01. The Impossible Will Take a Little While
02. New Campaign Asks Americans to Rethink Solar and Wind Power
03. Forced Retirements: Could AI Compound Problem?
04. Autism Advocate Inspires Kids Who Feel Different
05. Why Smart, Successful People Fall for Narcissists
06. America’s Best-Kept Holiday Travel Secrets
07. Think You’re Too Savvy for a Scammer?
08. How to Harvest More Joy This Fall
09. Slumlord Tactics Destroy Communities: What Actually Works
10. Are You Chasing the Wrong Definition of Success?
11. Daily Spending Habits That are Quietly Keeping You Poor
12. The Workplace Skill AI Still Can’t Replace
13. Does Your Child Have School Anxiety?
14. A 60-Second Reset to Help You Get Inspired This Fall
15. We Need More Uplifting Stories Right Now
1. ==> The Impossible Will Take a Little While
“We live in a time fraught with bad news: assaults on democracy, climate disasters, crippling inequality, and an endless proliferation of lies,” says Paul Loeb. “Exhaustion and despair are understandable, so we need to learn from people who’ve acted in the most difficult circumstances imaginable, and persisted with courage, heart, and even joy.” Loeb’s new book, “The Impossible Will Take a Little While: Perseverance and Hope in Trouble Times,” offers stories of hope, inspiration, and raw courage from heroes of world-changing political movements. It features authors including include Nelson Mandela, Alexei Navalny, Heather Cox Richardson and many more and shows what it's like to go up against Goliath and win—on battlefields from the 2024 South Korean coup, Putin's prisons, South African apartheid, American slavery, and defeatism about climate change. Paul Loeb has spent fifty years researching and writing about citizen responsibility and empowerment asking what makes some people choose lives of social commitment, while others abstain. He has written numerous books, lectured at hundreds of colleges and universities and appeared more than 1,000 times on TV and radio. Contact Paul Loeb at paul@paulloeb.org
2. ==> New Campaign Asks Americans to Rethink Solar and Wind Power
What do actor John Cena, a wind-powered hang glider, an espresso-serving raccoon, a tug-of-war with grizzly bears, and a kitten perched on a velvet pillow have to do with clean energy? They’re all part of a new campaign that uses absurd humor to deliver a surprising message: wind and solar are producing a lot more power in America than many people realize. "Clean power is a major part of America's energy system, but public perception hasn't caught up to today's reality," says Laura Beane, chairman of Our Energy. Today, wind and solar account for 20% of America's electricity yet most people assume it’s far less. The campaign invites them to reconsider what they think they already know. "One of the goals is to shift the narrative around clean energy to one of abundance, about the energy we need as a nation to make us even more prosperous. It's about energy addition, not subtraction," she says, adding, “Reliable American energy is too important to be defined by division and political polarization. The most important thing is, it’s American energy!" Our Energy is a collaborative group focused on renewable energy and sustainability. Contact Stephen Power at spower@brunswickgroup.com
3. ==> Forced Retirements: Could AI Compound Problem?
Retirement doesn’t always happen because someone is ready to stop working, sometimes older Americans are pushed out of work before earlier or more completely than they’d prefer. “For some people, retirement follows a job loss and a search that never produces another suitable opportunity. The concern is that a temporary separation becomes a permanent exit,” according to workplace expert John Challenger. A recent AARP poll found that 22% of surveyed workers age 50-plus felt they were being pushed out of their jobs, while 64% had seen or experienced workplace age discrimination. As employers introduce artificial intelligence, Challenger says assumptions about older workers’ technological capabilities could become another barrier. “The risk is that employers mistake limited exposure to AI for limited ability to learn it. If experienced workers are excluded from training and then judged unprepared for redesigned jobs, the process can reinforce the assumption it started with,” he says. Challenger is CEO of the outplacement firm, Challenger, Gray & Christmas. Contact Colleen Madden Blumenfeld at (312) 422-5074 (office); (314) 807-1568 (cell) or colleenmadden@challengergray.com
4. ==> Autism Advocate Inspires Kids Who Feel Different
Neurodiversity speaker and advocate Matthew Kenslow has spent years sharing what it’s like to grow up with autism. Now, he’s taken his real-life experiences and put them into a story designed to resonate with readers, particularly young autistic people. Like the protagonist in his new book “The Tireless Advocate: An Epic Journey of One Autistic Who Refused to Surrender,” Kenslow overcame bullying and ableism on his way to a career as an advocate and educator. Today, he promotes more awareness, acceptance and inclusion, crediting faith, family, friends and “that light at the end of the tunnel” with helping him persevere. Matthew Kenslow was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder when he was 6 years old. Today, he is an autism advocate, neurodiversity speaker and the author of three books. He is also a substitute teacher and digital creator with more than a million followers on Instagram and has appeared on television, radio and podcasts around the world. Contact Chloe Ferguson at news@ascotpr.com
5. ==> Why Smart, Successful People Fall for Narcissists
Dr. Valerie Sussman knows firsthand how convincing a narcissist's charm can be — she's seen smart, accomplished people blindsided by manipulation they never saw coming. In her book “Love, Lies, and Narcissists in Disguise: The A-Z Guide for Survivors of Narcissistic Abuse,” Sussman breaks down why intelligence and success offer no protection, and why victims often blame themselves. She helps survivors move past the shame that keeps them silent, replacing self-blame with clarity about what actually happened — and how to spot it before it happens again. Ask her: What are the 6 red flags that you're sleeping with a wolf in sheep's clothing? Why is hope a deadly drug if you're with a narcissist? Why are narcissists known as emotional vampires, and how do you stop them? Contact Valerie Sussman at (805) 407-5635; vsussman@rtirguests.com
6. ==> America’s Best-Kept Holiday Travel Secrets
Dreaming of a European Christmas market? You may not need the passport, or the transatlantic airfare. After traveling to 90 countries and all 50 states, mother-daughter travel duo Evelyn and Natalie Kelly say some surprisingly European holiday experiences are hiding right here in America. They’ll take audiences from Carmel, Indiana’s German-style Christkindlmarkt to Christmas City in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and San Francisco’s Victorian Dickens fair. They’ll also reveal how to find festive small towns, avoid holiday crowds, and turn a simple seasonal getaway into an experience the whole family remembers. Their book, “Have a Love Affair with the USA,” uncovers these and other overlooked American adventures. Contact Evelyn and Natalie Kelly at (352) 661-2493; ekelly@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Think You’re Too Savvy for a Scammer?
Many successful people think they’re too smart to get scammed. Dentist and longtime investor Ed “Doc” Holliday thought so too until a sophisticated scheme cost him more than $200,000. The threat is growing: the FBI says Americans reported nearly $21 billion in cyber-enabled crime losses in 2025, with scammers increasingly using AI to make their approaches more convincing. Invite Holliday to share three practical ways audiences can protect themselves, including recognizing fear and urgency tactics, slowing down before responding, and independently verifying who is contacting them. He’ll explain how psychological manipulation can override rational thinking, the red flags he missed and why education or financial savvy doesn’t make someone immune. His book, “My 200K Nightmare: 10 Ways to Avoid Financial Scams I Wish I’d Known,” turns a devastating experience into practical warnings for others. Holliday brings the firsthand perspective of a scam victim who now teaches others how not to become one. Contact Ed at (662) 472-4980; eholliday@rtirguests.com
8. ==> How to Harvest More Joy This Fall
Autumn is a natural time to let go, and happiness expert Deborah Mallow says our mindset could use a little seasonal clearing too. Deborah shows audiences how to recognize the habits and thought patterns that can make life feel heavier, from worry and negativity to overthinking and a relentless inner critic. With humor, warmth, and practical, science-informed strategies, she’ll share simple Daily Decisions™ that can help viewers shift their perspective, build more positive patterns, and make room for greater joy, gratitude, and peace. Deborah’s uplifting fall segment reminds audiences that happiness doesn’t require pretending everything is perfect. Sometimes it starts with changing how we approach the day in front of us. Deborah is a former #1-ranked pharmaceutical sales rep and the author of “6 Steps to Fewer Days That Suck.” Contact Deborah at (516) 613-5359; dmallow@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Slumlord Tactics Destroy Communities: What Actually Works
As America struggles with a housing shortage and growing affordability crisis, many communities face another challenge: neglected rental properties that drag down neighborhoods and limit opportunities. Real estate investors Frank and Ann Ewing argue that the solution isn’t simply building more housing—it’s restoring existing homes and creating places people are proud to live in. Frank and Ann are the founders of Better World Enterprises and the authors of “Housing into Homes: A Path to Millions and More for Fun, Profit and a Better World.” With more than two decades of experience transforming distressed properties, the Ewings show how thoughtful renovation, affordable hous¬ing, and long-term stewardship can strengthen neighborhoods while remaining profitable. Ask them: Why has housing become so prohibitively expensive in modern times? What advice would you give to people about restoring existing homes? Contact Ann and Frank Ewing at (731) 506-4586; fewing@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Are You Chasing the Wrong Definition of Success?
As 2026 enters its final months, many people will take stock of what they’ve accomplished—but what if they’ve been chasing the wrong things? Keith Ingersoll spent nearly a decade behind the scenes at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, working around some of the biggest names in entertainment and professional sports. What he witnessed challenged the assumption that money, status and recognition automatically lead to fulfillment. Ingersoll will share surprising stories from his memoir, “Fame and Fortune,” and reveal what his encounters with celebrities taught him about the difference between looking successful and feeling fulfilled. He’ll challenge audiences to reconsider what they’re pursuing, why external validation can leave people wanting more, and what may matter more than achieving the next milestone. Ingersoll brings a rare insider’s perspective shaped by years observing fame and fortune up close rather than from the outside looking in. Contact Keith at (208) 812-5346; kingersoll@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Daily Spending Habits That are Quietly Keeping You Poor
Before another holiday-shopping season begins, it may be time to ask where your money is really going. U.S. credit-card balances reached $1.26 trillion in the second quarter of 2026, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Real-estate developer Dr. Janet Tonkins says redirecting even small amounts from lifestyle spending toward assets can begin changing your financial trajectory. Tonkins will explain how everyday consumers can start building wealth through real estate without perfect credit or huge amounts of capital. She’ll discuss first-time homebuyer programs, off-market deals and why she recommends automating even $5–$10 toward investments. Her book, “Purses, Heels, Houses—You Choose,” reinforces her message that wealth begins with different choices. Tonkins is a developer and private lender with 30+ years of experience, 900+ units and more than $900 million in transactions. Contact Janet at (410) 421-0930; jtonkins@rtirguests.com
12. ==> The Workplace Skill AI Still Can’t Replace
AI can draft reports, analyze data, and automate tasks, but it still can’t replace our ability to navigate conflict with another human being. As workplaces race to embrace AI, global negotiation expert Samuel Bentil says the people who know how to communicate, collaborate, and resolve disagreements may become more valuable, not less. Drawing on lessons from high-stakes international projects, Samuel reveals how emotional intelligence, active listening, and trust can prevent everyday friction from becoming costly conflict. Author of “Avoid Construction Disputes,” he’ll show your audience why winning an argument can actually be a leadership failure, and how creating a win-win can strengthen teams, productivity, and relationships. Ask him: If AI handles more of our work, which human skills become more valuable? Why can trying to “win” a workplace disagreement make you less effective? Contact Samuel at (778) 656-0067; sbentil@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Does Your Child Have School Anxiety?
Back-to-school jitters can be normal, but for some kids, anxiety lasts well past the first weeks of class and can make it hard to focus or even walk through the school doors. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that up to 5% of children experience school-related anxiety. Sharon Emily says more studying and pressure may miss what kids need most: help changing the thoughts driving their fear. Sharon shows parents how imagination, repetition, and positive self-talk can help children shift from “What if I fail?” to picturing what they want to happen and taking steps toward it. Her children’s book, “Mirror of Myself,” grew from a song she created to make those mindset lessons memorable. Can imagining success really help a worried child? Could pushing harder actually make school anxiety worse? A former counselor and FranklinCovey-trained facilitator, Sharon has spent decades applying mindset principles to parenting, recovery, education, and personal growth. Contact Sharon Emily at (480) 470-3893; semily@rtirguests.com
14. ==> A 60-Second Reset to Help You Get Inspired This Fall
Feeling uninspired may not mean you need a vacation, a new job, or a major life overhaul. Sometimes you may simply need to create. Artist and former healthcare professional Edi Matsumoto says playful, low-pressure creativity can help people shift gears mentally and emotionally. On your show, Matsumoto will demonstrate her “60-second joy reset” and explain how simple creative shifts—from doodling to enjoying a silly painting—can help people pause, improve their mood and restore focus. No artistic talent required. She’ll show audiences how to weave small moments of creativity into everyday life when they feel stressed, stuck or uninspired. Matsumoto combines her healthcare background with her experience as an artist to explore creativity as an accessible tool for everyday well-being. Contact Edi at (831) 290-6491; ematsumoto@rtirguests.com
15. ==> We Need More Uplifting Stories Right Now
Bad news travels fast—but after years of doomscrolling, division and anxiety, could audiences be hungry for stories that actually make them feel better about the world? Dan Klusmann believes uplifting storytelling deserves a comeback. After 56 years in the movie business and collecting more than 80 true stories, he has seen how stories of kindness, resilience and human connection can affect the way people see themselves and others. On your show, Klusmann will share memorable stories that restore faith in people, explain why positive storytelling doesn’t require ignoring life’s difficulties, and reveal what decades in entertainment taught him about the kinds of stories audiences remember. His work offers producers an opportunity to counter the relentlessly negative news cycle with a conversation designed to leave viewers feeling hopeful rather than depleted. Klusmann brings more than five decades of entertainment-industry experience and an extensive collection of real-life uplifting stories to the discussion. Contact Dan at (760) 450-7012; dklusmann@rtirguests.com