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
Category: Current Events
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Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama, U2: This Flight Attendant Who Has Met Them All
During her nearly 40-year career as a flight attendant, Tania Anderson met everyone from Elizabeth Taylor and the mega rock band U2 to the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa, Britain’s Prince Philip, and five U.S. presidents! One of the most memorable people she met was South African President Nelson Mandela. “He was absolutely radiant,” she recalls. “I made my way up to the dais where he was speaking and yelled, ‘God Bless you, President Mandela!’ He leaned down and vigorously shook my hand.” She also established a side gig in show biz, working as an extra on the popular TV show “West Wing,” and in several scenes in the hit Steven Spielberg film “Catch Me If You Can.” She is the author of the memoir “On Butterflies’ Wings: An Anthology of International Escapades,” and the upcoming “Synchronicity — the Escapades Continue.” Contact Tania Anderson at (213) 513-6099; tanderson@rtirguests.com
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Diddy Video: Let’s Talk About Domestic Violence
The recently-leaked video of Sean “Diddy” Combs assaulting his girlfriend is sparking discussions about domestic violence and abuse. The video garnered media attention but also serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive issue of intimate partner violence. Phoenix Rose can discuss the unseen reasons women stay with those who hurt them, what domestic violence victims have in common with their abusers, why the occurrence of domestic violence spiked drastically during the pandemic, and much more. She’ll share her personal story of escaping a violent relationship and rebuilding her life, and offer real, actionable advice for people to help themselves or their loved ones do the same. Phoenix Rose is the author of “Walking in Aloha: 5 Steps to Living Your God Potential Life,” Contact her at (808) 201-2784 or prose@rtirguests.com
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Which Charities Are Worth Donating to (and Which to Avoid)
Many people are quick to donate to charitable causes, especially following natural disasters or during the holidays. But according to author and nonprofit expert Michele Whetzel, “It’s better to think with your head as opposed to your heart before turning over your hard-earned cash. Do your research first!” She’ll share what to look for in truly worthy charities, red flags to watch out for, as well as tips for starting your own nonprofit. Michele is a veteran of the nonprofit arena, founder of Your 501 Guide consulting, and author of the book, “So, You Want to Start a Nonprofit, Now What?” Contact her at (302) 407-0513; Mwhetzel@rtirguests.com
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Has Democracy Gone Off the Rails?
Are you proud of today’s America? Do you suspect the Founding Fathers are rolling in their graves? You’re not alone. Rodger Friedman, author of “Erasing America: Broken Politics, Broken Country,” will provide a refreshing yet serious romp through today’s off-the-rails political landscape. Invite him on your show and hear him chronicle our misguided political leadership by taking an irreverent look at how our nation’s self-righteous elected officials have begun to systematically erase America and our constitutional republic. Friedman can discuss the dramatic increase in socialist policies coming out of both Washington, D.C. and blue states across the nation, spearheaded by politicians who care more about advancing themselves than about the American people. He’ll also show how the media goes to great lengths to spin ill-advised and destructive radical progressive agendas as a positive change. Rodger Friedman has extensive media experience as a talk show guest on a variety of topics. He is a retirement wealth planner and the author of seven books. Contact Rodger at (813) 575-0862; rf179203@gmail.com
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Refugee Reveals Horror of Communism and Why U.S. Schools Must Teach It
Many Americans are convinced that our country could never become a communist dictatorship. But author and refugee Laszlo (Les) Suhayda can share that no country is immune from this fate, and why he believes this lesson must be taught in U.S. schools. “Life under communism is horrific,” he says. “Our younger generations need to study history, and school districts should never remove this history from school curricula, or we are doomed to repeat it.” Les and his family escaped for America when he was only five years old, and he witnessed the horrors of dictatorships firsthand. Ask him: What are the parallels between the Russian invasions of Ukraine and Hungary? Why are so many schools reluctant to teach this lesson? Les is the author of the memoir “Twelve Bells to Freedom: The Suhajda Story,” and the inventor of the first wine slushee product in America. Contact him at (314) 501-6838; Lsuhayda@rtirguests.com
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Trump’s Win Means Losses for Women and Children
While Trump supporters celebrate his recent win, retired psychiatrist and social activist Shila Patel warns that this will have dire consequences for the women and children of this country. “Women are already dying in states with extreme abortion laws because they are being denied care for miscarriages,” she says. “Trump has also vowed to make deep cuts to social service programs and education, which will have a very negative impact on children.” Patel can share the details of how this will impact average Americans, and why she believes this will be harmful. 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 her at (229) 586-6190; spatel@rtirguests.com
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How Can We Prevent Bias from Turning into Hate?
The wars in Ukraine and Gaza rage on. There’s an alarming rise in hate crimes around the globe. Is there any hope for ending the chaos in the world? Sara Ting claims we can. “I can share what each of us can do to create a more peaceful world,” she says. “I have developed a tool that takes 10 seconds or less to help cultivate a mindset to value all people equally.” Sara is a diversity and inclusion educator, speaker, consultant and author of “Small Book with a Big Idea: 5 Minute Training to Empower You and Transform the World.” She is also the founder and president of World Unity, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to the elimination of all forms of bigotry. Contact Sara Ting at (508) 715-3370; Sting@rtirguests.com
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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
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This American Was in Israel During the Gaza Invasion
Detri McGhee just returned from Israel, on one of the last planes to leave the country before the airlines shut down. She will give listeners a window into what it was like to be in the country during an active terrorist invasion and describe what she saw and heard and the mood of the people. In Jerusalem to attend a Feast of the Tabernacles celebration, Detri (DE-trah) says she could hear explosions and sirens and spent time in bomb shelters including one in which Orthodox Jews were praying. She’ll recount hearing the mayor of a town near the Gaza Strip speak and then learning two days later that he was killed by terrorists. Hear how and why she believes her life has been changed by what she experienced. Detri runs the nonprofit Reaching for Life, Inc. which encourages reading, writing, and communicating through developing advanced emotional intelligence skills. Contact her at (870) 407-7523; dmcghee@rtirguests.com