01. Donald Trump’s Costly Legacy
02. Time to Abolish the Electoral College?
03. New Study: Trump Supporters and Dominant Masculinity
04. Viral Video: Black Men Cleaning Up Mob’s Mess
05. MLK Day: The Lost Story of President Madison’s Black Family
06. Unequal Impact: 5 Economic Trends That Affect Women More
07. Stereotype or True? Women Are the Worst Bosses
08. Saving Your Career is Simple. Just Answer Yes or No
09. Grab a Glass for a Fun Wine Show
10. Yes, This Sugar Witch Could Save Your Life
11. Glaucoma Awareness Month: Are You at Risk?
12. Find Your Power in the Post-Election Chaotic World
13. Live Your Best Life in the Worst of Times
14. How to Take God Seriously
15. Interview the Host of PBS’ ‘Simply Delicious Living’
1. ==> Donald Trump’s Costly Legacy
Richard Haass believes that history will judge the Trump presidency to have been a consequential one, but more for its destructive effects than for its achievements. “He will also be seen as one of the worst, if not the worst ever,” predicts Haas, a foreign policy expert and veteran diplomat. He cites the damage Trump has done to democracy, his handling of the COVID pandemic, and a foreign policy that undermined America’s position in the world as his three biggest failures. “While the world was already in growing disarray, and while U.S. influence was already declining, Trump dramatically accelerated both trends. The bottom line is that he is handing off a country and a world in far worse condition than he inherited. That is his distressing legacy.” Dr. Richard Haass is the president of the Council on Foreign Relations. Contact him at (212) 434-9540; president@cfr.org
2. ==> Time to Abolish the Electoral College?
The chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties introduced a bill this week to abolish the Electoral College. Law professor Steven Mulroy supports the move and says there is a better way for Americans to choose a president. Invite him on your show to discuss the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. “Fair elections should have all votes count the same, avoid encouraging officials to play favorites, and never let someone with fewer votes beat someone with more votes. The Electoral College fails all three of these basic tests. It is an outmoded relic.” Mulroy adds, “While abolishing outright would be great and valuable to debate in Congress, a constitutional amendment will be challenging to win. That’s why the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact is so crucial. It would guarantee the presidency to the candidate who receives the most popular votes across all 50 states and the District of Columbia.” Steven Mulroy is Bredesen professor of law at the University of Memphis and author of “Rethinking U.S. Election Law.” Contact him at (901) 678-4494; smulroy@memphis.edu
3. ==> New Study: Trump Supporters and Dominant Masculinity
How do you explain the popularity of Donald Trump? New research finds that men and women who endorse “hegemonic masculinity” — an idealized form of manhood where white, heterosexual men have power, status and dominance over women, gay men, men with disabilities, racial or religious minorities and other groups — are more likely to be supporters of Trump than those who don’t embrace dominant masculinity. “What this work shows is that masculinity is not just an ideology that men strive to achieve. It’s something we value as a culture,” says lead author Theresa Vescio, a professor of psychology and women’s, gender and sexuality studies at Pennsylvania State University. “The beauty of masculinity as cultural ideology is we can get women to participate in it and endorse it, even though it’s subordinating them. We can get men of color, low socioeconomic status men, gay men to endorse it even though it’s implicitly subordinating,” Vescio says. While a male dominant preference was predictive of support for Trump, the study found that prejudiced attitudes were more consistent predictors of voting and that additional research is needed to fully understand the outcomes predicted by (hegemonic masculinity) versus open prejudice. Contact Terri Vescio at (814) 863-1714; tkv1@psu.edu
4.==> Viral Video: Black Men Cleaning Up Mob’s Mess
In a particularly jarring video of the aftermath of last week’s Capitol riot, Black workers are seen sweeping up the wreckage left behind by a mostly white mob, with some carrying Confederate flags. Issac Bailey, a longtime journalist based in South Carolina says it feels wrong that they should be the ones cleaning up, because it is. “They were sweeping up the broken glass inside while the mob was outside praising itself for undermining our democracy — making the U.S. a laughingstock around the globe — and confronting law enforcement officials who had finally begun taking charge.” Bailey adds, “With each stroke of the broom, they were slowly helping to piece this democracy back together. It’s what Black people have always done, no matter the circumstances, no matter the burden placed upon their backs.” Issac Bailey is a professor at Davidson College and the author of “My Brother Moochie: Regaining Dignity in the Face of Crime, Poverty and Racism in the American South.” His latest book is “Why Didn’t We Riot? A Black Man in Trumpland.” Contact him at ibailey@thesunnews.com; @TSN_IssacBailey
5. ==> MLK Day: The Lost Story of President Madison’s Black Family
Author and physician Bettye Kearse is the great-great-great-granddaughter of an enslaved woman and her enslaver, and half-brother, President James Madison. For Martin Luther King Day, invite Dr. Kearse to share her perspective on being a descendant of both one of the Founding Fathers and also of a slave. With such a unique heritage, she can discuss how Martin Luther King’s message and legacy impacted her life growing up in America. Bettye Kearse is the author of “The Other Madisons: The Lost Story of a President’s Black Family” and the subject of a documentary film. She presented her story at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and has been featured by NPR, podcasts, and radio stations across the country. Contact her at (617) 640 4803; bettye@bettyekearse.com
6. ==> Unequal Impact: 5 Economic Trends That Affect Women More
As a group, American women are having to bear the brunt and the hits keep on coming. Already behind before the pandemic and more likely to be economic victims of its fallout, women also face an unequal impact from the five biggest economic trends that are affecting Americans’ futures, according to Certified Financial Planner Lorri Craig. Lorri can detail the significant economic impacts of COVID-19, lower interest rates, climate change, the U.S.’s declining global power, and baby boomer’s inability to retire and why women are more affected than men. Lorri has a master’s degree in finance and is a subject matter expert for the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. She offers an Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) investment platform on her website for socially conscious investors who want to make a positive impact. Contact Lorri at (484) 453-1742; LCraig@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Stereotype or True? Women Are the Worst Bosses
Women face many challenges in our patriarchal society, but in the workplace, it’s other women who often hold each other back and sabotage one another’s careers. Indeed, many women would agree that the bosses that gave them the most grief in their careers were female. Career coach, author and former Wall Street executive Tamara Lashchyk discusses these issues and gives real-life examples of women who vindictively tried to sabotage the career of other women, including her own boss, who fired her just two days before she retired. She can answer such questions as do female bosses treat their male subordinates better than their female reports? Is this a generational issue and are millennials better at supporting other women than baby boomers? What can women do to help each other? Tamara has been interviewed by the BBC and featured in Huffington Post. Contact Tamara Lashchyk at (848) 373-3543; TLashchyk@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Saving Your Career is Simple. Just Answer Yes or No
Should you go on that job interview? Or accept that offer? Are you feeling comfortable enough to sign that contract or take that promotion? Are you ready to quit your current job? Go part-time? Or finally retire? Just like every other move you make in your personal or professional life, you have “Just 2 Choices.” That’s the message of Rico Racosky, who has already gained a substantial following with his “Just 2 Choices” book, speaking engagements, webinars and radio program. Ask Rico: Why do people make their career moves far more complicated than necessary? What fears keep many people from moving up? How can the “Just 2 Choices” strategy strengthen someone’s situation, even during a pandemic? Rico can help your listeners navigate their careers and reach their goals with a yes or no answer! Contact him at (730) 572-1322; Racosky@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Grab a Glass for a Fun Wine Show
Don’t know the difference between a pinot grigio and a petite Syrah? Did your last wine come in a box? No matter your level of wine knowledge, you’ll enjoy talking with Andy Hyman. A tour guide in the Napa and Sonoma wine country, he shares his passion for wine with thousands of people from around the world and will reveal all you need to know about buying wine including how much to spend, how to get the most for your money, and how to find a wine that you’ll really enjoy. He can discuss how to get the most out of a wine-tasting experience (whether in person or virtual), how wine is made, and general knowledge about wine. Hyman has been featured by Sonoma Magazine, the Marin Independent Journal, Napa Valley Register, North Bay BIZ magazine, and other radio and print outlets nationwide. He is the author of “Snob-Free Wine Tasting Companion: Wine Smart in a Day.” Contact him at (415) 767-1441; andyhyman@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Yes, This Sugar Witch Could Save Your Life
How much sugar have you been eating and drinking? Especially during the nerve-wracking COVID-19 pandemic? For most people, the answer is “too much” including hidden sugars they don’t even know about. These are the folks who need the good kind of witch — Sugar Witch Marsha Allen — to avoid the harmful effects of sugar overwhelm such as obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Marsha will explain how her program can help anyone live a sweeter and longer life without sugar addiction. She’ll discuss how to recognize and avoid surprisingly super-sweet foods, while embracing healthier snacks and treats, preventing cravings that send you onto the sugar highway, keeping kids from demanding sweets, avoiding sugary overload during difficult times, and more. A sought-after speaker, Marsha is known for hosting “Sugar Addicts” on Crown City News TV. She authored “Spoiled Rotten on a Diet: Gluten, Sugar & Dairy-Free Made Simple.” Contact Marsha Allen at (902) 906-5231; MAllen@rtirguests.com
11. ==> It’s Glaucoma Awareness Month: Are You at Risk for This Sneak Thief of Sight?
If you are over 40 or have not had your eyes checked lately or are Black or Hispanic, your chances of getting glaucoma, the “sneak thief of sight” are greater. More than 3 million Americans have glaucoma and many more don’t know that they do. In time for National Glaucoma Awareness Month in January, interview vision educator Linda Odubayo Thompson to get the facts on this often-symptomless eye disease that can lead to blindness. Linda, who has suffered from Closed Angle Glaucoma for over 33 years, has done substantial research on the subject. Ask her: Is glaucoma curable? What treatments can slow its progression? Are some babies born with it? What are the two types? Contact Linda at (914) 944-1474; lthompson@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Find Your Power in the Post-Election Chaotic World
Are you ready to rise above the chaos of a divided world, stronger than ever? “Extraordinary times call for extraordinary insight,” says intuition expert Kim Chestney. “The simple yet powerful act of following your inner guidance is the key to surviving — and thriving — in these uncertain times.” Kim can reveal how we can tap into our innate inner powers to rise above the insanity. She is an international best-selling author, innovation leader and founder of IntuitionLab. Her latest book is “Radical Intuition: A Revolutionary Guide to Using Your Inner Power.” Her work has been featured or supported by some of the world’s leading organizations, including SXSW, Carnegie Mellon University, Hewlett-Packard, AT&T and Americans for the Arts. Contact Kim Chestney at (412) 214-9502; KChestney@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Live Your Best Life in the Worst of Times
Life’s challenging, even at the best of times, but what can you do when life keeps kicking you when you’re already down? Invite author and inspirational speaker Danielle Harris-Branch to discuss why bad things happen and how to handle life when you’re at your lowest. Her book, “From the Other Side of the Bed: Allow Faith to Transform Your Perspective Through Life’s Hardest Blows,” shares her unimaginable journey of surviving two types of cancer at the same time her husband was waiting for a kidney transplant. This inspirational couple experienced the worst of life while discovering the best of life. Ask her: What are the essential tools for overcoming negative thinking in painful situations? How can you use a painful situation to become a better version of yourself and even start earning income from it? Contact Danielle Harris-Branch at (804) 373-8195; Harrisbranch@rtirguests.com
14. ==> How to Take God Seriously
Camilo Graza is sure to be one of the most fascinating guests you’ll ever have. Graza is a man of science with great knowledge of the heavens. He balances science and faith as both an aerospace engineer and a lay preacher who says it’s the smartest people who believe. Ask him: Why are prayers and worship so important? Why is faith alone not enough for salvation? How do you get to heaven? Graza’s book “Passport to Heavenly Eternal Life” has helped people take God seriously and cherish life more. Graza will take questions and discuss surprising biblical teachings for the 21st century, exploring the creation of the universe and our amazing earthly home. Contact Camilo Graza at (626) 341-1886; CGraza@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Interview the Host of PBS’ ‘Simply Delicious Living’
As the host of PBS-TV’s “Simply Delicious Living,” Maryann Ridini Spencer inspires her viewers to live their bliss and best life every day. Invite her to share her top mood-boosting solutions, simple strategies to get happier and healthier, and how to find balance in your life both personally and professionally. She can also share her top five tips for simply delicious living and how gratefulness can lead to happiness. She is a TV/film producer, screenwriter, and the author of the award-winning Kate Grace Mystery books, “Lady in the Window” and “The Paradise Table.” Her work has appeared on “Hallmark Hall of Fame” (CBS-TV), the Hallmark Channel, CNN, USA, SyFy, Showtime and many other outlets. Contact Maryann Ridini Spencer at (818) 492-9135; mspencer@rtirguests.com