01. Consumer Confidence is Now Below Pandemic Levels
02. The AI Bubble Is Getting Closer to Popping
03. Trump Slams Reporter for Not Smiling Enough
04. Study Finds Dads Matter More Than We Thought
05. Sneaky Signs Your Partner Is a Narcissist
06. How to Stay Indispensable in an Unstable Job Market
07. Diplomatic Skills Every Leader Needs — But No One Teaches
08. How to Raise Emotionally Healthy Sons
09. Reduce Test Anxiety by Changing How Kids Think
10. Former Nurse and Stand-Up Comic Gets Serious About Healthcare's Darkest Secret
11. Healing Doesn’t Always Follow a Straight Line
12. The 3 Habits That Build Trust and Cut Division in Your Life
13. How to Reclaim Attention in a World Built to Distract
14. 3 Million Mom-Owned Businesses Fuel the U.S. Economy
15. Spiritual Teachers Get Physical: The Body as Your Gateway to Higher Consciousness
1. ==> Consumer Confidence is Now Below Pandemic Levels
U.S. consumer confidence slumped to the lowest level since 2014 in January, sinking below pandemic-era lows as Americans are concerned about the labor market. "Confidence collapsed in January, as consumer concerns about both the present situation and expectations for the future deepened," says Dana M. Peterson, chief economist of The Conference Board. "All five components of the Index deteriorated, driving the overall Index to its lowest level since May 2014 (82.2) – surpassing its COVID-19 pandemic depths." The Conference Board's present situation index, which measures consumers' views of current business and labor market conditions, fell 9.9 points and the expectations index – which is based on consumers' short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions – declined by 9.5 points to 65.1, which is well below the threshold of 80 that usually signals a recession is ahead. Confidence among all generations and across all political affiliations trended downward in the month, with the sharpest decline among Independents. The Conference Board is a member-driven non-profit think-tank that publishes the Consumer Confidence Index each month. Contact Joseph DiBlasi at (781) 308-7935; jdiblasi@tcb.org
2. ==> The AI Bubble Is Getting Closer to Popping
AI is driving the S&P 500 index and the broader US economy forward. But the line between hype and reality has blurred and according to Shannon O’Neil, what may burst the AI bubble are not the flagged worries over circular financing, growing debt or Chinese competition. Instead, she says the unanticipated drag of tariffs and fall in the number of migrants in the US may be what brings AI back down to earth. “AI’s success or failure will depend on whether it can start to show the worth of massive investments. But even if it succeeds in transforming the way industry after industry works, cost and time will determine who gains, and when. And today, the Trump administration’s tariffs and immigration policies are a big part of what’s holding back US models and companies.” Shannon O’Neil is a leading authority on global trade, supply chains, Mexico, and Latin America and senior vice president of studies and Maurice R. Greenberg chair at the Council on Foreign Relations. Contact her at (212) 434-9632; soneil@cfr.org
3. ==> Trump Slams Reporter for Not Smiling Enough
President Trump slammed CNN political reporter Kaitlyn Collins after she asked about the Epstein files, ignoring the question and telling her “You are the worst reporter. I never see you smile.” Dr. Jennifer Mercieca says, “Comments policing a woman journalist’s facial expression aren’t incidental—they’re a rhetorical move to reassert dominance in an interaction where the press is supposed to hold power.” The exchange isn’t the first time Trump lashed out at Collins and other reporters. In December, he called her nasty and stupid in a social media post after she asked about the cost of White House ballroom renovations. Merceica says Trump’s comments on women’s demeanor fit into broader patterns of control and diminishment. Dr. Jennifer Mercieca is an historian of American political rhetoric. She is Professor in the Department of Communication and Journalism at Texas A&M University. She is the author of several books including “Demagogue for President: The Rhetorical Genius of Donald Trump.” Contact her at mercieca@tamu.edu
4. ==> Study Finds Dads Matter More Than We Thought
For much of the 20th century and beyond, social scientists attributed a range of chronic mental health problems to dysfunction between infants and their mothers, but a team of researchers from Penn State University has found that the early parenting behavior of fathers may have a greater impact on children’s health. For their study, scientists observed three-way interactions between 10-month-old infants, their fathers and their mothers, and then checked in on the families when the children were 2 and 7. They found that fathers who were less attentive to their 10-month-olds were likely to have trouble co-parenting and at age 7, the children of those fathers were more likely to have markers of poor heart or metabolic health, such as inflammation and high blood sugar. Mothers’ behavior did not have the same effect. “This does not mean that only the dads matter, not the moms,” says Hannah M.C. Schreier, an associate professor of biobehavioral health at Penn State and an author of the paper. Instead, Dr. Schreier says, it suggests that positive engagement by fathers during infancy and toddlerhood improves the health of the whole family. The study was published in the journal Health Psychology. Contact Hannah Schreier at (814) 863-5767; hannah.schreier@psu.edu
5. ==> Sneaky Signs Your Partner Is a Narcissist
While anyone can spot the loud, attention-seeking narcissist, it's the charming "nice guy" covert narcissists who cause the most damage—and Dr. Valerie Sussman should know. After 20 years trapped in a narcissistic marriage, this retired pediatrician traded her stethoscope for a paintbrush and became a certified Narcissistic Abuse Specialist dedicated to helping others recognize these wolves in sheep's clothing. Sussman will reveal the "6 E's" that show your partner is a narcissist and explain why victims stay "hooked on hopium"—the dangerous hope that keeps them trapped. Drawing from her book “Love, Lies, and Narcissists in Disguise: The A-Z Guide for Survivors of Narcissistic Abuse,” she'll share how to spot the charm-to-harm cycle before it's too late. Listeners will learn the red flags they're missing, why asking "Am I the narcissist?" means you're not, and how creativity can heal emotional wounds. Ask her: What's the difference between overt and covert narcissists—and why are covert ones more dangerous? You call it "hopium"—why is hope so toxic in these relationships? What are the "6 E's" and how do they reveal a narcissist? Contact Valerie Sussman at (805) 407-5635; Vsussman@rtirguests.com
6. ==> How to Stay Indispensable in an Unstable Job Market
With mass layoffs back in the headlines and economic anxiety rising, employees at every level are asking the same question: How do I make sure I’m not next? Business transformation expert Shawn Fry says the key isn’t working harder, it’s thinking differently. After leading organizational change in 60+ companies across 17 countries, Fry noticed a surprising pattern: the people who kept their jobs during uncertainty weren’t the loudest or the busiest. They were the most focused, adaptive, and connected. Shawn will share why traditional goal-setting doesn’t work in today’s market and the counterintuitive steps employees can take to become indispensable, even when their company feels shaky. Ask him: Is visibility more important than performance in times of layoffs? What’s one daily habit that protects your job better than your resume? Contact Shawn Fry at (330) 422-4090; sfry@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Diplomatic Skills Every Leader Needs — But No One Teaches
Great leaders aren’t just decisive—they’re deliberate. “In high-stakes rooms where every word carries weight, success depends on skills rarely taught in business school: listening with precision, speaking with intention, and navigating conflict without escalating it,” says author and former diplomat Dianne Olvera. Drawing from real-world diplomacy and leadership experience, her approach reveals how to manage tough conversations, defuse tension, and influence outcomes without overpowering the room. It’s about knowing when to speak, when to pause, and how to choose language that builds trust instead of resistance. Dianne is a board-certified educational therapist and the author of “The Power of Connection: Understanding Individual Differences to Uplift and Empower.” She’s also a former diplomat and spy. Contact Dianne Olvera at (805) 779-3558; dolvera@rtirguests.com
8. ==> How to Raise Emotionally Healthy Sons
In a world where boys are often taught to suppress their feelings, parenting expert and author C. Lynn Williams is changing the conversation. She offers practical, compassionate guidance for raising sons who are emotionally aware, resilient, and confident. “We need to focus on challenging outdated myths about masculinity and replace fear-based parenting with connection, communication, and trust,” she says. “When boys are given permission to feel, communicate, and be understood, they grow into healthier men and create stronger families and communities.” C. Lynn is the author of five parenting books including “Trying to Stay Sane While Raising Your Teen.” She’s an educator, speaker, and family dynamics strategist. Ask her: What challenges do boys face in modern society? How can parents raise sons who are strong without being aggressive? Contact C. Lynn Williams at (224) 357-6315; Cwilliams@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Reduce Test Anxiety by Changing How Kids Think
Most parents try to reduce test anxiety by pushing kids to study harder. Sharon Emily says that approach often backfires. When children feel pressured to perform, their brains shift into fear mode, which actually makes learning harder. A former counselor, Franklin Covey-trained facilitator, and educator, Sharon helps families understand how thoughts quietly shape behavior, confidence, and results. She teaches why creativity, repetition, and imagination can be more effective than checklists, rewards, or threats. Her book “Mirror of Myself” grew out of a simple insight: when kids learn to focus on possibility instead of fear, their choices change naturally. Sharon explains why positive thinking is not about ignoring reality, why mistakes can build confidence faster than success, and how the same mindset tools work across parenting, school, and life. Her approach gives families practical ways to calm anxiety and improve performance during high-stakes testing seasons. Contact Sharon Emily at (480) 470-3893 or semily@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Former Nurse and Stand-Up Comic Gets Serious About Healthcare's Darkest Secret
Kathy Allan spent 20 years as a hospital nurse before witnessing something that changed everything: cleaning staff in scrubs discharging new mothers, while administrators threatened her for asking questions. She realized healthcare had become addicted to profits over patients. Her shocking revelation: nurses are 18% more likely to commit suicide than the general population. This Board Certified Holistic Nurse and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner channeled her trauma expertise and comedy background into Gutsy Nurses—a program teaching nurses how to survive a broken system. Inspired by recovery principles, she developed the 12 Steps of Healing Care to beat the industry's profit addiction. Contact Kathy Allan at (619) 932-5206; Kallan@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Healing Doesn’t Always Follow a Straight Line
Healing is not neat, inspiring, or Instagram-ready, and pretending it is leaves people feeling broken. Avonley Lightstone can explain why healing often looks messy, slow, and unresolved, and why lingering pain does not mean failure. She’ll challenge the belief that healing requires closure and reframe progress as something that can happen even when wounds remain. Lightstone speaks from lived experience. After losing her mother in a childhood house fire and facing abandonment soon after, she learned that healing comes in small, honest steps, not sudden breakthroughs. She is the author of “Strength of Scars,” a memoir on resilience and faith, and her story has gained media attention as it moves toward a potential film or television adaptation. Contact Avonley Lightstone at (801) 980-0447; alightstone@rtirguests.com
12. ==> The 3 Habits That Build Trust and Cut Division in Your Life
Tired of the conflict in your office, community, or even your own family? Dr. Dionne Poulton says building unity isn’t about avoiding tough topics. It’s about mastering three powerful habits: Decency, Excellence, and Integrity. She’ll reframe what it means to lead, communicate, and connect across differences without ever saying “DEI.” Her message? You don’t need a title to be a leader. You just need a standard. From how we treat others to how we hold ourselves accountable, Dr. Dionne shows how small shifts in behavior can transform relationships, rebuild trust, and prevent conflict before it starts. According to a recent study, 76% of people say they avoid hard conversations at work and home often out of fear, frustration, or not knowing what to say. Dr. Dionne’s framework helps audiences replace avoidance with practical strategies that foster trust and real connection. Ask her: What’s one habit that can instantly defuse rising tension? Can integrity really be taught, or is it innate? Dionne Poulton, Ph.D., is the author of “Excellence Without Exclusion.” Contact her at (404) 383-8924; dpoulton@rtirguests.com
13. ==> How to Reclaim Attention in a World Built to Distract
We live in a world designed to hijack our attention. The average adult now spends over seven hours a day on screens, yet many feel more scattered, reactive, and stuck than ever. Author and senior UCLA mindfulness educator Mitra Manesh says this isn’t just a focus issue; it’s an attention crisis quietly eroding our freedom to choose. On your show, Mitra will reveal why even intelligent, successful people often live in “survival mode,” how constant stimulation weakens our decision-making, and why reclaiming attention is the first and most important step toward true freedom. Drawing from her inspirational fiction, “The Attentionist: New Choices for a New World”—a parable in the spirit of “The Alchemist”—she offers a transformative blend of storytelling and insight, packed with techniques and practices for improving attention as a transformative force in all aspects of life. Mitra Manesh This is a timely invitation to shift from reaction to creation, and a powerful case for why reclaiming attention may be the most radical act of personal power in our time. Contact Mitra Manesh at (310) 807-3031; mmanesh@rtirguests.com
14. == > 3 Million Mom-Owned Businesses Fuel the U.S. Economy
Last year, mom-owned businesses generated more than $1.8 trillion in revenue, but this powerhouse movement didn’t start with TikTok side hustles. It began a century ago, in kitchens, basements, and living rooms, led by women with big ideas and little recognition. Roy Martin, Nashville Women’s Entrepreneur Coach and founder of the WFH Empowerment Academy, is spotlighting these early pioneers and empowering post-COVID mompreneurs to follow in their footsteps. His upcoming book, “But She Can’t Vote,” draws a direct line from women like Jean Nidetch (Weight Watchers) and Tupperware trailblazer Brownie Wise to today’s online work-from-home moms. Roy encourages motivated mompreneurs to claim their 20th century history while building a New Age WFH empowerment movement. Ask him: What can today’s moms learn from the original work-from-home pioneers? How can women start a purpose-driven home business in 2026? Contact Roy Martin at (629) 265 0570; rmartin@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Spiritual Teachers Get Physical: The Body as Your Gateway to Higher Consciousness
Doreen Mary Bray, who has worked between worlds for over 40 years as a naturopath and mystical guide, carries a radical message: your body isn't a vehicle you're trapped in—it's what your soul longed for and chose. She teaches that souls wait lifetimes for the privilege of embodiment, selecting parents, place, and form to walk on beaches, feel touch, and experience love. In interviews, Bray will reveal how souls choose incarnation and what that means for how we live. She'll explain why anxiety and depression may be your soul's language trying to break through and why learning to honor the body as sacred—not fix or transcend it—is the awakening our time demands. Listeners will discover practices for hearing their soul's voice and understanding embodiment as the miracle it truly is. Doreen Mary Bray is the author of “The Angel and the Avatar.” Contact Doreen Bray at (438) 802-0280; Dbray@rtirguests.com
