3/5/2026 RTIR Newsletter: New AI Scams, Good News About Low Birthrates and Meet the Star of ‘Donkey King’

01. Americans Are Skeptical of ‘Operation Epic Fury’
02. Trump’s Iran Campaign Ignores the Lessons of the Iraq War
03. Could AI Fix Our Broken Healthcare System?
04. Why Some Say the Plunging Birthrate is a Good Thing
05. Ron King, Star of ABC’s ‘Donkey King’
06. What No One Tells You About Running for Office
07. The Diplomatic Skills Every Leader Needs — But No One Teaches
08. Why Many Americans Will Work Past Retirement Age
09. Are You Addicted to Caffeine—and Don’t Even Know It?
10. Joint Pain Isn’t ‘Just Menopause’
11. The Hidden Meaning Behind Your Pain and Illness
12. Parenting Expert Shares How to Raise Emotionally Healthy Sons
13. How to Protect Your Parents From Today’s New AI Scams
14. The Mental Health Cost of Building a Business from Scratch
15. Gain Clarity and Direction: Interview This Certified Metaphysician


1. ==> Americans Are Skeptical of ‘Operation Epic Fury’

Initial polls suggest that President Trump has work to do to persuade Americans that he made the right decision in launching major combat operations against Iran. James Lindsay of the Council on Foreign Relations says three recent polls show Democrats and Republicans deeply split on the issue while a quarter of Americans remain undecided. “Trump does not have a deep reservoir of public support to draw on should U.S. combat operations in Iran suffer any setbacks or trigger adverse economic consequences. On the latter score, the price of gasoline could be a major factor in how many Americans assess the wisdom of the war.” Lindsay says neither Trump’s overall approval rating nor his foreign policy approval rating have improved after the attacks, consistent with prior polls that have found that his foreign policy decisions have not had a significant impact on how the public views him. “The doubts Americans have at the start of Operation Epic Fury will not affect the prosecution of the war in the near term. Trump has plenty of experience riding out bad poll numbers.” James M. Lindsay is the Mary and David Boies distinguished senior fellow in U.S. foreign policy at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). His work at the Council focuses on U.S. national security policy, the U.S. foreign policymaking process, the domestic politics of U.S. foreign policy. Contact him at (202) 509-8405; jlindsay@cfr.org

2. ==> Trump’s Iran Campaign Ignores the Lessons of the Iraq War

Linda Robinson warns that the disastrous aftermath of U.S.-led regime change in Iraq more than two decades ago could be repeated in Iran with an even wider threat of regional upheaval unless a rational plan for ending the conflict diplomatically is put in place. Robinson, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations who has reported on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, says, “The Trump administration may eschew any responsibility for what comes next when the bombs stop falling, but history will still judge the campaign based on the outcome for U.S. interests as well as for Iran and the region. It is still possible to fashion a plan that contains the threats that Iran poses to the region and the world, gains allied and regional support, and achieves verifiable agreements, but time is running short.” A former foreign correspondent for “U.S. News & World Report” and senior editor at “Foreign Affairs,” Ms. Robinson provides frequent commentary on international affairs and U.S. foreign policy. Her books include “Masters of Chaos,” “Tell Me How This Ends” and “One Hundred Victories,” about Afghanistan. Contact her at lrobinson@cfr.org

3. ==> Could AI Fix Our Broken Healthcare System?

Dr. Robin Blackstone has spent her career in healthcare as a surgeon, healthcare executive, and former global medical director at Johnson & Johnson. She says artificial intelligence and systems redesign could fundamentally restructure American healthcare, not by replacing clinicians, but by correcting structural failures that science alone cannot solve. Invite her to discuss why she believes that America’s healthcare crisis is not due to a lack of scientific advancement; it is due to misaligned incentives, fragmented data systems, administrative overload, and institutional mistrust. Despite leading the world in biomedical research and spending, the United States ranks near the bottom among developed nations in health outcomes, a gap Dr. Blackstone argues is structural, not scientific. Her new book, “Doctor AI: Reimagining Healthcare, Rebuilding Trust, Delivering Health 4.0.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell)

4. ==> Why Some Say the Plunging Birthrate is a Good Thing

You may have heard that America’s birthrate has fallen to historic lows and how that will have a devastating effect on society, but some say that’s not the whole picture. “There’s been a lot of doom and gloom about the birthrate, but the decline is also a success story,” says Karen Benjamin Guzzo, a demographer at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She points out that a large part of the drop comes from teens and women in their early 20s—the least likely to want or be able to provide for a baby. Thirty years ago, the growing number of teenage and single mothers was seen as a societal crisis, with poor economic and health outcomes for both mother and baby. Now, she says, the teenage birthrate is down by 70 percent since 2007. And the unmarried birthrate is down by 30 percent. “We spent decades shaming women for having kids under the wrong circumstances, for not having their ducks in a row,” says Guzzo. “Now they are holding up their end of the bargain.” Contact her at (919)-445-6881;
Karen.guzzo@unc.edu

5. ==> Ron King, Star of ABC’s ‘Donkey King’

In a country that can't agree on anything, a Saturday morning show about a guy who saves donkeys is quietly becoming one of the most unifying things on television. “Donkey King” premiered on ABC in January and has become a hit with viewers who say it’s changed their lives. The show follows Ron King, a former Time Inc. executive who walked away from corporate life to rescue donkeys. Five years later, Oscar’s Place has rescued 460 donkeys and is one of the most respected animal sanctuaries in the country. Ron didn't just change careers. He discovered that there is a difference between things that bring you joy and things that you enjoy—and he built an entire organization around that distinction. “Donkey King” airs Saturdays on ABC's Weekend Adventure block. Contact Ron King at (404) 664-1544; 409864@email4pr.com

6. ==> What No One Tells You About Running for Office

Most people think running for office is about speeches, slogans, and shaking hands. Rob Curnock knows better. As a former TV political reporter, party leader, and unlikely congressional candidate, he’s seen the process from every angle. He pulls back the curtain on the physical exhaustion, emotional toll, family strain, and political hardball that define modern campaigns. After challenging and almost winning after running against an “unbeatable” incumbent, he discovered how power really works behind closed doors. “I experienced the often brutal realities of running for office—and learned how ordinary citizens can shake up the system,” he says. Rob is a long-time broadcast journalist and the author of “Dead Man Running.” Contact Rob Curnock at (254) 822-3741; rcurnock@rtirguests.com

7. ==> The Diplomatic Skills Every Leader Needs — But No One Teaches

Great leaders aren’t just decisive, they’re deliberate. “In high-stakes rooms where every word carries weight, success depends on skills rarely taught in business school: listening with precision, speaking with intention, and navigating conflict without escalating it,” says author and former diplomat Dianne Olvera. Drawing from real-world diplomacy and leadership experience, this approach reveals how to manage tough conversations, defuse tension, and influence outcomes without overpowering the room. “It’s about knowing when to speak, when to pause, and how to choose language that builds trust instead of resistance,” she says. Dianne is a board-certified educational therapist and the author of “The Power of Connection: Understanding Individual Differences to Uplift and Empower.” She’s also a former diplomat and spy. Contact Dianne Olvera at (805) 779-3558; dolvera@rtirguests.com

8. ==> Why Many Americans Will Work Past Retirement Age

Many Americans worry they are already too far behind to retire comfortably. Tom Loegering explains why so many people end up working longer than planned and why it is rarely too late to change direction. Research from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College shows nearly half of working households risk falling short in retirement, often because they believe missed opportunities cannot be fixed. Loegering is a financial planner, entrepreneur, and author who shows how small adjustments, even later in life, can create meaningful change. He is also the Founder and CEO of Golf Program in Schools, a nonprofit that has helped more than 51,000 students prepare for their futures. Ask him: Why do so many Americans assume it’s too late to fix retirement plans? What’s the biggest mistake people make when working longer feels inevitable? What can people in their 50s or 60s still do today? Contact Tom Loegering at (623) 400-8648; tloegering@rtirguests.com

9. ==> Are You Addicted to Caffeine—and Don’t Even Know It?

More than two-thirds of American adults, and increasingly children and teenagers, consume caffeine every day, yet few consider it an addiction. Health researcher and author Norbert Heuser says caffeine isn’t just in coffee. It’s in soda, energy drinks, green, black, and white teas, and even an increasing number of snacks. And it’s quietly shaping our brains, moods, sleep, and long-term health. Drawing on more than 45 years of research and insights from his book “Coffee Addiction & Caffeinism,” Norbert challenges the belief that caffeine is harmless. He’ll explore how everyday use may contribute to anxiety, chronic fatigue, sleep disorders, fertility issues, reduced gray brain matter, cognitive decline, and even harm to the unborn, while also explaining why most people never question its impact. Norbert will reveal what science is starting to show, why caffeine dependence has become socially acceptable, how to recognize addiction, and practical ways to reduce its hidden effects—without sacrificing energy or performance. He also shares great-tasting, caffeine-free alternatives to coffee. Contact Norbert Heuser at (727) 261-2313; nheuser@rtirguests.com

10. ==> Joint Pain Isn’t ‘Just Menopause’

Many women are told their joint pain is simply part of getting older, especially during perimenopause and menopause. But according to Stacey Roberts, RN, PT, MSN, that explanation often misses what’s really happening inside the body. Invite Roberts to explain how declining estrogen reduces the body’s natural anti-inflammatory protection, making joints more sensitive to stress, movement patterns, and even food sensitivities. Over time, poor biomechanics and compensation after old injuries can quietly worsen inflammation, even without visible damage. “Pain isn’t just about wear and tear,” says Roberts. “It’s about how hormones, inflammation, and movement interact.” With more than 30 years of experience working with everyday women and professional athletes, Roberts helps patients address pain without surgery, injections, or long-term medication by restoring balance and mobility. Ask her: Why is joint pain so common during menopause? How do different hormones influence inflammation and pain? Why do women need to change the way they move during perimenopause and menopause? Contact Stacey Roberts (414) 522-6153; sroberts@rtirguests.com

11. ==> The Hidden Meaning Behind Your Pain and Illness

Chronic illness is rising in America, and many patients leave medical appointments with prescriptions, but few answers about why their symptoms developed in the first place. On this show, Marcel Vögeli explores how stress, emotional patterns, and long-term internal pressure may influence physical health. After eight years of intensive autoimmune treatments that managed symptoms but didn’t restore his life, Marcel began examining the deeper drivers behind his condition. He has been hospital-free since 2012. This is not about rejecting medicine. It’s about asking a broader question: why do two people with the same diagnosis often recover at different rates? Marcel discusses how understanding recurring symptoms, personal stress history, and emotional triggers may complement conventional care. Marcel Vögeli is spokesperson for “The Key to Self-Liberation” by the late Christiane Beerlandt, an encyclopedic work on the psychological and emotional roots of more than 1,000 diseases and symptoms. Contact him at Mvogeli@rtirguests.com

12. ==> Parenting Expert Shares How to Raise Emotionally Healthy Sons

In a world in which boys are often taught to suppress their feelings, award-winning parenting expert and author C. Lynn Williams is changing the conversation. She offers practical, compassionate guidance for raising sons who are emotionally aware, resilient, and confident. “We need to focus on challenging outdated myths about masculinity and replace fear-based parenting with connection, communication, and trust,” she says. “When boys are given permission to feel, communicate, and be understood, they grow into healthier men and create stronger families and communities.” She explores how parents can raise sons who are strong, without being aggressive. C. Lynn is the author of five parenting books including “Trying to Stay Sane While Raising Your Teen,” an educator, speaker, and family dynamics strategist. Contact C. Lynn Williams at (224) 357-6315; Cwilliams@rtirguests.com

13. ==> How to Protect Your Parents From Today’s New AI Scams

Scammers are increasingly targeting parents and grandparents using sophisticated tactics. Many parents are conditioned to act quickly in emergencies and to help their children without hesitation, making them prime targets. From AI-cloned faces and voices that sound like loved ones to impersonation scams that mimic trusted companies, today’s threats are now past the ability for the human eye and ear to spot. Jocelyn King, founder and CEO of Smarter Online Safety, helps families understand why parents are targeted by scammers and what adult children can do to protect them. After becoming a victim of cybercrime herself, King joined forces with leading cybercrime fighters and learned cybersecurity, the Dark Web, and the business of cybercrime — and how to prevent becoming a victim. She was named a Top 10 Women in Cybersecurity and has helped millions become empowered and equipped to protect themselves in our AI world. Ask her: Why are parents such effective targets for modern scams? How is the new pandemic of AI voice cloning fooling families? What conversations should families be having before something happens? What’s the smartest first step when a call feels urgent but wrong? Contact Jocelyn King at (970) 762-7837; jking@rtirguests.com

14. ==> The Mental Health Cost of Building a Business from Scratch


Nearly half of all entrepreneurs report chronic stress or burnout, but Darius Ross says the real danger isn’t the workload. It’s the unresolved trauma many carry into the grind. He says when you build a business from nothing, the survival mindset that once kept you alive can quietly start working against you as success grows. In this timely conversation, Ross explores how urban trauma, financial insecurity, and constant pressure quietly shape decision-making, relationships, and leadership. A former homeless teen turned entrepreneur and community leader, he explains why success can actually amplify anxiety, and why mindset, not hustle, determines who breaks through and who breaks down. The author of “Mastering the TPS Blueprint” offers street-tested insights on managing fear, stress, and self-sabotage while building something meaningful, especially for entrepreneurs who never had a safety net. Ask him: Can trauma make you successful and still destroy you later? Why do some entrepreneurs feel less safe as they earn more? Contact Darius Ross at (347) 801-7956; dross@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Gain Clarity and Direction: Interview This Certified Metaphysician

Is your audience facing tough decisions, feeling stuck, or searching for a breakthrough? Dr. Dan Bartlett’s Magical Intuitive Readings help people gain the insight and clarity they need to move forward with confidence. A certified metaphysician and expert in Tarot and numerology, Dr. Dan has helped thousands transform confusion into clarity by offering practical guidance they can use immediately. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Dan combines intuition and compassion to help people overcome life’s curveballs, whether in career, relationships, or personal growth. Interview him to give your audience a new way to access answers, tap into inner wisdom, and start living with purpose and peace. Contact Dan Bartlett at (480) 841-0984 or dbartlett@rtirguests.com


Don’t see any guests or topics for your show? Search through past RTIR Newsletters and find hundreds of show ideas and possible guests at www.rtironline.com