7/17/2025 RTIR Newsletter: White House Trolling, Historic Hollywood Props and Would Jesus be Welcome in Today’s Church?



01. The Problem With Taking Migrants to Third Countries
02. The Rise of Toxic Online Politics
03. How to Protect Yourself From Wildfire Smoke
04. Charity Helps Women Suffering Horrific Childbirth Injury
05. Want to Buy Harrison Ford’s “Raiders of the Lost Ark” Whip?
06. Former Diplomat Reveals Five Ways to Be a Peacebuilder
07. Would Jesus Be Welcome in Today’s Church?
08. This Priest Helps People Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Healing
09. A Bold Plan to Train 700 Million Entrepreneurs. Could it Work?
10. How to Accomplish the Impossible on a Regular Basis
11. Beyond the 9-to-5: How to Craft a Life of Purpose and Passion
12. High Achiever, Low Confidence? Why It’s More Common Than You Think
13. 10 Keys to Raise Confident Kids Ready for the Future
14. Where Was Jesus Before He Was Born? The Bible’s Best Kept Secret
15. Create Positive Life Changes Using Astrology and Tarot


1. ==> The Problem With Taking Migrants to Third Countries

The Trump administration deported five migrants from Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, Cuba and Yemen to the small Southern African nation of Eswatini on Tuesday, continuing “third country deportations” after the Supreme Court allowed the administration to maintain the practice last month. Human rights experts are sounding the alarm at the implications of the decision that allows migrants to be taken to countries known for human rights violations. Mark Hetfield, president of HIAS, a global Jewish nonprofit refugee protection organization, can discuss the issue including the U.S.’ evasive and overnight efforts to remove individuals to El Salvador, Libya, and South Sudan without sufficient notice or a realistic opportunity to contest their removals. He’ll also reveal how, with little regard for the rule of law or court orders, the administration continues to sacrifice the safety and due process of individuals — many seeking humanitarian protection in the U.S. — for expediency and political gain. For interviews contact HIAS at media@hias.org

2. ==> The Rise of Toxic Online Politics

If you want to know where Republican politics is heading, Nathan Taylor Pemberton suggests you look at the memes. Since the Trump administration assumed power, Pemberton says the official White House social media accounts have taken on a sinister style of posting. From a highlight reel of ICE arrests set to “Ice Ice Baby” to an A.S.M.R.-style video featuring people in shackles boarding a deportation flight, Pemberton says the posts signal a new kind of political style enveloping conservatism—one that is ruthless, inflammatory and designed for maximum viral reach. “This faction is emerging as one of the most influential forces in the party. These radicalized conservatives, some of whom are working as junior staff members and political operatives across the GOP, are showing us the future of conservatism, one demented post at a time,” he says. He can discuss the new form of political propaganda, the ecosystem guiding the new right, and the key ingredient to it all. Nathan Taylor Pemberton writes about extremism and American politics. Contact him at Nathan Taylor Pemberton at pemberton.n@gmail.com; @nathanpemberton

3. ==> How to Protect Yourself From Wildfire Smoke

Wildfires have become a part of modern life. Compared with two or three decades ago, today’s wildfires are more frequent, more intense and burn longer. And they’re not confined to the West Coast. That means more people are being exposed to wildfire pollution. “The problem is that many people don’t even realize the danger they are facing, according to Reza Ronaghi, MD, a UCLA Health pulmonologist who also practices interventional pulmonology. “Wildfire smoke contains dangerous levels of micromillimeter-sized particles that can’t always be smelled or seen,” he says. “Just watching for smoke or smelling the air is not a good indication of whether or not these particles are present and affecting you.” Learn how to keep an eye on air quality reports, what gear will keep you protected and what’s a waste of money, and ways to keep indoor air clean. Contact Enrique Rivero at (310) 267-7120; erivero@mednet.ucla.edu

4. ==> Charity Helps Women Suffering Horrific Childbirth Injury

Imagine giving birth and suffering a devastating injury - obstetric fistula - one that leaves you incontinent, ostracized, and without hope. Now imagine that a simple surgery could give you your life back. Kate Grant is CEO of a global nonprofit that provides life-transforming surgeries to women in need. Invite Grant to shed light on the global crisis affecting over a million women in rural Africa and Asia and share personal stories of those impacted by the disorder. She’ll also share her extraordinary journey from Madison Avenue to leading the Fistula Foundation and building it into one of the world’s largest charities, providing surgeries completely funded by private donations. To date, the foundation has provided more than 100,000 life-transforming surgeries to women in need. Proceeds from her memoir, “No Woman Left Behind: A Journey of Hope to Heal Every Woman Injured in Childbirth,” will fund free surgeries through the foundation’s ‘Love a Sister’ program. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbpr.biz or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705

5. ==> Want to Buy Harrison Ford’s “Raiders of the Lost Ark” Whip?

Fans of Hollywood memorabilia listen up! Props, costumes and production models from some of the most beloved franchises in film and television history are now up for grabs. Ken Goldin of Goldin auction house says the standout highlight is a whip used by Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones during the truck-dragging sequence in “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” “Star Wars” fans will be interested in a Stormtrooper helmet from “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” the instantly recognizable armor worn by the Empire’s frontline soldiers and the opportunity to own Mark Hamill’s Luke Skywalker lightsaber hilt from “The Mandalorian.” There’s also something for Harry Potter and Marvel fans, as well as a piece of superhero history with George Reeves’ three-piece Superman ensemble from “The Adventures of Superman” series from the 1950s. The auction runs through August 6th. Ken Goldin stars on the hit Netflix series “King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch.” His company, Goldin, is a globally recognized leader in trading cards, collectibles, and memorabilia. Contact Harlan Boll at (323) 708-4172; harlan@bhbpr.com

6. ==> Former Diplomat Reveals Five Ways to Be a Peacebuilder

Tired of outrage, division, and endless political finger-pointing? Danielle Reiff is a former U.S. diplomat who helped advance peace and democracy around the world in places like the Republic of Georgia, Sri Lanka, and Uganda. Now she’s bringing those same skills to the challenges facing America. Invite Reiff on your show to learn five ways everyday Americans can build peace in their own communities—no protests or politicians required. Drawing from her real-world experience and her Peacebuilders initiative, she’ll explore how shifting from a zero-sum worldview to one of dialogue, collaboration, and unity in diversity can help us heal our fractured society. This is a hopeful, practical conversation about what real peacebuilding looks like—right here at home. Ask her: Why do you say peacebuilding must go “beyond protest”? What does it look like to become a peacebuilder in a divided neighborhood or workplace? Do you think peace is even possible given how divided we are? Contact Danielle Reiff at (202) 499-7256; dreiff@rtirguests.com

7. ==> Would Jesus Be Welcome in Today’s Church?

Rick Patterson doesn’t think so—and he’s not afraid to say why. In his new book “The Matthew Challenge,” this former evangelical pastor and father of four invites audiences to reexamine how Christ challenged the church of his day to radical inclusivity, justice-oriented action for the "least of these" and generosity over power. Patterson pulls no punches when it comes to how American faith has been politicized, weaponized and distorted, often at the expense of the very people Jesus prioritized. Rick is a bold, thought-provoking guest. He’ll leave audiences asking better questions, not just echoing louder answers. Ask him: Why do you say the modern church wouldn’t recognize Jesus today? What does it look like to live out the radical message of Matthew in a divided America? Ideal for faith, culture or politics segments that want more than the usual hot takes, Rick brings both heat and healing. Contact Rick Patterson at (517) 300-2706; rpatterson@rtirguests.com


8. ==> This Priest Helps People Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Healing

We all know “The Wizard of Oz” as a childhood classic, but Dominican priest Father Nathan Castle, O.P., says it’s also a spiritual roadmap for people recovering from loss, religious trauma or life upheaval. In his popular “And Toto Too” retreat, he guides people through Dorothy’s journey with fresh eyes, revealing how each character represents a part of ourselves that longs for healing. Ask him: Why do many people today relate more to the Wicked Witch than to Glinda, and what does that says about grief, identity and power? How does the Yellow Brick Road mirror our own path to wholeness, complete with fear, courage and learning to trust love again? As “Wicked” draws new attention to Oz, Father Nathan offers a joyful, soul-centered perspective your audience won’t expect. Father Nathan is also the author of “Afterlife, Interrupted” and host of The Joyful Friar podcast. Contact him at (480) 680-9985 | ncastle@rtirguests.com

9. ==> A Bold Plan to Train 700 Million Entrepreneurs. Could it Work?

David Selley isn’t your typical 87-year-old. He’s a globe-trotting entrepreneur, married for 65 years, and now launching a Guinness World Record attempt—to become the oldest author to publish the most books in a single year. But behind the bold headlines is an even bolder mission: to train 700 million entrepreneurs around the world, many of whom have been overlooked by traditional education systems. That’s not to say Selley is anti-education. Inspired by the late Sir Ken Robinson, he believes in learning—but questions whether everyone needs a B.A., M.A., or Ph.D. Drawing from decades of experience across three countries, three careers, and a lifetime of business success, Selley shares how our creativity—so vivid in childhood—often gets stifled by rigid systems that reward conformity over innovation. Ask him: What inspired your goal to train 700 million entrepreneurs—and why do you think it’s possible? How did your own daughter’s creativity spark a lifelong concern about how schools shape us? Contact David Selley at (808) 229-3985; Dselley@rtirguests.com

10. ==> How to Accomplish the Impossible on a Regular Basis

What do Andy Kaufman, Jim Carrey, and thousands of successful entrepreneurs have in common? According to media mogul Al Parinello, they all understood one thing: success rarely follows the rules. A seasoned Broadway and film producer, radio station owner, and host of over 3,000 interviews on success, Parinello has spent decades uncovering what separates the truly extraordinary from the merely capable. Parinello distills hard-won lessons into bold, counterintuitive strategies anyone can use to break through limitations. Invite him on your show to share the mindset and methods that helped him take on seemingly impossible goals—from producing legendary comedy acts to launching major media projects—and win. If your audience is stuck, stalled, or ready for more, Parinello delivers the insights they need to make the leap. Ask him: What’s the biggest myth most people believe about success—and how is it holding them back? You knew Andy Kaufman personally—what was he really like off stage, and how did that relationship shape your views on success and originality? Al Parinello is the author of “Uncommon Success—How to Accomplish the Impossible on a Regular Basis!” Contact him at (973) 390-9583; aparinello@rtirguests.com

11. ==> Beyond the 9-to-5: How to Craft a Life of Purpose and Passion

Stuck in a job that drains you? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to stay there. Greg Mohr, “Wall Street Journal” bestselling author of “Real Freedom,” walked away from the corporate grind and never looked back. Today, he helps others do the same by guiding them into franchise ownership that aligns with their strengths, values, and long-term goals. Mohr has already helped more than 250 people launch over 500 franchise locations—and he’s just getting started. His message? You don’t need a million-dollar idea to build a fulfilling life; you need the right model, mindset, and mentor. In interviews, Mohr shares how to identify the right business for you, how to escape the “golden handcuffs” of corporate life, and why the freedom you’re craving might be more attainable than you think. Contact Greg Mohr: (361) 204-5470; gmohr@rtirguests.com

12. ==> High Achiever, Low Confidence? Why It’s More Common Than You Think

Many successful adults are quietly plagued by feelings of inadequacy. Despite impressive résumés and outward accomplishments, they often battle self-limiting beliefs and an internal voice that says, “I’m not good enough.” On your show, Mike Sealy will unpack this common but misunderstood disconnect—why confidence often lags behind achievement, and what to do about it. Drawing from personal insight and years of mindset coaching, Sealy will help your audience understand how a growth mindset can reverse deep-seated patterns of self-doubt. He’ll share the hidden signs of imposter syndrome, the long-term effects of performance-based validation, and how to build authentic self-worth—not just a longer to-do list. It’s an empowering conversation for anyone who’s ever looked successful on the outside but still felt stuck on the inside. Contact Mike Sealy at msealy@rtirguests.com

13. ==> 10 Keys to Raise Confident Kids Ready for the Future

In an age of AI, social media, and constant change, today’s kids face a future unlike anything their parents knew. That’s why George Lee, author of SMART Parenting 5.0, created a bold, research-backed roadmap for raising resilient, emotionally intelligent, and future-ready children. Drawing from neuroscience, education, and tech trends, Lee outlines 10 essential keys—from critical thinking and creativity to self-regulation and financial literacy—that every child needs to thrive in tomorrow’s world. His approach is practical, inclusive, and designed for both Eastern and Western cultural contexts. In interviews, Lee breaks down how parents can move beyond outdated models and instead equip their kids with the mindset and tools to lead with confidence in a world of uncertainty. Ask him: What’s the biggest parenting myth that holds kids back today? How do you prepare kids for a future shaped by AI and automation? Contact George Lee at (604) 330-8697; glee@rtirguests.com

14. ==> Where Was Jesus Before He Was Born? The Bible’s Best Kept Secret

Did you know Jesus was active long before His birth in Bethlehem? In the new book, “Before I Was Jesus,” Gerald Robison reveals the surprising truth about Jesus' role throughout the Bible—before the manger and the cross. Gerald explores 25 hidden identities of Jesus found in the Old Testament, showing how he was active in God’s plan long before he was born, challenging the common assumption that Jesus' work began at his birth. Gerald will explain how Jesus was involved in creation and his ongoing presence in history, offering your audience a fresh perspective they’ve likely never considered. Contact Gerald at Grobison@rtirguests.com; (904) 867-2449

15. ==> Create Positive Life Changes Using Astrology and Tarot

What if the answers to life’s biggest decisions were already written in the stars? In this engaging interview, intuitive professional Kooch Daniels will share how the ancient practices of astrology and Tarot can be powerful tools for tapping into those answers and creating positive change. With nearly a third of Americans consulting their horoscopes regularly, it’s clear many look to the stars for guidance. In this segment, Kooch, who focuses on positivity and finding joy, will demonstrate how these ancient practices can be used to improve relationships, careers and personal growth. Whether your audience is filled with skeptics or believers, Kooch offers practical, actionable insights that can be easily applied to everyday decisions by anyone looking to find their personal pathway to success. Ask her: Many people see Tarot as just for fun, but how can it actually guide real-life decisions? Astrology is often dismissed by skeptics—what are they missing about its value in daily life? Kooch Daniels is the author of “Stars, Cards, and Stones.” Contact her at kdaniels@rtirguests.com; (707) 878-5039