11/7/2025 RTIR Newsletter: Election Reflection, the Restorative Power of Fall and How to Spot Joy in Your Backyard



01. Jews, Zionism and Mamdani
02. Who Pays Trump’s Tariffs?
03. As the Leaves Fall: Getting in Tune With Nature’s Rhythm
04. Health Alert: Strokes in Young Adults Are Rising
05. Do Americans Want Medicare for All?
06. Beware These Costly Medicare Changes
07. 5 Ways to Be a Peacebuilder: No Protests or Politicians Required
08. Money Leaks: Sneaky Habits That Drain Your Wallet
09. Are We Raising a Nation of Wimps?
10. It’s Never Too Late to Train Your Pup
11. Feeling Stuck? It’s Time to Start Swinging
12. How to Heal America’s Soul Crisis
13. A Mindset Makeover for Families Facing Modern Stress
14. Stars, Cards & Stones: Unlock Your Intuition with Ancient Tools
15. Binoculars Optional: How to Spot Joy in Your Own Backyard

1. ==> Jews, Zionism and Mamdani

Rabbi Andrue Kahn, the Brooklyn-based executive director of the American Council for Judaism, says there is a choice before American Jews as they imagine their possible futures. “Some argue that Judaism and Zionism are inseparable, and that questioning this premise constitutes antisemitism. Others envision an alternative, rooted in millennia of Jewish history, that rejects the conflation of Judaism with nationalism, and dismisses the concept that there could possibly exist a singular, monolithic Jewish voice on the subject at all.” Kahn continues, “This is not a new debate. Anti-Zionism has existed since the birth of Zionism itself. The American Council for Judaism has proudly stood in this tradition since 1942, representing what was once the mainstream stance of the Reform movement: that Jewish identity, ethics, and community do not depend on nationalism, and that Jewish life flourishes best in free and democratic societies. …” Rabbi Andrue Kahn recently wrote the piece “Jews differ on both Zionism and Mamdani” for the New York “Daily News.” Contact him at akahn@acjna.org, @rabbiandruekahn

2. ==> Who Pays Trump’s Tariffs?

President Trump routinely claims that foreigners pay his tariffs, which is false—U.S. importers pay them. Economist Benn Steil explains that over time, foreign exporters can be expected to bear a small but rising burden of the tariffs through price cuts. But, he says, U.S. consumers will bear the greatest part—roughly 2/3—of Trump’s tariffs, in the form of higher prices. Benn Steil is senior fellow and director of international economics at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York. He is the lead writer of the Council’s Geo-Graphics economics blog, and the author of “The World That Wasn’t: Henry Wallace and the Fate of the American Century.” Contact him at (212) 434-9622; szucker@cfr.org or Samuel Zucker at szucker@cfr.org

3. ==> As the Leaves Fall: Getting in Tune With Nature’s Rhythm

Just as autumn trees shed their leaves, people should take time to pause, release and reflect. In a time when daily life moves at breakneck speed, author Dianne Ebertt Beeaff offers a gentle reminder that healing begins with stillness. The author of “Infinite Paradise: Witnessing the Wild,” will share ways to embrace the restorative power of the natural world. She’ll inspire your audience to witness the wonder of wildlife and the rhythm of nature — and the quiet, essential truths they hold for all of humanity. Hear how immersing yourself in nature can foster reflection, healing and a renewed sense of belonging, and learn the best ways to dip your toe in the water! Dianne Ebertt Beeaff is the author of six other books, including the bestselling memoir “A Grand Madness: Ten Years on the Road with U2.” Contact Hillary Lang at (800) 854-1134; news@ascotpr.com

4. ==> Health Alert: Strokes in Young Adults Are Rising

Stroke is no longer a disease of old age. New CDC data show stroke prevalence among U.S. adults aged 18–44 has jumped nearly 15 percent in the past decade, with many younger patients overlooking early warning signs. Vascular neurologist Dr. Jeremy Liff says subtle symptoms like brief vision changes, unexplained dizziness, or tingling that disappears can signal a “mini-stroke” — a transient ischemic attack (TIA) that standard exams often miss. As more young adults face rising cardiovascular and stress-related risks, Dr. Liff is urging people not to dismiss fleeting neurological episodes that could be their body’s early alarm. Jeremy Lif, MD, is a board-certified neurologist specializing in stroke, brain aneurysms, and venous outflow conditions. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103

5. ==> Do Americans Want Medicare for All?

According to a recent report funded by corporate Democrats, Medicare for All is an “unpopular economic policy”––but advocates say the claim is false. Author and activist Jeff Cohen points to an Economist/You Gov poll of more than 1,500 adult citizens conducted in July of this year that found Medicare for All was supported by 59 percent of those polled (including 36 percent who “strongly support”)––and opposed by only 27 percent. Cohen suggests this may be the time to have a real conversation about national healthcare. “We have a government shutdown right now where the Republicans want to cut down healthcare even more, and the Democrats are fighting like mad for a healthcare status quo that has tens of millions of people uninsured and underinsured. The current attacks on healthcare and Obamacare, which is largely a failed reform, could mean that we can ‘start over’ with Medicare for All. Republicans may weaken Medicaid and existing subsidies, but Medicare for All would subsume and supplant all of that in a way that would be far better than what we have.” Jeff Cohen is a founder of the media watch group FAIR and a co-founder of RootsAction. Contact him at jcohen@ithaca.edu

6. ==> Beware These Costly Medicare Changes

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 listeners need to hear now, during Medicare’s Open Enrollment period, which runs through December 7th. Invite Medicare expert Toni King, author of “Medicare Survival Guide Advanced Edition,” to discuss new changes set to take effect January 1st. King will help your audience understand how these updates will affect their coverage and annual out-of-pocket costs in 2026. She’ll also explain how Medicare directly negotiated lower prices for 10 high-cost drugs, transforming Part D and contributing to rising premiums for many enrollees. 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. ==> 5 Ways to Be a Peacebuilder: No Protests or Politicians Required

Tired of outrage, division, and endless political finger-pointing? Danielle Reiff is a former U.S. diplomat who helped advance peace and democracy around the world in places like the Republic of Georgia, Sri Lanka, and Uganda. Now she’s bringing those same skills to the challenges facing America. Invite Reiff on your show to learn five ways everyday Americans can build peace in their own communities—no protests or politicians required. Drawing from her real-world experience and her Peacebuilders initiative, she’ll explore how shifting from a zero-sum worldview to one of dialogue, collaboration, and unity in diversity can help us heal our fractured society. This is a hopeful, practical conversation about what real peacebuilding looks like—right here at home. Ask her: Why do you say peacebuilding must go “beyond protest”? What does it look like to become a peacebuilder in a divided neighborhood or workplace? Do you think peace is even possible given how divided we are? Contact Danielle Reiff at (202) 499-7256; dreiff@rtirguests.com

8. ==> Money Leaks: Sneaky Habits That Drain Your Wallet

Do you ever look at your bank statements and wonder: Where did it all go? Financial coach Monique Gagné says most people don’t need to make more money—they need to stop letting it slip away. In an eye-opening interview, Gagné will expose 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. Monique Gagne is the author of “Who Took My Money?” Contact her at (602) 704-5499; mgagne@rtirguests.com

9. ==> 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 Dr. 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. She is author of "The Power of Connection: Understanding Individual Differences to Uplift and Empower," as well as a former diplomat, spy, and board-certified educational therapist. Contact Dr. Dianne Olvera at (805) 779-3558; dolvera@rtirguests.com

10. ==> It’s Never Too Late to Train Your Pup

Whether your pup’s a chewer, a jumper, or just plain bad, author and dog trainer Kathleen Troy can share how to transform even the most unruly Rovers into well-behaved bowwows. Known as the Dear Abby of the canine world, Katheleen shares her doggone delightful tales of Dylan, a pooch she rescued from South Korea that was wildly destructive. With love and patience, not only did Kathleen bring Dylan’s behavior under control, she taught him sign language, how to count to 10, and dial 911! “There are no bad dogs, just bad owners,” she says. Kathleen is the author of the "Dylan’s Dog Squad" series, as well as a book about dog training. Contact Kathleen Troy at (714) 975-9807; ktroy@rtirguests.com

11. ==> Feeling Stuck? It’s Time to Start Swinging

Recent headlines proclaim that Americans are stuck! Nobody’s leaving their jobs or homes, we’re not making plans for the future and many of us are feeling unsure of what to do next. Hall of Fame golf instructor and mindset coach Cindy Miller says it’s natural—and wise—to pause and consider your options, but eventually you have to stop thinking and start swinging. Cindy’s not just another motivational voice, she lives the message. After losing her LPGA card, she clawed her way back—25 years later—proving that failure isn’t final and reinvention has no age limit. Her signature mix of humor and no-nonsense wisdom helps audiences silence self-doubt and take bold action. If your listeners are feeling stuck, burned out or ready for a comeback, Cindy’s story will leave them inspired and ready to take their next shot. Contact Cindy Miller at (716) 670-5341; cimiller@rtirguests.com

12. ==> How to Heal America’s Soul Crisis

Across every generation, stress, anxiety, and burnout are on the rise. But according to author and spiritual teacher Doreen Mary Bray, what we’re really facing isn’t just a mental health crisis, it’s a soul crisis. In her new book “The Angel and The Avatar,” Doreen reveals how losing connection with our inner selves has left millions feeling unfulfilled, anxious, and exhausted. A naturopath, shaman, and teacher for more than 40 years, she offers a fresh, practical perspective on how to restore balance through simple daily practices that realign mind, body, and soul. A compassionate and insightful guest, Doreen helps audiences understand the hidden causes of modern stress and how to turn sensitivity, overthinking, and self-doubt into tools for healing and personal growth. Ask her: What do you mean by a “soul crisis,” and how is it different from burnout? What’s one thing our listeners can do today to feel calmer and more centered? Contact Doreen Mary Bray at (438) 802-0280; dbray@rtirguests.com

13. ==> A Mindset Makeover for Families Facing Modern Stress

Across the country, teachers and parents are noticing that kids are more anxious than ever. Mindset coach and mother of four Sharon Emily believes the antidote is not pressure or perfectionism, but mindset. A former counselor and Franklin Covey-trained facilitator, she teaches families practical ways to replace fear with focus. Her new children’s song turned book, “Mirror of Myself,” gives parents an easy way to start those conversations at home. Sharon helps audiences understand how thoughts shape confidence, motivation, and resilience in both children and adults. Whether your listeners are concerned about school stress, social media, or the constant rush of modern life, she offers tools that spark calm, gratitude, and hope while still acknowledging real challenges. Sharon has practiced what she preaches, raising a son who became a millionaire before 30 and a thriving daughter living with autism. Contact her at (480) 470-3893; scarstens@rtirguests.com

14. ==> Stars, Cards & Stones: Unlock Your Intuition with Ancient Tools

Discover an untapped path to transform your life with Kooch Daniels, a renowned intuitive professional and author of “Stars, Cards, and Stones: Exploring Cosmic Connections Between Astrology, Tarot, and Runestones.” With over four decades of intuitive experience, Kooch can teach you to tap into ancient mystical tools to help you trust your intuition, manifest success and unlock your potential. Not only will Kooch reveal how the mystical can supercharge your goals, but she’ll also offer on-air intuitive readings—providing live insights into how these cosmic forces shape your life. With tens of thousands of successful readings under her belt, Kooch’s unique blend of practical wisdom and psychic ability sets the stage for an unforgettable experience that can help your audience unlock their best selves. Contact Kooch at kdaniels@rtirguests.com; (707) 878-5039

15. ==> Binoculars Optional: How to Spot Joy in Your Own Backyard

Are you ready to join the millions of people who enjoy birds? If so, there’s no better time than the present to give it a try. Invite Dexter Patterson, CEO of Operation Bird Joy, to walk you through the basics of birding. Where should you go? How do you even find a bird? Are there apps for that? Do you need binoculars? Dexter is the perfect guide for newbies and avid birders. He is the host of the Bird Joy podcast and the co-founder of the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, an organization dedicated to making birding more accessible and inclusive for people of color. Dexter Patterson teaches at the University of Wisconsin and is the author of “Birds of the Great Lakes: Best Little Book of Birds.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705