01. What Caused Spain’s Border Surge?
02. The Modern Prophecy Debate (and What Happens When it Enters Politics)
03. Crypto Bill Crafted by and for Crypto Billionaires
04. How to Avoid a Tick Bite
05. End-of-Life Conversations Every Parent Needs to Have
06. Biggest Mistakes When Caring for Aging Loved Ones
07. Planning a Last-Minute Summer Trip? Best US Travel Spots
08. How Americans Can Reclaim Our Democracy
09. Iconic Moments in Broadcast History: Live Via Satellite
10. Expert Shares Financial Tips for Gen Z
11. Why Your Brain Is Drowning in Notifications
12. Are You Addicted to Caffeine—and Don’t Even Know It?
13. The First Step to Rewrite Your Story
14. Why Top Students Know the Bible, Even if They Aren’t Religious
15. From Birthdays to Business Names: The Energy Behind Your Numbers
1. ==> What Caused Spain’s Border Surge?
Tens of thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta, an autonomous Spanish territory in North Africa, during a two-day surge last month. It created an unexpected crisis, overwhelming local authorities and infrastructure and came as a shock because migration to the EU is generally more of a trickle than a deluge. Migration expert Rita Fernández says there was no single cause, but a recent Spanish Supreme Court ruling could have played a part. She says misinformation about the situation spread rapidly online, prompting tens of thousands to make the journey. Many believed a rumor that those who reached the city would not be deported. “While Spanish authorities have also claimed that larger trafficking networks were involved, migrants on the ground told reporters that information on social media, not smugglers, mainly drove their decision to cross,” she says. Most of the migrants have returned to Africa but the situation in Ceuta was the first real test of the EU’s new Pact on Migration and Asylum, which is intended to move the bloc toward a more coordinated system for managing migration. Rita Fernandez is an expert on immigration policy at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), a nonpartisan, independent national membership organization, think-tank, educator, and publisher of “Foreign Affairs.” Contact the CFR media relations department at Communications@cfr.org
2. ==> The Modern Prophecy Debate (and What Happens When it Enters Politics)
Filmmaker Matthew Thayer spent years wrestling with a question — does God still speak through prophets, and if he does, how would we know? And are we listening? His new documentary, ‘Can You Hear Me Now?’ looks at the modern prophetic movement and attempts to address what happens when prophecy enters our elections and our politics. Whether your audience leans true believer or raised eyebrow, the film is relevant, as it includes one of the last sit-down interviews Charlie Kirk ever gave, recorded two weeks before he was assassinated in Utah. Other widely known personalities interviewed in the film include William Federer, Hank Kunneman, Kelly Shackelford and Johnny Enlow. Matt Thayer’s previous work includes the film ‘State of Denial,’ about the contentious 2022 elections in Arizona. ‘Can You Hear Me Now?’ premieres next month on SalemNOW. Contact Marianna Gibson at marianna@jonesliterary.com
3. ==> Crypto Bill Crafted by and for Crypto Billionaires
Once back from their August recess, Senators will vote on The Clarity Act, a bill to set a legal structure for most cryptocurrency activity in the United States. If passed, the legislation would mark a major victory for President Donald Trump and the cryptocurrency industry, while reshaping how digital assets are regulated by federal agencies. Patrick Woodall, managing director at Americans for Financial Reform, opposes the legislation saying it was created by and for crypto billionaires and will hurt average Americans. “The bill locks-in weak protections for people and the economy and greenlights Trump’s crypto corruption as well as the crypto industry’s endemic scams, illicit finance, and volatility.” He adds, “Even crypto-sympathetic Senators demanded tough, binding ethics rules to stop the president’s crypto corruption, but the pitiful provisions do essentially nothing to address the Trump family’s multibillion dollar crypto empire. The president has already given pardons to crypto criminals, folded enforcement cases, and weakened oversight of the widespread crypto ripoffs and market manipulation. Senators will face a stark choice: whether they will stand up for people or cast their vote to enrich the crypto oligarchs and the president.” Americans for Financial Reform is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization founded in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis to fight for a just economy and financial system that works for everyone. Contact Jarice Thompson at jarice@ourfinancialsecurity.org
4. ==> How to Avoid a Tick Bite
Ticks weren’t a big worry for most of the U.S. a few decades ago, but times have changed. Tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease have reached epidemic levels with tick populations surging and spreading into new regions. Invite wilderness medicine specialist Christopher Bazzoli, MD, of the Cleveland Clinic to share tips to stay safe. He’ll explain when and where ticks are active, what type of clothing will protect you best and which bug sprays are safe and effective against ticks. He also recommends checking pets if they’ve been outside when ticks are active. But Dr. Bazzoli says not all tick bites can cause illness, and nobody should stay locked up inside to avoid potential contact. “It’s physiologically important for us to spend time in nature, so we don’t want to discourage that,” he says. “What we do want to do is encourage exploring the outdoors in a safe and mindful manner.” Contact the Cleveland Clinic media relations team at newsroom@ccf.org; (216) 444-0141
5. ==> End-of-Life Conversations Every Parent Needs to Have
No parent wants to leave their children wondering, "Is this what Mom would have wanted?" or "Are we making the right decision?" Yet that's exactly what happens every day because families wait until a medical crisis to talk about end-of-life care. After more than a decade of research and more than 120 interviews with patients, caregivers, physicians, hospice and palliative care clinicians, funeral directors, and death doulas, Karen Lutfey Spencer, PhD, found that the families who navigate serious illness with the least conflict and regret aren't simply the ones with advance directives. They're the ones who had honest conversations long before anyone was hospitalized. The University of Colorado Denver medical sociologist will discuss the conversations every parent should have while they're still healthy, including: What does a good quality of life mean to you? What does a "good death" look like for you? Who do you trust to make healthcare decisions if you can't, and have you shared your wishes with them? Spencer offers a roadmap for preserving family relationships, reducing conflict, and ensuring that your values, not a medical crisis, guide the care you receive. A medical sociologist and professor at the University of Colorado Denver, she’s the author of the upcoming book, “Your Good Death: Why End-of-Life Healthcare Is So Difficult and How to Make It Work for You.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office) (703) 400-1099 or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
6. ==> Biggest Mistakes When Caring for Aging Loved Ones
Is your audience overwhelmed by the complexities of elder care? Debbie C. Miller has the answers—and the empathy. With over 30 years of experience working with senior care issues, Miller delivers practical, compassionate advice that empowers caregivers to make confident, informed decisions. She’ll discuss: The biggest mistakes families make when trying to care for aging loved ones, the most pervasive myths about elder care—and how they derail good intentions and how to plan ahead without panic, guilt or guesswork. You’ll also learn why “aging in place” is a deeply personal choice that requires smart strategy. Whether your audience is navigating a sudden crisis or planning for long-term care, Debbie offers a step-by-step approach that’s clear, actionable, and emotionally grounded. Her insights resonate with adult children, caregivers, and professionals alike. A Certified Senior Advisor® and Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist®, Miller is the author of “Doing the Right Thing: Simple Solutions, Essential Tips, & Helpful Resources for Assisting Aging Loved Ones,” a trusted guide for families facing the emotional and logistical maze of senior care. Contact Debbie Miller at (703) 844-4074; dmiller@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Planning a Last-Minute Summer Trip? Best US Travel Spots
Many people are trying to get out of town before the end of summer and need some ideas. Evelyn and Natalie Kelly have visited 90 countries, all 50 states, and seven continents and say some of the most fascinating destinations are right here at home! They’ll reveal the overlooked places, quirky towns, remarkable people, historic sites, and cultural traditions that most Americans miss while dreaming of overseas travel. This mother/daughter pair will share why small-town America often tells the nation's biggest stories, how history comes alive through travel, and why the USA may be the world's most underrated travel destination. Evelyn and Natalie Kelly are the authors of “Have a Love Affair with the USA.” Contact them at (352) 661-2493; ekelly@rtirguests.com
8. ==> How Americans Can Reclaim Our Democracy
Millions of Americans are tired of feeling helpless—or furious—about what’s going on in politics today. “Agonizing, protesting, and turning off the news” aren’t our only options according to Sam Daley-Harris, activist and author of “Reclaiming Our Democracy.” He offers a proven alternative: transformational advocacy, a form of advocacy where you work to change an issue and you are changed in the process. Daley-Harris will share stories of ordinary people who used transformational advocacy to go from feeling clueless about activism to feeling euphoric; from experiencing what they called ‘climate trauma’ to experiencing engagement as sacred and profound. Feeling fed up with what’s going on in the world isn’t a flaw, Daley-Harris says it’s fuel and he’ll show your audience how to use it. Contact Sam Daley-Harris at (202) 804-2504; Sdaley@rtirguests.com
9. ==> 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
10. ==> Expert Shares Financial Tips for Gen Z
Nearly half of Gen Z says they don’t feel financially prepared for adulthood, yet many graduates are already taking on credit card debt before building savings or assets. Real estate investor and wealth educator Janet Tonkins says the biggest financial mistake young adults make isn’t earning too little. It’s waiting too long to invest. On your show, she’ll explain how new graduates can begin building wealth with as little as $5 to $10 a month, why understanding assets matters more than chasing status symbols, and how first-time buyers can take advantage of overlooked grants and programs. She’ll also reveal why “perfect credit” is often overrated and how small financial decisions made in your 20s can shape your entire future. Drawing from themes in her upcoming book “Purses, Heels & Houses You Choose,” Tonkins helps audiences rethink spending, ownership, and generational wealth from day one. Beyond coaching investors nationwide, Tonkins develops affordable housing projects and mentors first-generation wealth builders through the Cashflow Diva Academy and TheCashflowDiva.com. Contact Janet Tonkins at (410) 421-0930; jtonkins@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Why Your Brain Is Drowning in Notifications
The average person checks their phone nearly 100 times a day. Between texts, emails, alerts, social media, and breaking news, many people feel mentally exhausted before lunch. Senior mindfulness educator at UCLA Mindful Mitra Manesh says the real crisis isn't technology. It's what constant interruption is doing to our attention. On your show, she'll explain how endless notifications train the brain toward distraction, anxiety, and reactivity, why so many people feel overwhelmed despite working harder than ever, and what it takes to reclaim focus in a world designed to steal it. Building on concepts from her novel “The Attentionist: New Choices for a New World," Mitra offers practical tools for improving concentration, decision-making, and emotional well-being. Having lived on four continents and spent decades teaching mindfulness and human behavior, Mitra brings a rare global perspective to one of today's most urgent challenges. Contact Mitra Manesh at (310) 807-3031; mmanesh@rtirguests.com
12. ==> 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
13. ==> The First Step to Rewrite Your Story
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
14. ==> 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
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; suzanowens@gmail.com
