01. The United States is Low on Missiles. Why?
02. Why Are Socialists Unseating Democratic Incumbents?
03. The Difference Between Democratic Socialism and Communism
04. UFOs, Aliens and God
05. How White America Learned to Lynch Black Children
06. What Our Schools Forget to Teach About Democracy
07. America is Bitterly Divided: Small Steps to Bridge Our Differences
08. Can’t Get Away? How to Recharge Anytime, Anywhere
09. AI Summer Travel Scams
10. The Medicare Mistake That Could Cost You This Summer
11. Seniors and Depression: It’s Not Just Old Age
12. Is a Job the Only Path? What New Grads Should Consider
13. Want People to Listen to You? Six-Steps to Become a More Persuasive Speaker
14. Let’s Unpack America’s Loneliness Epidemic: Why Life's Hardest Moments Push Us Into Isolation
15. There’s Still Time to Have a Summer That Doesn't Suck
1. ==> The United States is Low on Missiles. Why?
The United States has a munitions problem. Mark Cancian, senior adviser at the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) says the U.S. arsenal is “depleted,” with some munitions “quite depleted,” and that rebuilding inventories will take 1–5 years. He says use during the war against Iran is a major driver of the issue, but not the only one and that transfers to Ukraine are a minor factor—with one important exception; Patriot missiles. Cancian can explain why current munitions are low and how that effects the wars in Iran and Ukraine. “The immediate problem is not money, but time. With time, production will equal demand, but that is several years in the future. Until then, there is a window of vulnerability. The question facing the United States is whether the risk in a future conflict arising from reduced inventories is worth the gain in the current conflict.” He adds, “That is a political question about which the country is deeply divided.” The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a bipartisan, nonprofit policy research organization dedicated to advancing practical ideas to address the world’s greatest challenges. For interviews with Mark F. Cancian (Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, ret.), contact the CSIS media relations department at press@csis.org or (202) 775-7317
2. ==> Why Are Socialists Unseating Democratic Incumbents?
A wave of victories for democratic socialists in mayoral elections and congressional primaries over the past year has shocked the Democratic Party establishment, but not India Walton. “I’m excited to see so many candidates running unapologetically on bold, people-first agendas in cities across the country,” says Walton, a longtime community activist and democratic socialist who won the Democratic primary election for mayor of Buffalo in 2021 against a 16-year incumbent. “From New York to Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, these victories remind us that when everyday people organize, they can overcome enormous political and financial barriers,” Walton says. “I know firsthand how difficult it is to challenge entrenched political machines. These campaigns show that voters are hungry for leaders who will take on inequality, fight for working families, and put communities ahead of corporations. This can no longer be considered a fluke – these victories represent a growing movement demanding a more just, democratic future.” Walton is currently the senior strategist for RootsAction, a progressive advocacy organization focused on social and economic justice. Contact her at india@rootsaction.org
3. ==> The Difference Between Democratic Socialism and Communism
Socialism has long been considered a “dirty word” in American politics and is often confused with communism. So, what’s the difference? Michael Kazin says democratic socialists support expanding social ownership and public programs through democratic elections, civil liberties, and multi party competition. Communists, on the other hand, seek to abolish capitalism and private property entirely, often through revolutionary means and typically under a single ruling party. “Communists want to do away with capitalism altogether. They don't want any private enterprise. They don't want any private means of production. And they want a whole world run by people like that,” he says. “Democratic socialists are willing to have themselves voted out of power… if people don’t want to keep it, then they can go back to a more capitalist society.” Michael Kazin is an American historian and professor at Georgetown University. He’s the author of several books and is a frequent contributor to publications including the “New York Times,” the “Washington Post” ad “Foreign Affairs.” Contact him via his website at mkazin.com/contact
4. ==> UFOs, Aliens and God
The UFO conversation has moved from the fringe to the front page. The White House has directed the Pentagon to open its files, Congress keeps holding disclosure hearings, and lawmakers are talking about immunity for whistleblowers who claim knowledge of recovered "nonhuman biologics." Whatever anyone makes of it, a lot of people are watching, and plenty of them are asking spiritual questions. Not many are finding many places that will take the questions seriously - including and specifically the church. LA filmmaker Derrick Warfel, author of “UFOs and God” and a companion feature documentary, can explain what the Bible says about aliens, why he believes UFOs are fallen supernatural powers, and whether this could be the next Darwin moment for the church. Derrick became increasingly concerned by the growing normalization of UFO narratives in popular media—particularly the claim that alleged extraterrestrial messages are guiding humanity toward a new stage of evolution. Derrick Warfel was born and raised in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in the heart of the PA Bible Belt. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Princeton University, a Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, and an MFA in Cinema from the University of Southern California. Contact Mark Breta at mark@jonesliterary.com
5. ==> How White America Learned to Lynch Black Children
As the country’s schools, libraries, museums, and government institutions face an escalating campaign to erase Black history—as political leaders are banning books, sanitizing slavery, and claiming to protect white children from the discomfort of America’s racial past—award-winning journalist, author and historian, Stacey Patton, reveals how white parenting culture trained generations of its own children for racial terror. She exposes the grotesque historical contradiction at the center of today’s censorship campaigns: The same nation now insisting that white children are too fragile to learn about racism once deliberately brought them to lynchings, exposed them to communal homicide, and taught them to regard the barbaric destruction of Black bodies as “law and order,” protection, entertainment, and family bonding. She says lynching did more than terrorize Black communities. It functioned as a multisensory public curriculum in racial domination that trained white children through sight, sound, touch, smell, and spectacle so they would become desensitized to racial terror, and so that terror would have heirs. Stacey Patton, Ph.D., is a nationally recognized child advocate. Her writing has appeared in the “New York Times,” “The Washington Post,” “The Chronicle of Higher Education,” and other national outlets. Her new book, “Strung Up: How White America Learned to Lynch Black Children,” will be released in October. Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853; LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com
6. ==> 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. In her forthcoming book, “ENOUGH: Why America Is Failing at Education and What to Do About It,” 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. Contact: Elissa Mohan at (405) 346-8358; emohan@rtirguests.com
7. ==> America is Bitterly Divided: Small Steps to Bridge Our Differences
Most people aren't losing relationships over big ideological battles. They're losing them over Tuesday night dinners and team meetings — the small moments where someone says the wrong thing and the damage is done before anyone realizes it. Peacebuilding expert Daisy Khan says the problem is rarely what we believe. It's that nobody taught us how to say it. Drawing from years of training organizations, schools, and communities, Khan gives your audience something practical and immediately usable: specific language shifts that let people hold their ground without triggering defensiveness, avoid the two most common communication mistakes that escalate disagreements, and stay in relationships with people they fundamentally disagree with. This isn't conflict avoidance. It's conflict navigation. And in a climate where audiences are exhausted by division but don't know how to do it differently, Khan is the guest who hands them a tool, not just a talking point. Contact Daisy Khan at (917) 905-7829; dkhan@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Can’t Get Away? How to Recharge Anytime, Anywhere
Vacations are supposed to help us recharge, yet many people just can’t get away right now. How can you get the benefits of a break without leaving home? Artist Edi Matsumoto believes joy isn’t something we find after everything slows down. It’s something we can practice in the middle of everyday life. She’ll introduce her simple 60-second Joy Reset, a creative mindfulness technique that helps people pause, reconnect with the present moment, and experience more gratitude wherever they are. Through heartwarming stories, playful exercises, and lessons inspired by her beloved otter paintings, Edi shows that even the busiest lives have room for wonder. It’s a refreshing reminder that happiness often begins with noticing what’s already around us. Edi Matsumoto is an award-winning artist and internationally collected painter. She wrote “Otter Therapy” to help people cultivate more joy every day. Contact her at (831) 290-6491; ematsumoto@rtirguests.com
9. ==> AI Summer Travel Scams
Travel should create lasting memories, not costly scams. As artificial intelligence becomes more sophisticated, criminals are using AI to create convincing travel websites, fake customer service representatives, voice cloning, phishing emails, and fraudulent booking confirmations that can fool even experienced travelers. Cybersecurity expert Jocelyn King explains how these scams work, why they're becoming harder to recognize, and the simple precautions every traveler should take before booking a trip or responding to unexpected messages while away from home. She'll also discuss practical ways families can verify information, protect personal data, and avoid becoming victims before vacation even begins. Jocelyn helps audiences navigate today's digital world with greater awareness and confidence. She is a cybersecurity strategist, host of the Smarter Online Safety podcast and the author of “Digital Self-Defense in an AI World: How to Protect Yourself Online.” Contact Jocelyn King at (970) 514-5150; jking@rtirguests.com
10. ==> The Medicare Mistake That Could Cost You This Summer
Summer travel is in full swing, but many Medicare beneficiaries don't realize their health coverage may not work the way they expect once they're away from home. Medicare expert Toni King says misunderstanding your benefits before traveling can lead to unexpected medical bills, delayed care, and unnecessary stress during what should be a relaxing vacation. She'll explain what Original Medicare does and doesn't cover while traveling, when Medicare Advantage plans may have network limitations, and the questions every beneficiary should ask before leaving home. She'll also discuss common enrollment misunderstandings that continue to surprise retirees long after they've signed up. It's essential information for anyone who wants to travel with greater confidence and peace of mind this summer. Toni King has spent decades helping Americans understand Medicare through her books, seminars, and consumer education programs. Contact Toni King at (281) 677-3736 or tking@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Seniors and Depression: It’s Not Just Old Age
Seven and a half million American seniors are living with depression — and most of them will never be diagnosed, never be treated, and never hear from a doctor that what they’re feeling isn’t just “getting old.” James B. Flaherty is 90, and he has something to say about that. A former Madison Avenue advertising executive, innkeeper, and author of five books written in his 80s — with a fifth one just published — Flaherty has built a second life devoted to proving that the final decades can be the richest ones. In inter-views, he’ll share what he’s learned about purpose, connection, and the daily choices that keep a 90-year-old not just alive — but genuinely thriving — and why the antidote to senior depression is simpler than anyone thinks. Ask him: Why are 7.5 million depressed seniors being ignored — and who’s responsible? What’s the single most important choice a senior can make to stay vital? Contact James Flaherty at (914) 326-2697; jflaherty@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Is a Job the Only Path? What New Grads Should Consider
For decades, college graduates were told the formula for success was simple: earn a degree, land a job, climb the ladder. But with layoffs rising, AI reshaping industries, and many young professionals already questioning traditional career paths, franchise consultant and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Greg Mohr says graduates should pause before automatically sending out résumés. On your show, he’ll explain why entrepreneurship and business ownership are becoming more attractive to younger generations seeking flexibility, control, and long-term wealth-building opportunities. He’ll also break down the biggest misconceptions about franchising, why some grads are better suited for ownership than corporate life, and what questions families should ask before taking on years of career uncertainty or debt. Drawing from years helping professionals transition into franchise ownership, Mohr offers a practical, eye-opening conversation about rethinking success in today’s economy. Greg Mohr is the author of “Real Freedom.” Contact him at (361) 204-5470; gmohr@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Want People to Listen to You? 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 shows 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
14. ==> Let’s Unpack America’s Loneliness Epidemic: Why Life's Hardest Moments Push Us Into Isolation
America is facing what the U.S. Surgeon General recently called an epidemic of loneliness. Nearly half of adults say they feel isolated at times, and that isolation often deepens during life’s hardest moments: serious illness, caregiving, grief, infertility, or financial uncertainty. Author and loneliness coach Karen Kay Smith asserts these “waiting room seasons” can quietly push people away from the very support they need most. On your show, Smith explains why people often shift into “functioning versus feeling” during crises, how emotional suppression fuels loneliness, and why many struggle to communicate what they truly need. She offers practical, yet life-changing tools listeners can use immediately, including how a simple “breath prayer” can replace pressure-filled spiritual routines, why naming emotions out loud can be more healing than staying strong, and how her “3 C’s” framework—confidence, communication, and community—helps people rebuild connection step by step. Drawing from 15 years caring for her husband during his battle with multiple sclerosis, along with years in women’s ministry and training as a transformational life coach, Smith brings a rare blend of lived experience and practical guidance to conversations about loneliness and connection. She is the author of “Nearsighted: Choosing to See Eating Disorders Differently” and the upcoming “Hope Has a Seat in Every Waiting Room.” Contact Karen Kay Smith at (256) 812-5106; ksmith@rtirguests.com
15. ==> There’s Still Time to Have a Summer That Doesn't Suck
Summer is supposed to be a season to relax, reconnect, and recharge, yet many people finish it feeling exhausted, overscheduled, and wondering where the time went. Happiness expert Deborah Mallow says creating a memorable summer doesn't require expensive vacations or a perfectly planned calendar. It starts with making intentional choices that increase joy and reduce stress. She'll share practical ways to avoid burnout, set healthy boundaries, embrace small moments of happiness, and create experiences that leave families feeling more connected instead of more overwhelmed. Whether you're balancing work, caring for loved ones, or simply trying to enjoy the season, these simple strategies can help you make the most of the weeks ahead. Based on the principles in “6 Steps to Fewer Days That Suck,” Deborah offers realistic tools for creating a summer you'll actually remember for the right reasons. Known as America's Happiness Coach, Deborah Mallow is a nationally recognized speaker who helps individuals and organizations build happier, healthier, and more resilient lives. Contact Deborah Mallow at (516) 613-5359; dmallow@rtirguests.com
