Conversations with Rich Bennett

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Revolutionizing Policing Through Humanity with Joe Smarro Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

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, and the personal struggles that fueled his mission to change how public safety handles mental health crises. This conversation offers hard-earned lessons on leadership, compassion, and creating lasting change in communities nationwide.

Sponsored by Eco-Cool HVAC

Guest Bio:

Greg Lato is an award-winning family musician, accomplished children’s author, and proud U.S. Navy veteran. His music has topped the iTunes Children’s Music charts, been featured on Apple Music playlists, and reached families nationwide. With a background in pop-rock and a passion for storytelling, Greg transitioned into children’s music after becoming a father. His latest project, Dandelion, honors the courage and adaptability of military children, drawing directly from their personal experiences. Greg is dedicated to using music as a tool for connection, comfort, and community building.

Main Topics:

· Greg’s musical roots in a jazz-influenced family

· Transition from pop-rock to children’s music after becoming a parent

· His decision to join the U.S. Navy and how it shaped his life

· The inspiration and mission behind Dandelion

· Symbolism of the dandelion as the official flower of the military child

· Collaborating with real military families and children

· Emotional stories that shaped specific songs

· The song “Home Is Not a Place” and its powerful message

· How music fosters camaraderie among military kids

· Touring plans, including performing at military bases

· The challenges of making a living in the streaming era

· Songwriting workshops with military children

Resources mentioned:

· Greg’s Website: https://www.greglatodandelion.com/

· Episode Sponsor: Eco-Cool HVAC

· Supporter: Real Life Prosthetics

· Supporter: Full Circle Boards

· Supporter: Sincerely Sawyer Photography

· Dandelion: Songs Inspired by Military Kids and Families (album)

· “Home Is Not a Place” (song & video)

· “Old School New School” (song & video)

· The Wiggles (children’s music group)

· U.S. Navy

· USO (United Service Organizations)

· April – Month of the Military Child

· Berkeley College of Music

· APG Federal Credit Union Arena

· Aberdeen Proving G

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Dr. Albert Bramante on Breaking Free from Mental Scripts Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Albert Bramante joins Conversations with Rich Bennett to discuss how the mental “scripts” we live by can sabotage our growth, even when we appear successful. A former talent agent turned psychology professor and mindset coach, Dr. Bramante shares his personal journey of battling imposter syndrome, procrastination, and perfectionism—and how he finally took action to write his book Rise Above the Script. This episode is a powerful listen for anyone ready to stop performing and start living authentically.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Albert Bramante is a psychology professor, certified hypnotist, and former talent agent who spent years helping actors and performers succeed while battling his own inner critic. Drawing from his academic research and lived experience, he authored Rise Above the Script, a book aimed at helping creatives and high achievers overcome imposter syndrome and self-sabotage. Dr. Bramante now focuses on mindset coaching, helping people rewrite the subconscious scripts that hold them back.

Main Topics:

· The concept of “mental scripts” and how they shape our lives

· Dr. Bramante’s transition from talent agent to author and professor

· Imposter syndrome: what it is and why even high achievers feel it

· Self-sabotage disguised as ambition or perfectionism

· The power of mastermind groups for accountability

· Tips for finally writing your book—or achieving any big goal

· Rewiring the mind through hypnosis and mindset work

· Why “someday” isn’t real—and how to take imperfect action now

· How your words, self-talk, and labels influence your success

· The spiritual side of self-growth and inner voice

Resources mentioned:

· Dr. Albert Bramante’s Website: https://albertbramante.com

· Episode Sponsor: Freedom Federal Credit Union

· Supporter: Real Life Prosthetics

· Supporter: Full Circle Boards

· Supporter: Sincerely Sawyer Photography

· Rise Above the Script by Dr. Albert Bramante

· Audio hypnosis collections on his site (leadership, mindset, addiction recovery, etc.)

· Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

· The Law of Success by Napoleon Hill

· Audible, Kindle, Apple Books, Google Books (audiobook available)

· PodMatch (for podcast guesting)

· TV shows mentioned: Curb Your Enthusiasm, Whose Line Is It Anyway?

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Dr. Mark Hicks on Learning Love and Rebuilding Relationships Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

Sponsored by Freedom Federal Credit Union

In this heartfelt and transformative episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Dr. Mark Hicks—counselor, minister, and author—shares the five essential components of love from his new book Learning Love. He unpacks how love is more than a feeling—it’s a skill we must learn and practice. Whether you’re healing from heartbreak, navigating family dysfunction, or simply seeking deeper connections, Dr. Hicks offers practical tools and emotional insights to help you build relationships that truly matter.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Mark Hicks is a counselor, minister, speaker, and the author of Learning Love: Building a Life That Matters and Healthy Relationships That Last. With a background in ministry, therapy, and personal experience navigating both healthy and toxic relationships, Dr. Hicks is passionate about teaching love as a learnable skill. He hosts the Learning Love Podcast and recently launched the Learning Love Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting relational health through education and workshops.

Main Topics:

· Why love is not just a feeling but a learnable skill

· The 5 core components of love: Grief, Emotion, Practicality, Acceptance, and Passion

· How grief is essential to keeping our hearts open after pain

· The connection between emotional expression and healthy relationships

· Setting boundaries and knowing when to end toxic relationships

· Loving yourself as the foundation to loving others

· Rediscovering joy and fun in your relationships

· Breaking free from dysfunctional family patterns

· The stigma around therapy and why everyone needs help

· Loving God and understanding your divine value

Resources mentioned:

· Mark’s Website: https://markahicks.com/

· Episode Sponsor: Harford County Chamber of Commerce

· Supporter: Real Life Prosthetics

· Supporter: Full Circle Boards

· Supporter: Sincerely Sawyer Photography

· The Learning Love Podcast with Dr. Mark A. Hicks

· The Learning Love Foundation (coming soon)

· World's Greatest Experiment (15% of book proceeds support this nonprofit)

· Brené Brown’s research on self-worth

· Morgan James Publishing

· Abby Graves Productions (Podcast producer)

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HELPING YOU REACH YOUR FINANCIAL DREAMS
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· We All Grow Together Community

How Podcasting and Purpose Changed Ben Albert’s Life Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

Sponsored by Harford County Chamber of Commerce

What happens when your world collapses and you're left with nothing but a bottle of whiskey and broken dreams? For Ben Albert, it became the turning point. In this energizing and heartfelt episode, Ben shares how he rose from being furloughed during the pandemic to creating Real Business Connections, launching a marketing agency, and building a thriving mastermind community. This is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, podcasters, and anyone seeking growth through connection and authenticity.

Guest Bio:

Ben Albert is the founder of Real Business Connections, a multi-format podcast and business development platform helping entrepreneurs grow through conversation and community. A former music promoter and marketing executive, Ben transformed his pandemic-era furlough into an opportunity, now running a successful marketing firm and hosting high-impact masterminds. He's also the creator of We All Grow Together, a collaborative business network. Ben is passionate about authentic storytelling, peer learning, and helping others amplify their voices.

Main Topics:

· Ben’s journey from furlough and depression to entrepreneurship and podcasting

· The evolution from Rochester Groove Cast to Real Business Connections

· The difference between local and global podcasting reach

· Tips for business owners considering podcast guesting or hosting

· How to turn guests into advocates, not just clients

· The power of using “nominations” vs. “referrals”

· Why consistency and quality matter in podcasting

· Gamifying communities with platforms like Skool

· How masterminds create business momentum

· Laughing through burnout and staying resilient in entrepreneurship

Resources mentioned:

· Ben’s Website: https://realbusinessconnections.com/

· Episode Sponsor: Harford County Chamber of Commerce

· Supporter: Real Life Prosthetics

· Supporter: Full Circle Boards

· Supporter: Sincerely Sawyer Photography

· Skool (platform for community/membership hosting)

· Chris Van Vliet (guest speaker)

· Jordan Harbinger (podcaster)

· Hala Taha (Young and Profiting podcast)

· Cal Fussman (Esquire journalist)

· Jimmy Soni (author of The Founders)

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Plant Music, Spiritual Growth & Clarity with Tigrilla Gardenia Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

Sponsored by Four Seasons Landscape & Construction Services

In this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Tigrilla Gardenia shares her extraordinary journey from Microsoft engineer to Cirque du Soleil performer to spiritual eco-community leader. Now a nature-inspired life coach and plant intelligence advocate, she opens up about how plants helped her reconnect with her true purpose. You’ll learn how music, plant communication, and reconnecting with nature can unlock healing, clarity, and emotional well-being.

Guest Bio:

Tigrilla Gardenia is a certified life coach, nature-inspired mentor, and passionate advocate for plant intelligence. Once an engineer at Microsoft and a touring performer with Cirque du Soleil, she now resides in Damanhur, one of the world's largest spiritual eco-communities. There, she helps multi-passionate and neurodivergent individuals find clarity and purpose by connecting with nature and plant consciousness. Tigrilla is the host of the Reconnect with Plant Wisdom podcast and founder of the Naturally Conscious Community.

Main Topics:

· Tigrilla's transition from tech and performance to spiritual ecology

· The meaning behind her name and her life in Damanhur

· How plants make music and the science behind it

· The mental health benefits of connecting with plants

· Understanding "plant blindness" and how to overcome it

· Why reconnecting with nature heals trauma and reduces burnout

· Coaching neurodivergent individuals using nature-based systems

· Her podcast Reconnect with Plant Wisdom and the community she’s built

· Hosting immersive retreats in Italy for deeper nature connection

· Biophilic design and the impact of environment on well-being

· The importance of listening to plants, not just talking to them

Resources mentioned:

· Tigrilla’s Website: https://tigrillagardenia.com/

· Episode Sponsor: Four Seasons Landscape & Construction Services

· Supporter: Real Life Prosthetics

· Supporter: Full Circle Boards

· Supporter: Sincerely Sawyer Photography

· Naturally Conscious Community: https://naturallyconsciouscommunity.com

· Reconnect with Plant Wisdom Podcast

· Damanhur Eco-Spiritual Community (Italy): https://damanhur.org/

· Fairphone: https://www.fairphone.com

· SHIFT phone (Germany-based sustainable phone company)

· Music of the Plants: https://www.musicoftheplants.com

Four Seasons Landscape & Construction Se
While we perform the traditional lawn and landscape bed services, our passion is providing drainage
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