01. Familiar Russian Tactic: Genocide by Starvation
02. The Contradictions of Henry Kissinger’s Legacy
03. Mystery Canine Illness Sweeping the Nation
04. The Holidays Are Expensive: Money-Saving Tips
05. A Calendar That Celebrates the Ordinary? It’s a Thing
06. Anxiety Got You Feeling Like a Grinch?
07. The Biggest Holiday Scams
08. How Holiday Music Can Heal
09. The Greatest Gift You Can Give Yourself
10. Holiday Strategies for Kids With Behavior Issues
11. We Are Raising a Generation Unable to Think
12. How to Find Hope Amid War and Disasters
13. Get Better Faster: The Secret to Boosting Your Healing Power
14. Book This Guest Before You Buy a Cruise
15. Let’s Talk About Elephants
1.==> Familiar Russian Tactic: Genocide by Starvation
As the war in Ukraine nears the two-year mark, human rights investigators have released new evidence accusing Moscow of a deliberate starvation campaign that appears to have started before the full-scale invasion. Russia-Ukraine expert Kristina Hook says it’s further proof that the war is more than an attempt to reclaim land. “For most Ukrainians, the main factor fueling their determination to fight on is the sense that Russia’s genocidal objectives leave them with no choice but to resist. Either Ukrainians defend themselves, or Ukraine itself will cease to exist.” The latest revelations come as Ukraine marks the anniversary of the Holodomor, one of Joseph Stalin’s most notorious crimes. In the early 1930s, in less than two years, an estimated four million Ukrainians died after Stalin deliberately engineered a famine. Kristina Hook, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of conflict management at Kennesaw State University’s School of Conflict Management, Peacebuilding, and Development. An anthropologist and scholar-practitioner, she is writing a book about the Ukraine-Russia war. Contact her at khook2@kennesaw.edu
2. ==> The Contradictions of Henry Kissinger’s Legacy
The death of former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger marks the end of one of the most impactful — and most controversial — careers in American politics. Loved by some and hailed as a brilliant statesman, others loathed and condemned him as a shameless war criminal. Historian Timothy Naftali says the German-born academic inspired fierce debate for decades. “There is no denying the extraordinary nature of his accomplishments. He achieved immortality in global affairs, building relationships for the United States that endure. And he leaves a legacy brimming with cautionary tales for future practitioners of American power,” he says. He can discuss Kissinger’s obsession with his legacy and how future generations should remember him. Timothy Naftali is a scholar at the Institute of Global Politics at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. He was the founding director of the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum. Contact him at tn2536@columbia.edu
3. ==> Mystery Canine Illness Sweeping the Nation
A mysterious respiratory illness is targeting dogs across the country and pet owners are desperate for answers. What is this illness and what do pet parents need to know? Dr. Carol Osbourne is available with expert research, advice, and treatment plans. While no definitive cause of the illness has been found, Dr. Carol will share some precautions owners can take like avoiding places where dogs congregate, practicing good sanitation and boosting their dog’s immunity. Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM, is an integrative veterinarian who practices functional pet medicine. She’s the author of several books and is a regular contributor to “Fox & Friends,” the “Today” show, Discovery’s Animal Planet, and “Good Day LA,” among other media outlets. Contact Mackenzie August at (661) 255-8283; mackenzie@steveallenmedia.com
4. ==> The Holidays Are Expensive: Money-Saving Tips
Many American families are living paycheck to paycheck, trying to find ways they can stretch their dollars without sacrificing their dreams. And for some, the holidays can wreak havoc with their budgets. Invite consumer and money-saving expert Andrea Woroch to share tips and tricks for saving this season so you won’t find yourself in debt come January. She has great advice on everything from decorating and gifts to creatively using gift cards and booking your holiday travel. “Book one-way flights. This allows you to find flights in and out of different airports in the same or surrounding cities and with different airlines to help you create the cheapest itinerary possible,” she says. Woroch has appeared on “Today,” “Good Morning America,” CNN and other major media and in numerous publications. Contact her at andrea@andreaworoch.com
5. ==> A Calendar That Celebrates the Ordinary? It’s a Thing
Even in our high-tech world, one can buy countless paper calendars —with themes ranging from national parks to cute animals to sexy men and women. So why would someone design calendars about everyday mundane, dull things? Find out by interviewing Grover Click, assistant vice president (the highest office) of the Dull Men’s Club (women belong also now). He created the DMC’s latest calendar, “Dull Men’s Club Calendar 2024: Unique & Quirky Passions.” He can explain that, while what the people are doing is amusing, at times hilarious, there’s a rewarding aspect to it. They are on to something. They are cheerful, content, and happy. They are not seeking glitz and glam, not constantly moving on to the next big thing. There’s Jim and Irene Leuenberger of Shawano County, Wisconsin, with their barn quilts, patterns from quilts painted on plywood and mounted on barns; and Richard Birnie and Ron Wenger of Yuma, Colorado, who run an admission-free museum for orphaned and discontinued cars (think AMC Ramblers and Chevrolet Corvairs). What they are doing provides purpose and meaning. In addition to these stories, the calendar lists 150 events and holidays that celebrate the ordinary (World Turtle Day, Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day, World Snail Racing Championships, Antique Doorknob Collectors Annual Convention). Contact Grover at (308) 874-4173 or groverclick@gmail.com
6. ==> Anxiety Got You Feeling Like a Grinch?
Regardless of your family type, the holiday season tends to create more complications and tensions than usual. But Dr. John Deloney says there are a few things you can do to make sure your time with family is filled with less stress, conflict and awkwardness — and more laughter joy, and connection. He’ll share five tips for navigating family dynamics this holiday season including setting boundaries, remembering the “why” of the event and that you can’t control everything. He’ll also remind listeners that this time of year is challenging and lonely for a lot of folks. “Don’t be shy about inviting others to spend the holidays with you too, even if you don’t know them well,” he says. “The more laughter and joy around a table, the better.” Dr. John Delony is a best-selling author and mental health expert. He hosts “The Dr. John Delony Show” and serves as co-host of “The Ramsey Show,” where he helps unpack the psychology behind finances. His books include “Own Your Past, Change Your Future,” “Redefining Anxiety,” and the upcoming “Building a Non-Anxious Life.” Contact Samantha Ellis at (615) 850-1543; samantha.ellis@ramseysolutions.com
7. ==> The Biggest Holiday Scams
Nothing can put a damper on your holiday spirit faster than getting tricked out of your hard-earned cash! This year experts say scammers are out in full force looking to fool you, steal your money and more. Invite William Francavilla to share the biggest scams this holiday season (yes, porch pirates are still stealing packages), how to spot a rip-off scheme, and who scammers target most and how they do it. From charity donations to online rip-offs and social media phishing scams, Francavilla will outline ways to make sure your information and funds don’t fall into the wrong hands. Francavilla is the author of “The Madoffs Among Us: Combat the Scammers, Con Artists and Thieves Who Are Plotting to Steal Your Money.” He’s a CFP and former senior vice president, and director of Wealth Management for Legg Mason who has extensive media experience. Contact him at (757) 870-4590; wmfrancavilla@gmail.com
8. ==> How Holiday Music Can Heal
Music is a huge part of the holiday season in every culture the world over. From Christmas carols to hymns, seasonal songs take us back in time and provoke nostalgic memories. They can also instantly affect our moods — but did you know that music can also heal? John Campbell talks about the tremendous power of music to soothe us, body and soul, during the holiday season and beyond. He’ll share examples from personal experience of Alzheimer’s and dementia sufferers responding to music along with tips and advice on choosing the best music. Hear unconventional ways to bring healing music into your life all year long, and much more. An entrepreneur and songwriter, John is the author of four books. His latest, “Beyond the Fading Memories: Guiding Words for Dementia Caregivers,” includes stories, advice, and lessons learned from six years as the primary caregiver for his mother after she was diagnosed with dementia. Contact John Campbell at (608) 975-2714; jcampbell@rtirguests.com
9. ==> The Greatest Gift You Can Give Yourself
Are you feeling stuck in an unhappy job, relationship, or other unpleasant situation? Does it seem like the circumstances will never be right for you to find the perfect partner, career, or life? Luckily, you don’t have to wait for the opportunity to come to you. Learn how to make your own opportunities for breaking free from anything that holds you back when you interview Laura Brennan Ballet. The author of “The Science of Empowerment,” Laura is an experienced life coach and frequent media guest who helps people connect with their personal power to achieve anything, simply by changing the way they think about it. She’ll not only show your audience how to think differently but actually recalibrate their brains and reach for their dreams with intent. You’ll hear why we all become algorithms of the people around us, how to reclaim your authentic self, and how to move past disappointment and live life with zero regrets. Contact Laura Ballet at (860) 831-4435; lballet@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Holiday Strategies for Kids With Behavior Issues
The holiday season can be stressful for everyone, but for families with kids who have behavior issues, this time of year can be particularly trying. From after-school parties to large family get-togethers, there are plenty of opportunities for meltdowns, temper tantrums and uncomfortable interactions and for parents to stress about how they reflect on them. Invite parenting expert Rebecah Freeling to share ways parents can try and prevent issues, strategies and tips to prepare kids for situations before you leave home, and how to deal with meltdowns in the moment. Freeling specializes in kids with problem behaviors. She’s the owner of Wits End Parenting and the author of the upcoming book “Your Rules Are Dumb: Parenting Your Strong-Willed, Oppositional or Defiant Child.” Contact her at (510) 619-5920; witsendparenting@gmail.com
11. ==> We Are Raising a Generation Unable to Think
Children and teenagers today don’t have it easy. Nor do their parents. But as emotional intelligence expert Detri McGhee will tell you, one of the biggest problems with kids these days is that they are subjected to never-ending information with no filter with which to judge it. Kids need extra help, she’ll say, so they can begin to think for themselves, and parents, teachers and others who care about them can provide those resources. Detri can share how to raise a contrarian thinker (and why you’ll want to), how to teach kids the importance of the 80/20 rule, and how to raise an emotionally intelligent child. Detri runs the nonprofit Reaching for Life, Inc. which encourages reading writing, and communicating through developing advanced emotional intelligence skills. Ask her: How can parents raise kids who handle criticism well? Why is it important to build quiet times of reflection into children’s days? How does expanding emotional intelligence relate to success in life? Contact Detri McGhee at (870) 407-7523; dmcghee@rtirguests.com
12. ==> How to Find Hope Amid War and Disasters
War and natural disasters dominate the news these days filling our screens with scenes of scorched earth, bombed-out buildings and human carnage. It’s easy to feel helpless and hopeless while looking on, but Edie Summers, an expert on building resilience, will explain how having a habit of hope can help. Invite her on your show and learn how to develop the habit and how it can also help you bounce back from your own difficulties, like divorce and job loss. Edie says, “You have much more control over how you feel than you realize.” The author of “The Memory of Health,” is a wellness coach, mind-body fitness instructor, former executive, and the creator of the My Daily Well app. She has been featured in “Entrepreneur” and many podcasts. Ask her: How can we develop a habit of hope? How can focusing on small things to be grateful for reinforce that habit? What mindset shift do we need to practice? Contact Edie Summers at (503) 487-0058; esummers@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Get Better Faster: The Secret to Boosting Your Healing Power
Science has shown that a mind-body connection exists and your emotions can impact your physical health, but how much does it actually help? Discover the real power of positive thinking when you interview Stan Munslow. After helping his father beat 30% survival odds and fully recover from Stage 4 lymphoma, Stan shares his methods for faster recovery from surgery, chronic conditions, or serious illness — and improved health overall. Discover powerful techniques to optimize your mind-body connection and reclaim your health. Ask him: How can your thoughts help you decrease pain, recovery time, and even your health-care costs? Why does being the “perfect patient” help you shorten and improve a hospital experience? Stan Munslow is the author of “Get Weller Sooner: 12 Powerful, Proven Ways to Speed and Improve Your Recovery from Illness or Surgery?” Contact him at (401) 337-7436; smunslow@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Book This Guest Before You Buy a Cruise
If you’re planning your next adventure and thinking about taking a cruise, you’ll want to hear little-known tips from travel expert Cindy Bartram. What type of cruise is best for me? What’s the best time of year to cruise? Should I buy travel insurance? Are there specific travel apps for cruising? Cindy has spent many years in the travel and cruise industry and can ensure smooth sailing on your next shipboard adventure. She’ll answer all your cruising questions from booking to boarding and share insider tips to make the most of your time on and off the ship. Cindy is a communications, media and branding specialist and the author of “How Six Women Executives Steer the Cruise Industry Today” and “Message from the Dog…Learning from Great Humans.” Contact Cindy Bertram at (219) 501-5054; cbertram@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Let’s Talk About Elephants
Elephants are very popular in modern culture, with good reason. They are majestic, lovable and highly intelligent. But according to animal/environmental welfare activist Georja Umano, pachyderms are more than just adorable. “They are crucial to the health of our environment and ecosystems, and are sadly endangered because of poaching, trophy hunting and habitat loss due to land development,” she says. Georja can share why it’s so important to protect this endangered species, and other fascinating pachyderm facts, as well as her experiences living in Kenya. She is the author of the award-winning book “Terriers in the Jungle,” and is launching a nonprofit called the Elephant Matriarch Project for Mothers and Children, the goal of which is to educate and train young underprivileged African women and girls for careers in wildlife conservation. Contact her at (213) 568-1764; gumano@rtirguests.com
Don’t see any guests or topics for your show? Search through past RTIR Newsletters and find hundreds of show ideas and possible guests at www.rtironline.com