01. The Widespread Economic Impact of Science Research Cuts
02. Fans Shocked by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s New Bod
03. Pets Have Back-to-School Stress Too
04. 9/11 Anniversary: This Woman Saw it in a Dream
05. Discover the Indian Festival of Navrati
06. What Really Happened to the Dinosaurs?
07. How to Make Real Change in Today’s Polarized Society
08. Why Are Young Men Leaning Right While Women Go Left?
09. Divisive Politics, Climate Change, Wars: How to Overcome Overwhelming Stress
10. Don’t Let Perfectionism Steal Your Joy
11. Beyond the 9-to-5: Craft a Life of Purpose and Passion
12. Inside the Toxic Social Environment That Fuels Teen Suicide
13. How to Accomplish the Impossible on a Regular Basis
14. The Key to Unlock Your Secret Genius
15. Are Cell Phones Behind Rising Cancer Rates?
1. ==> The Widespread Economic Impact of Science Research Cuts
Analysts looking at the White House budget for FY 2026 expect widespread economic and job losses in counties all across the United States due to billions in cuts to science research funding. The Science and Community Impacts Mapping Project (SCIMaP) says proposed cuts to science research funding total $18 billion compared to FY 2024. Upwards of 200,000 high-quality jobs in medical research are disappearing and going abroad, writes data analyst Joshua Weitz, “for no reason other than Project 2025 (and) HHS leadership want to dismantle world-class NIH funded research in communities nationwide.” Weitz says the budget cuts amount to a 40 percent cut to medical research funding and extend far beyond Bethesda, Maryland. “What gets into the news are the Ivy League institutions like Harvard, Columbia, and Brown. But the impacts go well beyond those institutions. The targets are everywhere. On our map, you can look at the research triangle near Raleigh, or toward Houston, Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Texas system. You can look to Pittsburgh, to Birmingham, to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota or to Phoenix and Tucson. These are all places beyond the headlines that will be significantly impacted if the budget is passed this way.” In North Carolina, for instance, the economic losses could total $3 billion, he says. Joshua Weitz is a professor of biology and Clark Leadership Chair in data analytics at the University of Maryland. Contact him at jsweitz@umd.edu, @joshuasweitz
2. ==> Fans Shocked by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s New Bod
From The Rock to The Pebble. Dwayne Johnson shocked fans with his slimmed-down physique at the Venice Film Festival over the weekend. The wrestler-turned-actor, 53, transformed his body to play MMA fighter Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie’s film “The Smashing Machine,” which premiered in Venice Monday night. Dr. Michael Aziz can talk about the dramatic 60-pound weight loss and whether that’s healthy or not. He'll discuss what kind of diet and exercise plan someone needs to follow to lose that much size, and what happens to someone’s metabolism when they go from super muscular to super lean. Dr. Michael Aziz is a board-certified internist and regenerative medicine specialist based in New York City. An expert in anti-aging medicine, he is a national speaker, prolific writer, and author of the bestseller “The Perfect 10 Diet.” His latest book is "The Ageless Revolution: 10 Hallmarks of Aging That Hold the Secret to Defeating Disease, Reversing Age, Looking Younger, and Living Longer." Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103
3. ==> Pets Have Back-to-School Stress Too
Families all across the country are in back-to-school mode and many pets are now home alone during the day. Experts estimate separation anxiety occurs in about 20-40% of dogs. Many suffer in silence and their distress may not be obvious to their owners while others are clearly getting themselves into trouble while home alone. Dr. Carol Osborne will share signs your dog or cat is suffering from separation anxiety (salivating, digging, destructive chewing), along with ways to prevent it by teaching your dog independence and structure. Dr. Carol Osborne, D.V.M., is a practicing integrative veterinarian and a leader in the field of functional medicine. She is the founder and director of the Chagrin Falls Veterinary Center and Pet Clinic and a regular contributor to several TV shows. Contact Mackenzie August at (661) 255-8283; mackenzie@steveallenmedia.com
4. ==> 9/11 Anniversary: This Woman Saw it in a Dream
Nine months before it happened, author Ariel Vox had a vivid dream about the 9/11 tragedy "I saw everything in such detail," she recalls. "I saw a skyscraper. I knew that building. My eyes were on the level of the airplane. After the building collapsed, I saw 11.0.9 written in the sky. Then I saw Jesus Christ. I never had a prophetic dream before. There was so much detail in this dream." Ariel, who grew up in Bulgaria, attributes her acute telepathic abilities to surviving a near-fatal car accident when she was 18-month-old. She can share vivid details from this dream and decipher why some people have prophetic dreams. She is a dynamic speaker, a Destiny Designer, and author of "From Fear To Fierce: How to Turn Failure into Success." Contact Ariel Vox at avox@rtirguests.com.
5. ==> Discover the Indian Festival of Navrati
Did you know there's an annual nine-goddess festival that begins September 22nd and is celebrated by millions of Indians worldwide, with many colors, music, pomegranate seeds, puffed rice, potatoes, and dancing around the light of a lamp? And that so many celebrate yet so few, including Deepak Chopra, know its significance? The festival is called Navratri and the light of the lamp at the center of the dance represents the power we have to give birth to the most authentic version of ourselves. Interview Ananta Ripa Ajmera to learn Navratri's significance, including a nine-step process she created through her journey to empower people to overcome abuse and trauma and turn adversity into their friend. Ananta is the 10-time award-winning, best-selling author of “The Way of the Goddess: Daily Rituals to Awaken Your Inner Warrior and Discover Your True Self,” which Deepak Chopra endorsed. Contact Ananta Ripa Ajmera at (419) 297-9210; ananta.ripa.ajmera@gmail.com
Are you interested in guests who touch on spirituality, ancient wisdom and cosmic curiosities? Keep an eye out for the special RTIR Newsletter ‘Believe it or Not’ this Friday, September 5th featuring experts in everything from astrology to energy healing to existential philosophies rooted in interconnectedness.
6. ==> What Really Happened to the Dinosaurs?
An asteroid killed the dinosaurs, right? You’d be forgiven if you thought that was what happened. The theory was published in “Science” back in 1980. But Gerta Keller has proven otherwise. Her discoveries in sedimentary and fossil records have proved what really wiped out the dinosaurs: greenhouse gases from volcanic eruptions in west-central India. But this story isn’t just about the death of the dinosaurs and the professor who exploded the extinction-by-asteroid myth. Keller’s conclusions stand as a powerful counterargument to leaders who deny climate change and create policy that accelerates it. They show that we must take greenhouse gasses seriously. What’s more, they paved the way for a generation of scientists who are embracing Keller’s Deccan volcanism theory as the most likely cause of four of Earth’s five mass extinctions and warning us we may become the dinosaurs of the sixth extinction. Gerta Keller is a professor of Paleontology and Geology Emeritus in the Department of Geosciences at Princeton University. Her new book is “The Last Extinction: The Real Science Behind the Death of the Dinosaurs.” Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853; LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com
7. ==> How to Make Real Change in Today’s Polarized Society
Feeling fed up with what’s going on in the world isn’t a flaw—it’s fuel, and Sam Daley-Harris wants to show your audience how to use it. After decades coaching citizens to influence Congress, the media, and even international policy, Daley-Harris now teaches how to build real power through community, strategy, and courageous conversations. Forget performative outrage or political posturing: Daley-Harris, the author of “Reclaiming Our Democracy” will explain what he calls transformational advocacy--a method that doesn't just push for change, it changes you in the process. If your audience is exhausted by polarization but still wants to make a difference, Daley-Harris delivers the tools, stories, and spark to help them take meaningful action—and rediscover their own agency along the way. Contact Sam Daley-Harris at (202) 804-2504; Sdaley@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Why Are Young Men Leaning Right While Women Go Left?
There is a global gender divide that seems to be increasing yearly. Data from multiple countries around the world indicate that young women are adopting more liberal ideologies, while young men are leaning more conservative. What’s driving the divide? Psychiatrist and author Dr. Melvyn Lurie sees the split as more emotional than political. In his book “Fractured: How Shame and Fear of Failure Are Driving the Divide in America,” he explains how men’s growing disconnection, insecurity and loss of identity may be pushing them toward more extreme ideologies. Dr. Lurie offers powerful insight into why many young men feel alienated in today’s society, and how unaddressed shame, not ideology, may be the real root of their rage. Contact Dr. Melvyn Lurie at (857) 376-6874; mlurie@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Divisive Politics, Climate Change, Wars: How to Overcome Overwhelming Stress
Overcoming stress is not a new topic. But while most experts recommend strategies to avoid stress, internationally known psychologist Stephen Sideroff claims it's best to just face it head on. "Stress is a fact of life, and it's necessary for success," he says. "I have discovered a holistic methodology based on 9 key pillars to help you thrive, even in the midst of overwhelming stress." Drawing on over 40 years of experience, Stephen can share techniques to adjust the mind and body to cope with modern forms of stress , and ways to prosper with stress, rather than letting it weigh you down. Stephen is an associate professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Rheumatology at UCLA’s Geffen School of Medicine. He was the founder and former clinical director of the Stress Strategies Program of UCLA/Santa Monica Hospital and former clinical director of Moonview Treatment and Optimal Performance Center. He is the author of “The 9 Pillars of Resilience: The Proven Path to Mastering Stress, Slow Aging and Increase Vitality.” Contact Dr. Stephen at (213) 660-4659; ssideroff@rtirguests.com
10. ==> 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
11. ==> Beyond the 9-to-5: Craft a Life of Purpose and Passion
Stuck in a job that drains you? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to stay there. Greg Mohr, “Wall Street Journal” bestselling author of “Real Freedom,” walked away from the corporate grind and never looked back. Today, he helps others do the same by guiding them into franchise ownership that aligns with their strengths, values, and long-term goals. Mohr has already helped more than 250 people launch over 500 franchise locations—and he’s just getting started. His message? You don’t need a million-dollar idea to build a fulfilling life; you need the right model, mindset, and mentor. In interviews, Mohr shares how to identify the right business for you, how to escape the “golden handcuffs” of corporate life, and why the freedom you’re craving might be more attainable than you think. Contact Greg Mohr: (361) 204-5470; gmohr@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Inside the Toxic Social Environment That Fuels Teen Suicide
September is Suicide Prevention month. 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
13. ==> How to Accomplish the Impossible on a Regular Basis
What do Andy Kaufman, Jim Carrey, and thousands of successful entrepreneurs have in common? According to media mogul Al Parinello, they all understood one thing: success rarely follows the rules. A seasoned Broadway and film producer, radio station owner, and host of over 3,000 interviews on success, Parinello has spent decades uncovering what separates the truly extraordinary from the merely capable. Parinello distills hard-won lessons into bold, counterintuitive strategies anyone can use to break through limitations. Invite him on your show to share the mindset and methods that helped him take on seemingly impossible goals—from producing legendary comedy acts to launching major media projects—and win. If your audience is stuck, stalled, or ready for more, Parinello delivers the insights they need to make the leap. Ask him: What’s the biggest myth most people believe about success—and how is it holding them back? You knew Andy Kaufman personally—what was he really like off stage, and how did that relationship shape your views on success and originality? Al Parinello is the author of “Uncommon Success—How to Accomplish the Impossible on a Regular Basis!” Contact him at (973) 390-9583; aparinello@rtirguests.com
14. ==> The Key to Unlock Your Secret Genius
What if the key to health, happiness, and deeper relationships isn’t out there—but within your own sensory system? Donna Redman has created a groundbreaking program: The Secret Genius of Sensory Processing, in collaboration with renowned occupational therapist Cynthia Duffy. Backed by neuroscience, art therapy, and nature-based healing, this revolutionary program empowers parents, caregivers, and neurodivergent individuals to understand and leverage their sensory experiences to transform daily life. “When we understand the senses, we begin to understand ourselves,” she says. Whether it’s the chaos of school mornings, struggles with mealtime, or the heartbreak of misunderstood behavior—this program offers practical tools and deep insight that can change everything. Contact Donna Redman at (973) 876-5903; dredman@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Are Cell Phones Behind Rising Cancer Rates?
Every third person today dies of cancer—and the number is steadily climbing. While most blame chemicals or the environment, author and entrepreneur Norbert Heuser says the biggest culprit may be hiding in plain sight: our cell phones. Studies now link electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from phones, Wi-Fi and smart meters to biological stress the human body cannot digest. The result? A possible driving force behind cancer, sleep disorders, dementia, reduced sperm count in men, fertility challenges for women and more. For more than 45 years, Norbert has investigated hidden health risks, from caffeine addiction and unhealthy drinking water to the 19 often-overlooked causes of poor sleep. But nothing alarms him more than the rise of EMR exposure and its overlooked role in modern disease. On your show, he can explain what the science shows, why mainstream medicine won’t touch this subject, and simple steps every listener can take today to protect themselves and their families. Contact Norbert Heuser at (727) 261-2313; nheuser@rtirguests.com
