10/28/2025 RTIR Newsletter: Mysterious Missing DOGE Money, Stepfamily Mistakes and the Real Crisis Behind Modern Stress



01. What Trump Could Unleash by Invoking the Insurrection Act
02. DOGE Cuts: We Can’t Follow the Money (and Why it Matters)
03. Cities See One of the Greatest Drops in Gun Violence Ever
04. Remembering Actress June Lockhart
05. Does Criminal Profiling Actually Solve Crimes?
06. Can Halloween and Horror Make You Happy?
07. Past Lives and Haunted Connections
08. The Silent Mistake Millions of Stepfamilies Make
09. Physical Therapist Says We’re Treating Pain the Wrong Way
10. Work Smarter: How to Stay Grounded When the Economy Isn’t
11. The Soul Crisis Behind Modern Stress — and How to Heal It
12. What to Say When a Friend’s Pet Passes Away
13. Turn Lemons Into Lemonade: Make Your Own Fun
14. ‘Psychedelics Changed My Life’—A Therapist Shares the Healing Power of Plants
15. Where Was Jesus Before He Was Born? The Bible’s Best Kept Secret

1. ==> What Trump Could Unleash by Invoking the Insurrection Act

Donald Trump recently signaled that he may invoke the Insurrection Act and Vice President JD Vance confirmed that Mr. Trump is “looking at all of his options” because “crime has gotten out of control in our cities.” Jack Landman Goldsmith of the American Enterprise Institute says, “The Insurrection Act was written for a different century and a different conception of the presidency and presidential self-restraint. It will be a tragedy if Congress does not enact reforms until after the law’s dangers have become undeniably clear.” Goldsmith says the legislation gives the president broad powers to authorize far-reaching uses of the military in the domestic sphere. He says it’s based on highly permissive standards for action and provides neither a role for Congress nor a basis for serious judicial review. Jack Landman Goldsmith is a nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, a center-right think tank based in Washington, D.C. where he focuses on constitutional law, the presidency, national security law, international law, and internet law. He is concurrently Learned Hand Professor of Law at Harvard Law School. Contact Carter Hutchinson at Carter.Hutchinson@aei.org

2. ==> DOGE Cuts: We Can’t Follow the Money (and Why it Matters)

Elon Musk once said that his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) would cut $1 trillion from the Federal Budget by September 30. But Musk is gone and because its work has been obscured by crude accounting and White House maneuvers, it’s impossible to know how much DOGE and its allies actually did cut from the budget — or even what happened to that money. Neither outside experts nor Congress can figure it out, and the public may never know. “The fact that Congress, who constitutionally has the power of the purse, can’t figure out what’s been going on is a deep, deep, deep constitutional issue,” says Zach Moller, director of the economic program at the center-left think tank Third Way. Budget analysts on the left and right note it’s always hard to track real-time spending, but this situation is different, they say, because the administration is actively undermining transparency by hiding databases and filling the ones they do release with elementary accounting errors. Congressional Democrats have tracked up to $400 billion in spending that they believe has been canceled or frozen, according to public documents, agencies and unpaid grantees, but remains unaccounted for. Zach Moller’s work has been featured in the “New York Times,” “The Washington Post” and on MSNBC, NPR, and more. Before Third Way, Zach worked on Capitol Hill and in federal fiscal policy. Contact him at zmoller@thirdway.org

3. ==> Cities See One of the Greatest Drops in Gun Violence Ever

Gun violence is trending downward for more than three quarters of America’s most violent cities according to a new analysis by The Trace’s Gun Violence Data Hub. The downward trend includes red and blue cities, in both red and blue states, in all of the country’s regions. “We’re in an unprecedented moment,” says John Roman, a senior fellow at University of Chicago’s NORC social research center. “We traditionally say all crime is local,” Roman says. “This is a national story. National forces caused a spike and national forces are the explanation for why violence has declined. That’s a different way of seeing the world than we traditionally do.” Roman credits the American Rescue Plan Act, passed in 2021 during the pandemic to directly help local governments, and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, passed the following year. Now that much of that funding has dried up, Roman says the big policy question is: What are we going to do to replace it? The Trace is an American non-profit journalism outlet devoted to gun-related news in the United States. John Roman is a nationally recognized expert on justice systems, firearms data and evaluating safety and justice programs. Contact him at (202) 695-0518; roman-john@norc.org

4. ==> Remembering Actress June Lockhart

Actress June Lockhart, who played warm-hearted mom Ruth Martin on "Lassie" and space mom Maureen Robinson on "Lost in Space," died this weekend at the age of 100. Lockhart became one of the most familiar faces on American television in the 1950s, '60s and '70s. Family spokesperson and longtime family friend Lyle Gregory can share Lockhart’s legacy both on and off the stage. He says despite her many roles and accomplishments, she was most proud of an award she received from NASA. Listeners may also be surprised to learn about Lockhart’s parents and their connection to Thomas Edison and the phonograph! For interviews or media quotes contact Harlan Boll at (323) 708-4172

5. ==> Does Criminal Profiling Actually Solve Crimes?

Drawn to the topic by a quest to understand an incomprehensible act of violence connected to her own past, journalist Rachel Corbett turned her focus to criminal profiling—the effort to analyze criminal behavior to identify criminals as a predictable, and controllable human type. It is probably the most famous and least understood tool in America’s crime-fighting arsenal. Corbett’s new book, “The Monsters We Make: Murder and the Rise of Criminal Profiling” traces the history of the practice, examines its modern uses, and takes clear-eyed stock of its profound limitations. Corbett highlights the infamous cases that brought profiling into the spotlight—the Mad Bomber, Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, and the Unabomber—while questioning whether it has ever truly solved a major crime. She’ll discuss the enduring appeal and the troubling limitations of profiling, warning of its misuse in an age of expansive surveillance and shrinking oversight. Corbett, an award-winning author and journalist, had a father figure as a young girl who spent his last moments before committing murder watching TV with her. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705

6. ==> Can Halloween and Horror Make You Happy?

Is it wrong that jump scares, candy binges, and costumes bring you joy instead of dread? Happiness expert Deborah Mallow encourages listeners to go with the horror flow if it makes them feel good. She says Halloween taps into play, nostalgia, and even healthy fear. They all release endorphins and reset our brains. Using her six-step mindset makeover, Mallow will show your audience how this holiday can be an antidote to gloom, teaching them to laugh at their fears while finding connection through fun. Deborah writes extensively on the topic of happiness, blending science-backed strategies with humor and warmth. She is the author of “6 Steps to Fewer Days That Suck.” Contact Deborah at (516) 613-5359; dmallow@rtirguests.com

7. ==> Past Lives and Haunted Connections

Ever felt a chill meeting someone new or had déjà vu that felt otherworldly? Spiritual psychologist Alla Kaluzhny says these moments may be past-life echoes. Just in time for Halloween, she offers live on-air readings and explains how unresolved energy can feel like hauntings in daily life. Audiences will be captivated by her strange-but-true stories and insights that turn spooky connections into healing opportunities. Alla is a certified oracle card reader and marriage and family therapist who has authored multiple books on past lives and spiritual healing. Contact Alla at (213) 459-3509; akaluzhny@rtirguests.com

8. ==> The Silent Mistake Millions of Stepfamilies Make

Over 1 in 3 Americans is now part of a stepfamily, yet few realize the emotional damage that’s quietly being done in homes across the country, not by conflict, but by silence. According to parenting expert Richard Ramos, the biggest mistake stepparents make isn’t discipline, favoritism or scheduling. It’s ignoring the child’s voice during major fam¬ily transitions. And that unspoken pain can show up later as resentment, rebellion or complete emotional withdrawal. Ramos draws from 25+ years of working with families—and his own hard-earned lessons as a stepparent—to reveal what really derails blended families (hint: it’s not what you think) and how to turn things around. Ask him: Can giving your stepchild “space” actually backfire? Why do some kids act out more after the family finally “settles down”? Richard Ramos is the author of “The Art of Stepparenting: How to Blend Families Without Tearing Them Apart.” Contact him at rramos@rtirguests.com; (805) 456-1407

9. ==> Physical Therapist Says We’re Treating Pain the Wrong Way

Most people assume pain means something is torn or broken. But Stacey Roberts, physical therapist to professional athletes and celebrities, explains that chronic pain is often driven more by inflammation and less by structural damage. Treating pain solely as an injury may only mask the problem instead of solving it. Chronic inflammatory diseases affect over 60 million people in the U.S. alone, and up to 90% of chronic conditions have an inflammatory component. This means inflammation impacts most people, directly or indirectly making it a root cause of pain for many. Roberts’ approach uses hormone testing, food sensitivity panels like the ALCAT, and a targeted anti-inflammatory protocol involving nutrition, movement, and advanced therapies. “Chronic pain is a whole-body issue,” Roberts says. “Addressing inflammation and biomechanics helps reduce pain and promotes lasting healing far beyond just treating the injury.” Contact Stacey Roberts at (414)522-6153; sroberts@rtirguests.com

10. ==> Work Smarter: How to Stay Grounded When the Economy Isn’t

Layoffs are rising. Tariffs and supply chain shocks are back in the headlines. And millions of Americans are working longer hours just to stay afloat. But does thriving at work during economic instability mean hustling harder—or thinking differently? Business transformation expert Shawn Fry says most workers are stuck in a reactive mindset at great cost to their health, their relationships and even their job performance. Draw¬ing from 25+ years of leading global organizations through volatility in 17 countries, Shawn shares surprising strategies for staying focused, valuable and mentally resilient without working 70+ hours a week. He’ll explain why goal-setting is failing most employees—and how a simple, repeatable daily routine can help anyone stay visible, adaptable and indispensable, even when layoffs loom. Ask him: Is burnout actually making us less employable? Can the right daily routine really help someone survive a layoff wave? Contact Shawn Fry at (330) 422-4090; Sfry@rtirguests.com

11. ==> The Soul Crisis Behind Modern Stress — and How to Heal It

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

12. ==> What to Say When a Friend’s Pet Passes Away

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

13. ==> Turn Lemons Into Lemonade: Make Your Own Fun

No one likes when things don’t go perfectly as planned, but author Stacey Campbell knows how to make the best of every moment. She shares these ideas in her book “Make Your Own Fun!™” which shares funny but realistic examples of how a not-so-great turn of events can still make for a memorable adventure. Invite Stacey on your show to learn ways to turn challenges into opportunities for joy, leading to positive outcomes and new experiences! Ask her: What experiences from her background in counseling at-risk youth inspired her to write this book? How else does she encourage others to think outside the box for a more positive life experience? Contact her to discuss these questions and more at staceycampbell3288@gmail.com or (312) 533-1287

14. ==> ‘Psychedelics Changed My Life’—A Therapist Shares the Healing Power of Plants

According to research presented at the Psychedelic Science 2025 conference in Denver, patients who had been diagnosed with major depressive disorder experienced a dramatic decrease in depression after just one dose of psilocybin (magic mushrooms). Author and psychotherapist Anjalia McGoldrick is living proof of the power of plant-based psychedelics. “I got pregnant at 13, was in an abusive relationship at 14, and escaped with my life at 16,” she says. “Although I became a successful psychotherapist, I still carried deep wounds. Psychedelics absolutely changed my life.” Anjalia is the author of the critically-acclaimed memoir "The Child I Left Behind A Mother's Journey To Healing & Forgiveness." Contact Anjalia McGoldrick at (540) 616-3200; amcgoldrick@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Where Was Jesus Before He Was Born? The Bible’s Best Kept Secret

Did you know Jesus was active long before His birth in Bethlehem? In the new book, “Before I Was Jesus,” Gerald Robison reveals the surprising truth about Jesus' role throughout the Bible—before the manger and the cross. Gerald explores 25 hidden identities of Jesus found in the Old Testament, showing how He was active in God’s plan long before He was born. This show challenges the common assumption that Jesus' work began at His birth. Gerald explains how Jesus was involved in Creation and His ongoing presence in history, offering your audience a fresh perspective they’ve likely never considered. Ask him: Most people think Jesus’ work started at birth, but how does scripture reveal His role even before Bethlehem? What was Jesus' role in Creation? How can that be reconciled with God’s role in the same event? Contact Gerald at Grobison@rtirguests.com; (904) 867-2449.