01. What Happens When Data Centers Come to Town?
02. Priests for Peace Get Political
03. Medicare Fraud Alert: What You Need to Know Now
04. New Research Could Change How We Treat Trauma
05. Is AI Lightening Your Load or Frying Your Brain?
06. Iconic Moments in Broadcast History: Live Via Satellite
07. Not Your Usual Activist: He’s Leading an Advocacy Revolution
08. How Global Uncertainty Is Driving Economic Anxiety
09. $100 Billion a Year: What Crime Is Really Costing Taxpayers—and What Actually Works
10. Are You Addicted to Caffeine—and Don’t Even Know It?
11. Laugh More, Hurt Less: Chronic Pain Survival Tips
12. The First Step to Rewrite Your Story: Stop Saying Everything’s OK
13. Why Top Students Know the Bible, Even if They Aren’t Religious
14. A College Promise Led This Surgeon to a Remote Pacific Island
15. From Birthdays to Business Names: The Energy Behind Your Numbers
1. ==> What Happens When Data Centers Come to Town?
Data centers are expensive, unpopular – and could be a tipping point in the upcoming midterm elections. Technology companies are building data centers across the U.S at an unprecedented pace. But the strain they place on the physical environment – from energy to the environment to aesthetics – has ignited fierce opposition in many communities. Ben Green, a professor at the University of Michigan and author of the report “What Happens When Data Centers Come to Town?” highlights rising utility costs, water strain, grid volatility, and the mismatch between promised jobs and actual economic benefit. He says consumer electric bills have doubled in some areas near data centers and that companies often secure tax breaks while providing few jobs. He can discuss the environmental and economic impacts of data centers, the infrastructure strain and community level consequences. He’ll also share policy solutions, including model laws, like the German Energy Efficiency Act. Ben Ford is assistant professor of information at the University of Michigan. Contact him at bzgreen@umich.edu
2. ==> Priests for Peace Get Political
Italian priests took to the streets in Rome and other cities back in September under the banner Preti Contro il Genocidio (Priests Against Genocide). Since then, the movement has expanded and now includes more than 2,200 priests—among them, bishops and cardinals—in over 54 countries, including the United States. Fr. John Heagle, chair of Priests Against Genocide USA, recently issued a statement in support of Pope Leo’s calls for peace and his urging of citizens worldwide to contact their political leaders and congressmen to demand the end to escalating and unjust conflict. Heagle says, “Once again, the US Church finds itself at a ‘Catholic moment’-a graced opportunity to read the signs of the times, to listen, pray, and discern. By advocating for the oppressed and drawing on a foundation of Gospel nonviolence, this movement can become a prophetic voice in the ongoing struggle for human dignity and rights.” Heagle can discuss two critical measures before U.S. lawmakers that would block the sale of bombs and bulldozers to Israel, and the increasing number of grassroots Catholic laity, faith leaders, and peace activists who are voicing opposition to current U.S. policies. Fr. John Heagle is the author of “Justice Rising.” Contact him at johnlheagle@gmail.com
3. ==> Medicare Fraud Alert: What You Need to Know Now
Medicare fraud is surging nationwide, and more than 1.3 million Americans are now being issued new Medicare card numbers after their information was compromised. This fast-moving story has major implications for seniors and their families; many of whom may not even realize they’ve been affected. Medicare expert Toni King is sounding the alarm after seeing fraud firsthand, including over $9,000 in false medical claims tied to a single beneficiary. She explains how these scams are happening, why many victims don’t discover them until it’s too late, and what immediate steps people should take to protect themselves. On your show, Toni reveals how to spot red flags on Medicare statements, what to do if your number is compromised, and why even a small oversight can trigger major financial and healthcare consequences. She also shares simple, actionable steps listeners can take today to safeguard their coverage. Contact Toni King at (281) 677-3736 or tking@rtirguests.com
4. ==> New Research Could Change How We Treat Trauma
New research in neuroscience is challenging the widely held belief that trauma is stored in the body's cells. In a new paper, Steven Kotler, a leading researcher on flow and human performance, and Karl Friston, the most-cited neuroscientist in the world, argue that trauma is a brain loop - a frozen repeating, predictive loop in the brain. And they say that distinction changes everything about how trauma can be treated – because a loop can be broken. Current trauma therapy often includes body-based therapies like yoga and mindfulness to release stored trauma, in addition to talk therapy. But treatment for a repeating, predictive loop involves interrupting and retraining those patterns. Kotler will explain how peak performance states like flow can reset how the brain processes information. He says they are natural, drug-free and are already being used in veteran PTSD programs with documented results. Steven Kotler is the author of “We Are as Gods: A Survival Guide for the Age of Abundance.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office) (703) 400-1099 or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
5. ==> Is AI Lightening Your Load or Frying Your Brain?
Researchers at Boston Consulting Group and the University of California, Riverside coined the term "AI brain fry" to describe “mental fatigue that results from excessive use of, interaction with, and/or oversight of AI tools beyond one's cognitive capacity.” In other words, doing too much with A.I. Psychologist Stephanie Johnson says, “In regard to AI, it’s just like the smartphones, right? You think smartphones would make people smarter. It’s not happening. Actually, the reverse is happening, right, because we’re leaning too much into somebody else just giving a quick answer and we’re not actually masterfully learning the information.” Ask her: If a person is engaging AI or a highly stimulated environment for 10 to 12 hours, are they actually learning? What is your recommendation for people who use AI? Are there certain hours of the day when the brain is in a better position to handle stimulation? Stephanie Johnson, PsyD, MSCP, is a licensed clinical psychologist with more than 17 years of experience and serves as CEO and chief psychologist of Summit Psychological Services in California. Contact Ryan McCormick at Ryan@goldmanmccormick.com
6. ==> Iconic Moments in Broadcast History: Live Via Satellite
Before Netflix. Before YouTube. Before anyone could imagine watching the moon landing or the fall of the Berlin Wall on demand, someone had to get that signal there—live, flawlessly, the first time. Bob Patterson was at the center of it. A pioneer in satellite broadcasting, Patterson helped deliver some of history’s most-watched moments, including major MLB, NBA, and NHL broadcasts, the first satellite news distribution service, and the world’s first international HDTV satellite transmission. On your show, he can take audiences behind the scenes of the moon landing and several other high-stakes, live television moments—where one failure could impact millions—and explain how those early breakthroughs shaped today’s always-connected world. Drawing from his book “Iconic Moments in Broadcast History: Live Via Satellite,” Patterson answers the question few think to ask: How did we go from limited signals to global, real-time connection? He’s a timely guest for shows on media, technology, innovation, and behind-the-scenes storytelling. Contact Bob Patterson at (818) 210-4965; bpatterson@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Not Your Usual Activist: He’s Leading an Advocacy Revolution
For the past 40 years, Sam Daley-Harris has been quietly leading a revolution in how ordinary citizens engage with democracy. Daley-Harris teaches transformational advocacy as opposed to transactional advocacy, which might involve signing a petition or writing a check. Instead, his method trains you to step outside your box and do things like meeting with a member of Congress about an issue. As a result, you see yourself differently. That's the transformation! “I want to show people a way out of their cynicism and hopelessness and a path toward making a difference beyond their wildest dreams. I want people to see that they don't have to give up and how to find organizations that will really empower them and don't just leave them signing meaningless petitions.” Sam Daley-Harris founded the anti-poverty lobby RESULTS which has played a key advocacy role in reducing global child deaths by 66% over the last 40 years saving some 10 million lives a year. He is the author of “Reclaiming Our Democracy: Every Citizen's Guide to Transformational Advocacy.” Contact him at (202) 804-2504; Sdaley@rtirguests.com
8. ==> 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
9. ==> $100 Billion a Year: What Crime Is Really Costing Taxpayers—and What Actually Works
Crime isn’t just a public safety issue—it’s a major financial burden. In fact, it costs U.S. taxpayers an estimated $100 billion every year. Crime prevention consultant Stephanie Mann says most strategies focus on reacting after crimes occur rather than addressing the conditions that allow them to grow. Drawing from more than 40 years of experience, she explains why traditional enforcement-heavy approaches often fail to reduce long-term costs and what’s working instead. On your show, she’ll reveal how community-based strategies reduce crime, lower taxpayer expenses, and create safer neighborhoods without increasing budgets. She also explains why trust, local engagement, and prevention are more cost-effective than punishment alone. This is a practical, solutions-driven conversation that reframes crime as an economic issue and gives audiences a new way to think about where their tax dollars go. Contact Stephanie Mann at (925) 438-0716; smann@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Are You Addicted to Caffeine—and Don’t Even Know It?
More than two-thirds of American adults, and increasingly children and teenagers, consume caffeine every day, yet few consider it an addiction. Health researcher and author Norbert Heuser says caffeine isn’t just in coffee. It’s in soda, energy drinks, green, black, and white teas, and even an increasing number of snacks. And it’s quietly shaping our brains, moods, sleep, and long-term health. Drawing on more than 45 years of research and insights from his book “Coffee Addiction & Caffeinism,” Norbert challenges the belief that caffeine is harmless. He’ll explore how everyday use may contribute to anxiety, chronic fatigue, sleep disorders, fertility issues, reduced gray brain matter, cognitive decline, and even harm to the unborn, while also explaining why most people never question its impact. Norbert will reveal what science is starting to show, why caffeine dependence has become socially acceptable, how to recognize addiction, and practical ways to reduce its hidden effects—without sacrificing energy or performance. He also shares great-tasting, caffeine-free alternatives to coffee. Contact Norbert Heuser at (727) 261-2313; nheuser@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Laugh More, Hurt Less: Chronic Pain Survival Tips
We’ve all heard the adage, “Laughter is the best medicine.” Long-time chronic pain survivor Vita Oyler is living proof of that. When she was a young, highly athletic woman, she accidentally stepped on a rock, after which she developed reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), a severe malfunction of the nervous and immune systems. This led to decades of excruciating pain and, ultimately, the amputation of her foot and part of her leg. But she has managed to survive, and thrive, via incorporating humor into her healing journey. “Laughter releases the body’s natural painkillers known as endorphins,” she says. “Researchers have found that humor can increase tolerance to pain.” Vita is a rehabilitation counselor and doctoral candidate at San Diego State University. She is the author of “Got Pain? Now What?” Contact Vita Oyler at (209) 255-2962; Voyler@rtirguests.com
12. ==> The First Step to Rewrite Your Story: Stop Saying Everything’s OK
Most people want the world to believe they’re strong—that they can push through, hold it together, and smile, completely unfazed by the weight they carry. But the truth is far more human. Many are terrified, overwhelmed, and quietly collapsing on the inside. For most of her adult life, author Kat Perkins lived this way too. She would always say, “It’s all good.” But after losing her mother at nine, surviving foster care, and later facing breast cancer, things were anything but “all good.” One day, a friend told her, “You need to stop saying it’s all good. It’s not. And it’s okay to feel what you feel.” That moment something cracked open. Kat learned what no one teaches us: you cannot rewrite the meaning of your pain until you understand it—not avoid it, outrun it, or dress it up in strength. You have to face it. Drawing from her memoir, “Girls with Pearls Have Power,” Kat now teaches women how to turn setbacks into turning points, reclaim authorship of their stories, and rise with clarity and courage rather than fear or pretending. Contact Kat Perkins at (404) 800-3916; kperkins@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Why Top Students Know the Bible, Even if They Aren’t Religious
Top students often excel due to their understanding of cultural references, and a surprising factor behind their success is knowledge of the Bible. Studies show that students with a strong knowledge of biblical references tend to score higher on standardized tests. Research indicates these students score 10-15% higher on SAT Critical Reading and AP English Literature exams compared to peers without this knowledge. Tamara Berkman, a Texas State Certified Teacher, created the “Learn the Whole Bible ASAP” curriculum to help students quickly grasp the Bible’s storyline. In just 20 short lessons, students improve their understanding of literature, identify cultural references, and sharpen critical thinking skills— key elements for academic success. Berkman’s book, “Learn the Whole Bible ASAP,” offers a fast, effective way for students and families to understand the Bible’s story while boosting academic performance and cultural literacy. Contact Tamara Berkman at (830) 201-3160; tberkman@rtirguests.com
14. ==> A College Promise Led This Surgeon to a Remote Pacific Island
When told he'd never get into college after scoring a 7 on his ACT, Glen Robison didn't quit — he went to medical school without ever earning a bachelor's degree. But the moment that changed everything came when a Tongan friend helped him survive college academics, and Robison made a promise in return: one day, he'd go treat his people. Eleven years later, he kept it. What he found there — rare conditions, a boy whose limb he saved through improvised surgery — became the foundation of his book and his philosophy: when your desire is strong enough, step into the unknown anyway. Robison is a podiatric surgeon, 3x bestselling author, and the author of “Show Them: Stepping into the Unknown to Find the Answers.” Contact Glen Robison at (928) 351-0312; glrobison@rtirguests.com
15. ==> From Birthdays to Business Names: The Energy Behind Your Numbers
Most people would agree that we are in the midst of uncertain times, so is it really any wonder that so many are searching for ways to make sense of things? Ancient practices are getting a second look, including some surprising ones like numerology. Suzan Owens will explain how numbers that surround people in their everyday lives — from addresses and birthdays to business names — carry living energy that can influence success, relationships and overall well-being. A skilled numerologist, she’ll tell listeners how to work with these hidden numeric energies to influence their lives in positive ways. Whether you’re seeking advice about your career, relationships, or personal growth, Suzan will share a fresh perspective that can guide you toward your fullest potential. “Numerology helps us look beyond the surface, uncovering our deeper purpose and strengths,” Suzan explains. “It aligns us with who we truly are.” Suzan is the author of “Wisdom of Numerology.” Contact her at (509) 315-6515; Sowens@rtirguests.com
