- New Documentary: ‘Allen v. Farrow’
- Remember ‘Regular Show?’ Meet ‘Close Enough’
- The Coming Wave of Parkinson’s Disease
- Will We Keep Wearing Masks Post-COVID?
- Community College Students Hit Hardest by Pandemic
- Infectious Disease Expert Talks Pandemic-Ending Drugs, Vaccines
- The Lost Story of a President’s Black Family
- When Mainstream Medicine Can’t Help – Energy Healing
- More Women Are Freezing Their Eggs: What Happens When They’re No Longer Needed?
- ‘We the People’ Must Fix Politics
- How to Make Over Your Self-Confidence
- Can One Word Make You Feel Rich?
- Once Broke and Homeless, He Lives, Works and Travels in a Luxury RV
- Put Your Boots Away and Get Out Your Flip-Flops
- What If Death is Just the Beginning of Life?
1.==> New Documentary: ‘Allen v. Farrow’
HBO’s new documentary “Allen v. Farrow,” is a four-part docu-series investigating sexual abuse allegations involving Woody Allen and his daughter, Dylan Farrow. The film features interviews with Farrow, as well as Mia Farrow, Ronan Farrow, family friend Carly Simon and prosecutor Frank Maco and takes a close look at the abuse allegations, the subsequent custody trial, Allen’s relationship with Mia’s daughter Soon-Yi Previn and “the aftermath of the trauma on the family in the years that followed.” Attorney Sarah Klein is a renowned advocate for sexual abuse survivors and a former competitive gymnast who is the first known victim of former Olympic women’s gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar. She has become a leading voice on sexual abuse and other legal issues on television, radio, and in print media. Contact Mark Goldman at (516) 639-0988 (call/text); mark@goldmanmccormick.com
- ==> Remember ‘Regular Show?’ Meet ‘Close Enough’
One of the strangest, yet most popular animated series of the last decade was Cartoon Network’s “Regular Show.” Created by JG Quintel, the surreal, fantastical series about two goof-off park workers, blue jay Mordecai (voiced by Quintel) and raccoon Rigby, received an Emmy and a devoted following among kids and adults. Invite Quintel on your show and hear about his latest project. Airing on HBO Max, “Close Enough” is the story of married couple Josh (Quintel) and Emily, their five-year-old daughter, and their divorced best friends all living together in eastside Los Angeles. Josh, Emily and the gang navigate adulthood while contending with haunted couches, time-traveling whiskeys, and a literal houseguest from hell. Contact John Angelo at john@premieretv.com
- ==> The Coming Wave of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is currently the fastest growing neurological disorder in the world. With cases climbing at an unprecedented pace, experts predict that 1-in-15 people in the U.S. will receive a diagnosis of Parkinson’s in their lifetime. Dr. Michael Okun, medical director of the Parkinson’s Foundation, says the most effective treatment for the disease is now a half-century old and without more research, we’re failing to stop a runaway train. He’s calling for an Operation Warp Speed approach to developing a vaccine, saying Parkinson’s is fast on its way to becoming a pandemic —one that, if left unaddressed, will persist long after COVID-19 disappears. Dr. Okun and Dr. Ray Dorsey, a neurologist and former director of the Parkinson’s Disease Division at Johns Hopkins Medicine, are available for interview. They co-authored the new book “Ending Parkinson’s Disease” with two other experts. Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853 (cell); LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com or @Lissa_Warren
4.==> Will We Keep Wearing Masks Post-COVID?
Americans have been masking up this winter to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus and health officials say that’s a big reason cases have been dropping in recent weeks. They’re also noticing a dramatic drop in flu cases, and some people wonder if Americans might continue to wear masks after the pandemic. “As American workers wear masks to reenter the workplace, many may get used to the practice. Despite the controversy surrounding wearing masks, as life starts to return to normal with the use of masks, some Americans may embrace them when they feel ill in the future, especially in heavily populated urban centers,” according to employment expert Andrew Challenger. He says the flu costs employers nearly $15 billion each year and some may now consider promoting mask use. “Those who feel mask-wearing infringes on their personal freedoms when mandated by the government may feel differently if they can choose to wear one. Ultimately, post-pandemic mask-wearing may not work in every workplace. It certainly depends on the leadership, comfort of team members, and culture of the organization.” Challenger is VP of the global outplacement and executive coaching firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. Contact Colleen Madden Blumenfeld at (312) 422-5074; (314) 807-1568 (cell) or colleenmadden@challengergray.com
- ==> Community College Students Hit Hardest by Pandemic
That the pandemic put a dent in college enrollment last fall is no surprise. Less obvious is the unequal impact deferring college has on low-income community college students. According to researcher Sepideh Jessica Vasseghi of the Center for Economic and Policy Research, “The issue is not simply that a lot of students deferred one year, it is that primarily community college students deferred, which has the potential to perpetuate long-run economic inequality.” Vasseghi notes, public two-year colleges or community colleges saw a 10.1% decrease in enrollment in fall 2020, which is four times greater than the national decrease of 2.5%. The primary driver for student deferments is economic hardship and insecurity brought on by the pandemic. She says students who defer community colleges often never return or complete their degrees, which has life-long economic ramifications. Researchers also note that some community colleges may be forced to close, further limiting access to higher education for low-income students. The Center for Economic and Policy Research was established in 1999 to promote democratic debate on the most important economic and social issues that affect people’s lives. Contact Karen Conner at (202) 281-4159; conner@cepr.net
- ==> Infectious Disease Expert Talks Pandemic-Ending Drugs, Vaccines
Get the inside scoop on COVID-19 therapeutics from antiviral developer and entrepreneur John Gregg. Interview an infectious disease expert, who formerly led planning for the distribution of Pfizer’s coronavirus therapeutics, to find out what is in store for pandemic-ending drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics. John will talk about what COVID-19 therapeutic drugs are available now, which new ones are coming soon to patients, and why therapeutic pills and inhalers are not yet available for home use but are the focus of major government and industry initiatives. John is the author of COVID-19 journal articles and is a regular industry speaker on drug development and marketing. Ask him: What are the most important factors in getting good outcomes if you test positive for COVID-19? Why are there currently no easy-to-take outpatient medications for COVID-19 like tablets or inhalers? Contact John Gregg at (917) 951-6615; jgregg@balinbac.com
- ==> The Lost Story of a President’s Black Family
Author and physician Dr. Bettye Kearse is the great-great-great-granddaughter of an enslaved woman and her enslaver, and half-brother, President James Madison. Invite Dr. Kearse to share her perspective on being a descendant of both one of the Founding Fathers and also of a slave. She’ll share her family story and explore the issues of legacy, race, and the powerful consequences of telling the whole truth. Bettye Kearse is the author of “The Other Madisons: The Lost Story of a President’s Black Family” and the subject of a documentary film. She presented her story at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and has been featured by NPR, podcasts, and radio stations across the country. Contact her at (617) 640 4803; bettye@bettyekearse.com
- ==> When Mainstream Medicine Can’t Help – Energy Healing
Susana Stoica, a Ph.D. in computer engineering and a healer by birth, brings a scientist’s view to energy healing. She collaborates with medical doctors and has written nine books about physical and emotional healing, has spoken about brain trauma recovery at Harvard Medical School, trained medical and social work students in the use of energy healing, and helped people feel better all over the world. Susana’s gift is removing long-held emotional traumas from a person’s energy field. A survivor of two traumatic brain injuries, she helps people with traumatic brain injuries, strokes, ALS, Asperger’s, epilepsy, or brain trauma-induced illnesses like severe allergies that do not respond to accepted medical treatments. Ask her: What is medical intuition? Why is energy healing effective when allopathic medicine is stumped? What insights does Susana offer on COVID? Contact Susana Stoica at (248) 895-5784; healingbraininjury@gmail.com
- ==> More Women Are Freezing Their Eggs: What Happens When They’re No Longer Needed?
In response to the COVID pandemic, more women are feeling the need to freeze their eggs to preserve their reproductive options for the future. In fact, some U.S. clinics are reporting as much as a 40% increase in egg-banking. But what will happen to those frozen eggs including those that were fertilized before freezing, when the donors don’t plan more children? Or split from their partner who doesn’t want more kids? Or when something happens to the embryos’ parents and IFV becomes medically impossible? Expect controversy and heartwarming stories when you interview Nate Birt, author of “Frozen, But Not Forgotten: An Adoptive Dad’s Step-by-Step Guide to Embryo Adoption.” He will tell how he and his wife, like many other parents, sought embryo adoption, carried the baby to term and are now raising a healthy toddler daughter they adore. Contact Nate Birt at (417) 221-9045; NBirt@rtirguests.com
- ==> ‘We the People’ Must Fix Politics
A two-party system by nature is an “us vs. them” system, a fight or flight system that on the brain level, shuts down reason, cognition, and problem-solving. Interview William L. Silvaneus to learn how “we the people” can take back control of our brains, re-humanize our political opponents, and break the emotional lockdown associated with politics. Silvaneus has joined with other people with wildly different political agendas to form the neutral, nonviolent, nonpartisan 5% Movement for Political Reform. Their goal is changing the political expectations and narrative of fight and flight and replacing it with dialogue and cooperation. He says, “We can change how politics works in America. If we don’t, current politics will destroy our nation. The world is waiting to see if we can; and if we will.” Contact William Silvaneus at (308) 227-3221; william.silvaneus@williamsilvaneus.com
- ==> How to Make Over Your Self-Confidence
Haven’t left the house in a week? Living in sweats and with pandemic hair? Many of us are feeling like life is not going well these days. Yet there are simple ways to boost self-confidence, says Demi Dee, a fitness trainer, health coach, and founder and CEO of The Knockout Room. For example, she’ll tell you why you should look closely at the titles of the books that surround you for hidden messages that may be negatively impacting you and ways the people you follow on Instagram may be making you feel bad. Demi and The Knockout Room have appeared in UpJourney, CEO Blog Nation, Insider, Business Insider, Elite Daily, Bustle, 24life.com, Women on Topp, Authority Magazine, and Thrive Global. Contact Demi Dee at (866) 857-4376; media@theknockoutroom.com
- ==> Can One Word Make You Feel Rich?
Financial stress and overwhelm have hit all-time highs, but what if the solution for financial peace of mind was as simple as changing one word? Interview the fun money expert, Kyra O’Quinn, PsyD, to find out the answer. Dr. Kyra will talk about the surprisingly lighthearted, simple ways we can eliminate money anxiety, end negative spending patterns, and guarantee a better financial future. She’ll explain why so many people are stuck in negative money patterns and how we can lighten up the topic of finances, so it isn’t so intimidating. Dr. Kyra is a clinical psychologist and new thought expert who created “Plorkbooks!” a fun, new type of self-help book. Her latest edition is “The Currency Cure.” Contact Kyra O’Quinn at (612) 568-3538, hello@drkyra.com
- ==> Once Broke and Homeless, He Lives, Works and Travels in a Luxury RV
Try not to be jealous of Tim Winders; just be inspired by his ability to take off to out-of-the-way places on a whim, leaving the beaten path for something simpler and better. Tim and his wife live and work out of their 39-foot RV named Theo. They travel full time, making money as they go, living an abundant life that is as far removed from “cookie-cutter” as could be. Tim went from owning seven-figure businesses and over 100 properties to bankruptcy, homelessness and having $100 in his bank account before rebounding to his current, more intentional lifestyle. He has over 25 years’ experience as a coach for business owners, executives, and leaders. He also hosts the “SeekGoCreate” podcast and just published his first novel, “A Time To Act,” 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. Tim and his wife have enjoyed the nomadic lifestyle in New Zealand, Australia and all over North America. Contact Tim Winders at (404) 846- 4639; winders@rtirguests.com; available as a last-minute guest
- ==> Put Your Boots Away and Get Out Your Flip-Flops
Aside from being fun to wear, flip-flops can also help define us, and enable us to live our best lives. So says former Miss America contestant, author and humorist Jane Jenkins Herlong. “Since life has flipped on us, we need to survive with humor, productivity and occupying our minds in healthy ways,” she says. “It’s okay to laugh!” Jane can reveal how to put rhinestones on your flip-flops, literally and metaphorically, in order to shine. She is the award-winning author of four books including “Rhinestones on My Flip-Flops,” and has recorded music CDs and personal growth and comedy DVDs. Her comedy is featured on Sirius XM 97. Contact Jane Jenkins Herlong at (803) 599-2941, JHerlong@rtirguests.com
- ==> What If Death is Just the Beginning of Life?
You might think the subject of death would feel heavy, but what if it doesn’t have to be? Interview Laura Formentini, author of “21 Olive Trees: One Mother’s Walk Through the Grief of Suicide to Hope and Healing” to find out. Laura will give you an intimate look at coping with loss and embracing acceptance that intrigues, inspires, and gives hope to an audience looking for answers about life and death, and how to transform grief into something beautiful like creating an animal sanctuary in Italy or helping orphans in Kenya. Ready to journey into joy? Laura is a child welfare activist, an advocate to prevent cruelty to animals, a philanthropist and a photographer who works all over the world. As her: How can we reinvent life through conscious awareness of life’s daily miracles? How can we use the power of choice to turn our darkness into joy? Contact Laura Formentini at (860) 966-2652; info@lauraformentini.com