01. What Is Project 2025 and Why Should You Care?
02. A Tool to Detect Deepfakes in the Age of AI
03. Tax Talk With This Banking Reform Expert
04. The Truth About College and Upward Mobility
05. Football and WW II: The Surprising Connection
06. Stress Awareness Month: Replace Your Triggers With Glimmers
07. America’s Squatting Crisis
08. Is Our Political System Broken Beyond Repair?
09. How to Extinguish Doubt
10. When to Worry About Snoring
11. How to Recognize Your Body’s Subtle Warning Signals
12. Can Pets Benefit From Alternative Medicine?
13. How to Raise Confident Kids in a Chaotic World
14. Why Every Student Deserves a Gifted Education
15. Could a Psychotherapist Hold the Key to Ending Religious Divisiveness?
1. ==> What Is Project 2025 and Why Should You Care?
Project 2025, a sweeping policy blueprint for the next Republican president, is a 920-page plan written by the Heritage Foundation and other right-wing groups. Wendy Via, president and cofounder of Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, says the plan currently has nearly 100 sponsors. “These groups put on a front: They’re highly educated, reasonable, highly religious, and are in it to protect people’s ability to worship as they wish. But when you go behind the curtain, you get racist and anti-LGBTQ, anti-woman, conspiracy theories.” Via can explain the plan’s environmental impacts through deregulation and why sponsors want to eliminate the endangered species list in favor of energy and industry. Via says, “People are not understanding how serious this thing is, and how many of the things they want to accomplish in the plan are already happening at the federal and state level. Regardless of who wins this November, it’s serious. Everyone should know.” The Global Project Against Hate and Extremism is an advocacy organization co-founded in 2020 by Via and Heidi Beirich, two former high-level Southern Poverty Law Center employees. The non-profit works to stop transnational hate and far-right extremism movements, particularly U.S.-based activity that is exported to other countries and across borders. Contact Wendy Via at wendy@globalextremism.org
2. ==> A Tool to Detect Deepfakes in the Age of AI
What happens when a hotly-contested political season meets up with artificial intelligence? How can the public—and the media—trust the information they’re getting? The group TrueMedia.org has created a deepfake detection tool that can analyze suspicious media and identify deepfakes over 90% of the time and is offering the technology to reporters, government officials, fact-checkers and nonprofits — from progressive to conservative and everyone in between. “Newsroom staff is dwindling, deadlines are tighter and the avalanche of fake social media assets is growing exponentially. This is not about supporting a specific candidate or agenda — it’s about providing reporters with a state-of-the-art deepfake detection tool,” says TrueMedia.org founder Dr. Oren Etzioni. The tool allows registered users to input links from TikTok, X, Mastodon, YouTube, Reddit, Instagram, Google Drive or Facebook to test for signs of media manipulation. Dr. Oren Etzioni is a professor emeritus at the University of Washington and was the founding chief executive officer at the Allen Institute for AI. TrueMedia.org is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization focused on fighting AI-based disinformation in political campaigns by identifying manipulated media. Contact Bryce Tom at btom@rubenstein.com
3. ==> Tax Talk With This Banking Reform Expert
As April 15 approaches and everyone is talking about the tax deadline, take a broader view of the subject with University of California, Irvine legal scholar and banking reform expert Mehrsa Baradaran. The author of the soon-to-be-released “The Quiet Coup,” can discuss banking reform, proposed tax plans, and how the legal system has produced market reform policies that have increased financial inequality. Tracing the largely unknown story of the transformation of financial law from the late 1960s to the present, Baradaran offers a new framework for understanding the changes in American life over the last five decades as well as our current challenges. Baradaran is an expert in banking law, financial inclusion, inequality, and the racial wealth gap. She is also a noted proponent of using postal banking to expand financial services to underserved communities. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 646-5188
4. ==> The Truth About College and Upward Mobility
Almost a decade ago, the American Talent Initiative was formed to persuade colleges with high graduation rates to diversify. The group just released its latest report, citing Baruch College in New York City as a model college for creating upward mobility. “There are very few colleges in the country like Baruch,” says Josh Wyner of the Aspen Institute, which helps run the American Talent Initiative. By both holding down tuition costs and creating clear pathways for students to earn degrees, Wyner says Baruch may be the most economically diverse among U.S. colleges with a graduation rate above 70%. While the report also found some worrisome trends, it points to several promising strategies for lifting diversity including reducing so-called merit aid, recruiting more transfers from community colleges, and helping students navigate the bureaucracy of higher education. Contact Tatiana Johnson at (202) 736-3538; Tatiana.Johnson@aspeninstitute
5. ==> Football and WW II: The Surprising Connection
Football season may be over but there are still great stories out there for football fans who miss the regular gridiron action. One of them has to do with the surprising importance of college football to the country during World War II and the lengths colleges went to preserve this American institution and keep morale high. West Point graduate, retired Army lieutenant colonel, and Vietnam veteran Rich Cacioppe gives your audience an in-depth look at college football in the crucial 1940s, as well as the unique cultural aspects that surrounded this tumultuous time. The author of “Black Knights and Fighting Irish” and an experienced media guest, Rich provides the answers to fascinating questions like: Why was the 1946 Army-Notre Dame game considered “The Game of the Century?” What was the shocking connection between Notre Dame and a 1951 cheating scandal at West Point? How does WWII’s impact on college football make today’s unprecedented Transfer Portal issue seem benign by comparison? Contact Rich Cacioppe at (239) 420-7460 or rcacioppe@rtirguests.com
6. ==> Stress Awareness Month: Replace Your Triggers With Glimmers
By now, we’ve all become very familiar with the term “trigger.” In discussions of emotional healing and mindfulness, it seems like we only focus on avoiding everything that could trigger us, so much that the idea of a healing journey has become a trigger within itself! Dravon James will share a more positive and active approach to mindfulness and mental health. A great guest for Stress Awareness Month in April, James can explain what a “glimmer” is (a term initially coined by licensed clinical social worker Deb Dana) and how to use these small moments when you need a reminder that you’re appreciated and cared for. “A glimmer can be as simple as keeping a voicemail from a loved one. The idea is to shift the focus towards actively engaging with elements of your life that can inspire joy, instead of waiting in fear for something to bring you down,” she says. Learn how to identify your glimmers, why you should keep a record of your happy moments, and how to flex your happiness muscle. Dravon James is the founder and director of Everyday Peace and the author of “Freedom Is Your Birthright” She hosts her own show on MindBodySpirit.fm, is a coach on the SiriusXM Road Dog Trucking Show, and is a working actress with a recurring role on HBO’s acclaimed series “The Wire.” Contact Mackenzie August at (661) 255-8283; mackenzie@steveallenmedia.com
7. ==> America’s Squatting Crisis
America is in the middle of a squatting epidemic. All around the country, incidents have surged as online listings and virtual estate agents make it easier for squatters to identify and enter unoccupied properties unchallenged. Homeowners then face months-long court battles to rid their homes of illegal occupants with some desperate families resorting to hiring vigilante “squatter hunters.” Forensic psychiatrist Carole Lieberman, M.D., M.P.H., warns that the growing problem will have violent implications. “Taking away a person’s home brings out their primal rage, worse than stealing a baby’s bottle!” she says. Invite Dr. Lieberman to talk about the reasons behind the growing crisis, the role politics plays, and how homeowners can protect themselves. Carole Lieberman has appeared on numerous radio and TV shows from “Oprah” to “Fox News.” She is a best-selling author and a columnist for “Inside the Criminal Mind” in Front Page Detectives. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; ryan@goldmanmccormick.com
8. ==> Is Our Political System Broken Beyond Repair?
It’s no secret that many people are unhappy about the rematch between President Biden and ex-President Trump. What is more, 75% of independents, 54% of Democrats, and 95% of Republicans believe America is headed in the wrong direction. What can we do about it? Find out by interviewing Rodger Friedman, author of “Erasing America: Broken Politics, Broken Country,” who has earned a reputation as The Equal Opportunity Critic, someone willing to tell the truth no matter whom it makes uncomfortable. “Erasing America” chronicles the dramatic increase in socialist policies coming out of both Washington, D.C., and blue states across the nation, spearheaded by politicians who care more about advancing themselves than about the American people. Friedman is a fiscally conservative financial professional and proud member of the Sons of the American Legion who sees America heading toward a one-party socialist future. The author of multiple books, he has extensive experience as a talk-show guest on a variety of topics. Contact Rodger Friedman at (813) 575-0862; eocritic@protonmail.com
9. ==> How to Extinguish Doubt
What’s holding you back from achieving the life you want? If your answer is that you don’t think you’re capable of doing it, you’re not alone. Self-doubt sabotages the best of intentions and stands in the way of the great relationships, careers, and successes you deserve. Psychologist and award-winning author Melody Krafft is here to help you banish doubt from your life and accomplish your dreams. Talk to Melody and find out how embedded doubt keeps you stuck in the moment, reliving the same day over and over again – and how you can break this cycle of doubt, anxiety, and fear to start living your best life now. She’ll also reveal techniques and tactics to rid yourself of everyday stress, why confidence and having a big ego are not the same thing, and much more. An experienced media guest and public speaker, Melody is the author of “Get Me Out of Here! What’s Beyond This Madness.” Contact her at (703) 951-4735; mkrafft@rtirguests.com
10. ==> When to Worry About Snoring
Snoring isn’t just annoying to your spouse or partner. It can be a sign of potentially serious health issues. “Snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea,” says longtime nurse Allen Daugherty. “It can lead to heart failure, high blood pressure, stroke, and other potentially life-threatening health issues.” Sleep apnea can also cause daytime drowsiness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowsy driving caused 91,000 crashes in 2017, resulting in 50,000 injuries and nearly 800 deaths. Allen can share the symptoms of sleep apnea, lifestyle changes that can help to control it, and the best treatment options. He has worked in the medical field for 50 years, first as a U.S. Air Force medic then as an RN and certified dialysis nurse. He is the author of “An Ounce of Prevention is Worth More Than You Can Imagine.” Contact Allen at (540) 712-8704; adaugherty@rtirguests.com
11. ==> How to Recognize Your Body’s Subtle Warning Signals
Do you carry painkillers in your handbag or keep them in a drawer at work or a medicine cabinet at home in case you develop a headache or backache? Do you take antihistamines to calm your allergy symptoms? Do you keep antacids handy to block the uncomfortable result of a not-so-ideal meal? According to naturopathic health practitioner Hester Ladewig, those are just a few examples of our bodies’ alarm system going off, but few are getting the message. “Regularly taking these drugs [and more] doesn’t get to the real cause of your discomfort. All they do is help you ignore the real problem and carry on despite the warning signals.” Invite Hester to deliver the messages your body wants you to hear instead of those delivered by the steady barrage of marketing material for over-the-counter products that mask what is going on. Ask her: What are some other signs that our body may be trying to get our attention with? What are some practical tips for heeding your alarm system? Hester is the author of “Strengthen Your Immune System and Boost Your Resistance to Disease” and the upcoming “12 Steps to Walk Away from Chronic Pain and Take Back Your Life.” Hester Ladewig has studied and practiced in South Africa, Germany, and Switzerland, where she was part of a team of physicians at the Paracelsus Klinik Lustmühle. Contact her at info@hesterladewig.com or through Whatsapp at +27716438191
12. ==> Can Pets Benefit From Alternative Medicine?
Veterinarians often treat animals with the same meds and treatments used on humans. Dr. Bill Ormston DVM, who incorporates holistic remedies into his practice, takes it one step further by adding chiropractic care. “It can treat everything from range of motion issues in senior pets to injury recovery, behavior issues caused by medical issues, and more,” he says. Dr. O can share how this works, and its many benefits for animals. He has been a vet for more than 36 years, has been adjusting animals for more than 26 years, and is a member of the elite Animal Chiropractic Hall of Fame. He is the author of “Yes! It’s Really a Thing: An Informative Guide to Animal Chiropractic.” Contact Dr. Bill Ormston at (469) 833-2378; bormston@rtirguests.com
13. ==> How to Raise Confident Kids in a Chaotic World
It’s not easy being a kid in the age of social media, facing bullying, the post-pandemic pressure to catch up in school, and other, unprecedented stressors. In fact, the American Psychological Association reports that suicide among teens and adolescents has doubled within the last decade. According to author Patricia Wilson, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to navigating the youth mental health crisis. “What children need is a sense of self-worth, and an appreciation of the gift of life,” she says. Patricia can share her experience of working with a suicidal 13-year-old girl, and some simple, yet powerful exercises that can help parents to raise confident kids. She has taught children from grades K-12 and counseled kids for more than 30 years. She is the author of numerous best-selling books including “My Magical Night Mare,” “I Am Amazing” and “When Grandma Giggled.” Contact Patricia Wilson at (778) 561-4603; pwilson@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Why Every Student Deserves a Gifted Education
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights estimates that 6% of public school students are enrolled in gifted and talented programs. But what about the other 94%? Prompted by a student’s question when he was a principal, Brian Butler was confronted with honoring his true beliefs about all students having gifts, which sparked these questions: Who decides which students are gifted? What happens to children who are excluded from these programs? And why can’t the practices associated with gifted education be accessible to all, not just a select few? When Brian examined the neuroscience of how children learn, numerous studies showed that children’s brains are remarkably adaptable. In fact, current research shows that all students can excel — if educators believe they can. Invite Brian to discuss how schools and educators can cultivate a growth mindset, eliminate the harmful effects of marginalizing labels, and create an environment where every student thrives. Brian Butler is a renowned educational consultant and author of “Every Student Deserves a Gifted Education.” recently chosen as a Foreword INDIES Awards Finalist. Contact him at (571) 733-0489, bkbutler497@gmail.com
15. ==> Could a Psychotherapist Hold the Key to Ending Religious Divisiveness?
What if we could stop every disagreement over religion, from fighting with your uncle at Thanksgiving to full-scale holy wars? Author and psychotherapist Joe Masterleo reveals the universal constant that not only encompasses all religions but also bridges the gap between spirituality and science. Until now, he says, the only “solution” we’ve found is to agree to disagree – a theory not everyone subscribes to, and one that only puts off arguments rather than ending them. Ask him: How can God be everywhere at once? Why do you say that heaven is real? What is the all-inclusive theory that unites nature and religion? Are dogs a reflection of God? A psychotherapist for over 50 years, Joe has worked with hundreds of people to help them reconcile their inner conflicts and contradictions along mental-spiritual lines. Joe’s commentaries have appeared in the “Syracuse Post Standard.” He is the author of ” The Ambient Christ: The Untold Story of God in Science, Scripture and Spirituality.” Contact Joe Masterleo at (315) 509-3740 or jmasterleo@rtirguests.com