11/28/2023 RTIR Newsletter: Taboo Talk, Holiday Engagements, Self-Care for Caregivers

01. What Would a Hamas-Israel Peace Plan Entail?
02. How to Prevent Bias from Turning to Hate
03. Taboo: What Christians Don’t Talk About but Should
04. Put a Hold on That Holiday Engagement
05. Do Our Dead Relatives Visit During the Holidays?
06. When ‘Ho, Ho, Ho’ Hurts: Grief and the Holidays
07. How to Lose Weight During the Holidays
08. Before You Write That Donation Check
09. Ways to Work Smarter, Not Harder
10. Women Are Tired of Not Being Heard
11. Anger’s Hidden Role in Women’s Heart Disease
12. Rewire Your Brain to Break Negative Patterns
13. From ‘Dumb Jock’ to Ivy League Success Guru
14. How a Healing Mindset Can Change Your Life
15. Self-Care for Caregivers: 10-Minute Rituals

1. ==> What Would a Hamas-Israel Peace Plan Entail?

While the world looks on with hopes that a U.S.-brokered cease-fire between Hamas and Israel will continue, Matthew Duss of the Center for International Policy can discuss what would pave the way for a resolution to the current war. He says any agreement must end Israel’s blockade and functional imprisonment of Palestinian civilians in Gaza and deny Hamas the capability to launch attacks on Israel. But, he says, Israel’s stated goal of “ending Hamas” is unrealistic. “Hamas will endure as a political movement as long as the denial of Palestinian rights endures. It is not possible to ‘end’ Hamas, but it is possible to make Hamas irrelevant by addressing the anger and hopelessness on which it feeds.” He adds that any resolution would entail a reckoning with the mass civilian casualties on each side. He’ll also discuss how Washington must reorient its policies to reaffirm rules-based international order and end its practice of merely criticizing Israel’s deepening occupation and instead take concrete steps to stop it. Matthew Duss has been a visiting scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and a foreign policy adviser to U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont. Contact him at Duss@internationalpolicy.org

2. ==> How to Prevent Bias from Turning to Hate

The shooting of three Palestinian college students in Vermont is just the latest in an alarming rise in hate crimes since the Hamas-Israel war started in October. The Anti-Defamation League reports that incidents of anti-Semitic harassment, vandalism and assault have increased by an astounding 388%. With so much chaos and destruction going on in the world right now, is it any wonder that people are lashing out? Sara Ting says the current world climate doesn’t have to lead to hate. “I can share what each of us can do to create a more peaceful world,” she says. “I have developed a tool that takes 10 seconds or less to help cultivate a mindset to value all people equally.” Sara is a diversity and inclusion educator, speaker, consultant and the author of “Small Book with a Big Idea: 5 Minute Training to Empower You and Transform the World.” She is also the founder and president of World Unity, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to the elimination of all forms of bigotry. Contact Sara Ting at (508) 715-3370; Sting@rtirguests.com

3. ==> Taboo: What Christians Don’t Talk About but Should

Many people keep their personal struggles hidden from view and battle them silently, but pastor and author Mike Novotny says that causes isolation and loneliness and can hinder the development of relationships and a community that can provide comfort and guidance. “We should share our struggles. Talk about hard things. With other people. People who love us. People we trust,” he says. “Keeping these secrets not only leads us to feel alone, it damages our faith, witness and leadership, too. Because, when we present a facade of perfection while privately struggling, it destroys our credibility in the eyes of others.” Novotny can discuss why many churches fail to address topics like abortion, suicide, transgenderism, homosexuality, sex, pornography, race, depression, and politics — all of the things we struggle with and would rather not talk about — and how healing often begins with acknowledging and sharing our struggles. Mike Novotny is the lead speaker for Time of Grace, an independent, donor-funded global media ministry. His new book is “Taboo: Topics Christians Should be Talking About but Don’t.” Contact Jason Jones at jason@ jonesliterary.com

4. ==> Put a Hold on That Holiday Engagement

Did you know that the majority of marriage proposals are made during the holiday season? Many people would take this as an omen of prosperity and cheer, but a holiday engagement could signify some red flags in a relationship. Research psychologist, psychoanalytic therapist, and relationship therapist Dr. Frieda Birnbaum can share her perspective on the upcoming engagement season and the best ways to decipher if you and your partner are truly ready to tie the knot! Dr. Frieda is a seasoned media personality and commentator and, notably, the oldest woman in America to give birth to twins. The mother of five, her youngest sons were born when she was 60, lending her a unique perspective on issues related to parenting and the empowerment of women at any age. She’s the author of “Life Begins at 60: A New View of Motherhood, Marriage, and Reinventing Ourselves” and “What Price Power: An In-Depth Study of the Professional Woman in a Relationship.” Contact Mackenzie August at (661) 255-8283; mackenzie@steveallenmedia.com

5. ==> Do Our Dead Relatives Visit During the Holidays?

This time of year brings up a lot of memories and emotions, especially about people who are no longer with us. Many of us have dreamt about a lost loved one, felt the presence of someone who has passed on, or experienced other seemingly inexplicable messages from the dearly departed. While it’s common to chalk this up to mere nonsense, psychic medium and author June Edward claims that this is not your imagination playing tricks. “You can’t see the air you breathe, but it’s there,” she says. “It’s the same with souls that have passed on. They are standing right next to you!” June can share why we may feel our departed loved ones more often this time of year, how to communicate with them, and how this can vastly improve your life. She is the author of “All’s Fair in Love & Karma: 5 Steps to Relationship Mastery,” which has been endorsed by best-selling author John Gray. Contact June Edward at (508) 544-0189; jedward@rtirguests.com

6. ==> When “Ho, Ho, Ho” Hurts: Grief and the Holidays

The holidays hit hard when you’re grieving the loss of a loved one or have recently suffered a serious setback like the loss of a job or health issues. Unfortunately, the majority of advice for conquering the aftermath of life’s worst curveballs does not address grief at all. Frank DiMaio can help your audience recover from the big things and find ways to enjoy the holidays — and life. He developed a way to help anyone move forward from being emotionally stuck in grief. Frank’s new book is “A Promise Made, A Promise Kept: A Husband’s Journey Through Journaling to Heal the Loss of His Spouse.” Contact Frank DiMaio at (401) 205-3325; fdimaio@rtirguests.com

7. ==> How to Lose Weight During the Holidays

The pies! The egg nog! The stuffing! So much of the run-up to the holidays involves food including family favorites that just reading about them may make you think of gaining weight. But Laura Pickett — who lost 80 pounds and has kept them off — is here to tell you that you can lose weight during the holidays and do it without giving up your favorite foods. “The holidays don’t mean you have to abandon your weight-loss goals,” Laura says, and she’ll explain what you need to do to enjoy holiday foods without the guilt or excess pounds. Laura Pickett is the author of “Get Over Weight (12 Steps to Finally Win the Weight Battle and Win at Life)” and the creator of a coaching and mentoring program on the topic. She has spent more than 30 years in the ministry and made multiple appearances on TBN’s national and local network (in Atlanta), and WATV. Contact Laura Pickett at (404) 856-5781; lpickett@rtirguests.com

8. ==> Before You Write That Donation Check

It may be the season of giving, but you should know where your dollars go. Those who donate to charities that are dear to their hearts always have the best of intentions but are the funds actually making an impact? “There are more than 1.7 million public charities in our country, and many of them overlap services with others and need to compete for donor dollars and grants,” says nonprofit expert and author Michele Whetzel. “People need to do their homework before donating to organizations. Charities should be findable and transparent and should register and share their financials on sites like Guidestar.org and CharityNavigator.org.” Michele is a veteran of the nonprofit arena, founder of Your 501 Guide consulting and author of the book “So, You Want to Start a Nonprofit, Now What?” Contact Michele Whetzel at (302) 407-0513; Mwhetzel@rtirguests.com

9. ==> Ways 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

10. ==> Women Are Tired of Not Being Heard

It’s no secret that women struggle to be heard. Society teaches girls to be polite and agreeable and not make a fuss, even when a situation is challenging — or just plain wrong. If your audience is looking to reclaim their power in the workplace, at home, and beyond, you need to hear from Francesca Burack. The author of “Women Are Special: 123 Reasons Why” can share advice, tips, and encouragement to help women find, own, and use their voices with confidence. Ask her: What can women do to speak up in one-sided relationships, whether it’s at work or with family? How can women approach difficult conversations in the workplace, such as asking for raises, promotions, or benefits? An author, entrepreneur, educator, and popular speaker, Francesca Burack has been featured on major networks including ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox News. Contact her at (516) 823-4003; fburack@rtirguests.com

11. ==> Anger’s Hidden Role in Women’s Heart Disease

Heart disease is the number one killer of women. According to clinical psychologist Dr. Karyne B. Wilner, anger is one well-known factor in women’s heart disease, along with our culture’s role in suppressing it. “Anger creates stress in the body that can lead to physical and emotional health problems,” she says. She can share body-based techniques to release anger in ways that lead to greater health overall. Karyne is the author of the upcoming book “Releasing Toxic Anger for Women: Body-Based Practices to Transform Negative Thoughts, Soothe Stress, and Stay True to Yourself.” She is a leader in the field of Core Energetics and mind/health. Ask her: What is Core Energetics? What techniques can women use to overcome the toxic effects of anger? What are some tools to reduce stress? Contact Karyne Wilner at (401) 305-2278; kwilner@rtirguests.com

12. ==> Rewire Your Own Brain to Break Negative Patterns

Are you feeling stuck in an unhappy job, relationship, or other unpleasant situation? Does it seem like the circumstances will never be right for you to find the perfect partner, the perfect career, or the perfect life? Luckily, you don’t have to wait for the opportunity to come to you. Learn how to make your own opportunities for breaking free from anything that holds you back when you interview Laura Brennan Ballet. The author of “The Science of Empowerment,” Laura is an experienced life coach and frequent media guest who helps people connect with their personal power to achieve anything, simply by changing the way they think about it. She’ll show your audience not only how to think differently but to actually recalibrate their brains and reach for their dreams with intent. You’ll hear why we all become algorithms of the people around us, how to reclaim your authentic self, and how to move past disappointment and live your life with zero regrets. Contact Laura Ballet at (860) 831-4435; lballet@rtirguests.com

13. ==> From ‘Dumb Jock’ to Ivy League Success Guru

Former Ivy League scholar and pro football player John Nicholas had no plan for success at 16 when he crashed into a house during a Halloween night car chase with police. But then he discovered keys that launched him toward academic and athletic success and building sports media and real estate companies worth millions. He credits something he calls Personal Convergence, a dynamic force similar to nuclear fusion, that has fueled high-impact people throughout history and can help us target and direct our lives today. 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

14. ==> How a Healing Mindset Can Change Your Life

Science has shown that a mind-body connection exists and your emotions can impact your physical health, but how much does it actually help? Discover the real power of positive thinking when you interview Stan Munslow. After helping his father beat 30% survival odds and fully recover from Stage 4 lymphoma, Stan shares his methods for faster recovery from surgery, chronic conditions, or serious illness — and improved health overall. Discover powerful techniques to optimize your mind-body connection and reclaim your health. Ask him: How can your thoughts help you decrease pain, recovery time, and even your health-care costs? Why does being the “perfect patient” help you shorten and improve a hospital experience? Stan Munslow is the author of “Get Weller Sooner: 12 Powerful, Proven Ways to Speed and Improve Your Recovery from Illness or Surgery?” Contact him at (401) 337-7436; smunslow@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Self-Care for Caregivers: 10-Minute Rituals

There are currently over 50 million people providing unpaid care to a sick or aging loved one in the United States and studies show that at least 40% to 70% of family caregivers report symptoms of anxiety or depression — that’s a whole lot of stressed-out caregivers! As the primary caregiver for her mother with Alzheimer’s disease, Alexandra Free suffered from daily panic attacks and depression. One particularly bad day, she decided something had to change and she started putting self-care at the top of her caregiving to-do list. Alexandra can discuss the importance of self-care for caregivers and share simple 10-minute rituals she created to help caregivers (and non-caregivers) create some peace in the middle of whatever chaos life is throwing at them. Alexandra is a self-care advocate, caregiving expert, and the author of “From Zero to Zen: A Guide to Help You Thrive as a Caregiver.” Contact Alexandra Free at (310) 922-5637; lex@alexandrafree.com

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