01. What You Need to Know – China, Russia and Other U.S. Threats
02. Are We Watching the GOP Collapse?
03. Let’s Get Spooked! America’s Best Haunted Attractions
04. Traditional, Urban, White: What Type of Witch are You?
05. How to Handle the Halloween Haul
06. Do You Have Toxic Anger Issues and Not Know it?
07. Everyone Has Unconscious Biases. How to Uncover Yours
08. Why Are Women Afraid to Speak Up?
09. Taboo Talk: One Family’s Bout With Mental Illness
10. The Most Important 15 Minutes of Your Day
11. Mike Tyson’s Mother-in-Law on Helping Imprisoned Women
12. The Longevity Secret of a Tiny Caribbean Island
13. 20 Years After His Death: Why Patrick Swayze Remains a Hero
14. This Guest Says Faith Got Her Out of Prison
15. Déjà vu: A Window to Your Past?
1.==> What You Need to Know – China, Russia and Other U.S. Threats
The Israel/Hamas war is the latest example of the changing geopolitical and military landscape, and why many feel that the world’s on fire right now. Invite defense expert and strategist Ptolemy Pruden to share knowledge your listeners need to understand and combat the threats facing America, including the growing influence of such foreign powers as Russia, North Korea, and most importantly, China. Whether discussing the application of economic pressure by cutting off purchasing items made through companies owned by China or pushing for more advanced STEM-based educational programs offered by American companies, Pruden elevates the discussion. “We have to work with our friends and allies to engage in building a strong naval presence across the Indo-Pacific while providing a lethal and sustainable deterrent to the PRC. As the United States moves forward, the whole nation must play its part in the protection of its children’s future,” he says. Ptolemy Pruden is the host of the Common Sense Defense Podcast and author of the upcoming book “China Rising: The Case for Containment.” Contact him at (248) 275-7327; calprudenthree@yahoo.com
2. ==> Are We Watching the GOP Collapse?
Republicans finally elected a speaker of the House of Representatives on Wednesday after weeks of infighting and chaos that brought the chamber to a standstill. But is the GOP over this crisis? What happens next? Thomas Balcerski says history may provide some answers. “Following the collapse of the Whig Party in 1854 and the Democratic Party’s splintering in 1860, American political parties have nearly collapsed numerous times,” he says. Balcerski can discuss why he believes we may be watching the GOP collapse in real time. “The viciousness of the arguments within the GOP conference and the threats to members reveal a party in disarray. What some have termed a ‘Republican civil war’ seems aptly put, and as with the last Civil War, the consequences for the two-party system could be equally lasting.” Thomas Balcerski teaches history at Eastern Connecticut State University. He is the author of “Bosom Friends: The Intimate World of James Buchanan and William Rufus King.” Contact him at (860) 465-4005; balcerskit@easternct.edu
3. ==> Let’s Get Spooked! America’s Best Haunted Attractions
What makes something a great haunted attraction? Ask Amber Arnett-Bequeaith, aka the Queen of Haunts. She says the most critical attribute is scariness, “If we can get nightmares, we really did our job. Although the true measure of success is screams and laughter.” Amber annually ranks the best mega-haunts around the country and says there’s likely a scary attraction within driving distance, no matter where you live. She’ll run down her best-of list from the Bates Motel in Philadelphia to Netherworld in Atlanta and Nightmare on 13th in Salt Lake City and can also talk about the trend of people creating haunted houses as a hobby, offering limited public viewings via word-of-mouth. She can even share tips on how to create horror décor at home! Amber Arnett-Bequeaith was born into the haunt industry. Her mother and grandmother created Edge of Hell Haunted House 47 years ago. Today, Amber’s company, Full Moon Productions, operates three commercial haunts and a ghost tour in Kansas City, Missouri. Contact her at (913) 406-7833 (cell); (816) 842-4280 (office)
4.==> Traditional, Urban, White: What Type of Witch are You?
It’s pretty common to think of witches this time of year, they’re everywhere we look! But have you ever wondered or felt that you were part of that tribe? Julie Wilder says you are — if you want to be. The creator of the White Witch Academy can talk about the 18 types of witches, how to create spells for yourself and others, and ways to improve your life with magic. She’ll discuss the myths and misconceptions about witchcraft and magic and share 13 powerful white magic spells to manifest your deepest desires and connect with your intuition. Listeners can also download a witch starter kit with free printables, meditations and tools. Julie Wilder created the White Witch Academy as a resource for anyone looking to learn simple, secular witchcraft. She’s the author of numerous books including “The White Witch Academy” textbook series. Contact her at contact@whitewitchacademy.com; @whitewitchacademy
5. ==> How to Handle the Halloween Haul
Trick or Treat! A lot of parents are thinking about Halloween costumes and safety, but another concern for many parents is the battle that ensues once the trick-or-treating is over and parents want to bring some semblance of balance to their kids’ candy intake. Rebecah Freeling says the struggle is real: “All that candy is NOT good for kids, it causes kids with bad behavior to behave even worse, and it can be a real problem for parents.” A family coach with exceedingly practical and creative problem-solving tips, Rebecah’s will share ways parents can get control over the situation using effective and outside-the-box solutions. Ask her about the Halloween Fairy! Rebecah Freeling, the owner of Wits End Parenting, specializes in kids with problem behaviors. In addition to working with individual families, she also consults with schools and speaks about parenting issues. Her book is “Your Rules Are Dumb: Parenting Your Strong-Willed, Oppositional or Defiant Child.” Contact her at (510) 619-5920; witsendparenting@gmail.com
6. ==> Do You Have Toxic Anger Issues and Not Know it?
Heart disease is the number-one killer of women. According to clinical psychologist Dr. Karyne B. Wilner, anger is one well-known factor in women’s heart disease, along with our culture’s role in suppressing it. “Anger creates stress in the body that can lead to physical and emotional health problems,” she says. She can share body-based techniques to release anger in ways that lead to greater health overall. Karyne is the author of the upcoming book “Releasing Toxic Anger for Women: Body-Based Practices to Transform Negative Thoughts, Soothe Stress, and Stay True to Yourself.” She is a leader in the field of Core Energetics and mind/body health. Contact Dr. Karyne Wilner at (401) 305-2278; kwilner@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Everyone Has Unconscious Biases. How to Uncover Yours
While bigotry is on the rise across the globe, author Sara Ting claims that there is hope for peace and harmony. “All humans have unconscious biases,” she says. “I have developed a tool that organizations can offer to their colleagues 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 all forms of bigotry. Contact Sara Ting at (508) 715-3370; Sting@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Why Are Women Afraid to Speak Up?
It’s no secret that women struggle to be heard. Society teaches girls to be polite and agreeable and not make a fuss, even when a situation is challenging — or just plain wrong. If your audience is looking to reclaim their power in the workplace, at home, and beyond, you need to hear from Francesca Burack. The author of “Women Are Special: 123 Reasons Why” can share advice, tips, and encouragement to help women find, own, and use their voices with confidence. Ask her: What can women do to speak up in one-sided relationships, whether it’s at work or with family? How can women approach difficult conversations in the workplace, such as asking for raises, promotions, or benefits? An author, entrepreneur, educator, and popular speaker, Francesca Burack has been featured on major networks including ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox News. Contact her at (516) 823-4003; fburack@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Taboo Talk: One Family’s Bout With Mental Illness
America is currently in the midst of a mental health crisis. More and more people are being diagnosed with depression, anxiety and other mental health issues yet we still have trouble talking about the subject and many stigmas remain. Deborah Kasdan can discuss her family’s experience with severe and chronic mental illness. Deborah’s older sister was diagnosed with schizophrenia at 23. She then endured 30 years and innumerable admissions to five psychiatric hospitals before a compassionate social worker finally found a way for her to live on her own with the assistance of a community agency. Deborah will share the ways her family members dealt with her sister’s illness, the limitations of psychiatric systems to provide help, and the grief her family experienced after her sister’s untimely death. Deborah Kasdan has served on the board of directors of Under One Roof, an intergenerational housing organization, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for southwest Connecticut. Her new book is “Roll Back the World: A Sister’s Memoir.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
10. ==> The Most Important 15 Minutes of Your Day
Did you know that you can change your life, get rid of stress, and feel more in control of your destiny in only 30 minutes a day? Interview Theo Prodromitis, the author of “The Balance Between the Hustle and the Flow: Knowing When to Make Things Happen and When to Let Them Happen,” to discover why the first and last 15 minutes of your day are the most important and how to maximize them. Theo is an award-winning entrepreneur, marketing strategist, and best-selling author of “The Success Formula” with Jack Canfield. Ask her: What does neuroscience tell us about our brain activity at the beginning and end of each day? What are the four things we should do every morning? Contact Theo Prodromitis at (813) 701-5414; tprodromitis@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Mike Tyson’s Mother-in-Law on Helping Imprisoned Women
Rita Ali was a distinguished Philadelphia socialite and among the few African American women boxing PR professionals who hobnobbed with such famous fighters as Muhammad Ali, Michael Spinks, and Mike Tyson, who is now her son-in-law. Then it all came crashing down when she — along with her daughter and son — was convicted and imprisoned for funneling public funds. The she has maintained her innocence throughout, Ali was tried, convicted and sent to Federal prison three times. “I was convicted and sentenced three times on virtually the same charges for a crime I didn’t commit, which amounted to triple jeopardy,” she says. She is the author of “Triple Jeopardy: 3 Strikes But Not Out,” a life coach, and founder of the nonprofit We 2 Matter, which provides resources for previously incarcerated women. Contact Rita Ali at (917) 243-9214; rali@rtirguests.com
12. ==> The Longevity Secret of a Tiny Caribbean Island
The idyllic Caribbean nation of Dominica, where herbs expert Gladstone Etienne grew up, is a nature paradise known for its pristine environment, organic foods and laid-back lifestyle. Gladstone claims that the citizens there live longer, and stronger, as a result. “According to the BBC, Dominica has the highest number of centenarians per capita in the world,” he says. He also gives credit to herbal medicine, which he began studying as a child. Gladstone went on to develop a line of teas, to make it easier for Americans to gain the wondrous health benefits of herbs. He is the founder of ZABIOLife herbal tea company. Contact Gladstone Etienne at (301) 820-7656; Getienne@rtirguests.com
13. ==> 20 Years After His Death: Why Patrick Swayze Remains a Hero
Most people know Patrick Swayze from the movies “Dirty Dancing” “Ghost” and “Road House.” They are aware that he often played heroes on screen but few know that he was a real-life hero too. Interview Sue Tabashnik, author of “Patrick Swayze: The Dreamer,” to share the many reasons he was and continues to be an inspiration to many, more than 20 years after his death. As she will explain, Patrick was one of the first celebrities to talk about battling pancreatic cancer. He advocated for more funding for research for better early detection and new treatment for pancreatic cancer, and by example showed more openness about discussing the cancer’s impact on lives. Ask her: What was it like to meet Patrick four times? Why do you consider him a hero? How can Patrick’s life be an inspiration to all of us? What can you tell us about his advocacy for dance, conservation, and traditional values? Contact Sue Tabashnik at (248) 617-0505; stabashnik@rtirguests.com
14. ==> This Guest Says Faith Got Her Out of Prison
Growing up in a highly dysfunctional broken home, author Tressa Mitchener became a single teenage mother and drug dealer who was facing a 30-year-to-life sentence in federal prison. But thanks to her strong belief in a higher power, her sentence was miraculously reduced to five years, and she went on to earn a B.A. in psychology, become a respected Christian counselor and best-selling author, and marry her dream man. She credits her newfound faith for enabling her to dramatically turn her life around. “While I was in prison, I was strongly focused on God,” she says. “He was giving me instructions and guiding me. My mind began to change. I became a change-maker for others.” Tressa shared her incredible story on “The 700 Club,” and can reveal how anyone can transform his or her life through faith. She is the author of “Looking Out from the Inside: The United States v. Tressa Oliva Parker.” Contact Tressa at (919) 582-5992; Tmitchener@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Déjà vu: A Window to Your Past?
Do you frequently have a sense of déjà vu? Do you have fears or phobias that are unrelated to anything you’ve ever experienced? According to Jennifer Maag, we’ve all had past lives, and they have a profound impact on our current lives. “I believe the self-esteem you’re born with comes from the past lives you’ve already lived,” she says. “Tapping into that enables us to heal in our current existence.” Jennifer, a licensed massage therapist, and her son, Alexander Maag, are the co-authors of the critically acclaimed book “Take on God,” which explores how to transform our inner battles into healing tools to live our best lives. Contact Jennifer Maag at (419) 969-3259; jmaag@rtirguests.com