Mental Health 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…

Teresa Blaes shares an extraordinary story of survival, loss, faith, and redemption. From childhood trauma and the tragic loss of family members to losing her eyesight and walking away from God for five years, Teresa opens up about the experiences that shaped her life.This powerful conversation…

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…

Jessie Fahay joins Conversations with Rich Bennett to discuss how theater can become more than entertainment and instead serve as a catalyst for meaningful conversations and social change. As the founder of Ripple Effect Artists, Jessie shares how productions focused on mental health, racism, human…

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…

Lyubim Kogan shares an extraordinary journey that spans surviving the Cold War, competing in the 1998 Winter Olympics, living through 9/11, and walking away from financial success to help wounded veterans rebuild their lives. Through his nonprofit Wings4Heroes, Lyubim helps amputee and deaf veteran…

Rachel Waters shares the unimaginable story of being charged with murder after caring for her dying mother in hospice. What began as an act of love turned into a legal nightmare that nearly destroyed her life. Now, she’s fighting to protect caregivers nationwide through Marsha’s Law.

After being told he would need multiple joint replacements and live with chronic pain, Daniel Esposito refused to accept that fate. Through years of relentless research and experimentation, he transformed his health and became a national champion athlete. In this episode, he shares the mindset, sci…

Graham Robinson shares his powerful journey of overcoming childhood trauma and the long-lasting impact it had on his life, relationships, and identity. Through personal experience and professional insight, he explains how unresolved pain can shape behavior and why healing is possible at any age. Th…

Jim Ebert shares his journey from legendary music producer to founder of Cancer Can Rock, a nonprofit helping cancer patients record their final songs. As a 25-year brain cancer survivor, Jim brings a deeply personal perspective on life, music, and legacy. This episode is a powerful reminder of wha…

Amy Dickens shares her powerful journey from social anxiety, burnout, and fear into a life driven by joy, play, and purpose. Through van life, global travel, and bold personal growth, she discovered that joy isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you practice. This episode will inspire you to …

Reed Davis, founder of Functional Diagnostic Nutrition, joins Rich Bennett to explain why most health systems chase symptoms instead of addressing root causes. Drawing from decades of experience and thousands of lab analyses, Reed shares his frameworks for identifying hidden health stressors and re…

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…

Irina Shehovsov shares her journey from emotional exhaustion and single motherhood to becoming a bestselling author, speaker, and podcaster. After hitting a breaking point, she chose personal growth over survival mode and rebuilt her life from the inside out. This conversation explores healing unwo…

What happens when a marriage looks perfect on the outside but intimacy quietly disappears? Xanet Pailet shares her journey from a 26-year sexless marriage to becoming a leading intimacy and emotional safety coach. This honest, eye-opening conversation dives into communication, emotional connection,…

In this powerful solo episode, Rich dives into the art of showing up for others even when it costs you time, comfort, or convenience. He shares personal reflections as a Marine Corps veteran, husband, father, and business owner about why real relationships are built in the uncomfortable moments. Th…

Jenny C. Cohen shares an unforgettable journey of resilience—surviving breast cancer, navigating family trauma, and using dance as a powerful path to healing and embodiment. From elite performance stages to the hardest moments of motherhood, Jenny reveals how reconnecting to your body can restore h…

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…

Tony DeMaio, founder of Helping Heroes USA, joins Rich Bennett for a deeply moving conversation about veteran suicide prevention, compassion, and the power of human connection. Tony shares real warning signs, practical ways anyone can help, and the incredible role his service dog Coco Bear plays in…

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…

Screens are everywhere, but at what cost to our families, our kids, and our joy?In this powerful conversation, Rich Bennett sits down with S. S. Coulter to explore how families can reclaim heart, mind, and joy in a screen-filled world.S. S. Coulter is an author, joy coach, and the creator of…