01. Generals Warn of Divided Military and Civil War
02. 10 Most Significant World Events of 2021
03. What Smallpox Can Teach Us about Vaccines and Politics
04. Fun End-of-Year Music Show: ‘Top Ten Revealed’
05. Cheers! What to Pop on New Year’s Eve (and Beyond)
06. What Trump Revealed about the Mainstream Media
07. 4 Tips to Have It All in 2022
08. 2022: The Year of ‘The Great Upgrade’
09. No Business Plan Needed: Pitch Your Small Biz Idea to This Expert
10. The Best Way to Improve Your Family’s Health in 2022
11. How Christie Brinkley Saved Her Eyesight
12. Could Your Forgetful Spouse Have Early-Onset Alzheimer’s?
13. Catching Up on Education after COVID
14. New Year’s Resolutions Parents Should Make for Themselves
15. Can You Guess the Most Important Minutes of the Day?
1. ==> Generals Warn of Divided Military and Civil War
Citing a “disturbing number” of veterans and active-duty military members taking part in last year’s Capitol riot, three retired army generals have penned an op-ed in “The Washington Post” about the risks of another insurrection—or even civil war— if the results of the 2024 presidential election were not accepted by some in the military. Retired Brig. Gen. Peter Zwack did not write the letter but says the possibility of a fractured and politicized military is extremely worrisome. “I was in Army and government service for almost 40 years and served the administration of six presidents, both Republican and Democrat. While we had political views and voted, there was little political agitation within the ranks,” he says. Zwack can discuss how political leaders undermine the country by stoking dangerous division, and explain how the military serves the Constitution, without regard for political party or partisan positions. 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. He recently appeared on the international Russian-language TV network RTVI to discuss the Russia/Ukraine situation. Contact Terri Beavers at (434) 979-7438; BG.PBZ.r@gmail.com
2. ==> 10 Most Significant World Events of 2021
One good thing can be said about 2021: it wasn’t as tumultuous as 2020, which put in a claim to be the worst year ever. That, however, may be damning with faint praise, according to James Lindsay. The senior vice president of the Council on Foreign Relations puts the world’s inaction on the global climate crisis at the top of his list of the most significant world events of 2021, followed by the development of COVID vaccines, Joe Biden’s presidency and the global erosion of democracy. Other events that may not gave gotten much attention include Ethiopia’s deepening civil war and a new trilateral security partnership between the U.S., Australia and Britain. As for what’s ahead, Lindsay says there are several situations to watch including Russia’s troop build-up on Ukraine’s border and China’s relationship with Taiwan. James Lindsay is a leading authority on the American foreign policymaking process and the domestic politics of American foreign policy. Contact him at (212) 434-9626 (NY); (202) 509-8405 (DC) or jlindsay@cfr.org
3. ==> What Smallpox Can Teach Us about Vaccines and Politics
For a timely show in light of today’s debate about the role of vaccines in stopping COVID’s spread in the world’s poorest nations, invite Bee Bloeser to share her experiences in Africa after the CDC dispatched her husband Carl to join the global smallpox vaccination campaign in 1969. “Vaccines and Bayonets: Fighting Smallpox in Africa amid Tribalism, Terror and the Cold War,” details Bee’s time in Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea (where she was one of only two American women), including brushes with a brutal dictator and a heartbreaking humanitarian crisis unknown to the outside world. An award-winning author and engaging public speaker, Bee Bloeser has been featured on NPR’s “Journeys of Discovery” and NPR KCBX Radio’s show, “Issues and Ideas.” Contact her at (520) 214-5971; bbloeser@rtirguests.com
4. ==> Fun End-of-Year Music Show: ‘Top Ten Revealed’
Sick of all the ‘best of 2021’ lists? Skip the 2021 rehash with Katie Daryl, host of AXS TV’s popular music countdown series “The Top Ten Revealed.” The show features fan-voted lists and an all-star roster. Daryl, who’s also executive producer, will entertain your audience as she shares hilarious top ten moments from the show along with fun countdown facts and trivia. Joining Daryl this season is a rotating panel of entertainers including Black Eyed Peas hitmaker Taboo; reality star and daughter of rocker John Mellencamp, Teddi Mellencamp and Alice Cooper axe-slayer Nita Strauss. She’ll talk about this season’s shows including Boy Bands, ‘80s movie soundtracks and break-up songs. “The Top Ten Revealed” airs on Sunday evenings. 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)
5. ==> Cheers! What to Pop on New Year’s Eve (and Beyond)
As we bid goodbye to another year, it’s time to pop the cork and turn the page to 2022. But before you raise your glass you need to fill it. For some help in choosing what to imbibe on New Year’s Eve and beyond, invite Jim Laughren, CWE (certified wine educator) on your show to share fun, fascinating tips for buying, drinking, and enjoying wine! A veteran of TV and radio, Jim’s down-to-earth approach makes wine more interesting and less intimidating. He’ll explain how to buy the best bubbly for your New Year’s toast, the most important thing to know about buying wine at a restaurant, and whether 2022 will be a good year for wine. Jim Laughren is the author of “50 Ways to Love Wine More” as well as “A Beer Drinker’s Guide to Knowing & Enjoying Fine Wine” and the eBooks “The 15 Minute Guide to Red Wine and “The 15 Minute Guide to White Wine.” Contact him at (954) 317 9623; JLaughren@rtirguests.com
6. ==> What Trump Revealed about the Mainstream Media
There’s no denying that Donald Trump has changed the landscape of American journalism. Some say he exposed a lack of ethics and objectivity in the media while others say he used the media to spread misinformation and lies. Is it the media’s fault? Did they create the monster they hate? Invite Dutch American journalist and media trainer Hans Izaak Kriek to share his independent, nonpolitical observations on how the mainstream media have reported on Trump — as a person and president — and how both parties and their leaders played their part in building hatred for Trump and his family. The author of “Trump’s Daily Domination of the News Media” can discuss how journalism changed with the Trump presidency and whether he or the media themselves are responsible for the moniker “fake news.” Hans Izaak Kriek is the publisher and editor-in-chief of Krieksmediaworld.com. He worked as an international political journalist for AVRO/TROS, the two largest Dutch National broadcasters. As a media trainer, he has coached and advised thousands of politicians and executives. Contact him at (561) 861-2974; jkriek@rtirguests.com
7. ==> 4 Tips to Have It All in 2022
Women have been told they can have it all: rich, satisfying lives that nourish their families, as well as their own needs and desires. But for many—particularly mothers—it’s not that easy to create this kind of life. Shelly Sood, an entrepreneur and mother of three, says guilt often gets in the way, as do worries over what other people will think of you. “The actions of others drive us. We create mental warfare and a self-defeatist attitude. We care about what others think. We want to keep up with the Joneses of the block,” Shelly says. “As an entrepreneur, I am bombarded with requests,” she says. “I used to respond to everyone. Did that make me a stronger entrepreneur? No. It made me crazy, sleep-deprived, and ultimately burnt out.” Invite her on your show and learn how to let go of your inner critic, when to say no, and how to be proactive instead of reactive and choose what makes you happy and outsource the rest. Shelly Sood is a founding partner of GIOSTAR Chicago, a company that offers regenerative medicine therapies. Her upcoming memoir, “Untethered,” is being modified for film by Hollywood producers. Contact Shelly at (312) 401-3495; shelly@giostarchicago.com
8. ==> 2022: The Year of ‘The Great Upgrade’
“The Wall Street Journal” reports that most of those quitting jobs during “The Great Resignation” are mainly non-management women, people of color and low-wage workers: America’s front-liners. Ida Byrd-Hill, CEO of Automation Workz, a cybersecurity reskilling and diversity consulting firm, says, “Thanks to the pandemic, these employees were forced to use technology to shepherd their children through virtual schooling and now they want to use their new-found tech skills to work remotely, in less abusive jobs with greater compensation, especially since the new COVID-19 variants are accelerating.” She’ll discuss ways to access cybersecurity and tech jobs without a typical college degree and why companies should begin to see workers through a more diverse lens 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
9. ==> 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
10. ==> The Best Way to Improve Your Family’s Health in 2022
You may see your doctor regularly, take your prescriptions, exercise, eat a good diet and avoid bad habits like smoking and excessive drinking. But what else should you be doing to keep yourself and your family members healthy? Interview Anne McAwley-LeDuc to learn about the simple health-promoting activity most people ignore: keeping fully accurate records of medical histories, doctor visits, procedures and treatments, medications, vaccinations, and more for all family members. She’ll explain why keeping records is essential, especially during challenging times like COVID. Anne is a retired nurse practitioner (APRN) and the award-winning author of “Personal Health Organizer.” Contact her at (860) 300-1603; AMcAwley@rtirguests.com
11. ==> How Christie Brinkley Saved Her Eyesight
Supermodel Christie Brinkley is still beautiful at 67 but she is also human. Last week on Instagram, Brinkley announced that a routine eye doctor visit revealed she had Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma, a condition that left untreated could lead to blindness. As vision educator Linda Odubayo Thompson will tell you, Brinkley is among the more than 3 million Americans who have glaucoma and many more who don’t know that they have the symptomless disease. Thompson, who has suffered from Closed Angle Glaucoma for over 33 years, has done substantial research on the subject and can share vital information on treatments and who is at risk. Her mother also had the disease. She tells her mother’s story in “I Know My Way Memoir,” which explores how normal living is possible with a little bit of adaption. Contact Linda at (914) 944-1474; lthompson@rtirguests.com
12. ==> 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
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. ==> New Year’s Resolutions Parents Should Make for Themselves
In the year ahead parents will have many challenges as they try to negotiate the demands on their time and attention and plenty of moms and dads will end up putting their own needs last. That’s why Natalie Bonfig wants parents to resolve to put self-care at the top of their list in 2022 so they can give the best of themselves to their demanding roles. Natalie can offer six self-care tips to put into practice that will benefit their entire family. For instance, she’ll explore how to find quiet time to center yourself, how to stay in the moment and how to be kind to yourself even as you give generously to others. Natalie is the author of “Everyday Self-Care and Your High Needs Child.” Contact Natalie at (651) 419-3137; nbonfig@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Can You Guess the Most Important Minutes of the Day?
Did you know that you can change your life, get rid of stress, and feel more in control of your destiny in only 30 minutes a day? Interview Theo Prodromitis, author of “The Balance Between the Hustle and the Flow: Knowing When to Make Things Happen and When to Let Them Happen,” to discover why the first and last 15 minutes of your day are the most important and how to maximize them. Theo is an award-winning entrepreneur, marketing strategist, and best-selling author of “The Success Formula” with Jack Canfield. Ask her: What does neuroscience tell us about our brain activity at the beginning and end of each day? What are the four things we should do every morning? Contact Theo Prodromitis at (813) 701-5414; tprodromitis@rtirguests.com