01. Trump’s Shocking Embrace of Putin
02. The Economic Consequences of Mr. Tariff Man
03. How Wealth is Distorting the U.S. Economic Picture
04. Pediatrician on Growing Measles Outbreak and Vaccines
05. ‘Soldiers of Song’ Documentary About Ukrainian Musicians
06. What Happens in the Dark? Exploring Nocturnal Wildlife
07. DEI for White Guys: Lessons From a White Dad With Black Kids
08. Collaboration Over Conflict: The Secret to Leadership Success
09. How to Protect Yourself from Our Broken Justice System
10. Warning: The American Health Care System Can Kill You!
11. Good News for Procrastinators
12. This NBA Player Couldn’t Read. Today He has a Master’s Degree
13. How to Master the Art of Patience in a World Filled with Distractions
14. Protect Your Family History Before the Next Disaster
15. An Egg Shortage Solution: Backyard Chickens
1. ==> Trump’s Shocking Embrace of Putin
President Trump’s enthusiastic embrace of Russia and its authoritarian leader, Vladimir Putin, has turned U.S. foreign policy on its head and signals a stunning shift toward Putin and away from America’s traditional allies. Stephen Sestanovich of the Council on Foreign Relations says if Trump continues with the message that the United States, in seeking peace, has to cut off its aid to Ukraine, it will be one of the biggest shocks of his presidency to date. “It will reorient the United States in the war. It will reorient American policy toward its allies. It will restructure America’s relationship with the rest of the world and put us into completely uncharted territory.” Sestanovich is Senior Fellow for Russian and Eurasian Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and professor emeritus at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs. Contact him at (202) 509-8454; comunications@cfr.org
2. ==> The Economic Consequences of Mr. Tariff Man
Stocks took a tumble on news that sweeping 25 percent tariffs were set to go into effect today against Canada and Mexico, with an additional 10 percent tariff on Chinese goods. Trump’s “tariffs on steroids” agenda may keep inflation higher and could tip the global economy into recession, warns Desmond Lachman, a senior fellow at the conservative American Enterprise Institute. “Contrary to what Trump might have us believe, the US is not an economic island. Important sectors of its economy, such as agriculture, are dependent on foreign sales,” he says. “If nothing else, Trump’s tariff policy is more than likely to cause his beloved stock market to swoon. That might give us hope that he will make a trade policy U-turn before he triggers a world recession. However, hope is not a strategy. World economic policymakers would be well advised to make contingency plans.” Contact Hannah Bowen at (202) 570-6533; Hannah.Bowen@aei.org
3. ==> How Wealth is Distorting the U.S. Economic Picture
Recent economic headlines do not add up to a coherent picture of the financial health of the country. Even analysts are having a hard time explaining what is going on with the economy and where we are headed. An analysis by Moody’s Analytics provides an answer: Rich people are firing a cash canon into the consumer market. The wealthiest 10% of American households—those making more than $250,000 a year, roughly—are now responsible for half of all US consumer spending and at least a third of the country’s gross domestic product. “I’m not comfortable with it,” says Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody’s and the author of the company’s recent analysis of what he calls “the wealth effect.” In a well-functioning economy, he explains, spending would be “more widely distributed and the economy less at risk of something going financially wrong for that top group of individuals.” In Zandi’s estimation, that risk is especially real right now with Trump’s vow to wage a multi-front trade war, among other things, which promises volatility even in the best-case scenario. Contact Mark Zandi at mark.zandi@moodys.com
4. ==> Pediatrician on Growing Measles Outbreak and Vaccines
The West Texas measles outbreak that claimed one life so far has grown to 146, while new cases have been reported in other states including New Mexico, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and California. Experts say the highly contagious virus is entirely preventable if enough people are immunized, but vaccination rates in the US are dropping. Dr. Ron Schneebaum, a retired pediatrician, says the problem with vaccines today is that they have been so effective. “People easily forget how devastating some childhood illnesses were. Before the measles vaccine was developed in the early 1960s, 2 1/2 million people died of measles every year in the world.” Schneebaum advises parents who are hesitant to vaccinate to talk to their pediatrician about their concerns and approach the subject with an open mind and an interest in learning. Ron Schneebaum spent 40 years as a primary care pediatrician. He also served on the clinical faculty at Dartmouth College’s Geisel School of Medicine. During his career he regularly noted the power and importance of love for the human psyche. It became the basis for his book, “Bigger Hearted: A Retired Pediatrician’s Prescriptions for Living a Happier Life.” Contact Dr. Schneebaum at (603) 314-3095; rschneebaum@rtirguests.com
5. ==> ‘Soldiers of Song’ Documentary About Ukrainian Musicians
Hailed as a ‘must-watch’ film by “Forbes” magazine, the documentary "Soldiers of Song” follows Ukraine’s most iconic musicians as they use music to help inspire unity and courage. The film explores the profound impact of music on Ukrainian culture during a time of war and reveals the experiences of life under the shadow of Russian aggression. Directed and produced by New York-native Ryan Smith, this film marks a continuation of Smith's previous acclaimed work, including the Emmy Award-winning "NFL 360: Who If Not Us," which followed a group of football players in Ukraine who volunteered to join the military in defense of their country. “Soldiers of Song” was made in collaboration with a courageous Ukrainian production crew and executive produced by the Governor George Pataki Leadership Center. Contact Ryan Davis at (206) 491-3738; ryan@smarthousecreative.com
6. ==> What Happens in the Dark? Exploring Nocturnal Wildlife
Take your listeners on a journey into the darkness with naturalist and adventurer Charles Hood to reveal the astonishing hidden life that thrives when the sun goes down. The author of “Nature at Night: Discover the Hidden World That Comes Alive After Dark” will bring to life an unseen world, from bioluminescent oceans to stealthy predators of the jungle. In addition to being an author and professor, Hood has also been a factory worker, a ski instructor, a dishwasher, and a nature guide in Africa. Nature study has taken him to all 50 US states, 80 countries, and the South Pole. Along the way he has seen 6,000 species of birds in the wild and 1,000 kinds of mammal. Charles has been lost in a whiteout in Tibet, contracted and survived bubonic plague, and published 20 books and over 800 photographs. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 400-1099; johanna@jrbpr.biz or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
7. ==> DEI for White Guys: Lessons From a White Dad With Black Kids
Rick Patterson didn’t grow up talking or even thinking about diversity and inclusion—but raising four Black children opened his eyes to racial bias and prejudice in ways, as a white man, he never expected. A former evangelical pastor turned corporate leader, he understands why some white people struggle with DEI—and why others see it as essential. Now, he’s on a mission to help both sides hear and understand each other. Through his training, “DEI for the White Guy,” Rick shares real-world insights on how to move beyond defensiveness and division to create workplaces and communities where people truly listen, learn and lead with impact. The author of “Shame Unmasked” and “The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth,” he offers a refreshing, no-nonsense take on race, bias and prejudice—challenging old mindsets and sparking real change. Contact Rick Patterson at (517) 300-2706; Rpatterson@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Collaboration Over Conflict: The Secret to Leadership Success
Conflict is everywhere—in the office, at home and in our communities. But what if you could prevent disputes before they even arise? Samuel Bentil, a global project planning and dispute resolution expert, reveals the surprising strategies that turn potential disagreements into constructive and productive conversations. Whether you're a leader managing a team, a parent navigating family dynamics or someone looking to improve daily interactions, Samuel’s proven conflict-prevention methods will help you establish trust, reduce tension and build stronger relationships in every area of life. Book Samuel to help your audience master tough conversations, even with difficult people, and discover why communication—not control—is the key to lasting harmony. He has helped businesses, families and communities prevent disputes before they start. Ready to help your audience create more peace in their lives? Contact Samuel at (778) 656-0067; Sbentil@rtirguests.com
9. ==> How to Protect Yourself from Our Broken Justice System
Many Americans feel our criminal justice system is broken. This veteran attorney agrees and says it’s time to tip the scales back in balance. Invite James Porfido, who served decades as both a state prosecutor and criminal defense attorney, to discuss how the American justice system has become unfair. He’ll share specific cases of unfair prosecution and the damage to the accused and their families. He’ll also discuss systemic changes that could be implemented to help level the playing field and will share what you need to know if you are ever pulled over, arrested or detained by police. Porfido has appeared as a legal analyst on Court TV and CNN. He’s the author of “Unequal Justice: The Search for Truth to Balance the Scales.” Contact him at (973) 620-2157; jporfido@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Warning: The American Health Care System Can Kill You!
When UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was murdered by Luigi Mangione, this was a very extreme example of just how fed up are Americans are with the health care system. "The health care system has turned into a money machine," says Rachel Rappaport. "They scare the sick and are willing to kill people and take away their hope for recovery in exchange for monetary gain. Rachel should know. When her husband was paralyzed from the neck down due to a bicycling accident, she gained first-hand experience when navigating the nightmarish health care system. But she helped him to recover by developing her own set of tools. She is the founder of the success-coaching program MAX!, and has trained with Jack Canfield, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul, and well-known motivational coach Tony Robbins. Contact Rachel Rappaport at (848) 266-5824; rrappaport@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Good News for Procrastinators
One of the more exciting discoveries in recent brain research shows that there are certain areas of the brain that want us to procrastinate, and others that can help prevent it. That’s good news for procrastinators, according to Linda Gannaway, who says you can now stop fighting your brain and work with it to achieve your goals! Gannaway has found that by using this new science-backed information, even the most die-hard procrastinators can find techniques to help them succeed. Gannaway worked at universities for more than 25 years and taught classes on procrastination to thousands of students. She also researched procrastination for five years and wrote the most comprehensive book available called “FINALLY Stop Procrastinating.” Linda Gannaway learned how to get unstuck, and now as a “recovering procrastinator,” she’s on a mission to help others do the same. Contact her at (559) 234-4572; Lgannaway@rtirguests.com
12. ==> This NBA Player Couldn’t Read. Today He has a Master’s Degree
Dean Tolson was functionally illiterate when he joined the Seattle Sonics in the 1970s. He was the all-time rebounder at the University of Arkansas, but that didn’t prepare him for life after four years in the NBA. Tolson believes his greatest achievement was earning a master’s degree magna cum laude and now devotes his life to reach at-risk youth and adults about the power of education. His book, “Power Forward,” is about his experiences on the court and in the classroom. Contact Dean Tolson at (253) 884-8934; dtolson@rtirguests.com
13. ==> How to Master the Art of Patience in a World Filled with Distractions
Instant gratification dominates our culture, but Emilio Justo, M.D., shows how mastering patience can transform distractions into opportunities for success. A two-time international TEDx speaker (with over 10.5 million views) and bestselling author of “The Power of Pause,” Dr. Justo combines engaging storytelling with neurosci¬ence-backed strategies to help audiences reclaim focus, boost resilience, and achieve their goals. With a compelling personal story of overcoming challenges as a Cuban refugee, he connects with audiences and offers practical tools to thrive in today’s chaotic world. Contact Dr. Emilio Justo at Ejusto@rtirguests.com (email preferred); (480) 992-6803
14. ==> Protect Your Family History Before the Next Disaster
In the aftermath of the recent wildfires in California, countless families lost not only their homes, but also irreplaceable memories. These heart-wrenching losses should remind everyone: Don’t wait for disaster to strike to protect your family’s legacy. Archivist Rhonda Chadwick, author of “Secrets from the Stacks,” offers essential advice on safeguarding photographs, documents, textiles and more. She’ll provide simple, easy-to-follow steps to create a lasting family archive—perfect for anyone wanting to disaster-proof their cherished memories. With natural disasters on the rise, Rhonda’s guidance is timelier than ever. Contact Rhonda Chadwick at (401) 227-3306; rchadwick@rtirguests.com
15. ==> 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
