01. Retired General on Russia’s Ramped-Up Attacks
02. Will Xi Consolidate Power at Party Meeting?
03. Is the Hot Job Market Finally Cooling?
04. Actor Jim Meskimen on Movies, Mothers and More
05. Indigenous People: Their Wisdom Can Save the World
06. Breast Cancer: It’s Not Your Mother’s Disease
07. The Coming Midterm Tsunami: The Women’s Bloc Vote
08. Will the Supreme Court Undo Affirmative Action?
09. What Happens to Immigrant Kids Who End Up in Foster Care?
10. She Lived ‘Orange Is the New Black’
11. Opioid Alternatives That Actually Work
12. How to Make the Most of Commuting with Kids
13. Interview the World’s Leading Phobia Expert
14. This Guest Almost Missed Out on an Incredible Life
15. Reunited Twins Prove Nature/Nurture Is Complicated
1. ==> Retired General on Russia’s Ramped-Up Attacks
The capital of Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities were rocked by deadly Russian strikes on Monday, in what appears to be the heaviest wave of missile and rocket attacks since the opening week of the war. Invite retired U.S. Army Brigadier General Peter Zwack, who served as a U.S. defense attaché to Russia, to discuss the situation in Ukraine and how the battlefield has dramatically shifted. Zwack served as a senior defense official and attaché to the Russian Federation from 2012-2014 and can share insights from his time in the region. He is a global fellow at The Kennan Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and has recently appeared on CNN, NPR’s “All Things Considered,” The BBC, MSNBC, and in “The Washington Post” and “The Economist.” He can go further in-depth for long-form interviews. Contact Terri Beavers at (434) 409-5687; bg.pbz.r@gmail.com
2. ==> Will Xi Consolidate Power at Party Meeting?
At the Chinese Communist Party meeting later this month, leader Xi Jinping will likely receive a third term. Ian Johnson can explain what that could mean for his control of China and the party. He’ll discuss why Xi is not retiring this year, who opposes his third term, and whether a third term will make Xi more assertive, particularly in terms of his foreign policy moves. Ian Johnson is the Stephen A. Schwarzman senior fellow for China studies at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). An expert on Chinese politics, society, and religion, he is a frequent contributor to media outlets in the U.S. Contact him at ijohnson@cfr.org
3. ==> Is the Hot Job Market Finally Cooling?
U.S.-based employers announced 29,989 cuts in September, a 46.4% increase from August, according to a new report from global outplacement and business and executive coaching firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. “Some cracks are beginning to appear in the labor market. Hiring is slowing and downsizing events are beginning to occur,” says senior vice president Andrew Challenger. Retailers led in job cut announcements in September but even the financial sector is taking a hit. “The cooling housing market and Fed’s rate hikes are leading to job cuts among mortgage staff at banks and lenders. The recession concerns are leading to increased uncertainty, and companies across sectors are beginning to reassess staffing needs,” says Challenger. In fact, in September, employers announced plans to hire 380,014 workers, the lowest September total since 2011. Contact Colleen Madden Blumenfeld at (312) 422-5074; (314) 807-1568 (cell) or colleenmadden@challengergray.com
4.==> Actor Jim Meskimen on Movies, Mothers and More
You may recognize Jim Meskimen from his many TV and film roles over the past thirty-some years. He can currently be seen with Julia Roberts and Sean Penn in “Gaslit” and the Amazon series “Hunters,” starring Al Pacino and Carol Kane. Invite Jim on your show to talk about his work in those productions and his recurring role on Apple TV’s upcoming series “The Big Door Prize,” by the creators of “Schitt’s Creek.” Jim currently plays Colonel Sanders in the popular KFC commercials, as well as President George Washington crossing the Delaware Turnpike for GEICO, which led his mother, Marion Ross (Mrs. C. from “Happy Days”) to claim that she is now the mother of the father of our country! And if that wasn’t enough, you can also ask Jim about playing Phil Donahue in the upcoming mini-series “Welcome to Chippendales.” Contact Harlan Boll at harlan@bhbpr.com
5. ==> Indigenous People: Their Wisdom Can Save the World
This week marked Indigenous People’s Day, an effort by Native American advocates to change the narrative around Columbus Day and commemorate indigenous history and culture. Invite scholar and author Dr. Susan Abadian on your show for a timely discussion on how we can all benefit from embracing indigenous people and the spiritual and cultural practices they have long honored. “Indigenous wisdom can help us to connect with the deepest aspects of ourselves, in order to come into the right relationship with the natural world and the interconnected planet that we all call home.” Sousan is the author of the forthcoming book “Free Me to Love.” She has a Ph.D. in political economy and government from Harvard University. Contact her at (617) 860-2785; sabadian@rtirguests.com
6. ==> Breast Cancer: It’s Not Your Mother’s Disease
Dr. Ellen Albertson knows that a breast cancer diagnosis can happen to anyone — even someone like her who had no family history of the disease and was living a healthy lifestyle. Luckily, her diagnosis was made early (1A) and within 30 days of beginning treatment, she was in remission without losing her hair. What she did not know was that she carries a BRCA mutation and that in combination with dense breasts increased her risk for the disease. She wants people to know that even as President Biden announced the Cancer Moonshot program, substantial progress has already been made on the treatment options and survival rates of breast cancer patients. Just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the psychologist, registered dietician and national board-certified health and wellness coach can discuss warning signs women may miss and the importance of early detection, how to advocate for yourself and incorporate both complementary and conventional treatments, and lifestyle changes to make. Dr. Ellen has appeared on “Extra,” the Food Network and “NBC World News” and has been quoted in “Psychology Today,” “Eating Well” and “USA Today.” The author of “Rock Your Midlife: 7 Steps to Transform Yourself and Make Your Next Chapter Your Best Chapter” is also the host of the weekly Rock Your Midlife radio program. Contact Ellen Albertson at (802) 497-7222; ellen@drellenalbertson.com
7. ==> The Coming Midterm Tsunami: The Women’s Bloc Vote
As the midterms draw near, Olivia Friedman says we shouldn’t expect women to vote like men anymore because they realize the importance and power of their voting bloc. She says, “United as women, Black White, Asian and Hispanic, look for a true sisterhood coming together for the common good.” A futurist who goes by the name Olivia X, she’ll discuss how women can grow their power by fielding more female candidates. “It takes a woman to influence women’s rights. Otherwise, women’s suffrage may have been for naught if our votes still do not count today.” Ask her: What’s changed in the past two years in terms of female progress? Where do you see America going? Olivia Friedman is president of IN2Equity Freight & Logistics, LLC., a professor at UoPeople University, and the author of “Year of the Woman 2020 and Beyond.” She has appeared in ABC, NBC, CW, Telemundo and FOX News. Contact her at (470) 399-5257; Olivia.Friedman@Pepperdine.edu
8. ==> Will the Supreme Court Undo Affirmative Action?
With two upcoming cases challenging it before the Supreme Court, now is a good time to discuss affirmative action’s past and future with author Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans (pronounced Kray-gull-mans). Hear how affirmative action came out of the civil rights movement as a means to address inequalities experienced by minorities and became law through an executive order made by John F. Kennedy in 1961. Ask Judith: Is affirmative action reverse discrimination? How effective has it been? Was it always controversial? Does it benefit everyone or just a few? Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans, a Fulbright Scholar, was one of the first Black women in the Foreign Service. A child of educators, she grew up in public housing in the Jim Crow South where Blacks were told they lived in a separate, but equal society. She is the author of “Flowers for Brother Mudd: One Woman’s Path from Jim Crow to Career Diplomat.” Contact Judith at (571) 568-8667; jmuddkrijgelmans@rtir.com
9. ==> What Happens to Immigrant Kids Who End Up in Foster Care?
It’s well known that the U.S. foster care system is seriously broken. But when it comes to immigrant children, it’s a nightmare. “FBI raids in Texas brought renewed attention to the vulnerabilities of immigrant foster children, who are disproportionately targeted by child sex traffickers,” says Richard Villasana, founder of the nonprofit Forever Homes for Foster Kids. “Foster care agencies are legally required to provide notice to grandparents and other adult relatives. Yet, thousands of Latino children are often discriminated against because agencies are either not performing family finding or are doing sloppy work out of prejudice because of these children’s national origin.” Richard is the author of “Do No Harm: An American Tragedy Continues.” He is a former university professor who is a leading international authority on immigration and foster families. He has been featured on CNN International, ABC and many more. Contact Richard at (619) 648-4729; rvillasana@rtirguests.com
10. ==> 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
11. ==> Opioid Alternatives That Actually Work
Opioids remain the pain treatment of choice for many physicians and patients, despite the risks, due to the widespread belief that they are the most effective treatment for acute and chronic pain. But this is simply not true. There are dozens of safer and more effective options. Because of the need to educate patients and health-care providers about better pain treatments, Cindy Perlin created the Alternative Pain Treatment Directory (paintreatmentdirectory.com), a website full of resources including hundreds of informative articles, recommended pain relief products and listings of alternative pain treatment providers. You’ll never know how many lives will be saved by inviting Cindy on your show to share real-life strategies to deal with pain without opioids. Perlin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, certified biofeedback practitioner, chronic pain survivor, and the author of “The Truth About Chronic Pain Treatments: The Best and Worst Strategies for Becoming Pain Free.” She is a seasoned guest who has appeared on dozens of radio shows and podcasts. Contact her at (518) 439-6431; cindyperlin@gmail.com
12. ==> How to Make the Most of Commuting with Kids
If taking your kids to after-school activities is a chore because they fight, scream or don’t talk at all, national board-certified teacher Sharon Wallen has the practical suggestions that can make car rides calming, fun and even an opportunity for learning whether with preschoolers or high school students. She’ll share how to use the ABCs, visualization, and more — even subjects for upcoming tests — to help your kids focus, be more attentive and bond with you. Sharon Wallen is the author of “Grateful Reflections Journal” and the new program “Pace Yourself for Personal Focus, Productivity and Victorious Living.” She taught for more than 30 years in Miami schools and is a Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Contact Sharon at (786) 473-4026; solaceplace07@aol.com
13. ==> Interview the World’s Leading Phobia Expert
Like many people, Kalliope Barlis suffered from debilitating phobias for years. As a former professional golfer, her fear of public speaking and crowds nearly sunk her career. But then a colleague introduced her to a technique that can dramatically change negative thoughts and behavior patterns, and Kalliope became an expert in it. She then began devoting her life to helping other people rid themselves of their phobias, everything from the fear of flying to being in tight spaces and freaking out over spiders and mice. Kalliope is a leading neurolinguistic programming (NLP) expert with a private practice in New York, author of the critically acclaimed book “Phobia Relief: From Fear to Freedom and creator of the upcoming docuseries “Kalliope’s From Fear to Freedom.” Contact her at (516) 703-4546; kbarlis@rtirguests.com
14. ==> This Guest Almost Missed Out on an Incredible Life
Rick Smith was a professional hockey player with an amazing life — from the outside. But his battle with substance abuse took a heavy toll. He snorted enough cocaine to literally make his nose bleed and was suicidal before the age of 30. Ultimately, his addictions cost him his hockey career and nearly killed him. Rick eventually overcame his addictions and rebuilt his life. Clean and sober for more than 19 years, he’s an award-winning athlete, author, behavior change expert, and world traveler who has helped thousands of people transform their lives. Interview Rick today for a powerfully motivational show that will inspire your audience to overcome addiction or any other obstacle they face. Ask him: Why doesn’t going “cold turkey” work? What was it like playing professional hockey? How can people who struggle with substance abuse avoid passing their problems to the next generation? What was the low point that made you decide to change? Contact Rick Smith at (313) 351-7037; rsmith@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Reunited Twins Prove Nature/Nurture is Complicated
Erika Hayasaki spent five years researching Isabella and Hà, identical twins who were born in Vietnam, raised on opposite sides of the world, and reunited as teenagers. She spent hundreds of hours interviewing the girls and their families, tracing their diverging childhoods in the suburbs of America and the villages of Vietnam and following them from their reunion through the complicated years that followed. Invite the author of “Somewhere Sisters: A Story of Adoption, Identity, and the Meaning of Family,” to share the girls’ incredible story and challenge listeners’ conceptions about transnational and transracial adoption, Asian and Asian American identity, the nature versus nurture debate, poverty and privilege, and what it means to give a child a good life. Erika Hayasaki is a professor in the Literary Journalism Department at the University of California, Irvine. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (o); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Sasha Beatty at (703) 646-5188