Current Events -

Political Insider Reveals What No One Tells You About Running for Office

Most people think running for office is about speeches, slogans, and shaking hands. Rob Curnock knows better. As a former TV political reporter, party leader, and unlikely congressional candidate, he’s seen the process from every angle. He pulls back the curtain on the physical exhaustion, emotional toll, family strain, and political hardball that define modern campaigns. After challenging and almost winning after running against an “unbeatable” incumbent, he discovered how power really works behind closed doors. “I experienced the often brutal realities of running for office—and learned how ordinary citizens can shake up the system,” he says.

Rob is a long-time broadcast journalist and the author of Dead Man Running.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS: Are politics really as down and dirty as the media makes it out to be? What are some of your most challenging experiences while running for office?

CONTACT:Rob Curnock at (254) 822-3741; rcurnock@rtirguests.com

Whistleblower Reveals What Happens When Speaking Up Becomes Dangerous

Karen Horwitz, an award-winning public school teacher and whistleblower, describes what happens when educators raise concerns inside their school districts. “Schools are often described as the foundation of democracy,” Horwitz says. “What I witnessed was how quickly that foundation cracks when people are afraid to speak.”

Horwitz says the pattern she documented was consistent: teachers raised concerns internally, and instead of problems being addressed, they quietly lost their careers. After speaking publicly, she co-founded an organization to prevent teacher abuse and began hearing similar accounts from more than 2,000 teachers who reported retaliation.

She explains how silence is enforced through fear, power imbalances, and institutional self-protection. Horwitz is the author of A Graver Danger, which draws directly from teacher whistleblowers to examine systemic failures.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS:Why do people stay silent inside institutions? When did you realize your experience wasn’t unique? What impact does silencing teachers have on democracy?

CONTACT: Karen Horwitz at (312) 498-9074 : khorwitz@rtirguests.com

This Engineer Says His Invention Can End School Shooting Deaths

Engineer and inventor Leonard Fonarov believes he has created technology that can finally stop children from being killed in school shootings. A survivor of the World War II siege of Leningrad and a longtime Florida resident, Leonard was moved to act after the tragedy at Parkland, just miles from his home. His patented invention, the Leonardo ISV, is a bulletproof, rapid-response rescue vehicle designed to reach an active shooter inside a school in just 5–9 seconds—a speed that could mean the difference between life and death. Unlike SWAT teams, which can take 20–40 minutes to arrive, the Leonardo ISV is on-site, patrolling hallways, ready to protect children and teachers instantly. He is the author of “I Will Stop School Shooting Forever,” and explains his invention—and why he believes America’s children can finally be safe. Contact Leonard Foranov at llfonarov@rtirguests.com; (754) 289-4905

Is There a Way to Repair Slavery’s Lasting Wounds?

Lauraine White warns America’s reckoning with slavery can’t wait another generation. As President Trump’s non-inclusive politics fuel new battles over DEI, history standards and voting rights, she says the time for denial is over. With both enslaved and Confederate blood in her family line, White argues that real healing requires more than apologies. Her Freedom Wealth Fund lays out measurable steps: 1) erase student-loan debt for descendants of slaves, 2) guarantee free education, and 3) rewrite U.S. history curricula to tell the full truth about the transatlantic slave trade. White insists this isn’t about relitigating the past—it’s a practical blueprint for a just future. With nearly 60% of Americans saying slavery still affects Black people’s position in society today (Pew Research), her plan will spark headlines, debate and the uncomfortable, but necessary, conversation America keeps postponing. Sample questions: Can a Confederate descendant credibly lead the call for reparations, or is that exactly why she should? Is student-debt forgiveness for descendants a fair, targeted form of reparations that taxpayers can accept? For interviews, contact lwhite@rtirguests.com (email preferred) or (770) 525-8743

Meet the Political ‘Rocky’: How One Man Took on the ‘Unbeatable’ and Changed His District

Author Rob Curnock knows politics from every angle—as a volunteer, TV reporter, and county party leader. He ultimately got a front-row seat to the down-and-dirty world of politics during his unlikely run for Congress against an entrenched incumbent. “I experienced the often brutal realities of running for office—and learned how ordinary citizens can shake up the system,” he says. Whether you’re thinking of running for office—or just curious about what it takes—Rob delivers an inside look that is as timely as today’s headlines. He is a long-time broadcast journalist and the author of “Dead Man Running.” Contact Rob Curnock at (254) 822-3741; rcurnock@rtirguests.com

How News Overload Is Quietly Breaking America’s Mental Health

We’re bombarded with chaotic news 24/7. According to psychiatrist Dr. Shila Patel, nonstop media noise fuels depression, fear, and division, which has resulted in an anxiety epidemic. Dr. Patel breaks down how we’re absorbing trauma at a national level—and why most Americans don’t even realize it. The good news? She offers real tools to unplug, heal, and take back your peace of mind. “It’s not about ignoring the world—it’s about learning to survive it,” she says. “It’s time to reclaim your sanity.” Shila is a retired psychiatrist who spent her career focused on women’s and children’s issues, and the author of the three-book series “US Unhinged 1 and 2 and US Fractured.” Contact Dr. Shila Patel at (229) 586-6190; spatel@rtirguests.com

We’re Creating a Nation of Wimps—Here’s How to Raise Resilient Kids Instead

From cyberbullying to school shootings, video game addiction, sexual predators, and more, modern kids face many dangers. It’s no wonder that parents tend to be over-protective. But according to Dr. Dianne Olvera, we aren’t doing them any favors. “We are over-protecting kids, as opposed to empowering them,” she says. “As a result, kids can’t make decisions, act impulsively, and seek artificial means to soothe their emotions.” Dianne shares ways to empower children to become more self-reliant by recognizing their strengths and encouraging independence. She is author of “The Power of Connection: Understanding Individual Differences to Uplift and Empower,” as well as a former diplomat, spy, and board-certified educational therapist. Contact Dr. Dianne Olvera at (805) 779-3558; dolvera@rtirguests.com

Bad-Ass Economics: 4 Radical Fixes Trump Can Use to Finish Rescuing America’s Economy

Can President Trump really fix America’s economy for good? Author and entrepreneur Mitch Francis says,” Yes! If he tackles four broken systems.” Mitch outlines practical, non-partisan plans to: Pay off the $36 trillion national debt—for good, reinvent the obsolete Federal Reserve, clean up the corrupt stock market casino, and make taxes simple and fair for all. His most radical proposal? A game-changing “Asset Standard” to eliminate the debt immediately—without raising taxes or cutting spending. He is the author of “Bad-Ass Solutions For Today’s Big-Ass Problems” and is founder and CEO of publicly traded and private companies and develops, owns, and manages commercial real estate across the U.S. Contact Mitch Francis at (424) 380-4561; Mfrancis@rtirguests.com

He’s White, A Former Evangelical Minister —and Tackling Race Head-On

He raises bulls, quotes scripture and has four adopted Black children. Meet Rick Patterson, the former pastor turned corporate exec who’s challenging how America talks about race, masculinity and power. “I used to preach certainty,” he says. “Now I lead with questions.” With humor and humility, Patterson offers a surprising voice both sides of the culture war can actually hear. The author of “Shame Unmasked” and “The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth,” says faith-based leaders need a new playbook for connection. Don’t miss this guest’s fresh take on reconciliation, manhood and what true leadership looks like in divided times. Contact Rick Patterson at (517) 300-2706; rpatterson@rtirguests.com

How to Raise Safe, Street-Smart Kids

More than 1 in 5 high school students in the U.S. report witnessing neighborhood violence—and that’s just what gets reported. With schools, families, and law enforcement stretched thin, Stephanie Mann, a veteran crime prevention specialist, believes the answer lies closer to home. Her Neighborhood Safety approach helps parents, educators, and community leaders raise kids who are not only street-smart, but community-aware. Drawing on her decades of experience (including founding 27 citywide prevention committees), Mann offers practical strategies to teach kids how to recognize danger, resist peer pressure, and build safe, supportive relationships. Her goal: to raise young people who don’t just survive—but help transform their communities. In interviews, she shares how parents can empower kids with common-sense safety habits in an increasingly unpredictable world. Ask her: What are the most common safety mistakes parents make without realizing it? How can kids be taught to prevent violence—not just avoid it? Contact Stephanie Mann at (925) 438-0716; smann@rtirguests.com