7/16/2026 RTIR Newsletter: Skip the Salad, Why Your Boss Wants You in a Cubicle and a YouTube Bowling Star

01. Lessons on Iran From JFK
02. How to Avoid the Cyclospora Outbreak
03. The Housing Crisis is Also a Retirement Crisis
04. The Real Reason Bosses Want You Back in the Office
05. Why "Not Caring" May Actually Be a Sign of Caring Too Much
06. What Makes a World Cup Athlete?
07. Lessons From the World Cup: Confidence is King
08. What Our Schools Forget to Teach About Democracy
09. The Nicest Person in the Room May Be the Most Dangerous
10. Six Steps to Become a More Persuasive Speaker
11. Is Your Body Asking for Change This Summer?
12. Time for Tao? 5 Shifts for a Simpler, Happier Life
13. You’re Asking the Wrong Questions About God
14. What if Before You Were Born, You Chose This Life?
15. YouTube Star Launches Show on Bowling TV


1. ==> Lessons on Iran From JFK

As the war in Iran ramps back up in a battle to exert control over the Strait of Hormuz, Monika Wiesak compares the current situation to one of the defining moments in Kennedy’s presidency. “During the Cuban Missile Crisis, JFK ordered a ‘quarantine’ of only offensive weapons to Cuba and sought Organization of American States agreement; all other ships were allowed to continue through. When a member of the media was goading JFK into aggressive action, he responded: ‘A blockade is an act of aggression, war.’” Invite the author of two books on JFK to discuss the difference in the two presidents’ approach to war and diplomacy. “JFK was very cautious about communication, making sure not to do or say anything that would humiliate Khrushchev or place him in a corner. Trump rants online regularly about humiliating Iran,” she says. “JFK stated that if he ever had to order the use of a single nuclear weapon he will have failed at the job of the presidency. Trump does not seem to have this concern.” Monika Wiesak is the author of several books including “America’s Last President: What the World Lost When It Lost John F. Kennedy” and “Echoes of a Lost America: Unraveling the Murder of JFK.” Contact her at monika.wiesak@gmail.com, @MonikaWiesak

2. ==> How to Avoid the Cyclospora Outbreak

At least 40 states are now reporting outbreaks of a parasitic infection that lurks in fresh produce and wreaks havoc on the intestines. Dr. Nuwan Gunawardhana, a hospital epidemiologist and physician who specializes in infectious diseases at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, says symptoms, including explosive diarrhea, typically start two days to two weeks after ingesting vegetables or fruit contaminated with the cyclospora organism. For those looking to avoid getting sick, Gunawardhana says be especially careful when purchasing and eating lettuce, greens, berries and basil, and avoid produce that’s bruised, damaged or moldy. He suggests washing vegetables and fruit with plain, running water and scrubbing or rubbing it with your hands or a brush. "If you are eating produce that you're able to peel, that's also a very optimal way to prevent ingesting these organisms, because when you're peeling the fruits or vegetables, you're getting rid of the contaminated surfaces as well," Gunawardhana says. "The best way to actually prevent getting sick from this particular organism is really thoroughly cooking it." For interviews contact the Columbia University Medical Center communications department at media@cumc.columbia.edu

3. ==> The Housing Crisis is Also a Retirement Crisis

Congress just passed the biggest housing bill in decades to try and address the current U.S. housing crisis. Kyla Scanlon says the legislation will help the situation but doesn’t address the retirement crisis hiding within. “A home has stopped being just a place to live. The value of a home now serves double duty as a nest egg,” she says. “And the link between retirement and home prices is pitting the old against the young.” Scanlon traces the current situation back to the disappearance of the pension and the rise of the 401(k) and can discuss some of the proposed fixes to the problem including giving retirees and the young a nest egg that isn’t a house, using funds from the current AI boon. Kyla Scanlon is a frequent media guest, financial content creator, educator, and the author of “In This Economy? How Money & Markets Really Work.” Contact her at KylaScanlonTeam@unitedtalent.com

4. ==> The Real Reason Bosses Want You Back in the Office

Working from home flourished during the pandemic, but today a third of U.S. companies require everyone to work in the office full time, banning remote and hybrid work. Organizational psychologist Adam Grant has studied why some leaders continue to support remote work while others resist it. “Some leaders say they insist on full-time in-person work because it boosts productivity, despite clear evidence it does not. Others claim it’s about collaboration, creativity or culture,” he says. But his new research reveals that the objection to any work from home is more likely to be driven by something else entirely: ego. “It turns out that ordering people back to the office full time is a power and status move. They want to be worshipped at the office altar.” Grant can discuss how forcing people into the office everyday backfires, what research says about job performance and remote work, and how hybrid schedules appear to be the sweet spot, especially in collaborative and creative fields. Adam Grant is an organizational psychologist at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and the author of several bestselling books including “Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know,” and “Originals: How Nonconformists Move the World.” Contact him directly at adam@adamgrant.net or Carolyn Coleburn at ccoleburn@penguinrandomhouse.com

5. ==> Why Not Caring May Actually Be a Sign of Caring Too Much

Why do so many people today feel emotionally overwhelmed, disconnected, numb, cynical, or burned out? According to physician, neuroscientist, and consciousness researcher Dr. Tony Nader, the problem is not that people no longer care, it’s that modern life has made caring feel emotionally unsustainable. The author of “The Power of Caring” will explore how constant exposure to crisis, outrage, social media, polarization, stress, and emotional overload is reshaping the way people connect with themselves and each other. He says our culture of nonstop stimulation and emotional exhaustion causes many people to become overwhelmed by the pressure to care about everything all the time. Rather than telling people to simply “care more,” Dr. Nader explains how to care wisely, sustainably, and consciously without collapsing emotionally. Ask him: How are social media and constant outrage rewiring emotional attention? How do cynicism and “not caring” often mask disappointment, stress, or overwhelm? Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705

6. ==> What Makes a World Cup Athlete?

Soccer is center stage right now, with all eyes on the elite athletes from all over the world. Delve into what separates these top performers from other athletes with former LPGA Tour player and Hall of Fame golf instructor Cindy Miller. She says the difference isn’t talent, it’s mindset. She’ll explain how world class athletes mentally prepare for competition and what they do that most of us don’t. Drawing from decades in elite competition, Cindy breaks down why perfectionism kills performance, how self-doubt is learned, and why small shifts create lasting change better than big overhauls. Her book “Take Another Shot” reinforces these lessons through real stories of setbacks and comebacks. Ask her: Why do high achievers stay stuck longer than they should? Can doing less actually help you perform better? She’ll discuss why most people stay stuck: they’re “sitting on a nail”, tolerating what isn’t working instead of changing it. On your show, she’ll introduce her simple framework—the Nail, the Mirror, and the Seed—to help your audience identify what’s holding them back, take a hard look at their own role, and choose one small action to move forward. Contact Cindy Miller at (716) 670-5341; cimiller@rtirguests.com

7. ==> Lessons From the World Cup: Confidence is King

They train for years, compete under global pressure, and perform in front of millions — so why do World Cup athletes look so calm, focused, and self assured when the stakes couldn’t be higher? Sports psychologists say elite players aren’t born confident; they build confidence through habits most people are never taught. And those same habits can help anyone facing big transitions, new challenges, or moments of self doubt. Studies show nearly 70% of professionals experience imposter syndrome at some point. Leadership expert Mike Sealy can explain how anyone can take a page from the World Cup playbook and overcome their fear of failure and pressure to succeed. He’ll share practical mindset tools that help professionals shift from perfectionism to growth without pretending to have everything figured out. Mike Sealy is the author of “Mindset Unlocked” and has spent decades helping leaders navigate personal and professional transformation. Contact Mike Sealy at (484) 477-4220; msealy@rtirguests.com

8. ==> What Our Schools Forget to Teach About Democracy

America's education debate usually focuses on test scores, funding, and curriculum. But retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, educator, and education reform advocate Elissa Mohan believes we're overlooking a far more urgent issue: preparing citizens for self-government. Elissa argues that today's fragmented education landscape leaves too many students unprepared to evaluate information, engage in civil discourse, and understand the Constitution. Drawing on her experience as a military leader, homeschool parent, public school teacher, and educational psychologist, she offers a bold blueprint for rebuilding education to meet the challenges of democracy in the AI age. Elissa Mohan is the author of the forthcoming book, “ENOUGH: Why America Is Failing at Education and What to Do About It,” Contact her at (405) 346-8358; emohan@rtirguests.com

9. ==> The Nicest Person in the Room May Be the Most Dangerous

Everyone knows how to spot the loud, self-centered narcissist. But it's the charming one — the helper, the listener, the one everyone adores — who causes the most damage. Dr. Valerie Sussman knows this firsthand. After 20 years in a covert narcissistic marriage, this retired pediatrician became a certified Narcissistic Abuse Specialist dedicated to exposing what she calls the most dangerous predator hiding in plain sight. Sussman will reveal how covert narcissists use kindness as a weapon, why victims routinely doubt their own reality, and how to spot the warning signs before the damage is done. Drawing from her book “Love, Lies, and Narcissists in Disguise: The A-Z Guide for Survivors of Narcissistic Abuse,” she offers survivors a path from confusion to clarity — and from self-doubt to self-trust. Contact Valerie Sussman at (805) 407-5635; Vsussman@rtirguests.com

10. ==> Six Steps to Become a More Persuasive Speaker

Most people believe that persuasive speaking is a natural talent. But retired Army Colonel Larry Tracy says it's a skill that anyone can master. Drawing on decades of high-stakes experience briefing military leaders, defending U.S. policy before hostile audiences, and training professionals competing for multimillion-dollar government contracts, Larry developed an easy-to-follow 6-step system to help speakers communicate with confidence, clarity, and credibility in any setting. Praised by President Ronald Reagan as "an extraordinarily effective speaker," Larry demonstrates that persuasion isn't about charisma—it's about preparation. His battle-tested approach can help anyone influence audiences, overcome speaking anxiety, and deliver messages that truly change minds. Larry’s proven system is featured in his book “How to Bring Home the Bacon: Becoming a Persuasive Speaker.” Contact Larry Tracy at (571) 336-0507; Ltracy@rtirguests.com

11. ==> Is Your Body Asking for Change This Summer?

With 6 in 10 U.S. adults living with chronic disease, summer health resets often focus on surface fixes. But what if lasting improvement requires looking beyond symptoms and asking what the body may be responding to beneath the surface? On this timely summer show, Marcel Vögeli explores how long-term stress, suppressed conflict, and emotional overload can influence physical health, and why two people with the same diagnosis can heal at very different rates. After eight years of intensive autoimmune treatment that managed symptoms but didn’t restore his life, Marcel began examining deeper stress patterns in his own story. He has been hospital-free since 2012. Marcel Vögeli is spokesperson for The Key to Self-Liberation by the late Christiane Beerlandt. Contact Marcel Vögeli at Mvogeli@rtirguests.com

12. ==> Time for Tao? 5 Shifts for a Simpler, Happier Life

In a world addicted to hustle and overwhelmed by noise, Gerard Wouters offers listeners a clear invitation back to flow. Discover how Taoist principles, from qi energy to conscious presence, can transform how you live, love, work, and lead. He says, “Tao is not something you believe — it is something you live. When you align with it, your life becomes lighter, stronger, and more joyful.” On your show, Gerard will combine ancient, secret Taoist wisdom, modern psychology, and deep storytelling to show your audience how to awaken their energy, reclaim their power and live in harmony. He’ll discuss the real reason high achievers burn out, reveal the hidden roots of exhaustion and share 5 shifts for a simpler, happier life. Gerard Wouters is a Taoist master, international teacher, and healer who bridges ancient Eastern wisdom with modern Western life. His new book is “How to make life simple, happy and successful the Taoist way: Introduction to a new way of living.” Contact him at gwouters@rtirguests.com

13. ==> You’re Asking the Wrong Questions About God

A growing number of Americans are walking away from organized religion. Yet, many continue searching for meaning, purpose, and truth. Author Gary Meisner believes the problem may not be a lack of interest in God—but the questions we're asking about God in the first place. After spending more than 20 years as a skeptical, materialist agnostic, Gary experienced something he could not explain through reason alone, prompting him to reexamine his assumptions. Known internationally for his work on the golden ratio and patterns in nature, he now explores the intersection of science, philosophy, and faith. In his book “Life Through a New Lens—Finding God Where Reason and Faith Meet,” Gary invites skeptics, agnostics, and seekers to consider whether their doubts may be based on misconceptions about what God is—or could be. Contact Gary Meisner at (615) 703-3637; gmeisner@rtirguests.com

14. ==> What if Before You Were Born, You Chose This Life?

What if the life you’re living—including its struggles, its losses, and its ordinary moments—was chosen by you before you arrived? Doreen Mary Bray, who has worked between worlds for over 40 years as a naturopath and mystical guide, teaches that souls don’t stumble into human life. They long for it, wait for it, and select it with intention — choosing parents, place, and form for the privilege of embodiment. Bray will reveal what it means to live as a soul that chose this life, and why that single shift in understanding transforms everything. She’ll explore how souls navigate the journey toward incarnation and why being human is not a burden to transcend, but a gift of extraordinary rarity. For anyone who has ever felt that life is happening to them, Bray offers a radical reframe: you didn’t land here by accident. Doreen Mary Bray is the author of “The Angel and the Avatar.” Contact her at (438) 802-0280; Dbray@rtirguests.com

15. ==> YouTube Star Launches Show on Bowling TV

Bowling fans are going to love this news. Bowling TV has tapped professional bowler and content creator Darren Tang for its new show "Tang at the Lanes." "It's long overdue to finally have a 24/7 television channel dedicated entirely to bowling, and to be the first professional bowler with his own show on the channel is great," says Tang. "But it's really a credit to my fans and the people who subscribe to my YouTube channel and watch the content I put out. I enjoy doing it, they enjoy watching it, and to have it become a show on Bowling TV was the logical next step." Tang documents his journey as a pro bowler, while also giving fans and followers a glimpse of the fun side of the sport in addition to his personal life. "Tang at the Lanes" will feature new content in addition to all the best footage that Tang has created over the years. Launched in partnership with the United States Bowling Congress — the sport's national governing body — Bowling TV features hundreds of hours of some of the best live and library professional action from throughout the years. Contact Mike Wollschlager at (860) 526-1555; 415815@email4pr.com