Conversations with Rich Bennett

Former bartender and opiate addict Eric Turney hit multiple rock bottoms, including jail and failed treatment attempts, before a surprise wake up call changed everything. When he and his partner learned they were expecting their first child, Eric decided he was done burning bridges. He got serious about 12 step recovery and took a chance on a new life as an entry level sales rep at a small promotional products company. Today, Eric is the President and Sales and Marketing Director of The Monterey Company, a custom branded merch company founded in 1989 that creates premium challenge coins, lapel pins, belt buckles, hats, apparel, and more for brands like Google, Amazon, Target, Bentley, Lions Clubs, military units, and local organizations. After the founder offered employees the chance to buy the business, Eric and his partners stepped up and took it over. In this conversation, Eric and I dig into his journey through addiction and recovery, how he rebuilt his life and career, and why he believes high quality merch beats cheap “trash trinkets” every time. We talk challenge coins and club pins, wild custom projects like Bentley letter openers and ultra marathon belt buckles, the surprising subculture of lapel pin collectors, and how smart SEO and retargeting help The Monterey Company stand out in a noisy world. We also get hungry talking barbecue, smoked salmon, oysters, and crab mac and cheese, and we close with Eric sharing what people often get wrong when they look at his life now and why mentoring others in recovery has become a powerful form of therapy. If you care about second chances, small business, or branding that actually means something, you are going to Send us a text Join us in spreading holiday cheer and making a child's Christmas magical! Agape Projects is hosting a special fundraising drive for our annual Toy Run, aiming to brighten the lives of children in need. Your generous contribution will help us bring joy and laughter to little hearts this holiday season. Together, let's make a difference and create unforgettable memories for the children in our community. https://harfordcountyhealth.com Your Pet AuPair Doing It for the Sits & Wiggles! At Your Pet AuPair our mission is to give your pets the same Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media: Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | Facebook Twitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennett TikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok Sponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills: Hosted on Buzzsprout SquadCast Subscribe by Email

Author and artist Lara Luna never planned on becoming the “angel number lady” in her Florida 55+ trailer park. After years of painting and working as a mobile home agent, she hit a breaking point and started asking bigger questions about why she was here and what she was meant to do. A trip into hidden caves in Lecanto, Florida, where she found 444 and 111 spray painted on the walls, sent her down a rabbit hole of synchronicities, angel numbers, and a full-on spiritual awakening. In this episode, Lara joins Rich to talk about her memoir Trailer Park Angel and the podcast of the same name, where trailer park drama, spiritual signs, and everyday humor collide. She shares how numbers like 444, 555, 666, and 11:11 helped her move out of a fear-based belief system, how her book helped a depressed neighbor feel less alone and protected, and why she believes we never really die. You will also hear hilarious stories about gnome-filled lawns, Captain Crunch the one-eyed alligator, and the “banana economy” where neighbors drop off fruit right before asking for a big favor. Lara also opens up about her automatic writing practice, channeling messages she later validated through multiple AI programs, and why her next book may be the most important thing she will ever publish. Along the way, she and Rich reflect on authenticity, not giving your power away, and what it means to live in a world where people truly show up for one another. If you need a dose of laughter, hope, and proof that you are more guided than you realize, this conversation is for you. Connect with Lara: Website: https://laralunacreations.com Book: Send us a text Join us in spreading holiday cheer and making a child's Christmas magical! Agape Projects is hosting a special fundraising drive for our annual Toy Run, aiming to brighten the lives of children in need. Your generous contribution will help us bring joy and laughter to little hearts this holiday season. Together, let's make a difference and create unforgettable memories for the children in our community. https://harfordcountyhealth.com Richardson Farms Locally grown produce, flowers, fresh rotisserie chicken, specialty food items, and more! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media: Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | Facebook Twitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennett TikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok Sponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills: Hosted on Buzzsprout SquadCast Subscribe by Email

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 Counseling and co-founder of Pebbles Throw Consulting, to dig into what real trauma-informed care looks like in everyday life and at work. Jennifer breaks down why mental health has long been seen as a “character flaw,” how social media encourages self-diagnosis and labels, and why there is a big difference between a tough season and a clinical condition. She shares the origin story of Harford Counseling, explains how trauma and substance use are intertwined, and talks about the importance of treating people as whole human beings rather than separating “mental health,” “addiction,” and “life problems” into different boxes. The conversation then shifts into the workplace. Jennifer introduces concierge behavioral health, a new arm of Harford Counseling that reimagines traditional employee assistance. She explains how trauma-informed leadership, psychological safety, and simple, consistent practices can improve retention, reduce conflict, and help people actually want to show up and do their best work. If you are a leader, a parent, a helping professional, or simply someone who wants to better understand your own mental health, this episode will give you language, perspective, and hope. Learn more about Jennifer and her team: HarfordCounseling.com Send us a text Join us in spreading holiday cheer and making a child's Christmas magical! Agape Projects is hosting a special fundraising drive for our annual Toy Run, aiming to brighten the lives of children in need. Your generous contribution will help us bring joy and laughter to little hearts this holiday season. Together, let's make a difference and create unforgettable memories for the children in our community. https://harfordcountyhealth.com Support the show Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media: Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | Facebook Twitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennett TikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok Sponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills: Hosted on Buzzsprout SquadCast Subscribe by Email

What happens when a neurologist spends more than 30 years not just treating the brain, but really listening to the person behind the diagnosis? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Carolyn Larkin Taylor, a board certified neurologist and author of Whispers of the Mind: A Neurologist’s Memoir. Carolyn shares stories from the exam room and the bedside that will move you, challenge you, and restore some faith in what medicine can look like when compassion leads the way. We talk about her journey from optometrist to neurologist, why MS and Parkinson’s patients hold a special place in her heart, and how treatments for these conditions have changed over the years. Carolyn also opens up about the pressures of corporatized medicine, medical gaslighting, and the burnout many doctors are feeling as insurance and billing rules pull them away from real human connection. One of the most powerful parts of this conversation is the story of Prancer, the golden retriever therapy dog who worked by Carolyn’s side for 14 years and comforted patients in ways medicine never could. We also explore addiction, end of life decisions, and the neurologic illnesses that affected her own family. If you have ever felt dismissed as a patient, know someone living with a neurologic condition, or just want to hear stories of courage and humanity in healthcare, this is an episode worth your time. Listen in, share it with a friend, and check out Whispers of the Mind to dive even deeper into Carolyn’s stories. Send us a text Join us in spreading holiday cheer and making a child's Christmas magical! Agape Projects is hosting a special fundraising drive for our annual Toy Run, aiming to brighten the lives of children in need. Your generous contribution will help us bring joy and laughter to little hearts this holiday season. Together, let's make a difference and create unforgettable memories for the children in our community. https://harfordcountyhealth.com Serenity Salt Spa Serenity Salt Spa is the 1st Himalayan Salt Therapy & Wellness Spa to come to Harford County, Maryla Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media: Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | Facebook Twitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennett TikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok Sponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills: Hosted on Buzzsprout SquadCast Subscribe by Email

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, podcast appearances, and the surprising ways his story has made an impact. Damian also gives a first look at his next book, Recovering Out Loud, a hybrid of storytelling and workbook-style exercises designed to help readers navigate the recovery journey. He explains why Pink Cloud Syndrome needs more attention, how community support shaped his healing, and why he’s now pushing himself into new creative and outreach opportunities. From humor and honesty to deep reflection, this episode highlights the courage it takes to speak openly about recovery and the power of helping just one person at the right moment. Send us a text Join us in spreading holiday cheer and making a child's Christmas magical! Agape Projects is hosting a special fundraising drive for our annual Toy Run, aiming to brighten the lives of children in need. Your generous contribution will help us bring joy and laughter to little hearts this holiday season. Together, let's make a difference and create unforgettable memories for the children in our community. https://harfordcountyhealth.com Chesapeake Podcast Network CPN (Chesapeake Podcast Network) is a collection of podcasts that are somehow tied to the Chesapeake Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media: Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | Facebook Twitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennett TikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok Sponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills: Hosted on Buzzsprout SquadCast Subscribe by Email

Author Claudine Marcin returns to Conversations with Rich Bennett, and this episode goes places. From real-life ghost encounters that shaped her horror novels to the research behind The Owl Witch, Claudine offers a fascinating look into her storytelling process. We dig into folklore, the craft of building fear, and even how historical journal entries helped bring her characters to life. But that’s only half of it. Claudine also opens up about her adventures in modern online dating—complete with catfishing, red flags, unsolicited photos, and stories wild enough to inspire her upcoming smut/romance novel. With Kayla cohosting, this episode is equal parts spooky, hilarious, and brutally honest. If you enjoy horror, folklore, writing, dating stories, or just great conversation, you’ll love this one. Learn more about Claudine and her books at ClaudineMarcin.com. Send us a text Join us in spreading holiday cheer and making a child's Christmas magical! Agape Projects is hosting a special fundraising drive for our annual Toy Run, aiming to brighten the lives of children in need. Your generous contribution will help us bring joy and laughter to little hearts this holiday season. Together, let's make a difference and create unforgettable memories for the children in our community. https://harfordcountyhealth.com CleverCat Marketing Dreams shouldn't cost a fortune, budget should never be a barrier! We focus on YOU & create killer c Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media: Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | Facebook Twitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennett TikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok Sponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills: Hosted on Buzzsprout SquadCast Subscribe by Email

In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with Dr. Christiane Schroeter — TEDx speaker, university professor, entrepreneur, bestselling author, and host of the Happy Healthy Hustle podcast. Christiane shares her Petite Practice method and breaks down how small, intentional steps can create massive personal and professional change. Rich and Christiane dive into confidence, clarity, mindset, and the realities of building a business without feeding the overwhelm. From teaching more than 10,000 students to launching a top-ranked podcast, Christiane brings humor, heart, and practical strategy that entrepreneurs, creators, and dreamers can put into action immediately. They also explore cultural stories, cookies, German baking, vulnerability, TEDx insights, and why consistency is the real engine behind long-term success. Whether you're starting a business, launching a podcast, or simply trying to grow with more intention, this episode offers tools, perspective, and inspiration to help you move forward with purpose. Sponsored by Freedom Federal Credit Union. Visit freedomfcu.org to learn how they support local businesses and community growth. Send us a text Join us in spreading holiday cheer and making a child's Christmas magical! Agape Projects is hosting a special fundraising drive for our annual Toy Run, aiming to brighten the lives of children in need. Your generous contribution will help us bring joy and laughter to little hearts this holiday season. Together, let's make a difference and create unforgettable memories for the children in our community. https://harfordcountyhealth.com Freedom Federal Credit Union HELPING YOU REACH YOUR FINANCIAL DREAMS Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media: Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | Facebook Twitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennett TikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok Sponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills: Hosted on Buzzsprout SquadCast Subscribe by Email

What if the real issue isn’t that you’re broken, but that you’ve been convinced you are? In this conversation, psychiatrist and “Undoctor” Dr. Fred Moss challenges everything we’ve been taught about mental health. After nearly 40 years working in hospitals, prisons, clinics, and community settings, Fred came to a bold conclusion: most people don’t need more labels or more medication — they need to be heard, seen, and connected. Fred shares why so many of us cling to diagnoses, how psychiatric labels quietly become identities, and why medications often create the same symptoms they claim to treat. He explains the exhaustion of pretending to be someone else just to fit in, how school systems train us to silence our authentic selves, and why creativity is one of the most powerful healing tools we have. From anxiety and depression to social media overload and the myth of “normal,” this episode dives deep into what it really means to be human in a chaotic world. We also explore Fred’s Undoctor Reset community, his work at DrFred360.com, and the idea that connection is the most potent medicine ever discovered. If you’ve ever questioned the stories you’ve been told about mental health — or the ones you’ve told yourself — this conversation may shift the way you see your life, your struggles, and your potential. Send us a text Join us in spreading holiday cheer and making a child's Christmas magical! Agape Projects is hosting a special fundraising drive for our annual Toy Run, aiming to brighten the lives of children in need. Your generous contribution will help us bring joy and laughter to little hearts this holiday season. Together, let's make a difference and create unforgettable memories for the children in our community. https://harfordcountyhealth.com Support the show Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media: Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | Facebook Twitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennett TikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok Sponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills: Hosted on Buzzsprout SquadCast Subscribe by Email

Recorded live at the Edgewood American Legion Post 17, this powerful community conversation brings together a panel of mental health experts, advocates, and leaders to confront the realities so many people are struggling with—but rarely talk about. Moderated by Ronya Nassar from the Harford County Health Department, this episode explores stigma, fear, youth anxiety, addiction, the impact of social media, cultural barriers, and the unique mental health challenges facing veterans and first responders. You’ll hear raw, honest insights from professionals who work on the front lines every day—supporting children, families, people in recovery, and veterans navigating trauma. They break down misconceptions, share what they’re seeing in Harford County and beyond, and offer practical advice for approaching loved ones who are struggling. From understanding how anxiety shows up in the body to recognizing early warning signs, the panel delivers guidance that’s compassionate, clear, and grounded in real experience. A major theme woven throughout the discussion is connection—being willing to listen, being willing to check in, and being willing to “be the one” someone can reach out to in a moment of crisis. You’ll also hear difficult but important conversations about youth self-diagnosis on TikTok, the growing emotional toll of overstimulation and isolation, and the urgent need for more accessible, culturally competent mental health services across our communities. This episode is full of encouragement and hope. You’ll be reminded that healing is possible, no one is alone, and the simple act of showing up for someone can change everything. Whether you’re a parent, veteran, educato Send us a text Join us in spreading holiday cheer and making a child's Christmas magical! Agape Projects is hosting a special fundraising drive for our annual Toy Run, aiming to brighten the lives of children in need. Your generous contribution will help us bring joy and laughter to little hearts this holiday season. Together, let's make a difference and create unforgettable memories for the children in our community. https://harfordcountyhealth.com Harford County Health Department To protect, promote, and improve the health, safety, and environment of Harford County residents. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media: Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | Facebook Twitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennett TikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok Sponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills: Hosted on Buzzsprout SquadCast Subscribe by Email

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 big environmental impact. It’s a conversation filled with awe, purpose, and a reminder that nature’s magic often begins right outside your window. Sponsored by Richardson Farms Guest Bio: · Donna Thompson — A dedicated monarch advocate and backyard conservationist who has inspired countless others to plant milkweed, protect pollinators, and join the movement to restore monarch populations. · Friends of Donna Thompson — Fellow monarch enthusiasts who share practical advice, personal stories, and deep passion for protecting these iconic butterflies through hands-on education and community engagement. Main Topics: · The story behind Donna Thompson’s monarch rescue journey · Raising caterpillars responsibly: how to collect, feed, and release them · Why milkweed matters — native vs. tropical species · Common threats to monarchs: pesticides, predators, and habitat loss · What the migration really looks like on the East Coast · How individuals and communities can help protect monarchs · Inspiring kids and neighbors to join the conservation movement Resources mentioned: · Milkweed species: swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), butterfly Send us a text Join us in spreading holiday cheer and making a child's Christmas magical! Agape Projects is hosting a special fundraising drive for our annual Toy Run, aiming to brighten the lives of children in need. Your generous contribution will help us bring joy and laughter to little hearts this holiday season. Together, let's make a difference and create unforgettable memories for the children in our community. https://harfordcountyhealth.com Richardson Farms Locally grown produce, flowers, fresh rotisserie chicken, specialty food items, and more! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media: Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | Facebook Twitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennett TikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok Sponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills: Hosted on Buzzsprout SquadCast Subscribe by Email

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 discipline matter, and how practical pathways can lift families and entire communities. A grounded, honest guide for anyone who cares about second chances and real opportunity. Sponsored by Daniel McGhee and the Victory Team Guest Bio: Cory V. McCray is a Maryland State Senator, husband, and father of four who completed an IBEW Local 24 electrical apprenticeship before launching a career in business and public service. He’s the author of The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life and serves as a business agent and vice president within his local, championing working families, mentorship, and scalable pathways to the middle class. Main Topics: · How a paid union apprenticeship provides wages, benefits, and schooling without debt. · Discipline, mentors, and “learning to listen” as success multipliers on the job site and in life. · Differences between premier union apprenticeships and other pathways, plus common pitfalls. · Moving from limited exposure to leadership: business owner, union officer, and senator. · Building pipelines for data centers and future infrastructure—and why Maryland needs more tradespeople now. · Recovery, reprogramming habits, and choosing environments that support growth. · Send us a text Join us in spreading holiday cheer and making a child's Christmas magical! Agape Projects is hosting a special fundraising drive for our annual Toy Run, aiming to brighten the lives of children in need. Your generous contribution will help us bring joy and laughter to little hearts this holiday season. Together, let's make a difference and create unforgettable memories for the children in our community. https://harfordcountyhealth.com The Victory Team LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL A HOME Go with the Agent that was voted Harford’s Best & won the Harford Cou Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media: Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | Facebook Twitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennett TikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok Sponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills: Hosted on Buzzsprout SquadCast Subscribe by Email

Energy healer and spiritual teacher Cheryl Stelte joins Rich to unpack why so many high-achieving women feel stuck even when life looks “successful” on the outside. From her Vancouver Island spiritual awakening to her Azarius Energy Healing method and “receive what’s offered” practice, Cheryl explains how early-rooted wounds, especially around the throat chakra, block fulfillment—and how to release them. You’ll hear practical tools, powerful stories, and a life-changing exercise to make better decisions now by asking what will matter on your deathbed. Sponsored by Harford County Health Department Guest Bio: Cheryl Stelte is a spiritual coach, author, and founder of Star of Divine Light, known for her Azarius Energy Healing system and chakra readings. Drawing from her own transformation—from divorce and depression to deep spiritual work—she helps purpose-driven leaders clear subconscious blocks, reclaim their voice, and step into authentic, soul-aligned success. Main Topics: · The Vancouver Island moment: a direct experience of divine connection that redirected Cheryl’s life and work. · Why success ≠ fulfillment: the “plateau” where nothing works like it used to—because deeper wounds are surfacing to be healed. · Root → Throat: how early conditioning (even in the womb) creates a throat-chakra bottleneck that stifles voice, visibility, and receiving. · The receive practice: hand on heart, “Thank you, I receive that,” breathe it in—rewiring overgiving and people-pleasing. · Azarius Send us a text Join us in spreading holiday cheer and making a child's Christmas magical! Agape Projects is hosting a special fundraising drive for our annual Toy Run, aiming to brighten the lives of children in need. Your generous contribution will help us bring joy and laughter to little hearts this holiday season. Together, let's make a difference and create unforgettable memories for the children in our community. https://harfordcountyhealth.com Harford County Health Department To protect, promote, and improve the health, safety, and environment of Harford County residents. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media: Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | Facebook Twitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennett TikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok Sponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills: Hosted on Buzzsprout SquadCast Subscribe by Email

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 communities and an emergency shelter, Diana lays out practical, community-powered solutions anyone can help with. It’s a hopeful, action-oriented conversation about turning compassion into infrastructure. Sponsored by Freedom Federal Credit Union Guest Bio: Diana Liberto Grove is the co-founder of Shifting Gears, a Maryland-based nonprofit focused on helping foster youth (16–25) build independence through life skills, education, employment, housing support, and community. A longtime Harford County high-school teacher and foster/adoptive mom, Diana creates safe spaces and trusted relationships that carry teens into adulthood—with programs like tutoring, Sunday dinners, creative outlets, and career readiness. Main Topics: · Diana’s path into fostering teens and adopting (why teens need homes, trust, and consistency) · The birth of Shifting Gears and its focus on ages 16–25 (in-care to independence) · Current programs: Sunday dinners, book club, tutoring, driver’s ed partnership, creative/skills shop plans · The big vision: tiny-home community, adult “boys & girls club” space, and an emergency shelter · Fundraising and volunteers: board needs, background checks, care closet, and in-kind skills (plumbing, design, tutoring, etc.) · Hard realities & hope: outcomes after aging Send us a text Join us in spreading holiday cheer and making a child's Christmas magical! Agape Projects is hosting a special fundraising drive for our annual Toy Run, aiming to brighten the lives of children in need. Your generous contribution will help us bring joy and laughter to little hearts this holiday season. Together, let's make a difference and create unforgettable memories for the children in our community. https://harfordcountyhealth.com Freedom Federal Credit Union HELPING YOU REACH YOUR FINANCIAL DREAMS Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media: Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | Facebook Twitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennett TikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok Sponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills: Hosted on Buzzsprout SquadCast Subscribe by Email

Author and recovery advocate Dennis “D.J.” Quinn joins Rich to share a deeply human mentoring journey—from Big Brothers Big Sisters to a 13-year bond with “Mike,” a foster-adopted child whose life was later upended by severe mental illness. Dennis unpacks how “just showing up” can anchor a life, the hard hospital visits, the gratitude that birthed his memoir Stick Figures, and why mentorship and recovery work still matter today. Guest Bio: Dennis “D.J.” Quinn is an author, longtime mentor, and recovery advocate. Raised in Montana and a former Northwest Airlines flight attendant for 26 years, he has spent decades volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters and bringing recovery meetings into juvenile detention centers. He lives in Gig Harbor, Washington, and is the author of Stick Figures, a memoir honoring his 13-year mentoring journey with Mike. Main Topics: · Growing up in Montana: big family values, faith, and community · 26 years as a flight attendant: exposure to diverse lives and cultures · Big Brothers Big Sisters: first match, what real mentorship looks like · Meeting Mike: foster care, disability, progress—and the onset of mental illness · Hospitalizations and hard days: “ministry of presence” and boundaries · Writing Stick Figures: the calendar drawings that became a memoir · Inclusion in mentoring: local BBBS policy change and why it mattered · Recovery work with incarcerated teens: hope, honesty, and resources · Gratitude and “a lucky life”: what Mike taught Dennis (and us) · How to start mentoring or volunteering—time, commitment, payoff Resources mentioned: · Dennis “D.J.” Quinn — Website: djquinnauthor.com (signed copies available) · Dennis “D.J.” Quinn — Books: Stick Figures (also on Amazon) · Big Brothers Big Sisters (one-to-one youth mentoring) · Boys & Girls Club (youth development, group-based) · Places/notes referenced: Northwest Airlines, Disneyland, juvenile detention programming · Supporter: Full Circle Boards · Supporter: Sincerely Sawyer Photography Send us a text https://harfordcountyhealth.com Support the show Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media: Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | Facebook Twitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennett TikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok Sponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills: Hosted on Buzzsprout SquadCast Subscribe by Email

What happens when addiction talks back—and you answer? Dr. Larry Smith, author of Johnnie and Me: Facing the Voice of Alcohol Within, shares how he personified alcohol as “Johnnie,” survived decades of trauma and dependency, and built a daily plan that’s kept him sober since 1999. He also previews his forthcoming novel 2084: The Neuroxone Conspiracy, a medical-thriller riff on Big Pharma, recovery, and personal freedom—making this a raw, hopeful, and deeply human conversation worth hearing. Sponsored by Harford County Living Guest Bio: Dr. Larry Smith is a Canadian chiropractor, author, and recovery advocate who has been sober since September 22, 1999. His memoir Johnnie and Me personifies alcohol as “Johnnie,” the voice that misled him from age 11 until recovery, while his earlier book Embracing the Journey of Recovery opened doors for public speaking and community outreach. A former Ironman triathlete, Larry now writes, speaks, and mentors others in long-term recovery; his upcoming medical-thriller, 2084: The Neuroxone Conspiracy, explores addiction, industry, and choice. Main Topics: · Personifying addiction as “Johnnie” and why naming the voice matters · First drunk at age 11; secrecy, trauma, and trust · Relapse risk and the “daily plan” for long-term recovery (journaling, meditation, meals, exercise, connection, honest feedback) · Meetings and connection: why frequency can change, but community matters · Alcohol plus pills (opiates/benzos): compounding risks and lucky survival · 12 Steps in plain language and alternatives beyond 12-step frameworks · Faith, surrender, and releasing attachment to outcomes · Writing as healing; moving from hiding to radical honesty · Johnnie and Me and Embracing the Journey of Recovery: messages of hope · Preview of 2084: The Neuroxone Conspiracy—a dystopian medical-thriller about recovery, pharma, and mandated treatments Resources mentioned: · Books by guest: · Johnnie and Me: Facing the Voice of Alcohol Within (memoir) · Embracing the Journey o Send us a text https://harfordcountyhealth.com Support the show Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media: Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | Facebook Twitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennett TikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok Sponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills: Hosted on Buzzsprout SquadCast Subscribe by Email

Rapper, producer, and entrepreneur Robert “B-Cide” Cardillo joins Rich to share the raw story behind his memoir, Myelin My Shoes—from underground tours and handing out mixtapes to launching a streetwear brand from a wheelchair after an MS diagnosis at 28. He breaks down how creativity became therapy, what the music business really teaches you, and why he refuses to let chronic illness define the art—or the hustle. If you need proof that purpose outlasts pain, this one’s for you. Sponsored by Daniel McGhee and the Victory Team Guest Bio: Robert “B-Cide” Cardillo is a New York–based rapper, producer, and entrepreneur known for his gritty underground catalog, collaborations with cult-favorite acts tied to the Insane Clown Posse scene, and his 55 Strong streetwear brand. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at 28, he chronicles the journey in his memoir Myelin My Shoes and continues creating—releasing new music, narrating his audiobook, and building businesses that turn resilience into a platform. Main Topics: · Early underground days: mixtapes, DIY touring, and creative freedom · MS at 28: symptoms, diagnosis, and navigating good vs. poor care · Music as therapy: writing through anger, grief, and isolation · From stage heat to new rules: adapting performance and goals with MS · Branding & entrepreneurship: 55 Strong origin and product design · Bookmaking with AI help: editing workflow and audiobook narration · Industry realities: politics in music, why authenticity matters · New ventures with his father: helping businesses avoid political pitfalls · Advice for dreamers facing fear or chronic illness: “Do it—don’t wait.” Resources mentioned: · Robert’s site & merch: b-cide.com · Book: Myelin My Shoes (audiobook narrated by Robert) · Music: B-Cide on Send us a text https://harfordcountyhealth.com The Victory Team LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL A HOME Go with the Agent that was voted Harford’s Best & won the Harford Cou Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media: Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | Facebook Twitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennett TikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok Sponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills: Hosted on Buzzsprout SquadCast Subscribe by Email

Retired FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Gina L. Osborn takes us from Cold War counterintelligence in Europe to leading one of the largest FBI cyber & counterterrorism programs in Los Angeles—including the response to the 2014 Sony Pictures hack. She shares how “Maverick moves” and servant leadership shaped her teams, why she blew the whistle at LA Metro, and what it really takes to break barriers in male-dominated fields. If you want real-world lessons on courage, culture, and leading through crisis, this one delivers. Sponsored by American Auto Repair Guest Bio: Gina L. Osborn is a retired FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge and former U.S. Army counterintelligence special agent. She led major organized crime, counterterrorism, and cyber operations in Southern California (including the Sony hack response), later serving as Chief Safety & Security Officer at LA Metro. Gina is a TEDx speaker, leadership mentor, and host of the Making Maverick Moves podcast, where she champions bold, authentic leadership. Main Topics: · Cold War origins: Army counterintelligence, undercover work across Europe · Transition to the FBI: Little Saigon organized crime → post-9/11 counterterrorism · Building/leading cyber squads; responding to the Sony Pictures (2014) attack · Evolving from “lead from the front” to servant leadership for technical teams · LA Metro chapter: contracts, accountability, getting fired—then public advocacy that sparked change · Defining “Maverick moves”: the door metaphor, deciding which hills are worth it · Women in leadership: rewriting the stories we tell ourselves; ignoring “they” · Public speaking/TEDx: preparation, constraints (memorization, “stay on the X”), and takeaways · Rebranding a show: Lead Like a Lady → Making Maverick Moves and audience shifts · Mentorship legacy; longevity and caring for the future you (shout-out to Gina’s mom) Resources mentioned: · Send us a text https://harfordcountyhealth.com American Auto Repair Sales & Services American Auto Repair & Performance was founded on the basic idea that everyone deserves respect. It Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media: Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | Facebook Twitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennett TikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok Sponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills: Hosted on Buzzsprout SquadCast Subscribe by Email

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 run a flexible event space on the water in Joppatowne. If you care about local entrepreneurship, food businesses, and community-powered growth, this one’s packed with practical insights. Sponsored by Four Seasons Landscape & Construction Services Guest Bio: Brittany Russin Smith is the founder of The Hive at Rumsey (a licensed commissary kitchen and event space) and co-owner of The Honey Loft, an upstairs waterfront venue in Joppatowne, MD. A former government contractor and Maryland State Police employee, she pivoted during 2020 from hot cocoa bombs and cottage-food baking into running a multi-vendor kitchen that supports caterers, food trucks, and pop-up events—all with a mission to help small businesses thrive. Main Topics: · What a commissary kitchen is and why Harford County needed one · Brittany’s path: government contracting → state police → entrepreneurship · 2020 cottage-food beginnings (hot cocoa bombs) and spark to build The Hive · Launching The Honey Loft: micro-wedding giveaway → full venue · Capacity & layout: indoor/outdoor options, lawn by the water, roundtables · Vendor ecosystem & collaboration (caterers, food trucks, charcuterie, desserts) · BYO alcohol rules at private events; staffing bartenders vs. liquor license · Social media hurdles for local businesses and group-posting limits · Future vision: expand kitchen/prep and storage downstairs; events upstairs · Community mentors, family support (shoutout to “Queen Bee” mom) and tattoos that tell the story Resources mentioned: Send us a text BEcome Pampered - The BEcome Project https://harfordcountyhealth.com Four Seasons Landscape & Construction Se While we perform the traditional lawn and landscape bed services, our passion is providing drainage Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media: Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | Facebook Twitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennett TikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok Sponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills: Hosted on Buzzsprout SquadCast Subscribe by Email

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, and why forgiveness is her superpower. Co-host Wendy Beck jumps in with powerful reflections and resources you can use today. Sponsored by Harford County Living Guest Bio: Michelle Taylor is a Baltimore/Harford/Cecil-based life coach and 25-year full-time real estate agent on a mission to help women heal from the inside out. A co-author of the anthology Unstoppable Three, Michelle is launching Repurposed Rising, a movement for women’s inner healing, mentorship, and leadership. Main Topics: · Coaching vs. therapy: action, results, and getting to the root (inner-child work) · Morning & evening routines, journaling, intentions, gratitude, and self-love practices · Meditation visions, motivational speaking, TEDx goals · Five-year vision: Repurposed Rising as a global movement for women · Collaboration & mentorship (Megan; vision boards; Lennox Lewis boxing camp) · Positivity, The Secret, law of attraction, and surrounding yourself well · Forgiveness, boundaries, and “what you allow is what will continue” · Serving girls in schools to build self-love and mental-health resilience early Resources mentioned: · The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron (morning pages, artist dates) · Napoleon Hill (Rich’s classic he’s rereading) · The Secret / Rhonda Byrne (film → book; attraction, mindset) · Unstoppable Three (anthology Michelle co-authored) · TEDx / goal to organize or speak at one locally · Megan (author of Think Big, Act Bold; vision boards in schools; Jamaica; Lennox Lewis camp) · Episode Sponsor: Harford County Living · Supporter: Full Circle Boards Send us a text BEcome Pampered - The BEcome Project https://harfordcountyhealth.com Support the show Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media: Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | Facebook Twitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennett TikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok Sponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills: Hosted on Buzzsprout SquadCast Subscribe by Email

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”), then the co-hosts take the mics for a candid Q&A on growth, recovery impact, and what’s next. Sponsors and local shout-outs abound—this one’s a love letter to Harford County and beyond. Sponsored by Freedom Federal Credit Union, Daniel McGhee & the Victory Team, and Eco-Cool HVAC Guest Bios: · Kristy Breslin – Longtime local media personality and nonprofit amplifier; host with Harford TV/Harford MagaScene who urged Rich to go global and coined “Conversations with Rich Bennett.” · Sensei Sydney Brackins – Head instructor at Empire Dojo; teaches Japanese Jiu-Jitsu with a real-world self-defense focus and “stress inoculation” training; youth leadership mentor. · Brad, Larry & Linda Delbridge – Former owners of Towne Grill & Pub (the original in-person recording hub for the show); community builders who still host paint nights and stayed close to Rich and his family. Main Topics: · How the show started, broke a camera, then became a podcast at Towne Grill & Pub. · Kristy Breslin’s pivotal rebrand advice and nonprofit storytelling mission. · 10-year milestones: top 3% globally, 110+ countries; rarity of hitting 750 episodes. · Sensei Sy Send us a text BEcome Pampered - The BEcome Project https://harfordcountyhealth.com Freedom Federal Credit Union HELPING YOU REACH YOUR FINANCIAL DREAMS The Victory Team LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL A HOME Go with the Agent that was voted Harford’s Best & won the Harford Cou Eco-Cool HVAC YOUR FRIEND IN THE SUMMERS & WINTERS! Heating & Air Conditioning Service and Repair, Furnace & Boil Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media: Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | Facebook Twitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennett TikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok Sponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills: Hosted on Buzzsprout SquadCast Subscribe by Email