01. Will Build Back Better Deliver?
02. Taxing Billionaires Is a Good Start
03. Could America Lose a Great Power War to China?
04. Charlottesville Trial Sets Out to Prove Words Can Hurt
05. Great Veterans Day Show: Ret. Brig. Gen. Peter Zwack
06. Prepare for a Bad Flu Season
08. Does Faking It Until You Make It Work?
07. Your Fresh-Smelling Laundry May Be Making You Sick
09. Dead Parents Haunting You? Exorcise Childhood Trauma, for Good
10. Everything You Wanted to Know about Frozen Embryos but Were Afraid to Ask
11. Why is the U.S. C-Section Rate So High?
12. Drink Your Way to Increased Immunity
13. Is It Time for a Life-Changing Pilgrimage?
14. Go from Crises to Calm in 30 Seconds or Less
15. His Simple Instrumental Song Has Changed Millions of Lives
1.==> Will Build Back Better Deliver?
Democratic lawmakers are scrambling to forge an agreement on President Biden’s Build Back Better plan to address the country’s pressing human and climate change needs. Chuck Collins and Sarah Anderson can discuss the social investments in the deal, including universal pre-K, expanded child tax credits, paid leave, and Medicare expansion, which have the potential to be the most consequential for workers, children, and seniors since the 1930s. They can also talk about the proposed tax on billionaires gaining momentum as one of the key options to pay for these vital public investments. Chuck Collins directs the Program on Inequality and the Common Good and co-edits Inequality.org at the Institute for Policy Studies. The author of “The Wealth Hoarders,” Collins made headlines this year for his work tracking the explosion of billionaire pandemic wealth. Sarah Anderson directs the Global Economy Project and co-edits Inequality.org at the Institute for Policy Studies. Anderson and Collins have just published an analysis of the billionaire tax in play on Capitol Hill. Contact Olivia Alperstein at olivia@ips-dc.org or Robert Alvarez at robert@ips-dc.org
2. ==> Taxing Billionaires Is a Good Start
Edward McCaffery says the Billionaires’ Tax Plan being floated in the Senate is an excellent first step in getting the wealthiest Americans to pay something, after a century of nothingness. He says the move isn’t some strange new beast or a “wealth tax,” potentially liable to Constitutional challenge. “The plan, however complex it may end up being in its many devilish details, rests on a surprisingly simple idea: that billionaires should pay tax on their incomes, just like tens of millions of working Americans do every year. That’s hardly radical stuff.” McCaffery would prefer a progressive spending tax, which would tax all Americans when they spend, not when they work, save, give or die. “But the morality of the moment comes down to simple math: Something is better than nothing,” he says. “A century is a long time to wait for the wealthiest persons in the history of the world to pay something to their home country.” Edward McCaffery is a professor of law, economics and political science at the University of Southern California. He is the author of “Fair Not Flat: How to Make the Tax System Better and Simpler” and founder of the People’s Tax Page. Contact him at (213) 740-2567; emccaffery@law.usc.edu
3. ==> Could America Lose a Great Power War to China?
For the first time since the Cold War, American officials are warning that the United States could lose a great power war, specifically to China. Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby says the U.S. can’t rely on its military to overwhelm an opponent, as in previous generations. He believes the country must make choices —deciding where to focus and where not to, what to do and what not to. And that failing to adopt the right strategy will result in crisis — and very possibly war and even defeat. Colby argues that with the return of great power competition, the United States will be required to reorient its defense thinking on a scale not seen since the Cold War — or risk military loss, with enormous costs to Americans’ real and concrete interests. Eldridge Colby served as the lead architect of the 2018 National Defense Strategy and is co-founder and principal of The Marathon Initiative. His new book is “The Strategy of Denial: American Defense in an Age of Great Power Conflict.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com or Briana Caywood at (703) 646-5188 (office)
4. ==> Charlottesville Trial Sets Out to Prove Words Can Hurt
A historic civil trial is underway in the federal lawsuit against the organizers of the 2017 “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. The case aims to hold two dozen leaders of white supremacist and extremist groups accountable for conspiring to commit violence at that rally. Cynthia Miller-Idriss says this type of legal action, spearheaded by the nonprofit Integrity First for America, is unusual and historic in multiple ways. “As the trial gets underway, we can expect many more impacts to come — including the potential to firmly establish the dangerous ways that coded racist and cloaked speech can threaten individuals and incite violence. Hiding hate in a meme, a joke or an innuendo doesn’t create the plausible deniability that white supremacists hoped for. On the contrary: When coded speech demonstrably incites violence, the perpetrators of that violence must be held accountable.” Cynthia Miller-Idriss is a professor in the School of Public Affairs and the School of Education at American University, where she directs the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab. Her most recent book is “Hate in the Homeland: The New Global Far Right.” Arrange interviews through the American University Communication office at (202) 885-5950; cynthia@american.edu
5. ==> Great Veterans Day Show: Ret. Brig. Gen. Peter Zwack
What will happen now that the U.S. has physically departed Afghanistan? How will major nations including the United States, Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan, India, and Turkey continue to grapple with serious Afghan-related challenges that extend beyond its borders? Ret. Brig. Gen. Peter Zwack, who served as the director of the Joint Intelligence and Operations Center in Afghanistan from 2008-2009, can discuss the forces at play in that country and the brutal history of the region while providing insight into the Afghani people and culture. Zwack’s new book, “Afghanistan Kabul Kurier,” provides an eyewitness account of the complexities of Afghanistan through a series of letters he wrote while serving as a U.S. top military intelligence officer on the ground during a particularly tumultuous period. He spent more than 34 years of U.S. military service in senior command and staff positions in Afghanistan, Germany, Kosovo, South Korea, and Moscow. He currently serves as a Wilson Center Global Fellow within the Kennan Institute and frequently discusses national security and leadership issues in the media. Contact Terri Beavers at (434) 979-7438; BG.PBZ.r@gmail.com
6. ==> Prepare for a Bad Flu Season
The CDC and American Medical Association are both warning the public about the dangerous flu season that lies just ahead, a hazard that many people, focused on COVID-19, may be underestimating. Each year, some 45 million people will come down with the flu, which is one of the top ten causes of death. That’s why everyone needs to hear the cautionary tale of Charles (Charlie) Gardner, who in 2011 came “this close” to losing his life from flu complications at age 56, the same age his great-great-grandfather was when the flu claimed his life. As a result of flu that turned into pneumonia contracted while he was on vacation, Charlie suffered 13 strokes, organ failure, and a six-week coma. His son and daughter were present when they pulled the plug on him. Yet Charlie survived. Not only with a great story that serves as a reminder to get your flu shot but also one with miracles, a near-death experience, and appreciating the life you have even if it isn’t the one you expected. Charlie tells his inspiring story in his book “Always Remember This Moment.” Contact him at (650) 995-5626; charlesgardner@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Does Faking It Until You Make It Work?
Americans are good at projecting confidence when they lack it. We’re often told to “act as if” we already have the things we need to make our dreams come true and the rest will follow. But does faking it until you make it work? According to workplace specialist Marc A. Pitman, pushing down that inner voice that tells you that you doubt yourself is a poor idea. Unlike faking it until you make it, Marc says you need to do the inner work so you can eventually trust your gut and become your best self. He’ll offer some guidance on how to do that. 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
8. ==> Your Fresh-Smelling Laundry May Be Making You Sick
Your laundry may smell like a mountain breeze or fresh meadow after washing. But those seemingly delightful aromas may be as deadly as cigarettes. “Many household products contain fragrance,” says product expert Zorica Denton. “They may contain anywhere from 100 to 1,000 chemicals. But they don’t have to be listed due to trade secret policies.” Zorica should know. She developed asthma, a gastric ulcer and other debilitating health problems as a result of working as a perfume model, and almost died. Invite her on your show and learn how to tell what’s really in household products and what consumers should steer away from. Zorica Denton founded the natural personal care products company Zorica of Malibu. She’s also the author of an upcoming book about toxic chemicals in products. Contact her at (213) 616-7904; Zdenton@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Dead Parents Haunting You? Exorcise Childhood Trauma, for Good
Adults may continue to experience the effects of a toxic parent long after that parent is dead, without even realizing it. “This may manifest as an ongoing pattern of unhealthy romantic relationships, dead-end jobs and debilitating low self-esteem,” says Arnoux Goran. His horrific childhood led Arnoux to create the “7 Steps to Reprogramming Yourself” program, which has helped countless people to overcome their childhood trauma to achieve lasting health, wealth and happiness. He is the author of three upcoming books including “The 5 Secrets of Ending Drama in Relationships,” and an online workshop. Contact Arnoux at (878) 203-8231; agoran@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Everything You Wanted to Know about Frozen Embryos but Were Afraid to Ask
How long does it take to defrost a frozen embryo? (Answer: as little as 30 seconds!) Why would someone choose frozen embryo adoption over IVF or standard adoption? (Answer: Frozen embryo adoption can be cheaper and more likely to “take.”) How many years can an embryo be frozen yet viable? (Answer: up to 27, and the number might actually be higher.) Let Nate Birt answer the questions you were afraid to ask (or didn’t know you wanted to ask) about the newest form of adoption. For example, are all frozen embryos screened for genetic issues? How costly is it to adopt this way? What is involved? Contact Nate Birt at (417) 221-9045; Nbirt@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Why is the U.S. C-Section Rate So High?
In the United States, C-sections are performed more than any other surgery and account for about 34% of all deliveries. While sometimes needed to save the lives of mothers and their babies, the risk of complications can be higher than with vaginal births. When Dr. Alan Lindemann was in his OB/GYN residency 40 years ago, the C-section rate at his hospital was about 11%. What’s happened? Dr. Lindemann can answer your questions about why this rate is so high and reveal ways mothers can avoid unnecessary surgery. He has produced a video course for women on how to navigate through their pregnancy safely and is completing the book “Pregnancy Your Way.” Contact Alan Lindemann, M.D., at (701) 399-9556; ALindemann@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Drink Your Way to Increased Immunity
The Brits do it. So do little old ladies. But is tea something that belongs in your cupboard and cup if you want to boost your immunity to flu and viruses, and feel and look your best? Listen to nutritional expert Tilak Silva and learn why you should never overlook tea when it comes to building immunity from disease and other health-zapping dangers. The inventor of CilanTea, Tilak will teach your audience how to literally drink their way to greater strength, healthier skin, more energy, fewer illnesses, and better sleep. Oh, and Tilak will also tell you what beverages are best avoided because they may depress immune systems. Ask him: What’s the best way to take advantage of tea’s benefits? What are the best times of day to drink tea? What foods go best with a cup, and what should you not pair with tea? Contact TIlak Silva at (310) 483-2785, tsilva@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Is It Time for a Life-Changing Pilgrimage?
Need help deciding on how to spend the next decades of your life? You might want to do what Cathay Reta did. After finding herself a widow at 64, Cathay took a 37-day pilgrimage to Camino de Santiago in Spain where the apostle Saint James the Great is reportedly buried. In doing so she realized that she already knew what she wanted to do but needed the courage and commitment to do it. Let Cathay describe how she went from a sense of loss to a sense of power. Cathay worked for nearly 40 years in adult literacy and shared a ministry with her husband. She is the author of “Keep Walking, Your Heart Will Catch Up: A Camino de Santiago Journey.” Ask her: Why walk so far, can’t you accomplish the same thing by meditating? What are the top three lessons you learned? Contact Cathay Reta at (626) 788-7877; cathay@cathayreta.com
14. ==> Go from Crises to Calm in 30 Seconds or Less
Even in the best of times, living with anxiety is a way of life for many people. How can someone go from an anxious state to one of peace in a matter of seconds? Interview Reiki Master and energy work expert Rhonda Harris-Choudhry to find out. Rhonda will talk about ways to use self-healing energy work she calls “Feel Good Reiki” to help people calm down so they can focus on improving their lives. Ask her: What are the connections between anxiety and adrenaline addiction? How can people identify the source of their anxiety? How can people stay calm and focused throughout the day? Rhonda is the author of “You Are Not Broken: How to Retrain Your Brain, Clean Up Your Energy and Use Emotional Shapeshifting to Raise Your Vibration and Manifest Your Desires.” Contact Rhonda Harris-Choudhry at (505) 239-7729; azjua7@gmail.com
15. ==> His Simple Instrumental Song Has Changed Millions of Lives
Dave Combs has written 120 songs and recorded 15 albums, and his music has been heard by millions around the world. But one song in particular, with a simple melody and no lyrics, has become an international standard, inspiring more than 50,000 written notes from adoring fans. On your show, Combs will reveal the tragic event behind “Rachel’s Song” and the woman for whom it’s named. You’ll also learn why the song has meant so much to so many and hear real stories of how the piece has affected people’s lives. It also changed Combs’ life. At the time he came up with his signature song, Combs was a traveling consultant for AT&T and it took him three years to move the music forward. Dave Combs’ new book is “Touched By the Music: How the Story and Music of Rachel’s Song Can Change Your Life.” Combs has been featured in the “Winston-Salem Journal,” “Spectrum News,” “Guideposts” and other media outlets. “Rachel’s Song” can be heard on Spotify, Pandora, iTunes, iHeart, YouTube and Amazon. Contact Dave Combs at (336) 655-8320; dave@combsmusic.com