01. Will DOGE Cutbacks Cause Major Backlash?
02. Trump’s Shock and Awe Tests American’s Response to Chaos
03. RFK Jr’s Misinformation on Antidepressants Matters
04. An Egg Shortage Solution: Backyard Chickens
05. Black History Month: A Little-Known Champion of Civil Rights
06. Sunday is World Understanding and Peace Day
07. ‘Money Mom’ Answers Your Financial Questions
08. Why Your Image of God Is Holding You Back
09. How to Change Your Life 30 Seconds at a Time
10. 5 Ways to Make Life Easier and Have Fewer Days That Suck
11. What Are Extreme Problem Solving Skills?
12. How Wives and the Men Who Betrayed Them Can Heal
13. The Real History of Africa
14. Don’t Feed the Ducks!
15. This Lifelong Globetrotter Will Inspire Your Next Adventure
1. ==> Will DOGE Cutbacks Cause Major Backlash?
For weeks, the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and a special government employee, has conducted a campaign to radically downsize the federal government and terminate numerous agency employees. Elaine Kamarck of the Brookings Institution says the long-term goal is to expand presidential power, but by using an axe instead of a scalpel, they run the risk of throwing out the baby with the bathwater and eliminating essential functions. “In its haste, DOGE is likely to disrupt services the public supports, making the government less effective. Blaming predecessors or changing the subject won’t work when the public can clearly see that something critical went disastrously wrong.” Kamarck says, “If Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency plans survive legal challenges, several major failures could follow—each landing squarely on the president’s shoulders. As President Harry Truman famously said, “The buck stops here.” Elaine Kamarck is an expert on American electoral politics and government innovation and reform in the United States. She’s the author of “Lies That Kill: A Citizen’s Guide to Disinformation.” Contact Brooking’s Government Studies media office at (202) 540-7724; gsmedia@brookings.edu
2. ==> Trump’s Shock and Awe Tests American’s Response to Chaos
Donald Trump’s shock and awe strategy is designed to disrupt the establishment and cause chaos within the government. Jobs are being cut, entire agencies are being dismantled and policies are being changed at breakneck speed. Mental health professionals say even people who don't see themselves as directly affected by the administration’s actions are feeling frazzled by the dizzying pace. "There is an element of chaos right now," says Andrea Bonior, a Georgetown University psychology professor. “A sense of not knowing what's coming and not being able to control what's coming is really hard on the stress response.” She says some people will be able to adjust their brains to the drama and unpredictability, but others will try to tune out. “There's a fine line between burying your head in the sand and trying to protect yourself. I've been working with a lot of folks to try to find that line," she says. "It involves setting some boundaries so that you can stay informed, but also not despair." Andrea Bonior, Ph.D., is host of the Baggage Check podcast and the author of three books including “Detox Your Thoughts: Quit Negative Self-Talk for Good and Discover The Life You’ve Always Wanted.” Contact her at hello@drandreabonior.com
3. ==> RFK Jr’s Misinformation on Antidepressants Matters
Newly confirmed Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., is taking aim at SSRI antidepressants saying they can cause school shootings and are 'harder to get off' of than heroin. Medical experts say he's 'way off base' and is spreading lies and misinformation that could cost lives. Keith Humphreys, an expert in psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University, says,
"Antidepressants and heroin are in different universes when it comes to addiction risk. In my 35 years In the addiction field, I've met only two or three people who thought they were addicted to antidepressants versus thousands who were addicted to heroin and other opioids." Keith Humphreys, PhD MA, focuses on addictive disorders and the translation of science into public policy. In addition to over 400 scientific publications, he has written extensively for outlets like “The Washington Post” and “The Atlantic.” Contact him at (650) 723-9067; KNH@stanford.edu
4. ==> An Egg Shortage Solution: Backyard Chickens
The current egg shortage has some Americans turning to their backyards for their breakfast supply. Interest in home chicken coops has been steadily rising in recent years with more than 11-million US households reporting one or more backyard chickens. But Jenn Tompkins, co-owner of Rent the Chicken, says her phone has been ringing off the hook. "People truly want to know where their food's coming from and they're not trusting that the grocery store is going to have what they need," Tompkins says. Her company offers delivery and setup up of a coop, two to four young egg-laying hens, chicken feed, and food dishes for a five-to-six month rental period. The cost is about $500, so it’s not a cost-saving measure, but Tompkins says there are unexpected perks. Her customers enjoy watching "Chicken TV," as they call it. "The chickens provide a level of therapy that people didn't know that they needed," she says. Contact Jenn Tompkins at (724) 305-0782
5. ==> Black History Month: A Little-Known Champion of Civil Rights
You may not recognize his name, but George Boutwell was a key player in the major issues facing America from the 1840s to the beginning of the 20th century. One of the original founders of the GOP, he worked with Lincoln on the abolition of slavery and granting civil rights for newly emancipated Blacks and was a strong advocate of racial and economic equality. Historian and cousin Jeffrey Boutwell can discuss George’s consequential role in many different aspects of American politics and how he and George share a common ancestor, the indentured servant James Boutwell, who emigrated in 1632 from England to Salem, Massachusetts. Jeffrey Boutwell’s new book is “Boutwell: Radical Republican and Champion of Democracy.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 400-1099; johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
6. ==> Sunday is World Understanding and Peace Day
Our social and political divisions — globally, nationally, and even locally — seem so out of control, it’s easy for anybody to feel overwhelmed. But what if there was a way each of us could make a real difference? Danielle Reiff can show us how by guiding us to become peacebuilders. Invite Reiff on your show to explain how any of us in the “exhausted majority” who oppose division and violence can lean into promoting trust, belonging, and cooperation in our own communities. A former diplomat with the U.S. Agency for International Development, founder of the Peacebuilders initia¬tive, and editor of the upcoming book, “Overcoming Information Chaos: A Guide for Cultivating Peaceful Communities in the Digital Age,” Reiff is a wellspring of resources, tools, and strategies for becoming a peacebuilder. Contact her at Danielle Reiff at (202) 499-7256; dreiff@rtirguests.com
7. ==> ‘Money Mom’ Answers Your Financial Questions
Whether you’re wondering what to do with your money right now or you’re trying to figure out why you have no money, you need Monique Gagne, “the Money Mom.” Invite Gagné to share her top money tips to better manage your finances in today’s unpredictable economy. Her common sense advice is a must in a culture that encourages us to buy now and pay later. She’ll debunk common money myths and invite your audience to rethink their financial strategy with proven, transformative advice. Learn how to understand your spending habits and smart techniques to break free from debt, including 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 (343) 644-3121; mgagne@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Why Your Image of God Is Holding You Back
Rocked by economic instability, social unrest, and increas¬ing 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. Her groundbreaking approach explores 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 (816) 852-3849, mfleischman@rtirguests.com
9. ==> How to Change Your Life 30 Seconds at a Time
Whether you are overwhelmed, underachieving or just struggling to fit it all in, Gerald Robison will show you how to transform your life in the most unexpected way—one 30-second time block at a time! His simple but powerful time management secrets will help maximize every moment. His approach isn’t about finding more time—it’s about making the most of the time we already have. He’ll share his proven tips for turning life’s micro-moments into big wins! Ask him: What’s the craziest thing you’ve managed to do in just 30 seconds? How can micromanaging our time actually give us more freedom? Gerald Robison is the author of “30 Seconds That Can Change Your Life.” Contact him at (904) 867-2449; Grobison@rtirguests.com
10. ==> 5 Ways to Make Life Easier and Have Fewer Days That Suck
Although we’re all unique, we go through similar trials. Give your listeners a little ‘Ray of Sunshine’ this New Year with Deborah Mallow and her positive energy club that offers no nonsense, uncomplicated solutions to deal with difficult people and problematic situations. You’ll learn how to replace unhealthy habits with positive changes, declutter what’s blocking your way, and enjoy more while worrying less. Discover how to reshape your mindset, shift your energy and end self-sabotage with easy-to-implement strategies that will have a huge impact on your daily life. Deborah Mallow is a positivity expert, mindset coach and the author of “6 Steps to Fewer Days that Suck.” Contact her at (516) 613-5359; dmallow@rtirguests.com
11. ==> What Are Extreme Problem Solving Skills?
Rising ocean levels. The epidemic of gun violence. Gang and drug crimes. Addiction. The immigration issue. The heated abortion debate. While many of society's problems seem unsolvable, or would take a very long time to remedy, author and businessman Mitch Francis has come up with a plethora of practical, doable, expedient solutions. He can share how we can destroy every assault rifle in 30 days, pay off the entire U.S. deficit and stop inflation, stop the oceans rising from melting polar ice caps, ...and more! Mitch is the author of "Bad-Ass Solutions For Today's Big-Ass Problems." He has an extensive business background as founder and CEO of publicly traded and private companies and has developed, owns, and manages commercial real estate across the U.S. As such, he was able to develop extreme problem-solving skills that he utilized to address 20 of our biggest problems. Contact Mitch Francis at (424) 380-4561; Mfrancis@rtirguests.com
12. ==> How Wives and the Men Who Betrayed Them Can Heal
Infidelity is a leading cause of divorce in the U.S. While many marriages don’t survive such betrayal, marriage therapist Marsha Means says there is hope. “In a number of cases, cheating is a result of sex addiction,” she says. “The problem is the same with any form of addiction, be it sex, heroin, or alcohol, which often is the result of unresolved childhood trauma.” Marsha will share how to address past trauma to break sex addiction for good, and how couples can survive the pain. She is the author of “Learn Empathy: Help Your Betrayed Wife Heal” and “From Betrayal Trauma to Healing & Joy: A Workbook for Partners of Sex Addicts.” Contact Marsha Means at (520) 341-6002; mmeans@rtirguests.com
13. ==> The Real History of Africa
Celebrate the history of Africa’s urban and scholarly past with W.R. Bailey, author of “Into the Light: Reclaiming Africa's Stolen History.” This history upends the colonial-era narrative offered up in movies, the media, and schools. Ask him: Was Africa truly lifted up by a civilized Europe? What efforts have been made to uncover Africa’s former colonial world’s legacy? What other parts of the world are recovering their own history from the colonial savage-versus-civilized narrative? Contacting W.R. Balley at (559) 269 4964; baileyrich1722@gmail.com
14. ==> Don’t Feed the Ducks!
What could be wrong with feeding the ducks at your local park? R. S. Rood, author of “Don't Feed the Ducks: It Makes Them Dependent,” will recount what really happened when the townspeople of Ashland, Oregon fed and spoiled the ducks. Ask him: How were the ducks affected by their acts of love and kindness? What was the amazing solution to this terrible problem? What lesson can children take away from this charming tale about the dangers of feeding ducks on the pond? How can this metaphor for all of God's animals and people teach children about true love. Contact R.S. Rood at (541) 621 4358; bob.rood.qpmceo@gmail.com
15. ==> This Lifelong Globetrotter Will Inspire Your Next Adventure
Due to his father’s work, Dave Schipper, author of “A Glimpse into My Enormity,” set off on a journey abroad with his family at a young age. His memoir chronicles Dave’s incredible coming-of-age adventures in Switzerland and across Europe, leading up to the family’s move to Japan. How did Dave handle the inevitable culture shock of moving abroad? Ask him: What was his experience adapting to different cultures and customs? What advice would he give to readers who want to explore the world for themselves? Contact Dave Schipper at (908) 451 1557; skivisionary@verizon.net
Don’t see any guests or topics for your show? Search through past RTIR Newsletters and find hundreds of show ideas and possible guests at www.rtironline.com
