01. Abortion Grows as a Midterm Motivator
02. Fighting Gun Violence from the Inside
03. Why is COVID Still Killing Seniors?
04. Concussion Expert on NFL and Hyperbaric Therapy
05. His Annual Halloween Display Draws Thousands
06. Netflix’s ‘Dahmer’ Actress Michael Learned
07. What Was it Like to Work on ‘The Golden Girls?’
08. Former Mayor – How to Spot Local Government Corruption
09. A Better Solution than ‘Quiet Quitting’
10. No More Bad Service! How to Be Treated Royally
11. 3 Principles You Must Know to Thrive in Chaos
12. Johnny Run Lately: Award-winning Sprinter Started at 61
13. Does Writing Your Problems Down Help Them Go Away?
14. How Perfume Can Cause Infertility
15. Can You Really Make Your Own Happiness?
1.==> Abortion Grows as a Midterm Motivator
Less than a month before the 2022 midterm election, abortion continues to grow as a motivating issue for voters, especially among Democrats and those living in states where abortion is now illegal, according to the latest Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) Health Tracking Poll. Half of voters polled say the Supreme Court’s overturning Roe v. Wade is motivating them to vote, with 76% planning to vote for pro-choice candidates and 17% saying they’ll vote for candidates who want to limit abortion access. “With a Democrat in the White House, Republicans start with an advantage in this year’s midterm, especially on issues such as gas prices and crime, but their efforts to ban and criminalize abortion are backfiring on them politically, even in red states,” KFF president and CEO Drew Altman says. “Whether this motivates enough voters to hit the polls and change the outcome remains to be seen.” KFF is a nonprofit organization focusing on national health issues and the US role in global health policy. Contact Crag Palosky at cpalosky@kff.org
2. ==> Fighting Gun Violence from the Inside
Concerns about violent crime and guns also remain top of mind for American voters, though solutions remain elusive. Ricky Aiken, founder and executive director of Inner City Innovators, says, “When gun violence happens in our communities, it’s not outsiders tearing up our communities. It’s insiders.” Based in West Palm Beach, Florida, his nonprofit combats crime rates and gun violence by empowering and inspiring inner-city youth through mentoring programs, anti-violence workshops and community engagement. “Our goal is simple: to keep every young man in our program free and alive through age 25. Most offending starts around 13, and 25 is when they say the brain is finished developing,” says Aiken. He’ll explain why he and his cousin created the nonprofit back in 2015 and ways they’re helping young men in the community and giving many a second chance at a better life. “When you challenge a young person who’s been through hard times, they want to stand up and show you they’re capable,” says Aiken. Contact Chelsea Koester at (561) 838-6687; c.koester@innercityinnovators.org
3. ==> Why is COVID Still Killing Seniors?
One month into the rollout of the new bivalent booster shots––which protect against the original strain of the virus as well as two Omicron variants––only four percent of Americans have received the updated boosters. President Biden said “the pandemic is over” on national television last month. But epidemiologist Jennifer Nuzzo says that his second comment––“we still have a Covid problem” ––didn’t get the same type of airtime. Nuzzo worries that Americans may only have heard the first part of Biden’s comment and are left “not understanding that they still need boosters and could benefit from them.” She says waning immunity and low booster uptake have led to a situation in which Americans over the age of 65 are still quite vulnerable to severe illness and death from Covid-19 infections. Nuzzo also insists that everyone at risk needs a “Paxlovid Plan.” Paxlovid use is lower in the highest age group than it is in younger groups. “We see an under-prescribing of Paxlovid that unfortunately may include people who are at highest risk of severe illness.” She adds, “We have tools to keep older Americans out of the hospital––but we’re underutilizing them.” Jennifer Nuzzo is a professor of epidemiology and director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University School of Public Health. Contact her at jennifer_nuzzo@brown.edu; @JenniferNuzzo
4.==> Concussion Expert on NFL and Hyperbaric Therapy
Miami Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa returned to practice this week for the first time since suffering back-to-back concussions. The NFL has since modified its concussion protocol but the injuries continue to plague the sport and have been shown to be the cause of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which has led to player deaths and other debilitating symptoms after retirement. Raymond Cralle, a pioneer in hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), has treated numerous NFL players and says science and new research prove HBOT can help heal concussions and a wide range of injuries. He can explain how the therapy works and why it not only benefits athletes, but also veterans and others. Cralle will discuss recent breakthroughs in concussion treatment including the prevention of post-concussion syndrome and unprecedented advances in post-stroke, traumatic brain injury and spinal cell regeneration. Contact Adrienne Mazzone at (561) 908-1683 (call/text); amazzone@transmediagroup.com
5. ==> His Annual Halloween Display Draws Thousands
Matthew Warshauer is an internationally known installation artist who pushes the boundaries of history and contemporary political commentary in his annual Halloween displays. For nearly a quarter-century, the history professor has spent months building a statement — usually political — that brings thousands down his busy West Hartford, Connecticut street. This year he may have outdone himself with a recreation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine featuring a credible-looking tank that breathes smoke, and skeletal soldiers, including one holding an anti-tank rocket launcher. Warshauer started this ritual with typical Halloween scenes. Over time that evolved into extravagant and thought-provoking life-sized dioramas that examine the issues of the day. In 2019, he lined up a skeletal Supreme Court, another year he built a Trump Wall. As a professor, Warshauer wants to spark conversation, and so far this year, the response has been positive, he said, and he’s had several sidewalk discussions about Ukraine. Contact Matthew Warshauer at (860) 832-2803; WarshauerM@ccsu.edu
6. ==> Netflix’s ‘Dahmer’ Actress Michael Learned
Four-time Emmy winner Michael Learned currently stars in Netflix’s limited series, “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.” She plays the grandmother of the infamous killer, Catherine Dahmer, with Evan Peters as Dahmer and a supporting cast that includes Niecy Nash, Richard Jenkins, Penelope Ann Miller, Molly Ringwald and Dylan Burnside. Invite Learned on your show and talk about the series that examines the victims of Dahmer’s gruesome crimes and exposes the police failures that allowed one of America’s most notorious serial killers to continue his murderous spree in plain sight for over a decade. On a much lighter note, ask her about the upcoming 50th reunion of the “The Walton’s.” Learned played the iconic mother Olivia in the long-running CBS drama series. Contact Harlan Boll at harlan@bhbpr.com
7. ==> What Was it Like to Work on ‘The Golden Girls?’
Millions of Americans love “The Golden Girls,” the iconic network TV staple featuring a unique premise, a mesmerizing cast, and the tendency to tackle groundbreaking social issues that few sitcoms at the time dared to incorporate. But what was it really like on the set of this treasured show? Interview Jesse Fiedor to find out! An author and inspirational speaker, Jesse overcame a serious disability to achieve his dream of working in Hollywood. He’ll not only regale your guests with tales of meeting stars like Betty White, one of America’s most beloved actresses, but also help them find the motivation to overcome their own obstacles and succeed in life. Ask him: What was Betty White like in person? Did you meet anyone else? What did you do on the set of the show? How did you overcome your disability, and how can others do the same? Why do you say, “If I can do it, anyone can”? Contact Jesse Fiedor at (714) 683-2353; jfiedor@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Former Mayor – How to Spot Local Government Corruption
As a former mayor, council member, planning commissioner, and an advocate for good government with a propensity for “telling it like it is,” Debbie Peterson spent years serving communities, seeing people’s needs go unmet because of gross misappropriation of funds. With her new book, “The Happiest Corruption: Sleaze, Lies and Suicide in a California Beach Town,” Peterson combines insider political analysis, breaking-news thrills, and a historical account into a true-crime story that follows determined citizens who worked out how local government corruption happens, how to spot it, and how to fix it. Peterson has been interviewed by everyone from the “Los Angeles Times” to the BBC and Script Networks. She is the former mayor of Grover Beach, Calif., and the host of the new weekly podcast “The Corruption Chronicles.” Contact Debbie Peterson at (805) 550-4490; DebbiePeterson805@gmail.com
9. ==> A Better Solution than ‘Quiet Quitting’
There’s a reason we’re still talking about “quiet quitting.” The trend resonates with millennial and Gen Z employees fighting to rewrite the rules of the workplace from baby boomer and Gen X managers. Depending on whom you ask, “quiet quitters” are either setting healthy work/life boundaries or doing nothing more than their basic job requirements. Unhappy workers are nothing new, but Oreste D’Aversa says the pandemic changed everything. Invite the author of “Life Beyond the Pandemic: A Practical New Journey Handbook” to discuss why workers feel disengaged, the effect of generational diversity on the job, and a better solution to “quiet quitting.” The life and business coach, corporate trainer, and interfaith minister will share his revolutionary step-by-step blueprint to reinvent your life and thrive in the post-pandemic world. Contact Oreste D’Aversa at (201) 949-3002; odaversa@rtirguests.com
10. ==> No More Bad Service! How to Be Treated Royally
Ask anyone and you are sure to hear some version of “customer service stinks” as well as the details of the latest incident in which they were treated as though their patronage didn’t matter. Your audience would love to hear how they can benefit from receiving A-1 service instead of mediocre service and Tawn Holstra Auston has the answers. She can offer some tips on what you can do to receive excellent service every time by being a better customer! Tawn has been advising small business owners for a decade and is working on a book that will tentatively be titled “Changing Gears: What It Takes to Make Huge Life Changes with Confidence and Grace.” Contact Tawn at (206) 495-6505; tauston@rtirguests.com
11. ==> 3 Principles You Must Know to Thrive in Chaos
Perhaps the best word that describes present times is “chaotic.” A knee-jerk reaction might be to stay in bed with the blanket pulled over your head but that gets old fast. Instead, author and performance coach Tim Winders says it would be better to change your perspective by discovering the three timeless perspectives he will teach you. Winders, who has over 25 years’ experience as a coach for business owners, executives, and leaders, utilizes these principles in his novel, “Coach: A Story of Success Redefined.” It tells the story of a man who had it all — money, a successful company, a beautiful wife — everything society considers successful but contemplates ending his life. Winders, who along with his wife, lives and works in a large RV while traveling around the country, survived several business failures before finding a better path in life. He hosts the “SeekGoCreate” podcast. Contact Tim Winders at (404) 846-4639; twinders@rtirguests.com. Ask about last-minute availability
12. ==> Johnny Run Lately: Award-winning Sprinter Started 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. ==> Does Writing Your Problems Down Help Them Go Away?
Can writing your problems down help you to solve them? It may sound like wishful thinking, but Arlene Duane Hemingway says that yes, writing down your problems works and she’ll explain why this is so. Arlene is an expert on a literary art form for the masses, something called Drabble that lets ordinary people tell concise and complete stories in as little as one hundred words. Arlene can read some examples of drabbles to get your audience started and has even created a Drabble on Drabbles. She is the author of “A Twist of Lemon: 100 Curious Stories in Exactly 100 Words” and has a master’s degree from the Juilliard School of Music. She was a respected piano and vocal music teacher in a Long Island public school system, a professional organist, choir director, and vocalist. She performed with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir at Radio City Music Hall and launched a composer’s original work at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Contact Arlene at (828) 684-9840; adh7@att.net
14. ==> How Perfume Can Cause Infertility
Not only can fragrances in everyday products such as soap, body lotion and laundry detergent cause a variety of health ailments, but products expert Zorica Denton learned that these could also cause infertility in women and men. “Studies show that fragrances affect male sperm and women’s fertility, making it more difficult to get pregnant,” she says. “Products with fragrances may contain anywhere from 100 to 1,000 chemicals. But they don’t have to be listed due to trade secret policies.” Zorica developed long-term, debilitating health problems as a result of working as a perfume model. She is the founder of the natural personal care products company Zorica of Malibu and the author of an upcoming book about toxic chemicals in products. Contact her at (213) 616-7904; zdenton@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Can You Really Make Your Own Happiness?
With a barrage of bad news on all fronts and the increasing struggle most Americans are facing both at home and in the workplace, it doesn’t seem like there’s much to be happy about today. The good news is that you don’t have to wait for the world to get better. Let Mary Mitchell show you how to generate your own happiness, no matter what your current life circumstances. Mary has helped thousands of people, from inmates to CEOs, attract the happiness they want. She’ll reveal the steps you can take now to ditch constant anxiety and worry, so you can seize joy and choose success every day – even if you’re surrounded by negativity. Ask her: How can you find happiness when the whole world seems unhappy? What is your method for identifying and removing personal obstacles to happiness? How does complaining literally make you sick? Contact Mary Mitchell at (530) 561-5945; mmitchell@rtirguests.com