01. U.S. is Cohosting World Cup But Much of World Can’t Attend
02. What the Media Isn’t Telling Americans About Voter Fraud
03. Democracy Isn’t Broken, it’s Behind the Times
04. Ask This Catholic Priest: Can Souls Get Stuck on Earth?
05. How Did Preserving Nature Become Political?
06. The Fleas Are Coming! The Fleas Are Coming!
07. How Global Uncertainty Is Driving Economic Anxiety
08. Spring Job Market: What Savvy Employees Are Doing
09. Spring Health Detox: What to Cut First
10. Can’t Put Your Phone Down? How to Reclaim Your Attention
11. What an Ancient Hawaiian Healing Practice Can Teach Us About Modern Forgiveness
12. Love Is in the Air: Tips for Dating After 50
13. Is Your Body Asking for Change This Season?
14. The Lifestyle Choices Quietly Undermining Fertility
15.The Biggest Myths About Healing
1. ==> U.S. is Cohosting World Cup But Much of World Can’t Attend
The 2026 men’s World Cup officially kicks off in June, with players from a record forty-eight national teams facing off in the first tournament hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. But with geopolitical tensions surrounding many U.S. policies showing no signs of letting up, onlookers are questioning how this summer’s tournament—which is expected to attract more than one million international visitors—will actually play out. CFR immigration expert Ted Alden says Donald Trump’s most recent decree in January halts immigrant visa processing for seventy-five countries including four with teams in the tourney. “That shouldn’t stop fans from those countries from getting tourist visas,” Alden explains, “but you can certainly expect that anybody coming from those countries is going to face an extra level of scrutiny.” High costs, intense application processes, and bans aside, Alden suggests another barrier could be psychological: “Are people going to be scared to enter the United States?” Alden can discuss what role ICE agents could play if deployed and who is calling for a boycott of the games and whether that is likely to happen. Edward (Ted) Alden is senior fellow at the Council on Fore¬¬¬ign Relations (CFR), specializing in U.S. economic competitiveness, trade, and immigration policy. His latest book is “When the World Closed Its Doors: The Covid-19 Tragedy and the Future of Borders,” co-authored with Laurie Trautman. Contact him at (202) 509-8474; ealden@cfr.org
2. ==> What the Media Isn’t Telling Americans About Voter Fraud
President Donald Trump has been calling voter fraud his top issue and claims that a majority of Americans support the SAVE Act, a wide-ranging set of policies that would make it harder for millions of people to vote. FAIR media analyst Julie Hollar argues that many mainstream media outlets have failed to properly cover the dangers of the SAVE Act or to debunk Republicans’ false claims about voter fraud. “The public is ill informed because of the years-long campaign by Donald Trump to misinform people about voter fraud. The SAVE Act is just the latest piece of that campaign.” The SAVE Act is likely not going to get through Congress. But Hollar emphasizes that it will “no doubt accomplish its goal to sow further doubt about elections and make it seem like Democrats are trying to commit fraud. Some of the damage is already done––and that’s from irresponsible media coverage that isn’t making clear to people what the Act actually does.” Since 1986, the national watchdog group Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting (FAIR) has been monitoring the media for inaccuracy, bias, and censorship. Julie Hollar is FAIR’s senior analyst and managing editor. Contact her at jhollar@fair.org
3. ==> Democracy Isn’t Broken, it’s Behind the Times
At a time when trust is falling, elections are under pressure, and institutions are struggling to perform, a new book argues that democracy isn’t broken. It just hasn’t kept up with the times. Government tech expert Northeastern University professor Beth Simone Noveck believes artificial intelligence help can rebuild democracy. She argues that AI can serve as a new operating system for government, transforming it from a slow, reactive bureaucracy into a real-time, adaptive system. Drawing on decades of experience in the White House, 10 Downing Street, and state government, Noveck takes listeners inside real-world examples already working today. Hear how AI is helping to detect and counter disinformation in elections and how it can equip policymakers with real-time intelligence, as seen in New Jersey, where AI has been used to analyze thousands of public comments on environmental policy, turning public feedback into clear insights that shape decisions. Beth Simone Noveck is a professor and director of the Burnes Center for Social Change at Northeastern University. She leads The Governance Lab and InnovateUS, the fastest-growing AI learning community for public sector professionals. Previously, she served as Chief AI Strategist for the State of New Jersey and has worked in the White House and 10 Downing Street, advising governments around the world on technology and policy. Her latest book is “Reboot: AI and the Race to Save Democracy.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at
4. ==> Ask This Catholic Priest: Can Souls Get Stuck on Earth?
Christians are celebrating the promise of life after death this Easter, but can a soul get stuck here on earth after the body dies? For more than 25 years, Dominican priest Father Nathan Castle, O.P., has listened to stories from people who have died and come to him in dreams after accidents, violence, and suicide. On your show, he shares what these encounters reveal about shock after death, unfinished emotions, and why not everyone who dies suddenly gets “stuck.” With interest in near-death experiences and grief healing rising, Father Nathan offers counterintuitive insights that challenge fear-based views of the afterlife and highlight connection, compassion, and continuity. Listeners get a compelling conversation that blends spirituality, psychology, and real-life stories without preaching. Ask him: Do people who die suddenly know they’ve died? Can helping someone who’s died actually help the living heal? Father Nathan Castle is the author of “Afterlife, Interrupted” (Books 1-3) and host of The Joyful Friar podcast. Contact him at (480) 680-9985; ncastle@rtirguests.com
5. ==> How Did Preserving Nature Become Political?
The smell of spring’s first flowers blossoming, the sight of a tree-covered mountain, the sound of birdsong: These are things we all enjoy. So why does the preservation of nature sometimes seem like an issue that’s split down party lines? According to Benji Backer, it’s a matter of disconnection — or rather, disconnection from the outside world and hyper connection to the worlds within our devices. “We’ve become so digitally addicted, and we’ve allowed every issue to become a culture war issue, largely because of the algorithms and the news incentives,” he says, adding: “And the reality is the environment is more important than that.” Backer is the founder and CEO of Nature is Nonpartisan, a nonprofit on a mission “to rebuild a durable conservation movement for the 21st century,” he says. He’ll discuss the organization’s mission and how listeners can get involved. Benji Backer is also the founder of the American Conservation Coalition (ACC), which he launched during his freshman year of college, and the author of “The Conservative Environmentalist: Common Sense Solutions for a Sustainable Future.” Contact him at Media@natureisnonpartisan.org
6. ==> The Fleas Are Coming! The Fleas Are Coming!
It’s officially spring, and that means more time outdoors. As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, our furry friends become more exposed to fleas and ticks that can become intrusive and harmful if left untreated. Integrative veterinarian Carol Osbourne, DVM, has helpful advice and recommendations for holistic remedies that can keep pets safe. “Fleas love dogs and cats because they are simply easy targets,” says Dr. Carol. “Fleas only jump on dogs, cats, and people long enough to get a meal, then drop down to the ground and lay more eggs.” She’ll discuss herbal remedies to eliminate fleas, holistic homemade edible solutions to stop itching, non-toxic alternatives to OTC flea medication and how to get rid of fleas in your carpet! Carol Osborne, DVM, is a practicing integrative veterinarian and a nationally recognized leader, speaker, educator, and advocate in the field of functional medicine. She is the founder and director of the Chagrin Falls Veterinary Center and Pet Clinic and an Emmy-nominated television journalist. She is the author of several books including “Naturally Healthy Dogs” and “Naturally Healthy Cats.” Dr. Carol is also a regular contributor to several television shows and networks including “Fox & Friends,” “Today,” Discovery’s Animal Planet and “Good Day LA.” Contact Mackenzie August at (661) 255-8283; mackenzie@steveallenmedia.com
7. ==> How Global Uncertainty Is Driving Economic Anxiety
Global conflict, inflation headlines, shifting alliances, and nonstop market volatility are leaving Americans uneasy about their financial future. Economist Mitch Francis explains why today’s uncertainty feels different and why economic anxiety is becoming a defining stressor of 2026. He’ll discuss how fear-driven headlines influence spending, investing, and decision-making, often in ways that quietly undermine long-term stability. Francis also breaks down what actually matters amid the noise, helping listeners separate signal from panic and regain a sense of control. He’s a smart, grounded voice to help audiences process economic fear without political spin. Mitch Francis is an economist and systems strategist who studies how global forces, policy decisions, and human behavior shape financial outcomes. Contact him at (424) 380-4561; mfrancis@rtiguests.com
8. ==> Spring Job Market: What Savvy Employees Are Doing
Spring has historically been peak hiring season but in these uncertain times, companies are reassessing budgets, teams are restructuring and employees everywhere are quietly asking: Am I positioned to grow, or at risk of being replaced? Business transformation expert Shawn Fry says most workers are focusing on the wrong thing. Updating your résumé and working longer hours won’t make you indispensable. After leading change initiatives in 60+ facilities across 17 countries, Fry found that the employees who advance in uncertain markets aren’t the busiest, they’re the most strategically visible, cross-functional, and solution-oriented. On your show, he’ll explain why traditional goal setting often backfires in volatile markets, and what savvy employees are doing instead to stay promotable, valuable, and hard to replace. Contact Shawn Fry at (330) 422-4090; Sfry@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Spring Health Detox: What to Cut First
Spring has a way of inspiring a good detox, but before cutting sugar or starting a cleanse, what if the first habit to rethink is caffeine? More than two-thirds of American adults consume caffeine daily, often without considering whether they’re dependent on it. Health researcher and author Norbert Heuser, drawing from over 45 years of study and insights from his book “Coffee Addiction & Caffeinism,” says caffeine doesn’t truly create energy, it often masks withdrawal and disrupts the body’s natural balance. He explains how everyday caffeine use may contribute to anxiety, sleep problems, chronic fatigue, fertility challenges, and reduced gray brain matter while remaining culturally normalized. On your show, Norbert breaks down how caffeine dependency develops, what really happens during withdrawal, and how to reset your nervous system without sacrificing productivity. He also shares realistic strategies and satisfying alternatives for those ready to try a spring caffeine detox. Contact Norbert Heuser at (727) 261-2313; nheuser@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Can’t Put Your Phone Down? How to Reclaim Your Attention
Americans check their phones an average of 90+ times a day. Many admit they feel distracted, anxious, and mentally scattered, but can’t seem to stop scrolling. Author and consciousness teacher Mitra Manesh says this isn’t a willpower problem. It’s an attention crisis, and most of us don’t even realize how deeply it’s shaping our lives. On your show, Mitra explains how constant digital stimulation quietly trains the brain to live in “survival mode,” why even successful people struggle to focus, and how reclaiming attention can restore clarity, calm, and real choice. Drawing from her book “The Attentionist: New Choices for a New World,” she’ll share practical ways people can interrupt distraction patterns and begin leading their lives rather than reacting to them. Contact Mitra Manesh at (310) 807-3031; mmanesh@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. ==> Love Is in the Air: Tips for Dating After 50
For millions of single Americans over 50, Spring brings renewed hope for love. But dating later in life comes with risks many smart, successful women still overlook. Dr. Victoria Vaughn says experience doesn’t always protect against blind spots. In fact, loneliness, optimism, and the belief that “time is short” can make red flags easier to ignore. On-air, she reveals the warning signs mature singles often miss—from fast-forward romance and financial fog to charming manipulators who feel exciting but unstable. She explains why women (and men) sometimes settle after 50, how to spot emotional unavailability early, and why the biggest myth about love later in life may be the most damaging: that there’s only one soulmate. Blending humor with hard-earned insight from her memoir “Oh the Frogs I Kissed Before I Finally Found My Prince,” Dr. Vaughn offers practical, buyer-beware guidance for anyone navigating the dating world. Contact Dr. Victoria Vaughn at (512) 580-8531; vwiesen@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Is Your Body Asking for Change This Season?
Six in 10 U.S. adults live with chronic disease and many Spring health resets often focus on surface fixes. But what if lasting improvement requires looking beyond symptoms and asking what the body may be responding to beneath the surface? On this timely Spring show, Marcel Vögeli explores how long-term stress, suppressed conflict, and emotional overload can influence physical health, and why two people with the same diagnosis can heal at very different rates. After eight years of intensive autoimmune treatment that managed symptoms but didn’t restore his life, Marcel began examining deeper stress patterns in his own story. He has been hospital-free since 2012. Marcel Vögeli is spokesperson for The Key to Self-Liberation by the late Christiane Beerlandt. Contact Marcel Vögeli at Mvogeli@rtirguests.com
14. ==> The Lifestyle Choices Quietly Undermining Fertility
Fertility challenges are rising, and Dr. Marina Straszak-Suri says lifestyle factors are often overlooked. She explains how nutrition, stress, toxins, and daily habits affect reproductive health long before conception. Her insights help audiences understand fertility as a whole-body issue, not just a medical one. Dr. Marina is a fertility and women’s health expert focused on optimizing reproductive outcomes through lifestyle and preventative care. Contact her at (613) 800-9412; msuri@rtirguests.com
15. ==> The Biggest Myths About Healing
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
