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Nonprofit Episodes

Conversations about nonprofits
Remembering Jovanni: Mandolyne Eleazar’s Story of Love & Loss
Aug. 30, 2025

Remembering Jovanni: Mandolyne Eleazar’s Story of Love & Loss

On Overdose Awareness Day, Rich Bennett and co-host Wendy Beck sit down with Mandolyne Eleazar for a courageous conversation about the life and loss of her 18-year-old son, Jovanni, to fentanyl toxicity. Mandolyne shares what helped, what didn’t, and why harm reduction, family therapy, and speaking…

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A.J. Otjen Explores Red Lodge’s Summer Of Hell, And Hope
Aug. 17, 2025

A.J. Otjen Explores Red Lodge’s Summer Of Hell, And Hope

Since this episode was recorded, it is with great sadness that I found out that Dan Steffensen passed away on July 26, 2025. Obituary information for Dan SteffensenAward-winning author and professor A.J. Otjen joins Rich to unpack “Burned Over,” the true story of Montana firefighter Dan Steffen…

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Fundraising Mistakes Nonprofits Keep Making (And How to Fix Them)
July 20, 2025

Fundraising Mistakes Nonprofits Keep Making (And How to Fix Them)

Sponsored by Tar Heel Construction Group In this engaging roundtable, Rich Bennett sits down with nonprofit consultant Katie Ramirez, alongside co-hosts Greg Derwart and Robyn Burke, for a candid discussion on the realities of nonprofit work. They dive into the importance of strong boards, smar…

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The Screaming Bean Story: Purpose Over Profit with Martin Grams
June 5, 2025

The Screaming Bean Story: Purpose Over Profit with Martin Grams

Sponsored by Tar Heel Construction GroupIn this inspiring episode, Martin Grams shares the journey of founding The Screaming Bean, a community-driven coffee shop in Aberdeen, Maryland. Martin discusses how the café goes beyond serving exceptional coffee by actively supporting local charities, f…

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Amanda Hickman & Erin Long on the Heart Behind Animal Rescue
May 22, 2025

Amanda Hickman & Erin Long on the Heart Behind Animal Rescue

Sponsored by Freedom Federal Credit UnionAmanda Hickman, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Harford County, and longtime team member Erin Long join Rich and cohost Michelle Hayes to discuss the life-saving work happening behind the scenes at the shelter. From the challenges of open-adm…

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Luke Mickelson, The Man Behind Sleep in Heavenly Peace
May 20, 2025

Luke Mickelson, The Man Behind Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Sponsored by Eco-Cool HVACWhat if one simple act of kindness could spark a global movement? In this powerful episode, Rich Bennett talks with Luke Mickelson, founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace , who left behind a successful sales career to build beds for children in need. What began in his gara…

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Maria Chapman: From Hospital Bed to Thriving Entrepreneur
May 15, 2025

Maria Chapman: From Hospital Bed to Thriving Entrepreneur

Sponsored by Four Seasons Landscape & Construction ServicesIn this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with Maria Chapman, a remarkable entrepreneur and advocate. Despite battling rare neuromuscular conditions, Maria rebuilt her life through writing and founded Connected …

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Carolyn Sophia on Why You’re Stronger Than You Think
April 29, 2025

Carolyn Sophia on Why You’re Stronger Than You Think

Sponsored by Daniel McGhee and The Victory TeamMental health advocate, author, and speaker Carolyn Sophia Skowron joins Rich Bennett to share her raw and powerful journey from childhood bullying and a life-changing diagnosis to surviving a traumatic car accident and becoming a voice for hope an…

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The Hidden Heroes of Mental Health Recovery
April 13, 2025

The Hidden Heroes of Mental Health Recovery

Sponsored by Eco-Cool HVACIn this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett (or is it Conversations with Wendy now?), we spotlight the unsung champions of Maryland Wellness. Rich and cohost Wendy Beck sit down with Leann, Ralph, and Ashia to explore how PRP services are transforming m…

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Faith, Recovery & Purpose With Ruby Comer And Laura Dahl
April 3, 2025

Faith, Recovery & Purpose With Ruby Comer And Laura Dahl

Sponsored by Rage Against AddictionJoin Rich Bennett and cohost Wendy Beck as they sit down with Ruby Comer and Laura Dahl to uncover the powerful story behind the Bethesda Transformation Center, a faith-based recovery home for women. From personal loss to divine purpose, they share how their m…

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Becky Galli & Polly Surhoff on 25 Years of Autism Impact
April 1, 2025

Becky Galli & Polly Surhoff on 25 Years of Autism Impact

Sponsored by Freedom Federal Credit UnionIn this heartfelt episode, Becky Galli and Polly Winde Surhoff reflect on 25 powerful years of impact through Pathfinders for Autism—a nonprofit born from personal journeys and fueled by community. They share the origins of their mission, the evolution o…

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How to Build High-Performance Organizations with Ryan McShane
March 6, 2025

How to Build High-Performance Organizations with Ryan McShane

Want to build a high-performance organization? In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, host Rich Bennett and cohost Greg Derwart sit down with Ryan McShane, founder of HR Evolution, to reveal the secrets to creating thriving workplaces, boosting employee engagement, and leading with imp…

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Roofers in Recovery with Paul Reed
March 3, 2025

Roofers in Recovery with Paul Reed

In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich is joined by co-host Joe Ayler, owner of Tar Heel Construction Group, for an eye-opening discussion with Paul Reed, co-founder of Roofers in Recovery. Paul shares his powerful journey to sobriety and explains how his organization is helping m…

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Cathlene Miner’s Journey to Better Lives Through Self-Perception
Jan. 22, 2025

Cathlene Miner’s Journey to Better Lives Through Self-Perception

Sponsored by Elite Power WashingIn this inspiring episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with Cathlene Miner, founder and CEO of Hopefull Handbags Global, to discuss her incredible journey of empowering domestic abuse survivors and their families. Cathlene shares her personal …

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Austin Hill & Heather Murphy on Guiding Tomorrow’s Workforce Today
Jan. 15, 2025

Austin Hill & Heather Murphy on Guiding Tomorrow’s Workforce Today

Sponsored by Eco-Cool HVACIn this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with Austin Hill and Heather Murphy to discuss Harford Community College’s innovative workforce training programs. From welding and automotive services to customer service and logistics, Hill and Murphy…

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Christina Darwin & Jen Aguglia on Ashley Behavioral Health and Wellness
Jan. 6, 2025

Christina Darwin & Jen Aguglia on Ashley Behavioral Health and Wellne…

Sponsored by Rage Against AddictionIn this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, we dive into the critical intersection of mental health and addiction recovery. Joined by Christina Darwin and Jen Aguglia from Ashley Behavioral Health and Wellness, we explore their groundbreaking virtual m…

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Faith, Forgiveness, and Resilience: John David Graham's Powerful Story
Dec. 13, 2024

Faith, Forgiveness, and Resilience: John David Graham's Powerful Story

Sponsored by Tar Heel Construction GroupIn this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with John David Graham, founder of the Good Samaritan Home and author of Running as Fast as I Can. John shares his inspiring journey of resilience, redemption, and second chances, from his v…

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Tommy Schumacher is Transforming Lives Through Sports and Faith
Nov. 6, 2024

Tommy Schumacher is Transforming Lives Through Sports and Faith

Sponsored by Daniel McGhee and the Victory TeamIn this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Tommy Schumacher shares his transformative journey with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). He discusses the organization's expansive mission, local and global community outreach, and how sp…

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How Addiction Impacted Our Family with Mia Ellis
Oct. 25, 2024

How Addiction Impacted Our Family with Mia Ellis

Sponsored by Rage Against AddictionIn this Conversations with Rich Bennett episode, sponsored by Rage Against Addiction, co-hosted with Wendy Beck, Mia Ellis shares her heartfelt story about losing her sister, Dana, to a fentanyl overdose. The conversation explores the emotional toll of addicti…

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Voice of Truth with Michele Love and Daniel McGhee
Oct. 7, 2024

Voice of Truth with Michele Love and Daniel McGhee

Sponsored by Daniel McGhee and the Victory TeamIn this powerful episode, Rich Bennett sits down with Michele Love and Daniel McGhee to explore their deeply transformative journeys of faith, recovery, and resilience. Michele shares her story of overcoming addiction, abuse, and toxic relationships …

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Beyond Donations: How Giving Back Transforms Lives and Communities
Oct. 2, 2024

Beyond Donations: How Giving Back Transforms Lives and Communities

In this insightful episode, Rich Bennett hosts a roundtable discussion with Wendy Beck, Michelle Hayes, and Alicia Hamilton, exploring the many ways people give back to their communities. The guests share personal stories of compassion, from small acts of kindness to managing nonprofits that transf…

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Creepy Woods Returns: Behind the Screams with Bennett’s Curse Creators
Sept. 25, 2024

Creepy Woods Returns: Behind the Screams with Bennett’s Curse Creators

In this thrilling episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich and his cohost Wendy Beck sit down with Jill Bennett, co-creator of Bennett’s Curse, to delve into the world of haunted attractions. Jill shares the story behind Bennett’s Curse, a renowned haunted house that has terrified visitors …

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Empowering Abuse Survivors: Ashley Easter on 30 Days of Courage
Sept. 23, 2024

Empowering Abuse Survivors: Ashley Easter on 30 Days of Courage

In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich talks with Ashley Easter, founder of Courage 365, about the upcoming 30 Days of Courage event. Ashley shares her personal journey of breaking free from a cult-like environment and how she transformed her experience into a platform for empower…

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A Story of Recovery, Grief, and Service with John Torsch
Sept. 9, 2024

A Story of Recovery, Grief, and Service with John Torsch

In this powerful episode, Rich Bennett and co-host Wendy Beck sit down with John Torsch to discuss his deeply personal journey through addiction, grief, and recovery. After losing his brother, Daniel, to an overdose, John turned tragedy into purpose by dedicating his life to harm reduction and addi…

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