Back-to-school season brings more than supply lists and schedules. It brings pressure, self-doubt and parenting dilemmas that don’t come with a handbook. This compelling group of guests offers exactly the kind of fresh, real-world insight listeners need right now. Whether you want bold takes on educational equity, tools for raising confident kids, or brain-based strategies to beat procrastination, these guests deliver timely, story-rich conversations that resonate with every listener.
01. This NBA Player Couldn’t Read. Today He has a Master’s Degree
02. Bias on Campus? Here’s How to Talk About It
03. A Lost School Model That Could Fix Education Today
04. The Math Fix That Could Change Your Teen’s Year
05. Procrastination Starts Young—Here’s How to Stop It
06. Keep the ‘Summer Groove’ Going: Stay Connected With Kids
07. Why Pushing Your Kids Could Break Them
08. The Bigger-Hearted Way to Parent This School Year
09. The Most Important Skill to Teach: Resilience
10. Is Your Child Struggling with Back-to-School Doubt?
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1. ==> This NBA Player Couldn’t Read. Today He has a Master’s Degree
Dean Tolson was functionally illiterate when he joined the Seattle Sonics in the 1970s. He was the all-time rebounder at the University of Arkansas, but that didn’t prepare him for life after four years in the NBA. Tolson believes his greatest achievement was earning a master’s degree magna cum laude and now devotes his life to reach at-risk youth and adults about the power of education. His book, “Power Forward,” is about his experiences on the court and in the classroom. Contact Dean Tolson at (253) 884-8934; dtolson@rtirguests.com
2. ==> Bias on Campus? Here’s How to Talk About It
With DEI programs under fire and campus conversations growing more polarized, many schools are unsure how to address bias productively. Dr. Dionne Poulton, PhD-trained educator and author of “DEI 2.0,” teaches students and educators how to unpack bias without shame—and rebuild a culture of belonging with decency, excellence, and integrity. Her CHECK method creates space for real dialogue in classrooms, cafeterias, and campus meetings, even when opinions clash. In this interview, she shares practical tips for handling bias incidents, opening up tough conversations, and making inclusion more than a buzzword. Dr. Dionne Poulton is an educator, corporate diversity strategist, and author with 20+ years of experience helping organizations and schools tackle bias and build stronger communities. Contact her at dpoulton@rtirguests.com or (404) 383-8924
3. ==> A Lost School Model That Could Fix Education Today
In the 1970s, a racially diverse California high school created a thriving culture of belonging, student voice, and academic success—long before DEI became a buzzword. Brandeis Prof. Emerita Dr. Karen Hansen tells the remarkable true story in her new book, “Working-Class Kids and Visionary Educators,” drawing on over 100 interviews and rich archival material. In this segment, she reveals how the school’s inclusive programs, teacher-student relationships and culturally relevant curriculum transformed outcomes—and how schools today can replicate its success. It’s a hopeful, history-meets-solutions conversation for anyone concerned about education reform. Dr. Karen V. Hansen is a historical sociologist and professor emerita at Brandeis University specializing in education, race, and community. Contact Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
4. ==> The Math Fix That Could Change Your Teen’s Year
Hate math? Your teen probably does too—and Dr. Craig Hane says it’s often because they’ve been taught the wrong way. Known as “Dr. Del,” he developed a system to help struggling students find real-world meaning in math, rebuild confidence, and even start to enjoy it. In this back-to-school conversation, he’ll show parents how to stop the nightly homework battles and start sparking curiosity, from basic algebra to practical problem-solving. His approach works especially well for students who feel “behind” or disconnected from traditional methods. Dr. Craig Hane is an educator, author, and creator of the Triad Math program, with decades of experience making math accessible and relevant for teens. Contact him at (812) 408-8047; chane@rtirguests.com
5. ==> Procrastination Starts Young—Here’s How to Stop It
If your child waits until the last minute to start homework, the problem isn’t laziness—it’s brain wiring. Neuroscientist and educator Dr. Linda Gannaway says procrastination is a learned habit that can be rewired with the right tools. In this segment, she explains how to help students break the cycle of distraction, delay, and dread, and replace it with focus, planning, and follow-through. Her approach is rooted in the latest cognitive science and works for kids of all ages—from elementary school to college-bound teens. She’ll share simple strategies parents and teachers can use right away to make schoolwork less stressful and more productive. Dr. Linda Gannaway is a neuroscientist, educator and author of “Finally Stop Procrastinating,” specializing in brain-based behavior change. Contact her at (559) 234-4572; lgannaway@rtirguests.com
6. ==> Keep the ‘Summer Groove’ Going: Stay Connected With Kids
Summer’s easygoing rhythm often gives parents more time and space to connect with their kids—but the school year can change that overnight. Parenting expert Richard Ramos says families don’t have to lose that bond when the homework and sports schedules kick in. In his Parents on a Mission program, he teaches parents how to keep communication open, set healthy boundaries, and reduce screen time without constant battles. In this segment, he’ll share how to recognize early signs of disconnection, the “Home Field Advantage” strategy to strengthen relationships, and how to balance academic demands with family time. Richard Ramos is the founder of Parents on a Mission and a nationally recognized parenting coach who has helped thousands of families reconnect. Contact him at (805) 456-1407; rramos@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Why Pushing Your Kids Could Break Them
Back-to-school season can turn into a pressure cooker for kids when parents push too hard for high grades, top sports performance, or constant achievement. Former LPGA Tour Player and mindset coach Cindy Miller has seen how perfectionism, comparison and performance pressure can crush kids’ confidence. In this conversation, she shares what parents should (and shouldn’t) say after a bad grade or tough loss, why mistakes are essential for growth, and how to raise resilient kids without breaking their spirit. Her advice applies on and off the field, helping families set goals while keeping perspective. Cindy Miller is a former LPGA Tour Player, Hall of Fame LPGA Professional and certified mindset coach with decades of experience developing confident young athletes. Contact her at (716) 670-5341; cimiller@rtirguests.com
8. ==> The Bigger-Hearted Way to Parent This School Year
The start of a new school year doesn’t just test students—it challenges parents, too. Retired pediatrician Dr. Ron Schneebaum spent 40 years guiding families through the stress of new routines, academic pressure and social changes. He blends developmental expertise with a compassionate approach to parenting and shows how empathy and connection can strengthen family bonds even in hectic times. He’ll share simple, heart-based strategies to help parents feel confident in their choices, defuse conflicts and model resilience for their kids. Dr. Ron Schneebaum is the author of “Bigger Hearted.” Contact him at (603) 314-3095; rschneebaum@rtirguests.com
9. ==> The Most Important Skill to Teach: Resilience
Today’s students are under more pressure than ever—from academics to social media to the expectation to “do it all.” Jack Gindi, founder of the I Believe in Me program, says the answer isn’t perfection—it’s resilience. He shares practical, real-world tools for helping kids bounce back from failure, manage big emotions, and believe in themselves no matter what’s on the test or scoreboard. Drawing on his own difficult childhood and decades of experience as a father, grandfather, and mentor, Jack shows parents how to replace constant correction with confidence-building habits. It’s a high-energy, relatable segment packed with easy takeaways listeners can start using tonight. Jack Gindi is the founder of the I Believe in Me program, dedicated to helping young people develop resilience and self-worth through emotional skill-building. Contact him at (719) 751-8807; jgindi@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Is Your Child Struggling with Back-to-School Doubt?
What if your child’s biggest back-to-school hurdle isn’t math or reading—but mindset? Bilingual teacher and children’s author Armida Espinoza helps kids overcome imposter syndrome and negative self-talk before it sabotages their learning. Drawing on her own experience as a first-generation student who once stayed silent in class out of shame, she offers practical, heart-centered strategies parents and teachers can use right now. She’ll explain how to reframe failure, help kids challenge their inner critic, and build confidence that lasts far beyond the first report card. A timely conversation for any show tackling school anxiety, self-esteem, or the challenges facing diverse classrooms today. Armida Espinoza is a bilingual teacher and creator of the Brave Lolis children’s book series, inspired by her work helping students embrace their strengths. Contact her at (559) 234-3516; aespinoza@rtirguests.com
