01. China Is Wielding Growing Influence Inside Other Countries
02. Twitter, Musk and Pandemic Misinformation
03. New Year’s Resolutions: Make an ‘Old Year Resolution’ Instead
04. Cheers! What to Pop on New Year’s Eve (and Beyond)
05. Great New Year’s Show: How the Most Productive, Creative People Get Things Done
06. Retirees Are Wrecking ‘The Big Worker Rebound’
07. Can We Fix America’s Broken Workplaces?
08. Chasing Serial Killers and Testifying Before Congress: This Investigative Journalist Has Done It All
09. How Did a Big-Time Bookie’s Son Become a Big-Time Business Coach?
10. Interview One of New York’s Top Psychics
11. How to Tell If You’re an Empath
12. Why You Should Steer Your Daughter Toward STEM
13. Is Pet Therapy an Answer to the Student Anxiety Epidemic?
14. 3 Tools to Boost Kids’ Self-Esteem
15. How Being a Loser Can Make You a Winner
1. ==> China Is Wielding Growing Influence Inside Other Countries
Motivated by its growing power, increasingly authoritarian domestic politics, and an ever more assertive foreign policy, China, for the first time in decades, “has dramatically increased its efforts to wield power within other countries,” according to Joshua Kurlantzick, senior fellow for Southeast Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). Kurlantzick explains that to achieve its objective, China is building a formidable “influence apparatus” with a toolkit that includes expanding state media outlets, spreading disinformation on international social media platforms, wooing foreign politicians, and offering “educational” and “training” programs in other countries. He says these expanding global influence campaigns create several potential dangers for the United States and democratic countries. “As China’s influence efforts become more effective, they could serve to keep closed, authoritarian societies in place and to promote China’s authoritarian model across the world.” Joshua Kurlantzick is the author of “Beijing’s Global Media Offensive: China’s Uneven Campaign to Influence Asia and the World.” Contact him at jkurlantzick@cfr.org or CFR Communications at communications@cfr.org
2. ==> Twitter, Musk and Pandemic Misinformation
One of the biggest tech stories of 2022 was Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter. Quickly afterward about half of the company’s global workforce was laid off, content moderation was loosened and Musk himself engaged with conspiracy theories and right-wing personalities on the site. In recent weeks, Twitter has eliminated policies designed to filter out COVID misinformation and Musk has restored the accounts of several prominent myth spreaders. Journalist Walker Bragman says the recently reinstated Twitter accounts are “brand-building off of misery and ignorance.” He notes that Musk “has promoted and winked at some of the narratives prominent from COVID deniers and minimizers.” Musk is “encouraging the idea that these brave truth-tellers have been silenced,” when in reality “there’s a lot of money and power behind them. The lies that they push are part of an agenda to prevent government action. They’re not paid agents, but they’re certainly useful to those interests, and get used by them.” Bragman is a journalist and cofounder of OptOut, a nonprofit news aggregation app for independent media. Contact him at walkerbragman@gmail.com
3. ==> New Year’s Resolutions: Make an ‘Old Year Resolution’ Instead
If you’ve made a New Year’s resolution, your quest for the “new you” usually begins in earnest, but if research on habit change is any indication, only about half of resolutions are likely to make it past January, much less last a lifetime. Mark Canada and Christina Downey, experts in positive psychology and literature, recommend an unconventional but more promising approach that they call “the old year resolution.” The approach combines insights from psychologists and America’s first self-improvement guru, Benjamin Franklin, who pioneered a habit-change model that was way ahead of its time. The pair will explain the real reasons most resolutions fail, the two biggest pitfalls of starting a change campaign as the new year begins, and why you may want to adopt Franklin’s strategy to reach your goals instead. Mark Canada is the executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at Indiana University Kokomo and Christina Downey is a professor of psychology at Indiana University. Contact Mark Canada at (765) 455-9221; canadam@iuk.edu or Christina Downey at (765) 455-9385; downeyca@iuk.edu
4.==> 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 2023. 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 2023 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
5. ==> Great New Year Show: How the Most Productive, Creative People Get Things Done
The New Year offers a fresh opportunity to grow, change and finally become the powerhouse we want to be. For a great interview filled with new ways to attack your to-do list, grow your network of important relationships, and move from underdog to high achiever, invite Steve Rosenberg to share his entertaining, no-nonsense approach to accomplish more than you thought you could. A serial entrepreneur with an impressive career in sports, hospitality and nonprofits, Rosenberg will reveal practical secrets and sound wisdom on how to be the can-do person you always wanted to be while building a large network of friends and colleagues who can be tapped to find answers you need. Rosenberg says, “I am a grinder and subscribe to the theory that when opportunity isn’t knocking, it’s time to build a door.” Steve Rosenberg has worked for the Washington Bullets (now Wizards), the National Constitution Center and the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. He is currently principal of GSD Group, a company that helps organizations achieve greater efficiency, success, productivity, and cultural competency. A frequent media guest, he has appeared in “The New York Times” and on “The Michael Smerconish Show on Sirius XM, Fox 29, and other national media. His new book is “Make Bold Things Happen.” Contact him at (215) 435-2400; sr@theteamgsd.com
6. ==> Retirees Are Wrecking ‘The Big Worker Rebound’
While most Americans are working or looking for work at close to their pre-pandemic rate, many older folks remain on the sidelines. Experts expected everyone to jump back into the workforce once COVID was over, but it appears many Americans over 65 are in no hurry to return. “My optimism has waned,” says Wendy Edelberg, director of the Hamilton Project at the Brookings Institution. “We’re now talking about people who have reorganized their lives around not working.” The result is a labor shortage that is reverberating through the economy. So what does that mean? Having fewer workers available “lowers the landing pad that the Fed has to lower the economy unto,” Edelberg says. “Because of what’s happened in the labor force, they just have to soften growth even more.” While retirements could help keep workers in short supply across America, Edelberg can discuss other factors that could bolster the workforce including immigration, which is rebounding. Wendy Edelberg is a macroeconomist whose research has spanned a wide range of topics, from household spending and saving decisions to the economic effects of fiscal policy and systemic risks in the financial system. She joined Brookings in 2020, after more than 15 years in the public sector. Contact Marie Wilken at (202) 540-7738; mwilken@brookings.edu
7. ==> Can We Fix America’s Broken Workplaces?
Driven in part by the COVID-19 pandemic, America’s workplaces are changing faster than ever. The good news is that we are no longer shackled to desks and office cubicles. The bad news is that workplaces are changing faster than workplace culture can keep up with. Elizabeth Power can talk about why people need more emotional intelligence to survive and thrive in the workplace and how they can achieve that goal. Among her tips: go out of your way to capture good workplace moments so they are at your fingertips and “walk the talk” of the company values. Elizabeth is the founding director of The Trauma-Informed Academy and the author of “Healer: Reducing Crises,” which offers everyday actions people can take to recover from traumatic experiences and be more resilient in the face of stress and discomfort. She is an adjunct instructor in psychiatry at Georgetown Medical Center and has been on NBC News, NPR, and in the “Wall Street Journal.” Contact her at (615) 903-0906; epower@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Chasing Serial Killers and Testifying Before Congress: This Investigative Journalist Has Done It All
Over an extraordinary career in journalism, Michael Bowker has interviewed celebrities, athletes, adventurers, several presidents, and even serial killers. He has narrowly escaped mountain lions and exploding volcanoes and been up close and personal with the Golden State Killer. With behind-the-scenes stories of famous figures and crazy-but-true encounters around the world, this guest is sure to fascinate and delight your audience. He’ll also share inspiring stories of ordinary people accomplishing extraordinary things, such as the man who went from convicted criminal to saving millions of lives. An expert media guest who’s been featured on hundreds of radio, podcast, and TV shows including “Good Morning America,” Michael has written more than 20 books and thousands of articles appearing in such publications as the “Los Angeles Times” and “Reader’s Digest.” His latest book is “Michael Bowker’s No Ordinary Days,” a riveting collection of tales from his storied career. Contact Michael Bowker at (530) 296-6301; mbowker@rtirguests.com
9. ==> How Did a Big-Time Bookie’s Son Become a Big-Time Business Coach?
Here’s why Steven Feinberg, Ph.D., stands out from all the business coaches you could interview: he’s considered one of the top 1% of executive coaches in the country who has advised Apple, Google, LinkedIn, Visa, Oracle, FedEx and more. He’s a neuro strategist who can talk about why the logical solution too often fails, how to develop a wisdom detector that lets you see things others fail to notice, and much more. Ask him: What is sagacity? How can you identify patterns others miss? How do you defy expectations? What is the No. 1 foe of leaders? What was it like growing up as the son of a big-time bookie? Dr. Feinberg taught for nearly 30 years at the University of San Francisco School of Management and leadership and has guest lectured at Stanford, Cal Poly and UC Berkeley Extension. His latest book is “Do What Others Say Can’t Be Done … Play The Meta-Game,” and features interviews he conducted with 50 world-class leaders and entrepreneurs. Contact Dr. Steven Feinberg at (650) 374-4540; sfeinberg@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Interview One of New York’s Top Psychics
When it comes to intuitive psychics, Ann Johnson is the real deal. Her abilities and services have been covered by top media outlets including “New York Magazine,” MTV Network, and “Rolling Stone” magazine, who said, “She has a unique gift for connecting with people.” Over her career, she has read the fortunes of thousands of clients and helped them discover answers to their questions about relationships, health, wealth, and careers. Ann brings powerful insights and recommendations for your audience that will lead them toward living their best lives, helping them look and feel better at any age. She can provide instant personality analysis, relationship advice, and more. Find out what’s in store for 2023 and beyond when you interview this fascinating guest. A psychic advisor and frequent media guest, Ann is the author of “Facing Forward: A Memoir about Choices, Intuition, and Insights in a Show Busy Life.” Contact Ann Johnson at (516) 862-4405; ajohnson@rtirguests.com
11. ==> How to Tell If You’re an Empath
Do you sometimes know something is going to happen before it does? Do you actually feel the pain of others? Do you experience keen physical discomfort in the presence of certain people? If so, you may be an empath or perhaps you may find that you know someone who is, someone like Jennifer Maag. She says, “After experiencing a traumatic brain injury due to falling at home, I became extremely empathic, which was a gift.” While being highly empathic can cause people to be hyper-sensitive, Jennifer can share how mastering the emotions that accompany this trait can greatly benefit one’s existence. Jennifer, a licensed massage therapist, and her son, Alexander Maag, are the co-authors of the critically acclaimed book “Take on God,” which explores how to transform inner battles into healing tools to live one’s best life. Contact her at (419) 969-3259; jmaag@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Why You Should Steer Your Daughter Toward STEM
Careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) are booming and will continue to be in high demand well into the future. According to author, long-time STEM educator and college professor Chris A. Goldberg, females should be at the leading edge in these fields. “I have long advocated for girls and minorities to pursue STEM careers, a huge topic due to under-representation in these professions,” he says. “A number of women have made significant contributions to these fields, but are often not given the credit they deserve.” One example that Chris can share is Dr. Gladys B. West, an African American woman credited for the major calculations that led to the development of the Global Positioning System (GPS). He is the author of “Aliyah and The STEMsational Problem-Solvers: What’s Cooking?” Contact him at (973) 576-5841; cgoldberg@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Is Pet Therapy an Answer to the Student Anxiety Epidemic?
It’s no secret that America is in the midst of a mental health crisis, with students among the hardest hit thanks to COVID, fears about their safety at school and even declining gains in math and reading. Larry Grogan has an unusual suggestion for ways to help the 65% of college students expressing overwhelming anxiety as well as younger students who have yet to graduate from high school: pet therapy. As you may know, petting a dog lowers your stress, heart rate, and blood pressure and provides mental stimulation. Larry says, “Pet therapy is a key to addressing the mental wellness of all of our students and colleges are the starting point.” Larry and his tiny dog Scrappy were a pet therapy team for eight years at a children’s hospital where they worked with thousands of suffering children. He is now a pet therapy advocate on a mission to increase the number of pet therapy teams worldwide. Larry can talk about what your listeners need to know about accessing pet therapy or training to become a therapy team. Contact Larry Grogan at (423) 557-1908; larrygrogan5@gmail.com
14. ==> 3 Tools to Boost Kids’ Self-Esteem
Does your child struggle at home or at school? Do you often hear them say they can’t do something, or it’s too hard? Whether it’s learning to tie their shoes, getting good grades, or joining extracurricular activities, having positive self-esteem helps kids do more — and feel great about themselves in the process. Valerie Whetstone is an experienced educator and the author of several books, including the brand-new children’s book “Oh No, Riley!” This expert, who has trained with Oprah Winfrey and Jack Canfield, shares three crucial tools to help kids of all ages boost their confidence and develop the life skills they need for success. Ask her: What is the one mistake millions of parents are making that affects their child’s self-esteem? How can I increase my child’s confidence today? What are some “power words” kids can use to become more confident and positive? Contact Valerie Whetstone at (408) 752-5943 or vwhetstone@rtirguests.com
15. ==> How Being a Loser Can Make You a Winner
The majority of people perceive losing as derogatory. But Dr. Carl Barnes disagrees. “Not only can losing teach us valuable life lessons, but it can also teach us how to win,” he says. “Losing actually allowed me to win in the end. The key is developing resilience.” Carl faced a lifetime of rejection. He was almost aborted by his single teenage mom, was rejected by the military and numerous colleges and went through a painful divorce. He eventually overcame the odds and went on to a 35-year career in the military, ultimately becoming a Navy chaplain; and earned five degrees, including a doctorate of ministry in leadership. Carl is the author of “Resilient Sailing: 10 Lessons to Persevere in Life’s Stormy Seas,” and conducts life coaching workshops and online courses. Contact him at (407) 809-8047; cbarnes@rtirguests.com
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