9/3/2026 RTIR Newsletter: Costly AI Mistakes, Healthy Labor Day Cookout Ideas and How to Be a Good Grandpa

01. Is America Ready for Health Care for All?
02. The Bombing is Back: Middle East Expert on Iran War
03. Heart-Healthy Labor Day Cookout Tips
04. International Day of Charity: How Giving Back Can Change a Cat’s Life
05. For Grandparents Day: The Art of Being a Grandpa
06. Are You Chasing an Expired Version of Success?
07. Don’t Make These Costly AI Mistakes
08. He Lost $200,000. Fear Tactics Scammers Use
09. Why Some Businesses Scale and Others Get Stuck
10. Can One Ordinary Person Really Make a Difference?
11. What Working With Hollywood Stars Taught Him About Fame & Fortune
12. Weight Loss Drugs Linked to 50% Increase In Divorce
13. Can You Believe in Science and Still Believe in God?
14. From Heartache to Healing to Humor in 5 Steps
15. Life As A Closeted Clairvoyant


1. ==> Is America Ready for Health Care for All?

Nancy Altman believes Americans are at a crossroads when it comes to health care. “When we say that health care is a human right, people nod. But that’s not how we set up our health care in this country. I put the struggle for universal health care as part of a whole slew of workers’ rights for a fair wage, maximum hours, Social Security, all of that.” Altman’s new book, “The Road to Medicare for All,” provides a roadmap for making health care a right in the United States while offering arguments against scare tactics and fear mongering. “How will we afford it? Lots of studies show that Medicare for All will cover lots of services but we will actually save trillions of dollars. The timing is really right. Because of the Republican tax cut bill that cut a trillion dollars from Medicaid and is causing rural hospital closures, we have to reform the system sooner rather than later.” She adds, “Along with Social Security, this needs to be a voting issue. The question of whether we expand or cut these programs is about values, not affordability.” Nancy Altman is the president of Social Security Works, an American political advocacy group dedicated to protecting and expanding Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Contact her at naltman@socialsecurityworks.org or Linda Benesch at lbenesch@socialsecurityworks.org

2. ==> The Bombing is Back: Middle East Expert on Iran War

The bombing has begun again after a monthlong lull in fighting in the six-month war on Iran. American military resources are stretched and political pressure is mounting in Washington while in Iran, the economy has been battered by sanctions and an American naval blockade. Can either side continue like this indefinitely? Ask Asaf Romirowsky, the executive director of Scholars for Peace in the Middle East. Trained as a Middle East historian he holds a PhD in Middle East and Mediterranean Studies and has published widely on various aspects of the Arab-Israeli conflict and American foreign policy in the Middle East. He’s co-author of “October 7: The Wars Over Words and Deeds.” Contact Mark Goldman at markgoldman73@gmail.com; (516) 639-0988 (call/text)

3. ==> Heart-Healthy Labor Day Cookout Tips

Cookouts are big part of Labor Day celebrations, but the typical menu of hot dogs and burgers isn’t exactly health food. Dorothy Greet can share ways to enjoy a BBQ without the meat. After suffering a heart attack at age 70, Dorothy and her husband. both lifelong meat-and-dairy lovers, made a dramatic change by adopting a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle. Within weeks, they experienced improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, energy, and overall well-being. Today, Greet says late summer is a great time to enjoy fresh, flavorful plant-based meals without feeling deprived. She’ll share simple ways to create heart-healthier cookouts, practical ideas for replacing meat and dairy, and explain why many Americans consume far more protein than they actually need. She’ll show listeners that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated, and that it’s never too late to make changes that can improve both health and quality of life. Credentialed in plant-based nutrition through Cornell, Dorothy Greet has spent more than a decade teaching, blogging, and encouraging others to discover the life-changing benefits of whole-food, plant-based eating. She’s the author of “Go Veg with Class.” Contact Dorothy Greet at (302) 314-6010; dgreet@rtirguests.com

4. ==> International Day of Charity: How Giving Back Can Change a Cat’s Life

This Saturday, September 5th is International Day of Charity. Invite Deborah Felin-Magaldi, cofounder of Helen Sanders CatPAWS, to share how even small acts of generosity can make a life-changing difference for cats in need. She’ll share simple ways people can support animal welfare beyond writing a check, from fostering and volunteering to donating, helping with spay/neuter efforts or opening their home to an adoptable cat. Deborah will also share the story of Helen Sanders, the inspiration for the shelter. She became a fixture in the small southern California beach town in which she lived out her life, pedaling her three-wheeled cycle, big basket in the back, filled with bags of cat food. She used specially designed traps to capture feral cats and have them spayed or neutered and vaccinated, then would release them back into the colony. Contact Isabelle Collyer at Isabelle@publicityforgood.com; (330) 842-8458

5. ==> For Grandparents Day: The Art of Being a Grandpa

Celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day, Grandparents Day shines a light on the invaluable role grandparents play in our lives. What makes a great grandpa? Most men want to be one, but Nick Stevens says many don’t know what that looks like beyond free babysitting and being a friend to the grandkids. From father-wounds to generational legacy, the author of “The Art of Being Grandad” provides tools and ideas that grandfathers can use to establish identity in their grandkids and build a powerful legacy for their families. Nick says grandfathers have an unexplainable influence. “When Pawpaw speaks, everyone stops and listens!” Nick Stevens made a hobby of fatherhood and family until he lost a daughter to an avalanche in 2008. Since then he’s led men’s ministries and spoken publicly about fatherhood. Contact him at nick@nickstevensauthor.com; (970) 690-4790

6. ==> Are You Chasing an Expired Version of Success?

Chad Betz was sitting alone in a parking garage after work, convinced he was a failure. Despite working hard, building a career, and doing everything society dictated he should do, he did not feel successful. This led him on a journey to reinvent himself and help others who find themselves stuck, even after years of success. Chad says you don’t have to start over to create a successful next chapter and will help your listeners redefine success. He’ll also help them tackle the hidden forces behind their stagnation, like outdated definitions of success and beliefs that age limits future opportunity. Ask him: What is sunk-cost thinking and how can it sabotage careers? What is the Frustration Energy Cycle? What’s one sign someone’s chasing an expired version of success? Chad Betz is a leadership coach and black belt in three martial arts. He is the author of “An Authentic Success: You Aren’t Too Old and It’s Not Too Late!” Contact him at (203) 439-3564; cbetz@rtirguests.com

7. ==> Don’t Make These Costly AI Mistakes

The phrase “AI layoff” went from a niche concern in 2023 to the single most-cited reason for U.S. job cuts in both March and April of 2026. Over those two months alone, employers tied 36,831 layoffs directly to artificial intelligence. But are businesses sacrificing the very qualities that drive long-term success? Startup strategist and attorney Douglas Park says the companies that thrive in the AI era won’t simply have the best technology, they’ll know how to combine AI with human creativity, judgment, and smart strategy. Drawing on more than 25 years advising companies, Park reveals the costly AI mistakes many leaders are making, why products are becoming easier to copy, and why people and competitive positioning matter more than ever. Douglas is a Silicon Valley attorney, former business professor, startup advisor and the author of “Starting Startups.” His research-based 3P Framework helps organizations align their people, products, and position to compete in a rapidly changing economy. Contact Douglas Park at (650) 629-1424; dpark@rtirguests.com

8. ==> He Lost $200,000. Fear Tactics Scammers Use

Every 60 seconds, more than 107 Americans fall victim to scams, yet most people still believe they’re too smart to become another one. Dentist and scam prevention expert Ed “Doc” Holliday knows otherwise. After losing more than $200,000 in a sophisticated AI-assisted scam, he discovered how criminals use fear, urgency, and psychological manipulation to override rational thinking. Drawing from firsthand experience, extensive scam research, and years educating others, Dr. Holliday offers practical insights audiences can use immediately. On your show, he’ll reveal the warning signs nearly everyone misses, why educated professionals are increasingly being targeted, and practical strategies families can use to protect themselves before it’s too late. He’ll also explain how AI is making scams more convincing than ever, from fake company emails to cloned voices of loved ones. His book, “My 200K Nightmare: 10 Ways to Avoid Financial Scams I Wish I’d Known,” shares his remarkable story and prevention strategies. Contact Ed “Doc” Holliday at eholliday@rtirguests.com; (662) 472-4980

9. ==> Why Some Businesses Scale and Others Get Stuck

Why do some businesses reach a certain level of success and then struggle to grow beyond it? Kara Renninger, a growth advisor and former COO, offers practical advice for entrepreneurs and business owners who want to grow but aren’t sure what needs to change to get to the next level. One of the biggest mistakes she sees is assuming growth means doing more: hiring more people, spending more on advertising, adding more products, or simply working longer hours. She’ll discuss what needs to be in place before you try to scale, why more customers don’t always equal a more successful business and how to price your services for sustainable growth. Before launching Kara Renninger Consulting, Kara served as COO of multiple growing companies and helped scale an educational services company from two contractors to hundreds of providers serving thousands of children across Pennsylvania. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705 (office)

10. ==> Can One Ordinary Person Really Make a Difference?

Beth Leeds has spent a lifetime proving you don’t need power, connections or permission to create change. From Aloha Peace flags and T-shirts to horses and offshore drilling, she has found unconventional ways to get people to pay attention—and take action. The author of “Inspired Action with Beth” can share the surprising tactics behind her activism, why people underestimate their ability to influence others, and how anyone can turn an idea they care about into action. Interview the self-described “Environmental Cinderella” about a lifetime of doing extraordinary things and how your listeners can start taking inspired action themselves. Contact Beth Leeds at (808) 638-1142; InspiredActionWithBeth@gmail.com

11. ==> What Working With Hollywood Stars Taught Him About Fame & Fortune

Everyone thinks they want fame and fortune — until they see what it ac¬tually looks like. Keith Ingersoll spent nearly a decade behind the scenes at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, working alongside the biggest names in film, television, and professional sports. What he witnessed up close was nothing like the glossy image sold to the public. Ingersoll will share candid, surprising, and sometimes sobering stories including his account of Elvis Presley’s personal Bible and what it reveals about the man behind the legend. He’ll offer listeners a rare insider’s perspective on what separates genuine fulfillment from the hollow pursuit of celebrity. Ask him: What’s the biggest misconception people have about fame and wealth? What was your most surprising encounter with a major celebrity at Caesars Palace? Keith Ingersoll is the author of “Fame and Fortune.” Contact him at (208) 812-5346; kingersoll@rtirguests.com

12. ==> Weight Loss Drugs Linked to 50% Increase In Divorce

A University of Gothenburg study of over 12,500 married patients found that those who underwent rapid weight loss were nearly 50% more likely to divorce within six years. A separate University of Pittsburgh study corroborated the findings, showing gastric band patients were more than twice as likely to divorce. Researchers say the same pattern will extend to users of GLP 1 drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy, Experts emphasize that the weight loss is not destroying healthy marriages but rather empowering individuals to leave unhealthy ones, as improved self-confidence drives broader life changes that can create tension with partners who do not adapt alongside them. Matrimonial law attorney Jacqueline Newman can discuss what she’s seen in her practice and whether a partner losing weight should be viewed as a relationship red flag. Jacqueline Newman is the managing partner at the matrimonial law firm Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein LLP in Manhattan. The author of “The New Rules of Divorce,” Newman has appeared on various TV and radio shows and has been quoted in numerous publications. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103

13. ==> Can You Believe in Science and Still Believe in God?

Can a person trained to trust hard scientific evidence also embrace faith in God? Imogene Drakes believes the answer is yes, and her remarkable journey offers a fascinating perspective on the question. After decades working in forensic toxicology and clinical laboratory science, Imogene retired and embarked on a six-week journey around the world to explore ancient sites, enduring mysteries, and questions about human origins and meaning. Rather than seeing science and faith as opposing forces, she believes scientific inquiry can deepen our understanding of creation and even strengthen spiritual curiosity. She is the author of “Around the World in 42 Days: One Woman’s Journey Through Ancient Mysteries and Modern Questions.” Contact Imogene Drakes at (845) 957-7896; idrakes@rtirguests.com

14. ==> From Heartache to Healing to Humor in 5 Steps

Nikki Goldman, Ph.D., spent decades labeled as a lazy learner before discovering her undiagnosed dyslexia and turning that heartache into two rewarding careers. As an award-winning author, Goldman tells her story in “Lunacy is in My Family’s DNA,” where she explores how humor evolved from her hurts and helped her find a more peaceful heart. In her hypnotherapy practice, she teaches a five-step HEART program for overcoming sorrow and living a happier life that involves honoring reality, embracing empathy, altering your perspective, recognizing gifts and tickling your funny bone. Ask her: During the holidays and other gatherings, what causes people to trigger old family hurts — and how can we stop reenacting the outdated drama? Can something be both painful and hilarious without diminishing how much it hurt? Is acceptance giving up, or finally putting down the rope in the tug-of-war? Contact Nikki Goldman at (858) 544-6899; ngoldman@rtirguests.com

15. ==> 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