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
Category: Education
Why Pushing Your Kids to Win Could Be Breaking Them
Many parents ramp up the pressure by focusing on higher grades, tougher sports and more achievement. But LPGA Professionals Hall of Fame Member and certified mindset coach Cindy Miller says this pressure-cooker approach is doing more harm than good. After decades of working with young athletes (and watching too many walk away broken), Cindy now teaches a better way to raise resilient, self-driven kids without crushing their confidence. In this segment, she shares how perfectionism, comparison and performance pressure backfire, and what parents should focus on instead. Cindy’s take is eye-opening, practical and rooted in both personal stories and pro-level experience. It’s a fresh, emotionally charged take on back-to-school parenting that every listener can relate to. Ask her: Can pushing kids to win actually make them perform worse? What’s the one thing parents should say after a tough loss or bad grade? Contact Cindy Miller at (716) 670-5341; cimiller@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
Do a Show on the 10 Keys to Raising Confident Kids Ready for the Future
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
Raise Confident and Creative Kids in the AI Age
In a world where AI is rewriting the rules of work, education, and communication, how do we prepare our kids for a future we can barely predict? The answer starts at home. In “SMART Parenting 5.0,” award-winning author George Lee blends cutting-edge neuroscience, psychology, and real-world tech insights to deliver 10 powerful keys for raising resilient, emotionally intelligent, and forward-thinking children. His practical, research-backed approach helps parents nurture creativity, critical thinking, financial literacy, and self-confidence—skills schools often overlook but the future demands. With a unique perspective shaped by both Eastern and Western education systems, he equips families to thrive in the AI era—not fear it. This conversation is a must for modern parents who want to raise not just smart kids—but adaptable ones. Contact George Lee at (604) 330-8697; glee@rtirguests.com
Why Parents Are Turning to Montessori for a Peaceful, Purposeful Home
Parenting today is more challenging than ever, with chaos and stress becoming the norm in many households. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Teresa Angeles, Montessori educator, mother of six and author of “The Montessori Home and Beyond,” reveals how adopting Montessori principles can transform family life. Instead of constant power struggles, parents can foster calm, confidence and cooperation—even with young children. It’s not about turning your home into a classroom but embracing a mindset that nurtures independence, respect and connection. Teresa shares practical tips for creating a harmonious environment where kids feel valued and learn to take responsibility. She also shares stories from her own family’s Montessori journey, highlighting the power of traditions, rituals and building strong relationships. Whether you’re new to Montessori or looking to expand your parenting approach, Teresa’s insights offer a practical, heart-centered way to build a home where both parents and children thrive. Contact Teresa Angeles at (253) 523-3158; tangeles@rtirguests.com
Why Top Students Know the Bible — Even If They Aren’t Religious
Top students often excel due to their understanding of cultural references, and Texas teacher Tamara Berkman says a surprising factor behind their success is knowledge of the Bible. Even non-religious students benefit from recognizing biblical themes, allusions, and historical context, which enhances their performance in literature, history, and critical thinking, according to Berkman. She created the “Learn the Whole Bible ASAP” curriculum to help students quickly grasp the Bible’s storyline in just 20 short lessons to improve their understanding of literature, identify cultural references, and sharpen critical thinking skills— key elements for academic success. Ask her: How does knowing the Bible enhance students’ critical thinking and academic performance? What makes “Learn the Whole Bible ASAP” unique compared to other Bible curricula? Why do you think it’s important for all students to have a basic understanding of the Bible? Contact Tamara Berkman at (830) 613-9431; tberkman@rtirguests.com
There Are No Bad Dogs: One Woman’s Mission to Train with Compassion
Everybody loves dogs, right? Kathleen Troyis a dog lover who’s been involved with dog training for 20+ years and she’s ready to share her training methods based on compassion, consistency and respect for the dog. Kathleen trained her dog, Dylan, to count to ten, understand multiple languages and hand commands, and so much more! She is the author of the “Dylan’s Dog Squad”series, as well as a nonfiction book about dog training. She is the perfect guest to give your audience the ultimate show about dog training. Ask her:How do your methods differ from other trainers? What lessons have you learned through training dogs? What trick do you think all dogs should be taught? Contact Kathleen Troy at (714) 975-9807; ktroy@rtirguests.com
Ways to Unplug and Reconnect With Your Kids This Summer
Summer break is right around the corner and a golden opportunity to reconnect with your kids—but only if you’re intentional. Parenting expert Richard Ramos, author of “Parents on a Mission,” says this is the perfect season to reset the family dynamic, reduce screen time, and rebuild influence. His proven “Home Field Advantage” strategy helps parents strengthen trust, open communication, and create a family culture that lasts beyond summer. Whether you’re navigating teen pushback, stepfamily challenges, or the grip of social media, Richard delivers real-world solutions that have helped thousands of families thrive. He’ll discuss ways to implement a family social media detox and how it can help everyone, and how to use the summer months to reconnect with your kids. Contact Richard Ramos at (805) 456-1407; rramos@rtirguests.com
The Truth About Raising Resilient Kids
Today’s kids have more stressors and fear triggers than ever, including constant exposure to social and other media, bullying, intense pressure to excel at everything, and more. In addition, modern society often sends the message that today’s kids are fragile. According to Jack Gindi, that is our biggest mistake. “Real resilience isn’t built by avoiding pain or by force and struggle,” he says. “It’s built by teaching kids how to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and grace.” This conviction led him to found the I Believe in Me program, which provides kids and parents with practical tools for building self-esteem, managing emotions, and setting achievable goals. Jack can discuss how his own troubled childhood—which included molestation—and his experiences as a father of four and grandfather of six led him to create this program. He can also share details about how to enable today’s kids to become more resilient. Contact Jack Gindi at (719) 751-8807; jgindi@rtirguests.com