6/11/2026 RTIR Newsletter: Social Security, FIFA at Work and When Faith and Aliens Collide

01. Social Security Isn’t Failing, the Economy is Failing Social Security
02. Ready to Lose $500 a Month?
03. FIFA Could Cost Employers Billions: What Smart Bosses Will Do
04. ‘Disclosure Day’ – When Aliens and Faith Collide
05. Ancient Father’s Day Advice
06. The Next “Dr. Ruth” Talks Love, Sex & Second Chances After 50
07. What Working With Hollywood Stars Taught Him About Fame & Fortune
08. Why So Many Women Are Discovering Fertility Issues Too Late
09. Political Insider Reveals What it’s Really Like to Run for Office
10. Is a Job the Only Path? What New Grads Should Consider
11. The Costly Medicare Mistake Millions Make & How to Avoid It
12. Your Ego Is Standing Between You and the Life You Want
13. AI Isn’t the Biggest Threat, Your Attention Is
14. When Faith Defies Fear: One Woman’s Miraculous Encounters with God
15. What if Before You Were Born, You Chose This Life?

1. ==> Social Security Is Not Failing. The Economy is Failing Social Security

The latest Social Security Trustees Report shows that Social Security will face insolvency in 2032, putting benefits at risk of a 22% cut. Stephen Nunez, director of stratification economics at the Roosevelt Institute says, “This does not mean that Social Security is failing. It means the economy is failing to support Social Security.” Nunez and other experts say the new report underscores the urgency of shoring up the program. “We need a radical reinvestment in the nation’s most reliable social insurance program. When you walk through how the program works and what it means for people who rely on it, it’s clear why.” Nunez says a common misconception is that insolvency would mean Social Security could no longer pay benefits. He says monthly checks would continue but the amount would be reduced. He’ll explain the funding crisis and what lawmakers can and can’t do to shore up the program. Stephen Nunez is an economic sociologist with almost 15 years of experience working in both the think tank and policy evaluation worlds. Contact Meredith MacKenzie de Silva at (202) 412-4270; media@rooseveltinstitute.org

2. ==> Ready to Lose $500 a Month?

According to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a fiscal policy think tank, beneficiaries could see their monthly Social Security benefit checks slashed by an average of about $500 if the program’s retirement trust fund becomes insolvent. Maya MacGuineas, the group’s president, says once insolvency occurs, the program cannot legally pay out more benefits than it has in revenues, triggering an automatic 24% cut for every retiree, widow and dependent survivor, regardless of need.” She says one in five Americans — 63 million altogether — would be impacted if Social Security became insolvent today. “More than 40% of seniors rely on Social Security for the majority of their income,” she says, adding that no state will be spared from the consequences of insolvency, but some, like New York, may be hit harder than most. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget is a nonpartisan, non-profit organization committed to educating the public on issues with significant fiscal policy impact. Contact Matt Klucher at klucher@crfb.org.

3. ==> FIFA Could Cost Employers Billions: What Smart Bosses Will Do

The FIFA World Cup kicks off today in 11 American cities. Get ready for 78 matches in the coming weeks including the tournament final at MetLife Stadium. It’s the first time the World Cup has been held in the U.S. in 32 years and fans are excited. But soccer's biggest stage will collide head-on with the American workday, and employers should expect a productivity hit measured in the billions of dollars. “The World Cup is a once-in-a-generation moment for American fans, and matches falling squarely inside U.S. working hours will show up in absenteeism, in network traffic, and in the long lunch that becomes a long afternoon,” says Andy Challenger, workplace expert and chief revenue officer for Challenger, Gray & Christmas. He says, “Smart employers won't try to fight it. They'll build it into the schedule. The companies that turn this into a team-building moment, like providing a watch party, flexible hours, or brackets, will protect morale and probably get more real productivity out of the day than they would have otherwise.” Challenger will discuss how big a hit FIFA host cities will take in lost work time and why this tournament will cause so much disruption. Challenger, Gray & Christmas is a global, outplacement and executive coaching firm. Contact Colleen Madden Blumenfeld at (312) 422-5074 (office); (314) 807-1568 (cell) or colleenmadden@challengergray.com

4. ==> ‘Disclosure Day’ – When Aliens and Faith Collide

Everyone’s excited about Steven Spielberg’s return to sci-fi with the blockbuster 'Disclosure Day' opening this weekend, but Derrick Warfel says spiritual leaders need to address the movie’s messages about creation and the existence of aliens. Spielberg says he believes aliens "have been here, and they are here” and his screenwriter, David Koepp, has said that religion is "an important part" of the film. According to Warfel, “Christians are going to need a north star next week, before culture defines the narrative for them. And most pastors aren't talking about this.” Warfel can also discuss reports that religious leaders have been briefed by U.S. intelligence, with real concern that upcoming government UFO/alien life disclosures are going to shake millions of Christians' faith to the core. Derrik Warfel is the author of “UFOs and God: Revealing Deception and Truth Behind the Supernatural, Invisible War.” A companion documentary film is set for release this fall. Warfel is a filmmaker (40 years in Hollywood) and a seminary-trained theologian. Contact Mark Breta at mark@jonesliterary.com

5. ==> Ancient Father’s Day Advice

As Father’s Day approaches, James Romm offers a different kind of gift. Not a guide to success, but a set of clear, direct lessons about how to live. Romm has collected short passages from ancient Greek plays that no longer exist. These passages were preserved by a fifth-century writer who collected them as advice for his son. They offer timeless wisdom and insights into love, luck, power, suffering, and the limits of human life and show how the ancient Greeks grappled with the same moral questions we face today. James Romm, PhD is the James H. Ottaway Jr. Professor of Classics at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York and the author of “Since You’re Mortal: Life Lessons from the Lost Greek Plays.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705

6. ==> The Next “Dr. Ruth” Talks Love, Sex & Second Chances After 50

More than 37 million single adults over 50 are reentering the dating world and discovering it’s nothing like they remember. Known as the next “Dr. Ruth,” Dr. Victoria Vaughn brings candid, humorous insight into love, sex, and starting over later in life. She’ll share lessons from her own dating journey: spotting red flags like financial instability and emotional un-availability, avoiding the pressure to “settle,” and why loneliness often leads smart people to relationship mistakes. Her stories resonate with men and women, including same-sex couples, offering a practical “buyer beware” guide to dating after 50. Ask her: Why do smart people ignore red flags after 50? Is it really possible to have more than one true love? Vaughn is the author of “Oh the Frogs I Kissed Before I Finally Found My Prince.” Contact her at (512) 585-1876; vvaughn@rtirguests.com

7. ==> What Working With Hollywood Stars Taught Him About Fame & Fortune

Everyone thinks they want fame and fortune — until they see what it ac¬tually looks like. Keith Ingersoll spent nearly a decade behind the scenes at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, working alongside the biggest names in film, television, and professional sports. What he witnessed up close was nothing like the glossy image sold to the public. Ingersoll will share candid, surprising, and sometimes sobering stories including his account of Elvis Presley’s personal Bible and what it reveals about the man behind the legend. He’ll offer listeners a rare insider’s perspective on what separates genuine fulfillment from the hollow pursuit of celebrity. Ask him: What’s the biggest misconception people have about fame and wealth? What was your most surprising encounter with a major celebrity at Caesars Palace? Keith Ingersoll is the author of “Fame and Fortune.” Contact him at (208) 812-5346; kingersoll@rtirguests.com

8. ==> Why So Many Women Are Discovering Fertility Issues Too Late

More women are waiting longer to start families, but many are shocked to learn their fertility may have declined years earlier. OB/GYN Dr. Marina Straszak-Suri says the problem isn’t just age, it’s a lack of awareness about the early signals the body provides. She’ll explain why many women don’t discover issues until they’re struggling to conceive, how modern lifestyles may quietly accelerate fertility decline, and why relying on IVF as a backup plan can be misleading. Drawing on more than 30 years in women’s health she shares what women and couples should be tracking now—long before they’re ready for pregnancy. She’ll reveal fertility warning signs women are missing in their 20s and 30s and explain why so many women overestimate what IVF can actually do. Dr. Marina Straszak-Suri is the author of “Optimize Your Fertility Naturally.” Contact her at (613) 800-9412; msuri@rtirguests.com

9. ==> Political Insider Reveals What it’s Really Like to Run for Office

Most people think running for office is about speeches, slogans, and shaking hands. Rob Curnock knows better. As a former TV political reporter, party leader, and unlikely congressional candidate, he’s seen the process from every angle. He pulls back the curtain on the physical exhaustion, emotional toll, family strain, and political hardball that define modern campaigns. After challenging and almost winning after running against an “unbeatable” incumbent, he discovered how power really works behind closed doors. “I experienced the often brutal realities of running for office—and learned how ordinary citizens can shake up the system,” he says. Rob is a long-time broadcast journalist and the author of “Dead Man Running.” Contact Rob Curnock at (254) 822-3741; rcurnock@rtirguests.com

10. ==> Is a Job the Only Path? What New Grads Should Consider

For decades, college graduates were told the formula for success was simple: earn a degree, land a job, climb the ladder. But with layoffs rising, AI reshaping industries, and many young professionals already questioning traditional career paths, franchise consultant and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Greg Mohr says graduates should pause before automatically sending out résumés. On your show, he’ll explain why entrepreneurship and business ownership are becoming more attractive to younger generations seeking flexibility, control, and long-term wealth-building opportunities. He’ll also break down the biggest misconceptions about franchising, why some grads are better suited for ownership than corporate life, and what questions families should ask before taking on years of career uncertainty or debt. Drawing from years helping professionals transition into franchise ownership, Mohr offers a practical, eye-opening conversation about rethinking success in today’s economy. Greg Mohr is the author of “Real Freedom.” Contact him at (361) 204-5470; gmohr@rtirguests.com

11. ==> The Costly Medicare Mistake Millions Make & How to Avoid It

Medicare decisions can have long-term financial consequences, yet many people don’t realize they’ve made a mistake until it’s too late to fix it. Medicare expert Toni King says one wrong enrollment decision can lead to higher premiums, coverage gaps, or penalties that follow people for years. On your show, she’ll explain the most common (and costly) Medicare mistakes, why so many people misunderstand their options, and what listeners can do now to avoid unnecessary expenses. She’ll also clarify confusing rules around enrollment timing, supplemental coverage, and plan selection—areas where even well-informed consumers get tripped up. With healthcare costs continuing to rise, this is a highly relevant, consumer-focused conversation that can help your audience make smarter choices and protect their financial future. Contact Toni King at (281) 677-3736; tking@rtirguests.com

12. ==> Your Ego Is Standing Between You and the Life You Want

Most people blame circumstances, timing, or other people for the life they haven’t built. Taj Simrit spent 20 years backpacking across the globe, immersing himself in spiritual traditions from Buddhism to Sikhism to Christianity, before discovering the real obstacle was always closer to home. Simrit will reveal how the ego operates as a silent saboteur, keeping people comfortable, small, and stuck. He’ll explain how humility, not confi-dence, is the true engine of mastery, and why the moment you stop needing to be right is the moment your life actually begins. Ask him: How does the ego disguise itself as ambition or self-protection? What’s the connection between humility and genuine success? Taj Simrit is the author of “Behold My Soul.” Contact him at tsimrit@rtirguests.com

13. ==> AI Isn’t the Biggest Threat, Your Attention Is

While much of the conversation focuses on artificial intelligence, a quieter force is already shaping how people think, decide, and live: where their attention goes. Author and UCLA-trained mindfulness teacher Mitra Manesh says constant digital stimulation trains the brain into distraction, reactivity, and “survival mode”, often without people realizing it. On your show, she’ll explain how this impacts decision-making, productivity, and overall well-being, and why reclaiming attention is one of the most important skills today. Drawing from her work in mindfulness and human behavior, she shares practical ways to interrupt distraction patterns and regain focus. This timely, thought-provoking segment reframes one of today’s biggest concerns and gives your audience tools they can use immediately. Mitra Manesh is a senior mindfulness educator and author who has spent decades teaching and guiding individuals and organizations in attention, consciousness, and personal transformation. Contact Mitra Manesh at (310) 807-3031; mmanesh@rtirguests.com

14. ==> When Faith Defies Fear: One Woman’s Miraculous Encounters with God

Nancy Frecka brings a unique perspective as both a pastor and someone who has experienced extraordinary events. She shares insights about hearing God’s voice and trusting divine guidance in everyday life. Her two near-death experiences, encounters with Jesus, and the way God brought clarity and healing through moments of deep childhood trauma speak powerfully to the reality of surrendering to God’s will. When she slipped into death—twice—she never imagined what awaited her. Floating above her lifeless body, she watched nurses scramble, unable to find a pulse. Then came the divine encounter with Jesus Himself. Nancy is a speaker, pastor, and the author of “God Says, You Can Trust Me: Supernatural Encounters with God.” Contact Nancy Frecka at (330) 422-6955; nfrecka@rtirguests.com

15. ==> What if Before You Were Born, You Chose This Life?

What if the life you’re living—including its struggles, its losses, and its ordinary moments—was chosen by you before you arrived? Doreen Mary Bray, who has worked between worlds for over 40 years as a naturopath and mystical guide, teaches that souls don’t stumble into human life. They long for it, wait for it, and select it with intention — choosing parents, place, and form for the privilege of embodiment. Bray will reveal what it means to live as a soul that chose this life, and why that single shift in understanding transforms everything. She’ll explore how souls navigate the journey toward incarnation and why being human is not a burden to transcend, but a gift of extraordinary rarity. For anyone who has ever felt that life is happening to them, Bray offers a radical reframe: you didn’t land here by accident. Doreen Mary Bray is the author of Drawing “The Angel and the Avatar.” Contact her at (438) 802-0280; Dbray@rtirguests.com