01. Reprieve? Why Assange Will Stay in the UK
02. How Long Will You Have to Wait for Your Vaccine?
03. How National Service Could Heal Our Country
04. Pulitzer Prize-Winner’s New Malcolm X Biography
05. From ‘Snowflake’ to ‘Racist’: Why We Label and Why it Matters
06. Can You Tell Propaganda from Fact?
07. Racist Cops? Are Their Numbers Exaggerated?
08. Economic Trends Killing Women’s Futures
09. Start a New Career in 2021
10. It’s Glaucoma Awareness Month: Are You at Risk?
11. What Made 2020’s Wildfires the Worst in Modern Memory?
12. Flip-Flops for Winter? Yup!
13. Live Your Best Life in the Worst of Times
14. Surprising Characteristics of Successful Leaders
15. He Dated 100 Women in One Year
1. ==> Reprieve? Why Assange Will Stay in the UK
Citing harsh federal prison conditions in the United States, a British district court judge rejected the U.S.’s extradition request against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, ruling that it would be “oppressive” because of his mental health. Journalist Kevin Gosztola says while Assange gets a reprieve, it’s worth noting why. “Judge Baraitser accepted virtually all of (the) allegations against Assange that made this a dangerous case for press freedom. Although the request was rejected, there is plenty in this ruling to cause alarm.” Assange has been held on espionage charges in a high-security British prison since 2019. A superseding indictment in 2020 contained new general allegations that criminalized common newsgathering practices, including the receipt and publication of secret government information. Press freedom organizations throughout the world condemned the charges. Kevin Gosztola is managing editor of Shadowproof, a reader-funded investigative news outlet devoted to exposing abuses of power in government and business. Contact him at kevin@shadowproof.com; @kgosztola
2. ==> How Long Will You Have to Wait for Your Vaccine?
The U.S. has administered more than 4.2 million coronavirus vaccine doses but is lagging behind some other countries as hospitalizations continue to surge following the holidays. The federal government had repeatedly promised 20 million people would have received their first shots by the end of the year. Invite Dean L. Fanelli, Ph.D., a vaccine expert and an expert on pharmaceutical- and chemical-related technologies, to discuss the vaccine roll-out, why the process is going slower than anticipated, and when all Americans can expect to receive their doses. Dean Fanelli, Ph.D., is a partner in the intellectual property department of Seyfarth Shaw LLP’s Washington D.C. office. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; (919) 377-1200 or ryan@goldmanmccormick.com
3. ==> How National Service Could Heal Our Country
As the Biden administration takes shape, David Scheffer says an emphasis on voluntary national service, namely young adults volunteering for national service at home, abroad, or in the military in exchange for tuition waivers for higher education, could be a powerful beginning. “If Biden’s goal of healing the nation is to have real meaning, then a good place to start with liberals, conservatives and centrists is national and international service grounded in an incentivized program of work in exchange for tuition for college and vocational training,” says Scheffer. “National service requires working together and sharing experiences among a diverse group of American high school graduates drawn from a broad political spectrum. The lessons learned —cooperation, understanding varied points of view and achieving a common goal — will build a stronger American body politic and society. Its time has come in this deeply fractured nation.” David Scheffer is a visiting senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and clinical professor emeritus and director emeritus of the Center for International Human Rights at Northwestern University Law School. He served as the first United States Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues, during President Bill Clinton’s second term in office. Contact him at dscheffer@cfr.org
4. ==> Pulitzer Prize-Winner’s New Malcolm X Biography
Americans know that Malcolm X was an African American Muslim minister and human rights activist who was a popular figure during the civil rights movement. But a new biography greatly expands our understanding of Malcolm X’s life and contextualizes it, not only within the Nation of Islam but within the larger arc of African American history. Researched and written by Pulitzer Prize–winning investigative journalist Les Pane and his daughter Tamara, and published after Les Pane’s death in 2018, “The Dead Are Rising” incorporates material culled from hundreds of hours of interviews with Malcolm’s then still-living immediate family and contemporaries. Tamara Pane can discuss her father’s first witnessing Malcolm X’s galvanizing oratory at a rally in 1963 and how that affected his life and career and what it was like working with her father on the book. Les Payne was an investigative journalist, foreign correspondent, and editor at Newsday. A founder of the National Association of Black Journalists, he also wrote an award-winning syndicated column. Tamara Payne served as her father’s principal researcher. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com
5. ==> From ‘Snowflake’ to ‘Racist’: Why We Label and Why it Matters
The truth seems to be in short supply these days. But is it? “Most people accuse whoever is on the opposite side of a political debate with lying or dishonesty when an honest evaluation of the situation is that they disagree with their opinion about something,” says author and leadership expert Steven Mays. Mays can talk about why we toss around labels like “racist,” “tyrant,” and “Snowflake,” as a way of disavowing other people’s experiences and opinions and why poor leadership leads to catastrophic unintended consequences like riots and pandemics. Mays is the author of “Power of 3 Leadership, Lessons in Leadership.” A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis who served on nuclear submarines, he was a mathematician, electrical engineer, and nuclear engineer who worked in private industry and at the Nuclear Regulation Commission. Contact him at (703) 552-5672; smays@rtirguests.com
6. ==> Can You Tell Propaganda from Fact?
We’re all influenced by propaganda every day, especially when it comes to politics. Learning to recognize techniques people use to influence your opinions and actions can help you evaluate the flood of information you get each day. Layman “Buzz” Allen will explain how learning to identify propaganda is as easy as playing an online game (the aptly named The Propaganda Game) and explain how propaganda can be a good thing. “The fascinating thing is that propaganda is used by all sides in most controversial issues. Our role in pointing out the actual mechanics is neutral as far as ideology is concerned. We are seeking to raise the level of discourse and appreciation for everyone involved,” Buzz says. Used in schools, The Propaganda Game was co-invented by Buzz’s late uncle, Robert W. Allen, and Bonanza actor Lorne Greene in the 1960s. Ask him: What are some of the 50 techniques explored in the game and which could help us right now? How did propaganda get a bad reputation during the Cold War? What would people be surprised to know about Lorne Greene and comedian Leslie Nielsen? Contact Michael Clever at (515) 412-0419; MClever@rtirguests.com or lallen@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Racist Cops? Are Their Numbers Exaggerated?
Mark Rusin, a former Las Vegas METRO police officer and retired ATF special agent with nearly 30 years as a law enforcement official, wants to talk about Black Lives Matter, Blue Lives Matter, and defunding the police. He says although there are some bad apples, all cops are being unfairly painted as racist when “99% of cop shootings of ‘unarmed’ people occur when they resist arrest or fail to follow commands.” He adds, “It is a known fact that when an ‘unarmed’ subject refuses to follow lawful police commands and chooses to physically engage in hand-to-hand combat with an officer they must be treated as ‘armed’ because every officer has a loaded gun at their side.” Rusin will also share why allegations of racism have led to police apathy in America and what that means for public safety. A consultant to “CSI” and other shows, he is the author of the upcoming book “METRO: Sin City Chronicles.” An earlier novel, “Justice For Dallas,” based on real events, is being turned into a screenplay. Contact Mark Rusin at (520) 205-1113; msrusin@comcast.net
8. ==> Economic Trends Killing Women’s Futures
As a group, American women are having to bear the brunt and the hits keep on coming. Already behind before the pandemic and more likely to be economic victims of its fallout, women also face an unequal impact from the five biggest economic trends that are affecting Americans’ futures, according to Certified Financial Planner Lorri Craig. Lorri can detail the significant economic impacts of COVID-19, lower interest rates, climate change, the U.S.’s declining global power, and baby boomer’s inability to retire and why women are more affected than men. Lorri has a master’s degree in finance and is a subject matter expert for the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. She offers an Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) investment platform on her website for socially conscious investors who want to make a positive impact. Contact Lorri at (484) 453-1742; LCraig@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Start a New Career in 2021
In 2021, many people will be thinking about switching careers due to furloughs, unemployment, burnout and plain dissatisfaction. Geraldine Hogan can offer them hope and guidance. She has helped thousands of educators, business professionals and entrepreneurs explore new challenges and can offer tips for anyone who wants to apply their skills in a new direction. Learn three simple, life-changing questions to ask before making any career move, whether salary should guide your decision, and how to overcome obstacles, hesitation and fear of the unknown. Hogan, a former educator, attorney and judge, can talk about her own career journey as well. She’s the author of “Career Moves for Teachers and Other Professionals: Strategies for a Successful Job Change.” Contact Geraldine Hogan at (305) 902-3869; ghogan@rtirguests.com
10. ==> It’s Glaucoma Awareness Month: Are You at Risk for This Sneak Thief of Sight?
If you are over 40 or have not had your eyes checked lately or are Black or Hispanic, your chances of getting glaucoma, the “sneak thief of sight” are greater. More than 3 million Americans have glaucoma and many more don’t know that they do. In time for National Glaucoma Awareness Month in January, interview vision educator Linda Odubayo Thompson to get the facts on this often symptomless eye disease that can lead to blindness. Linda, who has suffered from Closed Angle Glaucoma for over 33 years, has done substantial research on the subject. Ask her: Is glaucoma curable? What treatments can slow its progression? Are some babies born with it? What are the two types? Contact Linda at (914) 944-1474; lthompson@rtirguests.com
11. == > What Made 2020’s Wildfires the Worst in Modern Memory?
Changing temperatures, rogue winds, drought, and human actions. Are those the reasons for the devastating wildfires across the West that killed people and animals, destroyed homes, paralyzed the wine industry, and decimated millions of acres in California alone? What can be done now to stop such destruction this coming year? James Moseley, CEO of Sun FireDefense, may be the most impressive wildfire expert you’ll ever interview. His California-based company defends life and property from wildfire every year. Ask him: What keeps many wildfires burning with such intensity? What role does climate change play? What can people do to protect themselves and bounce back? How can we save firefighters’ lives? What do you expect for next year’s wildfire season? Contact James Moseley at (818) 486-4662; jmoseley@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Flip-Flops for Winter? Yup!
Aside from being fun to wear, flip-flops can also help define us, and enable us to live our best lives. So says former Miss America contestant, author and humorist Jane Jenkins Herlong. “Since life has flipped on us, we need to survive with humor, productivity and occupying our minds in healthy ways,” she says. “It’s okay to laugh!” Jane can reveal how to put rhinestones on your flip-flops, literally and metaphorically, in order to shine. She is the award-winning author of four books including “Rhinestones on My Flip-Flops,” and has recorded music CDs and personal growth and comedy DVDs. Her comedy is featured on Sirius XM 97. Contact Jane Jenkins Herlong at (803) 599-2941, JHerlong@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Live Your Best Life in the Worst of Times
Life’s challenging, even at the best of times, but what can you do when life keeps kicking you when you’re already down? Invite author and inspirational speaker Danielle Harris-Branch to discuss why bad things happen and how to handle life when you’re at your lowest. Her book, “From the Other Side of the Bed: Allow Faith to Transform Your Perspective Through Life’s Hardest Blows,” shares her unimaginable journey of surviving two types of cancer at the same time her husband was waiting for a kidney transplant. This inspirational couple experienced the worst of life while discovering the best of life. Ask her: What are the essential tools for overcoming negative thinking in painful situations? How can you use a painful situation to become a better version of yourself and even start earning income from it? Contact Danielle Harris-Branch at (804) 373-8195; Harrisbranch@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Surprising Characteristics of Successful Leaders
We all know or have heard of people who influence lives, affect history, lead by example, and even change the future. What do those powerful individuals have in common? How could you become such a leader? Teruni Lamberg, a sought-after leadership expert and author of “Leaders Who Lead Successfully,” will tell you how as she discusses everything from recognizing and strengthening good ideas to having a good sense of humor and overcoming mistakes. Discover what kinds of leadership skills are important and why, as well as how to look at problems from a fresh perspective. Contact Teruni Lamberg at (775) 451-3086: TLamberg@rtirguests.com
15. ==> He Dated 100 Women in One Year
Every time you go on a date you learn something about that person … and yourself. So imagine how much you could learn if you went on 100 first dates in just one year! That’s what author, speaker, and personal transformation expert Arnoux Goran did in his quest to learn what women really want and what makes relationships work. He can reveal what he discovered and the techniques to help you find your perfect match. Invite him to share what red flags to look for on a first date, what really impresses women, and how you can make sure you get a second date. Goran has developed a method to reprogram yourself that was studied by the University of California, Irvine, and proven to be 100% effective. His latest program is HowToAttractYourSoulmate.com. Goran has been featured on radio and television nationwide. Contact him at (878) 203-8231; AGoran@rtirguests.com
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