01. More Tech Job Cuts: Where Will Workers Go?
02. MTV’s ‘Teen Mom: Family Reunion’
03. New Study: Social Media May Be a Teen Brain-Changer
04. Steadicam Inventor Turns to Wheelchairs
05. Help! How Did Tipping Get So Complicated?
06. 50th Anniversary of Title IX: This Guest Was There from the Start
07. Are We in a Friendship Recession?
08. The Real Reason We Love Board Games But Blow Real-Life Challenges
09. Let One of NYC’s Top Psychics Help You Discover Your Intuition
10. Do Honesty, Integrity, and Reliability Still Matter?
11. How to Raise Kids Who Eat Healthfully
12. What No One Talks About During Black History Month
13. Why Your Next Cruise Should Be a River Voyage
14. No More Bad Service! How to Be Treated Royally
15. She Lived ‘Orange Is the New Black’
1.==> More Tech Job Cuts: Where Will Workers Go?
Microsoft says it will cut 10,000 workers amid economic uncertainty, echoing other major tech companies in recent weeks. That brings the total number of job cuts since the start of the year to 19,150, according to outplacement and executive and business coaching firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. “The tech sector is undergoing significant changes as a result of recession fears. Like with other more established sectors, tech is maturing and that typically leads to workforce reductions as companies shift focus. With the softening economy, those cuts become even more necessary and, in some cases, larger,” says Andrew Challenger, a labor expert and senior vice president at the company. But he also offers some positive news to those getting pink slips. “The talent that is currently finding themselves in job searches are highly desirable to hiring companies. Even those workers who were not in technology roles, like engineers and analysts, are in demand due to their experiences working in fast-paced, growth environments, subject to emerging government regulation. These skills are absolutely transferrable,” he says. Contact Colleen Madden Blumenfeld at (312) 422-5074 (office); (314) 807-1568 (cell) or colleenmadden@challengergray.com
2. ==> MTV’s ‘Teen Mom: Family Reunion’
MTV’s “Teen Mom” franchise is back with season 2 “Teen Mom: Family Reunion.” Once again, viewers will get a close-up look at teen moms from past seasons along with their mothers. This time the series takes place at an exclusive resort for team building exercises and private and group therapy sessions guided by Dr. Cheyenne Bryant. “Bringing in the mothers of the teen moms allows for a deeper connection and healing to develop a better relationship between the two. This season is filled with drama, high emotions, and breakthroughs,” says Bryant, who helps guide, heal, and educate cast members through their past and current traumas. Cheyenne Bryant is a psychology expert, life coach and the author of “Mental Detox.” She’s also a producer on this season of “Teen Mom: Family Reunion.” New episodes air Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. Contact Brithney Buchanan at Brithney@buchanan-pr.com or (424) 362-9672
3. ==> New Study: Social Media May Be a Teen Brain-Changer
It’s hard to find a teen who isn’t on social media but a new study raises questions about how that affects their brain development. Researchers found those who checked their platforms more often were more likely to be sensitive to general social rewards and punishments. “For youth who habitually check their social media, the brain is changing in a way that is becoming more and more sensitive to social feedback over time,” says lead study author Dr. Eva Telzer, assistant professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “And this is setting the stage for how the brain continues to develop into adulthood.” Telzer says it’s important not to worry too soon. The study, which involved following 169 sixth- and seventh-grade students over three years, established a strong correlation between social media habits and a greater sensitivity to feedback, but it cannot say whether one is causing the other. She says it’s also unclear whether greater sensitivity to social consequences is a good or bad thing. Contact Dr. Eva Telzer at (919) 962-6989; ehtelzer@unc.edu
4.==> Steadicam Inventor Turns to Wheelchairs
Garrett Brown revolutionized the field of film production in 1975 when he invented the Steadicam, a lightweight, hand-held stabilizer that gives camera operators a steady hand when moving. Almost 50 years later, Brown, now 80 and retired, has another invention. Called the Zeen, it helps people with disabilities move with the same smoothness as his Steadicam. Brown came up with the idea a decade ago while visiting his then-97-year-old dad. He noticed a big difference between those using walkers and wheelchairs; being upright. “Being upright is great for your cardio, your bone density, your limbic system, your digestive system. And it’s particularly valuable for your psychological well-being,” Brown says. Hear how his invention gives people freedom and autonomy, and about his early prototypes (including one that included attaching a saddle to an old walker). He can also talk about how he has been promoting his invention, including sending one to Pope Francis. Contact him at (833) 367-9336; info@gozeen.com
5. ==> Help! How Did Tipping Get So Complicated?
Do you tip when you get take-out? How about when you pick up the grocery order you placed online? Knowing how much and when to tip has always been a little stressful, but the pandemic only increased the confusion. “Many workers who normally survive on tips, like waitstaff, hotel clerks and bartenders, lost this large part of their income when they no longer served customers in person,” says Toni Dupree, an etiquette coach and author of a book and magazine column on etiquette rules. But while tipping for in-person services stopped at the height of the pandemic, other types of services exploded like food and grocery delivery and pick-up. So do you tip for that now? Invite Dupree to discuss the new rules of tipping like whom to tip and how much, different ways to tip including gift baskets and cards, and what to do when in doubt about tipping. Toni Dupree regularly appears in the media to talk about issues relating to etiquette and relationships. She is a public speaker and the author of “Whose Fork Is It Anyway?” an entertaining and easy-to-read dining guide for young people. Contact her at (832) 407-3117; chytonya.dupree@yahoo.com
6. ==> 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
7. ==> Are We in a Friendship Recession?
Coined by the American Survey Center in 2021, the “Friendship Recession” is a term used to describe the alarming phenomenon researchers are seeing among adults who report lacking close friendships. According to their data, the number of men and women reporting not having any close friendships is on the rise—15% of men and 10% of women in America. By contrast, in 1990, only 3% of men reported having no close friends. Lost in seclusion, people everywhere seem to be having trouble connecting again. Many cannot seem to find their way back to their “village,” and they are suffering historical levels of loneliness, anxiety, and depression because of it. Invite Florence Ann Romano, author of “Build Your Village: A Guide to Finding Joy and Community in Every Stage of Life,” to discuss the importance of creating a village, how it supports our physical, mental and emotional health, and what to do if you’ve moved or lost your village. Florence Ann has appeared on over 500 national and local media outlets across the country, including ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox TV affiliates. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103.
8. ==> The Real Reason We Love 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. 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
9. ==> Let One of NYC’s Top Psychics Help You Discover Your Intuition
Are you looking to achieve the life of your dreams? The powerful force of intuition can allow you to accomplish all you’ve ever wanted, and Ann Johnson can help your audience tap into that force today. When it comes to intuitive psychics, Ann is the real deal. She’s been featured by top media outlets including “New York Magazine,” MTV Network, and “Rolling Stone. “ The author of “Facing Forward: A Memoir About Choices, Intuition, and Insights in a Show Busy Life,” Ann brings powerful insights and recommendations for your audience that will lead them toward living their best lives. She can also provide an instant personality analysis on-air for your show host. Ask her: How can we use intuition to look and feel better at any age? What can intuition help us with when it comes to relationships and finding love? What can we look forward to in 2023? Contact Ann Johnson at (516) 862-4405; ajohnson@rtirguests.com
10. ==> 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
11. ==> How to Raise Kids Who Eat Healthfully
The Japanese are known for their long lifespans and low obesity rates and many attribute that to a healthier attitude toward food that begins in childhood. With a focus on simple ingredients to improve the sensitivity of growing taste buds and an emphasis on slowing down to aid digestion and brain function, the Shokuiku way helps children and families appreciate food and the act of eating. Chef and nutritionist Marie Akisawa says the comprehensive approach encourages mindful eating and making healthful choices that will last a lifetime. And while it’s best to start at an early age, Akisawa says the approach can help anyone hoping to change their eating habits and improve their overall health and well-being. Marie Akisawa and Motoko Kimura wrote “Eating the Shokuiku Way: The Japanese Guide to Raising Kids with Healthy Food Habits” as a go-to guide for learning how to respect and honor food and its role in nourishing our bodies and minds. Akisawa has written four books on healthy cooking. Kimura is an author and TV and film producer. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (o); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Sasha Beatty at (703) 646-5188
12. ==> What No One Talks About During Black History Month
February is Black History Month. It is also the perfect time to discuss an issue that rarely comes up in the Black community: infertility. Did you know that experts say that the infertility rate among Black women is possibly twice as high (if not higher) than that of white women? Moreover, Black women face much higher barriers to fertility services like IVF due to lack of insurance, sperm donors and underrepresentation in research trials. And as if that were not daunting enough, Frances Jones will explain that Black women are often ashamed of being infertile and unable to talk about this health issue with their friends and family. Frances is the author of “Overcoming the Emotional Stigmas of Infertility: Barren But Not Ashamed,” a book that tells the story of her over 20-year journey of never conceiving children and offers tips for couples traveling a similar journey. She’s a global women empowerment speaker, an advocate, and a transformational coach who has been featured on CBS, NBC, ABC and Fox affiliates, in the Los Angeles Tribune, and other media. Contact her at (901) 910-0915; fjones@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Why Your Next Cruise Should Be a River Voyage
If you’re thinking of booking a cruise, travel marketing expert and author Cindy Bertram can share the wonders of traveling on rivers throughout the U.S. and Europe, versus ocean voyages. “The ships are much smaller, with fewer guests,” she says. “Most are all-inclusive. They also offer immersive excursions and special interest tours. It’s a beautiful way to explore the wonderful areas of Europe and the U.S. in a more seamless way.” Cindy is a communications, media and branding specialist who has spent many years in the travel and cruise industry and is the author of “How Six Women Executives Steer the Cruise Industry Today” and “Message from the Dog…Learning from Great Humans.” Contact her at (219) 775-6488; cbertram@rtirguests.com
14. ==> No More Bad Service! How to Be Treated Royally
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
15. ==> She Lived ‘Orange Is the New Black’
Melisa Schonfield was living the upper-middle-class dream life as a successful psychotherapist, the wife of a respected dentist, a ballet company president, and an esteemed member of her community. But when her daughter’s boyfriend began abusing her infant grandson and the justice system did nothing, Melisa decided to take matters into her own hands, by hiring a hit man to dispose of the boyfriend. The hit man she attempted to hire in a Walmart parking lot turned out to be an undercover cop. Melisa spent more than three years in prison. “The isolation is very difficult,” she says. “I did not want to make friends with anybody because I feared their agenda.” Melisa can share the details of her harrowing journey, and what life is really like for women behind bars. She is the author of “Bitter or Better: The Melisa Schonfield Story.” Contact her at (305) 424-7507; mschonfield@rtirguests.com