David Selley isn’t your typical 87-year-old. He’s a globe-trotting entrepreneur, married for 65 years, and now launching a Guinness World Record attempt—to become the oldest author to publish the most books in a single year. But behind the bold headlines is an even bolder mission: to train 700 million entrepreneurs around the world, many of whom have been overlooked by traditional education systems. That’s not to say Selley is anti-education. Inspired by the late Sir Ken Robinson, he believes in learning—but questions whether everyone needs a B.A., M.A., or Ph.D. Drawing from decades of experience across three countries, three careers, and a lifetime of business success, Selley shares how our creativity—so vivid in childhood—often gets stifled by rigid systems that reward conformity over innovation. Ask him: What inspired your goal to train 700 million entrepreneurs—and why do you think it’s possible? How did your own daughter’s creativity spark a lifelong concern about how schools shape us? Contact David Selley at (808) 229-3985; Dselley@rtirguests.com
Category: Senior Issues
Interview the 89-Year-Old ‘Mad Man’ Who’s Redefining Aging
He helped sell luxury cars and fine whiskey around the world, launched a successful inn at midlife, and just published his fifth book—at age 89. Now former international ad exec James Flaherty is proving that age is no barrier to purpose, reinvention, or joy. In his new book “Loving Longevity: Make Your Next Years Your Best Years,” Flaherty tackles aging with the same wit, guts, and creativity that made him a standout in advertising—and in life. He speaks candidly about caregiving for his partner with dementia, navigating grief, staying connected across generations, and how older adults can rekindle their sense of purpose. Ask him: What’s the biggest lie we’ve been sold about aging—and how do you suggest we push back? You’re 89 with a ten-year plan. What do you say to people who feel like it’s “too late” for new goals? With 7.5 million depressed seniors in the U.S., Flaherty’s message is as urgent as it is uplifting: the script for aging is due for a rewrite. Contact James Flaherty at (914) 326-2697; jflaherty@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
Meet the Real-Life Mad Man Who’s Out to Rewrite the Script on Aging
He might be 89, but this man has a ten-year plan. Former international ad exec turned author and speaker Jim Flaherty is on a mission to shake up how we see aging. With his new book, “Loving Longevity: Make Your Next Years Your Best Years,” Flaherty offers straight talk, humor, and hard-earned wisdom to a generation that’s been told to fade quietly into the background. From caregiving a partner through dementia to living abroad on a whim—and launching a successful business at 45—Flaherty has lived the lessons he shares. But his most urgent message is for the 7.5 million depressed seniors in America: Life isn’t over, it’s just different—and can be full. Uplifting, funny, and fiercely honest, Flaherty is the voice older adults (and those who love them) didn’t know they needed. Contact Jim Flaherty at jflaherty@rtirguests.com; (914) 326-2697
How to Make a Plan to Care for Your Aging Parents
Let’s say 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. Millerhas all 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 some pervasive myths about elder care? What are the biggest mistakes families make when trying to care for aging loved ones? Contact Debbie Miller at (703) 844-4074; dmiller@rtirguests.com
Interview a Pain Expert: What Works, What Doesn’t
Vita Oyler is no stranger to debilitating pain. When she was a young, highly athletic woman, she accidentally stepped on a rock, after which she developed reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), a severe malfunction of the nervous and immune systems. This led to decades of excruciating pain and, ultimately, the amputation of her foot and part of her leg. But not only did she manage to survive this, she learned how to thrive and live a full, rewarding life. She can share how she managed to stay positive and live a productive life following years of severe pain, and practical skills for people living with pain. Vita is a rehabilitation counselor and doctoral candidate at San Diego State University. She is the author of “Got Pain? Now What?” Contact her at (209) 255-2962; Voyler@rtirguests.com
Do You Live with Pain? How to Stay Alive and Thrive
Vita Oyler is no stranger to debilitating pain. When she was a young, highly athletic woman, she accidentally stepped on a rock and developed reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), a severe malfunction of the nervous and immune systems. This led to decades of excruciating pain and, ultimately, the amputation of her foot and part of her leg. Invite her to share how she survived the ordeal and learned to thrive and live a full, rewarding life. She’ll share how she managed to stay positive and live a productive life following years of severe pain, and practical skills for people living with pain. Vita Oyler is a rehabilitation counselor and doctoral candidate at San Diego State University. She is the author of “Got Pain? Now What?” Contact her at (209) 255-2962; Voyler@rtirguests.com
What NOT to Do When Diagnosed with Cancer
We all have a cancer story. With one in three Americans being diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes, it is a common thread in all our lives. However, with good information and proper guidance, these stories can have better endings – if we know what to do, and what not to do. Dr. Kerry Forrestal can help. An ER doctor for 20 years, Dr. Forrestal has worked with thousands of cancer patients. His expert advice can give your audience the best possible chance against cancer as well as tips for navigating your finances, relationships, and career post-diagnosis. Ask him: Why should newly diagnosed cancer patients absolutely not go online to research when they first receive their diagnosis? Why are most cases of cancer discovered in the ER? How have evolving treatments made it more likely than ever that patients will survive a cancer diagnosis? An experienced media guest, Forrestal is the author of “Crushing Cancer: A Patient’s Complete Guide to Managing a Cancer Diagnosis.” Contact him at (419) 780-3689; kforrestal@rtirguests.com
Make This One Change and Live to 90+ Years
Author and environmental activist Richard Schwartz, Ph.D., is 90-years-young and still going strong. His secret? “I have followed a vegan diet for decades,” he says. “I am convinced that that has been the key to my longevity and remaining healthy at an advanced age.” He also believes that animal-based industries are destroying the planet by largely contributing to climate change. “The world is eating itself into distinction,” he adds. “If people don’t embrace vegetarianism and veganism on a massive scale, I am convinced that humans will be extinct by 2100.” An experienced media guest, Richard is the author of “Vegan Revolution” and several other books. Contact Richard Schwartz at (914) 533-1949; rschwartz@rtirguests.com
This Guest Helps Boomers Struggling to Retire
The largest segment of the U.S. population is rapidly approaching retirement age, yet more than half are worried they won’t have enough to retire – and 20% have no retirement savings at all. With rising inflation and a middling economy, is there any way to turn things around? Tom Loegering (pronounced “Lay-ger-ing”) reveals how baby boomers and anyone in the workforce can ensure a happy, well-funded retirement so they can enjoy their golden years. Learn how to develop “the business of you” and retire comfortably without sacrificing your goals and dreams along the way. A retired contractor and experienced speaker, Tom is the author of “Success or Failure: The Choice Is Yours,” a workbook to help anyone plan their perfect retirement. Contact him at (623) 400-8648; tloegering@rtirguests.com