Sponsored by Eco-Cool HVAC

 

Step into history with author and retired firefighter Andrew Serra as he joins Rich Bennett to discuss Hell’s Hundred Acres, his gripping novel about the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire. From first responder insight to untold immigrant stories, Andrew brings the tragedy—and its legacy—to life. This powerful conversation reveals why the fire still matters today and how storytelling can spark change.

 

Guest: Andrew Serra

 

Andrew Serra is a retired New York City firefighter and acclaimed author known for his deeply researched historical novels. With firsthand experience in emergency response and a passion for storytelling, Andrew brings history to life through powerful narratives. His latest novel, Hell’s Hundred Acres, explores the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire and its lasting impact on labor laws and fire safety.

 

Main Topics:

 

·         The historical significance of the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

·         How the fire influenced labor laws and fire safety regulations in the U.S.

·         Andrew Serra’s personal connection to the story as a retired NYC firefighter

·         The process of writing Hell’s Hundred Acres as historical fiction

·         Challenges of balancing factual accuracy with storytelling

·         The human impact of the tragedy and the lives behind the statistics

·         Corruption and political context of early 20th-century New York

·         Andrew’s previous books and transition from firefighter to author

·         The emotional toll and therapeutic power

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Emily Adolph and Ona Crow are the co-creators of Nourish & Connect, an event designed to foster meaningful connections in a supportive and empowering environment. NOURISH & CONNECT – The Soul Lift

Eco-Cool HVAC
YOUR FRIEND IN THE SUMMERS & WINTERS!

Heating & Air Conditioning Service and Repair, Furnace & Boil

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Sponsored by Richardson Farms

 

From lacrosse fields to the shelves of Whole Foods, Gregory Vetter’s wild journey took a homemade salad dressing and turned it into a $300M clean food brand—only to lose it all. In this raw and revealing conversation, Greg opens up about bold risks, painful lessons, and what it really takes to build (and rebuild) a dream. If you’re chasing something big, this one’s a must-listen.

 

Guest: Gregory Vetter

 

Gregory Vetter is a pioneering entrepreneur and the co-founder of Tessemae’s, the first Whole30-approved bottled dressing brand that grew into a $300M clean food empire. A former professional lacrosse player turned food industry disruptor, Greg later launched the Fresh Food Company and Homegrown Brand Accelerator. He’s also the author of Undressed: The Unfiltered Story of My Failed American Dream and How It Led to Success, and a passionate speaker on leadership, resilience, and purpose-driven business.

 

Main Topics:

 

·         How Gregory Vetter turned his mother’s salad dressing recipe into a national brand

·         The founding and explosive growth of Tessemae’s in the clean food space

·         Major setbacks, including investor struggles and the collapse of a $300M company

·         The importance of authenticity, grit, and storytelling in entrepreneurship

·         Lessons learned from failure and how they shaped Greg’s next ventures

·         Launching Fresh Food Company and leading large-scale food manufacturing

·         Writing Undressed and why Greg chose to share his raw, unfiltered journey

·         The value of lead

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Emily Adolph and Ona Crow are the co-creators of Nourish & Connect, an event designed to foster meaningful connections in a supportive and empowering environment. NOURISH & CONNECT – The Soul Lift

Richardson Farms
Locally grown produce, flowers, fresh rotisserie chicken, specialty food items, and more!

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Sponsored by Chesapeake Podcast Network

 

In this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, author and wellness advocate Karen Dittman shares her inspiring journey of faith, resilience, and overcoming life’s toughest challenges. From navigating adoption, anxiety, ADHD, autism, and addiction to discovering the power of grace and wellness, Karen opens up about her struggles and triumphs while raising her children and grandchild. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation on finding peace in chaos, trusting God through adversity, and embracing true healing—no matter what obstacles life throws your way.

 

Guest: Karen Dittman

 

Karen Dittman is an author, speaker, and wellness advocate dedicated to helping others navigate life’s toughest challenges through faith, grace, and holistic wellness. With over 25 years of experience, she has faced and overcome the five big A’s—adoption, anxiety, ADHD, autism, and addiction—while raising her children and stepping into the role of parenting a grandchild. She co-authored Thriving in Grace: Unleashing Wellness from a Biblical Perspective with her husband, Michael, offering a roadmap to not just surviving but truly thriving. Passionate about mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, Karen empowers others to embrace transformation, find peace in chaos, and build a life of purpose.

 

Main Topics:

 

·         Karen Dittman’s personal journey through faith, family struggles, and resilience 

·         Overcoming the “five big A’s”: adoption, anxiety, ADHD, autism, and

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Emily Adolph and Ona Crow are the co-creators of Nourish & Connect, an event designed to foster meaningful connections in a supportive and empowering environment. NOURISH & CONNECT – The Soul Lift

Chesapeake Podcast Network
CPN (Chesapeake Podcast Network) is a collection of podcasts that are somehow tied to the Chesapeake

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Sponsored by Window Depot of Baltimore

 

In this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Jessica Morris shares her deeply personal journey of overcoming addiction, childhood trauma, and finding faith. She introduces the concept of personal eschatology—a transformative process of spiritual rebirth—and reveals how hitting rock bottom led her to profound healing. Whether you're seeking inspiration, struggling with faith, or looking for a story of true redemption, this episode is a must-listen.

 

 

Guest: Jessica Morris

 

Jessica Morris is an author, speaker, and advocate for addiction recovery and spiritual transformation. She is the author of Higher Powered: One Woman’s Journey of Personal Eschatology, which explores her path from trauma and addiction to faith and healing. After growing up with an alcoholic, abusive father who was also a minister, Jessica turned away from organized religion and struggled with addiction. Through recovery, seminary studies, and deep self-reflection, she developed the concept of personal eschatology—the idea that true transformation happens when we let go of our old selves and embrace a personal relationship with Jesus. Now, she is on a mission to help others navigate their own journeys of healing and faith.

 

Main Topics:

 

·         Jessica Morris’ Personal Journ

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Emily Adolph and Ona Crow are the co-creators of Nourish & Connect, an event designed to foster meaningful connections in a supportive and empowering environment. NOURISH & CONNECT – The Soul Lift

Window Depot of Baltimore
“Saving America’s Energy, One Home At A Time”

Window Depot of Baltimore is the local family-owned l

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Get ready for a festive deep dive into St. Patrick’s Day—its rich history, surprising myths, and how it became a global celebration! In this episode, Rich Bennett explores the truth behind St. Patrick’s legacy, the legend of the snakes, and why we really wear green. Plus, he shares personal family traditions, heartfelt memories, and the spirit of Irish heritage that makes this day so special. Whether you're Irish by blood or just for the day, this episode is packed with stories, laughs, and a fresh perspective on March 17th!

Main Topics: 

·         The origins of St. Patrick’s Day and its historical significance 

·         The true story of St. Patrick, including his British roots and journey to Ireland 

·         Debunking myths, including the legend of St. Patrick banishing snakes 

·         How St. Patrick’s Day evolved into a worldwide celebration 

·         The role of Irish immigrants in shaping modern St. Patrick’s Day traditions 

·         The meaning behind wearing green and other holiday customs 

·         Rich Bennett’s personal family traditions and how they honor Irish heritage 

·         How Maryland, especially Harford County, celebrates St. Patrick’s Day 

·         The deeper themes of unity, resilience, and cultural pride behind the holiday 

·         A call for listeners to share their own St. Patrick’s Day traditions and experiences

 

Resources mentioned: 

People & Historical Figures Mentioned

• St. Patrick – The patron saint of Ireland
• Rich Bennett’s family members – Mentioned in personal stories

Businesses & Locations

• Looney’s Pub – Mentioned as a local spot celebrating St. Patrick’s Day
• Sean Bolan’s – Another Maryland business referenced for celebrations
• The Dugout – A local dive bar where Rich’s family gathers for St. Patrick’s Day

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Emily Adolph and Ona Crow are the co-creators of Nourish & Connect, an event designed to foster meaningful connections in a supportive and empowering environment. NOURISH & CONNECT – The Soul Lift

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Sponsored by Harford County Health Department

 

In this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, drug prevention expert Ray Lozano shares his deeply personal journey growing up in a family affected by addiction. From witnessing the devastating effects of drugs on his loved ones to dedicating his life to educating youth and parents, Ray delivers eye-opening insights on how to effectively talk to kids about substance abuse. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand addiction, prevention strategies, and the emotional impact of substance use on families.

 

Guest: Ray Lozano

 

Ray Lozano is a nationally recognized drug prevention expert, speaker, and educator with over 30 years of experience. Known for his engaging and humorous approach, Ray has delivered thousands of presentations across the U.S., helping students, parents, and educators understand the science of addiction and how to prevent substance abuse. As the founder of Prevention Plus, he specializes in breaking down complex drug and alcohol topics into relatable, impactful lessons that inspire change.

 

Main Topics:

 

·         Ray Lozano’s personal experience growing up in a family affected by addiction 

·         The emotional and psychological effects of substance abuse on families 

·         How to talk to kids and teens about drugs, alcohol, and vaping 

·         Understanding the brain’s reward system and why addiction is so powerful 

·         The dangers of fentanyl, vaping, and emerging drug trends 

·     

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Emily Adolph and Ona Crow are the co-creators of Nourish & Connect, an event designed to foster meaningful connections in a supportive and empowering environment. NOURISH & CONNECT – The Soul Lift

Harford County Health Department
To protect, promote, and improve the health, safety, and environment of Harford County residents.

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Sponsored by Harford County Living

 

In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Evgeniy Kharam shares powerful insights on overcoming fear and mastering soft skills to succeed in sales—whether in cybersecurity, tech, or any industry. He breaks down how to turn fear into confidence, connect with clients, and win more deals by improving communication. If you want to sell more, present better, and build stronger relationships, this episode is a must-listen!

 

Guest: Evgeniy Kharam

 

Evgeniy Kharam is a renowned cybersecurity consultant, speaker, and author with extensive experience working with major enterprises across Canada, the U.S., and Europe. With a background in technical sales and security architecture, he has mastered the art of bridging complex technical expertise with effective communication and human connection. Evgeniy is the author of Architecting Success: The Art of Soft Skills in Technical Sales, where he shares strategies for simplifying technical concepts, improving sales skills, and building meaningful client relationships. He is also the host of the Cyber Inspiration podcast, where he explores the stories behind cybersecurity startups and innovations.

 

Main Topics:

 

·         Overcoming Fear in Sales – How to shift fear into confidence and use it to your advantage 

·         The Power of Soft Skills – Why communication and relationship-building matter more than ever 

·         Adapting to the Modern Sales Landscape – How technology, AI, and informed buyers are changing sales 

·         Public Speaking and Presentation Tips – Techniques to improve clarity, confidence, and engagement 

·         The Role of Research in Sales – How to prepare for meetings, understand your audience, and build stronger connections 

·         Bridging the Gap Between Technical and Sales Teams – How engineers, cybersecur

Send us a text

Emily Adolph and Ona Crow are the co-creators of Nourish & Connect, an event designed to foster meaningful connections in a supportive and empowering environment. NOURISH & CONNECT – The Soul Lift

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Sponsored by Freedom Federal Credit Union

 

In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, publishing expert Terry Whalin reveals the insider secrets to landing a book deal and navigating the complex world of traditional publishing. With decades of experience as an author, editor, and acquisitions professional, Terry debunks common publishing myths, shares the key mistakes aspiring authors make, and provides actionable strategies to increase your chances of getting published. Whether you're a first-time writer or a seasoned author, this episode is packed with invaluable advice you won’t want to miss!

 

Guests: Terry Whalin

 

Terry Whalin is a seasoned publishing professional, author, and acquisitions editor with decades of experience in the book industry. Having written over 60 books, including bestsellers that have sold over 100,000 copies, Terry has worked with major traditional publishers and understands the ins and outs of getting a book deal. He has also spent 12 years as an acquisitions editor for top New York publishing houses, helping countless authors navigate the path to publication. As the author of 10 Publishing Myths and Book Proposals That Sell, Terry is passionate about educating aspiring writers on how to avoid common mistakes and succeed in the publishing world.

 

Main Topics:

 

·         Breaking Into Traditional Publishing – Terry Whalin shares what it takes to land a book deal and why many aspiring authors struggle. 

·         Common Publishing Myths – Debunking the biggest misconceptions about getting published and what authors need to know. 

·         The Role of Literary Agents

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Emily Adolph and Ona Crow are the co-creators of Nourish & Connect, an event designed to foster meaningful connections in a supportive and empowering environment. NOURISH & CONNECT – The Soul Lift

Freedom Federal Credit Union
HELPING YOU REACH YOUR FINANCIAL DREAMS

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Sponsored by Harford County Living

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!

Guests: Ryan McShane

Ryan McShane is the founder of HR Evolution, a consulting firm specializing in human resources, leadership development, and cultural transformation. With over 20 years of experience spanning the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, Ryan is passionate about helping organizations unlock their full potential through employee engagement, leadership growth, and strategic HR solutions. A past president of the Chesapeake Human Resource Association, he is dedicated to fostering purpose-driven workplaces and empowering individuals to thrive in their careers.

Main Topics:

·         The key principles of building high-performance organizations 

·         How leadership styles impact workplace culture and employee engagement 

·         The shift from traditional management to modern leadership approaches 

·         The role of HR in driving organizational success and transformation 

·         Strategies for improving employee retention and reducing disengagement 

·         How to create a purpose-driven and growth-oriented workplace 

·         The impact of multi-generational workforces and evolving workplace expectations 

·         Lessons from Ryan McShane’s career in HR, leadership, and workforce development 

·       

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Emily Adolph and Ona Crow are the co-creators of Nourish & Connect, an event designed to foster meaningful connections in a supportive and empowering environment. NOURISH & CONNECT – The Soul Lift

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Sponsored by Rage Against Addiction

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.

Guests: Damian & Alicia Bloss

Damian Bloss is an author, recovery advocate, and co-founder of Breaking the Silence, a support group dedicated to helping individuals struggling with addiction and mental health challenges. After battling alcoholism for years and carrying the weight of past trauma, Damian found a path to sobriety and now shares his story to inspire and support others on their journey to recovery. His recently published memoir sheds light on his struggles, resilience, and the power of healing.

Alicia Bloss is a passionate advocate for mental health and addiction recovery, standing alongside her husband, Damian, as they work to support individuals and families impacted by substance abuse. As the co-founder of Breaking the Silence, Alicia brings a unique perspective as a loved one navigating the challenges of addiction. Her dedication to helping others stems from personal experience, and she continues to be a source of strength, encouragement, and hope for those in recovery and their families.

Main Topics:

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Emily Adolph and Ona Crow are the co-creators of Nourish & Connect, an event designed to foster meaningful connections in a supportive and empowering environment. NOURISH & CONNECT – The Soul Lift

Rage Against Addiction
Rage Against Addiction is a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting addicts and their famili

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