01. Donald Trump’s Epstein Problem
02. New Fed Cuts Could Break Food Banks
03. Economics Made Understandable
04. Measles: The Canary in the Coal Mine
05. Carole King Biographer on Iconic Singer/Songwriter
06. Veteran Lawyer: The Myth of Equal Justice
07. Do a Show on the Hidden Trauma Nurses and Patients Face
08. How to Thrive at Work When the Economy Feels Fragile
09. Women Made Work-From-Home Mainstream
10. How to Prevent Conflict Before It Starts
11. What is Urban Trauma? Why It’s Growing and How to Fix It
12. Use Delayed Gratification to Succeed at Work (and in Love)
13. Don’t Let Perfectionism Steal Your Joy
14. Why Humor Still Matters (Especially When the World Feels Like a Mess)
15. Interview the 89-Year-Old ‘Mad Man’ Who’s Redefining Aging
1. ==> Donald Trump’s Epstein Problem
The Trump administration has made numerous false and contradictory statements about Jeffrey Epstein — and Donald Trump himself has attempted to dismiss the story as old news. Invite Journalist Branko Marcetic to separate facts from fiction. “Other than former president Bill Clinton, Trump was probably the most high-profile, long-standing, and intimate friend of Epstein’s among the political elite — his ‘closest friend,’ in the billionaire pedophile’s own words.” Marcetic says, “It wouldn’t be surprising to find Trump himself ‘in the Epstein file.’ It would be more surprising if he wasn’t. Another reason might be Epstein’s alleged links to intelligence.” Marcetic is a staff writer at “Jacobin” magazine currently working on a story about Epstein. Contact him at branko@jacobin.com, @BMarchetich
2. ==> New Fed Cuts Could Break Food Banks
Food banks and pantries across the U.S. are bracing for the impact of President Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill” that they say will break the already overextended hunger relief network. Vince Hall, Feeding America’s chief government relations officer says the cuts affecting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) alone could eliminate 6 to 9 billion meals annually. He said “it’s simply not possible” for the network of food banks and faith-based and charitable organizations to fill the predicted hole and essentially double the amount of food they distribute. While some safety net cuts won’t take effect for years, others are more imminent and Hall predicts food banks will see an immediate increase in demand. For interviews contact a Feeding America media representative at (800) 771-2303
3. ==> Economics Made Understandable
Tariffs are threatening, AI is replacing jobs, inflation is on the rise, and the word “recession” is being bandied about. The economy is on everyone’s mind these days—because we’re living it! But few people feel like they understand economics well enough to determine which policies would work best and champion those policies effectively. Howard Yaruss can break down our economic system in a straightforward, nonpartisan way, avoiding jargon. Ask him: Who pays for tariffs and how do they affect prices, jobs, and our economy? Are the government’s huge deficits and escalating national debt threats to our well-being? What causes inflation, how big a problem is it, and how can we rein it in? Howard Yaruss is an economist, professor, attorney, businessman, and activist who has taught a variety of courses on economics and business and currently teaches at New York University. He’s the author of “Understandable Economics: Because Understanding Our Economy is Easier Than You Think and More Important Than You Know.” Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853; lissawarrenpr@gmail.com
4. ==> Measles: The Canary in the Coal Mine
With measles cases hitting a 33-year high, the U.S. is at risk of losing its elimination status for the disease. Epidemiologist Elizabeth Jacobs says the cases are attributable to declining vaccination rates. She says measles is the canary in the coal mine in terms of losing herd immunity. “Many people still don’t understand that individual vaccinations don’t protect people; instead, you get a bubble of protection when everyone around you is vaccinated. That is how we keep people safe when they can’t be vaccinated, like infants who are too young or the immunocompromised.” She adds, “There is a lot of framing coming from Kennedy that this is a personal decision. But this is a decision that affects your entire community. Herd immunity is like a vaccine for the entire community.” Elizabeth Jacobs is professor emerita of epidemiology at the University of Arizona. Contact her at 1elizabethtjacobs1@gmail.com
5. ==> Carole King Biographer on Iconic Singer/Songwriter
Carole King’s extraordinary career has defined American popular music for more than half a century. She shaped the soundtrack of the 1960s with classics written with her first husband Gerry Goffin and was a leader in the singer-songwriter movement of the 1970s. Her 1971 album “Tapestry” won four Grammys and remains beloved across generations around the globe and in recent years, she became the subject of the Tony-winning Broadway show “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.” Journalist and author Jane Eisner will reveal the details of King’s humble beginnings in postwar Jewish Brooklyn and explore the roots of her musical genius. Hear how her four marriages intersected with her artistic production, her fruitful collaborations across genres, her conflicted relationship with fame, and her engagement with politics. Jane Eisner’s new book, “Carole King: She Made the Earth Move,” is the first biography of the extraordinary artist. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbpr.biz or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
6. ==> Veteran Lawyer: 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 James Porfido: (973) 620-2157; jporfido@rtirguests.com
7. ==> 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 (925) 438-0716; smann@rtirguests.com
8. ==> How to Thrive at Work When the Economy Feels Fragile
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. Drawing 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. Contact Shawn Fry at (330) 422-4090; Sfry@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Women Made Work-From-Home Mainstream
Long before Zoom meetings and side hustles, women were quietly building businesses from their kitchens, living rooms and basements, perfecting the work-from-home model long before it had a name. Motivational speaker and WIP Empowerment founder Roy Martin shines a light on these overlooked pioneers and connects their legacy to today’s thriving mompreneur movement. Roy will reveal why the term “Work From Home” is more than a post-pandemic trend, it’s a 120-year evolution led by women. He’ll share surprising historical examples (including how a divorced secretary helped Tupperware make its mark), explore the economic and cultural forces driving moms to entrepreneurship and explain how his new WIP Empowerment initiative is helping modern women build passive income and flexible business success from home. Contact Roy Martin at (629) 265-0570; rmartin@rtirguests.com
10. ==> How to Prevent Conflict Before It Starts
Studies show that up to 85% of workplace conflict stems from communication breakdowns, but most people don’t address issues until it’s too late. Samuel Bentil, a global dispute avoidance expert and the author of “Avoid Construction Disputes,” will teach listeners how to spot and stop conflict before it starts. With workplace tension, team burnout and leadership turnover on the rise, his message is right on time. Samuel’s proven strategies focus on emotional intelligence, trust-building and collaboration, the skills that turn daily friction into productivity. And these same tools don’t just work on the job. They improve communication and reduce tension at home and in the community too. Contact Samuel at (778) 656-0067; sbentil@rtirguests.com
11. ==> What is Urban Trauma? Why It’s Growing and How to Fix It
Did you know 31% of urban residents show signs of PTSD? That’s almost double the rate of war veterans. But urban trauma isn’t about combat, it’s the invisible stress from chronic chaos, violence and generational hardship. Darius Ross unpacks why it’s rising and offers mindset tools to rewire the brain for success. A former homeless teen-turned-entrepreneur and community leader, Darius has faced his own urban trauma and built businesses, a family and a legacy from the ground up. He reveals the counterintuitive truth that building your mindset is often harder than building a startup and offers winning strategies to do both. Darius is the author of several books on mindset and personal growth including “Mastering the TPS Blueprint,” “Success DNA” and “Leadership DNA.” Contact Darius Ross at (347) 801-7956; dross@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Use Delayed Gratification to Succeed at Work (and in Love)
Can the same advantage that boosts your career help you win at love? Emilio Justo, M.D. says yes. And, that special edge isn’t talent, timing or luck. It’s delayed gratification. Drawing on insights from his bestselling book “The Power of Pause” and two TEDx talks with over 10.5 million views, Dr. Justo reveals how the ability to pause before reacting leads to better decisions, deeper connections and long-term success. In an age of instant everything, patience is a competitive edge. Studies show people with stronger impulse control earn more, have healthier relationships and report higher life satisfaction. Book Dr. Justo to dive into the details and hear his practical, research-based strategies for leveraging delayed gratification at work and home. Contact Dr. Emilio Justo at Ejusto@rtirguests.com (email preferred); (480) 992-6803
13. ==> Don’t Let Perfectionism Steal Your Joy
A recent study by the American Psychological Association found perfectionism is on the rise, especially among women, and it's directly linked to anxiety, burnout and even depression. But what if trying to “get it right” is the very thing keeping you stuck? Barbara Stone knows the cost of perfectionism. After 25 years hiding behind a corporate mask—and a wig—she finally ditched both. Now a TEDx speaker and coach, the author of “So Much to Drool About,” uses raw honesty and canine-inspired wisdom (yes, her Great Danes helped) to show why perfection isn’t a goal—it’s a trap. She’ll explore how to stop chasing approval, reconnect with your real voice and build a life that’s joyful, not just polished. Contact Barbara Stone at (315) 840-2845; bstone@rtir.com
14. ==> Why Humor Still Matters (Especially When the World Feels Like a Mess)
Is it possible to laugh and still take life seriously? W.G. (Bill) Williams says yes—and he’s been proving it for over 20 years. A former FEMA communications director, journalist, and daily email humorist, Williams believes humor isn’t just a luxury—it’s a survival tool. Now the author of “20 Years of Internet Humor...and Other Interesting Things” is sharing the wit and wisdom that helped thousands of readers get through tough days. Williams will explore the healing power of humor in an age of outrage and anxiety and explain why laughter is a powerful social glue, a stress reliever, and even a quiet form of rebellion. With stories from his government days to his decades-long tradition of daily jokes, he offers levity that goes deeper than punchlines—without ever losing the punch. Contact Williams at (225) 223-6102; bwilliams@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Interview the 89-Year-Old ‘Mad Man’ Who’s Redefining Aging
He helped sell luxury cars and fine whiskey around the world, launched a successful inn at midlife, and just published his fifth book—at age 89. Now former international ad exec James Flaherty is proving that age is no barrier to purpose, reinvention, or joy. In his new book “Loving Longevity: Make Your Next Years Your Best Years,” Flaherty tackles aging with the same wit, guts, and creativity that made him a standout in advertising—and in life. He speaks candidly about caregiving for his partner with dementia, navigating grief, staying connected across generations, and how older adults can rekindle their sense of purpose. Ask him: What’s the biggest lie we’ve been sold about aging—and how do you suggest we push back? You’re 89 with a ten-year plan. What do you say to people who feel like it’s “too late” for new goals? With 7.5 million depressed seniors in the U.S., Flaherty’s message is as urgent as it is uplifting: the script for aging is due for a rewrite. Contact James Flaherty at (914) 326-2697; jflaherty@rtirguests.com
