When celebrity and money collide with the law, does true justice stand a chance? James Porfido—former prosecutor, criminal defense attorney and Court TV analyst—has decades of experience on both sides of the courtroom. He’s provided courtroom analysis and weighed in on high-profile trials from Michael Jackson to Harvey Weinstein, and now he’s watching the federal trial of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs unfold with a critical eye. “When justice depends on how much money you have, it stops being justice. It becomes a transaction,” says Porfido. “The Diddy case is just the latest example.” Porfido is the author of “Unequal Justice: The Search for Truth to Balance the Scales,” a searing look at how wealth, politics and power distort outcomes in American courtrooms. Book him to discuss the deeper implications of celebrity trials and what it means for everyday Americans. Contact James Porfido at (973) 620-2157; jporfido@rtirguests.com
Category: Current Events
Surviving Communism, Fighting for Faith: A Firsthand Story of Religious Persecution and Freedom
Laszlo (Les) Suhayda risked everything for freedom as a child, escaping Communist Hungary through a minefield with his family. His book, “Twelve Bells to Freedom,” tells the harrowing true story of how communism sought to destroy faith—banning religion, imprisoning clergy, and forcing families to inform on each other. Laszlo shares why religious freedom is still under threat and why history’s lessons must not be forgotten. His gripping firsthand account will captivate listeners, from history buffs to those passionate about faith, freedom, and resilience. In addition to being an author, Les is a successful businessman and the inventor of the first wine slushee product in America. Contact Laszlo (Les) Suhayda at (314) 501-6838; Lsuhayda@rtirguests.com
What it Means to Be Great (Again)
Rick Patterson thinks a lot of Americans are confused about the meaning of greatness. A corporate leader, former Evangelical minister who launched his own church, and cattle rancher, Rick can discuss what real greatness looks like when you are following Christ compared to the definition of greatness used in the world, our addiction to greatness and the role of shame, and the choice we have between self-preservation and self-sacrifice. He’ll also discuss what is currently driving the church and the Christian nationalism movement. Rick calls his new book, “The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth: Rediscovering What it Means to Be Great (Again),” a biblical rebuke to the religious right and redemption for the religiously wronged. His previous book, “Shame Unmasked: Disarming the Hidden Source of Destructive Decisions,” offers ways to pivot your thinking to make decisions that are less destructive to yourself and others. Contact Rick Patterson at (517) 300-2706; Rpatterson@rtirguests.com
Former USAID Diplomat: What the U.S. Needs in These Divisive Times
President Trump fired thousands of employees with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on the advice of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk. Retired American diplomat Danielle Reiff served with USAID for 20 years and believes this was a big mistake. She’ll clear up the misconceptions about the agency and explain what it actually did as well as why it was so vital to America’s “soft” international political power. Beyond that, Reiff is a self-described peacebuilder, dedicated to building consensus-based self-governance through dialogue, collaboration, information resilience, and unity in diversity. In addition to her service as a diplomat, Reiff is also a violence prevention expert and the founder of the Peacebuilders Initiative, a group created to inspire and support citizens to come together across historic divides. Ask her: How did your experience at USAID prepare you for becoming a peacebuilder? How do you propose bridging the gaps that divide this country? Contact Danielle Reiff at (202) 499-7256; dreiff@rtirguests.com
How Pope Francis Lifted Catholics
Millions of Catholics the world over are mourning Pope Francis’ death. Father Nathan Castle says the pope was particularly beloved because of his humility and because he used his time as head of the Church to draw attention to the marginalized among us. “I will always love Pope Francis for challenging all of us who live and work in the Church to make it a field hospital operating in all the places where people are suffering. Jesus did this day in and day out. That work was often thankless and even opposed.” Celebrating his 40th Ordination Anniversary this year as a Dominican Priest, Father Nathan can discuss how the Pope changed the church and why he was known as the ‘People’s Pope.’ He explains that the word catholic means universal, and says the Pope knew that “when we work to include everyone we’re at our most catholic.” Father Nathan also has a message for the pontiff. “I hope you’ll tolerate a little pampering by those who are welcoming you home. I doubt that you’ll want eternal rest, but I hope you have a chance to catch your afterlife breath.” Father Nathan Castle is the author of “Afterlife Interrupted: Please Let Me Explain.” He is the host of The Joyful Friar podcast. Contact him at (480) 680-9985; ncastle@rtirguests.com
How to Protect Yourself from Our Broken Justice System
Many Americans feel our criminal justice system is broken. This veteran attorney agrees and says it’s time to tip the scales back in balance. Invite James Porfido, who served decades as both a state prosecutor and criminal defense attorney, to discuss how the American justice system has become unfair. He’ll share specific cases of unfair prosecution and the damage to the accused and their families. He’ll also discuss systemic changes that could be implemented to help level the playing field and will share what you need to know if you are ever pulled over, arrested or detained by police. Porfido has appeared as a legal analyst on Court TV and CNN. He’s the author of “Unequal Justice: The Search for Truth to Balance the Scales.” Contact him at (973) 620-2157; jporfido@rtirguests.co
DEI for White Guys: Lessons From a White Dad With Black Kids
Rick Patterson didn’t grow up talking or even thinking about diversity and inclusion—but raising four Black children opened his eyes to racial bias and prejudice in ways, as a white man, he never expected. A former evangelical pastor turned corporate leader, he understands why some white people struggle with DEI—and why others see it as essential. Now, he’s on a mission to help both sides hear and understand each other. Through his training, “DEI for the White Guy,” Rick shares real-world insights on how to move beyond defensiveness and division to create workplaces and communities where people truly listen, learn and lead with impact. The author of “Shame Unmasked” and “The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth,” he offers a refreshing, no-nonsense take on race, bias and prejudice—challenging old mindsets and sparking real change. Contact Rick Patterson at (517) 300-2706; Rpatterson@rtirguests.com
Save Kids and Taxpayer Money by Making Neighborhoods Safe
Gangs, child abuse, human trafficking, youth suicide, and drug abuse are not just horrific societal ills, they come at an astonishing cost to the taxpayer: by estimates over $2 trillion annually. The plain fact is that none of this is inevitable, and much of it is preventable. Have child safety expert Stephanie Mann on your show to learn about crime prevention and making neighborhoods safer. As a community leader, neighborhood organizer, county coordinator, and state consultant, Mann has forty years of experience as a crime and violence prevention expert. She is the author of five books on empowering our communities and keeping kids safe. Her first book, “Alternative to Fear: Guidelines to Safer Neighborhoods” helped launch the national Neighborhood Watch Program. She is also the founder of the Safe Kids Now Network LLC. Contact Stephanie Mann at (925) 438-0716; smann@rtirguests.com
Feb 23rd: World Understanding and Peace Day
Our social and political divisions — globally, nationally, and even locally — seem so out of control, it’s easy for anybody to feel overwhelmed. But what if there was a way each of us could make a real difference? Danielle Reiff can show us how by guiding us to become peacebuilders.Invite Reiff on your show to explain how any of us in the “exhausted majority” who oppose division and violence can lean into promoting trust, belonging, and cooperation in our own communities. A former diplomat with the U.S. Agency for International Development, founder of the Peacebuilders initia¬tive, and editor of the upcoming book, “Overcoming Information Chaos: A Guide for Cultivating Peaceful Communities in the Digital Age,” Reiff is a wellspring of resources, tools, and strategies for becoming a peacebuilder. Contact her at Danielle Reiff at (202) 499-7256; dreiff@rtirguests.com
Veterinarian: How to Keep Animals Safe from Bird Flu
Bird flu is wreaking havoc on the farm industry and has led to millions of dead chickens and thousands of sick cows. It’s also caused an egg shortage and fears are rising about the health risks to humans. Is there any way to help keep the animals we eat safer? Bill Ormston, aka Dr. O, a longtime veterinarian who incorporates holistic remedies into his practice, says chiropractic care can make chickens and other food chain animals much safer to consume. “All animals used for food should be chiropractically adjusted, because it will help make the people who eat it healthier, he says. “I have been instrumental in doing some research studies involving food animals, and this works.” Dr. O has been a veterinarian for more than 36 years, has been adjusting animals for more than 26 years, and is a member of the elite Animal Chiropractic Hall of Fame. He is the author of “Yes! It’s Really a Thing: An Informative Guide to Animal Chiropractic.” Contact Bill Ormston, DVM, at (469) 833-2378; bormston@rtirguests.com