01. Consequences of the Midterm Elections
02. Midterm Recap: Where Are We, and Where Are We Headed?
03. Election Was a ‘Full-Blown Repudiation’ of Trump and GOP
04. Incumbents Took a Beating From Angry Voters
05. Politics Has Divided Families: How Do They Heal?
06. Slumlord Tactics Destroy Communities: What Actually Works
07. Think You’re Too Savvy for a Scammer?
08. America’s Best-Kept Holiday Travel Secrets
09. New Campaign Asks Americans to Rethink Solar and Wind Power
10. Are You Chasing the Wrong Definition of Success?
11. The Workplace Skill AI Still Can’t Replace
12. We Need More Uplifting Stories Right Now
13. How Faith Carried a Visually Impaired Marathoner 26.2 Miles—Three Times
14. Feeling Disconnected? 3 Ways to Rebuild the Connections
15. Get Inspired! A 60-Second Fall Reset
1. ==> Consequences of the Midterm Elections
The outcome of the 2026 midterm elections will shape the political landscape for years to come and help determine what policies will—or will not—gain traction in Washington. Invite Congressional scholar Sarah Binder to discuss how the predicted ‘blue wave’ turned into a ‘blue tsunami’ and what the results show about the mood of the nation, the influence of independent voters and the consequences of mid-decade redistricting. She can talk about changes to the balance of power in Congress and how that will play out amid debates over public corruption, affordability and foreign policy, in addition to setting the stage for the 2028 presidential contest. Sarah Binder will be part of the Brooking Institution’s upcoming election-consequences panel on November 9th that examines the results and implications of the 2026 midterm elections. For interviews contact media@brookings.edu; (202) 797-6197
2. ==> Midterm Recap: Where Are We, and Where Are We Headed?
Invite Chris Stirewalt, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) to discuss election results in key House, Senate, and gubernatorial races—and what they mean for the final two years of the Trump administration. He can also examine what issues mattered most to voters and demographic groups’ changing preferences, and look forward to the 2028 election cycle, exploring who might enter the Democratic and Republican presidential nominations contests and how election results in 2026 might shape strategies in 2028. The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) is an independent, nonprofit, center-right think tank. The group’s Election Watch program was established in 1982 and is the longest-running political analysis program of its kind. Chris Stirewalt, a senior fellow at AEI, focuses on American politics, voting trends, public opinion, and the media. He is concurrently a contributing editor and weekly columnist for The Dispatch, and the host of “The Hill Sunday with Chris Stirewalt” on NewsNation. Contact Lexi Baker at Lexi Baker at (301) 974-7477; Lexi.Baker@aei.org
3. ==> Election Was a ‘Full-Blown Repudiation’ of Trump and GOP
Democrats seized control of the House and Senate in commanding fashion during Tuesday’s midterm elections, flipping seven Senate seats and making history in multiple races in a widespread rebuke of the Trump administration and Republican candidates. It’s “a full-blown repudiation of [Donald] Trump and GOP policies,” says Costas Panagopoulos, a distinguished professor of political science at Northeastern University. He attributes the victories by Democrats to voter dissatisfaction over the Trump-initiated U.S. war with Iran, rising gas prices and broader economic anxieties, including the persistent affordability crisis. Costas Panagopoulos is professor of political science and chair in the Department of Political Science in the College of Social Sciences and Humanities at Northeastern University, where he was previously director of big data and quantitative initiatives. He’s a leading expert on campaigns and elections, voting behavior, political psychology, campaign finance, and experimental research. Contact him at (617) 373-4412
c.panagopoulos@northeastern.edu
4. ==> Incumbents Took a Beating From Angry Voters
While the Midterm Election results are definitely a win for Democrats, many observers say they are more a reflection of Americans’ disgust for what is currently going on in Washington. Miami University political professor John Forren calls what happened "a national wave." He says, “Voters are clearly not happy. I would interpret this as a vote for change, not necessarily an endorsement of the Democratic Party, but a repudiation of the Republican Party at this point." Forren says voters were clearly very angry and they took it out on incumbents across the nation. John Forren is the executive director of Miami University’s Menard Family Center for Democracy. Contact him at (513) 785-3276; forrenjp@MiamiOH.edu
5. ==> Politics Has Divided Families: How Do They Heal?
The election may be over, but not everyone is happy about the outcome. How do we move forward when people see the same election, and the future of the country, so differently? Psychotherapist Scott Gibbs says the starting point is understanding what happens when fear, uncertainty, and identity become tangled up in political conflict. He’ll explain how people become caught in a cycle: one person feels threatened and reacts defensively; the other feels attacked and responds in kind. Before long, each expects the worst from the other. Ask him: Why do elections feel so personal? Why won’t the election results solve the problem? How can you talk to someone who voted differently from you? Is it possible to talk politics without arguing? Scott Gibbs is a California-licensed psychotherapist in private practice and the author of “Toward the Turning: Rethinking the Meaning of 9/11, the Clash of Civilizations, and a Postmodern World.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
6. ==> 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
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. ==> 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
9. ==> 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
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. ==> 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
12. ==> 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
13. ==> How Faith Carried a Visually Impaired Marathoner 26.2 Miles—Three Times
Brenda Knight had never run a marathon, and her vision impairment made it difficult to see and avoid obstacles. But she says God called her to run 26.2 miles, and she answered, completing what she considers a miraculous marathon. And she didn’t stop there, she kept running marathons, although faith didn't make every race easy. Months later, Brenda hit the dreaded "wall" and says she wasn't mentally prepared to push through. That failure became a lesson she would carry into two more successful marathons. On your show, Brenda will reveal how she learned to "fight the good fight of faith" when fear of hitting the wall returned and why she completed three marathons on a seven-day fast. She’ll also share how she survived an astonishing fall and why she believes an angel protected her from serious harm. The author of “Faith Runner,” Brenda combines firsthand experience overcoming vision-related barriers with hard-earned lessons about faith, failure and perseverance. Contact Brenda Knight at (859) 297-5395 or bknight@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Feeling Disconnected? 3 Ways to Rebuild the Connections
Fall brings people back to routines, but being surrounded by others doesn’t necessarily mean feeling connected. Karen Kay Smith says difficult “waiting room seasons”—including illness, caregiving, grief, infertility and financial uncertainty—can cause people to withdraw precisely when they need support most. On your show, Smith will reveal three ways to rebuild connection through her “3 Cs”: communication, connection and community. She’ll explain the difference between functioning and actually feeling, why suppressing emotions can deepen isolation, and how simple practices such as naming emotions and “breath prayers” can help people reconnect emotionally, spiritually and relationally. Her upcoming book, “Hope Has a Seat in Every Waiting Room,” draws on lessons from life’s uncertain seasons. Smith brings years of women’s ministry and life-coach training plus firsthand experience caring for her husband through 15 years of multiple sclerosis to this timely conversation about loneliness and connection. Contact Karen at (256) 812-5106; ksmith@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Get Inspired! A 60-Second Fall Reset
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
