01. Rittenhouse Verdict Is a Symptom of Bigger Sickness
02. Burn Pits: This Generation’s Agent Orange
03. General Recalls 30th Anniversary of Soviet Union Collapse
04. Actress Dee Wallace on Fear and Post-Pandemic Reinvention
05. Why You Should Invite Relatives You Disagree with to Dinner
06. The Greatest Thing about Gratitude
07. Celebrate Native American Heritage Month
08. How to Be a Productive Procrastinator
09. Do You Need a Booster? Or Just the Right Information?
10. Totally Ridiculous Laws Still on the Books
11. Should We Reward People Who Help the Homeless?
12. Grief Hits Hard Over the Holidays
13. Your Secret Weapon During Challenging Times
14. Meet the Expert Who Says ‘Don’t Give Up Junk Food!’
15. The Nuttiest News about Thanksgiving Travel
1. ==> Rittenhouse Verdict Is a Symptom of Bigger Sickness
Zeeshan Aleem says to some, the verdict in the Kyle Rittenhouse trial is an outrage and a brazen miscarriage of justice. But, he says, that’s probably not the best way to look at it. He explains the case was decided based on a narrow question of self-defense under a permissive law, not Rittenhouse’s ideological predilections. “Rittenhouse’s judgment regarding bringing and using his gun was catastrophic and should be condemned — and in a sane world, the basis for some form of punishment — but we can’t do that without also condemning the society in which he was able to do what he did so easily.” Zeeshan will explain how the verdict might be distasteful but isn’t unreasonable; at the very least it’s not right to read it as a stamp of approval of Rittenhouse’s behavior. He’ll discuss America’s obsession with guns and the dangers of an armed vigilante culture. Zeeshan Aleem is a political columnist and editor at MSNBC, and the publisher of a politics newsletter called What’s Left. His writing has been published in The “New York Times,” “The Guardian,” “The Atlantic,” “The Nation,” “Esquire” and many other publications. Contact him at zeeshanaleem2@gmail.com; zeeshan.aleem@nbcuni.com or @ZeeshanAleem
2. ==> Burn Pits: This Generation’s Agent Orange
After years of activism by veterans and others, the Biden administration recently announced it would increase support for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits while they were deployed overseas. Retired environmental engineer and professor of environmental health H. Patricia Hynes calls the pits this generation’s Agent Orange. She says, “The barbaric burn pits were operated on over 230 U.S. military bases across Iraq and Afghanistan during our wars there. Every kind of waste — plastics; batteries; old ordnance; asbestos; pesticide containers; tires; biomedical, chemical and nuclear waste; dead animals; human feces; body parts; and corpses — was incinerated in them in the midst of housing, work and dining facilities, with zero pollution controls.” She says tons of waste — an average of 10 pounds per soldier per day — burned in the pits, all day and all night, with base commanders temporarily shutting them down when politicians and high-ranking generals came to visit. H. Patricia Hynes’ awards include the U.S. EPA Lifetime Achievement Award and her books include “The Recurring Silent Spring.” Contact her at hphynes@gmail.com
3. ==> General Recalls 30th Anniversary of Soviet Union Collapse
December 26 marks the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Soviet Union, paving the way for a brief experiment with democracy and ultimately, leading to the rise of Vladimir Putin. Ret. Brig. Gen. Peter Zwack was a young army captain in the Soviet Union during its waning days, studying Russian at a regional university. Invite him to share his personal, eyewitness account of this remarkable period in world history. Hear how the final chapter of the Cold War ended with the hijacking of Russia’s future by rapacious financiers, pyramid schemes, and a new criminal element, setting the stage for Putin’s arrival. Zwack’s new book, “Swimming the Volga,” was written as the Soviet Union neared the end of its nearly 70-year existence. Zwack spent 34 years as a military intelligence and Eurasian foreign area officer serving in Russia, West Germany, South Korea, Kosovo, and Afghanistan. He is a Global Fellow at The Kennan Institute for Advanced Russia Studies at The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and regularly appears on CNN, PBS, MSNBC, and other major media. Contact Terri Beavers at bg.pbz.r@gmail.com
4. == > Actress Dee Wallace on Fear and the Post-Pandemic World
As we approach a hopefully post-pandemic new year, who better than the legendary Emmy-nominated actress Dee Wallace to talk about fear, the unknown and self-creation. The star of countless horror and suspense flicks including “CUJO,” “The Howling,” “The Eyes Have Eyes,” and many more can talk about the lessons she learned from her ‘Scream Queen’ roles and how she’s overcome her own fears and reinvented herself over the years. The Emmy-nominated actress is also a best-selling author and the host of a weekly call-in radio show with over 500 episodes to date. Her latest book, “Born,” addresses the realities of reinventing yourself in a post-pandemic world. Contact Harlan Boll at harlan@bhbpr.com
05. ==> Why You Should Invite Relatives You Disagree with to Dinner
Dreading dinner this week with relatives from across the political aisle? As we gather this holiday season, we might heed the advice of experts like Steven Hassan, who encourages people not to cast judgment or reprimand their loved ones who are immersed in disinformation. Hassan, a former cult member, says instead, keep them close and find common ground on other issues, as hard as that may be. He says, if you cut them off or yell at them, you simply magnify the chances that they’ll remain siloed among like-minded people. The author of “The Cult of Trump” will explain how people can get caught in a self-reinforcing echo chamber of propaganda and mind control and share ways to talk to friends, family members or colleagues who are being unduly influenced by disinformation. Steven Hassan, Ph.D., spent two years in the cult of the Unification Church of Sun Myung Moon (the “Moonies”) until his family successfully deprogrammed him. He is the founder of the Freedom of Mind Resource Center and has helped thousands of families over the past 40 years. Contact him at (617) 396-4638; mediarelations@freedomofmind.com
6. ==> The Greatest Thing about Gratitude
We’re used to thinking of everything we’re grateful for at Thanksgiving, but what about the rest of the year? Is it difficult to feel thankful all year long and can it really improve your outlook? Invite award-winning screenwriter, author, TV/film producer, journalist, and TV host Maryann Ridini Spencer to reveal why gratitude is important for personal health and well-being, improving your relationships, and how it can help support and heal you going through life’s tough times and transitions throughout the year. 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
8. == > How to Be a Productive Procrastinator
All adults know they have to perform certain tasks even though they may dread doing them (think paying taxes, buying holiday presents, or answering emails). But for some people, about one out of five, these tasks lead to a kind of paralysis in which nothing gets done causing feelings of shame and guilt. Interview Patrick Sanaghan, Ed.D., a “productive” procrastinator who has learned how to do what needs to be done and can pass that real-world advice on to your listeners. He’ll say that there are no silver bullets and the urge to put off for tomorrow what could be done today is likely to persist but we can learn to master it. His new book, “How to Be a Better Procrastinator,” contains 100 strategies to draw from. Dr. Sanaghan (the “g” is silent) heads The Sanaghan Group, an organizational consulting firm. Despite his bad habit, he earned a doctorate in education, has written 12 books and 50 academic articles. Contact him at (215) 234-1346; psanaghan@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Celebrate Native American Heritage Month
November, the same month as Thanksgiving, is also Native American Heritage Month. And it is the perfect time to consider the crucial roles Native Americans have played in America’s heritage as you explore them with the Sousan Abadian, Ph.D., a Harvard-educated scholar of indigenous cultures. For example, you’ll discover that the American Indian way of giving thanks means that you expect nothing in return. Furthermore, she’ll say that “indigenous cultures have suffered great trauma, and they can teach us how to heal.” Sousan has an independent practice, teaching, speaking and consulting internationally on leadership, innovation and culture change. Contact her at (617) 860-2785; sabadian@rtirguests.com
8. ==> How to Be a Productive Procrastinator
All adults know they have to perform certain tasks even though they may dread doing them (think paying taxes, buying holiday presents, or answering emails). But for some people, about one out of five, these tasks lead to a kind of paralysis in which nothing gets done causing feelings of shame and guilt. Interview Patrick Sanaghan, Ed.D., a “productive” procrastinator who has learned how to do what needs to be done and can pass that real-world advice on to your listeners. He’ll say that there are no silver bullets and the urge to put off for tomorrow what could be done today is likely to persist but we can learn to master it. His new book, “How to Be a Better Procrastinator,” contains 100 strategies to draw from. Dr. Sanaghan (the “g” is silent) heads The Sanaghan Group, an organizational consulting firm. Despite his bad habit, he earned a doctorate in education, has written 12 books and 50 academic articles. Contact him at (215) 234-1346; psanaghan@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Do You Need a Booster? Or Just the Right Information?
Last week the FDA cleared Moderna’s and Pfizer’s COVID-19 booster shots for all adults over 18. But do you really need one? Dr. Annalee Kitay asks, “For that matter, do you even need an MRNA shot masquerading as a vaccine? Why don’t we concentrate on what we can do to boost or build our immune systems?” Kitay will tell your audience what their doctors won’t, letting them know what they can do to enhance their innate healing powers. Annalee Kitay, D.C., has been in private practice for more than 30 years and did a post-doc in alternative medicine. She is one of the top practitioners of The Neural Organization Technique in the U.S. and teaches the hands-on technique to other doctors. A frequent guest on talk shows, she does not pull any punches. Contact Annalee Kitay at (561) 462-4733; akitay@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Totally Ridiculous Laws Still on the Books
In Gainesville, Ga., eating fried chicken with a fork is illegal. In Mississippi, public swearing will get you 30 days in the slammer. “There are a lot of outdated laws that are still on the books that can get you fined or arrested,” says award-winning author, screenwriter and former Universal Studios government affairs executive John Thibault. John can share other bizarre, often hilarious laws that are still in effect, how they came about and why. He can also discuss how average citizens can change laws, why writing to Congress is a waste of time and how to become a lobbyist to effect change in your community. He is the author of the critically acclaimed book “How to Change a Law.” Contact John at (650) 761-7564; Jthibault@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Should We Reward People Who Help the Homeless?
During the holiday season our thoughts traditionally turn to helping the homeless. Let homelessness expert and documentarian Glen Dunzweiler bring fresh inspiration to listeners who want to help but don’t know where to start. Glen says that although no one should get rich helping the homeless, no one should become poor doing so either. He says we need incentives for those who want to lend a hand to people without a support system. Glen will explain his concept of small business homelessness, how to get over the fear of making contact with the homeless, ways neighborhood watches could be turned into neighborhood help and more. Ask him: How do we set the homeless up for failure, then throw them away? Dunzweiler is an independent filmmaker, former college professor and author of two books including “A Degree In Homelessness?” He hosts the YouTube series “Difficult Questions with Glen Dunzweiler” and his documentary, “yHomeless,” can be seen on Amazon Prime. Contact Glen Dunzweiler at (702) 703-2219; GDunzweiler@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Grief Hits Hard Over the Holidays
This holiday season, many families will gather for the first time in a long while and for some, there will be fewer loved ones at the table. Whether the loss is new or old, the holiday season can be difficult for those who are grieving. Interview Meghan Smith Brooks to find out how you can manage holiday grief triggers and enjoy the reason for the season at the same time. Meghan is the author of “Unraveling Grief: A Mother’s Spiritual Journey of Healing and Discovery,” based on the murder of her adult son. A grief expert, she can offer tips and tools to move beyond surviving the impact of loss to begin thriving with meaning and purpose all year. Ask her: What can we do to manage grief, especially over the holidays? How is it possible to move forward after loss? Does the pain ever go away? Contact Meghan Smith Brooks at (816) 820-3836; unravelinggrief@gmail.com
13. ==> Your Secret Weapon During Challenging Times
Amidst the ongoing chaos in the world, many of us are feeling more anxious and uncertain about the future than ever. Best-selling author and intuition expert Kim Chestney says that turning to your inner guidance is the best way to reclaim your personal power. With so much confusion in the world, it is getting harder to be sure of our path forward,” she says. “But there is a part of you that can see from a higher perspective.” Kim is the author of “Radical Intuition: A Revolutionary Guide to Using Your Inner Power” and the founder of IntuitionLab. Contact Kim at (412) 214-9502; KChestney@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Meet the Expert Who Says ‘Don’t Give Up Junk Food!’
Who doesn’t love junk food? Yes, we know it’s bad for us and we expect experts to tell us to give it up. But that’s not what Stavros Mastrogiannis says. Rather, he says that we need to make junk food special! Bring him on your show to explain what he means by that along with the other simple habits that will allow your audience members to shed weight and live healthier lives. Also, be sure to ask Stavros about what happened when he recreated Morgan Spurlock’s experiment about eating McDonald’s food (burgers, fries, and Cokes) that became the basis of the 2004 movie “Super Size Me.” In 2011, Stavros did the same thing but unlike Spurlock, Stavros’ blood work was just as good as it had been before he spent two months working and exclusively eating at McDonald’s. He’ll tell you why this experiment proves it’s not what you eat but how you eat that matters! Stavros is the creator of the Live Your Way Thin System. Contact him at (203) 733-0109; stavros@liveyourwaythin.com
15. ==> The Nuttiest News about Thanksgiving Travel
Travel is expected to be nuts in the coming days as we gear up for what some are calling the most anticipated Thanksgiving of the century. Americans are eager to get home, but the holiday rush and wintry weather could cause flight delays and cancelations. To help travelers make the best of the situation, the folks at the American Pecan Council are offering some snacks. Executive director Alex Ott 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 bites at select airports throughout the country. U.S. travelers with a canceled flight can enter for a chance to win first-class Thanksgiving travel for five years. To learn where to find the treats and how to get in on the free flight giveaway, contact Dave Ladetto at (469) 917-6246; dladetto@webershandwick.com