01. Trump and Iran: Return of the Warmongers?
02. Thanksgiving Mental Prep for Handling Challenging Relatives
03. Another Reason to Be Grateful: It Helps You Live Longer
04. Actor Devale Ellis on New Netflix Holiday Flick
05. Historic Auction Offers a Lock of George Washington’s Hair
06. The Horror of Communism and Why U.S. Schools Must Teach It
07. Common Misconceptions About Muslim Women
08. How Your Image of God Is Holding You Back
09. 7 Myths People Believe About Procrastination
10. ‘Money Mom’ Shares Common Sense Financial Strategies
11. Has Democracy Gone Off the Rails?
12. This Pastor Believes Jesus Wants You to Be a Republican
13. T. Rex, Darwin and a Paleontologist’s Tale
14. Renowned Pediatric Surgeon’s Inspirational Life
15. How Anyone Can Use Golf as a Catalyst for Success
1. ==> Trump and Iran: Return of the Warmongers?
How will President-elect Donald Trump handle the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East during a second term? Brian Hook, a special envoy for Iran in the first Trump administration and known as a major Iran hawk who helped lead the ‘maximum pressure’ campaign of sanctions, sabotage, and assassinations that characterized Trump’s approach to Tehran, has been appointed to help oversee the formation of a new foreign policy team. Trisi Parsi, executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, says, “The Trump administration’s approach towards Iran depends very much on who he chooses to staff his administration. In his first term he was sold on an idea by people like Mike Pompeo and John Bolton that Iran could be sanctioned and pressured into oblivion, but that was an approach more likely to deliver war than an agreement.” He says, “The Iranian view is that Trump himself wants to make a deal, but it depends on whether he appoints the same neoconservatives as last time to his administration.” Contact Trita Parsi at trita@quincyinst.org; @tparsi
2. ==> Thanksgiving Mental Prep for Handling Challenging Relatives
Families all across the US are not only trying to figure out who’s making the turkey and sides this Thanksgiving, they’re also wondering how they’re going to survive a get-together with relatives that are—let’s just say, challenging. Mental health advocate Marni Goldman will share 5 creative tips to help you keep your cool this holiday. From the obvious “steer clear of politics” to the deceptively simple “seat yourself far away from them,” Marni says it’s perfectly ok to avoid annoying relatives and suggests staying busy and helping the host if you want to stay clear of sticky conversations. Ask her: What are the most common sources of stress during Thanksgiving gatherings? How can you effectively handle family members who try to instigate arguments? What simple strategies can help minimize conflict at the dinner table? Marni Goldman is the founder and CEO of Fabulously Flawed Inc., as well as a mother, empowerment coach, and the author of “True to Myself: Peace, Love Marni.” Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103
3.==> Another Reason to Be Grateful: It Helps You Live Longer
Finding it difficult to feel thankful this year? It might help to consider that science says practicing gratitude can help you live longer. In a recent Harvard University study, researchers monitored nearly 50,000 women for three years and found those who reported having a “long list” of things to be grateful for actually lived the longest. As you prepare to consider the things in life for which you are most grateful this Thanksgiving, invite award-winning journalist Peter Lovenheim to share ways to cultivate gratitude. His new book, “Gift Shop of Gratitude: A Journal to Explore the Journey of Your Life,” is a workbook that helps you recall and organize memories by thinking of 20 common gift shop souvenirs. Snow globes and ball caps to t-shirts, postcards, and jewelry. The exercises reveal what people, places, and life experiences you hold dear and what memories each of the items bring back for you. Peter is an author and journalist whose articles and essays have appeared in the “New York Times,” “New York Magazine,” “The Los Angeles Times,” “Parade,” “Politico,” “The Washington Post,” and other publications. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at
4.==> Actor Devale Ellis on New Netflix Holiday Flick
Pumpkin spice is out and peppermint is in. Need another sign that the holiday season is at hand? Holiday-themed movies are hitting screens. Netflix just released the new holiday rom-com Meet Me Next Christmas, executive produced and starring Christina Milian and former NFL player, actor and “New York Times” best-selling author, Devale Ellis. You may recognize Ellis from his role as Zac Taylor in Tyler Perry’s Sistas and his own spinoff, Zatima. Invite him on your show to talk about the new holiday flick, the BET series, or the best-selling book he wrote with his wife, Kahdeen Ellis, “We Over Me: The Counterintuitive Approach to Getting Everything You Want from Your Relationship.” Contact Simone Smalls at devaleellis@strategicheights.com
5. ==> Historic Auction Offers a Lock of George Washington’s Hair
Presidential history aficionados may be interested in an upcoming auction that has objects on sale ranging from a lock of George Washington’s hair to a flag that accompanied Abraham Lincoln to his final resting place. “Were conducting an auction of a number of the most historic objects relating to American history that has ever come up for sale,” says Arlan Ettinger, president of New York-based Guernsey’s auction house. Next week’s auction will also include presidential portraits, many never before seen in public, and a portrait of Lincoln made by Francis Bicknell Carpenter as a study for his painting, “First Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Lincoln,” which hangs today in the U.S. Capitol building. The November 22 sale will be conducted online and live at the Arader Galleries in New York City. Contact Arlan Ettinger at (212) 794-2280; aettinger@guernseys.com
6. ==> Refugee Reveals Horror of Communism and Why U.S. Schools Must Teach It
Many Americans are convinced that our country could never become a communist dictatorship. But author and refugee Laszlo (Les) Suhayda can share that no country is immune from this fate, and why he believes this lesson must be taught in U.S. schools. “Life under communism is horrific,” he says. “Our younger generations need to study history, and school districts should never remove this history from school curricula, or we are doomed to repeat it.” Les and his family escaped for America when he was only five years old, and he witnessed the horrors of dictatorships firsthand. Ask him: What are the parallels between the Russian invasions of Ukraine and Hungary? Why are so many schools reluctant to teach this lesson? Les is the author of the memoir “Twelve Bells to Freedom: The Suhajda Story,” and the inventor of the first wine slushee product in America. Contact him at (314) 501-6838; Lsuhayda@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Common Misconceptions About Muslim Women
Invite Daisy Khan, author, women’s advocate, and social activist, to discuss topics central to peace over war, women’s rights in both America and Afghanistan, and much more. She’ll shed light on everything from Islamophobia to reproductive rights and female leadership. Her work is not just about women’s rights—it’s an urgent call to understand how the weaponization of religion disproportionately impacts women. It is a plea for a robust discussion to change the world’s current trajectory. Ask Daisy: What does the Qur’an say about sexual harassment? What is the Muslim view of the Roe v. Wade abortion debate? How can the transformative powers of female leaders be harnessed to solve our biggest social problems? Contact Daisy Khan at (212) 362 2242; daisy@wisemuslimwomen.org
8. ==> How Your Image of God Is Holding You Back
Rocked by economic instability, social unrest, and increasing uncertainty, many people are grappling with spiritual disconnection. According to Pew Research, nearly 30% of adults feel spiritually disconnected. Marcia Fleischman, author of “If God Is Love, Why Do I Feel So Bad?,” believes our internal image of God may be the root cause. She’ll explain how a rigid or punitive view of God keeps people from the peace and guidance they seek. Through practical insights and real-life examples, Fleischman offers a path to reconnect with a compassionate God who can transform your life in trying times. Ask her: How does your image of God affect emotional well-being in uncertain times? Can you share how someone has transformed their life by changing their view of God? Contact Marcia Fleischman at (816) 852-3849, mfleischman@rtirguests.com
9. ==> 7 Myths People Believe About Procrastination
Ninety-five percent of us admit we procrastinate, which basically means we all do it. After all, cell phones are addictive, and too much time on social media is a problem for many procrastinators. Is this stressful, limiting behavior a life sentence? Not at all! Non-procrastinators are happier, healthier, and wealthier – and this habit of postponing your dreams is a learned behavior that can be unlearned. The way to start is by understanding the top seven myths about procrastination – things like “once a procrastinator, always a procrastinator,” or that you do your best work under pressure, or that guilt-tripping yourself will somehow solve the problem. Dr. Linda Gannaway, the author of “FINALLY Stop Procrastinating,” is the perfect person to help. A former procrastinator herself, Gannaway spent five years researching the science behind procrastination and lectured on the topic for decades. Using this wealth of knowledge, she enthusiastically teaches proven techniques to help us open our lives to new opportunities and finally get the peace and happiness we deserve. Contact her at (559) 234-4572; Lgannaway@rtirguests.com
10. ==> ‘Money Mom’ Shares Common Sense Financial Strategies
Monique Gagné (the Money Mom) believes it is impossible to enjoy life if we have to constantly worry about money and is dedicated to teaching people how to better manage their finances so they can achieve a secure future in today’s unpredictable economy. Her common sense advice is a must in a culture that encourages us to buy now and pay later. Invite her on your show to debunk common money myths and invite your audience to rethink their financial strategy with proven, transformative advice. She’ll reveal 7 keys to understanding your spending habits, smart techniques to break free from debt, and how to embrace a 30-day plan. With a rich IT and fashion design background, and over two decades as a mortgage agent and financial coach, Monique has empowered thousands to reclaim their economic freedom. She is the author and creator of “The Power of Financial Happiness,” and the bestseller, “Who Took My Money?” Contact her at (613) 558-7669; info@moniquegagne.com
11. ==> Has Democracy Gone Off the Rails?
Are you proud of today’s America? Do you suspect the Founding Fathers are rolling in their graves? You’re not alone. Rodger Friedman, author of “Erasing America: Broken Politics, Broken Country,” will provide a refreshing yet serious romp through today’s off-the-rails political landscape. Invite him on your show and hear him chronicle our misguided political leadership by taking an irreverent look at how our nation’s self-righteous elected officials have begun to systematically erase America and our constitutional republic. Friedman can discuss the dramatic increase in socialist policies coming out of both Washington, D.C. and blue states across the nation, spearheaded by politicians who care more about advancing themselves than about the American people. He’ll also show how the media goes to great lengths to spin ill-advised and destructive radical progressive agendas as a positive change. Rodger Friedman has extensive media experience as a talk show guest on a variety of topics. He is a retirement wealth planner and the author of seven books. Contact Rodger at (813) 575-0862; rf179203@gmail.com
12. ==> This Pastor Believes Jesus Wants You to Be a Republican
It used to be the norm that people of color and minorities identified as Democrats, but today, that’s not necessarily the case. Take, for instance, African American church pastor and former Democrat Frank Tull. He believes that his support of the Republican party is actually based on biblical principles. “I was a Democrat and voted straight party every year,” he says. “Then I began to search my mind for examples of the Democratic party’s platforms and how it lined up with the word of God. However, issue by issue, I could not think of an example that lined up with the word of God that I was preaching.” He is the author of “Christians Must Vote,” as well as the co-founder and senior pastor at the World Church in Texas. Contact Frank Tull at (469) 609-1385; ftull@rtirguests.com
13. ==> T. Rex, Darwin and a Paleontologist’s Tale
Embark on an adventure 66 million years in the making with Dr. Steven M. Stanley, author of “T. rex, Darwin, and Adventures Out West.” This informative and accessible tale follows a diverse group of college students, led by the eccentric Professor Goodspeed, as they discover the mysteries of the natural world. When a T. rex skull is stolen in the American West, however, these students must put aside their differences and come together to find the culprit. Ask him: What inspired him to make the jump from his accomplished career as a nonfiction writer to publishing fiction? How did his years as a college professor and paleontologist inform his writing? And how do we know what we know about our prehistoric world? Contact Steven Stanley at (808) 383-2170; stevenst@hawaii.edu
14. ==> Renowned Pediatric Surgeon’s Inspirational Life
Constantine Mavroudis’ life journey has been one of hard work, resourcefulness and medical innovation. Born in Greece in 1946, Mavroudis immigrated to New Jersey with his family when he was one year old and would go on to become one of the most well-renowned pediatric heart surgeons in the world, performing the second successful neonatal cardiac transplant in history. Ask him: How did a childhood at his parents’ ice cream parlor inspire him to don the white coat? What does his family’s story reveal about the immigrant experience in America? What challenges did he face performing the famous Baby Calvin heart transplant? And what has he learned in his pursuit of the American dream? Dr. Constantine Mavroudis is the author of “Finding the Way.” Contact him at (312) 952-9806; constantinemavroudis@gmail.com
15. ==> How Anyone Can Use Golf as a Catalyst for Success
Even if you’ve never picked up a golf club, you can leverage the principles of the game to guide your decision-making and establish your own life rules for success. When asked about the biggest obstacle to achieving your goals, Tom Loegering, at 86 years old, has a straightforward answer: “You.” Drawing from a wealth of personal experience—having retired early, faced setbacks, and rebuilt his life—Tom offers valuable insights. “Golf is unique because it has no referees, emphasizing personal responsibility and the creation of your own rules. The lessons learned on the golf course can translate into essential life skills, helping you learn more about yourself.” He says, “Whether you’re a seasoned player or a complete novice, the principles of golf can inspire you to carve your own path to success.” Contact Tom Loegering at (623) 400-8648; tloegering@rtirguests.com