01. What Goes in a ‘Go Bag’?
02. Private Helicopter Pilots Help Hurricane Victims
03. FEMA Misinformation Surges On Social Media
04. What’s Happening to the Job Market?
05. International Grief Expert David Kessler
06. Will Abortion Decide the Presidential Election?
07. Diddy Video: Let’s Talk About Domestic Violence
08. Great Show for College Football Fans!
09. Ex-Pro Linebacker Credits Halloween ‘Nightmare’ for Keys to Success
10. Longtime PBS Reporter’s Search for His Father
11. The Sun Played a Role in Her Breast Cancer Battle
12. How to Work Smarter, Not Harder
13. Why Your Stress Relief Strategies Aren’t Working
14. Panic, Anxiety, Procrastination: Signs of Hidden Trauma
15. Turn Your Fear Into Fierce
1. ==> What Goes in a ‘Go Bag’?
When you’re in the path of a hurricane, it’s critical that you and your family members are ready to evacuate. And perhaps the most important thing to bring with you: a “go bag” full of emergency supplies. The contents of a family’s “go bag” could mean the difference between life or death, depending on how bad a situation becomes, according to Jonathan Sury, senior staff associate at the National Center for Disaster Preparedness (NCDP) at Columbia Climate School. “Having yourself and your family be prepared will ease the burden on our response system but also make you more mentally ready for what lies ahead,” Sury says. “Preparation is the difference between being panicked and being calm, collected and cool.” Sury can explain what to pack in your kit including basic emergency supplies and important documents, plus some items you might not think about like a paper map with two marked emergency routes. Contact Jonathan Sury at Jjs2154@columbia.edu
2. ==> Private Helicopter Pilots Help Hurricane Victims
A group of about 100 volunteer helicopter pilots is flying around 400 relief missions a day over North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Matt McSwain says the group has more than 90 helicopters registered to help out Operation Helo, which formed a week ago after the hurricane devastated parts of the state, leaving entire communities destroyed and roads to hard-hit areas cut off. Operation Helo’s goal is to quickly deliver essential supplies including diapers, food, water and insulin. The pilots also perform helicopter medical evacuations and search and rescue operations, according to the organization’s Facebook page and website. Based at an airport in Hickory, North Carolina, the group formed with the help of social media and word of mouth among the pilot community. And the public has responded yielding more than a half-million dollars in donations to pay for helicopter fuel, according to a Facebook post. Contact Operation Helo at 704-496-9022; admin@operationhelo.org
3.==> FEMA Misinformation Surges On Social Media
It’s election season, so maybe it’s no surprise that the federal response to damage in the wake of Hurricane Helene is a hot topic, especially on social media. However, some of the conspiracies, misinformation, and rumors that circulate are extraordinary. Enough so that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is addressing them directly: No, FEMA can’t seize your land if it’s “deemed unlivable” and the agency says rumors its confiscating private donations are false. It also emphasizes that despite claims to the contrary, no FEMA disaster funds have been diverted to support international efforts or border-related issues. FEMA reports federal support for survivors of Hurricane Helene has surpassed $210 million. Meantime, the agency is also pre-positioning resources to support local and state response efforts ahead of Hurricane Milton. For interviews contact FEMA’s press office at (202) 646-3272 (8 am -5 pm ET); FEMA-News-Desk@fema.dhs.gov
4.==> What’s Happening to the Job Market?
Experts say we’re at an inflection point right now where the labor market could stall or tighten. Andrew Challenger says it will take a few months for the drop in interest rates to impact employer costs, as well as consumer savings accounts. He says consumer spending is projected to increase, which may lead to more demand for workers in consumer-facing sectors. “Layoff announcements have risen over last year, and job openings are flat. Seasonal employers seem optimistic about the holiday shopping season. That said, many of those who found themselves laid off this year from high-wage, high-skill roles, will not likely fill seasonal positions,” according to Challenger, senior vice president of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. He can discuss which industries are seeing the most cuts, how many cuts are due to artificial intelligence, and what he sees happening this holiday season. Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. is a global outplacement and coaching firm. Contact Colleen Madden Blumenfeld at (312) 422-5074 (office); (314) 807-1568 (cell) or colleenmadden@challengergray.com
5. ==> International Grief Expert David Kessler
When you experience grief, your world can feel overwhelming. It can be difficult to imagine a future. You feel lost and hopeless. David Kessler is one of the world’s foremost experts on grief, loss, and navigating life’s changes. His experiences with thousands of people on the edge of life and death has taught him the secrets to living a fulfilled life, even after life’s tragedies. Invite him on your show to discuss the many ways grief affects us, how to understand your unique and personal experience with grief, and ways to work through loss, release the hurt and learn to grieve with more than pain. David’s own experience as a child witnessing a mass shooting while his mother was dying in a hospital helped him begin his journey. Since then he has taught thousands of physicians, nurses, counselors, police, and first responders about the end of life, trauma, and grief. Despite his vast knowledge, his life was turned upside down by the sudden death of his 21-year-old son. David Kessler has written six bestselling books and his advice has been featured by “The New York Times,” “Unlocking Us with Brene Brown,” NBC’s “Today,” and many other media outlets. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (o); (703) 400-1099 (c); johanna@jrbpr.biz or Reigan Wright at (703) 646-5188
6. ==> Will Abortion Decide the Presidential Election?
Women in states with draconian abortion laws are already experiencing catastrophic results. One horrifying example is 28-year-old wife and mother Amber Nicole Thurman, who died from an infection after being denied life-saving abortion care at an Atlanta hospital. Author, retired psychiatrist, and women’s rights advocate Dr. Shila Patel believes this may cost Donald Trump the race. “Politicians and anti-abortion advocates often focus solely on the unborn child, ignoring the profound impact on young girls, women, and mothers who find themselves in untenable situations,” she says. Dr. Patel highlights the trauma and mental health issues that can arise from forced pregnancies, particularly in cases of rape or incest. She also questions the lack of support for prenatal care, child rearing, and mental health services for these women and their children. She is the author of “US Fractured.” Contact Dr. Shila Patel at (229) 586-6190; spatel@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Diddy Video: Let’s Talk About Domestic Violence
The recently-leaked video of Sean “Diddy” Combs assaulting his girlfriend is sparking discussions about domestic violence and abuse. The video garnered media attention but also serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive issue of intimate partner violence. Phoenix Rose can discuss the unseen reasons women stay with those who hurt them, what domestic violence victims have in common with their abusers, why the occurrence of domestic violence spiked drastically during the pandemic, and much more. She’ll share her personal story of escaping a violent relationship and rebuilding her life, and offer real, actionable advice for people to help themselves or their loved ones do the same. Phoenix Rose is the author of “Walking in Aloha: 5 Steps to Living Your God Potential Life,” Contact her at (808) 201-2784 or prose@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Great Show for College Football Fans!
College football is in full swing and it’s a great time to book Rich Cacioppe. The author of “Black Knights and Fighting Irish” will share the surprising story about the importance of college football in our country during World War II, and the lengths colleges went to preserve this American institution and keep morale high. West Point graduate, retired Army lieutenant colonel, and Vietnam veteran Rich Cacioppe gives your audience an in-depth look at college football in the crucial 1940s, as well as the unique cultural aspects that surrounded this tumultuous time. An experienced media guest, Rich gives the answers to fascinating questions like: Why was the 1946 Army-Notre Dame game considered “The Game of the Century?” What was the shocking connection between Notre Dame and a 1951 cheating scandal at West Point? How does WWII’s impact on college football make today’s unprecedented Transfer Portal issue seem benign by comparison? Contact Rich Cacioppe at (239) 420-7460; rcacioppe@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Ex-Pro Linebacker Credits Halloween ‘Nightmare’ for Keys to Success
When best-selling author John Nicholas crashed into a house during a Halloween night car chase with police at age 16, it almost ruined his life. Desperate for direction, he discovered keys that quickly transformed him from “dumb jock” to Ivy League scholar, pro football player and successful entrepreneur. He credits something he calls Personal Convergence, a dynamic force similar to nuclear fusion, which has fueled high-impact people throughout history and can help you target and direct your life today – if you know about it. John’s upcoming book “Hit Your Bullseye!” shares how you can harness this power to achieve your ultimate life, career, business, or calling. John has appeared on ABC News, CBS News, syndicated radio, and numerous podcasts. He also wrote the popular book, “Debt-Free ASAP!” Contact him at (214) 225-9991; Jnicholas@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Longtime PBS Reporter’s Search for His Father
Listeners who recognize David Tereshchuk from his decades as a producer and correspondent for PBS may view him in a new light after hearing the personal story he is now revealing. His new memoir, “A Question of Paternity: My Life as an Unaffiliated Reporter,” focuses on his decades-long search to figure out the dark secret surrounding his birth. Invite David on your show and hear how he used all of his skills as an investigative journalist in his attempt to discover his origins. He got the police involved. And the Catholic Church. And the Red Cross. And the British military. He knocked on every door a person could knock on. Invite him to share his story and reveal what he did and didn’t find out, and what he ultimately learned from the search for his father. David Tereshchuk spent two decades with British commercial television, reporting, producing, and making documentaries, before moving to the US, where he worked for ABC, CBS, CNN, Discovery, A&E and The History Channel. Since 2012 he has been a producer and correspondent for PBS, concentrating on ethical issues. He broadcasts a weekly public radio dispatch of media criticism, The Media Beat, and writes an online column by the same name. Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853; LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com
11. ==> The Sun Played a Role in Her Breast Cancer Battle
When you think of cancer treatments, the first thing to come to mind is typically chemotherapy or radiation. However, there’s another surprising, natural treatment that may help cure this dreaded disease: Sunlight. Francisca Epale shares her amazing, inspiring story of surviving breast cancer without chemotherapy (and with plenty of sun). A certified health and life coach and the award-winning author of “How I Conquered Breast Cancer Without Chemotherapy: My Journey from a Mess to a Message” (medical disclaimer included), Francisca looked for better ways to survive cancer after five of her family members died due to chemotherapy. After being diagnosed with breast cancer herself and successfully curing it, she now shares her advice to help other women fight breast cancer whether or not they choose to undergo traditional treatments. Contact Francisca Epale at (647) 692-3886; fepale@rtirguests.com
12. ==> How to Work Smarter, Not Harder
Our society has long believed that working long hours, toiling through stress and generally busting your butt on the job are the keys to success. But according to Gerald Leonard, these are myths. “This only leads to burnout and low productivity,” he says. “Finding balance and mindfulness in your life overall are the true keys to success.” Gerald has devised tried-and-true strategies for managers and their teams to bring creativity and joy to their projects, which results in greater success for all. He can also share the future of workplace trends, as careers move more toward project-based roles. He is a certified Portfolio Management Professional and professional bass player, and author of “A Symphony of Choices,” “Workplace Jazz” and “Culture is the Bass.” Contact Gerald Leonard at (443) 703-2929; gleonard@rtirguests.com
13. Why Your Stress Relief Strategies Aren’t Working
Overcoming stress is not a new topic. But while most experts recommend strategies to avoid stress, internationally known psychologist Stephen Sideroff claims it’s best to just face it head on. “Stress is a fact of life, and it’s necessary for success,” he says. “I have discovered a holistic methodology based on 9 key pillars to help you thrive, even in the midst of overwhelming stress.” Drawing on over 40 years of experience, Stephen can share techniques to adjust the mind and body to cope with modern forms of stress, and ways to prosper with stress, rather than letting it weigh you down. Stephen is an associate professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Rheumatology at UCLA’s Geffen School of Medicine. He was the founder and former clinical director of the Stress Strategies Program of UCLA/Santa Monica Hospital and former clinical director of Moonview Treatment and Optimal Performance Center. He is the author of “The 9 Pillars of Resilience: The Proven Path to Mastering Stress, Slow Aging and Increase Vitality.” Contact Dr. Stephen at (213) 660-4659; ssideroff@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Panic, Anxiety, Procrastination: Signs of Hidden Trauma
Author, coach and therapist Lisa Morgan experienced the kind of trauma that many people could not survive. After enduring a horrific childhood which included sexual abuse, violence, and neglect, she developed multiple personality disorder (soul-fracturing) as a way to cope. Despite the odds, Lisa not only survived the trauma, she also somehow managed to thrive and now helps others facing similar circumstances. Lisa can explain how she developed her own path forward with compassion and love, and how her Freedom Body Blueprint coaching method helps others to reclaim their authentic selves. “After navigating a 20-year journey through the dark night of the soul, I draw upon all of my professional experiences in psychiatry, 20-plus years of inner-healing, and all the wisdom, insights, and know-how gained along the way to provide hope for those who suffer.” Lisa is an author, speaker, and coach with 35-plus years of experience as a Certified Life Coach and Board- Certified Music Therapist. She is the author and co-author of several books including “Against All Odds.” Contact Lisa Morgan at (314) 265-3491; lmorgan@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Turn Your Fear Into Fierce
Author and destiny coach Ariel Vox began her life in fear. She was 18-months-old when she was in a car accident with her mother, after which her mom was in a coma for months. “For the next 40 years, every major decision I made was driven by fear,” she says. “Whenever I felt threatened, my mind went blank, seeking comfort in the peace of my subconscious. It was my way of avoiding pain, but as a result, I grew up timid and unable to defend myself.” Thus, she decided to devote her life to “turning fear into fierce.” “Fear reveals our areas of self-doubt and low self-esteem. Fear and stress are our biggest allies for success.” Ariel can reveal her secrets to making fear work for us, and how she launched a business that sold for seven figures after two years. She is the author of “From Fear to Fierce: How to Turn Failure Into Success.” Contact Ariel Vox at avox@rtirguests.com