01. The Biology of Politics: Why We Feel So Strongly
02. How Did Federal Employees Become So Disliked?
03. The War on Seniors is Underway
04. This Guest Exposes America’s Foster Care-to-Prison Pipeline
05. A Different Kind of NYC ‘Wild Life’: Spring Walks in the Big Apple
06. How Nonviolence Principles Can Transform Your Personal Life
07. Business Expert Shares How to Really Pay Off the National Debt
08. ‘Money Mom’ Answers Your Financial Questions
09. What History’s Most Notorious Leaders Can Teach Us About Success
10. Why Parents Should Embrace Artificial Intelligence
11. What It's Like to Fly into a War Zone? Interview a Woman Who Did
12. How to Change Your Life 30 Seconds at a Time
13. Why Your Image of God Is Holding You Back
14. How Wives and the Men Who Betrayed Them Can Heal
15. Up Your Style Game Using What You Already Own
1. ==> The Biology of Politics: Why We Feel So Strongly
There’s a lot going on in Washington right now. Millions of people are worried about Donald Trump and what he’s doing to the country, while others are excited about the changes. Regardless of which side you are on, emotions are running high right now and political divisions have never seemed wider. Psychiatrist Melvyn Lurie can help explain why people take politics so personally, and how that can fuel emotions and lead to blow-ups and ruined relationships. The author of “The Biology of Politics” says more is going on than you realize. He’ll discuss the many hidden drives that are a fundamental part of our nature and help your audience learn how to discuss and debate politics (or anything) with family and friends without resorting to anger, rage or name-calling. Dr. Lurie is an honors graduate of Harvard Medical School. He has practiced and taught medical students at Harvard and Tufts, has served as an expert witness, managed political campaigns and once even ran for political office. Contact him at (617) 510-8474; mlurie@post.Harvard.edu
2. ==> How Did Federal Employees Become So Disliked?
President Donald Trump has spent the first months of his second term rallying public support for slashing the federal government. He’s called it a necessary step in the battle against an “administrative state” staffed by “unelected bureaucrats” disloyal to himself and the American people. America has a long history of tackling bureaucracy and vilifying federal employees, according to Landon R. Y. Storrs, a University of Iowa history professor and author of “The Second Red Scare and the Unmaking of the New Deal Left.” “There is just this sort of disgust with the public sector—that it’s uncompetitive, it’s losers, it’s parasites, it’s people living off of the taxpayers, people who wouldn’t have made it in the real world,” she says. She’ll discuss the similarities between today’s views of the federal workforce and the cultural atmosphere of the 1950s and explain the federal employee loyalty program—created in the 1940s in response to fears that Communists were infiltrating the U.S. government. Landon Storrs’ specialty is 20th-century U.S. social and political history, particularly in the history of women, social movements, and social policy. Contact her at (319) 335-2303; landon-storrs@uiowa.edu
3. ==> The War on Seniors is Underway
Nancy Altman, president and co-founder of Social Security Works, says she has “never been this worried” about the future of the program. Meanwhile, Martin O’Malley, commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA) from 2023 to 2024, is warning that Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s steps to hollow out SSA will result in a “system collapse” in the next 30 to 90 days. Invite Altman to discuss the current situation. “Social Security is so popular across the ideological spectrum. MAGA voters don’t want to see Social Security cut. Thus, the administration is working to undermine confidence and convince the public that SSA is rife with fraud––even though it’s 99.7 percent accurate,” says Altman. “These benefits are important to the vast majority of Americans; for two in three retirees, Social Security benefits make up more than half their income. These lies undermine what the program is supposed to do.” Contact Linda Benesch at lbenesch@socialsecurityworks.org
4. ==> This Guest Exposes America’s Foster Care-to-Prison Pipeline
Conservative estimates suggest that about 20 to 25 percent of prison inmates are “alumni” of the foster care system. Clearly, something is terribly wrong. Investigative reporter Claudia Rowe provides a shocking view of what happens to children when they outgrow the foster care system in America. Her book, “Wards of the State: The Long Shadow of American Foster Care,” shares the stories of a half-dozen foster kids, including an 18-year-old sleeping on the New York City subways; a gangbanger-turned graduate student; and a foster child who is now a policy advisor to the White House. Invite her on your show to pull back the curtain on a broken system and the searing realities faced by kids who may be sitting in classrooms next to your own children. Claudia Rowe is a member of the editorial board at “The Seattle Times” where she writes about foster care, juvenile justice, and public education. She has written for “The New York Times,” “Mother Jones,” and other publications and her coverage of Latino youth gangs was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853; LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com or @Lissa_Warren
5. ==> A Different Kind of NYC ‘Wild Life’: Spring Walks in the Big Apple
Think you know New York City? Think again. Beyond the subways and skyscrapers, an incredible world of wildlife is thriving—from peregrine falcons nesting on bridges to rare orchids blooming in the Bronx. Let Ryan Mandelbaum and Chelsea Beck be your guides to the city’s unexpected natural wonders. Whether you’re an avid bird watcher, a weekend hiker, or just a curious New Yorker, they’ll share curated field trips across the five boroughs that blend natural history and ecology, and insider tips on where to spot the city’s most fascinating plants and animals. Written by science writer, naturalist, and educator Ryan Mandelbaum and illustrated by Chelsea Beck, “Wild NYC: Experience the Amazing Nature in and around New York City” is a field-guide to the city’s unexpected natural wonders. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 400-1099; johanna@jrbpr.biz or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
6. ==> How Nonviolence Principles Can Transform Your Personal Life
There’s a lot of turmoil in the world and a lot of angry people out there. Retired American diplomate and self-described peacebuilder Danielle Reiff advises those looking to turn down the heat to take a cue from Martin Luther King Jr. and other peaceful activists and adopt a commitment to universal love and nonviolent non-cooperation. Reiff says the practice can apply to family as much as political opponents – or even to oneself. When faced with conflict within her family, Reiff incorporated King’s principles of nonviolence into her own personal life, and the results were transformative. Reiff has spent her life in the service of peace, supporting democratic transitions and peace processes around the world as a diplomat for twenty years. She now runs Peacebuilders, an initiative to promote nonviolence and unity in diversity. Contact Danielle at (202) 499-7256; dreiff@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Business Expert Shares How to Really Pay Off the National Debt
As political strategist James Carville famously said, "It's the economy, stupid!" The U.S. economy has, indeed dominated the news for months, with concerns about the current chaos and the spiraling deficit. "The deficit grew from almost nothing just 40 years ago to now more than $34 trillion," says author and business expert Mitch Francis. "Can you picture how successful the U.S. would be if it had no deficit, no interest payments, and was required to spend no more that the taxes bring in?" While this may seem far-fetched, Mitch can share with audiences how this could actually happen. 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 develops, owns, and manages commercial real estate across the U.S. Contact Mitch Francis at (424) 380-4561; Mfrancis@rtirguests.com
8. ==> ‘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
9. ==> What History’s Most Notorious Leaders Can Teach Us About Success
The long-held conventional belief in the business world is that leadership can only be learned from positive role models. However, Steve Williams claims that we have it backward. "We can learn a lot about effective leadership from the likes of Atilla the Hun, Al Capone, and Genghis Khan," he says. "Although they were ruthless, they were some of the most brilliant leaders of all time." Steve can share the specific practices and tactics that made these infamous characters such effective head honchos, and how to apply these to one's own path to success. He is the author of six books including " Notorious: Leadership Lessons from History's Most Notorious Leaders," and a certified leadership coach and QMS expert. Contact Steve Williams at (920) 280-1068; swilliams@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Why Parents Should Embrace Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence is already a big part of our day-to-day lives. Should we be concerned that our kids have easy access to this powerful resource? Quite the opposite, argues thought leader Marc Prensky. He sees artificial intelligence and cell phones as young people’s passports to the future and the new human capabilities they will use to better the world. Invite Prensky on your show to bust the myth that cell phones make kids lazy and explain why kids need to be taught the fundamental emotional skills of love, empathy, gratitude, and optimism. Prensky is the author of 12 books, most recently “Third Millenium Kids: A Hell Yes! Low Stress Guide for Everyone.” He’s also a public speaker who’s appeared in over 50 countries. Contact Marc Prensky at (516) 701-1440; mprensky@rtirguests.com
11. ==> What It's Like to Fly into a War Zone? Interview a Woman Who Did
During her decades long career as a flight attendant, Tania Anderson has had her share of harrowing experiences during some of the most volatile times in modern history, and miraculously survived. "In 1990, I flew the military into Saudi Arabia (near the Kuwait border) only weeks after Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait under possible SCUD poison missile attacks," she recounts. "In 2013, I flew military personnel and contractors into Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. The base was surrounded by pro-Taliban guerrillas, who would sometimes shoot at planes taking off or landing." Tania currently serves the U.S. military through a Department of Defense contract with a charter airline, which flies American soldiers around the world to every continent except Antarctica. She is the author of the memoir "On Butterflies' Wings: An Anthology of International Escapades," and the upcoming "Synchronicity -- the Escapades Continue." Contact Tania Anderson at (213) 513-6099; tanderson@rtirguests.com
12. ==> 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
13. ==> Why Your Image of God Is Holding You Back
Rocked by economic instability, social unrest, and increasing 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
14. ==> 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
15. ==> Up Your Style Game Using What You Already Own
Ready to wow your audience with a fun, energetic and transformative guest? Meet Gayla Bentley, the relatable author of “Fashion’s Stepsister: A Journey to Style!” With an illustrious background at Saks Fifth Avenue and years of fashion experience in Paris, Gayla blends timeless elegance with practicality. From poorly fitting undergar¬ments to cookie-cutter trends, Gayla will show your audience how to refine their look with what they already own. Gayla’s magic comes alive on-air, offering on-the-spot makeovers for audience volunteers and feedback on listen¬er-submitted photos. Whether on a podcast, radio show or YouTube stream, her wit and wisdom leave audiences laughing, learning and feeling confident. A seasoned designer and former high-end retail stylist, Gayla Bentley gained international attention after her appearance on Shark Tank where investors were drawn to her commitment to create elegant, high-quality fashion for sizes 12 and up. Contact her at (936) 261-7713; gbentley@rtirguests.com
