01. What Russia’s Latest Attack Signals About the Ukraine War
02. Peru’s Race and Class Divide Exposed
03. Extreme Wealth: Survival of the Richest
04. Do a Valentine’s Show on 99 Types of Men
05. Considering a Coop? The Backyard Chicken Boom
06. 4 Words to Make Anyone Pay Attention to You
07. How the Most Productive, Creative People Get Things Done
08. For Black History Month: Confessions of a Pioneering Black Diplomat
09. Is Postpartum Depression Preventable?
10. The Dangerous Connection between Keeping Secrets and Getting Sick
11. What Can We Do to Protect Against Wildfires?
12. Death and the Pandemic: I Couldn’t Say Goodbye … Now What?
13. The Two Choices Savvy People Always Make
14. Can Kids Really Teach You How to Be a Better Parent?
15. WaPo Expert: How Food Can Impact Mental Health
1. ==> What Russia’s Latest Attack Signals About the Ukraine War
As Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches the one-year mark, invite global affairs analyst Michael Bourka to discuss how the war has changed. “The bombing of a residential building in Dnipro on Saturday should not be seen as simply another red line crossed by the Kremlin. With a warhead of nearly one metric ton, it created a scene of destruction described by some in Dnipro as ‘hell.’ It killed at least 45 people, including five children, with dozens more missing.” As the war grinds on into its second calendar year, there are fears that Russia is gearing up for a fresh mass invasion, with the Institute for the Study of War predicting an attempt to seize Kyiv and Odesa, where Bociurkiw is currently based. He can discuss what could help turn the war in Ukraine’s favor, including the arrival of NATO-designed main battle tanks from the United Kingdom and European countries. Michael Bociurkiw is a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and a former spokesperson for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Contact him at @WorldAffairsPro or Miriam Smallman at press@atlanticcouncil.org
2. ==> Peru’s Race and Class Divide Exposed
President Pedro Castillo’s dramatic fall from power has shaken Peru, a country of 33 million people that is the fifth-most populous in Latin America. His supporters have protested across the country and at least 55 people have been killed, often in clashes with security forces. Francesca Emanuele, a Peruvian sociologist and a doctoral student in anthropology at American University in Washington, D.C., says, “One only needs to review recent history to see why tens of thousands of Peruvians, having given up the high hopes they were holding in Castillo, remain by his side. Not only do they identify with the racial injustices the president suffered — and his arbitrary imprisonment — they also feel orphaned by structures that keep political representation out of their reach.” A Council on Hemispheric Affairs board member, Emanuele recently wrote: “In the eyes of Castillo’s supporters, this triumphalist celebration, the constant insults, the obstruction of presidential functions, and the abusive way that justice was served, all show that Peru is stuck in an oligarchical past. There is a ruling class that resists allowing the poor and working classes to be represented in the highest echelons of power. The lesson is: Even if such Peruvians managed to reach the highest political spheres, they would still be treated like inferiors.” Contact Francesca Emanuele at emanuelefrancesca@gmail.com; @emanuelefrance6
3. ==> Extreme Wealth: Survival of the Richest
The report Extreme Wealth was just released by the Institute for Policy Studies, Oxfam, Patriotic Millionaires, and Fight Inequality Alliance. The report estimates that over the last decade, the global billionaire class has more than doubled and their wealth has skyrocketed at a similar rate: 99.6%. Wealth in the U.S. has been steadily concentrating in fewer hands. U.S. households with more than $50 million have seen their wealth increase 53.9% since 2012; For every $100 of wealth created over the last decade, $37.40 went to the top 1%. The bottom half of U.S. households only saw a $2 gain. Report co-authors Chuck Collins and Omar Ocampo can discuss the extreme levels of concentration of wealth and power across the globe, what it would take to even the playing field, and how the pandemic positively affected the bottom line of billionaires. The latest report is a complement to Oxfam’s recently released Survival of the Richest. Contact Olivia Alperstein at olivia@ips-dc.org
4. ==> Do a Valentine’s Show on 99 Types of Men
For a fun show dedicated to all single people looking for love and guaranteed to provide laughs and encouragement for anyone in the dating pool, book an interview with long-time love coach and expert Stephanie Bailey. She’ll share a tongue-in-cheek guide to 99 types of men and how to date them. Learn about: the Doggie Dater who makes you question if he is dating you — or his “dog”; the Baby Talker who thinks baby talk is sexy; the Holiday Saboteur who breaks up with you on your birthday, anniversary or some other celebratory date that will forever be ruined; and the Sports Fanatic who is addicted to football, basketball, hockey, soccer, and more. Bailey encourages daters to ditch timelines and expectations and reminds them that she found her true love at 47 years old. Her new book, “99 Types of Guys: A Humorous Collection of Dating Tips and Misadventures” is based on almost 30 years of dating experience. ”I’ve dated enough men to piece together my simple philosophy — and no, it isn’t revolutionary. I’ve learned the more you date, the better you understand yourself and your relationship essentials; therefore, the more equipped you are to find your ultimate match.” Stephanie Bailey, CEO of Miss-Adventures, LLC, offers in-person and virtual love coaching sessions. Contact her at (720) 276-2226; missadventuresseries@yahoo.com
5. ==> Considering a Coop? The Backyard Chicken Boom
Everyone from A-list celebs (we’re looking at you, Julia Roberts, Miley Cyrus and Oprah) to city slickers has taken to raising hens to have farm-fresh eggs at the ready. And with the price of eggs more than doubling recently, even more folks are considering a coop. If you’ve been thinking about joining the chicken-keeping contingency, there’s no need to wing it. Raising chickens isn’t hard, but chicken expert and author Lisa Steele says, “As with any pet or livestock, chickens are a serious time commitment and require daily attention.” Steele can discuss what’s involved in raising chickens including how much room you need, which breeds are best, what they eat, how much it costs, and everything in between. She says that although it’s a big commitment, many owners say there’s also a “hen Zen” that comes with keeping chickens. Lisa Steele is a fifth-generation chicken keeper and the host of “Welcome to My Farm” on CreateTV. She’s the author of six books on raising backyard flocks and has been featured in “Forbes,” “The Splendid Table,” “Farmers’ Almanac,” “Wall Street Journal,” and on NPR, “The View,” HGTV, and The Hallmark Channel. Contact Kevin Smith at Kevin.Smith@HarperCollins.com
6. ==> 4 Words to Make Anyone Pay Attention to You
In today’s hectic, highly distracted world in which most people have short attention spans, effective communication is a bigger challenge than ever. “People subconsciously decide with lightning speed if they should pay attention to you,” says public speaking coach Nina Surya. “When you speak, others aren’t just responding to what you’re saying. They’re responding to things you don’t even know you’re doing.” This impacts everyone when it comes to achieving success, including presentations at work, speaking on the phone and communicating in everyday life. Nina is the president and CEO of UniqueSpeak Consulting and has served as the speech and communication coach to top-level executives, politicians and public figures. Contact her at (310) 359-0787; nsurya@rtirguests.com
7. ==> How the Most Productive, Creative People Get Things Done
The New Year offers a fresh opportunity to grow, change and finally become the powerhouse we want to be. For a great interview filled with new ways to attack your to-do list, grow your network of important relationships, and move from underdog to high achiever, invite Steve Rosenberg to share his entertaining, no-nonsense approach to accomplish more than you thought you could. A serial entrepreneur with an impressive career in sports, hospitality and nonprofits, Rosenberg will reveal practical secrets and sound wisdom on how to be the can-do person you always wanted to be while building a large network of friends and colleagues who can be tapped to find answers you need. Rosenberg says, “I am a grinder and subscribe to the theory that when opportunity isn’t knocking, it’s time to build a door.” Steve Rosenberg has worked for the Washington Bullets (now Wizards), the National Constitution Center and the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. He is currently principal of GSD Group, a company that helps organizations achieve greater efficiency, success, productivity, and cultural competency. A frequent media guest, he has appeared in “The New York Times” and on “The Michael Smerconish Show on Sirius XM, Fox 29, and other national media. His new book is “Make Bold Things Happen.” Contact him at (215) 435-2400; sr@theteamgsd.com
8. ==> For Black History Month: Confessions of a Pioneering Black Diplomat
February is Black History month and a great opportunity to interview Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans. If you have ever wondered what a diplomat does, what being in the Foreign Service is like, or what it was like to be stationed in a country where coups were commonplace, this is your chance to find out. Starting in 1975 and for the next 30 years, Judith, a former English major and Fulbright Scholar, was a diplomat in the Foreign Service in New Delhi, Mumbai, Dhaka, Taipei, Hong Kong, Brussels, Libreville, Bujumbura, and Brazzaville. Moreover, she did it as a Black single mother with few role models. Ask her was it hard to wave the flag for an ideal America yet to be realized? What are the pros and cons of frequent travel? Who were some of the famous people you met? What lessons have you learned that are applicable to others with big dreams? Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans’s new memoir is “Chocolates for Mary Judith: Black Woman Blazes Trails as a Career Diplomat.” She rose from the military equivalent of a first Lieutenant to a major general. Contact Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans at (571) 568-8667; jmuddkrijgelmans@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Is Postpartum Depression Preventable?
Giving birth is supposed to be joyous. But for about one in seven women in the U.S., that new baby comes with hopelessness, mood swings, inconsolable crying, anxiety, difficulty bonding with their infants, extreme tiredness, and loss of appetite, symptoms that can last from three to six months and be shared by their partners. But what if their agony could be prevented? What would we need to do to make that happen? Alan Lindemann has the answers. An obstetrician for 45 years, he delivered more than 6,000 babies and became a pioneer in treating postpartum depression. The now-retired doctor is devoting his time to reaching out to women about maternal health, especially those who may have limited access to care and information based on where they live. Ask him: Why is it key to combat postpartum depression before birth takes place? Why is postpartum depression so common? How do “maternity deserts” impact the problem? Contact Michelle at (828)749-3200; Michelle@WasabiPublicity.com
10. ==> The Dangerous Connection between Keeping Secrets and Getting Sick
We all know that keeping secrets can be stressful. But what most people don’t know is that it can also lead to illnesses (including cancer), especially if you keep secrets from your doctor. Attorney, author and cancer survivor Francine Tone can discuss the worst things to keep to yourself that can lead to sickness, suffering and even loss of life. Among the secrets are the pains, lumps, moles, nagging symptoms and other experiences you never mention to your doctor. Worse yet would be missing important screenings like mammograms or colonoscopies — and lying about it. Francine will also warn about keeping it to yourself when you consume the wrong foods, drink or smoke to excess, use illicit drugs, don’t exercise, or hide domestic violence. Francine is a sought-after guest on legal matters and overcoming everything from abuse to debilitating accidents. She’s the author of the best-selling book, “What Every Good Lawyer Wants You to Know.” Contact her at (531) 208-1297; FTone@rtirguests.com
11. ==> What Can We Do to Protect Against Wildfires?
Will 2023 be another year of wildfires that kill people and wildlife, destroy homes, flatten forests, ravage farmland and endanger communities? As climate change and global warming imperil our planet, audiences want to know what they can do to protect lives and property. You’ll want to interview wildfire expert James Moseley to learn what we can do before more acres become uninhabitable. He will explain which advanced new technologies, tools and trends are designed to prevent wildfire devastation. Ask him: How is NASA connected to the war against wildfires? Which North American locations are especially endangered in our drought-prone world? When does “wildfire season” become its worst? Contact James Moseley at (818) 486-4662; jmoseley@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Death and the Pandemic: I Couldn’t Say Goodbye … Now What?
It can be emotionally devastating to have a loved one taken away without warning and a chance to say goodbye. It happened to millions of people during the height of COVID-19, leaving the grieving physically and socially isolated, with unfinished business. Interfaith (All-Faiths) Minister Oreste D’Aversa will reveal why pandemic deaths were so traumatic, share tools to help say your final goodbyes to departed loved ones, and achieve the closure you need. He’ll also discuss simple, practical, and meaningful approaches, rituals, and ceremonies to honor lost loved ones and move forward. Invite the author of “I Didn’t Get a Chance to Say Goodbye … Now What Can I Do?” to discuss how to start the bereavement and healing journey to create a contented life. Ask him: Why is it important to say goodbye to loved ones? How can you say goodbye to someone already dead? Are there ways to help people through their grief and bereavement journey? Contact Oreste D’Aversa at (201) 483-8660; OresteDAversa@outlook.com
13. ==> The Two Choices Savvy People Always Make
What do smart, successful people do as they live their best lives? They recognize the power of their choices and they understand why there are just two to consider in every circumstance. “It really can be that simple,” says Rico Racosky, internationally recognized choice expert and sought-after speaker. Whatever your interest, be it making better choices about your health, relationships, finances, parenting, sports performance, or general problem-solving, he can offer compelling examples of how to use his two-choice method in your daily life. The result, he’ll say, is simplified decision-making and the lessening of the anxiety and fear that come with making poor choices. Ask him: What are the biggest mistakes people make when they need to make a choice? Can you provide an example of how you applied your choice theory in the past week? Racosky has hosted his own show and developed the new Choice Revolution series. His latest book is “Just 2 Choices.” Contact Rico Racosky at (720) 572-1321; RRacosky@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Can Kids Really Teach You How to Be a Better Parent?
Most parents think they know what’s best for their kids. But author Jerry Bures claims we have it all wrong. “We can learn a lot about parenting from our kids by taking cues from them,” he says. “They will give you clues on how to handle them.” As a dad to six kids, including one with significant special needs, Jerry had to learn how to deal with the pressures of what he calls “crisis parenting,” which made him a better dad. He can share how parents can best connect with their children, so that they may become successful adults. Jerry is the author of “When Kids Leave Clues: 26 Timeless Stories of Inspiration & Essential Life Lessons Taught to Us by Our Own Children.” Contact him at (920) 796-9160; jbures@rtirguests.com
15. ==> WaPo Expert: How Food Can Impact Mental Health
Food has the power to nourish your mind, supporting emotional wellness through both nutrients and pleasure. “Washington Post” food expert Mary Beth Albright draws on cutting-edge research to explain the food/mood connection. She redefines “emotional eating” based on science and will reveal how eating triggers biological responses that affect humans’ emotional states both immediately and long-term. Albright can discuss recent studies from the new field of nutritional psychology and explain what to eat and how to eat it. Listeners will learn which foods help reduce the inflammation that can harm mental health, the critical relationship between the microbiome and the brain, and which vitamins help restore the body during intensely emotional times. Mary Beth Albright has broad experience, from food attorney to finalist on “Food Network Star,” where she competed on “Iron Chef America.” Her new book is “Eat and Flourish: How Food Supports Emotional Well-Being.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705