In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, marketing powerhouse Julie Matzen joins Rich and co-host Michelle Hayes to share how her innovative platform, Boarderline, is transforming the way small and mid-sized businesses access expert marketing advice. Julie explains how AI, strategic planning, and curated advisory boards are giving entrepreneurs affordable access to top-tier knowledge, without burning through budgets. A must-listen for anyone looking to launch or grow a business in today’s digital world.

Guest: Julie Matzen

Julie Matzen is a seasoned marketing expert with over 25 years of experience working with major brands like Sherwin-Williams, Oura, and Yale Smart Locks. She is the founder of Mayday Agency and co-founder of Boarderline, a groundbreaking advisory platform that connects startups and small business owners to elite industry experts. Julie’s mission is to make high-level guidance accessible to entrepreneurs at every stage of growth.

Main Topics:

· Julie’s path from PR to founding a full-service ad agency

· The birth and mission of Boarderline

· Common marketing mistakes small business owners make

· Why “everyone is not your customer”

· How to use AI effectively—and what to avoid

· Strategic planning and the importance of a business plan

· PR vs. paid media: what works and why

· How to build an advisory board on a budget

· The future of advertising and attribution in a post-cookie world

· Why personalization and strategy matter more than “cute content”

Resources mentioned:

· Mayday Agency (Julie’s marketing agency)

· Boarderline – Business advisory platform

· Sherwin Williams, Cricut, Oura Ring, Yale Smart Locks, Master Lock

· Brad DeLava – Media expert at Borderline

· Janet Notardonato – Market research expert at Borderline

· Authority Magazine (Medium.com feature)

· LegalZ

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Sponsored by CleverCat Marketing

In this eye-opening episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Meridee Hlokoff shares her powerful story of starting smoking at age 11, battling addiction for years, and finally quitting through a unique method: Cold Laser Therapy. But her journey didn’t end there. Now a coach and founder of LaserQuit, she’s helping others overcome addiction by addressing the trauma and emotional pain that fuels it. This episode goes far beyond nicotine, touching on alcohol, food, drama addiction, and the life-changing power of emotional healing.

Guest: Meridee Hlokoff

Meridee Hlokoff is a recovery coach, energy healer, and founder of LaserQuit, a business that uses Cold Laser Therapy to help people overcome various addictions—from smoking to food, alcohol, and more. After a lifetime of addiction and trauma, including starting smoking at 11 and enduring multiple relapses, she found success with Cold Laser Therapy and turned it into a mission to help others. She’s now been sober for over a decade and operates multiple business locations, helping clients around the world reclaim their lives.

Main Topics:

· Meridee’s personal story of starting smoking at age 11

· The generational impact of addiction and cancer

· How Cold Laser Therapy works and why it’s effective

· Why most addiction is rooted in childhood trauma

· The overlooked dangers of alcohol and vaping

· How gut health impacts addiction and cravings

· Emotional suppression vs. sitting with feelings

· Shifting from negativity to daily positivity

· Meridee’s mission and business growth with LaserQuit

· Her future plans for speaking and expanding internationally

Resources mentioned:

·

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Sponsored by Harford County Living

After being fired from her federal government job, Megan Ewing didn’t crumble; she transformed. In this powerful episode, Megan shares her deeply personal journey of rebuilding her life and redefining success. From overcoming imposter syndrome to launching two books and a growing movement that empowers youth with vision boards, Megan shows how resilience and self-belief can create a ripple effect that changes lives.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with self-worth, thinking of starting a business, or needing inspiration to reclaim their narrative.

Guest: Megan Ewing

Megan Ewing is a growth strategist, author, entrepreneur, podcaster, and speaker who helps businesses and individuals break through limiting beliefs and build empowered futures. After being fired from her federal government job, she turned adversity into action, launching successful ventures, publishing two self-help books, and creating Share the Vision, a youth empowerment initiative. Megan lives in Maryland with her husband and three children, and continues to inspire others through speaking engagements, coaching, and her bold, purpose-driven brand.

Main Topics:

· Megan’s journey from being fired to launching multiple businesses

· The emotional toll of job loss and reclaiming identity

· Writing Think Big, Act Bold and A Blueprint for Breakthrough Success

· Overcoming imposter syndrome and finding self-worth

· The importance of mindset in entrepreneurship

· COVID’s impact on their business and family life

· The birth and mission of the Share the Vision initiative

· The power and psychology behind vision boards

· How colors (like red!) influence branding and perception

· Self-publishing, audiobooks, and designing her book covers

· Building confidence through speaking and coaching

· Supporting underserved youth through creative tools

Resources mentioned:

 Megan Ewing’s books:

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Sponsored by Tar Heel Construction Group

In this inspiring episode, Martin Grams shares the journey of founding The Screaming Bean, a community-driven coffee shop in Aberdeen, Maryland. Martin discusses how the café goes beyond serving exceptional coffee by actively supporting local charities, fostering community connections, and creating a space where purpose takes precedence over profit. Listeners will gain insights into building a business that not only thrives economically but also makes a meaningful social impact.

Guest: Martin Grams

Martin Grams is the founder and CEO of The Screaming Bean, a coffee shop in Aberdeen, Maryland, known for its commitment to community engagement and charitable initiatives. With a background in publishing and event organization, Martin brings a wealth of experience to his entrepreneurial endeavors. His vision for The Screaming Bean is to create a welcoming space that serves high-quality, locally roasted coffee while actively contributing to the well-being of the community.

Main Topics:

· The origin of The Screaming Bean name and branding strategy

· How Facebook was used to crowdsource the logo and color palette

· Community involvement and nonprofit partnerships (e.g., CHEP, St. Jude’s)

· Why Martin prioritizes purpose over profit in his business model

· The unique hiring process that focuses on commitment, not applications

· Empowering employees to become future business leaders

· Training baristas beyond basics—into artistry and business knowledge

· Creating handcrafted drinks and rotating seasonal menus

· How The Screaming Bean competes by leading trends, not copying them

· Charitable giving embedded into the business model

· Upcoming pla

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Sponsored by Maryland Pickers

Rick Cheatham’s story is one of incredible resilience, raw honesty, and deep transformation. A former firefighter and current marriage coach, Rick opens up about his battles with addiction, his near divorce, the murder of his son, and a devastating injury that left him temporarily paralyzed. Through it all, he found healing in forgiveness, faith, and purpose, and now helps other men do the same. This is a must-listen for anyone navigating trauma, broken relationships, or spiritual healing.

Guest: Rick Cheatham

Rick Cheatham is a former fire captain from Anaheim, California, and now a transformational speaker and marriage coach. After overcoming decades of personal struggle, including addiction, near-divorce, and the tragic murder of his son, Rick dedicates his life to helping men heal from trauma, rebuild their marriages, and live with authenticity and courage. He is the creator of the Start Where You Stand method and is currently writing two books to share his story and framework with a broader audience.

Main Topics:

· Rick’s military service and transition to firefighting

· His descent into addiction (pornography, promiscuity, escapism)

· Rebuilding trust and saving his marriage

· The role of faith and spiritual vibrational healing

· The emotional impact of losing his son to murder

· Forgiveness: of others, himself, and his past

· How trauma shapes identity and behavior

· His mission to help men heal, especially in fire service communities

· The “Start Where You Stand” framework

· Courage vs. fear as life lenses

Resources mentioned:

· Discovering the Mind of a Woman

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Sponsored by Eco-Cool HVAC

In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich talks with performance coach and strategist Michael Ostrolenk. From learning meditation and biofeedback at age nine to training with Navy SEALs and launching Team Fudoshin, Michael shares how his unique path of self-mastery has helped elite performers and everyday individuals transform their lives. This powerful conversation dives into resilience, emotional regulation, peak performance, and living with purpose, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking personal growth.

Guest: Michael Ostrolenk

Michael Ostrolenk is a master coach, integrative wellness expert, and human performance strategist with over 30 years of experience. He has trained elite military personnel, executives, and everyday individuals to reach their physical, mental, and spiritual potential. Michael co-developed the Unbeatable Mind Academy with SEALFIT’s Commander Mark Divine and is the founder of Team Fudoshin, a tribe-driven resilience movement. His background spans transpersonal psychology, body-based therapies, and tactical training.

Main Topics:

· Discovering meditation, yoga, and biofeedback at age 9

· How childhood mental health challenges shaped his path

· Training with SEALFIT and working with elite operators

· Launching Team Fudoshin and its mission

· The power of breathing and somatic psychology

· Resilience, emotional regulation, and post-divorce growth

· Helping veterans, couples, and individuals thrive

· Building a personal PhD: self-education and continual learning

· His podcast journey and lifelong commitment to learning

Resources mentioned:

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Sponsored by Window Depot of Baltimore

In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich and co-host Tammie Wingrove sit down with country music industry veteran Lee Adams to discuss her debut novel, Love on Tour. Lee shares her journey from a Willie Nelson-obsessed teen to a high-ranking record executive who’s helped over 50 songs top the charts. They explore the behind-the-scenes realities of the music business, how her life inspired the novel, and the emotional power of female friendships, personal growth, and resilience. Whether you're a book lover, country music fan, or dream chaser, this heartfelt episode delivers insight, laughs, and inspiration.

Guest: Lee Adams

Lee Adams was born and raised near Baltimore, MD. A lifelong country music lover, she has worked in the industry since the 1980s—first in radio, then climbing the ranks at major labels including Decca/MCA and Broken Bow Records, where she now serves as VP of Promotion. Lee has worked on more than 50 #1 songs and is a member of the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association. Now an author, her debut novel Love on Tour draws from her deep well of personal and professional experience.

Main Topics:

· Lee’s early love for country music and her journey into radio

· How her passion for Willie Nelson led to a lifelong career in music

· Real-life roles in the music industry, from tour managers to songpluggers

· The inspiration and writing process behind Love on Tour

·

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Sponsored by Daniel McGhee and The Victory Team

In this transformative episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Sophia Torrini shares how she turned a life-threatening medical crisis into a journey of profound healing. After surviving a misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgery that left her near death, Sophia discovered Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and neuroscience-based healing. Her compelling story of resilience, scientific insight, and spiritual awakening will inspire anyone seeking hope and healing beyond conventional medicine.

Guest: Sophia Torrini

Sophia Torrini is a certified Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Practitioner and NeuroChange Solutions Trainer under Dr. Joe Dispenza. With a background in public health and network engineering, Sophia’s life took a dramatic turn after a misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgery nearly cost her her life. She now dedicates her life to helping others release trauma and emotional blocks using evidence-based energy healing techniques and neuroscience education.

Main Topics:

· Sophia’s near-death experience due to medical error

· The emotional and physical trauma that followed

· Discovery and explanation of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)

· Connection between emotions and physical illness

· Role of neuroscience in healing and transformation

· Dr. Joe Dispenza’s influence on Sophia’s recovery

· How trauma is stored in the body and affects long-term health

· Tapping techniques and their scientific foundation

· EFT’s impact on chronic conditions like Tourette's and frozen shoulder

· Parallel timelines and quantum healing concepts

· The importance

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