Local Episodes

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 th…

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 …

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 p…

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,…

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, …

Marine veteran and wellness coach Matthew Merryman joins Rich Bennett for a powerful conversation about mindset, meditation, self-love, nutrition, trauma, and personal growth. What begins as a discussion about fitness quickly evolves into a deeper exploration of healing, purpose, and the importance…

This episode dives into the story behind Harford’s Heart Magazine and the people who keep it thriving. Sandy Kapinos and Debbie Umbarger share how the publication has stayed true to its mission of community, connection, and storytelling for over two decades. It’s a powerful reminder of why local vo…

Amy Harding shares the deeply personal story behind Ethan’s Hope: Paws and Hands Rescues and Recoveries, a nonprofit inspired by her son Ethan’s vision before he passed away from addiction. The program pairs people in substance recovery with hard to adopt shelter dogs, allowing both to heal through…

Melissa Roos shares her journey from growing up seven miles outside a small Iowa town to becoming a six-book mystery romance author. She opens up about overcoming shyness, embracing indie publishing, revealing secrets one page at a time, and why reader feedback fuels her creative fire. If you love …

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 Disco…

What does it really mean to love someone through addiction?In this powerful and unfiltered episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich is joined by cohost Wendy Beck for a deeply moving conversation with Alicia Bloss. Alicia shares her personal journey of marriage, motherhood, mental healt…

Recorded live at Edgewood American Legion Post 17, this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett spotlights the incredible work of the 755 Alliance. Founder Bangtam Miller and her leadership team share how a small group of committed volunteers is revitalizing Edgewood and Southern Harford County …

Carefree Kitchens is more than a cabinet company. It’s a living example of what the American Dream can look like when it’s built on faith, family, integrity, and service.In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich is joined by cohost Joe Ayler for a powerful conversation with the f…

Poet and author Laura Dilworth joins Rich Bennett and Wendy Beck for a powerful conversation about heartbreak, healing, and the transformative power of poetry. Laura shares the deeply personal journey behind her poetry collection The Heartbreak Chronicles, including writing through heartbreak, post…

In this solo episode, host Rich Bennett pulls back the curtain on podcast advertising and shares what most businesses and nonprofits never hear before they sponsor a show. He explains why podcasting is such a powerful medium, why downloads do not equal listeners, and what really matters when you ar…

Mental health is still one of the hardest things for people to talk about, even while more of us are willing to use words like anxiety, depression, and trauma. In this episode, Rich is joined once again by licensed clinical social worker and executive leader Jennifer Redding, founder of Harford Cou…

Author and recovery advocate Damian Bloss returns to share how much life has changed since he first stepped onto the podcast and broke his silence. His memoir, Breaking the Silence, continues to reach people across the country, and in this conversation Damian opens up about speaking engagements, po…

Recorded live at Edgewood American Legion Post 17, this special panel conversation brings together mental health professionals, a recovery leader, and a veteran suicide advocate to tackle stigma, access, and the realities facing Harford County residents. Moderator Ronya Nassar leads a raw discussio…

In this episode, Rich and cohost Kayla Deickman sit down with Donna Thompson and friends to explore the incredible world of monarch butterflies. From spotting eggs on milkweed to releasing fully formed butterflies, these passionate local conservationists share how small backyard efforts can make a …

Maryland State Senator and IBEW Local 24 leader Cory V. McCray joins Rich and Dan to share how a paid electrical apprenticeship rewired his life—from Baltimore City and the juvenile system to business owner and public service. Cory breaks down how union apprenticeships work, why mentors and discipl…

High-school teacher and nonprofit founder Diana Liberto Grove shares how she and her husband began fostering teens—and why she launched Shifting Gears to support youth ages 16–25 as they transition out of care. From Sunday dinners and tutoring to driver’s ed partnerships and a vision for tiny-home …

Owner/operator Brittany Russin Smith shares how she turned a love of baking and community into The Hive at Rumsey—Harford County’s collaborative commissary kitchen—and The Honey Loft upstairs venue. She walks through vendor partnerships, micro-weddings, BYO alcohol logistics, and what it takes to r…

Life coach and 25-year real estate pro Michelle Taylor shares how she healed deep trauma and transformed it into a movement she calls Repurposed Rising—a global vision to help women do their inner work and lead with purpose. She breaks down coaching vs. therapy, daily rituals, meditation insights, …

Live from Edgewood American Legion Post 17, Rich celebrates 10 years and 750+ episodes with special guests Kristy Breslin, Sensei Sydney Brackins, and the Delbridge family who helped launch the show’s in-person era. They swap origin stories, community wins, and wild ideas (hello, “Santa Smackdown”)…