Celebrating a Decade of Stories and Community

Rich Bennett 0:00
Hey, everyone is Rich Bennett. Can you believe it? The show is turning ten this year. I am so grateful for each and every one of you who've tuned in, shared an episode, or even joined the conversation over the years. You're the reason that this podcast has grown into what it is today. Together, we shared laughs, tears and moments that truly matter. So I want to thank you for being part of this journey. Let's make the next ten years even better. 

Wendy Beck 0:34

Coming to you from the Freedom Federal Credit Union Studios. Harford County Living presents conversations with Rich Bennett. 

Today, I'm going to get kind. 

No, no, no. The truth is. 

Rich Bennett 1:02
Welcome to Conversations with Rich Bennett. I'm your host, Rich Bennett, and today is a very special episode. This year, we are celebrating a major milestone. Ten years of this show. still can't believe it's been a decade since I started this journey. today I want to take some time to reflect on the past, share some highlights and give you a little preview of what's coming next. go back to where it all began. was 2015, October, to be exact, right here in Harvard. Kennedy When I first up with the idea and it originally started out as a YouTube show, some of you have probably heard me talk about this before, the idea was to be a YouTube show and air on the local radio station, one of the local radio, 

of course we did. And needless to say, well, we recorded that first episode. The camera broke or wasn't working, so I had to take photos and piece together YouTube and after some time come to find out weren't getting a lot of listeners on the radio station. We were getting some people to do YouTube. But somebody suggested that I turn it into a true podcast, which is what I did. So we went down to at that time our sponsor was Graham and Paul. had a room they said we could use and we started sitting down there, but I wanted to do something different. I wanted to create a space where people could cheer. when I say something different, I mean something different here in Harford County, because when I started it was focused on Harford County. Since then we expanded that, which is why we're in a hundred different over 100 countries. But I wanted to create a space where people could share their stories, real, authentic stories, and inspire, educate and connect us. then, I had no idea how far this podcast would go or how much it would grow. And from those first few episodes, some of which I'll admit were a bit rough, I started to realize the power of conversation. something truly special about sitting down with someone and just listening to their story. It's raw, it's real, and it's a reminder of the humanity that connects us all. over the past ten years, there have been so many incredible moments. reached listeners. Like I said, in over 100 countries ranked the number one podcast in the addiction category on good pods featured guests who've truly made an impact not just on me, but on so many of you, the listeners. think back to some of the most powerful conversations stories of resilience, hope and transformation, time we delved into addiction, recovery with Wendy Beck of Rage Against Addiction, who is now one of my co-host, and it's because of her that I believe we are number one in the addiction category. those stories, some of the people we've talked to in recovery are 

during the episodes, I was crying, brought tears to my eyes, and to see how well these people are still doing, it's inspiring. They are true inspirations. Another time we talked to a local actor here from Harford County who is on Chicago Med, but we really didn't focus on the acting part. He also does an awesome podcast and we talked about that. We've talked to local heroes making a difference in Hartford County. let's not forget about those lighter moments filled with laughter and joy, because life's all about balance, right? Each episode has been a lesson, gift, and a reminder of why I started this podcast in the first place. the biggest lessons I've learned over the past decade is that everyone has a story we're sharing. It doesn't matter who you are or where you're from what you've been through, your story has the power to inspire others. also has the power to save lives. also learned the importance of community. this show wouldn't exist without the incredible people who've joined me as guest, and it certainly wouldn't exist without you, the listeners. Your support, your feedback and your encouragement have been the drive and force behind everything I do. what's next? Well, as you celebrate this ten year milestone in 2025, we're planning some exciting things. There will be special anniversary episodes where we revisit some of the most memorable moments from the podcast history. I'll also be bringing back some past guests to catch up on where they are now. But that's not all. If everything goes right, we're playing in a live event right here in Harford County, something I've always wanted to do. It'll be a chance to connect with most of you in person. Share some laughs and celebrate this incredible journey together. There's also going to be a ton of fresh content, new voices, and a continued focus on share and the stories that matter most. My goal is to make the next decade of conversations with Reach been even more impactful than the first. So before I wrap up, I want to take a moment to say thank you. Thank you to every guest who's ever joined me on this podcast. Thank you to the sponsors who've supported this journey, and most importantly, thank you to you, dear listeners. Whether you've been here from the beginning or you're just tuning in for the first time, your support means the world to me. So here's to ten years of meaningful conversations. And here's to the next ten. I can't wait to see where this journey takes us. 

Rich Bennett 7:23
Thank you for listening to the conversations with Rich Bennett. I hope you enjoy today's episode and learn something from it as I did. If you'd like to hear more conversations like this, be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, I'd love if you could leave a review. It helps us reach more listeners and share more incredible stories. Don't forget to connect with us on social media or visit our website at conversations with Rich Bennett. Com for updates, giveaways and more. Until next time, take care. Be kind and keep the conversations going.