01. High Court to Rule on Abortion Drug
02. Did Ketamine Treatment Kill Matthew Perry?
03. The National Bus Crisis: Why Terminals Are Closing
04. How to Find a Job in 2024: Free Career Hotline
05. 1924 Washington Senators and the ‘Team of Destiny’
06. The True Story Behind ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’
07. Can a Holiday Proposal Bring Bad Luck to Your Marriage?
08. How to Cope With Loss at a Joyous Time
09. Enjoy the Season Without Abandoning Your Health Goals
10. Holiday Visits From Beyond the Grave
11. Holiday Strategies for Kids With Behavior Issues
12. Are You Tired of Not Being Heard?
13. How to Cultivate a Habit of Hope
14. How You Can Avoid America’s No. 1 Killer
15. We Are Raising a Generation Unable to Think
1. ==> High Court to Rule on Abortion Drug
The Supreme Court will decide this term whether to limit access to the abortion drug mifepristone, returning the polarizing issue of reproductive rights to the high court after the conservative majority overturned Roe v. Wade last year. Law professor David Cohen says that the upcoming case is more limited than the original case. “We know that the Supreme Court won’t look at the original approval of the drug in 2000,” he says. “But it could wind up rolling back some of the FDA changes that made mifepristone more available to people: expanding approval to 10 weeks, not requiring in-person dispensation, and allowing pharmacies to mail it to people.” Cohen says that would make it more difficult for people to access the drug, despite it being safe and effective –– safer than pregnancy and the most common FDA-approved drugs. David S. Cohen is a professor of law at Drexel University. His scholarship examines the intersection of constitutional law and gender. Contact him at david.s.cohen@drexel.edu; @dsc250
2. ==> Did Ketamine Treatment Kill Matthew Perry?
An autopsy report released by the Los Angeles County medical examiner attributes the death of Matthew Perry to the “acute effects” of ketamine. The “Friends” actor was undergoing medically supervised ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety and received an infusion a week and a half before he died. The medical examiner’s office determined that treatment was unrelated to his death because the drug remains in the system for just a few hours. That suggests Perry was using ketamine at home at the time of his death. “People shouldn’t be afraid to use ketamine if it’s prescribed by their physician and it’s delivered correctly in a health-care setting,” says Dr. Gerard Sanacora, director of the Yale Depression Research Program and co-director of the Yale New Haven Hospital Interventional Psychiatry Service. “I’m not a coroner or a forensic pathologist, but he had a lot of risk factors and there are a lot of potential things that could have happened,” he says. “The most important takeaway is that ketamine is not a drug to be taken at home.” Contact Dr. Gerard Sanacora at (203) 974-7535; gerard.sanacora@yale.edu
3. ==> The National Bus Crisis: Why Terminals Are Closing
Bus terminals are rapidly closing in cities across the country. Stations have closed in Houston, Philadelphia and Tampa and terminals in Chicago and Dallas are set to shut next. Joseph Schwieterman, a DePaul University professor who researches intercity bus travel, says the stations, built decades ago, are shuttering because of high operating costs, government underfunding and, surprisingly, the entrance of a hedge fund buying up Greyhound’s real estate for lucrative resale. Schwieterman says intercity bus lines like Greyhound and Megabus carry twice the number of people as Amtrak each year and three-quarters of bus riders make less than $40,000. Terminal closures unravel service and break the web of national bus routes, he says. “You’re taking mobility away from disproportionately low-income and mobility-challenged citizens who don’t have other options.” Joseph Schwieterman directs DePaul’s Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development. Contact him at (312) 362-5732; jschwiet@depaul.edu
4. ==> How to Find a Job in 2024: Free Career Hotline
Whether you’re a recent college grad or a seasoned professional trying to move into another field, finding a job can be a daunting task. To help navigate the current job market, invite Andrew Challenger, a senior vice president at the outplacement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas, Inc., to share tips for anyone looking for work now. Listeners will discover the hidden job market, how to switch industries and ways to explain a career gap. They’ll also hear how they can get free career and job-search advice during the upcoming two-day Challenger Hotline. On Dec. 26 and 27, the company will suspend normal business operations so its staff of professional job-search coaches can help callers. Contact Colleen Madden Blumenfeld at (314) 807-1568; colleenmadden@challengergray.com
5. ==> 1924 Washington Senators and the ‘Team of Destiny’
For a show that’s sure to inspire all generations of baseball fans, invite sports historian Gary Sarnoff to share the uplifting story of a team that surpassed all expectations and gave Washington fans a season to remember. He’ll take listeners back to 1924 when the Washington Senators’ team president Clark Griffith hired Bucky Harris, his 27-year-old second baseman, to manage the Senators, a decision called “Griffith’s folly.” Hear how the team was inspired by their new leader and found themselves in first place heading into the homestretch, and what happened next. Gary Sarnoff is the author of “Team of Destiny: Walter Johnson, Clark Griffith, Bucky Harris, and the 1924 Washington Senators.” Gary Sarnoff is a member of the Society for American Baseball Research and speaks frequently on baseball history throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbpr.biz or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
6. ==> The True Story Behind ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’
Based on actual events and starring Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Lily Gladstone, “Killers of the Flower Moon” deals with a little-known part of history that occurred in the 1920s after oil was discovered by members of the Osage Nation in Oklahoma. When he was a reporter with Gaylord News, a reporting project at the University of Oklahoma Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication, Jim B. North interviewed members of the Osage tribe and has great stories to tell about the events that make up the film. He can talk about the impact the oil discovery and newfound wealth had on the tribe. His new book, “Unsung Heroes Wear No Capes,” also contains some Native American removal stories. Jim has won multiple journalism awards for his human-interest storytelling and was a workshop speaker at the John Hope Franklin Symposium in Tulsa. He holds a B.A. in journalism and an M.A. in professional writing. He studied international reporting at Hebrew University. Contact Jim at (918) 809-0565; jim@jimbnorth.com
7. ==> Can a Holiday Proposal Bring Bad Luck to Your Marriage?
The majority of marriage proposals are made during the holiday season and while many people would take this as an omen of prosperity and cheer, 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 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. A 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
8. ==> How to Cope With Loss at a Joyous Time
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
9. ==> Enjoy the Season Without Abandoning Your Health Goals
The cheesy dips! The carb-loaded casseroles! The pies! The eggnog! So much of our holidays revolve around calorie-laden 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 this time of year 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
10. ==> Holiday Visits From Beyond the Grave
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
11. ==> Holiday Strategies for Kids With Behavior Issues
The holiday season can be stressful for everyone, but for families with kids who have behavior issues, this time of year can be particularly trying. From large family get-togethers to school vacation trips, there are plenty of opportunities for meltdowns, temper tantrums and uncomfortable interactions — and for parents to stress about how they reflect on them. Parenting expert Rebecah Freeling can share ways parents can try to prevent issues, strategies and tips to prepare kids for situations before you leave home, and how to deal with meltdowns in the moment. Freeling specializes in kids with problem behaviors. She’s the owner of Wits End Parenting and the author of the upcoming book “Your Rules Are Dumb: Parenting Your Strong-Willed, Oppositional or Defiant Child.” Contact her at (510) 619-5920; witsendparenting@gmail.com
12. ==> Are You 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
13. ==> How to Cultivate a Habit of Hope
With all the political turmoil and negative news Americans are subjected to it’s easy to see why some of us have lost the habit of hope. But like any healthy habit, it can be refreshed, rebooted, or acquired for the first time. Expert Edie Summers is making it her mission to teach people how to be more hopeful and shift their mindset to focus on what they can control. Ask Edie: How can we develop a habit of hope? How can focusing on small things to be grateful for reinforce that habit? What mindset shift do we need to make? Edie Summers is the author of “The Memory of Health,” a mind-body fitness instructor, a former executive, and the creator of the My Daily Well app. She has been featured in “Entrepreneur” and many podcasts. Contact her at (503) 487-0058; esummers@rtirguests.com
14. ==> How You Can Avoid America’s No. 1 Killer
Did you know that heart disease is the number one cause of death among American men and women? The good news is, it can be avoided, according to long-time nurse Allen Daugherty. “The American health-care system is designed to focus on diseases after they happen,” he says. “So we need to change our mindset to focus on prevention.” Allen can share the types of screenings, lifestyle changes and other preventative steps we can take before becoming another statistic. He has worked in the medical field for almost 50 years, first as a U.S. Air Force medic then as an RN and certified dialysis nurse. He is the author of “An Ounce of Prevention is Worth More Than You Can Imagine.” Contact Allen at (540) 712-8704; adaugherty@rtirguests.com
15. ==> We Are Raising a Generation Unable to Think
Children and teenagers today don’t have it easy. Nor do their parents. But as emotional intelligence expert Detri McGhee will tell you, one of the biggest problems with kids these days is that they are subjected to never-ending information with no filter with which to judge it. Kids need extra help, she’ll say, so they can begin to think for themselves, and parents, teachers and others who care about them can provide those resources. Detri can share how to raise a contrarian thinker (and why you’ll want to), how to teach kids the importance of the 80/20 rule, and how to raise an emotionally intelligent child. Detri runs the nonprofit Reaching for Life, Inc. which encourages reading writing, and communicating through developing advanced emotional intelligence skills. Ask her: How can parents raise kids who handle criticism well? Why is it important to build quiet times of reflection into children’s days? How does expanding emotional intelligence relate to success in life? Contact Detri McGhee at (870) 407-7523; dmcghee@rtirguests.com