Conversations with Rich Bennett

Tony DeMaio, founder of Helping Heroes USA, joins Rich Bennett for one of the most important conversations you will hear this year. Together, they dive into veteran suicide prevention, the warning signs too many people miss, and why connection and compassion save lives.

Tony shares powerful real-world stories, explains how family and friends can become “Support Angels,” and introduces listeners to Coco Bear, the service dog whose instinct for comfort has touched countless veterans and seniors.

This episode is not just for veterans. It is for anyone who wants to better understand mental health, recognize when someone is struggling, and learn how one act of care can truly save a life.

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What if protecting the ocean did not have to come with fear, guilt, or doom and gloom?

In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, marine biologist and podcast host Andrew Lewin shares how storytelling, curiosity, and human connection can inspire real action for ocean conservation. Andrew is the host of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast and founder of the Speak Up For Blue Podcast Network, with more than 1,800 episodes dedicated to making ocean science accessible and hopeful.

Rich and Andrew dive into the realities of marine conservation, the myths surrounding sharks and orcas, the power of podcasting as a tool for change, and why connecting emotionally with nature matters more than facts alone. They also discuss advocacy, mental health in science, veteran focused conservation work, and how one voice truly can make a difference.

This is a thoughtful, inspiring conversation for anyone who cares about the planet, meaningful storytelling, and using their voice to create positive change.

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What if midlife isn’t a decline, but your greatest opportunity yet?

In this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with Broadway performer, bestselling author, and speaker Troy Horne to talk about reinvention, resilience, and redefining success after 40. From starring on Broadway in Rent to co-creating a number-one youth basketball podcast with his son, Troy shares how unexpected turns can become life-changing breakthroughs.

They dive into fatherhood, mental toughness, creativity, and Troy’s newest book, Middle Management, which helps people rediscover clarity, purpose, and momentum in the second half of life. This is an honest, inspiring conversation for anyone feeling called to start again, try something new, or finally give themselves permission to go all-in.

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Music has a way of stopping time, unlocking memories, and reminding us who we were—and who we still are. In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with friends for a powerful roundtable conversation about the songs and albums that shaped their lives.

From classic rock and heavy metal to punk and emotional deep cuts, this episode dives into how music connects to family, grief, identity, and personal milestones. You’ll hear stories about first albums, misunderstood lyrics, unforgettable concerts, and the artists who left a permanent mark.

If you’ve ever heard a song and felt instantly transported back to a moment in your life, this episode will resonate with you. Be sure to check the show notes for the Spotify playlist and add the song that means the most to you.

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What does it really take to design learning that works?

In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich is joined by instructional designer, professor, and podcast host Jackie Pelegrin, who brings nearly two decades of experience in higher education and curriculum design.

Jackie breaks down what instructional design actually is, why so many online courses fail to engage learners, and how education must be built with intention, empathy, and real-world outcomes in mind. The conversation also explores AI in education, adult learning challenges, podcasting as a teaching tool, and how Jackie turned one of her most popular podcast series into a book.

Whether you’re an educator, trainer, podcaster, or lifelong learner, this episode delivers practical insights and behind-the-scenes wisdom on designing learning experiences that truly stick.

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What if just seven words could change your life?

In this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with award-winning author and publisher Aurora Winter to explore how the right message can transform heartbreak into healing, stories into income, and ideas into lasting impact.

Aurora shares deeply personal experiences of loss, resilience, and reinvention, along with practical insights on why most authors fail to market their books and how entrepreneurs can build real brands through storytelling. From grief recovery to publishing strategy, video marketing, and AI tools, this conversation is packed with wisdom for anyone ready to share their story and make it matter.

Listen in and discover how your words can work for you 24/7.

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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 health, and standing beside a spouse through active addiction and long-term recovery.

Together, they unpack the emotional realities families face, including denial, resentment, enabling versus survival, therapy, and what it truly takes to rebuild trust after rehab. Alicia also explains the difference between sobriety and recovery and why healing does not end when addiction does.

This episode is for anyone who has loved someone battling addiction or who is seeking hope, clarity, and understanding on the road to recovery.

🎧 Sponsored by Elite Power Washing
 Proudly serving Harford, Baltimore, and Cecil Counties.

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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 Planet FASSA, a playful ecosystem designed to help children unplug from screens and reconnect with imagination, creativity, and real human connection. From her FASSA Tales children’s book series to her upcoming Planet FASSA app, she shares practical, compassionate tools for parents who want to raise emotionally healthy, resilient kids without shaming or guilt.

This episode dives deep into how screen time is reshaping childhood, why imagination is a muscle that must be exercised, and how play, presence, and conversation help families thrive. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, educator, or simply someone concerned about the future of our kids, this is a conversation that will change how you think about technology, joy, and connection.

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Recorded live at Edgewood American Legion Post 17, this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett spotlights the incredible work of the 755 Alliance. Founder Bangtam Miller and her leadership team share how a small group of committed volunteers is revitalizing Edgewood and Southern Harford County through action, not talk.

From eliminating school lunch debt and preventing evictions to building skate parks, hosting free concerts, and restoring community pride, the 755 Alliance proves that real change starts locally. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes communities thrive when people step up and work together.

Learn more at https://755alliance.org and see how you can get involved.

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Carefree Kitchens is more than a cabinet company. It’s a living example of what the American Dream can look like when it’s built on faith, family, integrity, and service.

In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich is joined by cohost Joe Ayler for a powerful conversation with the family behind Carefree Kitchens. What begins as an immigration story quickly unfolds into a decades-long journey of entrepreneurship, resilience, and doing business the right way even when it’s hard.

From arriving in the United States with nothing, to surviving economic downturns, to building a multi-generational family business that prioritizes people over profit, this episode is filled with wisdom for business owners, leaders, and anyone chasing a dream bigger than themselves.

This is a conversation about legacy, reputation, leadership, and why success means more than money when faith and family lead the way.

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