Local Episodes

Sarah opens up about starting opioids at 20, a rapid slide to heroin, pregnancy on methadone, jail, and the drug court program that helped her turn it around. After a later Xanax relapse during COVID, she did the work—therapy, structure, and service—and is now certified and working as a counselor at a maintenance clinic. This candid conversation with Wendy Beck and Rich Bennett shows what sustainable recovery really looks like—and why hope matters.  Sponsored by Rage Against Addiction

In this Podathon for Recovery episode, Rich and co-host Wendy Beck talk with Kat Leonard Scott—a Harford County native, mom of two, and treatment professional—about her winding path through early success, trauma, addiction, a brief relapse after eight years clean, and the hard reset that followed. Kat shares how jail, community support, and a renewed focus on “safety” helped her rebuild life, motherhood, and purpose. Listeners will hear candid lessons on accountability, boundaries, and why joy is possible in recovery.  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

Musician/author Brad Cox joins Rich and Dan Bennett for a fast, funny deep-dive into how songs change meaning over time—from CCR and Springsteen to Sex Pistols and System of a Down—plus why some “big name” guests don’t always drive podcast plays. They swap practical editing tips (Hindenburg, Descript, AI enhancers), talk Baltimore’s scene (Turnstile, Infinity Knives), and share how to keep a show fresh without losing your mind. If you love music, making, or meaning, this one’s packed.  Sponsored by WHFC 91.1 FM

Sponsored by Tar Heel Construction Group  In this engaging roundtable, Rich Bennett sits down with nonprofit consultant Katie Ramirez, alongside co-hosts Greg Derwart and Robyn Burke, for a candid discussion on the realities of nonprofit work. They dive into the importance of strong boards, smart fundraising strategies, and the evolving landscape of nonprofit leadership. Whether you're running a nonprofit, serving on a board, or just curious about community impact, this conversation offers practical insights you can use.

Send us a text Sponsored by WHFC 91.1 FM In this vibrant, unfiltered conversation, Rich Bennett sits down with romance authors Cardyn Brooks, Kristie Wolf, and Samantha Heil to explore the booming world of romance literature—from spicy tropes and steamy storytelling to the indie book event scene that’s redefining how readers discover love stories. Whether you're a longtime romance fan or curious about the genre's explosive popularity, this episode offers insight, laughter, and maybe a little ...

Sponsored by Harford County Living After being fired from her federal government job, Megan Ewing didn’t crumble; she transformed. In this powerful episode, Megan shares her deeply personal journey of rebuilding her life and redefining success. From overcoming imposter syndrome to launching two books and a growing movement that empowers youth with vision boards, Megan shows how resilience and self-belief can create a ripple effect that changes lives. This episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with self-worth, thinking of starting a business, or needing inspiration to reclaim their narrative.

Sponsored by Tar Heel Construction Group In this inspiring episode, Martin Grams shares the journey of founding The Screaming Bean, a community-driven coffee shop in Aberdeen, Maryland. Martin discusses how the café goes beyond serving exceptional coffee by actively supporting local charities, fostering community connections, and creating a space where purpose takes precedence over profit. Listeners will gain insights into building a business that not only thrives economically but also makes a meaningful social impact.

Sponsored by Window Depot of Baltimore In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett , Rich and co-host Tammie Wingrove sit down with country music industry veteran Lee Adams to discuss her debut novel, Love on Tour . Lee shares her journey from a Willie Nelson-obsessed teen to a high-ranking record executive who’s helped over 50 songs top the charts. They explore the behind-the-scenes realities of the music business, how her life inspired the novel, and the emotional power of female friendships, personal growth, and resilience. Whether you're a book lover, country music fan, or dream chaser, this heartfelt episode delivers insight, laughs, and inspiration.

Sponsored by Freedom Federal Credit Union Amanda Hickman, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Harford County, and longtime team member Erin Long join Rich and cohost Michelle Hayes to discuss the life-saving work happening behind the scenes at the shelter. From the challenges of open-admission operations to the critical importance of community support, they dive deep into what it really takes to protect, heal, and rehome thousands of animals each year. Whether you're a pet lover, potential adopter, or just curious about the incredible impact of animal shelters, this conversation will change the way you see your local Humane Society.

Sponsored by Eco-Cool HVAC What if one simple act of kindness could spark a global movement? In this powerful episode, Rich Bennett talks with Luke Mickelson, founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace , who left behind a successful sales career to build beds for children in need. What began in his garage in 2012 has grown into a nationwide nonprofit with chapters in nearly every state and several countries. Luke shares the emotional story behind the first bed build, the inspiration from his own upbringing, and the "two-by-four moment" that changed his life. It's a story of faith, purpose, and the power of taking action when you feel called to serve.

Sponsored by Elite Power Washing In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett , actor and filmmaker Ben Getz joins Rich to discuss his journey from local theater to creating the indie horror-comedy film Gothic Slayers . Ben shares behind-the-scenes stories, the challenges of low-budget filmmaking, and the importance of showcasing local talent and locations. Tune in for a captivating conversation about creativity, perseverance, and the art of blending horror with comedy.

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 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.

Want to build a high-performance organization? In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, host Rich Bennett and cohost Greg Derwart sit down with Ryan McShane, founder of HR Evolution, to reveal the secrets to creating thriving workplaces, boosting employee engagement, and leading with impact. With over 20 years of experience in HR and leadership development, Ryan shares game-changing strategies to transform workplace culture and unlock the full potential of your team. Whether you're a leader, HR professional, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with must-hear insights that will change the way you think about leadership and success!

In this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich and co-host Wendy Beck sit down with Damian & Alicia Bloss to discuss addiction, guilt, and the road to recovery. Damian shares his deeply personal battle with alcoholism, the weight of his past trauma, and the life-changing moment that led him to sobriety, while Alicia offers insight into the challenges and strength it takes to support a loved one in recovery. Their inspiring story, along with their work in Breaking the Silence, is a must-listen for anyone seeking hope, healing, and a fresh start.

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 positive news, and why he believes the best stories are still waiting to be told. Whether you're a fan of local journalism, love feel-good stories, or want to hear from a seasoned broadcaster with a heart for the community, this episode is a must-listen!

Sponsored by Harford County Living In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich celebrates the podcast’s 10th anniversary and is joined by co-host Michelle Hayes and special guest Paul Yosua, co-owner of Das Bierhalle. Together, they explore Paul’s inspiring journey from working at Starbucks to running one of the area’s most beloved beer halls. Paul shares insights on building a strong restaurant culture, the art of bartending, and how he and his team create unforgettable dining experiences. Listeners will enjoy behind-the-scenes stories, from Das Bierhalle’s playful name origin to how their famous Fruity Pebble French Toast became a local favorite. Plus, Paul offers candid advice on entrepreneurship, teamwork, and why culture always beats strategy in the restaurant business. https://www.dasbierhallemd.com/ Sponsor Message: This episode is brought to you by Harford County Living – your go-to platform for celebrating the people, businesses, and stories that make Harf…

Sponsored by Richardson Farms In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, sponsored by Richardson Farms, Rich sits down with Tammie Wingrove, co-founder of Full Circle Boards, to explore her journey from a cheese-loving hobbyist to a thriving charcuterie entrepreneur. Tammie shares how her passion for crafting visually stunning and delicious charcuterie boards became a business that brings people together. From hosting DIY classes to creating custom boards for weddings and events, Tammie highlights the art, creativity, and connection behind her work. Tune in for inspiring stories, humorous anecdotes, and practical tips for building your own perfect charcuterie board. Full Circle Boards Sponsor Message: This episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett is brought to you by Richardson Farms. Whether you're meal planning for the week or looking for something special for dinner tonight, Richardson Farms has you covered. Enjoy their fresh, never frozen poultry, homemade s…

On this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, we’re celebrating a monumental milestone—10 years of heartfelt conversations, laughter, tears, and connection. Join Rich as he reflects on the podcast's beginnings, the unforgettable moments that have shaped its journey, and what’s ahead for the next decade. From inspiring stories of resilience to hilarious memories, this special episode is a tribute to the incredible guests, listeners, and community who’ve made it all possible. Tune in for a walk down memory lane and a preview of exciting plans, including anniversary episodes, live events, and much more. Here’s to the power of stories that inspire and connect us all. Conversations with Rich Bennett