01. Have Political Ads Crossed a New Line?
02. Trump’s New $25M Whistleblower Program
03. Why America Needs a New Understanding of Courage
04. Do We Have A Moral Obligation to Mother Nature?
05. Scariest Haunted Attractions in America
06. Last Minute Halloween Help
07. Is Halloween Harmless?
08. Are Ghosts Real? Priest Explains Encounters From the Other Side
09. This Psychic Solves Murder Cases & Finds Missing People and Lost Pets
10. Could Your Fears and Phobias Be Connected to a Past Life?
11. What Do Tarot and Numerology Say About Your Next Move?
12. Did Your Soul Choose This Life, Struggles and All?
13. Healthier Alternatives to Sugary Halloween Treats
14. You Slept Where? Inside America’s Most Haunted Places
15. Does Halloween Horror Make You Happy?
1. ==> Have Political Ads Crossed a New Line?
Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is doubling down on a controversial ad featuring his opponent's estranged mother with a $4 million buy. The ad features Amy Acton’s mother accusing her of lying about her upbringing. Acton hasn't spoken to her mother since 1978, when her stepfather was accused of sexually abusing her as a child and her mother left town with him before the rape case could be resolved. Have political attacks crossed a new line by using estranged family members and childhood trauma? Peter Loge can discuss where the line is between legitimate opposition research and exploiting trauma, whether campaigns have ethical obligations beyond what is legal, and how voters react when personal attacks become the story. Loge is the director of the School of Media and Public Affairs at The George Washington University, the founding director of the Project on Ethics in Political Communication, and a strategic communication consultant. Over the past three-plus decades, Loges has served in senior positions for Senator Edward Kennedy, for three members of the US House of Representatives, and in the Obama administration. Contact Nadia Payne at nadia.payne@email.gwu.edu
2. ==> Trump’s New $25M Whistleblower Program
President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance have announced a $25 million program to encourage the public to blow the whistle on suspected fraud in the federal government. Under the Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program, or WHIP, anyone who submits a tip to fraud.gov that leads to a fraud conviction or a significant federal enforcement action is eligible to receive up to $30,000. For a unique perspective on the issue of fraud and organized crime, invite James McManus, a former associate of the Lucchese crime family (the organization famously depicted in Goodfellas) to share his firsthand experience observing organized fraud, financial schemes, and sophisticated scams. Now a New York/Connecticut based contractor, fraud expert, and regular media commentator, McManus brings a unique perspective to fraud, organized crime, financial deception, and the intersection of legitimate business and criminal activity. Contact Mark Goldman at (516) 639-0988 (call/text); markgoldman73@gmail.com
3. ==> Why America Needs a New Understanding of Courage
We celebrate courage in soldiers, first responders, and larger-than-life heroes. But what about the courage required to admit we're wrong, challenge conventional thinking, make difficult moral choices, or simply stand by our convictions when doing so comes at a personal cost? At a time when courage is often confused with confidence, defiance, or displays of strength, West Point professor Elizabeth D. Samet offers a more complicated and revealing understanding of this essential American virtue. She’ll discuss what courage really means in America today, why we so often misunderstand it, and why it matters in an age of political division, technological change, and uncertainty. Drawing on more than two decades of teaching literature to future military officers at West Point, as well as examples from American history, literature, film, and everyday life, Samet challenges the familiar stories we tell about bravery and explores why true courage is often quieter, less predictable, and more difficult to recognize than we imagine. Samet is the author of “Taking Courage: A New Look at an Old American Virtue.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705 (office)
4. ==> Do We Have A Moral Obligation to Mother Nature?
For millennia, nature has provided spiritual experiences of wonder, gratitude, and peace. But in our current culture, nature is being burned, poisoned, and rendered extinct. Roger Gottlieb, author of “Nature Spirituality: Embracing a Sacred, Wounded Earth,” will clarify what spirituality is and why nature has played a central role in it for religious believers and non-believers alike. He examines the environmental crisis as a civilizational rupture that transforms hope, grief, meaning, and moral responsibility. Drawing on decades of original work in environmental ethics, religious environmentalism, and contemporary spirituality, Gottlieb explores how today’s ecological crisis reshapes spiritual life. Roger Gottlieb teaches philosophy at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and is the author or editor of twenty-three books on religion, environmental ethics, and spirituality. Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853; lissawarrenpr@gmail.com
5. ==> Scariest Haunted Attractions in America
Fear does not have just one face. For some thrill seekers, it is a dark corridor where something could be anywhere. For others, it is stepping into a world so detailed that reality and fiction begin to blur. It can be a creature, a character, a strange environment, a sudden shift in perspective, or the anticipation of what might be around the next corner. America Haunts, a national association of haunted attractions, ranked the Top 5 Scariest Haunted Attractions in the United States, recognizing five mega-haunts that have mastered very different approaches to creating the kind of fear thrill seekers actively seek. From Texas to Boston, to Cincinnati and Louisiana, Amber Arnett-Bequeaith can share the spookiest attractions in the nation, and some scary spots in your area. She’s share what it takes to make a great haunted attraction and how the business has changed in recent years. Amber Arnett-Bequeaith is the spokesperson for America Haunts. Contact her at (816) 842-4280; amber@fullmoonprod.com
6. ==> Last Minute Halloween Help
Are you still undecided on a Halloween costume? With a little over a week before the holiday, it’s ‘go time!’ If you’re looking for inspiration, the experts from Spirit Halloween have some great ideas. Whether you prefer a playful costume or a recognizable character, there are tricks to creating an outfit that’s recognizable. Hear this season’s most popular themes, the secret to creating a great costume and ways to save money and make your costume unique using items you already have. Spirit Halloween is the largest Halloween retailer in North America with over 1,550 seasonal locations across North America. Contact Lori Tesoro at Lori.Tesoro@spirithalloween.com or M. Booth at
spirit@mbooth.com
7. ==> Is Halloween Harmless?
Halloween is one of the most popular American holidays with millions looking forward to dressing up and spooking out. But is all of it harmless? Derrick Warfel says it’s not black and white, but the origin of the holiday is genuinely dark. He’ll explain Halloween’s roots in an old European belief that on October 31 the veil between the physical and spiritual world went thin and the dead could cross over, and the trick-or-treat custom that grew out of leaving blood and food on the porch to bribe the spirits into passing you by. A treat, or you get a trick. Learn how the church has historically redeemed pagan dates, and what All Hallows' Eve, All Saints and All Souls actually mean. Hear his practical, non-alarmist take for parents and why he believes the costume and the conversation matter more than the candy itself. Derrick studied psychology at Princeton, earned his Master of Theology at Dallas Theological Seminary and spent forty years working in Hollywood. He is the author of “UFOs: Revealing Deception and Truth Behind the Supernatural, Invisible War,” which argues that the thin-veil folklore is pointing at something real, an actual invisible spiritual war, and that our culture's whole fascination with the paranormal is part of that same story. Contact Mark Breta at mark@jonesliterary.com
8. ==> Are Ghosts Real? Priest Explains Encounters From the Other Side
Here’s a segment for anyone interested in hauntings, ghosts and spirits. Dominican priest Nathan Castle has helped hundreds of people process near-death and ghostly encounters and says ghost stories aren’t make-believe, they’re spiritual roadmaps. His work explores whether spirits reach out to us for healing and closure. Perfect for Halloween, Father Nathan offers a grounded, joyful take on life beyond the grave. Father Nathan Castle is a Dominican priest, retreat leader, and author of “Afterlife, Interrupted.” In his retreats, he guides people through Dorothy’s Yellow Brick Road with surprising parallels to grief, fear, and even ghostly encounters. Contact him at (480) 680-9985; ncastle@rtirguests.com
9. ==> This Psychic Solves Murder Cases & Finds Missing People and Lost Pets
Can psychic intuition help crack a murder case or locate someone who's vanished? Nancy Orlen Weber says she's done both. As Halloween approaches and fascination with the paranormal peaks, Weber offers a real-life mystery that sounds like a crime drama. She recounts working alongside detectives and federal agents on murder investigations, missing-person cases and searches for lost pets, using what she describes as intuitive abilities. On your show, she'll reveal how she receives information, what happens when investigators question her insights, and whether ordinary people can develop their own intuition. She'll also share memorable experiences from her work and explain why she believes psychic abilities deserve serious consideration. Her book, “Soul Detective,” explores her unusual experiences. A medium, animal communicator and holistic health educator with more than 45 years of experience, Weber has appeared in documentaries and on television programs including “Nancy Grace.” Contact Nancy at (973) 453-0906; nweber@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Could Your Fears and Phobias Be Connected to a Past Life?
What if your unexplained fear of water, heights or abandonment didn't originate in this lifetime? With Halloween bringing renewed fascination with the supernatural, therapist and author Alla Kaluzhny offers a provocative possibility: unresolved experiences from past lives may influence our fears, relationships and emotional patterns today. On your show, Kaluzhny will share stories from what she describes as her own past-life memories, explore why certain fears seem to have no obvious explanation, and discuss how reflecting on these experiences might offer a different perspective on personal struggles. She'll also explain why some relationships feel instantly familiar and why recurring emotional patterns can be difficult to understand. Her books, “Turning the Pages” and “Turning New Pages,” explore her experiences and spiritual journey. A licensed marriage and family therapist, spiritual psychologist and award-winning author, Kaluzhny brings a professional counseling background to her exploration of unconventional spiritual ideas. Contact Alla at (213) 459-3509; akaluzhny@rtirguests.com
11. ==> What Do Tarot and Numerology Say About Your Next Move?
Facing a major decision about your career, relationship or future? What if the answers could be found in a deck of Tarot cards or the numbers associated with your life? With Halloween approaching and curiosity about the supernatural in the air, certified metaphysician Dr. Dan Bartlett offers an unconventional way to explore what the future might hold. On your show, he'll explain how Tarot and numerology readings work, what he believes they can reveal about personal challenges, and why people turn to intuitive guidance when traditional decision-making leaves them feeling stuck. Rather than presenting readings as guaranteed predictions, Bartlett uses them as tools for reflection, perspective and exploring possibilities. Known for his Magical Intuitive Readings, Bartlett has spent more than 30 years practicing metaphysics and has worked with thousands of people seeking clarity in their personal and professional lives. Contact Dan at (480) 841-0984; dbartlett@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Did Your Soul Choose This Life, Struggles and All?
What if every challenge you've faced, from heartbreak to loss, was part of a journey your soul chose before birth? Mystical guide Doreen Mary Bray believes our lives aren't random. She teaches that souls deliberately choose their parents, circumstances and even the struggles they'll encounter before entering the physical world. It's a provocative perspective for anyone questioning why difficult things happen. On your show, Bray will explain what she believes happens before incarnation, why souls would willingly choose hardship, and how viewing life as a spiritual choice might transform our relationship with suffering. She'll also explore her belief that being human is a rare privilege rather than a burden to escape. Drawing from “The Angel and the Avatar,” she'll challenge audiences to reconsider whether life happens to us or carries a deeper purpose. A naturopath and mystical guide with more than 40 years of experience exploring spiritual traditions, Bray brings an unconventional perspective to life's biggest questions. Contact Doreen at (438) 802-0280; dbray@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Healthier Alternatives to Sugary Halloween Treats
Candy might dominate Halloween, but healthy alternatives can still delight. Wellness advocate Stacey Roberts, physical therapist to celebrities and pro athletes, shares how inflammation, not just sugar, is a hidden danger for kids and adults. She offers ideas for creative, health-conscious treats that won’t spook parents or derail wellness goals. Stacey is the perfect guest to share anti-inflammatory protocols and advanced therapies that help audiences overcome chronic pain and avoid unhealthy sugar crashes during one of the year’s most tempting seasons. Contact her at (414) 310-7845; sroberts@rtirguests.com
14. ==> You Slept Where? Inside America’s Most Haunted Places
Brenda Prater Sellers has checked into places where most people would never dare. She’s stayed at the infamous Lizzie Borden House, toured haunted prisons and asylums, and even braved the Villisca Axe Murder House and the infamous “Conjuring” home. Why? To face her fears, fuel her adventurous spirit, and collect stories that make audiences laugh and shiver in equal measure. Brenda, author of “You Slept Where? Calamities of a Clumsy Businesswoman,” brings humor and heart to every tale, proving that even the eeriest encounters can turn into unforgettable stories. She’s the perfect Halloween guest for shows that offer a mix of chills, laughs, and real-life adventure. Brenda is a speaker, philanthropist, and author whose travel memoir blends comedy, resilience, and adventures in the world’s most bizarre and haunted places. Contact her at (865) 344-1755; bsellers@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Does Halloween Horror Make You Happy?
Is it wrong that jump scares, candy binges, and costumes bring you joy instead of dread? Happiness expert Deborah Mallow encourages listeners to go with the horror flow if it makes them feel good. She says Halloween taps into play, nostalgia, and even healthy fear. They all release endorphins and reset our brains. Using her six-step mindset makeover, Mallow will show your audience how this holiday can be an antidote to gloom, teaching them to laugh at their fears while finding connection through fun. Deborah writes extensively on the topic of happiness, blending science-backed strategies with humor and warmth. She is the author of “6 Steps to Fewer Days That Suck.” Contact Deborah at (516) 613-5359; dmallow@rtirguests.com
