01. To Mandate or Not: It’s Now Up to Businesses
02. African Americans’ Role in Modern American History
03. Maya Angelou, the Quarter and Real Change
04. ‘The Lost Valentine’: Lasting Love and Betty White
05. World Compliments Day is January 24
06. Weirdest White House Antics
07. Trump and the Media: Who Can You Trust?
08. How Ordinary People Can Be as Effective as Highly Paid Lobbyists
09. How to Make this the Year of ‘The Great Upgrade’
10. Will 2022 Be Even Worse for Wildfires?
11. You’ve Been Brainwashed to Believe Weight-Loss Lies
12. 4 Tips to Have It All
13. Change Your Life in 30 Minutes a Day
14. Are You a Carrier of the ‘Trauma Virus?’
15. Modern Day Mystic on Finding Your Purpose
1. ==> To Mandate or Not: It’s Now Up to Businesses
What will American companies do now that the Supreme Court has blocked the Biden administration’s vaccine mandate for large businesses? “Employers will have to grapple with whether and how to impose their own rules, outbreaks that lead to absences, and pushback from workers who have COVID concerns,” says Andrew Challenger, an employment expert at Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc., a global outplacement and business and executive coaching firm. A Challenger survey of 172 companies of varying sizes and industries across the U.S. conducted online in October and November found 34.3% of employers were awaiting OSHA guidance on vaccines, while 25% were either requiring vaccines or requiring vaccines and testing. Over 40% responded they were not requiring vaccinations. “Employers are rightly concerned about an exodus of talent, as workers flee to other opportunities or leave positions that do not meet their needs. While many are concerned vaccine mandates create yet another hurdle to attracting and retaining workers, others see it as a selling point,” according to Challenger. Contact Colleen Madden Blumenfeld at (312) 422-5074; (314) 807-1568 or colleenmadden@challengergray.com
2. ==> African Americans’ Role in Modern American History
Former “New York Times” bureau chief Howard French thinks it’s time to adjust our historical perception of African Americans’ role in our history. He argues that gold and slaves from “Africa [were] the linchpin of the machine of modernity” and these facts should be added to how Americans look at the development of a modern American history. Invite him on your show and learn, among other things, how Europe’s efforts to explore the wider world did not begin with Asia, as is universally taught, but with Africa, where led by the Portuguese in the early 1400s, they were determined to initiate trade with the kingdom of Mansa Musa, the richest man who has ever lived. French’s new book, “Born in Blackness: Africa, Africans, and the Making of the Modern World, 1471 to the Second World War,” begins with the commencement of commercial relations between Portugal and Africa in the fifteenth century and ends with the onset of World War II. Howard French is a Columbia University professor and former “New York Times” bureau chief in the Caribbean and Central America, West and Central Africa, Tokyo, and Shanghai. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com or Briana Caywood at (703) 646-5188 (office)
3. ==> Maya Angelou, the Quarter and Real Change
Kali Holloway believes that Maya Angelou was a brilliant poet and visionary writer who deserves to be celebrated, but she wonders what the icon would think about her likeness being put on a quarter. “I suspect that Dr. Angelou, an outspoken activist for the liberation of Black folks, would question her placement on the same coin as a man who stole even the teeth of those he enslaved. I believe she would recognize the irony of America’s willingness to put a Black woman on its money, even as it refuses to address the tenfold wealth gap between Black and white families, or to provide recompense for centuries of state-backed anti-Black racism.” She adds, “To be clear, representation matters, and Dr. Angelou represents the best of this country. But to genuinely reckon with anti-Black racism and misogynoir, we need to not only change our narratives, monuments and currency, but to do so as part of a larger effort to create substantive social justice change.” Kali Holloway is a monthly columnist for both “The Nation” and The Daily Beast. She is the former director of the Make it Right Project, a national initiative dedicated to taking down Confederate monuments and telling the truth about history. She is also the lead vocalist for the band Easy Lover and is currently working on her first book, “The Secret Racist History of Everything.” Contact her at kali.mir@ind.media, @kalihollowayftw
4. ==> ‘The Lost Valentine’: Lasting Love and Betty White
Betty White would have celebrated her 100th birthday this week and fans have been marking the occasion with tributes and remembrances. Maryann Ridini Spencer co-wrote and produced the film “The Lost Valentine,” starring White and Jennifer Love Hewitt. Based on the novel by James Michael Pratt, the movie’s theme is lasting love, something Maryann says was close to White’s heart and a storyline to which she could relate after the loss of her dear husband, Allen Ludden. Maryann can discuss the film and her memories of Betty White. Maryann Ridini Spencer is also the host of PBS-TV’s “Simply Delicious Living.” A screenwriter and author, her work has appeared on “Hallmark Hall of Fame” (CBS-TV), the Hallmark Channel, CNN, USA, SyFy, Showtime and many other outlets. “The Lost Valentine” is streaming on Amazon and The Hallmark Channel. Contact Maryann Ridini Spencer at (818) 492-9135; mspencer@rtirguests.com
5. ==> World Compliments Day is January 24
Did you know that every time you give someone a genuine compliment it triggers the same area in your brain as receiving cash? With so much stress, burnout and mental exhaustion, invite Dr. Michelle Rozen, The Change Doctor, to share how you can create real change in your relationships with people by giving genuine compliments. She’ll explain what happens in your brain when you get a genuine compliment, the 3 C’s for giving a genuine compliment, and why giving real compliments matters today more than ever. Michelle Rozen, Ph.D., is an author, a Huffington Post contributor, and a frequent guest on media outlets such as NBC, ABC, FOX News, and CNN. Contact her at (212) 457-2727; Hello@DrMichelleRozen.com
6. ==> Weirdest White House Antics
Did you know James Monroe used to enjoy swimming nude in the Potomac River? Or that doctors once held a press conference to announce Dwight Eisenhower moved his bowels? Or that Calvin Coolidge often conferred with a raccoon? Or that First Lady Florence Harding gave press interviews in her negligee? Or that George H.W. Bush took showers with his dog? Author Hal Marcovitz can talk about the many strange stories that have been circulating around the White House since John and Abigail Adams occupied the Executive Mansion, including some very odd stories about the last occupant. Marcovitz, a longtime journalist, is the author of the novel “Painting the White House,” which tells the story of an ordinary house painter who finds himself at the center of White House intrigues and misadventures. Contact him at (267) 718-6807; hmarcovitz@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Trump and the Media: Who Can You Trust?
There’s no denying that Donald Trump has changed the landscape of American journalism. Some say he exposed a lack of ethics and objectivity in the media while others say he used the media to spread misinformation and lies. Is it the media’s fault? Did they create the monster they hate? Invite Dutch American journalist and media trainer Hans Izaak Kriek to share his independent, nonpolitical observations on how the mainstream media have reported on Trump — as a person and president — and how both parties and their leaders played their part in building hatred for Trump and his family. The author of “Trump’s Daily Domination of the News Media” can discuss how journalism changed with the Trump presidency and whether he or the media themselves are responsible for the moniker “fake news.” Hans Izaak Kriek is the publisher and editor-in-chief of Krieksmediaworld.com. He worked as an international political journalist for AVRO/TROS, the two largest Dutch National broadcasters. As a media trainer, he has coached and advised thousands of politicians and executives. Contact him at (561) 861-2974; jkriek@rtirguests.com
8. ==> How Ordinary People Can Be as Effective as Highly Paid Lobbyists
Most Americans have heard of lobbyists. But the majority don’t know who they are, what they do and why they wield so much power when it comes to influencing lawmakers and laws. Award-winning author, screenwriter and former Universal Studios executive John Thibault can provide answers to these questions. He can also share how average Americans can utilize the same tactics as lobbyists to effect changes to laws, and why writing to Congress or participating in protests don’t work. “You need to clarify your issue, build your coalition, reference specific bills and appeal to higher authorities,” he says. “This is what trade associations and lobbyists do, but average people don’t.” John is the author of the critically acclaimed book “How to Change a Law.” Contact John at (650) 761-7564; Jthibault@rtirguests.com
9. ==> How to Make this the Year of ‘The Great Upgrade’
“The Wall Street Journal” reports that most of those quitting jobs during “The Great Resignation” are mainly non-management women, people of color and low-wage workers: America’s front-liners. Ida Byrd-Hill, CEO of Automation Workz, a cybersecurity reskilling and diversity consulting firm, says, “Thanks to the pandemic, these employees were forced to use technology to shepherd their children through virtual schooling and now they want to use their new-found tech skills to work remotely, in less abusive jobs with greater compensation, especially since the new COVID-19 variants are accelerating.” She’ll discuss ways to access cybersecurity and tech jobs without a typical college degree and why companies should begin to see workers through a more diverse lens if they want to win the current talent war. Ida Byrd-Hill is an economist, futurist, educator and author of “Invisible Talent Market.” She’s appeared on “Good Morning America” and numerous radio stations and podcasts. Contact her at (313) 483-2126; ida@autoworkz.org
10. ==> Will 2022 Be Even Worse for Wildfires?
We’ve seen the photos of gigantic trees enveloped in “fireproof” wraps to protect them from the killer flames of wildfires in forested areas of California and Canada. Will that be enough to protect some of the largest and oldest lifeforms on Earth? What about protecting communities (some already decimated by wildfire), farms, homes, pets, wild animals and human lives in 2022? As climate change imperils the planet and leads to fires and other dangers that could make millions of acres uninhabitable, your audience will want to discuss this topic with wildfire expert James Moseley. He can talk about the latest actions and technologies that can save lives and property. Ask him: What connection could NASA have to the wildfires plaguing our drought-prone world? How can new technology be successful? What should everyone know, whether living in wildfire areas or not? Contact James Moseley at (818) 486-4662; jmoseley@rtirguests.com
11. ==> You’ve Been Brainwashed to Believe Weight-Loss Lies
Each new year tens of millions of people resolve to get healthier and lose weight. Many will go on diets because they’ve been brainwashed to believe diets and exercise are the only ways to lose weight. Most people have no idea there are other options for shedding unwanted pounds. Ruth Houston can discuss research-backed, no-cost, easy-to-implement weight-loss tips and tricks — things the diet industry hopes the public will never find out. The author of “Eat Smart and Lose Weight: Scientifically Proven Ways to Lose Weight without Diets or Exercise” will share table tactics, kitchen tricks, binge prevention and more. Ruth has appeared on more than 500 radio and TV news and talk shows. Contact her at (718) 708-9799; EatSmartWeightLossExpert@gmail.com
12. ==> 4 Tips to Have It All
Women have been told they can have it all: rich, satisfying lives that nourish their families, as well as their own needs and desires. But for many — particularly mothers — it’s not that easy to create this kind of life. Shelly Sood, an entrepreneur and mother of three, says guilt often gets in the way, as do worries over what other people will think of you. “The actions of others drive us. We create mental warfare and a self-defeatist attitude. We care about what others think. We want to keep up with the Joneses of the block,” Shelly says. “As an entrepreneur, I am bombarded with requests,” she says. “I used to respond to everyone. Did that make me a stronger entrepreneur? No. It made me crazy, sleep-deprived, and ultimately burnt out.” Invite her on your show and learn how to let go of your inner critic, when to say no, and how to be proactive instead of reactive and choose what makes you happy and outsource the rest. Shelly Sood is a founding partner of GIOSTAR Chicago, a company that offers regenerative medicine therapies. Her upcoming memoir, “Untethered,” is being modified for film by Hollywood producers. Contact Shelly at (312) 401-3495; shelly@giostarchicago.com
13. == > Change Your Life in 30 Minutes a Day
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, 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
14. ==> Are You a Carrier of the ‘Trauma Virus?’
Trauma is embedded in institutions, in our collective stories, and passed down from generation to generation. Scholar and author Dr. Sousan Abadian says that even if you think you haven’t experienced trauma yourself, you can be a carrier of the “trauma virus.” She says, “We see trauma footprints today in the riots, insurrection, and rise of extremists and many of us are unaware of the ways we are carrying the trauma virus that can create fertile ground for radicalization to occur.” She’ll explain how we may be infected by trauma, or a carrier of trauma without being aware of it, because forms of trauma have come to feel ordinary. Dr. Abadian is the author of the forthcoming book “Free Me to Love,” based on her personal experience with “collective trauma” and healing. She has a Ph.D. in political economy and government from Harvard University. Contact Sousan Abadian at (617) 860-2785; sabadian@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Modern Day Mystic on Finding Your Purpose
Your audience will want to hear how Ron San Miguel came to form his unique worldview and learn how they can find their life’s purpose. Invite him to discuss the many influences that shaped his vocation and life philosophy and motivate listeners to reflect upon their own lives and discover their own talents and inspire them to share their gifts with the world to make it a better place. Ron San Miguel is the author of “Modern Day Mystic: Journey of a SongCatcher.” He’s a recording artist, instructor of Yang Style T’ai Chi Ch’uan, Reiki practitioner, community activist, and career-long civil servant. A Peace Warrior of Yaqui and Apache blood, Ron is a graduate of St. Joseph’s Seminary College and has an M.A. in culture and spirituality from Holy Names University. Contact him at (415) 894-0785; Ron@RonSanMiguelAuthor.com
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