01. Misinformation Before and After the Election
02. Where Election Violence is Most Likely
03. Mixing Business With Politics: Selling Swag
04. When Did Everyone Become a Witch?
05. The History of American Horror
06. Is the Pro-Life Movement Actually Killing Women?
07. How a Major Investment Firm Got Away with a Massive Ponzi Scheme
08. This Guest Has Big Solutions for Today’s Big Problems
09. From Mt. Everest to Antarctica: Interview This Pioneering Female Mountain Climber
10. Want to Live to Be 90? The One Change You Need to Make
11. How to Be the Star of Your Own Life
12. Could This Be the Real Cause of Disruptive Classroom Behavior?
13. What No One Tells You About Tapping Into Your Soul’s GPS
14. From Shattered to Soaring: This Guest Helps Childhood Trauma Survivors Heal
15. Does America Need a National Divorce? This Guest Says Yes
1. ==> Misinformation Before and After the Election
With nearly a week until Election Day, experts on election-related misinformation and disinformation say that social media companies––including Meta, TikTok, YouTube, and X––continue to roll back previous commitments. Nora Benavidez, senior counsel and director of digital justice and civil rights at Free Press, says the disinformation landscape in 2024 is far worse than it was in 2020. “The cost of distributing and producing disinformation has reached nearly zero, meantime social media platforms have been retreating from their previous commitments to do even the most basic, low-hanging fruit,” she says. “Platforms have engaged in mass layoffs on critical teams like content moderation or trust and safety and folks like Elon Musk are forcing X users to see and engage with misleading and toxic content.” She warns, “The highest risk dates for the election include November 6 through December 11. During that period, states will be gathering, tabulating, and certifying results. During that time, reporting about preliminary or premature claims of a victor can spread like wildfire, causing people in one state to share news that the national election has been called. That’s the moment that people may be at their most concerned and we have to worry about real-world harm and violence.” Free Press has released two reports documenting how social media platforms have rolled back policies that keep hate, lies, and toxicity at bay. Contact Tim Karr at tkarr@freepress.net
2. ==> Where Election Violence is Most Likely
Few political researchers believe there will be a repeat of the January 6 attack. Instead, many warn that election-related violence is more likely to happen in local communities. “it might be more diffuse, in lots of places across the country, which, in many respects, actually heightens the threat,” says Pete Simi, a professor of sociology at Chapman University. While concern remains high, many say violence is not inevitable and that ordinary people can play an important part of defusing tensions. There are also a network of grassroots organizations who have been training folks in de-escalation and monitoring and capturing video for accountability. Pete Simi has studied extremist groups and violence for more than 25 years, conducting interviews and observation with a range of violent gangs and political extremists. He frequently serves as an expert legal consultant on criminal and civil cases related to political extremism. Contact Sheri Ledbetter at sledbett@chapman.edu
3.==> Mixing Business and Politics: Selling Swag
No matter which candidate wins the election, both campaigns are making a lot of moolah on merch. According to online marketing firm Omnisend, Trump supporters have spent the most, dropping a whopping $140M on political swag compared to $41M for Harris supporters. From flags to hats to T-shirts, there’s a lot of cash changing hands, but is it good business to push politics? “Not every business can, or should, create something specifically for the presidential election, but it makes sense to stop and think if you have any products you can easily tie to an event in a neutral way,” says Greg Zakowicz, senior ecommerce expert at Omnisend. Zakowicz suggests brands design general, election-themed products that appeal to a wide audience without alienating potential customers. “Brands can connect with customers by focusing on universal values and themes related to civic engagement, such as voting or community involvement,” he says. “This approach ensures broad appeal without polarizing your audience.” Contact Darija Grobova at darija@omnisend.com
4.==> When Did Everyone Become a Witch?
Witches are everywhere during Halloween, but they’re also all over pop culture these days. So when did everyone become a witch? Invite Helen Berger, a Brandeis University scholar and expert on modern witchcraft, to discuss the history of Wicca and how it came to the U.S. in the 1960s. Berger says not all witches consider themselves Wiccans, but according to her own survey data the religion is growing with approximately 800,000 current practitioners. She’ll explain Wiccans’ one overriding rule, the importance of rituals and nature, and how they tap into the spirit world. Helen Berger is a resident scholar at Brandeis University’s Women’s Studies Research Center. She is a sociologist, contemporary pagan expert and author. Her latest book is “Solitary Pagans: Contemporary Witches, Wiccans and Others Who Practice Alone.” Contact her at haberger@brandeis.edu
5. ==> The History of American Horror
Horror is and has always been a favorite American pastime, and author Jeremy Dauber argues that our fear reveals the American consciousness in its truest form. He’ll chronicle the rise and enduring grip of fear and horror throughout American culture, from the tales of H. P. Lovecraft, Shirley Jackson, and Edgar Allan Poe to the films and television shows of Alfred Hitchcock, Jordan Peele, and Ryan Murphy. Dauber can discuss the genre’s current place in society – its rise in popularity, its guiding themes and beloved tropes, its real-world context, and the electrifying way it has leapt off the screen and page to shape history. Jeremy Dauber is a professor of Jewish literature and American studies at Columbia University. He is the author of several books including “Mel Brooks: Disobedient Jew and American Comics: A History” and his latest, “American Scary: A History of Horror, from Salem to Stephen King and Beyond.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (o); (703) 400-1099 (c); johanna@jrbpr.biz or Reigan Wright at (703) 646-5188
6. ==> Is the Pro-Life Movement Actually Killing Women?
Women’s reproductive rights have been a heated topic ever since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. While the pro-life movement claims to be focused on the well-being of the unborn, Dr. Shila Patel points out that the draconian laws have grave consequences for women. “Women are already dying in states with extreme abortion laws because they are being denied critical care for miscarriages, and the infant mortality rate has increased during the last 18 months,” she says. Shila Patel, M.D. is the author of the three-book series “US,” “US Unhinged,” and “US Fractured.” She is a retired psychiatrist who spent her career focused on women’s and children’s issues. Contact Dr. Shila Patel at (229) 586-6190; spatel@rtirguests.com
7. ==> How a Major Investment Firm Got Away with a Massive Ponzi Scheme
While working as an investment broker for Morgan Stanley in the early 2000s, author Dana de Windt discovered some shocking improprieties. “Morgan Stanley inadvertently established a Ponzi scheme, with the deliberate and intentional selling of Kemper Lumbermen’s Surplus Notes,” he says. “That’s the reason that they and their regulators have fought like tigers to keep this very serious infraction from getting into the public’s knowledge.” In 2007, Morgan Stanley and one of its senior traders agreed to pay $6.1 million in fines and restitution to settle allegations that the investment bank overcharged brokerage customers — one of whom was Dana’s then 87-year-old father — on 2,800 purchases of $59 million of bonds. But no criminal charges were ever pursued. Dana is the author of “Checkmate: The Morgan Stanley Whistle Blower.” Contact Dana de Wendt at (772) 773-6879; ddewindt@rtirguests.com
8. ==> This Guest Has Big Solutions for Today’s Big Problems
Rising ocean levels. The epidemic of gun violence. Gang and drug crimes. Addiction. The immigration issue. The heated abortion debate. While many of society’s problems seem unsolvable, or would take a very long time to remedy, author and businessman Mitch Francis has come up with a plethora of practical, doable, expedient solutions. He can share how we can destroy every assault rifle in 30 days, pay off the entire U.S. deficit and stop inflation, stop the oceans rising from melting polar ice caps and more! Mitch is the author of “Bad-Ass Solutions For Today’s Big-Ass Problems.” He has an extensive business background as founder and CEO of publicly traded and private companies and has developed, owns, and manages commercial real estate across the U.S. As such, he was able to develop extreme problem-solving skills that he utilized to address 20 of our biggest problems. Contact Mitch Francis at (424) 313-8201; mitchf@francisdi.com
9. ==> From Mt. Everest to Antarctica: Interview This Pioneering Female Mountain Climber
After years of working as a top corporate executive, Siv Harstad experienced severe burnout. So she decided to climb new mountains, literally, by tackling the world’s seven summits, the highest peak on all continents, including Mt. Everest and Kilimanjaro, and the highest volcanoes on all seven continents, totaling 33 expeditions. Ironically, she used to suffer from an acute fear of heights! Her experiences became a metaphor for tackling life’s challenges, especially for women. “If I can manage to climb Mt. Everest, so many other people can do things that they have been dreaming about, especially women,” she says. “More women than men hold themselves back, due to their upbringing and societal imprints.” Contact Siv Harstad at contact@sivharstad
10. ==> Want to Live to Be 90? The One Change You Need to Make
Author and environmental activist Richard Schwartz, Ph.D., is 90-years-young and still going strong. His secret? “I have followed a vegan diet for decades,” he says. “I am convinced that that has been the key to my longevity, and remaining healthy at an advanced age.” He also believes that animal-based industries are destroying the planet by largely contributing to climate change. “The world is eating itself into distinction,” he adds. “If people don’t embrace vegetarianism and veganism on a massive scale, I am convinced that humans will be extinct by 2100.” An experienced media guest, Richard is the author of “Vegan Revolution” and other similar books. Contact Richard Schwartz at (914) 533-1949 or rschwartz@rtirguests.com
11. ==> How to Be the Star of Your Own Life
Shakespeare said,” All the world’s a stage.” According to author and destiny coach Ariel Vox, “There is one important question that you need to ask yourself: Are you in the audience watching the play unfold, or are you the main actor?” She can share a 5-step blueprint /framework with specific steps people can use to transition from being a passive member of the audience to starring in their own lives by overcoming the biggest obstacle: fear. Ariel was just 18-months-old when she and her mother were in a serious car accident, which left her traumatized for years. But she found a way to overcome this to become a successful coach and author of “From Fear to Fierce: How to Turn Failure Into Success.” Contact Ariel Vox at avox@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Could This Be the Real Cause of Disruptive Classroom Behavior?
When kids act up and wreak havoc at school, are they just being bad? According to Donna Redman, they may actually be suffering from sensory processing disorders (SPDs), which cause difficulty in detecting, modulating, interpreting, and/or responding to sensory experiences such as sound, touch, vision, and taste. “Sensory processing disorder is a commonly overlooked and misunderstood challenge that often goes undetected, causing significant and unnecessary hardships for kids in the classroom, and adults,” she says. Donna is the founder of the Secret Genius Project, which integrates creativity into helping children and adults to better cope with SPD. “My research has revealed irrefutable evidence of our connection to art, science, and nature, and provides the path to reach down to the core of what compels us toward creativity and self- expression; self-expression is delivered through our senses.” she says. Contact Donna Redman at (973) 876-5903; dredman@rtirguests.com
13. ==> What No One Tells You About Tapping Into Your Soul’s GPS
Renowned psychic, badge-carrying detective, and animal communicator Nancy Orlen Weber will reveal the extraordinary power of tapping into your soul’s guidance to transform your life. By accessing your inner wisdom, you can develop deeper connections with people and animals, unlock your life’s purpose, and navigate challenges with clarity and confidence. With more than 45 years of experience, Nancy is a true expert in animal communication, psychic investigations, and spiritual development, and the author of several books including “The Life of a Psychic Detective.” Contact Nancy Orlen Weber at (973) 441-4411; lightwingcenter@gmail.com
14. ==> From Shattered to Soaring: This Guest Helps Childhood Trauma Survivors Heal
Author, coach, and therapist Lisa Morgan endured the kind of trauma that many might not survive. Her childhood was marked by extreme terror, trauma, sexual abuse, violence, and neglect. As a result, her body, mind, heart, and soul resorted to two profound levels of spiritual survival; what Lisa describes as “soul fracturing” and “100 percent total amnesia.” “Traditional psychiatry would label this as multiple personality disorder with repressed memories,” she says. She is living proof that these survival traits are intrinsic mechanisms built into the soul and DNA of every human being. Lisa is a speaker, and coach with 35-plus years of experience as a certified life coach, board- certified music therapist, and creator of Lisa’s Freedom Body Blueprint© coaching methodology. She is also the author and co-author of several books including “Against All Odds.” Contact Lisa Morgan at (314) 265-3491; lmorgan@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Does America Need a National Divorce? This Guest Says Yes
Americans are more divided than they have been in decades, and author Taylor Woodruff blames Democrats whom he feels have abandoned God, country, civility and the Constitution. He also is convinced that the only solution is for the country to undergo a “divorce.” “There are dueling platforms of morality within our culture that cannot coexist or compromise with each other,” he says. “There are traditional morals and values in one area, and secular morals and values in another. There cannot ever be unity between the two platforms of morality. The only way to remedy this is to divide as a nation.” He is the author of “The Case for National Divorce, One Christian’s Perspective.” Contact Taylor Woodruff at (252) 888-5892; twoodruff@rtirguests.com