In an age of AI, social media, and constant change, today’s kids face a future unlike anything their parents knew. That’s why George Lee, author of “SMART Parenting 5.0,” created a bold, research-backed roadmap for raising resilient, emotionally intelligent, and future-ready children. Drawing from neuroscience, education, and tech trends, Lee outlines 10 essential keys—from critical thinking and creativity to self-regulation and financial literacy—that every child needs to thrive in tomorrow’s world. His approach is practical, inclusive, and designed for both Eastern and Western cultural contexts. In interviews, Lee breaks down how parents can move beyond outdated models and instead equip their kids with the mindset and tools to lead with confidence in a world of uncertainty. Contact George Lee at (604) 330-8697; glee@rtirguests.com
Category: Current Events
The Real Cost of Unsafe Neighborhoods
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 author and 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
Could an American Pope Reignite Faith in U.S. Catholics?
With Pope Leo now the first American pontiff, many are asking: Will this historic shift help reconnect disillusioned U.S. Catholics with their faith? Father Nathan Castle, O.P.—Dominican priest, author of “Afterlife, Interrupted,” and spiritual advisor to thousands—believes this moment could spark real spiritual renewal. Drawing from decades of ministry and healing work, Father Castle speaks to the emotional and cultural rift that’s grown between American Catholics and institutional religion. His deep understanding of how faith, trauma and purpose intersect makes him a powerful guest to unpack what Pope Leo’s leadership could mean for the soul of the nation. Book him to explore the promise of a more relatable Vatican, how spirituality is evolving in modern life and what this new papacy could do to restore hope in the pews. Contact Father Nathan Castle, O.P., at (480) 680-9985; ncastle@rtirguests.com
This Woke Redneck Talks Race, Power and Real Leadership
He’s white. He’s a former evangelical preacher. He raises bulls for fun. And he’s “woke”—but not in the way you think. Rick Patterson is a former evangelical pastor turned corporate exec and father of four adopted Black children. Through that wild mix of identities, he’s learned what it really means to talk about race, masculinity, power and faith without blowing things up. In his interviews, Rick unpacks: How to lead with humility, how masculinity gets warped by shame and why the “culture wars” are failing us. With humor, honesty and a voice both sides can actually listen to, Rick shows how we can bridge divides and build something better. The author of “Shame Unmasked and The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth,” Rick is not here to play it safe—he’s here to get real. Contact Rick Patterson at (517) 300-2706; Rpatterson@rtirguests.com
Why Young Men Are Turning Right While Women Lean Left
Data from across Europe, the US and beyond show some remarkably consistent trends: young men are embracing the political right, while women lean increasingly progressive. What’s driving the divide? Psychiatrist and author Dr. Melvyn Lurie sees the split as more emotional than political. In his book “The Biology of Politics 2nd edition: So America Won’t Die,” he explains how men’s growing disconnection, insecurity and loss of identity may be pushing them toward more extreme ideologies. Dr. Lurie offers powerful insight into why many young men feel alienated in today’s society, and how unaddressed shame, not ideology, may be the real root of their rage. Contact Dr. Melvyn Lurie at (857) 376-6874; mlurie@rtirguests.com
Tune Out or Rage? Why Neither Will Fix Our Divided Politics and What to Do Instead
Millions of people are feeling tired of feeling helpless—or furious—about politics. “Agonizing, protesting, and turning off the news” aren’t our only options according to Sam Daley-Harris, activist and author of “Reclaiming Our Democracy.” He offers a proven alternative: transformational advocacy, a form of advocacy where you work to change an issue and you are changed in the process. Daley-Harris will share stories of ordinary people who used transformational advocacy to go from feeling clueless about activism to feeling euphoric; from experiencing what they called ‘climate trauma’ to experiencing engagement as sacred and profound. Feeling fed up with what’s going on in the world isn’t a flaw, Daley-Harris says it’s fuel and he’ll show your audience how to use it. Contact Sam Daley-Harris at (202) 804-2504; Sdaley@rtirguests.com
Veteran Lawyer: The Myth of Equal Justice
For more than three decades, James Porfido has practiced criminal law from every angle—as a prosecutor and defense attorney. What he’s seen behind the scenes will challenge everything you think you know about justice in America. From disparities in sentencing to the role of wealth, race, and politics in determining outcomes, Porfido argues that the system often fails the very people it claims to protect. His message isn’t partisan—it’s human, and it’s urgent. Drawing from real cases (with identities protected), Porfido brings powerful, clear-eyed insights about how we can repair a system that too often rewards power over fairness. With his calm, credible voice and rare experience on both sides of the aisle, Porfido is the legal expert audiences will trust. Contact James Porfido: (973) 620-2157; jporfido@rtirguests.com
Why Are Young Men Turning Right While Women Lean Left?
A new “Vox” article reveals a striking trend: young men worldwide are embracing the political right, while women lean increasingly progressive. What’s driving the divide? Psychiatrist and author Dr. Melvyn Lurie sees the split as more emotional than political. In his book “The Biology of Politics 2nd edition: So America Won’t Die,” he explains how men’s growing disconnection, insecurity and loss of identity may be pushing them toward more extreme ideologies. Dr. Lurie offers powerful insight into why many young men feel alienated in today’s society, and how unaddressed shame, not ideology, may be the real root of their rage. Contact Dr. Melvyn Lurie at (857) 376-6874; mlurie@rtirguests.com
How To Be a Peacebuilder During Nationwide Unrest
On Saturday, Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and Flag Day, thousands of troops, tanks and artillery launchers will roll over the streets of Washington, including Constitution Avenue, for a massive military parade. Meanwhile, across the country, organizers will be staging protests that could dwarf the parade in size. A coalition of pro-democracy, labor, and liberal activists are arranging a full day of counterprogramming to make the case that Trump is hijacking the Army celebration to venerate himself. Retired American diplomat and professional peacebuilder Danielle Reiff lived and worked in authoritarian environments throughout her career. She can discuss how political unrest in LA and across the country represent authoritarian overreach and how Americans can be peacebuilders during this volatile time. She can also discuss the rising civic renewal movement in the U.S. and a project to counter rising threats to our democracy with a plan to refresh the U.S. Constitution and build a more inclusive, participatory, and deliberative democracy than the U.S. has ever known. Reiff brings a lifetime of experience to this task. She started her career in the Peace Corps and worked for the United Nations before serving two decades as a democracy and peacebuilding officer for USAID, the US Agency for International Development. She now runs Peacebuilders, an initiative to promote nonviolence and unity in diversity and mitigate political violence in the U.S. Contact Danielle at (202) 499-7256; dreiff@rtirguests.com
Legal Analyst Weighs in on Diddy Trial, Celebrity, Money and Justice
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