01. The Consequences of Divided Government
02. Do Honesty, Integrity, and Reliability Still Matter?
03. Golden Globes: What Terrifies Celebs about Award Shows?
04. U.S. Companies Are Quietly Funding Election Deniers Again
05. Interview One of New York’s Top Psychics
06. The History and Uncertain Future of the Koala Bear
07. Chasing Serial Killers, Testifying Before Congress: Investigative Journalist Has Done It All
08. 50th Anniversary of Title IX: This Guest Was There from the Start
09. What Happens When Immigrant Kids Enter Foster Care?
10. Advantages Doubters Have That Self-Confident People Miss
11. What Would You Be Willing to Do for Your Sick Spouse?
12. How the First and Last 15 Minutes of Your Day Can Change Your Life
13. This Guest Proves Being a Loser Can Make You a Winner
14. 3 Tools Parents Can Use to Boost Their Kids’ Self-Esteem
15. What Really Happens After You Die?
1. ==> The Consequences of Divided Government
Divided government is back! After two years of Democratic control of the presidency and both houses of Congress — just barely in the case of the Senate — the 118th Congress that just opened puts Republicans in charge of the U.S. House of Representatives. A single party has controlled the White House and Congress only three times in the last three decades. So what will divided government mean for U.S. foreign policy? James M. Lindsay will discuss three things to watch. “President Joe Biden will face far stronger political headwinds in his second two years in office than he did in his first two,” he says. He also believes this session of Congress could become, possibly literally, the “Do-Nothing Congress.” James M. Lindsay is senior vice president at the Council On Foreign Relations (CFR). He is a leading authority on the American foreign policymaking process and the domestic politics of American foreign policy. Contact him at (212) 434-9626 (NY); (202) 509-8405 (DC) or jlindsay@cfr.org
2. ==> Do Honesty, Integrity, and Reliability Still Matter?
At a time when it seems that society is awash in scandals, embellishments, and fabrications, is it still important to treat others the way we want to be treated, to be honest, and act with integrity? And how important are these character traits in the post-great resignation world of work? Beverly Williams, J.D., an employment professional, arbitrator, and former HR executive, can share an eye-opening look at the lack of civility at work and offer reasons why some people, particularly inexperienced employees, may now believe that there are fewer consequences to being blunt and even discriminatory. Williams will talk about why so many people falsely believe they have more power over their employers than they truly do and ways this may stall their advancement. She can answer such questions as: what are some of the lost opportunities the overly confident may be missing out on? Why is the willingness to learn new skills sometimes more important than you’d think? What’s involved in being the employee your employer wants to keep even amid layoffs? Williams is the author of “Your GPS to Employment Success: How to Find and Succeed in the Right Job.” She is a partner at Wong Fleming PC in Princeton, N.J., where she specializes in labor and employment law. She also hosts the Your Employment Matters with Beverly Williams podcast. Williams earned an M.P.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a J.D. from Rutgers Law School. Contact Beverly Williams at (973) 576-5841; bwilliams@rtirguests.com
3. ==> Golden Globes: What Terrifies Celebs about Award Shows?
When the Golden Globes take center stage tonight, many of the attending celebs will experience fear. But it won’t be about losing. “I work with a lot of people in the entertainment industry and the surprising thing about coaching actors is their fear of public speaking,” says public speaking coach Nina Surya. “Actors are used to being in character. When they have to speak as themselves, it can be terrifying.” The ability to speak effectively doesn’t just affect show biz folks. It impacts everyone when it comes to achieving success, including when giving presentations at work, speaking on the phone and communicating in everyday life. Nina is the president and CEO of UniqueSpeak Consulting and has served as a speech and communication coach to top-level executives, politicians and public figures. Contact Nina at (310) 359-0787; nsurya@rtirguests.com
4. ==> U.S. Companies Are Quietly Funding Election Deniers Again
After publicly patting themselves on the backs for cutting off financial support to election deniers in the wake of the storming of the Capitol two years ago, many corporations and corporate lobbying groups are again pumping money into politicians who tried to subvert democracy, according to several new reports. An analysis by watchdog organization Accountable US, 34 Fortune 100 companies pledged to suspend support for election deniers, then gave them $5.4 million. Among the top donors were Abbot Laboratories, Cigna, Ford Motor, General Motors, Home Depot, Intel, UPS, Verizon and Johnson & Johnson. “So many corporations sought recognition for halting political spending after Jan. 6, then quietly reopened the money spigot to election deniers when they thought no one was paying attention,” says Accountable.US spokesman Jeremy Funk. “Companies that claimed to be allies for democracy then rewarded millions to lawmakers that tried to finish what the insurrectionists started have shown they were never serious,” he adds. Accountable US is a nonpartisan advocacy group that shines a light on corporations and special interests that often wield unchecked power and influence in Washington and beyond. Contact Jeremy Funk at jeremy@accountable.us
5. ==> Interview One of New York’s Top Psychics
When it comes to intuitive psychics, Ann Johnson is the real deal. Her abilities and services have been covered by top media outlets including “New York Magazine,” MTV Network, and “Rolling Stone” magazine, which said, “She has a unique gift for connecting with people.” Over her career, she’s read thousands of clients and helped them discover answers to their questions about relationships, health, wealth, and careers. Ann brings powerful insights and recommendations for your audience that will lead them toward living their best lives, helping them look and feel better at any age. She can provide instant personality analysis, relationship advice, and more. Find out what’s in store for 2023 and beyond when you interview this fascinating guest. A psychic advisor and frequent media guest, Ann is the author of “Facing Forward: A Memoir about Choices, Intuition, and Insights in a Show Busy Life.” Contact Ann Johnson at (516) 862-4405; ajohnson@rtirguests.com
6. ==> The History and Uncertain Future of the Koala Bear
Despite their iconic status and celebrity, koalas remain a mystery. Often affectionate in captivity, they seek out humans when in need of water or care yet can also be fierce and belligerent. They are beloved worldwide but are also plagued by sexually transmitted diseases and maligned for a lack of intelligence. Their diet consists solely of leaves that are full of toxins. In some states, they are threatened with extinction, while in others they are dying from overpopulation. Invite zoologist, biologist, natural history author, and animal expert Danielle Clode to share the latest scientific insights and myth-busting facts about koalas and take listeners up into the trees to reveal the truth about these extraordinary animals and what must be done to ensure their survival. Based at Flinders University in Adelaide Australia, Danielle Clode is the author of “Koala: A Natural History and an Uncertain Future.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (o); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Sasha Beatty at (703) 646-5188
7. ==> Chasing Serial Killers, Testifying Before Congress: Investigative Journalist Has Done It All
Over an extraordinary career in journalism, Michael Bowker has interviewed celebrities, athletes, adventurers, several presidents, and even serial killers. He has narrowly escaped mountain lions and exploding volcanoes and been up close and personal with the Golden State Killer. With behind-the-scenes stories of famous figures and crazy-but-true encounters around the world, this guest is sure to fascinate and delight your audience. He’ll also share inspiring stories of ordinary people accomplishing extraordinary things, such as the man who went from convicted criminal to saving millions of lives. An expert media guest who’s been featured on hundreds of radio, podcast, and TV shows including “Good Morning America,” Michael has written more than 20 books and thousands of articles appearing in such publications as the “Los Angeles Times” and “Reader’s Digest.” His latest book is “Michael Bowker’s No Ordinary Days,” a riveting collection of tales from his storied career. Contact Michael Bowker at (530) 296-6301; mbowker@rtirguests.com
8. ==> 50th Anniversary of Title IX: This Guest Was There from the Start
Fifty years ago this summer, the U.S. government enacted Title IX, a groundbreaking amendment that prohibited sex-based discrimination in education programs and activities, including athletics. Three-time Olympic track and field coach Sue Humphrey was there for it all. Sue began coaching in the late 1960s and has faced plenty of discrimination and sexual harassment in her career. This experienced, accomplished guest can discuss what it was really like for women in athletics both before and after Title IX, what it’s like to coach Olympic athletes, the challenges that women in sports still face today, and more. The author of “I Want to Run: The Olympic Developmental Training and Nutritional Guide for Young and Teen Track Runners Ages 10 to 18,” Sue has more than 50 years of experience and is a frequent media guest. Contact Sue Humphrey at (512) 881-9648; shumphrey@rtirguests.com
9. ==> What Happens When Immigrant Kids Enter Foster Care?
It’s well known that the U.S. foster care system is seriously broken. But when it comes to immigrant children, it’s a nightmare. “FBI raids in Texas brought renewed attention to the vulnerabilities of immigrant foster children, who are disproportionately targeted by child sex traffickers,” says Richard Villasana, founder of the nonprofit Forever Homes for Foster Kids. “Foster care agencies are legally required to provide notice to grandparents and other adult relatives. Yet, thousands of Latino children are often discriminated against because agencies are either not performing family finding or are doing sloppy work out of prejudice because of these children’s national origin.” Richard is the author of “Do No Harm: An American Tragedy Continues.” He is a former university professor who is a leading international authority on immigration and foster families. He has been featured on CNN International, ABC and many more. Contact Richard at (619) 648-4729; rvillasana@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Advantages Doubters Have That Self-Confident People Miss
In our culture, self-confidence is lauded as a virtue. So what happens when doubt creeps in? Does that mean you’re broken? Or could you have an advantage others lack? Invite leadership expert Marc A. Pitman to reveal why doubt can be a surprising gift that forces leaders to look inward to gain special insight. His book, “The Surprising Gift of Doubt,” provides a framework for leaders to move past feeling like a fraud and manage teams more effectively. Ask him: How could the words in your head be sabotaging your efforts? Why are people who are experiencing doubt some of the strongest leaders? Contact Marc Pitman at (317) 751-1610; mpitman@rtirguests.com
11. ==> What Would You Be Willing to Do for Your Sick Spouse?
Most wedding ceremonies include the words “for better or worse, and in sickness and in health.” Even so, when a spouse faces an ongoing, life-threatening illness it often comes as a shock, particularly if there are young children at home and if that spouse has early-onset Alzheimer’s. Carlen Maddux, a career journalist, found himself in that place of disbelief when his vivacious wife Martha was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s just days after her 50th birthday. Your audience will be transfixed and inspired by Carlen’s search for meaning during the 17 years he spent as Martha’s caregiver. Among the things he can talk about are visiting a Catholic nun and a monk in the hills and backroads of Kentucky, devouring scores of medical and spiritual books; flying halfway around the world to Sydney and spending dozens of weekends at a nearby monastery. Just as he did, you will ultimately come to see Carlen and Martha’s journey as one of hopefulness accented by lessons learned that he can pass along to other families. Carlen is the author of “A Path Revealed: How Hope, Love, and Joy Found Us Deep in a Maze Called Alzheimer’s.” Contact Carlen at (727) 351-8321; CMaddux@rtirguests.com
12. ==> How the First and Last 15 Minutes of Your Day Can Change Your Life
Did you know that you can change your life, get rid of stress, and feel more in control of your destiny in only 30 minutes a day? Interview Theo Prodromitis, the author of “The Balance Between the Hustle and the Flow: Knowing When to Make Things Happen and When to Let Them Happen,” to discover why the first and last 15 minutes of your day are the most important and how to maximize them. Theo is an award-winning entrepreneur, marketing strategist, and best-selling author of “The Success Formula” with Jack Canfield. Ask her: What does neuroscience tell us about our brain activity at the beginning and end of each day? What are the four things we should do every morning? Contact Theo Prodromitis at (813) 701-5414; tprodromitis@rtirguests.com
13. ==> This Guest Proves Being a Loser Can Make You a Winner
The majority of people perceive losing as derogatory. But Dr. Carl Barnes disagrees. “Not only can losing teach us valuable life lessons, but it can also teach us how to win,” he says. “Losing actually allowed me to win in the end. The key is developing resilience.” Carl faced a lifetime of rejection. He was almost aborted by his single teenage mom, was rejected by the military and numerous colleges and went through a painful divorce. He eventually overcame the odds and went on to a 35-year career in the military, ultimately becoming a Navy chaplain; and earned five degrees, including a doctorate of ministry in leadership. Carl is the author of “Resilient Sailing: 10 Lessons to Persevere in Life’s Stormy Seas,” and conducts life coaching workshops and online courses. Contact him at (407) 809-8047; cbarnes@rtirguests.com
14. ==> 3 Tools Parents Can Use to Boost Their Kids’ Self-Esteem
Does your child struggle at home or school? Do you often hear them say they can’t do something, or it’s too hard? Whether it’s learning to tie their shoes, getting good grades, or joining extracurricular activities, having positive self-esteem helps kids do more — and feel great about themselves in the process. Valerie Whetstone is an experienced educator and the author of several books, including the brand-new children’s book “Oh No, Riley!” This expert, who has trained with Oprah Winfrey and Jack Canfield, shares three crucial tools to help kids of all ages boost their confidence and develop the life skills they need for success. Ask her: What is the one mistake millions of parents are making that affects their child’s self-esteem? How can I increase my child’s confidence today? What are some “power words” kids can use to become more confident and positive? Contact Valerie Whetstone at (408) 752-5943 or vwhetstone@rtirguests.com
15. ==> What Really Happens After You Die?
After experiencing a traumatic brain injury due to falling at home, author Jennifer Maga realized this was a blessing in disguise. “I became extremely empathic, which was a gift,” she says. One of those gifts was developing an understanding of what happens after we die. “When we pass over, we go to a ‘soul hospital’ and then ‘soul school’ where we learn valuable lessons. Those who have passed over often communicate with us through our dreams.” Jennifer, a licensed massage therapist, and her son, Alexander Maag, are the co-authors of the critically acclaimed book “Take on God,” which explores how to transform our inner battles into healing tools to live our best lives. Contact Jennifer at (419) 969-3259; jmaag@rtirguests.com