01. The Real Super Bowl Winner Is Bad Bunny
02. Trump’s Racist Meme Isn’t an Outlier, Expert Says — It’s a Political Tool
03. The United States’ 250th Birthday: A History Test for the Nation
04. Love After 50: Bigger Frogs, Brighter Red Flags
05. Interview the First African American Rockette
06. Forget Role Models: Leadership Lessons from Rebels, Pirates, and Outlaws
07. Political Insider Reveals: Why Would Anyone Run for Office?
08. Are You Addicted to Caffeine—and Don’t Even Know It?
09. Joint Pain Isn’t ‘Just Menopause’: It’s Inflammation, Hormones, and How You Move
10. 5 Things You Never Knew About the Women’s Movement
11. The Mental Health Cost of Building a Business from Scratch
12. How to Talk Across Differences Without Burning Out or Blowing Up
13. The Dark Side of Positive Thinking No One Talks About
14. ‘Out of the Chair’ Thinking to Help Kids Focus and Learn
15. Breaking the Cycle: When You Don’t Want to Be Your Mom
1. ==> The Real Super Bowl Winner Is Bad Bunny
The Seattle Seahawks may have won the Super Bowl, but it was the man at the center of the halftime show who was the real star of the game. Performing a mix of his greatest hits, Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny took on the task of reminding viewers that Puerto Rican culture is American culture – and that he has completely earned his spot in the zeitgeist. Music journalist Leila Cobo says, “Bad Bunny is the Super Bowl’s unofficial MVP because he shapes the culture that surrounds the game—fashion, music, social media, and the energy of the broadcast itself.” In the United States, 1 in 5 people are Hispanic or Latino, according to census data. Leila Cobo can discuss the rise of Latin music, both in the U.S. and the world, and Bad Bunny’s career. Widely regarded as one of the world’s leading authorities in Latin music and the Latin music industry, Leila Cobo is a novelist, speaker, journalist, TV host and Billboard’s chief content officer for Latin/Español, overseeing the brand’s coverage of Latin music in all its platforms, as well as all its Spanish-language content. Contact her at contactleilacobo@gmail.com
2. ==> Trump’s Racist Meme Isn’t an Outlier, Expert Says — It’s a Political Tool
President Trump has refused to apologize after posting a racist meme of former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle on social media — a video clip showing the Obamas' faces on apes. The post was eventually deleted, but civil rights historian Dr. Peniel Joseph says the damage is already done. “Depicting Black Americans as apes is one of the oldest and most violent racist tropes in U.S. history. When a president amplifies that imagery, it’s not just offensive — it’s dangerous. It signals permission for dehumanization.” Peniel, the founding director of the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy can explain the history of the racist trope, as well as Trump’s personal history of making racist remarks toward Black people and other people of color. He’ll also discuss how political leaders use race to mobilize supporters and what he thinks about Trump insisting he’s “the least racist president.” Joseph Peniel is a frequent media commentator on issues of race, democracy and civil rights. He is a professor at the University of Texas, Austin and the author of several books including “The Sword and the Shield: The Revolutionary Lives of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr.” Contact him at (512) 471-4263; peniel.joseph@austin.utexas.edu
3. == > The United States’ 250th Birthday: A History Test for the Nation
Throughout 2026, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. But what about America’s history will be showcased and what will be left out? Professional historians have expressed deep concern that the Trump administration is trying to impose a nationalist narrative that erases difficult issues, conflicts, and failures from the national conversation. Julian Zelizer says it’s not the first time a historic birthday celebration has generated controversy. “Fifty years ago, Americans debated the bicentennial, and the way history would be presented was widely seen as a test of what the country had learned from the political struggles of the 1960s.” Zelizer can discuss what happened back in the 1970s and what’s at stake now. “The choices made by state and local officials, museum curators, scholars, teachers, and those charged with preserving national spaces in response to political pressure will be critical. The 250th will serve as a test of how much freedom Americans retain to study and debate their own history—the good, the bad, and everything in between—and whether we are entering an era in which the heavy hand of government dictates how the past is understood.” Julian Zelizer is a columnist at “Foreign Policy” and a professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University. He is the author of The Long View, a newsletter putting the news in perspective. Contact him at (609) 258-8846; jzelizer@princeton.edu or Bernadette Yeager at byeager@princeton.edu
4. ==> 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. A great guest for a Valentine’s Day segment, 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
5. ==> 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
6. ==> Forget Role Models: Leadership Lessons from Rebels, Pirates, and Outlaws
What if the most powerful leadership lessons didn’t come from heroes—but from history’s most notorious figures? Author and leadership coach Steve Williams reveals 20 bold, practical lessons drawn from rebels, outlaws, pirates, and power players you won’t find in a typical business book. From Attila the Hun to Al Capone, he strips away myth to uncover the strategies that made these figures astonishingly effective leaders. Williams is the author of six books including “Notorious: Leadership Lessons from History’s Most Notorious Leaders,” and a certified leadership coach and QMS expert. Ask him: What are some examples of how these notorious people made great leaders? What are the comparisons between these and effective leaders of today? Contact Steve Williams at (920) 280-1068; swilliams@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Political Insider Reveals: Why Would Anyone 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. He pulls back the curtain on the physical exhaustion, emotional toll, family strain, and political hardball that define modern campaigns. After challenging and almost winning after running against an “unbeatable” incumbent, he discovered how power really works behind closed doors. “I experienced the often brutal realities of running for office—and learned how ordinary citizens can shake up the system,” he says. Rob is a long-time broadcast journalist and the author of “Dead Man Running.” 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
8. ==> 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
9. ==> Joint Pain Isn’t ‘Just Menopause’: It’s Inflammation, Hormones, and How You Move
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
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. ==> 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. ==> 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
13. ==> The Dark Side of Positive Thinking No One Talks About
Positive thinking is often sold as the cure for everything: pain, loss, confusion, or even a world that feels like it’s falling apart. But what happens when optimism stops working? Author Lydia Samaniego offers a counterintuitive perspective rooted in lived experience, rather than theory. She argues that forced positivity and manifestation culture can actually disconnect people from truth, responsibility, and the guidance of their own hearts. Lydia will explore why the deepest betrayal isn’t a broken relationship, but the realization that our trusted systems, from society to culture and even religion, can’t actually tell us who we are or how to live. She’ll share why real change doesn’t come from thinking harder or “staying positive,” but from noticing the conflict between the mind and the heart, catching inherited beliefs that no longer serve us, and choosing an inside-out path forward. Her story resonates with anyone questioning what to trust when old answers fall apart. Contact Lydia Samaniego at (530) 443-5826: samaniego@rtirguests.com
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. ==> Breaking the Cycle: When You Don’t Want to Be Your Mom
Many women fear repeating the emotional patterns they grew up with, but few know how to break them. When her own mother ran away with her boyfriend at age 13, Sabrina Ciceri learned early how deeply a parent’s choices can shape a child’s identity, relationships, and future. In her book “If It’s Not One Thing, It’s a Mother,” she shares how she stopped inherited dysfunction, rewrote her family story, and built a healthy life as a mother of six and grandmother of five. In an interview, Sabrina will explore why we unconsciously mirror our parents, how to interrupt toxic cycles, and why healing doesn’t always require confrontation or forgiveness. Her perspective blends family psychology, faith, and real-life experience in ways audiences rarely hear. Ask her: Why do we often become the very parent we promised never to be? Can you heal from a toxic parent without cutting them out of your life? Contact Sabrina Ciceri at (352) 308 1596; sciceri@rtirguests.com
