Weekly Ezine Archives -

7/28/2026 RTIR Newsletter: Shark Week, Love and Sex After 50 and What Your Golf Game Reveals

01. ‘Mind-Blowing’ El Nino Stuns Scientists
02. It’s Shark Week! Expert Separates Fact From Fiction
03. The Wreck of the Mentor: Lessons From the 1831 Whaling Disaster
04. Sell By, Use By, Best Before: What Does it All Mean?
05. It’s Golf Season: What Your Game Reveals About Your Mindset
06. Why Are Socialists Unseating Democratic Incumbents?
07. The Elderly Are Holding America Back
08. Why Women in Leadership Keep Hitting the Same Wall
09. The Push for Peak Productivity Is Making Professionals Miserable
10. What it’s Really Like to Run for Office in America Today
11. The Trauma No One Talks About in American Healthcare
12. Why So Many Women Are Discovering Fertility Issues Too Late
13. Love, Sex & Second Chances After 50
14. From Mormonism to Addiction and Self-Discovery: This Guest Shares Her Wild Road to Redemption
15. Listeners Want Uplifting Stories: This Guest Has 80 of Them

1. ==> ‘Mind-Blowing’ El Nino Stuns Scientists

A new analysis by Berkeley Earth climate scientist Zeke Hausfather paints a worrying picture of the climate phenomenon currently developing in the Pacific Ocean. “This year’s El Nino is not only very likely to be the strongest event since reliable records began, it may end up the strongest by a truly mind-blowing margin,” he says. Experts say this year’s climate event could cause a massive global temperature spike with economic losses of $10 trillion by 2032. Hausfauther’s analysis also reveals that the phenomenon is developing faster than usual. He can discuss when we’ll see the full impact of this year’s Pacific heat wave on global temperatures, what that might mean for Americans, and talk about the challenges of forecasting an El Nino, including the lack of historical analogues. Zeke Hausfather is a climate scientist and energy systems analyst. He currently serves as the climate research lead at Stripe and is also a research scientist at Berkeley Earth. His work primarily focuses on observational temperature records, climate models, and mitigation technologies. Contact him at hausfath@gmail.com

2. ==> It’s Shark Week! Expert Separates Fact From Fiction

Fans of Discovery’s annual sharkfest wait all year for the week-long shark-related programming. Sharks have also become big news this summer along the US coastline with numerous sightings close to beaches. Sharks are frequently portrayed as intimidating predators, but researchers continue to uncover a much more complex story about their behavior, biology and the critical role they play in healthy ocean ecosystems. Invite Maggie Winchester-Weiler, senior manager of Florida conservation at Ocean Conservancy, to separate fact from fiction. She’ll discuss what researchers have learned from working with sharks up close, the surprising ways sharks respond to stress and survive and common misconceptions about shark behavior and encounters. A marine biologist with extensive field research experience, Winchester has worked with some of the world’s most fascinating shark species, including Greenland sharks, one of the longest-living vertebrates on Earth. Contact Sabrina Hennessy at Sabrina@CatalystCG.com or Jordana Lewis at jlewis@oceanconservancy.org

3. ==> The Wreck of the Mentor: Lessons From the 1831 Whaling Disaster

Invite maritime historian Jay Dolin to take your listeners on the water as he tells the remarkable story of an 1831 whaleship that left New Bedford, then the wealthiest whaling port in the world, and ended in disaster in the western Pacific. After striking a reef near Palau, surviving crew members made it ashore and lived among island communities for months and in some cases years. Some eventually returned home. Others did not. Their story offers a rare window into early encounters between American sailors and Pacific Island societies. Dolin can discuss America’s global reach during the whaling era, survival and daily life in the Age of Sail, and lessons in resilience, cross-cultural understanding, and survival that mirror today’s conversations about global interdependence, migration, and how societies respond to crisis. Dolin’s new book, “The Wreck of the Mentor: A True Story of Death, Despair, and Deliverance in the Age of Sail,” has been praised as one of the most gripping maritime sagas of the nineteenth century. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 400-1099 (cell); johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705

4. ==> Sell By, Use By, Best Before: What Does it All Mean?

What’s the difference between a ‘sell by’ and ‘best before’ date when stamped on your food? If you think they all mean the same thing you’re probably among the many people who throw away perfectly good food. But you’re hardly alone. Many Americans misunderstand the food stamps and what they mean, resulting in a lot of confusion and billions of dollars in food waste. “Food product dating rarely indicates when the food is safe to eat,” says Nicole Arnold, an assistant professor and food safety field specialist at the Ohio State University. Instead, she adds, “almost all food product dating in the United States represents how long a product will maintain its peak quality.” So, when should you respect the date on the package? Experts say you should always toss any meat, poultry or fish with an expired safety date because you can’t use appearance, smell or taste to detect the invisible pathogens. But Arnold says there’s some wiggle room with dairy products like hard cheeses, yogurt and eggs. And when assessing snacks, cereals and condiments that may or may not have a date stamp, she says it’s smart to use your senses to gauge freshness. “When in doubt, throw it out,” she advises. “When you notice funky smells or striking changes in texture, toss the items.” She can also discuss a bill now pending in Congress that would limit the jargon on food to just two terms: ‘best if used by’ for peak quality and ‘use by’ for safety. Contact Nicole Arnold at arnold.1363@osu.edu

5. ==> It’s Golf Season: What Your Game Reveals About Your Mindset

Most golfers blame their swing when they play poorly. Former LPGA Tour player and LPGA Professionals Hall of Fame Member Cindy Miller says the real problem is usually the six inches between their ears. In this timely summer segment, she reveals how fear, frustration, self-doubt, and unrealistic expectations sabotage performance long before golfers reach the green. Cindy shares practical strategies to quiet negative self-talk, recover after mistakes, and play with greater confidence and consistency. She also explains why the same mental habits that improve your golf game can strengthen leadership, relationships, and resilience long after you leave the course. Her book, “Take Another Shot,” reinforces these lessons through real stories of perseverance, second chances, and personal growth. Cindy Miller is a former LPGA Tour player, LPGA Professionals Hall of Fame Member, and nationally recognized golf instructor who has spent decades helping golfers improve both their game and their mindset. Contact Cindy Miller at (716) 670-5341; cimiller@rtirguests.com

6. ==> Why Are Socialists Unseating Democratic Incumbents?

A wave of victories for democratic socialists in mayoral elections and congressional primaries over the past year has shocked the Democratic Party establishment, but not India Walton. “I’m excited to see so many candidates running unapologetically on bold, people-first agendas in cities across the country,” says Walton, a longtime community activist and democratic socialist who won the Democratic primary election for mayor of Buffalo in 2021 against a 16-year incumbent. “From New York to Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, these victories remind us that when everyday people organize, they can overcome enormous political and financial barriers,” Walton says. “I know firsthand how difficult it is to challenge entrenched political machines. These campaigns show that voters are hungry for leaders who will take on inequality, fight for working families, and put communities ahead of corporations. This can no longer be considered a fluke – these victories represent a growing movement demanding a more just, democratic future.” Walton is currently the senior strategist for RootsAction, a progressive advocacy organization focused on social and economic justice. Contact her at india@rootsaction.or

7. ==> The Elderly Are Holding America Back

The age of America's leaders is always in the headlines, from worries about fitness for office to fights over term limits. Samuel Moyn, a Yale law and history professor, thinks that debate misses the deeper story. He argues that older Americans dominate not just elected office, but the money and institutions that set the country's direction. Invite the author of Moyn to discuss how America became so decrepit and why it matters. He says the elderly hoard housing, create a drag on innovation, and have an aversion to addressing long-term social problems, especially those prejudicial to their financial interests. He also says, because they’re living longer than ever before, they’re occupying elite cultural, academic and social positions for too long and blocking opportunities for those in their prime. Moyn proposes several ways to fix the problem including imposing age limits for political office and mandatory retirement ages and floats some unorthodox ways to shift more power back to younger generations, like weighing their votes more heavily and abolishing the US Senate. Samuel Moyn is the Kent professor of Law and History at Yale University, where he also serves as head of Grace Hopper College. Contact him at (203) 432-1994; Samuel.moyn@yale.edu

8. ==> Why Women in Leadership Keep Hitting the Same Wall

Women in leadership roles have spent decades doing what they were told. Speak up. Work harder. Adapt. Many have done exactly that and still find themselves running on empty. Amanda Christian spent 33 years in global banking and technology, reaching executive level in industries that weren’t built with her in mind. What she found wasn’t that women weren’t working hard enough. The model itself was wrong. On your show, she talks about the “translation tax”: the invisible cost of adjusting how you communicate and lead just to be taken seriously, and what a more sustainable model looks like. Her book, “SoulFIRE Leadership,” lays out the framework. Ask her: Can doing everything “right” actually work against you as a senior leader? What does sustainable leadership look like for women who’ve already proven they can perform? Contact Amanda Christian at (704) 610-1637; achristian@rtirguests.com

9. ==> The Push for Peak Productivity Is Making Professionals Miserable

Productivity has become a badge of honor. Yet despite countless apps, systems, and productivity hacks, many high achievers feel more exhausted, disconnected, and dissatisfied than ever before. Entrepreneur and award-winning author David Hampson says the problem isn't a lack of productivity—it's an unhealthy obsession with it. Invite him to explain why the relentless pursuit of optimization often leads to burnout and how professionals can build careers that create both achievement and meaning. Hampson will challenge conventional thinking about work, ambition, and what a successful life actually looks like. Hampson built and led successful businesses while questioning many of the assumptions behind modern work culture giving him both entrepreneurial credibility and hard-earned perspective. He’s the author of “Rainbow Gold: Building a Business That's Both the Journey and the Destination.” Contact David Hampson at dhampson@rtirguests.com or (603) 605-8594

10. ==> What it’s Really Like to Run for Office in America Today

Most people think running for office is about speeches, slogans, and shaking hands. Rob Curnock knows better. As a former TV political reporter, party leader, and unlikely congressional candidate, he’s seen the process from every angle. He pulls back the curtain on the physical exhaustion, emotional toll, family strain, and political hardball that define modern campaigns. After challenging and almost winning after running against an “unbeatable” incumbent, he discovered how power really works behind closed doors. “I experienced the often brutal realities of running for office—and learned how ordinary citizens can shake up the system,” he says. Rob is a long-time broadcast journalist and the author of “Dead Man Running.” Contact Rob Curnock at (254) 822-3741; rcurnock@rtirguests.com

11. ==> The Trauma No One Talks About in American Healthcare

America’s healthcare system is in crisis—but what’s often ignored is the trauma beneath the surface. Kathy Allan, a board-certified holistic nurse with over two decades of experience in trauma recovery, says many nurses today are emotionally broken, betrayed by the very system they once trusted. Patients, too, are suffering from care that feels cold, rushed, and disconnected. In interviews, Allan reveals how this hidden trauma plays out, much like in the TV show, “The Pitt.” Drawing on her “12 Steps of Healing Care” and years as a healing touch instructor and somatic experiencing practitioner, Allan offers a spiritual and body-centered roadmap for transforming pain into purpose. Her stories and insights will resonate with nurses, healthcare workers, and anyone who’s ever felt harmed by the system that was supposed to help them. Contact Kathy Allan at (619) 932-5206; kallan@rtirguests.com

12. ==> Why So Many Women Are Discovering Fertility Issues Too Late

More women are waiting longer to start families, but many are shocked to learn their fertility may have declined years earlier. OB/GYN Dr. Marina Straszak-Suri says the problem isn’t just age, it’s a lack of awareness about the early signals the body provides. She’ll explain why many women don’t discover issues until they’re struggling to conceive, how modern lifestyles may quietly accelerate fertility decline, and why relying on IVF as a backup plan can be misleading. Drawing on more than 30 years in women’s health she shares what women and couples should be tracking now—long before they’re ready for pregnancy. She’ll reveal fertility warning signs women are missing in their 20s and 30s and explain why so many women overestimate what IVF can actually do. Dr. Marina Straszak-Suri is the author of “Optimize Your Fertility Naturally.” Contact her at (613) 800-9412; msuri@rtirguests.com

13. ==> Love, Sex & Second Chances After 50

More than 37 million single adults over 50 are reentering the dating world and discovering it’s nothing like they remember. Known as the next “Dr. Ruth,” Dr. Victoria Vaughn brings candid, humorous insight into love, sex, and starting over later in life. She’ll share lessons from her own dating journey: spotting red flags like financial instability and emotional un-availability, avoiding the pressure to “settle,” and why loneliness often leads smart people to relationship mistakes. Her stories resonate with men and women, including same-sex couples, offering a practical “buyer beware” guide to dating after 50. Ask her: Why do smart people ignore red flags after 50? Is it really possible to have more than one true love? Vaughn is the author of “Oh the Frogs I Kissed Before I Finally Found My Prince.” Contact her at (512) 585-1876; vvaughn@rtirguests.com

14. ==> From Mormonism to Addiction and Self-Discovery: This Guest Shares Her Wild Road to Redemption

What happens when a devout Mormon mother of five dares to question everything she’s ever known? Meet Susie Bell—a nurse practitioner who went from being excommunicated from the Mormon Church, a heart-wrenching divorce, and single motherhood in Las Vegas to self-made success. With honesty and grit, Susie recounts her journey through addiction recovery, being drugged and raped by a famous athlete who relentlessly harassed her, and even a surreal moment in the hospital room with the body of Tupac Shakur following his murder. Her story is not just about leaving religion—it’s about reclaiming power and purpose. She is the author of the memoir "A Piece of Me: Finding My Voice After Mormonism, Marriage, Medicine and Men." Contact Susie Bell at (213) 816-3622; sbell@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Listeners Want Uplifting Stories: This Guest Has 80 of Them

After 56 years in the movie business, Dan Klusmann learned that audiences rarely remember explosions or special effects. They remember the stories that made them feel something. That realization inspired “Life Answers Back,” a collection of stories gathered over 15 years from more than 80 contributors. Klusmann can discuss why certain stories stay with us forever, what makes audiences emotionally connect to a story, and why uplifting storytelling is resonating again in today’s stressful and negative world. Drawing from decades spent studying audience reactions in the movie business, Klusmann shares how stories can inspire hope, create emotional connection, and help people feel understood, comforted, and less alone. Ask him: Why do certain stories stay with us forever? What did decades in the movie business teach you about emotional connection? Why are uplifting stories making a comeback right now? Can one simple story change the way someone sees life? Contact Dan Klusmann at (406) 578-7999; dklusmann@rtirguests.com

7/21/2026 RTIR Newsletter: Election Integrity, a Paramount Merger Pause and a Call to Boycott ‘The Odyssey’

01. Will AI Help or Hurt Election Integrity?
02. What Wildfire Smoke Does to Your Body
03. Why 12 States Are Challenging Huge Hollywood Merger
04. America Unfinished: 250 Years of Law and Governance
05. Behind the Call to Boycott ‘The Odyssey’
06. Former TV Exec Reveals Life As A Closeted Clairvoyant
07. Comedy Writer/Doctor on Stuttering, Humor and Challenging Beliefs
08. Why Your Brain Is Drowning in Notifications
09. Biggest Mistakes When Caring for Aging Loved Ones
10. The Truth About Coffee and Caffeine
11. Are Children's Books the Most Underrated Health Tool in America?
12. The Biggest Financial Mistake Gen Z Makes
13. How to Rewrite Your Story
14. The Truth About Healing (It Doesn’t Follow a Straight Line)
15. Is "Good Vibes Only" Making Your Audience Worse Off?

1. ==> Will AI Help or Hurt Election Integrity?

As debates over election integrity continue to shape American politics, one question remains unresolved: how can citizens trust election results regardless of which candidate wins? Beth Simone Noveck argues that the future of election security will depend not only on laws and procedures but also on how governments use technology to strengthen transparency, accuracy, and public confidence. Noveck will explain how artificial intelligence is already changing the way elections are administered in the United States and what voters should understand about where the technology is headed next. Drawing on examples from the United States and democracies around the world, Noveck explores how artificial intelligence can help election officials maintain accurate voter rolls, improve voter registration, combat misinformation, expand access for disabled voters, and provide citizens with reliable election information. She’ll examine both the risks and opportunities of emerging technologies, showing how AI can be used either to undermine trust or to reinforce it. Beth Simone Noveck, PhD is an AI and technology expert, a Northeastern University professor, and director of The Burnes Center for Social Change and The Governance Lab. Her new book is “REBOOT: AI and the Race to Save Democracy.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell)

2. ==> What Wildfire Smoke Does to Your Body

It’s been a rough summer all across North America, from sweltering temperatures to dangerous air quality alerts from raging Canadian wildfires. Stephanie Cleland is a Simon Fraser University professor who studies how wildfire smoke and extreme heat negatively impact human health. She’ll discuss the link between wildfire smoke exposure and childhood respiratory health and how long-term exposure to wildfire smoke can cause chronic lung and neurologic disease. She can explain why wildfire smoke is so dangerous, ways to lessen the risks and what type of air filters work best. Contact Robyn Stubbs at (604) 376-0971; robyn_stubbs@sfu.ca

3. ==> Why 12 States Are Challenging Huge Hollywood Merger

A federal judge has temporarily blocked Paramount Skydance’s efforts to complete its Warner Bros. Discovery merger, ruling the proposed $111 deal may violate U.S. antitrust law. The move freezes the deal while the court delves more closely into its impact on markets. The combined company would consolidate Hollywood into four major studios controlling 85 percent of wide-release films. The company would have a 27 percent market share of box office revenue and a 27 percent market share of basic cable. “One out of every four dollars in basic cable and theatrical releases would flow to this merged company,” says journalist David Dayen. “The 12 state attorneys general have put together a strong case that exemplifies what happens when companies merge: their leverage in the market grows, and their business partners, workers and consumers lose out. Paramount is less trying to fight on the merits than trying to intimidate the AGs and game the system. I don’t think they will succeed.” David Dayen is executive editor of “The American Prospect.” Contact him at ddayen@prospect.org

4. ==> America Unfinished: 250 Years of Law and Governance

America is celebrating its 250th birthday at a time when longstanding values of pluralism are being challenged, the nation is beset by deep political polarization and a fear that the economic order is no longer providing opportunities for all, and a technological revolution may unsettle what it means to be uniquely human. Harvard Law School professors Alexandra Natapoff and Guy Charles have assembled 64 of the country’s leading legal scholars and experts to share their thoughts on the current issues facing the U.S. Their new book, “America Unfinished” features pieces by Jody Freeman on the dangers of dismantling the federal regulatory apparatus, Noah Feldman, on the role of the judiciary—especially the Supreme Court—in keeping the constitutional order functioning, and Alex Whiting, who focuses on international criminal law, among others. Charles says, “Collectively, the pieces cover an extraordinary range of windows into law, from the Supreme Court to the presidency and the changing of the federal infrastructure itself, criminal law, voting rights, election law, corporate law, bankruptcy law. They grapple with the role of race and identity, citizenship, community, even the nature of legal interpretation itself.” “American Unfinished: 250 Years of Law and Governance” is a collection of 1000-word essays by Harvard Law School faculty members. Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853; LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com or @Lissa_Warren

5. ==> Behind the Call to Boycott ‘The Odyssey’

Christopher Nolan’s film “The Odyssey” is getting rave reviews from film critics and audiences, but there are growing calls to boycott the movie over a segment filmed in the occupied nation of Western Sahara. Human rights groups have ranked Moroccan-occupied Western Sahara as among the most politically repressed nations in the world. Steven Zunes, a professor of politics and director of the Middle Eastern Studies program at the University of San Francisco, says, “Three-quarters of the country, including the coastal areas where the filming took place, is under a repressive military occupation by the Kingdom of Morocco.” He says Morocco wants to turn the Dahkla region, where the segments of the movie were filmed, into a major tourist destination and film set. “In accepting generous subsidies from the Moroccan regime, the film’s producers have provided legitimacy to the illegal occupation. It would be the equivalent of filming in Israeli or Russian-occupied territories in collaboration with those governments.” Contact Steven Zunes latest book, co-authored with Jacob Mundy, is “Western Sahara: War, Nationalism, and Conflict Irresolution.” Contact him at zunes@usfca.edu

6. ==> Former TV Exec Reveals Life As A Closeted Clairvoyant

Nearly half of Americans say they've had a spiritual experience they can't explain, yet most never talk about it. Former television executive Kim Bantle spent more than two decades working at Paramount, Viacom, and Group W Productions while keeping her own extraordinary experiences private. She says she could read minds, predict events, sense energy, and communicate with those who had passed – abilities that intensified after a near-death experience in college. On your show, Bantle explores why successful professionals often trust instincts they can't explain, why intuition remains one of society's least-discussed human experiences, and what the growing interest in spirituality says about a culture searching for meaning beyond traditional institutions. She also discusses dreams, signs, synchronicities, and why skeptics and believers may have more in common than they think. Having spent 23 years producing content for mainstream audiences, she knows how to discuss extraordinary topics in a way that is thoughtful, relatable, and engaging. Bantle shares her experiences with honesty, humor and self-awareness in her new memoir “Confessions of a Closeted Clairvoyant.” Contact Kim Bantle at ksbantle@gmail.com; (310) 418-5758

7. ==> Comedy Writer/Doctor on Stuttering, Humor and Challenging Beliefs

Millions of Americans stutter and many are told they need to accept it. Dr. Jeffrey Gurian refused to. A New York-based former cosmetic dentist, clinical professor, and one of the most connected figures in American comedy, Gurian spent decades writing material for Rodney Dangerfield, Joan Rivers, Andrew "Dice" Clay, and Phil Hartman while quietly battling the stutter that once made it impossible to say his own last name. When traditional speech therapy failed him, he built his own method. His approach is cognitive, a body, mind and spirit framework rooted in the idea that stuttering is situational and psychological rather than physical. If you can speak freely when alone but lock up in front of others, he argues, the problem is not in your body. It is in your belief system. And beliefs can change. Gurian has worked with Kevin Hart, John Mulaney, and Nick Kroll. His YouTube channel, Comedy Matters TV, features interviews with Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Jimmy Fallon, Jim Carrey, and hundreds of others. He has also made numerous radio appearances throughout his career. He now offers group workshops, private sessions, and complimentary consultations to help others move past stuttering. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103

8. ==> Why Your Brain Is Drowning in Notifications

The average person checks their phone nearly 100 times a day. Between texts, emails, alerts, social media, and breaking news, many people feel mentally exhausted before lunch. Senior mindfulness educator at UCLA Mindful Mitra Manesh says the real crisis isn't technology. It's what constant interruption is doing to our attention. On your show, she'll explain how endless notifications train the brain toward distraction, anxiety, and reactivity, why so many people feel overwhelmed despite working harder than ever, and what it takes to reclaim focus in a world designed to steal it. Building on concepts from her novel “The Attentionist: New Choices for a New World," Mitra offers practical tools for improving concentration, decision-making, and emotional well-being. Having lived on four continents and spent decades teaching mindfulness and human behavior, Mitra brings a rare global perspective to one of today's most urgent challenges. Contact Mitra Manesh at (310) 807-3031; mmanesh@rtirguests.com

9. ==> Biggest Mistakes When Caring for Aging Loved Ones

Is your audience overwhelmed by the complexities of elder care? Debbie C. Miller has the answers—and the empathy. With over 30 years of experience working with senior care issues, Miller delivers practical, compassionate advice that empowers caregivers to make confident, informed decisions. She’ll discuss: The biggest mistakes families make when trying to care for aging loved ones, the most pervasive myths about elder care—and how they derail good intentions and how to plan ahead without panic, guilt or guesswork. You’ll also learn why “aging in place” is a deeply personal choice that requires smart strategy. Whether your audience is navigating a sudden crisis or planning for long-term care, Debbie offers a step-by-step approach that’s clear, actionable, and emotionally grounded. Her insights resonate with adult children, caregivers, and professionals alike. A Certified Senior Advisor® and Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist®, Miller is the author of “Doing the Right Thing: Simple Solutions, Essential Tips, & Helpful Resources for Assisting Aging Loved Ones,” a trusted guide for families facing the emotional and logistical maze of senior care. Contact Debbie Miller at (703) 844-4074; dmiller@rtirguests.com

10. ==> The Truth About Coffee and Caffeine

In a review of the latest research, the American Heart Association has issued a statement saying that multiple cups of your morning brew won't have negative health impacts on your heart. That sounds like great news for the millions of American adults who consume caffeine daily, but health researcher Norbert Heuser says that doesn’t mean coffee is good for you! Drawing from over 45 years of study and insights from his book “Coffee Addiction & Caffeinism,” Heuser says caffeine doesn’t truly create energy, it often masks withdrawal and disrupts the body’s natural balance. He explains how everyday caffeine use may contribute to anxiety, sleep problems, chronic fatigue, fertility challenges, and reduced gray brain matter while remaining culturally normalized. On your show, Norbert breaks down how caffeine dependency develops, what really happens during withdrawal, and how to reset your nervous system without sacrificing productivity. He also shares realistic strategies and satisfying alternatives for those ready to try a caffeine detox. Contact Norbert Heuser at (727) 261-2313; nheuser@rtirguests.com

11. ==> Are Children's Books the Most Underrated Health Tool in America?

Most parents see children's books as entertainment. Kenneth Korber, a health literacy expert, believes they can also be powerful tools for improving children's health. After two decades as a clinician, he wrote and published “The Musical Adventures of Grace” series to extend the patient office visit into bedtime reading, helping families reinforce important health and wellness lessons at home. His engaging stories and characters transform complex medical topics into age-appropriate adventures that children actually enjoy. Ken’s approach encourages healthy habits, eases childhood anxiety and fears, and strengthens literacy at the same time. “Storytelling may be one of the most effective—and overlooked—ways to improve public health, empower families, and help children build lifelong healthy behaviors, one bedtime story at a time,” he says. Contact: Kenneth Korber at (847) 238-8936; kkorber@rtirguests.com

12. ==> The Biggest Financial Mistake Gen Z Makes

Nearly half of Gen Z says they don’t feel financially prepared for adulthood, yet many graduates are already taking on credit card debt before building savings or assets. Real estate investor and wealth educator Janet Tonkins says the biggest financial mistake young adults make isn’t earning too little. It’s waiting too long to invest. On your show, she’ll explain how new graduates can begin building wealth with as little as $5 to $10 a month, why understanding assets matters more than chasing status symbols, and how first-time buyers can take advantage of overlooked grants and programs. She’ll also reveal why “perfect credit” is often overrated and how small financial decisions made in your 20s can shape your entire future. Drawing from themes in her upcoming book “Purses, Heels & Houses You Choose,” Tonkins helps audiences rethink spending, ownership, and generational wealth from day one. Beyond coaching investors nationwide, Tonkins develops affordable housing projects and mentors first-generation wealth builders through the Cashflow Diva Academy and TheCashflowDiva.com. Contact Janet Tonkins at (410) 421-0930; jtonkins@rtirguests.com

13. ==> How to Rewrite Your Story

Most people want the world to believe they’re strong—that they can push through, hold it together, and smile, completely unfazed by the weight they carry. But the truth is far more human. Many are terrified, overwhelmed, and quietly collapsing on the inside. For most of her adult life, author Kat Perkins lived this way too. She would always say, “It’s all good.” But after losing her mother at nine, surviving foster care, and later facing breast cancer, things were anything but “all good.” One day, a friend told her, “You need to stop saying it’s all good. It’s not. And it’s okay to feel what you feel.” That moment something cracked open. Kat learned what no one teaches us: you cannot rewrite the meaning of your pain until you understand it—not avoid it, outrun it, or dress it up in strength. You have to face it. Drawing from her memoir, “Girls with Pearls Have Power,” Kat now teaches women how to turn setbacks into turning points, reclaim authorship of their stories, and rise with clarity and courage rather than fear or pretending. Contact Kat Perkins at (404) 800-3916; kperkins@rtirguests.com

14. ==> The Truth About Healing (It Doesn’t Follow a Straight Line)

Healing is not neat, inspiring, or Instagram-ready, and pretending it is leaves people feeling broken. Avonley Lightstone can explain why healing often looks messy, slow, and unresolved, and why lingering pain does not mean failure. She’ll challenge the belief that healing requires closure and reframe progress as something that can happen even when wounds remain. Lightstone speaks from lived experience. After losing her mother in a childhood house fire and facing abandonment soon after, she learned that healing comes in small, honest steps, not sudden breakthroughs. She is the author of “Strength of Scars,” a memoir on resilience and faith, and her story has gained media attention as it moves toward a potential film or television adaptation. Contact Avonley Lightstone at (801) 980-0447; alightstone@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Is "Good Vibes Only" Making Your Audience Worse Off?

Millions of people who are struggling try to be positive by setting intentions and making vision boards, but what if that relentless optimism is actually working against them? Author Lydia Samaniego is the guest your audience didn't know they needed. She brings a rare, refreshing honesty to a conversation that's long overdue: why positive thinking culture can quietly disconnect people from their own inner truth, and what to do instead. Summer is the perfect time to explore this. Audiences are already asking, "Why isn't this working for me?" Lydia helps them understand that real transformation isn't about thinking harder or "manifesting more." It's about listening to the quiet conflict between the mind and the heart, shedding inherited beliefs that no longer fit, and building an inside-out life. Contact Lydia Samaniego at (530) 443-5826; lsamaniego@rtirguests.com

7/14/2026 RTIR Newsletter: Mitch McConnell, Love After 50 and Why a Good Death is So Difficult

01. US and Iran Edge Toward War Again43
02. Mitch McConnell and Congressional Health Transparency
03. A Death Sentence for Endangered Species
04. A Good Death: Why End-of-Life Healthcare Is So Difficult
05. The Florida Python Challenge is Back
06. Rethinking Europe This Summer? Best US Travel Spots
07. America, 250 Years Later: How to Reclaim Our Democracy
08. Love, Sex & Second Chances After 50
09. Why So Many Women Are Discovering Fertility Issues Too Late
10. What it’s Really Like to Run for Office in America Today
11. America is Bitterly Divided: Small Steps to Bridge Our Differences
12. The Trauma No One Talks About in American Healthcare
13. Is a Job the Only Path? What New Grads Should Consider
14. Seniors and Depression: It’s Not Just Old Age
15. Small Summer Shifts for Fewer Days That Suck

1. ==> US and Iran Edge Toward War Again

The ceasefire is over and the U.S. and Iran seem ready to resume their war after a weekend of attacks, incendiary rhetoric and President Trump saying he was reinstating the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports. Invite Middle East expert/historian Asaf Romirowsky to discuss the situation. Ask him: What is going on in the Strait of Hormuz? Who is running Iran right now? What are the chances of peace between the two sides? What would the U.S. consider a ‘win’ in this war? Asaf Romirowsky, PHD, is the executive director of Scholars for Peace in the Middle East. He is coauthor of “October 7: The Wars Over Words and Deeds.” Contact Mark Goldman at (516) 639-0988 (call/text); markgoldman73@gmail.com

2. ==> Mitch McConnell and Congressional Health Transparency

It took nearly a month for Senator Mitch McConnell to explain why he’s been hospitalized and absent from Congress. And he’s not the only lawmaker to mysteriously disappear this year. New Jersey Congressman Tom Kean was out for nearly four months while his staff shared almost nothing about his whereabouts. When he finally returned, he revealed he’d been hospitalized for depression. So, how much information do lawmakers owe the public? The litany of examples of officials not being forthright about health erodes trust in the institution, says Adam Enders, a University of Louisville political science professor who studies conspiracy theories. He says this is one reason the information void around McConnell and Kean sparked so many of them. Enders sees these conspiracies as less nefarious than other claims, like misinformation about stolen elections, though he says there is a fine line between conspiracy theories designed to advance an agenda versus the kind of skepticism that can be healthy in a democracy. “It’s not the worst thing in the world to have citizens that are monitoring the people who they’ve turned power to and hoping they’re doing the kinds of things they’re elected to do,” Enders says. Contact Adam Enders at adam.enders@louisville.edu

3. ==> A Death Sentence for Endangered Species

On Friday the Trump administration repealed a key part of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) that will open habitats of imperiled wildlife to development, logging, mining and other uses. Experts fear the move could cause catastrophic damage to species already close to the brink. For the past 50 years, the landmark environmental law included a broader understanding of the word “harm”, which included protection of the places that are critical to endangered plants and animals’ survival. Stephanie Kurose, deputy director of government affairs at the Center for Biological Diversity, says the change will be “a death sentence for wolverines, monarch butterflies, Forida manatees and so many other animals and plants that desperately need our help.” The rescinded rules are part of a broad deregulatory effort by Donald Trump, who has made it his priority to dismantle endangered species protections to boost energy extraction and industrial access, even in the US’s most sensitive and vulnerable natural areas. The US public broadly supports species protections. A 2023 poll found 80% of registered voters favored full funding of the ESA. Contact Stephanie Kurose directly at (202) 849-8401, ext. 103 or Aaron Kunkler at (206) 949-5353; akunkler@biologicaldiversity.org

4. ==> A Good Death: Why End-of-Life Healthcare Is So Difficult

End-of-life healthcare decisions are difficult, even when families have planned ahead. Medical sociologist Karen Lutfey Spencer blames the problem on hidden defaults built into America's healthcare system and can explain why they so often lead families toward end-of-life care they never expected or wanted. Spencer argues that many of the most difficult decisions are shaped less by individual choice than by the structure of the healthcare system itself. Hear how insurance rules, physician incentives, fragmented care, institutional practices, and the simple momentum of medical treatment all quietly influence decisions before families even realize they're being guided. She says improving end-of-life care requires changing healthcare systems, not simply asking patients to plan better. Invite her to explore these hidden forces and offer practical guidance to help patients and families navigate one of life's most difficult transitions. Karen Lutfey Spencer, PhD, is a medical sociologist and professor at the University of Colorado Denver. Her new book is “Your Good Death: Why End-of-Life Healthcare Is So Difficult and How to Make It Work for You.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office) (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705

5. ==> The Florida Python Challenge is Back

Python hunters have descended on the Florida Everglades for the annual Florida Python Challenge. For 10 days, registered participants vie for a chance to win a share of $25,000 in prizes while removing invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades and raising awareness about nonnative species. Deer, raccoons, possums and foxes once flocked to the area, but experts say it’s rare to see mammals there anymore. The Florida Python Challenge was created in 2013 by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation to help combat the state’s ecosystem issue. Last year’s participants removed a record 294 pythons during the challenge with 934 people from 30 states and Canada taking part. The participant who removes the most pythons this year will take home a grand prize of $10,000. Contact Ryan Sheets at (727) 282-7642; Ryan.Sheets@MyFWC.com or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission press office at (850) 488-4676; Media@MyFWC.com

6. ==> Rethinking Europe This Summer? Best US Travel Spots

Europe is stifling hot this summer with a stubborn heat dome causing record-breaking temperatures across the region. Many travelers are looking for other options for their end of summer trips and Evelyn and Natalie Kelly are fully prepared to share some ideas. These two mother/daughter travelers have visited 90 countries, all 50 states, and seven continents and say some of the most fascinating destinations are right here at home! They’ll reveal the overlooked places, quirky towns, remarkable people, historic sites, and cultural traditions that most Americans miss while dreaming of overseas travel. They’ll share why small-town America often tells the nation's biggest stories, how history comes alive through travel, and why the USA may be the world's most underrated travel destination. Evelyn and Natalie Kelly are the authors of “Have a Love Affair with the USA.” Contact them at (352) 661-2493; ekelly@rtirguests.com

7. ==> America, 250 Years Later: How to Reclaim Our Democracy

Millions of people have mixed feelings about celebrating America right now. They’re feeling tired of feeling helpless—or furious—about politics today. “Agonizing, protesting, and turning off the news” aren’t our only options according to Sam Daley-Harris, activist and author of “Reclaiming Our Democracy.” He offers a proven alternative: transformational advocacy, a form of advocacy where you work to change an issue and you are changed in the process. Daley-Harris will share stories of ordinary people who used transformational advocacy to go from feeling clueless about activism to feeling euphoric; from experiencing what they called ‘climate trauma’ to experiencing engagement as sacred and profound. Feeling fed up with what’s going on in the world isn’t a flaw, Daley-Harris says it’s fuel and he’ll show your audience how to use it. Contact Sam Daley-Harris at (202) 804-2504; Sdaley@rtirguests.com

8. ==> Love, Sex & Second Chances After 50

9. ==> Why So Many Women Are Discovering Fertility Issues Too Late

10. ==> What it’s Really Like to Run for Office in America Today

11. ==> America is Bitterly Divided: Small Steps to Bridge Our Differences

Most people aren't losing relationships over big ideological battles. They're losing them over Tuesday night dinners and team meetings — the small moments where someone says the wrong thing and the damage is done before anyone realizes it. Peacebuilding expert Daisy Khan says the problem is rarely what we believe. It's that nobody taught us how to say it. Drawing from years of training organizations, schools, and communities, Khan gives your audience something practical and immediately usable: specific language shifts that let people hold their ground without triggering defensiveness, avoid the two most common communication mistakes that escalate disagreements, and stay in relationships with people they fundamentally disagree with. This isn't conflict avoidance. It's conflict navigation. And in a climate where audiences are exhausted by division but don't know how to do it differently, Khan is the guest who hands them a tool, not just a talking point. Contact Daisy Khan at (917) 905-7829; dkhan@rtirguests.com

12. ==> The Trauma No One Talks About in American Healthcare

13. ==> Is a Job the Only Path? What New Grads Should Consider

For decades, college graduates were told the formula for success was simple: earn a degree, land a job, climb the ladder. But with layoffs rising, AI reshaping industries, and many young professionals already questioning traditional career paths, franchise consultant and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Greg Mohr says graduates should pause before automatically sending out résumés. On your show, he’ll explain why entrepreneurship and business ownership are becoming more attractive to younger generations seeking flexibility, control, and long-term wealth-building opportunities. He’ll also break down the biggest misconceptions about franchising, why some grads are better suited for ownership than corporate life, and what questions families should ask before taking on years of career uncertainty or debt. Drawing from years helping professionals transition into franchise ownership, Mohr offers a practical, eye-opening conversation about rethinking success in today’s economy. Greg Mohr is the author of “Real Freedom.” Contact him at (361) 204-5470; gmohr@rtirguests.com

14. ==> Seniors and Depression: It’s Not Just Old Age

Seven and a half million American seniors are living with depression — and most of them will never be diagnosed, never be treated, and never hear from a doctor that what they’re feeling isn’t just “getting old.” James B. Flaherty is 90, and he has something to say about that. A former Madison Avenue advertising executive, innkeeper, and author of five books written in his 80s — with a fifth one just published — Flaherty has built a second life devoted to proving that the final decades can be the richest ones. In inter-views, he’ll share what he’s learned about purpose, connection, and the daily choices that keep a 90-year-old not just alive — but genuinely thriving — and why the antidote to senior depression is simpler than anyone thinks. Ask him: Why are 7.5 million depressed seniors being ignored — and who’s responsible? What’s the single most important choice a senior can make to stay vital? Contact James Flaherty at (914) 326-2697; jflaherty@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Small Summer Shifts for Fewer Days That Suck

Feeling tired and stuck and in need of a vacation from life? Whether you’re headed out to the beach or you’re staying close to home, Deborah Mallow has some summer suggestions to help you figure out what’s making you feel so cranky. Deborah will explain why the best ‘summer vacation’ is the one we take in our brains when we stop narrating everything like a dramatic movie trailer. Deborah believes advice like “just think positive” often backfires and says simply making tiny mental shifts can change the trajectory of an entire day. She’ll share surprising tools that will help your listeners quiet their inner critic, break out of emotional autopilot, and find momentum without forcing motivation. Ask her: Can focusing less on goals and more on what truly matters actually make you happier? Why do so many people feel behind when much of their life is actually working? Contact Deborah Mallow at (516) 613-5359; dmallow@rtirguests.com

7/9/2026 RTIR Newsletter: America’s Gerontocracy Problem, Faith in a Divided Country and the Cost of Your Perfectionism

01. Prepare for Double-Digit Increases in Obamacare Premiums
02. Why Are Socialists Unseating Democratic Incumbents?
03. Collateral ICE Damage: Spouses and Family
04. Are the Elderly Holding America Back?
05. How Do We Remain People of Faith in a Divided World?
06. The Diplomatic Skills Every Leader Needs — But No One Teaches
07. Beyond Red vs. Blue: The 9 American Political Types
08. Can a Bigger Paycheck Make Financial Anxiety Worse?
09. America at 250: Hidden US Travel Gems
10. Listeners Want Uplifting Stories: This Guest Has 80 of Them
11. How to Raise Emotionally Healthy Sons
12. 47% of Women Experience Abuse — Why Few Ever Say a Word
13. The Simple Key That Turns Trauma into Triumph
14. The Real Cost of Your Perfectionism
15. From Mormonism to Addiction and Self-Discovery: This Guest Shares Her Wild Road to Redemption

1. ==> Prepare for Double-Digit Increases in Obamacare Premiums

The cost of Obamacare coverage could shoot up even higher next year as insurers are proposing a median increase of 14 percent, according to an analysis of initial filings from KFF. Georgetown University's Center on Health Insurance Reforms also published an analysis of preliminary ACA insurer rate filings last month. Like KFF's, it projected double-digit premium increases in the marketplace next year. Stacey Pogue, a senior research fellow at the Georgetown center who authored the report, says the enrollees most affected by the rising premiums will be those who don't qualify for financial help. She says those people already saw the most significant increases to their premiums in 2026, with some of their premiums doubling or tripling. “Those are the folks who kind of got a double whammy” this year, she says. Pogue says the rate filings are demonstrating what many analysts had expected: that the expiration of enhanced tax credits would cause healthy Americans to flee the marketplace and leave a sicker patient population that relies more heavily on insurance. “When the healthy people leave, the prices go up,” she says. “The analysts all predicted that, and now that's what we're seeing.” Contact Stacey Pogue at stacey.pogue@georgetown.edu

2. ==> Why Are Socialists Unseating Democratic Incumbents?

3. ==> Collateral ICE Damage: Spouses and Family

The Trump administration’s sweeping effort to slow down the rate of legal migration is affecting a group traditionally immune from such efforts: spouses of U.S. citizens. “Life had become a lot more difficult for Americans who are married to somebody who is not born in this country,” says Ashley DeAzevedo, executive director of American Families United. The organization advocates for U.S. citizen spouses and immediate family. DeAzevedo says the group’s membership has grown over the last year with about 1.4 million people now seeking their support in the U.S, and about 300,000 outside the country. She’ll explain why so many people have chosen to self-deport and what happens when a spouse is detained by ICE. American Families United is fiscally sponsored by the American Business Immigration Coalition, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contact Ashley DeAzevedo at press@americanfamiliesunited.org

4. ==> Are the Elderly Holding America Back?

The age of America's leaders is always in the headlines, from worries about fitness for office to fights over term limits. Samuel Moyn, a Yale law and history professor, thinks that debate misses the deeper story. He argues that older Americans dominate not just elected office, but the money and institutions that set the country's direction. Invite Moyn to discuss how America became so decrepit and why it matters. He says the elderly hoard housing, create a drag on innovation, and have an aversion to addressing long-term social problems, especially those prejudicial to their financial interests. He also says, because they’re living longer than ever before, they’re occupying elite cultural, academic and social positions for too long and blocking opportunities for those in their prime. Moyn proposes several ways to fix the problem including imposing age limits for political office and mandatory retirement ages and floats some unorthodox ways to shift more power back to younger generations, like weighing their votes more heavily and abolishing the US Senate. Samuel Moyn is the Kent professor of Law and History at Yale University, where he also serves as head of Grace Hopper College. Contact him at (203) 432-1994; Samuel.moyn@yale.edu

5. ==> How Do We Remain People of Faith in a Divided World?

As Americans continue searching for hope amid uncertainty, many people are asking deeper spiritual questions. How do we move beyond anger? How do we love our neighbors when we profoundly disagree? What does faithful living look like in a world that often feels fractured and disconnected? Nationally recognized theologian, author, and teacher Dr. Catherine Meeks believes these are not simply political or cultural questions, they are deeply spiritual ones. In her new book, “Bridging the Rivers of Difference: A Proclamation of Unity in Resistance” Meeks explores how Christian faith can become a source of healing, courage, and hope in an increasingly polarized world. Drawing on decades of ministry, teaching, and community leadership, she argues that lasting transformation begins not with changing other people, but with allowing God to transform our own hearts. Catherine Meeks is one of the country’s leading voices on faith, reconciliation and spiritual renewal. She’s the founding executive director of the Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing in Atlanta and recipient of the Joseph R. Biden Lifetime Achievement Award. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell)

6. ==> The Diplomatic Skills Every Leader Needs — But No One Teaches

Great leaders aren’t just decisive—they’re deliberate. “In high-stakes rooms where every word carries weight, success depends on skills rarely taught in business school: listening with precision, speaking with intention, and navigating conflict without escalating it,” says author and former diplomat Dianne Olvera. Drawing from real-world diplomacy and leadership experience, this approach reveals how to manage tough conversations, defuse tension, and influence outcomes without overpowering the room. “It’s about knowing when to speak, when to pause, and how to choose language that builds trust instead of resistance,” she says. Dianne is a board-certified educational therapist and the author of “The Power of Connection: Understanding Individual Differences to Uplift and Empower.” She’s also a former diplomat and spy. Contact Dianne Olvera at (805) 779-3558; dolvera@rtirguests.com

7. ==> Beyond Red vs. Blue: The 9 American Political Types

While U.S. politics is often portrayed as a battle between red and blue, the Pew Research Center’s latest report reveals a far more complex picture: nine distinct groups, each defined by its own mix of values, beliefs and experiences. They include four highly ideological and engaged groups – two on the right and two on the left – and five other groups in a large and messy political middle. Pew’s President Michael Dimock says the two most right-leaning groups and the two most left-leaning groups in this year’s typology are the “loudest voices in the room,” shaping how people experience politics day to day. Yet they do not represent the majority of Americans. That majority lies in the other groups, who are more politically mixed and not as attuned to politics. As a result, he says, they are also less visible in shaping it. Listeners can take a quiz to find out where they fit in the current political typology. The Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan American think-tank based in Washington, D.C. Political typology was the idea that launched the center back in 1987. Contact Nida Asheer at (202) 419-4313; nasheer@pewresearch.org or DeVonte Smith at (202) 419-3644; dsmith@pewresearch.org

8. ==> Can a Bigger Paycheck Make Financial Anxiety Worse?

Most financial guests talk about how to make more money. Darius Ross talks about why making more money can make things harder, and why that's something your audience may already be living but has never heard named out loud. Drawing from his own journey out of homelessness to business ownership, Ross explains how a "survival mindset" doesn't disappear when the money arrives. Fear of loss, the pressure to sustain success, and the weight of responsibility can quietly hijack decision-making and drive anxiety even at six figures. On your show, he'll unpack how past financial trauma shapes behavior long after circumstances improve — and what it actually takes to build peace of mind, not just a bigger bank account. This isn't a budgeting conversation. It's a psychology-of-money conversation, with a guest who lived it before he learned to explain it. Contact Darius Ross at (347) 801-7956; dross@rtirguests.com

9. ==> America at 250: Hidden US Travel Gems

As America celebrates its 250th birthday this summer, two travelers who have visited 90 countries, all 50 states, and seven continents say some of the most fascinating destinations are right here at home. Evelyn and Natalie Kelly reveal the overlooked places, quirky towns, remarkable people, historic sites, and cultural traditions that most Americans miss while dreaming of overseas travel. They’ll share why small-town America often tells the nation's biggest stories and explain how history comes alive through travel. You’ll leave this segment believing the USA may be the world's most underrated travel destination! Ask them: Why do you say America may be the best travel destination of all? What hidden gems, unusual attractions, and small towns should Americans visit during the nation's 250th birthday celebration? Contact Evelyn and Natalie Kelly at ekelly@rtirguests.com or (352) 661-2493

10. ==> Listeners Want Uplifting Stories: This Guest Has 80 of Them

11. ==> How to Raise Emotionally Healthy Sons

In a world in which boys are often taught to suppress their feelings, award-winning parenting expert and author C. Lynn Williams is changing the conversation. She offers practical, compassionate guidance for raising sons who are emotionally aware, resilient, and confident. “We need to focus on challenging outdated myths about masculinity and replace fear-based parenting with connection, communication, and trust,” she says. “When boys are given permission to feel, communicate, and be understood, they grow into healthier men and create stronger families and communities.” She explores how parents can raise sons who are strong, without being aggressive. C. Lynn is the author of five parenting books including “Trying to Stay Sane While Raising Your Teen,” an educator, speaker, and family dynamics strategist. Contact C. Lynn Williams at (224) 357-6315; Cwilliams@rtirguests.com

12. ==> 47% of Women Experience Abuse — Why Few Ever Say a Word

Behind closed doors, abuse thrives in silence — and far more women experience it than most realize. Kit Filbey pulls back the curtain on the hidden reality of domestic abuse, revealing why so many women never speak up. Through a deeply personal story set in the remote Northwoods of Wisconsin, Kit captures the confusion, denial, and emotional complexity that keep victims trapped. Her journey from self-sufficient homesteading to recognizing and escaping abuse offers rare insight into the psychology of silence. Kit’s story gives voice to millions, helping readers to see the signs, confront uncomfortable truths, and start conversations that could save lives. She is the author of the memoir “Cottage Test.” Contact Kit Filbey at (540) 501-7189; kfilbey@rtirguests.com

13. ==> The Simple Key That Turns Trauma into Triumph

Lisa Morgan’s world fell apart when panic and anxiety brought her to her knees. What began as her “dark night of the soul” became the foundation of her greatest breakthrough—and her life’s work. “Healing isn’t about becoming someone new; it’s about remembering who we truly are,” she says. “When we learn to befriend anxiety, and in turn befriend ourselves, we come home to the heart where self-acceptance and self love await.” Lisa is a master coach, intuitive guide, and soul-level healer who helps people break free from hidden blocks and redis¬cover who they truly are. Through her signature framework, Free Your Soul to Soar™, she bridges neuroscience, energy psychology, and soul wisdom to help clients transform pain into purpose and reclaim their joy, worth, and wings. Contact her at (314) 207-0680; lmorgan@rtirguests.com

14. ==> The Real Cost of Your Perfectionism

Millions of people are on a perpetual search for a new and better version of themselves, meantime research shows that perfectionism and self-criticism are rising and fueling burnout and anxiety, instead of change. Leadership coach and TEDx speaker Barbara Stone says the problem isn’t motivation, it’s identity. After 25 years hiding her alopecia under a wig and her voice behind corporate success, Barbara took the wig off onstage and discovered a surprising truth: real growth begins when we stop trying to fix ourselves. In this segment, she’ll share what shedding perfection taught her about self-worth and authenticity, and why flaws, not upgrades, are often the key to confidence. Whether your audience is hiding a condition, insecurity, or impossible expectations, Barbara offers practical ways they can stop performing and start living more honestly. Ask her: Can trying to “improve yourself” actually make you less confident? What did losing your hair teach you that success never did? Contact Barbara Stone at (315) 840-2845; bstone@rtirguests.com

15. ==> From Mormonism to Addiction and Self-Discovery: This Guest Shares Her Wild Road to Redemption

7/7/2026 RTIR Newsletter: Trump Accounts, World Cup Lessons and Inside the Real Africa

01. Is the AI Stock Boom Becoming the Next Dot-Com Bubble?
02. Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill Has a Clean Tech Silver Lining
03. What You Need to Know About Trump Accounts
04. The Complex, Diverse Story of the African Continent
05. Former TV Exec Reveals Life As A Closeted Clairvoyant
06. What Makes a World Cup Athlete?
07. Lessons from the World Cup: Confidence is King
08. How to Survive a Toxic Workplace
09. Why Your Brain Is Drowning in Notifications
10. The Real Cost of Crime and Who Pays
11. Time for Tao? 5 Shifts for a Simpler, Happier Life
12. How Your Father Shapes Your Romantic Relationships
13. This Guest Turns Problem Pooches into Perfect Pups
14. Humor Is Never Untimely – From a Guy Who's Been Proving It for 30 Years
15. What an Ancient Hawaiian Healing Practice Can Teach Us About Modern Forgiveness

1. ==> Is the AI Stock Boom Becoming the Next Dot-Com Bubble?

In Oxbow Advisors' latest market commentary, J. Ted Oakley warns that investor enthusiasm surrounding AI, semiconductor stocks, and headline-grabbing IPOs is creating market conditions that increasingly resemble previous speculative bubbles. While the broader market appears healthy on the surface, he argues that a small group of AI beneficiaries is responsible for nearly all of this year's gains, leaving much of the market flat. He’ll reveal several warning signs and explain why he’s cautioning investors against chasing headline IPOs like SpaceX right now. Ask him: Is today's AI boom beginning to resemble previous speculative market cycles? Why have valuations of leading AI companies reached historically unprecedented levels? How are leveraged ETFs increasing day-to-day market volatility? J. Ted Oakley has more than four decades of experience advising high-net-worth investors and studying market cycles. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705 (office)

2. ==> Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill Has a Clean Tech Silver Lining

Climate campaigners quickly labeled President Donald Trump’s signature legislative achievement, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3), a disaster when he signed it into law last year. David Hart says that is a fair assessment of the rest of Trump’s climate agenda, but he believes OB3 could actually do more to advance clean energy progress on a global scale than the law it supplanted—President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). While critics focused on its elimination of tax credits for wind and solar power Hart says those credits would have hardly moved the world’s climate needle. By contrast, more rapid uptake in the United States of less mature clean energy technologies, like enhanced geothermal power, advanced nuclear power, and long-duration energy storage, could move that global needle much further. “The reason is that these technologies are costly now, but they could become a lot less expensive when scaled up,” he says. “OB3 offers hope that the United States could contribute to cutting emissions in a way that will outlast both Biden and Trump, providing a foundation that their successors can build upon and creating a potential counterweight to China’s dominance of today’s clean energy supply chains." David M. Hart is a professor emeritus of public policy at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government and a senior fellow for climate and energy at the Council on Foreign Relations. Contact him at dmhart@cfr.org

3. ==> What You Need to Know About Trump Accounts

Congress created Trump accounts—the first federal child savings accounts in the U.S.—as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The federal savings program went live on July 4, with the families of 6 million American children claiming accounts. Among those children are 1.4 million newborn babies who get $1,000 in seed money from the government. So what exactly is this new program? "These accounts are in the lane of helping children start to accumulate retirement assets from as early as possible," says Emerson Sprick, the director of retirement and labor policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank. Sprick can explain who can open an account, the contribution rules, and what the money can be used for. He’ll also discuss the $1,000 pilot program and how it compares to other savings vehicles for children. Emerson Sprick is the director of retirement and labor policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center. Contact him at @te_sprick or Martina McLennan at (612) 247-3532; mmclennan@bipartisanpolicy.org

4. ==> The Complex, Diverse Story of the African Continent

In 1971, months out of high school, Witney Schneidman found himself at a secondary school in Mbarara, Uganda listening on the radio as Idi Amin announced his takeover of the country. He soon understood that Africa was a continent of sweeping change—colonialism was ending, independence was on the march, and liberation movements were fighting tall odds to end white rule in Southern Africa—and he made the decision to dedicate his life to fostering strong ties between the United States and African nations. Invite one of the country’s leading Africanists to share his feelings of isolation being the only American studying at a university in Tanzania at the height of the Cold War, his travels across almost forty African countries, and policy successes that formed the cornerstone of U.S.-Africa relations. Witney Schneidman is a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, a board member of the Corporate Council on Africa, the founder of his own Africa-focused consulting practice and the author of “This Africa Idea: A Memoir of Discovery, Diplomacy, and Opportunity.” Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853; LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com

5. ==> Former TV Exec Reveals Life As A Closeted Clairvoyant

Nearly half of Americans say they've had a spiritual experience they can't explain, yet most never talk about it. Former television executive Kim Bantle spent more than two decades working at Paramount, Viacom, and Group W Productions while keeping her own extraordinary experiences private. She says she could read minds, predict events, sense energy, and communicate with those who had passed—abilities that intensified after a near-death experience in college. On your show, Bantle explores why successful professionals often trust instincts they can't explain, why intuition remains one of society's least-discussed human experiences, and what the growing interest in spirituality says about a culture searching for meaning beyond traditional institutions. She also discusses dreams, signs, synchronicities, and why skeptics and believers may have more in common than they think. Having spent 23 years producing content for mainstream audiences, she knows how to discuss extraordinary topics in a way that is thoughtful, relatable, and engaging. Bantle shares her experiences with honesty, humor and self-awareness in her new memoir “Confessions of a Closeted Clairvoyant.” Contact Kim Bantle at ksbantle@gmail.com; (310) 418-5758

6. ==> What Makes a World Cup Athlete?

Soccer takes center stage this month with World Cup play. With all eyes on these elite athletes from all over the world, delve into what separates top performers from everyone else. Former LPGA Tour player and Hall of Fame golf instructor Cindy Miller says it isn’t talent, it’s mindset. She’ll explain how world class athletes mentally prepare for competition and what they do, that most of us don’t. Drawing from decades in elite competition, Cindy breaks down why perfectionism kills performance, how self-doubt is learned, and why small shifts create lasting change better than big overhauls. Her book “Take Another Shot” reinforces these lessons through real stories of setbacks and comebacks. Ask her: Why do high achievers stay stuck longer than they should? Can doing less actually help you perform better? She’ll discuss why most people stay stuck: they’re “sitting on a nail”, tolerating what isn’t working instead of changing it. On your show, she’ll introduce her simple framework—the Nail, the Mirror, and the Seed—to help your audience identify what’s holding them back, take a hard look at their own role, and choose one small action to move forward. Contact Cindy Miller at (716) 670-5341; cimiller@rtirguests.com

7. ==> Lessons from the World Cup: Confidence is King

They train for years, compete under global pressure, and perform in front of millions — so why do World Cup athletes look so calm, focused, and self assured when the stakes couldn’t be higher? Sports psychologists say elite players aren’t born confident; they build confidence through habits most people are never taught. And those same habits can help anyone facing big transitions, new challenges, or moments of self doubt. Studies show nearly 70% of professionals experience imposter syndrome at some point. Leadership expert Mike Sealy can explain how anyone can take a page from the World Cup playbook and overcome their fear of failure and pressure to succeed. He’ll share practical mindset tools that help professionals shift from perfectionism to growth without pretending to have everything figured out. Mike Sealy is the author of “Mindset Unlocked” and has spent decades helping leaders navigate personal and professional transformation. Contact Mike Sealy at (484) 477-4220; msealy@rtirguests.com

8. ==> How to Survive a Toxic Workplace

Whether it's a silent feud between two managers, a team fractured by favoritism, or a culture where speaking up feels career-ending, every workplace has its fair share of conflicts that threaten to quietly destroy trust, morale, and people. Leadership expert Dr. Dionne Poulton has seen it from every angle, and she's here to offer your audience a practical playbook for navigating workplace tension without becoming collateral damage. Dr. Dionne breaks down how behaviors such as favoritism, bias, and bullying operate under the radar—quietly fueling workplace conflict, and what it actually looks like to lead (or work) in an environment grounded in decency and accountability. Ask her: Why do workplace conflicts so often spiral out of control? Can trying to “stay neutral” actually make things worse? Dr. Dionne Poulton is a certified educator and DEI scholar and the author of “Excellence Without Exclusion.” Contact her at (404) 383-8924; dpoulton@rtirguests.com

9. ==> Why Your Brain Is Drowning in Notifications

The average person checks their phone nearly 100 times a day. Between texts, emails, alerts, social media, and breaking news, many people feel mentally exhausted before lunch. Senior mindfulness educator at UCLA Mindful Mitra Manesh says the real crisis isn't technology. It's what constant interruption is doing to our attention. On your show, she'll explain how endless notifications train the brain toward distraction, anxiety, and reactivity, why so many people feel overwhelmed despite working harder than ever, and what it takes to reclaim focus in a world designed to steal it. Building on concepts from her novel The Attentionist: New Choices for a New World, Mitra offers practical tools for improving concentration, decision-making, and emotional well-being. Having lived on four continents and spent decades teaching mindfulness and human behavior, Mitra brings a rare global perspective to one of today's most urgent challenges. Contact Mitra Manesh at (310) 807-3031; mmanesh@rtirguests.com

10. ==> The Real Cost of Crime and Who Pays

Crime isn’t just a public safety issue—it’s a major financial burden. In fact, it costs U.S. taxpayers an estimated $100 billion every year. Crime prevention consultant Stephanie Mann says most strategies focus on reacting after crimes occur rather than addressing the conditions that allow them to grow. Drawing from more than 40 years of experience, she explains why traditional enforcement-heavy approaches often fail to reduce long-term costs and what’s working instead. On your show, she’ll reveal how community-based strategies reduce crime, lower taxpayer expenses, and create safer neighborhoods without increasing budgets. She also explains why trust, local engagement, and prevention are more cost-effective than punishment alone. This is a practical, solutions-driven conversation that reframes crime as an economic issue and gives audiences a new way to think about where their tax dollars go. Contact Stephanie Mann at (925) 438-0716; smann@rtirguests.com

11. ==> Time for Tao? 5 Shifts for a Simpler, Happier Life

In a world addicted to hustle and overwhelmed by noise, Gerard Wouters offers listeners a clear invitation back to flow. Discover how Taoist principles, from qi energy to conscious presence, can transform how you live, love, work, and lead. He says, “Tao is not something you believe — it is something you live. When you align with it, your life becomes lighter, stronger, and more joyful.” On your show, Gerard will combine ancient, secret Taoist wisdom, modern psychology, and deep storytelling to show your audience how to awaken their energy, reclaim their power and live in harmony. He’ll discuss the real reason high achievers burn out, reveal the hidden roots of exhaustion and share 5 shifts for a simpler, happier life. Gerard Wouters is a Taoist master, international teacher, and healer who bridges ancient Eastern wisdom with modern Western life. His new book is “How to make life simple, happy and successful the Taoist way: Introduction to a new way of living,” Contact him at gwouters@rtirguests.com

12. ==> How Your Father Shapes Your Romantic Relationships

What if the most important relationship influencing your love life isn't your current partner—it's your father? Research consistently shows that early family relationships shape everything from self-worth to communication patterns and partner selection, often without us realizing it. Author and speaker Charisse Walker says many adults unknowingly carry childhood beliefs, expectations, and emotional patterns into their romantic relationships. On your show, she'll explain how fathers influence confidence, boundaries, trust, and relationship choices, why people are often drawn to familiar dynamics—even unhealthy ones—and how greater self-awareness can transform future relationships. Drawing from her book Flipping the Iceberg, Walker reveals the hidden "icebergs" beneath the surface that quietly shape our decisions, reactions, and connections. A former host on the Emmy-nominated television show The American Dream, Walker now helps audiences uncover the subconscious patterns that influence relationships, personal growth, and emotional well-being. Contact Charisse Walker at (801) 251-6965; cwalker@rtirguests.com

13. ==> This Guest Turns Problem Pooches into Perfect Pups

Author and longtime dog behaviorist Kathleen Troy answers real questions from dog owners with warmth, humor, and hard-earned experience. Dubbed the Dear Abby for dogs, Kathleen tackles everyday canine challenges while debunking one of the biggest myths of all: some dogs cannot be trained. She gets her inspiration from her remarkable rescue pup, Dylan, a former “problem dog” who went on to become a certified therapy and hospice service dog. She combines practical guidance with unforgettable stories. Audiences will learn how patience, consistency, and respect can transform both dogs and their humans. Kathleen is the author of the “Dylan’s Dog Squad” series, and a book about dog training. Contact Kathleen Troy at (714) 975-9807; ktroy@rtirguests.com

14. ==> Humor Is Never Untimely – From a Guy Who's Been Proving It for 30 Years

Bill Williams has been sending daily humor emails for three decades. What started in the 1990s as a way to get his sales staff to read emails has grown into a beloved ritual for hundreds of subscribers globally—and he's never made a dime doing it. Drawing from "20 Years of Internet Humor ... and Other Interesting Things," Williams explains why humor works in any news cycle, for any audience. Listeners will discover how he turned a workplace tool into a lifelong practice of spreading joy, and why his college friend John Denver influenced his view on taking creative risks. Ask him: You've done this for 30 years without making money, so what keeps you going? You say humor is never untimely. What makes it work when other topics go stale? How did your friendship with John Denver shape your approach to life? Contact Bill Williams at (419) 534-0399; wgwilliams@rtirguests.com

15. ==> What an Ancient Hawaiian Healing Practice Can Teach Us About Modern Forgiveness

Most of us think forgiveness means turning the other cheek, something that requires approval, forgetting, and making yourself passive. But what if it's really about reclaiming your power? Taj Simrit spent 20 years backpacking across the globe, and the last eight years traveling solo full-time, immersing himself in spiritual traditions across cultures, searching for purpose. Through Ho'oponopono, the ancient Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and healing, Simrit uncovered four simple principles that can dissolve resentment, restore inner peace, break addictions, tame the ego, and ultimately shape your destiny. Taj Simrit is the author of the Amazon bestseller “Behold My Soul.” Contact him at tsimrit@rtirguests.com

7/2/2026 RTIR Newsletter: July 4th Safety, Democratic Socialism and Newlywed Advice for Taylor & Travis

01. Fireworks (and Sparklers) Send Thousands to ER
02. For July 4th – How America Can Build Peace From Within
03. The Difference Between Democratic Socialism and Communism
04. MAGA Women, Christian Influencers & the Conservative Activist Pipeline
05. Taylor and Travis: Advice for the First Year of Marriage
06. The Trauma No One Talks About in American Healthcare
07. Why Women in Leadership Keep Hitting the Same Wall
08. Why Peak Productivity Is Making Professionals Miserable
09. Human Skills AI Will Never Be Able to Replicate
10. Why AI Will Reward Those Who Know Math — and Leave the Rest Behind
11. High Rent, High Anxiety: Coping with America’s Affordability Crisis
12. The 3 Habits That Build Trust and Cut Division in Your Life
13. Is Your Body Asking for Change This Summer?
14. Are We Asking the Wrong Questions About God?
15. What if Before You Were Born, You Chose This Life?

1. ==> Fireworks (and Sparklers) Send Thousands to ER

With the July 4th holiday upon us, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging the public to remember and practice fireworks safety so your celebration doesn’t turn into tragedy. Last year, CPSC received reports of at least 15 deaths and an estimated 13,000 emergency department-treated injuries linked to fireworks misuse and malfunction. There were an estimated 1,300 injuries involving sparklers alone. “Behind these numbers are real people, real families — and often, preventable incidents,” says CPSC Acting Chairman Peter Feldman. While many believe sparklers are harmless fun for kids, Feldman reminds us they burn at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals. Knowing that, who would hand that to a young child? He’ll share fireworks safety tips for all ages and discuss other summer hazards. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Contact Karla Crosswhite-Chigbue at KCrosswhite@cpsc.gov; (301) 504-7805

2. ==> For July 4th – How America Can Build Peace From Within

Retired American diplomat and professional peacebuilder Danielle Reiff can discuss ways to bring down the heat in our communities and bring people together and to appreciate what it means to be an American today. Hear about the rising civic renewal movement in the U.S. and a project to counter rising threats to our democracy with a plan to refresh the U.S. Constitution and build a more inclusive, participatory, and deliberative democracy than the U.S. has ever known. Reiff brings a lifetime of experience to this task. She started her career in the Peace Corps and worked for the United Nations before serving two decades as a democracy and peacebuilding officer for USAID, the US Agency for International Development. She now runs Peacebuilders, an initiative to promote nonviolence and unity in diversity and mitigate political violence in the U.S. Contact Danielle at daniellereiff@yahoo.com

3. ==> The Difference Between Democratic Socialism and Communism

Former corporate attorney Melat Kiros, a democratic socialist, beat U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette in a Colorado House primary Tuesday, a stunning victory for the first-time candidate against a nearly 30-year incumbent. Socialism has long been considered a “dirty word” in American politics and is often confused with communism. So, what’s the difference? Michael Kazin says democratic socialists support expanding social ownership and public programs through democratic elections, civil liberties, and multi party competition. Communists, on the other hand, seek to abolish capitalism and private property entirely, often through revolutionary means and typically under a single ruling party. “Communists want to do away with capitalism altogether. They don't want any private enterprise. They don't want any private means of production. And they want a whole world run by people like that,” he says. “Democratic socialists are willing to have themselves voted out of power… if people don’t want to keep it, then they can go back to a more capitalist society.” Michael Kazin is an American historian and professor at Georgetown University. He’s the author of several books and is a frequent contributor to publications including the “New York Times,” the “Washington Post” ad “Foreign Affairs.” Contact him via his website at mkazin.com/contact

4. ==> MAGA Women, Christian Influencers & the Conservative Activist Pipeline

Katie Gaddini says many of the assumptions Americans hold about conservative women are wrong. Far from being politically passive, these women have become highly organized strategists and cultural influencers who increasingly see themselves as fighting to preserve Christianity, traditional gender structures, and the nation itself. She’ll explain how they helped reshape the modern American Right and played a critical role in Donald Trump’s return to power. A former evangelical herself, Gaddini spent years following conservative Christian women as they organized on college campuses, mobilized in suburban school board fights, built massive social media audiences, ran for office, and developed grassroots political networks that now extend from churches and homeschooling groups to law schools, conservative think tanks, and the White House. Gaddini is a visiting scholar at Stanford University, associate professor of sociology at University College London. She has appeared on BBC, NPR, Bloomberg, and international media. Her new book is “Esther's Army: The Christian Women Who Power the American Right.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office) (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705

5. ==> Taylor and Travis: Advice for the First Year of Marriage

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce will reportedly tie the knot this weekend at Madison Square Garden. The superstar couple may seem to have everything, but once the spectacular celebration ends, they’ll have to deal with the same issues as everyone else. Most marriage counseling comes once a couple is struggling, years into the marriage, but pastor Mike Novotny says newlyweds need guidance from the get-go. He’ll explain why what happens in the first twelve months tends to stick and the fight every newlywed has by the third month of marriage. He’ll discuss how to negotiate the first fight, the first chore conversation and the first money conversation and why the order in which that happens matters. Novotny is the lead speaker for Time of Grace, a global Christian media ministry. His latest book is “Newlywed: A Christian Guide for Loving Year One.” Contact Marianna Gibson at marianna@jonesliterary.com

6. ==> The Trauma No One Talks About in American Healthcare

7. ==> Why Women in Leadership Keep Hitting the Same Wall

8. ==> Why Peak Productivity Is Making Professionals Miserable

9. ==> Human Skills AI Will Never Be Able to Replicate

Artificial intelligence can write emails, analyze data, generate presentations, and automate countless tasks. So, what happens when the skills that once made employees valuable become available at the push of a button? Business transformation expert Shawn Fry says the future belongs to professionals who develop the uniquely human abilities AI can't replace. On your show, he'll reveal the skills employers are already prioritizing. Learn why adaptability and communication are becoming more valuable than technical expertise alone and how workers can remain indispensable in a rapidly changing economy. Pulling from more than 25 years of experience leading organizations through disruption across 17 countries, Shawn offers practical strategies for staying relevant, employable, and resilient in the AI era. After interviewing high-impact leaders around the world for his book “Sustained Business Growth,” Fry has a front-row view of what tomorrow's most successful professionals will have in common. Contact Shawn Fry at (330) 422-4090; sfry@rtirguests.com

10. ==> Why AI Will Reward Those Who Know Math — and Leave the Rest Behind

The jobs AI creates will demand math fluency. The jobs AI eliminates will be the ones that don't. Craig Hane has spent decades teaching math and watching schools recycle 20th-century methods for 21st-century students. His verdict: the system is failing them at exactly the wrong moment in history. Through his Triad Math Army program, Hane teaches teenagers and young adults the math that actually matters — in a way that's engaging, self-paced, and built for how young people actually learn today. He'll explain why AI fluency starts with math fluency, which concepts will separate tomorrow's leaders from tomorrow's also-rans, and why it's never too late to close the gap. Contact Craig Hane, Ph.D., at (812) 408-8047; chane@rtirguests.com

11. ==> High Rent, High Anxiety: Coping with America’s Affordability Crisis

A third of Americans now spend more than 30% of their income on rent, and in major cities, it’s often over 50%. But the financial strain is only half the story. Darius Ross says the mental toll of this affordability crisis is eroding resilience, fueling chronic stress, and keeping people stuck in survival mode. As a former homeless teen who became a successful entrepreneur, Darius offers a grounded, street-smart perspective that connects with audiences of all backgrounds. His mindset strategies blend lived experience with real-life tools for navigating uncertainty, managing trauma, and staying motivated—even when the math doesn’t add up. In this timely conversation, Darius doesn’t just unpack the crisis, he helps audiences cope, shift their mindset, and take their next step forward. Darius Ross is the author of “Mastering the TPS Blueprint,” a speaker on trauma and transformation, and a community advocate who helps underserved youth rise. Contact Darius Ross at (347) 801-7956 or dross@rtirguests.com

12. ==> The 3 Habits That Build Trust and Cut Division in Your Life

Tired of the conflict in your office, community, or even your own family? Dr. Dionne Poulton says building unity isn’t about avoiding tough topics. It’s about mastering three powerful habits: Decency, Excellence, and Integrity. She’ll reframe what it means to lead, communicate, and connect across differences without ever saying “DEI.” Her message? You don’t need a title to be a leader. You just need a standard. From how we treat others to how we hold ourselves accountable, Dr. Dionne shows how small shifts in behavior can transform relationships, rebuild trust, and prevent conflict before it starts. According to a recent study, 76% of people say they avoid hard conversations at work and home often out of fear, frustration, or not knowing what to say. Dr. Dionne’s framework helps audiences replace avoidance with practical strategies that foster trust and real connection. Ask her: What’s one habit that can instantly defuse rising tension? Can integrity really be taught, or is it innate? Dionne Poulton, Ph.D., is the author of “Excellence Without Exclusion.” Contact her at (404) 383-8924; dpoulton@rtirguests.com

13. ==> Is Your Body Asking for Change This Summer?

With 6 in 10 U.S. adults living with chronic disease, summer health resets often focus on surface fixes. But what if lasting improvement requires looking beyond symptoms and asking what the body may be responding to beneath the surface? On this timely summer show, Marcel Vögeli explores how long-term stress, suppressed conflict, and emotional overload can influence physical health, and why two people with the same diagnosis can heal at very different rates. After eight years of intensive autoimmune treatment that managed symptoms but didn’t restore his life, Marcel began examining deeper stress patterns in his own story. He has been hospital-free since 2012. Marcel Vögeli is spokesperson for The Key to Self-Liberation by the late Christiane Beerlandt. Contact Marcel Vögeli at Mvogeli@rtirguests.com

14. ==> Are We Asking the Wrong Questions About God?

A growing number of Americans are walking away from organized religion. Yet, many continue searching for meaning, purpose, and truth. Author Gary Meisner believes the problem may not be a lack of interest in God—but the questions we're asking about God in the first place. After spending more than 20 years as a skeptical, materialist agnostic, Gary experienced something he could not explain through reason alone, prompting him to reexamine his assumptions. Known internationally for his work on the golden ratio and patterns in nature, he now explores the intersection of science, philosophy, and faith. In his book “Life Through a New Lens—Finding God Where Reason and Faith Meet,” Gary invites skeptics, agnostics, and seekers to consider whether their doubts may be based on misconceptions about what God is—or could be. Contact Gary Meisner at (615) 703-3637; gmeisner@rtirguests.com

15. ==> What if Before You Were Born, You Chose This Life?

What if the life you’re living—including its struggles, its losses, and its ordinary moments—was chosen by you before you arrived? Doreen Mary Bray, who has worked between worlds for over 40 years as a naturopath and mystical guide, teaches that souls don’t stumble into human life. They long for it, wait for it, and select it with intention — choosing parents, place, and form for the privilege of embodiment. Bray will reveal what it means to live as a soul that chose this life, and why that single shift in understanding transforms everything. She’ll explore how souls navigate the journey toward incarnation and why being human is not a burden to transcend, but a gift of extraordinary rarity. For anyone who has ever felt that life is happening to them, Bray offers a radical reframe: you didn’t land here by accident. Doreen Mary Bray is the author of Drawing “The Angel and the Avatar.” Contact her at (438) 802-0280; Dbray@rtirguests.com

6/30/2026 RTIR Newsletter: America at 250, Former Congressman Dennis Kucinich and the Truth About Fertility

01. Kucinich Warns US-Israel Military Meger is Unconstitutional
02. How Birthright Citizenship Affects All Newborn Healthcare
03. For 250th Anniversary: The Story of the American Revolution
04. America’s 250 Years Include Black History
05. America is Bitterly Divided: Small Steps to Bridge Our Differences
06. America’s Hidden Travel Gems
07. How a Black Opera Singer Became an American Hero
08. What it’s Really Like to Run for Office in America Today
09. Why So Many Women Are Discovering Fertility Issues Too Late
10. What Working With Hollywood Stars Taught Him About Fame & Fortune
11. Is a Job the Only Path? What New Grads Should Consider
12. Your Ego Is Standing Between You and the Life You Want
13. Stop Looking for a New You – The Real You is Enough
14. The Next “Dr. Ruth” Talks Love, Sex & Second Chances After 50
15. Seniors and Depression: It’s Not Just Old Age

1. ==> Kucinich Warns US-Israel Military Merger is Unconstitutional

Former Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich is reaching out to his former House colleagues with a warning that Section 219 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2027, which merges U.S. and Israeli military functions, violates core constitutional doctrines regarding national sovereignty and the separation of powers. “As America prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of its independence, Congress should be strengthening constitutional self-government, not considering legislation that poses a serious threat to constitutional sovereignty and democratic accountability,” Kucinich says. “No foreign nation, regardless of whether it is Israel, Britain, Canada, France, or Japan, should ever be integrated into permanent executive, military, technological, intelligence, and research structures in a manner that diminishes American sovereignty and democratic accountability.” Kucinich is a former mayor of Cleveland and a longtime Democratic Congressman from Ohio who sought the nomination for president in 2004 and 2008. Contact him at contactkucinich@gmail.com

2. ==> How Birthright Citizenship Affects All Newborn Healthcare

The Supreme Court’s upcoming decision on birthright citizenship affects much more than citizenship alone. It also raises a topic that was barely discussed at the hearings: immediately after birth, infants need access to tax-funded and health-and-social-care programs and to tests that should be done in the first days of life. If the Supreme Court cancels birthright citizenship, experts warn, it could harm the health of all babies born in the United States, not just the hundreds of thousands – 320,000 in 2023 – of children whose parents are in an unlawful or temporary status. It could also create, in the words of Bruce Lesley, “a serious chaos” in the health care system. Currently, babies born in the United States automatically obtain citizenship. Without that, hospitals would essentially have to verify each child’s citizenship to obtain a Social Security number, which could delay care for millions of children, Lesley warns. He says the Supreme Court decision may not only define legal status but also affect the quality and accessibility of early medical care for newborns across the country. Bruce Lesley is president of First Focus on Children, a bipartisan advocacy organization working to make children the priority in federal policy and budget decisions. Contact Michele Kayal at (202) 657-0670

3. ==> For 250th Anniversary: The Story of the American Revolution

As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, historian Robert G. Parkinson offers a strikingly different way to understand America’s founding document. Most Americans think of the Declaration through its famous preamble, “all men are created equal,” “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” But those lines were not the main event for the people who wrote the document. What mattered most to the patriots in 1776 were the 27 grievances against King George III that make up the bulk of the Declaration and explain why the colonies believed independence had become unavoidable. Ask Parkinson: Why did the colonies declare independence when they did? What were their nonnegotiable demands? And which individuals and events convinced them that reconciliation with Britain was impossible? The stories behind those charges explain the political tensions, fears, and conflicts of the Revolutionary moment and show how the issues that alarmed colonists in 1776, including questions about executive power, civil authority, and the rule of law, still resonate today. Patterson’s new book is “Tyrants and Rogues: Understanding the Declaration of Independence.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705

4. ==> America’s 250 Years Include Black History

Americans are celebrating the country’s founding this summer while in the middle of DEI rollbacks, book bans, and the removal of Black history references from schools, museums, and national parks. Lauraine White argues that you can’t erase the truth to avoid accountability and warns that America is repeating one of its oldest mistakes. White—whose ancestry includes both enslaved people and Confederate slaveholders—says today’s political climate mirrors earlier attempts to sanitize slavery, segregation, and the Civil Rights Movement from public memory. Drawing from her genealogical research and themes in her book “A Daughter of the Confederacy,” she explains why recording history honestly is essential to healing racial division today. White argues when a nation edits its past, it shapes who has power, whose pain matters, and what future generations are allowed to understand. Ask her: Why do you believe current efforts to limit Black history education are dangerous to all Americans—not just Black communities? Can acknowledging painful history unite people rather than divide them? Contact Lauraine White at lwhite@rtirguests.com (email preferred) or (770) 525-8743

5. ==> America is Bitterly Divided: Small Steps to Bridge Our Differences

6. ==> America’s Hidden Travel Gems

As America celebrates its 250th birthday, two travelers who have visited 90 countries, all 50 states, and seven continents say some of the most fascinating destinations are right here at home. Evelyn and Natalie Kelly reveal the overlooked places, quirky towns, remarkable people, historic sites, and cultural traditions that most Americans miss while dreaming of overseas travel. They’ll share why small-town America often tells the nation's biggest stories, how history comes alive through travel, and why the USA may be the world's most underrated travel destination. Ask them: Why do you say America may be the best travel destination? What hidden gems, unusual attractions, and small towns should Americans visit during the nation's 250th birthday celebration? Contact Evelyn and Natalie Kelly at ekelly@rtirguests.com or (352) 661-2493.

7. ==> How a Black Opera Singer Became an American Hero

Historian Emile Henwood invites your audience to rediscover a woman whose angelic voice once changed America and still echoes today. Learn how Anderson turned rejection into resilience with her 1939 Lincoln Memorial concert, an act of quiet defiance that helped ignite the Civil Rights Movement and inspire leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Jackie Robinson. Though modern artists may not always name her directly, Henwood says Anderson’s legacy helped, through her quiet strength, make space for bold voices today. Her name now graces Philadelphia’s premier music venue, Marian Anderson Hall. Emile Henwood’s latest book is “Remembering a Great American Hero: Marian Anderson —The Lady From Philadelphia.” Contact Emile Henwood at (267) 358-6478; ehenwood@rtirguests.com

8. ==> What it’s Really Like to Run for Office in America Today

9. ==> Why So Many Women Are Discovering Fertility Issues Too Late

10. ==> What Working With Hollywood Stars Taught Him About Fame & Fortune

Everyone thinks they want fame and fortune — until they see what it ac¬tually looks like. Keith Ingersoll spent nearly a decade behind the scenes at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, working alongside the biggest names in film, television, and professional sports. What he witnessed up close was nothing like the glossy image sold to the public. Ingersoll will share candid, surprising, and sometimes sobering stories including his account of Elvis Presley’s personal Bible and what it reveals about the man behind the legend. He’ll offer listeners a rare insider’s perspective on what separates genuine fulfillment from the hollow pursuit of celebrity. Ask him: What’s the biggest misconception people have about fame and wealth? What was your most surprising encounter with a major celebrity at Caesars Palace? Keith Ingersoll is the author of “Fame and Fortune.” Contact him at (208) 812-5346; kingersoll@rtirguests.com

11. ==> Is a Job the Only Path? What New Grads Should Consider

12. ==> Your Ego Is Standing Between You and the Life You Want

Most people blame circumstances, timing, or other people for the life they haven’t built. Taj Simrit spent 20 years backpacking across the globe, immersing himself in spiritual traditions from Buddhism to Sikhism to Christianity, before discovering the real obstacle was always closer to home. Simrit will reveal how the ego operates as a silent saboteur, keeping people comfortable, small, and stuck. He’ll explain how humility, not confi-dence, is the true engine of mastery, and why the moment you stop needing to be right is the moment your life actually begins. Ask him: How does the ego disguise itself as ambition or self-protection? What’s the connection between humility and genuine success? Taj Simrit is the author of “Behold My Soul.” Contact him at tsimrit@rtirguests.com

13. ==> Stop Looking for a New You – The Real You is Enough

14. == The Next “Dr. Ruth” Talks Love, Sex & Second Chances After 50

15. ==> Seniors and Depression: It’s Not Just Old Age

6/25/2026 RTIR Newsletter: Reconnecting Thru Soccer, America’s Big Birthday and Summer Shifts That Matter

01. World Cup Offers North America a Chance to Reconnect
02. New Documentary: ‘An Ordinary Insanity’
03. Former TV Exec Reveals Life As A Closeted Clairvoyant
04. Thomas Jefferson, Democracy and National Identity
05. America, 250 Years Later: How to Reclaim Our Democracy
06. MAGA: What Does it Mean to Be ‘Great Again’?
07. The Backlash to AI Content Has Already Begun — What’s Next?
08. Careers That Will Thrive — Not Just Survive — in the AI Era
09. The Biggest Financial Mistake New Grads Make
10. Medicare Fraud: What You Need to Know Now
11. What Most People Get Wrong About Healing
12. Small Summer Shifts for Fewer Days That Suck
13. A College Promise, a Surgeon, and a Remote Pacific Island
14. Get Real This Summer. You’re Not OK, and That’s OK
15. This Man Helped Shape Modern Satellite Broadcasting

1. ==> World Cup Offers North Americans a Chance to Reconnect

The World Cup, the most-watched event in global sports, is underway and fans are embracing. Co-hosts Canada, Mexico, and the United States are grappling with economic and security tensions, but international trade expert Inu Manak says the tournament could be an opportunity to bridge divides. “At a time when the United States is threatening to dismantle the economic pact that undergirds North American global competitiveness—the U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement—and negotiations to renew the deal remain tense, the upcoming festivities provide a moment to pause and reflect on the things that bind us rather than divide us.” She adds, “Cross-border trade is a staggering $1 trillion annually, with $4 billion passing through U.S. northern and southern land borders every day. Mexico is the top foreign travel destination for Canadian and U.S. travelers, and Mexicans choose the United States as their favorite vacation spot. Trade provides all three countries with fresh fruits and veggies year-round, supporting the exploration of diverse cuisines.” Inu Manak is an expert on U.S. trade policy who has written extensively on the United States-Mexico-Canada agreement. She is a senior fellow for international trade at the Council on Foreign relations. Contact her at imanak@cfr.org; @inumanak

2. ==> New Documentary: ‘An Ordinary Insanity’

The new documentary “An Ordinary Insanity” focuses on Pentagon Papers whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg’s calls to action about the global threat posed by nuclear weapons. In the film, Ellsberg, who died three years ago, says, “Can humanity survive the nuclear era? We don’t know. I choose to act as if we have a chance.” The film’s director Judith Ehrlich says young people know Daniel Ellsberg more often than you might expect and even she was surprised by how many of them want to talk about the issue. “The film is not about deifying Dan Ellsberg, but reinforcing his message that Earth is undergoing slow destruction by climate change or it can undergo a quick one with nuclear annihilation––which could happen any day and is a miracle it hasn’t happened so far. Ellsberg has been one of the most important voices on this subject for a long time.” Judith Ehrlich is a film director, writer and producer. “An Ordinary Insanity” follows her 2009 Oscar-nominated documentary “The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers,” which won a Peabody Award. Contact her at ehrlich.judith@gmail.com

3. ==> Former TV Exec Reveals Life As A Closeted Clairvoyant

Nearly half of Americans say they've had a spiritual experience they can't explain, yet most never talk about it. Former television executive Kim Bantle spent more than two decades working at Paramount, Viacom, and Group W Productions while keeping her own extraordinary experiences private. She says she could read minds, predict events, sense energy, and communicate with those who had passed; abilities that intensified after a near-death experience in college. On your show, Bantle explores why successful professionals often trust instincts they can't explain, why intuition remains one of society's least-discussed human experiences, and what the growing interest in spirituality says about a culture searching for meaning beyond traditional institutions. She also discusses dreams, signs, synchronicities, and why skeptics and believers may have more in common than they think. In her memoir, “Confessions of a Closeted Clairvoyant,” Bantle shares these experiences with honesty, humor, and self-awareness. Having spent 23 years producing content for mainstream audiences, she knows how to discuss extraordinary topics in a way that is thoughtful, relatable, and engaging. Contact Kim Bantle at ksbantle@gmail.com; (310) 418-5758

4. ==> Thomas Jefferson, Democracy and National Identity

As the United States prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, invite historians Peter S. Onuf and Francis D. Cogliano to discuss the question at the center of America's founding story - If Thomas Jefferson was wrong, was America wrong too? The authors of “Thomas Jefferson Survives: American Independence in His Time and Ours,” argue that Jefferson's greatest contribution was not a particular policy, speech, or political movement. It was his faith that each generation could preserve and strengthen the American experiment in self-government. Jefferson believed that every generation inherits a responsibility to protect, improve, and pass on the republic to those who follow. And whether America succeeds or fails depends on whether its citizens are willing to meet the challenges of their own time. Ask them: What should the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence mean in 2026? Why did Jefferson believe "the earth belongs to the living" and what does that mean for Americans today? How has Jefferson been repeatedly reinvented by different generations of Americans? Peter S. Onuf is one of the nation's leading Jefferson scholars and former Thomas Jefferson Foundation Professor at the University of Virginia. Francis D. Cogliano is a leading historian of the American Revolution and the founding era. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705

5. ==> America, 250 Years Later: How to Reclaim Our Democracy

6. ==> MAGA: What Does it Mean to Be ‘Great Again’?

What does it really mean to be “great again”? And why is that phrase influencing everything from our politics to our pews? Rick Patterson, author of “The Matthew Challenge,” says the obsession with “greatness” has become a moral blind spot in American life. In his new book, the former evangelical preacher and adoptive father of four Black children, explores how this mindset has crept into churches, shaping alliances and behaviors that contradict the very faith they claim to uphold. With master’s and doctoral degrees in ministry and decades of experience in evangelical circles, Rick brings a powerful insider perspective to today’s spiritual and cultural divide. He makes the psychology behind it all practical and accessible, helping audiences understand how the need to feel “great” often strips us of the humility and compassion that make us human. Contact Rick Patterson at (517) 300-2706; rpatterson@rtirguests.com

7. ==> The Backlash to AI Content Has Already Begun — What’s Next?

Audiences are growing tired of polished, AI-generated content — and they can spot it instantly. Lisa Rothstein, New Yorker cartoonist, former advertising creative, and Axiom Award-winning author of Drawing Out Your Genius, saw this coming. Her answer: the messier and more human your communication, the more trusted you become. In interviews, Rothstein will reveal why imperfect hand-drawn visuals are now outperforming slick presentations for buy-in, innovation, and team alignment — and why that gap is only widening. She'll share quick techniques anyone can use to tap their own visual thinking, simplify complex ideas, and stand out as authentically human in an AI-saturated world. Ask her: Why are audiences turning away from AI-generated content — and what do they want instead? How does drawing badly actually build more trust than a perfect presentation? Contact Lisa Rothstein at (310) 388-8093; Lrothstein@rtirguests.com

8. ==> Careers That Will Thrive — Not Just Survive — in the AI Era

Artificial intelligence is transforming entire industries, leaving many workers wondering whether their careers will still exist a decade from now. But according to author and decision-making expert George Lee, some professions won't merely survive AI—they'll become even more valuable because of it. On your show, Lee will explain which careers are best positioned for long-term growth. He’ll discuss why creativity, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and adaptability are becoming premium skills, and how young professionals can future-proof their careers before the next wave of disruption arrives. He’ll also talk about why many schools and workplaces continue preparing people for a world that no longer exists. Lee offers a practical roadmap for thriving in an AI-driven economy. With experience spanning law, neuroscience-informed decision-making, and cross-cultural education, Lee brings a uniquely multidisciplinary perspective to the future of work. He’s the author of “SMART Parenting 5.0.” Contact George Lee at (604) 330-8697; glee@rtirguests.com

9. ==> The Biggest Financial Mistake New Grads Make

10. ==> Medicare Fraud: What You Need to Know Now

Medicare fraud is surging nationwide. Earlier this year, more than 1.3 million Americans got new Medicare card numbers after their information was compromised and many seniors and their families still may not even realize they’ve been affected. Medicare expert Toni King is sounding the alarm after seeing fraud firsthand, including over $9,000 in false medical claims tied to a single beneficiary. She explains how these scams are happening, why many victims don’t discover them until it’s too late, and what immediate steps people should take to protect themselves. On your show, Toni reveals how to spot red flags on Medicare statements, what to do if your number is compromised, and why even a small oversight can trigger major financial and healthcare consequences. She also shares simple, actionable steps listeners can take today to safeguard their coverage. Contact Toni King at (281) 677-3736 or tking@rtirguests.com

11. ==> What Most People Get Wrong About Healing

12. ==> Small Summer Shifts for Fewer Days That Suck

As we move into the summer months, Deborah Mallow says it’s a good time to look at what’s making us feel so tired and stuck. Deborah will explain why the best ‘summer vacation’ is the one we take in our brains when we stop narrating everything like a dramatic movie trailer. Surveys support this: nearly 60% of adults say they feel emotionally burned out, even when nothing “major” is wrong. That’s proof that mindset, not circumstance, often drives our mood. Deborah believes advice like “just think positive” often backfires and says simply making tiny mental shifts can change the trajectory of an entire day. She’ll share surprising tools that will help your listeners quiet their inner critic, break out of emotional autopilot, and find momentum without forcing motivation. Ask her: Can focusing less on goals and more on what truly matters actually make you happier? Why do so many people feel behind when much of their life is actually working? Contact Deborah Mallow at (516) 613-5359; dmallow@rtirguests.com

13. ==> A College Promise, a Surgeon, and a Remote Pacific Island

When told he'd never get into college after scoring a 7 on his ACT, Glen Robison didn't quit — he went to medical school without ever earning a bachelor's degree. But the moment that changed everything came when a Tongan friend helped him survive college academics, and Robison made a promise in return: one day, he'd go treat his people. Eleven years later, he kept it. What he found there — rare conditions, a boy whose limb he saved through improvised surgery — became the foundation of his book and his philosophy: when your desire is strong enough, step into the unknown anyway. Robison is a podiatric surgeon, 3x bestselling author, and the author of “Show Them: Stepping into the Unknown to Find the Answers.” Contact Glen Robison at (928) 351-0312; glrobison@rtirguests.com

14. ==> Get Real This Summer. You’re Not OK, and That’s OK

“I’m fine.” “It’s all good.” “I’ve got this.” Most people say these words automatically, even when they’re barely holding it together. Author Kat Perkins says that habit of pretending we’re okay is often what keeps us from truly healing. After losing her mother at nine, surviving foster care, and later facing breast cancer, Kat became skilled at smiling through pain. “It’s all good,” she would often say, even when it wasn’t. Everything shifted when someone finally gave her permission to admit the truth: it wasn’t all good, and she didn’t have to carry it alone. In this timely Summer conversation about renewal and emotional reset, Kat explains why acting okay can delay real healing, how unprocessed pain quietly shapes relationships and identity, and why understanding your story is the first step toward rewriting it. Drawing from her memoir “Girls with Pearls Have Power,” she shares how setbacks can become turning points, and why this season may be the perfect time to stop surviving and start rising. Contact Kat Perkins at (404) 800-3916; kperkins@rtirguests.com

15. ==> This Man Helped Shape Modern Satellite Broadcasting

Before Netflix. Before YouTube. Before anyone could imagine watching the moon landing or the fall of the Berlin Wall on demand, someone had to get that signal there—live, flawlessly, the first time. Bob Patterson was at the center of it. A pioneer in satellite broadcasting, Patterson helped deliver some of history’s most-watched moments, including major MLB, NBA, and NHL broadcasts, the first satellite news distribution service, and the world’s first international HDTV satellite transmission. On your show, he can take audiences behind the scenes of the moon landing and several other high-stakes, live television moments—where one failure could impact millions—and explain how those early breakthroughs shaped today’s always-connected world. Drawing from his book “Iconic Moments in Broadcast History: Live Via Satellite,” Patterson answers the question few think to ask: How did we go from limited signals to global, real-time connection? He’s a timely guest for shows on media, technology, innovation, and behind-the-scenes storytelling. Contact Bob Patterson at (818) 210-4965; bpatterson@rtirguests.com

6/23/2026 RTIR Newsletter: Hidden US Travel Gems, Every Newlywed Has This Fight and a Comedy Writer/Doctor Who Beat Stuttering

01. Iran Is a Bigger Defeat Than Vietnam
02. Comedy Writer/Doctor on Stuttering, Humor and Challenging Beliefs
03. Do a Show on Unsung Heroes: Celebrate Lifesaving First Responders
04. Interview the Ultimate Patrick Swayze Authority
05. It’s Wedding Season: The Fight Every Newlywed Has
06. America at 250: Hidden US Travel Gems
07. Listeners Want Uplifting Stories: This Guest Has 80 of Them
08. From Overwhelmed to Action: Everyday People Making a Real Difference
09. The Money Talk Every Parent Needs to Have With Their Grad
10. America is Running Out of Teachers: How to Fix the Crisis
11. The New Career Survival Skill Isn’t Hustle—It’s Recovery
12. Are You Sitting on a Nail? Stop Tolerating What Isn’t Working
13. The Nicest Person in the Room May Be the Most Dangerous
14. Ready for a Summer Health Detox? What to Cut First
15. Is "Good Vibes Only" Making Your Audience Worse Off?

1. ==> Iran Is a Bigger Defeat Than Vietnam

According to Paul Musgrave, Donald Trump’s war of choice in Iran has turned into a strategic disaster for Washington. The associate professor of government at Georgetown University in Qatar says, “At his second inaugural, U.S. President Donald Trump pronounced his hope ‘that our recent presidential election will be remembered as the greatest and most consequential election in the history of our country.’ By losing his Gulf war, Trump has achieved that goal. His choice to launch a campaign against Iran was encouraged by others, but fully his own. It has led to a reversal that marks a strategic calamity far greater than the U.S. defeat in the Vietnam War.” Musgrave can explain why this defeat looks nothing like other U.S. military defeats and discuss the differences between this and the Vietnam War. Ask him about the effect of the war on U.S. leadership in the global system and the consequences that the U.S. will have to bear. Paul Musgrave is an associate professor at Georgetown University in Qatar. I specialize in the politics of U.S. foreign policy. He also writes a newsletter, Systematic Hatreds, about political science. He has appeared on radio and television networks including CNN, CNBC, MSNBC, CBC, ABC’s “The World” (Australia), and Al-Jazeera International. Contact him through the Georgetown University Communications Department at gucomm@georgetown.edu

2. ==> Comedy Writer/Doctor on Stuttering, Humor and Challenging Beliefs

3. ==> Stories of Unsung Heroes: Celebrate First Responders

Every day across America, EMTs, paramedics, firefighters, nurses, dispatchers, and ordinary citizens step forward in moments of crisis. Most never learn what happened after the ambulance left, the emergency room doors closed, or the CPR ended. Drawing on decades of emergency response experience and deeply personal survivor stories, veteran firefighter-paramedic Brad Newbury and his daughter, EMT Kiera Newbury, celebrate the extraordinary ripple effects that can result when someone acts in a critical moment. Through powerful real-life stories of cardiac arrest survivors, near-drowning rescues, firefighters saving fellow firefighters, and families forever changed by CPR and emergency intervention, they explain why saving a life is never just about restoring a heartbeat. It is about preserving future birthdays, weddings, graduations, friendships, and generations that otherwise might never have existed. Brad and Kiera Newbury are the authors of “The Saved Effect: True Stories of Lives Reclaimed by People Who Were Willing to Act.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell)

4. ==> Interview the Ultimate Patrick Swayze Authority

Just in time for the 40th anniversary of Dirty Dancing, Jennifer Grey will be back as ‘Baby’ Houseman in Dirty Dancing 2. The film is slated for release next summer, but will it be successful without its other beloved star, Patrick Swayze. Ask Sue Tabashnik, the ultimate Patrick Swayze authority. She can also speak about the remakes of other Patrick Swayze movies. Sue was a writer for Patrick's official fan club magazine. She met Patrick and some of his family several times, which changed her life forever. Ask her anything about Patrick Swayze: Is Dirty Dancing the only movie starring Patrick that will have a sequel or remake? Did Patrick use his dancing expertise in Dirty Dancing? How is Patrick still entertaining and inspiring millions of people? Sue Tabashnik is the author of five books about Patrick Swayze including “Patrick Swayze: The Dreamer” and “Patsy Swayze: Every Day, A Chance to Dance.” Contact Sue Tabashnik at (248) 719-0326; stabashnik@msn.com

5. ==> It’s Wedding Season: The Fight Every Newlywed Has

Roughly two million American couples will get married this year and the majority of them will walk down the aisle between now and October. The whole machine celebrates them right up until the reception ends. Then on Monday morning the two of them wake up in a quiet apartment with each other, a stack of thank-you notes, a sink full of dishes nobody officially agreed to do and the rest of their lives. Most marriage counseling comes once a couple is struggling, years into the marriage, but pastor Mike Novotny says newlyweds need guidance from the get-go. He’ll explain why what happens in the first twelve months tends to stick and the fight every newlywed has by the third month of marriage. He’ll discuss how to negotiate the first fight, the first chore conversation and the first money conversation and why the order in which that happens matters. Novotny is the lead speaker for Time of Grace, a global Christian media ministry. His latest book is “Newlywed: A Christian Guide for Loving Year One.” Contact Marianna Gibson at marianna@jonesliterary.com

6. ==> America at 250: Hidden US Travel Gems

As America celebrates its 250th birthday, two travelers who have visited 90 countries, all 50 states, and seven continents say some of the most fascinating destinations are right here at home. Evelyn and Natalie Kelly reveal the overlooked places, quirky towns, remarkable people, historic sites, and cultural traditions that most Americans miss while dreaming of overseas travel. They’ll share why small-town America often tells the nation's biggest stories and explain how history comes alive through travel. You’ll leave this segment believing the USA may be the world's most underrated travel destination! Ask them: Why do you say America may be the best travel destination of all? What hidden gems, unusual attractions, and small towns should Americans visit during the nation's 250th birthday celebration? Contact Evelyn and Natalie Kelly at ekelly@rtirguests.com or (352) 661-2493

7. ==> Listeners Want Uplifting Stories: This Guest Has 80 of Them

8. ==> From Overwhelmed to Action: Everyday People Making a Real Difference

Your audience isn't apathetic. They're exhausted, and there's a difference. Activist and author Sam Daley-Harris has spent decades studying why engaged, well-meaning people eventually go quiet, and what it actually takes to bring them back. His answer isn't a pep talk. It's a method. On your show, he'll introduce "transformational advocacy", a practical framework that moves people from paralyzed to participating without burning out in the process. He'll explain why dramatic gestures and viral moments rarely create lasting change, why small, consistent actions are disproportionately powerful, and how ordinary people with no political experience or large platforms have influenced real policy outcomes. This is the segment for the audience who cares deeply, feels completely stuck, and needs someone to show them the on-ramp — not just tell them it exists. Contact Sam Daley-Harris at (202) 804-2504; sdaley@rtirguests.com

9. ==> The Money Talk Every Parent Needs to Have With Their Grad

As new grads head out into the world they face a challenging economy and a changing world. Financial planner, entrepreneur, and author Tom Loegering says the best graduation advice any parent can give their young adult involves their finances. Loegering can discuss how to avoid credit card debt, put together a budget, choose the best student loan repayment plan, start an IRA, and more. He’ll also show how small adjustments, even when you’re strapped for cash, can create meaningful change. Tom Loegering is also the founder and CEO of Golf Program in Schools, a nonprofit that has helped more than 51,000 students prepare for their futures. Ask him: What’s the biggest mistake young people make with their finances? What can people in their 20s or 30s do today? Contact Tom Loegering at (623) 400-8648; tloegering@rtirguests.com

10. ==> America is Running Out of Teachers: How to Fix the Crisis

Over 440,000 teaching positions are now filled by unqualified staff or sitting empty. Deanna Gilmore, Ph.D., says the only way to fix it is to make people fall in love with teaching again — and to pressure lawmakers to fund salaries that keep them there. A 26-year classroom veteran, former school principal, and university professor who trained the next generation of educators, Gilmore will share firsthand stories from teachers, bus drivers, paraprofessionals, and coaches to remind America what's at stake before it's too late. Ask her: With nearly half a million teaching positions unfilled, what happens to America's public schools? What concrete steps can communities and lawmakers take right now to stop the bleeding? How are school voucher programs making the teacher shortage even worse? Deanna Gilmore is the author of "There's a Pig on the Playground: Memorable Stories from the Schoolyard." Contact her at (208) 285-7567; dgilmore@rtirguests.com

11. ==> The New Career Survival Skill Isn’t Hustle—It’s Recovery

For decades, professionals were told the path to success was simple: work harder and out-hustle the competition. Yet burnout is now affecting employees at younger ages than ever before, with some studies showing Gen Z workers reaching peak burnout by age 25. Executive coach and former Fortune 500 HR leader Lindsay K. Barnett says the most valuable career skill today isn't productivity, it's recovery. On your show, she'll explain why constant pressure is quietly eroding performance, how "the power of the pause" improves decision-making, and why sustainable success requires planning, pacing, and play. She’ll offer practical strategies for thriving without sacrificing health, relationships, or ambition. Having advised leaders and teams across industries worldwide, Barnett brings both executive-level insight and real-world solutions to today's workplace challenges. She is the author of “Working Hell to Working Well.” Contact Lindsay K. Barnett at (310) 340-2579; lbarnett@rtirguests.com

12. ==> Are You Sitting on a Nail? Stop Tolerating What Isn’t Working

What separates top performers from everyone else isn’t talent, it’s mindset. In her recent TEDx talk, former LPGA Tour player and Hall of Fame golf instructor Cindy Miller explains why most people stay stuck: they’re “sitting on a nail”, tolerating what isn’t working instead of changing it. On your show, she introduces her simple framework—the Nail, the Mirror, and the Seed—to help your audience identify what’s holding them back, take a hard look at their own role, and choose one small action to move forward. Drawing from decades in elite competition, Cindy breaks down why perfectionism kills performance, how self-doubt is learned, and why small shifts create lasting change better than big overhauls. Her book “Take Another Shot” reinforces these lessons through real stories of setbacks and comebacks. Ask her: Why do high achievers stay stuck longer than they should? Can doing less actually help you perform better? Contact Cindy Miller at (716) 670-5341; cimiller@rtirguests.com

13. ==> The Nicest Person in the Room May Be the Most Dangerous

Everyone knows how to spot the loud, self-centered narcissist. But it's the charming one — the helper, the listener, the one everyone adores — who causes the most damage. Dr. Valerie Sussman knows this firsthand. After 20 years in a covert narcissistic marriage, this retired pediatrician became a certified Narcissistic Abuse Specialist dedicated to exposing what she calls the most dangerous predator hiding in plain sight. Sussman will reveal how covert narcissists use kindness as a weapon, why victims routinely doubt their own reality, and how to spot the warning signs before the damage is done. Drawing from her book “Love, Lies, and Narcissists in Disguise: The A-Z Guide for Survivors of Narcissistic Abuse,” she offers survivors a path from confusion to clarity — and from self-doubt to self-trust. Contact Valerie Sussman at (805) 407-5635; Vsussman@rtirguests.com

14. ==> Ready for a Summer Health Detox? What to Cut First

Summertime can inspire a good detox, but before cutting sugar or starting a cleanse, what if the first habit to rethink is caffeine? More than two-thirds of American adults consume caffeine daily, often without considering whether they’re dependent on it. Health researcher and author Norbert Heuser, drawing from over 45 years of study and insights from his book “Coffee Addiction & Caffeinism,” says caffeine doesn’t truly create energy, it often masks withdrawal and disrupts the body’s natural balance. He explains how everyday caffeine use may contribute to anxiety, sleep problems, chronic fatigue, fertility challenges, and reduced gray brain matter while remaining culturally normalized. On your show, Norbert breaks down how caffeine dependency develops, what really happens during withdrawal, and how to reset your nervous system without sacrificing productivity. He also shares realistic strategies and satisfying alternatives for those ready to try a caffeine detox. Contact Norbert Heuser at (727) 261-2313; nheuser@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Is "Good Vibes Only" Making Your Audience Worse Off?

Don’t see any guests or topics for your show? Search through past RTIR Newsletters and find hundreds of show ideas and possible guests at www.rtironline.com

6/18/2026 RTIR Newsletter: Mexico’s Big FIFA Moment, 9 American Political Types and How to Deal with Sticky Work Situations

01. Deciphering the U.S.-Iran Deal
02. Beyond Red vs. Blue: The 9 American Political Types
03. How AI Could Shape the 2026 Election Season
04. Mexico May Be the World Cup’s Biggest Winner
05. FIFA and Work: The Cost to US Companies
06. How a Black Opera Singer Became a Civil Rights Hero
07. Strategies to Navigate a Difficult Work Environment
08. How to Stay Indispensable in an Unstable Job Market
09. Can a Bigger Paycheck Make Financial Anxiety Worse?
10. $100 Billion a Year: What Crime Is Really Costing Taxpayers—and What Actually Works
11. How to Stand for What You Believe Without Burning Bridges
12. Practical Ways to Balance Self-Improvement With Self-Acceptance
13. 47% of Women Experience Abuse — Why Few Ever Say a Word
14. From Mormonism to Addiction and Self-Discovery: This Author Shares Her Wild Road to Redemption
15. The Simple Key That Turns Trauma into Triumph

1. ==> Deciphering the U.S.-Iran Deal

A U.S.-Iran deal is scheduled to be inked on Friday. Details are scarce, but the announcement has already calmed oil markets and pushed stocks higher. But many experts note that any expectation that this agreement could lead to a lasting peace could be premature. “We have been here before only to discover the parties cannot bridge the remaining gaps,” says Steven Cook, a senior fellow for Middle East studies at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). “Negotiations on the outstanding issues, especially on Iran’s nuclear program, will be long and difficult.” Ask him: How will the two sides handle the nuclear issue? How will they spin victory to their respective domestic audiences, and who are the real winners and losers from the conflict? Cook, an expert on Arab and Turkish politics as well as U.S.-Middle East policy, is a columnist at “Foreign Policy” magazine and has also published widely in international affairs journals, opinion magazines, and newspapers. He is a frequent commentator on radio and television. Contact him at (202) 509-8620; scook@cfr.org

2. ==> Beyond Red vs. Blue: The 9 American Political Types

3. ==> How AI Could Shape the 2026 Election Season

As debates over election integrity continue to shape American politics, one question remains unresolved: how can citizens trust election results regardless of which candidate wins? Beth Simone Noveck argues that the future of election security will depend not only on laws and procedures but also on how governments use technology to strengthen transparency, accuracy, and public confidence. Drawing on examples from the United States and democracies around the world, Noveck explores how artificial intelligence can help election officials maintain accurate voter rolls, improve voter registration, combat misinformation, expand access for disabled voters, and provide citizens with reliable election information. She’ll examines both the risks and opportunities of emerging technologies, showing how AI can be used either to undermine trust or to reinforce it. Beth Simone Noveck, PhD is an AI and technology expert, a Northeastern University professor, and director of The Burnes Center for Social Change and The Governance Lab. Her new book is “REBOOT: AI and the Race to Save Democracy.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell)

4. ==> Mexico May Be the World Cup’s Biggest Winner

The 2026 FIFA World Cup started this week with the U.S., Canada and Mexico cohosting the tournament. Foreign policy experts say current travel bans and aggressive immigration raids could negatively affect U.S. soft power, but Canada and Mexico may be able to reap soft power benefits from being on the world stage. Officials in both countries are playing up their embrace of diversity. Journalist Catherine Osborne says Mexico in particular—with its strong tradition of soccer and public festivals, plus its relatively low prices for tourists—has the building blocks for a great atmosphere. She can discuss how Mexicans are embracing the games—and tourists—and how the country is leveraging the World Cup to project openness, multiculturalism, and diplomatic flexibility, and how that contrasts with current U.S. border and visa policies. Catherine Osborne is a Brazil-based journalist and the author of Foreign Policy’s weekly newsletter covering Latin American politics, economics, culture, and environmental issues. She has reported for NPR, PRX’s “The World,” and “Foreign Affairs” and is frequently interviewed about Latin American politics. Contact her through her website at catherinecosborn.com or at @cculbertosborn

5. ==> FIFA and Work: The Cost to US Companies

The FIFA World Cup is in full swing for the next month in 11 American cities. It’s the first time the World Cup has been held in the U.S. in 32 years and fans are excited. But soccer's biggest stage is colliding head-on with the American workday, and employers should expect a productivity hit measured in the billions of dollars. “The World Cup is a once-in-a-generation moment for American fans, and matches falling squarely inside U.S. working hours will show up in absenteeism, in network traffic, and in the long lunch that becomes a long afternoon,” says Andy Challenger, workplace expert and chief revenue officer for Challenger, Gray & Christmas. He says, “Smart employers won't try to fight it. They'll build it into the schedule. The companies that turn this into a team-building moment, like providing a watch party, flexible hours, or brackets, will protect morale and probably get more real productivity out of the day than they would have otherwise.” Challenger will discuss how big a hit FIFA host cities will take in lost work time and why this tournament will cause so much disruption. Challenger, Gray & Christmas is a global, outplacement and executive coaching firm. Contact Colleen Madden Blumenfeld at (312) 422-5074 (office); (314) 807-1568 (cell) or colleenmadden@challengergray.com

6. ==> How a Black Opera Singer Became a Civil Rights Hero

7. ==> Strategies to Navigate a Difficult Work Environment

8. ==> How to Stay Indispensable in an Unstable Job Market

With mass layoffs back in the headlines and economic anxiety rising, employees at every level are asking the same question: “How do I make sure I’m not next?” Business transformation expert Shawn Fry says the key isn’t working harder, it’s think¬ing differently. After leading organizational change in 60+ companies across 17 countries, Fry noticed a surprising pattern: the peo¬ple who kept their jobs during uncertainty weren’t the loudest or the busiest. They were the most focused, adaptive, and connected. Shawn will discuss why traditional goal-setting doesn’t work in today’s market and the counterintuitive steps employees can take to become indispensable, even when their company feels shaky. Contact him at (330) 422-4090; sfry@rtirguests.com

9. ==> Can a Bigger Paycheck Make Financial Anxiety Worse?

10. ==> $100 Billion a Year: What Crime Is Really Costing Taxpayers—and What Actually Works

11. ==> How to Stand for What You Believe Without Burning Bridges

12. ==> Practical Ways to Balance Self-Improvement With Self-Acceptance

13. ==> 47% of Women Experience Abuse — Why Few Ever Say a Word

14. ==> From Mormonism to Addiction and Self-Discovery: This Author Shares Her Wild Road to Redemption

15. ==> The Simple Key That Turns Trauma into Triumph