01. Repercussions of South African Travel Bans
02. Expect Big Changes to America’s Abortion Laws
03. Inside the Fast-Food Season of Rebellion
04. Former NFL Player on Overcoming Obstacles
05. How American Presidents Shaped the Last Century
06. ‘The Great Resignation’ Is ‘The Great Upgrade’ in Disguise
07. No Business Plan Needed: Pitch Your Small Biz Idea to This Expert
08. Totally Ridiculous Laws Still on the Books
09. Why Your Laundry Detergent May Be as Bad for You as Smoking
10. What’s a Good Gift for Grandma? (Not Slippers)
11. More than Money: The Secret to Joyous Wealth
12. What this Colonel Knows Can Help You Conquer Stress
13. This Guest Says You Wrote the Book on Your Life, Before Birth
14. Are You a Carrier of the ‘Trauma Virus?’
15. Meet the World’s Most Effective Procrastinator
1.==> Repercussions of South African Travel Bans
New travel bans to stop the spread of the Omicron COVID variant are a brutal blow to Southern African economies and morale and many Southern African leaders, from government to media to the medical community, are angry. Michelle Gavin explains how African states were urged to trust in a global vaccine distribution system that was crippled by the capacity of rich states to cut individual deals that guaranteed their supplies and left little for others. Now, many feel that an act of global solidarity—the sharing of important information about a new variant—has been met with punishment. “Soaring rhetoric about partnerships and mutual respect falls flat when Africans perceive that they have been treated as afterthoughts in vaccine distribution efforts—and then ostracized as the virus inevitably mutates,” she says. Michelle Gavin is the Ralph Bunche senior fellow for Africa policy studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and a former U.S. ambassador to Botswana. Contact her at nquinn@cfr.org or Nolan Quinn at nquinn@cfr.org
2. ==> Expect Big Changes to America’s Abortion Laws
The U.S. Supreme Court appears poised to dramatically weaken legal abortion protections — and it could completely overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling next summer. At a hearing Wednesday, Chief Justice John Roberts signaled he would like to uphold an abortion cut-off at 15-weeks but keep in place the central ruling in Roe that abortion is legal nationwide. But some experts say Justice Barrett appeared uninterested in Roberts’s attempts to move the conversation toward a compromise. “It’s pretty clear that some of the justices are trying to suggest that Roberts’s path is not really available (and that there’s) no way to get rid of viability and salvage some abortion right. Seems as if (Justices) Kavanaugh and Barrett might agree,” tweeted Mary Ziegler, who has written three books on the history of abortion law. “Overruling Roe will not put an end to conflicts about abortion,” Ziegler said before arguments began. “The right-to-life movement is aiming for the recognition of personhood and the outlawing of every abortion, nationwide. Roe is just the beginning.” Mary Ziegler is the Stearns Weaver Miller Professor at Florida State University College of Law. She specializes in the legal history of reproduction, the family, sexuality, and the Constitution. Her latest book is “Abortion and the Law in America: A Legal History, Roe v. Wade to the Present.” Contact her at (850) 645-0364; mziegler@law.fsu.edu or @maryrziegler
3. ==> Inside the Fast-Food Season of Rebellion
The Bureau of Labor Statistics only tracks major stoppages that involve more than 1,000 workers. But Mike Elk, a labor reporter and founder of PayDayReport.com, has compiled a database of 1,600 walkouts since March 2020 that included as many as 100,000 workers. Elk says his organization is now tracking the largest strike wave in the U.S. since 1946. “More than a year and a half ago, Payday was the first outlet to identify a massive strike wave,” he says. “Commentators failed to pick up on the strike wave because the walkouts were fundamentally different from walkouts in the past. Instead of calling upon unions and going on traditional strikes, many non-union workers organized on social media and simply walked out.” Elk can discuss who’s walking out and where, as well as whether these walkouts and strikes are effective and if he expects them to continue or grow. Mike Elk’s work was recently featured in the in-depth piece “‘It’s a walkout!’ — Inside the fast-food workers’ season of rebellion” in the Washington Post. Elk has worked as an advisor on W. Kamau Bell’s Emmy-award winning “United Shades of America” and on the Eva Longoria-produced award-winning documentary “Food Chains.” Contact him at mike.elk@gmail.com; @MikeElk
4.==> Former NFL Player on Overcoming Obstacles
Back in the late 1980s, Keith Davis was living the dream: 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. ==> How American Presidents Shaped the Last Century
Former tech CEO Ronald Gruner’s research into American Presidents started with his wanting to understand how and when American politics transitioned from merely polarized to openly hostile. Growing up in Oklahoma then living most of his adult life in Massachusetts, Gruner questioned how Americans had lost the common thread of Presidents over the last century working to build an America that represented and benefitted all. His new book “We the Presidents: How American Presidents Shaped the Last Century” is a presidential history, devoid of politics and instead, a history of what impacted the people and their economic well-being. Gruner will detail the economic growth, personal income, income equality and taxation during each presidency and the influence those policies had through the decades. Ronald Gruner founded, served as chief executive and sold three successful technology firms during his long career: Alliant Computer, Shareholder.com and Sky Analytics. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com or Briana Caywood at (703) 646-5188 (office)
6. ==> ‘The Great Resignation’ Is ‘The Great Upgrade’ in Disguise
There’s been a lot of talk about “The Great Resignation,” in which low-paid employees are refusing to return to jobs that put their health in jeopardy during the pandemic. But according to Ida Byrd-Hill, CEO of Automation Workz, a cybersecurity reskilling and diversity consulting firm, that’s not what is going on at all. She says, “The so-called Great Resignation is really The Great Upgrade.” By that, she means that during the pandemic, low-wage earners previously fearful of technology were forced to use it to shepherd their children through a virtual learning environment. Now that the pandemic is on the wane, these same employees want to use their newfound tech skills as a path to better jobs and greater compensation. The pandemic exacerbated an American workforce caste system already sharply divided into higher- and lower-paid workers, with most African, Hispanic, Native American and women workers earning the least. Byrd-Hill says these diverse workers are now ready to learn business tech (IoT support, cybersecurity, software development and data analytics) and that companies would be wise to invest in digital reskilling if they want to win the current talent war. Ida Byrd-Hill is an economist, futurist, educator and author of “Invisible Talent Market.” She’s appeared on “Good Morning America” and numerous radio stations and podcasts. Contact her at (313) 483-2126; ida@autoworkz.org
7. ==> No Business Plan Needed: Pitch Your Small Biz Idea to This Expert
For a lively, fun show, have callers pitch Tawn Holstra Auston their small business ideas; she’ll offer them invaluable advice on what they need to be thinking about. Tawn says, “Most people don’t want to get rich… they just want to get a mortgage, put braces on their kids’ teeth, and be able to afford a prom dress for their child. Starting a business does not have to be so uncertain, hard, scary, or stressful.” Tawn developed Launch Like a Pro, an affordable system for helping businesses of one to five people get the support they need to be successful. She’s been advising small business owners for more than 10 years. Ask her: How can people go from vision to first customers in just a few months? What are the top myths that prevent people from acting on their business dreams? Contact Tawn Holstra Auston at (206) 495-6505; tauston@rtirguests.com
8. ==> 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
9. ==> Why Your Laundry Detergent May Be as Bad for You as Smoking
Your laundry may smell like a mountain breeze or fresh meadow after washing, but those seemingly delightful aromas may be as deadly as cigarettes. “Many household products contain fragrance,” says product expert Zorica Denton. “They may contain anywhere from 100 to 1,000 chemicals. But they don’t have to be listed due to trade secret policies.” Zorica should know. She developed asthma, a gastric ulcer and other debilitating health problems as a result of working as a perfume model, and almost died. She is the founder of the natural personal care products company Zorica of Malibu, and author of an upcoming book about toxic chemicals in products. Contact Zorica at (213) 616-7904; zdenton@rtirguests.com
10. ==> What’s a Good Gift for Grandma? (Not Slippers)
Selecting gifts for older friends and relatives isn’t easy and so it may be tempting to go with objects of comfort like fuzzy slippers, big boxes of candy and the like. But as holistic health practitioner Linda Mac Dougall will tell you, it pays to be safe when it comes to satisfying the needs of this special population. Mac Dougall has worked with hundreds of patients who have opened her eyes to the unmet needs of older Americans. And at 73, she knows a thing or two about aging bodies from personal experience. Mac Dougall can discuss the most impactful and safest gifts you can get an older relative including ways to keep them happy and active, well-nourished, entertained, and included in family outings. Listeners will appreciate the great ideas and smart tips including unexpected places to shop. Linda Mac Dougall is a holistic health practitioner, Certified Massage Therapist, author, teacher, speaker, and mentor who has appeared on multiple podcasts. Contact her at (805) 202-6379; speakerholistic@gmail.com
11. ==> More than Money: The Secret to Joyous Wealth
Armineh Keshishian isn’t your typical wealth coach. The wealth and wellness expert takes a holistic approach when it comes to finances believing that a truly fulfilling life is about more than money. The author of “Joyous Wealth – 56 Secrets to Riches and Wellness,” will share ways to follow your heart and live abundantly while also making smart money choices. Her advice touches on everything from wealth creation to emotional well-being, courage, female empowerment and embracing multiculturalism. Armineh Keshishian is the founder and CEO of Wealth & Wellness Global. She’s appeared on numerous TV, radio and podcasts in the US and Canada and has been featured in ‘The Powerful’ and ‘Wealth Professional’ and other magazines. Her accolades include ‘Women of Inspiration’ and ‘Most Influential Female Entrepreneur 2021.’ Contact her at (416) 546-9961; Armineh@Arminehk.com
12. == > What this Colonel Knows Can Help You Conquer Stress
Everyone could use some tips for handling stress better. Col. Debra M. Lewis (USA, Ret.) has already coached thousands of people on her battle-tested methods to overcome obstacles and use life’s daily stresses to their advantage. Col. Deb will share those tips and tools along with her action-packed life story as one of the first women to attend the Military Academy at West Point, a survivor of the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon, and a commander in combat. She is the author of “Why Is Pono Not Pono Today?” and its companion course, “Take Kids from Stressed to Success.” Ask her why are most reactions to stress destructive? Why do good people make bad decisions under stress? Contact Deb Lewis at (571) 332-7240 (text first) Deb@ MentallyToughWomen.com
13. ==> This Guest Says You Wrote the Book on Your Life, Before Birth
Imagine that you had written a life outline before you were born. If you can picture that, then as the creator of your life story, any crisis you encounter would take on a new meaning because it was authorized by you. Sana Brauner lives her life by this belief even when her entire family was struck by a tsunami wave. Her husband and son survived but her mother did not and her tiny daughter disappeared without a trace. Sana’s book, “The Borrowed Daughter,” offers insight into parallel worlds of consciousness and a way of understanding the deeper connections and signs behind each story of our lives. She makes a great guest for kicking off the New Year. Contact Sana at sbrauner@rtirguests.com or through Skype: sanabr
14. ==> Are You a Carrier of the ‘Trauma Virus?’
Trauma is embedded in institutions, in our collective stories, and passed down from generation to generation. Scholar and author Dr. Sousan Abadian says that even if you think you haven’t experienced trauma yourself, you can be a carrier of the “trauma virus.” She says, “We see trauma footprints today in the riots, insurrection, and rise of extremists and many of us are unaware of the ways we are carrying the trauma virus that can create fertile ground for radicalization to occur.” She’ll explain how we may be infected by trauma, or a carrier of trauma without being aware of it, because forms of trauma have come to feel ordinary. Dr. Abadian is the author of the forthcoming book “Free Me to Love,” based on her personal experience with “collective trauma” and healing. She has a Ph.D. in political economy and government from Harvard University. Contact Sousan Abadian at (617) 860-2785; sabadian@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Meet the World’s Most Effective Procrastinator
Patrick Sanaghan is among the 20% of people for whom procrastination is a chronic problem. Despite this terrible habit, Patrick has earned his Ph.D. in education, written 12 books and published 50 academic articles. On your program, he’ll share some of the most effective strategies for managing procrastination from his new book, “How to Be a Better Procrastinator.” You’ll learn that while this habit will never go away there are steps to take to avoid the guilt and anxiety that often accompany it and how to do whatever you dread anyway. You’ll find out why people put things off, the instant reward they get for doing that, and who some famous procrastinators were who nevertheless still managed to do amazing things. Dr. Patrick Sanaghan (the “g” is silent) heads The Sanaghan Group, an organizational consulting firm. Contact him at 215-234-1346; psanaghan@rtirguests.com