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
Category: Family Issues
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
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
How to Prevent Conflict Before It Starts
Studies show that up to 85% of workplace conflict stems from communication breakdowns, but most people don’t address issues until it’s too late. Samuel Bentil, a global dispute avoidance expert and the author of “Avoid Construction Disputes,” will teach listeners how to spot and stop conflict before it starts. With workplace tension, team burnout and leadership turnover on the rise, his message is right on time. Samuel’s proven strategies focus on emotional intelligence, trust-building and collaboration, the skills that turn daily friction into productivity. And these same tools don’t just work on the job. They improve communication and reduce tension at home and in the community too. Contact Samuel at (778) 656-0067; sbentil@rtirguests.com
What Nobody Tells You About Helping Aging Parents
Imagine you’re preparing for a performance review at work, need to attend your kid’s soccer game later this afternoon, and the phone rings: your mom has just fallen in the shower, or your dad’s had a stroke. Would you know what to do, which questions to ask, and who to call? Certified Senior Advisor® and Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist® Debbie C. Miller has the answers. The author of “Doing the Right Thing: Simple Solutions, Essential Tips, & Helpful Resources for Assisting Aging Loved Ones,” Miller brings over 30 years of experience guiding families through the emotional and logistical maze of senior care, providing a step-by-step approach to making confident decisions. Ask her: What are the biggest mistakes families make when trying to care for aging loved ones? What are some pervasive myths about elder care? Contact Debbie Miller at (703) 844-4074; dmiller@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 Pet Grief Hits So Hard
Losing a beloved pet can be heart-wrenching. Jean Alfieri, author, speaker, and pet loss grief coach, understands. Her rescue dog, Silly Sally, taught her how to grieve, remember, and celebrate the special bond we share with our pets. Having adopted older shelter dogs for decades, Alfieri had experi¬enced pet loss before, but when Sally passed, she returned to creative outlets to process her grief. Along the way, she was reminded of others facing a similar loss—single friends whose only family was a pet, parents helping a child grieve their first dog, and seniors or veterans who’d lost a comfort or therapy animal. To support grieving pet owners, Alfieri developed “21 Ways to Weather the Loss of a Pet,” a practical, heartfelt toolbox of ideas to help others navigate the pain of loss while honoring their pet’s memory. Her goal: to bring comfort and lightness by reminding us that love never ends— it simply changes form. Contact Jean Alfieri at (602) 397-1344: jalfieri@rtirguests.com
The Hidden Epidemic: How Isolation is Impacting Teen Mental Health
While the general belief is that the elderly are more inclined to experience loneliness and isolation, recent university studies have concluded that teens actually are more likely to experience this. One major cause is pervasive overuse of social media. “Social media can lead to feelings of negative comparison, inadequacy, and exclusion for teens,” says retired psychiatrist and author Dr. Shila Patel. “The resulting feelings of isolation can result in a host of physical and mental health issues, ranging from weakened immune function to acute depression, as well as thoughts of suicide.” 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