01. Will Russia Attack Ukraine? What the Troop Massing Means
02. This Guest Set the Precedent for Holding Parents Responsible
03. Maxwell Trial: Why Nothing Will Happen to the Men
04. Inspiration from Former NFL Linebacker Keith Davis
05. The Christmas Mitzvah: A True Interfaith Holiday Story
06. Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of “It’s a Wonderful Life”
07. Don’t Let Family Estrangements Ruin the Holidays
08. The New Year’s Resolution You’ll Be Happy to Keep!
09. Totally Ridiculous Laws Still on the Books
10. Would You Try ‘Magic Mushroom’ Therapy?
11. Could Your Forgetful Spouse Have Early-Onset Alzheimer’s?
12. Science Fiction or Reality? The World of Frozen Embryos
13. Catching Up on Education after COVID
14. Why Aren’t There More Black Doctoral Candidates?
15. Why Santa Needs a Diversity Makeover
1.==> Will Russia Attack Ukraine? What the Troop Massing Means
Russia’s positioning of over 100,000 troops along the Ukrainian border has the world wondering what Vladimir Putin is up to. Is he planning an invasion or merely flexing his muscles? At a time when Ukrainian and Russian troops are as close as 50 yards from each other, retired Brig. Gen. Peter Zwack, who spent two years as the United States senior defense official and attaché to the Russian Federation including the recent 2014 Russia-Ukraine crisis, can share whether the Russians have boxed themselves into a precipice of their own doing. Zwack recently appeared on the international Russian-language TV network RTVI on this topic. He’ll share why the current troop numbers at the border are formidable but not enough for a full Ukraine-wide operation, and whether the Putin regime oligarchs and moneyed interests would be willing to endure the sanctions and other fallout that would likely occur should an invasion take place. Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Peter Zwack currently serves as a Wilson Center Global Fellow within the Kennan Institute and frequently discusses national security and leadership issues in the media. Among his books is “Swimming the Volga.” Contact Terri Beavers at (434) 979-7438; BG.PBZ.r@gmail.com
2. ==> This Guest Set the Precedent for Holding Parents Responsible
The parents of the Michigan school shooter have been arrested for their role in the deadly tragedy that killed four last week, and while rarely used, legal experts say the charges are likely to stick. Discuss the issue with Mark Simon. When he was a teen in 1980, he was terrorized by a group of bullies who attacked his entire family in the front yard. Simon fought back in court and became the first person in the country to successfully use a law holding parents legally responsible for the violent actions of their kids. The author of “Attacked!” can discuss his precedent-setting case, what it takes to successfully try a case against parents, and how the laws can vary from state to state. Mark Simon has done over 100 radio and TV interviews. He’s a writer, story artist and producer/director for live-action and animation. Contact him at (321) 217-1254; marksimonbooks@yahoo.com
3. ==> Maxwell Trial: Why Nothing Will Happen to the Men
Testimony continues in the trial of Ghislaine Maxwell who is accused of procuring girls as young as 12 to have sex with billionaire Jeffrey Epstein. Lee Lakeman notes that the powerful and wealthy men who are also complicit in the sexual assaults will likely never be held accountable. “It’s not an accident that a woman is getting charged while all of these men are not. Part of the dynamic here is how prostitution has become normalized in our society,” she says. Lakeman, a writer, feminist and activist with the Vancouver Rape Relief & Women’s Shelter, says the case also reveals a tremendous level of corruption and anti-democratic functioning at work, noting the lack of serious investigation of Epstein’s death. Contact Lee Lakeman at leelakeman@shaw.ca
4.==> Inspiration from Former NFL Linebacker Keith Davis
Back in the late 1980s, Keith Davis was living the dream: he was signed to play professional football for the New York Giants until a knee injury abruptly ended his career but led to a new one. Davis, who has appeared on ESPN and ABC and in “USA Today” and “Sports Illustrated,” has overcome tremendous obstacles. The former NFL linebacker, Rose Bowl champion, and USC graduate surmounted reading difficulties to obtain a degree in business finance and before that, the loss of his father to drug addiction and suicide and a mother who suffered from addiction and abusive relationships. Davis uses all of his life experiences to inspire others to rise above their challenging circumstances. Contact Peggi Merkey at (281) 346-9528; pmerkey@rtirguests.com
5. ==> The Christmas Mitzvah: A True Interfaith Holiday Story
Invite author Jeff Gottesfeld to share the inspiring true story of the late Al Rosen of Milwaukee, a fiercely Jewish man who loved Christmas and his Christian neighbors and volunteered to do their jobs on Christmas Eve so that they could have the holiday with their families. In time, he sparked a movement, and his Christmas mitzvahs went on for decades and he became a local legend until his death in 1998. Gottesfeld stresses that Rosen did the jobs, not of the rich and famous, but “all the folks easy to dismiss in a world that mistakes wealth for worth.” He says Rosen never sought fame or acclaim, just the joy of being good to others. Gottesfeld speaks to schools about the inspiring story. He’s the author of “The Christmas Mitzvah,” a perfect holiday read-aloud book for families. Contact Jenny Kefauver at (703) 850-3533; jkpublicrelationsdc.com
6. ==> Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of “It’s a Wonderful Life”
For many families, the holidays would not 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 do not 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 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
7. ==> Don’t Let Family Estrangements Ruin the Holidays
Many people admit to being estranged from siblings, spouses, parents, children, and in-laws. For those folks, the holidays present extra challenges. What can families do to experience the forgiveness and peace promised by the season? Discuss estrangement’s effect on family dynamics with author and educator Peter Colman, Ph.D., whose book, “The Prodigal Father: A Son’s Hope-Filled Story of Love, Reconciliation and Redemption,” explores how fragile family relationships can be. Many listeners are sure to identify with this topic and be moved to better enjoy the holiday season. Ask him: Why do closely related people drift apart? How can family healing begin? What is so sacred about the bond between father and son? How do the effects and memories of wartime service impact family relationships, especially at holiday time? What is so powerful about saying you’re sorry? Contact Judith Colman at (847) 912-4481; jcolman@rtirguests.com
8. ==> The New Year’s Resolution You’ll Be Happy to Keep!
Ever wondered how to easily learn more about wine? Or how to enjoy and appreciate wine more than you already do? Let Jim Laughren, CWE (certified wine educator) show your audience how. Jim is one of the most interesting, and least intimidating, wine experts available. A veteran of TV and radio, Jim knows how to make listeners glad they tuned in. The author of “50 Ways to Love Wine More” as well as “A Beer Drinker’s Guide to Knowing & Enjoying Fine Wine” and eBooks “The 15 Minute Guide to Red Wine and “The 15 Minute Guide to White Wine,” Jim consistently provides insight and enjoyment to anyone interested in knowing more about wine, especially for the New Year! He’ll share interesting, little-known facts about wine and explain how to end “wine intimidation.” You’ll find out the most important thing to know about wine lists and whether 2022 will be a good year for wine! Contact Jim Laughren at (954) 317 9623; JLaughren@rtirguests.com
9. ==> 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 actually 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
10. ==> Would You Try ‘Magic Mushroom’ Therapy?
While still prohibited by law, some once-considered “bad boys” of the drug culture (LSD, Psilocybin, MDMA), are now being seriously studied by science and found to be not only completely non-addictive, but more effective in the relief of anxiety, addiction, and depression than any known or traditional treatment. Sparrow Hart is available for interview on this timely topic, having studied the variety of ways to alter and change consciousness for decades. He can discuss both the incredible promise of psychedelics as well as potential pitfalls for their misuse in an addictive and distraction-seeking culture. Ask him: does he see psychedelics as having a broader impact than just improving a few individuals’ personal happiness? He has studied with Native Americans, taught courses on shamanism, and led vision quests for three decades. Is there any commonality between these processes that alter consciousness, for example between a vision quest and a psychedelic journey? Sparrow’s varied career includes being a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Stanford, a brief stint working in a slaughterhouse, adventures in the Amazon, and over 30 years of leading workshops on shamanism, conscious dreaming, and vision quests in nature. He is the author of several books including “Letters to the River: A Guide to a Dream Worth Living.” Contact Sparrow Hart at (801) 516-0740; SHart@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Could Your Forgetful Spouse Have Early-Onset Alzheimer’s?
It’s one thing to overlook paying a bill, or to misplace your keys, or to be unable to remember a stranger’s name. It’s another thing to become so forgetful that you can’t complete a task you have done a thousand times. Or to forget how to find your way home. When such things happen, especially to a loved one who isn’t even 60, you may wonder if it’s early-onset Alzheimer’s, which can strike as early as 30. Discover more about the disease and how to spot its symptoms when you interview Carlen Maddux. A former reporter who chronicled his family’s 17-year Alzheimer’s journey in the award-winning book “A Path Revealed,” Carlen is determined to help others with information and been-there advice. His wife, Martha, was just past her 50th birthday when diagnosed. Carlen will discuss his family experiences, and what it was like to become his wife’s caregiver. Highly articulate, Carlen has done dozens of media interviews. Contact Carlen Maddux at (727) 351-8321; CMaddux@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Science Fiction or Reality? Dive into the World of Frozen Embryos
What could be cooler than doing a show on frozen embryos? How is it possible that embryos that have been frozen for as long as 27 years can be defrosted and implanted in a woman’s uterus to produce a healthy baby? What sounds like science fiction is happening more and more, and Nate Birt can fill you in on the exciting details. This topic is personal for Birt, the father of a toddler who began life as another couple’s frozen embryo adopted by Birt and his wife, who carried the embryo to term. The author of “Frozen, But Not Forgotten: An Adoptive Dad’s Step-by-Step Guide to Embryo Adoption,” Birt can talk about the frozen embryo adoption journey, the controversies that exist with unclaimed embryos, and much more. Contact Nate Birt at (417) 221-9045; Nbirt@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Catching Up on Education after COVID
The pandemic has caused students to be behind in school. Long-time educator Lori Lynn Ahrends claims that the pressure to catch up is taking a tremendous toll on students. “If we aren’t careful about what we say, we run the risk of children feeling ‘less than.’ insecure, and turning off to school altogether,” she says. Lori Lynn suggests that we should treat learning as a journey, not a destination. She is an award-winning educator and international speaker with a master’s in education; a singer/songwriter; creator of the Overall Buddies early childhood learning program; and author of the children’s book “I’m a Pig.” Contact Lori Lynn at (402) 235-4292; lahrends@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Why Aren’t There More Black Doctoral Candidates?
According to the National Science Foundation, African American doctoral candidates averaged a modest 5.4 percent during the last 20 years. According to Dr. Dorothy Kegler, Ed.D., the divide is cultural. “African Americans are exposed to sports and entertainment and other quick-money fields, not higher education,” she says. “There are also fewer African American doctors and lawyers because they aren’t exposed to these fields early enough in life.” The youngest of 10 children, Dorothy overcame a learning difficulty to earn a doctorate in higher education administration from Alliant International University in San Diego. She is the author of three books. Contact Dr. Dorothy at (619) 679-9627; dkegler@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Why Santa Needs a Diversity Makeover
Yvonne Vissing says it’s time to transform Santa to fit the needs of today’s children. The pediatric sociologist and “santaologist” suggests making the jolly one diverse and multicultural, female as well as male, faith inclusive and representative of any race or nationality! Furthermore, she’ll say, Santa needs to inspire creativity and goodness while bringing families and communities together in a spirit of lovingkindness that anyone, anywhere can share. By focusing on Santa’s spirit, she’ll say, Santa won’t cost anyone money, parents won’t have to lie about him and groups won’t have to fight over him. Yvonne Vissing, Ph.D., a professor at Salem State University, knows Santa has always been a product of social construction. Her new five-book Santa Spirit series proves Santa isn’t just for kids; he’s been created by adults for adults! Contact Yvonne Vissing at (603) 275-5218; yvissing@gmail.com