April 23, 2020
01. Earth as Community, Not Commodity
02. Earth Day 2020: Cleaner Air But at What Cost?
03. Trump Using Pandemic to Rollback Pollution Rules
04. What to Expect from Israel’s Crisis Coalition
05. Baseball Digest Features Women in MLB Uniforms
06. 4 Ways to Make Extra Money If You’ve Lost Your Job
07. M.D. Shares 7 Essential Resources for Surviving the Pandemic
08. Let’s Talk about Being Pregnant in a Pandemic
09. How COVID-19 Is Ramping Up Addiction
10. Can a Pencil Help You Build Connection in the Time of Coronavirus?
11. What Will Happen When We Run Out of Nurses?
12. Could Sloppy Record-Keeping Cost You Your Life?
13. National Tell a Story Day is April 27
14. Don’t Toss Out These 5 Keepsakes for Your Kids
15. What Happens When Exes Fight Over a Frozen Embryo?
16. How to Have Fun with the Fear of Uncertainty
17. Amp Up Your Inner Fountain of Youth
18. When You Can’t Go Out, Go Inward
19. Positive Thinking Doesn’t Always Work
20. Can Doing Push-ups Save Your Life?
1.==> Earth as Community, Not Commodity
The coronavirus pandemic has forced the 50th anniversary of Earth Day to go virtual this year and conservation biologist Dr. Curt Meine says this is not altogether unfortunate. “The coronavirus pandemic is giving us pause to reflect on the trails we have taken over the last five decades. It provides a chance to look inside our own stories and consider how we have come to understand our interconnected world and our place within it.” Meine will discuss conservationist Aldo Leopold and his “land ethic” philosophy that involves seeing land not as a commodity, but as a community to be treated with love and respect. “That ethic concerns all lands, from the most remote wild places to working farmlands to the most urban cityscapes. It embraces the waters and oceans. It calls for us to get real and take action to counter the accelerating effects of climate change while we still can.” Dr. Curt Meine is one of the country’s leading conservation biologists. He serves as a senior fellow for the Center for Humans and Nature and the Aldo Leopold Foundation. Contact him at curtmeine@gmail.com
2. ==> Earth Day 2020: Cleaner Air But at What Cost?
As communities across the globe deal with the coronavirus, we’re seeing the Earth with new eyes as pollution clears. The satellite images are stunning: Skies in formerly smoggy cities are suddenly brighter and the dirty waterways in Venice are blue again. But Nicolas Loris of the Heritage Foundation says that while these environmental benefits sound encouraging, they come at a cost. “Many people would gladly trade the ability to earn a living, and the opportunity to take care of family members, for the amount of pollution we reduced over the past few weeks. If anything, it should serve as a reminder that the environmental byproducts we produce when we travel to work or to visit our families over the holidays—and still breathe fresh air—is worth it.” Nicolas Loris is an economist who focuses on energy, environmental and regulatory issues at the Heritage Foundation. Contact him at (202) 675-1761; heritagepress@heritage.org
3. ==> Trump Using Pandemic to Rollback Pollution Rules
The Washington Post reports that the Trump administration is using the coronavirus pandemic as a pretext to launch a sweeping effort to repeal or suspend regulatory safeguards. Robert Weissman, president of the consumer advocacy group Public Citizen, says, “The Trump deregulatory scheme will do nothing to get money back into the pockets of consumers, workers and small business owners, or to put people back to work. It is an evidence-free, ideological and corporate-driven illusion that public health regulations will hold up the economic recovery from the pandemic.” He adds, “The shameless exploitation of the coronavirus crisis to advance a precooked agenda to let corporations pollute our air and water, rip off consumers, endanger workers and trample on civil rights will leave the nation economically weaker and will worsen public health.” Robert Weissman is a public interest advocate and activist, as well as an expert on corporate and government accountability. Public Citizen is a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization. Contact Angela Bradbery at (202) 588-7741; (202) 503-6768 or abradbery@citizen.org or Mike Stankiewicz at (202) 588-7779; mstankiewicz@citizen.org
4. ==> What to Expect from Israel’s Crisis Coalition
Former defense chief Benny Gantz ran to unseat Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and now he’s joining his government. How did this happen? Philip Gordon will explain the pact between Netanyahu and his top political rival, how it will prolong the embattled prime minister’s political career, and likely reinforce Israel’s nationalistic direction. Ask him: What does this new government mean for Netanyahu’s upcoming trial and his political future? How might this new government affect Israeli policy toward the Palestinians and the Trump administration’s peace plan? Philip Gordon is the Mary and David Boies senior fellow in U.S. foreign policy at the Council on Foreign Relations. He was special assistant to the president and White House coordinator for the Middle East, North Africa, and the Gulf Region from 2013 to 2015. Contact Christopher Brodsky at cbrodsky@cfr.org
5. ==> Baseball Digest Features Women in MLB Uniforms
For the first time in the 79-year history of Baseball Digest, a woman in a major-league uniform will appear on the cover this May. Editor in chief Rick Cerrone says the cover actually features two women — Alyssa Nakken (San Francisco Giants) and Rachel Balkovec (New York Yankees) — both of whom earned coaching positions with their respective organizations this year. Invite Cerrone on your show to talk about the groundbreaking issue or anything baseball-related! Contact Mark Goldman at (516) 639-0988 (call/text); mark@goldmanmccormick.com
6. ==> 4 Ways to Make Extra Money If You’ve Lost Your Job
Many of your listeners have lost jobs — or taken salary and hours cuts —as a result of COVID-19 measures. With so many people unemployed and bills mounting up, people are anxious to hear about ways they can make money now and continue to do so once stay-at-home restrictions are lifted. Patricia Davis, author of “Going Broke Is No Joke,” wants to help with fresh ideas. She’ll talk about ways to bring in extra bucks by doing things like selling their cellphone images, agreeing to test websites and products, and selling their opinions to focus groups. Patricia can also prepare your audience for spotting scammers trying to tempt them with bogus job opportunities and offer tips on what household goods could be sold for needed cash without being missed. An experienced guest, she holds an MBA from Stanford, a master’s degree in personal financial planning from Golden Gate University and a certificate from Georgetown University’s Stonier Graduate School of Banking and Finance. Contact her at (301) 517-6304; pdavis@rtirguests.com
7. ==> M.D. Shares 7 Essential Resources for Surviving the Pandemic
Are the “what-ifs” of the current COVID-19 pandemic driving you crazy? Steven Hall, M.D., can share the keys to physically and mentally surviving these scary times. “When life becomes uncertain, it’s easy to become undone,” he says. “With everything that is going on in the world right now, it’s understandable how our emotions get the better of us.” Dr. Steven can guide audiences through seven simple yet powerful tools that can keep them safe, sane, and resilient, even in the most difficult times. He has been practicing family medicine since 1985. He is the co-creator of the online class Fostering Resilience in Uncertain Times and the author of “The 7 Tools of Healing: Unlock Your Inner Wisdom and Live the Life Your Soul Desires.” Contact Dr. Steven at (425) 531-3684; shall@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Let’s Talk about Being Pregnant in a Pandemic
Being pregnant and giving birth are tough enough, but when the world’s in the middle of a pandemic, the experience can be terrifying and traumatic. Alan Lindemann, M.D., a long-time OB/GYN, can discuss what mothers-to-be need to know about giving birth during the coronavirus crisis including how to stay healthy, what you should know about the hospital where you plan to give birth, and what to consider if you’re contemplating a home birth. Dr. Lindemann has delivered more than 6,000 babies (including many multiple births, even quads) during his decades-long career. Contact Dr. Lindemann at (701) 543-6182; dhaugen@rtirguests.com
9. ==> How COVID-19 Is Ramping Up Addiction
We’ve all been told to stay at home to avoid spreading the coronavirus, but psychotherapist and addiction counselor Donna Marks warns that what we do in that alone-time may be deadlier than the virus. She says the current coronavirus crisis is ramping up addiction and that the stress of unemployment, the fears of death, and closed-down recovery meetings, significantly increase addiction relapse. Dr. Marks says Americans have significantly upped their food and alcohol consumption during this period of forced isolation. Hear why addiction is far more deadly than the current virus and, in fact, increases the lethality rate. She’ll discuss the role of fear in addiction, share tips and strategies to make healthy sober choices, and ways to support a loved one struggling with addiction during this difficult time. Dr. Donna Marks has been in private practice for more than 30 years. She helps clients break unwanted patterns of behavior by combining psychoanalysis and spirituality. She’s the author of “Exit the Maze – One Addiction, One Cause, One Cure.” Contact her at (561) 436-9360; drdonnamarks@gmail.com
10. ==> Can a Pencil Help You Build Connection in the Time of Coronavirus?
Bored with reading, streaming and playing video games? Running out of things to say to your family members and fellow social distancers? If you want to do something fun that builds connection all it may take is a few minutes of your time, a piece of paper and a pen or a pencil. According to Lynn Matsuoka, considered the best living reportage artist, the way to draw someone to you is to draw them on paper! In an interview that works just as well for radio as television, Lynn will explain a simple technique anyone can employ, even the most artistically impaired, fearful and untalented individuals to do quick drawings that will build connection and admiration. And while she is at it, Lynn can tell stories of what it was like to take her own drawing skills behind the scenes of such varied venues as TV shows, concerts, sumo wrestling in Japan and the Watergate hearings. For 40 years, Lynn has gotten paid to be a fly on the wall, recording behind the scenes activities in quick drawings and all the while heightening her skills of observation. A great, one of a kind interview, Lynn is a media favorite. Reach her at (808) 479-5966; artist@hamptonsartist.com
11. ==> What Will Happen When We Run Out of Nurses?
Right now, we need nurses more than ever, but what kind of career can you expect in the profession? What should you know as you enter nursing school, graduate, become registered, and begin a nursing career? What will it take to keep you on the job? How can we all help prevent nursing shortages since the aging population needs such professionals more than ever? You’ll want to explore this timely topic and the nursing experience with all its implications by interviewing Nancy Congleton. In addition to offering solutions to help today’s nurses and ultimately everyone they serve, she will reveal the unexpected realities of the nursing profession, five relationship dynamics that nurses face, legal issues, and the concerns everyone should have when nurses feel so unprepared and overworked that they leave. An outspoken registered nurse known as Nurse Nancy, Nancy Covington has worked in the NICU, ER and case management. She’s the author of “Autopsy of the NP: Dissecting the Nursing Profession Piece By Piece.” Contact Nancy Congleton at (918) 992-4616; NCongleton@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Could Sloppy Record-Keeping Cost You Your Life?
In the middle of a pandemic, keeping your own medical records in order is more important than ever. In a medical emergency, anyone can be rattled enough to forget important details, finding themselves unable to answer physicians’ important questions about their health or that of a loved one. Anne McAwley-LeDuc, a retired nurse practitioner (APRN), learned this the hard way after her husband fell down the stairs and showed signs of paralysis. At the hospital, physicians sought answers about his medical history but she couldn’t answer vital questions. McAwley-LeDuc wants to help others — especially ordinary folks with no medical background — advocate for themselves and their loved ones for better and safer health care. She’ll discuss the role patients play in reducing medical errors, ways disorganized medical records can be deadly, and why so few patients keep good medical records or grasp the need to do so. Anne McAwley-LeDuc developed the “Personal Health Organizer” to keep essential medical information in one place and provide a snapshot of your health history. Contact her at (860) 642-1786; a.mcawley.leduc@charter.net
13. ==> National Tell a Story Day is April 27
National Tell a Story Day is usually celebrated with events at libraries and bookstores where families gather to be entertained. This year, of course, is different, but Jean Alfieri thinks it’s a great opportunity for a more personal celebration in which family members swap their own stories. She says being stuck at home can have its advantages; there is time to reflect and connect. “It’s important, especially in uncertain times like these, to look back on and remember the good times of our lives – the adventures, special people, favorite places, funny moments, and so much more that make up our cherished memories,” Alfieri says. Alfieri’s new book “Blessed to be Me” provides writing prompts that guide people to recalling their best, worst and weirdest of days, along with how each shaped who they are today. A veteran of local TV news programs, Jean Alfieri is a former human resource and organizational development executive and the author of the “Zuggy the Rescue Pug” children’s books. Contact her at (602) 397-1344; Jean@BlessedtobeMe.com
14. ==> Don’t Toss Out These 5 Keepsakes for Your Kids
Nowadays many people try to make their home look sleek and minimalistic. But our homes still need elements of history and personality to come alive. So, think twice before issuing a blanket refusal when offered keepsakes from downsizing parents and grandparents, advises lifestyle journalist Suzanne Wexler. Let Suzanne tell you which five keepsakes you should never toss out. Suzanne will also share her hilarious story of what happened when she unexpectedly had a truckload of antiques from her late grandparents’ home show up at her new house. Suzanne is published in the Huffington Post, National Post, Bust.com and her work has been syndicated throughout Canada. She’s been quoted in Reader’s Digest, Goodhousekeeping.com, and Prevention magazine and provided commentary on CTV National and Virgin Radio; she has been on more than 200 radio stations in the U.S. and Canada. Contact her at (514) 704-0029; suzannawexler@hotmail.com
15. ==> What Happens When Exes Fight Over a Frozen Embryo?
Recent news stories have explored the issue of frozen embryos caught in the crossfire of couples who have uncoupled. Fertilized during happier times, these embryos may remain in limbo forever and rack up storage fees if the couples cannot agree on their future. Or, as Nate Birt advises, the couple can agree to let the frozen embryo be adopted by someone else, a possibility they may not have considered. Learn more when you interview Nate, whose daughter began life as another couple’s frozen embryo. Nate is the author of “Frozen, But Not Forgotten: An Adoptive Dad’s Step-by-Step Guide to Embryo Adoption.” Ask him: What are some of the controversies that surround frozen embryos? Are fertilized embryos people or property? How costly is it to adopt such an embryo? Contact Nate Birt at (417) 221-9045; Nbirt@rtirguests.com
16. ==> How to Have Fun with the Fear of Uncertainty
According to Laura Di Franco, we can either choose to accept the gifts we’ve been given during this pandemic or we can choose to suffer. She’ll explain how to have fun with the fear of uncertainty and why she thinks that’s the key to our success right now. Invite her on your show and learn how to cultivate pandemic positivity and see the possibilities in the future. She says, “When the whole world is in crisis together, the people of the world will finally understand what matters, and everything else will fall away. That’s what I think has happened, and is still happening, as a result of putting ‘normal’ on hold to survive. It’s a grand awakening, re-prioritizing, and fine-tuning of our life’s purpose.” Laura Di Franco, MPT, is a holistic physical therapist, owner of Brave Healer Productions, and the author of many books including the upcoming “The Ultimate Guide to Self-Healing Techniques: 25 Home Practices & Tools for Peak Holistic Health and Wellness.” Contact her at (703) 915-3653; bewarriorlove@gmail.com
17. ==> Amp Up Your Inner Fountain of Youth
It’s spring, a time of rejuvenation for the world and you. It’s also time to pick up simple tips from Diana Ruiz that can turn your inner fountain of youth on high. Diana is a wellness and stress relief coach who approaches health from a mind, body, and water perspective. She’ll share her favorite health hacks — including what to eat, think and feel — to help you to feel better and look younger. She can answer such questions as what is the single most powerful thing you can do to supercharge your body’s natural rejuvenation? And what is the mind, body, and water connection? Diana is the author of “Healing Your Life with Water: How to Use Your Mind Body and Water Connection to Awaken Your Inner Fountain of Youth.” She can offer your audience a free download that complements the show’s subject matter. Contact her at (360) 550-9436; DRuiz@rtirguests.com
18. ==> When You Can’t Go Out, Go Inward
The whole world is stuck at home. We’re being told to isolate but if we stay inside on the couch glued to our computers, TVs and phones, stuffing junk food into our mouths as we mindlessly try to numb out the anxiety of our desperate aloneness, a spiral downward is inevitable. Yoga and meditation expert Dashama Gordon says an alternative is to use this “alone time” to focus on self-improvement. She’ll explain how listeners can stay peaceful and feel more connected and view this uncomfortable time as an incredible opportunity for personal growth and change. Featured on ABC, NBC, CBS and OWN and in the Wall Street Journal, Vogue, Cosmo plus many other publications, Dashama is the go-to expert to share wisdom, practical advice, tips and secrets to feel happier, healthier and more harmony in life, especially during challenging times. She is the founder of Pranashama Yoga Institute and the author of 5 books including “Journey to Joyful.” Contact Dashama Gordon at (808) 283-2646; dashama@dashama.com
19. ==> Positive Thinking Doesn’t Always Work
The law of attraction became popular by promoting the idea that positive thinking can solve all of our problems, but does it really work that way? Invite author Baisakhi Saha to share why too much positive thinking may actually become more detrimental than beneficial for us. Her forthcoming book, “Life is Abracadabra: 21 Magical Stories from My Travels Across the Globe That Will Make You Look at Life with New Eyes,” reveals how to harness the magic of life. Saha has been featured by Canal America TV New York, Prime 24 TV New York, National TV India, JUS Punjabi TV NY, Goge Africa TV, and many other TV, radio, digital, and print media outlets internationally. Contact her at bsaha@rtirguests.com or Skype: Baisakhi
20. ==> Can Doing Push-ups Save Your Life?
Can it be true that push-ups — the same exercise you learned in gym class — have more to offer your listeners than you might imagine? With research-based upper-body fitness expert Kristen Carter as your guide, you’ll learn why this free exercise could likely save your life and, surprisingly, is a more accurate way to assess cardiovascular health than the usual treadmill test. Ask her what is the significance of the Harvard study of male firefighters? Does muscle strength correlate with lower mortality? Kristen is a Certified Precision Nutrition Coach with a master’s degree in exercise physiology. She is the author of “Lose Weight? Exercise More? I Don’t Think So! What to Do When Your Doctor Tells You to Make Changes for Your Health.” Contact her at (267) 930-2547; kacarter@rtirguests.com
Don’t see any guests or topics for your show? Search through past RTIR Newsletters and find hundreds of show ideas and possible guests at www.rtironline.com