Nonprofit Episodes

Rich sits down with award-winning author and nationally recognized financial educator Matt Paradise to explore “whole-health wealth”—the blend of practical money skills, mindset, and healing. Matt shares his path from homelessness and addiction to 20 years in nonprofit credit counseling, his battle with cholangiocarcinoma, and the tools anyone can use to lower anxiety, get out of debt, and build a purposeful life. Listeners walk away with real-world frameworks for budgeting, credit repair, and changing the money stories that keep them stuck.  Sponsored by Elite Power Washing

Madison shares a raw, hopeful journey from early mental-health struggles and a fast-progressing opioid addiction to a total life turnaround—sparked by accountability, treatment, and the Harford County Drug Court. Now clean since March 5, 2021, she leads at Pyramid Healthcare and pours her energy into helping others recover. This conversation shows why recovery is possible—and why purpose and community matter.  Sponsored by Rage Against Addiction

Elizabeth Kipp spent 40 years in chronic pain and 31 years on prescribed opioids and benzodiazepines—including fentanyl—until a pain-management track at the Betty Ford Center in 2013 catalyzed a complete turnaround. In this conversation, she unpacks the mind-body nature of chronic pain, the practical role of 12-Step recovery, yoga, breathwork, prayer/ancestral clearing, and the simple relapse-prevention principle that changed everything: staying in personal integrity. Listeners get a hopeful blueprint that blends science and spirituality with concrete next steps.  Sponsored by Rage Against Addiction

In this powerful “12 Days of Hope” conversation, Mallory traces her journey from early family turmoil and teen substance use to a heroin “aha” moment, intimate partner violence, and the hard climb back—culminating in nearly 12 years of sobriety (since Nov 23, 2013). Now working in behavioral health and deeply involved with local nonprofits, she shares the decisions, resources, and support that helped her become the mother and community advocate she is today. Listeners will hear raw honesty, practical hope, and the reminder that recovery is possible.  Sponsored by Rage Against Addiction

Karen, a self-described “not-the-typical addict,” shares how a neck injury and prescribed opioids spiraled into secrecy, debt, and withdrawal—until she chose help, called her doctor, and walked into her first NA meeting. She explains how control, trauma, sponsors, and step work shaped 21 years pill-free, the detour into alcohol, and the moment she finally said out loud, “I’m an alcoholic.” It’s a candid, practical blueprint for anyone wondering what recovery programs actually do—and why they save lives.  Sponsored by Rage Against Addiction

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

Shelby shares a raw, unfiltered recovery story—how workaholism, untreated mental health, and an old pain-pill pathway led to relapse after four clean years, and how community and structure helped her rebuild. She walks us through Daughters House, intense anxiety, and eventually stepping up to help other women as a 3.1 house manager. It’s a powerful listen about grief, grace, and the practical tools that keep recovery going one day at a time.  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

In this Podathon For Recovery episode, Evie shares an extraordinary 44-year sobriety story—beginning with childhood trauma in post-war Austria, prescription drug misuse after a 1973 car accident, and the moment a newspaper listing led her to AA and a new life. She later sought help for sex addiction, moved to Los Angeles in 1982 for deeper recovery, and now helps clients as a coach and hypnotherapist. It’s a candid, hopeful conversation about breaking cycles, choosing healing, and why support programs still save lives.  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

In this kickoff to the 12 Days of Hope Podathon, Rich Bennett sits down with Wendy Beck, founder and executive director of Rage Against Addiction. Wendy shares the deeply personal story behind starting the nonprofit and how it now operates three sober-living homes for women, providing safe housing, structure, and long-term recovery support. This episode highlights the real challenges, victories, and why community support is critical in breaking the cycle of addiction.  Sponsored by Rage Against Addiction

On Overdose Awareness Day, Rich Bennett and co-host Wendy Beck sit down with Mandolyne Eleazar for a courageous conversation about the life and loss of her 18-year-old son, Jovanni, to fentanyl toxicity. Mandolyne shares what helped, what didn’t, and why harm reduction, family therapy, and speaking our loved ones’ names matter. It’s a raw, hopeful listen for anyone navigating grief, stigma, or the realities of teen addiction.  Sponsored by Rage Against Addiction

Since this episode was recorded, it is with great sadness that I found out that Dan Steffensen passed away on July 26, 2025. Obituary information for Dan Steffensen Award-winning author and professor A.J. Otjen joins Rich to unpack “Burned Over,” the true story of Montana firefighter Dan Steffensen, who survived a 60-foot wall of fire and an agonizing road to recovery. They explore Red Lodge’s “summer of hell,” the honor guard, the nurses and burn survivors who rallied behind Dan, and the hard-won lessons about asking for help, resilience, and community. It’s a raw, human look at survival—and why first responders deserve our deepest respect.

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.

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 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 Four Seasons Landscape & Construction Services In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with Maria Chapman, a remarkable entrepreneur and advocate. Despite battling rare neuromuscular conditions, Maria rebuilt her life through writing and founded Connected Ghostwriting. She shares how she transformed personal challenges into a thriving business and now helps disabled entrepreneurs find their own paths to success.

Sponsored by Daniel McGhee and The Victory Team Mental health advocate, author, and speaker Carolyn Sophia Skowron joins Rich Bennett to share her raw and powerful journey from childhood bullying and a life-changing diagnosis to surviving a traumatic car accident and becoming a voice for hope and healing. In this deeply moving conversation, Carolyn opens up about her book Unbreakable, her coping techniques, and how she’s using her voice—literally and figuratively—to save lives and spread awareness.

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.