01. Live Santa Tracker on Christmas Eve
02. The Santa Conservatory: A Real-Life Santa School
03. Financial Expert Talks 2024 Trends
04. The Curious Case of the Genetically Engineered American Chestnut Tree
05. America’s Got a Giant Goldfish Problem
06. The History of Hip Hop and House Music
07. Counterintelligence Spy Shares Stories from the Frontlines
08. WWPSD: What Would Patrick Swayze Do (and Say) in 2024?
09. How to Prevent Bias from Turning to Hate
10. Don’t Believe the Biggest Success Myth
11. 2024 Cruise News and Tips
12. How to End the Epidemic of Low Self-Esteem in Kids
13. Looking for Unconditional Love? Beware These Love Blockers
14. Can This Hypnotherapist Really Talk to Aliens?
15. Top Black Interior Designer on How to Design an Authentic Life
1.==> Live Santa Tracker on Christmas Eve
This Sunday, St. Nick is scheduled to load his sleigh with gifts, harness his reindeer and take to the skies for his annual journey across the globe, and there’s one government agency that will be following his every move … and you can too! The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the government agency that tracks everything that flies in and around North America in defense of our homeland, will track Santa Claus just as they have each year since 1955. Book an interview with a Santa Tracker to hear the unlikely story of how this modern tradition began with a child’s accidental phone call, why the agency continues to provide Santa’s flight updates more than 60 years later, and how the process has evolved to include social media and flight apps that allow you to track Santa on your phone! The folks at NORAD can provide video b-roll and graphics and arrange general interviews with a Santa Tracker or tailor the interview for your specific region. You can even book live in-flight interviews for December 24. Contact NORAD Public Affairs at (719) 554-6889; NTSMedia@outlook.com
2. ==> The Santa Conservatory: A Real-Life Santa School
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to put on the famous red suit and stand in for Santa Claus? Santa Ed is a professional Santa who also runs The Santa Claus Conservatory, a Santa Claus school. He’ll explain the ways “Santas for Hire” adapted during COVID (think Zoom calls, virtual parties and Plexiglas) and how kids and their parents responded. He’ll also share some of the craziest Santa requests he’s gotten and explain how he got into the profession and how he now trains others for the job. Santa Ed is Hollywood’s “go-to” Santa Claus and has appeared on many TV shows and in commercials and movies. The Santa Claus Conservatory has been featured in the “Wall Street Journal,” Fox Business, “Money” magazine, VOX, and many others. Contact Santa Ed at (424) 343-9555 (call or text); Santa@SantaEd.com
3. ==> Financial Expert Talks 2024 Trends
All signs currently point to a resilient economy, yet a new Bankrate survey finds that two-thirds of Americans don’t expect their personal finances to improve in 2024. The biggest reason behind Americans’ financial pessimism continues to be inflation. Invite Sam Burns of Mill Street Research to explain the disconnect and what he sees ahead in the coming year. Sam can discuss stock picks, corporate earnings, economic news, and the current geopolitical environment’s impact on the markets. Sam Burns is CFA and chief strategist at Mill Street Research, an independent research company specializing in proprietary institutional research tools for asset allocation, stock selection, and macroeconomic indicators. Contact Johanna Ramos-
Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com
4. ==> The Curious Case of the Genetically Engineered American Chestnut Tree
The American Chestnut Foundation recently announced that it would drop its “years-long signature effort to develop a genetically engineered American chestnut tree” known as “Darling 58” (D58). Environmental activists say the decision has “far-reaching implications for the future of (genetically modified organisms) and raises serious concerns about the regulatory process surrounding their release.” Anne Peterman, international coordinator of the Campaign to STOP Genetically Engineered Trees, can discuss the problem with this particular tree, what would have happened if it was released in the wild, and why this should be seen as a cautionary tale about genetic engineering. “Trees are not computers. You aren’t going to know the long-term problems until much later. This is a perfect example,” she says. Anne Peterman is the executive director of Global Justice Ecology Project. She has been involved in efforts for forest protection and defense of the rights of Indigenous peoples since 1989. Contact her at anne@globaljusticeecology.org
5.==> America’s Got a Giant Goldfish Problem
In recent years, giant goldfish have been appearing in freshwater lakes around the country. It’s not just that they’re big, either. There’s also been a population explosion that has “negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems and native species,” according to a recent study in the Journal of Great Lakes Research. “There are literally millions of goldfish in the Great Lakes, if not tens of millions,” according to Dr. Nicholas Mandrak, a professor of biological sciences at the University of Toronto Scarborough. So what happened? Experts say the colossal fish are likely people’s pets that have been washed out or released into local lakes and rivers. Mandrak can discuss the problems the goldfish are creating and options for reducing the population of the colossal fish. Contact professor Nicholas Mandrak at (416) 208-2248; nicholas.mandrak@utoronto.ca
6. ==> The History of Hip Hop and House Music
A new docuseries examines the unique conditions in the 1970s and 1980s that birthed both the Hip Hop and House Music movements, the collision of the two genres, the stars, the songs, and the movement that followed. “In Our DNA: Hip House” features music-industry legends Kevin Liles, Terry Hunter and Kelly G. It chronicles the birth of Hip Hop in New York and how other regions began interpreting the genre differently, like in Chicago, where they blended the infectious soulful dance beats, to create a new genre: House Music. “It is said that music is a mirror of an artist’s reality, and his/her reality is written in part by society. Show me a revolution in music, art, and culture and I’ll show you a society screaming to evolve,” says executive producer Keesha Boyd. The three-part docuseries is currently airing on Xfinity’s Black Experience channel. Contact Michelle Huff Elliott at Comcast@strategicheights.com
7. ==> Counterintelligence Spy Shares Stories from the Frontlines
Pete Turner spent several years as a counterintelligence spy for the U.S. Army traveling to some of the most dangerous places on earth including Afghanistan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Iraq. Invite him on your show to share tales from the frontlines like the time the Taliban requested a meeting with him by name, and how he once used a former Saddam Hussein aide as a source. Turner can share his predictions, based on firsthand experiences, regarding the Ukraine-Russia War and describe how U.S. foreign policy is practically applied. Turner started the nonprofit International Institute for Nonproliferation Studies (IINPS). While most think tanks are academia-based, the IINPS brings together a diverse range of seasoned professionals who have firsthand knowledge of the recurring and foreseeable failures of U.S. initiatives abroad. “Frankly,” says Turner, “I was tired of seeing people getting killed while we floundered from top to bottom. My goal is to break the cycle of history repeating itself.” Contact Harlan Boll at harlan@bhbpr.com
8. ==> WWPSD: What Would Patrick Swayze Do (and Say) in 2024?
Patrick Swayze left us in 2009 yet his wise words and zest for living are as applicable as ever particularly as we begin a new year. For example, Patrick said: “We kind of get ruined in the Western way of thinking that the brass ring is what’s important when it’s very simple things in life that are important — like hanging on to faith and hope. … I hope our standards, our levels of integrity and morality and passion and beliefs upgrade themselves soon.” Sue Tabashnik can talk about Patrick’s universal take on the world and core values that would be of comfort to all in 2024. Philosophical and spiritual, he was an advocate for dance, conservation, and advances in cancer treatment. Sue is the author of four books about Patrick Swayze — including “Patrick Swayze: The Dreamer” and met him several times. Contact her at (248) 617-0505; stabashnik@rtirguests.com
9. ==> How to Prevent Bias from Turning to Hate
There has been 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
10. ==> Don’t Believe the Biggest Success Myth
America is a nation of workaholics, who have long been indoctrinated to believe that performing long hours of mind-numbing work is the path to success. But according to author, project management expert and professional musician Gerald Leonard, that is total nonsense. “The long-held myth is that stressful work environments lead to higher productivity,” he says. “However, this leads to extreme burnout, greater employee turnover and decreased worker loyalty.” Gerald can share how to work smarter, not harder, to obtain maximum success. He is the author of numerous books including “Culture Is the Bass: 7 Steps to Creating High Performing Teams.” He is a certified Portfolio Management Professional and professional bass player. Contact Gerald Leonard at (443) 703-2929; gleonard@rtirguests.com
11. ==> 2024 Cruise News and Tips
If you’re planning your next adventure and thinking about taking a cruise, you’ll want to hear little-known tips from travel expert Cindy Bartram. What type of cruise is best for me? What’s the best time of year to cruise? Should I buy travel insurance? Are there specific travel apps for cruising? Cindy has spent many years in the travel and cruise industry and can ensure smooth sailing on your next shipboard adventure. She’ll answer all your cruising questions from booking to boarding and share insider tips to make the most of your time on and off the ship. Cindy is a communications, media and branding specialist and the author of “How Six Women Executives Steer the Cruise Industry Today” and “Message from the Dog…Learning from Great Humans.” Contact Cindy Bertram at (219) 501-5054; cbertram@rtirguests.com
12. ==> How to End the Epidemic of Low Self-Esteem in Kids
Social media. Bullying. The long isolation of the pandemic. Gender confusion. Today’s kids have more stressors than at any other time in modern history. “When I speak to fellow counselors and parents, they say that anxiety and depression among young people are off the charts,” says author, former teacher and counselor Patricia Wilson. “I have an understanding of what children need: a sense of self-worth, how to cooperate with others and an appreciation of the gift of life.” Patricia can share how to determine if kids are struggling with depression, and simple, yet powerful self-talk tools to convince them that they are amazing. She has taught children from grades K-12 and counseled kids for more than 30 years. She is the author of numerous best-selling books including “My Magical Night Mare,” “I Am Amazing” and “When Grandma Giggled.” Contact Patricia Wilson at (778) 561-4603; pwilson@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Looking for Unconditional Love? Beware These Love Blockers
Everyone deserves to be loved for who they are, but Stephanie Bailey says many people sabotage themselves and struggle with negative thinking that holds them back. “To experience the unconditional love all of us deserve, we must stop filling our heads with what bothers us most. For example, we need to stop falling victim to love blockers. We need to stop making such statements as I will never find love, I hate my job, there are no good men or women out there and nothing great ever happens in my life.” Invite this love mentor/expert to explain how people accidentally attract what they don’t want in their lives — and how to turn that around and learn why you should think twice about complaining about your relationship to friends. Stephanie Bailey is the CEO of Miss-Adventures LLC and the author of several books including her latest, “Love Affirmations: Manifesting the Life You Desire.” Contact her at (720) 276-2226; missadventuresseries@yahoo.com
14. ==> Can This Hypnotherapist Really Talk to Aliens?
Dozens of people suspect they have been visited by an alien, but do you know anyone personally who has conversed with one? Hypnotherapist and author Kryste Andrews recounts a year of gathering information from a Gray, one of the 81 extraterrestrial species currently acknowledged by experts. Working weekly with her client, former champion weightlifter Robert Nanez, Kryste was introduced to the Gray whom Robert met at the age of five. “Under hypnosis, we’ve uncovered the truth for Robert and can now share his story with the world,” she says. “His bravery may help others who suspect they are undergoing physical and emotional manipulation by aliens.” Kryste (pronounced Christy) spent 30 years as a performer/singing instructor in New York City where she prepared young singers for Broadway and international stages. Her work as a certified hypnotherapist began in 1994. She is the author of the critically acclaimed book “LEGACY Book One, Discovery: A Remote Time Viewer’s Journey to His Ancestors.” Contact Kryste Andrews at (201) 801-4551; Kandrews@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Top Black Interior Designer on How to Design an Authentic Life
Every human has two lives, an inner one and the one they show the world. To live an authentic life — one that is true to who you are and what you want — takes work and the willingness to confront difficult issues. Fortunately, Black interior designer Tonya Comer can help listeners design purpose-filled lives by combining her personal experiences and the seven power tools she developed. She’ll explain why you always have choices even when you think you don’t, why the imposter syndrome is so common, and more. A life coach and speaker, Tonya is the author of “In High Heels on a Ladder: The 7 Power Tools for Designing Your Life.” She has been named one of the top 20 African American Interior Designers in the United States. Contact Tonya Comer at (301) 538-7650; trc@tonyacormer.com