01. Will Trump’s Pardon Embolden Domestic Terrorists?
02. What is DEI and Why is it Dividing America?
03. The Broligarchs’ Vision for Trump’s New Term
04. Let’s Talk Hockey! NHL Season Highlights & Predictions
05. Dry January is Almost Over. What Next?
06. How to Stay Safe in Bitter Cold
07. Fascinating Facts About Bats
08. 2025 Inspiration: Pack Your Bags and Hit the Road
09. How to Have Fewer Days That Suck
10. Why Your New Year's Resolution Failed
11. The Big Myth About Doing Your Best
12. How to be a Peacebuilder in Your Community
13. Have Americans Lost the Habit of Hope?
14. Transform Menopause from Struggle to Strength!
15. Ex-Pro Linebacker Credits Halloween 'Nightmare' for Keys to Success
1. ==> Will Trump’s Pardon Embolden Domestic Terrorists?
Just as promised, one of the first thing Donald Trump did after being sworn in was to pardon virtually all the January 6 insurrectionists. Joyce Vance, a fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice, calls it a grotesque misuse of the pardon power, cloaked in the appearance of lawful authority. While not technically an abuse of his power to do so, Vance says it’s “an appalling, unprecedented violation of the trust the American people put in their leaders.” More than 140 police officers were injured during the attack on the Capitol, and members of Congress fled the building in fear for their lives. Vance says the January 6 defendants’ return will “give a boost to the white supremacist and domestic terror groups many of them participated in before they overran the Capitol, and it will severely dampen the deterrent effect of our laws against future aggression.” Joyce Vance is a Brennan Center senior fellow who lends her expertise as a former federal prosecutor to writing and commenting on high-profile court cases and election-related matters. She is a distinguished professor of the practice of law at the University of Alabama School of Law and is also co-host of the legal podcasts #SistersInLaw and Cafe Insider. Contact her at jvance@law.ua.edu
2. ==> What is DEI and Why is it Dividing America?
Donald Trump followed through on another campaign promise with his executive order to end diversity, equity and inclusion across the federal government. He also revoked a 60-year-old executive order banning discrimination in hiring practices in the government. Sara Ting, a diversity and inclusion educator, can discuss why the concept of DEI has become so controversial, what will happen if DEI policies disappear, and why people have a hard time accepting that each of us has personal biases. “Often times, people aren’t even aware of their biases. But because we live in such a diverse society, it’s important that we acknowledge our biases and work toward inclusion – so that we can all function more harmoniously in every aspect of life,” she says, adding that DEI is the foundation for a healthy society. Sara is a speaker, consultant, and the author of "Small Book with a Big Idea: 5 Minute Training to Empower You and Transform the World." Contact her at (508) 715-3370; Sting@rtirguests.com
3.==> The Broligarchs’ Vision for Trump’s New Term
The dominant media narrative about why tech billionaires are sucking up to Donald Trump is that he’ll offer them lower taxes and friendlier regulations. But Brooke Harrington, a professor of economic sociology at Dartmouth College who studies the behavior of the ultra-rich, says that’s not the full story. She says MAGA is all about granting unchecked power to the powerful. “It’s a sense of complete impunity to the laws of nature,” she says. “They reject constraint in all of its forms.” She adds, “The ‘bro’ part of broligarch is not incidental to this—it’s built on this idea that not only are these guys superior, they’re superior because they’re guys.” And although they may differ on various issues, she says Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos all have one thing in common: a passionate love for science fiction and fantasy that has shaped their vision for the future of humanity—and their own roles as its would-be saviors. Contact Morgan Kelly at (603) 646-3625; Morgan.Kelly@dartmouth.edu
4. ==> Let’s Talk Hockey! NHL Season Highlights & Predictions
Invite Neil Smith, the visionary architect behind the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers and co-host of the NHL Wraparound Podcast, to discuss the season and share his predictions. Smith served as the President and General Manager of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers. During his eleven years with the team, they achieved significant success, including three division titles. He’ll discuss the most memorable and controversial trades in NHL history, five ways Stanley Cup winning teams are built, and how to identify players who will thrive in the playoffs. You’ll also learn how good coaches motivate players to perform at their peak without breaking their confidence. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103;
5.==> Dry January is Almost Over. What Next?
If you’ve committed to a Dry January, you have just one week to go. Was it worth it? Do you want to continue? Invite UC Davis Health patient navigator and substance abuse counselor Tommie Trevino to share the health benefits of giving up alcohol for a month and six tips to keep you on track. Trevino says while a month of sobriety seems like a long time, it comes with big advantages. “You’ve likely lost weight and sleep better, eat better and feel better and have a reduction in liver fat and blood sugar.” She also says one month is enough time for people to assess their drinking habits. And if you’d like to continue to curb your drinking on a more permanent basis, you’ll get advice on putting a plan in place for February. Contact Liam Connolly at (916) 752-6480; lhconnolly@ucdavis.edu or UC Davis media relations at publicaffairs@ucdavis.edu
6. ==> How to Stay Safe in Bitter Cold
A warning from doctors — the bitter cold embracing much of the country this week could be putting your health at risk. Doctors warn that frostbite can set in within 25 minutes, with temperatures in the single digits and even colder wind chills. That means it's crucial to protect yourself if you're out in this weather for extended periods. Dr. Thomas O'Brien says if you're outside for a prolonged period and start feeling tingling or numbness, you need to get warmed up immediately. "That's a sign of frostbite, and frostbite, of course, is dangerous because it can lead to amputation potentially, of those digits that have been exposed too long," he explains, "Not only fingers and toes, but ears and chin, like I said, can end up having so much damage that it ends up having gangrene and needs to be amputated." O’Brian says Keeping shoes and gloves dry is key to reducing your risk for frostbite. When it comes to extremities, he says if the skin turns a dull gray or purple that means that circulation is being cut off and you should seek medical attention. Dr. O'Brien is the president of the Heart and Vascular Institute at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. For interviews contact the media team at Christ Hospital at (513) 585-4900
7. ==> Fascinating Facts About Bats
Bats dwell in darkness, inspire fear, and threaten danger. They’ve been viewed as the pawns of evil deities and taken the undeserved blame for the spread of deadly viruses—but have these enigmatic animals gotten a bad rap? Invite ecologist and biologist Alyson Brokaw to bring these woefully misunderstood creatures out of the shadows and into the light and show your listeners how weird and wonderful they can truly be. She’ll demystify bats, showcasing their incredible diversity, ecological importance, and surprising similarities to humans. Brokaw is the author of “The Weird and Wonderful World of Bats: Demystifying These Often-Misunderstood Creatures.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 400-1099; johanna@jrbpr.biz or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
8. ==> 2025 Inspiration: Pack Your Bags and Hit the Road
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. Brenda will share her story, discuss her travels, and encourage everyone to focus on what really matters in life. You’ll be inspired and entertained as you hear about her experiences—and mishaps—in bizarre locations, 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. Think you could never do the same? 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
9. ==> How to Have Fewer Days That Suck
Although we’re all unique, we go through similar trials. Give your listeners a little ‘Ray of Sunshine’ with Deborah Mallow and her positive energy club that offers no nonsense, uncomplicated solutions to deal with difficult people and problematic situations. You’ll learn how to replace unhealthy habits with positive changes, declutter what’s blocking your way, and enjoy more while worrying less. Discover how to reshape your mindset, shift your energy and end self-sabotage with easy-to-implement strategies that will have a huge impact on your daily life. Deborah Mallow is a positivity expert, mindset coach and the author of “6 Steps to Fewer Days that Suck.” Contact her at (516) 613-5359; dmallow@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Why Your New Year's Resolution Failed
Whether it's a vow to lose weight, quit smoking, save money, or attain other lofty goals, many people make New Year’s resolutions. But despite having the best of intentions, clinical psychologist Stephen Sideroff says many have already fallen off the wagon. "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
11. ==> The Big Myth About Doing Your Best
People think that doing one’s best is the key to success. But according to transformational speaker, educator, and businesswoman Rachel Rappaport, that attitude leads to “just getting by.” Instead, she says, “Do whatever it takes because doing your best is not enough! It is just a well-intentioned excuse; it is a mindset that leads to feeling stuck and creates an imaginary glass ceiling.” Alternatively, doing whatever it takes will stretch your creativity, empower you, and expand your possibilities, and give you the passion that you need to succeed in business and life. Rachel is the founder of the success-coaching program MAX! She also trained with Jack Canfield, co-author of “Chicken Soup for the Soul,” and well-known motivational coach Tony Robbins. Contact Rachel Rappaport at (848) 266-5824; rrappaport@rtirguests.com
12. ==> How to be a Peacebuilder in Your Community
Our social and political divisions — globally, nationally, and even locally — seem so out of control, it’s easy for anybody to feel overwhelmed. But what if there was a way each of us could make a real difference? Danielle Reiff can show us how by guiding us to become peacebuilders. Reiff will explain how anyone who opposes division and violence can promote trust, belonging, and cooperation in their own community and will share five things we can all do to be peacebuilders. A former diplomat with the U.S. Agency for International Development, founder of the Peacebuilders initiative, and editor of the upcoming book, “Overcoming Information Chaos: A Guide for Cultivating Peaceful Communities in the Digital Age,” Reiff is a wellspring of resources, tools, and strategies for becoming a peacebuilder. Contact her at (202) 499-7256; dreiff@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Have Americans Lost the Habit of Hope?
With all the political turmoil and negative news Americans are subjected to, it’s easy to see why some of us have lost the habit of hope. But like any healthy habit, it can be refreshed, rebooted, or acquired for the first time. Expert Edie Summers is making it her mission to teach people how to be more hopeful and shift their mindset to focus on what they can control. She’ll explain simple ways to develop a habit of hope, how focusing on gratitude for small things will reinforce the habit, and reveal the mindset shift we all should make. Edie Summers is the author of “The Memory of Health,” a mind-body fitness instructor, a former executive, and the creator of the My Daily Well app. She has been featured in “Entrepreneur” and has appeared on many podcasts. Contact her at (503) 487-0058; esummers@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Transform Menopause from Struggle to Strength!
Menopause doesn’t have to mean suffering, silence, or struggling alone. Lisa R. Triggs will share her transformative journey from despair to empowerment and offer effective mindset tools like meditation, affirmations, and visualization to conquer menopause symptoms and find joy. The author of “The Menopause Mindshift: How I Unleashed My Inner Queen, And You Can Too!” will inspire women looking to thrive through menopause—no doctor’s visit required. More than a self-help segment, Triggs will call on listeners to “rediscover your inner strength, embrace change, and live like the Queen you are!” Give your audience the wisdom and inspiration to transform their menopause journey by bridging the gap in menopause support and shifting how they view it! Contact Lisa R. Triggs at lisa@lern.ca
15. ==> Ex-Pro Linebacker Credits Halloween 'Nightmare' for Keys to Success
When best-selling author John Nicholas crashed into a house during a Halloween night car chase with police at age 16, it almost ruined his life. Desperate for direction, he discovered keys that quickly transformed him from "dumb jock" to Ivy League scholar, pro football player and successful entrepreneur. He credits something he calls Personal Convergence, a dynamic force similar to nuclear fusion, which has fueled high-impact people throughout history and can help you target and direct your life today – if you know about it. John's upcoming book "Hit Your Bullseye!" shares how you can harness this power to achieve your ultimate life, career, business, or calling. John has appeared on ABC News, CBS News, syndicated radio, and numerous podcasts. He also wrote the popular book, "Debt-Free ASAP!" Contact him at (214) 225-9991; Jnicholas@rtirguests.com
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