Conversations with Rich Bennett

Latest Episodes:

Fundraising Mistakes Nonprofits Keep Making (And How to Fix Them) Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

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, smart fundraising strategies, and the evolving landscape of nonprofit leadership. Whether you're running a nonprofit, serving on a board, or just curious about community impact, this conversation offers practical insights you can use.

Guest Bio:

Katie Ramirez is the founder of Level Up Your Mission, a consultancy dedicated to helping nonprofits strengthen their leadership, fundraising, and community impact. With over 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, Katie is known for her hands-on approach and strategic insights. She’s a sought-after board consultant, speaker, and advocate for sustainable nonprofit growth in Harford County and beyond.

Main Topics:

· The evolution of nonprofit fundraising events and the need for creativity

· Why nonprofits need a diversified funding strategy beyond grants

· The importance of building strong, engaged, and diverse boards

· The role of community foundations in supporting emerging nonprofits

· Why nonprofit leaders must balance mission, business planning, and collaboration

· The impact of strategic board development and volunteer leadership

· Social media’s evolving role in nonprofit promotion and fundraising

· How personalized donor engagement leads to lasting support

Resources mentioned:

· Level Up Your Missions’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565508418389

· Episode Sponsor: Tar Heel Construction Group

· Supporter: Real Life Prosthetics

· Supporter: Full Circle Boards

· Supporter: Sincerely Sawyer Photography

· Community Foundation of Harford County

· Bailey’s Heart and Soul Foundation (Patricia Bullock)

· CHEP (Charity Organization)

· Rage Against Addiction

· Pathfinders for Autism

· Joe Ayler & Tar Heel Construction

· Special Olympics

· March of Dimes

· Peabody Education Fund

· The Red Barn Project (Colorado)

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Surviving, Healing, and Rising Strong with Jessie Torres Jul 18, 2025

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Sponsored by Your Pet AuPair

When life crumbled around her—art career, finances, marriage—Stephanie Jackson hit rock bottom. Instead of giving up, she rebuilt her life and launched Practical Sanctuary, pioneering Sensory Interior Design, a unique blend of neuroscience, psychology, and art to create spaces that support focus, healing, and better relationships. In this inspiring episode, Stephanie shares how she turned personal adversity into a mission-driven business, empowering highly sensitive and neurodivergent individuals to thrive.

Guest Bio:

Stephanie Jackson is an artist, massage therapist, educator, and the founder of Practical Sanctuary. After a career in fine art left her disillusioned and financially struggling, she reinvented herself as a sensory interior designer, combining her creative talents with neuroscience and psychology. Stephanie now empowers sensitive and neurodivergent people by helping them create environments that enhance well-being, focus, and emotional regulation. She also teaches massage therapy and is an engaging speaker on neurodiversity and design.

Main Topics:

· The harsh realities of the art world and creative industries

· Stephanie's personal story of financial collapse and resilience

· The birth of Sensory Interior Design and how it differs from traditional design

· The impact of environment on highly sensitive and neurodivergent individuals

· Collaborating with clients to empower them through space transformation

· How small design changes can profoundly affect mental health and productivity

· Stephanie’s transition into teaching and public speaking

· Her upcoming book on sensory design for sensitive people

Resources mentioned:

· Stephanie’s website: https://practicalsanctuary.com/

· Episode Sponsor: Your Pet AuPair

· Supporter: Real Life Prosthetics

· Supporter: Full Circle Boards

· Supporter: Sincerely Sawyer Photography

· The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine Aron

· The San Francisco Art Institute

· Community College of Philadelphia (where Stephanie teaches)

· Her upcoming book: The Eccentric Genius Habitat Intervention (Coming September 2025)

· Neurodiversity and Innovation Conference in Baltimore (October 2025)

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Freestyle, Family, and Finding Freedom with Gavin Masumiya Jul 11, 2025

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In this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Gavin Masumiya shares his emotional journey from a shy, self-conscious child to a confident speaker, coach, and musical artist. Through freestyle rap, public speaking, and deeply personal songwriting—especially after the loss of his mother—Gavin discovered the healing power of voice and vulnerability. Listeners will be inspired by his resilience, creativity, and unique approach to coaching others into authentic expression.

Guest Bio:

Gavin Masumiya is a voice coach, speaker, and freestyle rapper who helps people unlock their authentic expression through the power of voice. A former behavioral therapist and English teacher in Japan, Gavin now works with clients around the world to overcome self-doubt and step into their truth. Following the passing of his mother, he transformed grief into artistic healing through songwriting, releasing tracks under his artist name, Masu. Gavin also facilitates coaching programs, mentors aspiring speakers, and contributes to purpose-driven organizations that align with his mission of emotional transformation.

Main Topics:

· Gavin’s journey from shy child to confident speaker and coach

· Discovering freestyle rap as a tool for healing and self-expression

· Using creativity and music to process grief and honor his mother

· Launching a music career under the name Masu

· Creating “legacy appointments” through recorded conversations

· Coaching professionals to unleash their authentic voice

· The impact of mastermind groups and the power of asking for help

· Future ambitions, including a TEDx Talk and potential book

Resources mentioned:

· Michael’s website: https://www.gavinmasumiya.com/

· Supporter: Real Life Prosthetics