Conversations with Rich Bennett

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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, educator, community member, or someone battling your own mental health challenges, this conversation offers insight, understanding, and a reminder that reaching out is a sign of strength—not weakness.

If this discussion resonates with you or sparks questions, join the conversation by emailing Rich or jumping into the Facebook group. And please, share this episode with someone who might need to hear it. Sometimes a single conversation can make all the difference.

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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 weed (Asclepias tuberosa), balloon plant (“hairy balls”)

·         Monarch lifecycle: egg → caterpillar → chrysalis → butterfly

·         Pollinator habitats and native plant gardens

·         Donna's Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary

·         Episode Sponsor: Richardson Farms

·         Supporter: Full Circle Boards

·         Supporter: Sincerely Sawyer Photography 

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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. 

·         Writing and publishing The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life: proposal, editing, and launch. 

·         Family first: genealogy, legacy, and raising contributors to the community.  

Resources mentioned: 

·         The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life by Cory V. McCray — order hub: apprenticeshipcheatcode.com (as stated “the apprenticeship cheat code dot com”). Also available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, local shops. 

·         Local bookstores mentioned: The Ivy Bookshop (signed copies), Snug Books; Goodreads; Barnes & Noble. 

·         IBEW Local 24 (Maryland), other IBEW locals across the state. 

·         Data centers and trades demand in Maryland (context from conversation). 

·         Episode Sponsor: Daniel McGhee and the Victory Team

·         Supporter: Full Circle Boards

Supporter: Sincerely Sawyer Photography

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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 Energy Healing: facilitating non-linear, spirit-led release at the soul level; why Cheryl works 1:1 intensively. 

·         Client stories: burnout to calling (e.g., “Ginny”), and turning outward prayer inward to the “God within” for traction. 

·         Four core limiting beliefs: “I’m not enough,” “I’m unworthy,” “I don’t matter,” “I’m unlovable”—and how to shift them. 

·         The deathbed exercise: deciding today by asking what will matter at the end.  

Resources mentioned: 

·         Star of Divine Light — Cheryl’s site: starofdivinelight.com (contact + programs). 

·         Instagram: @stelt.sharyl (as stated in the conversation). 

·         Programs referenced: Shining Through Chakra (throat-chakra focus), Azarius Energy Healing, Client Magnet coaching. 

·         Books/thinkers referenced: Elizabeth Kübler-Ross (On Death and Dying), Gabor Maté (trauma/attachment). 

·         Locations: Vancouver Island (awakening story); in-person Breakthrough Retreats (various U.S. Airbnb/VRBO locations). 

·         Episode Sponsor: Harford County Health Department

·         Supporter: Full Circle Boards

·         Supporter: Sincerely Sawyer Photography 

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