1/26/2023 RTIR Newsletter: Bystander Heroes, Crazy Lawyers, From Stupid to Genius

01. Civilian Heroes Shouldn’t Have to Stop Gunmen
02. “Run, Hide, Fight” – How to Survive a Mass Shooting
03. Mr. President, It’s Time to Go Digital
04. Iconic Actress on New TV Series, ‘Paul T. Goldman’
05. Corporate America from Exploiting Tweens
06. Friday is Holocaust Remembrance Day
07. The Chicken Who Played Tic-Tac-Toe in Court and Other Crazy Lawyer Stories
08. Can We Fix America’s Broken Workplaces?
09. Do Honesty, Integrity, and Reliability Still Matter at Work?
10. Title IX Turns 50: Modern History of Women and Athletics
11. Do a Show on the Black History Topic No One Discusses
12. Has the Black Community Normalized Obesity?
13. How to Go from Stupid to Genius in 3 Simple Steps
14. How Far Would You Go to Help an Ill Spouse?
15. New Anti-Choking Technique Could Save a Life

1. ==> Civilian Heroes Shouldn’t Have to Stop Gunmen

In several of the most recent mass shootings, the last resort to fight has been taken up by bystanders who attacked gunmen and stopped them before they could continue. Advocates for stricter gun laws say the outsize attention on the interventions distracts from the deeper issue of the country’s unrelenting cycle of gun violence. “Instead of focusing on why these tragedies keep happening, we focus on the heroic acts of the bystander,” says Shannon Watts, founder of the gun-control organization Moms Demand Action. “We should always call a hero a hero and thank them for selflessly putting their life on the line. But it makes me so angry that we never stop to think about the fact that we shouldn’t be asking average civilians to be heroes. I don’t want my husband or my children to have to be heroes.” Watts pushes back against responses to mass shootings that call for more people to be armed with more weapons, noting that America’s gun homicide rate is 26 times that of its peer nations. Contact Shannon Watts at media@momsdemandaction.org

2. ==> “Run, Hide, Fight” – How to Survive a Mass Shooting

Experts say it takes about three minutes for the police to respond to a shooting. What happens in those minutes can mean the difference between life, injury, or death. Invite retired FBI agent Katherine Schweit to share life-saving advice on what to do in the moments after shots ring out. She was tagged by the FBI to create their Active Shooter program after the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School when “Run, Hide, Fight” became the federal guidance on how to react in an active shooting situation. Schweit can also discuss what’s causing the current plague of mass shootings and why, despite being aware of red flags, those closest to perpetrators are often the least likely to inform law enforcement of their potential for violence against themselves or others. Katherine Schweit is an attorney, security consultant, and retired FBI special agent. She’s the author of “Stop the Killing: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis.” Contact her at katherineschweit@gmail.com; @KateSchweit

3. ==> Mr. President, It’s Time to Go Digital

Classified documents have now been found at Vice President Mike Pence’s home while investigations continue into papers recently discovered at President Joe Biden’s home and former President Donald Trump’s Florida residence. Former Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Mission Integration and the president’s former intelligence briefer Beth Sanner can explain how classified information can get out into the world and one way to lessen that chance. “The intelligence community has been producing the President’s Daily Brief (PDB) for delivery on tablets to the president and top national security officials since 2012. I believe the White House could adopt tablet use on at least a limited scale quite quickly.” She says simple tools like controlled network access and biometric ID can reduce the risk from hackers and explains why the barriers to moving classified material to a tablet environment are mainly cultural, based on ingrained practices and the lack of demand from leadership that has skewed toward boomers. Beth Sanner is a senior fellow at Harvard University’s Intelligence Project. Contact Sharon Wilke at (617) 495-9858; sharon_wilke@hks.harvard.edu

4. ==> Iconic Actress on New TV Series, ‘Paul T. Goldman’

Peacock’s “Paul T. Goldman” is a mind-bending mini-series that mixes fact and fiction to share the bizarre story of Paul T. Goldman, a divorced father who uncovers his second wife’s massive (alleged) crime ring. Goldman himself stars in the unconventional mix of documentary, reality TV, and dramatized reenactments, and actor Dee Wallace of “ET” fame, plays Terri Jay, a psychic medium and animal communicator (who also appears on the show as herself.) Invite Dee and or Terri to talk about their involvement in the ambitious hybrid series and ask them why the experience gave Dee goosebumps. Dee Wallace is an Emmy-nominated actress, a best-selling author and an authority on the art of self-creation who hosts the weekly call-in “Conscious Creation Radio Show.” Terri Jay has been doing readings by phone around the world for over 30 years. Contact Harlan Boll at harlan@bhbpr.com

5.==> Corporate America from Exploiting Tweens

Raising kids has always been challenging but it seems it has gotten even harder for recent generations, in part due to the internet. Political scientist and author Claire Nader says parents have lost control over their children who are being targeted with direct marketing by corporate hucksters for up to six hours a day. “This massive abduction of our children into a manipulative and exploitative virtual reality, separating them from their parents, communities, nature and even their teachers — reality in a word — calls for action,” she says. Her new book, “You Are Your Own Best Teacher!: Sparking the Imagination and Intellect of Tweens,” introduces young people to historical figures like Benjamin Franklin, Frederick Douglass and Helen Keller to illustrate their profound awareness and discipline. It covers topics like critical thinking and using solitude as a way to get to know oneself to understanding that corporations try to control us and how to be an informed consumer. Contact Francesco DeSantis at francesco.desantis@essential-books.com

6. ==> Friday is Holocaust Remembrance Day

Commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27 with renowned Jewish scholar Deborah Dash Moore. Moore is the editor-in-chief of The Posen Library, a comprehensive, ongoing project to build an unprecedented collection of Jewish writings, political thought, religion, visual and performing arts, music, and cultural contributions from around the globe. Moore can discuss the art and writings of Holocaust survivors since the end of World War II as well as political thought and writings of Jews before, during and after the war. She can also talk about the role of education in responding to the recent rise of anti-Semitism. Once completed, The Posen Library collection will be comprised of 10 print volumes covering biblical times to the 21st century. Currently, five volumes are available in print and online. Deborah Dash Moore, Ph.D., is the Frederick G. L. Huetwell Professor of History and a professor of Judaic studies at the University of Michigan. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 646-5188

7. ==> The Chicken Who Played Tic-Tac-Toe in Court and Other Crazy Lawyer Stories

Have you ever seen a chicken playing tic-tac-toe in court as evidence in a case? Experienced attorney J.D. Mortmain has! Movies and television portray the courtroom as a dramatic place full of nail-biting tension, but in real life, that’s not always the case. In fact, there’s often more humor than horror happening behind closed doors. J.D. shares stories of the lighter side of the law with your audience, such as fighting for custody of a roulette wheel and the couple who divorced and remarried every year to profit from tax breaks. An author and experienced media guest, J.D.’s latest book is “The Fuzzy Pink Bathrobe and Other Tales of the Law.” Contact J.D. Mortmain at (860) 969-2693; jdmortmain@rtirguests.com

8. ==> Can We Fix America’s Broken Workplaces?

Driven in part by the COVID-19 pandemic, America’s workplaces are changing faster than ever. The good news is that we are no longer shackled to desks and office cubicles. The bad news is that workplaces are changing faster than workplace culture can keep up with. Elizabeth Power can talk about why people need more emotional intelligence to survive and thrive in the workplace and how they can achieve that goal. Among her tips: go out of your way to capture good workplace moments so they are at your fingertips and “walk the talk” of the company values. Elizabeth is the founding director of The Trauma-Informed Academy and the author of “Healer: Reducing Crises,” which offers everyday actions people can take to recover from traumatic experiences and be more resilient in the face of stress and discomfort. She is an adjunct instructor in psychiatry at Georgetown Medical Center and has been on NBC News, NPR, and in the “Wall Street Journal.” Contact her at (615) 903-0906; epower@rtirguests.com

9. ==> Do Honesty, Integrity, and Reliability Still Matter at Work?

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 some 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

10. ==> Title IX Turns 50: Modern History of Women and Athletics

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 & 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

11. ==> Do a Show on the Black History Topic No One Discusses

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 in other media. Contact her at (901) 910-0915; fjones@rtirguests.com

12. ==> Has the Black Community Normalized Obesity?

Obesity is an epidemic across America, but especially so in Black communities where nearly half of all adults and a staggering 82% of women are overweight. The statistics are even more alarming when considering the health risks most commonly associated with obesity. Invite Dr. Alvin Perry to discuss the genetic, behavioral and socio-cultural factors at play in the Black community, and how to change the equation to create healthier communities. Ask him: Are Blacks genetically predisposed to being overweight? Has the community normalized obesity? Why are Black women less likely to exercise (and what is the simple solution)? Alvin Perry, DBA, is a successful entrepreneur and small business expert. He’s also ISSA certified in personal training and nutrition. His book, “Just Fat!” chronicles his 80-pound weight-loss journey and shares a simple system he created that changed the course of his life and led him to the path of personal wellness. Contact him at (678) 788-7529; aperry@rtirguests.com

13. ==> How to Go from Stupid to Genius in 3 Simple Steps

Do you ever feel like you’re not living up to your potential as a human being? If you believe you’re not that smart or you’re looking to level up your intelligence, Lee Vallely can show you how to become a genius in three simple steps. His traffic light system helps you recognize and access all three of your brains (not just the one in your head!). This system frees you step-by-step from the paralyzing anxiety that’s holding you back from achieving everything you want out of life. A transformation coach specializing in anxiety and phobias, Lee has helped thousands of people drastically improve their lives. He is the author of the upcoming book “Kick the Sh*t out of Social Anxiety.” Ask him: Why do you say people have three brains? What steps can we take to move from stupid to genius? What four things can we do to overcome anxiety right now? Contact Lee Vallely at (561) 658-1266; lvallely@rtirguests.com

14. ==> How Far Would You Go to Help an Ill Spouse?

Most wedding ceremonies include the words “for better or worse, and in sickness and in health.” Even so, when a spouse faces an ongoing, life-threatening illness it often comes as a shock, particularly if there are young children at home and if that spouse has early-onset Alzheimer’s. Carlen Maddux, a career journalist, found himself in that place of disbelief when his vivacious wife Martha was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s just days after her 50th birthday. Your audience will be transfixed and inspired by Carlen’s search for meaning during the 17 years he spent as Martha’s caregiver. Among the things he can talk about are visiting a Catholic nun and a monk in the hills and back roads of Kentucky, devouring scores of medical and spiritual books; flying halfway around the world to Sydney and spending dozens of weekends at a nearby monastery. Just as he did, you will ultimately come to see Carlen and Martha’s journey as one of hopefulness accented by lessons learned that he can pass along to other families. Carlen is the author of “A Path Revealed: How Hope, Love, and Joy Found Us Deep in a Maze Called Alzheimer’s.” Contact Carlen at (727) 351-8321; CMaddux@rtirguests.com

15. ==> New Anti-Choking Technique Could Save a Life

Choking is a real health threat, especially for the elderly and children. In fact, more people die from choking than die in fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, drowning or accidental shootings. Most people have heard about the Heimlich maneuver used to clear someone’s airway, but now there’s another tool to use if you find yourself in a situation where someone is choking. Invite Anthony “The Big Cheese” Mongiello to share the B.U.D. choking survival technique that he created and has used to save lives. Anthony, the CEO of Formaggio Cheese, will explain the simple three-step technique, when to use it, and how he saved three people from choking using the method. Contact Mark Goldman at (516) 639-0988

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

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