01. What U.S. Rail Workers Want
02. The Biggest Victims of America’s Gun Epidemic
03. How Will China Deal with Growing Protests?
04. Got World Cup ‘Fanxiety’? Creative Tips for Stressed-Out Fans
05. Help for Holiday Relationship Issues
06. Don’t Forget Yourself This Holiday Season
07. How Not to Hire a Hitman
08. How Did a Big-Time Bookie’s Son Become a Big-Time Business Coach?
09. OB Explores Roe v. Wade and Women’s Health
10. The Modernization of Menopause
11. Did Mom Put a Shoe in the Refrigerator?
12. 12 Questions You Should Ask Your Medical Provider
13. Matthew Perry’s Opioid Addiction: Lessons for Us All
14. This Expert Almost Missed Out on an Incredible Life
15. Help! My Holiday Lights Aren’t Working!
1. ==> What U.S. Rail Workers Want
A railroad worker strike likely won’t happen now that Congress has stepped in. But a key sticking point in the standoff — whether the more than 100,000 freight rail workers get any paid sick leave — is still an open question. Biden called on Congress to block a potential strike but Maximillian Alvarez, host of the Working People Podcast, says there are two things everyone needs to understand about the current situation. “It is BECAUSE they always counted on Biden/Congress forcing a deal down workers’ throats that rail carriers saw no reason to bargain in good faith for two-plus years or to change the profit-maximizing practices that have blown up the supply chain. So, if you just started caring about the crisis on the railroads and were hand-wringing about striking workers hurting the supply chain, I got news for you: Biden just gave a big thumbs up to the people who have already run the supply chain into the ground.” Maximillian Alvarez is editor-in-chief of “The Real News” and the author of “The Work of Living.” Contact him at max@therealnews.com
2. ==> The Biggest Victims of America’s Gun Epidemic
A new study in JAMA Network Open analyzes firearm deaths over the past three decades—a total of more than 1 million lives lost since 1990. Researchers found that while death from firearms rose in all demographic groups, especially during the pandemic, there were vast disparities. The homicide rate for young Black men was a staggering 22 times higher than among young white men. The sheer scale of the issue brings the United States to a “new moment in the history of firearm fatalities,” said Eric Fleegler, a pediatric emergency physician and researcher with Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School and co-author of the study. “At this moment in time, we have seen a dramatic increase that is really unparalleled,” he says. “These are orders of magnitude differences that are just worsening. And they demand that type of attention.” He can discuss the geographical shift in firearm mortality, the urban-rural divide, and the role of mental health issues. Contact Dr. Eric Fleegler at (617) 355-6624; eric.fleegler@childrens.harvard.edu
3. ==> How Will China Deal with Growing Protests?
In recent days, numerous reports from China have painted a picture of a nation in revolt, with protests not seen in decades breaking out in major population centers over the nation’s “zero-COVID” policies and a general sense of dissatisfaction with the country’s direction. While protesters have begun to clash with police, there are reports that Chinese officials have begun to recognize the potential of the protests and are now seeking to suppress dissent before it begins, targeting people in their homes and seizing cell phones to dissuade residents from taking to the streets. Invite China expert Joshua Kurlantzick to explain what’s going on and why. Joshua Kurlantzick is senior fellow for Southeast Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). He recently authored “Beijing’s Global Media Offensive: China’s Uneven Campaign to Influence Asia and the World.” Contact him at (202) 285-4339; jkurlantzick@cfr.org
4. ==> Got World Cup ‘Fanxiety’? Creative Tips for Stressed-Out Fans
As play at the World Cup heats up so does the stress, both on and off the field! Top anxiety specialist Dr. Shaun Nanavati says many fans watching the games suffer from “World Cup fanxiety” at times of big match tension – and symptoms will only get worse when it comes to the knock-out stage when extra time and penalty shoot-outs kick in. He’ll describe the symptoms of acute fanxiety (which include spiking heart rate, sweaty palms, rapid breathing and dread of extra time and penalties) and share his top four tips for stressed-out World Cup fans. Nanavati is a neuroscientist, psychologist and the chief science officer of the anxiety management app AQ. He’s also a big soccer fan, who knows the stress that many fellow fans are suffering from. AQ is an app that tracks and measures anxiety and mental health in real time – and provides targeted advice and treatments to manage anxiety and improve mental health and performance. Contact Todd Brabender at (785) 842-8909; toddb@spreadthenewpr.com
5. ==> Help for Holiday Relationship Issues
Tensions run high during the holiday season. Whether you’re dealing with your own deep-rooted family dysfunction or your partner’s relatives, it’s hard to navigate all the expectations and traditions. Wendi Dumbroff can offer a multitude of proven tips to diffuse relationship issues that arise and share ways to dial down the stress and create healthy boundaries. She can also tie in how mindfulness and meditation can benefit relationships and sexual connection any time of the year. Wendi Dumbroff, MA, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice and has extensive experience counseling individuals, families, and couples, on many different matters including; vulnerability, infidelity, lack of communication, depression, anxiety, and all aspects of sexual issues. A sought-after media resource, she has been featured in numerous print and broadcast outlets. Contact Amy Delman at (201) 563-4614; amydelmanpr@verizon.net
6. ==> Don’t Forget Yourself This Holiday Season
When was the last time you did something for yourself? Our lives are busier than ever this time of year. Between work, families, and social obligations, it can often feel like every day is precisely scheduled from the minute your alarm goes off until the time you go to bed and set it for the next day. Not only is there zero time for yourself, but you feel guilty when you do take time out — because there’s always something you could be getting done. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to talk to Valerie Whetstone. She’ll show your audience ten simple ways to carve out me-time every day so you can rest and recharge, no matter how busy your life has become. This best-selling author and coach who trained with Jack Canfield and Oprah Winfrey reveals not only how to put yourself first, but why you must do so today! Ask her: How can you instantly stop feeling guilty about putting yourself first? Why does slowing down make you more productive than ever? How did she nearly die by not taking time for herself? Contact Valerie at (408) 752-5943; vwhetstone@rtirguests.com
7. ==> How Not to Hire a Hitman
Melisa Schonfield was a successful psychotherapist and a respected pillar of her community, who had never been in trouble. But when her daughter’s boyfriend began abusing her daughter and young grandson, Melisa decided to take matters into her own hands, by hiring a hitman to dispose of the boyfriend. The hit man she attempted to hire turned out to be an undercover cop. Melisa spent more than three years in prison. “When my grandson was five days old, my daughter’s boyfriend threatened to punch him if he didn’t stop crying,” she says. “He [the boyfriend] never got into trouble because he fooled the police.” Melisa can share the details of her harrowing journey, and how the justice system failed her. She is the author of “Bitter or Better: The Melisa Schonfield Story.” Contact her at (305) 424-7507; mschonfield@rtirguests.com
8. ==> How Did a Big-Time Bookie’s Son Become a Big-Time Business Coach?
Here’s why Steven Feinberg, Ph.D., stands out from all the business coaches you could interview: he’s considered one of the top 1% of executive coaches in the country who has advised Apple, Google, LinkedIn, Visa, Oracle, FedEx and more. He’s a neuro strategist who can talk about why the logical solution too often fails, how to develop a wisdom detector that lets you see things others fail to notice, and much more. Ask him: What is sagacity? How can you identify patterns others miss? How do you defy expectations? What is the No. 1 foe of leaders? What was it like growing up as the son of a big-time bookie? Dr. Feinberg taught for nearly 30 years at the University of San Francisco School of Management and leadership and has guest lectured at Stanford, Cal Poly and UC Berkeley Extension. His latest book is “Do What Others Say Can’t Be Done … Play The Meta-Game,” and features interviews he conducted with 50 world-class leaders and entrepreneurs. Contact Dr. Steven Feinberg at (650) 374-4540; sfeinberg@rtirguests.com
9. ==> OB Explores Roe v. Wade and Women’s Health
It’s been months since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, opening the door for states to begin restricting access to abortion. Alan Lindemann practiced obstetrics in North Dakota, one of the states that immediately moved to ban abortions. Invite him on your show to discuss how this landmark decision is affecting women’s health and health care. From new safety challenges facing pregnant women to ways IVF, surrogacy, multiple births and adoptions may change, Lindemann can share stories about the ways women’s health care has been affected. Alan Lindemann, M.D. has delivered more than 6,000 babies without a single maternal death in his 40-year career He is the creator of the PregnancyYourWay.com support site. Contact him at (701) 399-9556; ALindemann@Rtirguests.com
10. ==> The Modernization of Menopause
Whether its Oscar-nominated Naomi Watts’ recent, high-publicity launch of beauty/wellness products for the “menopausal market” or 2022’s explosion of high-profile summits of Menopause Innovators, one thing is clear: the shame, silence and suffering of menopause seem to (finally!) be headed out the door. With 1.1 billion women – or 1 in 3 – expected to be in a stage of menopause by 2025, menopause industry disrupters Debbie and Markea Dickinson say it’s time for a change in how we approach this time in a woman’s life. The mother-daughter duo is helping to modernize menopause and mobilize an empowerment movement. They’ll offer listeners a science-backed, inspirational earful on menopause symptoms, solutions and support. The Dickinsons (along with Yale scientists, engineers and doctors) invented Thermaband Zone, a first-of-its-kind wristband using artificial intelligence and Nobel Prize-winning research to outsmart hot flashes and stop them in their tracks. Debbie Dickinson is a former Johnson & Johnson executive. Her daughter Markea is a logistical and operational genius who spent five years at Unilever. Contact Jenn Weinstein at Jennifer@TransmediaGroup.com
11. ==> Did Mom Put a Shoe in the Refrigerator?
As the holiday season gets underway and families gather in person, it’s important to take note of some of the changes that may have taken place since you last saw your loved ones. Maybe you’ve been keeping in touch with your elderly loved ones over the phone or via Skype but haven’t been together for a while. Leonie Rosenstiel will discuss what to do if you feel something is a bit off during your visit. “I’m not talking about someone feeling down, but perhaps you find things in odd places — a shoe in the refrigerator or a favorite brooch in the bathroom,” she explains. Leonie, a senior advocate and advisor, will discuss what to look for, when to worry, and what you can do to help protect your elderly loved ones. Originally a classical violinist, Rosenstiel earned a master’s degree in public health after her mother, a retired professor with dementia, was put in a conservatorship, with dire results. Léonie Rosenstiel is the author of “Protecting Mama: Surviving the Legal Guardianship Swamp.” Her work has been featured in “The New York Review of Books,” “Los Angeles Times,” “Albuquerque Journal,” “Chicago Tribune,” the “Boston Globe,” the “Cleveland Plain Dealer” and more. Contact her at (505) 317-2405; leonie@DayspringResources.com
12. ==> 12 Questions You Should Ask Your Medical Provider
The time you spend with your physician is crucial. Along with any wellness check-up, diagnostic tests, and planned procedures, you will want to make the most of every appointment to ask key questions and ultimately keep a record of the answers. Invite retired nurse practitioner Anne McAwley-LeDuc whose career included 43 years of varied experience in the medical field, to educate audiences about making the most of any conversation with any doctor — from one’s family physician to specialists. Anne will talk about what to listen for, so your listeners can understand their doctor’s answers and know how to follow their instructions. Anne McAwley-LeDuc is the author of “Personal Health Organizer.” Contact her at (860) 300-1603; AMcAwley@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Matthew Perry’s Opioid Addiction: Lessons for Us All
Matthew Perry has been all over the media recently promoting his new book that reveals how he spent over 20 years and more than $9 million overcoming an opioid addiction that started when he was prescribed painkillers for a jet skiing injury. Perry puts a familiar face to a story playing out in families all across the country as just one of the millions who’ve become addicted after receiving a prescription for opioids to treat pain from an injury or illness. Cindy Perlin is passionate about educating patients about safer and more effective treatments for acute and chronic pain and can educate your audience so they can avoid Perry’s fate. Perlin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, certified biofeedback practitioner, chronic pain survivor, and the author of “The Truth About Chronic Pain Treatments: The Best and Worst Strategies for Becoming Pain Free.” She created the “Alternative Pain Treatment Directory” and is a seasoned radio guest who has appeared on dozens of radio shows and podcasts. Contact her at (518) 439-6431; cindyperlin@gmail.com
14. ==> This Expert Almost Missed Out on an Incredible Life
Rick Smith was a professional hockey player with an amazing life – from the outside. But his battle with substance abuse took a heavy toll. He snorted enough cocaine to literally make his nose bleed and was suicidal before the age of thirty. Ultimately, his addictions cost him his hockey career and nearly killed him. Rick eventually overcame his addictions and rebuilt his life. Clean and sober for more than 19 years, he’s an award-winning athlete, author, behavior change expert, and world traveler who has helped thousands of people transform their lives. Interview Rick today for a powerfully motivational show that will inspire your audience to overcome addiction, or any other obstacle they face. Ask him: Why doesn’t going “cold turkey” work? What was it like playing professional hockey? How can people who struggle with substance abuse avoid passing their problems to the next generation? What was the low point that made you decide to change? Contact Rick Smith at (313) 351-7037; rsmith@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Help! My Holiday Lights Aren’t Working!
It’s the time of year when strings of twinkling lights are attached to anything and everything around us. Can you even picture a holiday season without them? John DeCosmo is a Christmas light expert. For the past 15 years, his Chicago company, Ulta-Lit Tree Company, has been selling tools to fix broken Christmas tree lights. On your show he’ll explain what to do now to make sure your holiday lights are working properly, the dos and don’ts of Christmas tree lights, and the difference between LED and incandescent lights and how to tell which is right for you. He’ll also introduce listeners to his version of the Butterball Turkey hotline which has answered more than 100,000 Christmas light questions from frazzled tree trimmers since 2004. Contact Ivy Boomershine at ivy@lightspeedpr.com