- 1 hour 15 minutes218 Years of Authentic Compassion with Howard McComas IV
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 programsResources:
• 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.
Celebrate the Magic of Words in Bel Air, Maryland!
Harford's Heart Magazine
KEEP IT LOCAL WITH HARFORD’S HEART maryland’s lifestyle magazine for harford county!
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SquadCast19 June 2026, 4:00 am - 50 minutes 43 secondsMichael Reed on Loss, Love, and Living Again
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:
If this episode touched your heart, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may need hope today.
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SquadCast17 June 2026, 4:00 am - 1 hour 31 minutesJohn Kippen on Turning Scars Into Strength
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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SquadCast15 June 2026, 4:00 am - 53 minutes 33 secondsHow Alexis Watson Helps Parents Find Genuine Hope
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.
Celebrate the Magic of Words in Bel Air, Maryland!
Harford's Heart Magazine
KEEP IT LOCAL WITH HARFORD’S HEART maryland’s lifestyle magazine for harford county!
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SquadCast12 June 2026, 4:00 am - 1 hour 14 minutesHow Laura Van Wormer Remarkably Found Her Voice Again
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.comSubscribe, leave a review, and join the conversation at Conversations with Rich Bennett.
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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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SquadCast10 June 2026, 4:00 am - 1 hour 4 minutesTeresa Blaes Shares a Story of Survival and Faith
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 missionResources 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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SquadCast8 June 2026, 4:00 am - 1 hour 5 minutesLee Ann Walling on Strong Faith, Friendship and Healing
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 authorsWhether 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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SquadCast5 June 2026, 4:00 am - 1 hour 18 minutesLinda Aluoch on Hope, Healing, and Human Trafficking
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 communitiesResources & Links:
Hope Works Global
https://hopeworksglobal.orgSponsor:
Daniel McGhee & The Victory Team
https://victoryteamsells.comIf 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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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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SquadCast3 June 2026, 4:00 am - 49 minutes 31 secondsSam Polakoff on Chasing a Dream After 40 Years
What happens when a dream refuses to let go?
In this inspiring episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with award-winning author Sam Polakoff, a retired business executive who spent decades building a successful company while quietly holding onto a lifelong dream of becoming a novelist.
That dream eventually became reality.
Sam shares the fascinating story behind his first novel, Hiatus, inspired by recurring dreams about his grandfather, and discusses how curiosity led him to write Shaman, a thought-provoking thriller exploring reincarnation, Akashic Records, and spiritual healing. The conversation also dives deep into his acclaimed historical fiction series, The Diary of Essie Lassiter, set during the American Revolution.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• How Sam pursued a dream after nearly 40 years
• The challenges and rewards of self-publishing
• Why research is critical when writing historical fiction
• How business principles can help authors succeed
• The importance of staying curious and embracing lifelong learningLearn more about Sam and his books:
If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with fellow readers, writers, and dreamers.
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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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SquadCast1 June 2026, 4:00 am - 10 minutes 58 secondsAmerica Explained | Why Americans Love Small Towns
What is it about small towns that Americans can’t stop romanticizing?
In this solo episode of the America Explained series, Rich Bennett dives into America’s deep emotional connection to small towns and why they continue to represent community, belonging, and authenticity in today’s fast-paced world.
From classic TV shows and Hallmark movies to Main Street diners, local festivals, and Friday night football games, Rich explores how small towns became woven into the American identity and why so many people still dream about escaping to them.
Whether you grew up in a small town, live in one now, or simply love visiting them, this episode will make you think differently about the role these communities play in shaping American culture.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why small towns symbolize connection and simplicity
- How Hollywood shaped America’s small town nostalgia
- The important role small towns played in building America
- Why people crave authentic local experiences
- The challenges and resilience of modern small towns
Mentioned in this episode:
- Harford County Living
- America Explained Series
- The Andy Griffith Show
- Gilmore Girls
- Friday Night Lights
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves small town America as much as we do.
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SquadCast29 May 2026, 4:00 am - 1 hour 12 minutesJessie Fahay on Theater That Actually Sparks Real Change
What if the most powerful part of a theater performance happens after the curtain closes?
In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich sits down with Jessie Fahay, founder of Ripple Effect Artists, a nonprofit theater company using storytelling to spark conversations around social justice, mental health, racism, human trafficking, and other important issues facing society today.
Jessie shares how a simple idea evolved into a mission-driven organization that creates meaningful dialogue between audiences, advocacy groups, and communities. From producing theater in New York City to navigating the challenges of nonprofit funding and even surviving the COVID shutdowns, Jessie opens up about the passion, sacrifices, and purpose behind her work.
You’ll also hear:
- How theater can inspire real social change
- Why conversations matter more than debates
- The realities of producing nonprofit theater
- How mental health became a major focus after COVID
- Why storytelling still has the power to unite people
Learn more about Ripple Effect Artists:
https://www.rippleeffectartists.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who believes in the power of storytelling and human connection.
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SquadCast27 May 2026, 4:00 am - More Episodes? Get the App