Weekly Ezine Archives -

3/17/2026 RTIR Newsletter: Women and the SAVE Act, the Real St. Patrick and Why You Keep Choosing the Wrong Partner

01. SAVE Act Would Affect Millions of Women Voters
02. National Guard Troops Fighting Iran?
03. 250 Years Later- Understanding the Declaration of Independence
04. Who Was St. Patrick?
05. Study Finds Forgiving Others is Good for You
06. 70% of Professionals Feel Like Frauds—We're Ignoring a Leadership Crisis
07. Why You Keep Choosing the Wrong Partner—and How to Break the Cycle
08. For Women’s History Month: A Forgotten Figure in the Women’s Movement
09. Former Nurse and Stand-Up Comic Gets Serious About Healthcare's Darkest Secret
10. Beyond Survival: The Untold Life After Cardiac Arrest
11. How to Raise Emotionally Healthy Sons
12. How to Stop Saying “It’s All Good” and Start Healing for Real
13. Blocked Chakras, Blocked Health: How Energy Balance Affects Your Body
14. When Faith Defies Fear: Miraculous Encounters with God
15. Drawing Badly Could Be the Secret to Business Breakthroughs

1. ==> SAVE Act Would Affect Millions of Women Voters

The SAVE Act is headed for a vote in the Senate this week as Republicans and Democrats prepare for a showdown on President Donald Trump's voter ID bill. The measure would require a photo ID to prove U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport in order to vote. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, over 21 million Americans lack ready access to those documents and would face significant challenges in getting it. Anyone who has changed their name, including married women, would be impacted and potentially turned away at the polls if their birth certificate doesn’t match their current legal name. Experts say people of color, low-income individuals and married and divorced women would be impacted most. Named after Supreme Court justice William J. Brennan Jr., The Brennan Center for Justice is an American nonprofit law and public policy institute. To book an expert to discuss the SAVE America Act contact Lexi Kennard at (515) 343–6540; kennardl@brennan.law.nyu.edu

2. ==> National Guard Troops Fighting Iran?

Isaac Evans-Frantz, director of Action Corps says, “A growing bipartisan movement across the United States is advancing state legislation known as the Defend the Guard Act, to prohibit a state’s National Guard from being deployed into overseas combat unless Congress has formally authorized the conflict, as required under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution.” At a recent Vermont State House press event, after confirmation that the Vermont Air National Guard took part in attacks on both Venezuela and Iran this year, he said, “The Vermont National Guard is needed here at home to fight fires here, not be starting fires halfway around the world.” Defend the Guard bills have been introduced in a majority of states, and the bill has passed the New Hampshire House, Arizona Senate, Virginia House of Delegates, and Idaho Senate. The proposal has drawn support from an unusual coalition of veterans, families of National Guard members, constitutional scholars, peace advocates, and civil libertarians who argue that it protects both service members and democratic accountability. Contact Isaac Evans-Frantz at isaac@actioncorps.org; @theactioncorps

3. ==> 250 Years Later- Understanding the Declaration of Independence

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. ==> Who Was St. Patrick?

Each St. Patrick’s Day we eat green bagels, wear shamrocks and hoist beers to our Irish heritage, but what do you really know about St. Patrick, the man? He’s Ireland’s beloved patron saint and he’s celebrated worldwide each March 17. What did he do during his remarkable life, more than 1,500 years ago? What will most Americans, including those of Irish ancestry, be surprised and intrigued and inspired to learn? Invite acclaimed historian William Federer on-air to explore the compelling true story of Saint Patrick! With quiz questions and little-known stories, Federer will separate fact from folklore, helping everyone observe Saint Patrick’s Day with newfound appreciation and fascination. William Federer is president of Amerisearch, Inc. He is the author of many books including “Saint Patrick: The Real Story of his Amazing Life from Tragedy to Triumph.” Contact him at (314) 502-8924 or wjfederer@gmail.com

5. ==> Study Finds Forgiving Others is Good for You

Offering forgiveness to someone who’s hurt you is often easier said than done — but recent research adds to a body of evidence suggesting it can actually be a gift to yourself as well as the person you’re giving it to. In a study published earlier this year, researchers analyzed data from more than 200,000 people across 23 countries, measuring participants at two points roughly a year apart. The team first assessed how often people forgave others, then followed up on well-being outcomes such as health, happiness, relationship quality, and financial stability. While the improvements were modest, lead study author Richard Cowden says forgiveness can have a ripple effect — and it can be practiced. “If we consider these findings alongside intervention studies that show forgiveness can be cultivated, strengthening people’s capacity to practice forgiveness more consistently may benefit well-being.” Invite him to share with your listeners an easy-to-use five-step model that will help them cultivate forgiveness in their own lives. Richard G. Cowden, Ph.D., is a social-personality psychologist and Research Scientist with the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University and the Department of Epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Contact him at rcowden@fas.harvard.edu

6. ==> 70% of Professionals Feel Like Frauds—We're Ignoring a Leadership Crisis

Imagine sitting at dinner beside a Fortune 500 CEO—and being consumed by the fear that you don't belong there. That was Mike Sealy's reality during Hewlett-Packard's accelerated leadership program, and it sparked a decades-long mission to understand imposter syndrome. Now the author of “Mindset Unlocked” reveals how this silent epidemic costs organizations untold innovation and burnout. Invite Sealy on your show to discuss how imposter syndrome quietly sabotages talented professionals, keeping brilliant ideas unspoken and promotions out of reach. He’ll share his multi-industry leadership journey—where he deliberately took roles in new industries to stay on steep learning curves—and offers practical tools from his 10-step framework for developing a growth mindset. Contact Mike Sealy at (484) 477-4220; msealy@rtirguests.com

7. ==> Why You Keep Choosing the Wrong Partner—and How to Break the Cycle

Nearly half of American marriages end in divorce, and many people say their next relationship feels eerily similar to the last. Author and speaker Charisse Walker says it’s not a coincidence. Most people enter relationships without understanding the deeper beliefs, experiences, and patterns quietly shaping their decisions. On your show, Walker introduces the powerful idea behind her book Flipping the Iceberg: every relationship has an iceberg. The small portion above the surface includes what we easily see—attraction, personality, and shared interests. But the much larger portion below the surface includes our beliefs about love, expectations, communication habits, past experiences, and values. Walker explains how these hidden influences shape who we trust, commit to, and ultimately marry. She shows audiences how greater self-awareness can help people stop repeating painful relationship patterns and make more intentional decisions about love and commitment. Charisse Walker is an entrepreneur, author, and former host of the Emmy-nominated national television show The American Dream. She now speaks about the importance of self-awareness and understanding the deeper dynamics that shape healthy relationships. Contact Charisse Walker at (801) 251-6965; cwalker@rtirguests.com

8. ==> For Women’s History Month: A Forgotten Figure in the Women’s Movement

You might be shocked by the conditions faced by women in some cultures and countries across the globe, but Elaine Rock says your grandmothers here in the U.S. faced discrimination that might surprise you. “In the 1950s and 1960s, women couldn’t open bank accounts, obtain credit cards or passports in their own names, or make major financial decisions without male approval. Stewardesses faced marriage bans, mandatory retirement at age 32, strict weight limits, and humiliating body inspections.” Just in time for Women’s History Month, Elaine Rock will share little-known facts about the Women’s Movement and the forgotten civil rights trailblazer, Barbara “Dusty” Roads, an American Airlines stewardess and flight attendant, union organizer and lobbyist to Congress. Elaine says she was the hidden figure who really ignited the Women’s Movement— before it had a name. She met and interviewed Dusty numerous times and even appeared with her in the PBS documentary “Fly With Me.” Elaine Rock is a women’s rights advocate, a former history teacher and the award-winning author of “Dusty Roads.” Contact her at (707) 293-0000; ElaineRockAuthor@gmail.com

9. ==> Former Nurse and Stand-Up Comic Gets Serious About Healthcare's Darkest Secret

Kathy Allan spent 20 years as a hospital nurse before witnessing something that changed everything: cleaning staff in scrubs discharging new mothers, while administrators threatened her for asking questions. She realized healthcare had become addicted to profits over patients. Her shocking revelation: nurses are 18% more likely to commit suicide than the general population. This Board Certified Holistic Nurse and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner channeled her trauma expertise and background as a stand-up comic into Gutsy Nurses—a program teaching nurses how to survive a broken system. Inspired by recovery principles, she developed the 12 Steps of Healing Care to beat the industry's profit addiction. Contact Kathy Allan at (619) 932-5206; Kallan@rtirguests.com

10. ==> Beyond Survival: The Untold Life After Cardiac Arrest

On Valentine’s Day 2007, at just 27 years-old, Lynn Blake’s heart stopped. She is alive today thanks to a bystander’s CPR and local EMS, including firefighter and reality TV star Ryan Sutter. But survival is only the beginning. Invite her on your show and learn about the hidden aftermath of medical trauma: PTSD, shaken faith, and the question of why some live while others don’t. Hear how her story comes full circle through her son, named for her rescuer, and her nonprofit's life-saving work. Ask her: How did your cardiac arrest impact your life most? What two universal truths does your story reveal? What advice do you have that will save lives and souls? Lynn Blake’s memoir, “Heart of the Matter,” follows her experiences with an implanted defibrillator, spiritual reckoning, and the rebuilding of identity and purpose. Contact Lynn Blake at (970) 331-3983; Lynn@HeartHope.org

11. ==> How to Raise Emotionally Healthy Sons

In a world where boys are often taught to suppress their feelings, 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.” C. Lynn is the author of five parenting books including “Trying to Stay Sane While Raising Your Teen.” She’s an educator, speaker, and family dynamics strategist. Ask her: What challenges do boys face in modern society? How can parents raise sons who are strong without being aggressive? Contact C. Lynn Williams at (224) 357-6315; Cwilliams@rtirguests.com

12. ==> How to Stop Saying “It’s All Good” and Start Healing for Real

“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 Spring 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

13. ==> Blocked Chakras, Blocked Health: How Energy Balance Affects Your Body

When symptoms don’t respond to traditional approaches, Marilyn Mercado looks at energy. She explains how emotional stress and unresolved experiences can disrupt the body’s energy centers, often showing up as pain, fatigue, or recurring illness. Mercado helps audiences understand how chakra balance supports physical and emotional health and how simple awareness practices can restore flow. Her perspective offers an intriguing complement to conventional wellness conversations. Marilyn is an energy practitioner and holistic wellness expert specializing in chakra balance and mind-body healing. Contact her at (805) 332-4863; mmercado@rtirguests.com

14. ==> When Faith Defies Fear: Miraculous Encounters with God

Nancy Frecka brings a unique perspective as both a pastor and someone who has experienced extraordinary events. She shares insights about hearing God’s voice and trusting divine guidance in everyday life. Her two near-death experiences, encounters with Jesus, and the way God brought clarity and healing through moments of deep childhood trauma speak powerfully to the reality of surrendering to God’s will. When she slipped into death—twice—she never imagined what awaited her. Floating above her lifeless body, she watched nurses scramble, unable to find a pulse. Then came the divine encounter with Jesus Himself. Nancy is a speaker, pastor, and the author of “God Says, You Can Trust Me: Supernatural Encounters with God.” Contact Nancy Frecka at (330) 422-6955; nfrecka@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Drawing Badly Could Be the Secret to Business Breakthroughs

What if your messy stick figures could transform stalled meetings into breakthrough moments? Lisa Rothstein, “New Yorker” cartoonist and former advertising creative, has discovered that imperfect doodles beat perfect presentations every single time—and the science backs her up. In interviews, Rothstein will reveal how simple sketches get buy-in faster than any PowerPoint deck, why drawing badly creates psychological safety that "perfect" can't match, and how to use visual thinking in the age of AI to stand out as authentically human. Drawing from her book “Drawing Out Your Genius,” she'll share quick techniques anyone can use to simplify complex ideas, kickstart innovation, and finally get teams speaking the same language. Ask her: You say "the worse it looks, the better it works"—how does that make sense? What kinds of problems can this technique help you solve? How can non-artists use drawing to get breakthrough results this week? Contact Lisa Rothstein at (310) 388-8093; Lrothstein@rtirguests.com

3/12/2026 RTIR Newsletter: Is America Moving Towards a Draft? The New Era of Drone Warfare and Spring Travel Troubles

01. The New Era of Drone Warfare Takes Root in Iran
02. Are We Quietly Moving Toward a Military Draft?
03. Spring Employment Outlook
04. TSA Lines, REAL ID; Spring Travel Trouble
05. Craig Castaldo: The Real Radioman
06. How Global Uncertainty Is Driving Economic Anxiety
07. What ‘News Fatigue’ Does to Your Brain
08. NYC’s Mayor and Islamophobia
09. Inside Today’s High-Profile Court Cases: Is Justice for Sale?
10. Telling Women to ‘Lean In’ Failed. What Really Works
11. Is There a Way to Repair Slavery’s Lasting Wounds?
12. Reduce Test Anxiety by Changing How Kids Think
13. How to Rewrite Your Story
14. The Biggest Myths About Healing
15. How to Use Your Body as a Gateway to Higher Consciousness

1. ==> The New Era of Drone Warfare Takes Root in Iran

There are a lot more drones on battlefields today, but not the ones you remember from the global war on terrorism. Michael Horowitz says the world is seeing the spread of a new form of warfare. “The primary lesson of the Ukraine war has been that the world has entered an age of precise mass: an era in which states and nonstate actors, great power competitors, and minor powers alike will be able to field low-cost precision weapons and sensors at scale, at both short and long ranges.” He adds, “Precise mass continues to provide new and expanding options to less powerful states such as Iran—just as it has to Ukraine—but it could do the same for the most powerful countries in the world if they make the needed investments. Every military needs to take this seriously, especially the United States.” Michael C. Horowitz is a senior fellow for technology and innovation at the Council of Foreign Relations and director of Perry World House at the University of Pennsylvania. Contact him at (215) 573-5744; mhorowitz@cfr.org

2. ==> Are We Quietly Moving Toward a Military Draft?

A recently passed federal law seeks to step up preparations for and readiness to activate a military draft. The new law, set to take effect at the end of December, authorizes the federal Selective Service System (SSS) to begin using automated involuntary registration to increase the number of individuals currently listed in the agency’s database of potential draftees. Invite anti-draft activist Edward Hasbrouck to talk about the implications of the automation and why he and other groups are opposed. Hasbrouck just wrote the piece “As U.S. Military Threats and Actions Escalate, Coalition Calls for Ending Preparations for a Military Draft” for AntiWar.com. Late last year he wrote “Congress Quietly Moves U.S. Closer to Military Draft” for Responsible Statecraft. He maintains the Resisters.info website and publishes the “Resistance News” newsletter. He was imprisoned in 1983-1984 for organizing resistance to draft registration. Contact Edward Hasbrouck at edward@hasbrouck.org

3. ==> Looking for a Job? Spring Employment Outlook

Job cuts were down in February, but employers have also put the brakes on hiring plans. So, whether you’re looking for work or you’re worried about a layoff, it’s not the best of environments. Invite workplace expert John Challenger to discuss the current employment picture. He says, “February’s dip is a nice reprieve from the elevated job cut plans to start the year. But with U.S. involvement in a growing war in Iran, the end of Q1 may bring more layoff plans as companies tighten belts amid uncertainty and higher costs.” He’ll explain which industries are cutting most and why, and share strategies for those looking for work right now. John Challenger is chief revenue officer at Challenger, Gray & Christmas, a global outplacement and executive coaching firm. Contact Coleen Madden Blumenfeld at (312) 422-5074; (314) 807-1568 (cell) or colleenmadden@challengergray.com

4. ==> TSA Lines, REAL ID; Spring Travel Trouble

Between TSA slowdowns and the implementation of REAL ID, Spring Break travel is proving to be more difficult this year. Airlines are anticipating a record-breaking number of travelers from now through April and many Americans are unprepared for new travel rules and delays. Michael Vater, ‘The Travelling Lawyer’, will explain what you’ll need to satisfy the new REAL ID requirements and warns that failing to have the proper paperwork could cost you $45 or even result in you being denied boarding. He can also discuss how the partial government shutdown is affecting travel programs like TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry. Michael Vater is managing partner of the Ticktin Law Group. Contact Adrienne Mazzone at (561) 908-1683; amazzone@transmediagroup.com

5. ==> Craig Castaldo: The Real Radioman

Craig Castaldo, better known as Radioman, is the subject of a new unscripted YouTube series that offers an unfiltered look at one of New York City’s most recognizable and beloved film personalities. “Craig Castaldo: The Real Radioman” chronicles the extraordinary life of Radioman — a man who went from years of vagrancy, alcoholism, and mental illness to becoming an unlikely fixture of the entertainment industry, with more than 300 cameos in major motion pictures and friendships that span Hollywood’s biggest names. Known for his signature boombox worn proudly around his neck, Radioman has become a symbol of perseverance, authenticity, and old-school movie magic. Available now for interviews, Craig Castaldo is opening up about his journey — from surviving the streets of New York to finding purpose, community, and recognition through film. Contact Sean@TheBrand.Partners

6. ==> How Global Uncertainty Is Driving Economic Anxiety

Global conflict, inflation headlines, shifting alliances, and nonstop market volatility are leaving Americans uneasy about their financial future. Economist Mitch Francis explains why today’s uncertainty feels different and why economic anxiety is becoming a defining stressor of 2026. He’ll discuss how fear-driven headlines influence spending, investing, and decision-making, often in ways that quietly undermine long-term stability. Francis also breaks down what actually matters amid the noise, helping listeners separate signal from panic and regain a sense of control. He’s a smart, grounded voice to help audiences process economic fear without political spin. Mitch Francis is an economist and systems strategist who studies how global forces, policy decisions, and human behavior shape financial outcomes. Contact him at (424) 380-4561; mfrancis@rtiguests.com

7. ==> What ‘News Fatigue’ Does to Your Brain

War coverage, geopolitical threats, and constant crisis alerts are taking a psychological toll on all of us, and often without us realizing it. Psychologist Dr. Stephen Sideroff explains how repeated exposure to conflict news activates the brain’s stress response, disrupts sleep, increases anxiety, and accelerates emotional burnout. He’ll help your audience understand why their nervous system treats nonstop headlines as personal danger and share practical ways to stay informed without becoming overwhelmed. Stephen Sideroff is a UCLA psychologist and author specializing in stress, resilience, and the biological impact of chronic anxiety. He can translate neuroscience into everyday language while offering calm, credible coping tools. Contact Stephen at (213) 660-4659; ssideroff@rtirguests.com

8. ==> NYC’s Mayor and Islamophobia

The suspects in a weekend bomb scare at an anti-Muslim protest near the home of NYC’s mayor were counter-protestors who claim they were inspired by ISIS and were hoping to inflict mass casualties. Daisy Khan, a national Muslim leader, author and peacebuilding expert had hoped the election of Zohran Mamdani would be a turning point amid the country’s rise in Muslim hate crimes and fears it could be a flashpoint. She’ll explain why religious bias is spiking, and how backlash against Muslim leaders forms. She’ll also share practical steps communities, schools, hospitals, and workplaces can take right now to stop microaggressions, lower tensions, and rebuild trust across faith lines. Contact Daisy Khan at (917) 905-7829; dkhan@rtirguests.com

9. ==> Inside Today’s High-Profile Court Cases: Is Justice for Sale?

Whether your listeners are trying to follow high-profile criminal trials or understand the role of politics within the courts, it can be hard to make sense of how our legal system really works. James Porfido has decades of experience on both sides of the bench as a former prosecutor and a defense attorney. He says justice may be blind, but it’s certainly not cheap and will reveal how money plays an outsized role in who wins in court, and who loses everything. He’ll expose how wealth tips the scales: from bail to legal strategy to sentencing. His book, “Unequal Justice,” dives deep into the systemic gaps that disadvantage the poor and protect the powerful. With high-profile trials in the news and court cases continually making headlines, this is the perfect time to explore whether the justice system is truly fair—or just for sale. Contact James Porfido at (973) 620-2157; jporfido@rtirguests.com

10. ==> Telling Women to ‘Lean In’ Failed. What Really Works

For decades, women were told to lean in, speak up, and push harder. Yet women in tech, finance, and other demanding fields are burning out and leaving leadership roles at record rates, with 43% of women leaders reporting burnout, compared to 31% of men. Master life coach and former banking executive Amanda Christian says the problem isn’t ambition. It’s the “translation tax” women pay in male-dominated workplaces when they’re constantly adjusting how they speak, lead, and make decisions in order to be taken seriously. Her book “The Skeptical Executive” outlines a research-backed alternative leadership approach that integrates mind, body, heart, and soul so high-achieving women can lead without burning out. Book her for a segment that shows why “lean in” backfired and what women and companies can do right now to stop losing their best female leaders. Contact Amanda Christian at (704) 610-1637; achristian@rtirguests.com

11. ==> Is There a Way to Repair Slavery’s Lasting Wounds?

Lauraine White warns America’s reckoning with slavery can’t wait another generation. As President Trump’s non-inclusive politics fuel new battles over DEI, history standards and voting rights, she says the time for denial is over. With both enslaved and Confederate blood in her family line, White argues that real healing requires more than apologies. Her Freedom Wealth Fund lays out measurable steps that include erasing student-loan debt for descendants of slaves, free education, and rewriting U.S. history curricula to tell the full truth about the transatlantic slave trade. White insists this isn’t about relitigating the past—it’s a practical blueprint for a just future. With nearly 60% of Americans saying slavery still affects Black people’s position in society today (Pew Research), her plan will spark headlines, debate and the uncomfortable, but necessary, conversation America keeps postponing. Sample questions: Can a Confederate descendant credibly lead the call for reparations, or is that exactly why she should? Is student-debt forgiveness for descendants a fair, targeted form of reparations that taxpayers can accept? Contact lwhite@rtirguests.com (email preferred) or (770) 525-8743

12. ==> Reduce Test Anxiety by Changing How Kids Think

Most parents try to reduce test anxiety by pushing kids to study harder. Sharon Emily says that approach often backfires. When children feel pressured to perform, their brains shift into fear mode, which actually makes learning harder. A former counselor, Franklin Covey-trained facilitator, and educator, Sharon helps families understand how thoughts quietly shape behavior, confidence, and results. She teaches why creativity, repetition, and imagination can be more effective than checklists, rewards, or threats. Her book “Mirror of Myself” grew out of a simple insight: when kids learn to focus on possibility instead of fear, their choices change naturally. Sharon explains why positive thinking is not about ignoring reality, why mistakes can build confidence faster than success, and how the same mindset tools work across parenting, school, and life. Her approach gives families practical ways to calm anxiety and improve performance during high-stakes testing seasons. Contact Sharon Emily at (480) 470-3893 or semily@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 Biggest Myths About Healing

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. ==> How to Use Your Body as a Gateway to Higher Consciousness

Doreen Mary Bray, who has worked between worlds for over 40 years as a naturopath and mystical guide, carries a radical message: your body isn't a vehicle you're trapped in—it's what your soul longed for and chose. She teaches that souls wait lifetimes for the privilege of embodiment, selecting parents, place, and form to walk on beaches, feel touch, and experience love. In interviews, Bray will reveal how souls choose incarnation and what that means for how we live. She'll explain why anxiety and depression may be your soul's language trying to break through and why learning to honor the body as sacred—not fix or transcend it—is the awakening our time demands. Listeners will discover practices for hearing their soul's voice and understanding embodiment as the miracle it truly is. Doreen Mary Bray is the author of “The Angel and the Avatar.” Contact Doreen Bray at (438) 802-0280; Dbray@rtirguests.com

3/10/2026 RTIR Newsletter: Iran War Costs, Why Nobody Wants to Be a Teacher and How Seniors Stay Sexy

01. What’s the Iran War Costing Us? About $59 Million a Day
02. Trump’s Way of War: The Anti-Powell Doctrine
03. Armageddon It Done: Is the Military Pushing Prophecy?
04. Daylight Savings Health Risks Last Weeks
05. How Older Adults Are Improving Their ‘Sex Span’
06. Forget Role Models: Leadership Lessons from Rebels, Pirates, and Outlaws
07. How to Lead Peacefully in a World Full of Conflict
08. Think You’re Bad at Math? This Guest Says You Were Taught Wrong!
09. Why No One Wants to Teach Anymore — And How We Bring Them Back
10. Afterlife Encounters: A Dominican Priest Who Talks to the Dead
11. Can a Hidden Letter Unite Jews, Christians, and Muslims? The Reason You’re Stuck Has Nothing to Do with Willpower
12. The Reason You’re Stuck Has Nothing to Do with Willpower
13. This Guest Turns Problem Pooches into Perfect Pups
14. You Don’t Need a New You — Just Be the Real You
15. Meet the 90-Year-Old with a Ten-Year Plan

1. ==> What’s the Iran War Costing Us? About $59 Million a Day

According to a new fact sheet from the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS), the war in Iran is already costing Americans an estimated $59.3 million dollars a day. Hanna Homestead, a research analyst with the National Priorities Project at IPS, says, “Just operating aircraft and ships in the region is costing nearly $60 million per day. That is just a fraction of the total cost; it doesn’t include munitions and troop deployment. The cost of munitions is already expected to be in the billions. We are still learning about the costs of this catastrophic war of choice. But the costs are real and mounting.” She adds, “All of this funding is being paid for out of a trillion-dollar war budget while American people are struggling to meet their needs. The daily cost of the Iran war would be enough to cover the daily cost of Medicaid for all 16 million of the people who are expected to lose benefits as a result of GOP budget cuts.” Contact Hanna Homestead at hanna@ips-dc.org

2. ==> Trump’s Way of War: The Anti-Powell Doctrine

Foreign policy expert Richard Fontaine says Donald Trump’s bombing of Iran reflects a new way of war—visible across multiple interventions, from the Red Sea to Venezuela—that inverts the traditional thinking on the use of force. The Center for a New American Security CEO describes it as the anti-Powell Doctrine. Developed during the Gulf War, it held the use of force as a last resort after political, diplomatic, and economic means failed. “Trump’s approach, on the other hand, has been to use ambiguity as a source of advantage, to catch his opponents off guard. For Trump, it seems, force is not something to employ only when all other means have been exhausted, but rather one of several tools available to increase leverage, maximize surprise, and produce outcomes,” he says. “Short, sharp uses of force that preserve flexibility in decision-making, leverage ambiguity and surprise, minimize the chances of quagmire, and end with a ‘good enough’ outcome might be the best approach to many cases. They are likely not the best approach to all cases, however, and the limits of Trump’s way of war may soon be clear.” Richard Fontaine has worked at the U.S. Department of State, on the National Security Council, and as a foreign policy adviser to U.S. Senator John McCain. Contact him at (202) 292-4194; comms@cnas.org

3. ==> Armageddon It Done: Is the Military Pushing Prophecy?

A deeply unsettling question is beginning to surface in both political and religious circles: What if some leaders believe they are meant to help bring about Armageddon? It sounds like the plot of a dystopian novel. Yet recent reporting has raised alarms about the dangerous intersection of theology, power, and war. According to a new report highlighted by Military.com, hundreds of complaints have emerged from U.S. service members alleging that certain military officers framed the current conflict with Iran in explicitly Biblical terms, presenting it as part of a prophetic mandate tied to End Times scripture. Chris Bennett has spent years examining the relationship between Biblical prophecy and modern geopolitics. He can explain why some believers see current events as signs that the prophetic timeline described in scripture is unfolding in real time. Bennett warns that prophecy becomes dangerous when people stop interpreting it and begin trying to fulfill it. He’ll unpack the theology, the geopolitics, and the growing belief among some observers that Armageddon is not just a prophecy people are watching—but one some may be trying to help create. Chris Bennett has been researching the historical role of cannabis in the spiritual life of humanity for more than three decades and is the author of several books on the subject. His research has received international attention from the BBC, Guardian, “Sunday Times,” “Washington Post,” Vice and other media sources. Contact him at (512) 966-0983 (call or text); Bookings@Specialguests.com

4. ==> Daylight Savings Health Risks Last Weeks

We lost an hour of sleep this weekend when we switched to Daylight Savings Time, but the American Heart Association (AHA) warns of a bigger problem connected to turning the clocks ahead. Researchers have noticed a significant increase in heart attacks and strokes in the days and weeks following the time change over the last several years. While it’s not conclusive why this connection exists, researchers suggest it may have something to do with the time change messing up people’s sleep cycles and circadian rhythms. “It’s important to be aware of this increased risk, especially if you already have heart disease or other risk factors,” says AHA volunteer expert Maria Delgado-Lelievre, M.D., a distinguished hypertension specialist at the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine. She says getting out into nature as much as possible can help ease into the time change and warns against consuming extra caffeine to get through the transition. Contact Cathy Lewis at the American Heart Association at (214) 706-1173; cathy.lewis@heart.org

5. ==> How Older Adults Are Improving Their ‘Sex Span’

One of the largest surveys to measure sexual activity among older adults in the U.S. found that more than half of adults 65 to 74 reported being sexually active, and more than a quarter of those 75 to 85 said the same. “The narrative that we have about older adults not having sex is, really, ageism,” says Rosara Torrisi, a licensed clinical social worker and founder of the Long Island Institute of Sex Therapy. “Many people start to enjoy their sexuality a lot more as older adults,” she adds. “There’s this idea that they say, ‘Screw it. I’m not waiting around. I’m going to say what I want.” Torrisi can discuss the benefits of sex as we age, the issues, both physical and mental, that can make sex difficult, and how creativity and medical intervention can help. Contact Rosara Torrisi PhD, LCSWR, MEd, CST-S, at the Long Island Institute of Sex Therapy at (516) 690-6779; Info@LISexTherapy.com

6. ==> Forget Role Models: Leadership Lessons from Rebels, Pirates, and Outlaws

What if the most powerful leadership lessons didn’t come from heroes—but from history’s most notorious figures? Author and leadership coach Steve Williams reveals 20 bold, practical lessons drawn from rebels, outlaws, pirates, and power players you won’t find in a typical business book. From Attila the Hun to Al Capone, he strips away myth to uncover the strategies that made these figures astonishingly effective leaders. Williams is the author of six books including “Notorious: Leadership Lessons from History’s Most Notorious Leaders,” and a certified leadership coach and QMS expert. Ask him: What are some examples of how these notorious people made great leaders? What are the comparisons between these and effective leaders of today? Contact Steve Williams at (920) 280-1068; swilliams@rtirguests.com

7. ==> How to Lead Peacefully in a World Full of Conflict

Your audience wants to lead better, whether that’s managing a team, raising a family, or navigating tense conversations in daily life. But most haven’t been taught a critical leadership skill that’s holding them back: how to navigate conflict in a way where everyone wins. Samuel Bentil, global negotiation expert and author of “Avoid Construction Disputes,” shares practical, eye-opening strategies that go beyond “managing drama” and show people how to lead with calm, clarity, and emotional intelligence. With 85% of workplace conflict tied to poor communication, and personal relationships suffering from the same patterns, Samuel’s insights help listeners show up differently at home, at work, and in their communities. Ask him: What’s the first thing to change if tension keeps showing up in your life? Why does traditional leadership advice actually create more conflict? Contact Samuel at (778) 656-0067; sbentil@rtirguests.com

8. ==> Think You’re Bad at Math? This Guest Says You Were Taught Wrong!

Craig Hane spent decades teaching math, and he's identified why capable adults remain stuck in lower-paying jobs: childhood math trauma. He says thousands of high-tech positions go unfilled while qualified candidates avoid applying because job descriptions mention quantitative skills.
Hane can explain how adults can break free from math anxiety using his SPIKE methodology. He'll reveal which math skills actually matter for career advancement and how his six-tier online program helps adults master practical concepts in weeks. Listeners will learn they're not "bad at math” they were just taught wrong. Craig Hane is the author of "How & Why Public School Math is Destroying the USA." Contact him at (812) 408-8047; chane@rtirguests.com

9. ==> Why No One Wants to Teach Anymore — And How We Bring Them Back

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

10. ==> Afterlife Encounters: A Dominican Priest Who Talks to the Dead

When people die suddenly, families are left with questions no one knows how to answer. For more than 25 years, Dominican priest Father Nathan Castle, O.P., has listened to stories from people who have died and come to him in dreams after accidents, violence, and suicide. On your show, he shares what these encounters reveal about shock after death, unfinished emotions, and why not everyone who dies suddenly gets “stuck.” With interest in near-death experiences and grief healing rising, Father Nathan offers counterintuitive insights that challenge fear-based views of the afterlife and highlight connection, compassion, and continuity. Producers get a compelling conversation that blends spirituality, psychology, and real-life stories without preaching. Ask him: Do people who die suddenly know they’ve died? Can helping someone who’s died actually help the living heal? Father Nathan Castle is the author of “Afterlife, Interrupted” (Books 1-3) and host of The Joyful Friar podcast. Contact him at (480) 680-9985; ncastle@rtirguests.com

11. ==> Can a Hidden Letter Unite Jews, Christians, and Muslims?

What if the answer to centuries of religious division and warfare was hiding in plain sight—in a short letter at the back of the New Testament? John Hageman spent over 30 years analyzing scriptures with scientific rigor. What he found could change everything: all three faiths share one scripture that can unite us all. Drawing from his soon-to-be published book, "Uniting Humanity Through Our Scriptures’ Hidden Secrets - Putting Our Religious Differences on Trial," Hageman will reveal how the epistle of James contains core truths all three religions can agree upon. He also shows why false prophets’ words were allowed in our scriptures; they are a test from our Lord, like the liars Job faced. Listeners will discover why scriptural errors don't disprove God's perfection—they prove we're being tested to defeat our common enemy. Ask him: As a Scientist, how did analyzing our scriptures like a technical document lead to these conclusions? You claim God intentionally allowed lies in our holy scriptures. How can He still be perfect? What's in James that Jews and Muslims would recognize as true? Contact John Hageman at (210) 806-7961; jhageman@rtirguests.com

12. ==> The Reason You’re Stuck Has Nothing to Do with Willpower

If willpower were enough, you'd already be free from negativity in your life. “What keeps people stuck isn’t a lack of motivation, it’s the nervous system holding unresolved survival responses from the past,” according to Lisa Morgan. “Real change happens when we work with the body, not against it.” Lisa’s world fell apart when panic and anxiety brought her to her knees. This became the foundation of her life’s work. Lisa is a master coach, intuitive guide, and soul-level healer who helps people break free from hidden blocks and rediscover who they truly are. Through her signature framework, Free Your Soul to Soar™, she bridges neuroscience and energy psychology to help people transform to reclaim their joy, worth, and wings. Contact Lisa Morgan at (314) 265-3491; lmorgan@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. ==> You Don’t Need a New You — Be the Real You

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. ==> Meet the 90-Year-Old with a Ten-Year Plan

At 90, Jim Flaherty is ramping up, not winding down. This former ‘Mad Men’ ad exec turns 90 in September with a mission: reach 7.5 million depressed seniors living alone in America. His secret? A mindset that refuses to accept aging as decline. Drawing from "Loving Longevity: Make Your Next Years Your Best Years," Flaherty shares lessons from his life including launching a country inn at 45 with zero experience, moving his kids to Buenos Aires, and caregiving his partner through dementia. Listeners will learn how to embrace aging with purpose and creativity. Contact James B. Flaherty (914) 326-2697; jflaherty@rtirguests.com

3/5/2026 RTIR Newsletter: New AI Scams, Good News About Low Birthrates and Meet the Star of ‘Donkey King’

01. Americans Are Skeptical of ‘Operation Epic Fury’
02. Trump’s Iran Campaign Ignores the Lessons of the Iraq War
03. Could AI Fix Our Broken Healthcare System?
04. Why Some Say the Plunging Birthrate is a Good Thing
05. Ron King, Star of ABC’s ‘Donkey King’
06. What No One Tells You About Running for Office
07. The Diplomatic Skills Every Leader Needs — But No One Teaches
08. Why Many Americans Will Work Past Retirement Age
09. Are You Addicted to Caffeine—and Don’t Even Know It?
10. Joint Pain Isn’t ‘Just Menopause’
11. The Hidden Meaning Behind Your Pain and Illness
12. Parenting Expert Shares How to Raise Emotionally Healthy Sons
13. How to Protect Your Parents From Today’s New AI Scams
14. The Mental Health Cost of Building a Business from Scratch
15. Gain Clarity and Direction: Interview This Certified Metaphysician

1. ==> Americans Are Skeptical of ‘Operation Epic Fury’

Initial polls suggest that President Trump has work to do to persuade Americans that he made the right decision in launching major combat operations against Iran. James Lindsay of the Council on Foreign Relations says three recent polls show Democrats and Republicans deeply split on the issue while a quarter of Americans remain undecided. “Trump does not have a deep reservoir of public support to draw on should U.S. combat operations in Iran suffer any setbacks or trigger adverse economic consequences. On the latter score, the price of gasoline could be a major factor in how many Americans assess the wisdom of the war.” Lindsay says neither Trump’s overall approval rating nor his foreign policy approval rating have improved after the attacks, consistent with prior polls that have found that his foreign policy decisions have not had a significant impact on how the public views him. “The doubts Americans have at the start of Operation Epic Fury will not affect the prosecution of the war in the near term. Trump has plenty of experience riding out bad poll numbers.” James M. Lindsay is the Mary and David Boies distinguished senior fellow in U.S. foreign policy at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). His work at the Council focuses on U.S. national security policy, the U.S. foreign policymaking process, the domestic politics of U.S. foreign policy. Contact him at (202) 509-8405; jlindsay@cfr.org

2. ==> Trump’s Iran Campaign Ignores the Lessons of the Iraq War

Linda Robinson warns that the disastrous aftermath of U.S.-led regime change in Iraq more than two decades ago could be repeated in Iran with an even wider threat of regional upheaval unless a rational plan for ending the conflict diplomatically is put in place. Robinson, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations who has reported on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, says, “The Trump administration may eschew any responsibility for what comes next when the bombs stop falling, but history will still judge the campaign based on the outcome for U.S. interests as well as for Iran and the region. It is still possible to fashion a plan that contains the threats that Iran poses to the region and the world, gains allied and regional support, and achieves verifiable agreements, but time is running short.” A former foreign correspondent for “U.S. News & World Report” and senior editor at “Foreign Affairs,” Ms. Robinson provides frequent commentary on international affairs and U.S. foreign policy. Her books include “Masters of Chaos,” “Tell Me How This Ends” and “One Hundred Victories,” about Afghanistan. Contact her at lrobinson@cfr.org

3. ==> Could AI Fix Our Broken Healthcare System?

Dr. Robin Blackstone has spent her career in healthcare as a surgeon, healthcare executive, and former global medical director at Johnson & Johnson. She says artificial intelligence and systems redesign could fundamentally restructure American healthcare, not by replacing clinicians, but by correcting structural failures that science alone cannot solve. Invite her to discuss why she believes that America’s healthcare crisis is not due to a lack of scientific advancement; it is due to misaligned incentives, fragmented data systems, administrative overload, and institutional mistrust. Despite leading the world in biomedical research and spending, the United States ranks near the bottom among developed nations in health outcomes, a gap Dr. Blackstone argues is structural, not scientific. Her new book, “Doctor AI: Reimagining Healthcare, Rebuilding Trust, Delivering Health 4.0.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell)

4. ==> Why Some Say the Plunging Birthrate is a Good Thing

You may have heard that America’s birthrate has fallen to historic lows and how that will have a devastating effect on society, but some say that’s not the whole picture. “There’s been a lot of doom and gloom about the birthrate, but the decline is also a success story,” says Karen Benjamin Guzzo, a demographer at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She points out that a large part of the drop comes from teens and women in their early 20s—the least likely to want or be able to provide for a baby. Thirty years ago, the growing number of teenage and single mothers was seen as a societal crisis, with poor economic and health outcomes for both mother and baby. Now, she says, the teenage birthrate is down by 70 percent since 2007. And the unmarried birthrate is down by 30 percent. “We spent decades shaming women for having kids under the wrong circumstances, for not having their ducks in a row,” says Guzzo. “Now they are holding up their end of the bargain.” Contact her at (919)-445-6881;
Karen.guzzo@unc.edu

5. ==> Ron King, Star of ABC’s ‘Donkey King’

In a country that can't agree on anything, a Saturday morning show about a guy who saves donkeys is quietly becoming one of the most unifying things on television. “Donkey King” premiered on ABC in January and has become a hit with viewers who say it’s changed their lives. The show follows Ron King, a former Time Inc. executive who walked away from corporate life to rescue donkeys. Five years later, Oscar’s Place has rescued 460 donkeys and is one of the most respected animal sanctuaries in the country. Ron didn't just change careers. He discovered that there is a difference between things that bring you joy and things that you enjoy—and he built an entire organization around that distinction. “Donkey King” airs Saturdays on ABC's Weekend Adventure block. Contact Ron King at (404) 664-1544; 409864@email4pr.com

6. ==> What No One Tells You About Running for Office

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

7. ==> 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

8. ==> Why Many Americans Will Work Past Retirement Age

Many Americans worry they are already too far behind to retire comfortably. Tom Loegering explains why so many people end up working longer than planned and why it is rarely too late to change direction. Research from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College shows nearly half of working households risk falling short in retirement, often because they believe missed opportunities cannot be fixed. Loegering is a financial planner, entrepreneur, and author who shows how small adjustments, even later in life, can create meaningful change. He 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: Why do so many Americans assume it’s too late to fix retirement plans? What’s the biggest mistake people make when working longer feels inevitable? What can people in their 50s or 60s still do today? Contact Tom Loegering at (623) 400-8648; tloegering@rtirguests.com

9. ==> Are You Addicted to Caffeine—and Don’t Even Know It?

More than two-thirds of American adults, and increasingly children and teenagers, consume caffeine every day, yet few consider it an addiction. Health researcher and author Norbert Heuser says caffeine isn’t just in coffee. It’s in soda, energy drinks, green, black, and white teas, and even an increasing number of snacks. And it’s quietly shaping our brains, moods, sleep, and long-term health. Drawing on more than 45 years of research and insights from his book “Coffee Addiction & Caffeinism,” Norbert challenges the belief that caffeine is harmless. He’ll explore how everyday use may contribute to anxiety, chronic fatigue, sleep disorders, fertility issues, reduced gray brain matter, cognitive decline, and even harm to the unborn, while also explaining why most people never question its impact. Norbert will reveal what science is starting to show, why caffeine dependence has become socially acceptable, how to recognize addiction, and practical ways to reduce its hidden effects—without sacrificing energy or performance. He also shares great-tasting, caffeine-free alternatives to coffee. Contact Norbert Heuser at (727) 261-2313; nheuser@rtirguests.com

10. ==> Joint Pain Isn’t ‘Just Menopause’

Many women are told their joint pain is simply part of getting older, especially during perimenopause and menopause. But according to Stacey Roberts, RN, PT, MSN, that explanation often misses what’s really happening inside the body. Invite Roberts to explain how declining estrogen reduces the body’s natural anti-inflammatory protection, making joints more sensitive to stress, movement patterns, and even food sensitivities. Over time, poor biomechanics and compensation after old injuries can quietly worsen inflammation, even without visible damage. “Pain isn’t just about wear and tear,” says Roberts. “It’s about how hormones, inflammation, and movement interact.” With more than 30 years of experience working with everyday women and professional athletes, Roberts helps patients address pain without surgery, injections, or long-term medication by restoring balance and mobility. Ask her: Why is joint pain so common during menopause? How do different hormones influence inflammation and pain? Why do women need to change the way they move during perimenopause and menopause? Contact Stacey Roberts (414) 522-6153; sroberts@rtirguests.com

11. ==> The Hidden Meaning Behind Your Pain and Illness

Chronic illness is rising in America, and many patients leave medical appointments with prescriptions, but few answers about why their symptoms developed in the first place. On this show, Marcel Vögeli explores how stress, emotional patterns, and long-term internal pressure may influence physical health. After eight years of intensive autoimmune treatments that managed symptoms but didn’t restore his life, Marcel began examining the deeper drivers behind his condition. He has been hospital-free since 2012. This is not about rejecting medicine. It’s about asking a broader question: why do two people with the same diagnosis often recover at different rates? Marcel discusses how understanding recurring symptoms, personal stress history, and emotional triggers may complement conventional care. Marcel Vögeli is spokesperson for “The Key to Self-Liberation” by the late Christiane Beerlandt, an encyclopedic work on the psychological and emotional roots of more than 1,000 diseases and symptoms. Contact him at Mvogeli@rtirguests.com

12. ==> Parenting Expert Shares 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

13. ==> How to Protect Your Parents From Today’s New AI Scams

Scammers are increasingly targeting parents and grandparents using sophisticated tactics. Many parents are conditioned to act quickly in emergencies and to help their children without hesitation, making them prime targets. From AI-cloned faces and voices that sound like loved ones to impersonation scams that mimic trusted companies, today’s threats are now past the ability for the human eye and ear to spot. Jocelyn King, founder and CEO of Smarter Online Safety, helps families understand why parents are targeted by scammers and what adult children can do to protect them. After becoming a victim of cybercrime herself, King joined forces with leading cybercrime fighters and learned cybersecurity, the Dark Web, and the business of cybercrime — and how to prevent becoming a victim. She was named a Top 10 Women in Cybersecurity and has helped millions become empowered and equipped to protect themselves in our AI world. Ask her: Why are parents such effective targets for modern scams? How is the new pandemic of AI voice cloning fooling families? What conversations should families be having before something happens? What’s the smartest first step when a call feels urgent but wrong? Contact Jocelyn King at (970) 762-7837; jking@rtirguests.com

14. ==> The Mental Health Cost of Building a Business from Scratch

Nearly half of all entrepreneurs report chronic stress or burnout, but Darius Ross says the real danger isn’t the workload. It’s the unresolved trauma many carry into the grind. He says when you build a business from nothing, the survival mindset that once kept you alive can quietly start working against you as success grows. In this timely conversation, Ross explores how urban trauma, financial insecurity, and constant pressure quietly shape decision-making, relationships, and leadership. A former homeless teen turned entrepreneur and community leader, he explains why success can actually amplify anxiety, and why mindset, not hustle, determines who breaks through and who breaks down. The author of “Mastering the TPS Blueprint” offers street-tested insights on managing fear, stress, and self-sabotage while building something meaningful, especially for entrepreneurs who never had a safety net. Ask him: Can trauma make you successful and still destroy you later? Why do some entrepreneurs feel less safe as they earn more? Contact Darius Ross at (347) 801-7956; dross@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Gain Clarity and Direction: Interview This Certified Metaphysician

Is your audience facing tough decisions, feeling stuck, or searching for a breakthrough? Dr. Dan Bartlett’s Magical Intuitive Readings help people gain the insight and clarity they need to move forward with confidence. A certified metaphysician and expert in Tarot and numerology, Dr. Dan has helped thousands transform confusion into clarity by offering practical guidance they can use immediately. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Dan combines intuition and compassion to help people overcome life’s curveballs, whether in career, relationships, or personal growth. Interview him to give your audience a new way to access answers, tap into inner wisdom, and start living with purpose and peace. Contact Dan Bartlett at (480) 841-0984 or dbartlett@rtirguests.com

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

3/3/2026 RTIR Newsletter: The In and Outs of an Iran War, Longtime Epstein Journalist and Burger King’s Problematic ‘Patty’

01. Inside Iran: What’s Next?
02. Outside Iran: The Big Picture
03. This Journalist Spent 15 Years Tracking Jeffrey Epstein
04. Burger King’s ‘Patty” Is Really Listening
05. Courage Isn’t Born, It’s Built: The Making of a Navy SEAL
06. A Forgotten Figure in the Women’s Movement
07. Medicare Mistakes That Quietly Undermine Your Health After 65
08. Beyond Survival: The Untold Life After Cardiac Arrest
09. What You Don’t Know About Yoga Could Hurt You
10. A Provocative Roadmap for Healing a Polarized World
11. How Psychedelic Medicine Changed This Psychotherapist’s Life
12. Feeling Invisible at Midlife? Re-ignite Your ‘Inner Sparkle’ and Be Seen Again
13. When Faith Defies Fear: Miraculous Encounters with God
14. Blocked Chakras, Blocked Health: How Energy Balance Affects Your Body
15. True Story: How Resilience Can Rewrite a Story of Trauma

This past weekend, the United States and Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Iran after weeks of military buildup and threats from President Trump. In a Truth Social post, Trump said the goal of the operation is to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and “to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.” As details continue to unfold, we offer two experts who can discuss the situation:

1. ==> Inside Iran: What’s Next?

Dr. Suzanne Maloney, a leading U.S. expert on Iran’s political economy and strategic behavior, says, “Iran’s leadership is navigating one of the most precarious moments in the history of the Islamic Republic. The regime is trying to contain domestic discontent while projecting strength abroad, but its margin for error is shrinking.” She can explain how Iran’s leadership calculates risk, manages internal pressures, and responds to U.S. and international actions. She’ll highlight the regime’s long term survival instincts and the structural forces shaping its decisions. Maloney is vice president and director of foreign policy at the Brookings Institution. Contact the Brookings Institution Press Office at (202) 797 6105;
press@brookings.edu

2. ==> Outside Iran: The Big Picture

Karim Sadjadpour, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and a widely quoted analyst on Iranian society and U.S.–Iran dynamics, says, “Iran’s crisis is no longer contained within its borders. Every move Tehran makes now reverberates across the region, and the stakes for Washington and its allies are higher than at any point in decades.” Sadjadpour frames Iran’s crisis within the broader regional and global context — U.S. strategy, Israel’s posture, Gulf states’ calculations, and the long term trajectory of the Islamic Republic. He can connect the country’s internal unrest to global strategic implications and offer an outward looking analysis, including what’s could happen here in the U.S. Contact the Carnegie Endowment Communications Department at (202) 939 2372; media@ceip.org

3. ==> This Journalist Spent 15 Years Tracking Jeffrey Epstein

The Trump Administration has declared that Jeffrey Epstein was not running a sex trafficking network for powerful men. But Americans know better. Investigative journalist and activist Nick Bryant has been tracking the Epstein case since 2011, and he posted Epstein’s “Black Book” and flight logs online in 2015. Bryant doesn’t mince words, and he doesn’t hold back when naming names. “Attorney General Pam Bondi is guilty of perjury regardless of the stock market performance,” he says. Invite the director of Epstein Justice to discuss the case, the latest developments, and whether the victims will ever see real justice. Bryant’s investigative journalism has appeared in “USA Today Magazine,” “Playboy,” “Salon,” and “Vanity Fair.” He spent seven years investigating a child sex trafficking network that was covered up by state and federal authorities. Epstein Justice is a 501(c)(3) working to expose and prosecute Jeffrey Epstein’s pimps, pedophiles, and the people in power who protected them. The group is currently lobbying an Independent Congressional Commission. Bryant’s upcoming book, “Epstein Unredacted,” is the unflinching cumulation of his 15-year investigation into the Epstein case. Contact Irene Proctor at (310) 721-2336; ilene@taghollywood.com or ilenepr@sbcglobal.net

4. ==> Burger King’s ‘Patty” Is Really Listening

Burger King is rolling out an AI platform called “BK Assistant” with a voice assistant named Patty. Patty takes drive-thru orders, monitors restaurant operations, and notifies managers when equipment needs maintenance or products run low. Every U.S. Burger King will have one by the end of 2026. It all sounds reasonable until Shelly Palmer explains that Patty will also monitor conversations, analyze tone, score worker interactions and evaluate whether employees are being ‘friendly,’ “It’s clear that managers are not needed,” he says. “An AI platform that listens to every word and watches each flame-broiled moment in the restaurant will have a better understanding than a human manager. No ego, no favoritism, just an “always on” management rubric that humans must follow.” Palmer adds, “That’s not exactly having it your way.” Shelly Palmer is the professor of advanced media in residence at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and CEO of The Palmer Group, a consulting practice. He covers tech and business for Good Day New York, is a regular commentator on CNN and writes a popular daily business blog. To book him, contact (212) 532-3880, ext. 2; info@shellypalmer.com

5. ==> Courage Isn’t Born, It’s Built: The Making of a Navy SEAL

Jack Ratliff served aboard destroyers and with Underwater Demolition Team 11, the elite unit that laid the foundation for today’s Navy SEALs. His new memoir, “Riding the White Bull: The Making of a Navy SEAL,” outlines the relentless physical and psychological training that prepares young men to operate under fear, exhaustion, cold, uncertainty, and risk long before they face real-world missions. He’ll share a rare, insider account of how SEAL-level discipline, resilience, and judgment are forged through training, failure, fear, and responsibility. You’ll hear the realities of cold-water conditioning, exhaustion, risk tolerance, and decision-making under pressure—revealing how elite training strips away ego and forces individuals to confront who they are when comfort, certainty, and safety disappear. Ask him: Why do you say courage isn’t spontaneous? What’s more important, toughness or judgement? What about ego? Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705

6. ==> A Forgotten Figure in the Women’s Movement

7. ==> Medicare Mistakes That Quietly Undermine Your Health After 65

Many seniors delay care or experience unnecessary stress because their Medicare is set up incorrectly. Toni King explains how common enrollment mistakes can limit access to doctors, prescriptions, and treatments, which directly affect health outcomes. She helps audiences understand Medicare as a health decision, not just paperwork. Toni King is a nationally recognized Medicare expert, columnist, and author of “The Medicare Survival Guide.” She has helped over 25,000 Americans navigate Medicare successfully. Contact Toni King at (281) 677-3736; tking@rtirguests.com

8. ==> Beyond Survival: The Untold Life After Cardiac Arrest

9. ==> What You Don’t Know About Yoga Could Hurt You

Some people think of yoga as a type of stretching. Others see it as a stress reliever. But Joann Lutz says that’s just the tip of the iceberg of what yoga has to offer. Invite this trauma therapist and yoga expert to reveal the deeper healing secrets of yoga. No matter what your body type or health challenges, Joann says there's a good chance that doing the right yoga practices will help you live a better life. Unfortunately, people often choose the wrong practice for them. Joann will describe which yoga practices are the best ones for each person and reveal why some popular yoga styles can make your symptoms worse. Joann Lutz has been blending yoga, somatic psychotherapy and neuroscience for more than 20 years. Her new book is “Trauma Healing in the Yoga Zone.” Contact her at jlutz@rtirguests.com; (413) 340-5056

10. ==> A Provocative Roadmap for Healing a Polarized World

Our world is dangerously out of balance and author Machiel Hoek argues that unchecked, dominant masculine energy is driving us toward collapse. He challenges: Where is the sisterhood? Where is the revolutionary feminine power we desperately need to reclaim the throne and rule for the benefit of all, not the few? Hoek can discuss the rise of true feminine power, the apocalypse we narrowly avoided, and the secret knowledge that can fundamentally change your listeners' perspective on everything. What if all of existence finally made sense? Hoek will reveal the secret of life and the true cure for global polarization. Machiel Hoek’s bestselling novel, “The Girl Who Changed the World,” is a powerful, uncompromising call for the re-installation of genuine, collective feminine leadership. Contact Kristin Andress at (217) 415-5996

11. ==> How Psychedelic Medicine Changed This Psychotherapist’s Life

Psychotherapist and author Anjalia McGoldrick traversed an unexpected path that transformed her life and work: psychedelic medicine. After surviving severe childhood trauma, abuse, and decades of conventional therapy, she reached a breaking point that traditional approaches could not heal. Her carefully guided plant medicine experience opened a profound door to insight, forgiveness, and emotional freedom she had never experienced before. She reveals how this powerful journey reshaped her understanding of trauma, inner wounds, and lasting healing. She also shares the potential healing powers of psychedelics, and how these help people who are battling mental illness. Anjalia is the author of the critically acclaimed memoir “The Child I Left Behind: A Mother's Journey to Healing and Forgiveness.” Contact Anjalia McGoldrick at (540) 616-3200; amcgoldrick@rtirguests.com

12. ==> Feeling Invisible at Midlife? Re-ignite Your ‘Inner Sparkle’ and Be Seen Again

Far too many women reach midlife feeling overlooked and unheard, quietly wondering whether it's too late for their dreams. Bobbi Wilcox proves midlife is not an ending but a meaningful turning point. Invite her to share ways women can gently reconnect with their ‘Inner Sparkle,’ remember who they are on the inside, and become hopeful for new possibilities in their lives. You’ll hear her personal story along with the inspiring journeys of other women who have moved through love and loss, healing and self-discovery, reminding listeners that no matter how old we are, our ‘Inner Sparkle’ is still shining, waiting to be seen. Ask her: Why do so many women believe it's too late for their dreams? What is "Inner Sparkle," and how do women reconnect with it? How do shared stories help women feel seen and inspired? Bobbi is a bestselling author, publisher, speaker, and creator and coauthor of “The Power of Inner Sparkle.” Contact Bobbi Wilcox at (719) 217-3260; bobbi@bobbiwilcox.com

13. ==> When Faith Defies Fear: Miraculous Encounters with God

14. ==> Blocked Chakras, Blocked Health: How Energy Balance Affects Your Body

15. ==> True Story: How Resilience Can Rewrite a Story of Trauma

Long before the current war in Gaza, Betsy Frischman Fischer was volunteering on the Israeli/Gaza border where she met Gadi Yarkoni, a humble kibbutznik with an incredible tragedy-to-triumph story. Invite her to share what inspired her to close her business and share his story with the world. Her book, “What Would Gadi Do?,” details the final hours of Israel’s Operation Protective Edge in 2014, a war that shattered Gadi’s community, splintered his family, claimed the lives of two of his friends and left him a double amputee. Betsy says that although he’d already navigated a lifetime of traumas, Gadi emerged from the tragedy with a smile and a strong desire to serve. She’ll share how his heroic journey is a powerful reminder that resilience can rewrite any story. Ask her: Why did it take so many years to write this book? What do you hope people take away from this story? Contact Betsy Frischman Fischer at BetsyDance@comcast.net

2/26/2026 RTIR Newsletter: New Epstein Bombshell, Iran Showdown and How to Get Out of a Funk

01. Trump Should Take U.S. Military Warning on Iran Seriously
02. New Bombshell in Epstein Scandal?
03. Trump Tout’s a ‘Golden Age’: How Americans View the Economy
04. How to Diffuse a Conflict in 90 Seconds
05. Stuck in a Funk? Small Mindset Shifts for Fewer Days That Suck
06. Why Low Birthrates Might Be the Biggest Story of 2026
07. The Risks of Being a Whistleblower: Speaking Up Is Dangerous
08. Why Evangelicals Are Losing Credibility with the Next Generation
09. The Protein Myth That Keeps Americans Sick
10. The Woman Behind ‘Neighborhood Watch’ Now Takes on Gangs
11. The Invisible ‘Leadership Tax’ Women Pay at Work
12. The Dark Side of Positive Thinking
13. ’Out of the Chair’ Thinking to Help Kids Focus and Learn
14. Breaking the Cycle: When You Don’t Want to Be Your Mom
15. Longtime LA Broadcast Journalist, Hal Eisner

1. ==> Trump Should Take U.S. Military Warning on Iran Seriously

According to several reports, the U.S. military appears to be surfacing their concerns about the risks involved in sustaining a lengthy conflict with Iran. Max Boot says the White House should listen, as a conflict could trigger several cascading consequences. Boot, a senior fellow for national security studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, will share the risks, and discuss how they are magnified because of the likely lack of support from any allies—aside from Israel—for U.S. operations against Iran. He says, “The United States could still successfully strike targets in Iran, but it is far from clear that such attacks would bring major concessions from the regime. The president would be well advised to take these considerable risks and costs into account before starting a war without an obvious exit strategy.” Max Boot is a weekly columnist for “The Washington Post” and the author of several bestselling books including his latest, a biography of Ronald Reagan, “Reagan: His Life and Legend.” Contact Vishnu Sriram at VSriram@cfr.org

2. ==> New Bombshell in Epstein Scandal?

There’s a new twist in the Epstein scandal. NPR reports the Justice Department has withheld key documents from the publicly-released Epstein files and they apparently relate to charges that Trump potentially abused a minor. Is this as bad as it sounds? University of Michigan law professor Leah Litman says, “Yes, it is.” She’ll demystify the legal ins and outs of these new revelations, lay out a roadmap to what will happen now, and explain the prospects for achieving real accountability. Litman is the author of “Lawless,” a book about the Supreme Court. She also co-hosts a podcast about the High Court called Strict Scrutiny, Contact her at (734)-647-0549; lmlitman@umich.edu

3. ==> Trump Tout’s a ‘Golden Age’: How Americans View the Economy

President Donald Trump delivered a record-breaking, 108-minute State of the Union address on Tuesday, declaring a new American "Golden Age" and touting his administration’s economic and border policies. But how do Americans see things? According to the latest Pew Research Center surveys, most Americans have a negative view of the U.S. economy, but opinions vary widely according to political party. About half of Republicans believe the economy is excellent or good while 78% of Democrats say it’s fair or poor. Overall, 28% of Americans believe the president’s policies have made economic conditions better, while 52% say they have made the economy worse. Jocelyn Kiley is director of politics research at Pew. She can explain the latest survey results and what they show about the country’s views on tariffs, the border and immigration, and Americans’ confidence in Trump. Contact Nida Asheer at (202) 419-4313; nasheer@pewresearch.org

4. ==> How to Diffuse a Conflict in 90 Seconds

Do you feel like every interaction these days could suddenly spiral out of control and into an incident? In today’s polarized atmosphere you aren’t wrong to be concerned. Invite professional conflict mediator Doug Noll to share ways to de-escalate just about any situation whether it’s a family argument, a squabble with a neighbor or a dispute at work. You’ll learn how to handle an argument and diffuse hostility with empathy, tact, and a clear mind to not only preserve relationships, but reinforce them to be more formidable in the wake of life’s inevitable hardships and obstacles. Doug’s neuroscience-based conflict resolution methods have been tried and tested in every high-pressure environment you can think of, from maximum security prisons and court rooms, to Fortune 500 business suites. Doug Noll, JD, MA, is an adjunct professor at Pepperdine University’s Strauss Institute for Dispute Resolution. His new book is “De-Escalate: How to Calm an Angry Person in 90 Seconds or Less.” Contact Mackenzie August at (661) 255-8283; mackenzie@steveallenmedia.com

5. ==> Stuck in a Funk? Small Mindset Shifts for Fewer Days That Suck

Most people assume feeling stuck means something is wrong with their life. Deborah Mallow says sometimes nothing is wrong, except the voice in your head that refuses to 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. So what to do? Deborah says advice like “just think positive” often backfires, but tiny mental shifts can change the trajectory of an entire day. She’ll share surprising tools that will help 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 even when so much in their lives is actually working? Contact Deborah Mallow at (516) 613-5359; dmallow@rtirguests.com

6. ==> Why Low Birthrates Might Be the Biggest Story of 2026

Births are falling, and fast. In 2026, France reported more deaths than births for the first time since WWII. China’s birthrate just hit a historic low despite massive financial incentives to have more children. Dr. Marina Straszak-Suri says this isn’t just a demographic dip. It’s a crisis with massive implications for the global workforce, elder care systems, and generational stability. This long-time OB/GYN will explain what’s really behind the fertility decline, and why most people are focusing on the wrong things. Drawing on 30+ years in practice and insights from her new book “Optimize Your Fertility Naturally,” she’ll also explain why lifestyle, not just age or IVF, plays a critical role in conception. Ask her: Which daily habits impact fertility most? Why are low birthrates more dangerous than most people think? Contact her at (613) 800-9412; msuri@rtirguests.com

7. ==> The Risks of Being a Whistleblower: Speaking Up Is Dangerous

Karen Horwitz, an award-winning public school teacher and whistleblower, describes what happens when educators raise concerns inside their school districts. “Schools are often described as the foundation of democracy,” Horwitz says. “What I witnessed was how quickly that foundation cracks when people are afraid to speak.” Horwitz says the pattern she documented was consistent: teachers raised concerns internally, and instead of problems being addressed, they quietly lost their careers. After speaking publicly, she co-founded an organization to prevent teacher abuse and began hearing similar accounts from more than 2,000 educators who reported retaliation. She’ll explain how silence is enforced through fear, power imbalances, and institutional self-protection. Horwitz is the author of “A Graver Danger,” which draws directly from teacher whistleblowers to examine systemic failures. Contact Karen Horwitz at (312) 498-9074; khorwitz@rtirguests.com

8. ==> Why Evangelicals Are Losing Credibility with the Next Generation

From Gen Z’s exodus from church pews to viral TikToks calling out hypocrisy, one thing is clear: younger Americans are increasingly skeptical of evangelical Christianity. Former preacher Rick Patterson believes it’s not a loss of faith. It’s a loss of trust. Rick says that many churches have aligned themselves with power and culture wars instead of compassion and character. As a former ardent atheist who now holds master's and doctoral degrees in Christian Ministry, Rick has a rare insider-outsider perspective on how the pursuit of being “great again” has distorted the message of Jesus as well as why the next generation isn’t buying it. Rick blends theology, psychology, and real-world stories to help audiences understand why this credibility gap exists and what must change to close it. Ask him: What do younger generations find most hypocritical about today’s evangelical church? Can politics and faith ever mix without compromising the core of either? Rick’s thought-provoking new book is “The Matthew Challenge.” Contact him at (517) 300-2706; rpatterson@rtirguests.com

9. ==> The Protein Myth That Keeps Americans Sick

A heart attack at age 70 forced Dorothy Greet to rethink everything she believed about nutrition, especially protein. After she and her 80-year-old husband ditched all animal products, their results were dramatic: normalized blood pressure and cholesterol, effortless weight loss, and energy levels they hadn't felt in decades. Now at 85, Greet is credentialed in plant-based nutrition from Cornell and ready to debunk the protein myth keeping millions sick. In interviews, Greet will reveal how Americans have been misled about protein requirements and why plant foods provide all the protein needed for optimal health. Drawing from her book “Go Veg with Class,” she'll share how two lifelong carnivores reversed heart disease through dietary change alone—and why it's never too late. Listeners will learn simple swaps to "ditch dairy" and "remove meat" while discovering how this shift could eliminate up to 80% of chronic diseases. Ask her: Where do you actually get your protein on a plant-based diet? You reversed heart disease at 70—what happened to your health markers? Why don't doctors tell patients about the power of dietary change? Contact Dorothy Greet at (302) 314-6010; dgreet@rtirguests.com

10. ==> The Woman Behind ‘Neighborhood Watch’ Now Takes on Gangs

Stephanie Mann was abandoned in Mexico City at age 15 and survived through community connection—now this crime prevention consultant with 40 years of experience knows exactly why gangs flourish. The answer: social isolation and fear, and the result costs taxpayers $100 billion annually. Mann will reveal why traditional policing fails and how her low-cost Neighborhood Safety Expert program succeeds. She'll explain how trained community members who look like and speak the language of residents build trust where police cannot, why drug dealers often control neighborhoods through gifts and favors, and how connected neighbors eliminate the isolation that drives kids to gangs. Stephanie Mann coauthored the book “Alternative to Fear: Guidelines for Safer Neighborhoods,” which helped establish the national Neighborhood Watch program in the 1960s. She went on to write numerous crime prevention books and founded the National Safe Kids Now Network. Contact her at (925) 438-0716; smann@rtirguests.com

11. ==> The Invisible ‘Leadership Tax’ Women Pay at Work

For years, women were told to lean in, speak up, and push harder. Yet senior women in finance, technology, and other high-pressure fields are leaving leadership at record rates—not because they lack ambition, but because of a hidden cost few organizations recognize. Former banking executive Amanda Christian calls it the translation tax: the constant, invisible labor women perform to adjust how they speak, decide, and lead in male-dominated systems. Over time, that tax drains clarity, energy, and confidence long before performance ever declines. Christian reframes the leadership crisis leaders keep misdiagnosing and offers a research-backed alternative that helps high-achieving women lead with authority and without burning out. Ask her: Why did “lean in” backfire? What must organizations change to retain top talent? A former banking executive, Amanda Christian is a master life coach and the author of “The Skeptical Executive.” Contact her at (704) 610-1637; achristian@rtirguests.com

12. ==> The Dark Side of Positive Thinking

Positive thinking is often sold as the cure for everything: pain, loss, confusion, or even a world that feels like it’s falling apart. But what happens when optimism stops working? Author Lydia Samaniego offers a counterintuitive perspective rooted in lived experience, rather than theory. She argues that forced positivity and manifestation culture can actually disconnect people from truth, responsibility, and the guidance of their own hearts. Lydia will explore why the deepest betrayal isn’t a broken relationship, but the realization that our trusted systems, from society to culture and even religion, can’t actually tell us who we are or how to live. She’ll share why real change doesn’t come from thinking harder or “staying positive,” but from noticing the conflict between the mind and the heart, catching inherited beliefs that no longer serve us, and choosing an inside-out path forward. Her story resonates with anyone questioning what to trust when old answers fall apart. Contact Lydia Samaniego at (530) 443-5826: samaniego@rtirguests.com

13. ==> ‘Out of the Chair’ Thinking to Help Kids Focus and Learn

Think kids need to sit still to concentrate? Research says the opposite, and so does math educator Suzy Koontz. With screen time up and attention spans down, Suzy offers a powerful, practical solution: movement-based learning. Suzy is the creator of Math & Movement, a program used in schools nationwide to boost focus, memory, and academic performance through full-body learning. In her segment, she’ll explain how jumping, hopping, and dancing can help kids grasp math and reading faster—no tech required. She’ll also share simple, at-home activities parents can use to help restless kids refocus after school. Suzy has reached over 1 million students and authored 20+ books packed with easy, energizing takeaways your audience can use right away. Contact Suzy Koontz at (607) 366-9588; skoontz@rtirguests.com

14. ==> Breaking the Cycle: When You Don’t Want to Be Your Mom

Many women fear repeating the emotional patterns they grew up with, but few know how to break them. When her own mother ran away with her boyfriend at age 13, Sabrina Ciceri learned early how deeply a parent’s choices can shape a child’s identity, relationships, and future. In her book “If It’s Not One Thing, It’s a Mother,” she shares how she stopped inherited dysfunction, rewrote her family story, and built a healthy life as a mother of six and grandmother of five. In an interview, Sabrina will explore why we unconsciously mirror our parents, how to interrupt toxic cycles, and why healing doesn’t always require confrontation or forgiveness. Her perspective blends family psychology, faith, and real-life experience in ways audiences rarely hear. Ask her: Why do we often become the very parent we promised never to be? Can you heal from a toxic parent without cutting them out of your life? Contact Sabrina Ciceri at (352) 308 1596; sciceri@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Longtime LA Broadcast Journalist, Hal Eisner

Hal Eisner was a fixture covering Los Angeles’ news for more than 43-years, first in radio and then on TV. Along the way, he covered many of the most consequential stories of the past four decades including the trials of O.J. Simpson and Michael Jackson, as well as fires, earthquakes, and school shootings. He also interviewed hundreds of celebrities both in their homes and on red carpets. But Hal's journey was not without its trials. In 2021, while covering a story in Hollywood, he was severely injured in a crash caused by a drunk driver. Invite him to share how the incident changed him and give listeners an insider's view of the broadcast industry, revealing the intricacies of news reporting and the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists. Eisner’s new book is “An Accidental Career: My 58-Year Adventure as a Broadcast News Reporter.” Contact Harlan Boll at harlan@bhbpr.com

2/24/2026 RTIR Newsletter: Tariff Confusion, Safe Shoveling Tips and Why Old School Parenting Will Fail Today’s Kids

01. How Trump’s Tariffs Could Survive the Supreme Court Ruling
02. How Dangerous Is Snow Shoveling?
03. What Saving Birds Can Teach Us About Saving the Planet
04. 5 Things You Never Knew About the Women’s Movement
05. The Four Eyed Revolution: How Glasses Changed Everything
06. Love After 50: Bigger Frogs, Brighter Red Flags
07. Interview the First African American Rockette
08. How to Talk Across Differences Without Burning Out or Blowing
09. Why Old School Parenting Fails in a High Tech World
10. Will Franchise Owners Survive the New Economy?
11. A Mindset Makeover for Families Facing Modern Stress
12. How to Rewrite Your Story
13. Think You’re Too Old for Big Goals? This Inspiring 87-Year-Old Aims for a World Record!
14. Can Christians Be Democrats? This Pastor Says 'No'—Here’s Why
15. This Pastor Died—Twice—And Came Back With a Message

1. ==> Trump’s Tariffs Could Survive the Supreme Court Ruling

The Supreme Court has ruled against President Trump’s use of tariffs, but Inu Manak says the president has other methods and authorities available to him that could keep his trade agenda alive. “While American businesses and consumers may cheer the court striking down Trump’s second latest tariff adventure, the court decision is likely to be a temporary break in the president’s ongoing trade wars,” But, she adds, “The unpopularity of the tariffs, and now, the Supreme Court’s ruling, could provide Trump a tariff offramp if he chooses to take it. He does not necessarily need to use tariffs to execute his overall trade agenda, which has been focused on negotiating deals with other countries.” Inu Manak is a senior fellow for international trade at the Council on Foreign Relations. Her research focuses on U.S. trade policy and the law and politics of the World Trade Organization. Contact her at imanak@cfr.org

2. ==> How Dangerous Is Snow Shoveling?

Mother Nature brought snow to much of the United States in recent days, and while it might look lovely, somebody has to get it off the sidewalks and streets! It may seem like a simple chore, but shoveling, especially after a heavy storm, can be a bigger danger than many people realize, and causes as many as 100 deaths each year. “Shoveling a little snow off your sidewalk may not seem like hard work However, the strain of heavy snow shoveling may be even more demanding on the heart than taking a treadmill stress test,” says American Heart Association volunteer Barry Franklin, Ph. D., PAHA, one of the leading experts on the science behind the cardiovascular risks of snow shoveling. He’ll discuss how snow shoveling affects the heart, who is most at risk for a heart attack or stroke and how to reduce your risk while shoveling. He’ll also share the common signs of a heart attack and stroke and when to call 9-1-1. Contact Cathy Lewis at (214) 706-1173; cathylewis@heart.org

3. ==> What Saving Birds Can Teach Us About Saving the Planet

Back in 2019, a landmark “Science” study revealed that North America had lost nearly one-third of its birds since 1970, a sobering signal of ecological collapse. But Scott Weidensaul tells a different, urgently needed story: where focused conservation, Indigenous leadership, habitat restoration, and long-term commitment have worked and what those successes mean for the future of the planet. He’ll share real stories about the species, people, and places that have seen the results of those endeavors and can discuss why some bird species are rebounding while others continue to decline. Learn what bird recovery reveals about climate adaptation and ecosystem health and why optimism—supported with evidence—matters in environmental reporting now. Scott Weidensaul is a writer and researcher specializing in birds and bird migration. He’s the author of nearly thirty books, including the Pulitzer Prize finalist “Living on the Wind” and his latest, “The Return of the Oystercatcher: Saving Birds to Save the Planet.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Reigan Wright at (703) 646-5138

4. ==> 5 Things You Never Knew About the Women’s Movement

Did you know that in the 1950s and 60s, women couldn’t buy property, get a credit card or passport in their own names or open a bank account without a male co-signer? It was also mandatory for stewardesses to wear girdles and submit to flick checks to ensure they did. They also were forced to maintain weight standards that would be shocking and unrealistic today. Just in time for Women’s History Month, award-winning author Elaine Rock will share little-known facts about the Women’s Movement and the forgotten civil rights trailblazer, Barbara “Dusty” Roads, an American Airlines stewardess and flight attendant, union organizer and lobbyist to Congress. Elaine says she was the hidden figure who really ignited the Women’s Movement— before it had a name. Among her many achievements, Dusty played a pivotal role in fighting and overturning the airlines’ ban on marriage and the industry-wide practice that fired stewardesses once they reached the age of 32. Rock met and interviewed Dusty numerous times and even appeared with her in the PBS documentary Fly With Me. Elaine Rock is a women’s rights advocate, a former history teacher and the author of “Dusty Roads.” Contact her at (707) 293-0000; ElaineRockAuthor@gmail.com

5. ==> The Four Eyed Revolution: How Glasses Changed Everything

Eyeglasses have become so commonplace we hardly think about them—unless, of course, we can’t find them. They’re just there. But what do you know about one of humanity’s greatest inventions? Who invented eyeglasses? Oxford scholar Roger Bacon pioneered the science of using lenses to see and then spent years in a miserable medieval cell for advocating that he could “fix” God’s creations by improving our eyesight, but many countries and cities have laid claim to the invention. David Dunaway, author of “A Four-Eyed World: How Glasses Changed the Way We See” can discuss everything from the history of deficient eyesight and how glasses are made, to the stigma surrounding them and the future of augmented and virtual reality glasses as he illustrates how glasses have shaped, and continue to shape, who we are. Dunaway is a professor of English at the University of New Mexico and the author and editor of 10 books of history and biography. He hosted a show on Albuquerque NPR affiliate KUNM for twenty years and has appeared on PBS, CNBC, and CSPAN’s Book TV. Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853; LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com

6. ==> Love After 50: Bigger Frogs, Brighter Red Flags

Millions of Americans over 50-years-old are reentering the dating world and discovering it’s more complicated than ever. Dating coach Dr. Victoria Vaughn says many overlook critical warning signs from charming manipulators to financial risk and emotional dependency. She’ll reveal the most common red flags mature singles miss, why loneliness can cloud judgment, and how men, women, and same-sex couples can date confidently without settling. Her insights help listeners avoid costly emotional mistakes while staying open to real connection later in life. Blending humor with hard-earned wisdom, her stories offer a practical “buyer beware” guide to modern love after 50. Dr. Victoria Vaughn is the author of “Oh the Frogs I Kissed Before I Finally Found My Prince” and speaks on love, loss, and reinvention in later life. Contact Dr. Victoria Vaughn at (512) 580-8531; vvaughn@rtirguests.com

7. ==> Interview the First African American Rockette

The Rockettes recently celebrated 100 years of precision, athleticism and sisterhood. The all-female dance group from Missouri became an iconic part of American culture soon after they arrived at Radio City Music Hall in the 1930s, but it wasn’t until 1988—more than 50 years later—that an African American dancer was hired, breaking the troupe’s longstanding policy. Meet Jennifer Jones, the woman who made history performing at the Super Bowl XX11 halftime show as a Rockette. Since then, Jones has become an award-winning performer celebrated for her pioneering achievements and unwavering advocacy for equal rights in the arts. Her groundbreaking journey has captivated audiences for decades and she remains a symbol of resilience and determination. She is the author of the children’s book "On the Line: My Story of Becoming the First African American Rockette,” and her memoir, "Becoming Spectacular: The Rhythm of Resilience" and is featured in a tribute to black artists, singers, actors and writers this month at the Hollywood Museum entitled “This Joint is Jumping.” Contact Harlan Boll at harlan@bhbpr.com

8. ==> How to Talk Across Differences Without Burning Out or Blowing Up

Americans are talking more than ever, yet we are understanding each other less. Differences in politics, faith, and values are making even simple conversations feel risky. National Muslim leader and peacebuilding expert Daisy Khan explains that many well-meaning attempts to bridge differences actually make conflict worse. She’ll explain why facts alone rarely change minds, how silence and cancel culture fuel division, and how simple language shifts can de-escalate conflict in real time. Drawing on her work training schools, workplaces, and communities, Khan will reveal practical tools for confronting bias without escalating conflict and share insights from her book “30 Rights of Muslim Women,” which challenges common assumptions about faith, identity, and equality. Contact Daisy Khan at (917) 905-7829; dkhan@rtirguests.com

9. ==> Why Old School Parenting Fails in a High Tech World

George Lee, lawyer and award-winning author of “SMART Parenting 5.0,” is helping parents prepare their children for a future defined by AI, automation, and constant change. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and technology research, Lee distills decades of teaching into 10 practical “future-readiness” keys that schools often overlook—like creativity, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and financial literacy. With experience spanning Eastern and Western education systems, he helps families nurture adaptable, confident, and compassionate kids ready to thrive in the modern world. Lee will reveal how to replace outdated parenting myths with science-based strategies for the digital age— because the best way to prepare children for the future is to raise them to think for themselves. Ask him: What are the most important skills kids will need to succeed in the AI era? Why do traditional parenting and education models no longer work? Contact George Lee at (604) 330-8697; glee@rtirguests.com

10. ==> Will Franchise Owners Survive the New Economy?

Greg Mohr predicts franchise owners will not only survive the current economic wave, they’ll thrive in the new economy! Invite him on your show and hear how franchising has become a reliable pathway to financial independence during uncertain markets. He’ll reveal how proven systems reduce startup risk while delivering scalable income opportunities for everyday investors. Mohr’s strategic guidance can prepare those considering business ownership. Greg Mohr is a franchising consultant and author specializing in business ownership strategy, investment planning, and income growth models. Contact him at gmohr@rtirguests.com or (361) 204-5470

11. ==> A Mindset Makeover for Families Facing Modern Stress

Across the country, teachers and parents are noticing that kids are more anxious than ever. Mindset coach and mother of four Sharon Emily believes the antidote is not pressure or perfectionism, but mindset. A former counselor and Franklin Covey-trained facilitator, she teaches families practical ways to replace fear with focus. Her new children’s song turned book, “Mirror of Myself,” gives parents an easy way to start those conversations at home. Sharon helps audiences understand how thoughts shape confidence, motivation, and resilience in both children and adults. Whether your listeners are concerned about school stress, social media, or the constant rush of modern life, she offers tools that spark calm, gratitude, and hope while still acknowledging real challenges. Sharon has practiced what she preaches, raising a son who became a millionaire before 30 and a thriving daughter living with autism. Contact her at (480) 470-3893; scarstens@rtirguests.com

12. ==> How to Rewrite Your Story

13. ==> Think You’re Too Old for Big Goals? This Inspiring 87-Year-Old Aims for a World Record!

Meet the octogenarian putting us all to shame. David Selley is rewriting the rules of aging — and the publishing world. With four books already out and ten more planned this year, Selley is on a mission to become the oldest person to publish the most books in a single year, and he’s not stopping there. Backed by a 65-year marriage, three citizenships, and decades of entrepreneurial wisdom, this globe-trotting powerhouse is also launching a global initiative to empower over 700 million aspiring entrepreneurs— proof positive that ambition doesn’t retire. Contact David Selley at (808) 229-3985; dselley@rtirguests.com

14. ==> Can Christians Be Democrats? This Pastor Says 'No'—Here’s Why

As a Black pastor of 18 years and a former lifelong Democrat, Frank Tull brings a unique voice to the intersection of faith and politics. Inspired by personal loss—a 25-year friendship broken due to his support of President Donald Trump—Frank now firmly believes that the Republican Party is far more aligned with Christian principles than the Democratic Party. "With powerful scripture-based reasoning, I address the role of faith in today’s volatile political climate, and why I believe that Christianity and the Democratic Party are mutually exclusive," he says. He is the author of "8 Biblical Reasons to Vote Republican." Contact Pastor Frank Tull at (469) 609-1385; ftull@rtirguests.com

15. ==> This Pastor Died—Twice—And Came Back With a Message

When Pastor Nancy Frecka slipped into death—twice—she never imagined what awaited her. Floating above her lifeless body, she watched nurses scramble, unable to find a pulse. Then came the divine encounter with Jesus Himself. Pages of her past flipped like a book until stopping at the moment that shaped her soul, a childhood tragedy involving her brother, a shotgun, and a haunted house. But death wasn’t the end. It was the beginning of a mission. Nancy returned from the other side with a powerful message. “The message of forgiveness is key to having a life full of peace, love and joy,” she says. Nancy is a speaker, pastor, and the author of "God Says, "You Can Trust Me:” Supernatural Encounters with God." Contact Nancy Frecka at (330) 422-6955; nfrecka@rtirguests.com

2/19/2026 RTIR Newsletter: The Worst State for Marriage, New AI Scams and How Numbers Affect Your Life

01. How to Stay Safe from ICE Confrontations
02. What the ACA Changed, What it Failed to Fix, and What Comes Next
03. Black History Month: How to Really Erase Slavery’s Ugly Legacy
04. Inside Today’s High-Profile Court Cases: Is Justice for Sale?
05. Is Where You Live Hurting Your Marriage? States With the Highest Divorce Rates
06. Half of All Cancer is Preventable: Doc Reveals Real Causes
07. How to Protect Your Parents From Today’s New AI Scams
08. In a Season of Political Chaos, This Activist is Planting Hope
09. Psychiatrist Reveals the Mental Toll of Living in America Today
10. 5 Things You Never Knew About the Women’s Movement
11. Medicare Mistakes That Quietly Undermine Your Health After 65
12. Gain Clarity and Direction: Interview This Certified Metaphysician
13. Drawing Badly Could Be the Secret to Business Breakthroughs
14. How the Wrong Yoga Practice Can Actually Hurt You
15. From Birthdays to Business Names: Surprising Ways Numbers Shape Success and Well Being

1. ==> How to Stay Safe from ICE Confrontations

In communities across the country, churches and neighborhood groups are preparing to confront U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) if the federal agency undertakes large-scale deployment of agents. But what can you do if you find yourself unexpectedly in the middle of a confrontation? Nithya Nathan-Pineau, a policy attorney and strategist at the Immigrant Legal Resource Center says immigration officers have been involved in more and more violent incidents in recent months making it harder than ever to offer simple, definitive advice to people about assessing risk in interactions with federal agents. If you find yourself witnessing an immigration enforcement action, she says there are some things to keep in mind if you want to stick around or simply can’t leave. “The goal is to be an observer and to document what is happening,” she says. “The goal is not to go and try to intervene in the law enforcement action.” And if you are recording an incident, she says, “We always advise people that if the law enforcement officer that you are filming tells you to step back, you should step back and you should say it out loud—‘I’m stepping back, I’m stepping back.’ That way you’re recording that you’re complying with their order.” The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) is a national organization providing legal trainings, educational materials, and policy advocacy in immigration law. Contact Nithya Nathan-Pineau at nnnathan-pineau@ilrc.org

2. ==> What the ACA Changed, What it Failed to Fix, and What Comes Next

With the Affordable Care Act once again at the center of political, legal, and economic debate alongside rising premiums, insurer consolidation, physician burnout, and the rapid expansion of AI in medicine, book an interview with Dr. Robin Blackstone, a surgeon and health-systems executive who can explain what the ACA changed, what it failed to fix, and what comes next. She can discuss the current issue of healthcare worker shortages, rising insurance costs and public health debates involving vaccines. Dr. Blackstone is a New York–based physician and surgeon who has worked across clinical care, hospital leadership, national medical organizations, and global health companies. Her latest books are “American Health: Who Gets Paid” and the forthcoming “Doctor AI: Reimagining Healthcare, Rebuilding Trust, Delivering Health 4.0,” which together examine why U.S. health care behaves as it does and how it could realistically be redesigned. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell)

3. ==> Black History Month: How to Really Erase Slavery’s Ugly Legacy

Just last month, President Trump’s Justice Department abruptly removed a display on the history of slavery at Independence Mall in Philadelphia before a judge this week ordered it restored. Lauraine White warns that America’s reckoning with slavery can’t wait another generation. She says Trump is trying to rewrite history and the time for denial is over. With both enslaved and Confederate blood in her family line, White argues that real healing requires more than apologies. Her Freedom Wealth Fund lays out measurable steps that include erasing student-loan debt for descendants of slaves, free education, and rewriting U.S. history curricula to tell the full truth about the transatlantic slave trade. White insists this isn’t about relitigating the past—it’s a practical blueprint for a just future. With nearly 60% of Americans saying slavery still affects Black people’s position in society today (Pew Research), her plan will spark headlines, debate and the uncomfortable, but necessary, conversation America keeps postponing. Sample questions: Can a Confederate descendant credibly lead the call for reparations, or is that exactly why she should? Is student-debt forgiveness for descendants a fair, targeted form of reparations that taxpayers can accept? Contact lwhite@rtirguests.com (email preferred) or (770) 525-8743

4. ==> Inside Today’s High-Profile Court Cases: Is Justice for Sale?

5. ==> Is Where You Live Hurting Your Marriage? The States With the Highest Divorce Rates

Several recent studies identify Oklahoma as having the worst divorce rate in the nation at more than 9 divorces for every thousand marriages. Not far behind are Alabama and Nevada, with several other Southern and Midwestern states including Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Delaware, West Virginia, New Hampshire, and Arkansas all exceeding eight divorces per 1,000. Nationally, overall divorce rates have declined since 1980 with current numbers showing about one third of ever-married Americans reporting a divorce. At the same time, marriage rates are at historic lows, with about half of adults currently married. Invite family law attorney Andrea Berkowitz to discuss the surprising (and not so surprising) things that drive couples to split, the most common reasons cited in a divorce and some of the strangest cases she’s seen. Andrea Berkowitz is a family law attorney and partner with Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein LLP. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; ryan@goldmanmccormick.com

6. ==> Half of All Cancer is Preventable: Doc Reveals Real Causes

Cancer has overtaken heart disease as the leading cause of death in many developed countries and the US and is the leading cause of healthcare expenditure worldwide. That’s the bad news. The good news is that half of all cancer deaths could be preventable through lifestyle changes and social reforms. Dr. Adam Barsouk will discuss cancer’s true origins and make the case for why cancer prevention must become a central priority in public and personal health. He’ll explore a wide range of overlooked and misunderstood risk factors, as well as how inequities in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention disproportionately impact underserved populations. You’ll learn what’s behind the young adult cancer epidemic, how Medicaid cuts in the Big Beautiful Bill will increase cancer risk and how microplastics, and water and air pollution, cause cancer. Dr. Barsouk can also discuss the link between obesity and cancer, and the role GLP-1s (like Ozempic) may play in cancer prevention, and how smoking, diet, and alcohol remain the most common and well-known causes of cancer, but others—including an invisible gas found in most of our basements—may be to blame. Adam Barsouk, MD, is a resident-physician at the University of Pennsylvania. His articles about science, medicine, and policy have been featured in “Forbes” “Newsweek,” Fox News, and Business Insider. Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853; LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com

7. ==> How to Protect Your Parents From Today’s New AI Scams

8. ==> In a Season of Political Chaos, This Activist is Planting Hope

While headlines scream division and despair, Sam Daley-Harris is quietly leading a revolution in how ordinary citizens engage with democracy. An activist and the author of “Reclaiming Our Democracy,” Daley-Harris teaches "transformational advocacy"—where working to change an issue transforms you in the process. His approach has helped people move from political paralysis to powerful action. Invite Daley-Harris on your show to hear stories of everyday citizens discovering their political power. He'll explain how feeling overwhelmed isn't weakness—it's the starting point for meaningful change. From his own journey as a musician-turned-activist to guiding others through civic engagement some call "sacred and profound," Daley-Harris offers practical tools for anyone ready to move from anxiety to agency. Ask him: What is transformational advocacy and how does it differ from traditional activism? How did you go from performing music to teaching people to reclaim their democracy? Contact Sam Daley-Harris at (202) 804-2504; Sdaley@rtirguests.com

9. ==> Psychiatrist Reveals the Mental Toll of Living in America Today

America used to be the land of freedom and opportunity. But according to Dr. Shila Patel, the current chaotic political and social climate has changed that for the worse and it’s taking a toll on Americans’ mental health. “The statistics are staggering, and getting worse,” she says. “According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five adults and one in six children have mental health issues such as depression, anger, frustration, and feeling hopeless and helpless.” Shila is a retired psychiatrist who spent her 25-year career helping people to navigate daily stress and find positive paths to happiness. She is the author of “US Unhinged Book 1,” “US Unhinged Book 2” and “US Fractured.” Contact Dr. Shila Patel at (229) 586-6190; spatel@rtirguests.com

10. ==> 5 Things You Never Knew About the Women’s Movement

Did you know that in the 1950s and 60s, women couldn’t buy property, get a credit card or passport in their names or open a bank savings or checking account without a male co-signer? That it was mandatory for stewardesses to wear girdles and submit to “flick checks” to ensure they did? Just in time for Women’s History Month in March, award-winning author Elaine Rock will share little-known facts about the Women’s Movement and the forgotten civil rights trailblazer, Barbara “Dusty” Roads, an American Airlines stewardess and flight attendant, union organizer and lobbyist to Congress. Elaine says she was the hidden figure who really ignited the Women’s Movement— before it had a name. Among her many achievements, Dusty played a pivotal role in fighting and overturning the airlines’ ban on marriage and the industry-wide practice that fired stewardesses once they reached the age of 32. Rock met and interviewed Dusty numerous times and even appeared with her in the PBS documentary Fly With Me. Elaine Rock is a women’s rights advocate, a former history teacher and the author of “Dusty Roads.” Contact her at (707) 293-0000; ElaineRockAuthor@gmail.com

11. ==> Medicare Mistakes That Quietly Undermine Your Health After 65

Many seniors delay care or experience unnecessary stress because their Medicare is set up incorrectly. Toni King explains how common enrollment mistakes can limit access to doctors, prescriptions, and treatments, which directly affect health outcomes. She helps audiences understand Medicare as a health decision, not just paperwork. Toni King is a nationally recognized Medicare expert, columnist, and author of The Medicare Survival Guide. She has helped over 25,000 Americans navigate Medicare successfully. Contact Toni King at (281) 677-3736; tking@rtirguests.com

12. ==> Gain Clarity and Direction: Interview This Certified Metaphysician

13. ==> Drawing Badly Could Be the Secret to Business Breakthroughs

14. ==> How the Wrong Yoga Practice Can Actually Hurt You

Some people think of yoga as simply stretching. Others see it as a stress reliever. But Joann Lutz says that’s just the tip of the iceberg of what yoga has to offer. Invite this trauma therapist and yoga expert to reveal the deeper healing secrets of yoga. No matter what your body type or health challenges, Joann says there's a good chance that doing the right yoga practices will help you live a better life. Unfortunately, people often choose the wrong practice for them. Joann will describe which yoga practices are the best ones for each person and reveal why some popular yoga styles can actually make symptoms worse. She says it’s key to find the type of yoga that allows you to experience safety and peace in this crazy world. Joann will explain how this is the foundation of healing, a message more urgent than ever as anxiety and depression rates soar nationwide. Joann Lutz has been blending yoga, somatic psychotherapy and neuroscience for more than 20 years. Her new book is “Trauma Healing in the Yoga Zone.” Contact her at jlutz@rtirguests.com; (413) 340-5056

15. ==> From Birthdays to Business Names: Surprising Ways Numbers Shape Success and Well Being

Most people would agree that we are in the midst of uncertain times, so is it really any wonder that so many are searching for ways to make sense of things? Ancient practices are getting a second look, including some surprising ones like numerology. Suzan Owens will explain how numbers that surround people in their everyday lives — from addresses and birthdays to business names — carry living energy that can influence success, relationships and overall well-being. A skilled numerologist, she’ll tell listeners how to work with these hidden numeric energies to influence their lives in positive ways. Whether you’re seeking advice about your career, relationships, or personal growth, Suzan will share a fresh perspective that can guide you toward your fullest potential. “Numerology helps us look beyond the surface, uncovering our deeper purpose and strengths,” Suzan explains. “It aligns us with who we truly are.” Suzan is the author of “Wisdom of Numerology.” Contact her at (509) 315-6515; Sowens@rtirguests.com

2/17/2026 RTIR Newsletter: Warehousing Immigrants, Common Sweetener Danger and the Real Radioman

01. The $38 Billion Plan to Turn Warehouses Into ICE Detention Centers
02. Constitution and Civil Rights Expert David Oppenheimer
03. Common Sweetener Linked to Cardiovascular Risks
04. The Wreck of the Mentor: A Forgotten Shipwreck Story
05. Craig Castaldo: The Real Radioman
06. Visa Restrictions: What They Mean for U.S. Travel and Business
07. How to Stay Indispensable in an Unstable Job Market
08. Diplomatic Skills Every Leader Needs — But No One Teaches
09. Former Nurse and Stand-Up Comic Gets Serious About Healthcare's Darkest Secret
10. Biggest Mistakes When Caring for Aging Loved Ones
11. How to Raise Emotionally Healthy Sons
12. Reduce Test Anxiety by Changing How Kids Think
13. How to Rewrite Your Story
14. Healing Doesn’t Always Follow a Straight Line
15. Spiritual Teachers Get Physical: The Body as Your Gateway to Higher Consciousness

1. ==> The $38 Billion Plan to Turn Warehouses Into ICE Detention Centers

The Trump administration has been quietly buying up warehouses around the country to convert into ICE detention centers with newly released documents revealing details of the plan to boost detention capacity to 92,600 beds—along with its $38.3 billion dollar price tag. Heidi Altman, vice president of policy at the National Immigration Law Center says warehouse conversions allow rapid expansion with minimal public scrutiny and local communities often don’t know the facilities are coming. She can explain what warehouse based detention actually looks like — and why the administration is investing billions in it. Altman has expertise on detention conditions, federal spending, and ICE operations and can speak to the human rights implications of warehouse based detention. Contact Emily Morris at (213) 457-7458; media@nilc.org

2. ==> Constitution and Civil Rights Expert David Oppenheimer

David Oppenheimer is a nationally recognized expert in constitutional law and civil rights at UC Berkeley School of Law. Invite him on your show to talk about the latest issues facing Americans. Ask him: In the current moment, what constitutional tensions feel the most urgent to you? What constitutional principles do you think are most misunderstood in today’s political climate? What are the legal guardrails that prevent a president from overstepping — and how effective are they right now? Where do you see the biggest civil rights vulnerabilities right now? What civil rights issues are flying under the radar that deserve more public attention? David Oppenheimer teaches courses in constitutional law, civil procedure, evidence, and comparative equality law, and has lectured internationally on anti-discrimination and equality law. His latest book is “The Diversity Principle: The Story of a Transformative Idea.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell)

3. ==> Common Sweetener Linked to Cardiovascular Risks

A University of Colorado study suggests erythritol, a common sugar substitute found in many sugar-free and keto products, may damage blood-brain barrier cells, disrupt blood vessel function, and interfere with the body’s ability to break down clots changes linked to higher stroke and heart attack risk. While approved as safe and useful for reducing sugar intake, growing research raises concerns about potential long-term cardiovascular effects. Dr. Jeremy M. Liff, a board-certified neurologist specializing in stroke and brain aneurysms is available for interview. Ask him: Based on what we know so far, how concerned should people be about erythritol affecting the blood-brain barrier and potentially increasing stroke risk? The study suggests erythritol may interfere with blood vessel function and clot breakdown. How significant is that from a neurological standpoint? For patients trying to reduce sugar for weight or diabetes control, how should they think about the trade-off between sugar and sugar substitutes like erythritol? Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; ryan@goldmanmccormick.com

4. ==> The Wreck of the Mentor: A Forgotten Shipwreck Story

Invite bestselling maritime historian Eric Jay Dolin to share one of the most gripping and least known shipwreck stories of the nineteenth century. Dolin’s latest book is a true story of death, despair, survival, and cultural collision in the Age of Sail. “The Wreck of the Mentor” is a true 19th-century shipwreck story that didn’t end when the ship sank. On a storm-lashed night in May 1832, the American whaleship Mentor struck a reef near the Palau Islands, splintering its crew and setting off a chain of events that would unfold over years and across multiple Pacific islands. But far more than a shipwreck tale. It is a sweeping narrative of cross-cultural encounter, moral ambiguity, and the long aftershocks of first contact reverberations that ultimately reached back to the United States through diplomatic crises, violence, and debates over justice and responsibility. Eric Jay Dolin is the author of seventeen acclaimed books on nautical and maritime history. Contact Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705 or Reigan Wright at (703) 646-5138

5. ==> Craig Castaldo: The Real Radioman

6. ==> Visa Restrictions: What They Mean for U.S. Travel and Business

New visa restrictions affecting dozens of countries are raising questions about travel, tourism, workforce shortages, and global commerce. Economist Rodger Friedman can explain what these changes really mean, not just for international travelers, but for U.S. businesses, universities, and the broader economy. He’ll discuss how visa policy impacts labor markets, supply chains, foreign investment, and America’s competitive position on the world stage. Friedman offers clear, nonpartisan insight into the economic ripple effects most headlines miss, making this a timely, informative segment for news and business programming. Rodger Friedman is an economist and financial strategist specializing in global markets, trade policy, and economic risk analysis. Contact him at (301) 327-2255; rfriedman@rtirguests.com

7. ==> 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 thinking differently. After leading organizational change in 60+ companies across 17 countries, Fry noticed a surprising pattern: the people who kept their jobs during uncertainty weren’t the loudest or the busiest. They were the most focused, adaptive, and connected. Shawn will share 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. Ask him: Is visibility more important than performance in times of layoffs? What’s one daily habit that protects your job better than your resume? Contact Shawn Fry at (330) 422-4090; sfry@rtirguests.com

8. ==> 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, her 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. 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

9. ==> Former Nurse and Stand-Up Comic Gets Serious About Healthcare's Darkest Secret

10. ==> 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

11. ==> How to Raise Emotionally Healthy Sons

12. ==> Reduce Test Anxiety by Changing How Kids Think

13. ==> How to Rewrite Your Story

14. ==> Healing Doesn’t Always Follow a Straight Line

15. ==> Spiritual Teachers Get Physical: The Body as Your Gateway to Higher Consciousness

2/12/2026 RTIR Newsletter: Measles at ICE Center, the Protein Myth Making You Sick and Valentine’s Day Love Potions

01. January Jobs Report: Is the Economy Stabilizing?
02. ICE Detention Centers Endanger Public Health
03. Longtime LA Broadcast Journalist, Hal Eisner
04. Aphrodisiac, Anyone? Love Potions for the Modern Romantic
05. How Couples Can Stay Sexy While Trying for a Baby
06. How to Have a Valentine’s Day That Doesn’t Suck
07. 6 Signs You’re Dating a Narcissist
08. The Invisible ‘Leadership Tax’ Women Pay at Work
09. The Woman Behind ‘Neighborhood Watch’ is Taking on Gangs
10. The Risks of Being a Whistleblower: Speaking Up Is Dangerous
11. Why Evangelicals Are Losing Credibility with the Next Generation
12. The Protein Myth That Keeps Americans Sick
13. Tired of Conflict? 3 Habits to Build Trust and Cut Division
14. Meet the 90-Year-Old With a Ten-Year Plan
15. Meet the Dear Abby for Dogs

1. ==> January Jobs Report: Is the Economy Stabilizing?

According to the January Jobs Report, the US added 130,000 jobs in January, beating expectations and giving hope that the economy may be stabilizing. The next indicator will be Friday’s Consumer Price Index. These two reports together will shape expectations for when the Federal Reserve might cut interest rates. As markets digest a potential shift in Federal Reserve leadership, diverging AI economics, and a dense February macro calendar, David Busch sees this as a pivotal moment for markets. Invite the chief investment officer at Trajan Wealth to discuss last week’s dramatic rebound—when the Dow crossed 50,000 for the first time, and the S&P 500 recovered roughly $1 trillion in market value—and how investors are shifting away from momentum and back toward fundamentals. David’s headline: This is a selective, fundamentals-driven market. Quality and discipline matter more than momentum. He says, “This is not a time for aggressive moves. The market is processing major shifts in AI investment, Fed leadership transition, and economic data quality. Stay diversified, focus on quality companies with strong fundamentals, and be prepared for continued volatility as this week's critical data arrives.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705

2. ==> ICE Detention Centers Endanger Public Health

Measles cases are on the rise across the country due to declining vaccination rates and now two people detained at an immigration detention center in Dilley, Texas have active infections. Epidemiologist Elizabeth Jacobs says, “This has the potential to be very serious. Those cases could explode soon.” She says ICE’s healthcare services recently changed its stated policy of providing healthcare, to “assessing alien’s fitness for travel,” and that ICE stopped paying contractors that provide medical treatment for detainees in October 2025. Jacobs adds, “This is U.S.-borne illness. Bad actors are going to focus on the idea that migrants are spreading disease. The media needs to be really alert to that narrative. Americans spread it; these migrants got measles in the U.S. This is a homegrown problem, and it’s not their fault.” Elizabeth Jacobs is professor emerita of epidemiology at the University of Arizona and a founding member of Defend Public Health. Contact her at 1elizabethtjacobs1@gmail.com

3. ==> Longtime LA Broadcast Journalist, Hal Eisner

4. ==> Aphrodisiac, Anyone? Love Potions for the Modern Romantic

Can you find love in a bottle? Well, not quite, but aphrodisiacs have been used for thousands of years to increase libido and attraction. Do these legendary foods, spices and potions really work? And how? Many years ago, Lillian Zeltser accidentally stumbled on an old love potion recipe, which sparked her interest in aphrodisiacs and natural stimulants. Together with her husband, a medical doctor, she researched, experimented with, and hunted for them around the world for over 30 years. In the process, Lillian personally experienced hundreds of effective legendary aphrodisiacs. She’ll explain the link between food, love and sexuality, how aphrodisiacs can help you feel more attractive and increase mental clarity and focus, and ways to incorporate them into your daily life. She’ll also share all-natural recipes and tips to maintain and enjoy your sexual energy. Lillian Zeltser is the founder of Aphrodope and the author of “Aphrodisiac Adventures.” Contact her at lvez@bigpond.com or +61 419335631

5. ==> How Couples Can Stay Sexy While Trying for a Baby

For many couples, the journey to pregnancy quietly transforms intimacy into pressure, which often drains romance from the relationship. OB/GYN Dr. Marina Straszak-Suri says this “scheduled sex” mindset can actually work against conception. She explains how stress hormones disrupt fertility, why emotional disconnect can affect both partners, and the surprising ways pressure can reduce the chances of pregnancy. Drawing on more than 30 years in women’s health, Dr. Straszak-Suri offers practical, science-based strategies to help couples restore intimacy, lower stress, and support reproductive health without turning their relationship into a fertility project. A relatable and timely Valentine’s conversation for couples navigating infertility, feeling discouraged, or trying to reconnect while pursuing parenthood. Contact Dr. Marina Straszak-Suri at (613) 800-9412; msuri@rtirguests.com

6. ==> How to Have a Valentine’s Day That Doesn’t Suck

Not everyone looks forward to Valentine’s Day. For many, it brings pressure, awkward expectations, lonely moments, or memories they’d rather skip. Happiness and positive energy expert Deborah Mallow says you don’t have to love Valentine’s Day to enjoy this Saturday. In this uplifting, relatable segment, she’ll share how small mindset shifts can take the emotional weight off February 14th and replace it with something lighter, kinder, and far more real. Deborah will reveal why Valentine’s Day often magnifies self-criticism, how to stop judging your life by one calendar date, and how simple reframes can turn disappointment into self-respect and even a little joy. With warmth, humor, and practical tools, she’ll help audiences release pressure, treat themselves with compassion, and create fewer days that suck on Valentine’s Day and beyond. Deborah Mallow is the author of “6 Steps to Fewer Days That Suck.” She helps people build emotional resilience, self-compassion, and everyday happiness. Contact her at (516) 613-5359; dmallow@rtirguests.com

7. ==> 6 Signs You’re Dating a Narcissist

While anyone can spot the loud, attention-seeking narcissist, it's the charming "nice guy" covert narcissists who cause the most damage—and Dr. Valerie Sussman should know. After 20 years trapped in a narcissistic marriage, this retired pediatrician traded her stethoscope for a paintbrush and became a certified Narcissistic Abuse Specialist dedicated to helping others recognize these wolves in sheep's clothing. Sussman will reveal the "6 E's" that show your partner is a narcissist and explain why victims stay "hooked on hopium"—the dangerous hope that keeps them trapped. Drawing from her book “Love, Lies, and Narcissists in Disguise: The A-Z Guide for Survivors of Narcissistic Abuse,” she'll share how to spot the charm-to-harm cycle before it's too late. Listeners will learn the red flags they're missing, why asking "Am I the narcissist?" means you're not, and how creativity can heal emotional wounds. Ask her: What's the difference between overt and covert narcissists—and why are covert ones more dangerous? You call it "hopium"—why is hope so toxic in these relationships? What are the "6 E's" and how do they reveal a narcissist? Contact Valerie Sussman at (805) 407-5635; Vsussman@rtirguests.com

8. ==> The Invisible ‘Leadership Tax’ Women Pay at Work

9. ==> The Woman Behind ‘Neighborhood Watch’ is Taking on Gangs

10. ==> The Risks of Being a Whistleblower: Speaking Up Is Dangerous

11. ==> Why Evangelicals Are Losing Credibility with the Next Generation

12. ==> The Protein Myth That Keeps Americans Sick

A heart attack at age 70 forced Dorothy Greet to rethink everything she believed about nutrition—especially protein. After she and her 80-year-old husband ditched all animal products, their results were dramatic: normalized blood pressure and cholesterol, effortless weight loss, and energy levels they hadn't felt in decades. Now at 85, Greet is credentialed in plant-based nutrition from Cornell and ready to debunk the protein myth keeping millions sick. In interviews, Greet will reveal how Americans have been misled about protein requirements and why plant foods provide all the protein needed for optimal health. Drawing from her book “Go Veg with Class,” she'll share how two lifelong carnivores reversed heart disease through dietary change alone—and why it's never too late. Listeners will learn simple swaps to "ditch dairy" and "remove meat" while discovering how this shift could eliminate up to 80% of chronic diseases. Ask her: Where do you actually get your protein on a plant-based diet? You reversed heart disease at 70—what happened to your health markers? Why don't doctors tell patients about the power of dietary change? Contact Dorothy Greet at (302) 314-6010; dgreet@rtirguests.com

13. ==> Tired of Conflict? 3 Habits to Build Trust and Cut Division

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. 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 listeners replace avoidance with practical strategies that foster trust and real connection. Poulton is the author of “Excellence Without Exclusion.” Contact her at (404) 383-8924; dpoulton@rtirguests.com

14. ==> Meet the 90-Year-Old With a Ten-Year Plan

At 90, Jim Flaherty is ramping up, not winding down. This former ‘Mad Men’ ad exec is on a mission: reach 7.5 million depressed seniors living alone in America. His secret? A mindset that refuses to accept aging as decline. Drawing from "Loving Longevity: Make Your Next Years Your Best Years," Flaherty shares lessons from launching a country inn at 45 with zero experience, moving his kids to Buenos Aires, and caregiving his partner through dementia. Listeners will learn how to embrace aging with purpose and creativity. Ask him: You once said, "I'm 89 going on 49"—what does that mindset look like daily? What made you "crap-shoot" with your life by starting a business you knew nothing about? What did caregiving through dementia teach you that your previous 85 years didn't? Contact James B. Flaherty (914) 326-2697; jflaherty@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Meet the Dear Abby for Dogs

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 got 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, as well as a book about dog training. Contact Kathleen Troy at (714) 975-9807; ktroy@rtirguests.com