Conversations with Rich Bennett

Rich Bennett sits down with fantasy author Brandy Stoker for an inside look at what it really takes to build an unforgettable fictional universe from the ground up. From creating complex characters and immersive worlds to managing every aspect of self-publishing, Brandy shares the passion and persistence behind her growing fantasy series.

Brandy is the author of Escape from Media, a dark dystopian fantasy romance that combines action, adventure, morally gray heroes, powerful family bonds, and unforgettable world-building. She discusses why writing has been her lifelong passion and how decades of preparation helped her launch multiple novels in just over a year.

In this episode, you'll learn:

•  What makes dark dystopian fantasy different from traditional fantasy 
•  How Brandy created an entire fictional world spanning more than 20 stories 
•  The realities of self-publishing, editing, audiobook production, and marketing 
•  Why authors must think like entrepreneurs 
•  Behind-the-scenes stories from Book Fair Bel Air and comic conventions 

Whether you're an avid fantasy reader, an aspiring author, or someone curious about independent publishing, this conversation offers valuable insights and plenty of inspiration.

Learn more about Brandy at BrandyStoker.com.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another book lover. Visit Conversations with Rich Bennett for more inspiring conversations with authors, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.

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What if the biggest thing holding your business back isn't your marketing, pricing, or competition, but your leadership?

In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with business growth strategist Todd Krause, founder of Silver Sun Consulting and owner of one of the most successful Cleaning Authority franchises in the country. Todd shares how transforming company culture helped him more than double revenue, reduce operating costs, build an award-winning workplace, and create a business that doesn't rely on constant owner intervention.

Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, manager, or aspiring leader, you'll walk away with practical strategies you can start using immediately.

In this episode, you'll discover:

•  Why leadership and business growth require different skill sets 
•  The powerful LEAD Framework that helps businesses scale 
•  How building trust creates stronger teams and happier customers 
•  Why employee culture directly impacts profitability 
•  Practical ways to improve communication and retention 

Learn more about Todd Krause and Silver Sun Consulting:
 https://silversunconsulting.com

A special thanks to our sponsor, American Auto Repair Sales & Service, for supporting Conversations with Rich Bennett.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another business owner who could benefit. To learn more about the podcast and all of our guests, visit ConversationsWithRichBennett.com and join the conversation.

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What if the career you've worked so hard to build isn't the one you're meant to keep?

After more than a decade climbing the corporate ladder, Rich Potter made the leap into entrepreneurship and never looked back. In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with Rich to explore the realities of business ownership, franchising, and how to avoid some of the biggest mistakes aspiring entrepreneurs make. 

Rich is the founder of Franchise Heroes and has built, grown, and exited multiple businesses, including an Amazon FBA company, a successful event rental business, and several franchise ventures. Today, he helps people discover franchise and business opportunities that align with their goals, skills, and lifestyles.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why Rich left a successful corporate career
 • The truth behind franchise ownership and common misconceptions
 • How to evaluate franchise opportunities before investing
 • Why senior care and home service businesses are booming
 • The difference between franchises and business opportunities
 • How veterans and first-time entrepreneurs can benefit from franchising
 • Ways to finance a business without risking everything

Whether you're dreaming of becoming your own boss, looking for a side business, or wondering if franchising is the right move, this conversation offers practical advice from someone who's been there.

Learn more about Rich and Franchise Heroes:
 https://franchiseheroes.co

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who's thinking about starting a business. For more inspiring conversations, visit ConversationsWithRichBennett.com.

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Have you ever felt called to share your story but found yourself held back by self-doubt, fear, or the belief that nobody would care?

In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with author, publisher, and storytelling mentor Nicolette Halladay, founder of Inspired Hearts Publishing and author of The Golden Thread and the Lineage of the Light. Together, they explore how writing a book can become much more than a publishing project. It can be a journey of self-discovery, healing, confidence, and personal transformation.

Nicolette shares her own entrepreneurial journey, how she built Inspired Hearts Publishing, and why so many aspiring authors struggle with visibility, imposter syndrome, and trusting their own voice. She also explains her unique process for helping authors move from idea to published book while creating a lasting impact.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why your unique story matters more than you think
 • How writing a book builds confidence and clarity
 • The biggest fears aspiring authors face and how to overcome them
 • Why books can create opportunities beyond book sales
 • How community and accountability help authors succeed

Learn more about Nicolette and Inspired Hearts Publishing:
 https://inspiredheartspublishing.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who has a story waiting to be told.

Your story matters. The world may be waiting to hear it.

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What does it really mean to leave home and build a life somewhere completely new? The answer goes far beyond travel photos, tourist attractions, and social media highlights.

In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with Marc Alcobé Talló, host of Almost Local Living Abroad Stories, to discuss the realities of living abroad. Originally from Barcelona, Marc has spent the last eight years living in Germany, Greece, and Italy, learning firsthand how culture, language, relationships, and personal identity evolve when you're far from everything familiar.

Marc shares honest insights about culture shock, language barriers, finding community, work-life balance, and how his definition of "home" has changed over time.

In This Episode:

•  What it's really like moving to a country where you don't speak the language 
•  Lessons learned from living in Germany, Greece, and Italy 
•  How travel and relocation shape your identity 
•  Why community matters when you're far from home 
•  The surprising differences in work culture across Europe 

Learn More

Website: https://almostlocalstories.com

Listen to Almost Local Living Abroad Stories on your favorite podcast platform.

If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who dreams of exploring the world or starting a new chapter in life.

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What does it take to keep a family business thriving for more than two centuries?

In this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with Howard McComas IV, seventh-generation leader of McComas Funeral Home, to discuss a remarkable family legacy that has served Harford County since 1808.

But this conversation goes far beyond funeral services.

Howard shares lessons learned from helping families through grief, the importance of relationships, how funeral traditions are evolving, and why community involvement remains at the heart of everything the McComas family does. From honoring veterans and first responders to supporting families before, during, and after loss, Howard offers a perspective that is both deeply personal and incredibly inspiring.

You'll learn:

• How McComas Funeral Home has remained family-owned for 218 years
 • Why relationships are the foundation of lasting success
 • The changing role of funerals and celebrations of life
 • The importance of grief support and healthy healing
 • How veterans and first responders are honored through special programs

Resources:

• McComas Funeral Home: McComasFuneralHome.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would appreciate this conversation. And as always, join the conversation by reaching out to Rich Bennett.

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What happens after grief? Not when the tears stop, because they never fully do, but when healing begins.

In this powerful return appearance on Conversations with Rich Bennett, award-winning author Michael Reed shares the next chapter of his journey following the unimaginable loss of his wife, daughters, dogs, and home. Since his last visit, Michael has earned certification as a grief coach, continued his behavioral health education, completed EMDR therapy, and published two new books designed to help both adults and children navigate loss.

Michael opens up about the difference between grieving and healing, the signs he receives from his daughters, and the moment he realized it was okay to start living again.

About Michael Reed:
 Michael Reed is an award-winning author, grief advocate, speaker, and certified grief coach. He is the author of The Million Stages of Grief, The Million Stages of Healing, and The Owl and the Ladybug.

Key Takeaways:

•  Why grief is not limited to five stages 
•  The critical difference between grieving and healing 
•  How EMDR therapy helped Michael process trauma 
•  Why children need a different approach to grief support 
•  The powerful truth behind the phrase "You Are Enough" 

Resources:

•  themillionstages.com 

If this episode touched your heart, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may need hope today.

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What if the thing you've spent years trying to hide is actually your greatest strength?

In this unforgettable episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich and Wendy sit down with magician, author, speaker, and resilience coach John Kippen. After a brain tumor surgery left one side of his face completely paralyzed, John spent more than a decade avoiding mirrors, cameras, and much of the outside world. But through magic, storytelling, and a commitment to helping others, he transformed his greatest challenge into his life's purpose.

John shares remarkable stories about performing for Alex Trebek, working alongside Jamie Lee Curtis on his documentary, meeting Siegfried & Roy, and the lessons he's learned about resilience, self-acceptance, and human connection.

You'll learn:

• How John overcame years of isolation and self-doubt

• Why being different is your superpower

• The powerful mindset behind his "I'm Possible" coaching method

• How small acts of kindness can save lives

• Why it's never too late to start living your own dream

Resources Mentioned:

• JohnKippen.com

• Playing the Hand You Were Dealt

• John's Ultimate Illusion documentary

If this episode inspires you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a reminder that their challenges do not define them.

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Parents and caregivers are facing more challenges than ever, from bullying and mental health struggles to IEPs, addiction concerns, and not knowing where to turn. In this episode, Rich Bennett and co-host Wendy Beck sit down with Alexis Watson, Behavioral Health Specialist for Harford County with The Parents’ Place of Maryland, to talk about how families can find real support.

Alexis shares how The Parents’ Place helps parents, grandparents, caregivers, and families across Maryland navigate special education, behavioral health, school challenges, risky behaviors, problem gambling, substance use concerns, and more. She also explains the importance of Maryland’s Good Samaritan Law and why families should never feel ashamed to ask for help.

Takeaways from this episode:

•  How The Parents’ Place of Maryland supports families statewide 
•  What parents should know about IEPs, 504 plans, and school conflicts 
•  Why bullying and social media are creating new challenges for kids 
•  How caregivers can access free resources and support 
•  Why asking for help can be the strongest step a family takes 

Resources mentioned: ppmd.org, 410-768-9100, 988 Crisis Lifeline, Harford’s Heart Magazine, and Freedom Federal Credit Union.

Please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who may need support.

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What happens when life takes away the voice you built your career on, and then gives you a completely new way to use it?

In this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich talks with bestselling author Laura Van Wormer, who published 14 novels with major publishers before a devastating head-on collision with a drunk driver changed everything. After years of struggling with traumatic brain injury and the loss of her writing ability, Laura found her way back to storytelling through podcasting.

Laura is the creator of The Class of ’74, a serialized audio drama set in the early 1970s that blends nostalgia, history, humor, and healing.

In this episode:

•  Laura shares how the crash changed her life and creativity 
•  Why podcasting became part of her recovery 
•  How The Class of ’74 reconnects people with their own memories 
•  The role of history, high school, and community in storytelling 
•  What Betty White taught Laura about gratitude and grief 

Links mentioned:
 Classof74podcast.com
LauraVanWormer.net
VictoryTeamSells.com

Subscribe, leave a review, and join the conversation at Conversations with Rich Bennett.

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