Society & Culture Episodes

Marine Corps combat veteran and former police officer Joe Smarro shares his powerful journey from the battlefield to the forefront of mental health advocacy. Known for his role in the Emmy Award–winning documentary Ernie and Joe: Crisis Cops, Joe opens up about childhood trauma, military service, a…

Award-winning family musician, children’s author, and Navy veteran Greg Lato joins Rich Bennett to share the story behind his heartfelt new album, Dandelion: Songs Inspired by Military Kids and Families. Blending his own military experience with personal stories from real military children, Greg cr…

In this thought-provoking solo episode, Rich Bennett dives deep into the destructive power of rumors—how they spread, why they take hold, and the devastation they cause to individuals, businesses, and entire communities. Through real-world examples and a heartfelt call to integrity, Rich explores h…

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…

Sponsored by Real Life Prosthetics Jessie Torres shares her extraordinary story of surviving sexual abuse, the tragic murders of both her brothers, and an abusive marriage. Through fierce grace, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of healing, Jessie turned her pain into a powerful mission to h…

Sponsored by Living Well Healthcare In this heartfelt and humorous episode, Rich Bennett reunites with Bethany Pace, Hillary Livingston, and introduces Morgan and Matt to discuss the explosive growth of Sincerely, Divorced, a powerful support community for people navigating divorce. They share …

In this special Independence Day episode, Rich Bennett explores the true meaning and powerful history behind July 4th. From the colonial struggle against British rule to the signing of the Declaration of Independence and its lasting legacy, Rich dives deep into the origins, traditions, and evolving…

Send us a text Sponsored by WHFC 91.1 FM In this vibrant, unfiltered conversation, Rich Bennett sits down with romance authors Cardyn Brooks, Kristie Wolf, and Samantha Heil to explore the booming world of romance literature—...

In this powerful solo episode, Rich Bennett reflects on the true meaning of Memorial Day, a day too often overshadowed by cookouts and beach trips. Tracing its roots from the Civil War to today, Rich shares moving historical insights, ways to meaningfully honor the fallen, and why remembrance is vi…

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…

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…

Sponsored by Living Well HealthcareIn this inspiring episode, Rich Bennett sits down with members of the Amputee Friends Group and Real Life Prosthetics to discuss their journeys of resilience, recovery, and community. Through humor, honesty, and mutual support, they share how they’ve turned pe…

Sponsored by Serenity Salt Spa In this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, author Mia Hanks shares the deeply personal and emotional journey behind her memoir Bride-Made. After nearly three decades in a covertly abusive marriage, Mia opens up about the red flags she missed, the…

In this heartfelt solo episode, Rich Bennett opens up about the importance of Mental Health Awareness Month and why we need to talk openly and compassionately about mental health struggles. Rich shares alarming statistics, personal stories from past guests, and practical steps we can all take to ma…

Sponsored by Tar Heel Construction GroupIn this heartfelt episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, we meet Bob Wischer, a personal development coach and founder of Men Becoming Better Men. Bob opens up about life after divorce, the power of male community, and how he's helping men break free…

Actor and fourth-degree black belt Matt Drago joins Rich and Tammie to dive deep into his role in Somewhere in Montana, a film about legacy, connection, and clashing perspectives. From method acting and indie film grit to personal stories that shaped his journey, Matt opens up like never before. If…

Dale Walsh joins Rich Bennett to share his remarkable journey from a schizophrenia diagnosis to becoming a recovery coach and prolific poet. In this raw and inspiring conversation, Dale opens up about battling stigma, discovering purpose through writing, and the creation of his Live Love coaching m…

Sponsored by CleverCat MarketingWhat do toilet paper, jazz, and brand loyalty have in common? In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Ethan Decker reveals the surprising science behind how brands grow—and why small businesses struggle more than they think. From the Double Jeopardy L…

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…

Sponsored by Harford County LivingDiscover how AI expert Shahar Boyayan is helping businesses transform customer relationships through smart, hyper-personalized automation. From emotional consumer insights to real-world applications that save time and boost sales, this episode is packed with st…

Sponsored by American Auto RepairThomas Brown joins Rich to share his deeply personal journey through grief after losing his brother to suicide, and how a 7,000-mile cross-country bike ride became a path to healing, purpose, and self-awareness. From toxic masculinity to the power of storytellin…

This episode dives into the growing role of artificial intelligence in our daily lives and businesses—delivered entirely by AI itself. From productivity hacks to debunking fears, it’s a light, witty, and informative take on why embracing AI matters. Whether you're tech-savvy or just curious, it’s a…

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…

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…