01. How to Rate the Super Bowl Ads
02. Super Bowl Monday Will Cost Employers $6.5 Billion
03. Oscar Nods for Will Smith and ‘King Richard’
04. Interview this Aphrodisiac Expert
05. Simply Sensual: The Best Wine and Chocolate Pairings
06. How the Pandemic Changed Dating for Millennials
07. Still Looking for Love? How to Date Better
08. Does Your Job Deserve a Valentine?
09. Behind the $3.6 Billion Crypto Bust
10. Should You Believe Your Newsfeed?
11. Why You Can’t Get the Theme from ‘Succession’ Out of Your Head
12. When to Worry about a Forgetful Spouse
13. Mental Health Emergency – Kids, Adults, Seniors, All Suffering
14. How to Stop Dreaming and Start Living
15. Trails Not Scales: Fat Girls Hiking
1.==> How to Rate the Super Bowl Ads
It’s not just the players on the field battling it out this Sunday, with 30-second commercials going for a reported $7 million, the Super Bowl ads will also be vying for star status. But how do you judge? Joseph Radding, an Eastern Michigan University marketing professor, created a way for Super Bowl viewers to rate their favorite commercials. The Radding Rating is a 10-category rating system that allows people to dive into advertising questions beyond whether or not someone simply “likes” the ad or not. The Super Bowl is a great time to learn and think about advertising, Radding says. His game highlights the differences between paid media and owned media and the effectiveness of advertising with the concept of earned media, which boils down to follow-up engagement, likes and shares on social media. “I hope that this will give people a framework to discuss advertising rather than simply argue about it,” he says. “They can always argue about the game.” Contact Melissa Thrasher at (734) 487-4401; mthrashe@emich.edu
2. ==> Super Bowl Monday Will Cost Employers $6.5 Billion
Super Bowl parties are back this year and with millions of Americans working remotely, COVID cases falling, and restrictions lifting in many areas, employers can expect workers to slack off the day after the big game, which also happens to be Valentine’s Day this year! Workplace expert Andrew Challenger says this year’s Super Bowl could cost companies over $6.5 billion in lost productivity on Monday, but he thinks the holiday also provides the opportunity to bond with workers. “Employers can use the game as a way to make sure their remote teams stay engaged in an era when workers have their pick of jobs. Similarly among in-person staff, especially with Valentine’s Day, giving workers extra breaks, or allowing them to come in a bit later or leave earlier, will go a long way to building camaraderie and morale.” He adds, “It’s a great excuse for employers to show some leniency to their teams. For the 15% of employed Americans working from home, they may not be available for morning video meetings!” Andrew Challenger is senior vice president of global outplacement and business and executive coaching firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. Contact Madden Blumenfeld at (312) 422-5074; (314) 807-1568 (cell) or colleenmadden@challengergray.com
3. ==> Oscar Nods for Will Smith and ‘King Richard’
The film “King Richard,” starring Will Smith as the father of Serena and Venus Williams, is up for six Academy Awards this Oscar season. The movie chronicles the sisters’ amazing journey of overcoming the odds to become tennis royalty, in large part due to the guidance and skill of their sometimes-controversial father. Sportswriter Cecil Harris has interviewed all three (Williams family members?) and can share his insights on the family, the athletes and the history of race in tennis. Find out what the movie gets right and wrong about the story, and hear other family and tennis lore including how Richard Williams decided his daughters would be tennis champions before they were even born and wrote a 78-page plan to coach them when they were four years old, and why he referred to them as his “Ghetto Cinderellas.” Cecil Harris is the author of “Different Strokes: Serena, Venus, and the Unfinished Black Tennis Revolution.” Contact him at (914) 643-7622; CecilHarris2008@gmail.com
4.==> Interview this Aphrodisiac Expert
Many years ago, Lillian Zeltser accidentally stumbled on an old love potion recipe, which sparked her interest in aphrodisiacs and natural stimulants. Together with her husband, a medical doctor, she researched, experimented with, and hunted for them around the world for over 30 years. In the process, Lillian personally experienced hundreds of effective legendary aphrodisiacs. On your show, she’ll explain the link between food, love and sexuality, how aphrodisiacs can help you feel more attractive and increase mental clarity and focus, and ways to incorporate them into your daily life. She’ll also share all-natural recipes and tips to maintain and enjoy your sexual energy. Lillian Zeltser is the founder of Aphrodope and the author of “Aphrodisiac Adventures.” Contact her at lvez@bigpond.com or +61 419335631
5. ==> Simply Sensual: The Best Wine and Chocolate Pairings
Let’s be honest, we’ve all given or received a box of chocolates on Valentine’s Day. Hopefully to, or from, someone very special. Yet how many of those heartfelt offerings do we really remember? Mmm … none? But with the assistance of some well-chosen wine, we can all create a stellar tasting experience that will be etched in our sweetie’s memory for years to come. Let wine guru Jim Laughren, CWE, show your audience how to set the stage for a delicious and memorable Valentine’s Day after-dinner snuggle-up. He will discuss the long and remarkable relationship between wine and chocolate and how we can pair this sensuous twosome for maximum delight. Contact Jim at (954) 317-9623; JLaughren@rtirguests.com
6. ==> How the Pandemic Changed Dating for Millennials
Between changing social norms, new technologies and the pandemic, millennials are navigating a completely new landscape as they try to find and maintain romantic relationships. In other words, they need fresh advice for this “new normal.” Whether you’re dating, hooking up or in a serious relationship, Jennifer Wisdom and Kristina Hallett can share essential tools to safely navigate your love life as we make our way out of the pandemic. Ask them: How can you meet people right now? What constitutes a safe date these days? Is this a good time to move in together? Jennifer Wisdom Ph.D., MPH and Kristina Hallett, Ph.D., ABPP, are clinical psychologists and the authors of “Millennials’ Guide to Relationships,” one of the “Millennials’ Guide” series of books. Contact Jennifer Wisdom at (503) 484-5679; admin@leadwithwisdom.com
7. ==> Still Looking for Love? How to Date Better
Many of your listeners will likely find themselves in the same situation Dina Rifkin used to be in. Single and looking to find genuine love while avoiding the cheaters, liars and toxic people who can get in the way of finding the good ones. Rifkin, a dating coach and the founder of Love + Qi (who is in her mid-thirties), embarked on a year-long intensive search involving 71 dates with different men. Now happily married to date #71, she’ll share the lessons she learned along the way that she believes will help other women find their best match. She’ll discuss what to look for and what to look out for when dating, her list of red flags, and post-date practices and questions to ask yourself, including whether you liked the person you were on that date. Dina Rifkin is the author of “Date Better, Darling! Your Sassy, Soulful, Self-Aware Guide to Finding Love.” Contact her at (303) 898-0791; datebetterdarling@gmail.com
8. ==> Does Your Job Deserve a Valentine?
Unfortunately, for many people, their job and employer do not deserve a Valentine’s Day card. Attorney and employment expert Beverly Williams would like everyone to love the job they have and reveals what to do if that does not describe your situation. The employment professional, arbitrator, and former HR executive in both private and public sectors will reveal why she is troubled by the so-called Great Resignation, and why people should manage their careers more proactively. She’ll offer information about how to find your passion and what you are good at and why employers giving their employees more money to keep them happy right now is not a permanent fix. Williams hosts the podcast Your Employment Matters with Beverly Williams. She earned an M.P.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a J.D. from Rutgers Law School. Contact her at (973) 576-5841; bwilliams@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Behind the $3.6 Billion Crypto Bust
This week’s $3.6 billion crypto bust is the largest seizure in U.S. history. TikTok rapper Heather Morgan and Ilya Lichtenstein were arrested in the alleged crypto laundering scheme. Invite attorney JR Lanis to discuss the traceability of blockchain, how easy it is to hack bitcoin, and how Bitcoin and other such technologies can be protected from “bad actors.” He can also explain whether the government is likely to step in and regulate the digital currency, and how the technology is evolving. JR Lanis is one of only a handful of U.S. attorneys who fully understand the rapid development of cryptocurrency and has completed major transactions in this space. He’s frequently quoted and interviewed by national news outlets including “The Wall Street Journal,” Bloomberg, CNBC, and Law360. Contact Cherie Kerr at (714) 271-2140 (cell); cherie@kerrpr-execuprov.com or Shannon Dugger at (303) 619-3949; Shannon@kerrpr-execuprov.com
10. ==> Should You Believe Your Newsfeed?
Newsflash: The media are biased. Not just one outlet. All of the major media sources. Newspapers, TV, radio, and social media are businesses where the bottom line is their bottom line. They exist to make money, not inform you or even tell the truth. Is this real journalism? And whom does it help – and hurt. Find out who owns and rules the press when you invite Dutch/American journalist Hans Izaak Kriek on your show. He’ll reveal the 15 billionaires and six major organizations that dominate and own the mainstream media and discuss how they influence and manipulate the American public daily, with fake news and framing. Ask him: How can you be sure the news you consume is accurate? What is framing and how do the media use it? Do others besides politicians use fake news, and why? Hans Izaak Kriek is the publisher and editor-in-chief of Krieksmediaworld.com and the author of “Trump’s Daily Domination of the News Media.” He’s 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
11. ==> Why You Can’t Get the Theme from ‘Succession’ Out of Your Head
If you have ever wondered why some TV theme songs become iconic earworms such as the Nicholas Britell-penned theme from HBO’s “Succession,” you’ll want to interview songwriter-pianist Dave Combs to find out. Dave, who has written more than 120 songs including the earworm-worthy “Rachel’s Song,” and put out 15 albums, can boast that his compositions have been played millions of times on radio, satellite, and internet streaming media. He can talk about why songs get stuck in our heads and why so many of them are instrumental TV themes for such beloved shows as “Hawaii 5-0,” “The Office,” and “Jeopardy.” Dave is 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
12. ==> When to Worry about a Forgetful Spouse
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. ==> Mental Health Emergency – Kids, Adults, Seniors, All Suffering
The country is in the middle of a mental health crisis with people of all ages suffering, from young kids to seniors. Seeking the care of a professional is the best way to determine the right treatment, but Ellen Albertson, Ph.D., says everyone can (and should) also create their own emergency mental health kit. “Research shows that self-compassion reduces stress, anxiety, and depression and boosts optimism and resilience. Self-compassion can also help heal addiction, shame, and negative body image,” she says. Invite Dr. Albertson to share what self-compassion is (essentially treating yourself like a good friend) and how it is a skill that anyone can learn. Ellen Albertson Ph.D., is a psychologist, registered dietitian, board-certified health and wellness coach, mindful self-compassion teacher, and the author of “Rock Your Midlife: 7 Steps to Transform Yourself and Make Your Next Chapter Your Best Chapter.” She has appeared on CBS and NBC News, The Food Network, and EXTRA and been quoted in “Psychology Today,” “Forbes,” and “Eating Well.” Contact her at (802) 497-7222; ellen@drellenalbertson.com
14. ==> How to Stop Dreaming and Start Living
Do you feel stuck in the land of Oz? Looking for a way home? Maybe the answer has been at your feet the whole time. You just need to click your heels and make the leap. Invite Cathay Reta on your show and hear how she found the courage to live her dream only after she walked the 483-mile Camino de Santiago, alone, at age 64, after her husband passed away. She’ll describe how in 37 days she went from heartbreak to wholeness and from a sense of loss to a sense of self-awareness and power. Cathay Reta has worked for nearly 40 years in adult literacy and shared a ministry with her husband. She is a blogger and the author of “Keep Walking, Your Heart Will Catch Up: A Camino de Santiago Journey.” Contact her at (626) 788-7877; cathay@cathayreta.com
15. ==> Trails Not Scales: Fat Girls Hiking
We usually think of the outdoors as a resource for all. But when it comes to hiking, fat people face barriers ranging from a lack of plus-sized hiking gear to fatphobia in the outdoor recreation community. That’s why Summer Michaud-Skog created Fat Girls Hiking.com (FGH), a nationwide community for fat activism, body liberation and outdoor use, to take the stigma out of the word fat and empower people to live their best lives. Summer’s new book, “Fat Girls Hiking: An Inclusive Guide to Getting Outdoors at Any Size or Ability,” is an inspiring call to the outdoors for people of all body types, sizes, and backgrounds and offers heartfelt stories, practical advice, and helpful trail reviews. With more than 37,000 Instagram followers and 29 (and counting) official chapters across the country, FGH works to create space for marginalized bodies with the conviction that outdoor recreation should welcome everyone. 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)