01. Public Entrepreneurship – What Government Needs Now?
02. Greatest Generation vs. COVID Generation
03. And You Thought the White House Couldn’t Get Any Weirder
04. During Holiday Time, Don’t Spend Your Last Dime!
05. Why Giving Thanks is So Good
06. What Wine Goes with Turducken?
07. Just in Time for the Holidays: The Art of Pleasant Conversation
08. Would You Know What to Do If Shots Erupted?
09. Doc Shares Natural Immunity Boosters
10. National Diabetes Month: Are You at Risk for the Silent Killer?
11. Use Your Insecurities to Get Ahead
12. You’ll Want this Guy’s Life
13. A Near-Death Experience You Won’t Forget
14. Mourning Alex Trebek, Wishing Al Roker Well
15. Feel Like a Fraud? Why It May Be a Good Thing
1. ==> Public Entrepreneurship – What Government Needs Now?
As American’s look toward a new era of governing in 2021, invite Harvard Business School professor and former chief of staff to Boston’s Mayor Thomas Menino, Mitchell Weiss to discuss what he calls “possibility government” and how this public entrepreneurship could solve our most pressing local, state and federal government problems! Weiss says this new way of governing involves trying new ways of doing things and designing solutions with input from citizens to reinvigorate democracy. He’ll explain how the idea began in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings and share examples of the ways public entrepreneurship is already working like how Airbnb and Amsterdam finally came to an agreement over short-term rentals, and Singapore’s eight-week race to deploy a contact-tracing app to help rein in COVID-19. Weiss’ upcoming book is “We The Possibility: Harnessing Public Entrepreneurship to Solve Our Most Urgent Problems.” He is available for interviews in January. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com
2. ==> Greatest Generation vs. COVID Generation
Why do some Americans still refuse to wear masks and follow public health guidelines? Have we become a nation of selfish jerks? It may seem that way when compared to the Greatest Generation and the sacrifices they made during the Depression and World War II. Political historian Nicole Hemmer says, “Understanding today’s self-centered, rule-breaking, comfort-craving Americans in accurate relation with our past matters, because it reveals the problems we’re facing now reflect a failure not of American spirit but of American leadership.” She points out that the sacrifices made during WWII were very often mandatory and resented. “We can empathize with those Americans who yearned for creature comforts and chafed against restrictions,” she says. “And we can envy them, too, because while they weren’t naturally braver or more restrained or altruistic, they had something Americans today do not: a clear message about common good and shared goals.” Nicole Hemmer is an associate research scholar with the Obama Presidency Oral History project. She is co-founder and co-editor of Made by History, the historical analysis section of the Washington Post. Contact her at (212) 854-4106; nrh2102@columbia.edu
3. ==> And You Thought the White House Couldn’t Get Any Weirder
Did you know James Monroe used to enjoy swimming nude in the Potomac River? Or that doctors once held a press conference to announce Dwight Eisenhower moved his bowels? Or that Calvin Coolidge often conferred with a raccoon? Or that First Lady Florence Harding gave press interviews in her negligee? Or that George H.W. Bush took showers with his dog? Author Hal Marcovitz can talk about the many strange stories that have been circulating around the White House since John and Abigail Adams occupied the Executive Mansion, including some very odd stories about the current occupant. Marcovitz, a longtime journalist, is the author of the novel “Painting the White House,” which tells the story of an ordinary house painter who finds himself at the center of White House intrigues and misadventures. Contact him at (215) 718-6807 or hmarcovitz@aol.com
4. ==> During Holiday Time, Don’t Spend Your Last Dime!
These are difficult financial times for many. The pandemic has led to reduced work hours for some; has put many people out of work; and has led to a sense of financial angst. With the holiday season bearing down on us, Patricia Davis can talk about ways to avoid excessive holiday spending while still being generous. Filled to the brim with creative ideas, Davis will encourage listeners to substitute material gifts for gifts of their time such as running errands for friends, neighbors and family members and, where appropriate, re-gifting new unused items to others who will get more use from them. She’ll also share ways to raise cash that can be used for gifts by selling your opinions and selling items you no longer use or want on sites like Poshmark. The author of “Going Broke Is No Joke!,” Davis is an experienced guest with a B.S. from Howard University, an MBA from Stanford, an M.S. in personal financial planning from Golden Gate University, and a Diploma of Graduation from Georgetown University’s Stonier Graduate School of Banking and Finance. Contact Patricia Davis at (301) 517-6304; pdavis@rtirguests.com
5. ==> Why Giving Thanks is So Good
We contemplate our blessings on Thanksgiving Day each year, but that’s just one day in November. What about the rest of the year? Is it difficult to feel thankful all year long and can it really improve your outlook? Invite screenwriter, author, TV/film producer, journalist, and TV host Maryann Ridini Spencer to discuss why gratitude is important for personal health and wellbeing, how it improves your relationships, and ways it can help support and heal you through life’s tough times and transitions. 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. ==> What Wine Goes with Turducken?
Thanksgiving is all about the food, but there are also libations to consider. And choosing wine can be intimidating — just ask anyone who has spent too much time in the local wine shop trying to decide what to buy to please their guests, or to impress the folks on their shopping list. Give your audience their own personal wine guide, and a fun, informative romp — without the usual snobbery — through the wonderful world of wine when you invite Jim Laughren on your show. You’ll learn how to avoid the most common wine mistakes a host can make, the secret to choosing a wine gift and where to find wine bargains. Jim is the author of two short new eBooks, “The 15-Minute Guide to Red Wine” and “The 15-Minute Guide to White Wine.” He’s appeared on radio and TV around the country and is also the award-winning author of “50 Ways to Love Wine More” and “A Beer Drinker’s Guide to Knowing and Enjoying Fine Wine.” Contact Jim Laughren at (954) 317-9623; JLaughren@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Just in Time for the Holidays: The Art of Pleasant Conversation
When is the last time you had a conversation that didn’t end up feeling like a negotiation, or worse a fight? “It’s probably been a while since a simple conversation was just that,” says Ivan Obolensky. “It’s become nearly impossible not to talk about emotionally charged topics … because that’s all we’ve got!” Interview Ivan about the art of conversation during a divisive election year AND pandemic. He will show your audience how to set better boundaries around who they are talking to and what they are talking about, so that simple conversations don’t feel like negotiations that need to be won! Ask him about the four N’s of negotiating that can help conversations become a win-win! Ivan is an author and Renaissance man. His novel “Eye of the Moon” won “Best First Book (Fiction)” in the IndieReader Discovery Awards. Contact Ivan Obolensky at (818) 495-8731; IObolensky@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Would You Know What to Do If Shots Erupted?
Would you know what to do if you were in a public place and someone started shooting? Whether you’re on public transportation, at work or sitting on your front stoop, you could unwittingly find yourself in an active shooter situation. How can you and your loved ones stay safe when shots ring out? Would you be able to react, escape, find cover, seek help, or shield others? Would you notice dangers before they put anyone at risk? What actions should you always take or never take? Explore the vital answers with personal protection specialist Allen Banks, CEO of Proactive Protection Agency. He’s the developer of Active Shooter Prevention and Workplace Violence Prevention Training, plus special programs for schools and other locations. Contact him at (661) 417-0786; abanks@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Doc Shares Natural Immunity Boosters
If you are looking for a guest who is timely, unusually candid and knowledgeable, you have found her. Dr. Annalee Kitay has seldom-heard advice on how to keep your immune system boosted so that you do not fall prey to viruses. Dr. Kitay says, “With traditional medicine in a questionable state, not providing sound health care, and everything going on threatening our health, it is imperative to look at other natural choices that will boost your immune system.” She also trains other doctors in this revolutionary protocol that enables the body to achieve optimum wellness. Ask her what is The Neural Organization Technique and how does it work? What role does the brain play in immune function? How can we tap into it? How is the pandemic impacting the immune systems of people who seem well? Dr. Kitay worked with and did a radio show with the late Dr. Robert Atkins. Contact: Dr. Kitay at (561) 462-4733; akitay@rtirguests.com
10. ==> National Diabetes Month: Are You at Risk for the Silent Killer?
Did you know that more than 30 million adults have diabetes and more than 7 million don’t even know they have it? Or that one in four adults has prediabetes? With these staggering numbers, no one can afford to be diabetes illiterate, particularly during National Diabetes Month. That is why you’ll want to interview Nadia Al-Samarrie, a leading patient advocate in the diabetes community who knows this topic inside and out. Ask her: What are the biggest myths about diabetes? How did being born into a family with type-2 diabetes and being married to a type-1 diabetic affect your life? What do you wish everyone knew about diabetes? Nadia is editor-in-chief of Diabetes Health, a 400,000-circulation magazine used in hospitals, diabetes classes, and doctors’ offices. Her AskNadia column is ranked No. 1 by Google as is her DiabetesHealth.com website. Nadia is also the author of “Sugar Happy: Your Diabetes Health Guide in Achieving Your Best Blood Sugars and Letting Go of Your Diabetes Complication Fears.” She has appeared on ABC, NBC, CBS and other major cable networks. Contact her at (415) 741-3545; nalsamarrie@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Use Your Insecurities to Get Ahead
This has been a rough year and people have more insecurities than ever: do they have what it takes to replace their lost job with a new one? Are they lacking confidence in themselves and the economy? Do they even deserve the chance to aim high? Raj Grin will explain how these insecurities can be powerful assets instead of stumbling blocks. Raj started her own company because she didn’t think she was good enough for anyone else to hire her and today she heads the Open Chest Confidence Academy! A well-known media personality in Canada, Raj Girn is a serial media entrepreneur who has worked with thought leaders, celebrities, and multinational corporations. She has been featured in two coffee table books, a documentary, and a motivational book that became an international best-seller. Contact her at (647) 490-3158; Rgirn@rtirguests.com
12. ==> You’ll Want this Guy’s Life
You’ll be inspired by (and maybe a little jealous of) his Tim Winders’ ability to take off to out-of-the-way places on a whim, leaving the beaten path for something simpler and better. Tim and his wife live and work out of their 39-foot RV named Theo. They travel full time, working as they go, living an abundant life that is as far removed from “cookie-cutter” as could be. Tim went from owning seven-figure businesses and over 100 properties to bankruptcy, homelessness and having $100 in his bank account before rebounding to his current, more intentional lifestyle. He has over 25 years’ experience as a coach for business owners, executives, and leaders. He also hosts the “SeekGoCreate” podcast. Tim and his wife have enjoyed the nomadic lifestyle in New Zealand, Australia and all over North America. Available as a last-minute guest, contact him at (404) 846-4639; winders@rtirguests.com
13. ==> 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 of 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
14. ==> Mourning Alex Trebek, Wishing Al Roker Well
As the nation was processing the election results word came that Alex Trebek, iconic “Jeopardy!” host, had succumbed to pancreatic cancer while beloved TV weatherman Al Roker announced that he had an aggressive form of prostate cancer. But even with this sad news, there are lessons to be had in how Trebek lived his life since his diagnosis last year and how Roker is living his, lessons understood by Kipp Harris, who has been struck by a rare form of cancer three times. With celebrity news bringing these issues to the fore and perhaps encouraging people to go for screenings, Kipp can share what he learned from his journey. Including the importance of living fully, recognizing the many lives we touch every day, and even finding joy during chemotherapy. Kipp’s latest book is “Improbable Joy: A 3-Time Cancer Survivor’s Journey to Finding Joy in Unexpected Places.” Contact Kipp at (701) 638-4051; Kharris@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Feel Like a Fraud? Why It May Be a Good Thing
Leaders are expected to be confident, but what can you do if you’re in a leadership position and you lack confidence in your abilities? Author and leadership expert Marc Pitman says that self-doubt may actually mean you’re on the verge of greatness. Invite him to reveal the three main factors that can bring out the best leader in you. He can also share how to overcome past failures to achieve career success. His forthcoming book, “The Surprising Gift of Doubt,” provides a framework for leaders to move past feeling like a fraud and manage teams more effectively. Ask him how to overcome the feeling you’re “broken,” and why it can be dangerous to follow every new leadership system or self-help guru. Contact Marc Pitman at (317) 751-1610; mpitman@rtirguests.com