01. Capitol Police Insider: We’re Not Ready for the Next January 6th
02. World Court Orders Israel to Abide by Genocide Convention
03. Friday is a Big Day for Groundhogs
04. Punxsutawney Phil Should Be Replaced
05. Save the Celery? An Unusual Superbowl Challenge
06. ‘Stolen Dough’ – The True Story of Stuffed Crust Pizza
07. Can This Guest Bridge the Gap Between Trump Lovers and Haters?
08. Are Your Listeners Guilty of Using Weaponized Language?
09. How to Prevent AI from Stealing Your Job
10. 3 Big Myths About Change Everyone Believes
11. The One Essential Skill No One Teaches Adults
12. Why Oscar’s Barbie Snub Resonates With Women
13. How to Convince Your Kids They’re Amazing
14. This DJ Worked with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog and Joe Jackson
15. Out-of-This-World Stories of What Really Happens Under Hypnosis
1.==> Capitol Police Insider: We’re Not Ready for the Next January 6th
As election season approaches, in what very well could be a rematch between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, Julie Farnam says we need to look at the lessons January 6th taught us to ensure something like that never happens again. Farnam, the former assistant and then acting director of the U.S. Capitol Police’s Intelligence Division, will share her experiences in the days before and after the insurrection–the warning she gave that violence was coming and Congress was the target, the reasons she thinks it was ignored (being a woman in a testosterone-infused field like law enforcement was a part of it), and the cover up that followed. She predicts the next crisis will likely be the result of hostility toward a member of Congress and says that violence against elected officials is the most immediate danger facing the legislative branch today. Julie Farnam is the author of “Domestic Darkness: An Insider’s Account of the January 6 Insurrection and the Future of Right-Wing Extremism.” Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853; LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com
2. ==> World Court Orders Israel to Abide by Genocide Convention
The International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to “abide by the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, in relation to Palestinians in Gaza.” Craig Mokhiber, an international human rights lawyer and former Director of the New York Office of the UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights, calls it an important victory. “While imperfect without a call for an unconditional ceasefire, the court’s order is a historic and powerful tool in the struggle against Israeli impunity, further empowering states, organizations and activists to step up pressure on the apartheid regime.” Craig Mokhiber stepped down from his post in 2023 and penned a now-viral letter on unfolding genocide and the UN’s failures. Contact him at craigmokhiber@gmail.com, @CraigMokhiber
3. ==> Friday is a Big Day for Groundhogs
Groundhog Day is Friday and as legend has it, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, we’ll have six more weeks of winter. The annual February 2nd celebration in Gobbler’s Knob dates back to ancient traditions that mark the halfway point between the winter solstice and spring equinox and came to the U.S. in the 1880s with German settlers in Pennsylvania. These days, Phil has fellow groundhog prognosticators all over the U.S. and Canada. UCLA professor Daniel Blumstein studies marmots, the group of 15 species of large ground squirrels that includes groundhogs. Not surprisingly, his department has a Groundhog Day party, but he says you don’t have to be a marmot enthusiast to get something out of the day. “I hope that people have some greater appreciation of marmots and nature, and I hope that people have a chuckle over the idea that it’s the middle of the winter and we’re hoping that a rodent will tell us what the future is,” he says. Daniel Blumstein is a professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at UCLA. Contact him at (310) 267-4746; marmots@ucla.edu
4.==> Punxsutawney Phil Should Be Replaced
Some may think of him as a celebrity, but animal rights activists say he’s not living his best life—and he’s terrible at predicting the weather. The group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) says flipping a coin would predict the weather just as well as Phil. In a letter to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, the group also expressed concerns that the groundhog is being cruelly exploited for publicity. “He is not a meteorologist and deserves better than to be exploited every year for tourism money,” they write. If the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club’s Inner Circle – the group that organizes the Groundhog Day event and cares for Phil – agrees to send the animal to a sanctuary, PETA is offering to send them “a giant coin” that “could easily replace Phil as the town’s gimmick to draw in tourists.” For years, PETA has launched various campaigns to free Punxsutawney Phil. The Groundhog’s Club’s website describes the annual gathering as “a day to take everything a little less seriously and break up the winter monotony.” Contact PETA’s David Perle or Moira Colley at (202) 483-7382
5. ==> Save the Celery? An Unusual Superbowl Challenge
Now that we know it’ll be the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl less than two weeks from now, the folks at JIF Peanut Butter are starting a campaign that urges snack makers and party goers, to save the celery. “Every host of a Big Game party knows the sad fate that awaits their celery,” says Christine Hoffman, senior director of integrated consumer experience at The J.M. Smucker Co. The problem? While celery is the usual accompaniment to wings, most of it goes uneaten, and thrown away. Hoffman will explain how to save the day and change the fate of celery by also serving up some peanut butter on Super Bowl Sunday. With free giveaways, merchandise tie-ins and a Save the Celery website, there are lots of ways to get in on the fun. To schedule interviews contact (330) 684-3892; media.inquiry@jmsmucker.com
6. ==> ‘Stolen Dough’ – The True Story of Stuffed Crust Pizza
A movie about stuffed crust pizza? What’s to know? Apparently plenty. The new film “Stolen Dough” unveils the extraordinary journey of Anthony Mongiello, a young Italian American who, at the age of 18, invented stuffed crust pizza, only to have his patent stolen by Pizza Hut. Currently streaming on Amazon, the movie is directed by Stefano Da Frè, and is a true story of resilience. Invite Da Fre and the movie’s protagonist, Anthony “The Big Cheese” Mongiello, to share the gripping tale of the pursuit of justice, involving a staggering one-billion-dollar lawsuit. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103
7. ==> Can This Guest Bridge the Gap Between Trump Lovers and Haters?
When Donald Trump first ran for president, Phil Brattain was mystified by his appeal. And like other Californians, he was dismissive of Trump’s abilities. Not anymore. Brattain 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 is the author of “Waging Love: How to Transform Our World One Heart at a Time.” He has spent decades in international business development. Ask him: What timeless secrets can you share that can bring us back together as a nation? How did you come to believe that Trump was the perfect man to deal with North Korea? Contact Phil Brattain at (650) 218-8136; philbrattain@gmail.com
8. ==> Are Your Listeners Guilty of Using Weaponized Language?
Could changing the language Americans use to describe each other lead to greater empathy and problem-solving? That’s the provocative question Michael M. Starr wants to debate on your program. Mike wishes to raise people’s awareness of the words they use and hear so they become bloodhounds alerted to the dog-whistle language that divides us. For example, he’ll talk about words like libtard, mean, stupid, anti-vaxxer, and white privilege and their role in weaponizing language, and how to replace them with wise, empathetic words. He says, “If we are not vigilant with language use and understanding, we can be deceived to believe exaggerated slanderous views of others. These views divide, disempower, and distract us from healthy relationships. They facilitate self-righteousness and become the antithesis of empathy.” Mike is the author of Journey Into Peace. His life experiences include summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, driving a nuclear submarine, and managing a $100 million-a-year manufacturing business. Ask him: What does ROT stand for and what is its significance? What is a self-exorcism and why might people need one? How can individuals have more good and less bad in their lives? Contact Mike Starr at (501) 585-1302; michaelstarr222@yahoo.com
9. ==> How to Prevent AI from Stealing Your Job!
AI is changing every aspect of our lives. It is irreversibly changing the way we work. It is expected that up to 800 million employees worldwide will lose their jobs in less than six years due to AI and automation. So, what to do if AI takes your job? Interview Mustafa Ammar who can offer five unique strategies to outsmart AI. Mustafa is the founder and CEO of The Passion MBA, a career and business coach, and author of “Time to Move On” in which he debunks the seven most common career myths to help professionals find their dream careers. He is also a former international diplomat, investment banker, and pharmacist who reincarnated his career several times. Ask him: Why should you be a generalist, not a specialist in the current job market? Why is it never too late to find your dream career? Contact Mustafa Ammar at (240) 543-2529; DreamCareer@ThePassionMBA.com
10. ==> 3 Big Myths About Change Everyone Believes
As a change management expert who coached 10,000 leaders, Kirsty Maynor was shocked when she discovered that everything she thought she knew about change was wrong. Invite her on to your program to explain what led to her epiphany as she shares the three big myths about change that your audience likely also believes. Among the takeaways she’ll offer: change often doesn’t require a giant leap, you don’t have to believe in yourself before making changes, and change is often messy in the middle. Kirsty Maynor is an entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Firefly, a team of organizational culture change and leadership development specialists. Her just-released book is “Untangled: A Practical and Inspirational Guide to Change You Choose and Change You Don’t.” Contact Kirsty at kirsty.maynor@gmail.com
11. ==> The One Essential Skill No One Teaches Adults
Everyone faces criticism—some deserved, some totally off-base and even mean-spirited. But most of us never get any help learning how to handle criticism including the negative stuff we say to ourselves. Interview emotional intelligence and criticism management expert Detri McGhee to discuss how mastering the C-A-T system can help your listeners get something positive out of every critical comment they are exposed to. Ask her: How can adults profit from every criticism they receive? What tools are available to combat the negative and destructive effects of deserved and undeserved criticism? Detri is the president of Entrepreneurial Training and Marketing, LLC, a company that offers workshops and seminars on criticism management. Contact her at (870) 407-7523; dmcghee@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Why Oscar’s Barbie Snub Resonates With Women
Many say “Barbie” director Greta Gerwig and Barbie herself, Margot Robbie, were snubbed after being left off this year’s list of Oscar nominations. Francesca Burack says the film—and the lack of recognition—reflect the struggle women face every day. If your audience is looking to reclaim their power in the workplace, at home, and beyond, you need to hear from Burack. “Generally, women can speak up for others, but have a difficult time speaking up for themselves. It’s not just about pay raises but it’s how to speak up when others try to steal your ideas and take credit for your work. It’s all about speaking up for yourself in the most straightforward, acceptable way so women feel their worth is being recognized and credit is being given where credit is due.” Francesca can share advice, tips, and encouragement to help women find, own, and use their voices with confidence. An author, entrepreneur, educator, and popular speaker, Francesca Burack has been featured on major networks including ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox News. Contact her at (516) 823-4003; fburack@rtirguests.com
13. ==> How to Convince Your Kids They’re Amazing
Social media. Bullying. The long isolation of the pandemic. Gender confusion. Today’s kids have more stressors than at any other time in modern history. “When I speak to fellow counselors and parents, they say that anxiety and depression among young people are off the charts,” says author, former teacher and counselor Patricia Wilson. “I have an understanding of what children need: a sense of self-worth, how to cooperate with others and an appreciation of the gift of life.” Patricia can share how to determine if kids are struggling with depression, and simple, yet powerful self-talk tools to convince them that they are amazing. She has taught children from grades K-12 and counseled kids for more than 30 years. She is the author of numerous best-selling books including “My Magical Night Mare,” “I Am Amazing” and “When Grandma Giggled.” Contact Patricia Wilson at (778) 561-4603; pwilson@rtirguests.com
14. ==> This DJ Worked with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog and Joe Jackson
While growing up on the rough streets of Compton, Calif., Damon Grayson could have become just another sad statistic. But thanks to his love of music, combined with his irrepressible can-do spirit, he managed to become a successful DJ known as DMG, who worked with such superstars as Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog, Joe Jackson and many others. “Not only was music a form of therapy for me, the self-confidence of those who rose up from my same background to become highly successful was a great inspiration to me,” he says. Damon is an entrepreneur, relationship counselor, single dad to three boys and author of the inspirational book for women “When His Ways Meet Yours: When You Love You He Will Follow Suit.” Contact Damon Grayson at (760) 490-0656; dgrayson@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Out-of-This-World Stories of What Really Happens Under Hypnosis
Everyday people are discovering unseen worlds with guidance from Kryste Andrews, a long-time licensed hypnotherapist. While relaxing into the hypnotic state of consciousness called theta, some of Kryste’s clients have interacted with life on other planets. Kryste’s book, “Discovery,” Book One of the LEGACY series, chronicles the true stories of an ancient tribe trekking over mountain ranges, migrating to what is now southern France. Kryste says: “I’ve observed a client time-traveling and remotely viewing ancient people he believes to be his ancestors who lived 25,000 years ago, and much more.” Her upcoming book, “31 Conversations With An Alien,” is based on a recent client’s extraordinary life and reveals the living room chats between Kryste and an extraterrestrial named Fred. Contact Kryste Andrews at (201) 801-4551; Kandrews@rtirguests.com
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