01. The Truth Isn’t Enough to Fight Disinformation
02. ‘The Great Resignation’ Is ‘The Great Upgrade’ in Disguise
03. Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’
04. Thanksgiving Travel Will Be Totally Nuts!
05. PBS Host Shares Tips for a ‘Simply Delicious’ Holiday
06. ‘Tis the Season for Crooks: Biggest Holiday Scams
07. Get the Recipe for a Peaceful Holiday Meal with Kids
08. Hilarious World of Selling Luxury Homes to Celebs and Millionaires
09. How to Find the Right Job … Faster
10. He’s Proof You Shouldn’t Underestimate the Flu
11. You’re Putting Your Family’s Health at Risk by Not Doing This
12. Tea Talk: Can a Cuppa Up Your Immunity?
13. This Attorney Proves Anyone Can Overcome Extreme Adversity
14. Songwriter/Pianist Plays Christmas Music Live on Your Show
15. America’s Queen of Inspiration Says ‘It’s Your Turn Now!’
1. ==> The Truth Isn’t Enough to Fight Disinformation
It’s no secret that mis- and disinformation are a huge problem, what might be surprising though, is the scope of the issue. This week the Aspen Institute’s Commission on Information Disorder released a report with 15 steps that governments, technology companies, and others can do to help address the problem. The report notes that “in the past there was a belief that in order to fight bad information, all we need is more good information; however, in reality, merely elevating truthful content is not nearly enough to change our current course.” In some cases, promoting corrective information involving hoaxes or conspiracy theories can actually exacerbate the problem, as disinformation expert Whitney Phillips points out in her 2019 report “The Oxygen of Amplification.” Phillips can discuss whether journalists can make things worse merely by doing their jobs. We know that, in some cases, “sunlight disinfects”; exposing wrongdoers can sometimes cause them to lose their power. But in other cases, Phillips notes, it can function as a hydroponic grow light, “and it’s simply not possible to know what the long-term effect of reporting will be. By then, it might be too late to intervene, because what ended up growing turned out to be poison.” Whitney Phillips is a professor of media studies at Syracuse University. Her work focuses on media literacy, media ethics, and how information issues connect to mental health and wellness issues. Contact her at (315) 443-5137; whphilli@syr.edu
2. ==> ‘The Great Resignation’ Is ‘The Great Upgrade’ in Disguise
There’s been a lot of talk about “The Great Resignation,” in which low-paid employees are refusing to return to jobs that put their health in jeopardy during the pandemic. But according to Ida Byrd-Hill, CEO of Automation Workz, a cybersecurity reskilling and diversity consulting firm, that’s not what is going on at all. She says, “The so-called Great Resignation is really The Great Upgrade.” By that, she means that during the pandemic, low-wage earners previously fearful of technology were forced to use it to shepherd their children through a virtual learning environment. Now that the pandemic is on the wane, these same employees want to use their newfound tech skills as a path to better jobs and greater compensation. The pandemic exacerbated an American workforce caste system already sharply divided into higher- and lower-paid workers, with most African, Hispanic, Native American and women workers earning the least. Byrd-Hill says these diverse workers are now ready to learn business tech (IoT support, cybersecurity, software development and data analytics) and that companies would be wise to invest in digital reskilling if they want to win the current talent war. Ida Byrd-Hill is an economist, futurist, educator and author of “Invisible Talent Market.” She’s appeared on “Good Morning America” and numerous radio stations and podcasts. Contact her at (313) 483-2126; ida@autoworkz.org
3. ==> Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’
For many families, the holidays wouldn’t be the same without watching Frank Capra’s 1946 classic film “It’s a Wonderful Life.” But no matter how familiar the story of life in the small town of Bedford Falls is, there are plenty of things modern audiences don’t know about the film on its diamond anniversary. Invite Hollywood entertainment veteran Doug Stebleton to share fascinating facts he learned while researching his new novel, “It’s a Wonderful Time,” which transports readers back to the making of the film. The book has been praised by legendary Hollywood comedian Rich Little who called it “a satisfying, exciting ride back to post-WWII Hollywood. Jimmy Stewart’s character … reminds me how much I miss him.” Doug can answer such questions as … why was the movie a box office disappointment when it came out? What debt did it owe to a Christmas card? What illness did Jimmy Stewart face when he made the film? How did the film crew make 6,000 gallons of fake snow in a heatwave? Doug’s company owns a catalog of songs that are licensed to film and television studios and to independent productions. He has also produced several films including “Big Life,” a feature film that will be released soon. Contact Doug at (310) 497-8000; doug@ironmikeent.com
4. ==> Thanksgiving Travel Will Be Totally Nuts!
Travel is expected to be nuts in the coming days as the U.S. nears perhaps its most anticipated Thanksgiving of the century. Americans are eager to get home for the holidays but they’re worried about flight delays and cancellations. Alex Ott, executive director of the American Pecan Council says, “While we cannot get your flight out on time, we’re bringing travelers a little taste of home as they await their treasured Thanksgiving meals and moments.” As part of the group’s ‘Pecanceled’ Flights Set Right campaign, passengers with a canceled or delayed flight can get free pecan pie snack bites at select airports throughout the country. Any U.S. traveler with a canceled flight can also enter for a chance to win first-class Thanksgiving travel for five years. To find out where the treats are being handed out and how to get in on the free flight giveaway, contact Dave Ladetto at (469) 917-6246; dladetto@webershandwick.com
5. ==> PBS Host Shares Tips for a ‘Simply Delicious’ Holiday
This year’s holidays have a lot riding on them as we attempt to make up for the physical and emotional distance we have experienced as a nation. With that in mind, it is even more important to make the holidays as special as can be by inviting screenwriter, author, TV/film producer, journalist, and TV host Maryann Ridini Spencer on your program to deliver the tips that can make that happen. By following her advice, your audience will learn how to turn their homes into cozy havens, how to create fun to-do lists, be mindful of mind, body and spirit, create creative connections with loved ones and get everyone to put their electronic devices aside for a change. Maryann is the host of PBS-TV’s “Simply Delicious Living.” She is also a screenwriter, and the author of the award-winning Kate Grace Mystery books, “Lady in the Window” and “The Paradise Table.” Her work has appeared on “Hallmark Hall of Fame” (CBS-TV), the Hallmark Channel, CNN, USA, SyFy, Showtime and many other outlets. Contact Maryann Ridini Spencer at (818) 492-9135; mspencer@rtirguests.com
6. ==> ‘Tis the Season for Crooks: 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 your 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
7. ==> Get the Recipe for a Peaceful Holiday Meal with Kids
Thanksgiving is arguably the biggest “meal” holiday of the year, and nowadays more of us are opting to do away with the Thanksgiving “kids’ table.” Kids sitting through a meal is a big problem for many parents, and whether you have a kids’ table or not, if your child can’t sit still long enough to join in Thanksgiving dinner, you’re likely to stress about the situation and how it reflects on you. Parenting expert Rebecah Freeling can share ways to solve the problem. Rebecah Freeling specializes in kids with problem behaviors. She’s the owner of Wits End Parenting and the author of “Your Rules Are Dumb: How to Maintain Your Parental Authority While Creating a Partnership With Your Spirited Child.” Contact her at (510) 619-5920; witsendparenting@gmail.com
8. ==> Hilarious World of Selling Luxury Homes to Celebs and Millionaires
Selling real estate to the rich and famous can sometimes be crazy, often hilarious but never boring. Let top Realtor Valerie Fitzgerald, cohost of the new podcast “Real Estate, Real Laughs,” take your audience behind the scenes to hear some of the greatest stories never told before. While she can’t mention names, Valerie can dish on the unusual and sometimes embarrassing situations she and her peers have encountered (for example, showing a house while a naked couple were visible directly outside the window) and a whole lot more. Maybe you’ll hear about the role cats play in whether someone likes a house or not, celebrities who show up for appointments in disguise, or the fantastic perks the wealthiest potential buyers may be awarded to keep them happy. The former star of HGTV’s “Selling LA,” former Ford model and TEDx speaker, Valerie Fitzgerald is one of Coldwell Banker’s Top 10 Agents, with $3 billion in sales. She has 30,000 followers on Instagram. Her new weekly podcast proves there is a side to real estate most people don’t know about: the fun side. Contact Valerie Fitzgerald at (310) 861-3238; vfitzgerald@rtirguests.com
9. ==> How to Find the Right Job … Faster
Plenty of people are looking for jobs, from newly minted college graduates to men and women who lost their jobs during the pandemic or delayed seeking something better. Nearly everyone could benefit from the straight-shooting career advice of Beverly Williams, whose book, “Your GPS to Employment Success: How to Find and Succeed in the Right Job,” contains 125 solid tips. She can explain everything from how to motivate yourself physically, mentally and emotionally for the job search to why it isn’t always a good idea to answer every question honestly during a job interview. Beverly is an employment professional, arbitrator, and speaker, and a former HR executive in both the private and public sectors. She also hosts the podcast “Your Employment Matters” with Beverly Williams. She earned an M.P.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a J.D. from Rutgers Law School. Ask Her: How can watching ESPN or the Food Network help with your job search? What are some inconvenient truths job seekers need to hear? What can people learn from LeBron James’ career? Contact Beverly Williams at (973) 769-7823; bwilliams99@comcast.net
10. ==> He’s Proof You Shouldn’t Underestimate the Flu
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
11. ==> You’re Putting Your Family’s Health at Risk by Not Doing This
When it comes to health, people often think it’s all up to their doctors. Not so, warns Anne McAwley-LeDuc, a retired nurse practitioner (APRN), who says patients have an important role in their own medical team, a role they often shirk out of lack of awareness. Often overlooked, she’ll say, are the patient’s duties for keeping full and accurate records of medical histories, doctor visits, procedures, treatments, medications, vaccinations and more. Parents are responsible for doing so for their children and teens too. In an interview, she can share where and how you should keep and maintain those essential medical records, and the role that COVID-19 has played in making this task more important than ever. Contact Anne McAwley-LeDuc at (860) 300-1603; AMcAwley@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Tea Talk: Can a Cuppa Up Your Immunity?
The Brits do it. So do little old ladies. But is tea something that belongs in your cupboard and your 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. ==> This Attorney Proves Anyone Can Overcome Extreme Adversity
Talk to Francine Tone, and you’ll be surprised that her life turned out so successful and positive, after facing so much adversity. Today she is an accomplished attorney, author, speaker and devoted mother. But things didn’t look that way in her youth. After loss and abandonment as a child, she was molested by her adoptive father while just a little girl. She contemplated suicide nightly as a teen. She suffered a near-fatal car accident, went through a troubling divorce, got cancer and then dealt with a traumatic injury to her only son. So many times she was tempted to give up. But she did not. And she is prepared to tell others how they, too, can overcome difficulties and get their lives in order despite the worst of the worst happening. Today she says she is the luckiest girl in the world — especially as she surfs overhead waves on the North Shore of Hawaii. Among Francine’s successful projects is “What Every Good Lawyer Wants You to Know,” a best-selling book that helps laymen navigate the law. Contact her at (531) 208-1297; FTone@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Songwriter/Pianist Plays Christmas Music Live on Your Show
There’s no better way to experience the joys of the season than by inviting pianist and songwriter Dave Combs on your program to play Christmas music live! Whether he plays his instrumental composition “Happy Christmas Bells” or holiday classic songs off his “My First Christmas Album” (i.e. “Silent Night,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”), Dave will bring smiles to your audience members’ faces along with holiday spirit. In addition, Dave can talk about the power of music — even music without words — to change lives and share the inspiring story behind his most successful composition, “Rachel’s Song.” Dave Combs’ music has been played millions of times on radio, satellite, and internet streaming media. He is also the author of “Touched By the Music: How the Story and Music of Rachel’s Song Can Change Your Life.” Contact him at (336) 655-8320; dave@combsmusic.com
15. ==> America’s Queen of Inspiration Says ‘It’s Your Turn Now!’
“The New York Times” describes Rev. Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook as “Oprah and Billy Graham rolled into one” and she’s often called America’s Queen of Inspiration. Invite her on your show for a fascinating discussion about life’s chapters and how, like a book, the later chapters can often be the richest and most freeing. “Looking back, you realize that at age 20, we worry about what others think of us. At age 40, we don’t care what they think. At age 60, we discover they haven’t been thinking of us at all! It’s your turn now!” She served as President Obama’s U.S. ambassador for international religious freedom after a two-year political battle over her appointment. She previously advised President Clinton and was the first female New York City Police Department chaplain for 21 years. A civil, gender and human rights activist, Rev. Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook officiated at the funeral services for her mentor and godmother, civil rights legend, Coretta Scott King. She’s the author of more than a dozen books including her latest, “My Fabulous Fifth Chapter: It’s My Turn Now!” Contact Harlan Boll at harlan@bhbpr.com