Conversations with Rich Bennett

What if the most painful chapter of your life became the very thing that helped someone else keep going?

In this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with Teresa Blaes, entrepreneur, podcaster, author, certified Kingdom Life Coach, and founder of Kadosh Media. Teresa shares her remarkable journey through childhood trauma, family tragedy, blindness, loss, addiction, healing, and ultimately finding purpose through faith.

Her upcoming autobiography, Protected: A Story of Survival, Faith, and Redemption, tells a story that is both heartbreaking and inspiring, proving that even the darkest experiences can become a source of hope for others.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How Teresa survived unimaginable childhood trauma
 • What happened when she lost both her mother and her eyesight in the same week
 • Why she walked away from God for five years and what brought her back
 • The healing power of sharing your story
 • How podcasting, writing, and music became part of her mission

Resources Mentioned:

•  ProtectedBook.com 
•  KadoshMedia.com 
•  TeresaBlaes.com 
•  Unresolved.Life 
•  BlaesandGottsch.com 

If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs encouragement today. Visit HarfordCountyLiving.com and ConversationsWithRichBennett.com for more inspiring conversations.

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What if your greatest chapter begins after your life falls apart?

In this inspiring episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, author Lee Ann Walling shares the story behind her debut novel, The Salt and Light Express, a moving journey through grief, faith, friendship, healing, and second chances. After reinventing herself multiple times throughout her career, Lee Ann returned to school in her late 60s, earned her MFA, and published her first novel at age 69.

During this conversation, Lee Ann discusses the emotional inspiration behind the book, the challenges of independent publishing, the importance of authentic storytelling, and why it's never too late to pursue a lifelong dream.

You'll discover:

• The real-life inspiration behind The Salt and Light Express
• How grief and loss shaped the story
• Lessons learned from earning an MFA later in life
• The truth about independent publishing
• Why podcasts have become one of the best marketing tools for authors

Whether you're a reader, writer, creative entrepreneur, or someone facing a major life transition, Lee Ann's story will leave you inspired to take your own next right step.

Learn more about Lee Ann Walling at LeeAnnWalling.com.

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Reviews help us continue bringing you meaningful conversations with incredible guests.

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What if the pain you've experienced in life became the very thing that helped save others?

In this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich and co-host Robyn Burke sit down with Linda Aluoch, founder of HopeWorks Global, to discuss her extraordinary journey from growing up in poverty in Kenya to becoming a leading advocate against human trafficking.

Linda shares deeply personal stories about family loss, addiction, resilience, faith, and the heartbreaking discovery that her late sister was likely a victim of human trafficking. That realization became the catalyst for a mission that now helps vulnerable individuals both in Kenya and the United States.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How poverty and vulnerability create pathways for human trafficking
 • Why trafficking is much more than what most people imagine
 • The hidden dangers of labor trafficking and organ trafficking
 • How education and awareness can prevent exploitation
 • The inspiring work HopeWorks Global is doing to empower families and communities

Resources & Links:

Hope Works Global
 https://hopeworksglobal.org

Sponsor:
 Daniel McGhee & The Victory Team
 https://victoryteamsells.com

If this episode inspires you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this important conversation. Together, awareness can save lives.

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What happens when a dream refuses to let go?

In this inspiring episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with award-winning author Sam Polakoff, a retired business executive who spent decades building a successful company while quietly holding onto a lifelong dream of becoming a novelist.

That dream eventually became reality.

Sam shares the fascinating story behind his first novel, Hiatus, inspired by recurring dreams about his grandfather, and discusses how curiosity led him to write Shaman, a thought-provoking thriller exploring reincarnation, Akashic Records, and spiritual healing. The conversation also dives deep into his acclaimed historical fiction series, The Diary of Essie Lassiter, set during the American Revolution.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How Sam pursued a dream after nearly 40 years
 • The challenges and rewards of self-publishing
 • Why research is critical when writing historical fiction
 • How business principles can help authors succeed
 • The importance of staying curious and embracing lifelong learning

Learn more about Sam and his books:

•  sampolakoff.com 

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with fellow readers, writers, and dreamers.

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What is it about small towns that Americans can’t stop romanticizing?

In this solo episode of the America Explained series, Rich Bennett dives into America’s deep emotional connection to small towns and why they continue to represent community, belonging, and authenticity in today’s fast-paced world.

From classic TV shows and Hallmark movies to Main Street diners, local festivals, and Friday night football games, Rich explores how small towns became woven into the American identity and why so many people still dream about escaping to them.

Whether you grew up in a small town, live in one now, or simply love visiting them, this episode will make you think differently about the role these communities play in shaping American culture.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

•  Why small towns symbolize connection and simplicity 
•  How Hollywood shaped America’s small town nostalgia 
•  The important role small towns played in building America 
•  Why people crave authentic local experiences 
•  The challenges and resilience of modern small towns 

Mentioned in this episode:

•  Harford County Living 
•  America Explained Series 
•  The Andy Griffith Show 
•  Gilmore Girls 
•  Friday Night Lights 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves small town America as much as we do.

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What if the most powerful part of a theater performance happens after the curtain closes?

In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with Jessie Fahay, founder of Ripple Effect Artists, a nonprofit theater company using storytelling to spark conversations around social justice, mental health, racism, human trafficking, and other important issues facing society today.

Jessie shares how a simple idea evolved into a mission-driven organization that creates meaningful dialogue between audiences, advocacy groups, and communities. From producing theater in New York City to navigating the challenges of nonprofit funding and even surviving the COVID shutdowns, Jessie opens up about the passion, sacrifices, and purpose behind her work.

You’ll also hear:

•  How theater can inspire real social change 
•  Why conversations matter more than debates 
•  The realities of producing nonprofit theater 
•  How mental health became a major focus after COVID 
•  Why storytelling still has the power to unite people 

Learn more about Ripple Effect Artists:
 https://www.rippleeffectartists.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who believes in the power of storytelling and human connection.

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What happens when a former police officer turns his life experience into a mission to help others build financial freedom and peace of mind?

In this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with Paul Applegate, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones, to talk about budgeting, retirement planning, investing, emergency funds, and the emotional side of money. Paul shares his deeply personal journey from law enforcement and PTSD to helping families, first responders, veterans, and business owners take control of their financial future.

This episode goes far beyond stocks and retirement accounts. It’s about creating options, reducing stress, and building a life where you’re no longer financially trapped.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

•  Why emergency funds are critical 
•  The biggest financial mistakes people make 
•  How compound interest really works 
•  Why budgeting still matters 
•  How to stay calm during market volatility 

Connect with Paul Applegate:
 Phone: 410-939-5270
 Email: [email protected]

Special thanks to Freedom Federal Credit Union for sponsoring this episode.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could benefit from this conversation.

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What happens when a retired police K9 becomes a symbol of hope for thousands battling cancer, grief, and impossible odds?

In this emotional episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with law enforcement leader Chris Bingham to share the incredible story of his retired K9 partner, Tambo. What began as a difficult partnership turned into a life-changing bond built on trust, loyalty, resilience, and healing.

Chris opens up about losing former K9 partners, reconnecting with his father before his passing, becoming a father himself, and how Tambo’s cancer battle inspired people across the country. Together, they discuss the lifesaving work of Project K9 Hero and why retired police and military dogs deserve continued care after service.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

•  How Tambo went from unwanted K9 to national inspiration 
•  The emotional reality of retired police dog healthcare 
•  How Project K9 Hero saved Tambo’s life 
•  Why hope matters during life’s hardest moments 
•  The story behind Chris’ new children’s book, K9 Tambo

Learn more:

• Project K9 Hero
•  Follow K9 Tambo on Instagram: @k9_tambo 
• Silent Hero Coffee Company 
• Plush K9 Tambo

If this episode moved you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a reminder to never give up.

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What if the emotional meltdowns kids experience are not bad behavior, but their brains trying to protect them?

In this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich welcomes back school psychologist and author Jessica Hackmann to discuss her new children’s book, You Are Brave, Amy G. Through storytelling, neuroscience, and real-world experiences working with children, Jessica helps explain how kids process stress, anxiety, fear, and overwhelming emotions.

Jessica shares how the COVID era impacted childhood development, why emotional regulation matters more than ever, and how understanding the amygdala can help children feel less ashamed of their reactions and more empowered to manage them.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

•  Why children’s emotional meltdowns are often misunderstood 
•  How the amygdala influences stress and anxiety 
•  Why emotional regulation should be taught early 
•  How parents and educators can support overwhelmed children 
•  The inspiration behind You Are Brave, Amy G.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, counselor, or caregiver, this episode offers valuable insight into helping children understand their emotions in healthier ways.

Learn more about Jessica and her book:
 Amy G Books

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who works with children.

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What does true wellness really look like?

In this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Marine veteran and wellness coach Matthew Merryman joins Rich for an honest and eye-opening conversation about mindset, healing, self-love, meditation, nutrition, and personal growth. What starts as a discussion about fitness quickly transforms into a deeper exploration of trauma, purpose, behavioral change, and learning how to truly live instead of simply survive.

Matthew shares how his experience in the Marine Corps shaped his mental discipline while also revealing the challenges many veterans face after service. From meditation and Stoicism to nutrition, sleep habits, and emotional healing, this episode delivers practical wisdom and thought-provoking insight for anyone seeking balance and growth in their life.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

•  Why wellness starts with understanding yourself 
•  How mindset affects health and behavior 
•  The connection between nutrition and mental clarity 
•  Why meditation and slowing down matter 
•  The importance of self-love and purpose 

Guest: Matthew Merryman
 Website: Unity Thru Wellness | Home

Special thanks to this episode’s sponsor:
 Eco-Cool HVAC

If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this conversation.

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