01. How Biden Could End the Ukraine Crisis
02. Are Russians Ready for War?
03. The Future of Sovereignty
04. Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and a Winery Lawsuit
05. ‘Fat Girls Hiking’ Gets Every Body Outside
06. Interview a Best-selling Songwriter
07. What Asian Americans Wish You Knew About Them
08. The World Came Together to Fight a Killer Virus Once …Could it Happen Today?
09. She Helps COVID-Traumatized Healthcare Workers Heal
10. How Boomers Can Change Healthcare (Like They Changed Rock ‘n’ Roll, Parenthood and Protests!)
11. Why Doing Your Laundry Can Be as Bad for You as Smoking
12. How to Stem the Epidemic of Struggling Teens
13. The 3 Types of Men Women Should Run from
14. How to Stop Dreaming and Start Living
15. Interview Judge Judy’s Former Bailiff, Byrd
1. ==> How Biden Could End the Ukraine Crisis
“In its efforts to expand NATO into Ukraine, the Biden administration is recklessly inflaming the international crisis, endangering global security,” says David Gibbs, a professor of history at the University of Arizona. He explains, “It is often forgotten that in 1990, the U.S. promised that NATO would not expand into the former communist states of Eastern Europe; ‘not one inch eastward,’ Soviet leaders were assured by the U.S. secretary of state at the time. Despite this promise, NATO soon expanded into Eastern Europe, eventually placing the alliance up against Russia’s borders.” Gibbs believes the U.S. should offer a written guarantee that Ukraine will not be allowed to join NATO. “To do this would satisfy the key Russian demand, consistent with the 1990 U.S. commitment,” he says. Gibbs has written extensively on NATO. He is the author of “First Do No Harm: Humanitarian Intervention and the Destruction of Yugoslavia.” Contact him at dgibbs@email.arizona.edu
2. ==> Are Russians Ready for War?
As the high-stakes standoff continues, take a deep dive into the psyche of Vladimir Putin and the Russian people with U.S. Brigadier General (Ret.) Peter B. Zwack. He was on duty in Moscow when Russia first invaded Ukraine and his new memoir, “Swimming the Volga,” offers insight and context for what is happening today. Zwack says Putin carries deep “scar tissue” from unresolved issues from the fall and breakup of the Soviet Union, 30 years ago, when the Russian people were initially filled with euphoria, only to have their hopes dashed by the emergence of internal and international challenges, the black market, major ruble devaluations, scammers, oligarchs, and hard times. Zwack has recently appeared on CNN, NPR’s “All Things Considered,” The BBC, MSNBC, “The Washington Post” and “The Economist.” He can go further in-depth for long-form interviews. Brigadier General Peter B. Zwack (ret.) served as a senior defense official and attaché to the Russian Federation from 2012-2014. He is a global fellow at The Kennan Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Contact Terri Beavers at (434) 409-5687; bg.pbz.r@gmail.com
3. ==> The Future of Sovereignty
Despite the host of unknowns muddling the crisis at the Russia-Ukraine border, Stewart Patrick says the situation highlights the enduring importance of state sovereignty as an ordering principle in world politics and clearly exposes how countries manipulate the principle of the state-based international system to suit their needs. Patrick can discuss the European Union’s role in the crisis and how the U.S. is still recovering from the diplomatic fallout from Donald Trump’s “America First” policies. “The continued grip of Trumpism on the Republican Party has given policymakers and publics abroad grounds to doubt the country’s credibility and staying power, particularly given the prospect of another hyper-nationalist reversal after the 2024 presidential election. These doubts open the door to a potential fracturing of the West’s resolve, just as it confronts the most serious crisis to world order in decades.” Stewart M. Patrick is James H. Binger senior fellow in global governance and director of the International Institutions and Global Governance Program at the Council on Foreign Relations. He’s the author of “The Sovereignty Wars: Reconciling America with the World.” Contact him at spatrick@cfr.org; @StewartMPatrick
4. ==> Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and a Winery Lawsuit
In the latest chapter of their never-ending divorce saga, Brad Pitt is suing ex-wife Angelina Jolie for selling her interest in the French winery they purchased together in 2008. According to David J. Glass, a Certified Family Law Specialist who represents many celebrities in divorce and custody cases, it appears that Jolie may have violated her fiduciary duty when she sold her interest in the Chateau Miraval in Correns, France, without Pitt’s consent. Glass says Pitt was well within his rights to bring suit against Jolie and will explain what fiduciary duty is and why issues like this can come up years after a couple split. David J. Glass is dually-trained in law and clinical psychology (Ph.D.) and has practiced family law for the past 23 years. He’s a regular legal analyst for “Good Morning America” and ABC News Live and has appeared on NBC’s “Extra,” “Good Day L.A.” and radio shows across the country. Contact Cherie Kerr at (714) 271-2140; Cherie@kerrpr-execuprov.com or Shannon Dugger at (303) 619-3949; Shannon@Kerrpr-execuprov.com
5. ==>‘Fat Girls Hiking’ Gets Every Body Outside
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 Fat activism, body liberation and outdoor community to take the stigma out of the word fat and empower people to live their best life. 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)
6. ==> Interview a Best-selling Songwriter
Dave Combs, songwriter, entrepreneur, and Amazon best-selling author of “Touched by the Music,” has put out 15 albums of soft, soothing instrumental piano music. The first song he wrote, “Rachel’s Song,” caused the phones at radio stations to light up with people wanting to know more about it. Dave has wonderful stories to share about performing “Rachel’s Song” in front of an audience of over 26,000 people in St. Louis and getting over 10,000 letters from an article he wrote in “Guideposts Magazine.” As an entrepreneur, he has many interesting stories of how he built his Combs Music business. Book Dave now to share his reminiscences with your audience. Contact him at (336) 655-8320; dave@combsmusic.com
7. ==> What Asian Americans Wish You Knew About Them
Last year, Pew Research reported that as many as one-third of Asian Americans feared threats, physical attacks, and violence, a statistic that coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Pilipino American Fatima Bustos-Choy, Ph.D., Asian hate crimes are the epitome of the viciousness and cruelty inflicted on Asian Americans, much of it due to wrong perceptions, interpretations, and beliefs about them. Invite Fatima on your show to set the record straight. Ask her: Why are Asian Americans often overlooked, dismissed, discounted, and misunderstood? How does this play out at work? What core values are shared among Asian Americans from different countries? Is there a “bamboo ceiling?” Fatima is an organization and leadership development consultant, a holistic life coach, and a former wellness center headmaster who spent more than 25 years in corporate management and senior leadership positions, her last assignment was director of learning and development for Citibank California. She is the founder of Inner-centered Consulting: Making a Difference from the Inside Out and the author of an upcoming book, “More Than Money: Five Paths to Abundance and Success for Inner-Centered Entrepreneurs.” Reach her at (818) 209-3775; fbustoschoy@gmail.com
8. ==> The World Came Together to Fight a Killer Virus Once …Could it Happen Today?
Today’s highly polarized society makes it hard for people from opposing sides to agree on anything, let alone work together, even if the goal is for the common good. It’s possible as Bee Bloeser personally witnessed in the middle of the Cold War when despite their vast differences, political leaders joined forces to rid the world of smallpox. Bee and her family became embedded in the global campaign when the CDC dispatched her husband to West Africa in 1969. Invite her to share her experiences as an American woman in Africa at that time and the unexpected challenges her family faced, including brushes with a brutal dictator’s regime and living in an isolated region suffering a humanitarian crisis the rest of the world knew nothing about. An award-winning writer and engaging public speaker, Bee Bloeser has been featured on NPR’s “Journeys of Discovery” and NPR KCBX Radio’s show, “Issues and Ideas.” Her book is, “Vaccines and Bayonets: Fighting Smallpox in Africa amid Tribalism, Terror and the Cold War.” Contact her at (520) 214-5971; bbloeser@rtirguests.com
9. ==> She Helps COVID-Traumatized Healthcare Workers Heal
It’s no secret that 22 million U.S. healthcare professionals and another 38 million around the world had nearly every aspect of their lives negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. What is less known is how to make them whole again. “The pandemic affected more than life balance, fatigue and emotional health; it struck healthcare workers at the essence of who they are — their soul,” says Katherine Kelly, Ph.D., M.S.P.H. “We will never be the same, but we can be even better than we were before this viral enemy arrived.” Dr. Kelly will discuss the real story behind COVID trauma suffered by RNs, reveal five unspoken truths about celebrated healthcare workers, and share six steps to making healthcare workers whole again. Katherine Kelly is a clinical health psychologist, former director of behavioral science in family medicine and medical school professor. Her new book is “The Healer’s Path to Post-COVID Recovery: A Restorative Journey for Healthcare Workers.” Contact her at (336) 659-3923 (office): (336) 406-8431 (cell); kkelly@drkatherinetkelly.com
10. ==> How Boomers Can Change Healthcare (Like They Changed Rock ‘n’ Roll, Parenthood and Protests!)
America’s 76.4 million baby boomers are used to having an outsized impact on society. Beginning with their anti-war protests in the 1960s and continuing with the way they changed rock ‘n’ roll, casual clothing and parenting and have wrestled control of their health back from physicians, today’s boomers are now populating continuing care communities, assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Seventy-three-year-old Linda Mac Dougall’s experiences as a holistic health practitioner and certified massage therapist working with hundreds of patients have opened her eyes to the unmet needs of these older boomers, particularly those who are searching for lives that afford them the greatest span of good health and quality of life. She wants to discuss how to change the medical model of caring for our oldest citizens into one that is client-driven. “I want things to change. Seniors don’t have to get so sick and die. We can live long and healthy lives.” From redesigning senior living facilities to offering healthier food and services beyond nursing care, Mac Dougall can discuss ways to improve these communities and enhance the lives of residents. She says, “It is a waste of human potential and costs individuals and this country way too much in so many ways to keep doing what we are doing. Health is life’s bottom line.” An entrepreneur, senior health advocate and senior massage therapist, Linda Mac Dougall is the author of “The SPIRIT Method of Massage for Seniors: Raising the Bar…A Primer for Massage Therapists and Caregivers.” Contact her at (805) 202-6379; speakerholistic@gmail.com
11. ==> Why Doing Your Laundry Can Be as Bad for You as Smoking
Your laundry may have the aroma of a flower garden or fresh mountain breeze after washing. But according to products ingredients expert Zorica Denton, those seemingly delightful scents are the results of chemicals that can be as harmful to your health as smoking cigarettes. “Products with fragrances may contain anywhere from 100 to 1,000 chemicals,” she says. “But they don’t have to be listed due to trade secret policies.” Zorica should know. She developed asthma, a gastric ulcer and other long-term debilitating health problems as a result of working as a perfume model, and almost died. She is the founder of the natural personal care products company Zorica of Malibu and author of an upcoming book about toxic chemicals in products. Contact Zorica at (213-616-7904); zdenton@rtirguests.com
12. ==> How to Stem the Epidemic of Struggling Teens
The past couple of years have been especially tough for teenagers whose lives typically include one challenge, change, and charged-up problem after another. In fact, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the proportion of mental health-related emergency room visits for adolescents jumped 31% during the pandemic. That’s why you’ll want to interview Paul Bernabei, an educator, trainer and author of the popular “Top 20” book series — including “Top 20 Teens” — who can discuss the many factors behind teens’ increasing anxiety and depression. He will explore what parents and mentors need to know as teens struggle amid the turmoil of adolescence. Ask him: What often takes the brightest teens off the path to excellence and on the road to poor behavior, disengagement in school, and even suicidal thoughts? Which conversations, activities and programs help teens enjoy life and feel hopeful? Contact Paul Bernabei at (651) 470-3827; PBernabei@rtirguests.com
13. ==> The 3 Types of Men Women Should Run from
Women often overlook major red flags in their quest for romantic love. According to Arnoux Goran, the obvious ones are liars, mama’s boys and sociopaths. However, women also need to focus inward to stop attracting jerks in the first place. “Dating without permanently erasing your baggage from your previous relationships is like trying to swim with rocks tied to your ankles,” he says. Arnoux adds that we must first overcome any childhood trauma to form healthy relationships, and he will show audiences how. He created the Goran Technique online and live courses and is the author of three upcoming books including “The Goran Technique.” Contact Arnoux at (878) 203-8231; AGoran@rtirguests.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. ==> Interview Judge Judy’s Former Bailiff, Byrd
After 25 years, Judge Judy’s loyal bailiff, Petri Hawkins Byrd (Byrd), has moved from the courtroom to a career acting and online, including a recent stint guest-starring on “The Bold and the Beautiful.” Petri can discuss how he got the job with Judge Judy, his current projects including two upcoming films, and the special project he began during the pandemic with his wife, Emmy-nominated producer Makita Bond-Byrd. The couple created the YouTube Channel “Bonding with Byrd” after Makita was diagnosed with a brain tumor, to share their inspiring journey and connect with friends and extended fan family. Contact Harlan Boll at harlan@bhbpr.com