Conversations with Rich Bennett

In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with Dr. Christiane Schroeter — TEDx speaker, university professor, entrepreneur, bestselling author, and host of the Happy Healthy Hustle podcast. Christiane shares her Petite Practice method and breaks down how small, intentional steps can create massive personal and professional change.Rich and Christiane dive into confidence, clarity, mindset, and the realities of building a business without feeding the overwhelm. From teaching more than 10,000 students to launching a top-ranked podcast, Christiane brings humor, heart, and practical strategy that entrepreneurs, creators, and dreamers can put into action immediately.They also explore cultural stories, cookies, German baking, vulnerability, TEDx insights, and why consistency is the real engine behind long-term success. Whether you're starting a business, launching a podcast, or simply trying to grow with more intention, this episode offers tools, perspective, and inspiration to help you move forward with purpose.Sponsored by Freedom Federal Credit Union. Visit freedomfcu.org to learn how they support local businesses and community growth.Send us Fan MailFreedom Federal Credit UnionHELPING YOU REACH YOUR FINANCIAL DREAMSDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showRate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | FacebookTwitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennettTikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTokSponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:Hosted on BuzzsproutSquadCastSubscribe by Email

What if the real issue isn’t that you’re broken, but that you’ve been convinced you are? In this conversation, psychiatrist and “Undoctor” Dr. Fred Moss challenges everything we’ve been taught about mental health. After nearly 40 years working in hospitals, prisons, clinics, and community settings, Fred came to a bold conclusion: most people don’t need more labels or more medication — they need to be heard, seen, and connected.Fred shares why so many of us cling to diagnoses, how psychiatric labels quietly become identities, and why medications often create the same symptoms they claim to treat. He explains the exhaustion of pretending to be someone else just to fit in, how school systems train us to silence our authentic selves, and why creativity is one of the most powerful healing tools we have. From anxiety and depression to social media overload and the myth of “normal,” this episode dives deep into what it really means to be human in a chaotic world.We also explore Fred’s Undoctor Reset community, his work at DrFred360.com, and the idea that connection is the most potent medicine ever discovered. If you’ve ever questioned the stories you’ve been told about mental health — or the ones you’ve told yourself — this conversation may shift the way you see your life, your struggles, and your potential.Send us Fan MailSupport the showRate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | FacebookTwitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennettTikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTokSponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:Hosted on BuzzsproutSquadCastSubscribe by Email

Recorded live at the Edgewood American Legion Post 17, this powerful community conversation brings together a panel of mental health experts, advocates, and leaders to confront the realities so many people are struggling with—but rarely talk about. Moderated by Ronya Nassar from the Harford County Health Department, this episode explores stigma, fear, youth anxiety, addiction, the impact of social media, cultural barriers, and the unique mental health challenges facing veterans and first responders.You’ll hear raw, honest insights from professionals who work on the front lines every day—supporting children, families, people in recovery, and veterans navigating trauma. They break down misconceptions, share what they’re seeing in Harford County and beyond, and offer practical advice for approaching loved ones who are struggling. From understanding how anxiety shows up in the body to recognizing early warning signs, the panel delivers guidance that’s compassionate, clear, and grounded in real experience.A major theme woven throughout the discussion is connection—being willing to listen, being willing to check in, and being willing to “be the one” someone can reach out to in a moment of crisis. You’ll also hear difficult but important conversations about youth self-diagnosis on TikTok, the growing emotional toll of overstimulation and isolation, and the urgent need for more accessible, culturally competent mental health services across our communities.This episode is full of encouragement and hope. You’ll be reminded that healing is possible, no one is alone, and the simple act of showing up for someone can change everything. Whether you’re a parent, veteran, educator, community member, or someone battling your own mental health challenges, this conversation offers insight, understanding, and a reminder that reaching out is a sign of strength—not weakness.If this discussion resonates with you or sparks questions, join the conversation by emailing Rich or jumping into the Facebook group. And please, share this episode with someone who might need to hear it. Sometimes a single conversation can make all the difference.Send us Fan MailHarford County Health DepartmentTo protect, promote, and improve the health, safety, and environment of Harford County residents.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showRate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | FacebookTwitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennettTikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTokSponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:Hosted on BuzzsproutSquadCastSubscribe by Email

In this episode, Rich and cohost Kayla Deickman sit down with Donna Thompson and friends to explore the incredible world of monarch butterflies. From spotting eggs on milkweed to releasing fully formed butterflies, these passionate local conservationists share how small backyard efforts can make a big environmental impact. It’s a conversation filled with awe, purpose, and a reminder that nature’s magic often begins right outside your window. Sponsored by Richardson Farms Guest Bio:  ·         Donna Thompson — A dedicated monarch advocate and backyard conservationist who has inspired countless others to plant milkweed, protect pollinators, and join the movement to restore monarch populations.·         Friends of Donna Thompson — Fellow monarch enthusiasts who share practical advice, personal stories, and deep passion for protecting these iconic butterflies through hands-on education and community engagement. Main Topics: ·         The story behind Donna Thompson’s monarch rescue journey·         Raising caterpillars responsibly: how to collect, feed, and release them·         Why milkweed matters — native vs. tropical species·         Common threats to monarchs: pesticides, predators, and habitat loss·         What the migration really looks like on the East Coast·         How individuals and communities can help protect monarchs·         Inspiring kids and neighbors to join the conservation movement Resources mentioned: ·         Milkweed species: swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), balloon plant (“hairy balls”)·         Monarch lifecycle: egg → caterpillar → chrysalis → butterfly·         Pollinator habitats and native plant gardens·         Donna's Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary·         Episode Sponsor: Richardson Farms·         Supporter: Full Circle Boards·         Supporter: Send us Fan MailRichardson FarmsLocally grown produce, flowers, fresh rotisserie chicken, specialty food items, and more!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showRate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | FacebookTwitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennettTikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTokSponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:Hosted on BuzzsproutSquadCastSubscribe by Email

Maryland State Senator and IBEW Local 24 leader Cory V. McCray joins Rich and Dan to share how a paid electrical apprenticeship rewired his life—from Baltimore City and the juvenile system to business owner and public service. Cory breaks down how union apprenticeships work, why mentors and discipline matter, and how practical pathways can lift families and entire communities. A grounded, honest guide for anyone who cares about second chances and real opportunity. Sponsored by Daniel McGhee and the Victory Team Guest Bio:  Cory V. McCray is a Maryland State Senator, husband, and father of four who completed an IBEW Local 24 electrical apprenticeship before launching a career in business and public service. He’s the author of The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life and serves as a business agent and vice president within his local, championing working families, mentorship, and scalable pathways to the middle class.  Main Topics: ·         How a paid union apprenticeship provides wages, benefits, and schooling without debt. ·         Discipline, mentors, and “learning to listen” as success multipliers on the job site and in life. ·         Differences between premier union apprenticeships and other pathways, plus common pitfalls. ·         Moving from limited exposure to leadership: business owner, union officer, and senator. ·         Building pipelines for data centers and future infrastructure—and why Maryland needs more tradespeople now. ·         Recovery, reprogramming habits, and choosing environments that support growth. ·         Writing and publishing The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life: proposal, editing, and launch. ·         Family first: genealogy, legacy, and raising contributors to the community.  Resources mentioned: ·         The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life by Cory V. McCray — order hub: apprenticeshipcheatcode.com (as stated “the apprenticeship cheat code dot com”). Also available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, local shops. ·         Local bookstores mentioned: Send us Fan MailThe Victory TeamLOOKING TO BUY OR SELL A HOME Go with the Agent that was voted Harford’s Best & won the Harford CouDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showRate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | FacebookTwitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennettTikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTokSponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:Hosted on BuzzsproutSquadCastSubscribe by Email

Energy healer and spiritual teacher Cheryl Stelte joins Rich to unpack why so many high-achieving women feel stuck even when life looks “successful” on the outside. From her Vancouver Island spiritual awakening to her Azarius Energy Healing method and “receive what’s offered” practice, Cheryl explains how early-rooted wounds, especially around the throat chakra, block fulfillment—and how to release them. You’ll hear practical tools, powerful stories, and a life-changing exercise to make better decisions now by asking what will matter on your deathbed. Sponsored by Harford County Health Department Guest Bio:  Cheryl Stelte is a spiritual coach, author, and founder of Star of Divine Light, known for her Azarius Energy Healing system and chakra readings. Drawing from her own transformation—from divorce and depression to deep spiritual work—she helps purpose-driven leaders clear subconscious blocks, reclaim their voice, and step into authentic, soul-aligned success.  Main Topics: ·         The Vancouver Island moment: a direct experience of divine connection that redirected Cheryl’s life and work. ·         Why success ≠ fulfillment: the “plateau” where nothing works like it used to—because deeper wounds are surfacing to be healed. ·         Root → Throat: how early conditioning (even in the womb) creates a throat-chakra bottleneck that stifles voice, visibility, and receiving. ·         The receive practice: hand on heart, “Thank you, I receive that,” breathe it in—rewiring overgiving and people-pleasing. ·         Azarius Energy Healing: facilitating non-linear, spirit-led release at the soul level; why Cheryl works 1:1 intensively. ·         Client stories: burnout to calling (e.g., “Ginny”), and turning outward prayer inward to the “God within” for traction. ·         Four core limiting beliefs: “I’m not enough,” “I’m unworthy,” “I don’t matter,” “I’m unlovable”—and how to shift them. ·         The deathbed exercise: deciding today by asking what will matter at the end.  Resources mentioned: ·         Star of Divine Light — Send us Fan MailHarford County Health DepartmentTo protect, promote, and improve the health, safety, and environment of Harford County residents.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showRate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | FacebookTwitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennettTikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTokSponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:Hosted on BuzzsproutSquadCastSubscribe by Email

High-school teacher and nonprofit founder Diana Liberto Grove shares how she and her husband began fostering teens—and why she launched Shifting Gears to support youth ages 16–25 as they transition out of care. From Sunday dinners and tutoring to driver’s ed partnerships and a vision for tiny-home communities and an emergency shelter, Diana lays out practical, community-powered solutions anyone can help with. It’s a hopeful, action-oriented conversation about turning compassion into infrastructure. Sponsored by Freedom Federal Credit Union Guest Bio:  Diana Liberto Grove is the co-founder of Shifting Gears, a Maryland-based nonprofit focused on helping foster youth (16–25) build independence through life skills, education, employment, housing support, and community. A longtime Harford County high-school teacher and foster/adoptive mom, Diana creates safe spaces and trusted relationships that carry teens into adulthood—with programs like tutoring, Sunday dinners, creative outlets, and career readiness.  Main Topics: ·         Diana’s path into fostering teens and adopting (why teens need homes, trust, and consistency) ·         The birth of Shifting Gears and its focus on ages 16–25 (in-care to independence) ·         Current programs: Sunday dinners, book club, tutoring, driver’s ed partnership, creative/skills shop plans ·         The big vision: tiny-home community, adult “boys & girls club” space, and an emergency shelter ·         Fundraising and volunteers: board needs, background checks, care closet, and in-kind skills (plumbing, design, tutoring, etc.) ·         Hard realities & hope: outcomes after aging out, mental health, trafficking risk, and how community changes the story  Resources mentioned: ·         Shifting Gears website: shiftinggearsmd.org (donate button on site)·         Email: shiftinggearsmd@gmail.com ·         Social: Facebook “Shifting Gears, Inc”; Instagram “shifting_gears_md” (spoken as “shifting underscore gears underscore MD”)·         Local partners & orgs referenced: Arrow girls group home; CASA (court-appointed special advocates); Premier Driving School (BelSend us Fan MailFreedom Federal Credit UnionHELPING YOU REACH YOUR FINANCIAL DREAMSDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showRate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | FacebookTwitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennettTikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTokSponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:Hosted on BuzzsproutSquadCastSubscribe by Email

Author and recovery advocate Dennis “D.J.” Quinn joins Rich to share a deeply human mentoring journey—from Big Brothers Big Sisters to a 13-year bond with “Mike,” a foster-adopted child whose life was later upended by severe mental illness. Dennis unpacks how “just showing up” can anchor a life, the hard hospital visits, the gratitude that birthed his memoir Stick Figures, and why mentorship and recovery work still matter today.Guest Bio:  Dennis “D.J.” Quinn is an author, longtime mentor, and recovery advocate. Raised in Montana and a former Northwest Airlines flight attendant for 26 years, he has spent decades volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters and bringing recovery meetings into juvenile detention centers. He lives in Gig Harbor, Washington, and is the author of Stick Figures, a memoir honoring his 13-year mentoring journey with Mike. Main Topics: ·         Growing up in Montana: big family values, faith, and community·         26 years as a flight attendant: exposure to diverse lives and cultures·         Big Brothers Big Sisters: first match, what real mentorship looks like·         Meeting Mike: foster care, disability, progress—and the onset of mental illness·         Hospitalizations and hard days: “ministry of presence” and boundaries·         Writing Stick Figures: the calendar drawings that became a memoir·         Inclusion in mentoring: local BBBS policy change and why it mattered·         Recovery work with incarcerated teens: hope, honesty, and resources·         Gratitude and “a lucky life”: what Mike taught Dennis (and us)·         How to start mentoring or volunteering—time, commitment, payoff Resources mentioned: ·         Dennis “D.J.” Quinn — Website: djquinnauthor.com (signed copies available)·         Dennis “D.J.” Quinn — Books: Stick Figures (also on Amazon)·         Big Brothers Big Sisters (one-to-one youth mentoring)·         Boys & Girls Club (youth development, group-based)·         Places/notes referenced: Northwest Airlines, Disneyland, juvenile detention programming·         Supporter: Full Circle Boards·         Supporter: Sincerely Sawyer Photography Send us Fan MailSupport the showRate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | FacebookTwitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennettTikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTokSponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:Hosted on BuzzsproutSquadCastSubscribe by Email

What happens when addiction talks back—and you answer? Dr. Larry Smith, author of Johnnie and Me: Facing the Voice of Alcohol Within, shares how he personified alcohol as “Johnnie,” survived decades of trauma and dependency, and built a daily plan that’s kept him sober since 1999. He also previews his forthcoming novel 2084: The Neuroxone Conspiracy, a medical-thriller riff on Big Pharma, recovery, and personal freedom—making this a raw, hopeful, and deeply human conversation worth hearing. Sponsored by Harford County Living Guest Bio:  Dr. Larry Smith is a Canadian chiropractor, author, and recovery advocate who has been sober since September 22, 1999. His memoir Johnnie and Me personifies alcohol as “Johnnie,” the voice that misled him from age 11 until recovery, while his earlier book Embracing the Journey of Recovery opened doors for public speaking and community outreach. A former Ironman triathlete, Larry now writes, speaks, and mentors others in long-term recovery; his upcoming medical-thriller, 2084: The Neuroxone Conspiracy, explores addiction, industry, and choice. Main Topics: ·         Personifying addiction as “Johnnie” and why naming the voice matters·         First drunk at age 11; secrecy, trauma, and trust·         Relapse risk and the “daily plan” for long-term recovery (journaling, meditation, meals, exercise, connection, honest feedback)·         Meetings and connection: why frequency can change, but community matters·         Alcohol plus pills (opiates/benzos): compounding risks and lucky survival·         12 Steps in plain language and alternatives beyond 12-step frameworks·         Faith, surrender, and releasing attachment to outcomes·         Writing as healing; moving from hiding to radical honesty·         Johnnie and Me and Embracing the Journey of Recovery: messages of hope·         Preview of 2084: The Neuroxone Conspiracy—a dystopian medical-thriller about recovery, pharma, and mandated treatments  Resources mentioned: ·         Books by guest:·         Johnnie and Me: Facing the Voice of Alcohol Within (memoir)·         Embracing the Journey of Recovery (earlier book)·         2084: The Neuroxone CoSend us Fan MailSupport the showRate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | FacebookTwitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennettTikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTokSponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:Hosted on BuzzsproutSquadCastSubscribe by Email

Rapper, producer, and entrepreneur Robert “B-Cide” Cardillo joins Rich to share the raw story behind his memoir, Myelin My Shoes—from underground tours and handing out mixtapes to launching a streetwear brand from a wheelchair after an MS diagnosis at 28. He breaks down how creativity became therapy, what the music business really teaches you, and why he refuses to let chronic illness define the art—or the hustle. If you need proof that purpose outlasts pain, this one’s for you. Sponsored by Daniel McGhee and the Victory Team Guest Bio:  Robert “B-Cide” Cardillo is a New York–based rapper, producer, and entrepreneur known for his gritty underground catalog, collaborations with cult-favorite acts tied to the Insane Clown Posse scene, and his 55 Strong streetwear brand. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at 28, he chronicles the journey in his memoir Myelin My Shoes and continues creating—releasing new music, narrating his audiobook, and building businesses that turn resilience into a platform. Main Topics: ·         Early underground days: mixtapes, DIY touring, and creative freedom·         MS at 28: symptoms, diagnosis, and navigating good vs. poor care·         Music as therapy: writing through anger, grief, and isolation·         From stage heat to new rules: adapting performance and goals with MS·         Branding & entrepreneurship: 55 Strong origin and product design·         Bookmaking with AI help: editing workflow and audiobook narration·         Industry realities: politics in music, why authenticity matters·         New ventures with his father: helping businesses avoid political pitfalls·         Advice for dreamers facing fear or chronic illness: “Do it—don’t wait.” Resources mentioned: ·         Robert’s site & merch: b-cide.com·         Book: Myelin My Shoes (audiobook narrated by Robert)·         Music: B-Cide on Spotify/major DSPs·         Tracks referencSend us Fan MailThe Victory TeamLOOKING TO BUY OR SELL A HOME Go with the Agent that was voted Harford’s Best & won the Harford CouDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showRate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | FacebookTwitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennettTikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTokSponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:Hosted on BuzzsproutSquadCastSubscribe by Email