- The Real Cause of the Texas Catastrophe
- Why Neera Tanden is Wrong for the Job
- Inside the Cult of Trump
- Entertainment Legend Shares Hollywood History
- Renowned Advocate Sarah Klein on ‘Allen v. Farrow’
- Poke Your Nose into Politics: How to Change a Law
- Surprise: Why the Best Leaders are Funny
- Are Americans Too Independent for Their Own Good?
- Time for a New Gig? Career-Switching Advice You Need
- Why Aren’t We Blaming China for COVID-19?
- How Social Media Can Raise the World Out of Poverty
- Millennials’ Guide to Romance: Not Your Mother’s Advice
- How Can You Live an Ecstatic Life?
- How a Grieving Mom Found Proof of Eternal Life
- Novelist and TV Host: How to Create Instant Calm
1.==> The Real Cause of the Texas Catastrophe
The deep freeze covering Texas has left millions without power and water and many are wondering how such a disaster occurred. Food and Water Watch’s Mitch Jones says the failure of the energy system is the direct result of corporate deregulation and an overreliance on fracked gas. Jones says, “This should be a massive wakeup call that oil and gas barons shouldn’t be driving decisions around our energy needs. We need publicly-owned utilities that are operated for the benefit of the people and the planet, not corporate profits.” He adds, “While right-wing media outlets and politicians make wildly false claims about the failure of wind power, the whole disaster is yet another clear sign that we need bold government action to transform our energy system.” Mitch Jones is the climate and energy program director for Food and Water Watch, a Washington D.C.-based environmental activist group. Contact Mitch Jones at mjones@fwwatch.org, @foodandwater
- ==> Why Neera Tanden is Wrong for the Job
The nomination of Neera Tanden to head the Office of Management and Budget appears increasingly imperiled. The growing opposition appears to be more about her avid Twitter use than her liberal politics, but Jeff Cohen says there are plenty of reasons to oppose the nomination. “For decades, Democratic Party leaders and top advisers have wallowed in donations from the super-rich while moving the party toward policies that have shifted wealth and income from working-class people to elites. Consummate fundraiser Neera Tanden is a prime symbol of corporatism within a party that once fought for working-class interests.” The founder of RootsAction.org has opposed her OMB nomination since it was announced in December. The group’s action alert reads in part: “In recent years, Tanden has become known as one of the loudest voices of the neoliberal establishment. … Her coziness with corporate elites raises questions about her potential role in the regulatory process.” Jeff Cohen is a co-founder and policy advisor at RootsAction.org. Contact him at jeff@rootsaction.org, @Roots_Action
- ==> Inside the Cult of Trump
For anyone who wonders how Donald Trump could have such an unwavering hold on his supporters, cult and mind-control expert Steven Hassan, Ph.D., can explain. He says Trump, Republican leaders, and their media and partisan supporters created a self-reinforcing echo chamber of propaganda and mind control. A former cult member himself, Dr. Hassan will discuss how a cult mindset leads to racist attitudes, how to spot cult-like language and behavior, and how to talk to friends, family members or colleagues who are being unduly influenced. He’ll also reveal the extreme and dangerous disinformation that some church groups are currently spreading. Steven Hassan was recruited into the Unification Church of Sun Myung Moon (the “Moonies”) at the age of 19 and spent two years in the cult until his family successfully deprogrammed him. He founded the Freedom of Mind Resource Center and over the past 40 years has helped thousands of individuals and families. His latest book is “The Cult of Trump: A Leading Cult Expert Explains How the President Uses Mind Control.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com
4.==> Entertainment Legend Shares Hollywood History
Ruta Lee is Hollywood, both classic and contemporary. She’s worked with Frank Sinatra, Clint Eastwood and Robin Williams and has counted Lucille Ball, Betty White and Sally Field among her close friends. She also hosted the game show “High Rollers” with Alex Trebek in the 1970s and the two became good friends with him writing the forward to her memoir shortly before his death last year. Invite Ruta to share stories from her long career on stage and screen or ask her about being a young starlet who made international headlines when she convinced Nikita Khrushchev to release her 90-year-old grandmother from the Soviet Union. There’s plenty to talk about including Ruta’s work with The Thalians. The charity, which she co-founded with actress Debbie Reynolds in 1955, continues to work for mental health causes. Ruta’s memoir “Consider Your A** Kissed” will be released this spring. Contact Harlan Boll at (626) 296-3757; harlan@bhbpr.com
- ==> Renowned Advocate Sarah Klein on ‘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 Dylan 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
- ==> Poke Your Nose into Politics: How to Change a Law
Ever wonder why so many people say they want their voice to be heard, but politicians never listen? John Thibault can explain why and show you how to get past this frustrating hurdle. The founder of iLobby.co realized that ordinary people have championed legislation in their own communities following a tried-and-true formula that most people don’t know about. From an 86-year-old man to a 12-year-old girl, John will show you the principles that each used to get their voice heard and move an issue forward. Ask him: What are the six keys to policy success? Why do personal stories matter? Why doesn’t an argument have to raise your blood pressure? John worked in government affairs at MCA/Universal His new book is “How to Change a Law.” Contact John Thibault at (650) 490-0987; johnthib@gmail.com
- ==> Surprise: Why the Best Leaders are Funny
What do all great leaders have in common? How do they consistently lead well and inspire others? College professor and prolific author and speaker Teruni Lamberg has extensively researched this topic for her seminars and book, “Leaders Who Lead Successfully.” And she has discovered a quality that separates superior leaders from lackluster or boring ones: the best leaders have a sense of humor that makes followers smile, understand and emulate. Learn more when you interview Teruni and hear her insights about leaders in business, medicine, academia, entertainment, politics, sports, media and more. Ask her how will laughing along with influential people raise your own ability to lead? Why do funny people make the best mentors? Whom does she admire most: Musk, Pelosi, Gates, Spielberg, Fauci, Winfrey, or Goodell? Contact Teruni Lamberg at (775) 451-3086: TLamberg@rtirguests.com
- ==> Are Americans Too Independent for Their Own Good?
Glen Dunzweiler is an independent filmmaker, former college professor, and author who specializes in raising and debating difficult questions. For example, are Americans more inclined to fight each other than to fight the COVID-19 virus? Is the rugged independence the U.S. is known for a handicap when it comes to getting people to buy into doing what is best for the common good? How can we deal with the deeply ingrained pushback we have for authority? Just as he does with his new YouTube series, “Difficult Questions with Glen Dunzweiler,” Glen will engage your audience in a thoughtful discussion on ways to use “good old American innovation” to turn COVID mania into something good. Contact Glen at (702) 703-2219; GDunzweiler@rtirguests.com
- ==> Time for a New Gig? Career-Switching Advice You Need
Many people are thinking about switching careers right now. Maybe they were hit with furloughs or layoffs, company closings, job burnout, or just plain dissatisfaction. Others may have moved or finally finished schooling. As your guest, Geraldine Hogan can offer them hope and guidance. She has helped countless educators, business professionals and entrepreneurs explore new challenges and can offer tips for anyone who wants to apply their skills in a new direction. Hogan is the author of “Career Moves for Teachers and Other Professionals: Strategies for a Successful Job Change.” Ask her: What are the three simple, life-changing questions to ask yourself before making any career move? Should salary be your primary motivation? How do you overcome obstacles, hesitation and fear of the unknown? Contact Geraldine Hogan at (305) 902-3869; ghogan@rtirguests.com
- ==> Why Aren’t We Blaming China for COVID-19?
One year into the pandemic there are still many unanswered questions: Was COVID-19 unleashed on the world on purpose? Was it a bioweapon that got away from its Chinese creators? Why hasn’t there been an investigation to get to the bottom of this? Tamara Lashchyk and Jacqueline Toboroff host the “The Bo Peep Podcast” which probes the answers to questions that we are afraid to ask; they would like to debate how we got here on your program and why we need to hold China accountable for its infiltration of U.S. politics and institutions. Lashchyk has been interviewed by the BBC and featured in Huffington Post. A career coach, author, and former Wall Street executive, she recently ran for the New York State Assembly. Toboroff is a candidate for New York City Council (D1) and a parent and life-long resident of Manhattan. Contact Tamara Lashchyk at (848) 373-3543; TLashchyk@rtirguests.com
- ==> How Social Media Can Raise the World Out of Poverty
Nearly 36% of the world’s population, some 1.89 billion people, live in poverty, experiencing difficult, shortened lives characterized by hunger, malnutrition, and lost potential. But, as author and small business expert Howard Bronson will tell you, we have the means to end poverty right now by giving those in need the free small business-development tools to create an income. Bronson has appeared on “CBS This Morning” and NBC’s “Today” show and done more than 1,000 radio interviews. He’s the author of several books including “Free Enterprise: Real Systems for Creating Peace Through Global Commerce.” Ask him: What are some examples of small businesses that have taken people out of poverty? How can social media help? What is the relationship between free trade and world peace? Contact Howard Bronson at (802) 373-2921; howard_bronson@yahoo.com
- ==> Millennials’ Guide to Romance: Not Your Mother’s Advice
Sure, you can ask your mom or favorite aunt for advice, but romantic relationships aren’t what they used to be! 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 during the pandemic. Ask them: How can you meet people right now? What constitutes a safe date these days? What should you do when you and your partner don’t agree on safety protocols? Is this a good time to move in together? What about breakups during the pandemic? 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
- ==> How Can You Live an Ecstatic Life?
William Joseph Riegler has led an inspiring life marked by activism, promoting peace and educating children, and spending 44 years teaching English to students in Japan. He can talk about what it means to live an ecstatic life or how to recover one that has been lost, the subject of his book. He can also talk about organizing charity concerts and bringing relief supplies to Ghana, Zimbabwe, Thailand, Nepal, the Philippines, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Uganda. He is the CMO of NPOWALK4PEACE in Japan and has traveled to 67 countries to promote peace. William’s project in Zimbabwe was entirely funded by sales from his book “Living My Ecstatic Life.” He also filmed mountain gorillas and has walked with lions! Contact William Joseph Riegler at +81 (090) 4711-4321; walk4peace@mac.com
- ==> How a Grieving Mom Found Proof of Eternal Life
In her journey through science and religious philosophies, Cynthia Mitchell realized that “we have God all wrong.” She says, “God is not the image of us. We are the image of Him—a fully conscious energy system with the ability to create.” Ask her: Does everyone go to heaven? What are the fears that keep us locked in grief? Why is fear the greatest virus we have ever known? Cynthia is the author of “When You Think About It” and “The Day My World Stopped: A Mother’s Extraordinary Journey to Find Proof of Eternal Life.” Contact her at (425) 359-5192; cyndi@cynthiamitchell.com
- ==> Novelist and TV Host: How to Create Instant Calm
Invite award-winning TV and movie screenwriter/producer, novelist, lifestyle journalist, and the host of PBS-TV’s “Simply Delicious Living” Maryann Ridini Spencer to reveal her body-mind-spirit secrets to create instant calm, maintain balance, and find joy in this sometimes stress-filled world. She’ll share tips for creating instant calm, discuss the importance of keeping a positive mental outlook and explain what “living Aloha” means and how that contributes to creating calm. The author of the award-winning Kate Grace Mystery books, Maryann’s work has appeared on Hallmark Hall of Fame (CBS-TV), the Hallmark Channel, CNN, USA, SyFy, Showtime, and many other outlets. Contact her at (818) 492-9135; mspencer@rtirguests.com