01. Progressives, Centrists, and the Future of the Democratic Party
02. The History of American Far-Right Extremists
03. The Missing Link to Keep New Year’s Resolutions
04. Interview Star of ‘The Book of Clarence’
05. Counterintelligence Spy: Stories from the Frontlines
06. ‘I Was Nearly Killed by the Taliban for Defending Women’s Rights’
07. The One Essential Skill No One Teaches Adults
08. 3-Minute Tool to Bust the Winter Blues
09. Prolific Author Reveals Why We Love Thrillers
10. From ‘Dumb Jock’ to Ivy League Success Guru
11. How to End the Epidemic of Low Self-Esteem in Kids
12. WWPSD: What Would Patrick Swayze Do (and Say) in 2024?
13. Reincarnation: Will You See Your Loved One Again?
14. How This DJ Came Straight Out of Compton to Become a Loving Single Dad
15. Can We Prevent Bias from Turning into Hate?
1. ==> Progressives, Centrists, and the Future of the Democratic Party
Even before the cataclysmic 2016 election, the Democratic Party had long been at war with itself — yet Joe Biden’s narrow victory in 2020 bridged the divide. Facing the dire threat of a second Trump administration, Democrats forged an unlikely but effective coalition that stalled Trumpism at the ballot box and enacted a raft of consequential legislation. But how long can the uneasy peace hold, and can Biden win again? Veteran political journalists Hunter Walker and Luppe Luppen will paint a definitive history of a half-decade of upheaval in the Democratic Party in which a new generation aggressively pursued their progressive ideals while the powerful, centrist establishment adapted to remain in command. They’ll illuminate this story of backroom maneuvering and political strategy with new revelations about pivotal events and exclusive, on-the-record comments from activists, campaign operatives, and members of Congress. Hunter Walker is an investigative reporter for Talking Points Memo. Luppe B. Luppen is a lawyer and writer. Their new book is “Truce: Progressives, Centrists, and the Future of the Democratic Party.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 646-5188
2. ==> The History of American Far-Right Extremists
Shocking acts of terrorism have erupted from violent American far-right extremists in recent years, including the 2015 mass murder at a historic Black church in Charleston and the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. These incidents, however, are neither novel nor unprecedented. Bruce Hoffman and Jacob Ware can trace the historical trajectory and assess the present-day dangers of this violent extremist movement and discuss the harm it poses to U.S. national security. The authors of “God, Guns, and Sedition: Far-Right Terrorism in America” will highlight key terrorist tactics, such as the use of cutting-edge communications technology; the embrace of leaderless resistance or lone-wolf strategies; infiltration and recruitment in the military and law enforcement; and the movement’s intricate relationship with mainstream politics. Bruce Hoffman has been studying terrorism and insurgency for almost half a century. He is a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). Jacob Ware is a research fellow at CFR, where he studies domestic and international terrorism and counterterrorism. Contact Bruce Hoffman at (202) 509-8508; bhoffman@cfr.org or Jacob Ware at jware@cfr.org
3. ==> The Missing Link to Keep New Year’s Resolutions
Most people set goals and resolutions only to see their enthusiasm fade after a few weeks. “Wall Street Journal” best-selling author Terry L. Fossum once did too, until he discovered “the missing link” to setting goals that stick. His method works so well that it has allowed Fossum, a leader in Boy Scouts of America, to rise to the elite 1% of his field in business. He beat out Special Forces members to win a wilderness survival competition on national TV. Fossum will show your audience how to use Nobel Prize-winning neuroscience to craft “negative” scenarios around how you will feel if you do not hit your goals. He’ll reveal how a simple twice-daily ritual will allow you to get out of your comfort zone and achieve your dreams. Terry L. Fossum is the author of “The Oxcart Technique: Blueprint for Success.” Contact him at (509) 299-8243; tfossum@rtirguests.com
4. ==> Interview Star of “The Book of Clarence”
With talents such as LaKeith Stanfield, James McAvoy, Benedict Cumberbatch, Alfre Woodard, and David Oyelowo in the much-anticipated film “The Book of Clarence,” audiences will also witness the magnetic performance of rising British actor, Eric Kofi Abrefa. He plays Jedidiah the Terrible in the movie, which opens nationwide on Friday and is being called a bold new vision of a timeless story. “The Book of Clarence” is described as a wacky counter-gospel action adventure about a little-known rival to Jesus, an alternative, dope-dealing Chosen One called Clarence; in a story taking place in the Holy Land at the time of Christ’s crucifixion. Written and directed by Jeymes Samuel, the film features new music from Samuel and Jay Z. Contact Caitlin Green at (310) 409-9796; AGPR@AndersonGroupPR.com or Lilyan Park at (323) 313-7144
5. ==> Counterintelligence Spy: Stories from the Frontlines
Pete Turner spent several years as a counterintelligence spy for the U.S. Army traveling to some of the most dangerous places on Earth including Afghanistan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Iraq. Invite him on your show to share tales from the frontlines like the time the Taliban requested a meeting with him by name, and how he once used a former Saddam Hussein aide as a source. Turner can share his predictions, based on firsthand experiences, regarding the Ukraine-Russia War and describe how U.S. foreign policy is practically applied. Turner started the nonprofit International Institute for Nonproliferation Studies (IINPS). While most think tanks are academia-based, the IINPS brings together a diverse range of seasoned professionals who have firsthand knowledge of the recurring and foreseeable failures of U.S. initiatives abroad. “Frankly,” says Turner, “I was tired of seeing people getting killed while we floundered from top to bottom. My goal is to break the cycle of history repeating itself.” Contact Harlan Boll at harlan@bhbpr.com
6. ==> ‘I Was Nearly Killed by the Taliban for Defending Women’s Rights’
Very few people have lived to tell the tale of receiving death threats from the Taliban and having them show up on their doorstep here in America. But Masuda Rahmati has done that and would do it again in her quest to raise awareness about the crimes against humanity committed by the Islamic fundamentalist group against girls and women in Afghanistan where females can be killed for wearing open-toed shows or nail polish, and not allowed to go to school, be in business or have a future. Massie, as she prefers to be called, drew the Taliban’s ire in 2005 when she became the first woman to represent Afghanistan in the Mrs. World International Beauty Competition, a bold action her family begged her not to take. Since then Massie has been a “voice for the voiceless.” Her upcoming book is tentatively titled “Almost Killed by the Taliban: How I Stood Up for the Women and Girls of Afghanistan.” Born in Kabul, she came to the U.S. with her family as a teenager in 1982. A media veteran, she has been interviewed by the international media and has been recognized by Congress. Contact Masuda Rahmati at (831) 298-8335; mrahmati@rtirguests.com
7. ==> 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
8. ==> 3-Minute Tool to Bust the Winter Blues
Many people dread this time of year, especially if they suffer from “The Winter Blues.” Invite Dr. Greg Hammer to share a tried-and-true way to help boost your mental resilience and give you the tools to thrive in the cold winter months. He’ll explain the science behind seasonal affective disorder (SAD), the physical and mental symptoms, and a simple, daily three-minute tool to combat negative thoughts and rewire the brain. Hammer is passionate about educating people on how they can prioritize and improve their mental health so that they may live peaceful and fulfilling lives. Greg Hammer, M.D., is a professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, a pediatric intensive care physician, pediatric anesthesiologist, mindfulness expert, and the author of “Gain without Pain: The Happiness Handbook for Health Care Professionals.” Contact Mackenzie August at (661) 255-8283; mackenzie@steveallenmedia.com
9. == > Prolific Author Reveals Why We Love Thrillers
Books like “Gone Girl” and “Fool Me Once” and their film adaptations cause us to experience physical reactions, quickening our pulse as each new twist and turn has us trying to figure out who the bad guy is and where the plot is going. So why do we love thrillers, especially psychological ones? For the answer, interview author Sonya Bateman, who has three new thrillers out this month. Sonya says experiencing a good thriller provides us with dopamine — the feel-good chemical that boosts our mood when we try new experiences. She can also share five ways to bring more thrills into our lives starting with deliberately getting lost and doing childlike things. Ask her: Where do you get your ideas for your books? Do you base your villains on real people? You have self-published and had deals with established publishing houses: what are the pros and cons of each? Sonya Bateman has three new page-turners out in January: “Blackout,” “The Girl Who Escaped,” and “The Widows Club.” Some of her previous novels were published by a division of Simon and Schuster and she has several decades of experience helping authors promote their books. Contact Sonya at (680) 214-6390; sonyabateman.author@gmail.com
10. ==> From ‘Dumb Jock’ to Ivy League Success Guru
Former Ivy League scholar and pro football player John Nicholas had no plan for success at 16 when he crashed into a house during a Halloween night car chase with police. But then he discovered keys that launched him toward academic and athletic success and building sports media and real estate companies worth millions.
He credits something he calls Personal Convergence, a dynamic force similar to nuclear fusion, which has fueled high-impact people throughout history and can help us target and direct our lives today. John’s upcoming book “Hit Your Bullseye!” shares how you can harness this power to achieve your ultimate life, career, business, or calling. John has appeared on ABC News, CBS News, syndicated radio, and numerous podcasts. He also wrote the popular book “Debt-Free ASAP!” Contact him at (214) 225-9991; Jnicholas@rtirguests.com
11. ==> How to End the Epidemic of Low Self-Esteem in Kids
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
12. ==> WWPSD: What Would Patrick Swayze Do (and Say) in 2024?
Patrick Swayze left us in 2009 yet his wise words and zest for living are as applicable as ever particularly as we begin a new year. For example, Patrick said: “We kind of get ruined in the Western way of thinking that the brass ring is what’s important when it’s very simple things in life that are important — like hanging on to faith and hope. … I hope our standards, our levels of integrity and morality and passion and beliefs upgrade themselves soon.” Sue Tabashnik can talk about Patrick’s universal take on the world and core values that would be of comfort to all in 2024. Philosophical and spiritual, he was an advocate for dance, conservation, and advances in cancer treatment. Sue is the author of four books about Patrick Swayze — including “Patrick Swayze: The Dreamer” and met him several times. Contact her at (248) 617-0505; stabashnik@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Reincarnation: Will You See Your Loved One Again?
Have you ever dreamed about a lost loved one? Or felt the presence of those who have passed on, and experienced other seemingly inexplicable messages from the dearly departed? While it’s common to chalk this up to mere nonsense, psychic medium and author June Edward claims that this is not our imagination playing tricks on us. “You can’t see the air you breathe, but it’s there,” she says. “It’s the same with souls that have passed on. They are standing right next to you!” June can share how to communicate with departed loved ones, and how this can vastly improve our lives. She is the author of “All’s Fair in Love & Karma, 5 Steps to Relationship Mastery,” which has been endorsed by best-selling author John Gray. Contact June Edward at (508) 544-0189; jedward@rtirguests.com
14. ==> How This DJ Came Straight Out of Compton to Become a Loving Single Dad
While growing up on the mean streets of Compton, Calif., amidst police brutality, gangs, drugs and a broken home, Damon Grayson managed to become a productive member of society and a devoted single father to three boys. “I was eventually able to overcome the obstacles by focusing on myself, instead of focusing on the antagonistic reality that surrounded his daily life,” he says. Damon channeled his frustrations into music by becoming a successful DJ who worked with Dr. Dre, an entrepreneur who owned many successful businesses and a relationship expert who has counseled many couples. He is the acclaimed author of “When His Ways Meet Yours: When You Love You He Will Follow Suit.” Contact Damon Grayson at (760) 490-0656; dgrayson@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Can We Prevent Bias from Turning into Hate?
The wars in Ukraine and Gaza rage on. There’s an alarming rise in hate crimes around the globe. Is there any hope for ending the chaos in the world? Sara Ting claims we can. “I can share what each of us can do to create a more peaceful world,” she says. “I have developed a tool that takes 10 seconds or less to help cultivate a mindset to value all people equally.” Sara is a diversity and inclusion educator, speaker, consultant and author of “Small Book with a Big Idea: 5 Minute Training to Empower You and Transform the World.” She is also the founder and president of World Unity, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to the elimination of bigotry. Contact Sara Ting at (508) 715-3370; Sting@rtirguests.com