Family Issues -

This Dog Trainer Shares How to Turn Problem Pooches Into Perfect Pups

Whether your pup’s a chewer, a jumper, or just plain bad, author and dog trainer Kathleen Troy can share how to transform even the most unruly Rovers into well-behaved bowwows. Known as the Dear Abby of the canine world, Katheleen shares her doggone delightful tales of Dylan, a pooch she rescued from South Korea that was wildly destructive. With love and patience, not only did Kathleen bring Dylan’s behavior under control, she taught him sign language, how to count to 10, and dial 911! “There are no bad dogs, just bad owners,” she says.

Kathleen is the author of the “Dylan’s Dog Squad” series, as well as a book about dog training. Contact Kathleen Troy at (714) 975-9807; ktroy@rtirguests.com

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

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

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