01. The Uncomfortable Truth About Netanyahu’s ‘Victory’
02. New Study: Dramatic Drop in Pro-Life Churchgoers
03. Longtime OB/GYN Talks Reproductive Health and Freedom
04. Americans Take to Streets Again to Protest ‘No Kings’
05. 50th Anniversary of the Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald: What Really Happened?
06. Urgent Warning for Americans with Medicare
07. You Slept Where? Inside America’s Most Haunted Places
08. Bad-Ass Economics: 4 Radical Fixes to Rescue America’s Economy
09. Meet the Political ‘Rocky’: How One Man Took on the ‘Unbeatable’ and Changed His District
10. Veteran Lawyer Exposes the Myth of Equal Justice
11. Is There a Way to Repair Slavery’s Lasting Wounds?
12. Have You Seen ‘The Pitt’? The Trauma Nurses and Patients Face
13. This Engineer Says His Invention Can End School Shooting Deaths
14. Why Top Students Know the Bible, Even If They Aren’t Religious
15. Your Life, in Numbers: What’s Your Numerology Blueprint?
1. ==> The Uncomfortable Truth About Netanyahu’s ‘Victory’
While many questions linger over what happens next in Gaza, Shira Efron, an expert in Israeli and Middle East affairs, says one thing is certain: This “victory” is actually a defeat — a necessary and blessed defeat — of Benjamin Netanyahu’s messianic vision. “The agreement directly contradicts what the government has sold Israelis for two years: the promise of total victory and the destruction of Hamas.” She says reality has demolished nearly every promise. “Hamas survives. Under the entire plan President Trump proposed, which Mr. Netanyahu agreed to, the group would disarm but not disappear, with leaders offered amnesty or exile. The hard truth is that Hamas is part of the Palestinian polity. Containing Hamas, mitigating its negative influence and even disarming it are reasonable aspirations, which might be achieved through a long-term effort. But contrary to the Israeli government’s vows, Hamas is not going anywhere.” Dr. Efron is the distinguished Israel policy chair and a senior fellow at RAND, a global nonpartisan think tank, research institute, and public sector consulting firm. Contact media relations at (310) 451-6913 media@rand.org
2. ==> New Study: Dramatic Drop in Pro-Life Churchgoers
According to the latest study by the Family Research Council (FRC), regular churchgoers are increasingly uncertain about the definition of family and the morality of abortion. Researchers found that “traditional understandings of family and longstanding opposition to abortion are losing ground inside America’s churches at a staggering rate.” FRC’s David Closson says, “It’s deeply discouraging to see the share of churchgoers identifying as pro-life drop so dramatically. For decades, Christians have led the way in defending the dignity of unborn life, but these findings reveal just how much cultural confusion has seeped into the church.” In addition to the abortion issue, the survey found no clear majority consensus on the definition of what constitutes a family. Closson says, “The data underscores that confusion inside the church is not primarily a political problem; it’s a discipleship problem.” The Family Research Council (FRC) is an American evangelical non-profit activist group and think-tank with an affiliated lobbying organization. FRC promotes what it considers to be family values. Contact Alice Chao at the Family Research Council at achao@frc.org
3. ==> Longtime OB/GYN Talks Reproductive Health and Freedom
Dr. Steven Eisinger provides another perspective on the issue of abortion. Throughout his career, Dr. Eisinger has dedicated himself to three main pursuits: providing obstetric and gynecologic care for underserved women, educating young doctors, and championing reproductive freedom, including abortion. Dr. Eisinger has performed abortions all his professional life, beginning in 1971. He even wrote a book approaching the topic with clarity, humor, and passion to present an accurate picture of abortion to the public, including the medical and psychological realities for patients and providers, and addresses the complex issues surrounding abortion. Ask him: What are some stand-out memories from his career? How multi-faceted is abortion from a doctor's perspective? What are his professional opinions on the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the consequences that go along with it? Contact Dr. Eisinger at (585) 721-1575; sseisinger@gmail.com
4. ==> Americans Take to Streets Again to Protest ‘No Kings’
The No Kings movement has warned of increasing political tensions and military presence ahead of their next day of action this Saturday October 18th, when organizers across all 50 states aim to mobilize millions of Americans "to defend democratic norms and reject authoritarianism." The nationwide effort follows June’s organized demonstrations against Donald Trump and his policies. Lisa Gilbert, co-president of the consumer advocacy organization Public Citizen, says Americans are not wrong to be worried about the state of their democracy. “In less than 10 months of his presidency, Trump has ticked off every box of a king’s playbook. He has plastered his face on banners across D.C., weaponized National Guard troops against our communities, disappeared people or thrown them out of the country without due process, attempted to sabotage elections and erode our democratic institutions.” Gilbert can discuss the difference between June’s protests and the current political atmosphere and what organizers hope to gain from this weekend’s event. Lisa Gilbert frequently appears on PBS and other media outlets. Contact Omar Baddar at (202) 588-7741; obaddar@citizen.org
5. ==> 50th Anniversary of the Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald: What Really Happened?
Take listeners back to the height of America’s postwar boom and the Great Lakes region, which was the beating heart of the global economy—possessing all the power and prestige that Silicon Valley enjoys today. The industrial dominance depended on Great Lakes freighters getting iron ore from the shores of Lake Superior to the factories in Chicago, Detroit, and Cleveland. But on November 10, 1975, the “storm of the century” threw 100 mile-per-hour winds and 50-foot waves on Lake Superior, and “the Mighty Fitz” found itself at the worst possible place, at the worst possible time. When she sank, she took all 29 men onboard down with her. Bestselling author John Bacon’s new book, “The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald” explores the vital role Great Lakes shipping played in America’s economic boom, the uncommon lives the sailors led, the sinking’s most likely causes, and the heartbreaking aftermath for those left behind. He also traces how Gordon Lightfoot’s ballad “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” transformed the tragedy into a cultural legend. John Bacon has authored fourteen books on sports, business, and history, the last seven of which are critically acclaimed national bestsellers, including five “New York Times” bestsellers. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
6. ==> Urgent Warning for Americans with Medicare
Big changes are coming to Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans and more than 69 million Americans could be affected. This is a timely story your audience needs to hear now, during Medicare’s Open Enrollment period, October 15 through December 7th. Invite Medicare expert Toni King, author of “Medicare Survival Guide Advanced Edition,” to discuss new changes that take effect January 1st, when Inflation Reduction Act subsidies are set to expire. King will explain the changes involving 10 popular high-cost, brand-name drugs and why millions of Medicare enrollees need to review their plans now to make sure their prescriptions will still be covered. Many plans are increasing premiums and adjusting which medications they cover and King says some enrollees are already seeing premium notices and dropped drugs for 2026. Ask her: “How can one small oversight erase your drug coverage overnight?” Which 2026 changes will hit enrollees’ wallets the hardest?” Contact Toni King at (281) 677-3736; tking@rtirguests.com
7. ==> You Slept Where? Inside America’s Most Haunted Places
Brenda Prater Sellers has checked into places where most people would never dare. She’s stayed at the infamous Lizzie Borden House, toured haunted prisons and asylums, and even braved the Villisca Axe Murder House and the infamous “Conjuring” home. Why? To face her fears, fuel her adventurous spirit, and collect stories that make audiences laugh and shiver in equal measure. Brenda, author of “You Slept Where? Calamities of a Clumsy Businesswoman,” brings humor and heart to every tale, proving that even the eeriest encounters can turn into unforgettable stories. She’s the perfect Halloween guest for shows that offer a mix of chills, laughs, and real-life adventure. Brenda is a speaker, philanthropist, and author whose travel memoir blends comedy, resilience, and adventures in the world’s most bizarre and haunted places. Contact her at (865) 344-1755; bsellers@rtirguests.com
Looking for more Halloween topics? Check out our special Halloween RTIR Newsletter, featuring more than a dozen guests who can talk about everything from the best haunted houses to what your costume really says about you.
8. ==> 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
9. ==> Meet the Political ‘Rocky’: How One Man Took on the ‘Unbeatable’ and Changed His District
Author Rob Curnock knows politics from every angle—as a volunteer, TV reporter, and county party leader. He ultimately got a front-row seat to the down-and-dirty world of politics during his unlikely run for Congress against an entrenched incumbent. “I experienced the often brutal realities of running for office—and learned how ordinary citizens can shake up the system,” he says. Whether you’re thinking of running for office—or just curious about what it takes—Rob delivers an inside look that is as timely as today’s headlines. He is a long-time broadcast journalist and the author of “Dead Man Running.” Contact Rob Curnock at (254) 822-3741; rcurnock@rtirguests.com
10. ==> 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
11. ==> Is There a Way 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. Sample questions: 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? For interviews, contact lwhite@rtirguests.com (email preferred) or (770) 525-8743
12. ==> Have You Seen ‘The Pitt’? The 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, much like in the TV show, “The Pitt.” 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
13. ==> This Engineer Says His Invention Can End School Shooting Deaths
Engineer and inventor Leonard Fonarov believes he has created technology that can finally stop children from being killed in school shootings. A survivor of the World War II siege of Leningrad and a longtime Florida resident, Leonard was moved to act after the tragedy at Parkland, just miles from his home. His patented invention, the Leonardo ISV, is a bulletproof, rapid-response rescue vehicle designed to reach an active shooter inside a school in just 5–9 seconds—a speed that could mean the difference between life and death. Unlike SWAT teams, which can take 20–40 minutes to arrive, the Leonardo ISV is on-site, patrolling hallways, ready to protect children and teachers instantly. He is the author of “I Will Stop School Shooting Forever,” and explains his invention—and why he believes America’s children can finally be safe. Contact Leonard Foranov at llfonarov@rtirguests.com; (754) 289-4905
14. ==> Why Top Students Know the Bible, Even If They Aren’t Religious
Top students often excel due to their understanding of cultural references, and a surprising factor behind their success is knowledge of the Bible. Studies show that students with a strong knowledge of biblical references tend to score higher on standardized tests. Research indicates these students score 10-15% higher on SAT Critical Reading and AP English Literature exams compared to peers without this knowledge. Tamara Berkman, a Texas State Certified Teacher, created the “Learn the Whole Bible ASAP” curriculum to help students quickly grasp the Bible’s storyline. In just 20 short lessons, students improve their understanding of literature, identify cultural references, and sharpen critical thinking skills— key elements for academic success. Berkman’s book, “Learn the Whole Bible ASAP,” offers a fast, effective way for students and families to understand the Bible’s story while boosting academic performance and cultural literacy. Contact Tamara Berkman at (830) 201-3160; tberkman@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Your Life, in Numbers: What’s Your Numerology Blueprint?
For anyone feeling like they’re at a crossroads, unsure of their next career move or just seeking clarity, Suzan Owens might offer some unique assistance. A skilled numerologist, she can quickly reveal key aspects of anyone’s numerology blueprint, answering two essential questions: What am I really good at? and What does my future hold? Whether you’re seeking advice about your career, relationships, or personal growth, Suzan will share a fresh perspective that can guide you toward your fullest potential. “Numerology helps us look beyond the surface, uncovering our deeper purpose and strengths,” Suzan explains. “It aligns us with who we truly are.” Suzan is the author of “Wisdom of Numerology.” Contact her at (509) 315-6515; Sowens@rtirguests.com
