01. Millions Could Lose Food Assistance as Shutdown Drags On
02. The Heart of the Stalemate: Health Care Subsidies
03. Navy Veteran: The Unravelling of America’s Republic
04. Trash is the New Gold: 2025's Biggest Climate Opportunity
05. Ghosts, Gore & Guts: The Scariest Haunts in the U.S.
06. 5 Ways to Be a Peacebuilder: No Protests or Politicians Required
07. Fall Into Birding: Slow Down and Look Up
08. Success Isn’t About Hustle—It’s About the Pause
09. How to Teach Hope & Focus to Today’s Anxious Kids
10. What Nobody Tells You About Helping Aging Parents
11. Engineer Says His Invention Can End School Shooting Deaths
12. Money Leaks: Sneaky Habits That Drain Your Wallet
13. Size-Inclusive Fall Fashion Tips
14. Urban PTSD Nearly Broke This Entrepreneur. A Mindset Shift Saved Him
15. Stars, Cards & Stones: Unlock Your Intuition with Ancient Tools
1. ==> Millions Could Lose Food Assistance as Shutdown Drags On
One of the biggest impacts of the government shutdown is about to hit tens of millions of the poorest Americans hard: the halting of a critical food assistance program. Several states are now warning they will be forced to suspend Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits come Nov. 1 if the shutdown continues. Gina Plata-Nino, interim director of SNAP at the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) can explain how the program works and who will be most affected. SNAP, often referred to as "food stamps," serves roughly 42 million low-income Americans. The program, run by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, issues electronic benefits that can be used like cash to purchase food. This has already been a tumultuous few months for SNAP. President Donald Trump's megabill already cut the program by an estimated $186 billion over 10 years. FRAC is a national nonprofit that works to end hunger and undernutrition in the US through research, advocacy, and public education. Contact Jordan Baker at 202-640-1118; jbaker@frac.org
2. ==> The Heart of the Stalemate: Health Care Subsidies
The major sticking point in the ongoing government shutdown are enhanced subsidies for Affordable Care Act health insurance plans that are set to expire at the end of the year. Drew Altman, president and CEO of the non-partisan KFF (formerly known as The Kaiser Family Foundation) can untangle the issue and explain what the subsidies are and what will happen if they expire. “If the enhanced ACA tax credits are not extended, premium payments will increase by more than 100% for many of the 24 million Americans who buy their own coverage,” Altman says, adding, “The impact will be felt especially hard in red states that did not expand Medicaid.” One example is a 60-year old Florida couple with a combined income of $85,000. Altman says their insurance premiums would jump from $7,225 annually to as much as $28,561 if the subsidies are allowed to expire. Drew Altman is a leading expert on national health policy issues and an innovator in health journalism and the nonprofit field. KFF a non-partisan organization focused on health policy. It conducts its own research, polling, journalism, and specialized public health information campaigns. Contact Ann DeFabio at AnnD@kff.org
3. ==> Navy Veteran: The Unravelling of America’s Republic
America’s democracy is fraying under the weight of political division, corporate influence and public distrust. With the nation’s founding ideals at risk of collapse, Navy veteran and historic preservation leader Michael Bedenbaugh is sounding the alarm. Drawing on history and offering novel, actionable reforms, Bedenbaugh presents a non-partisan blueprint for restoring accountability, liberty and unity before it’s too late. “If we don’t act now, we risk losing the Republic our ancestors entrusted to us,” Bedenbaugh warns. The author of “Reviving Our Republic: 95 Theses for the Future of America” draws inspiration from Martin Luther's historic call for reform, Ninety-five Theses, and reinterprets the country’s founding principles for modern 21st-century challenges. The result is a bold blueprint for addressing the most pressing problems facing the nation today. Contact Helen Cook at 903.654.0938; hcook@ascotmediagroup.com
4. ==> Trash is the New Gold: 2025's Biggest Climate Opportunity
Veteran impact investor Ibrahim AlHusseini says the world is obsessing over carbon while ignoring the real climate emergency: methane leaking from our trash. And he's putting his money where his mouth is — betting that waste isn't just a problem to solve, but a trillion-dollar business to build. With over 20 years backing clean energy and sustainability ventures, AlHusseini founded FullCycle to turn the world's 2.3 billion tons of annual waste into clean energy and profit. His message: we have the technology to slash the fastest-heating greenhouse gas on Earth — we just need to treat garbage like the goldmine it actually is. You’ll learn how methane is 80x more destructive than CO₂ — and why nobody's talking about it and how the waste sector could become a $1.5 trillion industry by 2040. Contact Ryan McCormick at ryan@goldmanmccormick.com
5. ==> Ghosts, Gore & Guts: The Scariest Haunts in the U.S.
It’s the season of spooking and the time haunted house enthusiasts wait all year for. From Haunted Hayrides to Scream Parks, Mega-Haunts and Halloween festivals, the Haunted Attraction Association (HAA) is your guide to ghoulish fun. Invite HAA president Jim Werner to discuss how the industry has changed in recent years and reveal what makes a great haunted attraction. He’ll also share the cream of the crop when it comes to haunted happenings, including the best attractions near you. This year the organization certified 67 haunted attractions across the country as “Top Haunts.” Notable honorees include three spots in Pennsylvania; Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, Field of Screams in Mountville, PA and Pennhurst Asylum in Spring City, PA, as well as the House of Torment in Austin, TX and the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride in California. For a complete list of the top attractions and to arrange interviews contact The Haunted Attraction Association at (484) 300-7279; info@hauntedattractionassociation.com
6. ==> 5 Ways to Be a Peacebuilder: No Protests or Politicians Required
Tired of outrage, division, and endless political finger-pointing? Danielle Reiff is a former U.S. diplomat who helped advance peace and democracy around the world in places like the Republic of Georgia, Sri Lanka, and Uganda. Now she’s bringing those same skills to the challenges facing America. Invite Reiff on your show to learn five ways everyday Americans can build peace in their own communities—no protests or politicians required. Drawing from her real-world experience and her Peacebuilders initiative, she’ll explore how shifting from a zero-sum worldview to one of dialogue, collaboration, and unity in diversity can help us heal our fractured society. This is a hopeful, practical conversation about what real peacebuilding looks like—right here at home. Ask her: Why do you say peacebuilding must go “beyond protest”? What does it look like to become a peacebuilder in a divided neighborhood or workplace? Do you think peace is even possible given how divided we are? Contact Danielle Reiff at (202) 499-7256; dreiff@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Fall Into Birding: Slow Down and Look Up
Are you ready to join the millions of people who enjoy birds? If so, there’s no better time than the present to take the plunge—or at least dip your toes in. Invite Dexter Patterson, CEO of Operation Bird Joy, to walk you through the basics of birding. Where should you go? How do you even find a bird? Are there apps for that? Do you need binoculars? Dexter is the perfect guide for newbies and avid birders. As the host of the Bird Joy podcast, his goal is to bring bird enthusiasts from around the globe together to share the joy of birding. He is also the co-founder of the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, an organization dedicated to making birding more accessible and inclusive for people of color. Dexter Patterson teaches at the University of Wisconsin and is the author of “Birds of the Great Lakes: Best Little Book of Birds.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
8. ==> Success Isn’t About Hustle—It’s About the Pause
Why do so many smart, hardworking people still feel stuck, scattered or unfulfilled? According to Emilio Justo, the real problem isn’t effort—it’s timing. A two-time international TEDx speaker (with over 10.5 million views) and bestselling author of “The Power of Pause,” Justo reveals how mastering the habit of delayed gratifica¬tion—the ability to pause before reacting—can dramatically improve focus, resilience and achievement. Studies show that people who master delayed gratification are more likely to succeed in school, earn more money and maintain healthier relationships. In fact, the famous Stanford Marshmallow Experiment found that children who could delay gratification were more likely to thrive academically, professionally and personally as adults. Drawing from his journey as a Cuban refugee who became a renowned surgeon and entrepreneur, Justo delivers a rare mix of heart, science and actionable wisdom that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. Contact Emilio Justo, M.D., at Ejusto@rtirguests.com (email preferred); (480) 992-6803
9. ==> How to Teach Hope & Focus to Today’s Anxious Kids
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
10. ==> What Nobody Tells You About Helping Aging Parents
Imagine you’re preparing for a performance review at work, need to attend your kid’s soccer game later this afternoon, and the phone rings: your mom has just fallen in the shower, or your dad’s had a stroke. Would you know what to do, which questions to ask, and who to call? Certified Senior Advisor® and Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist® Debbie C. Miller has the answers. The author of “Doing the Right Thing: Simple Solutions, Essential Tips, & Helpful Resources for Assisting Aging Loved Ones,” Miller brings over 30 years of experience guiding families through the emotional and logistical maze of senior care, providing a step-by-step approach to making confident decisions. Ask her: What are the biggest mistakes families make when trying to care for aging loved ones? What are some pervasive myths about elder care? Contact Debbie Miller at (703) 844-4074; dmiller@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Engineer Says His Invention Can End School Shooting Deaths
Engineer and inventor Leonard Fonarov believes he has created technology that can finally stop children from being killed in school shootings. A survivor of the World War II siege of Leningrad and a longtime Florida resident, Leonard was moved to act after the tragedy at Parkland, just miles from his home. His patented invention, the Leonardo ISV, is a bulletproof, rapid-response rescue vehicle designed to reach an active shooter inside a school in just 5–9 seconds—a speed that could mean the difference between life and death. Unlike SWAT teams, which can take 20–40 minutes to arrive, the Leonardo ISV is on-site, patrolling hallways, ready to protect children and teachers instantly. He is the author of “I Will Stop School Shooting Forever,” and explains his invention—and why he believes America’s children can finally be safe. Contact Leonard Foranov at llfonarov@rtirguests.com; (754) 289-4905
12. ==> Money Leaks: Sneaky Habits That Drain Your Wallet
Do you ever look at your bank statements and wonder: Where did it all go? Financial coach Monique Gagné says most people don’t need to make more money—they need to stop letting it slip away. In an eye-opening interview, Gagné will expose the invisible habits and hidden expenses quietly draining your bank account. From “ghost subscriptions” to emotionally triggered spending, she helps audiences get real about where their money’s going—and how to redirect it toward joy, security, and financial freedom. Her candid, relatable approach makes financial literacy feel less like a lecture and more like an overdue heart-to-heart. Perfect for shows tackling debt, smart spending, or financial stress in daily life. Monique Gagne is the author of “Who Took My Money?” Contact her at (602) 704-5499; mgagne@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Size-Inclusive Fall Fashion Tips
As the days grow shorter and the air gets crisper, it’s time to add some layers and get ready fall. Gayla Bentley, fashion expert and author of “Fashion’s Stepsister: A Journey to Style,” empowers women of all sizes to feel confident and fabulous, no matter the weather. Gayla’s approach to fashion goes beyond looking good, it’s about feeling good too. She shines a spotlight on how dressing well can boost your mood, increase self-esteem and help you step out with confidence. Discover how to dress your body with love and flair this season using Gayla’s tips on choosing fabrics, embracing fall colors and creating effortless looks that keep you stylishly warm and chic. Whether you’re attending a fall festival or enjoying a day of leaf-peeping, you’ll be ready to shine. Make fashion part of your self-care this fall with Gayla’s expert advice. Contact Gayla Bentley at (936) 261-7713; gbentley@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Urban PTSD Nearly Broke This Entrepreneur. A Mindset Shift Saved Him
Entrepreneur and community leader Darius Ross knows what it’s like to survive on the streets and in the boardroom. In his book “Mastering the TPS Blueprint,” he reveals how Urban PTSD—trauma rooted in chaos, violence and family dysfunction—nearly cost him everything. The biggest battle wasn’t business, however. It was the war in his mind. Now, Darius brings his no-BS “inner-city Navy SEALs mindset” to help audiences rewire limiting beliefs and step into resilience. He’s bold, uplifting and unafraid to say what others won’t, while also offering real solutions that change lives. Darius is a dynamic guest who takes live calls, gives away coaching sessions and keeps listeners engaged with street-smart clarity, humor and heart. This is the comeback story your audience didn’t know they needed. Contact Darius Ross at (347) 801-7956; dross@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Stars, Cards & Stones: Unlock Your Intuition with Ancient Tools
Discover an untapped path to transform your life with Kooch Daniels, a renowned intuitive professional and author of “Stars, Cards, and Stones: Exploring Cosmic Connections Between Astrology, Tarot, and Runestones.” With over four decades of intuitive experience, Kooch can teach you to tap into ancient mystical tools to help you trust your intuition, manifest success and unlock your potential. Not only will Kooch reveal how the mystical can supercharge your goals, but she’ll also offer on-air intuitive readings—providing live insights into how these cosmic forces shape your life. With tens of thousands of successful readings under her belt, Kooch’s unique blend of practical wisdom and psychic ability sets the stage for an unforgettable experience that can help your audience unlock their best selves. Contact Kooch at kdaniels@rtirguests.com; (707) 878-5039
