01. From Rhetoric to Bloodshed: A Dangerous New Era in American Politics
02. How the Pandemic Fueled a Global Decline in Democracy
03. Inside the MAHA Plan for Healthier Kids
04. Another Doc Group Breaks With Fed Policy
05. Medicare Scams Are Getting Smarter: How to Stay One Step Ahead
06. Why Finding Your Passion is Over-Rated
07. Work Smart, Not Scared: How to Stay Grounded When the Economy Isn’t
08. Physical Therapist Says We’re Treating Pain the Wrong Way
09. The Silent Mistake Millions of Stepfamilies Make
10. A Bold New Action Plan to Repair Slavery’s Lasting Wounds
11. Inside the Toxic Social Environment That Fuels Teen Suicide
12. This Priest Helps People Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Healing
13. The Therapy You Didn’t Know You Needed
14. What Healing Really Looks Like— From Someone Still Living It
15. What’s Your Pet Really Thinking? Ask This Animal Psychic
1. ==> From Rhetoric to Bloodshed: A Dangerous New Era in American Politics
In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination during a campus event in Utah, the nation is grappling with the implications of rising political violence. Kirk was the founder of and executive director of Turning Point USA, a right-wing political organization that focuses on motivating young people to become politically involved. Dr. Robert Pape has warned for years about the rise in political violence and describes Kirk’s assassination as part of a “pattern” that will worsen unless cooler heads prevail. “This event I’m sorry to say is exactly the kind of event I was warning about. For the last several years we have seen a rise in spate of political assassination attempts,” says University of Chicago political science professor Robert Pape, who wrote a guest essay for the “New York Times” in June highlighting the growing threat of political violence. The exact motive for Kirk’s murder is not known, but the shooting puts a new spotlight on the challenge of protecting political figures. Pape is professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago specializing in international security affairs. His publications include “Cutting the Fuse: The Explosion of Global Suicide Terrorism and How to Stop It.” Contact him at (773) 834-0770; rpape@uchicago.edu
2. ==> How the Pandemic Fueled a Global Decline in Democracy
When Covid-19 swept the globe, public health was the immediate concern. But the pandemic also drove political freedom, already in decline, to a 25-year low and Joseph Lemoine says global democracy is now suffering from a form of long Covid. New data shows that since 2019, the global annual rate of democratic backsliding has quadrupled with at least 112 countries losing some political freedom. Lemoine says the pandemic furnished a pretext for authoritarian consolidation and that school closures produced historic learning losses that have created a generation of children who will participate less and weaken the future vitality of democratic institutions. “The pandemic might seem to be over, but its damage to political freedom continues,” says Lemoine. “The cure is neither nostalgia nor alarmism, but deliberate repair.” Joseph Lemoine is senior director at the Atlantic Council’s Freedom and Prosperity Center. Contact Zack Baddorf at (212)246-5530; zbaddorf@atlanticcouncil.org or press@atlanticcouncil.org.
3. ==> Inside the MAHA Plan for Healthier Kids
The White House has released its long-awaited second report on fighting chronic disease by the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission. The paper lays out plans for increased scrutiny on vaccines and prescribing practices but takes a softer stance on pesticides. It contains little policy or regulation but includes 128 proposals covering research and public awareness campaigns and suggestions for public-private partnerships. Dr. Phillip Landrigan, a pediatrician and professor at Boston College, and director of the Program for Global Public Health and the Common Good says it fails to present “any kind of comprehensive blueprint for improving the health of American children.” “Overall, I would describe the report as presenting a very uneven, poorly conceived, disjointed hodgepodge of recommendations that reflect Secretary Kennedy’s preoccupations and little else,” he says. Contact Dr. Landrigan at (617) 241-4804; phil.landrigan@mssm.edu
4. ==> Another Doc Group Breaks With Fed Policy
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) is the latest medical group to break ranks with the government and recommend all adults, children and pregnant women receive Covid-19 vaccines. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in May the U.S. no longer recommends the shots for healthy kids and pregnant women, prompting medical organizations and several states to formulate their own recommendations. “History shows us that vaccines have eradicated disease that were disabling and deadly in the past, and we can keep it that way, if we continue to vaccinate,” says Margot Savoy, chief medical officer of the AAFP. The group recommends all children aged six to 23 months be vaccinated against Covid-19 and takes a risk-based single dose approach for children between two and 18 years old. It also said vaccinations are especially important for people 65 and over, those at risk for severe infection, and those who have never received a shot. Contact Julie Hirschhorn at (202) 655-4949; jhirschhorn@aafp.org
5. ==> Medicare Scams Are Getting Smarter: How to Stay One Step Ahead
Medicare fraud is a $100 billion problem, and now AI voice clones and “free benefit” offers are making it worse. With open enrollment approaching (Oct. 15 to Dec. 7), millions are vulnerable to card theft, phantom billing and even being enrolled in hospice without consent. Medicare expert Toni King, author of “Medicare Survival Guide Advanced Edition,” helps Americans navigate Medicare’s maze so they avoid costly mistakes and lifelong penalties. She breaks down today’s most common scams (robocalls, door-to-door “screenings,” surprise plan switches), the red flags most people miss and the exact steps to take if you think you’ve been targeted. Whether you’re turning 65, leaving employer coverage or helping a parent, her message is right on time before open enrollment. Contact Toni King at (281) 677-3736 or tking@rtirguests.com
6. ==> Why Finding Your Passion is Over-Rated
What if everything we think we know about motivation is wrong? Invite Bobby Hoffman to share neuropsychological evidence that reveals why traditional views of motivation are outdated and how societal pressure to “find your passion” can diminish our personal perceptions of accomplishment and worth. “You hear people putting a huge emphasis on finding something that gets you out of bed in the morning and that you will pursue for no other reason than sheer pleasure or interest. However, there are flaws to this overemphasis and data refutes the idea that passion alone is the driver of motivation or even necessary for accomplishment.” Learn how and why the brain’s reward system dominates our behavior, why rewards get such a bad rap, and how our true motivation is often contrary to our conscious beliefs. This is the perfect segment for anyone needing a little motivation as we head toward fall. Bobby Hoffman is an associate professor at the University of Central Florida who specializes in motivation science and solving the mysteries of human behavior. His new book is “The Paradox of Passion.” Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853; LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com
7. ==> Work Smart, Not Scared: How to Stay Grounded When the Economy Isn’t
Layoffs are rising. Tariffs and supply chain shocks are back in the headlines. And millions of Americans are working longer hours just to stay afloat. But does thriving at work during economic instability mean hustling harder—or thinking differently? Business transformation expert Shawn Fry says most workers are stuck in a reactive mindset at great cost to their health, their relationships and even their job performance. Draw-ing from 25+ years of leading global organizations through volatility in 17 countries, Shawn shares surprising strategies for staying focused, valuable and mentally resilient without working 70+ hours a week. He’ll explain why goal-setting is failing most employees—and how a simple, repeatable daily routine can help anyone stay visible, adaptable and indispensable, even when layoffs loom. Ask him: Is burnout actually making us less employable? Can the right daily routine really help someone survive a layoff wave? Contact Shawn Fry at (330) 422-4090; Sfry@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Physical Therapist Says We’re Treating Pain the Wrong Way
Most people assume pain means something is torn or broken. But Stacey Roberts, physical therapist to professional athletes and celebrities, explains that chronic pain is often driven more by inflammation and less by structural damage. Treating pain solely as an injury may only mask the problem instead of solving it. Chronic inflammatory diseases affect over 60 million people in the U.S. alone, and up to 90% of chronic conditions have an inflammatory component. This means inflammation impacts most people, directly or indirectly making it a root cause of pain for many. Roberts’ approach uses hormone testing, food sensitivity panels like the ALCAT, and a targeted anti-inflammatory protocol involving nutrition, movement, and advanced therapies. “Chronic pain is a whole-body issue,” Roberts says. “Addressing inflammation and biomechanics helps reduce pain and promotes lasting healing far beyond just treating the injury.” Contact Stacey Roberts at (414)522-6153; sroberts@rtirguests.com
9. ==> The Silent Mistake Millions of Stepfamilies Make
Over 1 in 3 Americans is now part of a stepfamily, yet few realize the emotional damage that’s quietly being done in homes across the country, not by conflict, but by silence. According to parenting expert Richard Ramos, the biggest mistake stepparents make isn’t discipline, favoritism or scheduling. It’s ignoring the child’s voice during major fam¬ily transitions. And that unspoken pain can show up later as resentment, rebellion or complete emotional withdrawal. Ramos draws from 25+ years of working with families—and his own hard-earned lessons as a stepparent—to reveal what really derails blended families (hint: it’s not what you think) and how to turn things around. Ask him: Can giving your stepchild “space” actually backfire? Why do some kids act out more after the family finally “settles down”? Richard Ramos is the author of “The Art of Stepparenting: How to Blend Families Without Tearing Them Apart.” Contact him at rramos@rtirguests.com; (805) 456-1407
10. ==> A Bold New Action Plan to Repair Slavery’s Lasting Wounds
Lauraine White warns America’s reckoning with slavery can’t wait another generation. As President Trump’s non-inclusive politics fuel new battles over DEI, history standards and voting rights, she says the time for denial is over. With both enslaved and Confederate blood in her family line, White argues that real healing requires more than apologies. Her “Freedom Wealth Fund” lays out measurable steps: 1) erase student-loan debt for descendants of slaves, 2) guarantee free education, and 3) rewrite U.S. history curricula to tell the full truth about the transatlantic slave trade. White insists this isn’t about relitigating the past—it’s a practical blueprint for a just future. With nearly 60% of Americans saying slavery still affects Black people’s position in society today (Pew Research), her plan will spark headlines, debate and the uncomfortable, but necessary, conversation America keeps postponing. Ask her: Can a Confederate descendant credibly lead the call for reparations, or is that exactly why she should? Is student-debt forgiveness for descendants a fair, targeted form of reparations that taxpayers can accept? Contact Lauraine White at lwhite@rtirguests.com (email preferred); (770) 525-8743.
11. ==> Inside the Toxic Social Environment That Fuels Teen Suicide
In a world where suicide is now the leading cause of death for people ages 10-33, therapist Sally Raymond is on a mission to change the narrative. With over 33 years of experience, Sally’s deeply personal journey—shaped by the loss of her son to suicide—continues to fuel her de¬termination to help others avoid the same unnecessary and heartbreaking fate. Sally has worked tirelessly to uncover the toxic social forces that first took her own son to suicide and still work to demoralize today’s youth in ever-increasing numbers. In this powerful interview she’ll reveal the hidden factors contributing to the rising suicide rates, including bullying, social media pressures, and lack of emotional support. Sally’s message is clear: while we can’t always prevent suicide, we can always make life worth the living. Contact her at (805) 576-8640; sraymond@rtirguests.com
12. ==> 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
13. ==> The Therapy You Didn’t Know You Needed
In a world full of chaos, author and educator Lynette Watkins offers a path to serenity—through art. As a passionate advocate for creativity, Lynette believes art isn’t just decoration—it’s a spiritual experience, a mental health lifeline, and a powerful tool for education. Lynette shows us that healing, inspiration, and resilience often begin with a brushstroke. She says, "If you're ready to thrive—regardless of what’s happening in the world—take a trip with to the nearest art museum... and find yourself." Lynette is an acclaimed artist, professor of art, writer, musician, and author of “Can It Be That Some Chains Are Mere Shadows? A Visual Journey From Darkness To Light.” Contact Lynette Watkins at (575) 454-4635; lwatkins@rtirguests.com
14. ==> What Healing Really Looks Like— From Someone Still Living It
She was just 3 years old when a house fire changed everything; taking her mother, leaving her burned, and her father van¬ished. But Avonley Lightstone didn’t let that be the end of her story. Her scars? She now sees them as brushstrokes. Her life? A work of art in progress. In her memoir Strength of Scars, she opens up about how trauma, abuse, and abandonment shaped her, but never defined her. With faith, affirmations, and the courage to move one inch at a time, she’s learned healing isn’t a straight line and that’s okay. Avonley Lightstone is a trauma survivor, motivational speak¬er, and author who inspires audiences to reframe pain into purpose. Her story is living proof that healing can happen slowly—and beautifully. Contact Avonley Lightstone at (801) 980-0447; alightstone@rtirguests.com
15. ==> What’s Your Pet Really Thinking? Ask This Animal Psychic
What if your dog or cat could talk — and you understood every word? Nancy Orlen Weber shares her extraordinary life as an animal communicator and healer. From locating missing pets to warning law enforcement about dangerous animal abuse cases, Nancy’s intuitive gifts and deep compassion have led her to serve animals, plants, and people alike for over 50 years. Her remarkable true stories—including animals she’s never met recognizing her years later—demonstrate that we are all deeply connected across species. Nancy is a true expert in animal communication, psychic investigations, spiritual development, and the author of several books including “Nature Speaks.” Contact Nancy Orlen Weber at (973) 453-0906; nweber@rtirguests.com
