01. The Houthi Threat to Red Sea Shipping
02. Why the 2024 Election Will be Challenging for Journalists
03. Former NBA Player’s Mission to Keep Kids in School
04. Has Justice Finally Caught up With Alec Baldwin?
05. Is Three a Crowd? New TV Show Explores Throuples
06. The Surprising Reason People Become Addicted to Sex
07. ‘A Beauty Pageant Competition Nearly Got Me Killed’
08. The One Thing to Do Every Day to Reach Your Goals
09. Why Do 6 in 10 Americans Say Life Has Gotten Worse?
10. Expert Reveals How to Love Anyone You Hate, Even Trumpers
11. Is the Placebo Effect Real? Why Don’t More Doctors Use It?
12. What to Do When You Suffer a Setback
13. How to Beat a Bad Day (or Month, or Year)
14. 5 Ways to Experience More Joy and Confidence
15. Can’t Wait for Spring Training? Great Baseball History Show
1.==> The Houthi Threat to Red Sea Shipping
Katherine Zimmerman says the growing number of attacks on shipping in the Red Sea demonstrate they are now a strategic threat to America, its allies and the global economy, and the U.S. must address them as such. “It’s time for Washington to adopt the only promising strategy by threatening the one thing the Houthis hold dear; their control and eventual conquest of Yemen,” according to Zimmerman. She says, “The U.S. needs to begin military support to the Yemeni government. That is the only way to ensure the Houthis won’t consolidate their grip on the country and be able to project more power abroad. And it is the only thing that might cause the Houthis and Iranians to rethink their current strategy.” Katherine Zimmerman is a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute where she focuses on the global Salafi-jihadi movement and counterterrorism. She has appeared on many networks and programs including BBC News, Bloomberg News, CNBC, CNN’s “The Situation Room,” Fox News Channel’s “Special Report with Bret Baier.” Contact Brady Africk at (202) 924-0784; Brady.Africk@AEI.org
2. ==> Why the 2024 Election Will be Challenging for Journalists
Politics will be on steroids in the next few months and covering the 2024 election will likely be challenging for journalists, according to Kyle Spencer. Invite the executive editor of “Reporting Right” to discuss the issues reporters will face, and what journalists—especially inexperienced ones—need to understand about their role. “The disinformation machine is sophisticated, and it feeds off repetition. Journalists have to do an intricate dance about reporting on it without repeating lies and distortions. The media can’t afford to be naïve,” he says. “I found that the extremist right was being reported on as a personality fest––engaging, entertaining, a mockery of these figures and a fascination with them. These pieces are ineffective and wrongheaded and end up personalizing and humanizing (the story) and repeating lies.” Kyle Spencer is a journalist, the author of “Raising Them Right: The Untold Story of America’s Ultraconservative Youth Movement and Its Plot for Power,” and the executive editor of “Reporting Right,” a weekly guide for journalists. Contact him at ReportingRight@googlegroups.com, KyleSpencerDemocracy@proton.me
3. ==> Former NBA Player’s Mission to Keep Kids in School
The rate of school dropouts has increased alarmingly, especially after the pandemic. More than 7,000 U.S. kids leave the education system every day — that’s one child every 26 seconds! — which places them at high risk for drug addiction, prison, or worse. Former NBA champion Dean Tolson is on a mission to stop this national crisis. His powerful personal story has already inspired thousands of kids across the country to stay in school. Hear Dean’s incredible journey from illiterate NBA player to graduating magna cum laude with a master’s degree, and how he was drafted for the Seattle SuperSonics by Hall of Famer Bill Russell. He’ll also reveal the shocking, controversial actions that took place during his recruitment, why he never should have played in college or the NBA, and much more! The author of “Power Forward: The Dean Tolson Story,” Dean has decades of public speaking experience and has appeared on KING5 TV, The Grio, and in “Sports Illustrated.” Contact him at (235) 884-8934; dtolson@rtirguests.com
4.==> Has Justice Finally Caught up With Alec Baldwin?
Months after prosecutors dropped their case against the actor, a grand jury has indicted Alec Baldwin on charges of involuntary manslaughter in the deadly shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on a New Mexico movie set. Dr. Carole Lieberman, a forensic psychiatrist and trial expert witness, says the panel appears to have seen through Baldwin’s expectation of ‘celebrity justice.’ “Alec Baldwin arrogantly thought he would ‘get away with murder,’ but his reckless acts on the set of ‘Rust’ have finally caught up with him.” She says, “His behavior after the shooting has been unconscionable – refusing to turn over his phone, hiding out, making deals with witnesses, the husband of Halyna Hutchins, and so on.” Carole Lieberman, M.D., M.P.H., has appeared on numerous radio and TV shows from “Oprah” to “Fox News.” She’s an author and writes the column “Inside the Criminal Mind” for Front Page Detectives, a website that covers the latest headlines and unsolved mysteries from across the country. Contact Mark Goldman at (516) 639-0988; markgoldman73@gmail.com
5. ==> Is Three a Crowd? New TV Show Explores Throuples
A recent “Newsweek” article reports that one in nine Americans have been in a polyamorous relationship, and one in six would like to try one. As Americans’ beliefs on relationships and monogamy continue to change, a new dating series focuses on the world of polyamory as curious couples consider bringing a third partner into their relationship. Peacock’s “Couple to Throuple” is hosted by Scott Evans from “Access Hollywood,” and guided by sex/relationship expert and therapist Dr. Shamyra Howard. Could a throuple be a positive, healthy relationship for everyone involved or is it doomed to implode due to jealousy? What ground rules would need to be applied to make it work? Scott and Shamyra can tell you everything you want to know. Contact John Angelo at john@premieretv.com.
6. ==> The Surprising Reason People Become Addicted to Sex
The general belief is that sex addicts are merely selfish, amoral perverts. But according to author and marriage therapist Marsha Means, the reasons for this crippling dependence are far more complicated. “I have researched the connection between sexual addiction and attachment wounds in childhood,” she says. “I see the addict as wounded and desperately in need of healthy, secure connection.” Marsha will share how to break this addiction once and for all, and how couples can survive the pain and heartache this causes in relationships. She is the author of “Learn Empathy: Help Your Betrayed Wife Heal” and “From Betrayal Trauma to Healing & Joy: A Workbook for Partners of Sex Addicts.” Contact Marsha Means at (520) 341-6002; mmeans@rtirguests.com
7. ==> ‘A Beauty Pageant Competition Nearly Got Me Killed’
Competing in a beauty contest isn’t usually considered dangerous. But when you are 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. Born in Kabul, Massie came to the U.S. as a teenager with her family in 1982. She has been interviewed by international media and recognized by Congress. Her upcoming book is tentatively titled “Almost Killed by the Taliban: How I Stood Up for the Women and Girls of Afghanistan.” Contact Masuda Rahmati at (831) 298-8335; mrahmati@rtirguests.com
8. ==> The One Thing to Do Every Day to Reach Your Goals
The main reason most people don’t attain their goals is because they often bite off more than they can chew and get frustrated when they fall short. “That’s because most people focus on a lofty goal instead of their progress,” says Gerald J. Leonard, a successful CEO, author, project management expert and professional musician. “Don’t go for large goals. Instead, take an inventory of bite-sized milestones, commit to them and celebrate the small-scale wins.” Gerald can share ways to set small, manageable goals when pursuing your largest dreams, and how to change your mindset in order achieve maximum success. Gerald Leonard is the author of “A Symphony of Choices: How Mentorship Taught a Manager Decision-Making, Project Management, and Workplace Engagement – and Saved a Concert Season.” Contact him at (443) 703-2929; gleonard@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Why Do 6 in 10 Americans Say Life Has Gotten Worse?
Is the American dream dying? The world has seen massive changes over the past few years, and it’s getting harder to enjoy our lives from day to day, let alone achieve our life goals. In fact, CNN reports that American happiness has hit record lows, with more than 60% agreeing that life is worse — especially since the start of the pandemic. Dr. Shila Patel (pronounced Sheila) reveals the reasons behind this historic decline in happiness. A retired licensed psychiatrist who was in practice for more than 25 years and the author of three books, she offers a passionate perspective on why depression and anxiety are flourishing, and what we can do to help ourselves and our loved ones rediscover what makes life worth living. Contact Dr. Shila Patel at (229) 586-6190; spatel@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Expert Reveals How to Love Anyone You Hate, Even Trumpers
We all have people in our lives with whom we have contentious relationships. They might be family members, coworkers, neighbors, and people on the opposite side of the political spectrum. Phil Brattain is the perfect guest for our divided polarized times. He is an expert on learning to love one’s worst enemies —which may include Trump — and learning to appreciate his opponents through his advocacy work where he often found himself on the losing side. He can share how he came to change his mind about Trump and what audience members can do to reconcile their issues with others in their lives with whom they have contentious relationships. Phil Brattain spent decades in international business development. He is the author of “Waging Love: How to Transform Our World One Heart at a Time.” Contact him at (650) 218-8136; philbrattain@gmail.com
11. ==> Is the Placebo Effect Real? Why Don’t More Doctors Use It?
The power of the placebo effect —medication or treatment that has no effect save for the patient’s belief that it works — has been documented as successful in 30% to 60% of patients suffering from a wide range of symptoms. Dr. Dinesh Verma reveals why modern medicine usually ignores the placebo effect and makes the case for why more physicians should integrate this and other under-used alternative therapies with modern health-care methods for incredible results. Ask him: Why does the placebo effect work so well? How did your mother miraculously recover from late-stage breast cancer? How can patients feel better, heal faster, and even save money on medical expenses? A medical doctor with 45 years in practice and 18 years of integrative medicine research and experience, Dr. Verma’s latest book is “From Dreams to Genes.” Contact Dr. Dinesh Verma at (248) 817-8296; dverma@rtirguests.com
12. ==> What to Do When You Suffer a Setback
We all have goals, from smaller things like planning a vacation to big ideas like finding a dream job or getting the promotion you’ve always wanted. And we all suffer setbacks on the road to those goals. It can be hard to pick yourself up after your path is interrupted — especially with a major, life-disrupting issue. Frank DiMaio is here to help you continue forward, whether you’re facing a temporary bad patch or a serious hardship like divorce, layoffs, or even the loss of a loved one. After losing his wife to breast cancer, Frank developed a method for dealing with his grief. He’ll share what he learned about facing life’s biggest challenges with positivity and progress. Contact Frank DiMaio at (401) 205-3325; fdimaio@rtirguests.com
13. ==> How to Beat a Bad Day (or Month, or Year)
January can be a depressing month. The bad weather, broken resolutions and holiday bills can all add up this time of 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 your setbacks or challenges,” says Nicholas is the author of “Debt-Free ASAP!,” and the soon-to-be-released “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. He’s appeared on ABC News, CBS News, syndicated radio, and numerous podcasts. Contact him at (214) 225-9991; Jnicholas@rtirguests.com
14. ==> 5 Ways to Experience More Joy and Confidence
For many people, life is not a series of successes. Anxiety, stress, fear, and self-doubt hold us back and we spend our days extinguishing the fires of the past rather than looking toward the potential of the future. Is it possible to escape the day-to-day rut and live a happy life now, rather than working endlessly toward it? Psychologist and author Melody Krafft will show your audience how to bring more joy and confidence into your life, starting today. Learn how to extinguish doubt, hone your intuition, and rid your life of everyday stress when you interview this life-changing expert. An experienced media guest, Melody is the author of “Get Me Out of Here! What’s Beyond This Madness.” Contact Melody Krafft at (703) 951-4735; mkrafft@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Can’t Wait for Spring Training? Great Baseball History Show
As we wait for spring training to begin, how about a show to inspire baseball fans of every age? Invite sports historian Gary Sarnoff to share the uplifting story of a team that surpassed all expectations and gave Washington fans a season to remember. He’ll take listeners back to 1924 when the Washington Senators’ team president Clark Griffith hired Bucky Harris, his 27-year-old second baseman, to manage the Senators, a decision called “Griffith’s folly.” Hear how the team was inspired by their new leader and found themselves in first place heading into the homestretch, and what happened next. Gary Sarnoff is the author of “Team of Destiny: Walter Johnson, Clark Griffith, Bucky Harris, and the 1924 Washington Senators.” Gary Sarnoff is a member of the Society for American Baseball Research and speaks frequently on baseball history throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbpr.biz or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
Don’t see any guests or topics for your show? Search through past RTIR Newsletters and find hundreds of show ideas and possible guests at www.rtironline.com