01. Americans Blame Trump’s Actions for His COVID Infection
02. Wildfire Survivor – Living Thru Fire Season
03. Celebrate John Lennon’s 80th Birthday, Oct. 9
04. You’ve Been Booed! Better than Trick or Treating
05. A Near-Death Experience You Won’t Forget
06. Do a Show about Growing Up with Ghosts … and their Stories
07. What Your Favorite TV Commercials Can Teach You
08. October: The Eyes Have It!
09. This Neurologist Could Solve Football’s Concussion Problem
10. How the Law of Unintended Consequences Shapes Our Lives
11. Help for Homeschooling Gifted Students
12. Save 2 Lives by Adopting a Shelter Dog
13. Former Paraplegic on Disabilities Employment Awareness Month
14. A Snapshot of Modern Society and Sexual Assault
15. ‘The Great Realization’— Easing Kids’ COVID Fears Worldwide
1.==> Americans Blame Trump’s Actions for His COVID Infection
According to a new Yahoo News/YouGov Poll, a majority of registered voters think President Donald Trump could have avoided contracting COVID-19 if he had been following public health guidelines like social distancing and wearing a face mask. The poll, conducted October 2–3, finds three in five registered voters think the president underestimated the risks of the virus (59% vs 21%) that has killed more than 209,000 Americans. Psychiatrist Dr. Carol Lieberman can discuss how Americans view Trump’s illness, what his motorcade hospital spin says about his current state of mind, and what the president means when he says “I get it now” about the virus (and whether he really does!). Carole Lieberman, M.D., M.P.H., is a board-certified psychiatrist, forensic psychiatrist/expert witness and author. She has appeared on “Oprah,” the “Today” show, “Good Morning America,” CNN and other media outlets and hosts two podcasts. Her latest book is “Lions and Tigers and Terrorists, Oh My! How to Protect Your Child in a Time of Terror.” Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; (919) 377-1200 or ryan@goldmanmccormick.com
2. ==> Wildfire Survivor – Living Thru Fire Season
The Swall Meadows area of California’s Eastern Sierra Nevada region has long been the home to dry, arid land and wildfires. This year is no exception. Writer Kendra Atleework lives in the small town of Bishop, which is surrounded by fires and last week had the worst air quality in the country. Invite the author to discuss what it’s like living in 100-degree heat with windows closed and no air-conditioning, how the situation has become the new normal in the West, and why Americans should care about the increasing drought conditions in California and the impact on U.S. agricultural markets. Atleework’s new book, “Miracle Country: A Memoir,” is the story of a family’s loss — the loss of her mother at 16 — as it parallels her growing understanding of the losses experienced by her community and home as a result of years of drought and wildfires. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com
3. ==> Celebrate John Lennon’s 80th Birthday, Oct. 9
It’s hard to “Imagine” what John Lennon would be like as an 80-year-old. After all, he was only 40 when he was murdered by Mark David Chapman outside Lennon’s Manhattan apartment house 40 years ago. Whether Lennon would have been cranky or inspiring as a senior and what he might have to say about current events, we’ll never know. But there’s still plenty to talk about Lennon — namely his enduring legacy in what seems like a lifetime after his death. From baby boomers to millennials, Lennon and the Beatles remain a favorite. So why not devote a show on his birthday on Oct. 9? For proof of the Fab Four’s appeal, look no further than the Beatles’ “White Album,” which made it into the Billboard Top 10 – 50 years after its release. The Fab Four wrote this album while on retreat in Rishikesh, India, with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, founder of Transcendental Meditation (TM). Susan Shumsky is that rare insider who spent 22 years in the ashrams and six years on the personal staff of Maharishi. Her tell-all memoir, “Maharishi & Me: Seeking Enlightenment with the Beatles’ Guru,” which has received 13 prestigious book awards, reveals hidden information about Maharishi’s influence on the Beatles. Susan Shumsky has 18 books in print and has proven to be an enthralling guest during more than 1,200 media appearances. Contact her at (917) 336-7184; SShumsky@rtirguests.com
4.==> You’ve Been Booed! Better than Trick or Treating
As the Center for Disease Control warns against traditional trick-or-treating, families wonder what a socially distant Halloween will look like this year. Grocery retailer Meijer believes “Boo Bags” may be the go-to way to celebrate the season. “Boo Bags” come from the “You’ve Been Booed” Halloween trend increasing in neighborhoods in recent years. What’s that? It’s when families fill bags with a variety of Halloween goodies and leave them at neighbors’ or friends’ doors with a sign saying they’ve been “booed” and must now pass a ghostly surprise on to someone else. According to Meijer’s Shawn Sinicrope, “What makes this such a fun way to celebrate the holiday is that it teaches kids about the joys of giving on a holiday that focuses so much on receiving. It also allows families to enjoy many of the elements of traditional trick-or-treating — the joys of wandering the neighborhood together as a family — while still respecting social-distancing guidelines.” He’ll share how to get involved, where to find free printables and other fun ideas for safely celebrating the holiday. Contact Christina Fecher at christina.fecher@meijer.com; (616) 735-7968 or (616) 249-6334
5. ==> A Near-Death Experience You Won’t Forget
Sure, near-death experiences are fairly common, but Charles (Charlie) Gardner’s experience may take the cake when it comes to pathos, humor, and life lessons. Nine years ago, when he developed sepsis while recovering from the flu, Charlie spent six weeks in a coma, suffered 13 strokes and major organ failure. In the near-death experience that accompanied that ordeal, Charlie had the requisite out-of-body experience but the bright light he saw was a green disco ball! Charlie can relate what happened including how one day before his family planned to pull the plug on him his 14-year-old daughter’s words brought him back to his body. He can talk about the difference between Heaven time and Earth time, the angels he met. and why he believes he was spared to tell other people about the miracles he has experienced and serve as an example for how to appreciate the life you have even if it isn’t the one you expected. Charlie tells his inspiring story in “Always Remember This Moment.” Contact Charlie Gardner at (650) 995-5626; charlesgardner@rtirguests.com
6. ==> Do a Show about Growing Up with Ghosts … and their Stories
What’s it like growing up in family homes surrounded by ghosts 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
7. ==> What Your Favorite TV Commercials Can Teach You
Everybody loves Super Bowl commercials, but the truth is that brands and companies do their best to entertain us with commercials throughout the year, commercials that can pack some powerful lessons. Let marketing professional Steve McChesney unpack those lessons as he shares why the best commercials don’t try to sell us anything. He’ll reveal some of his favorite examples of “brilliant” ads (ask him about Barbie and Nike) and discuss yours, giving you a glimpse into the minds that came up with such winners as Mayhem for Allstate and Flo for Progressive. A former stunt man and actor, Steve McChesney has been on CBS, ABC, NBC and other large media outlets. His new book is “Rearranging Change: How You Market to an Ever-Changing World” and his podcast with the same name is available on all major channels. He is available as a last-minute guest. Contact Steve McChesney at (321) 414-2147; smcchesney@rtirguests.com
8. ==> October: The Eyes Have It!
You may think of October as the time the leaves start to fall, the air cools and Halloween works its magic. But in many ways, October is all about the eyes as we celebrate Vision Awareness Month, World Sight Day (Oct. 8) and Eye Injury Prevention Month. That’s why this month is the perfect time to have vision educator Linda Odubayo Thompson on your program to talk about ways all adults can protect their vision. An excellent guest, she can share the six biggest myths that could endanger your eyesight, why you need sunglasses on cloudy days, and what you need to know about cataracts and glaucoma. Linda knows not to take her vision for granted; she has suffered from glaucoma for more than 30 years. Contact her at (914) 944-1474; lthompson@rtirguests.com
9. ==> This Neurologist Could Solve Football’s Concussion Problem
NFL, college and high school football are under attack. All because of the high risk of concussions and the resulting health consequences. But what if there was a way to make concussions a thing of the past? Or at least a way to diagnose and treat traumatic brain injuries (TBI’s) more easily and quickly? Interview Dr. Paul Wand to hear about the “Wand Protocol” that could do all that and more. He along with other private practitioners has created ways to diagnosis and treat concussions which if put into place could save the NFL, as well as other sports where concussions happen on a regular basis. Paul Wand, M.D., P.A., has been a medical doctor for 35 years specializing in the field of Neurology and is the author of “The Concussion Cure: 3 Proven Methods to Heal Your Brain.” Contact Dr. Wand at (954) 743-5380; PWand@rtirguests.com
10. ==> How the Law of Unintended Consequences Shapes Our Lives
You’ve heard of the law of gravity, the laws of electricity and magnetism and general relativity. Each has an enormous impact on life in the universe. But Steve Mays has discovered what may be an even more powerful law — the law of unintended consequences, which he likes to think of as “a law created by God to let us silly humans know that we are not quite as smart and clever as we think we are.” On your show, Steve can look at ways unintended consequences played out in the past and continue to do so today. For example, he says Watergate was an unintended consequence of Nixon’s paranoia. Impeachment, loss of law license, thousands of dollars in settlements, and loss of control of the House and Senate were Clinton’s unintended consequences from his association with Monica. The more unintended consequences that occur as a result of a leader’s actions and the more significant they are, the clearer the signal that the leader is in trouble, Steve says. No one can completely avoid unintended consequences because none of us is that good. Ask him what leaders can do instead. 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
11. ==> Help for Homeschooling Gifted Students
How do you keep your homeschooled, gifted student interested in learning? Marilyn Wickstrom, a long-time educator, can share activities and information to help parents struggling to be their kids’ teachers. From field trips and treasure hunts to making and selling products, service projects and more, Wickstrom’s tips will keep all kids engaged, especially gifted ones, and help parents looking for ways to keep learning fun and interesting. Marilyn Wickstrom has been a teacher for more than 27 years and has been nominated for Teacher of the Year. She is the author of “A Gift is for Giving.” Contact her at (727) 771-7426; mrw228@gmail.com
12. ==> Save 2 Lives by Adopting a Shelter Dog
Most of us do not get the opportunity to save a life. But as children’s author Jean Alfieri will tell you, this month all of us can save at least two lives by adopting a shelter dog. She’ll point out that not only do you save the life of the pet you are about to adopt but you also make it possible for the shelter to have space for another pet. In addition, Jean will argue that you just might be saving your own life as having a dog can lower stress, decrease loneliness and depression, and improve your heart health. October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month so no time like the present and Jean is donating this month’s sales from her upcoming release “Zuggy the Rescue Pug — Adoption Day” to her local Humane Society. Alfieri is an avid proponent of adoption for all dogs: pure breeds, mixed breeds, young or “vintage” (her preference) who need a “fur-ever” home. During the last 15 years, she has cared for ten senior rescue dogs. Contact Jean Alfieri at (602) 397-1344; ZuggythePug@gmail.com
13. ==> Former Paraplegic Reveals Why National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month is a Time to Be Inspired
More than 55 percent of Americans between the ages of 16 and 64 who have disabilities hold down jobs, according to government figures from last year. The role that these 18.5 million people play in American businesses and the challenges they face as they do so deserve to be honored in October, for National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month, says Barry Shore, a former paraplegic and an advocate for the disabled. A successful serial entrepreneur, in 2004 Barry became a quadriplegic overnight from a rare disease. Today he’s known as the Ambassador of Joy, and although it still takes him ten minutes to get out of bed each morning, Shore has pushed himself to regain some of his functioning and inspires other people to see the disabled as individuals capable of contributing much and with greater empathy because of the limitations they face and surmount. Shore is the host of the weekly radio show-podcast “The Joy of Living.” He is the founder of the JOY of Living Institute and has been featured on CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox and in O Magazine, Forbes and many other publications. Contact him at (310) 770-4685; barry@barryshore.com
14. ==> A Snapshot of Modern Society and Sexual Assault
“Look the Other Way” is a passion project between native Michigan screenwriters Michael Mohan Joshua and Patrick Foley. Over the years, Joshua has kept editing the story into what it is today, a snapshot of modern society. With daily news of sexual assault prevalent throughout society, Joshua says, “No longer can we as a global community look the other way. Through education and communication, citizens can change the norms of ‘bad behavior.’” Michael Mohan Joshua has written several other works of fiction and poetry including “Life of a Photographer,” “Walking and Thinking in Manhattan,” “Rambling and Other Thoughts: A Collection of Modern Poetry” and “With Nobody,” Joshua’s debut screenplay which was produced into a feature film. Contact Michael Joshua at (616) 821-6520; entropy20010@aol.com
15. ==> ‘The Great Realization’— Easing Kids’ COVID Fears Worldwide
Millions of people around the globe have viewed Tomos Roberts’ touching video in which he reads his heartfelt poem “The Great Realization.” The hopeful tale for a post-COVID world became a viral sensation viewed tens of millions of times; covered by major media outlets from London’s Daily Mail to the Washington Post; and praised by celebrities including Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore and Khloé Kardashian. Tomos, a poet/filmmaker based in London, wrote the poem to provide comfort to his younger brother and sister, both 7, amidst the pandemic, and in the video, he reads it to them as a bedtime story. Invite Tomos Roberts to discuss the worldwide reaction to “The Great Realization” (which continues to inspire thousands every day), his hopes for a post-COVID 19 world, and his belief that “hindsight is 2020.” “The Great Realization” is now a beautifully illustrated children’s book to help ease kids’ anxiety about coronavirus. Contact John Angelo at john@premieretv.com
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