01. What’s Safe Right Now? There’s an App for That
02. Election 2020: The End of Voter Apathy Among the Young?
03. Joe Biden’s Big Leadership Fail
04. Best (Safe) Haunted Houses in the U.S.
05. Tricks Instead of Treats This Halloween
06. Undertaker’s Daughter Shares Messages from the Dead
07. This Halloween Discover Why Spirits Aren’t Scary
08. Answers to Your Most Terrifying Ghost Questions
09. Growing Up with Spirits … and Their Stories
10. Unequal Impact: 5 Economic Trends That Affect Women More
11. How to Meditate Anywhere
12. You Can Be the Change We Need Right Now
13. Post-Pandemic Health Impacts
14. 2020 Stinks — A New Mindset Can Save You
15. Politics Aside … What’s Behind Biden’s Aviators?
1. ==> What’s Safe Right Now? There’s an App for That
Should you take your kids out trick-or-treating? How safe is eating indoors at a local restaurant? How do you know what’s safe right now? Given the information vacuum, researchers and some public-health workers have launched their own efforts to help people decide what types of social activities are safe, based on where they live. The Brown-Lifespan Center for Digital Health has developed a free app called My COVID Risk. “Given the lack of clear national guidelines on what’s safe and not safe, our hope is that this will fill a void for the average American who’s really struggling to judge the safety of various activities,” says Megan Ranney, M.D., M.P.H. The app allows users to input the type of activity they want to do, whether it’s indoors or outdoors, how many people will be there, what protective measures they’ll take, and where they live, along with other factors. The app generates a relative risk of catching the coronavirus during that activity — from “very low” to “very high” — using community-level data from The New York Times’ coronavirus map. People can modify their risk level by reducing the number of people, for example, or adding a mask requirement. Ranney is a practicing emergency physician and researcher focused on the intersection between digital health, violence prevention, and public health. She is the founder and director of The Brown-Lifespan Center for Digital Health. Contact her at Megan_Ranney@brown.edu; (401) 863-6262 or media_relations@brown.edu
2. ==> Election 2020: The End Voter Apathy Among the Young?
Will millennials and Generation Zs go to the polls next Tuesday? Have they already cast their ballots? Historically, younger Americans haven’t voted as much as older generations, but in a year like 2020, it’s hard to predict anything, let alone the behavior of young people. What we do know, is that if they vote, millennials and Gen Zs could make a difference in this election’s outcome. Invite Jeremy Levin and Jennifer P. Wisdom, to discuss the reasons younger Americans haven’t voted in the past and what it will take to get them to the polls this year. The authors of “Millennials’ and Generation Z Guide to Voting” will share the basics of the voting process, discuss political parties and how they’ve changed over time, and reveal the long history of voter suppression in America. Jeremy Levine, M.A., is an adjunct professor at multiple universities in New Jersey and New York. Jennifer P. Wisdom, Ph.D., M.P.H., has worked in complex health care, government, and educational environments for 25 years. She’s the author of the best-selling “Millennials’ Guides” series. Contact her at (503) 484-5679; Jennifer@leadwithwisdom.com
3. ==> Joe Biden’s Big Leadership Fail
Joe Biden has been dodging the question of whether he would pack the Supreme Court were he to be elected; the most he has said was that he was “not a fan” of expanding the Supreme Court to offset the impending Conservative majority. Although he stated he does not “want to get into it,” by not doing so, Biden has failed the courage test, says author and leadership expert Steven Mays, who will explain his reasoning on your show; he can also discuss the other hallmarks of good leadership besides courage. Mays is the author of “Power of 3 Leadership, Lessons in Leadership.” A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis who served on nuclear submarines, he was a mathematician, electrical engineer and nuclear engineer who worked in private industry and at the Nuclear Regulation Commission. Contact Steven Mays at (703) 552-5672; smays@rtirguests.com
4.==> Best (Safe) Haunted Houses in the U.S.
2020 has the best haunted attractions honing their operations to reduce the chance of spreading anything but fear. “Missing the Halloween season is not an option,” says Amber Arnett-Bequeaith, also known as the Queen of Haunts. “So many people have anxiety and sadness or stress with the new challenges we face. Scaring is a proven science to help give some release to these pressures. We are keeping the scary arts alive during these frightful times.” Invite the Queen of Haunts to share which attractions make the most of haunting and safety as she lists the top 13 terror-ific haunts in the country. Amber Arnett-Bequeaith grew up in the haunt business and is the mastermind behind some of the most well-known haunt attractions and events including The Edge of Hell and The Beast Haunted House in Kansas City. Contact her at (913) 406-7833 or (816) 842-4280
5. ==> Tricks Instead of Treats This Halloween
With health officials warning of current virus spikes across the country Halloween is in danger of becoming another 2020 COVID cancellation for kids. Brian South can share ways that parents can make the holiday magical by teaching kids some professionally designed magic tricks! The magician and cofounder of Discover Magic says kids as young as six can easily learn tricks, and some are even suitable for three-year-olds. He’ll explain his one-of-a-kind program created by educators and top magicians to instill confidence and character-building traits in kids and his mini-magic kits which include eight tricks tied to one of eight traits of a true magician. The tricks include kids learning to make an elephant disappear, using superhero socks to predict the future and cracking the secret behind the incredible shrinking dog. Contact Brian South at (801) 916-2442; 257375@email4pr.com
6. ==> Undertaker’s Daughter Shares Messages from the Dead
Many people wonder what happens after we take our last breath. While growing up in a Midwestern funeral home with an undertaker as her father, Margo Lenmark learned the truth. “People send messages in death that are very clear,” she says. “Death is not the end. I have gotten messages from dead people that have helped me to live a better life.” She shares her fascinating experiences and insights in her book “Light in the Mourning: Memoirs of an Undertaker’s Daughter.” The book has received glowing reviews from a number of prominent authors and spiritual leaders including Deepak Chopra. Contact Margo at (828) 260-0873; MLenmark@rtirguests.com
7. ==> This Halloween Discover Why Spirits Aren’t Scary
Halloween conjures up thoughts of scary ghosts that haunt the living, but what if you discovered that we could have meaningful connections with those who have passed on? TV host and award-winning author Maryann Ridini Spencer says that our lost loved ones are always with us. She asserts that our loved ones live on and we can get guidance from them by paying attention to energy, synchronicity and prayer. She is a TV/film producer, screenwriter, and the author of the award-winning Kate Grace Mystery books, “Lady in the Window” and “The Paradise Table.” Her work has appeared on “Hallmark Hall of Fame” (CBS-TV), the Hallmark Channel, CNN, USA, SyFy, Showtime and many other outlets. Contact Maryann Ridini Spencer at (818) 492-9135; mspencer@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Answers to Your Most Terrifying Ghost Questions
Dr. Susan Shumsky is a ghost whisperer and perfect Halloween guest who can tell you everything you ever wanted to know about ghosts — but were too terrified to ask. For example, what really happens to souls after death? Is it possible to communicate with the dead; how so? Why are some homes, cars, offices, and other places haunted? What are the 11 types of people most susceptible to possession? What are the 15 reasons why people become ghosts? Dr. Shumsky is no fly-by-night author. She has 18 books in print, is published by major publishers Simon & Schuster and Random House Penguin, and has enthralled listeners with over 1,200 media appearances. Open your phone lines for listeners with haunted houses and Dr. Shumsky will send the ghosts packing! Contact her at (917) 336-7184; SShumsky@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Growing Up with Spirits … and Their Stories
What’s it like growing up in family homes surrounded by spirits and their stories? Interview Ivan Obolensky and find out! Ivan’s rich personal history includes his grandfather Serge, the famed “Prince of New York,” and his grandmother Alice (of the famed Astor family) who died holding an “Egyptian Book of the Dead” on her chest. Convinced that people lived on after death, she proved it by scaring off governesses and attracting a large number of black cats that kept returning to her home on 61st Street in New York City, even after extermination was tried. The family home was finally exorcised. Alice’s husband, Serge, had ghost stories of his own to tell including one of a captain reportedly recovering from TB in the Crimea appearing to Serge’s mother and a butler at the family country home many miles away … and then vanishing before their eyes! They learned later the soldier had died before his appearance. Ivan Obolensky is a true Renaissance man in his own right and the author of “Eye of the Moon.” Contact Ivan at (818) 495-8731; IObolensky@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Unequal Impact: 5 Economic Trends That Affect Women More
As a group, American women are having to bear the brunt and the hits keep on coming. Already behind before the pandemic and more likely to be economic victims of its fallout, women also face an unequal impact from the five biggest economic trends that are affecting Americans’ futures, according to Certified Financial Planner Lorri Craig. Lorri can detail the significant economic impacts of COVID-19, lower interest rates, climate change, the U.S.’s declining global power, and baby boomer’s inability to retire and why women are more affected than men. Lorri has a master’s degree in finance and is a subject matter expert for the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. She offers an Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) investment platform on her website for socially conscious investors who want to make a positive impact. Contact Lorri at (484) 453-1742; LCraig@rtirguests.com
11. ==> How to Meditate Anywhere
Who isn’t stressed out these days? Life has become unpredictable and chaotic and the stress is affecting everything from our personal relationships to our work lives. And not in a positive way. Invite stress reduction and meditation expert Adam Weber to share his meditation method for relaxing and calming your mind anywhere, at any time of the day, whether you’re working at home with kids underfoot, or standing in line at a supermarket where people aren’t socially distancing. Weber says that in only three to five minutes you can decompress and build a meditation practice that fits into your busy schedule. Adam Weber is the author of “From Stress to Profit: How Meditation Helps the Corporate Warrior Survive, Thrive, and Profit in Our Stress-Filled World” and the upcoming book “I Will Teach You to Meditate,” which reveals simple ways to start meditating. He is also the creator of the highly acclaimed online training program Easy to Meditate. He’ll answer all your meditation questions such as is it hard to start meditating? Can you really relax your mind in a stressful place? Contact Adam Weber at (917) 779-8177; aweber@rtirguests.com
12. ==> You Can Be the Change We Need Right Now
The worst global pandemic in a century. Economic chaos that echoes the Great Depression. Worldwide protests due to police brutality against minorities. How do we survive and even thrive in these perilous times? “To be the change this world needs right now, we have to live our truth,” says best-selling author and intuition expert Kim Chestney. “Intuition is the key to that truth; it shows us who we really are and what we stand for in this world.” Kim can discuss how being true to oneself is the greatest form of rebellion and the only way to bring about positive change in the world. Kim is an international best-selling author and artist who founded the popular CREATE! Festival in Pittsburgh, Pa. Her Intuition Masterclass is part of her global online school, Intuition Lab. Her new book “Radical Intuition: A Revolutionary Guide for Using Your Inner Power” will be released on November 3. Contact her at (412) 214-9502; KChestney@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Post-Pandemic Health Impacts
COVID-19 has been a game-changer especially when it comes to public health. What are some of the likely aftereffects your listeners should be aware of? Dr. Annalee Kitay has already found that a great number of people’s immune systems are compromised from the scare of this pandemic. She adds, “People may appear healthy on the outside but due to the incredible stress of this pandemic, some will need to boost their immune system.” Dr. Kitay will talk about our body’s systems and the important communication role the brain plays with those systems in immune function. She will share information about the revolutionary protocol she practices and also trains physicians in. This protocol is one of health care’s best-kept secrets. She is one of fewer than 50 practitioners in the U.S., who is using Neural Organization Technique, a proven noninvasive approach to help people with everything from immune issues and concussions to learning disabilities and low-back pain. Dr. Kitay has done research with Kessler Institute and also practiced with the late Dr. (Robert) Atkins at his Center for Complementary Medicine in New York City. Contact Dr. Kitay at (561) 462-4733; akitay@rtirguests.com
14. ==> 2020 Stinks — A New Mindset Can Save You
Sad to say, societal problems are on the rise. To prevail and build a better present and future, even as we face political upheaval and diseases attacking us, we must change. So says Reverend Arthur Mackey, a prolific author, focused researcher, respected pastor and sought-after media guest. He’ll show your audience how to develop a mindset that makes positive change possible and saves lives in the process. Mackey is the author of “Overcoming the Spirit of Depression.” He’ll inspire audiences as he explores everything from family and workplace influences to health/social services, faith-based resources and education programs worth knowing. Ask him: Why is it never too late to change or improve your surroundings, relationships, mood and ideals? What are the four most effective ways to change your mindset, minus the stress? Does healing always require medicine? What’s the role of prayer for navigating a happier, healthier lifestyle? Contact Reverend Arthur Mackey at (516) 219-8392; AMackey@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Politics Aside … What’s Behind Biden’s Aviators?
Joe Biden has been wearing aviator sunglasses for most of his life. Some might say he looks cool. But putting style and politics aside, Joe may be onto something. Wearing wraparound aviator sunglasses (but not necessarily pricey Ray-Bans can help you protect your health, especially during COVID-19, reports vision educator Linda Odubayo Thompson. As Linda will tell your listeners, “The eyes are porous, and the optic nerve is a direct extension to the brain. So, it stands to reason that eye protection should be added to the virus protection mix, especially for children,” she says. Linda knows not to take her vision for granted; she has suffered from glaucoma for more than 30 years. Contact Linda Odubayo Thompson at (914) 944-1474; lthompson@rtirguests.com