01. Forensic Psychiatrist: Inside the Mind of Idaho Killer
02. What Can George Santos Teach Us About Integrity?
03. The Difference Between Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest
04. Commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day
05. What Terrifies Celebs Most About the Golden Globes
06. How the Most Productive, Creative People Get Things Done
07. Go from Stupid to Genius in 3 Simple Steps
08. She Lived ‘Orange Is the New Black’
09. Where Did All the Older Workers Go? (and What that Means for the Economy)
10. Death and the Pandemic: I Didn’t Get to Say Goodbye … Now What Do I Do?
11. Telehealth: How’s That Working Out?
12. This Champion Athlete Began Sprinting at 61
13. New Book Explores Human Side of Jesus
14. How to Practice Positive Peace This New Year
15. Why Your Next Cruise Should be a River Voyage
1.==> Forensic Psychiatrist: Inside the Mind of Idaho Killer
Details are starting to emerge about Bryan Kohberger, the 28-year-old criminology student accused of killing four University of Idaho students back in November but authorities have yet to release key details in the case, such as whether the suspect knew the victims and what the motive may have been. Invite forensic psychiatrist Carole Lieberman to discuss what we do know about Kohberger, the nature of the crimes, and why police believe they have the killer in custody. Carole Lieberman, M.D., M.P.H., was trained at NYU-Bellevue and Anna Freud’s London Clinic and has served on the clinical faculty of UCLA’s Neuropsychiatric Institute for years. She is a best-selling author and a columnist for “Inside the Criminal Mind” in Front Page Detectives. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; ryan@goldmanmccormick.com
2. ==> What Can George Santos Teach Us About Integrity?
Despite fabricating his resume and lying about his background, George Santos is now the Republican Congressman representing Long Island. According to Debbie Peterson, a former California mayor, planning commissioner, city council member, and author of a new Integrity 101 Series of books, Santos presents the ultimate teachable moment on integrity. Peterson will reveal why we shouldn’t blame the media for not ferreting out Santos’ lies. Instead, she’ll lay the blame on the Fifth Estate, the people, and will explain what voters can do to elect people with integrity to represent them. She is the former mayor of Grover Beach, Calif., and the host of the weekly podcast The Corruption Chronicles. Peterson’s book series includes “The Happiest Corruption: Sleaze, Lies & Suicide in a California Beach Town,” and the newly released “City Council 101: Insider’s Guide for New Councilmembers.” She has also developed an online course, Double Dais: Adventures in Local Government, to help people on both sides of the dais understand their roles and responsibilities. She studied journalism, radio-TV, and public relations at California State University, Fresno, and the University of Idaho. Contact Debbie Peterson at (805) 550-4490; DebbiePeterson805@gmail.com
3. ==> The Difference Between Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest
Football fans were stunned Monday night when Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field during a televised game against the Cincinnati Bengals. According to the team, the 24-year-old suffered cardiac arrest after a tackle. Officials have not released specific details about Hamlin’s case but the story puts a spotlight on this type of medical emergency and what bystanders can do. Dr. Comilla Sasson, vice president for science and innovation for emergency cardiovascular care at the American Heart Association, says although used interchangeably by many, cardiac arrest and heart attack are different medical events. “Cardiac arrest is when your heart stops completely and is no longer pumping blood to your vital organs, like the brain, liver and kidneys,” she says. It can stem from a known heart condition or occur suddenly. During a heart attack, the heart is still pumping, but the blood supply is cut off. Dr. Sasson can discuss the importance of CPR in cardiac arrest, and the use of an automatic external defibrillator, or AED, and why bystanders shouldn’t hesitate to act swiftly in an emergency. For interviews, contact Bridget McNeill at (214) 706-1135; ahacommunications@heart.org
4.==> Commemorate 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
5. ==> What Terrifies Celebs Most About the Golden Globes
When the Golden Globes take center stage on Tuesday, Jan. 10, many of the attending celebs will experience fear. But it won’t be about losing. “I work with a lot of people in the entertainment industry and the surprising thing about coaching actors is their fear of public speaking,” says public speaking coach Nina Surya. “Actors are used to being in character. When they have to speak as themselves, it can be terrifying.” The ability to speak effectively doesn’t just affect show biz folks. It impacts everyone when it comes to achieving success, including when giving presentations at work to speaking on the phone and communicating in everyday life. Nina is the president and CEO of UniqueSpeak Consulting and has served as a speech and communication coach to top level executives, politicians and public figures. Contact Nina at (310) 359-0787; nsurya@rtirguests.com
6. ==> 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
7. ==> 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
8. ==> She Lived ‘Orange Is the New Black’
Melisa Schonfield was living the upper-middle-class dream life as a successful psychotherapist, the wife of a respected dentist, a ballet company president, and an esteemed member of her community. But when her daughter’s boyfriend began abusing her infant grandson and the justice system did nothing, Melisa decided to take matters into her own hands by hiring a hit man to dispose of the boyfriend. But the hit man she attempted to hire in a Walmart parking lot turned out to be an undercover cop, and Melisa spent more than three years in prison. “The isolation is very difficult,” she says. “I did not want to make friends with anybody because I feared their agenda.” Melisa can share the details of her harrowing journey and what life is really like for women behind bars. She is the author of “Bitter or Better: The Melisa Schonfield Story.” Contact her at (305) 424-7507; mschonfield@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Where Did All the Older Workers Go? (and What that Means for the Economy)
While most Americans are working or looking for work at close to their pre-pandemic rate, many older folks remain on the sidelines. Experts expected everyone to jump back into the workforce once COVID was over, but it appears many Americans over 65 are in no hurry to return. “My optimism has waned,” says Wendy Edelberg, director of the Hamilton Project at the Brookings Institution. “We’re now talking about people who have reorganized their lives around not working.” The result is a labor shortage that is reverberating through the economy. So what does that mean? Having fewer workers available “lowers the landing pad that the Fed has to lower the economy unto,” Edelberg says. “Because of what’s happened in the labor force, they just have to soften growth even more.” While retirements could help keep workers in short supply across America, Edelberg can discuss other factors that could bolster the workforce including immigration, which is rebounding. Wendy Edelberg is a macroeconomist whose research has spanned a wide range of topics, from household spending and saving decisions to the economic effects of fiscal policy and systemic risks in the financial system. She joined Brookings in 2020, after more than 15 years in the public sector. Contact Marie Wilken at (202) 540-7738; mwilken@brookings.edu
10. ==> Death and the Pandemic: I Didn’t Get to Say Goodbye … Now What Do I Do?
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
11. ==> Telehealth: How’s That Working Out?
Telehealth exploded during the pandemic when health-care systems around the country overhauled their approach to deliver care by smartphone or computer as we all stayed apart and quarantined. Rules were relaxed from previous restrictions but are set to expire this spring. The Bipartisan Policy Center, a Washington think tank that has studied the use of telehealth during the pandemic, reports that many Medicare beneficiaries have turned to audio-only telehealth, with almost one out of every five visits being delivered by phone. But does that really provide good care and should we continue to embrace phone medicine? “Continuing to lean ‘all in’ on audio-only care before we understand the impact on access, quality, and cost has the potential to create a two-tiered system whereby some have access to higher quality, face-to-face or video interventions and others access health care via the telephone,” says the center’s associate director Julia Harris. “Alternatively, allowing most audio-only flexibilities to expire ignores the needs of some beneficiaries to access their health-care providers by phone.” Meantime, the global telehealth market shows no signs of slowing down and is projected to grow from $25.4 billion this year to $55.6 billion by 2025, and “The Wall Street Journal” recently reported that several telehealth companies are looking to go public or are exploring sales. Contact Jennifer Ruff at jruff@bipartisanpolicy.org or Luci Manning at Lmanning@bipartisanpolicy.org; @LuciKManning
12. == > This Champion Athlete Began Sprinting at 61
Exercising is one of those things that we all know we should be doing, and yet we can find endless reasons not to. The issue can be even harder to tackle for those over 40 because many people believe that the older you get, the more pointless it is to try getting into shape. National champion senior athlete John Hurd is here to tell your audience that it’s never too late and motivate them to reclaim their physical health at any age. John began training on his own to run competitively at the age of 61, and holds a total of 162 gold medals, is a 15-year undefeated Florida State Sprint Champion in three separate events, and a two-time National Senior Olympic Sprint Champion. The author of “Johnny Run Lately” and “A Sprint to the Gold,” John shares his success story with your audience as well as a simple-to-use spreadsheet that works better than fitness apps to help anyone achieve their exercise goals, and much more. Interview this inspiring guest who puts young couch potatoes to shame. Contact John Hurd at (850) 367-8411 or jhurd@rtirguests.com
13. ==> New Book Explores Human Side of Jesus
How would you react if you met Jesus Christ? In his new novel, “Saving Christ,” former TV writer and actor Francis T. Perry Williams examines through a new lens the most influential man in the world. In this genre-bending love story, a modern-day woman travels back in time to the last seven days of Jesus’s life. Williams, through a one-of-a-kind blending of science fiction and religion, asks, what can we learn from exploring the human side of Jesus? And how can a modern viewpoint elevate our understanding of the man? Contact Francis T. Perry Williams at (310) 625-9238; pollen007@hotmail.com
14. ==> How to Practice Positive Peace This New Year
The New Year is here but how can we approach it when many of us have lingering anxiety from all that happened last year? Find out when you interview Miami public school teacher Sharon Wallen and she introduces you to the concept of positive peace. “We are all searching for answers to calm our troubled minds and soothe our anxious hearts,” Sharon says and she is sure to deliver on providing them. Learn what you can say to yourself to practice positive peace and discover how doing so can improve your relationships with people who are important to you. She is a National Board Certified Teacher with degrees in psychology, sociology, and elementary education. Wallen is the author of “Grateful Reflections Journal” and the new program “Pace Yourself for Personal Focus, Productivity and Victorious Living. Contact her at (786) 473-4026; solaceplace07@aol.com
15. ==> Why Your Next Cruise Should be a River Voyage
If you’re thinking of booking a cruise, travel marketing expert and author Cindy Bertram can share the wonders of traveling on rivers throughout the U.S. and Europe, versus ocean voyages. “The ships are much smaller, with fewer guests,” she says. “Most are all-inclusive. They also offer immersive excursions and special interest tours. It’s a beautiful way to explore the wonderful areas of Europe and the U.S. in a more seamless way.” Cindy is a communications, media and branding specialist who has spent many years in the travel and cruise industry and is the author of “How Six Women Executives Steer the Cruise Industry Today” and “Message from the Dog…Learning from Great Humans.” Contact her at (219) 775-6488; cbertram@rtirguests.com