Conversations with Rich Bennett

Teenagers face constant screens, academic pressure, disrupted sleep, energy drinks, and growing mental health challenges. Dara Wax believes they need to be supported and understood, not treated like problems that must be fixed.

After nearly 25 years in global health, Dara became the founder of SAM+LEO, a line of clean gummy vitamins created specifically for kids and teenagers and named after her two sons. In this conversation, she explains how her experiences as a single mother led her to identify a major gap between children’s and adult wellness products.

Dara also reveals the financial and emotional realities of building a self-funded company, developing products that meet demanding safety standards, and being selected as one of only ten brands for the Whole Foods Local and Emerging Accelerator Program.

In this episode, you will discover:

•  Why teenagers are often overlooked by wellness brands 
•  How parents can support teens without trying to fix them 
•  What makes SAM+LEO gummies different 
•  How Dara moved from global health into entrepreneurship 
•  Why purpose and nonprofit partnerships remain central to her business 

Explore SAM+LEO and receive 50% off your first website order: Shop SAM+LEO

This episode is sponsored by Eco-Cool HVAC.

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What if stress and suffering are not merely problems to manage, but clues pointing toward something within us that needs attention?

In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich speaks with D. Dean Graves, a mental health counselor, meditation and mindfulness instructor, spiritual guide, podcaster, keynote speaker, and author of four books about identity and consciousness. Dean explains his belief that awareness is the first step toward releasing emotional baggage and reconnecting with our authentic selves.

Dean and Rich discuss:

•  How personal experiences shape our identity 
•  Why unresolved experiences can continue weighing us down 
•  The role of meditation in developing self-awareness 
•  Trauma, PTSD, and the challenges veterans face after military service 
•  Why Dean believes happiness already exists within us 

Dean also shares his perspective on consciousness, reincarnation, spiritual evolution, the nature of the universe, and what may happen after death.

Some of Dean’s ideas represent his personal therapeutic and spiritual perspectives and should not replace professional medical or mental health care. Anyone considering changes to medication or treatment should speak with a qualified healthcare professional.

Learn more about Dean, his books, podcasts, counseling, and speaking services at DDeanGraves.org.

This episode is sponsored by Freedom Federal Credit Union.

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Childhood obesity is often reduced to one harmful message: eat less and move more. Dr. Evan Nadler explains why the real story involves genetics, biology, mental health, environment, food access, and factors that have little to do with willpower or poor parenting.

Dr. Nadler is an internationally recognized childhood obesity specialist and pioneer in pediatric bariatric surgery. After more than 20 years of treating children and their families, he is working to replace blame and misinformation with compassion, evidence, and practical support.

In this conversation, you will learn:

•  Why childhood obesity should be treated as a complex disease 
•  How genetics and epigenetics influence a child’s health 
•  Why shame and comments about weight can cause lasting harm 
•  How families can make affordable changes without singling out one child 
•  When medication, surgery, or medically supervised treatment may be appropriate 

Dr. Nadler also discusses school meals, sugary beverages, food deserts, bullying, eating disorders, mental health warning signs, and his upcoming book, The Skinny on Childhood Obesity.

Learn more, watch his educational videos, and contact Dr. Nadler at ObesityExplained.com.

If this conversation could help a parent, caregiver, educator, or healthcare professional, please share it with them. Subscribe to Conversations with Rich Bennett, leave a review, and join the conversation by sharing your thoughts with Rich.

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What if improving your relationship started with changing how you eat, move, sleep, and manage stress? Hannah Dalby returns to explain why taking care of your body is also an investment in the person you love.

Hannah is a former professional Muay Thai fighter, human integration specialist, and founder of The Jungle. Following her powerful first conversation with Rich about grief, addiction, abusive relationships, and self-discovery, she returns to explore the connection between physical health, nervous system regulation, attraction, and lasting relationships.

In this episode:

•  Discover how exercise can release stress and improve emotional regulation 
•  Learn why blood sugar crashes may affect patience and communication 
•  Explore whether couples should exercise together or separately 
•  Understand how sleep, hydration, and nutrition influence connection 
•  Find out why healthy habits can become acts of self-respect and love 

Hannah also discusses her recovery from extreme training, the importance of fueling the body properly, and how someone who feels intimidated by exercise can begin with small, manageable steps.

Learn more about Hannah and her team at TheJungle.net.au.

This episode is sponsored by Daniel McGhee and The Victory Team.

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Recovery does not always follow a straight path, but relapse, addiction, grief, or past mistakes do not have to become the final chapter. For Recovery Month, Rich Bennett revisits the people and lessons behind the Pot-a-thon for Recovery, a 12-day series of honest conversations about substance use, overdose loss, treatment, motherhood, accountability, and hope.

In this solo episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich reflects on stories shared by people in recovery, grieving families, peer specialists, counselors, advocates, and leaders from Rage Against Addiction. Their experiences show that addiction can enter any family and that meaningful recovery often requires safety, structure, medical care, accountability, and human connection.

You will hear about:

•  Why silence and shame prevent people from seeking help 
•  How sober living homes provide more than a place to sleep 
•  Why relapse does not make future recovery impossible 
•  How compassion and accountability can work together 
•  What families, employers, and communities can do to help 

Learn about Rage Against Addiction, request support, volunteer, or contribute at https://rageagainstaddiction.org/.

If this episode brings someone to mind, please share it with them. Subscribe to Conversations with Rich Bennett, leave a review, and join the conversation by sharing your thoughts or contacting Rich directly.

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What happens when a pregnant woman wants to carry her baby but lacks stable housing, dependable resources, or someone who believes in her? Teresa Leet and LovLi Life are building a community designed to make sure she does not face that decision alone.

Teresa is the founder of LovLi Life, a faith-based nonprofit whose name represents a powerful invitation: Love Boldly and Live Intentionally. Drawing from more than 35 years of personal experience, Teresa discusses surprise pregnancies, parenting, adoption, mentorship, identity, and the difficult choices that shaped her mission.

In this conversation:

•  Discover how Cherished Host Homes provide safe housing 
•  Learn about the 11-week Embrace Grace program 
•  Hear why mentorship and practical life skills must work together 
•  Understand how LovLi Life continues supporting mothers after birth 
•  Explore how healthy identity can change future generations 

Teresa also discusses her book, Chasing Easy in a Life of Hard Choices: Failed Marriages, Unplanned Pregnancies, and the God Who Restores, and explains how her work as an identity coach helps people reclaim their worth.

Learn more, request support, volunteer, become a mentor, or contribute at LovLiLife.org.

Subscribe to Conversations with Rich Bennett, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who may need to hear that hope and help are available.

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Pregnancy loss is more common than many realize, yet countless families continue to grieve in silence. In this deeply personal conversation, Kaitlyn Hogancamp explains why every loss matters and how compassionate support can help families carry hope alongside their grief.

Kaitlyn, a mother and committee member with the Sea of Hope Foundation, shares the heartbreak of experiencing two pregnancy losses, including one she discovered while it was happening. She discusses the guilt and self-blame she carried, the fear that followed her into another pregnancy, and the unforgettable moment she finally heard her rainbow baby cry.

Christina O’Mara also explains how the Sea of Hope Foundation supports families affected by pregnancy, infancy, and early toddler loss.

In this episode:

•  Why miscarriage and pregnancy loss should not remain taboo 
•  How innocent questions about having children can cause hidden pain 
•  What pregnancy after loss can feel like emotionally 
•  Why grief has no deadline or expiration date 
•  How the Sea of Hope Foundation helps parents and siblings 

Learn more, request assistance, view support-group information, or make a donation at Sea of Hope Foundation.

This episode is sponsored by Harford’s Heart Magazine.

If this conversation reminds you of someone who may be suffering quietly, please share it with them. Subscribe to Conversations with Rich Bennett, leave a review, and join the conversation by sharing your thoughts or contacting Rich directly.

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What if better health did not require chasing trends or completely rebuilding your life? Dr. Bob McCauley believes lasting wellness begins when a handful of beneficial choices become everyday habits.

Dr. Bob is a naturopathic doctor, certified nutritional consultant, certified master herbalist, author, and founder of Watershed Wellness Center in Lansing, Michigan. In this conversation with Rich Bennett, he shares the personal journey that led him from competitive running and international travel to nearly 35 years of natural health education.

Listeners will discover:

•  Why Dr. Bob believes hydration should be a daily priority 
•  How chlorella, spirulina, sprouts, and raw foods fit into his approach 
•  The roles he assigns to digestive enzymes, probiotics, and minerals 
•  Why regular exercise and a positive outlook complete his seven-component protocol 
•  How small, consistent decisions can become a sustainable lifestyle 

Dr. Bob also discusses intermittent fasting, buying food from trusted local farmers, foraging for edible plants, and learning to listen to the body. His central message is simple: health is a habit, not an event.

Learn more about Dr. Bob and explore his books and educational resources at DrBobMcCauley.com.

Subscribe to Conversations with Rich Bennett, leave a review, and join the conversation by sharing the healthy habit that has made the greatest difference in your life.

Medical disclaimer: This episode presents the guest’s personal opinions and experiences for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing your diet, medications, supplements, or treatment plan.

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What if your business does not need 50,000 podcast listeners, but just 50 people who genuinely need what you offer? Entrepreneur Dennis “DM” Meador explains how authentic conversations can build trust, attract better clients, and turn podcasting into a powerful business development strategy.

Dennis, founder of The Legal Podcast Network and The Authority Podcast Network, joins Rich Bennett to share a journey that began with childhood poverty and led to entrepreneurship, ministry, marketing, and launching a rapidly growing podcast company. He also discusses the burnout that forced him to reconsider his relationship with work and why real leadership means working alongside your team.

In this episode, you will learn:

•  Why targeted podcast listeners are more valuable than impressive download numbers. 
•  How attorneys and entrepreneurs turn interviews into social media content, videos, and website materials. 
•  Why authenticity helps potential clients trust you before your first conversation. 
•  How market exclusivity strengthens business relationships and customer loyalty. 
•  Why consistent effort and the compounding effect of time matter more than immediate results. 

Dennis also shares why professionals should stop hiding behind their business logos and start showing potential customers the people behind their brands.

Learn more:

The Legal Podcast Network: https://www.thelegalpodcastnetwork.com/

The Authority Podcast Network: https://www.theauthoritypodcastnetwork.com/

This episode is sponsored by Harford’s Heart Magazine: https://harfordsheart.com/

If this conversation inspired you, follow Conversations with Rich Bennett, leave a review, share the episode, and join the conversation.

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What if one of the darkest chapters of your life could eventually become a source of laughter, connection, and hope? Dave Mowry discovered that telling his story one joke at a time could help him reclaim a life once controlled by mental illness.

Dave is an award-winning author, mental health advocate, comedy instructor, and performer who has lived with bipolar disorder and severe anxiety throughout his adult life. After losing his business, becoming homeless with his family, and spending 14 years suffering in silence, he attended a stand-up comedy class for people with mental illness. That class changed everything.

In this conversation, Dave and Rich discuss:

•  What severe depression and anxiety felt like during Dave’s darkest years 
•  How stand-up comedy helped him reframe traumatic experiences 
•  Why laughter can open conversations about mental illness 
•  The importance of accepting a diagnosis without surrendering to it 
•  How Dave now helps others transform painful stories through humor 

Dave also shares the inspiration behind OMG, That’s Me! and Healing with Humor, along with several stories about the courageous people featured in his work.

Learn more about Dave and find his books at DaveMowry.com.

Listen, subscribe, and share this conversation with someone who may need the reminder that change is possible. After reading Dave’s books, please consider leaving a review or donating a copy to someone who could benefit from his words.

Sponsored by Elite Power Washing.

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