4/16/2026 RTIR Newsletter: Catholics and Trump, the Godfather of Sports Talk and the Science Behind Red Light Therapy

01. Do U.S. Catholics Need to Make a Choice?
02. Blocking the Strait of Hormuz: The High-Stakes Stand-Off
03. New Veterans Policy May Hurt Most Vulnerable
04. Does Red Light Therapy Really Work? The Science Behind it
05. Interview the Godfather of Sports Talk
06. Does Your Boss Pay Less Taxes Than You? Why the System Favors Owners Over Employees
07. For 250th Anniversary: The Story of the American Revolution
08. 47% of Women Experience Abuse — Why Few Ever Say a Word
09. Bad at Math? This Guest Says You Were Just Taught Wrong
10. Shop Your Closet, Save Money and Look Amazing
11. What an Ancient Hawaiian Healing Practice Can Teach Us About Modern Forgiveness
12. The Reason You’re Stuck Has Nothing to Do with Willpower
13. How to Balance Self-Improvement With Self-Acceptance
14. From Mormonism to Addiction and Self-Discovery: This Author Shares Her Wild Road to Redemption
15. Stars, Cards & Stones: Unlock Your Intuition with Ancient Tools

1. ==> Do U.S. Catholics Need to Make a Choice?

Catholics are the single largest religious denomination in the United States, making up one-fifth of the population, according to the Pew Research Center. So how should American Catholics view the current kerfuffle between Donald Trump and the pope? Kelsey Reinhardt, president and CEO of CatholicVote, a political advocacy group, says “The Pope is not a politician, not a partisan operator, and not a rival to the President of the United States. He is the Vicar of Christ. His role is to speak moral truth, defend human dignity, and call leaders to pursue peace. The President needs to hear that in a way he understands.” She’s cautioning Catholics not to turn the public disagreement into a grand showdown. “Some of the Pope’s statements may sound out of step with the tone, assumptions, or priorities of American politics. Fine. That does not mean he is “anti-American.” It does not mean he is attacking the United States. And it certainly does not mean Catholics should be manipulated into choosing between the Church and their country.” She addsCatholicVote.org is a member-funded, layperson-led 501(c)4 grassroots lobbying organization with a connected political action committee called CatholicVote.org Political Action Committee. To arrange interviews contact CatholicVote.org at (317) 669-6127; mediarequests@catholicvote.org

2. ==> Blocking the Strait of Hormuz: The High-Stakes Stand-Off

The Trump administration has declared a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, betting that Iran will buckle under economic pressure before the global energy crisis forces the United States to back down. National security expert Max Boot says the outcome is far from certain. “Iran and the United States are engaged in a high-stakes standoff to see which side blinks first. I wouldn’t bet against Iran.” He explains, “Iran is a dictatorship that has shown it can withstand years of harsh sanctions and brutally repress popular protests when they arise. The United States is a democracy where the rising price of gasoline is raising inflation and sabotaging the Republican Party’s chances in the upcoming midterm election. The Iran war is already unpopular with American voters, so how long can Trump keep exacerbating the energy crisis before being forced to execute a U-turn?” Max Boot is the Jeane J. Kirkpatrick senior fellow for national security studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. Contact him directly at writetoboot@gmail.com or through the CFR Communications department at communications@cfr.org

3. ==> New Veterans Policy May Hurt Most Vulnerable

The Veterans Administration and the Department of Justice are touting a new agreement around guardianship and care for vulnerable veterans, saying it will help the most vulnerable veterans get the care they need. But advocates who work directly with homeless and disabled veterans worry is that the practical impact of the new policy could leave the nation’s most at-risk veterans with fewer safeguards around autonomy and due process. Specifically, those already navigating housing instability or disability-related support systems. Invite Benjamin Krause, a licensed attorney, investigative journalist, and longtime advocate for disabled veterans, to break down where policy intent and real-world outcomes may diverge, particularly for homeless veterans and those in guardianship proceedings. He can also speak to what advocates are watching as implementation rolls out. Krause is the founder of DisabledVeterans.org and is host of the Veteran Rights Podcast. Contact him at krause@armopress.com

4. ==> Does Red Light Therapy Really Work? The Science Behind it

Red light therapy is hot right now with wellness influencers touting it as a treatment for just about everything. So, what’s the science behind it? Invite Dr. David Ozog, a researcher and chair of dermatology at Henry Ford Health in Detroit, to explain how it works. With hair and skin, he says it takes time to see the benefits and cautions that results won’t be dramatic. "It does help," Ozog says. But how much it helps depends on many factors, including how far along your hair loss is. "It's not going to take you from being bald to being a Chia pet and having abundant hair," Ozog says. As for other health claims, there's solid evidence that red light therapy is safe and effective for several medical uses, says Ozog. He was part of a panel of experts in various fields who wrote a 2025 consensus review that found the therapy works for treating pattern hair loss, ulcers, peripheral neuropathy, several types of ulcers and acute radiation dermatitis. There's also evidence the therapy can help reduce pain and modestly speed up healing from recurrent cold sores. For interviews contact Emily Linnert at wagnerem@msu.edu

5. ==> Interview the Godfather of Sports Talk

When Muhammad Ali defeated George Foreman in the "Rumble in the Jungle," he didn't call the major networks first—he called Harold Bell. As the "Godfather of Sports Talk" and the creator of the original “Inside Sports” in 1972, Bell didn't just report on the icons, he was their confidant. From his foundational reel-to-reel interviews with Ali to his mentorship of modern media giants like James Brown (CBS Sports), Michael Wilbon (ESPN), and Dave Aldridge, Bell’s influence is the literal DNA of every sports talk show on the air today. His latest project is anchoring the Digital Wing™ grid on Radio Soul 100 FM in Las Vegas. "The format hasn't changed," Bell says, "just the technology. But the truth is still undisputed." Invite him on your show to talk about his long career, how sports talk has changed through the years and share behind-the-scenes stories. Contact Arthur B. Smith at asmith@radiosoul100fm.com

6. ==> Does Your Boss Pay Less Taxes Than You? Why the System Favors Owners Over Employees

Your tax return may be filed, but the frustration lingers. If your audience is wondering why they owed so much (or got so little back), franchise consultant and “Wall Street Journal” bestselling author Greg Mohr has a pointed answer: the tax system isn't designed equally for everyone. W-2 earners typically have far fewer options to reduce taxable income than business owners do, and most people never realize it until after they've already paid. On your show, Greg will explain how business ownership changes the tax equation, why more professionals are reconsidering how they earn, and what the rules of the game actually look like for those who know how to play them. He'll also cut through common misconceptions about franchising, including who it's right for and who should steer clear. With tax pressure still fresh and economic uncertainty ongoing, this is the conversation your audience didn't know they needed. Contact Greg Mohr at (361) 204-5470; gmohr@rtirguests.com

Money topics are hotter than ever right now. Look for a special RTIR Money Matters issue in your mailbox this Friday, April 17th. Our featured experts will unpack the hidden wealth drains most people never catch, the Medicare mistakes that cost retirees thousands, and the counterintuitive ways that earning more can quietly increase financial pressure.

7. ==> For 250th Anniversary: The Story of the American Revolution

As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, historian Robert G. Parkinson offers a strikingly different way to understand America’s founding document. Most Americans think of the Declaration through its famous preamble, “all men are created equal,” “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” But those lines were not the main event for the people who wrote the document. What mattered most to the patriots in 1776 were the 27 grievances against King George III that make up the bulk of the Declaration and explain why the colonies believed independence had become unavoidable. Ask Parkinson: Why did the colonies declare independence when they did? What were their nonnegotiable demands? And which individuals and events convinced them that reconciliation with Britain was impossible? The stories behind those charges explain the political tensions, fears, and conflicts of the Revolutionary moment and show how the issues that alarmed colonists in 1776, including questions about executive power, civil authority, and the rule of law, still resonate today. Patterson’s new book is “Tyrants and Rogues: Understanding the Declaration of Independence.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705

8. ==> 47% of Women Experience Abuse — Why Few Ever Say a Word

Behind closed doors, abuse thrives in silence — and far more women experience it than most realize. Kit Filbey pulls back the curtain on the hidden reality of domestic abuse, revealing why so many women never speak up. Through a deeply personal story set in the remote Northwoods of Wisconsin, Kit captures the confusion, denial, and emotional complexity that keep victims trapped. Her journey from self-sufficient homesteading to recognizing and escaping abuse offers rare insight into the psychology of silence. Kit’s story gives voice to millions, helping readers to see the signs, confront uncomfortable truths, and start conversations that could save lives. She is the author of the memoir “Cottage Test.” Contact Kit Filbey at (540) 501-7189; kfilbey@rtirguests.com

9. ==> Bad at Math? This Guest Says You Were Just Taught Wrong

Craig Hane spent decades teaching math, and he's identified why capable adults remain stuck in lower-paying jobs: childhood math trauma. He says thousands of high-tech positions go unfilled while qualified candidates avoid applying because job descriptions mention quantitative skills.
Hane can explain how adults can break free from math anxiety using his SPIKE methodology. He'll reveal which math skills actually matter for career advancement and how his six-tier online program helps adults master practical concepts in weeks. Listeners will learn they're not "bad at math” they were just taught wrong. Craig Hane is the author of "How & Why Public School Math is Destroying the USA." Contact him at (812) 408-8047; chane@rtirguests.com

10. ==> Shop Your Closet, Save Money and Look Amazing

Everyone wants to look good, but being stylish can be expensive! Fashion expert Gayla Bentley shows your audience how to avoid unnecessary spending by “shopping your own closet” before hitting the stores. She explains how to uncover forgotten pieces, build fresh outfits from existing staples, and use simple tailoring or accessories to elevate looks without buying anything new. Bentley also reveals the emotional traps that push people toward impulse fashion purchases — and how a strategic closet edit can restore confidence while protecting your budget. Gayla Bentley is a renowned style strategist and advocate for smart, sustainable wardrobe planning. Contact her at (936) 261-7713; gbentley@rtirguests.com

11. ==> What an Ancient Hawaiian Healing Practice Can Teach Us About Modern Forgiveness

Most of us think forgiveness means turning the other cheek, something that requires approval, forgetting, and making yourself passive. But what if it's really about reclaiming your power? Taj Simrit spent 20 years backpacking across the globe, and the last eight years traveling solo full-time, immersing himself in spiritual traditions across cultures, searching for purpose. Through Ho'oponopono, the ancient Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and healing, Simrit uncovered four simple principles that can dissolve resentment, restore inner peace, break addictions, tame the ego, and ultimately shape your destiny. Taj Simrit is the author of the Amazon bestseller “Behold My Soul.” Contact him at tsimrit@rtirguests.com

12. ==> The Reason You’re Stuck Has Nothing to Do with Willpower

If willpower were enough, you'd already be free from negativity in your life. “What keeps people stuck isn’t a lack of motivation, it’s the nervous system holding unresolved survival responses from the past,” according to Lisa Morgan. “Real change happens when we work with the body, not against it.” Lisa’s world fell apart when panic and anxiety brought her to her knees. This became the foundation of her life’s work. Lisa is a master coach, intuitive guide, and soul-level healer who helps people break free from hidden blocks and rediscover who they truly are. Through her signature framework, Free Your Soul to Soar™, she bridges neuroscience and energy psychology to help people transform to reclaim their joy, worth, and wings. Contact Lisa Morgan at (314) 265-3491; lmorgan@rtirguests.com

13. ==> How to Balance Self-Improvement With Self-Acceptance

Millions of people are on a perpetual search for a new and better version of themselves, meantime research shows that perfectionism and self-criticism are rising and fueling burnout and anxiety, instead of change. Leadership coach and TEDx speaker Barbara Stone says the problem isn’t motivation, it’s identity. After 25 years hiding her alopecia under a wig and her voice behind corporate success, Barbara took the wig off onstage and discovered a surprising truth: real growth begins when we stop trying to fix ourselves. In this segment, she’ll share what shedding perfection taught her about self-worth and authenticity, and why flaws, not upgrades, are often the key to confidence. Whether your audience is hiding a condition, insecurity, or impossible expectations, Barbara offers practical ways they can stop performing and start living more honestly. Ask her: Can trying to “improve yourself” actually make you less confident? What did losing your hair teach you that success never did? Contact Barbara Stone at (315) 840-2845; bstone@rtirguests.com

14. ==> From Mormonism to Addiction and Self-Discovery: This Author Shares Her Wild Road to Redemption

What happens when a devout Mormon mother of five dares to question everything she’s ever known? Meet Susie Bell—a nurse practitioner who went from being excommunicated from the Mormon Church, a heart-wrenching divorce, and single motherhood in Las Vegas to self-made success. With honesty and grit, Susie recounts her journey through addiction recovery, being drugged and raped by a famous athlete who relentlessly harassed her, and even a surreal moment in the hospital room with the body of Tupac Shakur following his murder. Her story is not just about leaving religion—it’s about reclaiming power and purpose. She is the author of the memoir "A Piece of Me: Finding My Voice After Mormonism, Marriage, Medicine and Men." Contact Susie Bell at (213) 816-3622; sbell@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Stars, Cards & Stones: Unlock Your Intuition with Ancient Tools

Discover an untapped path to transform your life with Kooch Daniels, a renowned intuitive professional and author of “Stars, Cards, and Stones: Exploring Cosmic Connections Between Astrology, Tarot, and Runestones.” With over four decades of intuitive experience, Kooch can teach you to tap into ancient mystical tools to help you trust your intuition, manifest success and unlock your potential. Not only will Kooch reveal how the mystical can supercharge your goals, but she’ll also offer on-air intuitive readings—providing live insights into how these cosmic forces shape your life. With tens of thousands of successful readings under her belt, Kooch’s unique blend of practical wisdom and psychic ability sets the stage for an unforgettable experience that can help your audience unlock their best selves. Contact Kooch at kdaniels@rtirguests.com; (707) 878-5039