01. Climate Change Is Fueling LA Fires
02. The Deadly Health Effects of Wildfire Smoke
03. Want to Help Fire Victims? How to Choose the Right Charity
04. Save Your Family History Before Disaster Strikes
05. Are Presidential Inaugurations All Glamour and Glitz? This Guest Shares an Insider’s View
06. Feeling Anxious as Inauguration Day Nears?
07. Why Your New Year’s Resolutions Aren’t Working
08. MLK JR Day is Monday: How His Nonviolence Principles Can Transform Your Personal Life
09. Worldwide Consequences if Ukraine Loses the War
10. Doctor Says Women and Children Will Suffer Under Trump
11. Why This Pastor Believes Jesus Wants You to Be a Republican
12. Has Democracy Gone Off the Rails?
13. Ridiculous Travel Adventures of a Modern Day Erma Bombeck
14. How to Be the Star of Your Own Life in 2025
15. Art as Therapy: Why it Heals and How it Helps
1. ==> How Climate Change Is Fueling LA Fires
Record drought and high winds have fueled devastating fires across the Los Angeles area, killing at least 24 people and displacing thousands. Kaitlyn Trudeau, senior research associate for climate science at Climate Central says the wildfires have been worsened by climate change-driven heat. “Climate change is playing a role in the increase of fire weather in the West, where more days of dry, warm, windy weather are amplifying the risks of wildfires spreading rapidly. As our climate warms, the chances of intense, fast-growing fires like the ones Californians are facing today will keep rising." She can describe how heat exacerbates wildfire risks and why heat waves everywhere will continue to become hotter and more dangerous. Contact Abbie Veitch at aveitch@climatecentral.org
2. ==> The Deadly Effects of Wildfire Smoke
Wildfire smoke is about 10 times as toxic as the regular air pollution from the burning of fossil fuels. The smoke contains a mixture of particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, ozone and lead and is already responsible for as many as 675,000 premature deaths a year worldwide, as well as a range of respiratory, heart and other diseases. Air pollution in Los Angeles has climbed to “dangerous” levels in recent days and could raise daily mortality by between 5 to 15 percent according to Carlos Gould of the University of California, San Diego. “That means current death counts, while tragic, are likely large underestimates,” he says. He can discuss why the smoke is so noxious, how to know if your air is safe, and what remains dangerous after the smoke clears. Carlos Gould is an assistant professor at the University of California, San Diego in the School of Public Health. Contact him at gould.cf@gmail.com; cagould@health.ucsd.edu
3.==> Want to Help Fire Victims? How to Choose the Right Charity
Many people are quick to donate to charitable causes, especially during disasters like the California wildfires. But according to author and nonprofit expert Michele Whetzel, “It’s better to think with your head as opposed to your heart before turning over your hard-earned cash. Do your research first!” She’ll share what to look for in truly worthy charities and red flags to watch out for. And for those who want to do more than make a donation, she’ll share tips for starting your own nonprofit. Michele is a veteran of the nonprofit arena, founder of Your 501 Guide consulting, and author of the book, “So, You Want to Start a Nonprofit, Now What?” Contact her at (302) 407-0513; Mwhetzel@rtirguests.com
4.==> Save Your Family History Before Disaster Strikes
Countless California families have lost not only their homes, but also irreplaceable memories. These heart-wrenching losses should remind us all: Don’t wait for disaster to strike to protect your family’s legacy. Archivist Rhonda Chadwick, author of “Secrets from the Stacks,” offers essential advice on safeguarding photographs, documents, textiles and more. She’ll share simple, steps to create a lasting family archive—perfect for anyone wanting to disaster-proof their cherished memories. With natural disasters on the rise, Rhonda’s guidance is timelier than ever. She’ll reveal the most common mistakes people make when preserving family heirlooms, how families can safeguard their keepsakes from natural disasters and why digitizing family memories is so crucial today. Contact Rhonda Chadwick at (401) 227-3306; rchadwick@rtirguests.com
5. ==> Are Presidential Inaugurations All Glamour and Glitz? This Guest Shares an Insider’s View
During her decades long career as a flight attendant, Tania Anderson has met celebrities ranging from Bono to Elizabeth Taylor and Nelson Mandela and has flown into war zones across the globe. But one of her biggest honors was attending the inauguration of George W. Bush. "President Bush, Sr. gave me two tickets," she reveals. "The evening was genteel, decorous, and posh, mirroring the well-bred Bush family. Lionel Hampton, the multi-talented jazz bandleader, provided the perfect ambiance as his music mirrored the values of the day. The best caterers in town provided the food. It was quite an experience!" Tania can share many other details about this historic event. She is the author of the memoir "On Butterflies' Wings: An Anthology of International Escapades," and the upcoming "Synchronicity -- the Escapades Continue." Contact Tania Anderson at (213) 513-6099; tanderson@rtirguests.com
6. ==> Feeling Anxious as Inauguration Day Nears?
The country was stressed-out before the election, but with Donald Trump about to take office in a few days, emotions are running high for many. Whether you’re excited for a change or worried about the next four years, psychiatrist Melvyn Lurie can help explain why people take politics so personally and how that can fuel emotions. The author of “The Biology of Politics” says more is going on than you realize. He’ll discuss the many hidden drives that are a fundamental part of our nature and help your audience learn how to discuss and debate politics (or anything) with family and friends without resorting to anger, rage or name-calling. Dr. Lurie is an honors graduate of Harvard Medical School. He has practiced and taught medical students at Harvard and Tufts, has served as an expert witness, managed political campaigns and once even ran for political office. Contact him at (617) 510-8474; mlurie@post.Harvard.edu
7. ==> Why Your New Year’s Resolutions Aren’t Working
Whether it's a vow to lose weight, quit smoking, save money, or attain other lofty goals, when the clock strikes midnight signaling the beginning of a new year, many people make resolutions. But despite having the best of intentions, clinical psychologist Stephen Sideroff claims that resolutions don't make it past the first few weeks. "New Year's resolutions often involve breaking out of long-standing patterns or habits," he says. "Unfortunately, people are generally uncomfortable with change." He adds that in order for people to make lasting changes, they have to learn to be comfortable with discomfort, and then to have a plan for staying focused on their goals. He has discovered a holistic methodology based on 9 key pillars to help you thrive, even in the midst of overwhelming discomfort and stress. He is an associate professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Rheumatology at UCLA’s Geffen School of Medicine, and the author of "The 9 Pillars of Resilience: The Proven Path to Mastering Stress, Slow Aging and Increase Vitality." Dr. Stephen Sideroff at (213) 660-4659; ssideroff@rtirguests.com
8. ==> MLK JR Day is Monday: How His Nonviolence Principles Can Transform Your Personal Life
Monday, January 20 is not just the date of Trump’s second inauguration: it’s also Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Retired American diplomate and self-described peacebuilder Danielle Reiff says King’s commitment to universal love and nonviolent non-cooperation can apply to family as much as political opponents – or even to oneself. When faced with conflict within her family, Reiff incorporated King’s principles of nonviolence into her own personal life, and the results were transformative. Reiff has spent her life in the service of peace, supporting democratic transitions and peace processes around the world as a diplomat for twenty years. She now runs Peacebuilders, an initiative to promote nonviolence and unity in diversity. Contact Danielle at (202) 499-7256; dreiff@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Worldwide Consequences if Ukraine Loses the War
As the war between Russia and Ukraine continues to rage with no end in sight, author and refugee Laszlo (Les) Suhayda can share how the consequences will be catastrophic if Ukraine loses. “The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine has verified 30,457 civilian casualties to date and millions of people have been displaced, which will only escalate,” he says. “If Ukraine loses, this will also embolden China, Iran, and North Korea to continue their own military expansion, which would have dire consequences for the entire world.” Les and his family escaped from Communist Hungary for America when he was only 5, and he witnessed the horrors of dictatorships first-hand. He is the author of the memoir "Twelve Bells to Freedom: The Suhajda Story," and the inventor of the first wine slushee product in America. Contact Laszlo (Les) Suhayda at (314) 501-6838; Lsuhayda@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Doctor Says Women and Children Will Suffer Under Trump
While Trump supporters will celebrate his inauguration, retired psychiatrist and social activist Shila Patel M.D. warns that the coming administration will have dire consequences for the women and children of this country. "Women are already dying in states with extreme abortion laws because they are being denied care for miscarriages," she says. "Trump has also vowed to make deep cuts to social service programs and education, which will have a very negative impact on children." Dr. Patel can share the details of how this will impact average Americans, and why she believes this will be harmful. Shila Patel, M.D. is the author of the three-book series Us and US Unhinged and US Fractured. She is a retired psychiatrist who spent her career focused on women's and children's issue. Contact Dr. Shila Patel at (229) 586-6190; spatel@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Why This Pastor Believes Jesus Wants You to Be a Republican
It used to be the norm that people of color and minorities identified as Democrats, but today, that’s not necessarily the case. Take, for instance, African American church pastor and former Democrat Frank Tull. He believes that his support of the Republican party is actually based on biblical principles. "I was a Democrat and voted straight party every year," he says. "Then I began to search my mind for examples of the Democratic party's platforms and how it lined up with the word of God. However, issue by issue, I could not think of an example that lined up with the word of God that I was preaching." He is the author of "Christians Must Vote," as well as the co-founder and senior pastor at the World Church in Texas. Contact Frank Tull at (469) 609-1385; ftull@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Has Democracy Gone Off the Rails?
Are you proud of today’s America? Do you suspect the Founding Fathers are rolling in their graves? You’re not alone. Rodger Friedman, author of “Erasing America: Broken Politics, Broken Country,” will provide a refreshing yet serious romp through today’s off-the-rails political landscape. Invite him on your show and hear him chronicle our misguided political leadership by taking an irreverent look at how our nation’s self-righteous elected officials have begun to systematically erase America and our constitutional republic. Friedman can discuss the dramatic increase in socialist policies coming out of both Washington, D.C. and blue states across the nation, spearheaded by politicians who care more about advancing themselves than about the American people. He’ll also show how the media goes to great lengths to spin ill-advised and destructive radical progressive agendas as a positive change. Rodger Friedman has extensive media experience as a talk show guest on a variety of topics. He is a retirement wealth planner and the author of seven books. Contact Rodger at (310) 327-2255; rfriedman@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Ridiculous Travel Adventures of a Modern Day Erma Bombeck
Brenda Prater Sellers has done it all: climbed Mt. Everest, chatted with celebrities, and written a book about her fabulous adventures. She’s slept in crazy places and learned a lot of lessons about perseverance, mental health and supporting loved ones. Bring Brenda on your show to share her story, discuss her travels, and encourage readers to focus on what really matters in life. Hear about her experiences and mishaps in bizarre locations and staying at the world’s most unique places: an underwater hotel, an ice hotel, sleeping with polar bears, and sleeping in wigwams along Route 66. She’ll share cost-saving travel tips and provide insight into her adventures while encouraging listeners to create their own bucket lists! Brenda is the author of “You Slept Where? Calamities of a Clumsy Businesswoman.” Contact her at (865) 344-1755; bsellers@rtirguests.com
14. ==> How to Be the Star of Your Own Life in 2025
Shakespeare said," All the world's a stage." According to author and destiny coach Ariel Vox, "There is one important question that you need to ask yourself: Are you in the audience watching the play unfold, or are you the main actor?" She can share a 5-step blueprint /framework with specific steps people can use to transition from being a passive member of the audience to starring in their own lives by overcoming the biggest obstacle: fear. Ariel was just 18-months-old when she and her mother were in a serious car accident, which left her traumatized for years. But she found a way to overcome this to become a successful coach and author of "From Fear to Fierce: How to Turn Failure Into Success." Contact Ariel Vox at avox@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Art as Therapy: Why it Heals and How it Helps
Is art intended to be more than a wall decoration or enjoyable activity, or can it be used to light the path to wholeness? According to author and artist Lynette Watkins, "Art matters because it is a reflection of ourselves. It shows us who we are, and what we value. Using art as a communication tool can gently propel us in the discovery and expression of our innermost feelings leading us to a soul encounter. We were born on purpose for a purpose. Even looking at art can help us to find that purpose, activate our own creativity, and set us on a path of healing.” Lynette is an acclaimed artist, professor of art, writer, musician, and author of "Can It Be That Some Chains Are Mere Shadows? A Visual Journey From Darkness To Light." Contact Lynette Watkins at (575) 454-4635; lwatkins@rtirguests.com
