Conversations with Rich Bennett

Latest Episodes:

Nicolette Halladay on the Courage to Trust Your Story Jun 24, 2026

Show notes

Have you ever felt called to share your story but found yourself held back by self-doubt, fear, or the belief that nobody would care?

In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with author, publisher, and storytelling mentor Nicolette Halladay, founder of Inspired Hearts Publishing and author of The Golden Thread and the Lineage of the Light. Together, they explore how writing a book can become much more than a publishing project. It can be a journey of self-discovery, healing, confidence, and personal transformation.

Nicolette shares her own entrepreneurial journey, how she built Inspired Hearts Publishing, and why so many aspiring authors struggle with visibility, imposter syndrome, and trusting their own voice. She also explains her unique process for helping authors move from idea to published book while creating a lasting impact.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why your unique story matters more than you think
• How writing a book builds confidence and clarity
• The biggest fears aspiring authors face and how to overcome them
• Why books can create opportunities beyond book sales
• How community and accountability help authors succeed

Learn more about Nicolette and Inspired Hearts Publishing:
https://inspiredheartspublishing.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who has a story waiting to be told.

Your story matters. The world may be waiting to hear it.

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Book Fair at Bel Air
Celebrate the Magic of Words in Bel Air, Maryland!
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Marc Alcobé Talló on Finding Home Around the World Jun 22, 2026

Show notes

What does it really mean to leave home and build a life somewhere completely new? The answer goes far beyond travel photos, tourist attractions, and social media highlights.

In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with Marc Alcobé Talló, host of Almost Local Living Abroad Stories, to discuss the realities of living abroad. Originally from Barcelona, Marc has spent the last eight years living in Germany, Greece, and Italy, learning firsthand how culture, language, relationships, and personal identity evolve when you're far from everything familiar.

Marc shares honest insights about culture shock, language barriers, finding community, work-life balance, and how his definition of "home" has changed over time.

In This Episode:

What it's really like moving to a country where you don't speak the language
Lessons learned from living in Germany, Greece, and Italy
How travel and relocation shape your identity
Why community matters when you're far from home
The surprising differences in work culture across Europe

Learn More

Website: https://almostlocalstories.com

Listen to Almost Local Living Abroad Stories on your favorite podcast platform.

If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who dreams of exploring the world or starting a new chapter in life.

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218 Years of Authentic Compassion with Howard McComas IV Jun 19, 2026

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What does it take to keep a family business thriving for more than two centuries?

In this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with Howard McComas IV, seventh-generation leader of McComas Funeral Home, to discuss a remarkable family legacy that has served Harford County since 1808.

But this conversation goes far beyond funeral services.

Howard shares lessons learned from helping families through grief, the importance of relationships, how funeral traditions are evolving, and why community involvement remains at the heart of everything the McComas family does. From honoring veterans and first responders to supporting families before, during, and after loss, Howard offers a perspective that is both deeply personal and incredibly inspiring.

You'll learn:

• How McComas Funeral Home has remained family-owned for 218 years
• Why relationships are the foundation of lasting success
• The changing role of funerals and celebrations of life
• The importance of grief support and healthy healing
• How veterans and first responders are honored through special programs

Resources:

• McComas Funeral Home: McComasFuneralHome.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would appreciate this conversation. And as always, join the conversation by reaching out to Rich Bennett.

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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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Michael Reed on Loss, Love, and Living Again Jun 17, 2026

Show notes

What happens after grief? Not when the tears stop, because they never fully do, but when healing begins.

In this powerful return appearance on Conversations with Rich Bennett, award-winning author Michael Reed shares the next chapter of his journey following the unimaginable loss of his wife, daughters, dogs, and home. Since his last visit, Michael has earned certification as a grief coach, continued his behavioral health education, completed EMDR therapy, and published two new books designed to help both adults and children navigate loss.

Michael opens up about the difference between grieving and healing, the signs he receives from his daughters, and the moment he realized it was okay to start living again.

About Michael Reed:
Michael Reed is an award-winning author, grief advocate, speaker, and certified grief coach. He is the author of The Million Stages of Grief, The Million Stages of Healing, and The Owl and the Ladybug.

Key Takeaways:

Why grief is not limited to five stages
The critical difference between grieving and healing
How EMDR therapy helped Michael process trauma
Why children need a different approach to grief support
The powerful truth behind the phrase "You Are Enough"

Resources:

themillionstages.com

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John Kippen on Turning Scars Into Strength Jun 15, 2026

Show notes

What if the thing you've spent years trying to hide is actually your greatest strength?

In this unforgettable episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich and Wendy sit down with magician, author, speaker, and resilience coach John Kippen. After a brain tumor surgery left one side of his face completely paralyzed, John spent more than a decade avoiding mirrors, cameras, and much of the outside world. But through magic, storytelling, and a commitment to helping others, he transformed his greatest challenge into his life's purpose.

John shares remarkable stories about performing for Alex Trebek, working alongside Jamie Lee Curtis on his documentary, meeting Siegfried & Roy, and the lessons he's learned about resilience, self-acceptance, and human connection.

You'll learn:

• How John overcame years of isolation and self-doubt

• Why being different is your superpower

• The powerful mindset behind his "I'm Possible" coaching method

• How small acts of kindness can save lives

• Why it's never too late to start living your own dream

Resources Mentioned:

• JohnKippen.com

• Playing the Hand You Were Dealt

• John's Ultimate Illusion documentary

If this episode inspires you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a reminder that their challenges do not define them.

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Freedom Federal Credit Union
HELPING YOU REACH YOUR FINANCIAL DREAMS
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How Alexis Watson Helps Parents Find Genuine Hope Jun 12, 2026

Show notes

Parents and caregivers are facing more challenges than ever, from bullying and mental health struggles to IEPs, addiction concerns, and not knowing where to turn. In this episode, Rich Bennett and co-host Wendy Beck sit down with Alexis Watson, Behavioral Health Specialist for Harford County with The Parents’ Place of Maryland, to talk about how families can find real support.

Alexis shares how The Parents’ Place helps parents, grandparents, caregivers, and families across Maryland navigate special education, behavioral health, school challenges, risky behaviors, problem gambling, substance use concerns, and more. She also explains the importance of Maryland’s Good Samaritan Law and why families should never feel ashamed to ask for help.

Takeaways from this episode:

How The Parents’ Place of Maryland supports families statewide
What parents should know about IEPs, 504 plans, and school conflicts
Why bullying and social media are creating new challenges for kids
How caregivers can access free resources and support
Why asking for help can be the strongest step a family takes

Resources mentioned: ppmd.org, 410-768-9100, 988 Crisis Lifeline, Harford’s Heart Magazine, and Freedom Federal Credit Union.

Please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who may need support.

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How Laura Van Wormer Remarkably Found Her Voice Again Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

What happens when life takes away the voice you built your career on, and then gives you a completely new way to use it?

In this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich talks with bestselling author Laura Van Wormer, who published 14 novels with major publishers before a devastating head-on collision with a drunk driver changed everything. After years of struggling with traumatic brain injury and the loss of her writing ability, Laura found her way back to storytelling through podcasting.

Laura is the creator of The Class of ’74, a serialized audio drama set in the early 1970s that blends nostalgia, history, humor, and healing.

In this episode:

Laura shares how the crash changed her life and creativity
Why podcasting became part of her recovery
How The Class of ’74 reconnects people with their own memories
The role of history, high school, and community in storytelling
What Betty White taught Laura about gratitude and grief

Links mentioned:
Classof74podcast.com
LauraVanWormer.net
VictoryTeamSells.com

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The Victory Team
LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL A HOME Go with the Agent that was voted Harford’s Best & won the Harford Cou
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Teresa Blaes Shares a Story of Survival and Faith Jun 08, 2026

Show notes

What if the most painful chapter of your life became the very thing that helped someone else keep going?

In this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with Teresa Blaes, entrepreneur, podcaster, author, certified Kingdom Life Coach, and founder of Kadosh Media. Teresa shares her remarkable journey through childhood trauma, family tragedy, blindness, loss, addiction, healing, and ultimately finding purpose through faith.

Her upcoming autobiography, Protected: A Story of Survival, Faith, and Redemption, tells a story that is both heartbreaking and inspiring, proving that even the darkest experiences can become a source of hope for others.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How Teresa survived unimaginable childhood trauma
• What happened when she lost both her mother and her eyesight in the same week
• Why she walked away from God for five years and what brought her back
• The healing power of sharing your story
• How podcasting, writing, and music became part of her mission

Resources Mentioned:

If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs encouragement today. Visit HarfordCountyLiving.com and ConversationsWithRichBennett.com for more inspiring conversations.

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Lee Ann Walling on Strong Faith, Friendship and Healing Jun 05, 2026

Show notes

What if your greatest chapter begins after your life falls apart?

In this inspiring episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, author Lee Ann Walling shares the story behind her debut novel, The Salt and Light Express, a moving journey through grief, faith, friendship, healing, and second chances. After reinventing herself multiple times throughout her career, Lee Ann returned to school in her late 60s, earned her MFA, and published her first novel at age 69.

During this conversation, Lee Ann discusses the emotional inspiration behind the book, the challenges of independent publishing, the importance of authentic storytelling, and why it's never too late to pursue a lifelong dream.

You'll discover:

• The real-life inspiration behind The Salt and Light Express
• How grief and loss shaped the story
• Lessons learned from earning an MFA later in life
• The truth about independent publishing
• Why podcasts have become one of the best marketing tools for authors

Whether you're a reader, writer, creative entrepreneur, or someone facing a major life transition, Lee Ann's story will leave you inspired to take your own next right step.

Learn more about Lee Ann Walling at LeeAnnWalling.com.

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Reviews help us continue bringing you meaningful conversations with incredible guests.

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Linda Aluoch on Hope, Healing, and Human Trafficking Jun 03, 2026

Show notes

What if the pain you've experienced in life became the very thing that helped save others?

In this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich and co-host Robyn Burke sit down with Linda Aluoch, founder of HopeWorks Global, to discuss her extraordinary journey from growing up in poverty in Kenya to becoming a leading advocate against human trafficking.

Linda shares deeply personal stories about family loss, addiction, resilience, faith, and the heartbreaking discovery that her late sister was likely a victim of human trafficking. That realization became the catalyst for a mission that now helps vulnerable individuals both in Kenya and the United States.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How poverty and vulnerability create pathways for human trafficking
• Why trafficking is much more than what most people imagine
• The hidden dangers of labor trafficking and organ trafficking
• How education and awareness can prevent exploitation
• The inspiring work HopeWorks Global is doing to empower families and communities

Resources & Links:

Hope Works Global
https://hopeworksglobal.org

Sponsor:
Daniel McGhee & The Victory Team
https://victoryteamsells.com

If this episode inspires you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this important conversation. Together, awareness can save lives.

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