01. Iran Ceasefire: What’s in the Deal?
02. Trump and the Madman Theory of Politics
03. What Leaders Need in the Age of AI
04. AI-Generated Ads Are Killing Your Brand
05. This Man Helped Shape Modern Satellite Broadcasting
06. The Surprising Signs Your Partner is a Narcissist
07. How to Protect Your Parents From Sophisticated Scams
08. Stop Avoiding the Hard Stuff: Three Habits That Defuse Conflict Anywhere
09. Diplomatic Skills Every Leader Needs — But No One Teaches
10. Political Insider Reveals: What It’s Really Like to Run for Office
11. The Mental Health Cost of Building a Business from Scratch
12. Former Nurse and Stand-Up Comic Gets Serious About Healthcare's Darkest Secret
13. Joint Pain Isn’t ‘Just Menopause’- What’s Really Happening and What to Do
14.‘Out of the Chair’ Thinking to Help Kids Focus and Learn
15. Need Clarity and Direction? Interview This Certified Metaphysician
1. ==> Iran Ceasefire: What’s in the Deal?
The United States, Israel, and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire Tuesday after nearly forty days of fighting. Pakistan helped mediate the ceasefire, which includes a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping traffic. Both the U.S. and Iran hailed the step as a victory, yet disagreements remain. President of the Council on Foreign Relations, Michael Froman, says, “This is an agreement to begin to talk…A ceasefire is better than no ceasefire. It’s good for the bombing to stop. It’s good for the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened, assuming that the Iranians actually follow through on that, but this is really just the beginning of a conversation about these fundamental issues where I think the U.S. and Iran are in really quite different positions.” Founded in 1921, CFR is a nonpartisan, independent national membership organization, think tank, educator, and publisher, including of “Foreign Affairs.” To arrange interviews, contact the CFR communications team at (212) 434-9888; Communications@cfr.org
2. ==> Trump and the Madman Theory of Politics
President Donald Trump triggered global headlines this week with an expletive laced threat to Iran. The latest diatribe wasn’t an isolated outburst, his use of profanity, both on social media and in public remarks, has been a recurring feature of his political persona, setting him apart from past presidents. What’s behind the crude behavior? Sina Toossi, a senior non-resident fellow at the Center for International Policy says, “I tend to read much of Trump’s bombast as his version of ‘madman doctrine’ signaling. In other words, an attempt to convince the other side that he is totally unpredictable and capable of extreme escalation.” When it comes to Trump’s threats, Toossi says, “He does sometimes follow through, but when he does it is often more limited than the rhetoric, or he ultimately pulls back, which has more often been the pattern.” Sina Toossi has a professional background in producing research and analysis on U.S.-Iran relations, U.S. foreign policy towards the Middle East, and nuclear policy issues. The Center for International Policy is a woman-led, progressive, independent nonprofit center for research, education, and advocacy working to advance a more peaceful, just, and sustainable U.S. approach to foreign policy. Contact Sina Toossi at stoossi@internationalpolicy.org; @SinaToossi
3. ==> What Leaders Need in the Age of AI
As AI accelerates and reshapes every industry, most conversations focus on the technology. Steven Kotler argues that’s the wrong focus. The real constraint is human performance. He’ll explain what happens when exponential technologies collide with a brain that evolved for a slower, simpler world and share strategies for how leaders can think, decide, and perform when the pace of change outstrips human cognition. Kotler is the founder of the Flow Research Collective and has trained executives at companies including Google, Meta, Microsoft, Audi, and Accenture, along with Navy SEALs and Olympic athletes. His work sits at the intersection of neuroscience, leadership, and high performance. Ask him: What is the biggest risk to organizations, AI or cognitive overload at the leadership level? In what ways is exponential technology outpacing human decision-making capacity? What does it take to lead effectively when the environment changes faster than strategy cycles? He says most organizations are structurally unprepared for exponential change and can discuss why high performers are burning out in an age of constant input. Kotler is coauthor, along with Peter Diamandis, of the new book, “We Are as Gods: A Survival Guide for the Age of Abundance.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell)
4. ==> AI-Generated Ads Are Killing Your Brand
More and more small businesses and marketers are using AI tools like ChatGPT to create ads and marketing materials, but experts warn there are downsides. Sophie Rhone, a digital PR specialist and founder of Cupid PR, says generic, AI-generated ads are weakening brand identity, reducing trust and hurting performance. She says over-reliance on AI-generated creative is leading to a wave of ads that fail to stand out, connect with audiences or drive meaningful results. “AI can make your ads look good, but it cannot make them feel original. When everything starts to look the same, your brand becomes easy to ignore.” She adds, “If your ad looks like something people have already scrolled past ten times, they will scroll past yours too.” Rhone can share the right way to use AI to build a brand and engagement. She says, “AI should support your marketing, not define it. The brands that win are the ones that feel distinct, not the ones that look efficient.” Cupid PR is a digital PR consultancy. Contact Sophie Rhone at sophie@cupidpr.com
5. ==> This Man Helped Shape Modern Satellite Broadcasting
Before Netflix. Before YouTube. Before anyone could imagine watching the moon landing or the fall of the Berlin Wall on demand, someone had to get that signal there—live, flawlessly, the first time. Bob Patterson was at the center of it. A pioneer in satellite broadcasting, Patterson helped deliver some of history’s most-watched moments, including major MLB, NBA, and NHL broadcasts, the first satellite news distribution service, and the world’s first international HDTV satellite transmission. On your show, he can take audiences behind the scenes of the moon landing and several other high-stakes, live television moments—where one failure could impact millions—and explain how those early breakthroughs shaped today’s always-connected world. Drawing from his book “Iconic Moments in Broadcast History: Live Via Satellite,” Patterson answers the question few think to ask: How did we go from limited signals to global, real-time connection? He’s a timely guest for shows on media, technology, innovation, and behind-the-scenes storytelling. Contact Bob Patterson at (818) 210-4965; bpatterson@rtirguests.com
6. ==> The Surprising Signs Your Partner is a Narcissist
While anyone can spot the loud, attention-seeking narcissist, it's the charming "nice guy" covert narcissists who cause the most damage—and Dr. Valerie Sussman should know. After 20 years trapped in a narcissistic marriage, this retired pediatrician traded her stethoscope for a paintbrush and became a certified Narcissistic Abuse Specialist dedicated to helping others recognize these wolves in sheep's clothing. Sussman will reveal the "6 E's" that show your partner is a narcissist and explain why victims stay "hooked on hopium"—the dangerous hope that keeps them trapped. Drawing from her book “Love, Lies, and Narcissists in Disguise: The A-Z Guide for Survivors of Narcissistic Abuse,” she'll share how to spot the charm-to-harm cycle before it's too late. Listeners will learn the red flags they're missing, why asking "Am I the narcissist?" means you're not, and how creativity can heal emotional wounds. Ask her: What's the difference between overt and covert narcissists—and why are covert ones more dangerous? You call it "hopium"—why is hope so toxic in these relationships? What are the "6 E's" and how do they reveal a narcissist? Contact Valerie Sussman at (805) 407-5635; Vsussman@rtirguests.com
7. ==> How to Protect Your Parents From Sophisticated 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
8. ==> Stop Avoiding the Hard Stuff: Three Habits That Defuse Conflict Anywhere
Tired of the conflict in your office, community, or even your own family? Dr. Dionne Poulton says building unity isn’t about avoiding tough topics. It’s about mastering three powerful habits: Decency, Excellence, and Integrity. She’ll reframe what it means to lead, communicate, and connect across differences without ever saying “DEI.” Her message? You don’t need a title to be a leader. You just need a standard. From how we treat others to how we hold ourselves accountable, Dr. Dionne shows how small shifts in behavior can transform relationships, rebuild trust, and prevent conflict before it starts. According to a recent study, 76% of people say they avoid hard conversations at work and home often out of fear, frustration, or not knowing what to say. Dr. Dionne’s framework helps audiences replace avoidance with practical strategies that foster trust and real connection. Ask her: What’s one habit that can instantly defuse rising tension? Can integrity really be taught, or is it innate? Dionne Poulton, Ph.D., is the author of “Excellence Without Exclusion.” Contact her at (404) 383-8924; dpoulton@rtirguests.com
9. ==> 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, her 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. 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
10. ==> Political Insider Reveals: What It’s Really Like to Run 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. As we head toward the midterm elections, he’ll pull 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.” Ask him: Are politics really as down and dirty as the media makes it out to be? What are some of your most challenging experiences while running for office? Contact Rob Curnock at (254) 822-3741; rcurnock@rtirguests.com
11. ==> 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
12. ==> Former Nurse and Stand-Up Comic Gets Serious About Healthcare's Darkest Secret
Kathy Allan spent 20 years as a hospital nurse before witnessing something that changed everything: cleaning staff in scrubs discharging new mothers, while administrators threatened her for asking questions. She realized healthcare had become addicted to profits over patients. Her shocking revelation: nurses are 18% more likely to commit suicide than the general population. This Board-Certified Holistic Nurse and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner channeled her trauma expertise and comedy background into Gutsy Nurses—a program teaching nurses how to survive a broken system. Inspired by recovery principles, she developed the 12 Steps of Healing Care to beat the industry's profit addiction. Contact Kathy Allan at (619) 932-5206; Kallan@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Joint Pain Isn’t ‘Just Menopause’- What’s Really Happening and What to Do
Many women are told 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
14. ==> ‘Out of the Chair’ Thinking to Help Kids Focus and Learn
Think kids need to sit still to concentrate? Research says the opposite, and so does math educator Suzy Koontz. With screen time up and attention spans down, Suzy offers a powerful, practical solution: movement-based learning. Suzy is the creator of Math & Movement, a program used in schools nationwide to boost focus, memory, and academic performance through full-body learning. In her segment, she’ll explain how jumping, hopping, and dancing can help kids grasp math and reading faster—no tech required. She’ll also share simple, at-home activities parents can use to help restless kids refocus after school. Suzy has reached over 1 million students and authored 20+ books packed with easy, energizing takeaways your audience can use right away. Contact Suzy Koontz at (607) 366-9588; skoontz@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Need 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
