01. Polarization and the Vicious Cycle Behind the Midterms
02. The Bolsonaro Family and the Battle for Brazil
03. 80-Year-Old Power Lifter Shares How to Be a ‘Super Ager’
04. Simple Temperature Trick for Better Sleep
05. Is Halloween Harmless?
06. The Life of a Political Candidate
07. What Happened to Learning Civics in School?
08. Biggest Mistakes When Caring for Aging Loved Ones
09. True Crime Story: One Man's Journey Through America's Underworld
10. Are You Sure You Want a Chatbot Advising You on Your Health?
11. Your Job Could Be Making Your Mental Health Worse
12. What Happens When Christians Can’t Defend Their Faith?
13. The Most Underrated Tool to Teach Kids About Health
14. The Invisible Blocks Standing Between You and Your Dreams
15. When You Don’t Have the Words Yet: Let Creativity Go First
1. ==> Polarization and the Vicious Cycle Behind the Midterms
Pew Research reports that 84% of registered voters call the economy "very important" heading into the midterms, with healthcare close behind. So why does Washington keep fighting over affordability instead of solving it? Psychologist and author Scott Gibbs says the fight itself has become the problem, and that no election result, for either party, will end it on its own. Invite him to discuss how division in America takes hold, why it keeps intensifying, and what it would take to get past it. The author of “Toward the Turning: Rethinking the Meaning of 9/11, the Clash of Civilizations, and a Post-Modern World,” examines the psychological and cultural forces driving polarization in America and around the world. Gibbs, a psychotherapist who works with conflict in relationships and across groups, argues that "fighting" over practical problems undermines our ability to solve them. That failure intensifies the fight, deepens distrust, and fuels polarized populism on both the right and the left. In his words, fighting creates populism, which feeds more fighting. Drawing on clinical work, psychological research, and philosophy, Gibbs offers a timely and constructive perspective as voters head to the polls: meaningful progress is still possible, even when people hold fundamentally different beliefs and values. Scott Gibbs is a California-licensed psychotherapist in private practice. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705 (office)
2. ==> The Bolsonaro Family and the Battle for Brazil
Flávio Bolsonaro and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will face each other in Brazil’s runoff election on October 25th to determine the leadership of Latin America’s largest democracy and biggest economy. Wendy Via, cofounder and CEO of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, can discuss the candidates and the choice in front of voters. She says some mainstream outlets, particularly international media, are portraying Bolsonaro as more moderate than his father. “In doing so,” she says, “they have helped soften his image. This framing downplays Flávio’s political agenda and full support for his father. He has pledged to pardon Jair Bolsonaro if elected and has said he wants his father to place the presidential band on him during his inauguration.” Jair Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years for plotting a coup and seeking to end Brazilian democracy and is currently being held under house arrest. It is Brazil’s first presidential election since his supporters stormed and ransacked government buildings in the capital in January 2023, seeking to overturn the results of the 2022 vote that saw him narrowly defeated. Contact Wendy Via at wendy@globalextremism.org
3. ==> 80-Year-Old Power Lifter Shares How to Be a ‘Super Ager’
At 80, Barrie Zucal is still getting stronger. A global feminist, former marriage and family therapist, executive coach, and record-holding powerlifter, Zucal has spent decades investing in her physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being — embodying her belief that staying vital as we age requires much more than exercise. “I have consistently dedicated resources to my own development — healing myself emotionally, fueling my body with healthy foods, and understanding myself, others, and relationships,” Zucal says. “Then I’ve worked to understand the systems that perpetuate and support positive change, and those that destroy it.” Her formula for longevity dovetails naturally with her new book, “Bold: How Women Play Big by Leading Instead of Pleasing,” which challenges the conditioning that encourages women to put everyone else’s needs ahead of their own development and ambitions. A lifelong learner and fierce advocate for women’s rights worldwide, Zucal founded and led a global executive coaching firm operating in 75 countries. She’s served as a marriage and family therapist, a guidance counselor in war-torn Beirut, and even a nanny to the Jordanian Royal Family in her late 20s. At 70, Zucal walked into a gym, picked up a barbell, and went on to break Maryland State Records in both the deadlift and bench press. Contact Helen Cook at (903) 654-0938; hcook@ascotmediagroup.com
4. ==> Simple Temperature Trick for Better Sleep
You probably know that sleep is important for your health, but you may not know how important a certain type of sleep is. “Deep sleep is the most restorative stage of sleep,” says Dr. Andrea Matsumura, board-certified sleep medicine physician. “It’s when the brain clears waste, the body repairs tissues and key hormones that affect energy, metabolism and immunity are regulated.” She an discuss why many people miss out on deep sleep and how temperature is connected to the sleep cycle. She’ll explain how lowering your core body temperature helps enter deep sleep more easily and discuss five ways to use temperature to improve your sleep. Dr. Andrea Matsumura, also known as the Sleep Goddess, is an internationally recognized sleep and menopause expert. Contact her at info@andreamatsumuramd.com
5. ==> Is Halloween Harmless?
Halloween is one of the most popular American holidays with millions looking forward to dressing up and spooking out. But is all of it harmless? Derrick Warfel says it’s not black and white, but the origin of the holiday is genuinely dark. He’ll explain Halloween’s roots in an old European belief that on October 31 the veil between the physical and spiritual world went thin and the dead could cross over, and the trick-or-treat custom that grew out of leaving blood and food on the porch to bribe the spirits into passing you by. A treat, or you get a trick. Learn how the church has historically redeemed pagan dates, and what All Hallows' Eve, All Saints and All Souls actually mean. Hear his practical, non-alarmist take for parents and why he believes the costume and the conversation matter more than the candy itself. Derrick studied psychology at Princeton, earned his Master of Theology at Dallas Theological Seminary and spent forty years working in Hollywood. He is the author of “UFOs: Revealing Deception and Truth Behind the Supernatural, Invisible War,” which argues that the thin-veil folklore is pointing at something real, an actual invisible spiritual war, and that our culture's whole fascination with the paranormal is part of that same story. Contact Mark Breta at mark@jonesliterary.com
Looking for more Halloween guests? Thursday’s RTIR Newsletter will be filled with experts who tap into our love of the holiday. From the best haunted attractions to the truth about ghosts and a crime-solving psychic, you’ll find a variety of fascinating guests.
6. ==> The Life of a Political Candidate
With the midterm elections just weeks away, have you wondered what it’s like to be a candidate for office today? Rob Curnock knows. As a former TV political reporter, party leader, and unlikely congressional candidate, he’s seen the process from every angle. He pulls back the curtain on the physical exhaustion, emotional toll, family strain, and political hardball that define modern campaigns. After challenging and almost winning after running against an “unbeatable” incumbent, he discovered how power really works behind closed doors. “I experienced the often-brutal realities of running for office—and learned how ordinary citizens can shake up the system,” he says. Rob is a long-time broadcast journalist and the author of “Dead Man Running.” Contact Rob Curnock at (254) 822-3741; rcurnock@rtirguests.com
7. ==> What Happened to Civics Lessons in School?
America's education debate usually focuses on test scores, funding, and curriculum. But Elissa Mohan believes we're overlooking a far more urgent issue: preparing young citizens for self-government. “Today’s fragmented education landscape leaves too many students unprepared to evaluate information, engage in civil discourse, and understand the Constitution,” she says. Drawing on her experience as a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, homeschool parent, public school teacher, and educational psychologist, Elissa offers a bold blueprint for rebuilding education to meet the challenges of democracy in the AI age. She is the author of the forthcoming book “ENOUGH: Why America Is Failing at Education and What to Do About It.” Ask her: Why is civics education so important? How can young Americans learn how our government and democracy work to help better prepare them for the future? Contact Elissa Mohan at (405) 346-8358; emohan@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Biggest Mistakes When Caring for Aging Loved Ones
The complexities of elder care can be overwhelming, especially for the sandwich generation taking care of kids … and parents. Debbie C. Miller has answers—and empathy. With over 30 years of experience working with senior care issues, Miller delivers practical, compassionate advice that empowers caregivers to make confident, informed decisions. She’ll discuss: The biggest mistakes families make when trying to care for aging loved ones, the most pervasive myths about elder care—and how they derail good intentions and how to plan ahead without panic, guilt or guesswork. You’ll also learn why “aging in place” is a deeply personal choice that requires smart strategy. Whether your audience is navigating a sudden crisis or planning for long-term care, Debbie offers a step-by-step approach that’s clear, actionable, and emotionally grounded. Her insights resonate with adult children, caregivers, and professionals alike. A Certified Senior Advisor® and Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist®, Miller is the author of “Doing the Right Thing: Simple Solutions, Essential Tips, & Helpful Resources for Assisting Aging Loved Ones,” a trusted guide for families facing the emotional and logistical maze of senior care. Contact Debbie Miller at (703) 844-4074; dmiller@rtirguests.com
9. ==> True Crime Story: One Man's Journey Through America's Underworld
What happens when an average Joe collides with America's criminal underworld? John Casey's extraordinary journey spans from childhood abuse and running away to prison, witness protection, and encounters with notorious criminals. At 17, he joined the Army, later crossed paths with escaped murderers, and was mentored by a Chicago mobster facing 103 federal indictments and three convictions. His former wife's connections to an outlaw motorcycle gang brought him dangerously close to a world of violence and fear. Now, John is ready to tell his story — not simply to reveal a life few could imagine, but to share hard-earned lessons about survival, starting over, and personal transformation. His message: your past doesn't have to dictate your future. He is the author of the forthcoming book “Unbreakable.” Contact John Casey at (219) 706-4134; Jcasey@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Are You Sure You Want a Chatbot Advising You on Your Health?
Nearly one in five young people in the U.S. now turn to AI chatbots for mental health advice, and many adults get their health information from influencers rather than trained professionals. On this show, Marcel Vögeli explores a question more people are starting to ask: in an age of algorithmic health advice, what is at stake when the conversation about our bodies and minds is no longer human? Marcel bridges real-life experience with a structured framework for a profound understanding of how stress, beliefs, and long-term internal pressure may show up in the body. His message is about reclaiming agency, asking deeper questions, and learning to listen to the body without abandoning medicine. This conversation offers a psychological-emotional approach to chronic illness, burnout, and emotional patterns – especially for those seeking authenticity in a landscape increasingly shaped by AI and unqualified influencers. Marcel Vögeli is spokesperson for The Key to Self-Liberation by Christiane Beerlandt. Contact him at mvogeli@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Your Job Could Be Making Your Mental Health Worse
A bad day at work is one thing. But what happens when chronic pressure, conflict, and financial fear keep you in survival mode long after you clock out? Darius Ross says sometimes the problem isn’t simply your workload; it’s what your workplace is triggering in you. Drawing on his experience overcoming homelessness, building businesses, and the principles in “Mastering the TPS Blueprint,” Ross reveals how unresolved trauma can collide with workplace stress, affecting trust, decision-making, and relationships. He’ll explain why high achievers may be especially good at hiding distress, how to recognize when “pushing through” is making things worse, and why changing jobs may not fix patterns you carry with you. Ask him: Can being great at your job hide a mental health struggle? Can quitting a toxic workplace actually follow you to your next job? Contact Darius Ross at (347) 801-7956; dross@rtirguests.com
12. ==> What Happens When Christians Can’t Defend Their Faith?
Many Christians know what they believe but struggle to explain why they believe it. Texas-certified teacher Tamara Berkman says the problem is often not conviction, but preparation: people may know Bible stories without understanding how the Bible fits together. Berkman experienced this herself. She grew up learning individual lessons through Sunday school and sermons but only recognized what she had been missing when she taught the Bible’s complete storyline to her children. She later saw the same knowledge gap among her students. In response, Berkman created “Learn the Whole Bible ASAP,” a storytelling-based curriculum of 20 short lessons. She’ll discuss why Christians feel unprepared to answer questions about their faith and how understanding the Bible’s storyline can help families pass their beliefs to the next generation. Ask her: Why do Christians struggle to explain their beliefs? What is missed when Bible stories are taught separately? Does defending your faith require years of study? How can parents equip their children? Contact Tamara Berkman at (830) 201-3160; tberkman@rtirguests.com
13. ==> The Most Underrated Tool to Teach Kids About Health
Most parents see children's books as entertainment. Kenneth Korber, a health literacy expert, believes they can also be powerful tools for improving children's health. After two decades as a clinician, he wrote and published “The Musical Adventures of Grace” series to extend the patient office visit into bedtime reading, helping families reinforce important health and wellness lessons at home. His engaging stories and characters transform complex medical topics into age-appropriate adventures that children enjoy. Ken’s approach encourages healthy habits, eases childhood anxiety and fears, and strengthens literacy at the same time. “Storytelling may be one of the most effective—and overlooked—ways to improve public health, empower families, and help children build lifelong healthy behaviors, one bedtime story at a time,” he says. Contact Kenneth Korber at (847) 238-8936; kkorber@rtirguests.com
14. ==> The Invisible Blocks Standing Between You and Your Dreams
Why do smart, ambitious people procrastinate when it comes to the very things they care about most? Why do they freeze when it’s time to be seen, sabotage opportunities, overwork without moving forward, or endlessly wait for the ‘right time?’ “You’re not lazy, and you’re not lacking motivation,” says motivation breakthrough coach Lisa Morgan. “Your nervous system may be standing between you and the life you desperately want.” After more than 20 years exploring healing and transformation, she created the Freedom Body Blueprint©, which addresses the body/mind/nervous-system patterns behind resistance and “getting stuck,” and how to get unstuck. Ask her: How can one’s subconscious awareness block them from fulfilling their dreams? What are some specific ways that people can stop sabotaging themselves? Contact Lisa Morgan at (314) 265-3491; lmorgan@rtirguests.com
15. ==> When You Don’t Have the Words Yet: Let Creativity Go First
When life turns upside down, “talk about your feelings” can be frustrating advice, especially when you don’t yet know what you’re feeling. Author and transformational life coach Karen Kay Smith says sometimes the words shouldn’t come first. Creativity should. On your show, Smith can demonstrate three simple ways to use creativity to explore emotions before trying to explain them. You don’t have to know what you’re feeling to begin expressing it. Sometimes your hands, body or eyes notice it before your words do. Smith connects these exercises to her three C’s—Communication, Connection, and Community—and her concept of life’s “waiting room seasons.” Her forthcoming book, “Hope Has a Seat in Every Waiting Room,” includes creative reflection activities designed to help readers process difficult seasons. Contact Karen Kay Smith at (256) 812-5106; ksmith@rtirguests.com
Don’t see any guests or topics for your show? Search through past RTIR Newsletters and find hundreds of show ideas and possible guests at www.rtironline.com
