01. Live from War-Torn Ukraine
02. How the Expanded Tax Credit Improved Parents’ Mental Health
03. The Politics of Protecting America’s Wildlife
04. Documentary Filmmaker on ‘100 Years of Men in Love’
05. Do You Like Board Games but Blow Real-Life Challenges?
06. A Chicken Who Played Tic-Tac-Toe in Court and Other Crazy Lawyer Stories
07. Why We Love Bad News and How It Affects the Murder Rate
08. Can Complaining Actually Make You Sick?
09. Jumpstart Your Weight-Loss Journey in One Week
10. Boost Your Immun-a-Tea for a Healthier Winter
11. Can Perfume Cause Infertility?
12. Why You Should Encourage Your Daughter to Pursue a STEM Career
13. How to Tell If You’re an Empath
14. Your Inner Secret Weapon for Overcoming These Challenging Times
15. Tired of Bad Service? Here’s How to Kiss It Goodbye
1. ==> Live from War-Torn Ukraine
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has been a constant in the news cycle for nearly a year. We feel helpless watching the refugees and displaced, and the no-end-in-sight nature of this conflict has created fatigue. Mission Eurasia’s Sergey Rakhuba left the U.S. on Monday to visit three countries over the next two weeks, where the organization is doing a huge amount of work – Moldova, Ukraine and Poland. The idea is to rally and encourage those on the battlefronts. Schedule an interview with Sergey from any of these three places to talk about what he’s seeing there, and why and how we must press on. Since February 24, 2022, when the Russian invasion began, Mission Eurasia volunteers and partners have delivered more than 191,000 iCare boxes totaling over two tons of food and assisted in emergency housing, counseling and other humanitarian services in the region. Mission Eurasia is an evangelical Christian organization that trains, equips, and mobilizes national Christian leaders throughout the former Soviet Union and Israel. Contact Jason Jones at jason@jonesliterary.com
2. ==> How the Expanded Tax Credit Improved Parents’ Mental Health
The expanded Child Tax Credit is still a hotly debated policy. From July to December 2021, the expanded CTC provided up to $3,600 per child, disbursed as automatic monthly payments rather than as an end-of-year tax refund. Research suggests that it reduced child poverty by half, and also reduced food insufficiency. Now there’s evidence it also improved the mental health of adults in the lowest-income families. Researcher Rita Hamad, an associate professor at UC San Francisco’s Institute for Health Policy Studies, says, “We were trying to understand the effects of the 2021 expansion of the Child Tax Credit on mental health –– specifically on the mental health of low-income families. We did in fact find reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms, and we also found larger reductions in mental health problems among Black and Hispanic families. This wasn’t surprising, given that racial and ethnic minority groups were at increased risk for chronic stress during the pandemic.” She adds, “By improving parents’ mental health, the policy also improves the environment that kids grow up in.” The research was recently published in the journal “Health Affairs.” Contact Rita Hamad at Rita.Hamad@ucsf.edu; @DrRitaHamad
3. ==> The Politics of Protecting America’s Wildlife
State and tribal wildlife agency professionals and their partners work tirelessly on the conservation and management of wildlife populations for the benefit of the American public. Legal and environmental historian and author Lowell Baier says a bill that will match this ethic with adequate financial support is awaiting approval from Congress. Invite Baier to explain how the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act would bring much-needed resources to wildlife professionals tasked with conserving the diversity of America’s native species. He’ll discuss how our modern failure to adhere to core principles of federalism has led to a broken wildlife management system, characterized by bitterness and distrust between state and federal officials, all to the detriment of wildlife, ecosystems, and people. Lowell Baier’s new book is “Federalism, Preemption, and the Nationalization of American Wildlife Management: The Dynamic Balance Between State and Federal Authority.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 646-5188
4. ==> Documentary Filmmaker on ‘100 Years of Men in Love’
President Biden’s recent signing of the same-sex marriage bill has placed an unexpected spotlight on the critically acclaimed documentary “100 Years of Men in Love: The Accidental Collection.” The movie, which showcases the beauty of everlasting and universal love, features a unique, moving and joy-filled collection of vintage photographs of men in love from the 1850s to the 1950s. Taken when male partnerships were often illegal, the photos were found at flea markets, in shoe boxes, family archives, estate sales, and old suitcases. Director David Milbern says the love on display was so powerful, it outlived its subjects and went on to become a beacon of hope for others. “If that’s not the definition of true love, I’m not sure what else could be.” “100 Years of Men in Love” is currently being submitted for 2023 Emmy Award consideration and for the Television Academy honors. David Milbern is an Emmy-winning actor-producer. Contact Harlan Boll at harlan@bhbpr.com
5. ==> Do You Like Board Games but Blow Real-Life Challenges?
If you are a millennial or are related to one, you probably know that board games are more popular than ever, accounting for $3.13 billion in spending last year, with that number expected to rise to $4.67 billion within four years. With names like Root, Wingspan, Descent, and Unmatched, board games are beloved because in order to win you have to figure out certain patterns, and that can be addictive. So too is an interview with Steven Feinberg, Ph.D., an expert on playing the meta-game in real life (no board game needed) and helping identify the patterns hiding in plain sight that most of us miss. Steven was recognized as a Top Ten Coach in 2023 in Apple News. Let Steven tell you the reason so many of us remain stuck and identify the three behaviors that let you do what others say can’t be done. A top 1% business consultant who has worked with Google, Visa, Apple, and more, Feinberg, taught for nearly 30 years at the University of San Francisco School of Management and Leadership. 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 Steven Feinberg at (650) 374-4540; sfeinberg@rtirguests.com
6. ==> A Chicken Who Played Tic-Tac-Toe in Court and Other Crazy Lawyer Stories
Have you ever seen a chicken playing tic-tac-toe in court as evidence in a case? Experienced attorney J.D. Mortmain has! Movies and television portray the courtroom as a dramatic place full of nail-biting tension, but in real life, that’s not always the case. In fact, there’s often more humor than horror happening behind closed doors. J.D. shares stories of the lighter side of the law with your audience, such as fighting for custody of a roulette wheel and the couple who divorced and remarried every year to profit from tax breaks. An author and experienced media guest, J.D.’s latest book is “The Fuzzy Pink Bathrobe and Other Tales of the Law.” Ask him: What happened during the case of the fuzzy pink bathrobe mentioned in your book title? How did you win a case for a client when an Army psychologist failed his own disability test? What are some interesting custody and paternity cases you’ve been involved in? Contact J.D. Mortmain at (860) 969-2693; jdmortmain@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Why We Love Bad News and How It Affects the Murder Rate
Watch the evening news and you’ll surely see one story after another about car crashes, fires, murders, and hit-and-runs. “We love bad news and bad news sells,” says Elizabeth Power, an adjunct instructor in psychiatry and expert on trauma. “The media recognize the powerful pull of ‘if it bleeds, it leads,’” she adds. Powers says bad news does have a positive side: paying attention to it can make us more vigilant about staying safe. But she says all the bad news we marinate in (the work of a serial killer and the reporting of crime statistics) ultimately leaves us feeling bad and powerless. She’ll explain how that can lead to a loss of our ability to cope, an increase in feelings of powerlessness, and a reverence for famous criminals. She says some people can even turn to violence themselves in a misguided attempt to feel powerful again. Elizabeth Power is the founding director of The Trauma-Informed Academy and the author of “Healer: Reducing Crises,” which offers everyday actions people can take to recover from traumatic experiences and be more resilient in the face of stress and discomfort. Elizabeth is an adjunct instructor in psychiatry at Georgetown Medical Center and has been on NBC News, NPR, and in the “Wall Street Journal.” Contact Elizabeth Power at (615) 903-0906; epower@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Can Complaining Actually Make You Sick?
Now more than ever, we are faced with a daily flood of bad news that makes it easy to give in to negativity. You’d be hard-pressed to speak with someone who isn’t ready to vent their frustrations with politics, world news, or current events. However, what we view as blowing off steam may be actively harming us both mentally and physically. Author and seasoned media guest Mary Mitchell reveals the mind-body connection that can make you literally sick when you engage in negativity. She’ll share proven techniques that help you ditch constant anxiety and learn to be happy no matter what. Give your audience a positive outlook when you interview Mary! Ask her: How do complaining and negativity affect your physical health? What is your method for identifying and removing personal obstacles to happiness? How can you find happiness when the whole world seems unhappy? Contact Mary Mitchell at (530) 561-5945; mmitchell@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Jumpstart Your Weight-Loss Journey in One Week
Weight loss is the #1 New Year’s resolution every year. Millions of Americans carry 10, 20 or more pounds of excess weight but feel overwhelmed by the thought of trying to lose it and get in shape. For anyone who is tired of being overweight but doesn’t know how to get started on their weight-loss journey, Alvin Perry has simplified the process to lose three to five pounds in seven days! This is not a quick fix, says Perry, but a process that sets in motion everything you need to reach your health goals. Invite him on your show to inspire listeners with his own weight struggles that began in college after losing his football scholarship. Now a successful entrepreneur and small business expert, Perry will share the unique system he used to drop 80 pounds and transform his life, with just three basic principles. Alvin Perry, DBA, is also ISSA certified in personal training, fitness and nutrition. He’s the author of numerous books including his latest, “Just Fat!” Contact him at (678) 788-7529; aperry@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Boost Your Immun-a-Tea for a Healthier Winter
Nobody wants to get sick, and there are quite a few nasty illnesses going around this winter. As you look for ways to be healthier and ward off disease, Tilak Silva says you should pay closer attention to what you eat and drink. He’ll share the best natural way to bring about strength, energy, healthier skin and ultimately longer life. Silva is an expert in nutrition and health research and the inventor of CilanTea, which helps people find their ideal path to a healthier life. Ask him: What makes cilantro an unexpected health food? What’s the best way to take advantage of its benefits? Which commonly imbibed beverages should we watch out for, since they decrease immunity, especially in “tridemic” times? Contact Tilak Silva at (310) 421-4680, tsilva@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Can Perfume Cause Infertility?
Not only can fragrances in everyday products such as soap, body lotion and laundry detergent cause a variety of health ailments, but products expert Zorica Denton learned that these could also cause infertility in women and men. “Studies shows that fragrances affect male sperm and women’s fertility, making it more difficult to get pregnant,” she says. “Products with fragrances may contain anywhere from 100 to 1,000 chemicals. But they don’t have to be listed due to trade secret policies.” Zorica developed long-term, debilitating health problems as a result of working as a perfume model. She is the founder of the natural personal care products company Zorica of Malibu and author of an upcoming book about toxic chemicals in products. Contact her at (213) 616-7904; zdenton@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Why You Should Encourage Your Daughter to Pursue a STEM Career
Careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) are booming and will continue to be in high demand well into the future. According to author, long-time STEM educator and college professor Chris A. Goldberg, females should be at the leading edge in these fields. “I have long advocated for girls and minorities to pursue STEM careers, a huge topic due to under-representation in these professions,” he says. “A number of women have made significant contributions to these fields, but are often not given the credit they deserve.” One example that Chris can share is Dr. Gladys B. West, an African American woman credited for the major calculations that led to the development of the Global Positioning System (GPS). He is the author of “Aliyah and The STEMsational Problem-Solvers: What’s Cooking?” Contact him at (973) 576-5841; cgoldberg@rtirguests.com
13. ==> How to Tell If You’re an Empath
Do you sometimes know something is going to happen before it does? Do you actually feel the pain of others? Do you experience keen physical discomfort in the presence of certain people? If so, you may be an empath or perhaps you may find that you know someone who is, someone like Jennifer Maag. She says, “After experiencing a traumatic brain injury due to falling at home, I became extremely empathic, which was a gift.” While being highly empathic can cause people to be hyper-sensitive, Jennifer can share how mastering the emotions that accompany this trait can greatly benefit one’s existence. 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 inner battles into healing tools to live one’s best life. Contact her at (419) 969-3259; jmaag@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Your Inner Secret Weapon for Overcoming These Challenging Times
Amidst the ongoing chaos in the world, many of us are feeling more anxious and uncertain about the future than ever. Best-selling author and intuition expert Kim Chestney says that turning to your inner guidance is the best way to reclaim your personal power. “With so much confusion in the world, it is getting harder to be sure of our path forward,” she says. “But there is a part of you that can see from a higher perspective.” Kim is the author of the book “Radical Intuition: A Revolutionary Guide to Using Your Inner Power” and the founder of IntuitionLab. Contact Kim at (412) 214-9502; KChestney@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Tired of Bad Service? Here’s How to Kiss It Goodbye
Ask anyone and you are sure to hear some version of “customer service stinks” as well as the details of the latest incident in which they were treated as though their patronage didn’t matter. Your audience would love to hear how they can benefit from receiving A-1 service instead of mediocre service and Tawn Holstra Auston has the answers. She can offer some tips on what you can do to receive excellent service every time by being a better customer! Tawn has been advising small business owners for a decade and is working on a book that will tentatively be titled “Changing Gears: What It Takes to Make Huge Life Changes with Confidence and Grace.” Contact Tawn at (206) 495-6505; tauston@rtirguests.com