01. What Will Trump Do if He Loses in Iran?
02. AI Scholar Puts High Probability on an AI Doomsday
03. Fed Up With Dysfunctional Government? Turn Your Frustration Into Fuel
04. How We Disappear Over Time
05. It’s Yard Sale Season! Interview The Garage Sale Millionaire
06. How to Stay Indispensable in an Unstable Job Market
07. Will Franchise Owners Survive the New Economy?
08. The Risks of Being a Whistleblower: Speaking Up Is Dangerous
09. How to Protect Your Parents From Today’s New AI Scams
10. Why Old School Parenting Fails in a High Tech World
11. Why Evangelicals Are Losing Credibility with the Next Generation
12. Birthrates are Plunging. Why You Should Care
13. The Hidden Meaning Behind Your Pain and Illness
14. Stuck in a Funk? Small Mindset Shifts for Fewer Days That Suck
15. When Faith Defies Fear: Miraculous Encounters with God
1. ==> What Will Trump Do if He Loses in Iran?
If all goes his way, President Trump may pull off a feat that is lauded by geopolitical analysts as advancing U.S. interests and justifying the human, economic, and political costs of the war in Iran. But as Trump finds himself in an increasingly tight corner, Suzanne Nossel says we should anticipate how he might react to the specter of failure in Iran—and prepare for the possibility that his response could make the conflict even more dangerous. “A consummate survivor, he has a well-worn playbook of strategies for when he is on the ropes. These involve bullying subordinates, blame-casting, suppressing facts, and doubling down on fruitless strategies,” she says. “If Trump handles the prospect of being outflanked in Iran as he has setbacks in other arenas, then the consequences could be grave. The ripple effects would go far beyond the president’s self-image, reputation, or fortune—or those of his acolytes. Military morale, alliances, and Washington’s global standing are all at stake in how Trump navigates the bind.” She adds, “As early optimism about the war has faded, Trump and his associates have already begun to enact elements of his old playbook.” Suzanne Nossel is a fellow for U.S. foreign policy and international order at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and a columnist at “Foreign Policy.” For interviews contact the Chicago Council on Global Affairs at communications@globalaffairs.org
2. ==> AI Scholar Puts High Probability on an AI Doomsday
Bhaskar Chakravorti says a convergence of technological, economic, geopolitical, and institutional risks have ratcheted up recently, suggesting that we are lurching toward an “AI doomsday”; that is, a situation in which, despite its many benefits, the technology can make society significantly worse overall. The dean of global business at Tufts University’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy says this isn’t due to one single force, but what he calls “the seven horsemen of a possible AI apocalypse” which includes job displacement, infrastructure chokepoints and a dearth of leadership. “We have invested over $1 trillion in building the Ferrari. We have neglected the roads,” he says. “The moment now requires shifting priorities to building trust architectures, governance frameworks, and coordination mechanisms. Whether the opportunity window remains open depends on choices being made now in boardrooms, legislatures, and even AI summits, where the people responsible for one of the most powerful technologies in history cannot even agree to hold hands.” Bhaskar Chakravorti is the author of “Defeating Disinformation.” Contact him at (617) 627-4965; bhaskar.chakravorti@tufts.edu
3. ==> Fed Up With Dysfunctional Government? Turn Your Frustration Into Fuel
Are you tired of watching Congressional gridlock and partisan politics while your day-to-day life just keeps getting harder and more expensive? Higher gas prices and growing polarization don’t have to mean rising blood pressure. While headlines scream division and despair, Sam Daley-Harris is quietly leading a revolution in how ordinary citizens engage with democracy. The activist and author of “Reclaiming Our Democracy,” will share stories of everyday citizens discovering their political power. He’ll explain how feeling overwhelmed isn’t weakness—it’s the starting point for meaningful change. Daley-Harris teaches “transformational advocacy”—where working to change an issue transforms you in the process. His approach has helped people move from political paralysis to powerful action. Hear his own journey from musician to activist, and how he now guides others through civic engagement, with many calling the experience “sacred and profound.” Listeners who are disgusted by the current state of affairs in government will feel empowered as Daley-Harris offers them practical tools to move from anxiety to agency. Ask him: What is transformational advocacy and how does it differ from traditional activism? What hope do you see around people making a difference? Contact Sam Daley-Harris at (202) 804-2504; Sdaley@rtirguests.com
4. ==> How We Disappear Over Time
In the public imagination, we’re living in an era of permanent memory: everything is stored, searchable, and retrievable, especially now, as AI systems ingest vast archives of human speech, images, and text. But Stanford University Professor Thomas Mullaney tells a more unsettling truth: information doesn’t naturally endure. It breaks down, scatters, becomes unaffordable to recover, and far more often than we admit, simply vanishes. Mullaney can discuss what today’s AI debates miss about memory, archives, and loss, why “permanent data” is a cultural myth—and what’s actually at risk, and how preservation really works (and why it so often fails). In an age of AI anxiety, deepening debates about surveillance and data ownership, and growing questions about digital legacy, what happens to our voices, photos, and identities after death, Mullaney offers a bracing reframe. Rather than treating permanence as the default and loss as a bug, he shows that disappearance is the baseline condition of information itself. Thomas Mullaney is the author of several books on the global history of technology and information including his latest, “How We Disappear: A Personal History of Information.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
5. ==> It’s Yard Sale Season! Interview The Garage Sale Millionaire
Lots of people are out and about enjoying garage sales this time of year, but what if you could actually make money off other people’s trash? Whether it’s for a side-hustle or your full-time job, Aaron LaPedis, the Garage Sale Millionaire, will share all the need-to-know information and insider tips you’ll need to have a definite advantage over your competition in buying, valuing, and selling your items for substantial profits! Learn how to spot treasures at garage sales, storage unit auctions, secondhand stores and estate sales and then flip them for cold hard cash. Find out the key to having a killer garage sale, how to spot a real treasure from a fake, and the best ways to use the internet to research, buy and resell items. Aaron LaPedis’ expertise ranges from helping the FBI solve cases to helping produce TV shows, and he’s appeared on PBS, the Discovery Channel, and The Hallmark Channel. His latest book is “The Ultimate Secrets of The Garage Sale Millionaire,” a personal finance book that talks about garage sales, estate sales, online auctions, downsizing, and how to make money doing it all. To arrange interviews contact him at alapedis@rtirguests.com
6. ==> How to Stay Indispensable in an Unstable Job Market
With mass layoffs in the headlines and economic anxiety rising, employees at every level are asking the same question: How do I make sure I’m not next? Business transformation expert Shawn Fry says the key isn’t working harder, it’s thinking differently. After leading organizational change in 60+ companies across 17 countries, Fry noticed a surprising pattern: the people who kept their jobs during uncertainty weren’t the loudest or the busiest. They were the most focused, adaptive, and connected. Shawn will share why traditional goal-setting doesn’t work in today’s market and the counterintuitive steps employees can take to become indispensable, even when their company feels shaky. Ask him: Is visibility more important than performance in times of layoffs? What’s one daily habit that protects your job better than your resume? Contact Shawn Fry at (330) 422-4090; sfry@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Will Franchise Owners Survive the New Economy?
Greg Mohr predicts franchise owners will not only survive the current economic wave, they’ll thrive in the new economy! Invite him on your show and hear how franchising has become a reliable pathway to financial independence during uncertain markets. He’ll reveal how proven systems reduce startup risk while delivering scalable income opportunities for everyday investors. Mohr’s strategic guidance can prepare those considering business ownership. Greg Mohr is a franchising consultant and author specializing in business ownership strategy, investment planning, and income growth models. Contact him at gmohr@rtirguests.com or (361) 204-5470
8. ==> The Risks of Being a Whistleblower: Speaking Up Is Dangerous
Karen Horwitz, an award-winning public-school teacher and whistleblower, describes what happens when educators raise concerns inside their school districts. “Schools are often described as the foundation of democracy,” Horwitz says. “What I witnessed was how quickly that foundation cracks when people are afraid to speak.” Horwitz says the pattern she documented was consistent: teachers raised concerns internally, and instead of problems being addressed, they quietly lost their careers. After speaking publicly, she co-founded an organization to prevent teacher abuse and began hearing similar accounts from more than 2,000 educators who reported retaliation. She’ll explain how silence is enforced through fear, power imbalances, and institutional self-protection. Horwitz is the author of “A Graver Danger,” which draws directly from teacher whistleblowers to examine systemic failures. Contact Karen Horwitz at (312) 498-9074; khorwitz@rtirguests.com
9. ==> 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
10. ==> Why Old School Parenting Fails in a High Tech World
George Lee, lawyer and award-winning author of “SMART Parenting 5.0,” is helping parents prepare their children for a future defined by AI, automation, and constant change. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and technology research, Lee distills decades of teaching into 10 practical “future-readiness” keys that schools often overlook—like creativity, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and financial literacy. With experience spanning Eastern and Western education systems, he helps families nurture adaptable, confident, and compassionate kids ready to thrive in the modern world. Lee will reveal how to replace outdated parenting myths with science-based strategies for the digital age— because the best way to prepare children for the future is to raise them to think for themselves. Ask him: What are the most important skills kids will need to succeed in the AI era? Why do traditional parenting and education models no longer work? Contact George Lee at (604) 330-8697; glee@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Why Evangelicals Are Losing Credibility with the Next Generation
From Gen Z’s exodus from church pews to viral TikToks calling out hypocrisy, one thing is clear: younger Americans are increasingly skeptical of evangelical Christianity. Former preacher Rick Patterson believes it’s not a loss of faith. It’s a loss of trust. Rick says that many churches have aligned themselves with power and culture wars instead of compassion and character. As a former ardent atheist who now holds master’s and doctoral degrees in Christian Ministry, Rick has a rare insider-outsider perspective on how the pursuit of being “great again” has distorted the message of Jesus as well as why the next generation isn’t buying it. Rick blends theology, psychology, and real-world stories to help audiences understand why this credibility gap exists and what must change to close it. Ask him: What do younger generations find most hypocritical about today’s evangelical church? Can politics and faith ever mix without compromising the core of either? Rick’s thought-provoking new book is “The Matthew Challenge.” Contact him at (517) 300-2706; rpatterson@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Birthrates are Plunging. Why You Should Care
Births are falling, and fast. In 2026, France reported more deaths than births for the first time since WWII. China’s birthrate just hit a historic low despite massive financial incentives to have more children. Dr. Marina Straszak-Suri says this isn’t just a demographic dip. It’s a crisis with massive implications for the global workforce, elder care systems, and generational stability. This long-time OB/GYN will explain what’s really behind the fertility decline, and why most people are focusing on the wrong things. Drawing on 30+ years in practice and insights from her new book “Optimize Your Fertility Naturally,” she’ll also explain why lifestyle, not just age or IVF, plays a critical role in conception. Ask her: Which daily habits impact fertility most? Why are low birthrates more dangerous than most people think? Contact her at (613) 800-9412; msuri@rtirguests.com
13. ==> 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
14. ==> Stuck in a Funk? Small Mindset Shifts for Fewer Days That Suck
Most people assume feeling stuck means something is wrong with their life. Deborah Mallow says sometimes nothing is wrong, except the voice in your head that refuses to stop narrating everything like a dramatic movie trailer! Surveys support this: nearly 60% of adults say they feel emotionally burned out, even when nothing “major” is wrong. That’s proof that mindset, not circumstance, often drives our mood. So what to do? Deborah says advice like “just think positive” often backfires, but tiny mental shifts can change the trajectory of an entire day. She’ll share surprising tools that will help listeners quiet their inner critic, break out of emotional autopilot, and find momentum without forcing motivation. Ask her: Can focusing less on goals and more on what truly matters actually make you happier? Why do so many people feel behind even when so much in their lives is actually working? Contact Deborah Mallow at (516) 613-5359; dmallow@rtirguests.com
15. ==> When Faith Defies Fear: Miraculous Encounters with God
Nancy Frecka brings a unique perspective as both a pastor and someone who has experienced extraordinary events. She shares insights about hearing God’s voice and trusting divine guidance in everyday life. Her two near-death experiences, encounters with Jesus, and the way God brought clarity and healing through moments of deep childhood trauma speak powerfully to the reality of surrendering to God’s will. When she slipped into death—twice—she never imagined what awaited her. Floating above her lifeless body, she watched nurses scramble, unable to find a pulse. Then came the divine encounter with Jesus Himself. Nancy is a speaker, pastor, and the author of “God Says, You Can Trust Me: Supernatural Encounters with God.” Contact Nancy Frecka at (330) 422-6955; nfrecka@rtirguests.com