01. Forgetfulness Isn’t Forgetting: Biden, Brains and Aging
02. Has Diplomacy Run Its Course in the Israel-Hamas War?
03. The Super Bowl is Over. Let’s Talk Baseball!
04. The Hidden History of Valentine’s Day
05. Bad Boys, Bad Girls and Why You’re Addicted to Them
06. Ready for More Love? Follow These Self-Care Practices
07. ‘Couple To Throuple’ Offers A New Look At Polyamory
08. When You Love a Sex Addict
09. Inside the Animal Shelter Overcrowding Crisis
10. Have Americans Lost the Habit of Hope?
11. Where to Find Your Personal Fountain of Youth
12. How to Convince Your Kids They’re Amazing
13. Interview the DJ Who Worked with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog and Joe Jackson
14. Are Jerks Still Jerks in the Afterlife?
15. Stop Waiting for Things to Happen. The Science of Empowerment
1.==> Forgetfulness Isn’t Forgetting: Biden, Brains and Aging
A new poll finds 86 percent of Americans feel Joe Biden is too old to serve another term. The poll by ABC News/Ipsos was carried out Saturday, after a Special Counsel report that described Biden as “an elderly man with a poor memory.” How should we think about age and memory? Neuroscientist Charan Ranganath says everyone forgets and it’s normal to be more forgetful as you get older. “However, age in and of itself doesn’t indicate the presence of memory deficits that would affect an individual’s ability to perform in a demanding leadership role.” Ranganath says, “I can’t speak to the cognitive status of any of the presidential candidates, but I can say that, rather than focusing on candidates’ ages per se, we should consider whether they have the capabilities to do the job.” He’ll explain the difference between forgetfulness and Forgetting, what memory science calls “retrieval failure,” and the difference between forgetting and having difficulty articulating facts and knowledge. Charan Ranganath is director of the memory and plasticity program and a professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of California at Davis. He is the author of the upcoming book “Why We Remember: Unlocking Memory’s Potential to Hold on to What Matters.” Contact him at charan@ucdavis.edu
2. ==> Has Diplomacy Run Its Course in the Israel-Hamas War?
Steven Cook says continuing efforts to broker a deal throughout the Middle East still could succeed, despite the latest failed effort to pause the fighting in the Gaza Strip and secure a hostage release. “The Israelis remain interested in a cease-fire, but they do not want a cessation of fighting to provide Hamas with the opportunity to regroup. They also do not want a cease-fire to become a de facto armistice, believing that Israel’s security would remain in jeopardy.” Cook can discuss recent developments in the conflict and the current situation in Gaza, as well as how the U.S. should respond to the ongoing war. Steven A. Cook is the Eni Enrico Mattei Senior Fellow for Middle East and Africa Studies and director of the international affairs fellowship for tenured international relations scholars at the Council on Foreign Relations. Contact him at (202) 509-8620; scook@cfr.org
3.==> The Super Bowl is Over. Let’s Talk Baseball!
With the Super Bowl over and done, sports fans are turning their sights to baseball. Invite baseball historian Gary Sarnoff to discuss spring training 2024, baseball statistics and stars today, and the history of any baseball team you can name in the United States. From old-time sluggers to the game’s modern mega-athletes, Sarnoff shares behind-the-scenes stories of the sport’s biggest stars, both on and off the field. He can also talk about the history of baseball stadiums and their impact on local communities. Sarnoff is a member of the Society for American Baseball Research and speaks frequently on baseball history throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. He is the author of several baseball-related books including the soon-to-be-released “Team of Destiny: Walter Johnson, Clark Griffith, Bucky Harris, and the 1924 Washington Senators.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbpr.biz or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
4. ==> The Hidden History of Valentine’s Day
Many Americans will strive to return to the good old days of romance this Valentine’s Day, but a UNLV history professor says they never actually existed. “People love the idea that there were these wonderful eras before our own time when people celebrated Valentine’s Day in the most authentic way,” says Elizabeth Nelson, a 19th-century pop culture expert who began researching Valentine’s Day three decades ago and literally wrote the book on marketing the holiday. “But there was always this long and complicated history about Valentine’s Day and people actually thought that it was too commercial and insincere from the very beginning. Sit down with Nelson to hear the real history behind the holiday and the ways advertising, consumerism, and social media have changed the way we celebrate. Nelson is an associate professor of history who specializes in pop culture and advertising in the 19th century, as well as food history. She is the author of “Market Sentiments: Middle-Class Market Culture in 19th-Century America.” Contact her directly at (702) 895-3218; elizabeth.nelson@unlv.edu or UNLV media relations at (702) 895-3102; mediarelations@unlv.edu
5. ==> Bad Boys, Bad Girls and Why You’re Addicted to Them
Do you dread Valentine’s Day? If your relationships always end with a broken heart it’s hard to appreciate a holiday that celebrates love. ‘America’s Psychiatrist,’ Dr. Carole Lieberman, can explain what makes women fall for “bad boys” and what makes men sitting ducks for “bad girls.” She’ll also reveal the impact these heartbreakers have on your future dating life. The author of “Bad Boys: Why We Love Them, How to Live with Them and When To Leave Them” and “Bad Girls: Why Men Love Them and How Good Girls Can Learn Their Secrets!” will share the signs you’re attracted to heartbreak along with ways to break the cycle. Carole Lieberman, M.D., M.P.H., is a board-certified psychiatrist and the author or several books. She frequently provides commentary and analysis for radio and TV. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; ryan@goldmanmccormick.com
6. ==> Ready for More Love? Follow These Self-Care Practices
Valentine’s Day is Wednesday. How about celebrating this one a bit differently by acknowledging how terrific you are? Masuda Rahmati will encourage your audience members to treat themselves to a day at the gym, lunch at a nice restaurant, and more as a reminder that self-love is the greatest love of all – one that must come first if we are to spread love to the rest of the world. Invite Massie to share daily practices anyone can incorporate to feel more lovable inside and out. These practices can allow us to stop relying on others for our self-worth and move through adversities with greater ease. Massie is an expert on doing the uncomfortable, having once stood up to the Taliban in defense of women’s and girls’ rights by being the first woman to represent Afghan women in the Mrs. World International Beauty Competition. She can also deliver her Valentine to America and the freedoms we may take for granted and remind Americans about just how dangerous it is to be female in Afghanistan. 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. with her family as a teenager in 1982. A media veteran, she has been interviewed by the international media and has been recognized by Congress. Contact Masuda Rahmati at (831) 298-8335; mrahmati@rtirguests.com
7. ==> ‘Couple To Throuple’ Offers A New Look At Polyamory
Tired of the same-old dating shows? Peacock has a different spin on love with its new TV show “Couple To Throuple.” The series follows four curious couples through the world of polyamory as they experiment with bringing a third partner into their relationship. The show is hosted by Scott Evans from “Access Hollywood” and guided by sex/relationship expert and therapist Dr. Shamyra Howard. Could a throuple be a positive, healthy relationship for everyone involved or is it doomed to implode due to jealousy? What ground rules would need to be applied to make it work? Scott and Shamyra can answer all your questions and tell you everything you want to know. New episodes of “Couple to Throuple” air Thursdays on Peacock. Contact John Angelo at john@premieretv.com.
8. ==> When You Love a Sex Addict
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 will 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 “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
9. ==> Inside the Animal Shelter Overcrowding Crisis
Animal shelters across the country face an overcrowding crisis. New York City’s largest shelter, Animal Care Centers of NYC, is no longer accepting dog surrenders at any of its locations due to a population crisis. Other shelters are being forced to increase euthanizations due to the severity of the predicament. Dr. Carole Osbourne can talk about what’s causing the overcrowding crisis and how to stop it. Hear what you need to think about before adopting any animal, the 3 most important considerations in picking a pet that fits into your family and lifestyle, and the true financial cost of pet ownership. Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM, is an integrative veterinarian who practices functional pet medicine. She’s the author of several books and is a regular contributor to “Fox & Friends,” the “Today” show, Discovery’s Animal Planet, and “Good Day LA,” among other media outlets. Contact Mackenzie August at (661) 255-8283; mackenzie@steveallenmedia.com
10. ==> Have Americans Lost the Habit of Hope?
With all the political turmoil and negative news Americans are subjected to it’s easy to see why some of us have lost the habit of hope. But like any healthy habit, it can be refreshed, rebooted, or acquired for the first time. Expert Edie Summers is making it her mission to teach people how to be more hopeful and shift their mindset to focus on what they can control. Ask Edie: How can we develop a habit of hope? How can focusing on small things to be grateful for reinforce that habit? What mindset shift do we need to make? Edie Summers is the author of “The Memory of Health,” a mind-body fitness instructor, a former executive, and the creator of the My Daily Well app. She has been featured in “Entrepreneur” and many podcasts. Contact her at (503) 487-0058; esummers@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Where to Find Your Personal Fountain of Youth
Millions of men and women are on the hunt for the secret to turn back the hands of time. Everyone wants to stay young, but the elusive search for the fountain of youth can leave you feeling unfulfilled and empty. Nina Presman turned her struggles with weight and aging into her life’s journey. With degrees in advanced face and body sculpting, advanced skincare procedures, psychology, nutrition, and exercise, she’s found her true calling in helping women feel good about themselves on the outside—as well as on the inside. Nina truly understands the struggle and loss of self-esteem that can come with aging, and the importance of regaining confidence and feeling comfortable in your own skin. Learn five ways to look younger without going under the knife, the myths and truths about collagen and collagen supplements, and how to get over the fear of getting older. The owner and founder of the Anti-Aging Center of Boca, Nina Presman has developed a revolutionary anti-aging technology that replaces plastic surgery. Contact her at (561) 654-0177; antiagingcenterofboca.com
12. ==> How to Convince Your Kids They’re Amazing
Social media. Bullying. The long isolation of the pandemic. Gender confusion. Today’s kids have more stressors than at any other time in modern history. “When I speak to fellow counselors and parents, they say that anxiety and depression among young people are off the charts,” says author, former teacher and counselor Patricia Wilson. “I have an understanding of what children need: a sense of self-worth, how to cooperate with others and an appreciation of the gift of life.” Patricia can share how to determine if kids are struggling with depression, and simple, yet powerful self-talk tools to convince them that they are amazing. She has taught children from grades K-12 and counseled kids for more than 30 years. She is the author of numerous best-selling books including “My Magical Night Mare,” “I Am Amazing” and “When Grandma Giggled.” Contact Patricia Wilson at (778) 561-4603; pwilson@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Interview the DJ Who Worked with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog and Joe Jackson
While growing up on the mean streets of Compton, Calif., Damon Grayson could have become just another sad statistic. But thanks to his love of music, combined with his irrepressible can-do spirit, he managed to become a successful DJ known as DMG, who worked with such superstars as Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog, Joe Jackson and many others. “Not only was music a form of therapy for me, the self-confidence of those who rose up from my same background to become highly successful was a great inspiration to me,” he says. Damon is an entrepreneur, relationship counselor, single dad to three boys and author of the inspirational book for women “When His Ways Meet Yours: When You Love You He Will Follow Suit.” Contact Damon Grayson at (760) 490-0656; dgrayson@rtirguests.com
14. ==> 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
15. ==> Stop Waiting for Things to Happen. The Science of Empowerment
Are you feeling stuck in an unhappy job, relationship, or other unpleasant situation? Does it seem like the circumstances will never be right for you to find the perfect partner, career, or life? Luckily, you don’t have to wait for the opportunity to come to you. Learn how to make your own opportunities for breaking free from anything that holds you back when you interview Laura Brennan Ballet. The author of “The Science of Empowerment,” Laura is an experienced life coach and frequent media guest who helps people connect with their personal power to achieve anything, simply by changing the way they think about it. She’ll not only show your audience how to think differently but actually recalibrate their brains and reach for their dreams with intent. You’ll hear why we all become algorithms of the people around us, how to reclaim your authentic self, and how to move past disappointment and live life with zero regrets. Contact Laura Ballet at (860) 831-4435; lballet@rtirguests.com