01. Toxic Train Disaster: Causes and Solutions
02. The Case for Keeping Masks in Medical Care
03. One Year Later – Retired General on Ukraine War
04. ‘Confessions of Frannie Langton’ Star and Author
05. Rewriting Illness: When a Witty Novelist Gets Sick
06. Murdaugh Trial: Forensic Psychiatrist and Body Language Expert
07. Black History: Untold Stories of the Underground Railroad
08. Why Midlife is a Woman’s Prime
09. Do a Show on the Modern History of Women and Athletics
10. Hollywood Icons Raise Awareness of Homeless Youth
11. How to Use Brain Glue to Make Your Ideas Stick
12. Can You Really Be Worry-Free?
13. Do a Show on the Healing Power of Music
14. How Your Kids Can Teach You to Be a Better Parent
15. Interview ’80s Underground Music Artist Adele Bertei
1.==> Toxic Train Disaster: Causes and Solutions
Mel Buer is an associate editor and labor reporter for the Real News Network and has been covering railways. She can discuss the Ohio train derailment and toxic cloud release, efforts to unionize rail workers, the role of the US Transportation Department in this disaster, and how to prevent future tragedies. Buer’s pieces from last year include “Biden and Congressional Dems partner with GOP and corporate media to discipline railroad workers” and “Corporate billionaires are wrecking the supply chain. Just look at the railroads.” She recently wrote “The Ohio Derailment Catastrophe Is a Case Study in Disaster Capitalism: Rail workers say the industry has long ignored pleas for better safety protocols” for The Nation. Contact Mel Buer at mel@therealnews.com; @mel_buer
2. ==> The Case for Keeping Masks in Medical Care
New York State lifted its blanket mask mandate for health facilities last week with some calling the move dangerous and unethical. Should masks still be required when you go to a doctor or hospital? What if you work there? Justin Feldman, a social epidemiologist and a principal research scientist at the Center for Policing Equity, says removing masks in health care settings “puts both patients and health care workers at risk. Masking is a key component of infection control. Of all the lessons we could have learned and the policies we could have institutionalized (from COVID), masks in health care settings would have been the most important.” Feldman says masking is an issue of access for medically vulnerable and older people––they need masks to access spaces more safely. He believes a doctor’s office, for instance, should be the most accessible. State mandates can be lifted, but individual service providers make their own decisions on masking policies and a number of health systems say they will continue to require masks—for now. Contact Justin Feldman at jfeldman@hsph.harvard.edu
3. ==> One Year Later – Retired General on Ukraine War
For Russia, it’s been a year of bold charges and bombardments, humiliating retreats and grinding sieges. Ukraine has countered with fierce resistance, surprising counteroffensives and unexpected hit-and-run strikes. Now, on the anniversary of Russia’s invasion that has killed tens of thousands and reduced cities to ruins, both sides are preparing for a potentially even more disastrous phase that lies ahead. Invite retired U.S. Army Brigadier General Peter Zwack, who served as a U.S. defense attaché to Russia, to discuss the situation in Ukraine one year into the war and how the battlefield has dramatically shifted. Zwack served as a senior defense official and attaché to the Russian Federation from 2012-2014 and can share insights from his time in the region. He is a global fellow at The Kennan Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and has recently appeared on CNN, NPR’s “All Things Considered,” The BBC, MSNBC, and in “The Washington Post” and “The Economist.” He can go further in-depth for long-form interviews. Contact Terri Beavers at (434) 409-5687; bg.pbz.r@gmail.com
4.==> ‘Confessions of Frannie Langton’ Star and Author
The highly anticipated mini-series “The Confessions of Frannie Langton” premieres March 8th on the BritBox streaming service. Critics call it a must-watch for fans of seductive period dramas like Bridgerton and Downton Abbey. Based on the best-selling book by Sara Collins, the murder/mystery series is set in 1826 London and narrates Frannie’s journey from a Jamaican plantation to a grand mansion where she is employed as a maid for scientist George Benham and his wife, Marguerite. Events take a fateful turn as the Benhams are found murdered in their beds with Frannie lying next to Marguerite. Karla-Simone Spence who stars as Frannie as well as author Sara Collins can discuss this powerful new drama and the story behind it. Contact John Angelo at john@premieretv.com
5. ==> Rewriting Illness: When a Witty Novelist Gets Sick
What happens when a novelist with a “razor-sharp wit” (Newsday), a “singular sensibility” (Huff Post), and a lifetime of fear about getting sick finds a lump where no lump should be? Months of medical mishaps, coded language, and doctors who don’t get It. With wisdom, self-effacing wit, and the story-telling artistry of an acclaimed novelist, Elizabeth Benedict will share the journey of her cancer diagnosis and treatment after discovering multiplying lumps in her armpit. From a muddled diagnosis to “natural remedies” and debilitating treatments, she’ll share what she learned from the experience and how she gathered sustenance from family, an assortment of friends, and a fearless “cancer guru.” Ask her: Is there a cancer personality? How do doctors’ own fears influence their comments to patients? After a diagnosis – which fear is worse – the fear of knowing or the reality of knowing? Benedict’s new book is “Rewriting Illness: A View of My Own.” Her novels include the national bestseller, “Almost,” and the classic book on writing about sex in fiction, “The Joy of Writing Sex,” in print for 25 years. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
6. ==> Murdaugh Trial: Forensic Psychiatrist and Body Language Expert
Disgraced former South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh, who is on trial for murder in the death of his wife and son, is expected to take the stand in his own defense days after his only surviving son testified on his behalf. Invite Dr. Carole Lieberman to talk about the case, what she saw in the surveillance video shown, and whether she thinks Murdaugh is telling the truth. Carole Lieberman, M.D., M.P.H., is a forensic psychiatrist and body-language expert. She frequently appears in the media commentating on news headlines from a psychological and socio-political point of view. She also writes the column “Inside the Criminal Mind” for “Front Page Detectives.” Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103
7. ==> Black History: Untold Stories of the Underground Railroad
Love human stories of inspiration? Invite author Jim B. North on your show and hear the little-known story of a town on the banks of the Ohio River that was key to 2,000 freedom-seeking slaves. Listeners will hear how John Rankin used his home atop a 500-foot bluff overlooking the river to spot slave catchers with torches on horseback combing the village below. When it was safe to cross, he’d signal slaves in Kentucky by placing a lit lantern in his window. He’d then feed and care for the fleeing slaves for two or three hours before sending them out the back of the property with his sons escorting them farther north on the Underground Railroad. Harriet Beecher Stowe once visited the home, which has now been restored and made into a museum, and even referred to it in her book, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” based on the account conveyed to her by Rankin. Jim B. North’s upcoming book, “Unsung Heroes Wear No Capes: 12 Essential Virtues for an Extraordinary Life,” explores the concept of what it really means to help others. Contact him at (918) 809-0565; jim@jimbnorth.com
8. ==> Why Midlife is a Woman’s Prime
CNN’s Don Lemmon created a firestorm after telling his female co-anchors that 51-year-old Nikki Haley wasn’t “in her prime.” He took a couple of days off and apologized for the sexist remarks, but Ellen Albertson says the attitude is widely held in our sexist, ageist culture, especially when it comes to women. Dr. Ellen says, contrary to what many believe, women actually hit their prime at midlife! She’ll share advice on how women can “Rock Midlife” and be part of a change that is happening to empower women as they age. A best-selling author, inspirational speaker, and expert on women’s well-being, Ellen Albertson, PH. D., has appeared on “Extra,” the Food Network and “NBC World News” and has been quoted in “Psychology Today,” “Forbes,” “Eating Well” and “USA Today.” She has written for “SELF,” “Better Homes & Gardens” and “Good Housekeeping.” Her latest book is “Rock Your Midlife.” Contact Ellen Albertson at (802) 497-7222; tigerwellness1@gmail.com
9. ==> Do a Show on the Modern History of Women and Athletics
Fifty years ago this summer, the U.S. government enacted Title IX, a groundbreaking amendment that prohibited sex-based discrimination in education programs and activities, including athletics. Three-time Olympic track and field coach Sue Humphrey was there for it all. Sue began coaching in the late 1960s and has faced plenty of discrimination and sexual harassment in her career. This experienced, accomplished guest can discuss what it was really like for women in athletics both before and after Title IX, what it’s like to coach Olympic athletes, the challenges that women in sports still face today, and more. The author of “I Want to Run: The Olympic Developmental Training and Nutritional Guide for Young and Teen Track Runners Ages 10 to 18,” Sue has more than 50 years of experience and is a frequent media guest. Contact Sue Humphrey at (512) 881-9648; shumphrey@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Hollywood Icons Raise Awareness of Homeless Youth
It’s estimated that there are more than 3.5 million homeless youth on the streets today and the situation appears to only be getting worse. Invite Jeffrey Sitcov, founder and president of Doors of Change, to discuss the roots of the problem, how it has changed in recent years, and how his organization works to help raise awareness and funds. Enlisting the help of music legends including Elton John, Billy Joel, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and Carlos Santana and such comedians as Billy Crystal and Steve Martin and iconic TV moms including Marion Ross, Dee Wallace and Michael Learned, Sitcov has raised more than $5.9 million for the cause. Doors of Change has placed over 2,600 homeless youth in safe housing since 2001. Interviews are available with Sitcov, homeless survivors who have benefited from the program, and some of the Hollywood icons who have helped the effort. Contact Harlan Boll at harlan@bhbpr.com
11. ==> How to Use Brain Glue to Make Your Ideas Stick
James Bond (no, not THAT one!) knows how to get to YES in surprising and unexpected ways. And whether you’re looking to sell more of your products or services, level up your career with a raise or promotion, or boost your personal life through better relationships, you need to hear from this guest. He reveals the incredible secrets to highly effective persuasion that will have more people than you ever imagined saying “yes!” to your ideas, offerings, and so much more by applying “brain glue” to make yourself unforgettable. A top behavioral management and business marketing specialist, James has worked with a virtual Who’s Who of American business as well as numerous Fortune 500 companies. This popular and frequent media guest has been featured in “Forbes” and the “Los Angeles Times” and appeared on ABC News, CBS News, and Fox News, among many others. Jack Canfield calls his new book, “Brain Glue,” “mind-blowing…this should be required reading for anyone in business.” Contact James Bond at (805) 424-8611; jbond@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Can You Really Be Worry-Free?
Everyone struggles with worry and stress on a day-to-day basis. What if you could let go of the burden of worry and enjoy peace every day, regardless of what’s happening in your life? Certified life coach and author Valerie Galloway can help your audience stop worrying and start living. Whether you’re struggling with grief, a major life change, addiction or dependency, or concerned that your future prospects seem less than bright, Valerie empowers you to tap into your own internal resources and trade worry for wonder and joy. Learn how to accomplish personal goals, improve relationships, and move forward with confidence by unlocking your potential when you interview this powerful and inspiring guest! A certified ICF coach with a bachelor’s in community health and a master’s in social science, Valerie is the author of “Steal, Kill & Destroy: A Spiritual Guide to Overcoming Addiction and Loss.” Contact Valerie Galloway at (917) 994-8841; vgalloway@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Do a Show on the Healing Power of Music
Music is a huge part of every culture the world over. Beyond a form of entertainment, music can instantly affect our moods and bring people together — but did you know that music can also heal? John Campbell talks about the tremendous power of music to soothe us body and soul. He’ll share examples from personal experience of Alzheimer’s and dementia sufferers responding to music. John can provide tips and advice on choosing the best music for healing, unconventional ways to bring healing music into your life, and more. An entrepreneur and musician/songwriter, John is the author of four books. His latest, “Beyond the Fading Memories: Guiding Words for Dementia Caregivers,” includes stories, advice, and lessons learned from six years as the primary caregiver for his mother after she was diagnosed with dementia. Contact John Campbell at (608) 975-2714; jcampbell@rtirguests.com
14. ==> How Your Kids Can Teach You to Be a Better Parent
Most parents think they know what’s best for their kids. But author Jerry Bures claims we have it all wrong. “We can learn a lot about parenting from our kids by taking cues from them,” he says. “They will give you clues on how to handle them.” As a dad to six kids, including one with significant special needs, Jerry had to learn how to deal with the pressures of what he calls “crisis parenting,” which made him a better dad. He can share how parents can best connect with their children, so that they may become successful adults. Jerry is the author of “When Kids Leave Clues: 26 Timeless Stories of Inspiration & Essential Life Lessons Taught to Us by Our Own Children.” Contact him at (920) 796-9160; jbures@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Interview ’80s Underground Music Artist Adele Bertei
You may not recognize her name, but you’ve likely heard Adele Bertei. She performed and recorded with such artists as Culture Club, Whitney Houston and Sandra Bernhard in the 1980s. At the age of 21, Adele began fronting the punk band the Wolves with Pere Ubu’s Peter Laughner. Later, in New York, she was a founding member of the Contortions. She was also the creator of the Bloods — the first out, queer, all-women-rock band. Her resume is a who’s who of the ’80s underground but her formative years bore little resemblance to her celebrity-studded adult life. In her new memoir, “Twist: An American Girl,” Adele recounts her troubled childhood, first with a schizophrenic mother, then in several foster homes and reformatories. She’ll explain how music guided her toward a better life, and what it was like to be a queer artist at a perilous time when being “out” meant being under constant threat of ostracism and violence. Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853 (cell); LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com or @lissa_warren
Comments are closed.