01. Comedian Michael Ian Black on Raising Better Men
02. ‘Little House’ Star finds Virtual Fans Off the Prairie
03. 9/11: Put Politics Aside and Do Good Deeds
04. Is Wall Street Eyeing the USPS?
05. Time to Move Out of the City? Americans Seek Safe Havens
06. National Grandparents Day is Sunday
07. Help Teens Navigate the New Normal
08. Ways Parents Can Make This School Year a Success
09. How the Law of Unintended Consequences Shapes Our Lives
10. Award-Winning Musician on God, Science and Rock ’n’ Roll
11. Why Everyone Is Getting on Your Nerves
12. How a New Hobby Could Save Your Life
13. This Guest Gives 1,300+ Tips on Making Meaning
14. Why a Too Safe Life is Dangerous
15. Can You Drink Your Way to Increased Immunity?
1.==> Comedian Michael Ian Black on Raising Better Men
Michael Ian Black is many things: actor, comedian, screenwriter, award-winning children’s book author, essayist, memoirist, podcaster. He is also a man, and the father of a boy on the cusp of manhood himself. In his new book, “A Better Man: A (Mostly Serious) Letter to My Son,” Black offers a thoughtful and personal appraisal of the complicated meaning of masculinity in our times. Written in the form of a letter to his son as he gets ready to leave for college, the book is based on both personal experience and thoughtful observation of the rapid changes taking place in society. Black also shares stories of his complicated relationship with his own father, who died when he was a child, and his upbringing in an often-contentious lesbian household. Invite Black on your show to discuss coming-of-age in a time when boys were routinely told to “act like a man,” with no direction on how to do so—or even what those words meant; why we need to challenge the outdated assumptions our society continues to impose on boys about their place in the world; and how boys of the rising generation can navigate that change to become more evolved men. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com
2. ==> ‘Little House’ Star finds Virtual Fans Off the Prairie
While much of Hollywood and the entertainment industry has found themselves without work or creative outlets during the COVID crisis, there are those who embraced the situation and reinvented themselves to meet the circumstances. At a time when people across the country have been social distancing because of the coronavirus pandemic, Alison Arngrim, has been very social, albeit virtually. You may remember Alison as the bonnet-wearing, nasty Nellie Oleson from the 70s TV classic “Little House on the Prairie.” In the early days of the pandemic, Alison started reading the Little House book series live on Facebook and quickly drew an enthusiastic and loyal audience as she added special virtual guests to participate in the daily readings. Now, as the entertainment industry starts to slowly reopen, Arngrim has several new projects in the works. She’ll start shooting the musically-driven family feature “Twice Upon a Song” in Utah later this month and she now has her own radio show! In addition to acting, Alison Arngrim is a bestselling author, activist, and stand-up comedian. She currently serves as president, national spokesperson, and founding board member of The National Association to Protect Children. Contact Harlan Boll at hboll@rtirguests.com
3. ==> 9/11: Put Politics Aside and Do Good Deeds
This Friday marks the 19th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In keeping with a tradition begun in 2004, numerous leaders of the 9/11 community have sent letters to the Trump and Biden campaigns requesting that each voluntarily suspend political campaign activities, social media, and advertising this Friday, in favor of solemn expressions of service and remembrance. “On this one day, we ask President Trump and Vice President Biden to honor those lost, and those who rose in service, by setting aside their political differences for the moment and focusing instead on the solemn nature of the day and the opportunity that they and we all have to make a difference for those in need,” says Jay Winuk, cofounder of the nonprofit 9/11 Day. Given the current pandemic, the group is providing creative, virtual ways for Americans to participate in what is now known as the National Day of Service and Remembrance. The 911Day.org website features good deeds that can all be done virtually and include supporting frontline workers, voting access, COVID-19 response, supporting struggling local restaurants, promoting diversity and more. Jay Winuk and David Paine started the nonprofit 9/11 Day after Winuk’s brother Glenn, a lawyer, volunteer firefighter and EMT, died in the 2001 terrorist attack at the World Trade Center in New York City. Contact Emily Walsh or Omar Renta at 9/11day@sunshinesachs.com
4.==> Is Wall Street Eyeing the USPS?
Apart from politically motivated attacks on the Postal Service before the election, Porter McConnell says there’s another malevolent force at work on this important institution: Wall Street. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy is reportedly in talks with JPMorgan Chase, the largest bank in the United States, on an exclusive contract to put that private bank’s branches inside post offices. She says, “JPMorgan and DeJoy are trying to head off rising support for what is known as ‘postal banking’ — a plan to revive the post office as a place where people can go to get low-cost, non-predatory banking services.” McConnell says we should treat the U.S. Postal Service as a service, not a business, and certainly not a plaything of Wall Street. She suggests the Post Office become a local hub for services, as in other countries. “They already provide money orders and manage passport applications. What if they could provide everything from basic bank accounts to remittances to fishing licenses? We could join our OECD peers, and indeed most nations around the globe, in using the over 30,000 post offices around the country to provide the bricks-and-mortar infrastructure needed to serve every community in the digital age.” Porter McConnell is Take on Wall Street campaign director at Americans for Financial Reform. Contact Carter Dougherty at carter@ourfinancialsecurity.org; @RealBankReform
5. ==> Time to Move Out of the City? Americans Seek Safe Havens
Big cities around the country are experiencing a mass exodus. In just three months, New York City has seen more than 400,000 residents relocate to smaller towns, and every other major city is seeing similar urban flight. Meantime, Realtors in rural areas are reporting a surge in people buying houses sight unseen! Marjorie Wildcraft says it’s becoming clear to more and more people that working remotely, as well as never-ending coronavirus waves and a host of other threats, are here to stay, and it’s time for a permanent move to a safer location. But where? What are the most important things to consider in choosing a new place to live? What are the biggest mistakes people make? Wildcraft can answer all those questions and share how to quickly find a community you’ll love that also has the resiliency that’s essential in these challenging times. Listeners will learn seven shortcuts to finding the perfect safe haven, specific elements any property you purchase needs to have today, and the “gas tank” rule. National Geographic featured Marjory Wildcraft as an expert in off-the-grid living. She’s hosted the Mother Earth News Online Homesteading Summit and is the founder of the Grow Network, an online community of 450,000 people devoted to stopping the destruction of the Earth via homegrown food. Contact Shay Jackson at media@marjorywildcraft.com or (312) 971-7214
6. ==> National Grandparents Day: Are Grandparents More Important Than Ever?
This Sunday, September 13th, is National Grandparents Day, a time for us to celebrate the special gifts grandparents bring to our lives and those of our children. Perhaps it is more important to celebrate this holiday this year during the pandemic when seeing grandparents face-to-face may be not be possible. The role grandparents play in children’s lives is evolving and as many as 2.7 million grandparents have assumed the responsibility of raising their grandchildren. This year, why not honor this special bond by interviewing Oliver Akamnonu, M.D., who can discuss why he and his wife left their high-powered careers to help their daughter and new grandchild and why today’s grandparents often go beyond offering financial support, childcare and parental advice to make a difference in their family’s lives? Dr. Akamnonu has authored 18 books including one with his wife, “Little Baby Lydia, Grandma, Grandpa and Student Mom: Saga of Family Role Reversal and the New Times.” Contact Dr. Oliver Akamnonu at (413) 206-6753; oakamnonu@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Help Teens Navigate the New Normal
School is back in session but for millions of teens, there are still no lunches with friends, after-school sports or clubs. Isolation caused by social distancing has been difficult for most of us. But according to Steven Hall, M.D., this has been especially hard on teens. “Interacting with their peers is very important to teenagers,” he says. “This is a normal stage of development. COVID-19 is interfering with that and may be creating some especially powerful feelings in teens.” Trained in traditional Western medicine, Dr. Steven combines alternative, integrative medicine into his practice to simultaneously treat patients’ bodies, minds and spirits. He can share simple yet powerful advice to help your teen get through these challenging times. He is the author of “The 7 Tools of Healing: Unlock Your Inner Wisdom and Live the Life Your Soul Desires.” Contact him at (425) 531-3684, shall@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Ways Parents Can Make This School Year a Success
We all hoped social distancing and wearing face masks would be over by the time kids went back to school. But COVID-19 is far from over. How can parents who had no intention of (or experience) being home-school teachers make the most of this year? Jean Alfieri, author of “Zuggy the Rescue Pug,” can offer six ways to make this school term a success. With many schools requiring both in-person and at-home learning, Jean suggests parents follow these steps: Stay positive. Your kids will likely embrace your attitude so let them know this is unusual but okay. Make it fun; get outside and enjoy a lesson under a tree while the weather is still nice. Use your resources; there are plenty if you know where to look. Plan your day; a regular routine and a posted agenda are good for kids and grown-ups. Don’t forget the arts; many schools have cut out art and music classes, but they are important to a child’s creative brain. Allow yourself some grace; you’re doing a great job! Jean is a veteran of organizational development in both small and large companies who left the corporate world to pursue more personal projects. Contact her at (602) 397-1344; ZuggythePug@gmail.com
9. ==> How the Law of Unintended Consequences Shapes Our Lives
You’ve heard of the law of gravity, the laws of electricity and magnetism and general relativity. Each has an enormous impact on life in the universe. But Steve Mays has discovered what may be an even more powerful law — the law of unintended consequences, which he likes to think of as “a law created by God to let us silly humans know that we are not quite as smart and clever as we think we are.” On your show, Steve can look at ways unintended consequences played out in the past and continue to do so today. For example, he says Watergate was an unintended consequence of Richard Nixon’s paranoia. Impeachment, loss of law license, thousands of dollars in settlements, and loss of control of the House and Senate were Bill Clinton’s unintended consequences from his association with Monica Lewinsky. The more unintended consequences that occur as a result of a leader’s actions and the more significant they are, the clearer the signal that the leader is in trouble, Steve says. No one can completely avoid unintended consequences because none of us is that good. Ask him what leaders can do instead. Mays is the author of “Power of 3 Leadership, Lessons in Leadership.” A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis who served on nuclear submarines, he was a mathematician, electrical engineer and nuclear engineer who worked in private industry and at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Contact Steven Mays at (703) 552-5672; smays@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Award-Winning Musician on God, Science and Rock ’n’ Roll
Dennis Marcellino is truly a Renaissance man. A former member of many top bands including The Tokens (The Lion Sleeps Tonight), Sly & The Family Stone, The Elvin Bishop Group and more, Dennis’ musical biography reads like a Who’s Who of multi-talented relatives and showbiz awards. But interview this musician, vocalist, composer and arranger and you’ll quickly learn that his real passion involves something even more inspirational; sharing scientific proof that God exists, and Genesis is literally true. Dennis Marcellino has an extensive history in the music business. He’s recorded more than a dozen albums, scored and composed several songs for films, and is the author of numerous political and inspirational books including “The Proof that God Exists and the Bible is True.” Contact: Dennis Marcellino at Dennis@PeaceAndClarity.com
11. ==> Why Everyone Is Getting on Your Nerves
People’s differences can create stress at the best of times. Months into a pandemic and all that entails and, well, those stresses can explode. Leadership expert Marc A. Pitman can tell you why people act the way they do. Using an easy-to-understand system, he’ll provide insight into why your team, staff, or family may be harder to get along with right now. He’ll explain the different ways people react to stress and how to help you get through the pandemic and come out even stronger than before. His upcoming book, “The Surprising Gift of Doubt,” provides a framework for people to move past feeling like a fraud and manage teams more effectively. Contact Marc Pitman at (317) 751-1610; mpitman@rtirguests.com
12. ==> How a New Hobby Could Save Your Life
Having a hobby or two is good advice for living a happier life. But did you know that it could also be lifesaving? This is particularly true for recent empty nesters, according to award-winning author Mary K. Savarese, whose own hobby — writing books — came after her last child left home and she overcame significant anxiety about her new family dynamic. Mary can talk about why it is important to find yourself, how anxiety can become your best friend and even how to find a new hobby (that could turn into a career) that’s best for you. Mary has appeared in local publications and has been featured on Mindalia TV, NBC affiliate and iHeartRadio. Her latest book is “Tigers Love Bubble Baths & Obsession Perfume, (who knew!).” Contact Mary at (860) 550-3344; maryksavarese@gmail.co
13. == > This Guest Gives 1,300+ Tips on Making Meaning
Invite writer and Professor Bob Lichtenbert, Ph.D., on-air for an unforgettable interview. His latest book includes over 1,300 pieces of advice on how to make more meaning (defined as “impact for good”) in one’s life and especially in other’s lives. Isn’t it a great goal for anyone, to be happier? Bob will reveal how his information applies the greatest idea of making meaning in our daily lives and how he makes his advice accessible to the typical person. Learn how and why he started “collecting” tips on index cards almost 40 years ago. His “tips” introduce the new field he calls “meaningology.” You’ll hear some of his favorites: connect to something larger than yourself (other people, helpful social causes, God) and know the absolute laws of logic to determine the soundness of all thinking. This is especially meaningful during COVID-19! Contact Bob at (773) 819-9184; BLichtenbert@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Why a Too-Safe Life is Dangerous
Everyone wants to feel safe, especially when a virulent virus makes its way around the world. But safety has a downside we don’t always think about … it can actually be dangerous, says author and adventurer Sparrow Hart. Invite him on your program to discuss why “safety-ism” — valuing safety above everything else — runs counter to both scientific research and ancient wisdom. You’ll learn why safety is antithetical to passion and growth, and toxic to a life of adventure and meaning. Sparrow’s varied career includes being a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Stanford University, a brief stint working in a slaughterhouse, adventures in the Amazon jungle, and over 30 years of leading workshops on shamanism, the heroic journey, and vision quests in nature. He is the author of several books including “Letters to the River: A Guide to a Dream Worth Living.” Contact him at (801) 516-0740; SHart@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Can You Drink Your Way to Increased Immunity?
Since the coronavirus outbreak began, everyone has been talking about immunity. How can your body be healthier to ward off disease? Can we be wiser in what we eat and drink? What’s the best natural way to bring about strength, energy, healthier skin and ultimately longer life? For the answers, listen to Tilak Sikva, an expert in nutrition and health research and the inventor of CilanTea. Ask her: What makes cilantro an unexpected health food? What’s the best way to take advantage of its benefits? Which commonly imbibed beverages decrease immunity? Contact Tilak Silva at (310) 483-2785, tsilva@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