01. Political Violence in America: What the Data Shows
02. The Economic Toll of the Iran War
03. Do You Have a Telescope? NASA Needs Your Help
04. Award-Winning Writer Shares Her Family’s Holocaust Story
05. Great Music Show: How Songs Can Change Your Brain
06. Why Women Often Make Better Leaders—And What Companies Miss
07. Great Business Show: How to Use Visual Thinking in the Age of AI
08. How to Reclaim Attention in a World Built to Distract	
09. U.S. Fertility Rate Hits Record Low: Why it Matters
10. Why Evangelicals Are Losing Credibility with the Next Generation
11. America is Running Out of Teachers: How to Fix the Crisis
12. From Overwhelmed to Action: How Everyday People Are Making a Real Difference
13. How to Stand for What You Believe Without Burning Bridge
14. Real Change Starts Locally – How Communities Are Taking Back Control
15. A Bold Plan to Address America’s Deepest Inequalities

1. ==> Political Violence in America: What the Data Shows

After this weekend’s assassination attempt on President Trump many are wondering whether the country has entered a dangerous phase of political violence and what that means for the country. Sean Westwood, a professor at Dartmouth who tracks political violence and Americans’ perceptions of it says, “We should be certainly very worried about political violence and its destabilizing effect, but the country has seen far worse and survived.” He says, “Part of our doom loop is not necessarily the political violence itself, but the narrative of democratic collapse that comes along with it. And history tells us that isolated incidents of political violence – even the assassination of elected officials or presidents – do not lead to the end of the Republic.” He can discuss the difference in political violence today versus the 1960s, why Americans are so fearful of it right now, and how politicians exploit that fear for their own gain. Sean Westwood is an associate professor in the Department of Government at Dartmouth College and director of the Polarization Research Lab. He is also a fellow at the Hoover Institution. Contact him at sean.j.westwood@dartmouth.edu

2. ==> The Economic Toll of the Iran War

The world is starting to feel the effects of the war in Iran. Asia is suffering the most, with several countries shutting factories, cutting work weeks and closing schools to save energy. Here in the U.S., consumers feel it when they go to the pump, and price spikes are expected to intensify and spread well beyond the gas station. Just this week, Defense officials estimate the war has cost the U.S. $25 billion so far. Economist Roger Ferguson says, “The conflict’s economic repercussions could prove pivotal—and political—during a midterm election year in the United States. Many Americans are still feeling the strain of years of elevated inflation, and the concept of affordability has remained a top voter issue ahead of November. The risks of higher inflation, slower growth, and rising unemployment could tighten the screws on the U.S. economy and the electorate.” He’ll explain the current economic moment and the factors involved. Ask him about the war’s worldwide ripple effect, the current job market, consumer confidence and the housing market. Dr. Roger W. Ferguson, Jr., is the Steven A Tananbaum Distinguished Fellow for International Economics at the Council on Foreign Relations. He was president and chief executive officer of TIAA, a Fortune 100 financial services organization. Contact him at rwferguson@cfr.org
  
3. ==> Do You Have a Telescope? NASA Needs Your Help

As NASA’s Artemis II astronauts zipped around the Moon in early April, they observed flashes of light caused by meteoroids hitting the lunar surface. At the same time, volunteers for the NASA-funded Impact Flash project scanned the Moon with their own telescopes and sent their videos to scientists to share what they saw from Earth. The Artemis II astronauts have splashed back down to Earth, so their observations of the Moon from space have come to a halt for now, but the Impact Flash team is just getting started and recording these flashes is more important than ever. Thanks to modern robotic telescopes and video equipment, it’s also easier to do. If you have access to a telescope four inches in diameter or greater with video capabilities, your observations can make a difference. “We are planning to send seismometers to the Moon to measure how the ground shakes,” says Impact Flash project lead Ben Fernando, a planetary scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory. “Your measurements of impact flashes will help us work out the sources of moonquakes we detect. This will help us work out what the Moon’s interior looks like.” For interviews, contact NASA’s media team at hq-media@mail.nasa.gov.

4. ==> Award-Winning Writer Shares Her Family’s Holocaust Story

Award-winning filmmaker and writer Pauline Steinhorn has spent her life telling other people’s stories. Now, she’s telling her own family’s harrowing story of survival. Invite Steinhorn to share how the pair survived and saved others in brutal bomb-making slave labor camps and Bergen-Belsen through sabotage, daring escapes, and near-death rescues—often with the help of the most unlikely allies. Based on the journals of her mother and grandmother, this true story of a Jewish mother and daughter is a testament to courage, devotion, and the fragile thread of hope that sustained them. Amid cruelty and terror, they also encounter moments of deep humanity and unimaginable courage. Pauline Steinhorn has written and directed documentaries for PBS, Maryland Public Television, Sesame Street, Discovery Channel, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Smithsonian, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Her latest book is “Dreaming of the River: A Mother and Daughter’s Fight for Survival During the Holocaust.” Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853; LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com 

5. ==> Great Music Show: How Songs Can Change Your Brain

What actually happens in your brain when a song suddenly takes you somewhere—back to a memory you didn’t expect, or into a scene that feels almost cinematic? What if the moments aren’t just emotional, but measurable brain events? A Princeton professor’s research reveals that songs can trigger more vivid and detailed memories than faces, food, or even television, and can pull listeners into shared imaginative experiences that feel deeply personal but are often patterned across people. Invite Elizabeth Hellmuth Margulis, PhD, to explain how music doesn’t just accompany our thoughts; it actively shapes them. As director of Princeton’s Music Cognition Lab, her work bridges music, psychology, and neuroscience, using experiments and listening studies to track how people respond to sound, what they remember, how their attention shifts, and how music reshapes emotional experience in real time. Her research has been featured by NPR, the BBC, and on Netflix’s “Explained,” where she appears on camera explaining how music shapes memory, emotion, and perception for a broad audience. Her latest book is “Transported: The Everyday Magic of Musical Daydreams.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705

6. ==> Why Women Often Make Better Leaders—And What Companies Miss
 
In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, companies say they value strong leadership, but often overlook one of their greatest untapped assets: women. Research and real-world results consistently show that women tend to lead with empathy, collaboration, and long-term vision—qualities that drive stronger teams and more sustainable growth. Yet many organizations still default to outdated leadership models that reward dominance over development. Entrepreneur and author David Hampson argues that businesses miss the mark by failing to fully empower female leaders, especially in cultures that prioritize short-term wins over people-first strategies. If companies want better outcomes, it’s time to rethink leadership itself—and recognize that elevating women isn’t a trend, but a competitive advantage. David is the author of “Rainbow Gold: Building A Business That's Both the Journey and the Destination,” and a business advisory consultant. Contact him at (603) 605-8594; dhampson@rtirguests.com

7. ==> Great Business Show: How to Use Visual Thinking in the Age of AI
 
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

8. ==> How to Reclaim Attention in a World Built to Distract

We live in a world designed to hijack our attention. The average adult now spends over seven hours a day on screens, yet many feel more scattered, reactive, and stuck than ever. Author and senior UCLA mindfulness educator Mitra Manesh says this isn’t just a focus issue; it’s an attention crisis quietly eroding our freedom to choose. On your show, Mitra will reveal why even intelligent, successful people often live in “survival mode,” how constant stimulation weakens our decision-making, and why reclaiming attention is the first and most important step toward true freedom. Drawing from her inspirational fiction, “The Attentionist: New Choices for a New World”—a parable in the spirit of “The Alchemist”—she offers a transformative blend of storytelling and insight, packed with techniques and practices for improving attention as a transformative force in all aspects of life. This is a timely invitation to shift from reaction to creation, and a powerful case for why reclaiming attention may be the most radical act of personal power in our time. Contact Mitra Manesh at (310) 807-3031; mmanesh@rtirguests.com

9. ==> U.S. Fertility Rate Hits Record Low: Why it Matters

The nation’s fertility rates hit record lows in 2025 as childbearing continues to shift toward older women, according to new federal data. For the first time birthrates for women in their late 30s exceeded those for women in their early 20s. 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

10. ==> 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

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

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

Many people are feeling overwhelmed with the way things are going in the world, and in their own communities. Here are four guests offering real ways to empower listeners and give them the tools to create change.

12. ==> From Overwhelmed to Action: How Everyday People Are Making a Real Difference

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

13. ==> How to Stand for What You Believe Without Burning Bridge

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

14. ==> Real Change Starts Locally – How Communities Are Taking Back Control

When problems feel too big to solve, many people assume change has to come from the top. Crime prevention expert Stephanie Mann says real, lasting change often starts at the community level. Drawing from decades of experience, she explains how local engagement, trust-building, and neighbor-to-neighbor connection can reduce crime and strengthen communities in measurable ways. On your show, she’ll share why traditional top-down approaches often fall short and how grassroots efforts create safer, more resilient neighborhoods. She also reveals the specific strategies communities can use to take ownership of their environment and reduce dependence on reactive systems. This is a practical, empowering conversation that shows your audience how meaningful change can begin right where they live. Contact Stephanie Mann at (925) 438-0716; smann@rtirguests.com

15. ==> A Bold Plan to Address America’s Deepest Inequalities

Most reparations conversations generate heat but no light. Lauraine White brings something different: a specific, measurable blueprint, and a family history that puts her at the center of the very wound America can't stop arguing about. With both enslaved and Confederate ancestors, White isn't approaching this as an outsider or an ideologue. She's approaching it as someone who has lived the contradiction, and who argues that real healing requires more than apologies or symbolism. Her Freedom Wealth Fund proposes targeted, actionable steps like erasing student-loan debt for descendants of enslaved people, guaranteeing free education, and rewriting history curricula to reflect the full truth of the transatlantic slave trade. On your show, she'll make the case that this isn't about relitigating the past. It's about closing an economic gap that nearly 60% of Americans acknowledge still shapes Black people's position in society today. With DEI battles, revised history standards, and voting rights all in the headlines, this conversation is already happening. White gives your audience someone who can advance it. Contact Lauraine White at (770) 525-8743; lwhite@rtirguests.com

01. Former IDF Commander on Security Risks After WHCD Shooting
02. The King Comes Calling: U.S. Rolls Out the Royal Welcome
03. The “Wonderful” War on Iranian Pistachios
04. Measles is Back. What Comes Next Will Be Worse
05. Personal Finance Tips for New Grads
06. Graduation Advice From Ancient Greece
07. Can a “Nice Guy” Be a Narcissist? How to Spot a Covert Narcissist 
08. Three Habits That Defuse Conflict Anywhere	
09. Diplomatic Skills Every Leader Needs — But No One Teaches
10. Why Would Anyone Run for Office Today?
11. Former Nurse and Stand-Up Comic Gets Serious About Healthcare's Darkest Secret
12. The Protein Myth That’s Keeping You Sick
13. Nearly 40% of Americans Under 40 Have No Religion—Why Are They Still Searching?
14. How to Raise Emotionally Healthy Sons
15. It’s Yard Sale Season! Interview The Garage Sale Millionaire

1. ==> Former IDF Commander on Security Risks After WHCD Shooting

The suspect in Sunday’s shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner has been arraigned and charged with trying to assassinate President Trump. Luckily, no one was injured in the attack but the incident highlights the growing violence in today’s highly polarized political atmosphere. Invite security expert Doron Kempel to discuss what’s involved in strategic security operations to keep politicians safe and how security was breached in this incident, as well as what specific type of events are most vulnerable to an attack and where people should avoid this summer. Doron Kempel is a former commander of the Israel Defense Forces’ elite Sayeret Matkal special operations unit and a highly decorated veteran with extensive experience leading high-risk missions and strategic security operations. Today, he advises senior business leaders and heads of state on personal and national security. He is a frequent media contributor and has appeared on outlets including Newsmax, BBC, Fox Business, and LiveNOW from Fox. He is also the founder, chairman, and CEO of Bond, an AI-powered personal security platform. Contact Mark Goldman at (516) 639-0988 (call or text); markgoldman73@gmail.com

2. ==> The King Comes Calling: U.S. Rolls Out the Royal Welcome

King Charles III’s state visit to Washington will involve a lot of pomp and circumstance and may provide some reassurance of long-standing ties between the United States and the United Kingdom, but Matthias Matthijs says rolling out the royal red carpet can’t resolve the structural forces that are gradually pulling the two countries further apart. “The British crown has long served as a diplomatic asset, able to engage foreign leaders in ways that elected politicians sometimes cannot. But even Buckingham Palace recognizes the risks. UK officials have described this trip as one of the most delicate diplomatic missions of Charles’s more than three-year reign.” Matthijs says a single offhand remark or policy announcement by the U.S. president could overshadow days of carefully orchestrated symbolism. “Despite the grandeur and ceremony, this visit is likely to leave British diplomats breathing a sigh of relief when it is over. Because beneath the pageantry lies an uncomfortable truth: the special relationship is no longer what it once was, and no amount of royal symbolism can fully restore it.”  Matthias Matthijs is a senior fellow for Europe at the Council on Foreign Relations. Contact him at (202) 663-5743; mmatthijs@cfr.org

3. ==> The “Wonderful” War on Iranian Pistachios

Invite co-director Yasha Levine to discuss his documentary, “Pistachio Wars,” about the Resnick family, owners of The Wonderful Company and dominant players in California’s pistachio industry. The movie alleges the family has used their political influence to secure vast water rights in drought-stricken regions, at the expense of local communities. It examines their longstanding backing of pro-Israel lobbying groups, arguing that hawkish policies toward Iran align with their commercial interests by weakening a key global competitor. Yasha Levine’s books include “Surveillance Valley: The Secret Military History of the Internet.” He is currently working on another documentary titled “Vampire Valley.” Contact him at mail@yashalevine.com; @yashalevine

4. ==> Measles is Back. What Comes Next Will Be Worse

Measles cases and child deaths from the disease are up in United States, and while that alone should be alarming medical experts say the rise in cases may also be a harbinger of something worse. “Measles is basically a canary in the coal mine for our entire system,” says Dr. Scott Harris, the state health officer in Alabama’s Department of Public Health.” “When it surges like this, it signals that our vaccination programs are starting to fail, and that other diseases won’t be far behind.” Public health experts say vaccine skepticism stems in large part from a yearslong scare campaign by conspiracists, and that reversing it will take a dedicated effort. Harris says a policy of “shared clinical decision making” that was put in place for some shots this year, is actually misleading and confusing to patients. “It implies that either decision, to take it or not to take it, is equally OK, and that’s not the case with vaccines,” he says. To interview Scott Harris, MD, MPH, FACP, contact Arrol Sheehan at (334) 206-5510; arrol.sheehan@adph.state.al.us

5. ==> Personal Finance Tips for New Grads

Millions of college students nationwide will graduate in May only to face one of the most challenging economies and job markets in years. To help navigate their financial future, “New York Times” bestselling author Beth Kobliner offers millennials and Gen Z financial fundamentals they likely didn’t get in college. Her book, “Get a Financial Life: Personal Finance in Your 20s and 30s,” has helped young people avoid financial pitfalls for three decades. Now, a new 5th edition helps millennials and Gen Z dig out of credit card debt, implement a budget, choose the best student loan repayment plan, start an IRA, and more. Beth, formerly of “Money” magazine, has contributed to outlets such as “The New York Times,” “The Wall Street Journal,” MS NOW, CNN and PBS NewsHour. She even partnered with Sesame Workshop and taught Elmo how to save money. Contact John Angelo at john@premieretv.com 

6. ==> Graduation Advice From Ancient Greece 

As graduation season approaches, James Romm offers a different type of graduation advice. Not a guide to success, but a set of clear, direct lessons about how to live from an ancient source. The author of “Since You’re Mortal: Life Lessons from the Lost Greek Plays” offers timeless advice and memorable insights into love, luck, power, suffering, and the limits of human life. He’ll provide a glimpse into how the ancient Greeks grappled with the same moral questions we face today and deliver wisdom that is direct, unsentimental, and surprisingly contemporary. James Romm is the James H. Ottaway Jr. Professor of Classics at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York. He specializes in ancient Greek and Roman culture and civilization and is the author of numerous acclaimed books. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705

7. ==> Can a “Nice Guy” Be a Narcissist? How to Spot a Covert 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. ==> Three Habits That Defuse Conflict Anywhere 

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

9. ==> 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

10. ==> Why Would Anyone Run for Office Today?

Most people think running for office is about speeches, slogans, and shaking hands. Rob Curnock knows better. As a former TV political reporter, party leader, and unlikely congressional candidate, he’s seen the process from every angle. As we head toward the midterm elections, he’ll pull 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.” Ask him: Are politics really as down and dirty as the media makes it out to be? What are some of your most challenging experiences while running for office? Contact Rob Curnock at (254) 822-3741; rcurnock@rtirguests.com

11. ==> 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 comedy background 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

12. ==> The Protein Myth That’s Keeping You 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. ==> Nearly 40% of Americans Under 40 Have No Religion—Why Are They Still Searching?

A growing number of young Americans are walking away from religion—but not from deeper questions of meaning, purpose, and truth. Author Gary Meisner understands this shift firsthand. After more than two decades as a skeptical, materialist, agnostic grounded in reason and evidence, an experience he couldn’t explain forced him to reconsider everything he believed.  Known worldwide for his work on patterns in nature, Gary now asks a deeper question: If there is design, is there meaning behind it?  He speaks directly to skeptics, agnostics, and seekers—inviting them to consider whether their rejection of faith may be based on assumptions they’ve never fully examined. What if the God they’ve doubted is real—and wants to be known?  Gary is the author of "Life Through a New Lens—Finding God Where Reason and Faith Meet." Contact him at (615) 703-3637; gmeisner@rtirguests.com

14. ==> 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

15. ==> It’s Yard Sale Season! Interview The Garage Sale Millionaire
 
Lots of people are out and about enjoying garage sales this time of year, but what if you could actually make money off other people’s trash? Whether it’s for a side-hustle or your full-time job, Aaron LaPedis, the Garage Sale Millionaire, will share all the need-to-know information and insider tips you’ll need to have a definite advantage over your competition in buying, valuing, and selling your items for substantial profits! Learn how to spot treasures at garage sales, storage unit auctions, secondhand stores and estate sales and then flip them for cold hard cash. Find out the key to having a killer garage sale, how to spot a real treasure from a fake, and the best ways to use the internet to research, buy and resell items. Aaron LaPedis’ expertise ranges from helping the FBI solve cases to helping produce TV shows, and he’s appeared on PBS, the Discovery Channel, and The Hallmark Channel. His latest book is “The Ultimate Secrets of The Garage Sale Millionaire,” a personal finance book that talks about garage sales, estate sales, online auctions, downsizing, and how to make money doing it all. To arrange interviews contact him at alapedis@rtirguests.com

01. What Happens When Data Centers Come to Town?
02. Priests for Peace Get Political
03. Medicare Fraud Alert: What You Need to Know Now
04. New Research Could Change How We Treat Trauma
05. Is AI Lightening Your Load or Frying Your Brain?
06. Iconic Moments in Broadcast History: Live Via Satellite
07. Not Your Usual Activist: He’s Leading an Advocacy Revolution
08. How Global Uncertainty Is Driving Economic Anxiety	
09. $100 Billion a Year: What Crime Is Really Costing Taxpayers—and What Actually Works
10. Are You Addicted to Caffeine—and Don’t Even Know It?
11. Laugh More, Hurt Less: Chronic Pain Survival Tips
12. The First Step to Rewrite Your Story: Stop Saying Everything’s OK
13. Why Top Students Know the Bible, Even if They Aren’t Religious
14. A College Promise Led This Surgeon to a Remote Pacific Island
15. From Birthdays to Business Names: The Energy Behind Your Numbers

1. ==> What Happens When Data Centers Come to Town?

Data centers are expensive, unpopular – and could be a tipping point in the upcoming midterm elections. Technology companies are building data centers across the U.S at an unprecedented pace. But the strain they place on the physical environment – from energy to the environment to aesthetics – has ignited fierce opposition in many communities. Ben Green, a professor at the University of Michigan and author of the report “What Happens When Data Centers Come to Town?” highlights rising utility costs, water strain, grid volatility, and the mismatch between promised jobs and actual economic benefit. He says consumer electric bills have doubled in some areas near data centers and that companies often secure tax breaks while providing few jobs. He can discuss the environmental and economic impacts of data centers, the infrastructure strain and community level consequences. He’ll also share policy solutions, including model laws, like the German Energy Efficiency Act. Ben Ford is assistant professor of information at the University of Michigan. Contact him at bzgreen@umich.edu

2. ==> Priests for Peace Get Political 

Italian priests took to the streets in Rome and other cities back in September under the banner Preti Contro il Genocidio (Priests Against Genocide). Since then, the movement has expanded and now includes more than 2,200 priests—among them, bishops and cardinals—in over 54 countries, including the United States. Fr. John Heagle, chair of Priests Against Genocide USA, recently issued a statement in support of Pope Leo’s calls for peace and his urging of citizens worldwide to contact their political leaders and congressmen to demand the end to escalating and unjust conflict. Heagle says, “Once again, the US Church finds itself at a ‘Catholic moment’-a graced opportunity to read the signs of the times, to listen, pray, and discern. By advocating for the oppressed and drawing on a foundation of Gospel nonviolence, this movement can become a prophetic voice in the ongoing struggle for human dignity and rights.”  Heagle can discuss two critical measures before U.S. lawmakers that would block the sale of bombs and bulldozers to Israel, and the increasing number of grassroots Catholic laity, faith leaders, and peace activists who are voicing opposition to current U.S. policies. Fr. John Heagle is the author of “Justice Rising.” Contact him at johnlheagle@gmail.com 

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

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

4. ==> New Research Could Change How We Treat Trauma

New research in neuroscience is challenging the widely held belief that trauma is stored in the body's cells. In a new paper, Steven Kotler, a leading researcher on flow and human performance, and Karl Friston, the most-cited neuroscientist in the world, argue that trauma is a brain loop - a frozen repeating, predictive loop in the brain. And they say that distinction changes everything about how trauma can be treated – because a loop can be broken. Current trauma therapy often includes body-based therapies like yoga and mindfulness to release stored trauma, in addition to talk therapy. But treatment for a repeating, predictive loop involves interrupting and retraining those patterns. Kotler will explain how peak performance states like flow can reset how the brain processes information. He says they are natural, drug-free and are already being used in veteran PTSD programs with documented results. Steven Kotler is the author of “We Are as Gods: A Survival Guide for the Age of Abundance.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office) (703) 400-1099 or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705

5. ==> Is AI Lightening Your Load or Frying Your Brain?

Researchers at Boston Consulting Group and the University of California, Riverside coined the term "AI brain fry" to describe “mental fatigue that results from excessive use of, interaction with, and/or oversight of AI tools beyond one's cognitive capacity.” In other words, doing too much with A.I. Psychologist Stephanie Johnson says, “In regard to AI, it’s just like the smartphones, right? You think smartphones would make people smarter. It’s not happening. Actually, the reverse is happening, right, because we’re leaning too much into somebody else just giving a quick answer and we’re not actually masterfully learning the information.” Ask her: If a person is engaging AI or a highly stimulated environment for 10 to 12 hours, are they actually learning? What is your recommendation for people who use AI? Are there certain hours of the day when the brain is in a better position to handle stimulation? Stephanie Johnson, PsyD, MSCP, is a licensed clinical psychologist with more than 17 years of experience and serves as CEO and chief psychologist of Summit Psychological Services in California. Contact Ryan McCormick at Ryan@goldmanmccormick.com

6. ==> Iconic Moments in Broadcast History: Live Via Satellite

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

7. ==> Not Your Usual Activist: He’s Leading an Advocacy Revolution

For the past 40 years, Sam Daley-Harris has been quietly leading a revolution in how ordinary citizens engage with democracy. Daley-Harris teaches transformational advocacy as opposed to transactional advocacy, which might involve signing a petition or writing a check. Instead, his method trains you to step outside your box and do things like meeting with a member of Congress about an issue. As a result, you see yourself differently. That's the transformation! “I want to show people a way out of their cynicism and hopelessness and a path toward making a difference beyond their wildest dreams. I want people to see that they don't have to give up and how to find organizations that will really empower them and don't just leave them signing meaningless petitions.” Sam Daley-Harris founded the anti-poverty lobby RESULTS which has played a key advocacy role in reducing global child deaths by 66% over the last 40 years saving some 10 million lives a year. He is the author of “Reclaiming Our Democracy: Every Citizen's Guide to Transformational Advocacy.” Contact him at (202) 804-2504; Sdaley@rtirguests.com

8. ==> 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

9. ==> $100 Billion a Year: What Crime Is Really Costing Taxpayers—and What Actually Works

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

10. ==> 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

11. ==> Laugh More, Hurt Less: Chronic Pain Survival Tips

We’ve all heard the adage, “Laughter is the best medicine.” Long-time chronic pain survivor Vita Oyler is living proof of that. When she was a young, highly athletic woman, she accidentally stepped on a rock, after which she developed reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), a severe malfunction of the nervous and immune systems. This led to decades of excruciating pain and, ultimately, the amputation of her foot and part of her leg. But she has managed to survive, and thrive, via incorporating humor into her healing journey. “Laughter releases the body’s natural painkillers known as endorphins,” she says. “Researchers have found that humor can increase tolerance to pain.” Vita is a rehabilitation counselor and doctoral candidate at San Diego State University. She is the author of “Got Pain? Now What?” Contact Vita Oyler at (209) 255-2962; Voyler@rtirguests.com

12. ==> The First Step to Rewrite Your Story: Stop Saying Everything’s OK

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

13. ==> Why Top Students Know the Bible, Even if They Aren’t Religious

Top students often excel due to their understanding of cultural references, and a surprising factor behind their success is knowledge of the Bible. Studies show that students with a strong knowledge of biblical references tend to score higher on standardized tests. Research indicates these students score 10-15% higher on SAT Critical Reading and AP English Literature exams compared to peers without this knowledge. Tamara Berkman, a Texas State Certified Teacher, created the “Learn the Whole Bible ASAP” curriculum to help students quickly grasp the Bible’s storyline. In just 20 short lessons, students improve their understanding of literature, identify cultural references, and sharpen critical thinking skills— key elements for academic success. Berkman’s book, “Learn the Whole Bible ASAP,” offers a fast, effective way for students and families to understand the Bible’s story while boosting academic performance and cultural literacy. Contact Tamara Berkman at (830) 201-3160; tberkman@rtirguests.com

14. ==> A College Promise Led This Surgeon to a Remote Pacific Island

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

15. ==> From Birthdays to Business Names: The Energy Behind Your Numbers

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

01. Do U.S. Catholics Need to Make a Choice?
02. Blocking the Strait of Hormuz: The High-Stakes Stand-Off
03. New Veterans Policy May Hurt Most Vulnerable 
04. Does Red Light Therapy Really Work? The Science Behind it
05. Interview the Godfather of Sports Talk
06. Does Your Boss Pay Less Taxes Than You? Why the System Favors Owners Over Employees
07. For 250th Anniversary: The Story of the American Revolution
08. 47% of Women Experience Abuse — Why Few Ever Say a Word	
09. Bad at Math? This Guest Says You Were Just Taught Wrong
10. Shop Your Closet, Save Money and Look Amazing
11. What an Ancient Hawaiian Healing Practice Can Teach Us About Modern Forgiveness
12. The Reason You’re Stuck Has Nothing to Do with Willpower
13. How to Balance Self-Improvement With Self-Acceptance
14. From Mormonism to Addiction and Self-Discovery: This Author Shares Her Wild Road to Redemption
15. Stars, Cards & Stones: Unlock Your Intuition with Ancient Tools

1. ==> Do U.S. Catholics Need to Make a Choice?

Catholics are the single largest religious denomination in the United States, making up one-fifth of the population, according to the Pew Research Center. So how should American Catholics view the current kerfuffle between Donald Trump and the pope? Kelsey Reinhardt, president and CEO of CatholicVote, a political advocacy group, says “The Pope is not a politician, not a partisan operator, and not a rival to the President of the United States. He is the Vicar of Christ. His role is to speak moral truth, defend human dignity, and call leaders to pursue peace. The President needs to hear that in a way he understands.” She’s cautioning Catholics not to turn the public disagreement into a grand showdown. “Some of the Pope’s statements may sound out of step with the tone, assumptions, or priorities of American politics. Fine. That does not mean he is “anti-American.” It does not mean he is attacking the United States. And it certainly does not mean Catholics should be manipulated into choosing between the Church and their country.” She addsCatholicVote.org is a member-funded, layperson-led 501(c)4 grassroots lobbying organization with a connected political action committee called CatholicVote.org Political Action Committee. To arrange interviews contact CatholicVote.org at (317) 669-6127; mediarequests@catholicvote.org 

2. ==> Blocking the Strait of Hormuz: The High-Stakes Stand-Off

The Trump administration has declared a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, betting that Iran will buckle under economic pressure before the global energy crisis forces the United States to back down. National security expert Max Boot says the outcome is far from certain. “Iran and the United States are engaged in a high-stakes standoff to see which side blinks first. I wouldn’t bet against Iran.” He explains, “Iran is a dictatorship that has shown it can withstand years of harsh sanctions and brutally repress popular protests when they arise. The United States is a democracy where the rising price of gasoline is raising inflation and sabotaging the Republican Party’s chances in the upcoming midterm election. The Iran war is already unpopular with American voters, so how long can Trump keep exacerbating the energy crisis before being forced to execute a U-turn?” Max Boot is the Jeane J. Kirkpatrick senior fellow for national security studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. Contact him directly at writetoboot@gmail.com or through the CFR Communications department at communications@cfr.org

3. ==> New Veterans Policy May Hurt Most Vulnerable

The Veterans Administration and the Department of Justice are touting a new agreement around guardianship and care for vulnerable veterans, saying it will help the most vulnerable veterans get the care they need. But advocates who work directly with homeless and disabled veterans worry is that the practical impact of the new policy could leave the nation’s most at-risk veterans with fewer safeguards around autonomy and due process. Specifically, those already navigating housing instability or disability-related support systems. Invite Benjamin Krause, a licensed attorney, investigative journalist, and longtime advocate for disabled veterans, to break down where policy intent and real-world outcomes may diverge, particularly for homeless veterans and those in guardianship proceedings. He can also speak to what advocates are watching as implementation rolls out. Krause is the founder of DisabledVeterans.org and is host of the Veteran Rights Podcast. Contact him at krause@armopress.com

4. ==> Does Red Light Therapy Really Work? The Science Behind it

Red light therapy is hot right now with wellness influencers touting it as a treatment for just about everything. So, what’s the science behind it? Invite Dr. David Ozog, a researcher and chair of dermatology at Henry Ford Health in Detroit, to explain how it works. With hair and skin, he says it takes time to see the benefits and cautions that results won’t be dramatic. "It does help," Ozog says. But how much it helps depends on many factors, including how far along your hair loss is. "It's not going to take you from being bald to being a Chia pet and having abundant hair," Ozog says. As for other health claims, there's solid evidence that red light therapy is safe and effective for several medical uses, says Ozog. He was part of a panel of experts in various fields who wrote a 2025 consensus review that found the therapy works for treating pattern hair loss, ulcers, peripheral neuropathy, several types of ulcers and acute radiation dermatitis. There's also evidence the therapy can help reduce pain and modestly speed up healing from recurrent cold sores. For interviews contact Emily Linnert at wagnerem@msu.edu

5. ==> Interview the Godfather of Sports Talk

When Muhammad Ali defeated George Foreman in the "Rumble in the Jungle," he didn't call the major networks first—he called Harold Bell. As the "Godfather of Sports Talk" and the creator of the original “Inside Sports” in 1972, Bell didn't just report on the icons, he was their confidant. From his foundational reel-to-reel interviews with Ali to his mentorship of modern media giants like James Brown (CBS Sports), Michael Wilbon (ESPN), and Dave Aldridge, Bell’s influence is the literal DNA of every sports talk show on the air today. His latest project is anchoring the Digital Wing™ grid on Radio Soul 100 FM in Las Vegas. "The format hasn't changed," Bell says, "just the technology. But the truth is still undisputed." Invite him on your show to talk about his long career, how sports talk has changed through the years and share behind-the-scenes stories. Contact Arthur B. Smith at asmith@radiosoul100fm.com

6. ==> Does Your Boss Pay Less Taxes Than You? Why the System Favors Owners Over Employees

Your tax return may be filed, but the frustration lingers. If your audience is wondering why they owed so much (or got so little back), franchise consultant and “Wall Street Journal” bestselling author Greg Mohr has a pointed answer: the tax system isn't designed equally for everyone. W-2 earners typically have far fewer options to reduce taxable income than business owners do, and most people never realize it until after they've already paid. On your show, Greg will explain how business ownership changes the tax equation, why more professionals are reconsidering how they earn, and what the rules of the game actually look like for those who know how to play them. He'll also cut through common misconceptions about franchising, including who it's right for and who should steer clear. With tax pressure still fresh and economic uncertainty ongoing, this is the conversation your audience didn't know they needed. Contact Greg Mohr at (361) 204-5470; gmohr@rtirguests.com

Money topics are hotter than ever right now. Look for a special RTIR Money Matters issue in your mailbox this Friday, April 17th. Our featured experts will unpack the hidden wealth drains most people never catch, the Medicare mistakes that cost retirees thousands, and the counterintuitive ways that earning more can quietly increase financial pressure.

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

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

8. ==> 47% of Women Experience Abuse — Why Few Ever Say a Word

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

9. ==> Bad at Math? This Guest Says You Were Just 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

10. ==> Shop Your Closet, Save Money and Look Amazing 

Everyone wants to look good, but being stylish can be expensive! Fashion expert Gayla Bentley shows your audience how to avoid unnecessary spending by “shopping your own closet” before hitting the stores. She explains how to uncover forgotten pieces, build fresh outfits from existing staples, and use simple tailoring or accessories to elevate looks without buying anything new. Bentley also reveals the emotional traps that push people toward impulse fashion purchases — and how a strategic closet edit can restore confidence while protecting your budget. Gayla Bentley is a renowned style strategist and advocate for smart, sustainable wardrobe planning. Contact her at (936) 261-7713; gbentley@rtirguests.com 

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

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. ==> How to Balance Self-Improvement With Self-Acceptance

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

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

15. ==> Stars, Cards & Stones: Unlock Your Intuition with Ancient Tools

Discover an untapped path to transform your life with Kooch Daniels, a renowned intuitive professional and author of “Stars, Cards, and Stones: Exploring Cosmic Connections Between Astrology, Tarot, and Runestones.” With over four decades of intuitive experience, Kooch can teach you to tap into ancient mystical tools to help you trust your intuition, manifest success and unlock your potential. Not only will Kooch reveal how the mystical can supercharge your goals, but she’ll also offer on-air intuitive readings—providing live insights into how these cosmic forces shape your life. With tens of thousands of successful readings under her belt, Kooch’s unique blend of practical wisdom and psychic ability sets the stage for an unforgettable experience that can help your audience unlock their best selves. Contact Kooch at kdaniels@rtirguests.com; (707) 878-5039

01. The President and the Pope
02. Stop Comparing Iran War to 2003 Iraq Invasion
03. Orban is Out, Magyar is In: End of an Era in Hungary
04. The Most Common Tax Mistakes
05. U.S. Fertility Rate Hits Record Low: Why it Matters
06. Why Evangelicals Are Losing Credibility with the Next Generation
07. What ‘News Fatigue’ Does to Your Brain
08. America is Running Out of Teachers: How to Fix the Crisis	
09. Whistleblower Teacher Reveals What Happens Inside Schools
10. The Hidden Meaning Behind Your Pain and Illness
11. Feeling Stuck? This Creative Shift Might Be the Breakthrough You Need
12. America’s Loneliness Epidemic: Why Life's Hardest Moments Push Us Into Isolation
13. Why You Keep Choosing the Wrong Partner—and How to Break the Cycle
14. How to Reclaim Attention in a World Built to Distract
15. This Psychic Detective Solves Crimes, Finds Lost Pets and Teaches You to Tune In

1. ==> The President and the Pope

Who picks a fight with the pope? Donald Trump went on a late-night Truth Social tirade against the pontiff calling him “WEAK” on crime and “terrible” on foreign policy. Among his rants was the claim that if he wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be at the Vatican. He then included an AI-generated image of himself dressed as Jesus. The two men come from the same generation and share some common cultural roots, but theology professor Natalia Imperatori-Lee of Fordham University says they bring jarringly distinct approaches to their positions of vast power. “They’re two white guy boomers but they could not be any more different in their life experiences, in their values, in the way they have chosen to live those values,” she says. “This is a very stark contrast, and I think an inflection point for American Christianity.” While Trump criticizes the Pope for being political, experts on the Catholic Church emphasize that Leo’s opposition to the war reflects established church teachings, not the reflexive politics of the moment. The Trump administration, which has close ties to conservative evangelical Protestant leaders, has claimed “heavenly” endorsement for the war on Iran. Contact Natalie Imperatori-Lee at nimperatorilee@fordham.edu

2. ==> Stop Comparing Iran War to 2003 Iraq Invasion

As experts debate the war in Iran, Middle East history expert Samuel Helfont cautions we stop comparing the war to the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq and instead look to another Iraq war: Operation Desert Storm, the U.S-led campaign in early 1991 to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation. Helfont says the problem then was not the battlefield outcome but the failure to align policy and strategy. “Trying to contain Iran, as the United States did to Iraq in the 1990s, will undoubtably lead to repeated confrontations that tie up American forces and harm the international economy, eroding what little international support remains for U.S. policy in the region.” He says Washington should offer Tehran a path to diplomatic and economic normalization in exchange for compliance with a clear set of demands, including giving up weapons of mass destruction, limiting its missile program, and ceasing support for terrorist proxies. Samuel Helfont is an associate professor in the Naval War College Program at the Naval Postgraduate School and a visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution. He is the author of “Iraq Against the World: Saddam, America, and the Post–Cold War Order.” Contact him at samuel.helfont@nps.edu; @HelfontSamuel

3. ==> Orban is Out, Magyar is In: End of an Era in Hungary

Europe’s longest-serving head of government, Prime Minister Viktor Orban, was ousted in Hungary’s election this weekend. Invite Liana Fix to talk about the election, what Orban’s defeat means for the trend toward far-right populism, and why she believes Péter Magyar and his center-right Respect and Freedom Party’s platform resonated with Hungarian voters. Liana Fix is a historian and political scientist, and a leading authority on European security, transatlantic relations and Russia and Eastern Europe. She is a senior fellow for Europe at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). Contact her at (202) 509-8484; lfix@cfr.org

4. ==> The Most Common Tax Mistakes

The deadline for filing taxes is here yet millions of Americans have yet to fill out their paperwork. The idea of making a mistake on your tax return may be daunting. After all, significant errors could lead to penalties or the dreaded audit. But there’s good news: The most common tax mistakes are simple fixes. Invite Dr. Caroline Bruckner to share last-minute tax tips and strategies that could save your money and hassle. She’ll discuss the most common mistakes and what to do if you need a tax extension. Caroline Bruckner, JD, is managing director of the Kogod Tax Policy Center at American University. She is an experienced media resource on tax issues and has been featured on CNBC’s “The Closing Bell,” Yahoo Finance, NPR, “The Wall Street Journal” and “The Washington Post.” Contact American University Media Relations at (202) 885-5950; aumedia@american.edu

5. ==> U.S. Fertility Rate Hits Record Low: Why it Matters

The nation’s fertility rates hit record lows in 2025 as childbearing continues to shift toward older women, according to new federal data. For the first time birthrates for women in their late 30s exceeded those for women in their early 20s. 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

6. ==> 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

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

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

9. ==> Whistleblower Teacher Reveals What Happens Inside Schools

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

10. ==> 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

11. ==> Feeling Stuck? This Creative Shift Might Be the Breakthrough You Need

Nearly 60% of professionals report feeling stuck or disengaged, and many don’t realize the way forward may not be a big life change, but a small creative shift. Author and artist Edi Matsumoto shows how simple, low-pressure creativity can help people reset mentally and move forward. On your show, Matsumoto shares practical ways listeners can reconnect with creativity like her “60-second joy reset,” where even looking at something that makes you smile can calm the nervous system, or simple, no-pressure creative practices that reduce stress and spark clarity. She explains why creativity isn’t about talent. It’s about giving the mind a break from constant pressure. Drawing from her journey from healthcare to art, she offers gentle, manageable ways to reconnect with creativity in everyday life—as a form of stress relief, a joyful diversion, or even the beginning of a more creative path later on. Her book, “Otter Therapy,” reflects how small moments of joy can create real emotional impact. Through her work as both a healthcare professional and artist, Matsumoto brings a uniquely grounded perspective on how creativity can gently shift how we feel and how we move forward. Contact Edi Matsumoto at (831) 290-6491; ematsumoto@rtirguests.com

12. ==> America’s Loneliness Epidemic: Why Life's Hardest Moments Push Us Into Isolation

America is facing what the U.S. Surgeon General recently called an epidemic of loneliness. Nearly half of adults say they feel isolated at times, and that isolation often deepens during life’s hardest moments: serious illness, caregiving, grief, infertility, or financial uncertainty. Author and loneliness coach Karen Kay Smith asserts these “waiting room seasons” can quietly push people away from the very support they need most. On your show, Smith explains why people often shift into “functioning versus feeling” during crises, how emotional suppression fuels loneliness, and why many struggle to communicate what they truly need. She offers practical, yet life-changing tools listeners can use immediately, including how a simple “breath prayer” can replace pressure-filled spiritual routines, why naming emotions out loud can be more healing than staying strong, and how her “3 C’s” framework—confidence, communication, and community—helps people rebuild connection step by step. Drawing from 15 years caring for her husband during his battle with multiple sclerosis, along with years in women’s ministry and training as a transformational life coach, Smith brings a rare blend of lived experience and practical guidance to conversations about loneliness and connection. She is the author of “Nearsighted: Choosing to See Eating Disorders Differently” and the upcoming “Hope Has a Seat in Every Waiting Room.” Contact Karen Kay Smith at (256) 812-5106; ksmith@rtirguests.com

13. ==> 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

14. ==> How to Reclaim Attention in a World Built to Distract

We live in a world designed to hijack our attention. Author and senior UCLA mindfulness educator Mitra Manesh says this isn’t just a focus issue; it’s a crisis that’s quietly eroding our freedom to choose. On your show, Mitra will reveal why even intelligent, successful people often live in “survival mode,” how constant stimulation weakens our decision-making, and why reclaiming attention is the first and most important step toward true freedom. Drawing from her inspirational fiction, “The Attentionist: New Choices for a New World”—a parable in the spirit of “The Alchemist”—she offers a transformative blend of storytelling and insight, packed with techniques and practices for improving attention as a transformative force in all aspects of life. This is a timely invitation to shift from reaction to creation, and a powerful case for why reclaiming attention may be the most radical act of personal power in our time. Contact Mitra Manesh at (310) 807-3031; mmanesh@rtirguests.com

15. ==> This Psychic Detective Solves Crimes, Finds Lost Pets and Teaches You to Tune In

Imagine a psychic with a detective’s badge. Nancy Orlen Weber has worked side-by-side with detectives and federal agents to solve murders, locate missing people and reunite families with lost pets—all using her intuitive gifts. She’s a sought-after medium, animal communicator and holistic health educator with over 45 years of experience and multiple books, documentaries and TV appearances. Nancy blends grounded wisdom with mystical insight—offering listeners simple, powerful ways to access their own inner guidance. She’s also a trauma survivor who shares how intuition helped her heal and thrive She’s the author of numerous books including “Soul Detective.” Contact Nancy Orlen Weber at (973) 453-0906; Nweber@rtirguests.com

01. Iran Ceasefire: What’s in the Deal?
02. Trump and the Madman Theory of Politics
03. What Leaders Need in the Age of AI
04. AI-Generated Ads Are Killing Your Brand
05. This Man Helped Shape Modern Satellite Broadcasting
06. The Surprising Signs Your Partner is a Narcissist
07. How to Protect Your Parents From Sophisticated Scams
08. Stop Avoiding the Hard Stuff: Three Habits That Defuse Conflict Anywhere	
09. Diplomatic Skills Every Leader Needs — But No One Teaches
10. Political Insider Reveals: What It’s Really Like to Run for Office
11. The Mental Health Cost of Building a Business from Scratch
12. Former Nurse and Stand-Up Comic Gets Serious About Healthcare's Darkest Secret
13. Joint Pain Isn’t ‘Just Menopause’- What’s Really Happening and What to Do
14.‘Out of the Chair’ Thinking to Help Kids Focus and Learn
15. Need Clarity and Direction? Interview This Certified Metaphysician 

1. ==> Iran Ceasefire: What’s in the Deal?

The United States, Israel, and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire Tuesday after nearly forty days of fighting. Pakistan helped mediate the ceasefire, which includes a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping traffic. Both the U.S. and Iran hailed the step as a victory, yet disagreements remain. President of the Council on Foreign Relations, Michael Froman, says, “This is an agreement to begin to talk…A ceasefire is better than no ceasefire. It’s good for the bombing to stop. It’s good for the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened, assuming that the Iranians actually follow through on that, but this is really just the beginning of a conversation about these fundamental issues where I think the U.S. and Iran are in really quite different positions.” Founded in 1921, CFR is a nonpartisan, independent national membership organization, think tank, educator, and publisher, including of “Foreign Affairs.” To arrange interviews, contact the CFR communications team at (212) 434-9888; Communications@cfr.org

2. ==> Trump and the Madman Theory of Politics

President Donald Trump triggered global headlines this week with an expletive laced threat to Iran. The latest diatribe wasn’t an isolated outburst, his use of profanity, both on social media and in public remarks, has been a recurring feature of his political persona, setting him apart from past presidents. What’s behind the crude behavior? Sina Toossi, a senior non-resident fellow at the Center for International Policy says, “I tend to read much of Trump’s bombast as his version of ‘madman doctrine’ signaling. In other words, an attempt to convince the other side that he is totally unpredictable and capable of extreme escalation.” When it comes to Trump’s threats, Toossi says, “He does sometimes follow through, but when he does it is often more limited than the rhetoric, or he ultimately pulls back, which has more often been the pattern.” Sina Toossi has a professional background in producing research and analysis on U.S.-Iran relations, U.S. foreign policy towards the Middle East, and nuclear policy issues. The Center for International Policy is a woman-led, progressive, independent nonprofit center for research, education, and advocacy working to advance a more peaceful, just, and sustainable U.S. approach to foreign policy. Contact Sina Toossi at stoossi@internationalpolicy.org; @SinaToossi


3. ==> What Leaders Need in the Age of AI

As AI accelerates and reshapes every industry, most conversations focus on the technology. Steven Kotler argues that’s the wrong focus. The real constraint is human performance. He’ll explain what happens when exponential technologies collide with a brain that evolved for a slower, simpler world and share strategies for how leaders can think, decide, and perform when the pace of change outstrips human cognition. Kotler is the founder of the Flow Research Collective and has trained executives at companies including Google, Meta, Microsoft, Audi, and Accenture, along with Navy SEALs and Olympic athletes. His work sits at the intersection of neuroscience, leadership, and high performance. Ask him: What is the biggest risk to organizations, AI or cognitive overload at the leadership level? In what ways is exponential technology outpacing human decision-making capacity? What does it take to lead effectively when the environment changes faster than strategy cycles? He says most organizations are structurally unprepared for exponential change and can discuss why high performers are burning out in an age of constant input. Kotler is coauthor, along with Peter Diamandis, of the new book, “We Are as Gods: A Survival Guide for the Age of Abundance.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell)

4. ==> AI-Generated Ads Are Killing Your Brand

More and more small businesses and marketers are using AI tools like ChatGPT to create ads and marketing materials, but experts warn there are downsides. Sophie Rhone, a digital PR specialist and founder of Cupid PR, says generic, AI-generated ads are weakening brand identity, reducing trust and hurting performance. She says over-reliance on AI-generated creative is leading to a wave of ads that fail to stand out, connect with audiences or drive meaningful results. “AI can make your ads look good, but it cannot make them feel original. When everything starts to look the same, your brand becomes easy to ignore.” She adds, “If your ad looks like something people have already scrolled past ten times, they will scroll past yours too.” Rhone can share the right way to use AI to build a brand and engagement. She says, “AI should support your marketing, not define it. The brands that win are the ones that feel distinct, not the ones that look efficient.” Cupid PR is a digital PR consultancy. Contact Sophie Rhone at sophie@cupidpr.com 

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

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

6. ==> The Surprising Signs Your Partner is 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

7. ==> How to Protect Your Parents From Sophisticated 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

8. ==> Stop Avoiding the Hard Stuff: Three Habits That Defuse Conflict Anywhere 

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

9. ==> 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


10. ==> Political Insider Reveals: What It’s Really Like to Run 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. As we head toward the midterm elections, he’ll pull 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.” Ask him: Are politics really as down and dirty as the media makes it out to be? What are some of your most challenging experiences while running for office? Contact Rob Curnock at (254) 822-3741; rcurnock@rtirguests.com

11. ==> 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

12. ==> 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 comedy background 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

13. ==> Joint Pain Isn’t ‘Just Menopause’- What’s Really Happening and What to Do

Many women are told 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

14. ==> ‘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 

15. ==> Need 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

01. Questions Linger About Operation Epic Fury
02. Medicare Fraud Alert: 1.3 Million Americans Are Getting New Cards—What You Need to Know
03. ‘AI Brain Fry’ is Changing How We Think
04. What Your 2-Day Shipping Costs the Environment
05. How the Songs That Transport You Change Your Brain
06. Longtime Activist: How to Make a Difference in the World and Yourself
07. Why Are So Many Female Leaders Bowing Out?
08. How to Talk Across Differences Without Burning Out or Blowing Up	
09. Is There a Way to Repair Slavery’s Lasting Wounds?
10. The Protein Myth That’s Keeping You Sick
11. How to Raise Emotionally Healthy Sons
12. Reduce Test Anxiety by Changing How Kids Think
13. It’s Time to Spring Clean Your Relationships
14. Stop Saying Everything’s OK When it’s Not
15. Is "Good Vibes Only" Making Your Audience Worse Off?

1. ==> Administration Lingering Questions About Operation Epic Fury

Poll after poll shows that Americans remain deeply skeptical about the Iran war’s merits and likely consequences. That skepticism has persisted despite the administration’s insistence that Operation Epic Fury is substantially degrading Iran’s military capabilities and will soon end. James Lindsay of the Council on Foreign Relations says that’s because of the many lingering questions, including: Can the United States keep Iran’s military capabilities degraded? If the United States has substantially degraded Iran’s ability to project power, why has Iran been able to close the Strait of Hormuz? And how will Trump square bombing Iran “back to the Stone Ages” and letting others re-open the Strait of Hormuz with his promise not to let U.S. Gulf allies “get hurt or fail in any way, shape, or form”? Lindsay says, “Until Trump and his advisers can answer these questions, it is hard to see how the Iran War will advance U.S. interests rather than set them back.” James Lindsay has written widely on various aspects of American foreign policy and international relations and he hosts the weekly podcast, The President’s Inbox, which examines the foreign policy challenges facing the United States. Contact him at jlindsay@cfr.org; @JamesMLindsay

2. ==> Medicare Fraud Alert: 1.3 Million Americans Getting New Cards—What You Need to Know 

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

3. ==> ‘AI Brain Fry’ is Changing How We Think

Consultants at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) have dubbed the phenomenon "AI brain fry," a state of mental exhaustion stemming "from the excessive use or supervision of artificial intelligence tools, pushed beyond our cognitive limits." These AI agents put users in the position of managing smart, fast digital workers rather than having to grind through jobs themselves. Psychologist Stephanie Johnson says, “In regards to AI, it’s just like the smartphones, right? You think smartphones would make people smarter. It’s not happening. Actually, the reverse is happening, right, because we’re leaning too much into somebody else just giving a quick answer and we’re not actually masterfully learning the information.” Ask her: If a person is engaging AI or a highly stimulated environment for 10 to 12 hours, are they actually learning? What is your recommendation for people who use AI? Are there certain hours of the day when the brain is in a better position to handle stimulation? Stephanie Johnson, PsyD, MSCP, is a licensed clinical psychologist with more than 17 years of experience and serves as CEO and chief psychologist of Summit Psychological Services in California. Contact Ryan McCormick at Ryan@goldmanmccormick.com

4. ==> What Your 2-Day Shipping Costs the Environment

It’s great to place an online order and receive it the next day, but what most people don’t consider is the climate impact of that convenience. “If you have expedited shipping, then you are not actually able to consolidate packages,” says Dr. Sreedevi Rajagopalan, director of the MIT Sustainable Supply Chain Lab. “As a result, you end up delivering less goods in a short period. You also end up visiting the same route, maybe multiple times the same day or consecutive days. So that actually results in very high emissions.” Rajagopalan, says how you order online can make a difference. “If the option is available, avoid same or next day delivery. Delaying a delivery by three to four days can reduce emissions from anywhere from 40% to 56%.” As she puts it: “It's important for us as consumers to sit back and think, ‘Do I really need this product tomorrow?’” Another smart shopping tip: Instead of placing small orders throughout the week or month, take time to consider your purchases and make them all at once. Sreedevi Rajagopalan is a research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Center for Transportation and Logistics. Contact her at (617) 253-5768; sreedevi@mit.edu

5. ==> How the Songs That Transport You Change Your Brain

What if the moments when music “takes you somewhere” aren’t just emotional, but measurable brain events? A Princeton professor’s research reveals that songs can trigger more vivid and detailed memories than faces, food, or even television, and can pull listeners into shared imaginative experiences that feel deeply personal but are often patterned across people. Invite Elizabeth Hellmuth Margulis, PhD, to explain how music doesn’t just accompany our thoughts; it actively shapes them. As director of Princeton’s Music Cognition Lab, her work bridges music, psychology, and neuroscience, using experiments and listening studies to track how people respond to sound, what they remember, how their attention shifts, and how music reshapes emotional experience in real time. Her research has been featured by NPR, the BBC, and on Netflix’s “Explained,” where she appears on camera explaining how music shapes memory, emotion, and perception for a broad audience. Her latest book is “Transported: The Everyday Magic of Musical Daydreams.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705

6. ==> Longtime Activist: How to Make a Difference in the World and Yourself

Are you fed up with dysfunctional government? Tired of watching Congressional gridlock and partisan politics while your day-to-day life just keeps getting harder and more expensive? For the past 40 years, Sam Daley-Harris has been quietly leading a revolution in how ordinary citizens engage with democracy. Daley-Harris teaches transformational advocacy as opposed to transactional advocacy, which might involve signing a petition or writing a check. Instead, his method trains you to step outside your box and do things like meet with a member of Congress about an issue. As a result, you see yourself differently. That's the transformation! “I want to show people a way out of their cynicism and hopelessness and a path toward making a difference beyond their wildest dreams. I want people to see that they don't have to give up and how to find organizations that will really empower them and don't just leave them signing meaningless petitions.” Listeners who are disgusted by the current state of affairs in government will feel empowered as Daley-Harris offers them practical tools to move from anxiety to agency. Sam Daley-Harris founded the anti-poverty lobby RESULTS which has played a key advocacy role in reducing global child deaths by 66% over the last 40 years saving some 10 million lives a year. He is the author of “Reclaiming Our Democracy: Every Citizen's Guide to Transformational Advocacy.” Contact Sam Daley-Harris at (202) 804-2504; Sdaley@rtirguests.com

7. ==> Why Are So Many Female Leaders Bowing Out?

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

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. ==> 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

10. ==> The Protein Myth That’s Keeping You 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

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. ==> 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. ==> It’s Time to Spring Clean Your Relationships

Every spring we declutter our homes, but what about our relationships and the emotional patterns we keep carrying? Many people swear, “This time will be different,” only to end up in the same kind of relationship. Sabrina Ciceri, author of “If It’s Not One Thing, It’s a Mother,” says partner choice is often driven by childhood conditioning, not logic. After growing up in deep family dysfunction (including her mother running off with her teenage boyfriend) Sabrina made a conscious decision to break the cycle. On-air, she explains why we’re drawn to what feels familiar (even when it hurts), how to recognize inherited relationship scripts, and the practical steps to choose differently. Contact Sabrina Ciceri at (352) 308-1596; sciceri@rtirguests.com

14. ==> Stop Saying Everything’s OK When it’s Not

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

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

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

01. U.S. is Cohosting World Cup But Much of World Can’t Attend
02. What the Media Isn’t Telling Americans About Voter Fraud
03. Democracy Isn’t Broken, it’s Behind the Times
04. Ask This Catholic Priest: Can Souls Get Stuck on Earth?
05. How Did Preserving Nature Become Political?
06. The Fleas Are Coming! The Fleas Are Coming!
07. How Global Uncertainty Is Driving Economic Anxiety
08. Spring Job Market: What Savvy Employees Are Doing	
09. Spring Health Detox: What to Cut First
10. Can’t Put Your Phone Down? How to Reclaim Your Attention
11. What an Ancient Hawaiian Healing Practice Can Teach Us About Modern Forgiveness
12. Love Is in the Air: Tips for Dating After 50
13. Is Your Body Asking for Change This Season?
14. The Lifestyle Choices Quietly Undermining Fertility
15.The Biggest Myths About Healing

1. ==> U.S. is Cohosting World Cup But Much of World Can’t Attend

The 2026 men’s World Cup officially kicks off in June, with players from a record forty-eight national teams facing off in the first tournament hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. But with geopolitical tensions surrounding many U.S. policies showing no signs of letting up, onlookers are questioning how this summer’s tournament—which is expected to attract more than one million international visitors—will actually play out. CFR immigration expert Ted Alden says Donald Trump’s most recent decree in January halts immigrant visa processing for seventy-five countries including four with teams in the tourney. “That shouldn’t stop fans from those countries from getting tourist visas,” Alden explains, “but you can certainly expect that anybody coming from those countries is going to face an extra level of scrutiny.” High costs, intense application processes, and bans aside, Alden suggests another barrier could be psychological: “Are people going to be scared to enter the United States?” Alden can discuss what role ICE agents could play if deployed and who is calling for a boycott of the games and whether that is likely to happen. Edward (Ted) Alden is senior fellow at the Council on Fore¬¬¬ign Relations (CFR), specializing in U.S. economic competitiveness, trade, and immigration policy. His latest book is “When the World Closed Its Doors: The Covid-19 Tragedy and the Future of Borders,” co-authored with Laurie Trautman. Contact him at (202) 509-8474; ealden@cfr.org

2. ==> What the Media Isn’t Telling Americans About Voter Fraud

President Donald Trump has been calling voter fraud his top issue and claims that a majority of Americans support the SAVE Act, a wide-ranging set of policies that would make it harder for millions of people to vote. FAIR media analyst Julie Hollar argues that many mainstream media outlets have failed to properly cover the dangers of the SAVE Act or to debunk Republicans’ false claims about voter fraud. “The public is ill informed because of the years-long campaign by Donald Trump to misinform people about voter fraud. The SAVE Act is just the latest piece of that campaign.” The SAVE Act is likely not going to get through Congress. But Hollar emphasizes that it will “no doubt accomplish its goal to sow further doubt about elections and make it seem like Democrats are trying to commit fraud. Some of the damage is already done––and that’s from irresponsible media coverage that isn’t making clear to people what the Act actually does.” Since 1986, the national watchdog group Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting (FAIR) has been monitoring the media for inaccuracy, bias, and censorship. Julie Hollar is FAIR’s senior analyst and managing editor. Contact her at jhollar@fair.org 

3. ==> Democracy Isn’t Broken, it’s Behind the Times

At a time when trust is falling, elections are under pressure, and institutions are struggling to perform, a new book argues that democracy isn’t broken. It just hasn’t kept up with the times. Government tech expert Northeastern University professor Beth Simone Noveck believes artificial intelligence help can rebuild democracy. She argues that AI can serve as a new operating system for government, transforming it from a slow, reactive bureaucracy into a real-time, adaptive system. Drawing on decades of experience in the White House, 10 Downing Street, and state government, Noveck takes listeners inside real-world examples already working today. Hear how AI is helping to detect and counter disinformation in elections and how it can equip policymakers with real-time intelligence, as seen in New Jersey, where AI has been used to analyze thousands of public comments on environmental policy, turning public feedback into clear insights that shape decisions. Beth Simone Noveck is a professor and director of the Burnes Center for Social Change at Northeastern University. She leads The Governance Lab and InnovateUS, the fastest-growing AI learning community for public sector professionals. Previously, she served as Chief AI Strategist for the State of New Jersey and has worked in the White House and 10 Downing Street, advising governments around the world on technology and policy. Her latest book is “Reboot: AI and the Race to Save Democracy.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at 

4. ==> Ask This Catholic Priest: Can Souls Get Stuck on Earth?
 
Christians are celebrating the promise of life after death this Easter, but can a soul get stuck here on earth after the body dies? 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. Listeners 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

5. ==> How Did Preserving Nature Become Political?

The smell of spring’s first flowers blossoming, the sight of a tree-covered mountain, the sound of birdsong: These are things we all enjoy. So why does the preservation of nature sometimes seem like an issue that’s split down party lines? According to Benji Backer, it’s a matter of disconnection — or rather, disconnection from the outside world and hyper connection to the worlds within our devices. “We’ve become so digitally addicted, and we’ve allowed every issue to become a culture war issue, largely because of the algorithms and the news incentives,” he says, adding: “And the reality is the environment is more important than that.” Backer is the founder and CEO of Nature is Nonpartisan, a nonprofit on a mission “to rebuild a durable conservation movement for the 21st century,” he says. He’ll discuss the organization’s mission and how listeners can get involved. Benji Backer is also the founder of the American Conservation Coalition (ACC), which he launched during his freshman year of college, and the author of “The Conservative Environmentalist: Common Sense Solutions for a Sustainable Future.” Contact him at Media@natureisnonpartisan.org

6. ==> The Fleas Are Coming! The Fleas Are Coming!

It’s officially spring, and that means more time outdoors. As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, our furry friends become more exposed to fleas and ticks that can become intrusive and harmful if left untreated. Integrative veterinarian Carol Osbourne, DVM, has helpful advice and recommendations for holistic remedies that can keep pets safe. “Fleas love dogs and cats because they are simply easy targets,” says Dr. Carol.  “Fleas only jump on dogs, cats, and people long enough to get a meal, then drop down to the ground and lay more eggs.” She’ll discuss herbal remedies to eliminate fleas, holistic homemade edible solutions to stop itching, non-toxic alternatives to OTC flea medication and how to get rid of fleas in your carpet! Carol Osborne, DVM, is a practicing integrative veterinarian and a nationally recognized leader, speaker, educator, and advocate in the field of functional medicine. She is the founder and director of the Chagrin Falls Veterinary Center and Pet Clinic and an Emmy-nominated television journalist. She is the author of several books including “Naturally Healthy Dogs” and “Naturally Healthy Cats.” Dr. Carol is also a regular contributor to several television shows and networks including “Fox & Friends,” “Today,” Discovery’s Animal Planet and “Good Day LA.” Contact Mackenzie August at (661) 255-8283; mackenzie@steveallenmedia.com

7. ==> 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

8. ==> Spring Job Market: What Savvy Employees Are Doing 

Spring has historically been peak hiring season but in these uncertain times, companies are reassessing budgets, teams are restructuring and employees everywhere are quietly asking: Am I positioned to grow, or at risk of being replaced? Business transformation expert Shawn Fry says most workers are focusing on the wrong thing. Updating your résumé and working longer hours won’t make you indispensable. After leading change initiatives in 60+ facilities across 17 countries, Fry found that the employees who advance in uncertain markets aren’t the busiest, they’re the most strategically visible, cross-functional, and solution-oriented. On your show, he’ll explain why traditional goal setting often backfires in volatile markets, and what savvy employees are doing instead to stay promotable, valuable, and hard to replace. Contact Shawn Fry at (330) 422-4090; Sfry@rtirguests.com

9. ==> Spring Health Detox: What to Cut First

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

10. ==> Can’t Put Your Phone Down? How to Reclaim Your Attention 

Americans check their phones an average of 90+ times a day. Many admit they feel distracted, anxious, and mentally scattered, but can’t seem to stop scrolling. Author and consciousness teacher Mitra Manesh says this isn’t a willpower problem. It’s an attention crisis, and most of us don’t even realize how deeply it’s shaping our lives. On your show, Mitra explains how constant digital stimulation quietly trains the brain to live in “survival mode,” why even successful people struggle to focus, and how reclaiming attention can restore clarity, calm, and real choice. Drawing from her book “The Attentionist: New Choices for a New World,” she’ll share practical ways people can interrupt distraction patterns and begin leading their lives rather than reacting to them. Contact Mitra Manesh at (310) 807-3031; mmanesh@rtirguests.com

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

12. ==> Love Is in the Air: Tips for Dating After 50

For millions of single Americans over 50, Spring brings renewed hope for love. But dating later in life comes with risks many smart, successful women still overlook. Dr. Victoria Vaughn says experience doesn’t always protect against blind spots. In fact, loneliness, optimism, and the belief that “time is short” can make red flags easier to ignore. On-air, she reveals the warning signs mature singles often miss—from fast-forward romance and financial fog to charming manipulators who feel exciting but unstable. She explains why women (and men) sometimes settle after 50, how to spot emotional unavailability early, and why the biggest myth about love later in life may be the most damaging: that there’s only one soulmate. Blending humor with hard-earned insight from her memoir “Oh the Frogs I Kissed Before I Finally Found My Prince,” Dr. Vaughn offers practical, buyer-beware guidance for anyone navigating the dating world. Contact Dr. Victoria Vaughn at (512) 580-8531; vwiesen@rtirguests.com

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

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

14. ==> The Lifestyle Choices Quietly Undermining Fertility

Fertility challenges are rising, and Dr. Marina Straszak-Suri says lifestyle factors are often overlooked. She explains how nutrition, stress, toxins, and daily habits affect reproductive health long before conception. Her insights help audiences understand fertility as a whole-body issue, not just a medical one. Dr. Marina is a fertility and women’s health expert focused on optimizing reproductive outcomes through lifestyle and preventative care. Contact her at (613) 800-9412; msuri@rtirguests.com

15. ==> 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