Conversations with Rich Bennett

Latest Episodes:

Inner County Outreach Expands with Fresh Start Furnishings Feb 25, 2026

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What if the biggest missing piece in fighting poverty isn’t food or housing—but furniture?

In this powerful episode, Alicia Hamilton of Fresh Start Furnishings joins Rich alongside Natalie Johnson, COO of Inner County Outreach, to announce a major partnership that will expand services across Harford and Cecil Counties.

After furnishing 321 households and serving over 900 individuals in one year, Alicia realized the next level required bigger infrastructure and shared resources. Now, Fresh Start Furnishings is joining forces with ICO, a 40-year-old nonprofit serving families across multiple counties.

You’ll hear:

• What “furniture poverty” really means
• The emotional story behind one life-changing mattress delivery
• Why nonprofit sustainability requires strategy, not just passion
• How this partnership expands mental health and family services
• Advice for anyone thinking about starting a nonprofit

Learn more:
Fresh Start Furnishings – https://freshstartmd.org
Inner County Outreach – https://innercountyoutreach.org

If this episode moved you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who believes in strengthening our community.

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Xanet Pailet on Emotional Safety & Sex Feb 23, 2026

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What happens when a marriage looks successful on the outside but feels disconnected behind closed doors?

In this powerful episode, Rich Bennett sits down with intimacy coach and bestselling author Xanet Pailet to talk about sexless marriages, emotional safety, and why intimacy does not die overnight—it slowly goes underground.

After leaving a 26-year marriage at age 50, Xanet rebuilt her life and now helps couples who feel more like roommates than partners. She shares why resentment builds quietly, how communication breakdowns kill desire, and what couples can do to repair emotional and sexual connection before it’s too late.

This is not a shock-value conversation. It is thoughtful, honest, and practical. If you or someone you know feels disconnected in a long-term relationship, this episode could change everything.

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Rich Bennett on The Art of Showing Up Feb 20, 2026

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When was the last time you showed up for someone when it cost you something?

In this solo episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich explores the art of showing up for people even when it’s inconvenient. Not the social media version. Not the easy version. The real version that requires sacrifice, humility, and effort.

From sitting in hospital waiting rooms to attending small events when no one else does, Rich shares personal reflections as a Marine Corps veteran, husband, father, and business owner about why relationships are built in uncomfortable moments.

If you’ve ever struggled with choosing comfort over connection, this episode will challenge and inspire you to lead differently. Because loyalty, love, and leadership are often found in the inconvenient moments.

Who do you need to show up for this week?

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The Truth Lies at the Edge with Melissa Roos Feb 18, 2026

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Have you ever lost track of time inside a book? That’s no accident.

In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, mystery romance author Melissa Roos shares how she went from growing up seven miles outside a small Iowa town to publishing six emotionally layered suspense novels in just five years.

Melissa opens up about overcoming shyness, choosing indie publishing for creative control, building strong female characters, and revealing secrets one page at a time. She also explains why critique groups are essential, how reader feedback fuels her passion, and what inspired her latest novel, The Truth Lies at the Edge, after a life-changing visit to the Grand Canyon.

If you love fiction filled with heart, tension, and unforgettable settings, this conversation is for you.

Learn more and grab signed copies at MelissaRoosAuthor.com.

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Book Fair at Bel Air
Celebrate the Magic of Words in Bel Air, Maryland!
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Visibility, Trauma, and Triumph with Jenny C. Cohen Feb 16, 2026

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Jenny C. Cohen’s story will move you.

An award-winning dancer, embodiment coach, and cancer survivor, Jenny shares how dance became her lifeline through breast cancer, trauma, and unimaginable family challenges. From competing internationally while in treatment to supporting her daughter through mental health struggles, Jenny reveals how reconnecting with the body can restore strength, clarity, and confidence.

We dive into somatic healing, muscle testing, trauma recovery, hormone health, and why visibility is more than just being seen—it’s about telling the truth with your whole body.

If you’ve ever felt like you were meant for more but haven’t stepped into the spotlight yet, this episode is for you.

Learn more about Jenny at danceandheal.com.

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WHFC 91.1 FM
It's all about community. WHFC 91.1 FM, Harford Community College Radio, is the college radio sta
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Noah May: From Breakdown to Breakthrough Feb 13, 2026

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Noah May joins Rich Bennett for one of the most honest conversations yet about mental health, resilience, and survival.

Diagnosed with clinical depression at 14 and anxiety at 18, Noah shares how his symptoms escalated into severe nausea, dramatic weight loss, and daily fear that left him physically shaken. As a member of the Class of 2020, he also faced the emotional toll of graduating during the COVID pandemic, followed by six months of long COVID symptoms.

But this story is not about defeat. It’s about breakthrough.

Noah opens up about finally finding the right medication, rebuilding his confidence, earning a journalism degree from Auburn University, and launching the Lethal Venom Podcast to help others speak their truth.

If you or someone you know struggles with anxiety or depression, this episode offers hope, perspective, and encouragement to never fight alone.

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Maryland Pickers
Family Owned & Operated - Maryland Pickers Junk Removal & Hauling - Serving Harford & Baltimore Cou
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Carter Polakoff on Why Play Matters for Every Family Feb 11, 2026

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What if play wasn’t just for kids, but for parents too?

In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich welcomes Carter Polakoff, President and CEO of Port Discovery Children’s Museum, for a powerful conversation about why children’s museums are really family museums. Carter shares her journey from intern to CEO, how Port Discovery supports neurodiverse families and military households, and why joy, curiosity, and creativity are essential building blocks for lifelong learning.

You’ll hear how exhibits are designed with real input from kids, why parents deserve just as much support as children, and how play can be a tool for healing, connection, and growth.

Plus, listen to the very end for a limited-time membership discount you won’t want to miss.

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Harford's Heart Magazine
KEEP IT LOCAL WITH HARFORD’S HEART maryland’s lifestyle magazine for harford county!
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Tony DeMaio on Saving Veterans One Connection at a Time Feb 09, 2026

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Tony DeMaio, founder of Helping Heroes USA, joins Rich Bennett for one of the most important conversations you will hear this year. Together, they dive into veteran suicide prevention, the warning signs too many people miss, and why connection and compassion save lives.

Tony shares powerful real-world stories, explains how family and friends can become “Support Angels,” and introduces listeners to Coco Bear, the service dog whose instinct for comfort has touched countless veterans and seniors.

This episode is not just for veterans. It is for anyone who wants to better understand mental health, recognize when someone is struggling, and learn how one act of care can truly save a life.

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Eco-Cool HVAC
YOUR FRIEND IN THE SUMMERS & WINTERS! Heating & Air Conditioning Service and Repair, Furnace & Boil
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Andrew Lewin on Why the Ocean Needs Better Storytelling Feb 06, 2026

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What if protecting the ocean did not have to come with fear, guilt, or doom and gloom?

In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, marine biologist and podcast host Andrew Lewin shares how storytelling, curiosity, and human connection can inspire real action for ocean conservation. Andrew is the host of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast and founder of the Speak Up For Blue Podcast Network, with more than 1,800 episodes dedicated to making ocean science accessible and hopeful.

Rich and Andrew dive into the realities of marine conservation, the myths surrounding sharks and orcas, the power of podcasting as a tool for change, and why connecting emotionally with nature matters more than facts alone. They also discuss advocacy, mental health in science, veteran focused conservation work, and how one voice truly can make a difference.

This is a thoughtful, inspiring conversation for anyone who cares about the planet, meaningful storytelling, and using their voice to create positive change.

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Harford County Health Department
To protect, promote, and improve the health, safety, and environment of Harford County residents.
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Troy Horne On Broadway, Fatherhood, And Starting Over Strong Feb 04, 2026

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What if midlife isn’t a decline, but your greatest opportunity yet?

In this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with Broadway performer, bestselling author, and speaker Troy Horne to talk about reinvention, resilience, and redefining success after 40. From starring on Broadway in Rent to co-creating a number-one youth basketball podcast with his son, Troy shares how unexpected turns can become life-changing breakthroughs.

They dive into fatherhood, mental toughness, creativity, and Troy’s newest book, Middle Management, which helps people rediscover clarity, purpose, and momentum in the second half of life. This is an honest, inspiring conversation for anyone feeling called to start again, try something new, or finally give themselves permission to go all-in.

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Paul Applegate
Paul offers No Cost No Obligation Retirement Check Ups and Consultations.
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