01. Speak Up to Honor MLK Jr.
02. For MLK Day: The History of Segregation
03. MLK Jr.: A Hero for All Times
04. It’s OK to Ditch Your Resolutions
05. How to Beat Blue Monday (Jan. 15) or Any Bad Day
06. Entering a Beauty Pageant Nearly Got Her Killed
07. Inside the Evangelical Movement That Failed a Generation
08. Don’t Believe the ‘Hard Work Leads to Success’ Myth
09. What is Healthy Anger?
10. The Surprising Skill That Must Be Taught in Elementary School
11. How You Can Avoid America’s No. 1 Killer
12. Let’s Talk About Elephants
13. How to Heal Faster and Get Well Sooner
14. Top Black Interior Designer: How to Design an Authentic Life
15. Cultivate a Habit of Hope in 2024
1. ==> Speak Up to Honor MLK Jr.
While our collective memory of Martin Luther King Jr. focuses on his advocacy of nonviolent direct action, Cornell historian Michell Chresfield says that memory ignores his most radical message: the importance of speaking up against social injustice. “Chief among the things that we misremember is how much he called attention to the fact that so many white moderates were silent in the face of injustice. He was a huge critic of that,” says historian Michell Chresfield. “One of the most radical things about him is that, to great sacrifice, and despite the number of times that there were threats and attempts on his life, he kept speaking up,” she says. “That, to me, is one of the most important aspects of his legacy.” On MLK Jr. Day, she encourages people to celebrate King and his legacy by being “deeply engaged and critical of our current environment, because Black people and other marginalized people continue to face injustice.” Michell Chresfield is an assistant professor of African American history at Cornell University’s Africana Studies and Research Center. Contact her at mc2769@cornell.edu
2. ==> For MLK Day: The History of Segregation
In his best-selling book “The Color of Law,” Richard Rothstein demolished the popular segregation myth that Black and white Americans live separately by choice and showed how federal, state, and local governments gave rise to reinforced neighborhood segregation. Invite Rothstein and his daughter Leah, a housing expert, to discuss the history of segregation in the U.S., how 21st-century segregation continues to promote entrenched inequality and how we can undo the damage. The authors of “Just Action” will share how concerned citizens can challenge residential segregation in their own communities and other ways to address historical inequities. Richard Rothstein has written many books and articles on educational policy and racial inequality. Leah Rothstein has more than two decades of experience as a consultant to affordable housing developers and local governments. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 646-5188
3. ==> MLK Jr.: A Hero for All Times
On Monday, the nation will celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr., the slain civil rights leader who changed the American social and political fabric in profound ways. In the face of all the various unheroics of our times, from waging wars and committing mass murders to lying and cheating to get into college and Congress, psychologist Frank Farley says MLK, Jr., remains a hero for all times. Discuss what makes a hero and what purpose heroes serve in society with Farley, a professor emeritus at Temple University and the former president of the American Psychological Association. He’ll share the three categories of heroes —situational, life-long and 9-11 heroes — and explain five dimensions in the understanding of heroism. Contact Frank Farley at (215) 881-7776; frank.farley@comcast.net
4. ==> It’s OK to Ditch Your Resolutions
It’s the middle of January and many are struggling to keep their New Year’s resolutions. Others are feeling guilty for already abandoning theirs. But Dr. Dravon James says the problem isn’t you. “It’s safe to say we’ve grown tired of the unfulfilling notion of New Year’s resolutions! It’s time to readjust our focus. Our goals shouldn’t be limited to what we want, but who we want to be!” Dr. James will share a system that can help revolutionize your mindset and put you on track to discover the best version of yourself in 2024. Dr. Dravon is a transformation specialist who coaches women on how to master goal attainment. She is the author of “Freedom Is Your Birthright,” the host of “Dr. Dravon James Every Day Peace” on Unity Online Radio, a coach on the SiriusXM “Road Dog Trucking” show, and an actress whose career credits include a recurring role on HBO’s “The Wire.” Contact Mackenzie August at (661) 255-8283; mackenzie@steveallenmedia.com
5. ==> How to Beat Blue Monday (Jan. 15) or Any Bad Day
Mental health experts call it Blue Monday or “the most depressing day of the year,” when bad weather, broken resolutions, and holiday bills all converge on Jan. 15, three weeks into the New Year. Best-selling author John Nicholas offers a different way to overcome those blues by sharing his dramatic teenage turnaround and his study of high-impact people throughout history. “I discovered a few ancient keys and one nuclear-powered principle that can change your outlook and launch you toward success, no matter what your setbacks or challenges,” says Nicholas who wrote the former #1 New Release book, Debt-Free ASAP!, and is about to release Hit Your Bullseye! John is a Brown University and Fuller Seminary graduate, a former pro football player, pastor and co-founder and partner of several award-winning sports media and real estate companies. John has appeared on ABC News, CBS News, syndicated radio, and numerous podcasts. Contact him at (214) 225-9991; Jnicholas@rtirguests.com
6. ==> Entering a Beauty Pageant Nearly Got Her Killed
Competing in a beauty contest is usually not considered dangerous. But when you’re the first woman to represent Afghan women and you catch the attention of the Taliban, it can be deadly. That’s what Masuda (Massie) Rahmati found out when she competed in the 2005 Mrs. World International Beauty Competition and received death threats — including one made in person to her home in California. Bring Massie on your show to talk about the inhumane way girls and women continue to be treated in her native Afghanistan where their lives can be taken for the most frivolous reasons. Her upcoming book is tentatively titled “Almost Killed by the Taliban: How I Stood Up for the Women and Girls of Afghanistan. Born in Kabul, she came to the U.S. as a teenager with her family in 1982. She has been interviewed by international media and recognized by Congress. Contact Masuda Rahmati at (831) 298-8335; mrahmati@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Inside the Evangelical Movement That Failed a Generation
Evangelical Protestants are often portrayed as foaming-at-the-mouth Christian insurrectionists, but Jon Ward gives listeners an inside look at the church and his life growing up as the son of a pastor within the evangelical movement. The author of “Testimony: Inside the Evangelical Movement That Failed a Generation,” believes white evangelicals have been led astray by their political thirst. “There’s a lot of really great people in these evangelical churches,” he says. “But there’s a whole culture of political beliefs and cultural practices that have been added on to the faith that I was indoctrinated in.” Ward can discuss who is attracted to this fusion of religion and politics and what it would take for evangelicals to lose their allegiance to Donald Trump. John Ward is the chief national correspondent at Yahoo! News. Contact Kelly Hughes at kelly@dechanthughes.com
8. ==> Don’t Believe the ‘Hard Work Leads to Success’ Myth
America is a nation of workaholics who have long been indoctrinated to believe that performing long hours of mind-numbing work is the path to success. But according to author, project management expert and professional musician Gerald Leonard, that is total nonsense. “The long-held myth is that stressful work environments lead to higher productivity,” he says. “However, this leads to extreme burnout, greater employee turnover and decreased worker loyalty.” Gerald can share how to work smarter, not harder, to obtain maximum success. He is the author of numerous books including “Culture Is the Bass: 7 Steps to Creating High Performing Teams.” He is a certified Portfolio Management Professional and professional bass player. Contact Gerald Leonard at (443) 703-2929; gleonard@rtirguests.com
9. ==> What Is Healthy Anger?
Our society often frowns upon anger, especially when women express this emotion. But clinical psychologist Dr. Karyne Wilner claims that anger can be a valuable tool for promoting personal growth and one’s overall well-being if released in constructive ways. “By working with our bodies in specific ways, we can transform our anger and improve our health,” she says. “Otherwise, anger can get trapped in our psyches and cause a host of physical and mental health issues.” Karyne can share body-based techniques to release anger in ways that lead to greater health overall. She is the author of the upcoming book “Releasing Toxic Anger for Women: Body-Based Practices to Transform Negative Thoughts, Soothe Stress, and Stay True to Yourself.” She is a leader in the field of Core Energetics and mind/body health. Contact Karyne Wilner at (401) 305-2278; kwilner@rtirguests.com
10. ==> The Surprising Skill That Must Be Taught in Elementary School
Teaching computer science to students in grades pre-K through 5 is now a major focus in schools. Children’s author and longtime STEM educator Chris Goldberg, Ed.D., has worked with even the youngest elementary school students and can speak to the need for teaching these skills to young children. “Research shows that these skills help students in mathematics, problem-solving and critical thinking and may help create a path of interest for students who have the aptitude for programming one day,” he says. “There also must be a focus on making sure underrepresented populations receive exposure to computer science skills.” Chris is the author of “Aliyah and The STEMsational Problem-Solvers: What’s Cooking?” Ask him: How does learning computer science prepare kids for the future? What specific STEM skills should young kids learn, and why? Contact Chris Goldberg at (610) 557-8442; cgoldberg@rtirguests.com
11. ==> How You Can Avoid America’s No. 1 Killer
Did you know that heart disease is the number one cause of death among American men and women? The good news is, it can be avoided, according to long-time nurse Allen Daugherty. “The American health-care system is designed to focus on diseases after they happen,” he says. “So we need to change our mindset to focus on prevention.” Allen can share the types of screenings, lifestyle changes and other preventative steps we can take before becoming another statistic. He has worked in the medical field for almost 50 years, first as a U.S. Air Force medic then as an RN and certified dialysis nurse. He is the author of “An Ounce of Prevention is Worth More Than You Can Imagine.” Contact Allen at (540) 712-8704; adaugherty@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Let’s Talk About Elephants
Elephants are very popular in modern culture, with good reason. They are majestic, lovable and highly intelligent. But according to animal/environmental welfare activist Georja Umano, pachyderms are more than just adorable. “They are crucial to the health of our environment and ecosystems, and are sadly endangered because of poaching, trophy hunting and habitat loss due to land development,” she says. Georja can share why it’s so important to protect this endangered species, and other fascinating pachyderm facts, as well as her experiences living in Kenya. She is the author of the award-winning book “Terriers in the Jungle,” and is launching a nonprofit called the Elephant Matriarch Project for Mothers and Children, the goal of which is to educate and train young underprivileged African women and girls for careers in wildlife conservation. Contact her at (213) 568-1764; gumano@rtirguests.com
13. ==> How to Heal Faster and Get Well Sooner
Science has shown that a mind-body connection exists and your emotions can impact your physical health but how much does it actually help? Discover the real power of positive thinking when you interview Stan Munslow. After helping his father beat 30% survival odds and fully recover from Stage 4 lymphoma, Stan shares his methods for faster recovery from surgery, chronic conditions, or serious illness — and improved health overall. Discover powerful techniques to optimize your mind-body connection and reclaim your health. Ask him: How can your thoughts help you decrease pain, recovery time, and even your health-care costs? Why does being the “perfect patient” help you shorten and improve a hospital experience? Stan Munslow is the author of “Get Weller Sooner: 12 Powerful, Proven Ways to Speed and Improve Your Recovery from Illness or Surgery?” Contact him at (401) 337-7436; smunslow@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Top Black Interior Designer: How to Design an Authentic Life
Every human has two lives, an inner one and the one they show the world. To live an authentic life — one that is true to who you are and what you want — takes work and the willingness to confront difficult issues. Fortunately, Black interior designer Tonya Comer can help listeners design purpose-filled lives by combining her personal experience and the seven power tools she developed. She’ll explain why you always have choices even when you think you don’t, why the imposter syndrome is so common, and more. A life coach and speaker, Tonya is the author of “In High Heels on a Ladder: The 7 Power Tools for Designing Your Life.” She has been named one of the top 20 African American Interior Designers in the United States. Tonya Comer holds an MBA from Michigan State University’s Eli Broad Graduate School of Management and a B.A. from Duquesne University. She studied interior design at London Metropolitan University. Tonya formerly worked in broadcasting, sales, marketing, advertising, and consulting for corporate America. Contact Tonya at (301) 538-7650; trc@tonyacormer.com
15. ==> Cultivate a Habit of Hope in 2024
With all the political turmoil and negative news Americans are subjected to it’s easy to see why some of us have lost the habit of hope. But like any healthy habit, it can be refreshed, rebooted, or acquired for the first time. Expert Edie Summers is making it her mission to teach people how to be more hopeful and shift their mindset to focus on what they can control. Ask Edie: How can we develop a habit of hope? How can focusing on small things to be grateful for reinforce that habit? What mindset shift do we need to make? Edie Summers is the author of “The Memory of Health,” a mind-body fitness instructor, a former executive, and the creator of the My Daily Well app. She has been featured in “Entrepreneur” and many podcasts. Contact her at (503) 487-0058; esummers@rtirguests.com