01. Will US Regret an Iran Intervention?
02. How Iran’s Neighbors See Its Turmoil
03. What to Do if ICE Invades Your Neighborhood
04. Why “Nothing Is Wrong”—and Yet We Feel Off
05. The Four Eyed Revolution: How Glasses Changed Everything
06. Is Your Resolve Failing? Master This Overlooked Habit
07. Telling Women to ‘Lean In’ Failed. What Really Works
08. Work Arguments: How to Stop Conflict Before It Starts
09. Psychiatrist Reveals the Mental Toll of Living in America Today
10. Will Mamdani Challenge Islamophobia or Intensify It?
11. How the Wrong Yoga Practice Can Actually Hurt You
12. Celebrate the Women Who Made Work-From-Home Mainstream
13. What to Say When a Friend’s Pet Dies
14. Think You’re Too Old for Big Goals? This Inspiring 87-Year-Old Aims for a World Record!
15. The Daily Email That Made the World Laugh for 30 Years
1. ==> Will US Regret an Iran Intervention?
Donald Trump is threatening "very strong action" against Iran if its government proceeds with the execution of anti-government protesters saying that such actions "will not work out good" for the regime. Reports of deaths in Iran have been estimated at more than two thousand, but historian David Gibbs says a lot is still unknown about the situation on the ground. He says, “We should not forget that previous U.S. interventions have also been justified by reports of mass atrocities, which later proved greatly exaggerated or fabricated altogether. In 1999, U.S. intervention in Kosovo was based on reports that Serbian authorities had killed 100,000 Kosovars, but when the war was over, this figure was revealed to be a gross overstatement. In 2011, the U.S. and NATO allies overthrew the government of Muammar Gaddafi in Libya, based on claims that Gaddafi was about to perpetrate a genocide against his opponents. When the war was ended, however, a UK parliamentary investigation found there was no basis for the claims of impending genocide.” David Gibbs is professor of history at the University of Arizona and the author of three books, including “First Do No Harm: Humanitarian Intervention and the Destruction of Yugoslavia” and “Revolt of the Rich: How the Politics of the 1970s Widened America’s Class Divide.” Contact him at dgibbs@arizona.edu
2. ==> How Iran’s Neighbors See Its Turmoil
Mid-East expert Elliott Abrams says for neighbor states, Iran’s turmoil presents both risk and opportunity. “Israelis see the possible collapse of the Islamic Republic with hope—but also tempered expectations. Repeated outbursts of protest have proved that the Iranian people loathe the regime and its policies, and Israelis hope that, if it falls, the now forty-six-year confrontation between Israel and Iran will end. They recall the days under the Shah when relations were close and cooperative, so the emergence of his son, Reza Pahlavi, as a significant figure is another cause for optimism.” Elliott Abrams is a senior fellow for Middle Eastern studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. He served as deputy assistant to the president and deputy national security advisor in the administration of President George W. Bush, where he supervised U.S. policy in the Middle East for the White House, and as Special Representative for Iran and Venezuela in the administration of Donald Trump. Contact the Communications Team at CFR at (212) 434-9888; communications@cfr.org
3. ==> What to Do if ICE Invades Your Neighborhood
Federal agents have been storming the streets of American communities leaving citizens both angry and afraid. Nithya Nathan-Pineau, a policy attorney and strategist at the Immigrant Legal Resource Center says immigration officers have been involved in more and more violent incidents in recent months making it harder than ever to offer simple, definitive advice to people about assessing risk in interactions with federal agents. If you find yourself witnessing an immigration enforcement action, she says there are some things to keep in mind if you want to stick around or simply can’t leave. “The goal is to be an observer and to document what is happening,” she says. “The goal is not to go and try to intervene in the law enforcement action.” And if you are recording an incident, she says, “We always advise people that if the law enforcement officer that you are filming tells you to step back, you should step back and you should say it out loud—‘I’m stepping back, I’m stepping back.’ That way you’re recording that you’re complying with their order.” The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) is a national organization providing legal trainings, educational materials, and policy advocacy in immigration law. Contact Nithya Nathan-Pineau at nnnathan-pineau@ilrc.org
4. ==> Why “Nothing Is Wrong”—and Yet We Feel Off
Why do so many of us move through life with a low hum of dissatisfaction — even when nothing is “wrong”? And more importantly: What is actually happening beneath the surface of the self? For more than twenty years, University of Chicago professor J. Eric Oliver has taught a legendary course - The Intelligible Self - that students routinely describe as life-changing. His new book, “How to Know Your Self: The Art of Science of Discovering Who You Really Are” aims to be the best of that classroom experience: understanding who we really are. Oliver draws on insights from neuroscience, psychology, physics, and ancient philosophy to explore the mystery of the self. He reveals a transformative new understanding of what it means to be a person—what it means to have and be a “self”—and shows how that insight can fundamentally reshape the way we live this one life we’re given. Eric Oliver is professor of political science at the University of Chicago and host of the Knowing podcast. He is the author of five previous books on subjects ranging from the politics of obesity to magical thinking in American life. Contact Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705 or Reigan Wright at (703) 646-5138
5. ==> The Four Eyed Revolution: How Glasses Changed Everything
Eyeglasses have become so commonplace we hardly think about them—unless, of course, we can’t find them. They’re just there. But what do you know about one of humanity’s greatest inventions? Who invented eyeglasses? Oxford scholar Roger Bacon pioneered the science of using lenses to see and then spent years in a miserable medieval cell for advocating that he could “fix” God’s creations by improving our eyesight, but many countries and cities have laid claim to the invention. David Dunaway, author of “A Four-Eyed World: How Glasses Changed the Way We See” can discuss everything from the history of deficient eyesight and how glasses are made, to the stigma surrounding them and the future of augmented and virtual reality glasses as he illustrates how glasses have shaped, and continue to shape, who we are. Dunaway is a professor of English at the University of New Mexico and the author and editor of 10 books of history and biography. He hosted a show on Albuquerque NPR affiliate KUNM for twenty years and has appeared on PBS, CNBC, and CSPAN’s Book TV. Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853; LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com
6. ==> Is Your Resolve Failing? Master This Overlooked Habit
It’s the middle of January and for many, sticking to their New Year’s resolutions is getting harder and harder. Invite Dr. Emilio Justo to explain how most resolutions fail because people chase quick hits of pleasure instead of long-term payoff. He calls delayed gratification the “superpower” that makes every other goal possible. Dr. Justo will show your audience how one simple habit—pausing before they react—transforms health, money, relationships, and career. He can break down the science behind impulse control, why it predicts success better than IQ, and easy “micro-pauses” listeners can start using today. Fleeing Castro’s Cuba as a child, he became a physician at 23, a clinic founder at 27, and now a bestselling author and global TEDx speaker on delayed gratification and resilience. Contact Dr. Emilio Justo at (480) 992-6803; Ejusto@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Telling Women to ‘Lean In’ Failed. What Really Works
For decades, women were told to lean in, speak up, and push harder. Yet women in tech, finance, and other demanding fields are burning out and leaving leadership roles at record rates, with 43% of women leaders reporting burnout, compared to 31% of men. Master life coach and former banking executive Amanda Christian says the problem isn’t ambition. It’s the “translation tax” women pay in male-dominated workplaces when they’re constantly adjusting how they speak, lead, and make decisions in order to be taken seriously. Her book “The Skeptical Executive” outlines a research-backed alternative leadership approach that integrates mind, body, heart, and soul so high-achieving women can lead without burning out. Book her for a segment that shows why “lean in” backfired and what women and companies can do right now to stop losing their best female leaders. Contact Amanda Christian at (704) 610-1637; achristian@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Work Arguments: How to Stop Conflict Before It Starts
Studies show that up to 85% of workplace conflict stems from communication breakdowns, but most people don’t address issues until it’s too late. Samuel Bentil, a global dispute avoidance expert and the author of “Avoid Construction Disputes,” will teach listeners how to spot and stop conflict before it starts. With workplace tension, team burnout and leadership turnover on the rise, his message is right on time. Samuel’s proven strategies focus on emotional intelligence, trust-building and collaboration, the skills that turn daily friction into productivity. And these same tools don’t just work on the job. They improve communication and reduce tension at home and in the community too. Contact Samuel at (778) 656-0067; sbentil@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Psychiatrist Reveals the Mental Toll of Living in America Today
America used to be the land of freedom and opportunity. But according to Dr. Shila Patel, the current chaotic political and social climate has changed that for the worse and it’s taking a toll on Americans’ mental health. “The statistics are staggering, and getting worse,” she says. “According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five adults and one in six children have mental health issues such as depression, anger, frustration, and feeling hopeless and helpless.” Shila is a retired psychiatrist who spent her 25-year career helping people to navigate daily stress and find positive paths to happiness. She is the author of “US Unhinged Book 1,” “US Unhinged Book 2” and “US Fractured.” Contact Dr. Shila Patel at (229) 586-6190; spatel@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Will Mamdani Challenge Islamophobia or Intensify It?
For the first time in history, New York City has a Muslim mayor. At the same time, anti-Muslim hate crimes have jumped 178% nationwide. Is this a turning point that will challenge bias, or a flashpoint that could inflame it? National Muslim leader, author, and peacebuilding expert Daisy Khan helps audiences make sense of this moment. She explains what Mamdani’s win really signals about American voters, why religious bias is spiking, and how backlash against Muslim leaders forms. She also shares practical steps communities, schools, hospitals, and workplaces can take right now to stop microaggressions, lower tensions, and rebuild trust across faith lines. This is a grounded, solutions-focused conversation that connects a headline story to everyday life. Contact Daisy Khan at (917) 905-7829; dkhan@rtirguests.com
11. ==> How the Wrong Yoga Practice Can Actually Hurt You
Some people think of yoga as simply stretching. Others see it as a stress reliever. But Joann Lutz says that’s just the tip of the iceberg of what yoga has to offer. Invite this trauma therapist and yoga expert to reveal the deeper healing secrets of yoga. No matter what your body type or health challenges, Joann says there's a good chance that doing the right yoga practices will help you live a better life. Unfortunately, people often choose the wrong practice for them. Joann will describe which yoga practices are the best ones for each person and reveal why some popular yoga styles can actually make symptoms worse. She says it’s key to find the type of yoga that allows you to experience safety and peace in this crazy world. Joann will explain how this is the foundation of healing, a message more urgent than ever as anxiety and depression rates soar nationwide. Joann Lutz has been blending yoga, somatic psychotherapy and neuroscience for more than 20 years. Her new book is “Trauma Healing in the Yoga Zone.” Contact her at jlutz@rtirguests.com; (413) 340-5056
12. ==> Celebrate the Women Who Made Work-From-Home Mainstream
Long before Zoom meetings and side hustles, women were quietly building businesses from their kitchens, living rooms and basements, perfecting the work-from-home model long before it had a name. Motivational speaker and WIP Empowerment founder Roy Martin shines a light on these overlooked pioneers and connects their legacy to today’s thriving mompreneur movement. Roy will reveal why the term “Work From Home” is more than a post-pandemic trend, it’s a 120-year evolution led by women. He’ll share surprising historical examples (including how a divorced secretary helped Tupperware make its mark), explore the economic and cultural forces driving moms to entrepreneurship and explain how his WIP Empowerment initiative is helping modern women build passive income and flexible business success from home. Contact Roy Martin at (629) 265-0570; rmartin@rtirguests.com
13. ==> What to Say When a Friend’s Pet Dies
Losing a beloved pet can be heart-wrenching. Jean Alfieri, author, speaker, and pet loss grief coach, understands. Her rescue dog, Silly Sally, taught her how to grieve, remember, and celebrate the special bond we share with our pets. Having adopted older shelter dogs for decades, Alfieri had experi¬enced pet loss before. But when Sally passed, she returned to creative outlets to process her grief. Along the way, she was reminded of others facing similar loss: single friends whose only family was a pet, parents helping a child grieve their first dog, and seniors or veterans who’d lost a comfort or therapy animal. To support grieving pet owners, Alfieri developed 21 ways to weather the loss of a pet, a practical, heartfelt toolbox of ideas to help others navigate the pain of loss while honoring their pet’s memory. Her goal? To bring comfort and lightness by reminding us that love never ends, it simply changes form. Contact Jean Alfieri at (480) 725-7921: jalfieri@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Think You’re Too Old for Big Goals? This Inspiring 87-Year-Old Aims for a World Record!
Meet the octogenarian putting us all to shame. David Selley is rewriting the rules of aging — and the publishing world. With four books already out and ten more planned this year, Selley is on a mission to become the oldest person to publish the most books in a single year, and he’s not stopping there. Backed by a 65-year marriage, three citizenships, and decades of entrepreneurial wisdom, this globe-trotting powerhouse is also launching a global initiative to empower over 700 million aspiring entrepreneurs— proof positive that ambition doesn’t retire. Contact David Selley at (808) 229-3985; dselley@rtirguests.com
15. ==> The Daily Email That Made the World Laugh for 30 Years
Before TikTok, before memes, before “going viral,” there was W.G. “Bill” Williams—a FEMA spokesman-turned-humorist whose daily “Thought for the Day” emails made people around the world laugh for decades. What began as a creative way to get his sales team to read their messages grew into one of the internet’s longest-running humor traditions, inspiring a loyal following from Ohio to Australia. Now author of “20 Years of Internet Humor … and Other Interesting Things,” Williams shares his favorite stories, laugh-out-loud moments, and reflections on the healing power of humor in a serious world. Ask him: How did a daily office email become a worldwide humor phenomenon? Why does laughter matter now more than ever? Contact W.G. “Bill” Williams at (419) 534-0399; wgwilliams@rtirguests.com
