01. Longtime Diplomat on the Dismantling of USAID
02. What to Know About Friday’s ‘Economic Blackout’
03. Trump’s Peace Deal: What’s in it for Ukraine?
04. Travelling to Europe? How to Handle Anti-Americanism Abroad
05. True Crime: What Really Killed the Crespi Twins?
06. Why We’re Aging Faster and Dying Younger (And How to Reverse It)
07. How to Create Safe Neighborhoods and Save Taxpayers’ Money
08. What if Your Mom Stole Your Boyfriend? How to Heal from a Toxic Parent
09. How to Survive Today's Social and Political Madness
10. Can America's Political Parties Coexist? This Conservative Thinker Says No
11. Size-Inclusive Designer: How to Look Chic at Any Size
12. LA Psychologist: How to Bounce Back From Anything
13. Warning: The American Health Care System Can Kill You!
14. Can Art Heal Depression and Anxiety?
15. What Your Past Lives Reveal About Your Current Choices
1. ==> Longtime Diplomat on the Dismantling of USAID
Thousands of employees with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) have been ordered to clean out their desks by Friday. President Trump decided to gut the agency after the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, determined that USAID wasted millions of dollars funding questionable programs and initiatives around the world. Retired American diplomat Danielle Reiff, who served with USAID for 20 years, can explain what the agency actually does, why she believes it became a scapegoat in the new administration, and the consequences of the purge to both aid workers and those who rely on the agency’s assistance. As an American diplomat, Danielle promoted democracy and peace around the world with USAID. In this role, she supported peace processes in Uganda and South Sudan, democratic transitions and women’s political participation in the Republic of Georgia and Sri Lanka, and civic engagement in all these places. Recently, Reiff turned her attention to promoting and supporting peacebuilding in the United States at this critical time. Contact Danielle at (202) 499-7256; dreiff@rtirguests.com
2. ==> What to Know About Friday’s ‘Economic Blackout’
You may have heard about a grassroots movement calling on Americans to abstain from shopping with major retailers this Friday, Feb. 28 as part of an “economic blackout.” The People’s Union USA, which describes itself as a “grassroots movement dedicated to economic resistance, government accountability and corporate reform,” is sponsoring the initiative and says it has no political affiliation and is simply focused on uniting Americans against corporate greed. Founder John Schwarz says, “For our entire lives, they have told us we have no choice … that we have to accept these insane prices, the corporate greed the billionaire tax breaks, all while we struggle to get by. For one day, we are going to finally turn the tables.” The group has other economic actions planned included boycotts of specific retailers including Amazon, Nestle and Walmart. Contact John Schwarz at john@jointhepeoplesunion.com
3. ==> Trump’s Peace Deal: What’s in it for Ukraine?
Almost a decade before Russia started the current war in Ukraine, it invaded the Crimean Peninsula, part of Ukraine, and then annexed it. Cultural anthropologist and Ukraine expert Greta Uehling will explain the importance this recent history has in understanding Ukraine, the war with Russia, and what U.S. policy should be today in Ukraine and Russia. She’ll discuss the struggles faced by the Crimean Tatars and reveal the traumas of colonization, foreign occupation, and population displacement imposed by Russia on the Ukrainian people. Ask her: Why is the Russian occupation/annexation of Crimea illegitimate? What does the U.. stand to lose if President Trump facilitates a peace agreement that favors Russian interests? What do Americans and Ukrainians share? Greta Uehling specializes in the study of war, conflict, and population displacement. A professor at the University of Michigan, she teaches seminars on human rights and humanitarianism for the Program in International and Comparative Studies. Her latest book is “Decolonizing Ukraine: The Indigenous People of Crimea and Pathways to Freedom.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 400-1099; johanna@jrbpr.biz or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
4. ==> Travelling to Europe? How to Handle Anti-Americanism Abroad
Headed abroad in the near future? Worried about anti-American sentiment in the wake of recent U.S. foreign policy moves? International relations experts caution that the current environment could strain interactions between American tourists and residents of the places they visit. “If there are bilateral problems between governments, then you may see some pushback in the streets,” says Tara Sonenshine, a professor at Tufts University’s Fletcher School who served as President Barack Obama’s undersecretary of state for public diplomacy and public affairs. Travelers should try to blend in, keep a low profile, and not wear their citizenry on their sleeve. And a general rule of thumb is to stay away from large public gatherings and marches. Experts also advise against trying to pretend you’re not American, and instead just try to be a good guest. Contact Katie Coleman at katie.coleman@tufts.edu
5. ==> True Crime: What Really Killed the Crespi Twins?
In 2005, Kim Crespi had what she later described as “the perfect life.” She and her husband, David, had five healthy, happy children. Less than a year later, Kim returned home from a haircut to find David had murdered their five-year-old twin daughters during a game of hide and seek. In the aftermath, family, friends, and even David had more questions than answers. Edward L. Jones III, author of “Medication, Mental Illness, and Murder: What Really Killed the Crespi Twins,” will chronicle David Crespi’s struggles with insomnia and depression, the role SSRI antidepressants may have played in the killings, and Kim’s unimaginable journey of trauma, suffering, and eventual forgiveness. Along the way, he’ll take listeners on a journey into the dark heart of psychosis, of North Carolina’s penal and mental health systems, and of Big Pharma. Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853; LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com
6. ==> Why We’re Aging Faster and Dying Younger (And How to Reverse It)
Americans live in a society focused on chronic illness. The average lifespan in the U.S. is the lowest in the Western world at 73, that’s 10 -15 years below Hong Kong and Monaco. And the lifespan in Mississippi is lower than Bangladesh! What's more, many young people are showing signs of aging earlier, and aging at a much faster rate than their parents and grandparents did. Dr. Michael Aziz, author of "The Ageless Revolution: 10 Hallmarks of Aging That Hold the Secret to Defeating Disease, Reversing Age, Looking Younger, and Living Longer," can discuss everything from superfoods to supplements and breakthrough secret medications that are widely available, but not yet used for longevity. Learn how to find the right anti-aging doctor and hear about the latest research and developments that can help listeners feel better and live longer. Dr. Michael Aziz is a board-certified internist and regenerative medicine specialist based in New York City. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; ryan@goldmanmccormick.com
7. ==> How to Create Safe Neighborhoods and Save Taxpayers’ Money
Gangs, child abuse, human trafficking, youth suicide, and drug abuse are not just horrific societal ills, they come at an astonishing cost to the taxpayer: by estimates over $2 trillion annually. The plain fact is that none of this is inevitable, and much of it is preventable. Have author and child safety expert Stephanie Mann on your show to learn about crime prevention and making neighborhoods safer. As a community leader, neighborhood organizer, county coordinator, and state consultant, Mann has forty years of experience as a crime and violence prevention expert. She is the author of five books on empowering our communities and keeping kids safe. Her first book, “Alternative to Fear: Guidelines to Safer Neighborhoods” helped launch the national Neighborhood Watch Program. She is also the founder of the Safe Kids Now Network LLC. Contact Stephanie Mann at (925) 438-0716; smann@rtirguests.com
8. ==> What if Your Mom Stole Your Boyfriend? How to Heal from a Toxic Parent
What would you do if your own mother ran away with your boyfriend? Sabrina Ciceri faced this ultimate betrayal—but refused to let it define her. In “If It’s Not One Thing, It’s a Mother,” she shares how she broke free from generational dysfunction, turned trauma into strength and built the loving family she never had. With raw honesty and humor, Sabrina reveals how anyone can escape toxic relationships, set firm boundaries and heal—even when forgiveness feels impossible. As a mother of six, grandmother of five and former nurse turned health advocate, she offers an inspiring take on resilience, self-care and rewriting your story. Book her for an unforgettable conversation about breaking cycles and creating the life you deserve. Contact Sabrina Ciceri at (352) 308-1596; Sciceri@rtirguests.com
9. ==> How to Survive Today's Social and Political Madness
Are you constantly checking your phone, social media, and cable news to find out what’s happening on Capitol Hill? You're not alone, and according to psychologist and author Melody Krafft, this can lead to extreme burnout, depression, and addiction to chaos -- the basis of which is fear. "The current political climate has led to a record number of Americans experiencing extreme fear," she says. "The media has fanned the flames." Melody has extensive experience working with individuals and groups showing how to extinguish doubt and fear, and how to access their power in the face of life’s challenges. She has produced and hosted more than 15 television specials on spirituality and healing. Her book, "Get Me Out of Here! What’s Beyond This Madness" won the 2023 NYC Big Book Award. Contact Melody Krafft at (703) 951-4735; mkrafft@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Can America's Political Parties Coexist? This Conservative Thinker Says No
Americans are more divided than they have been in decades, and author Taylor Woodruff believes that they should remain that way. "I understand that a national divorce is a tough sell," he says. "Now that Trump has won, he will put forth policies that should result in a measure of peace and prosperity. If he is successful, this will result in a semblance of national unity, which most people want. Be that as it may, I still believe that America should divide, not out of rancor, but because of the competing moral platforms within the culture." He is the author of "The Case for National Divorce, One Christian's Perspective." Contact Taylor Woodruff at (252) 888-5892; twoodruff@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Size-Inclusive Designer: How to Look Chic at Any Size
For a fun show on looking and feeling your best no matter what your size, invite Gayla Bently to amp up the energy and wow your audience. Bentley is a pioneer in size-inclusive fashion who shares tips to elevate style—no matter the size or budget. With years of fashion experience in Paris and at Saks Fifth Avenue, Gayla blends timeless elegance with practicality. From poorly fitting undergarments to cookie-cutter trends, she’ll show listeners how to refine their look with what they already own. Gayla’s wit and wisdom will leave audiences laughing, learning and feeling confident. Gayla Bentley is the author of “Fashion’s Stepsister: A Journey to Style!” Contact her at (936) 261-7713; gbentley@rtirguests.com
12. ==> LA Psychologist: How to Bounce Back From Anything
As wildfires raged through Southern California, clinical psychologist Stephen Sideroff was forced to evacuate his Topanga Canyon home along with hundreds of thousands of other LA area residents. While the situation was chaotic and stressful, he credits his years-long practice of mindful resilience, with giving him the ability to manage his despair. "In times of crisis, emotions can be overwhelming, and it is vital to acknowledge and process them without judgment," he says. He’ll describe his holistic methodology based on 9 key pillars to help you thrive, even in the midst of overwhelming stress. Sideroff is an associate professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Rheumatology at UCLA’s Geffen School of Medicine and the author of "The 9 Pillars of Resilience: The Proven Path to Mastering Stress, Slow Aging and Increase Vitality." Contact Dr. Stephen Sideroff at (213) 660-4659; ssideroff@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Warning: The American Health Care System Can Kill You!
When UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was murdered by Luigi Mangione, this was a very extreme example of just how fed up are Americans are with the health care system. "The health care system has turned into a money machine," says Rachel Rappaport. "They scare the sick and are willing to kill people and take away their hope for recovery in exchange for monetary gain.” Rachel should know. When her husband was paralyzed from the neck down due to a bicycling accident, she gained first-hand experience when navigating the nightmarish health care system. But she helped him to recover by developing her own set of tools. She is the founder of the success-coaching program MAX!, and has trained with Jack Canfield, co-author of “Chicken Soup for the Soul,” and well-known motivational coach Tony Robbins. Contact Rachel Rappaport at (848) 266-5824; rrappaport@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Can Art Heal Depression and Anxiety?
Depression and anxiety have reached epidemic proportions in modern society. While many people rely on medications and therapy to help alleviate their suffering, author and artist Lynette Watkins claims that consciously incorporating art into our daily lives can help us to overcome many of our personal struggles. "I can help you alleviate your anxiety, depression, or other things that hinder you in 10 minutes a day using art,” she says. “Activating one’s creativity can be highly therapeutic and can help people to find solutions to their problems and challenging life situations.” 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
15. ==> What Your Past Lives Reveal About Your Current Choices
Do you feel like you’ve known your partner forever? Could you have been together in a past life? And can your past lives explain your current romantic choices? Alla Kaluzhny—licensed therapist, hypnotherapist, and author of two thought-provoking reincarnation memoirs including “Turning New Pages,” uncovers the hidden ways your soul’s journey shapes love, habits and decisions. With vivid memories of her own past lives and spiritual expertise, Alla delivers insight that will inspire your audience to rethink their connections and choices. During this one-of-a-kind show, Alla will share her most unforgettable past-life experiences and explain how past lives influence love, friendships, and behaviors. She’ll answer your questions about déjà vu, karmic ties, and recurring patterns and explore how past-life memories can help resolve today’s conflicts. Contact Alla Kaluzhny at (213) 459-3509; akaluzhny@rtirguests.com
