01. Is Fetterman Fit to Serve? Stroke and Speech Explained
02. Parents Are Deeply Divided Over Education
03. When to Get Boosted for Holiday Protection
04. Should Everyone Be Screened for Anxiety?
05. Carve Out Quality Family Time with … Pumpkins!
06. Country Music Star on Fame, Fortune and Missed Opportunities
07. The Coming Midterm Tsunami: The Women’s Bloc Vote
08. Is Your Job Killing You? The Surgeon General Thinks So
09. The Surprising Work Benefit That Benefits Everyone
10. How Inflation Is Fueling More Food Deserts
11. 12 Questions You Should Ask Your Medical Provider
12. One Family’s Frozen Embryo Adoption Journey
13. Why Going Vegan Could Be Disastrous for Your Health
14. Fairy Tales for Older Folks
15. What Was It Like to Work on the ‘Golden Girls’?
1.==> Is Fetterman Fit to Serve? Stroke and Speech Explained
John Fetterman and Mehmet Oz squared off in Harrisburg Tuesday night in a highly anticipated debate for a Pennsylvania seat that could decide the balance of power in the U.S. Senate. Fetterman, who suffered a stroke more than five months ago, struggled to communicate effectively at times, missing some words and speaking haltingly. He used closed-captioning posted above the moderator to help him process the moderator’s questions and Oz’s responses, leading to some awkward pauses. “In my opinion, he did very well,” said Dr. Sonia Sheth, of Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in suburban Chicago, who watched the debate. “He had his stroke less than one year ago and will continue to recover over the next year. He had some errors in his responses, but overall he was able to formulate fluent, thoughtful answers.” Contact Chris King at (312) 926-7432 (office); (312) 926-0960; Christopher.king@nm.org
2. ==> Parents Are Deeply Divided Over Education
Republican and Democratic parents of K-12 students have widely different views on what their children should learn at school about gender identity, slavery and other topics, according to a new Pew Research Center survey. At the same time, Republican and Democratic parents –– including those with children in public schools –– are equally likely to say they are extremely or very satisfied with the quality of the education their children are receiving. Kim Park, director of social trends research at the Pew Research Center can discuss the survey results including how parents think the pandemic has affected their children’s educational progress and emotional well-being, and their concerns about school shootings. Kim Parker frequently discusses social and demographic trends with journalists and has been interviewed by broadcast outlets such as NPR, NBC, MSNBC and C-SPAN. Contact her at @kim_c_parker or Julia O’Hanlon at (202) 419-3613; johanlon@pewresearch.org
3. ==> When to Get Boosted for Holiday Protection
As we head toward Thanksgiving and the holiday season, many people wonder when they should get their flu and COVID shots. Experts say it takes our bodies time to respond to the vaccine and for it to become fully effective, so if you’re looking to reduce your risk of getting sick or spreading COVID to loved ones, it’s crucial to give the shot a few weeks to be as protective as possible. “From a logistics standpoint, I would get boosted now,” says Dr. Jason Gallagher, a clinical professor at Temple University’s School of Pharmacy. He says there’s really no reason to delay and notes that many people will wait until the holidays get closer, at which time they may find appointments harder to get. Contact Jeremy Walter at (215) 707-7882; jeremy.walter@tuhs.temple.edu
4. ==> Should Everyone Be Screened for Anxiety?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently recommended that primary care doctors regularly screen all adults under 65 for anxiety, even those without symptoms. Psychiatrist and neuroscientist Judson Brewer can discuss the implications. “The recommendation highlights something really important, which is recognition of the importance of mental health. Anxiety is an obvious place to start because it’s the most prevalent mental health condition.” Brewer also noted that generalized anxiety disorder tends to peak at midlife, and this recommendation covers the biggest swath of the population that is affected. “Screening by itself is not so helpful,” Brewer cautions. “If you screen for something you don’t have a treatment for –– who cares?” Likewise, if the screening leads to long wait times “to see a therapist who may or may not be good,” the value of the recommendation will fall short. Brewer is the director of research and innovation at Brown University’s Mindfulness Center. He is also an associate professor at the university’s School of Public Health and the School of Medicine. Contact him at drjud@mindsciences.com; @judbrewer
5. ==> Carve Out Quality Family Time with … Pumpkins!
Get everyone involved in some Halloween fun when you bring out the pumpkins and start getting creative. Invite Patsy Fox of Pumpkin Masters to share great ways to create a Halloween tradition that brings the family together. Hear ways to get younger kids involved with stickers and paint and how to make it fun for older teens who would rather be online or out with friends. “Pumpkin crafting is a fun, hands-on activity that encourages teens to put their phone down, be a kid again for a while and connect with family. After their creations are complete, there are lots of ways to include their friends and share designs — both on and offline!” Fox has tips and tricks to make pumpkin crafting “cool” for teens as well as helpful ideas to make the most out of your pumpkin while being kind to the planet, by roasting the seeds and donating your post-Halloween pumpkins to a local farm to feed animals. Pumpkin Masters makes kits, tools and accessories for crafting Halloween pumpkins. Contact Kylee Julian at (816) 309-9091; kylee.julian@vmlyr.com
6. ==> Country Music Star on Fame, Fortune and Missed Opportunities
Johnny Rodriguez’s Latin-infused hits made him one of the most successful country artists of the ‘70s and ‘80s, with 15 consecutive Top Ten songs, including six number-one hits. His new memoir, “Desperado: A Piece of My Soul,” details his meteoric rise to fame and his plunge into personal despair, and his getting back in the saddle again. Invite him to share colorful stories about his career, starting with his arrival in Nashville with just $14 and a guitar that he carried in a plastic bag. You’ll also learn how fame came with its share of problems, including drug addiction, gambling, failed marriages, and sabotaged relationships. Johnny’s new Country/Mariachi CD “Building Bridges” includes songs written by actor and singer/songwriter Dennis Quaid and a duet with Grammy winner and friend, Tanya Tucker. Contact Pauline Vega at (661) 387-3174; pvega@rtirguests.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. ==> Is Your Job Killing You? The Surgeon General Thinks So
Last week, a new report from The Surgeon General painted a bleak picture of Americans’ work lives, pointing out that 76% of U.S. workers in a 2021 survey reported at least one symptom of a mental health condition such as anxiety and depression, and 84% of respondents reported at least one workplace factor that harmed their mental health. While the Surgeon General’s Report concluded that companies need to change the way they operate — which will take time if it happens at all — leadership expert coach Marc A. Pitman can tell your listeners how to advocate for their health right now …without losing their jobs. Marc has a master’s degree in organizational leadership and 30 years of studying leadership to his credit. He’s been featured in “Real Simple” and “SUCCESS,” and on NBC, and Fox News. Marc is the author of seven books, the latest of which is “The Surprising Gift of Doubt: Use Uncertainty to Become the Exceptional Leader You Are Meant to Be.” Contact Marc Pitman at (317) 751-1610 (SC); mpitman@rtirguests.com
9. ==> The Surprising Work Benefit That Benefits Everyone
What benefit should companies offer employees that would be a win-win for everyone? Get the surprising answer from Beverly Williams, J.D., an employment professional, arbitrator, and former HR executive. She’ll explain why paying for employees’ childcare would lead to better outcomes for children and their parents, more workplace productivity, and even lower income disparities. She believes offering a free daycare benefit to employees would be more impactful than paying off their college debt, benefitting society in many ways. Ask her: How would free daycare be paid for? Can most companies afford to do this? Would this be the end of living paycheck to paycheck? A partner at Wong Fleming PC in Princeton, N.J., specializing in labor and employment law, Williams also hosts the podcast Your Employment Matters with Beverly Williams. Her latest book is “Your GPS to Employment Success: How to Find and Succeed in the Right Job.” Contact Beverly Williams at (973) 576-5841; bwilliams@rtirguests.com
10. ==> How Inflation is Fueling More Food Deserts
Many households across the country have limited reliable access to affordable, nutritious food. And as inflation pushes food prices higher, the problem is only getting worse. Donsha Johnson and his wife, Nicole Folkes-Johnson, are the owners of Eat Right Atlanta, an affordable produce service that delivers fresh fruits and vegetables and operates pop-up markets at health systems across Atlanta and the surrounding areas. Invite them to discuss the increasing problem of food insecurity. Learn what a “food desert” is and what it’s like to live in one, the relationship between grocery store geography and food insecurity, and how inflation is affecting the growing problem. Contact Donsha and Nicole at (404) 717-2502; kimberly@bluescorpionrm.com
11. ==> 12 Questions You Should Ask Your Medical Provider
The time you spend with your physician is crucial. Along with any wellness check-up, diagnostic tests, and planned procedures, you will want to make the most of every appointment to ask key questions and ultimately keep a record of the answers. Invite retired nurse practitioner Anne McAwley-LeDuc whose career included 43 years of varied experience in the medical field, to educate audiences about making the most of any conversation with any doctor — from one’s family physician to specialists. Anne will talk about what to listen for, so your listeners can understand their doctor’s answers and know how to follow their instructions. Anne will share the 12 questions you should be asking. Among them are: why did you order that test or prescription? What can I do to improve my health? What health problem do you suspect I have? Are any of my health issues emblematic of chronic conditions? Anne McAwley-LeDuc is the author of “Personal Health Organizer.” Contact her at (860) 300-1603; AMcAwley@rtirguests.com
12. ==> One Family’s Frozen Embryo Adoption Journey
A few years ago, Nate Birt and his wife started thinking about adding another child to their family through adoption. They did their research and found what they believe is the coolest way to adopt: frozen embryo adoption. Learn how the Birts’ youngest child started her life as someone else’s frozen embryo that was implanted, carried and birthed by Nate’s wife. Their daughter is now a preschooler adored by her parents and siblings. Invite Nate to discuss what other people need to know should they be considering a similar journey or if they’re merely curious. Contact Nate Birt at (417) 221-9045; Nbirt@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Why Going Vegan Could Be Disastrous for Your Health
Plant-based eating is all-the-rage and touted as the “healthiest” but what if your genes have issues converting nutrients from plants? You could wind up with severe and catastrophic nutrient deficiencies. Take it from licensed dietitian Kristina Hess, who didn’t know her genetic profile when she went vegan 15 years ago and wound up with fractured bones and reduced bone density. Keto is all the rage too, but some people don’t feel good with this type of plan for a reason. Kristina can talk about the little-known field of nutrigenomics that can provide you with the right strategy and eating plan for your genetic blueprint, and help you optimize your health and longevity. Kristina Hess is a premier health coach and licensed dietitian-nutritionist with a functional and integrative approach. She was the co-founder of the first-of-its-kind Keto Symposium that was held in the New York tri-state area in September. Contact her at (203) 984-7989; kristinaihess@gmail.com
14. ==> Fairy Tales for Older Folks
We normally think of fairy tales as kids’ fare, but are these stories worth a second look during the second half of life? Invite Bill Randall, Andy Achenbaum and Barbara Lewis, two seventy-something gerontologists and a seventy-something psychoanalyst, to revisit the stories that previously made a profound impact on them such as fairy tales, Aesop Fables, the works of the Brothers Grimm, and parables from the Bible. They’ll share fresh insights and encourage older adults to celebrate the wisdom that lurks between the lines of their own lives. Randall, Achenbaum and Lewis spent five years collaborating on the book “Fairy Tale Wisdom: Stories for the Second Half of Life.” Contact Andy Achenbaum at (713) 516-8580; achenbaum@gmail.com
15. ==> What Was it Like to Work on the ‘Golden Girls’?
Millions of Americans love “The Golden Girls,” an iconic network television staple that featured 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