Apparel, healing from complex PTSD, using strength training to support her mental health, and creating meaningful connections for people in recovery. Sponsored by Rage Against Addiction

For Recovery Month, Rich Bennett revisits the unforgettable stories and lessons shared during last year’s Pot-a-thon for Recovery. Through personal accounts of addiction, overdose loss, relapse, sober living, motherhood, accountability, and healing, this episode reminds listeners that recovery is possible and nobody’s story has to end with addiction.

Teresa Leet explains how LovLi Life supports pregnant women who have chosen to carry their babies but may lack housing, resources, encouragement, or a dependable support system. She also shares how her own difficult experiences inspired a faith-based mission centered on practical assistance, mentorship, personal worth, and generational change.

Kaitlyn Hogancamp shares her deeply personal experience of enduring two pregnancy losses, confronting guilt and isolation, and navigating a high-risk pregnancy filled with fear. Joined by Christina O’Mara of the Sea of Hope Foundation, she explains how compassionate support, honest conversation, and meaningful advocacy can help families carry hope alongside their grief. Sponsored by Harford's Heart Magazine

Recorded during the Book Fair at Bel Air, this special episode introduces ten authors working across a remarkable variety of genres. They discuss where their ideas originate, the realities of publishing and marketing, the excitement of meeting readers, and why aspiring authors must give themselves permission to finish their books.

Mortgage professional and podcaster Joseph Webb explains why strong businesses are built through trust, personal relationships, and a genuine desire to help others. He also shares how Connected to the Webb allows him to introduce local people, promote their stories, and create meaningful connections throughout the community.

What happens when life completely changes the path you thought you were meant to follow? Nicole Valan shares her deeply personal journey from battling a rare metabolic disorder that nearly ended her dreams to discovering the healing power of yoga and creating One Love Mind Body in Aberdeen, Maryland. Nicole discusses how mindful movement, breathwork, and community have transformed not only her own life but the lives of countless others. From children's yoga and aerial yoga to chair yoga and sound immersions, this conversation is about far more than exercise. It's about resilience, compassion, and meeting people exactly where they are.

Every successful business, bestselling book, thriving nonprofit, and unforgettable brand begins with one thing: a story. But what if the story you've been hesitant to share is actually your greatest competitive advantage? In this special solo episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich steps away from his usual interview format to share what he's learned after hundreds of conversations with entrepreneurs, authors, veterans, nonprofit leaders, artists, musicians, and professionals from ar...

Human trafficking isn't just an international problem. It's happening in our own communities, often hidden in plain sight. In this powerful roundtable discussion, Rich Bennett is joined by Linda Aluoch of HopeWorks Global, Wendy Beck of Rage Against Addiction, and Teresa Ragsdale of The Parents' Place of Maryland to expose the realities of trafficking, addiction, mental health, caregiver struggles, and the importance of prevention through education. The conversation goes far beyond statistics. Each guest shares deeply personal experiences that reveal how vulnerable people can be exploited, how caregivers often feel alone, and why communities must work together instead of operating in silos. This is an emotional episode that encourages listeners to become more aware, more compassionate, and more willing to take action.

Dr. Reed and Dr. Katharine "Kat" Neubaum join Rich and cohost, Robyn to discuss how modern chiropractic care goes far beyond spinal adjustments. From rehabilitation and dry needling to nutrition, fitness, and patient education, they explain why treating the whole person leads to better long-term health. The conversation also explores the future of chiropractic, common misconceptions, their journey from chiropractic school to owning Ultimate Health, and why empowering patients to take control of their own health is at the center of everything they do.

What does it take for a family business to thrive for more than 218 years? In this heartfelt conversation, Howard McComas IV shares the remarkable history of McComas Funeral Home, one of the oldest family-owned businesses in Harford County and among the oldest family-owned funeral homes in America. Howard opens up about the importance of relationships, community involvement, grief support, honoring veterans, and helping families navigate life's most difficult moments with compassion and dignity.

Linda Aluoch shares her remarkable journey from growing up in poverty in Kenya to founding HopeWorks Global, an organization dedicated to preventing human trafficking and empowering vulnerable communities. Through personal tragedy, resilience, and faith, she transformed heartbreak into a mission that is changing lives in both Kenya and the United States. This powerful conversation sheds light on the realities of human trafficking, including labor trafficking, organ trafficking, and exploitation that often goes unnoticed. Linda's story is both inspiring and educational, making this an episode every listener should hear.

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 first novel to deep dives into shamanism, reincarnation, and Revolutionary War history, Sam shares how research, curiosity, and determination helped him become an award-winning author. This conversation is packed with inspiration for anyone who's ever put a dream on hold.

Financial stress impacts nearly every part of life, but most people were never taught how to properly manage money, retirement, or investing. In this episode, Paul Applegate shares his journey from law enforcement to becoming a financial advisor with Edward Jones and explains why helping everyday people build financial confidence became his passion. Paul opens up about PTSD, emergency funds, retirement planning, budgeting, and why relationships and trust matter more than numbers alone. This conversation is packed with practical financial advice and honest life lessons that can help listeners feel more secure about their future.

Chris Bingham shares the deeply personal story of his journey in law enforcement, the loss of former K9 partners, and the unexpected bond he built with retired police dog Tambo. What began as a difficult partnership turned into an unbreakable connection that helped both of them heal through trauma, loss, cancer, and family struggles. As Tambo battles aggressive cancer, Chris opens up about hope, resilience, fatherhood, forgiveness, and the incredible support provided by Project K9 Hero. This episode is emotional, inspiring, and a powerful reminder that sometimes our greatest heroes walk on four legs.

In this heartfelt episode, Rich sits down with school psychologist and author Jessica Hackmann to discuss her new children’s book, You Are Brave, Amy G. Jessica explains how understanding the brain, especially the amygdala and emotional responses, can help children better navigate anxiety, stress, transitions, and overwhelming emotions. The conversation dives into the lasting emotional impact of COVID on children, the importance of emotional regulation, and why teaching kids about how their brains work can change the way they see themselves. This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, counselors, and anyone working with children.