01. How Trump’s Tariffs Could Survive the Supreme Court Ruling
02. How Dangerous Is Snow Shoveling?
03. What Saving Birds Can Teach Us About Saving the Planet
04. 5 Things You Never Knew About the Women’s Movement
05. The Four Eyed Revolution: How Glasses Changed Everything
06. Love After 50: Bigger Frogs, Brighter Red Flags
07. Interview the First African American Rockette
08. How to Talk Across Differences Without Burning Out or Blowing
09. Why Old School Parenting Fails in a High Tech World
10. Will Franchise Owners Survive the New Economy?
11. A Mindset Makeover for Families Facing Modern Stress
12. How to Rewrite Your Story
13. Think You’re Too Old for Big Goals? This Inspiring 87-Year-Old Aims for a World Record!
14. Can Christians Be Democrats? This Pastor Says 'No'—Here’s Why
15. This Pastor Died—Twice—And Came Back With a Message
1. ==> Trump’s Tariffs Could Survive the Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court has ruled against President Trump’s use of tariffs, but Inu Manak says the president has other methods and authorities available to him that could keep his trade agenda alive. “While American businesses and consumers may cheer the court striking down Trump’s second latest tariff adventure, the court decision is likely to be a temporary break in the president’s ongoing trade wars,” But, she adds, “The unpopularity of the tariffs, and now, the Supreme Court’s ruling, could provide Trump a tariff offramp if he chooses to take it. He does not necessarily need to use tariffs to execute his overall trade agenda, which has been focused on negotiating deals with other countries.” Inu Manak is a senior fellow for international trade at the Council on Foreign Relations. Her research focuses on U.S. trade policy and the law and politics of the World Trade Organization. Contact her at imanak@cfr.org
2. ==> How Dangerous Is Snow Shoveling?
Mother Nature brought snow to much of the United States in recent days, and while it might look lovely, somebody has to get it off the sidewalks and streets! It may seem like a simple chore, but shoveling, especially after a heavy storm, can be a bigger danger than many people realize, and causes as many as 100 deaths each year. “Shoveling a little snow off your sidewalk may not seem like hard work However, the strain of heavy snow shoveling may be even more demanding on the heart than taking a treadmill stress test,” says American Heart Association volunteer Barry Franklin, Ph. D., PAHA, one of the leading experts on the science behind the cardiovascular risks of snow shoveling. He’ll discuss how snow shoveling affects the heart, who is most at risk for a heart attack or stroke and how to reduce your risk while shoveling. He’ll also share the common signs of a heart attack and stroke and when to call 9-1-1. Contact Cathy Lewis at (214) 706-1173; cathylewis@heart.org
3. ==> What Saving Birds Can Teach Us About Saving the Planet
Back in 2019, a landmark “Science” study revealed that North America had lost nearly one-third of its birds since 1970, a sobering signal of ecological collapse. But Scott Weidensaul tells a different, urgently needed story: where focused conservation, Indigenous leadership, habitat restoration, and long-term commitment have worked and what those successes mean for the future of the planet. He’ll share real stories about the species, people, and places that have seen the results of those endeavors and can discuss why some bird species are rebounding while others continue to decline. Learn what bird recovery reveals about climate adaptation and ecosystem health and why optimism—supported with evidence—matters in environmental reporting now. Scott Weidensaul is a writer and researcher specializing in birds and bird migration. He’s the author of nearly thirty books, including the Pulitzer Prize finalist “Living on the Wind” and his latest, “The Return of the Oystercatcher: Saving Birds to Save the Planet.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Reigan Wright at (703) 646-5138
4. ==> 5 Things You Never Knew About the Women’s Movement
Did you know that in the 1950s and 60s, women couldn’t buy property, get a credit card or passport in their own names or open a bank account without a male co-signer? It was also mandatory for stewardesses to wear girdles and submit to flick checks to ensure they did. They also were forced to maintain weight standards that would be shocking and unrealistic today. Just in time for Women’s History Month, award-winning author Elaine Rock will share little-known facts about the Women’s Movement and the forgotten civil rights trailblazer, Barbara “Dusty” Roads, an American Airlines stewardess and flight attendant, union organizer and lobbyist to Congress. Elaine says she was the hidden figure who really ignited the Women’s Movement— before it had a name. Among her many achievements, Dusty played a pivotal role in fighting and overturning the airlines’ ban on marriage and the industry-wide practice that fired stewardesses once they reached the age of 32. Rock met and interviewed Dusty numerous times and even appeared with her in the PBS documentary Fly With Me. Elaine Rock is a women’s rights advocate, a former history teacher and the author of “Dusty Roads.” Contact her at (707) 293-0000; ElaineRockAuthor@gmail.com
5. ==> The Four Eyed Revolution: How Glasses Changed Everything
Eyeglasses have become so commonplace we hardly think about them—unless, of course, we can’t find them. They’re just there. But what do you know about one of humanity’s greatest inventions? Who invented eyeglasses? Oxford scholar Roger Bacon pioneered the science of using lenses to see and then spent years in a miserable medieval cell for advocating that he could “fix” God’s creations by improving our eyesight, but many countries and cities have laid claim to the invention. David Dunaway, author of “A Four-Eyed World: How Glasses Changed the Way We See” can discuss everything from the history of deficient eyesight and how glasses are made, to the stigma surrounding them and the future of augmented and virtual reality glasses as he illustrates how glasses have shaped, and continue to shape, who we are. Dunaway is a professor of English at the University of New Mexico and the author and editor of 10 books of history and biography. He hosted a show on Albuquerque NPR affiliate KUNM for twenty years and has appeared on PBS, CNBC, and CSPAN’s Book TV. Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853; LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com
6. ==> Love After 50: Bigger Frogs, Brighter Red Flags
Millions of Americans over 50-years-old are reentering the dating world and discovering it’s more complicated than ever. Dating coach Dr. Victoria Vaughn says many overlook critical warning signs from charming manipulators to financial risk and emotional dependency. She’ll reveal the most common red flags mature singles miss, why loneliness can cloud judgment, and how men, women, and same-sex couples can date confidently without settling. Her insights help listeners avoid costly emotional mistakes while staying open to real connection later in life. Blending humor with hard-earned wisdom, her stories offer a practical “buyer beware” guide to modern love after 50. Dr. Victoria Vaughn is the author of “Oh the Frogs I Kissed Before I Finally Found My Prince” and speaks on love, loss, and reinvention in later life. Contact Dr. Victoria Vaughn at (512) 580-8531; vvaughn@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Interview the First African American Rockette
The Rockettes recently celebrated 100 years of precision, athleticism and sisterhood. The all-female dance group from Missouri became an iconic part of American culture soon after they arrived at Radio City Music Hall in the 1930s, but it wasn’t until 1988—more than 50 years later—that an African American dancer was hired, breaking the troupe’s longstanding policy. Meet Jennifer Jones, the woman who made history performing at the Super Bowl XX11 halftime show as a Rockette. Since then, Jones has become an award-winning performer celebrated for her pioneering achievements and unwavering advocacy for equal rights in the arts. Her groundbreaking journey has captivated audiences for decades and she remains a symbol of resilience and determination. She is the author of the children’s book "On the Line: My Story of Becoming the First African American Rockette,” and her memoir, "Becoming Spectacular: The Rhythm of Resilience" and is featured in a tribute to black artists, singers, actors and writers this month at the Hollywood Museum entitled “This Joint is Jumping.” Contact Harlan Boll at harlan@bhbpr.com
8. ==> How to Talk Across Differences Without Burning Out or Blowing Up
Americans are talking more than ever, yet we are understanding each other less. Differences in politics, faith, and values are making even simple conversations feel risky. National Muslim leader and peacebuilding expert Daisy Khan explains that many well-meaning attempts to bridge differences actually make conflict worse. She’ll explain why facts alone rarely change minds, how silence and cancel culture fuel division, and how simple language shifts can de-escalate conflict in real time. Drawing on her work training schools, workplaces, and communities, Khan will reveal practical tools for confronting bias without escalating conflict and share insights from her book “30 Rights of Muslim Women,” which challenges common assumptions about faith, identity, and equality. Contact Daisy Khan at (917) 905-7829; dkhan@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Why Old School Parenting Fails in a High Tech World
George Lee, lawyer and award-winning author of “SMART Parenting 5.0,” is helping parents prepare their children for a future defined by AI, automation, and constant change. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and technology research, Lee distills decades of teaching into 10 practical “future-readiness” keys that schools often overlook—like creativity, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and financial literacy. With experience spanning Eastern and Western education systems, he helps families nurture adaptable, confident, and compassionate kids ready to thrive in the modern world. Lee will reveal how to replace outdated parenting myths with science-based strategies for the digital age— because the best way to prepare children for the future is to raise them to think for themselves. Ask him: What are the most important skills kids will need to succeed in the AI era? Why do traditional parenting and education models no longer work? Contact George Lee at (604) 330-8697; glee@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Will Franchise Owners Survive the New Economy?
Greg Mohr predicts franchise owners will not only survive the current economic wave, they’ll thrive in the new economy! Invite him on your show and hear how franchising has become a reliable pathway to financial independence during uncertain markets. He’ll reveal how proven systems reduce startup risk while delivering scalable income opportunities for everyday investors. Mohr’s strategic guidance can prepare those considering business ownership. Greg Mohr is a franchising consultant and author specializing in business ownership strategy, investment planning, and income growth models. Contact him at gmohr@rtirguests.com or (361) 204-5470
11. ==> A Mindset Makeover for Families Facing Modern Stress
Across the country, teachers and parents are noticing that kids are more anxious than ever. Mindset coach and mother of four Sharon Emily believes the antidote is not pressure or perfectionism, but mindset. A former counselor and Franklin Covey-trained facilitator, she teaches families practical ways to replace fear with focus. Her new children’s song turned book, “Mirror of Myself,” gives parents an easy way to start those conversations at home. Sharon helps audiences understand how thoughts shape confidence, motivation, and resilience in both children and adults. Whether your listeners are concerned about school stress, social media, or the constant rush of modern life, she offers tools that spark calm, gratitude, and hope while still acknowledging real challenges. Sharon has practiced what she preaches, raising a son who became a millionaire before 30 and a thriving daughter living with autism. Contact her at (480) 470-3893; scarstens@rtirguests.com
12. ==> How to Rewrite Your Story
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 her at (404) 800-3916; kperkins@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Think You’re Too Old for Big Goals? This Inspiring 87-Year-Old Aims for a World Record!
Meet the octogenarian putting us all to shame. David Selley is rewriting the rules of aging — and the publishing world. With four books already out and ten more planned this year, Selley is on a mission to become the oldest person to publish the most books in a single year, and he’s not stopping there. Backed by a 65-year marriage, three citizenships, and decades of entrepreneurial wisdom, this globe-trotting powerhouse is also launching a global initiative to empower over 700 million aspiring entrepreneurs— proof positive that ambition doesn’t retire. Contact David Selley at (808) 229-3985; dselley@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Can Christians Be Democrats? This Pastor Says 'No'—Here’s Why
As a Black pastor of 18 years and a former lifelong Democrat, Frank Tull brings a unique voice to the intersection of faith and politics. Inspired by personal loss—a 25-year friendship broken due to his support of President Donald Trump—Frank now firmly believes that the Republican Party is far more aligned with Christian principles than the Democratic Party. "With powerful scripture-based reasoning, I address the role of faith in today’s volatile political climate, and why I believe that Christianity and the Democratic Party are mutually exclusive," he says. He is the author of "8 Biblical Reasons to Vote Republican." Contact Pastor Frank Tull at (469) 609-1385; ftull@rtirguests.com
15. ==> This Pastor Died—Twice—And Came Back With a Message
When Pastor Nancy Frecka slipped into death—twice—she never imagined what awaited her. Floating above her lifeless body, she watched nurses scramble, unable to find a pulse. Then came the divine encounter with Jesus Himself. Pages of her past flipped like a book until stopping at the moment that shaped her soul, a childhood tragedy involving her brother, a shotgun, and a haunted house. But death wasn’t the end. It was the beginning of a mission. Nancy returned from the other side with a powerful message. “The message of forgiveness is key to having a life full of peace, love and joy,” she says. Nancy is a speaker, pastor, and the author of "God Says, "You Can Trust Me:” Supernatural Encounters with God." Contact Nancy Frecka at (330) 422-6955; nfrecka@rtirguests.com
2/19/2026 RTIR Newsletter: The Worst State for Marriage, New AI Scams and How Numbers Affect Your Life
01. How to Stay Safe from ICE Confrontations
02. What the ACA Changed, What it Failed to Fix, and What Comes Next
03. Black History Month: How to Really Erase Slavery’s Ugly Legacy
04. Inside Today’s High-Profile Court Cases: Is Justice for Sale?
05. Is Where You Live Hurting Your Marriage? States With the Highest Divorce Rates
06. Half of All Cancer is Preventable: Doc Reveals Real Causes
07. How to Protect Your Parents From Today’s New AI Scams
08. In a Season of Political Chaos, This Activist is Planting Hope
09. Psychiatrist Reveals the Mental Toll of Living in America Today
10. 5 Things You Never Knew About the Women’s Movement
11. Medicare Mistakes That Quietly Undermine Your Health After 65
12. Gain Clarity and Direction: Interview This Certified Metaphysician
13. Drawing Badly Could Be the Secret to Business Breakthroughs
14. How the Wrong Yoga Practice Can Actually Hurt You
15. From Birthdays to Business Names: Surprising Ways Numbers Shape Success and Well Being
1. ==> How to Stay Safe from ICE Confrontations
In communities across the country, churches and neighborhood groups are preparing to confront U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) if the federal agency undertakes large-scale deployment of agents. But what can you do if you find yourself unexpectedly in the middle of a confrontation? Nithya Nathan-Pineau, a policy attorney and strategist at the Immigrant Legal Resource Center says immigration officers have been involved in more and more violent incidents in recent months making it harder than ever to offer simple, definitive advice to people about assessing risk in interactions with federal agents. If you find yourself witnessing an immigration enforcement action, she says there are some things to keep in mind if you want to stick around or simply can’t leave. “The goal is to be an observer and to document what is happening,” she says. “The goal is not to go and try to intervene in the law enforcement action.” And if you are recording an incident, she says, “We always advise people that if the law enforcement officer that you are filming tells you to step back, you should step back and you should say it out loud—‘I’m stepping back, I’m stepping back.’ That way you’re recording that you’re complying with their order.” The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) is a national organization providing legal trainings, educational materials, and policy advocacy in immigration law. Contact Nithya Nathan-Pineau at nnnathan-pineau@ilrc.org
2. ==> What the ACA Changed, What it Failed to Fix, and What Comes Next
With the Affordable Care Act once again at the center of political, legal, and economic debate alongside rising premiums, insurer consolidation, physician burnout, and the rapid expansion of AI in medicine, book an interview with Dr. Robin Blackstone, a surgeon and health-systems executive who can explain what the ACA changed, what it failed to fix, and what comes next. She can discuss the current issue of healthcare worker shortages, rising insurance costs and public health debates involving vaccines. Dr. Blackstone is a New York–based physician and surgeon who has worked across clinical care, hospital leadership, national medical organizations, and global health companies. Her latest books are “American Health: Who Gets Paid” and the forthcoming “Doctor AI: Reimagining Healthcare, Rebuilding Trust, Delivering Health 4.0,” which together examine why U.S. health care behaves as it does and how it could realistically be redesigned. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell)
3. ==> Black History Month: How to Really Erase Slavery’s Ugly Legacy
Just last month, President Trump’s Justice Department abruptly removed a display on the history of slavery at Independence Mall in Philadelphia before a judge this week ordered it restored. Lauraine White warns that America’s reckoning with slavery can’t wait another generation. She says Trump is trying to rewrite history and the time for denial is over. With both enslaved and Confederate blood in her family line, White argues that real healing requires more than apologies. Her Freedom Wealth Fund lays out measurable steps that include erasing student-loan debt for descendants of slaves, free education, and rewriting U.S. history curricula to tell the full truth about the transatlantic slave trade. White insists this isn’t about relitigating the past—it’s a practical blueprint for a just future. With nearly 60% of Americans saying slavery still affects Black people’s position in society today (Pew Research), her plan will spark headlines, debate and the uncomfortable, but necessary, conversation America keeps postponing. Sample questions: Can a Confederate descendant credibly lead the call for reparations, or is that exactly why she should? Is student-debt forgiveness for descendants a fair, targeted form of reparations that taxpayers can accept? Contact lwhite@rtirguests.com (email preferred) or (770) 525-8743
4. ==> Inside Today’s High-Profile Court Cases: Is Justice for Sale?
Whether your listeners are trying to follow high-profile criminal trials or understand the role of politics within the courts, it can be hard to make sense of how our legal system really works. James Porfido has decades of experience on both sides of the bench as a former prosecutor and a defense attorney. He says justice may be blind, but it’s certainly not cheap and will reveal how money plays an outsized role in who wins in court, and who loses everything. He’ll expose how wealth tips the scales: from bail to legal strategy to sentencing. His book, “Unequal Justice,” dives deep into the systemic gaps that disadvantage the poor and protect the powerful. With high-profile trials in the news and court cases continually making headlines, this is the perfect time to explore whether the justice system is truly fair—or just for sale. Contact James Porfido at (973) 620-2157; jporfido@rtirguests.com
5. ==> Is Where You Live Hurting Your Marriage? The States With the Highest Divorce Rates
Several recent studies identify Oklahoma as having the worst divorce rate in the nation at more than 9 divorces for every thousand marriages. Not far behind are Alabama and Nevada, with several other Southern and Midwestern states including Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Delaware, West Virginia, New Hampshire, and Arkansas all exceeding eight divorces per 1,000. Nationally, overall divorce rates have declined since 1980 with current numbers showing about one third of ever-married Americans reporting a divorce. At the same time, marriage rates are at historic lows, with about half of adults currently married. Invite family law attorney Andrea Berkowitz to discuss the surprising (and not so surprising) things that drive couples to split, the most common reasons cited in a divorce and some of the strangest cases she’s seen. Andrea Berkowitz is a family law attorney and partner with Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein LLP. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; ryan@goldmanmccormick.com
6. ==> Half of All Cancer is Preventable: Doc Reveals Real Causes
Cancer has overtaken heart disease as the leading cause of death in many developed countries and the US and is the leading cause of healthcare expenditure worldwide. That’s the bad news. The good news is that half of all cancer deaths could be preventable through lifestyle changes and social reforms. Dr. Adam Barsouk will discuss cancer’s true origins and make the case for why cancer prevention must become a central priority in public and personal health. He’ll explore a wide range of overlooked and misunderstood risk factors, as well as how inequities in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention disproportionately impact underserved populations. You’ll learn what’s behind the young adult cancer epidemic, how Medicaid cuts in the Big Beautiful Bill will increase cancer risk and how microplastics, and water and air pollution, cause cancer. Dr. Barsouk can also discuss the link between obesity and cancer, and the role GLP-1s (like Ozempic) may play in cancer prevention, and how smoking, diet, and alcohol remain the most common and well-known causes of cancer, but others—including an invisible gas found in most of our basements—may be to blame. Adam Barsouk, MD, is a resident-physician at the University of Pennsylvania. His articles about science, medicine, and policy have been featured in “Forbes” “Newsweek,” Fox News, and Business Insider. Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853; LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com
7. ==> How to Protect Your Parents From Today’s New AI Scams
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. ==> In a Season of Political Chaos, This Activist is Planting Hope
While headlines scream division and despair, Sam Daley-Harris is quietly leading a revolution in how ordinary citizens engage with democracy. An activist and the author of “Reclaiming Our Democracy,” Daley-Harris teaches "transformational advocacy"—where working to change an issue transforms you in the process. His approach has helped people move from political paralysis to powerful action. Invite Daley-Harris on your show to hear stories of everyday citizens discovering their political power. He'll explain how feeling overwhelmed isn't weakness—it's the starting point for meaningful change. From his own journey as a musician-turned-activist to guiding others through civic engagement some call "sacred and profound," Daley-Harris offers practical tools for anyone ready to move from anxiety to agency. Ask him: What is transformational advocacy and how does it differ from traditional activism? How did you go from performing music to teaching people to reclaim their democracy? Contact Sam Daley-Harris at (202) 804-2504; Sdaley@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Psychiatrist Reveals the Mental Toll of Living in America Today
America used to be the land of freedom and opportunity. But according to Dr. Shila Patel, the current chaotic political and social climate has changed that for the worse and it’s taking a toll on Americans’ mental health. “The statistics are staggering, and getting worse,” she says. “According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five adults and one in six children have mental health issues such as depression, anger, frustration, and feeling hopeless and helpless.” Shila is a retired psychiatrist who spent her 25-year career helping people to navigate daily stress and find positive paths to happiness. She is the author of “US Unhinged Book 1,” “US Unhinged Book 2” and “US Fractured.” Contact Dr. Shila Patel at (229) 586-6190; spatel@rtirguests.com
10. ==> 5 Things You Never Knew About the Women’s Movement
Did you know that in the 1950s and 60s, women couldn’t buy property, get a credit card or passport in their names or open a bank savings or checking account without a male co-signer? That it was mandatory for stewardesses to wear girdles and submit to “flick checks” to ensure they did? Just in time for Women’s History Month in March, award-winning author Elaine Rock will share little-known facts about the Women’s Movement and the forgotten civil rights trailblazer, Barbara “Dusty” Roads, an American Airlines stewardess and flight attendant, union organizer and lobbyist to Congress. Elaine says she was the hidden figure who really ignited the Women’s Movement— before it had a name. Among her many achievements, Dusty played a pivotal role in fighting and overturning the airlines’ ban on marriage and the industry-wide practice that fired stewardesses once they reached the age of 32. Rock met and interviewed Dusty numerous times and even appeared with her in the PBS documentary Fly With Me. Elaine Rock is a women’s rights advocate, a former history teacher and the author of “Dusty Roads.” Contact her at (707) 293-0000; ElaineRockAuthor@gmail.com
11. ==> Medicare Mistakes That Quietly Undermine Your Health After 65
Many seniors delay care or experience unnecessary stress because their Medicare is set up incorrectly. Toni King explains how common enrollment mistakes can limit access to doctors, prescriptions, and treatments, which directly affect health outcomes. She helps audiences understand Medicare as a health decision, not just paperwork. Toni King is a nationally recognized Medicare expert, columnist, and author of The Medicare Survival Guide. She has helped over 25,000 Americans navigate Medicare successfully. Contact Toni King at (281) 677-3736; tking@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Gain Clarity and Direction: Interview This Certified Metaphysician
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
13. ==> Drawing Badly Could Be the Secret to Business Breakthroughs
What if your messy stick figures could transform stalled meetings into breakthrough moments? Lisa Rothstein, “New Yorker” cartoonist and former advertising creative, has discovered that imperfect doodles beat perfect presentations every single time—and the science backs her up. In interviews, Rothstein will reveal how simple sketches get buy-in faster than any PowerPoint deck, why drawing badly creates psychological safety that "perfect" can't match, and how to use visual thinking in the age of AI to stand out as authentically human. Drawing from her book “Drawing Out Your Genius,” she'll share quick techniques anyone can use to simplify complex ideas, kickstart innovation, and finally get teams speaking the same language. Ask her: You say "the worse it looks, the better it works"—how does that make sense? What kinds of problems can this technique help you solve? How can non-artists use drawing to get breakthrough results this week? Contact Lisa Rothstein at (310) 388-8093; Lrothstein@rtirguests.com
14. ==> How the Wrong Yoga Practice Can Actually Hurt You
Some people think of yoga as simply stretching. Others see it as a stress reliever. But Joann Lutz says that’s just the tip of the iceberg of what yoga has to offer. Invite this trauma therapist and yoga expert to reveal the deeper healing secrets of yoga. No matter what your body type or health challenges, Joann says there's a good chance that doing the right yoga practices will help you live a better life. Unfortunately, people often choose the wrong practice for them. Joann will describe which yoga practices are the best ones for each person and reveal why some popular yoga styles can actually make symptoms worse. She says it’s key to find the type of yoga that allows you to experience safety and peace in this crazy world. Joann will explain how this is the foundation of healing, a message more urgent than ever as anxiety and depression rates soar nationwide. Joann Lutz has been blending yoga, somatic psychotherapy and neuroscience for more than 20 years. Her new book is “Trauma Healing in the Yoga Zone.” Contact her at jlutz@rtirguests.com; (413) 340-5056
15. ==> From Birthdays to Business Names: Surprising Ways Numbers Shape Success and Well Being
Most people would agree that we are in the midst of uncertain times, so is it really any wonder that so many are searching for ways to make sense of things? Ancient practices are getting a second look, including some surprising ones like numerology. Suzan Owens will explain how numbers that surround people in their everyday lives — from addresses and birthdays to business names — carry living energy that can influence success, relationships and overall well-being. A skilled numerologist, she’ll tell listeners how to work with these hidden numeric energies to influence their lives in positive ways. Whether you’re seeking advice about your career, relationships, or personal growth, Suzan will share a fresh perspective that can guide you toward your fullest potential. “Numerology helps us look beyond the surface, uncovering our deeper purpose and strengths,” Suzan explains. “It aligns us with who we truly are.” Suzan is the author of “Wisdom of Numerology.” Contact her at (509) 315-6515; Sowens@rtirguests.com
2/17/2026 RTIR Newsletter: Warehousing Immigrants, Common Sweetener Danger and the Real Radioman
01. The $38 Billion Plan to Turn Warehouses Into ICE Detention Centers
02. Constitution and Civil Rights Expert David Oppenheimer
03. Common Sweetener Linked to Cardiovascular Risks
04. The Wreck of the Mentor: A Forgotten Shipwreck Story
05. Craig Castaldo: The Real Radioman
06. Visa Restrictions: What They Mean for U.S. Travel and Business
07. How to Stay Indispensable in an Unstable Job Market
08. Diplomatic Skills Every Leader Needs — But No One Teaches
09. Former Nurse and Stand-Up Comic Gets Serious About Healthcare's Darkest Secret
10. Biggest Mistakes When Caring for Aging Loved Ones
11. How to Raise Emotionally Healthy Sons
12. Reduce Test Anxiety by Changing How Kids Think
13. How to Rewrite Your Story
14. Healing Doesn’t Always Follow a Straight Line
15. Spiritual Teachers Get Physical: The Body as Your Gateway to Higher Consciousness
1. ==> The $38 Billion Plan to Turn Warehouses Into ICE Detention Centers
The Trump administration has been quietly buying up warehouses around the country to convert into ICE detention centers with newly released documents revealing details of the plan to boost detention capacity to 92,600 beds—along with its $38.3 billion dollar price tag. Heidi Altman, vice president of policy at the National Immigration Law Center says warehouse conversions allow rapid expansion with minimal public scrutiny and local communities often don’t know the facilities are coming. She can explain what warehouse based detention actually looks like — and why the administration is investing billions in it. Altman has expertise on detention conditions, federal spending, and ICE operations and can speak to the human rights implications of warehouse based detention. Contact Emily Morris at (213) 457-7458; media@nilc.org
2. ==> Constitution and Civil Rights Expert David Oppenheimer
David Oppenheimer is a nationally recognized expert in constitutional law and civil rights at UC Berkeley School of Law. Invite him on your show to talk about the latest issues facing Americans. Ask him: In the current moment, what constitutional tensions feel the most urgent to you? What constitutional principles do you think are most misunderstood in today’s political climate? What are the legal guardrails that prevent a president from overstepping — and how effective are they right now? Where do you see the biggest civil rights vulnerabilities right now? What civil rights issues are flying under the radar that deserve more public attention? David Oppenheimer teaches courses in constitutional law, civil procedure, evidence, and comparative equality law, and has lectured internationally on anti-discrimination and equality law. His latest book is “The Diversity Principle: The Story of a Transformative Idea.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell)
3. ==> Common Sweetener Linked to Cardiovascular Risks
A University of Colorado study suggests erythritol, a common sugar substitute found in many sugar-free and keto products, may damage blood-brain barrier cells, disrupt blood vessel function, and interfere with the body’s ability to break down clots changes linked to higher stroke and heart attack risk. While approved as safe and useful for reducing sugar intake, growing research raises concerns about potential long-term cardiovascular effects. Dr. Jeremy M. Liff, a board-certified neurologist specializing in stroke and brain aneurysms is available for interview. Ask him: Based on what we know so far, how concerned should people be about erythritol affecting the blood-brain barrier and potentially increasing stroke risk? The study suggests erythritol may interfere with blood vessel function and clot breakdown. How significant is that from a neurological standpoint? For patients trying to reduce sugar for weight or diabetes control, how should they think about the trade-off between sugar and sugar substitutes like erythritol? Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; ryan@goldmanmccormick.com
4. ==> The Wreck of the Mentor: A Forgotten Shipwreck Story
Invite bestselling maritime historian Eric Jay Dolin to share one of the most gripping and least known shipwreck stories of the nineteenth century. Dolin’s latest book is a true story of death, despair, survival, and cultural collision in the Age of Sail. “The Wreck of the Mentor” is a true 19th-century shipwreck story that didn’t end when the ship sank. On a storm-lashed night in May 1832, the American whaleship Mentor struck a reef near the Palau Islands, splintering its crew and setting off a chain of events that would unfold over years and across multiple Pacific islands. But far more than a shipwreck tale. It is a sweeping narrative of cross-cultural encounter, moral ambiguity, and the long aftershocks of first contact reverberations that ultimately reached back to the United States through diplomatic crises, violence, and debates over justice and responsibility. Eric Jay Dolin is the author of seventeen acclaimed books on nautical and maritime history. Contact Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705 or Reigan Wright at (703) 646-5138
5. ==> Craig Castaldo: The Real Radioman
Craig Castaldo, better known as Radioman, is the subject of a new unscripted YouTube series that offers an unfiltered look at one of New York City’s most recognizable and beloved film personalities. “Craig Castaldo: The Real Radioman” chronicles the extraordinary life of Radioman — a man who went from years of vagrancy, alcoholism, and mental illness to becoming an unlikely fixture of the entertainment industry, with more than 300 cameos in major motion pictures and friendships that span Hollywood’s biggest names. Known for his signature boombox worn proudly around his neck, Radioman has become a symbol of perseverance, authenticity, and old-school movie magic. Available now for interviews, Craig Castaldo is opening up about his journey — from surviving the streets of New York to finding purpose, community, and recognition through film. Contact Sean@TheBrand.Partners
6. ==> Visa Restrictions: What They Mean for U.S. Travel and Business
New visa restrictions affecting dozens of countries are raising questions about travel, tourism, workforce shortages, and global commerce. Economist Rodger Friedman can explain what these changes really mean, not just for international travelers, but for U.S. businesses, universities, and the broader economy. He’ll discuss how visa policy impacts labor markets, supply chains, foreign investment, and America’s competitive position on the world stage. Friedman offers clear, nonpartisan insight into the economic ripple effects most headlines miss, making this a timely, informative segment for news and business programming. Rodger Friedman is an economist and financial strategist specializing in global markets, trade policy, and economic risk analysis. Contact him at (301) 327-2255; rfriedman@rtirguests.com
7. ==> How to Stay Indispensable in an Unstable Job Market
With mass layoffs back in the headlines and economic anxiety rising, employees at every level are asking the same question: How do I make sure I’m not next? Business transformation expert Shawn Fry says the key isn’t working harder, it’s thinking differently. After leading organizational change in 60+ companies across 17 countries, Fry noticed a surprising pattern: the people who kept their jobs during uncertainty weren’t the loudest or the busiest. They were the most focused, adaptive, and connected. Shawn will share why traditional goal-setting doesn’t work in today’s market and the counterintuitive steps employees can take to become indispensable, even when their company feels shaky. Ask him: Is visibility more important than performance in times of layoffs? What’s one daily habit that protects your job better than your resume? Contact Shawn Fry at (330) 422-4090; sfry@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Diplomatic Skills Every Leader Needs — But No One Teaches
Great leaders aren’t just decisive—they’re deliberate. “In high-stakes rooms where every word carries weight, success depends on skills rarely taught in business school: listening with precision, speaking with intention, and navigating conflict without escalating it,” says author and former diplomat Dianne Olvera. Drawing from real-world diplomacy and leadership experience, her approach reveals how to manage tough conversations, defuse tension, and influence outcomes without overpowering the room. It’s about knowing when to speak, when to pause, and how to choose language that builds trust instead of resistance. Dianne is a board-certified educational therapist and the author of “The Power of Connection: Understanding Individual Differences to Uplift and Empower.” She’s also a former diplomat and spy. Contact Dianne Olvera at (805) 779-3558; dolvera@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Former Nurse and Stand-Up Comic Gets Serious About Healthcare's Darkest Secret
Kathy Allan spent 20 years as a hospital nurse before witnessing something that changed everything: cleaning staff in scrubs discharging new mothers, while administrators threatened her for asking questions. She realized healthcare had become addicted to profits over patients. Her shocking revelation: nurses are 18% more likely to commit suicide than the general population. This Board Certified Holistic Nurse and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner channeled her trauma expertise and background as a stand-up comic into Gutsy Nurses—a program teaching nurses how to survive a broken system. Inspired by recovery principles, she developed the 12 Steps of Healing Care to beat the industry's profit addiction. Contact Kathy Allan at (619) 932-5206; Kallan@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Biggest Mistakes When Caring for Aging Loved Ones
Is your audience overwhelmed by the complexities of elder care? Debbie C. Miller has the answers—and the empathy. With over 30 years of experience working with senior care issues, Miller delivers practical, compassionate advice that empowers caregivers to make confident, informed decisions. She’ll discuss: The biggest mistakes families make when trying to care for aging loved ones, the most pervasive myths about elder care—and how they derail good intentions and how to plan ahead without panic, guilt or guesswork. You’ll also learn why “aging in place” is a deeply personal choice that requires smart strategy. Whether your audience is navigating a sudden crisis or planning for long-term care, Debbie offers a step-by-step approach that’s clear, actionable, and emotionally grounded. Her insights resonate with adult children, caregivers, and professionals alike. A Certified Senior Advisor® and Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist®, Miller is the author of “Doing the Right Thing: Simple Solutions, Essential Tips, & Helpful Resources for Assisting Aging Loved Ones,” a trusted guide for families facing the emotional and logistical maze of senior care. Contact Debbie Miller at (703) 844-4074; dmiller@rtirguests.com
11. ==> How to Raise Emotionally Healthy Sons
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. ==> How to Rewrite Your Story
Most people want the world to believe they’re strong—that they can push through, hold it together, and smile, completely unfazed by the weight they carry. But the truth is far more human. Many are terrified, overwhelmed, and quietly collapsing on the inside. For most of her adult life, author Kat Perkins lived this way too. She would always say, “It’s all good.” But after losing her mother at nine, surviving foster care, and later facing breast cancer, things were anything but “all good.” One day, a friend told her, “You need to stop saying it’s all good. It’s not. And it’s okay to feel what you feel.” That moment something cracked open. Kat learned what no one teaches us: you cannot rewrite the meaning of your pain until you understand it—not avoid it, outrun it, or dress it up in strength. You have to face it. Drawing from her memoir, “Girls with Pearls Have Power,” Kat now teaches women how to turn setbacks into turning points, reclaim authorship of their stories, and rise with clarity and courage rather than fear or pretending. Contact Kat Perkins at (404) 800-3916; kperkins@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Healing Doesn’t Always Follow a Straight Line
Healing is not neat, inspiring, or Instagram-ready, and pretending it is leaves people feeling broken. Avonley Lightstone can explain why healing often looks messy, slow, and unresolved, and why lingering pain does not mean failure. She’ll challenge the belief that healing requires closure and reframe progress as something that can happen even when wounds remain. Lightstone speaks from lived experience. After losing her mother in a childhood house fire and facing abandonment soon after, she learned that healing comes in small, honest steps, not sudden breakthroughs. She is the author of “Strength of Scars,” a memoir on resilience and faith, and her story has gained media attention as it moves toward a potential film or television adaptation. Contact Avonley Lightstone at (801) 980-0447; alightstone@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Spiritual Teachers Get Physical: The Body as Your Gateway to Higher Consciousness
Doreen Mary Bray, who has worked between worlds for over 40 years as a naturopath and mystical guide, carries a radical message: your body isn't a vehicle you're trapped in—it's what your soul longed for and chose. She teaches that souls wait lifetimes for the privilege of embodiment, selecting parents, place, and form to walk on beaches, feel touch, and experience love. In interviews, Bray will reveal how souls choose incarnation and what that means for how we live. She'll explain why anxiety and depression may be your soul's language trying to break through and why learning to honor the body as sacred—not fix or transcend it—is the awakening our time demands. Listeners will discover practices for hearing their soul's voice and understanding embodiment as the miracle it truly is. Doreen Mary Bray is the author of “The Angel and the Avatar.” Contact Doreen Bray at (438) 802-0280; Dbray@rtirguests.com
2/12/2026 RTIR Newsletter: Measles at ICE Center, the Protein Myth Making You Sick and Valentine’s Day Love Potions
01. January Jobs Report: Is the Economy Stabilizing?
02. ICE Detention Centers Endanger Public Health
03. Longtime LA Broadcast Journalist, Hal Eisner
04. Aphrodisiac, Anyone? Love Potions for the Modern Romantic
05. How Couples Can Stay Sexy While Trying for a Baby
06. How to Have a Valentine’s Day That Doesn’t Suck
07. 6 Signs You’re Dating a Narcissist
08. The Invisible ‘Leadership Tax’ Women Pay at Work
09. The Woman Behind ‘Neighborhood Watch’ is Taking on Gangs
10. The Risks of Being a Whistleblower: Speaking Up Is Dangerous
11. Why Evangelicals Are Losing Credibility with the Next Generation
12. The Protein Myth That Keeps Americans Sick
13. Tired of Conflict? 3 Habits to Build Trust and Cut Division
14. Meet the 90-Year-Old With a Ten-Year Plan
15. Meet the Dear Abby for Dogs
1. ==> January Jobs Report: Is the Economy Stabilizing?
According to the January Jobs Report, the US added 130,000 jobs in January, beating expectations and giving hope that the economy may be stabilizing. The next indicator will be Friday’s Consumer Price Index. These two reports together will shape expectations for when the Federal Reserve might cut interest rates. As markets digest a potential shift in Federal Reserve leadership, diverging AI economics, and a dense February macro calendar, David Busch sees this as a pivotal moment for markets. Invite the chief investment officer at Trajan Wealth to discuss last week’s dramatic rebound—when the Dow crossed 50,000 for the first time, and the S&P 500 recovered roughly $1 trillion in market value—and how investors are shifting away from momentum and back toward fundamentals. David’s headline: This is a selective, fundamentals-driven market. Quality and discipline matter more than momentum. He says, “This is not a time for aggressive moves. The market is processing major shifts in AI investment, Fed leadership transition, and economic data quality. Stay diversified, focus on quality companies with strong fundamentals, and be prepared for continued volatility as this week's critical data arrives.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
2. ==> ICE Detention Centers Endanger Public Health
Measles cases are on the rise across the country due to declining vaccination rates and now two people detained at an immigration detention center in Dilley, Texas have active infections. Epidemiologist Elizabeth Jacobs says, “This has the potential to be very serious. Those cases could explode soon.” She says ICE’s healthcare services recently changed its stated policy of providing healthcare, to “assessing alien’s fitness for travel,” and that ICE stopped paying contractors that provide medical treatment for detainees in October 2025. Jacobs adds, “This is U.S.-borne illness. Bad actors are going to focus on the idea that migrants are spreading disease. The media needs to be really alert to that narrative. Americans spread it; these migrants got measles in the U.S. This is a homegrown problem, and it’s not their fault.” Elizabeth Jacobs is professor emerita of epidemiology at the University of Arizona and a founding member of Defend Public Health. Contact her at 1elizabethtjacobs1@gmail.com
3. ==> Longtime LA Broadcast Journalist, Hal Eisner
Hal Eisner was a fixture covering Los Angeles’ news for more than 43-years, first in radio and then on TV. Along the way, he covered many of the most consequential stories of the past four decades including the trials of O.J. Simpson and Michael Jackson, as well as fires, earthquakes, and school shootings. He also interviewed hundreds of celebrities both in their homes and on red carpets. But Hal's journey was not without its trials. In 2021, while covering a story in Hollywood, he was severely injured in a crash caused by a drunk driver. Invite him to share how the incident changed him and give listeners an insider's view of the broadcast industry, revealing the intricacies of news reporting and the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists. Eisner’s new book is “An Accidental Career: My 58-Year Adventure as a Broadcast News Reporter.” Contact Harlan Boll at harlan@bhbpr.com
4. ==> Aphrodisiac, Anyone? Love Potions for the Modern Romantic
Can you find love in a bottle? Well, not quite, but aphrodisiacs have been used for thousands of years to increase libido and attraction. Do these legendary foods, spices and potions really work? And how? Many years ago, Lillian Zeltser accidentally stumbled on an old love potion recipe, which sparked her interest in aphrodisiacs and natural stimulants. Together with her husband, a medical doctor, she researched, experimented with, and hunted for them around the world for over 30 years. In the process, Lillian personally experienced hundreds of effective legendary aphrodisiacs. She’ll explain the link between food, love and sexuality, how aphrodisiacs can help you feel more attractive and increase mental clarity and focus, and ways to incorporate them into your daily life. She’ll also share all-natural recipes and tips to maintain and enjoy your sexual energy. Lillian Zeltser is the founder of Aphrodope and the author of “Aphrodisiac Adventures.” Contact her at lvez@bigpond.com or +61 419335631
5. ==> How Couples Can Stay Sexy While Trying for a Baby
For many couples, the journey to pregnancy quietly transforms intimacy into pressure, which often drains romance from the relationship. OB/GYN Dr. Marina Straszak-Suri says this “scheduled sex” mindset can actually work against conception. She explains how stress hormones disrupt fertility, why emotional disconnect can affect both partners, and the surprising ways pressure can reduce the chances of pregnancy. Drawing on more than 30 years in women’s health, Dr. Straszak-Suri offers practical, science-based strategies to help couples restore intimacy, lower stress, and support reproductive health without turning their relationship into a fertility project. A relatable and timely Valentine’s conversation for couples navigating infertility, feeling discouraged, or trying to reconnect while pursuing parenthood. Contact Dr. Marina Straszak-Suri at (613) 800-9412; msuri@rtirguests.com
6. ==> How to Have a Valentine’s Day That Doesn’t Suck
Not everyone looks forward to Valentine’s Day. For many, it brings pressure, awkward expectations, lonely moments, or memories they’d rather skip. Happiness and positive energy expert Deborah Mallow says you don’t have to love Valentine’s Day to enjoy this Saturday. In this uplifting, relatable segment, she’ll share how small mindset shifts can take the emotional weight off February 14th and replace it with something lighter, kinder, and far more real. Deborah will reveal why Valentine’s Day often magnifies self-criticism, how to stop judging your life by one calendar date, and how simple reframes can turn disappointment into self-respect and even a little joy. With warmth, humor, and practical tools, she’ll help audiences release pressure, treat themselves with compassion, and create fewer days that suck on Valentine’s Day and beyond. Deborah Mallow is the author of “6 Steps to Fewer Days That Suck.” She helps people build emotional resilience, self-compassion, and everyday happiness. Contact her at (516) 613-5359; dmallow@rtirguests.com
7. ==> 6 Signs You’re Dating a Narcissist
While anyone can spot the loud, attention-seeking narcissist, it's the charming "nice guy" covert narcissists who cause the most damage—and Dr. Valerie Sussman should know. After 20 years trapped in a narcissistic marriage, this retired pediatrician traded her stethoscope for a paintbrush and became a certified Narcissistic Abuse Specialist dedicated to helping others recognize these wolves in sheep's clothing. Sussman will reveal the "6 E's" that show your partner is a narcissist and explain why victims stay "hooked on hopium"—the dangerous hope that keeps them trapped. Drawing from her book “Love, Lies, and Narcissists in Disguise: The A-Z Guide for Survivors of Narcissistic Abuse,” she'll share how to spot the charm-to-harm cycle before it's too late. Listeners will learn the red flags they're missing, why asking "Am I the narcissist?" means you're not, and how creativity can heal emotional wounds. Ask her: What's the difference between overt and covert narcissists—and why are covert ones more dangerous? You call it "hopium"—why is hope so toxic in these relationships? What are the "6 E's" and how do they reveal a narcissist? Contact Valerie Sussman at (805) 407-5635; Vsussman@rtirguests.com
8. ==> The Invisible ‘Leadership Tax’ Women Pay at Work
For years, women were told to lean in, speak up, and push harder. Yet senior women in finance, technology, and other high-pressure fields are leaving leadership at record rates—not because they lack ambition, but because of a hidden cost few organizations recognize. Former banking executive Amanda Christian calls it the translation tax: the constant, invisible labor women perform to adjust how they speak, decide, and lead in male-dominated systems. Over time, that tax drains clarity, energy, and confidence long before performance ever declines. Christian reframes the leadership crisis leaders keep misdiagnosing and offers a research-backed alternative that helps high-achieving women lead with authority and without burning out. Ask her: Why did “lean in” backfire? What must organizations change to retain top talent? A former banking executive, Amanda Christian is a master life coach and the author of “The Skeptical Executive.” Contact her at (704) 610-1637; achristian@rtirguests.co
9. ==> The Woman Behind ‘Neighborhood Watch’ is Taking on Gangs
Stephanie Mann was abandoned in Mexico City at age 15 and survived through community connection—now this crime prevention consultant with 40 years of experience knows exactly why gangs flourish. The answer: social isolation and fear, and the result costs taxpayers $100 billion annually. Mann will reveal why traditional policing fails and how her low-cost Neighborhood Safety Expert program succeeds. She'll explain how trained community members who look like and speak the language of residents build trust where police cannot, why drug dealers often control neighborhoods through gifts and favors, and how connected neighbors eliminate the isolation that drives kids to gangs. Stephanie Mann coauthored the book “Alternative to Fear: Guidelines for Safer Neighborhoods,” which helped establish the national Neighborhood Watch program in the 1960s. She went on to write numerous crime prevention books and founded the National Safe Kids Now Network. Contact her at (925) 438-0716; smann@rtirguests.com
10. ==> The Risks of Being a Whistleblower: Speaking Up Is Dangerous
Karen Horwitz, an award-winning public school teacher and whistleblower, describes what happens when educators raise concerns inside their school districts. “Schools are often described as the foundation of democracy,” Horwitz says. “What I witnessed was how quickly that foundation cracks when people are afraid to speak.” Horwitz says the pattern she documented was consistent: teachers raised concerns internally, and instead of problems being addressed, they quietly lost their careers. After speaking publicly, she co-founded an organization to prevent teacher abuse and began hearing similar accounts from more than 2,000 educators who reported retaliation. She’ll explain how silence is enforced through fear, power imbalances, and institutional self-protection. Horwitz is the author of “A Graver Danger,” which draws directly from teacher whistleblowers to examine systemic failures. Contact Karen Horwitz at (312) 498-9074; khorwitz@rtirguests.com
11. ==> 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
12. ==> The Protein Myth That Keeps Americans Sick
A heart attack at age 70 forced Dorothy Greet to rethink everything she believed about nutrition—especially protein. After she and her 80-year-old husband ditched all animal products, their results were dramatic: normalized blood pressure and cholesterol, effortless weight loss, and energy levels they hadn't felt in decades. Now at 85, Greet is credentialed in plant-based nutrition from Cornell and ready to debunk the protein myth keeping millions sick. In interviews, Greet will reveal how Americans have been misled about protein requirements and why plant foods provide all the protein needed for optimal health. Drawing from her book “Go Veg with Class,” she'll share how two lifelong carnivores reversed heart disease through dietary change alone—and why it's never too late. Listeners will learn simple swaps to "ditch dairy" and "remove meat" while discovering how this shift could eliminate up to 80% of chronic diseases. Ask her: Where do you actually get your protein on a plant-based diet? You reversed heart disease at 70—what happened to your health markers? Why don't doctors tell patients about the power of dietary change? Contact Dorothy Greet at (302) 314-6010; dgreet@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Tired of Conflict? 3 Habits to Build Trust and Cut Division
Tired of the conflict in your office, community, or even your own family? Dr. Dionne Poulton says building unity isn’t about avoiding tough topics. It’s about mastering three powerful habits: Decency, Excellence, and Integrity. Her message? You don’t need a title to be a leader. You just need a standard. From how we treat others to how we hold ourselves accountable, Dr. Dionne shows how small shifts in behavior can transform relationships, rebuild trust, and prevent conflict before it starts. According to a recent study, 76% of people say they avoid hard conversations at work and home often out of fear, frustration, or not knowing what to say. Dr. Dionne’s framework helps listeners replace avoidance with practical strategies that foster trust and real connection. Poulton is the author of “Excellence Without Exclusion.” Contact her at (404) 383-8924; dpoulton@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Meet the 90-Year-Old With a Ten-Year Plan
At 90, Jim Flaherty is ramping up, not winding down. This former ‘Mad Men’ ad exec is on a mission: reach 7.5 million depressed seniors living alone in America. His secret? A mindset that refuses to accept aging as decline. Drawing from "Loving Longevity: Make Your Next Years Your Best Years," Flaherty shares lessons from launching a country inn at 45 with zero experience, moving his kids to Buenos Aires, and caregiving his partner through dementia. Listeners will learn how to embrace aging with purpose and creativity. Ask him: You once said, "I'm 89 going on 49"—what does that mindset look like daily? What made you "crap-shoot" with your life by starting a business you knew nothing about? What did caregiving through dementia teach you that your previous 85 years didn't? Contact James B. Flaherty (914) 326-2697; jflaherty@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Meet the Dear Abby for Dogs
Author and longtime dog behaviorist Kathleen Troy answers real questions from dog owners with warmth, humor, and hard-earned experience. Dubbed the Dear Abby for dogs, Kathleen tackles everyday canine challenges while debunking one of the biggest myths of all: some dogs cannot be trained. She got her inspiration from her remarkable rescue pup, Dylan, a former “problem dog” who went on to become a certified therapy and hospice service dog. She combines practical guidance with unforgettable stories. Audiences will learn how patience, consistency, and respect can transform both dogs and their humans. Kathleen is the author of the Dylan’s Dog Squad series, as well as a book about dog training. Contact Kathleen Troy at (714) 975-9807; ktroy@rtirguests.com
Why Humor Is the Only Topic That’s Never Untimely – From a Guy Who’s Been Proving It for 30 Years
Bill Williams has been sending daily humor emails for three decades. What started in the 1990s as a way to get his sales staff to read emails has grown into a beloved ritual for hundreds of subscribers globally—and he’s never made a dime doing it.
Drawing from 20 Years of Internet Humor … and Other Interesting Things, Williams explains why humor works in any news cycle, for any audience. Listeners will discover how he turned a workplace tool into a lifelong practice of spreading joy, and why his college friend John Denver influenced his view on taking creative risks.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS:
• You’ve done this for 30 years without making money—what keeps you going?
• You say humor is never untimely. What makes it work when other topics go stale?
• How did your friendship with John Denver shape your approach to life?
CONTACT: Bill Williams (419) 534-0399; wgwilliams@rtirguests.com
How Adults Can Overcome Their Poor Math Skills and Succeed in the Modern Workforce
Craig Hane spent decades teaching math, and he’s identified why capable adults remain stuck in lower-paying jobs: childhood math trauma. Thousands of high-tech positions go unfilled while qualified candidates avoid applying because job descriptions mention quantitative skills.
In “How & Why Public School Math is Destroying the USA,” Hane explains 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.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS:
• You say most adults who think they’re bad at math were actually failed by their teachers—how?
• What’s this SPIKE methodology that eliminates math anxiety, and how quickly do adults see results?
• Which math skills translate to higher-paying jobs, and which ones can people safely ignore?
CONTACT: Craig Hane at (812) 408-8047; chane@rtirguests.com
In a Season of Political Chaos, This Activist is Focused on Planting Hope
While headlines scream division and despair, Sam Daley-Harris is quietly leading a revolution in how ordinary citizens engage with democracy. The activist and author of Reclaiming Our Democracy, Daley-Harris teaches “transformational advocacy”—where working to change an issue transforms you in the process. His approach has helped people move from political paralysis to powerful action.
Invite Daley-Harris on your show to hear stories of everyday citizens discovering their political power. He’ll explain how feeling overwhelmed isn’t weakness—it’s the starting point for meaningful change. From his own journey as a musician-turned-activist to guiding others through civic engagement some call “sacred and profound,” Daley-Harris offers practical tools for anyone ready to move from anxiety to agency.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS: What is transformational advocacy and how does it differ from traditional activism? How did you go from performing music to teaching people to reclaim their democracy?
CONTACT: Sam Daley-Harris at (202) 804-2504; Sdaley@rtirguests.com
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.
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. Her shocking revelation: nurses are 18% more likely to commit suicide than the general population.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS:
• You say healthcare is addicted to profits—what does that look like from inside a hospital?
• How does your stand-up comedy background help you discuss such dark topics?
• What are these 12 Steps of Healing Care, and how do they protect nurses?
CONTACT: Kathy Allan at (619) 932-5206; Kallan@rtirguests.com
Why This Entrepreneur Says “You Can’t Teach What You Haven’t Done” – And He’s Done It All
At 87, David Selley has lived in three countries, built three careers, and stayed married for 65 years—and he’s already completed a Guinness Record as the oldest author to publish the most books in one year. His message about entrepreneurship is turning heads.
In “PAPA3$ The Entrepreneur,” Selley reveals why modern education creates worker bees instead of entrepreneurs. The statistics are shocking: 87% of college graduates never use their degrees, 56% experience job turnover, and creativity gets systematically crushed. He’ll share why real-world experience trumps classroom theory, how he’s helping 700 million entrepreneurs worldwide, and what his 65-year marriage taught him about building anything that lasts.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS:
• You say 87% of college graduates never use their degrees—what’s really happening with our education system?
• What does your 65-year marriage have to do with entrepreneurial success?
• At 87, you’ve just completed a Guinness Record—what’s next?
CONTACT: David Selley at (808) 229-3985; dselley@rtirguests.com
Why Drawing Badly is Actually the Secret to Business Breakthroughs
What if your messy stick figures could transform stalled meetings into breakthrough moments? Lisa Rothstein, New Yorker cartoonist and former advertising creative, has discovered that imperfect doodles beat perfect presentations every single time—and the science backs her up.
In interviews, Rothstein will reveal how simple sketches get buy-in faster than any PowerPoint deck, why drawing badly creates psychological safety that “perfect” can’t match, and how to use visual thinking in the age of AI to stand out as authentically human. Drawing from her book Drawing Out Your Genius, she’ll share quick techniques anyone can use to simplify complex ideas, kickstart innovation, and finally get teams speaking the same language.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS:
- 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