01. 60th Anniversary of Cuban Missile Crisis
02. Medicare Advantage Has a Fraud Problem
03. A Billion Alaskan Snow Crabs Have Disappeared
04. Say What? Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Are Here
05. Curiosity – What Really Drives It?
06. Stories from the Front Lines of the Ukraine War
07. Should the Media Stop Endorsing Political Candidates?
08. Fed-Up Americans To Candidates, ‘Act Like Adults!’
09. Planning a Winter Cruise? Talk to This Travel Expert First
10. Why Is Everyone Socially Anxious?
11. How to Live a Regret-Free Life
12. Busy Parent? Stressful Job? 10 Simple Ways to Prioritize Yourself
13. How to Prepare Your Kids for STEM Careers
14. Why Do Women Stay with Their Abusers?
15. For ‘Mayberry’ Fans: The Story of Barney Fife’s Sweetheart, Thelma Lou
1. ==> 60th Anniversary of Cuban Missile Crisis
The Cuban missile crisis occurred 60 years ago this week, but the situation couldn’t be more relevant given Russia’s recent nuclear threats. Discuss the infamous “13 days” with Michelle Paranzino, author of “The Cuban Missile Crisis and the Cold War: A Short History with Documents.” She’ll share new information that sheds light on what really happened in October 1962, reveal how JFK and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev forged a politically fraught secret deal, and dispel RFK’s own assertions that he stood nearly alone against hard-liners urging the president to pursue options that stepped back from the brink. “It was a completely self-serving viewpoint,” says Paranzino, an assistant professor of strategy and policy at the U.S. Naval War College. She says Khrushchev’s role in resolving the crisis cannot be overlooked, either. “The whole narrative that was perpetuated that it was JFK’s clear-eyed statesmanship … and it was Khrushchev who blinked first” is wrong, she says. Contact Michelle Paranzino at (401) 841-2185; Michelle.Paranzino@usnwc.edu
2. ==> Medicare Advantage Has a Fraud Problem
“The New York Times” recently published an investigative piece on Medicare Advantage, revealing that major health insurers have exploited the program “to inflate their profits by billions of dollars.” Kaiser Family Foundation, meanwhile, has found that the companies “typically earn twice as much gross profit from their Medicare Advantage plans as from other types of insurance.” Jim Kahn, a professor of health policy at the University of California at San Francisco and an editor and blogger at Health Justice Monitor, says, “Medicare Advantage is a cash monster focused on maximizing revenue and profits regardless of the impact on beneficiary access to care.” He’ll explain the full extent of the cash extraction from Medicare (both legal and fraudulent) and why the situation hasn’t been addressed. He says he hopes the media attention on the issue “represents a sea change in how the public understands and reacts to the private insurance takeover of Medicare Advantage, of Medicaid, and traditional Medicare.” Contact Jim Kahn at JGKahn@ucsf.edu
3. ==> A Billion Alaskan Snow Crabs Have Disappeared
For the first time in history, Alaska’s Department of Fish and Game has canceled the state’s winter snow crab season because 90% of the crustacean population has disappeared! According to department biologist Miranda Westphal, between 2019 and 2021, researchers “saw the largest decline we’ve ever seen in the snow crab population, which was very startling.” In just two years, the animals’ numbers in the area dropped by about 90% or an estimated one billion crabs. Scientists are investigating what caused the crabs to vanish but climate change is a likely culprit. Alaska has also canceled its king crab fishing season for the second consecutive year due to low population numbers. Contact Miranda Westphal at (907) 581-1239; miranda.westphal@alaska.gov
4. ==> Say What? Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Are Here
According to federal health estimates, more than 37 million American adults have trouble hearing yet only 1 in 4 who could benefit from a hearing aid have used one. For decades it cost thousands of dollars and a doctor’s prescription to get a hearing aid, but new federal rules mean you can now buy one over the counter for hundreds of dollars. The new devices are for those with mild to moderate hearing loss and are intended to be set up by consumers through apps and by phone. Nicholas Reed, an audiologist and assistant professor at the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins, can explain what consumers should know about the new devices and how to choose one. “If you’re tech-savvy, then I say jump right in,” Reed says, though he notes that “there is nothing wrong with talking to a trained audiologist.” Contact Nicholas Reed at (410) 502-4332; nreed9@jhmi.edu
5. ==> Curiosity – What Really Drives it?
Curious about something? Just open your phone and google it. But is curiosity simply information-seeking? Identical twins Perry Zurn and Dani Bassett went in search of what makes people curious. In their new book, “Curious Minds: The Power of Connection,” the philosopher and bioengineer identify three distinct types of curiosity — the butterfly, hunter and dancer — and outline the characteristics of each. They explain that many of us are all three types but to differing degrees and that those degrees can change throughout our lives and even daily, depending on the task at hand. What’s more, they suggest that a true understanding of what happens in the curious brain can pave the way for a curiosity-centric education — an inclusive one that embraces everyone’s innate style of learning. Dani is a professor of bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania. Perry is an associate professor of philosophy at American University. Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853 (cell); LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com
6. ==> Stories from the Front Lines of Ukraine War
The war in Ukraine rages on with Russia launching a series of “kamikaze” drone attacks in recent weeks, striking civilian infrastructure and sowing terror in Ukrainian cities far from the front lines of the war. Kyle Duncan spent this past spring in the homes of Ukrainians whose neighborhoods were being bombed and in vans full of orphans fleeing Russian tanks and at border crossings. The “New York Times” best-selling author and father of a Ukrainian son can talk about his harrowing experience on the front lines in Ukraine, the miracles he witnessed there and how listeners can help those affected. Kyle spent three weeks in Poland and western Ukraine in late March and early April, interviewing those who had fled the war, as well as aid workers and volunteers. He also conducted numerous interviews with Ukrainians who remain in the country. Proceeds from his new book “Hope for Ukraine: Stories of Grit and Grace from the Front Lines of War” will aid Ukrainian refugees. Contact Jason Jones at Jason@jonesliterary.com
7. ==> Should the Media Stop Endorsing Political Candidates?
Endorsements for politicians have a long history in U.S. newspapers, which until the 20th century were usually explicitly aligned with one political party or faction. Traditionally, endorsements have fallen under the purview of a newspaper’s owner or its editorial board. Journalists may know the decision of which candidate to endorse is distinct from the newsroom’s reporting, but many readers don’t separate the two. Gregory P. Perreault, a journalism scholar and researcher who interviewed 64 U.S. political journalists in 2020, found that many of them have come to view their outlets’ political endorsements as a liability. “Even supporters of the idea of endorsements felt that the practice exacerbated the already hard work of political journalism, complicated by growing political polarization and audience mistrust,” he says. Perreault can discuss whether the tradition continues to serve the public and how it contributes to the public’s view that publications have an agenda. Gregory Perreault is an associate professor of journalism at Appalachian State University. Contact him at (828) 262-2024; perreaultgp@appstate.edu
8. ==> Fed-Up Americans To Candidates, “Act Like Adults!”
Many politicians these days seem to think they have to play dirty to win, that truth is optional and that they don’t have to accept the results if they lose. But Paige Alexander, CEO of the Carter Center, says American voters are fed up with scorched-earth campaigning and want their leaders to act like adults. That’s why the center, along with 50 other organizations and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, has launched the Candidate Principles for Trusted Elections initiative. “Most Americans, no matter their political affiliation, want politicians to lead by example, play by the rules, and adhere to the values that serve as the cornerstone of our democratic republic,” says Alexander. The initiative asks candidates and voters to sign a pledge to abide by five simple ideals fundamental to the successful functioning of democracy including cooperating with election officials and refraining from knowingly propagating falsehoods about the electoral process. The Carter Center is a not-for-profit organization founded by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn. Contact Soyia Ellison at soyia.ellison@cartercenter.org
9. ==> Planning a Winter Cruise? Talk to This Travel Expert First
If you’re planning a cruise, you’ll be sure to enjoy smooth sailing with little-known insider tips from travel expert Cindy Bertram. “Having cruised many times myself, the actual process involved has become much more efficient due to COVID protocols,” she says. “And there are new apps that you can download for everything from checking in for your cruise, making advance dining reservations and booking shore excursions, along with ensuring hassle-free disembarking.” She 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 Cindy at (219) 775-6488; cbertram@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Why Is Everyone Socially Anxious?
If you dread social engagements, fear going into public places, or feel that no one really likes you even when you’re around friends, you may be struggling with social anxiety. It is the most common anxiety issue in the United States, and it’s only getting worse. The prevalence of social anxiety has risen dramatically since the start of the pandemic. Lee Vallely talks about the causes of this social anxiety epidemic with your audience. The author of “Kick the Sh*t out of Social Anxiety,” Lee reveals his simple “traffic light” system you can use to combat the effects of prolonged isolation, new social pressures, and daily bad news. Interview this upbeat, positive guest today to discover how to reclaim your life from social anxiety! Ask him: How can positive thinking be bad for your health? What are four things you can do right now if you’re struggling with social anxiety? Why does he say you can’t trick yourself out of anxiety? Contact Lee Vallely at (561) 658-1266; lvallely@rtirguests.com
11. ==> How to Live a Regret-Free Life
Everyone is faced with choices in life. From daily decisions to major events, the choices we make lead us down one path or another — for better or worse. Sometimes, we may wonder whether things would have been better if we took a different path, or in hindsight learn that we definitely made the wrong decision. What if you could choose the right path every time and get more happiness and success than you ever thought possible? That’s what happens when you live a regret-free life, and Laura Brennan Ballet is here to show you how. The author of “The Science of Empowerment” and a life empowerment facilitator, Laura reveals how to make the right choice at every juncture and cast off regret forever. Ask her: Is it truly possible to live without regrets? How can you rewire your own brain to “think better” and break free of the patterns that trap us in bad decisions? What simple trick can you use to instantly replace negative thoughts with happiness? Contact Laura Ballet at (860) 831-4435; lballet@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Busy Parent? Stressful Job? 10 Simple Ways to Prioritize Yourself
When was the last time you did something for yourself? Our lives are busier than ever before. Between work, families, and social obligations, it can often feel like every day is precisely scheduled from the minute your alarm goes off until the time you go to bed and set it for the next day. Not only is there zero time for yourself, but you feel guilty when you do take time out — because there’s always something you could be getting done. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to talk to Valerie Whetstone. She’ll show your audience ten simple ways to carve out me-time every day so you can rest and recharge, no matter how busy your life has become. This best-selling author and coach who’s trained with Jack Canfield and Oprah Winfrey reveals not only how to put yourself first, but why you must do so today! Ask her: How can you instantly stop feeling guilty about putting yourself first? Why does slowing down make you more productive than ever? How did she nearly die by not taking time for herself? Contact Valerie at (408) 752-5943; vwhetstone@rtirguests.com
13. ==> How to Prepare Your Kids for STEM Careers
Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills are very much in demand. Educator and college professor Chris A. Goldberg advises parents to encourage their kids by engaging in STEM-related activities at home, to prepare them for bright futures. “Students can gain confidence in making a positive impact by learning to design and build drones and mini rockets, build using recyclable materials, code on educational websites and work in teams to solve problems that affect our environment,” he says. “Encouraging young children to get involved in making a difference at an early age is crucial to building their awareness and self-esteem in the surrounding community.” Chris can share fun, educational activities the whole family can share. He is the author of the soon-to-be-published book “Aliyah and The STEMsational Problem-Solvers: What’s Cooking?” Contact him at (973) 576-5841; cgoldberg@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Why Do Women Stay with Their Abusers?
If you have never been in an abusive relationship, you may wonder why more people choose to stay in these terrible relationships than leave them. Kenya Lee, a women’s empowerment expert who was once in a relationship with an abuser that led to the death of her 24-week-old fetus, can provide the context your audience needs to understand domestic violence. As October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, now is the perfect time to interview Kenya who is the author of “The Path to Emotional Greatness.” Ask her what is the trinity strategy? What relationship does low self-esteem play in staying in a physically or mentally abusive relationship? How did she manage to heal from her trauma? Why does she say abusive relationships are cyclic and what are the phases they go through? Kenya Lee is the CEO and founder of Faith in Girls which encourages the development of life coping skills, financial preparation and education to maintain permanent housing for those who lack the traditional ability to qualify for it. She is a registered nurse. Contact Kenya at (313) 999-0264; kenyalee.kl@gmail.com
15. ==> For ‘Mayberry’ Fans: The Story of Barney Fife’s Sweetheart, Thelma Lou
Betty Lynn will forever be Thelma Lou to millions of “Mayberry” fans, but there is much more to learn and love about this truly extraordinary woman. The actor was putting the final touches on her life story when she passed away last year. Released posthumously on what would have been her 96th birthday in August, “Becoming Thelma Lou—My Journey to Hollywood, Mayberry and Beyond” shares myriad stories from Betty’s wartime service in India and Burma to how she shared the spotlight with entertainment royalty from New York to Hollywood. Invite coauthor Jim Clark to talk about Betty’s life and her special role in the Mayberry family. Jim Clark is a freelance writer and Presiding Goober Emeritus of The Andy Griffith Show Rerun Watchers Club (TAGSRWC), an organization he co-founded in 1979. Contact him at tagsrwc@aol.com or Ben Ohmart at ben@bearmanormedia.com
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