01. U.S. Men’s Soccer Team Loses But Goes Home Big
02. Another Toxic Leak Highlights Military Negligence
03. Muppets in Moscow: True Story of Making ‘Sesame Street’ in Russia
04. The Holiday Office Party Is Back!
05. The History and Uncertain Future of the Koala Bear
06. This Former Shoemaker to the Stars Gets Tongues Wagging
07. 10 Ways to Kiss Negative Self-Talk Goodbye!
08. Why Are More of Us Socially Anxious?
09. What Happens When Immigrant Kids Enter Foster Care?
10. Military Aviator to Bilingual Children’s Author – Meet ‘Captain Mama’
11. 3 Tools Parents Can Use to Boost Their Kids’ Self-Esteem
12. An Artful Recipe to Heal and Feel Better
13. How Being a Loser Can Make You a Winner
14. What Really Happens in the Afterlife?
15. ‘Carry It On’- New Buffy Sainte-Marie Documentary
1.==> U.S. Men’s Soccer Team Loses But Goes Home Big
The U.S. Men’s National Team was handed a punishing 3-1 loss by the Netherlands in the first match of the men’s World Cup’s knockout round in Qatar, but Amy Bass says America’s losing team goes home with big wins. “The depth, grit and determination of these young men became the headline,” she says. She’ll discuss the team’s rising stars including Christian Pulisic, or as he’s often called, “Captain America,” the millions of fans who tuned in to the matches, and how the women’s team will benefit from the men’s games. Amy Bass is a professor of sport studies at Manhattanville College and the author of “One Goal: A Coach, a Team, and the Game That Brought a Divided Town Together” and “Not the Triumph but the Struggle: The 1968 Olympics and the Making of the Black Athlete,” among other titles. She has appeared on NBC’s “Today Show”, “CNN Newsroom,’ “Anderson Cooper Full Circle,” NPR and other major media outlets. Contact her at (914) 323-5127; Amy.Bass@mville.edu
2. ==> Another Toxic Leak Highlights Military Negligence
Approximately 1,100 gallons of toxic fire-suppressing foam leaked at a Navy base in Honolulu, according to the military and Hawaii health department, with Hawaii’s deputy director of environmental health calling the leak “egregious,” saying “the military needs to explain itself.” The latest toxic leak was not unexpected, according to Pat Elder, founder of the group Military Poisons. The foam is used to suppress fuel fires and contains chemicals known as PFAS that are linked to cancer and other health problems. PFAS chemicals are notorious environmental contaminants because they are “forever chemicals” that don’t break down in the environment. Elder has written extensively on the issue of the military’s reckless use of PFAS and other toxins throughout the U.S. and around the world and has specifically warned about this facility in Hawaii. Elder’s team documented high levels of PFAS draining into the water at Honolulu earlier this year. Contact him at pelder@militarypoisons.org
3.==> Muppets in Moscow: True Story of Making ‘Sesame Street’ in Russia
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, the timing appeared perfect to bring “Sesame Street’ to millions of children living in the former Soviet Union. With the Muppets envisioned as ideal ambassadors of Western idealistic values, no one anticipated just how challenging and dangerous this would prove to be. Invite American TV producer Natasha Lance Rogoff to discuss her experience producing a Russian version of the classic children’s show. You’ll hear how Natasha and her colleagues faced the assassinations of their broadcast partners, a car bombing, and the takeover of the show’s production office by Russian soldiers with AK-47s, the cognitive dissonance of creating a comedic, educational children’s television show against the violent backdrop of 1990s Moscow, and the cultural clashes that threatened to derail efforts to bring the Muppets and their values to millions of children across the former Soviet empire. Natasha Lance Rogoff is an award-winning American television producer, filmmaker, and journalist who has produced television news and documentaries in Russia, Ukraine, and the former Soviet Union for CBS, NBC, ABC, and PBS. Lance Rogoff executive produced “Ulitsa Sezam,” the Russian adaptation of “Sesame Street,” between 1993 and 1997. She also produced “Plaza Sesamo” in Mexico. “Muppets in Moscow: The Unexpected Crazy True Story of Making Sesame Street in Russia” is her new book. Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853 (cell); LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com or @lissa_warren
4. ==> The Holiday Office Party Is Back!
According to new survey results from global outplacement and business and executive coaching firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc., more than half of companies report they are having in-person holiday parties this year. “Employers know their teams are battling burnout, may be on the verge of quiet quitting, or are leaving their positions altogether,” says Senior VP Andrew Challenger. “The holiday party has always been a way for companies to show their teams they value them. Creating a space for employees to have fun together bolsters morale and connection to their employers and their work, so it really is an important retention and leadership tool for employers,” he adds. Challenger can discuss creative ways companies are gathering and how the work-from-home movement and hybrid office set-ups have changed company culture and the way offices operate. The findings are from a survey conducted online in October and November among 252 U.S.-based companies of various sizes and industries nationwide. Contact Colleen Madden Blumenfeld at (312) 422-5074 (o); (314) 807-1568 (cell) or colleenmadden@challengergray.com
5. ==> The History and Uncertain Future of the Koala Bear
Despite their iconic status and celebrity, koalas remain a mystery. Often affectionate in captivity, they seek out humans when in need of water or care yet can also be fierce and belligerent. They are beloved worldwide but are also plagued by sexually transmitted diseases and maligned for a lack of intelligence. Their diet consists solely of leaves that are full of toxins. In some states, they are threatened with extinction, while in others they are dying from overpopulation. Invite zoologist, biologist, natural history author, and animal expert Danielle Clode to share the latest scientific insights and myth-busting facts about koalas and take listeners up into the trees to reveal the truth about these extraordinary animals and what must be done to ensure their survival. Based at Flinders University in Adelaide Australia, Danielle Clode is the author of “Koala: A Natural History and an Uncertain Future.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (o); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Sasha Beatty at (703) 646-5188
6. ==> This Former Shoemaker to the Stars Gets Tongues Wagging
Elizabeth Power has been described as “sharper than a number two pencil, and funnier than a six-pack of funny bones on go-juice.” Known as the Voice of Lived Experience, she has had many interesting life experiences that make her an excellent talk-show guest. Among them was fixing the shoes (and other stuff) for stars she met while working as a cobbler in Nashville. Invite Elizabeth to entertain your audience with stories about how she turned Tammy Wynette’s pastel rainbow pumps into slingbacks, fixed Minnie Pearl’s makeup case and fixed the shoes of other celebrities including Oprah and Al Gore. Ask her: What was it like to be a cobbler to the stars? What do our shoes say about us? How did she earn the appellation Voice of Lived Experience? Elizabeth Power grew up far from glitzy Nashville, in Appalachia, and spent many years “failing therapy.” Now a highly influential adult educator, 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
7. ==> 10 Ways to Kiss Negative Self-Talk Goodbye!
Each day people average about 60,000 thoughts, most of them skewing negative. So what can we do to keep all that negative energy at bay? How can we practice self-talk that is affirming and uplifting? Interview Sharon Wallen, who taught for more than 30 years in Miami schools and is a Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, to find out at least 10 steps you can take. Why wait for a New Year to kick this unproductive habit to the curb? Ask Wallen how she has used positive self-talk to reach her own goals. Wallen is the author of “Grateful Reflections Journal” and the new program “Pace Yourself for Personal Focus, Productivity and Victorious Living. Contact her at (786) 473-4026; solaceplace07@aol.com
8. ==> Why Are More of Us Socially Anxious?
If you dread social engagements, fear going into public places, or feel that no one really likes you even when you’re around friends, you may be struggling with social anxiety. It is the most common anxiety issue in the United States, and it’s only getting worse. The prevalence of social anxiety has risen dramatically since the start of the pandemic. Lee Vallely talks about the causes of this social anxiety epidemic with your audience. The author of “Kick the Sh*t out of Social Anxiety,” Lee reveals his simple “traffic light” system you can use to combat the effects of prolonged isolation, new social pressures, and daily bad news. Interview this upbeat, positive guest today to discover how to reclaim your life from social anxiety! Ask him: How can positive thinking be bad for your health? What are four things you can do right now if you’re struggling with social anxiety? Why does he say you can’t trick yourself out of anxiety? Contact Lee Vallely at (561) 658-1266; lvallely@rtirguests.com
9. ==> What Happens When Immigrant Kids Enter Foster Care?
It’s well known that the U.S. foster care system is seriously broken. But when it comes to immigrant children, it’s a nightmare. “FBI raids in Texas brought renewed attention to the vulnerabilities of immigrant foster children, who are disproportionately targeted by child sex traffickers,” says Richard Villasana, founder of the nonprofit Forever Homes for Foster Kids. “Foster care agencies are legally required to provide notice to grandparents and other adult relatives. Yet, thousands of Latino children are often discriminated against because agencies are either not performing family finding or are doing sloppy work out of prejudice because of these children’s national origin.” Richard is the author of “Do No Harm: An American Tragedy Continues.” He is a former university professor who is a leading international authority on immigration and foster families. He has been featured on CNN International, ABC and many more. Contact Richard at (619) 648-4729; rvillasana@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Military Aviator to Bilingual Children’s Author – Meet ‘Captain Mama’
Chat with Latina military veteran Graciela Tiscareño-Sato about her Air Force service and how it sparked her entrepreneurial spirit. The author of the bilingual “Captain Mama” trilogy of children’s books created the series to inspire families. Graciela can discuss what it was like to be a navigator on the KC-135 flying gas station, how she became the first female Hispanic Air Force aviator to be awarded an Air Medal for combat air operations, and what she hopes to accomplish with her children’s books. Bilingual in Spanish and English, Graciela has appeared in “USA Today” and on NPR, ABC, NBC, CNN en Español, Al Jazeera, Fox News, Telemundo, Univision, and many regional TV networks. She can share her daughter-of-immigrants-turned-military-aviator journey for long-form interviews. Contact Graciela Tiscareño-Sato at (510) 542-9449; grace@CaptainMama.com
11. ==> 3 Tools Parents Can Use to Boost Their 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
12. ==> An Artful Recipe to Heal and Feel Better
Could looking at art restore people’s health as well as their souls? According to Annessa Morrison, if done properly in the manner she prescribes, it may very well do so. Working under the name Abstract Annessa, Morrison has been painting full-time for eight years after discovering that viewing and creating art helped her heal from the debilitating symptoms of lupus and fibromyalgia. In response to the many questions people ask about her return to health, Morrison developed an online course that mirrors the routine that cured her. Invite her to discuss how “The Art Alternative” helps program the subconscious mind to heal from within. Annessa Morrison is a working artist and painter who creates art using 15 distinct techniques that she has found help immerse people in the act of looking at art. Contact her at (928) 830-3935; healingthroughartrx@gmail.com
13. ==> 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, 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
14. ==> What Really Happens in the Afterlife?
After experiencing a traumatic brain injury due to falling at home, author Jennifer Maag realized this was a blessing in disguise. “I became extremely empathic, which was a gift,” she says. One of those gifts was developing an understanding of what happens after we die. “When we pass over, we go to a ‘soul hospital’ and then ‘soul school’ where we learn valuable lessons. Those who have passed over often communicate with us through our dreams.” 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 our inner battles into healing tools to live our best lives. Contact her at (419) 969-3259; jmaag@rtirguests.com
15. ==> ‘Carry It On’- New Buffy Sainte-Marie Documentary
The life, music, and activism of legendary Indigenous singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie are explored in the new documentary “Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry It On.” Since her groundbreaking debut in 1964, the Cree singer-songwriter has been a trailblazer and a tireless advocate, an innovative artist, and a disruptor of the status quo. In 1969, she made one of the world’s first electronic vocal albums; in 1982, she became the only indigenous person to win an Oscar; she spent five years on “Sesame Street” where she became the first woman to breastfeed on national television. Music blogger and publicist Eric Alpert calls the PBS documentary a much-needed, inspiring biography of one of our most revered and courageous artists. Invite him to discuss “Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry It On,” which includes never-before-seen archival material, new performance footage and interviews with Sainte-Marie, Joni Mitchell, Sonia Manzano, John Kay, Robbie Robertson, Jackson Browne and others. Contact Eric Alpert at (647) 971-3742; Eric@ThatEricAlper.com
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