1/8/2026 RTIR Newsletter: White House Website Rewrites History, Fat and the New Food Pyramid and How to Age Better Over 50



01. Don't Let Trump Rewrite History - Jan. 6 Was A Day of Hate
02. What International Law Says About Trump’s Venezuelan Attack
03. Did RFK JR Turn the Food Pyramid On It’s Head?
04. One Simple Resolution: Fewer Days That Suck
05. Over 50? How to Age Better in 2026
06. Channel Your Political Anger into Real Change
07. The Pursuit of “Great Again” Is Changing Faith in America
08. Can Christians Be Democrats? This Pastor Says 'No'
09. Shop Your Closet, Save Money and Look Amazing
10. Will Franchise Owners Survive the New Economy?
11. High Rent, High Anxiety: Coping with America’s Affordability Crisis
12. A Mindset Makeover for Families Facing Modern Stress
13. How to Heal America’s Soul Crisis
14. This Pastor Died—Twice—And Came Back With a Message
15. From Mormonism to Addiction and Self-Discovery: This Author Shares Her Wild Road to Redemption

1. ==> Don't Let Trump Rewrite History - Jan. 6 Was A Day of Hate

The White House added a new webpage to its account on January 6th, the 5th anniversary of the Capitol Attacks. The new website claims Democrats ‘staged the real insurrection,’ and blames the Capitol Police for the violent pro-Trump mob riot that day. It also claims that Donald Trump “corrected a historic wrong” in pardoning those charged with crimes related to the storming of the building. Journalist Eric Lichtblau says, “In Trump’s revisionist view of what happened that day ‒ which he began seeding on Twitter before the Capitol was even cleared of rioters ‒ the mob was made up of ‘great patriots’ who were protesting the theft of an election that he falsely claimed was stolen from him. They were ‘innocent’ victims, he said, ‘hostages’ who were wrongly imprisoned. It was all part of an elaborate effort to rewrite history that continues today with him back in the White House, using the levers of government to advance the myth.” Lichtblau says it’s a watershed for the many White supremacists and far-right extremist groups. “With Trump as their icon, they have gained an influence they never had in years in isolation on the political fringes,” he says. Eric Lichtblau, a journalist and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, is the author of “American Reich: A Murder in Orange County, Neo-Nazis, and a New Age of Hate.” Contact him at (202) 468-9254; eric@ericlichtblau.com

2. ==> What International Law Says About Trump’s Venezuelan Attack

According to international law expert Marjorie Cohn, Donald Trump’s massive military attack on Venezuela that led to the capture of the country’s president, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife, was illegal in many ways, and breaks the mandates of the United Nations Charter. “The only two exceptions to that prohibition are when a country acts in self-defense after an armed attack or when the UN Security Council approves the use of force. The attack on Venezuela and the kidnapping of Maduro and Flores did not constitute self-defense nor did the Security Council authorize it.” She can discuss Trump’s claims to Venezuela’s oil and his proclamation that he will now “run” the country. Marjorie Cohn is professor emerita at Thomas Jefferson School of Law and dean of the People’s Academy of International Law. She recently wrote the piece “Trump Will Try to Defend Aggression Toward Venezuela. It’s Still Illegal.” Contact her at marjorielegal@gmail.com, @mcohn.bsky.social

3. ==> Did RFK JR Turn the Food Pyramid On It’s Head?

The Trump administration is urging Americans to embrace full-fat dairy products, cook with beef tallow and eat more protein in a new set of directives shaped by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again campaign. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans mesh MAHA-influenced changes with longer-standing advice for people to cut sugar consumption while eating more whole grains and colorful vegetables and avoiding “highly processed” foods. Registered dietician Yasi Ansari can speak to the science, the public confusion, and the practical implications of the new guidelines. A former national media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Yasi Ansari serves as a senior dietitian at UCLA Health, where she advises patients on evidence based nutrition, metabolic health, and performance fueling. Contact her at info@yasiansari.com or UCLA Health media relations at (310) 267‑7022; media@mednet.ucla.edu

4. ==> One Simple Resolution: Fewer Days That Suck

New Year, new mindset—without the toxic positivity. Happiness and positive energy expert Deborah Mallow shows audiences how to upgrade their days with tiny, realistic shifts instead of overwhelming life overhauls. She can share why we get stuck in “sucky day spirals,” one 60-second reset anyone can do on-air, and how humor changes the brain’s stress response. Her “Daily Decisions™” framework gives listeners a simple way to choose better thoughts, habits, and reactions, even when life is messy. Deborah Mallow is the award-winning author of 6 Steps to Fewer Days That Suck, creator of The Daily Decisions™, and a lively guest on morning shows like Good Day New York, Good Day DC, and other lifestyle shows. Contact Deborah Mallow at (516) 613-5359; dmallow@rtirguests.com

5. ==> Over 50? How to Age Better in 2026

While most New Year’s content focuses on gym memberships and diet trends, Dwayne Clark argues that for people 50+, the real “new you” starts with three things: how you wake up, how you care for yourself, and how prepared you are for a rapidly changing healthcare landscape. Clark, the CEO and founder of Aegis Living, built one of the nation’s most respected senior housing and wellness companies by rethinking how environment, technology, and daily habits can extend healthy living. He’s also the co-author of “The Miracle Morning After 50,” a science- and data-backed roadmap for adding more joy, vitality, and purpose to the “second half” of life. He’ll discuss why a simple, structured morning routine can improve mood, cognition, and energy more than another short-lived resolution—and how to start if you’ve never been a “morning person.” Hear how to beat the “empty time” trap of midlife and retirement and how to use AI as a New Year health ally. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell); johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705

Looking for more guests who offer ways to make this your fittest, healthiest year yet? Stay tuned for our RTIR Special Health Reset issue on Friday, January 16th featuring experts who challenge conventional wisdom on caffeine, pain, stress, mindset, fertility, aging, and more.

6. ==> Channel Your Political Anger into Real Change

“Agonizing, protesting, or tuning out” aren’t our only options in today’s heated political climate, says activist and author Sam Daley-Harris. In his book “Reclaiming Our Democracy,” Daley-Harris reveals a proven alternative: transformational advocacy, where you don’t just change an issue, you’re changed in the process. He shares stories of ordinary citizens who turned “climate trauma” into hope, and political helplessness into purpose. Feeling fed up isn’t a flaw. It’s fuel. Daley-Harris shows your audience how to harness it into impact. Book him today to inspire your audience and dive into the tough question like “Why is outrage not enough?” and “How can ordinary people actually change politics?” Sam Daley-Harris is the founder of RESULTS, a citizens’ lobby that has empowered grassroots advocates to influence U.S. policy for more than 40 years. Contact Sam at (202) 804-2504; sdaley@rtirguests.com

7. ==> The Pursuit of “Great Again” Is Changing Faith in America

What does it really mean to be “great again”? And why is that phrase influencing everything from our politics to our pews? Rick Patterson, author of “The Matthew Challenge,” says the obsession with “greatness” has become a moral blind spot in American life. In his new book, the former evangelical preacher and adoptive father of four Black children, explores how this mindset has crept into churches, shaping alliances and behaviors that contradict the very faith they claim to uphold. With master’s and doctoral degrees in ministry and decades of experience in evangelical circles, Rick brings a powerful insider perspective to today’s spiritual and cultural divide. He makes the psychology behind it all practical and accessible, helping audiences understand how the need to feel “great” often strips us of the humility and compassion that make us human. Contact Rick Patterson at (517) 300-2706; rpatterson@rtirguests.com

8. ==> Can Christians Be Democrats? This Pastor Says 'No'

As a Black pastor of 18 years and a former lifelong Democrat, Frank Tull brings a unique voice to the intersection of faith and politics. Inspired by personal loss—a 25-year friendship broken due to his support of President Donald Trump—Frank now firmly believes that the Republican Party is far more aligned with Christian principles than the Democratic Party. "With powerful scripture-based reasoning, I address the role of faith in today’s volatile political climate, and why I believe that Christianity and the Democratic Party are mutually exclusive," he says. He is the author of "8 Biblical Reasons to Vote Republican." Contact Pastor Frank Tull at (469) 609-1385; ftull@rtirguests.com

9. ==> Shop Your Closet, Save Money and Look Amazing

Everyone wants to look good, but being stylish can be expensive! Fashion expert Gayla Bentley shows your audience how to avoid unnecessary spending by “shopping your own closet” before hitting the stores. She explains how to uncover forgotten pieces, build fresh outfits from existing staples, and use simple tailoring or accessories to elevate looks without buying anything new. Bentley also reveals the emotional traps that push people toward impulse fashion purchases — and how a strategic closet edit can restore confidence while protecting your budget. Gayla Bentley is a renowned style strategist and advocate for smart, sustainable wardrobe planning. Contact her at (936) 261-7713; gbentley@rtirguests.com

10. ==> Will Franchise Owners Survive the New Economy?

Greg Mohr predicts franchise owners will not only survive the current economic wave, they’ll thrive in the new economy! Invite him on your show and hear how franchising has become a reliable pathway to financial independence during uncertain markets. He’ll reveal how proven systems reduce startup risk while delivering scalable income opportunities for everyday investors. Mohr’s strategic guidance will prepare those considering business ownership as they transition into the new year. Greg Mohr is a franchising consultant and author specializing in business ownership strategy, investment planning, and income growth models. Contact him at gmohr@rtirguests.com or (361) 204-5470

11. ==> High Rent, High Anxiety: Coping with America’s Affordability Crisis

A third of Americans now spend more than 30% of their income on rent, and in major cities, it’s often over 50%. But the financial strain is only half the story. Darius Ross says the mental toll of this affordability crisis is eroding resilience, fueling chronic stress, and keeping people stuck in survival mode. As a former homeless teen who became a successful entrepreneur, Darius offers a grounded, street-smart perspective that connects with audiences of all backgrounds. His mindset strategies blend lived experience with real-life tools for navigating uncertainty, managing trauma, and staying motivated—even when the math doesn’t add up. In this timely conversation, Darius doesn’t just unpack the crisis, he helps audiences cope, shift their mindset, and take their next step forward. Darius Ross is the author of “Mastering the TPS Blueprint,” a speaker on trauma and transformation, and a community advocate who helps underserved youth rise. Contact Darius Ross at (347) 801-7956; dross@rtirguests.com

12. ==> A Mindset Makeover for Families Facing Modern Stress

Across the country, teachers and parents are noticing that kids are more anxious than ever. Mindset coach and mother of four Sharon Emily believes the antidote is not pressure or perfectionism, but mindset. A former counselor and Franklin Covey-trained facilitator, she teaches families practical ways to replace fear with focus. Her new children’s song turned book, “Mirror of Myself,” gives parents an easy way to start those conversations at home. Sharon helps audiences understand how thoughts shape confidence, motivation, and resilience in both children and adults. Whether your listeners are concerned about school stress, social media, or the constant rush of modern life, she offers tools that spark calm, gratitude, and hope while still acknowledging real challenges. Sharon has practiced what she preaches, raising a son who became a millionaire before 30 and a thriving daughter living with autism. Contact her at (480) 470-3893; scarstens@rtirguests.com

13. ==> How to Heal America’s Soul Crisis

Across every generation, stress, anxiety, and burnout are on the rise. But according to author and spiritual teacher Doreen Mary Bray, what we’re really facing isn’t just a mental health crisis, it’s a soul crisis. In her new book “The Angel and The Avatar,” Doreen reveals how losing connection with our inner selves has left millions feeling unfulfilled, anxious, and exhausted. A naturopath, shaman, and teacher for more than 40 years, she offers a fresh, practical perspective on how to restore balance through simple daily practices that realign mind, body, and soul. A compassionate and insightful guest, Doreen helps audiences understand the hidden causes of modern stress and how to turn sensitivity, overthinking, and self-doubt into tools for healing and personal growth. Ask her: What do you mean by a “soul crisis,” and how is it different from burnout? What’s one thing our listeners can do today to feel calmer and more centered? Contact Doreen Mary Bray at (438) 802-0280; dbray@rtirguests.com

14. ==> This Pastor Died—Twice—And Came Back With a Message

When Pastor Nancy Frecka slipped into death—twice—she never imagined what awaited her. Floating above her lifeless body, she watched nurses scramble, unable to find a pulse. Then came the divine encounter with Jesus Himself. Pages of her past flipped like a book until stopping at the moment that shaped her soul, a childhood tragedy involving her brother, a shotgun, and a haunted house. But death wasn’t the end. It was the beginning of a mission. Nancy returned from the other side with a powerful message. “The message of forgiveness is key to having a life full of peace, love and joy,” she says. Nancy is a speaker, pastor, and the author of "God Says, "You Can Trust Me:” Supernatural Encounters with God." Contact Nancy Frecka at (330) 422-6955; nfrecka@rtirguests.com

15. ==> From Mormonism to Addiction and Self-Discovery: This Author Shares Her Wild Road to Redemption

What happens when a devout Mormon mother of five dares to question everything she’s ever known? Meet Susie Bell—a nurse practitioner who went from being excommunicated from the Mormon Church, a heart-wrenching divorce, and single motherhood in Las Vegas to self-made success. With honesty and grit, Susie recounts her journey through addiction recovery, being drugged and raped by a famous athlete who relentlessly harassed her, and even a surreal moment in the hospital room with the body of Tupac Shakur following his murder. Her story is not just about leaving religion—it’s about reclaiming power and purpose. She is the author of the memoir "A Piece of Me: Finding My Voice After Mormonism, Marriage, Medicine and Men." Contact Susie Bell at (213) 816-3622; sbell@rtirguests.com