9/9/2025 RTIR Newsletter: 9/11 Survivors, RFK Jr. and Autism and Silent Money Suckers

01. Why the Stakes Are So High in U.S. Vaccine Debate
02. 9/11 Historian on Anniversary of Terror Attack
03. Have We Forgotten the 9/11 Survivors?
04. Expert on RFK Jr’s Promise to Announce Cause of Autism
05. How to Cut Ultra-Processed Foods from Your Diet
06. Don't Worry, Be Happy: Tips for a Healthy, Positive You
07. Bad-Ass Economics: 4 Radical Fixes to Rescue America’s Economy
08. How to Spot—and Stop—the Silent Thieves in Your Budget
09. Veteran Lawyer Exposes the Myth of Equal Justice
10. He’s White, A Former Evangelical Minister —and Tackling Race Head-On
11. Do a Show on the Hidden Trauma Nurses and Patients Face
12. Is Yoga America’s Most Radical Path to Healing?
13. Are We Raising a Nation of Wimps?
14. Signs You’re Self-Sabotaging Your Love Life
15. Where Was Jesus Before He Was Born? The Bible’s Best Kept Secret


1. ==> Why the Stakes Are So High in U.S. Vaccine Debate

Secretary Kennedy’s Senate hearing on Thursday illustrated that the United States’ scientific reputation—long considered a global gold standard—is at risk of eroding. “The decision of the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to fire Susan Monarez as CDC director, and the subsequent resignation of many respected, experienced senior officials, is just extraordinarily harmful,” says Thomas Bollyky, a global health expert. He says, “After the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States, which has long been a leader on global vaccine policy, has become a source of global vaccine misinformation—largely through social media. That online misinformation has lowered vaccine confidence globally. Over the last few months, the vaccine misinformation that could only be found online is now creeping into official U.S. policy sources and vaccine recommendations—and it will begin to reverberate globally, too.” Thomas Bollyky is the Bloomberg Chair in Global Health at the Council on Foreign Relations where he directs the global health program. Contact him at (202) 509.8517; tbollyky@cfr.org

2. ==> 9/11 Historian on Anniversary of Terror Attack

This year marks the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks against the United States. The four coordinated plane hijackings and crashes killed nearly 3,000 people and launched America’s global war on terror. Dr. Stephen Flynn, founding director of the Global Resilience Institute at Northeastern University, advised national leaders in the aftermath of the attacks and continues to shape public discourse on preparedness and civic responsibility. He can explain how the attacks reshaped American identity and security and what we can learn from them today. “9/11 highlighted the imperative for Americans to take greater collective responsibility for looking out for the safety and well-being of each other in the face of risks that we can’t always prevent.” Stephen Flynn is a seasoned media guest who has appeared on NPR, CNN, and PBS. He’s a former senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and author of “The Edge of Disaster.” Contact him at (617) 470-7675; s.flynn@northeastern.edu or media@globalresilienceinstitute.org

3. ==> Have We Forgotten the 9/11 Survivors?

Michael Barasch is a tireless advocate for the 9/11 community, helping secure billions in compensation and healthcare access through the Victim Compensation Fund and World Trade Center Health Program. “We owe it to the 9/11 community to never forget—not just the day, but the decades of suffering that followed. These heroes are still fighting for their lives, and they deserve our full support,” he says. Barasch represents over 30,000 survivors, responders, and families affected by 9/11 and is deeply familiar with the long-term health and legal challenges facing the community. Barasch is a frequent media guest and speaker. Contact him at press@baraschmcgarry.com; (888) 351-9421

4. ==> Expert on RFK Jr’s Promise to Announce Cause of Autism

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pledged in April that there would be answers on the causes of autism this month. Since then, he has ousted public health officials, publicly rebuked studies showing no link between vaccines and autism and said “interventions” are “almost certainly” responsible for causing rising autism rates. Invite Dr. Robert Melillo, a neuroscientist, clinician and expert on autism, to discuss RFK Jr’s claims about the causes of autism and what he has found during his 30-plus years of practice. Melillo developed a leading approach to treat neurological and developmental disorders such as ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities combining cutting-edge neuroscience with therapeutic interventions. An international speaker and the author of several books including “Disconnected Kids,” Dr. Melillo is recognized worldwide for his work in advancing brain-based therapies. Contact Mark Goldman at 516.639.0988 (call/text) or markgoldman73@gmail.com

5. ==> How to Cut Ultra-Processed Foods from Your Diet

We’ve all heard about the dire health consequences of ultra-processed food (UPFs) including links to obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. So why is it so hard to cut them out of our diet? Ashley Gearhardt, a psychologist who studies compulsive eating at the University of Michigan, says one of the reasons is that ultra-processed snacks undermine our hunger for whole foods. She says studies have found that repeated exposure to unhealthy snacks shifts our preferences away from healthier foods. “After you eat a big hit of crackers or pretzels, two hours later, you’re getting this blood-sugar crash, and you’re craving more of the same. It’s hard to have the hunger for real food if you’ve already eaten so many energy-dense foods throughout the day.” Gearhardt can help listeners set up parameters to make the transition away from processed food easier, like setting up specific times and places that you can keep UPF-free, like in your home or car, and share ways to make eating healthier food easier and more accessible. Contact Ashley Gearhardt at (734) 647-3920; agearhar@umich.edu

6. ==> Don't Worry, Be Happy: Tips for a Healthy, Positive You

Are you tired of constantly being grumpy and gloomy? Meet Deborah Mallow, your personal ray of sunshine! A lifelong New Yorker-turned-happiness expert, Deborah brings science-backed strategies and contagious warmth to help people live with fewer days that suck. Through humor, heart, and her simple 6-step mindset makeover, she empowers audiences to enjoy more and worry less. Whether you're drowning in procrastination, stuck in self-doubt, or just need a boost, Deborah offers easy, actionable hacks to reset your brain and reclaim your joy. A former #1 pharmaceutical sales rep, she is the author of “6 Steps To Fewer Days That Suck: Ditch Unhealthy Habits Unzip A Happier You.” Contact Deborah Mallow at (516) 613-5359; dmallow@rtirguests.com

7. ==> Bad-Ass Economics: 4 Radical Fixes to Rescue America’s Economy

Can President Trump really fix America’s economy for good? Author and entrepreneur Mitch Francis says,” Yes! If he tackles four broken systems.” Mitch outlines practical, non-partisan plans to: Pay off the $36 trillion national debt—for good, reinvent the obsolete Federal Reserve, clean up the corrupt stock market casino, and make taxes simple and fair for all. His most radical proposal? A game-changing “Asset Standard” to eliminate the debt immediately—without raising taxes or cutting spending. He is the author of "Bad-Ass Solutions For Today's Big-Ass Problems" and is founder and CEO of publicly traded and private companies and develops, owns, and manages commercial real estate across the U.S. Contact Mitch Francis at (424) 380-4561; Mfrancis@rtirguests.com

8. ==> How to Spot—and Stop—the Silent Thieves in Your Budget

Do you ever look at your bank statements and wonder: Where did it all go? Financial coach and author Monique Gagné says most people don’t need to make more money—they need to stop letting it slip away. In her eye-opening book, “Who Took My Money?” Gagné exposes the invisible habits and hidden expenses quietly draining your bank account. From “ghost subscriptions” to emotionally triggered spending, she helps audiences get real about where their money’s going—and how to redirect it toward joy, security, and financial freedom. Her candid, relatable approach makes financial literacy feel less like a lecture and more like an overdue heart-to-heart. Perfect for shows tackling debt, smart spending, or financial stress in daily life. Ask her: What are some of the most common “silent thieves” hiding in people’s budgets? Why do many people resist budgeting—even when they’re drowning in stress over money? Contact Monique Gagné at (602) 704-5499; mgagne@rtirguests.com

9. ==> Veteran Lawyer Exposes the Myth of Equal Justice

For more than three decades, James Porfido has practiced criminal law from every angle—as a prosecutor and defense attorney. What he's seen behind the scenes will challenge everything you think you know about justice in America. From disparities in sentencing to the role of wealth, race, and politics in determining outcomes, Porfido argues that the system often fails the very people it claims to protect. His message isn’t partisan—it’s human, and it’s urgent. Drawing from real cases (with identities protected), Porfido brings powerful, clear-eyed insights about how we can repair a system that too often rewards power over fairness. With his calm, credible voice and rare experience on both sides of the aisle, Porfido is the legal expert audiences will trust. Contact him at (973) 620-2157; jporfido@rtirguests.com

10. ==> He’s White, A Former Evangelical Minister —and Tackling Race Head-On

He raises bulls, quotes scripture and has four adopted Black children. Meet Rick Patterson, the former pastor turned corporate exec who’s challenging how America talks about race, masculinity and power. “I used to preach certainty,” he says. “Now I lead with questions.” With humor and humility, Patterson offers a surprising voice both sides of the culture war can actually hear. The author of “Shame Unmasked” and “The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth,” says faith-based leaders need a new playbook for connection. Don’t miss this guest’s fresh take on reconciliation, manhood and what true leadership looks like in divided times. Contact Rick Patterson at (517) 300-2706; rpatterson@rtirguests.com

11. ==> Do a Show on the Hidden Trauma Nurses and Patients Face

America’s healthcare system is in crisis—but what’s often ignored is the trauma beneath the surface. Kathy Allan, a board-certified holistic nurse with over two decades of experience in trauma recovery, says many nurses today are emotionally broken, betrayed by the very system they once trusted. Patients, too, are suffering from care that feels cold, rushed, and disconnected. In interviews, Allan reveals how this hidden trauma plays out—and how to begin healing it. Drawing on her “12 Steps of Healing Care” and years as a healing touch instructor and somatic experiencing practitioner, Allan offers a spiritual and body-centered roadmap for transforming pain into purpose. Her stories and insights will resonate with nurses, healthcare workers, and anyone who’s ever felt harmed by the system that was supposed to help them. Contact Kathy Allan at (619) 932-5206; kallan@rtirguests.com

12. ==> Is Yoga America’s Most Radical Path to Healing?

Some say yoga is just stretching. Others see it as a stress reliever. But trauma therapist and yoga expert Joann Lutz says that the deepest healing secrets of yoga have not yet been revealed! When they are, yoga will become the most radical wellness practice in America today. Its benefits are instant; it's free once individuals are trained; and it requires no special equipment. All anyone needs is some training, practice and the desire to be the star of their self-care! No matter what their body type or health challenges are, there's a good chance that doing the right yoga practices will help them live a better life. Unfortunately, people often choose the wrong practice for them. Joann will describe which yoga practices are the best ones for each person and reveal why some popular yoga styles can actually make symptoms worse. One key is finding the type of yoga that will give people an experience of safety and peace in this crazy world. This is the foundation of healing, a message more urgent than ever as anxiety and depression rates soar nationwide. This November, your audience can join her in the Dominican Republic to learn and practice her techniques and insights, tailored for them, at a restorative yoga retreat. Joann Lutz, author of “Trauma Healing in the Yoga Zone,” has over 20 years of experience blending yoga, somatic psychotherapy and neuroscience. Contact Joann Lutz at jlutz@rtirguests.com; (413) 340-5056

13. ==> Are We Raising a Nation of Wimps?

From cyberbullying to school shootings, video game addiction, sexual predators, and more, modern kids face many dangers. It’s no wonder that parents tend to be over-protective. But according to Dianne Olvera, we aren’t doing them any favors. “We are over-protecting kids, as opposed to empowering them,” she says. “As a result, kids can't make decisions, act impulsively, and seek artificial means to soothe their emotions.” Dianne shares ways to empower children to become more self-reliant by recognizing their strengths and encouraging independence. Dianne Olvera, Ph.D., BCET, is a board-certified educational therapist and the author of "The Power of Connection: Understanding Individual Differences to Uplift and Empower." She’s also a former diplomat and spy. Contact Dianne Olvera at (805) 779-3558; dolvera@rtirguests.com

14. ==> Signs You’re Self-Sabotaging Your Love Life

Can’t seem to find a lasting relationship? Are you tired of choosing the wrong partner over and over again? Whether you're navigating the dating scene or struggling to connect with a long-time partner, you might be falling into hidden patterns of self-sabotage. Dr. Philip Agrios has spent over 30 years uncovering what he calls the “Inborn Sabotaging Trait”—a subconscious behavior that quietly undermines our relationships, happiness, and health.
On your show, Dr. Agrios will explain how this biological trait develops, why it shows up most often in romantic connections, and how his T-NOW Method can help listeners instantly identify and neutralize it. From ghosting and trust issues to repeated arguments or unexplained distance, he offers a revolutionary approach to repairing and revitalizing love by addressing the real root causes—not just symptoms. Ask him: What’s the biggest self-sabotaging behavior people bring into their relationships? How can someone shift these patterns if they’ve been repeating them for years? Contact Dr. Philip Agrios at (848) 337-5018; Pagrios@rtirguests.com

15. ==> 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. This show challenges the common assumption that Jesus' work began at His birth. Gerald explains how Jesus was involved in Creation and His ongoing presence in history, offering your audience a fresh perspective they’ve likely never considered. Ask him: Most people think Jesus’ work started at birth, but how does scripture reveal His role even before Bethlehem? What was Jesus' role in Creation? How can that be reconciled with God’s role in the same event? Contact Gerald at Grobison@rtirguests.com; (904) 867-2449.