01. Will AI Help or Hurt Election Integrity?
02. What Wildfire Smoke Does to Your Body
03. Why 12 States Are Challenging Huge Hollywood Merger
04. America Unfinished: 250 Years of Law and Governance
05. Behind the Call to Boycott ‘The Odyssey’
06. Former TV Exec Reveals Life As A Closeted Clairvoyant
07. Comedy Writer/Doctor on Stuttering, Humor and Challenging Beliefs
08. Why Your Brain Is Drowning in Notifications
09. Biggest Mistakes When Caring for Aging Loved Ones
10. The Truth About Coffee and Caffeine
11. Are Children's Books the Most Underrated Health Tool in America?
12. The Biggest Financial Mistake Gen Z Makes
13. How to Rewrite Your Story
14. The Truth About Healing (It Doesn’t Follow a Straight Line)
15. Is "Good Vibes Only" Making Your Audience Worse Off?
1. ==> Will AI Help or Hurt Election Integrity?
As debates over election integrity continue to shape American politics, one question remains unresolved: how can citizens trust election results regardless of which candidate wins? Beth Simone Noveck argues that the future of election security will depend not only on laws and procedures but also on how governments use technology to strengthen transparency, accuracy, and public confidence. Noveck will explain how artificial intelligence is already changing the way elections are administered in the United States and what voters should understand about where the technology is headed next. Drawing on examples from the United States and democracies around the world, Noveck explores how artificial intelligence can help election officials maintain accurate voter rolls, improve voter registration, combat misinformation, expand access for disabled voters, and provide citizens with reliable election information. She’ll examine both the risks and opportunities of emerging technologies, showing how AI can be used either to undermine trust or to reinforce it. Beth Simone Noveck, PhD is an AI and technology expert, a Northeastern University professor, and director of The Burnes Center for Social Change and The Governance Lab. Her new book is “REBOOT: AI and the Race to Save Democracy.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell)
2. ==> What Wildfire Smoke Does to Your Body
It’s been a rough summer all across North America, from sweltering temperatures to dangerous air quality alerts from raging Canadian wildfires. Stephanie Cleland is a Simon Fraser University professor who studies how wildfire smoke and extreme heat negatively impact human health. She’ll discuss the link between wildfire smoke exposure and childhood respiratory health and how long-term exposure to wildfire smoke can cause chronic lung and neurologic disease. She can explain why wildfire smoke is so dangerous, ways to lessen the risks and what type of air filters work best. Contact Robyn Stubbs at (604) 376-0971; robyn_stubbs@sfu.ca
3. ==> Why 12 States Are Challenging Huge Hollywood Merger
A federal judge has temporarily blocked Paramount Skydance’s efforts to complete its Warner Bros. Discovery merger, ruling the proposed $111 deal may violate U.S. antitrust law. The move freezes the deal while the court delves more closely into its impact on markets. The combined company would consolidate Hollywood into four major studios controlling 85 percent of wide-release films. The company would have a 27 percent market share of box office revenue and a 27 percent market share of basic cable. “One out of every four dollars in basic cable and theatrical releases would flow to this merged company,” says journalist David Dayen. “The 12 state attorneys general have put together a strong case that exemplifies what happens when companies merge: their leverage in the market grows, and their business partners, workers and consumers lose out. Paramount is less trying to fight on the merits than trying to intimidate the AGs and game the system. I don’t think they will succeed.” David Dayen is executive editor of “The American Prospect.” Contact him at ddayen@prospect.org
4. ==> America Unfinished: 250 Years of Law and Governance
America is celebrating its 250th birthday at a time when longstanding values of pluralism are being challenged, the nation is beset by deep political polarization and a fear that the economic order is no longer providing opportunities for all, and a technological revolution may unsettle what it means to be uniquely human. Harvard Law School professors Alexandra Natapoff and Guy Charles have assembled 64 of the country’s leading legal scholars and experts to share their thoughts on the current issues facing the U.S. Their new book, “America Unfinished” features pieces by Jody Freeman on the dangers of dismantling the federal regulatory apparatus, Noah Feldman, on the role of the judiciary—especially the Supreme Court—in keeping the constitutional order functioning, and Alex Whiting, who focuses on international criminal law, among others. Charles says, “Collectively, the pieces cover an extraordinary range of windows into law, from the Supreme Court to the presidency and the changing of the federal infrastructure itself, criminal law, voting rights, election law, corporate law, bankruptcy law. They grapple with the role of race and identity, citizenship, community, even the nature of legal interpretation itself.” “American Unfinished: 250 Years of Law and Governance” is a collection of 1000-word essays by Harvard Law School faculty members. Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853; LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com or @Lissa_Warren
5. ==> Behind the Call to Boycott ‘The Odyssey’
Christopher Nolan’s film “The Odyssey” is getting rave reviews from film critics and audiences, but there are growing calls to boycott the movie over a segment filmed in the occupied nation of Western Sahara. Human rights groups have ranked Moroccan-occupied Western Sahara as among the most politically repressed nations in the world. Steven Zunes, a professor of politics and director of the Middle Eastern Studies program at the University of San Francisco, says, “Three-quarters of the country, including the coastal areas where the filming took place, is under a repressive military occupation by the Kingdom of Morocco.” He says Morocco wants to turn the Dahkla region, where the segments of the movie were filmed, into a major tourist destination and film set. “In accepting generous subsidies from the Moroccan regime, the film’s producers have provided legitimacy to the illegal occupation. It would be the equivalent of filming in Israeli or Russian-occupied territories in collaboration with those governments.” Contact Steven Zunes latest book, co-authored with Jacob Mundy, is “Western Sahara: War, Nationalism, and Conflict Irresolution.” Contact him at zunes@usfca.edu
6. ==> Former TV Exec Reveals Life As A Closeted Clairvoyant
Nearly half of Americans say they've had a spiritual experience they can't explain, yet most never talk about it. Former television executive Kim Bantle spent more than two decades working at Paramount, Viacom, and Group W Productions while keeping her own extraordinary experiences private. She says she could read minds, predict events, sense energy, and communicate with those who had passed – abilities that intensified after a near-death experience in college. On your show, Bantle explores why successful professionals often trust instincts they can't explain, why intuition remains one of society's least-discussed human experiences, and what the growing interest in spirituality says about a culture searching for meaning beyond traditional institutions. She also discusses dreams, signs, synchronicities, and why skeptics and believers may have more in common than they think. Having spent 23 years producing content for mainstream audiences, she knows how to discuss extraordinary topics in a way that is thoughtful, relatable, and engaging. Bantle shares her experiences with honesty, humor and self-awareness in her new memoir “Confessions of a Closeted Clairvoyant.” Contact Kim Bantle at ksbantle@gmail.com; (310) 418-5758
7. ==> Comedy Writer/Doctor on Stuttering, Humor and Challenging Beliefs
Millions of Americans stutter and many are told they need to accept it. Dr. Jeffrey Gurian refused to. A New York-based former cosmetic dentist, clinical professor, and one of the most connected figures in American comedy, Gurian spent decades writing material for Rodney Dangerfield, Joan Rivers, Andrew "Dice" Clay, and Phil Hartman while quietly battling the stutter that once made it impossible to say his own last name. When traditional speech therapy failed him, he built his own method. His approach is cognitive, a body, mind and spirit framework rooted in the idea that stuttering is situational and psychological rather than physical. If you can speak freely when alone but lock up in front of others, he argues, the problem is not in your body. It is in your belief system. And beliefs can change. Gurian has worked with Kevin Hart, John Mulaney, and Nick Kroll. His YouTube channel, Comedy Matters TV, features interviews with Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Jimmy Fallon, Jim Carrey, and hundreds of others. He has also made numerous radio appearances throughout his career. He now offers group workshops, private sessions, and complimentary consultations to help others move past stuttering. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103
8. ==> Why Your Brain Is Drowning in Notifications
The average person checks their phone nearly 100 times a day. Between texts, emails, alerts, social media, and breaking news, many people feel mentally exhausted before lunch. Senior mindfulness educator at UCLA Mindful Mitra Manesh says the real crisis isn't technology. It's what constant interruption is doing to our attention. On your show, she'll explain how endless notifications train the brain toward distraction, anxiety, and reactivity, why so many people feel overwhelmed despite working harder than ever, and what it takes to reclaim focus in a world designed to steal it. Building on concepts from her novel “The Attentionist: New Choices for a New World," Mitra offers practical tools for improving concentration, decision-making, and emotional well-being. Having lived on four continents and spent decades teaching mindfulness and human behavior, Mitra brings a rare global perspective to one of today's most urgent challenges. Contact Mitra Manesh at (310) 807-3031; mmanesh@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Biggest Mistakes When Caring for Aging Loved Ones
Is your audience overwhelmed by the complexities of elder care? Debbie C. Miller has the answers—and the empathy. With over 30 years of experience working with senior care issues, Miller delivers practical, compassionate advice that empowers caregivers to make confident, informed decisions. She’ll discuss: The biggest mistakes families make when trying to care for aging loved ones, the most pervasive myths about elder care—and how they derail good intentions and how to plan ahead without panic, guilt or guesswork. You’ll also learn why “aging in place” is a deeply personal choice that requires smart strategy. Whether your audience is navigating a sudden crisis or planning for long-term care, Debbie offers a step-by-step approach that’s clear, actionable, and emotionally grounded. Her insights resonate with adult children, caregivers, and professionals alike. A Certified Senior Advisor® and Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist®, Miller is the author of “Doing the Right Thing: Simple Solutions, Essential Tips, & Helpful Resources for Assisting Aging Loved Ones,” a trusted guide for families facing the emotional and logistical maze of senior care. Contact Debbie Miller at (703) 844-4074; dmiller@rtirguests.com
10. ==> The Truth About Coffee and Caffeine
In a review of the latest research, the American Heart Association has issued a statement saying that multiple cups of your morning brew won't have negative health impacts on your heart. That sounds like great news for the millions of American adults who consume caffeine daily, but health researcher Norbert Heuser says that doesn’t mean coffee is good for you! Drawing from over 45 years of study and insights from his book “Coffee Addiction & Caffeinism,” Heuser says caffeine doesn’t truly create energy, it often masks withdrawal and disrupts the body’s natural balance. He explains how everyday caffeine use may contribute to anxiety, sleep problems, chronic fatigue, fertility challenges, and reduced gray brain matter while remaining culturally normalized. On your show, Norbert breaks down how caffeine dependency develops, what really happens during withdrawal, and how to reset your nervous system without sacrificing productivity. He also shares realistic strategies and satisfying alternatives for those ready to try a caffeine detox. Contact Norbert Heuser at (727) 261-2313; nheuser@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Are Children's Books the Most Underrated Health Tool in America?
Most parents see children's books as entertainment. Kenneth Korber, a health literacy expert, believes they can also be powerful tools for improving children's health. After two decades as a clinician, he wrote and published “The Musical Adventures of Grace” series to extend the patient office visit into bedtime reading, helping families reinforce important health and wellness lessons at home. His engaging stories and characters transform complex medical topics into age-appropriate adventures that children actually enjoy. Ken’s approach encourages healthy habits, eases childhood anxiety and fears, and strengthens literacy at the same time. “Storytelling may be one of the most effective—and overlooked—ways to improve public health, empower families, and help children build lifelong healthy behaviors, one bedtime story at a time,” he says. Contact: Kenneth Korber at (847) 238-8936; kkorber@rtirguests.com
12. ==> The Biggest Financial Mistake Gen Z Makes
Nearly half of Gen Z says they don’t feel financially prepared for adulthood, yet many graduates are already taking on credit card debt before building savings or assets. Real estate investor and wealth educator Janet Tonkins says the biggest financial mistake young adults make isn’t earning too little. It’s waiting too long to invest. On your show, she’ll explain how new graduates can begin building wealth with as little as $5 to $10 a month, why understanding assets matters more than chasing status symbols, and how first-time buyers can take advantage of overlooked grants and programs. She’ll also reveal why “perfect credit” is often overrated and how small financial decisions made in your 20s can shape your entire future. Drawing from themes in her upcoming book “Purses, Heels & Houses You Choose,” Tonkins helps audiences rethink spending, ownership, and generational wealth from day one. Beyond coaching investors nationwide, Tonkins develops affordable housing projects and mentors first-generation wealth builders through the Cashflow Diva Academy and TheCashflowDiva.com. Contact Janet Tonkins at (410) 421-0930; jtonkins@rtirguests.com
13. ==> How to Rewrite Your Story
Most people want the world to believe they’re strong—that they can push through, hold it together, and smile, completely unfazed by the weight they carry. But the truth is far more human. Many are terrified, overwhelmed, and quietly collapsing on the inside. For most of her adult life, author Kat Perkins lived this way too. She would always say, “It’s all good.” But after losing her mother at nine, surviving foster care, and later facing breast cancer, things were anything but “all good.” One day, a friend told her, “You need to stop saying it’s all good. It’s not. And it’s okay to feel what you feel.” That moment something cracked open. Kat learned what no one teaches us: you cannot rewrite the meaning of your pain until you understand it—not avoid it, outrun it, or dress it up in strength. You have to face it. Drawing from her memoir, “Girls with Pearls Have Power,” Kat now teaches women how to turn setbacks into turning points, reclaim authorship of their stories, and rise with clarity and courage rather than fear or pretending. Contact Kat Perkins at (404) 800-3916; kperkins@rtirguests.com
14. ==> The Truth About Healing (It Doesn’t Follow a Straight Line)
Healing is not neat, inspiring, or Instagram-ready, and pretending it is leaves people feeling broken. Avonley Lightstone can explain why healing often looks messy, slow, and unresolved, and why lingering pain does not mean failure. She’ll challenge the belief that healing requires closure and reframe progress as something that can happen even when wounds remain. Lightstone speaks from lived experience. After losing her mother in a childhood house fire and facing abandonment soon after, she learned that healing comes in small, honest steps, not sudden breakthroughs. She is the author of “Strength of Scars,” a memoir on resilience and faith, and her story has gained media attention as it moves toward a potential film or television adaptation. Contact Avonley Lightstone at (801) 980-0447; alightstone@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Is "Good Vibes Only" Making Your Audience Worse Off?
Millions of people who are struggling try to be positive by setting intentions and making vision boards, but what if that relentless optimism is actually working against them? Author Lydia Samaniego is the guest your audience didn't know they needed. She brings a rare, refreshing honesty to a conversation that's long overdue: why positive thinking culture can quietly disconnect people from their own inner truth, and what to do instead. Summer is the perfect time to explore this. Audiences are already asking, "Why isn't this working for me?" Lydia helps them understand that real transformation isn't about thinking harder or "manifesting more." It's about listening to the quiet conflict between the mind and the heart, shedding inherited beliefs that no longer fit, and building an inside-out life. Contact Lydia Samaniego at (530) 443-5826; lsamaniego@rtirguests.com
