The Story Behind the Story
Headlines grab attention, but if you want to get to the meat of an issue, you need to dig a little deeper. Listeners will hear the story behind the story when you book one of these experts. Get ready to unpack the complexities behind today’s most talked-about issues.
1. Are Tariffs the Answer to Saving American Jobs? This Economist Says Yes
2. We’re in the Middle of a Fertility Crisis. Why Everyone Should Care
3. Inside Today’s High-Profile Court Cases: Is Justice for Sale?
4. The Real Impact of Foreign Aid Cuts and the Dismantling of Diplomacy
5. What's Behind the War on Diversity? How Bias Training Could Actually Unite America
6. He’s White, A Former Evangelical Minister —and Tackling Race Head-On
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1. ==> Are Tariffs the Answer to Saving American Jobs? This Economist Says Yes
Forget what you think you know about tariffs. Wealth manager and geopolitical commentator Rodger Friedman makes a bold case: tariffs, if used strategically, are not a relic—they’re a solution. “Tariffs protect workers, secure sovereignty and check global manipulation,” he says. Drawing from decades in finance and policy, Friedman warns against free-trade idealism and shares why smart protectionism may be key to rebuilding U.S. manufacturing. As the author of the Equal Opportunity Times column, he brings hard data and harder truth—without the political spin. Great for any segment on inflation, labor policy or America’s economic future. Contact Rodger Friedman at (301) 327-2255; rfriedman@rtirguests.com
2. ==> We’re in the Middle of a Fertility Crisis. Why Everyone Should Care
America’s birth rate has plunged to its lowest level ever, with the CDC reporting fewer than 1.6 children per woman in 2024. Meantime, a recent study shows the odds of having a boy or girl are no longer 50-50. Dr. Marina Straszak-Suri says both are symptoms of a much bigger fertility crisis. “Declining birth rates will reshape everything—from who cares for the elderly to who fuels the workforce,” the OB/GYN warns. Dr. Marina’s book, Optimize Your Fertility Naturally, offers a lifestyle-based approach to fertility and menstrual health—but she also sounds the alarm on the broader costs of reproductive neglect. She’ll bust myths, explain the falling boy birth ratio and share what needs to change—at home and in policy. Contact Dr. Marina Straszak-Suri at (613) 800-9412; msuri@rtirguests.com
3. ==> 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
4. ==> The Real Impact of Foreign Aid Cuts and the Dismantling of Diplomacy
The U.S. recently gutted its diplomatic corps—eliminating thousands of positions in one sweeping move. Danielle Reiff, a former USAID diplomat with 20 years of experience, says the impact goes far beyond the loss of jobs. “We’ve quietly dismantled one of our strongest tools for global influence,” she says. Reiff offers a rare insider look at what U.S. diplomacy actually does, why it matters now more than ever, and what happens when our “soft power” disappears. She also leads the Peacebuilders Initiative, empowering citizens to unite across divides—something she says is more urgent now than at any point in her career. Timely, global, and eye-opening. Contact Danielle Reiff at (202) 499-7256; dreiff@rtirguests.com
5. ==> What's Behind the War on Diversity? How Bias Training Could Actually Unite America
DEI fatigue is real. But Dionne Poulton says the problem isn’t the goal—it’s the delivery. Her CHECK method helps executives, educators and everyday citizens rethink bias without shame or shutdown. “We all have biases,” she says. “It’s how we deal with them that shapes culture.” A PhD-trained educator and former national athlete, Dionne is the author of DEI 2.0: Decency, Excellence, Integrity. She offers a bold but unifying message: when done right, bias education can actually heal divisions. She’ll also share where DEI goes wrong, how to talk about inclusion without inflaming tensions, and why humility—not outrage—is the secret to change. Contact Dionne Poulton at dpoulton@rtirguests.com or (404) 383-8924
6. == > He’s White, A Former Evangelical Minister —and Tackling Race Head-On
He raises bulls, quotes scripture and has four adopted Black children. Meet Rick Patterson, the former pastor turned corporate exec who’s challenging how America talks about race, masculinity and power. “I used to preach certainty,” he says. “Now I lead with questions.” With humor and humility, Patterson offers a surprising voice both sides of the culture war can actually hear. He’s the author of Shame Unmasked and The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth, and says faith-based leaders need a new playbook for connection. Don’t miss this guest’s fresh take on reconciliation, manhood and what true leadership looks like in divided times. Contact Rick Patterson at (517) 300-2706; rpatterson@rtirguests.com
