2/24/2026 RTIR Newsletter: Tariff Confusion, Safe Shoveling Tips and Why Old School Parenting Will Fail Today’s Kids

01. How Trump’s Tariffs Could Survive the Supreme Court Ruling
02. How Dangerous Is Snow Shoveling?
03. What Saving Birds Can Teach Us About Saving the Planet
04. 5 Things You Never Knew About the Women’s Movement
05. The Four Eyed Revolution: How Glasses Changed Everything
06. Love After 50: Bigger Frogs, Brighter Red Flags
07. Interview the First African American Rockette
08. How to Talk Across Differences Without Burning Out or Blowing
09. Why Old School Parenting Fails in a High Tech World
10. Will Franchise Owners Survive the New Economy?
11. A Mindset Makeover for Families Facing Modern Stress
12. How to Rewrite Your Story
13. Think You’re Too Old for Big Goals? This Inspiring 87-Year-Old Aims for a World Record!
14. Can Christians Be Democrats? This Pastor Says 'No'—Here’s Why
15. This Pastor Died—Twice—And Came Back With a Message


1. ==> Trump’s Tariffs Could Survive the Supreme Court Ruling

The Supreme Court has ruled against President Trump’s use of tariffs, but Inu Manak says the president has other methods and authorities available to him that could keep his trade agenda alive. “While American businesses and consumers may cheer the court striking down Trump’s second latest tariff adventure, the court decision is likely to be a temporary break in the president’s ongoing trade wars,” But, she adds, “The unpopularity of the tariffs, and now, the Supreme Court’s ruling, could provide Trump a tariff offramp if he chooses to take it. He does not necessarily need to use tariffs to execute his overall trade agenda, which has been focused on negotiating deals with other countries.” Inu Manak is a senior fellow for international trade at the Council on Foreign Relations. Her research focuses on U.S. trade policy and the law and politics of the World Trade Organization. Contact her at imanak@cfr.org

2. ==> How Dangerous Is Snow Shoveling?

Mother Nature brought snow to much of the United States in recent days, and while it might look lovely, somebody has to get it off the sidewalks and streets! It may seem like a simple chore, but shoveling, especially after a heavy storm, can be a bigger danger than many people realize, and causes as many as 100 deaths each year. “Shoveling a little snow off your sidewalk may not seem like hard work However, the strain of heavy snow shoveling may be even more demanding on the heart than taking a treadmill stress test,” says American Heart Association volunteer Barry Franklin, Ph. D., PAHA, one of the leading experts on the science behind the cardiovascular risks of snow shoveling. He’ll discuss how snow shoveling affects the heart, who is most at risk for a heart attack or stroke and how to reduce your risk while shoveling. He’ll also share the common signs of a heart attack and stroke and when to call 9-1-1. Contact Cathy Lewis at (214) 706-1173; cathylewis@heart.org

3. ==> What Saving Birds Can Teach Us About Saving the Planet

Back in 2019, a landmark “Science” study revealed that North America had lost nearly one-third of its birds since 1970, a sobering signal of ecological collapse. But Scott Weidensaul tells a different, urgently needed story: where focused conservation, Indigenous leadership, habitat restoration, and long-term commitment have worked and what those successes mean for the future of the planet. He’ll share real stories about the species, people, and places that have seen the results of those endeavors and can discuss why some bird species are rebounding while others continue to decline. Learn what bird recovery reveals about climate adaptation and ecosystem health and why optimism—supported with evidence—matters in environmental reporting now. Scott Weidensaul is a writer and researcher specializing in birds and bird migration. He’s the author of nearly thirty books, including the Pulitzer Prize finalist “Living on the Wind” and his latest, “The Return of the Oystercatcher: Saving Birds to Save the Planet.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Reigan Wright at (703) 646-5138

4. ==> 5 Things You Never Knew About the Women’s Movement

Did you know that in the 1950s and 60s, women couldn’t buy property, get a credit card or passport in their own names or open a bank account without a male co-signer? It was also mandatory for stewardesses to wear girdles and submit to flick checks to ensure they did. They also were forced to maintain weight standards that would be shocking and unrealistic today. Just in time for Women’s History Month, award-winning author Elaine Rock will share little-known facts about the Women’s Movement and the forgotten civil rights trailblazer, Barbara “Dusty” Roads, an American Airlines stewardess and flight attendant, union organizer and lobbyist to Congress. Elaine says she was the hidden figure who really ignited the Women’s Movement— before it had a name. Among her many achievements, Dusty played a pivotal role in fighting and overturning the airlines’ ban on marriage and the industry-wide practice that fired stewardesses once they reached the age of 32. Rock met and interviewed Dusty numerous times and even appeared with her in the PBS documentary Fly With Me. Elaine Rock is a women’s rights advocate, a former history teacher and the author of “Dusty Roads.” Contact her at (707) 293-0000; ElaineRockAuthor@gmail.com

5. ==> The Four Eyed Revolution: How Glasses Changed Everything

Eyeglasses have become so commonplace we hardly think about them—unless, of course, we can’t find them. They’re just there. But what do you know about one of humanity’s greatest inventions? Who invented eyeglasses? Oxford scholar Roger Bacon pioneered the science of using lenses to see and then spent years in a miserable medieval cell for advocating that he could “fix” God’s creations by improving our eyesight, but many countries and cities have laid claim to the invention. David Dunaway, author of “A Four-Eyed World: How Glasses Changed the Way We See” can discuss everything from the history of deficient eyesight and how glasses are made, to the stigma surrounding them and the future of augmented and virtual reality glasses as he illustrates how glasses have shaped, and continue to shape, who we are. Dunaway is a professor of English at the University of New Mexico and the author and editor of 10 books of history and biography. He hosted a show on Albuquerque NPR affiliate KUNM for twenty years and has appeared on PBS, CNBC, and CSPAN’s Book TV. Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853; LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com

6. ==> Love After 50: Bigger Frogs, Brighter Red Flags

Millions of Americans over 50-years-old are reentering the dating world and discovering it’s more complicated than ever. Dating coach Dr. Victoria Vaughn says many overlook critical warning signs from charming manipulators to financial risk and emotional dependency. She’ll reveal the most common red flags mature singles miss, why loneliness can cloud judgment, and how men, women, and same-sex couples can date confidently without settling. Her insights help listeners avoid costly emotional mistakes while staying open to real connection later in life. Blending humor with hard-earned wisdom, her stories offer a practical “buyer beware” guide to modern love after 50. Dr. Victoria Vaughn is the author of “Oh the Frogs I Kissed Before I Finally Found My Prince” and speaks on love, loss, and reinvention in later life. Contact Dr. Victoria Vaughn at (512) 580-8531; vvaughn@rtirguests.com

7. ==> Interview the First African American Rockette

The Rockettes recently celebrated 100 years of precision, athleticism and sisterhood. The all-female dance group from Missouri became an iconic part of American culture soon after they arrived at Radio City Music Hall in the 1930s, but it wasn’t until 1988—more than 50 years later—that an African American dancer was hired, breaking the troupe’s longstanding policy. Meet Jennifer Jones, the woman who made history performing at the Super Bowl XX11 halftime show as a Rockette. Since then, Jones has become an award-winning performer celebrated for her pioneering achievements and unwavering advocacy for equal rights in the arts. Her groundbreaking journey has captivated audiences for decades and she remains a symbol of resilience and determination. She is the author of the children’s book "On the Line: My Story of Becoming the First African American Rockette,” and her memoir, "Becoming Spectacular: The Rhythm of Resilience" and is featured in a tribute to black artists, singers, actors and writers this month at the Hollywood Museum entitled “This Joint is Jumping.” Contact Harlan Boll at harlan@bhbpr.com

8. ==> How to Talk Across Differences Without Burning Out or Blowing Up

Americans are talking more than ever, yet we are understanding each other less. Differences in politics, faith, and values are making even simple conversations feel risky. National Muslim leader and peacebuilding expert Daisy Khan explains that many well-meaning attempts to bridge differences actually make conflict worse. She’ll explain why facts alone rarely change minds, how silence and cancel culture fuel division, and how simple language shifts can de-escalate conflict in real time. Drawing on her work training schools, workplaces, and communities, Khan will reveal practical tools for confronting bias without escalating conflict and share insights from her book “30 Rights of Muslim Women,” which challenges common assumptions about faith, identity, and equality. Contact Daisy Khan at (917) 905-7829; dkhan@rtirguests.com

9. ==> Why Old School Parenting Fails in a High Tech World

George Lee, lawyer and award-winning author of “SMART Parenting 5.0,” is helping parents prepare their children for a future defined by AI, automation, and constant change. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and technology research, Lee distills decades of teaching into 10 practical “future-readiness” keys that schools often overlook—like creativity, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and financial literacy. With experience spanning Eastern and Western education systems, he helps families nurture adaptable, confident, and compassionate kids ready to thrive in the modern world. Lee will reveal how to replace outdated parenting myths with science-based strategies for the digital age— because the best way to prepare children for the future is to raise them to think for themselves. Ask him: What are the most important skills kids will need to succeed in the AI era? Why do traditional parenting and education models no longer work? Contact George Lee at (604) 330-8697; glee@rtirguests.com

10. ==> Will Franchise Owners Survive the New Economy?

Greg Mohr predicts franchise owners will not only survive the current economic wave, they’ll thrive in the new economy! Invite him on your show and hear how franchising has become a reliable pathway to financial independence during uncertain markets. He’ll reveal how proven systems reduce startup risk while delivering scalable income opportunities for everyday investors. Mohr’s strategic guidance can prepare those considering business ownership. Greg Mohr is a franchising consultant and author specializing in business ownership strategy, investment planning, and income growth models. Contact him at gmohr@rtirguests.com or (361) 204-5470

11. ==> A Mindset Makeover for Families Facing Modern Stress

Across the country, teachers and parents are noticing that kids are more anxious than ever. Mindset coach and mother of four Sharon Emily believes the antidote is not pressure or perfectionism, but mindset. A former counselor and Franklin Covey-trained facilitator, she teaches families practical ways to replace fear with focus. Her new children’s song turned book, “Mirror of Myself,” gives parents an easy way to start those conversations at home. Sharon helps audiences understand how thoughts shape confidence, motivation, and resilience in both children and adults. Whether your listeners are concerned about school stress, social media, or the constant rush of modern life, she offers tools that spark calm, gratitude, and hope while still acknowledging real challenges. Sharon has practiced what she preaches, raising a son who became a millionaire before 30 and a thriving daughter living with autism. Contact her at (480) 470-3893; scarstens@rtirguests.com

12. ==> How to Rewrite Your Story

Most people want the world to believe they’re strong—that they can push through, hold it together, and smile, completely unfazed by the weight they carry. But the truth is far more human. Many are terrified, overwhelmed, and quietly collapsing on the inside. For most of her adult life, author Kat Perkins lived this way too. She would always say, “It’s all good.” But after losing her mother at nine, surviving foster care, and later facing breast cancer, things were anything but “all good.” One day, a friend told her, “You need to stop saying it’s all good. It’s not. And it’s okay to feel what you feel.” That moment something cracked open. Kat learned what no one teaches us: you cannot rewrite the meaning of your pain until you understand it—not avoid it, outrun it, or dress it up in strength. You have to face it. Drawing from her memoir, “Girls with Pearls Have Power,” Kat now teaches women how to turn setbacks into turning points, reclaim authorship of their stories, and rise with clarity and courage rather than fear or pretending. Contact her at (404) 800-3916; kperkins@rtirguests.com

13. ==> Think You’re Too Old for Big Goals? This Inspiring 87-Year-Old Aims for a World Record!

Meet the octogenarian putting us all to shame. David Selley is rewriting the rules of aging — and the publishing world. With four books already out and ten more planned this year, Selley is on a mission to become the oldest person to publish the most books in a single year, and he’s not stopping there. Backed by a 65-year marriage, three citizenships, and decades of entrepreneurial wisdom, this globe-trotting powerhouse is also launching a global initiative to empower over 700 million aspiring entrepreneurs— proof positive that ambition doesn’t retire. Contact David Selley at (808) 229-3985; dselley@rtirguests.com

14. ==> Can Christians Be Democrats? This Pastor Says 'No'—Here’s Why

As a Black pastor of 18 years and a former lifelong Democrat, Frank Tull brings a unique voice to the intersection of faith and politics. Inspired by personal loss—a 25-year friendship broken due to his support of President Donald Trump—Frank now firmly believes that the Republican Party is far more aligned with Christian principles than the Democratic Party. "With powerful scripture-based reasoning, I address the role of faith in today’s volatile political climate, and why I believe that Christianity and the Democratic Party are mutually exclusive," he says. He is the author of "8 Biblical Reasons to Vote Republican." Contact Pastor Frank Tull at (469) 609-1385; ftull@rtirguests.com

15. ==> This Pastor Died—Twice—And Came Back With a Message

When Pastor Nancy Frecka slipped into death—twice—she never imagined what awaited her. Floating above her lifeless body, she watched nurses scramble, unable to find a pulse. Then came the divine encounter with Jesus Himself. Pages of her past flipped like a book until stopping at the moment that shaped her soul, a childhood tragedy involving her brother, a shotgun, and a haunted house. But death wasn’t the end. It was the beginning of a mission. Nancy returned from the other side with a powerful message. “The message of forgiveness is key to having a life full of peace, love and joy,” she says. Nancy is a speaker, pastor, and the author of "God Says, "You Can Trust Me:” Supernatural Encounters with God." Contact Nancy Frecka at (330) 422-6955; nfrecka@rtirguests.com