01. How NATO Provokes Russia
02. 30th Anniversary of Soviet Union Collapse
03. Testing Bombshell Reveals Trump Clan’s Depravity
04. What Trump Revealed about the Mainstream Media
05. This Hip-Hopper Appeared with Quavo and Waka Flocka!
06. Make a List and Check it Twice: Holiday Safety Tips
07. History Lesson: Ridding the World of Smallpox in the 1960s
08. How to Immunize Yourself from the Virus of Change
09. Wrong! Why Most People Screw up New Year’s Resolutions
10. The New Year’s Resolution You’ll Be Happy to Keep!
11. What ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ Gets Right about Psychedelics
12. Can You Guess the Most Important Minutes of the Day?
13. Mind-Blowing Happiness for Black Women
14. Should We Reward People Who Help the Homeless?
15. Songwriter/Pianist Plays Christmas Music Live on Your Show
1.==> How NATO Provokes Russia
What’s driving Vladimir Putin’s Ukraine brinkmanship? Historian David Gibbs says, “Recent tensions over Ukraine are raising the possibility of a full return to the Cold War between the two powers, the United States and Russia. What is often overlooked in this emerging crisis is that it began with a U.S. provocation against Russia. In 1990, the U.S. government promised that NATO would never be expanded into former communist states in Eastern Europe, “not one inch eastward,” in the words of then Secretary of State James Baker. The U.S. violation of this agreement — its massive expansion into Eastern Europe after 1990 — lay at the heart of the recent U.S.-Russian tensions.” David Gibbs is a professor of history at the University of Arizona and author of the book “First Do No Harm: Humanitarian Intervention and the Destruction of Yugoslavia.” Contact him at dgibbs@email.arizona.edu
2. ==> 30th Anniversary of Soviet Union Collapse
December 26 marks the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Soviet Union, paving the way for a brief experiment with democracy and ultimately, leading to the rise of Vladimir Putin. Ret. Brig. Gen. Peter Zwack was a young army captain in the Soviet Union during its waning days, studying Russian at a regional university. Invite him to share his personal, eyewitness account of this remarkable period in world history. Hear how the final chapter of the Cold War ended with the hijacking of Russia’s future by rapacious financiers, pyramid schemes, and a new criminal element, setting the stage for Putin’s arrival. Zwack’s new book, “Swimming the Volga,” was written as the Soviet Union neared the end of its nearly 70-year existence. Zwack spent 34 years as a military intelligence and Eurasian foreign area officer serving in Russia, West Germany, South Korea, Kosovo, and Afghanistan. He is a Global Fellow at The Kennan Institute for Advanced Russia Studies at The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and regularly appears on CNN, PBS, MSNBC, and other major media. Contact Terri Beavers at bg.pbz.r@gmail.com
3. ==> Testing Bombshell Reveals Trump Clan’s Depravity
News that Donald Trump tested positive for COVID-19 just days before the first 2020 presidential debate shows his disregard for rules but Greg Sargent points out that the revelation also implicates members of his family. As former Chief of Staff Mark Meadows reveals in his new book, Melania, Donald Jr., Eric and other family members sat in the debate audience flouting mask requirements, even though they’d been instructed to treat the president as if he was COVID-positive. Sargent says, “In retrospect, now that we know Trump – and likely those around him as well – knew that he’d tested positive for COVID, this stands as yet another example of our total underestimation of this clan’s depraved disregard for rules, norms, and any sense of basic decency and responsibility to those around them.” Greg Sargent writes the Plum Line Blog for the “Washington Post.” Contact him at sargentg@washpost.com; @ThePlumLineGS
4. ==> 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
5. ==> This Hip-Hopper Appeared with Quavo and Waka Flocka!
He’s shared the stage with some of the biggest names in the music industry like Quavo and Waka Flocka. But like many other hip-hop artists, Austin Lanier overcame a lot to get where he is, from trouble with the law beginning at age six to bullying, depression, anxiety, fatherlessness, drug addiction, and the loss of friends to suicide. Yet Austin’s story of finding his purpose and helping other people find theirs as a speaker in schools is the perfect, uplifting fit for the New Year. Ask him: How has fame changed you? What are some keys to finding purpose? What role has soccer played in your life? Contact Peggi Mersey at (281) 346-9528; pmerkey@rtirguests.com
6. ==> Make a List and Check it Twice: Holiday Safety Tips
The holidays are here and many people are getting back to their pre-pandemic holiday traditions, many of which can be a little dangerous if you’re not careful. Forgo a holiday trip to the ER by heeding the advice of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Unsafe toys, cooking fires, decorating mishaps, holiday trees and candles all lead to thousands of injuries and deaths each year, according to CPSC’s Alexander Hoehn-Saric. Invite him to share safety tips when shopping for toys, reveal surprising decorating hazards of the season, and explain why you should think twice before using a turkey fryer. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is an independent federal regulatory agency formed in 1972 with a mission to protect the public against unreasonable risks of injury or death from consumer products. For interviews, contact Patty Davis at (301) 504-7601; pdavis@cpsc.gov
7. ==> History Lesson: Ridding the World of Smallpox in the 1960s
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
8. ==> How to Immunize Yourself from the Virus of Change
The past two years brought lots of changes to most people’s lives in ways that could not have been anticipated. In fact, the pace of change has been accelerating exponentially and is likely to continue doing so. That‘s why Tim Winders wants to prepare your listeners to meet future challenges by building up their immunity to “the virus of change.” Tim can offer advice on embracing change so that it doesn’t knock you off course to your hopes and dreams. Ask him what three words help build immunity to change? How can you use the concepts those words illustrate to be better prepared? How did the idea for comparing change to a virus come to you? Tim has over 25 years of experience as a strategic coach for leaders and leadership teams. He also hosts the “SeekGoCreate” podcast and has written his debut novel, “Coach: A Story of Success Redefined,” which tells the story of an executive who contemplates ending his life after personal failures and business problems that could potentially send him to jail but turns his life around when he learns three timeless principles from a mysterious mentor. Contact Tim Winders at (404) 846-4639; winders@rtirguests.com; available as a last-minute guest
9. ==> Wrong! Why Most People Screw up New Year’s Resolutions
Could 2022 be the year that most people make New Year’s Resolutions that stick … or will it continue to be the year that they go south, fail and disappoint? The answer largely depends on whether you have the foresight to book Marc A. Pitman as your guest. Seriously, this success expert can illuminate the latest research on goal-setting including why it’s important to set resolutions in all areas of your life, not just in work, for example. Ask him: Is it more important to focus on resolutions or values? Does faking it until you make it work? Marc has a master’s degree in organizational leadership and 30 years of studying leadership to his credit. He’s been featured in “Real Simple” and “SUCCESS,” and on NBC, and Fox News. Marc is the author of seven books including his latest, “The Surprising Gift of Doubt: Use Uncertainty to Become the Exceptional Leader You Are Meant to Be.” Contact Marc Pitman at (317) 751-1610 (SC); mpitman@rtirguests.com
10. ==> The New Year’s Resolution You’ll Be Happy to Keep!
Ever wondered how to easily learn more about wine? Or how to enjoy and appreciate wine more than you already do? Let Jim Laughren, CWE (certified wine educator) show your audience how. Jim is one of the most interesting, and least intimidating, wine experts available. A veteran of TV and radio, Jim knows how to make listeners glad they tuned in. The author of “50 Ways to Love Wine More” as well as “A Beer Drinker’s Guide to Knowing & Enjoying Fine Wine” and eBooks “The 15 Minute Guide to Red Wine and “The 15 Minute Guide to White Wine,” Jim consistently provides insight and enjoyment to anyone interested in knowing more about wine, especially for the New Year! Ask him what are some interesting, little-known facts about wine? How can you end “wine intimidation”? What is the most important thing to know about wine lists? Will 2022 be a good year for wine? Contact Jim Laughren at (954) 317-9623; JLaughren@rtirguests.com
11. ==> What ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ Gets Right about Psychedelics
Hulu’s hit miniseries “Nine Perfect Strangers” tells the story of nine people who come to an avant-garde wellness center called Tranquillum House. Run by Masha, played by Nicole Kidman, Tranquillum gives its guests psychedelics that induce hallucinations. For many viewers, “Nine Perfect Strangers” is the first contact they’ve had with the idea of using once-banned drugs for mental health. Masha is fictional, but now you can interview Sparrow Hart, a genuine expert on the variety of ways to alter and change consciousness. He can discuss both the incredible promise of psychedelics as well as potential pitfalls for their misuse in an addictive and distraction-seeking culture. Sparrow’s varied career also includes being a vision quest guide, Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Stanford, a brief stint working in a slaughterhouse, and adventures in the Amazon jungle. He is the author of several books including “Letters to the River: A Guide to a Dream Worth Living. Contact Sparrow Hart at (801) 516-0740; SHart@rtirguests.com
12. ==> 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
13. ==> Mind-Blowing Happiness for Black Women
Trish Ahjel Roberts says Black women need more support than ever before. “Black people are exhausted, and often Black women bear the burden for the entire community. We support Black men and Black children. We are the epicenter,” she says. The author of “12 Steps to Mind-Blowing Happiness” is launching a monthly book club for Black women in need of healing, spirituality and connection. Roberts got the idea for Mind-Blowing Happiness™ while studying Maslow’s needs hierarchy in business school. She says, “Freedom is the 12th step to Mind-Blowing Happiness™. Most people think freedom is an external place or situation. I teach Black women how to find freedom within themselves.” After a terrifying car accident in 2018, Roberts left her career as a financial advisor to become a self-actualization coach and happiness expert working primarily with women like her. Contact Trish Ahjel Roberts at (917) 887-3689; hello@trishahjelroberts.com
14. ==> Should We Reward People Who Help the Homeless?
During the holiday season our thoughts traditionally turn to helping the homeless. Let homelessness expert and documentarian Glen Dunzweiler bring fresh inspiration to listeners who want to help but don’t know where to start. Glen says that although no one should get rich helping the homeless, no one should become poor doing so either. He says we need incentives for those who want to lend a hand to people without a support system. Glen will explain his concept of small business homelessness, how to get over the fear of making contact with the homeless, ways neighborhood watches could be turned into neighborhood help and more. Ask him: How do we set the homeless up for failure, then throw them away? Dunzweiler is an independent filmmaker, former college professor and author of two books including “A Degree In Homelessness?” He hosts the YouTube series “Difficult Questions with Glen Dunzweiler” and his documentary, “yHomeless,” can be seen on Amazon Prime. Contact Glen Dunzweiler at (702) 703-2219; GDunzweiler@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Songwriter/Pianist Plays Christmas Music Live on Your Show
There’s no better way to experience the joys of the season than by inviting pianist and songwriter Dave Combs on your program to play Christmas music live! Whether he plays his instrumental composition “Happy Christmas Bells” or holiday classic songs off his “My First Christmas Album” (i.e. “Silent Night,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”), Dave will bring smiles to your audience members’ faces along with holiday spirit. In addition, Dave can talk about the power of music — even music without words — to change lives and share the inspiring story behind his most successful composition, “Rachel’s Song.” Dave Combs’ music has been played millions of times on radio, satellite, and internet streaming media. He is also the author of “Touched By the Music: How the Story and Music of Rachel’s Song Can Change Your Life.” Contact him at (336) 655-8320; dave@combsmusic.com