01. Should the Media Call Trump a Fascist?
02. Counterintelligence Spy: Stories from the Frontlines
03. Surprising News About Students and Pandemic Closures
04. Are We Really Everything, Everywhere, All at Once?
05. Pro Wrestling: Comfort Food for Difficult Times
06. The Red Movement: Social Justice in the 21st Century
07. Americans Say Life Has Gotten Worse. Psychiatrist Explains Why
08. The Most Honest Expert on Change You’ll Ever Interview
09. What You Can Learn from Taylor Swift and Warren Buffett
10. The Surprising Reason People Become Addicted to Sex
11. Why God Is the Ultimate Personal Trainer
12. Are Jerks Still Jerks in the Afterlife?
13. Prolific Author Reveals Why We Love Thrillers
14. Entering a Beauty Pageant Nearly Got Her Killed
15. What is a Theta State of Mind?
1.==> Should the Media Call Trump a Fascist?
Jeff Sharlet says the media isn’t being direct enough when reporting on Donald Trump when he makes antisemitic and fascist comments that echo language straight from Adolf Hitler. “Calling him a ‘neo-fascist’ is a dodge and an evasion,” according to the journalist, author and expert on the far right. Sharlet also questions why media outlets aren’t devoting coverage to the frenzy and undertow of violence taking place at Trump rallies. “We overlook the ecstasy and eroticism of fascism. You go to a Trump rally and it feels like a Deadhead show. You dance in the parking lot for hours. There is a violent festivity to it. It’s not just that Trump’s fans relish his rudeness. Trump gives his supporters permission to feel that level of anger.” Sharlet says fascism is less an ideology than it is an aesthetic, and it evolves and mutates. He’ll describe how and why Trumpism has become more fascistic in the last four years. Jeff Sharlet’s latest book is “The Undertow: Scenes from a Slow Civil War.” Contact him at jeffrey.sharlet@dartmouth.edu, @JeffSharlet
2. ==> Counterintelligence Spy: 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
3. ==> Surprising News About Students and Pandemic Closures
According to the first national study of how much U.S. students are recovering from the pandemic school closings in 2020, elementary and middle school students have made up significant ground, but they are nowhere close to being fully caught up. Even still, the gains were larger than researchers expected. “One of the big and surprising findings is there actually has been a substantial recovery,” says Sean Reardon, a professor of poverty and inequality in education at Stanford, and one of the study analysts. “But it’s an unevenly felt recovery,” he says, “so the worry there is that means inequality is getting baked in.” The students most at risk are those in poor districts, whose test scores fell further during the pandemic. Though the new data shows that they have begun to catch up, they had much more to make up than their peers from higher-income families, who are already closer to recovery. That leaves students in poor communities at a greater disadvantage than they were five years ago. Contact Sean Reardon at 650) 736-8517; sean.reardon@stanford.edu
4. ==> Are We Really Everything, Everywhere, All at Once?
The media’s newfound fascination with the multiverse has started to spread like wildfire. From the Golden Globes to the Critics’ Choice Awards, movies and TV shows like “Across the Spiderverse” are gaining critical acclaim and overwhelming mainstream attention due to the multiverse theory and its potential to revolutionize our understanding of reality. Author and philosopher Peter Canova can discuss the intersections between the scientific and spiritual understandings of the world that could point to the existence of parallel universes. Ask him: Is there evidence that multiple universes actually exist? If so, how does that possibility revolutionize our understanding of human consciousness and our overall purpose? Peter Canova is a philosopher, linguist, historian, and author of several books including his latest, “Quantum Spirituality.” Contact Mackenzie August at (661) 255-8283; mackenzie@steveallenmedia.com
5. ==> Pro Wrestling: Comfort Food for Difficult Times
Turn on the TV just about any night and you’ll find pro wrestling on some channel. We all know pro wrestling is prearranged, but the shows still sell out and the pay-per-view numbers are higher than ever. Why? Former pro wrestler Chris Whaley, who spent the 1980s as “The Saint,” says, “People are tired of politics and programs that do not spark their interest. Wrestling is comfort food for living in a difficult world.” Ask Whaley about his decade-long career competing with “The Undertaker,” “The Ultimate Warrior,” and more, and why he left the ring and took up a different fight, as a minister. Chris Whaley’s first book, “The Masked Saint” — based on a true story — was made into an award-winning movie and his second book, “Harold’s Heavenly Christmas” will be a Movie of the Week. He has appeared on TV, radio and podcasts. Contact Dr. Chris Whaley at (407) 227-8781; themaskedsaint59@gmail.com
6. ==> The Red Movement: Social Justice in the 21st Century
From the coffee that is harvested by black child slaves in Africa to the clothes that are created by modern-day slave labor in India and other parts of the world, The RED Movement increases awareness about how our purchasing power is supporting companies who use slave labor and child labor every day. Attorney, activist and founder of The Red Movement Shadan Kapri says billions of people are completely in the dark about how their hard-earned money is supporting modern-day slavery and its proliferation around the world. She’ll reveal the surprising number of items in your home that are harvested or put together by slave and forced labor and why slavery is more prevalent now than at any time in history — and why #BLM isn’t talking about it. Shadan Kapri (pronounced Shadawn Capri) has been recognized nationally and internationally for her work in law and human rights. Her book is “The Red Movement: Social and Environmental Justice in the 21st Century.” Contact her at (509) 720-0278; ShadanKapri@icloud.com
7. ==> Americans Say Life Has Gotten Worse. Psychiatrist Explains Why
Is the American dream dying? The world has seen massive changes over the past few years, and it’s getting harder to enjoy our lives from day to day, let alone achieve our life goals. In fact, CNN reports that American happiness has hit record lows, with more than 60% agreeing that life is worse — especially since the start of the pandemic. Dr. Shila Patel (pronounced Sheila) reveals the reasons behind this historic decline in happiness. A retired licensed psychiatrist who was in practice for more than 25 years and the author of three books, she offers a passionate perspective on why depression and anxiety are flourishing, and what we can do to help ourselves and our loved ones rediscover what makes life worth living. Contact Dr. Shila Patel at (229) 586-6190; spatel@rtirguests.com
8. ==> The Most Honest Expert on Change You’ll Ever Interview
Kirsty Maynor is that rare expert who talks about change with total honesty, even admitting that despite her expertise there was a time when everything she knew about this topic that affects us all was wrong. With the new year, now is a great time to interview Kirsty to find out how your audience can deal with the changes they choose and the changes they don’t whether it be starting a new business, going back to school, finding more time for themselves or coping with a layoff or divorce. Kirsty Maynor is an entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Firefly, a team of organizational culture change and leadership development specialists. Her just-released book is “Untangled: A Practical and Inspirational Guide to Change You Choose and Change You Don’t.” Contact Kirsty at kirsty.maynor@gmail.com
9. ==> What You Can Learn from Taylor Swift and Warren Buffett
Taylor Swift and Warren Buffett are very different people. However, both are icons with advice your listeners can use to live happier, more fulfilling lives. Interview Detri McGhee to learn ways you can strive to be more like Swift or Buffett without having to be a Swiftee or making a single terrific financial investment. Detri is an emotional intelligence expert who says both Swift and Buffett recognize that EI (emotional intelligence) is more important than AI (artificial intelligence). Ask her: What surprising thing did Buffett say represents one’s best investment? What have Swiftees been told to never do? Why should one pay attention to criticism offered by an enemy? Detri is the author of the upcoming book “Criticism Management: The C-A-T That Tames the Dragon.” She is the president of Entrepreneurial Training and Marketing, LLC, a company that offers workshops and seminars on criticism management. Contact Detri McGhee at (870) 407-7523; dmcghee@rtirguests.com
10. ==> The Surprising Reason People Become Addicted to Sex
The general belief is that sex addicts are merely selfish, amoral perverts. But according to author and marriage therapist Marsha Means, the reasons for this crippling dependence are far more complicated. “I have researched the connection between sexual addiction and attachment wounds in childhood,” she says. “I see the addict as wounded and desperately in need of healthy, secure connection.” Marsha can share how to break this addiction once and for all, and how couples can survive the pain and heartache this causes in relationships. She is the author of the critically acclaimed books “Learn Empathy: Help Your Betrayed Wife Heal” and “From Betrayal Trauma to Healing & Joy: A Workbook for Partners of Sex Addicts.” Contact Marsha Means at (520) 341-6002; mmeans@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Why God Is the Ultimate Personal Trainer
If you want to lose weight, get in better shape and eat healthier you might think you need the services of a personal trainer and dietician or at least a gym membership. But Laura Pickett says that isn’t true. In fact, she’ll say that the world’s best personal trainer is yours for the asking; all you have to do is seek Him out. Laura, who has taken off 70 pounds and kept them off, will tell you that she accomplished that goal after she discovered that she needed to stop eating processed foods, sugar and bread, for example, when she allowed God to be her personal trainer. Invite Laura on the air to explain the role faith can play in significant weight loss and health reboots. Don’t forget to ask her about what happened when she asked God to knock the piece of pie off her plate if He didn’t want her to eat it. Laura Pickett is the author of “Get Over Weight (12 Steps to Finally Win the Weight Battle and Win at Life)” and the creator of a coaching and mentoring program on the topic. She has spent more than 30 years in the ministry and made multiple appearances on TBN’s national and local network (in Atlanta), and WATV. Contact Laura Pickett at (404) 856-5781; lpickett@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Are Jerks Still Jerks in the Afterlife?
It’s very common for those who have lost mean loved ones to glorify them and gloss over their faults post-mortem. But author and psychic medium June Edward claims that death doesn’t change their rotten ways. “People don’t miraculously change just because they passed to the other side and left their body,” she says. “They are the exact same people they were when they were here. If they were a jerk, they’re still a jerk!” On a positive note, June claims that they do eventually learn from their mistakes once they’ve passed over. She can share exactly how this happens, and what really occurs when we die. She is the best-selling, award-winning author of “All’s Fair in Love & Karma: 5 Steps to Relationship Mastery,” which has been endorsed by renowned author John Gray. Contact June Edward at (508) 544-0189; jedward@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Prolific Author Reveals Why We Love Thrillers
Books like “Gone Girl” and “Fool Me Once” and their film adaptations cause us to experience physical reactions, quickening our pulse as each new twist and turn has us trying to figure out who the bad guy is and where the plot is going. So why do we love thrillers, especially psychological ones? For the answer, interview author Sonya Bateman, who has three new thrillers out this month. Sonya says experiencing a good thriller provides us with dopamine — the feel-good chemical that boosts our mood when we try new experiences. She can also share five ways to bring more thrills into our lives starting with deliberately getting lost and doing childlike things. Ask her: Where do you get your ideas for your books? Do you base your villains on real people? You have self-published and had deals with established publishing houses: what are the pros and cons of each? Sonya Bateman has three new page-turners out in January: “Blackout,” “The Girl Who Escaped,” and “The Widows Club.” Some of her previous novels were published by a division of Simon and Schuster and she has several decades of experience helping authors promote their books. Contact Sonya at (680) 214-6390; sonyabateman.author@gmail.com
14. ==> Entering A Beauty Pageant Nearly Got Her Killed
Competing in a beauty contest is usually not considered dangerous. But when you’re the first woman to represent Afghan women and you catch the attention of the Taliban, it can be deadly. That’s what Masuda (Massie) Rahmati found out when she competed in the 2005 Mrs. World International Beauty Competition and received death threats — including one made in person to her home in California. Bring Massie on your show to talk about the inhumane way girls and women continue to be treated in her native Afghanistan where their lives can be taken for the most frivolous reasons. Her upcoming book is tentatively titled “Almost Killed by the Taliban: How I Stood Up for the Women and Girls of Afghanistan. Born in Kabul, she came to the U.S. as a teenager with her family in 1982. She has been interviewed by international media and recognized by Congress. Contact Masuda Rahmati at (831) 298-8335; mrahmati@rtirguests.com
15. ==> What is a Theta State of Mind?
Everyday people are discovering unseen worlds with guidance from Kryste Andrews, a long-time licensed hypnotherapist. While relaxing into the hypnotic state of consciousness called theta, some of Kryste’s clients have interacted with life on other planets. Kryste’s book, “Discovery,” Book One of the LEGACY series, chronicles the true stories of an ancient tribe trekking over mountain ranges, migrating to what is now southern France. Kryste says: “I’ve observed a client time-traveling and remotely viewing ancient people he believes to be his ancestors who lived 25,000 years ago, and much more.” Her upcoming book, “31 Conversations With An Alien,” is based on a recent client’s extraordinary life and reveals the living room chats between Kryste and an extraterrestrial named Fred. Contact Kryste Andrews at (201) 801-4551; Kandrews@rtirguests.com