01. Hurricane Milton and the Growing Florida Bullseye
02. Group Lays Groundwork to Undermine the Election
03. Follow the Money: Peter Thiel and Menstrual Monitoring
04. From Salem to Steven King: The History of American Horror
05. Spirit of Children Week: Making Hospitals Less Scary for Kids
06. Interview ‘Sistas’ Actor Devale Ellis
07. Diddy Case Exposes Secret World of Sex Trafficking
08. How to Cash in on Other People’s Cast-Offs
09. His Friends Carried Him on Their Backs Across Europe
10. Do I Have to Tell My Doc I Use Marijuana?
11. Free COVID Tests Are Back- How to Get Them
12. Will Humans Be Extinct by 2100? This Activist Says It’s Likely
13. How Doing Your Best Holds You Back
14. How Did a Middle-Aged Mom Get 1M YouTube Viewers?
15. The Secret Genius Project: Helping Kids With Sensory Issues
1. ==> Hurricane Milton and the Growing Florida Bullseye
Florida’s population has exploded, adding millions of residents since 2010, and that makes every hurricane more destructive. The population boom in hurricane-prone Florida is an example of the “expanding bullseye effect,” says Stephen Strader, a professor at Villanova University who studies how human environments are vulnerable to natural disasters. Imagine an archer taking aim at a target, he explains. The bigger the bullseye, the better the archer’s odds of hitting it. “Instead of an arrow, we have hazard events like hurricanes and tornadoes. Instead of having targets, we are the targets – our cities, our developed areas. And nowhere is that more readily seen than along our coastlines,” Strader says. He adds, “Hurricanes set the stage for disasters, but the severity and impact are going to be determined by societal elements – things like poverty and exposure, like how many people and how many homes are exposed, like construction quality.” Stephen Strader is an associate professor in the Department of Geography and the Environment at Villanova University. Contact him at (610) 519-3347; stephen.strader@villanova.edu
2. ==> Group Lays Groundwork to Undermine the Election
The America First Legal Foundation, a nonprofit right-wing litigation group, is advancing a legal theory that would allow judges to throw out election results over “failures or irregularities” by local officials. Journalist Teddy Wilson says the move is similar to what was happening in the behind the scenes in the months leading up to January 6th. “The difference is that now the far right has learned from their failures. They have begun to put people in the right places to be more successful this time: state elected officials, including secretaries of state; local officials from the Republican Party apparatus; county chairmen; precinct chairmen; people involved in the mechanics of elections, oftentimes county clerks.” He adds, “Right now, there are all sorts of threats that are percolating. They are not necessarily part of some coordinated effort, but they all work in tandem to undermine the safety and security of the upcoming election.” Wilson is a journalist, researcher, and consultant on the U.S. radical right. Contact him at reportbywilson@outlook.com
3.==> Follow the Money: Peter Thiel and Menstrual Monitoring
In a new report, Democracy Labs followed the money to connect the dots between J.D. Vance, Peter Thiel, Project 2025, and the push to monitor women’s menstrual cycles. Co-founder Deepak Puri says, “J.D. Vance has said that we need to start monitoring women’s menstrual cycles. Why would Peter Thiel give Vance $25 million for a Senate campaign? What is the possible payback for Thiel?” Puri suggests that Palantir, Thiel’s big data analytics company, could be contracted to provide the technology for monitoring devices. “We need to think about the business payback of investing so much. The companies who have invested in Palantir have a vested interest in this. There is a payback for these federal contracts, and the people who are going to suffer are women and families. It gives the state the capability of monitoring women. The technology is there––it just hasn’t been used in this way before.” Democracy Labs is a nonprofit that applies technology and storytelling to social justice and voting rights issues. Contact Deepak Puri at dpuri7@gmail.com
4.==> From Salem to Steven King: The History of American Horror
Horror is and has always been a favorite American pastime, and author Jeremy Dauber argues that our fear reveals the American consciousness in its truest form. He’ll chronicle the rise and enduring grip of fear and horror throughout American culture, from the tales of H. P. Lovecraft, Shirley Jackson, and Edgar Allan Poe to the films and television shows of Alfred Hitchcock, Jordan Peele, and Ryan Murphy. Dauber can discuss the genre’s current place in society – its rise in popularity, its guiding themes and beloved tropes, its real-world context, and the electrifying way it has leapt off the screen and page to shape history. Jeremy Dauber is a professor of Jewish literature and American studies at Columbia University. He is the author of several books including “Mel Brooks: Disobedient Jew and American Comics: A History” and his latest, “American Scary: A History of Horror, from Salem to Stephen King and Beyond.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (o); (703) 400-1099 (c); johanna@jrbpr.biz or Reigan Wright at (703) 646-5188
5. ==> Spirit of Children Week: Making Hospitals Less Scary for Kids
Spirit of Children Week kicks off on Sunday, marking a week of Halloween events including costume parties, trick-or-treating, and hallway parades, at pediatric hospitals across North America. “Events taking place throughout the country will bring moments of normalcy and the joy of imagination to everyone involved, most importantly for children and their families,” says Steven Silverstein, CEO of Spirit Halloween and founder of Spirit of Children, the company’s charitable foundation that supports Child Life departments at pediatric hospitals. Child Life is a unique, non-revenue department providing therapeutic, developmental, and educational resources for children receiving medical treatment. This Halloween season, the organization is hoping to raise $17 million for partner hospitals. Contact Nikki Balles at (609) 645-5514; Nikki.Balles@spirithalloween.com
6. ==> Interview ‘Sistas’ Actor Devale Ellis
Another reminder that the holidays will be here before you know it; Netflix has released the first look images of the new holiday rom-com ‘Meet Me Next Christmas,’ executive produced and starring Christina Milian and former NFL player, actor and “New York Times” best-selling author, Devale Ellis. You may recognize Ellis from his role as Zac Taylor in Tyler Perry’s “Sistas” and his own spinoff, “Zatima.” Invite him on your show to talk about the new holiday flick, the BET series, or the best-selling book he wrote with his wife, Kahdeen Ellis, “We Over Me: The Counterintuitive Approach to Getting Everything You Want from Your Relationship.” Contact Simone Smalls at devaleellis@strategicheights.com
7. ==> Diddy Case Exposes Secret World of Sex Trafficking
Sean “Diddy” Combs is charged with what the Justice Department called a years-long scheme to sexually abuse and exploit women, allegedly using his business empire to commit the crimes. Attorney, activist and founder of The Red Movement, Shadan Kapri, says the case is just the beginning to understanding the secretive world of sex trafficking. Kapri will share the truth about the exploitation of children and women in the fashion industry, the entertainment industry, the sports world, and even high profile events like the World Cup, Olympics, and the Super bowl. Kapri, a former prosecutor and an expert in sex trafficking and domestic violence, believes we are entering a new era called The Red Movement, where people no longer support products, brand, people, corporation, and events that exploit the people are the planet. Shadan Kapri (pronounced Shadawn Capri) has been recognized nationally and internationally for her work in law and human rights. She is the author of “The Red Movement: Social and Environmental Justice in the 21st Century.” Contact her at (509) 720-0278; ShadanKapri@icloud.com
8. ==> How to Cash in on Other People’s Cast-Offs
Aaron LaPedis’ journey as an entrepreneur started when he was 9. He went to garage sales. He had is his own garage sales. He went to estate sales, flipped coins, collected stamps and baseball cards. By the time he was 21, he was a millionaire. Learn how he did it, and you can too when you invite Aaron on our show. You’ll learn how to have a five-figure garage sale, the best ways to declutter your home and make money doing it, and how to buy and sell on online marketplaces and eBay. You’ll also hear the top scams people are losing money to while buying and selling online. Aaron had a TV show on PBS for many years and is still an expert for the FBI. He is a media pro with more than 40-years of experience. Contact Mara at assistant@gsmpartnersinc.com
9. ==> His Friends Carried Him on Their Backs Across Europe
Kevan Chandler was born with spinal muscular atrophy and has spent his life overcoming extraordinary challenges and doing extraordinary things. How? He sees possibilities and not limitations. And he has an extraordinary community of friends. A few years ago, when Kevan dreamt of climbing mountains and seeing Europe, his friends built a special backpack and carried him. Wanting others to be able to experience what he had, Kevan came home and launched a non-profit to create more backpacks and provide them to people in need all over the world. Each backpack includes the children’s picture book “We Carry Kevan” that follows the true-story adventure of Kevan and his friends as they dance in the streets of Paris, trek through the English countryside and climb the island of Skellig Michael. Invite Kevan to share his story of uncommon friendship and how it felt to experience places he could never otherwise go. He’ll also offer advice to parents with children who have disabilities or accessibility challenges. Contact Jason Jones at jason@jonesliterary.com
10. ==> Do I Have to Tell My Doc I Use Marijuana?
Americans of all ages are embracing cannabis, whether they use it socially or medicinally. With recent polls showing that an overwhelming share of U.S. adults (60%-88%) believe marijuana should be legal for medical or recreational use, Dr. Raymond Wiggins wants everyone to understand that today’s pot isn’t as harmless as many believe. “This is not your grandfather’s weed. At Woodstock in 1969, the average THC potency was 1-2%. Today the average is 22%,” he says, and will explain why that matters. Wiggins also says anesthesia is particularly tricky for patients who use pot, with some requiring more than 3X the normal dose to be fully sedated. “You have to let your doctor know so they can be better prepared. Also, you have a higher risk of heart attack the more recently you have used, so recent use with anesthesia is not good.” Raymond Wiggins, MD, is the author of “Weeding Out the Myths About Marijuana.” Contact him at (972) 525-5205; rw@drwiggins.com
11. ==> Free COVID Tests Are Back- How to Get Them
The U.S. Postal Service is delivering millions of rapid at-home COVID-19 test kits to households across the nation. Every household, including those in U.S. territories, can get four tests. The program aims to provide communities with easy access to rapid at-home tests in the coming weeks as Americans prepare for travel and gatherings through the 2024 holiday season. It’s the seventh time the Postal Service has distributed the free test kits as part of a public health initiative from the Department of Health and Human Services. For more information on the program and how to get the free tests contact David Coleman at david.p.coleman@usps.gov
12. ==> Will Humans Be Extinct by 2100? This Activist Says It’s Likely
The extinction of the human race is a nebulous concept, so far in the future that we don’t have to think about it — or do we? Author and activist Richard Schwartz, Ph.D., reveals why climate change will probably bring about human extinction much faster than we believe — as in less than a hundred years — if we don’t act now. He’ll discuss the surprising link between animal-based diets and climate change and how embracing animal-free diets can truly help save the world. Interview this experienced media guest to learn why animal-based industries are the real climate killers, what you should know about lab-produced meat, the best (and tastiest) ways to transition to vegetarianism or veganism and much more. A practicing vegetarian and vegan activist for more than four decades, Richard is the author of “Vegan Revolution.” Contact him at (914) 533-1949 or rschwartz@rtirguests.com
13. ==> How Doing Your Best Holds You Back
People think that doing your best is the key to success, but according to transformational speaker, educator, and businesswoman Rachel Rappaport, that attitude leads to “just getting by.” Instead, she says, “Do whatever it takes, because doing your best is not enough! It is just a well-intentioned excuse; it is a mindset that leads to feeling stuck and creates an imaginary glass ceiling.” Alternatively, doing whatever it takes will stretch your creativity, empower you, and expand your possibilities, and give you the passion that you need to succeed in business and life. Rachel is the founder of the success-coaching program MAX! She also trained with Jack Canfield, co-author of “Chicken Soup for the Soul,” and well-known motivational coach Tony Robbins. Contact Rachel Rappaport at (848) 266-5824; rrappaport@rtirguests.com
14. ==> How Did a Middle-Aged Mom Get 1M YouTube Viewers?
Most people associate YouTube with cool music, comedy, and how-to videos, as it’s primarily considered a bastion of young trendsetters. But author and English language educator Jennifer Lebedev is living proof that you don’t have to belong to Gen Z to become a YouTube star. “I reached the 1 million subscriber mark on the channel when I was nearing 50,” she says. “I believe it’s important to step outside your comfort zone, especially in mid-life.” She can share how mid-lifers can successfully set and attain personal and professional goals, despite their hectic lives. Jennifer is a long-time educator and author of the book “Being a YouTuber: One Creator’s Bumpy Road to 1M Subscribers.” Contact Jennifer Lebedev at (617) 668-1804; jlebedev@rtirguests.com
15. ==> The Secret Genius Project: Helping Kids With Sensory Issues
According to the National Library of Medicine, sensory processing disorders (SPDs) can be described as difficulty detecting, modulating, interpreting, and/or responding to sensory experiences such as sound, touch, vision, and taste. This may include extreme aversion to loud noises, clothing sensitivity — which makes dressing very stressful — acute sensitivity to taste, whereby a child will only eat limited foods, and more. Behavioral science researcher Donna Redman founded the Secret Genius Project to use creativity to help children and adults better cope with SPD. “My research revealed irrefutable evidence of our connection to art, science, and nature and provides the path to reach down to the core of what compels us toward creativity and self- expression,” she says. Donna can share how to determine if your child has SPD, and how tapping into their creativity can help them to better navigate the world around them. Contact Donna Redman at (973) 876-5903; (973) 876-5903