01. Vote Maximizer – There’s an App for That
02. Rural Politics: Why They Matter in 2024
03. Middle East Expert on Escalating Tensions
04. American Companies Are Shaking Up Leadership
05. It’s Fat Bear Week!
06. New Film Follows African Country Music Singers
07. Blame it on Biology: Why We Get So Mad Talking Politics
08. What Does DEI Stand For? Why Should We Care?
09. The Corruption of America’s Fourth Estate
10. Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama, U2: This Flight Attendant Met Them All
11. Why You Won’t Get Ahead by ‘Doing Your Best’
12. No Retirement Nest Egg? This Guest Can Help
13. 9 Tips to Slow Aging and Stay Healthy Longer
14. This Guest Knows What Takes Place in Spaceships
15. The Truth About Sex Addicts
1. ==> Vote Maximizer – There’s an App for That
For those who feel as if their vote doesn’t matter or wish they could do more, a new web app may help you see the election in a whole new way. Vote Maximizer is an app that allows voters to search by state, district, and ballot initiative to determine the impact you – the individual voter – can have in the 2024 election, whether by voting, volunteering, or donating to a campaign. Vote Maximizer uses the same analytics used to develop and analyze election races and applies them to help individuals see how they can play a part in the election process. The website was created by the nonpartisan, independent, non-profit Electoral Innovation Lab at Princeton University to help voters gain and maintain the power to choose their elected officials using data and mathematical reasoning. Vote Maximizer is the product of years of research by Professor Sam Wang at the Neuroscience Institute at Princeton University and grew out of his work on redistricting and political campaigns. He can explain how he came up with the idea, exactly how it works and why voters should use it. Sam Wang is a professor of neuroscience at Princeton University. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (o); (703) 400-1099 (c); johanna@jrbpr.biz or Reigan Wright at (703) 646-5188
2. ==> Rural Politics: Why They Matter in 2024
It’s become clear from recent campaign stops that the Harris/Walz campaign is making a play for rural voters and Matthew Ferrence thinks the strategy is a sound one. Ferrence, author of “I Hate It Here, Please Vote for Me: Essays on Rural Political Decay,” lives in rural Pennsylvania and self-identifies as a “rural progressive.” A few years ago, Matt ran for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, got zero DNC support, and lost in a landslide. He says it showed him how, at the time, American political narratives refused to recognize the existence and value of non-conservative rural Americans. But, he says, things have changed and having Tim Walz—himself a rural progressive—on the ticket is just one example of the growing political movement. Matthew Ferrence teaches creative writing at Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853; LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com
3.==> Middle East Expert on Escalating Tensions
Fears of a widening Middle East war continue this week after Iran launched a missile strike at Israel in retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and others. Israel vows to respond and ground troops have already been engaged. Invite Asaf Romirowsky to discuss the latest developments in the region. Asaf Romirowsky PhD is the executive director of Scholars for Peace in the Middle East (SPME). Trained as a Middle East historian he holds a PhD in Middle East and *Mediterranean Studies from King’s College London, UK and has published widely on various aspects of the Arab-Israeli conflict and American foreign policy in the Middle East, as well as on Israeli and Zionist history. Romirowsky is co-author of “Religion, Politics, and the Origins of Palestine Refugee Relief.” Contact Mark Goldman at (516) 639-0988 (call/text); markgoldman73@gmail.com
4.==> American Companies Are Shaking Up Leadership
So far this year, almost 1,500 CEOs have announced their departure. That’s the highest year-to-date total on record according to a new report released by global outplacement and business and executive coaching firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. “Companies are ushering in new leaders at an unprecedented clip. Economic uncertainty tends to drive leadership decisions and several indicators suggest not only is the labor marketing softening, but the market overall may be heading for a downturn,” says Andrew Challenger, senior vice president at the firm. “Companies are cutting costs across the board, as well as pivoting to new procedures, operations, and in some cases products, in light of new technologies. It’s an ideal time for new leaders to ascend,” he adds. He’ll discuss which industries are seeing the most exits, who is filling the new top spots, and who is leaving. “Long-time and older leaders appear to be stepping down during this period, something we haven’t seen since the pandemic,” says Challenger. Contact Colleen Madden Blumenfeld at (312) 422-5074 (o); (314) 807-1568 (c) or colleenmadden@challengergray.com
5. ==> It’s Fat Bear Week!
It’s that time of year again! Fat Bear Week is back for its 10th season. Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Preserve puts on the annual competition for its burly bears after they’ve spent the summer bulking up in preparation for winter hibernation. The public can get involved by tuning into the live webcam coverage and voting on a serios of match-ups to find the bear who “best exemplifies fatness and success.” The whole thing works a bit like March Madness with brackets and ends with the chunkiest of them all being named on October 8th. In addition to the competition, the event highlights the pristine beauty of the park. Anyone can watch the bears as they feast on a banquet of Alaska wild salmon in one of the greatest salmon runs left on earth via explore.com’s cameras. Fat Bear Week is a partnership of the National Park Service, Explore.org and the Katmai Conservancy. Contact Matt Johnson at (907) 469-1131.
6. ==> New Film Follows African Country Music Singers
“Dusty & Stones” chronicles the remarkable ride of cousins Gazi “Dusty” Simelane and Linda “Stones” Msibi, a determined duo of struggling country singers from the tiny African Kingdom of Swaziland who long for their big break. Directed by Jesse Rudoy, the award-winning documentary follows a momentous ten-day road trip through the American South where Dusty and Stones bring their music to life in a top Nashville recording studio, explore the storied locales of their favorite country songs, and excitedly engage with the culture they’ve long felt part of from afar. The film has garnered critical praise and numerous festival awards ahead of its release later this month. For interviews contact Kelly Hargraves at kelly.hargraves@firstrunfeatures.com
7. ==> Blame it on Biology: Why We Get So Mad Talking Politics
Have you ever found yourself in a full-blown fight about politics after what started as a calm conversation with a friend? How does that happen? Psychiatrist Melvyn Lurie says more is going on than you realize. Invite the author of “The Biology of Politics” to explain exactly what is happening. In plain terms, he says it’s all about basic biology; We all have certain drives that are part of our animal nature which must be met. For example, even much simpler creatures like birds have an innate drive to protect the nest. When people talk about tightening the border, he says many are operating out of a very deep drive to “protect their nest.” On the flipside, he says there’s an equally powerful drive to help the most vulnerable – one that motivates people to expand the safety net. Lurie can discuss the many hidden drives that are a fundamental part of our nature and help your audience learn how to discuss and debate politics (or anything) with family and friends without resorting to anger, rage or name-calling. Dr. Lurie is an honors graduate of Harvard Medical School. He has practiced and taught medical students at Harvard and Tufts, has served as an expert witness, managed political campaigns and even once ran for political office. Contact him at (617) 510-8474; mlurie@post.Harvard.edu
8. ==> What Does DEI Stand For? Why Should We Care?
DEI – the acronym for diversity, equity, and inclusion — has been in the news a great deal lately, especially during the presidential campaign. While many may believe that this is a new concept, and it is often surrounded by controversy, author Sara Ting claims that it is nothing new. And it’s the foundation for a healthy society. “Many people are averse to the idea of DEI, because we all have our own personal biases,” she says. “Often times, people aren’t even aware of their biases. But because we live in such a diverse society, it’s important that we acknowledge our biases and work toward inclusion – so that we can all function more harmoniously in every aspect of life.” 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.” Contact Sara Ting at (508) 715-3370; Sting@rtirguests.com
9. ==> The Corruption of America’s Fourth Estate
More and more Americans mistrust the media and Dan Luzadder says their concerns are justified. The Pulitzer prize-winning author of “The Manchurian Journalist” can share the details of a little-recognized effort by the American intelligence community to use journalists, newspapers, radio, television, magazines and book publishing to propagandize the public, both foreign and domestic, both during the Cold War – and even into the regional wars of self-interest, and into the War on Terror. He’ll identify by name the individuals, organizations, and institutions that have influenced the U.S. media for decades, shaping what the public read and believed, and creating myths that undermine historical accuracy. On you show he’ll raise and attempt to answer ominous questions about journalism’s transparency, its fealty to the truth, and how its relationship to secret intelligence interests has distorted what Americans understand about our own political environment. For the past 40 years, Dan Luzadder has worked as a reporter at local newspapers around the country and his freelance work has appeared in the “New York Times” and “New York Daily News.” He is the author of several books and is currently working on a documentary film. Contact Harlan Boll at harlan@bhbpr.com
10. ==> Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama, U2: This Flight Attendant Met Them All
During her nearly 40-year career as a flight attendant, Tania Anderson met everyone from Elizabeth Taylor and the mega rock band U2 to the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa, Britain’s Prince Philip, and five U.S. presidents! One of the most memorable people she met was South African President Nelson Mandela. “He was absolutely radiant,” she recalls. “I made my way up to the dais where he was speaking and yelled, ‘God Bless you, President Mandela!’ He leaned down and vigorously shook my hand.” Tania can share innumerable fascinating anecdotes about her high-flying life and the many memorable individuals she’s met along the way. She is the author of the memoir “On Butterflies’ Wings: An Anthology of International Escapades,” and the upcoming “Synchronicity — the Escapades Continue.” Contact Tania Anderson at (213) 513-6099; tanderson@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Why You Won’t Get Ahead by ‘Doing Your Best’
People think that doing your best is the key to success, but according to transformational speaker, educator, and businesswoman Rachel Rappaport, that attitude leads to “just getting by.” Instead, she says, “Do whatever it takes, because doing your best is not enough! It is just a well-intentioned excuse; it is a mindset that leads to feeling stuck and creates an imaginary glass ceiling.” Alternatively, doing whatever it takes will stretch your creativity, empower you, and expand your possibilities, and give you the passion that you need to succeed in business and life. Rachel is the founder of the success-coaching program MAX! She also trained with Jack Canfield, co-author of “Chicken Soup for the Soul,” and well-known motivational coach Tony Robbins. Contact Rachel Rappaport at (848) 266-5824; rrappaport@rtirguests.com
12. ==> No Retirement Nest Egg? This Guest Can Help
The largest segment of the U.S. population is rapidly approaching retirement age, yet more than half are worried they won’t have enough to retire – and 20% have no retirement savings at all. With rising inflation and a middling economy, is there any way to turn things around? Tom Loegering (pronounced “Lay-ger-ing”) reveals how baby boomers and anyone in the workforce can ensure a happy, well-funded retirement so they can enjoy their golden years. Learn how to develop “the business of you” and retire comfortably without sacrificing your goals and dreams along the way. A retired contractor and experienced speaker, Tom is the author of “Success or Failure: The Choice Is Yours,” a workbook to help anyone plan their perfect retirement. Contact him at (623) 400-8648; tloegering@rtirguests.com
13. ==> 9 Tips to Slow Aging and Stay Healthy Longer
It happens to us all and it’s happening every day: Aging. As we age, the various ways our bodies break down create our vulnerability to illness. Research now shows that stress speeds up the aging process. So along with all the other issues related to stress, it is the leading cause of most illnesses. Interview psychologist Stephen Sideroff and discover nine steps to slow the aging process to stay healthy longer and extend your healthspan. Listeners will learn how each step can help reduce chronic stress, build resilience and achieve success. Stephen Sideroff is an associate professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Rheumatology at UCLA’s Geffen School of Medicine. He is the author of “The 9 Pillars of Resilience: The Proven Path to Mastering Stress, Slow Aging and Increase Vitality.” Reach Dr. Sideroff at (213) 660-4659; ssideroff@rtirguests.com
14. ==> This Guest Knows What Takes Place in Spaceships
Alien abduction has long been the stuff of science fiction. According to author and long-time licensed hypnotherapist, Kryste Andrews, such occurrences are real. While relaxing into the hypnotic state of consciousness called theta, some of Kryste’s clients have reported interacting with life on other planets. “Thousands of people are certain they’ve been abducted by aliens,” she says. “I’ve worked with a few who have ‘beamed up’ to a space ship during our sessions and reported details about what goes on there.” Her upcoming book, “31 Conversations With An Alien,” is based on a recent client’s extraordinary life and reveals the living room chats between Kryste and an extraterrestrial named Fred. Contact Kryste Andrews at (201) 801-4551; Kandrews@rtirguests.com
15. ==> The Truth About Sex Addicts
The general belief is that sex addicts are merely selfish, amoral perverts. But according to author and marriage therapist Marsha Means, the reasons for this crippling dependence are far more complicated. “I have researched the connection between sexual addiction and attachment wounds in childhood,” she says. “I see the addict as wounded and desperately in need of healthy, secure connection.” Marsha will share how to break this addiction once and for all, and how couples can survive the pain and heartache this causes in relationships. She is the author of “Learn Empathy: Help Your Betrayed Wife Heal” and “From Betrayal Trauma to Healing & Joy: A Workbook for Partners of Sex Addicts.” Contact Marsha Means at (520) 341-6002; mmeans@rtirguests.com