Since 1776, America has only known 17 years of peace, being involved in some kind of global conflict for 228 of the last 245 years. This has resulted in countless thousands of veterans who served a long way from home and suffered after they came back. Don Eggspuehler knows all about this: A Marine combat pilot who served in Vietnam, Don kept the promise he made to his mother and consistently wrote letters home. Six years after he returned stateside, Don compiled those letters so his dying mother could read them again. That’s when he realized that they were written as much for him as her. Don has recently published that compilation in his latest book “Letters to Mom.” By re-reading his accounts of everyday life in boot camp, in-country, and in combat, Don was able to find some closure for the survivor’s guilt he’d been struggling with since returning home. He believes that this kind of closure is available to many more combat veterans. In fact, this kind of journaling has long been recognized to help reduce anxiety and improve mental health. Contact Don Eggspuehler at (469) 402-6613 or deggspuehler@rtirguests.com
Category: Leadership, Military
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Ex-Pro Linebacker Credits Halloween ‘Nightmare’ for Keys to Success
When best-selling author John Nicholas crashed into a house during a Halloween night car chase with police at age 16, it almost ruined his life. Desperate for direction, he discovered keys that quickly transformed him from “dumb jock” to Ivy League scholar, pro football player and successful entrepreneur. He credits something he calls Personal Convergence, a dynamic force similar to nuclear fusion, which has fueled high-impact people throughout history and can help you target and direct your life today – if you know about it. John’s book “Hit Your Bullseye!” shares how you can harness this power to achieve your ultimate life, career, business, or calling. John has appeared on ABC News, CBS News, syndicated radio, and numerous podcasts. He also wrote the popular book, “Debt-Free ASAP!” Contact him at (214) 225-9991; Jnicholas@rtirguests.com
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Great Show for College Football Fans!
College football is in full swing and it’s a great time to book Rich Cacioppe. The author of “Black Knights and Fighting Irish” will share the surprising story about the importance of college football in our country during World War II, and the lengths colleges went to preserve this American institution and keep morale high. West Point graduate, retired Army lieutenant colonel, and Vietnam veteran Rich Cacioppe gives your audience an in-depth look at college football in the crucial 1940s, as well as the unique cultural aspects that surrounded this tumultuous time. An experienced media guest, Rich gives the answers to fascinating questions like: Why was the 1946 Army-Notre Dame game considered “The Game of the Century?” What was the shocking connection between Notre Dame and a 1951 cheating scandal at West Point? How does WWII’s impact on college football make today’s unprecedented Transfer Portal issue seem benign by comparison? Contact Rich Cacioppe at (239) 420-7460; rcacioppe@rtirguests.com
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Former NBA Player Fights to Keep Kids in School
You might think that being drafted into the NBA by Hall of Famer Bill Russell or mentored by basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain would be living the dream, but Dean Tolson has much higher ambitions. His goal is getting at-risk kids to stay in school. Hear why he says he didn’t let his basketball career define him and his message to teens who are thinking about dropping out of school. Tolson went from functional illiteracy in the NBA to achieving a master’s degree magna cum laude. The author of “Power Forward,” Tolson now inspires at-risk kids with his inspirational story. A seasoned public speaker, Tolson has appeared in “Sports Illustrated” and “The Grio.” Contact him at (253) 884-8934; dtolson@rtirguests.com
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How Anyone Can Use Golf as a Catalyst for Success
Even if you’ve never picked up a golf club, you can leverage the principles of the game to guide your decision-making and establish your own life rules for success. When asked about the biggest obstacle to achieving your goals, Tom Loegering, at 86 years old, has a straightforward answer: “You.” Drawing from a wealth of personal experience—having retired early, faced setbacks, and rebuilt his life—Tom offers valuable insights. “Golf is unique because it has no referees, emphasizing personal responsibility and the creation of your own rules. The lessons learned on the golf course can translate into essential life skills, helping you learn more about yourself.” He says, “Whether you’re a seasoned player or a complete novice, the principles of golf can inspire you to carve your own path to success.” Contact Tom Loegering at (623) 400-8648; tloegering@rtirguests.com
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Refugee Reveals Horror of Communism and Why U.S. Schools Must Teach It
Many Americans are convinced that our country could never become a communist dictatorship. But author and refugee Laszlo (Les) Suhayda can share that no country is immune from this fate, and why he believes this lesson must be taught in U.S. schools. “Life under communism is horrific,” he says. “Our younger generations need to study history, and school districts should never remove this history from school curricula, or we are doomed to repeat it.” Les and his family escaped for America when he was only five years old, and he witnessed the horrors of dictatorships firsthand. Ask him: What are the parallels between the Russian invasions of Ukraine and Hungary? Why are so many schools reluctant to teach this lesson? Les is the author of the memoir “Twelve Bells to Freedom: The Suhajda Story,” and the inventor of the first wine slushee product in America. Contact him at (314) 501-6838; Lsuhayda@rtirguests.com
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What History’s Most Notorious Leaders Can Teach Us About Leadership Success
The long-held belief in the business world is that leadership lessons can only be learned from positive role models. However, Steve Williams claims, “We can learn a lot about effective leadership from the likes of Viking Shield Maiden Freydis Eiriksdottir, Genghis Khan, and Hells Angel Sonny Barger. He can share the specific tactics that made these infamous characters such effective head honchos, and how to apply these to one’s own path to success. He is the author of six books including “Notorious: Leadership Lessons from History’s Most Notorious Leaders,” with a forward written by renowned author Jack Canfield, and a certified leadership coach and QMS expert. Contact Steve Williams at (920) 280-1068; swilliams@rtirguests.com
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This Guest Has Bad-Ass Solutions for Today’s Big-Ass Problems
Rising ocean levels. The epidemic of gun violence. Gang and drug crimes. Addiction. The immigration issue. The heated abortion debate. While many of society’s problems seem unsolvable, or would take a very long time to remedy, author and businessman Mitch Francis has come up with a plethora of practical, doable, expedient solutions. He can share how we can destroy every assault rifle in 30 days, pay off the entire U.S. deficit and stop inflation, stop the oceans rising from melting polar ice caps, …and more! Mitch is the author of “Bad-Ass Solutions For Today’s Big-Ass Problems.” He has an extensive business background as founder and CEO of publicly traded and private companies and has developed, owns, and manages commercial real estate across the U.S. As such, he was able to develop extreme problem-solving skills that he utilized to address 20 of our biggest problems. Contact Mitch Francis at (424) 313-8201; mitchf@francisdi.com
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This American Was in Israel During the Gaza Invasion
Detri McGhee just returned from Israel, on one of the last planes to leave the country before the airlines shut down. She will give listeners a window into what it was like to be in the country during an active terrorist invasion and describe what she saw and heard and the mood of the people. In Jerusalem to attend a Feast of the Tabernacles celebration, Detri (DE-trah) says she could hear explosions and sirens and spent time in bomb shelters including one in which Orthodox Jews were praying. She’ll recount hearing the mayor of a town near the Gaza Strip speak and then learning two days later that he was killed by terrorists. Hear how and why she believes her life has been changed by what she experienced. Detri runs the nonprofit Reaching for Life, Inc. which encourages reading, writing, and communicating through developing advanced emotional intelligence skills. Contact her at (870) 407-7523; dmcghee@rtirguests.com
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How to Work Smarter, Not Harder
Our society has long believed that working long hours, toiling through stress and generally busting your butt on the job are the keys to success. But according to Gerald Leonard, these are myths. “This only leads to burnout and low productivity,” he says. “Finding balance and mindfulness in your life overall are the true keys to success.” Gerald has devised tried-and-true strategies for managers and their teams to bring creativity and joy to their projects, which results in greater success for all. He can also share the future of workplace trends, as careers move more toward project-based roles. He is a certified Portfolio Management Professional and professional bass player, and author of “A Symphony of Choices,” “Workplace Jazz” and “Culture is the Bass.” Contact Gerald Leonard at (443) 703-2929; gleonard@rtirguests.com