01. Why Putin Won’t Stop Pushing
02. Will Russians Support Putin’s War?
03. How America’s Elite Are Making China Stronger
04. Mark Cuban Launches Low-Cost Online Pharmacy
05. Are Remote Workers Being Ghosted?
06. Will Quitting Your Job Make You Happier in the Post-Pandemic World?
07. True Crime: KGB Wanted Him Dead. He Lived to Tell His Story
08. Is Cruising Safe During COVID?
09. What School Children Need More Than Ever
10. The Real Hidden Figures: Why There Are Few Women in STEM Fields
11. Why Are So Many Families Estranged?
12. Create a Mental Health Emergency Kit
13. The Best Way to Improve Your Family’s Health
14. Meet the World’s Most Effective Procrastinator
15. 40th Anniversary of ‘E.T.’: Interview Dee Wallace
1.==> Why Putin Won’t Stop Pushing
With two flourishes of a pen, Vladimir Putin recognized the independence of the breakaway “people’s republics” of Donetsk and Luhansk, located in Ukraine’s east, and ordered Russian “peacekeeping” troops into the regions, where earlier he had claimed without evidence that a “genocide” was occurring. Even if a full-scale invasion does not occur immediately, Daniel Treisman doesn’t think Putin will give up his efforts to undermine Ukrainian statehood and roll back NATO. He says the challenge to the West is clear. “If Putin succeeds in undermining Ukraine, he is unlikely to stop there. His distrust of the West and expansive view of Russia’s destiny are by now deeply entrenched. Our policy must raise the cost of eroding the international order.” Daniel Treisman is a professor of political science at UCLA, a fellow at the Center for Advanced Research in the Behavioral Sciences at Stanford, and the co-author of “Spin Dictators: The Changing Face of Tyranny in the 21st Century.” Contact him at (310) 794-5875; treisman@polisci.ucla.edu
2. ==> Will Russians Support Putin’s War?
Take a deep dive into the psyche of Vladimir Putin and the Russian people when you interview U.S. Brigadier General Peter B. Zwack (ret.) who was in the Soviet Union and Russia during the 1990s before and after the Soviet Union unraveled and whose recently published memoir, “Swimming the Volga,” offers cogent insights that provide 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. The Russian people, Zwack says, are patriotic and support their government, but not blindly. “They do not want to go to war and are likely on edge or tuning out the drumbeat of news about Ukraine,” he says. “Meanwhile, Putin’s desire to return Ukraine to Russian control comes from deep in his psyche.” 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 and 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. Contact Terri Beavers at (434) 409-5687; bg.pbz.r@gmail.com
3. == > How America’s Elite Are Making China Stronger
Isaac Stone Fish is a former Beijing correspondent for “Newsweek” and spent six years living in China; he is now the CEO of the research firm Strategy Risks, which quantifies corporate exposure to China. Invite him on your show to expose the deep network of Beijing’s influence in America, built quietly through prominent figures like former secretaries of state Henry Kissinger and Madeleine Albright, Disney chairman Bob Iger, and members of the Bush family, and detail how slow Americans have been to wake up to the challenges posed by the Chinese Communist Party. He’ll explain how our belief that trade and engagement would lead to a more democratic China has weakened America. Also, why many business people and politicians are too dependent on China to challenge it and how the Walt Disney Co. destroyed the free Tibet movement. He’ll discuss how and why television has been able to resist CCP influence — and why that may change — as well as how to fight that influence without being paranoid, xenophobic or racist. Isaac Stone Fish’s new book is “America Second: How America’s Elites are Making China Stronger.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com
4. ==> Mark Cuban Launches Low-Cost Online Pharmacy
According to a September Gallup poll, 18 million Americans were recently unable to pay for at least one prescription medication for their household due to ever-rising costs, and 1 in 10 Americans has skipped doses to save money. “We will do whatever it takes to get affordable pharmaceuticals to patients,” says Alex Oshmyansky, CEO of Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug. “The markup on potentially lifesaving drugs that people depend on is a problem that can’t be ignored. It is imperative that we take action and help expand access to these medications for those who need them most.” He’ll explain how the new online pharmacy works to help consumers avoid inflated drug prices, what types of drugs are offered, and how the company aims to fundamentally change the way the pharmaceutical industry operates. Contact Bishop Wash at (972) 854-1586; press@costplusdrugs.com
5.==> Are Remote Workers Being Ghosted?
With many employees still working remotely, even temporarily, a new issue has emerged for companies: internal ghosting. While some companies are overscheduling meetings, leading to increased Zoom fatigue, for some remote teams the opposite is true, triggering disengaged workers, lower productivity, and eventual talent drain, according to one workplace authority. “Companies have always had to find effective ways to engage remote teams and have done so with varying success. Certainly now, with the additional emotional and, in some cases, physical toll of the pandemic, this has become a larger pain point for employers. Workers who are not being heard or recognized for their contributions end up leaving,” says Andrew Challenger of the outplacement and coaching firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. Challenger will share tips to prevent internal ghosting and discuss creative ways to engage all employees. “Leaders need to stay connected to their direct reports regardless of where they are physically located. The impact of internal ghosting could not only lead to low morale, falling productivity, and increased quits, but something worse. Your disengaged workers could stay,” he adds. Contact Colleen Madden Blumenfeld at (312) 422-5074 (office); (314) 807-1568 (cell) or colleenmadden@challengergray.com
6. ==> Will Quitting Your Job Make You Happier in the Post-Pandemic World?
As the Great Resignation continues, millions of people are standing up and saying, “I quit!” to jobs that don’t fit their lives anymore. Some are lured by better pay while others hope to start a business or switch careers entirely. Experts say the current labor shortage means workers can more easily change jobs, but Oreste D’Aversa says if you’re quitting to be happier, you need a game plan before you hand in your resignation. Invite the author of “Life Beyond the Pandemic: A Practical New Journey Handbook” to share his revolutionary step-by-step blueprint to reinvent your life and thrive in the post-pandemic world. He’ll explain what people get wrong about happiness, prosperity and money to help listeners get unstuck, define their life’s purpose, and have more joy in every aspect of life. Oreste D’Aversa is a life and business coach, corporate trainer, and interfaith minister. Contact him at (201) 949-3002; odaversa@rtirguests.com
7. ==> True Crime: KGB Wanted Him Dead. He Lived to Tell His Story
Imagine what life would be like if the KGB was after you, threatening your life? And if you had no idea you were even taking them on at first? John Christmas does not have to imagine … he lived it. While heading up an international banking group he tried to expose fraud he uncovered without realizing that the bank in question was a KGB front. Now Christmas has co-authored a new geopolitical thriller inspired by his story, “KGB Banker.” Invite Christmas on your show to talk about his experience, why it’s particularly relevant given today’s political environment, and what happened to the players he exposed. Contact John Christmas at (514) 700-9015; jchristmas@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Is Cruising Safe During COVID?
We’ve all heard the media horror stories about COVID outbreaks on cruise ships, which many perceive as giant floating Petri dishes. But according to travel industry expert Cindy Bertram, nothing could be further from the truth. “The media are scaring people,” she says. “Cruise lines have been working together for months to put the highest level of safety protocols in place. They also work with high-level medical professionals. You don’t find that in hotels.” Cindy can share details about this and other fascinating insider glimpses into the cruise industry. She is a communications, media and branding specialist who has spent many years in the travel and cruise industry and is author of “Message from the Dog…Learning from Great Humans” and “How Six Women Executives Steer the Cruise Industry Today.” Contact her at (219) 775-6488; cbertram@rtirguests.com
9. ==> What School Children Need More Than Ever
As a result of the pandemic, many students are behind in school. Long-time educator Lori Lynn Ahrends points out that the pressure to catch up is taking a tremendous toll on students. “If we aren’t careful about what we say, and how we move forward, we run the risk of children feeling ‘less than,’ insecure, and turning off to school altogether,” she says. “We simply can’t shove skills down their throats.” Lori Lynn suggests that we should treat learning as a journey, not a destination, and encourage children to believe in themselves. She is an award-winning educator and international speaker with a master’s in education; a singer/songwriter; creator of the Overall Buddies early childhood learning website and author of the children’s book “I’m a Pig.” Contact Lori Lynn at (402) 235-4292; lahrends@rtirguests.com
10. ==> The Real Hidden Figures: Why There are Few Women in STEM Fields
Careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) are booming. But as the film “Hidden Figures” illustrated, opportunities for females in general and women of color, in particular, are sparse. According to former STEM teacher Chris A. Goldberg, it’s not that women lack brains. “Traditionally, girls are led to believe that they’re not as smart as boys in math and science,” he says. “Girls excel in elementary school, but then stop in middle school because they want to attract boys.” Chris adds that our educational system needs to do some serious revamping and encourage girls to enter STEM fields. He is the author of the upcoming book “Aliyah and the STEMsational Problem-Solvers: Cooking up the Winning Dessert.” Contact him at (610) 557-8442; cgoldberg@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Why are So Many Families Estranged?
According to research from Cornell University, one out of four people is estranged from their families, burdened by bad memories, hurt feelings, and the prospect of yet more separation and misunderstandings. What can they do to find forgiveness? To begin a new era of communication, sharing, understanding and family affection? Discuss the negative effects of estrangement and how it’s possible to heal when you interview author and educator Peter Colman, Ph.D. Dr. Colman will reveal what can be done to change family dynamics and save often-fragile relationships. Invite callers to share and explore (even anonymously) their own family challenges. Ask him: Why do relatives often drift apart? How can family healing begin and last? What is so sacred about the bond between father and son? How does wartime service impact family relationships? What is so powerful about saying you’re sorry? Contact Judith Colman at (847) 912-4481; jcolman@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Create a Mental Health Emergency Kit
The country is in the middle of a mental health crisis with people of all ages suffering, from young kids to seniors. Seeking the care of a professional is the best way to determine the right treatment, but Ellen Albertson, Ph.D., says everyone can (and should) also create their own emergency mental health kit. “Research shows that self-compassion reduces stress, anxiety, and depression and boost optimism, and resilience. Self-compassion can also help heal addiction, shame, and negative body image,” she says. Invite Dr. Albertson to share what self-compassion is (essentially treating yourself like a good friend) and how it is a skill that anyone can learn. Ellen Albertson Ph.D., is a psychologist, registered dietitian, board-certified health and wellness coach, mindful self-compassion teacher, and the author of “Rock Your Midlife: 7 Steps to Transform Yourself and Make Your Next Chapter Your Best Chapter.” She has appeared on CBS and NBC News, The Food Network, and “EXTRA” and been quoted in “Psychology Today,” “Forbes,” and “Eating Well.” Contact her at (802) 497-7222; ellen@drellenalbertson.com
13. ==> The Best Way to Improve Your Family’s Health
You may see your doctor regularly, take your prescriptions, exercise, eat a good diet and avoid bad habits like smoking and excessive drinking. But what else should you be doing to keep yourself and your family members healthy? Interview Anne McAwley-LeDuc to learn about the simple health-promoting activity most people ignore: keeping fully accurate records of medical histories, doctor visits, procedures and treatments, medications, vaccinations, and more for all family members. She’ll explain why keeping records is essential, especially during challenging times like COVID. Anne is a retired nurse practitioner (APRN) and the award-winning author of “Personal Health Organizer.” Contact her at (860) 300-1603; AMcAwley@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Meet the World’s Most Effective Procrastinator
Patrick Sanaghan is among the 20 percent of people for whom procrastination is a chronic problem. Despite this terrible habit, Patrick has earned his Ph.D. in education, written 12 books and published 50 academic articles. On your program, he’ll share some of the most effective strategies for managing procrastination from his new book, “How to Be a Better Procrastinator.” You’ll learn that while this habit will never go away there are steps to take to avoid the guilt and anxiety that often accompany it and how to do whatever you dread anyway. You’ll find out why people put things off, the instant reward they get for doing that, and who some famous procrastinators were who nevertheless still managed to do amazing things. Dr. Patrick Sanaghan (the “g” is silent) heads The Sanaghan Group, an organizational consulting firm. Contact him at (215) 234-1346; psanaghan@rtirguests.com
15. ==> 40th Anniversary of ‘E.T.’: Interview Dee Wallace
Four decades ago, Steven Spielberg’s “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” exploded onto the big screen featuring a young boy who befriends an extraterrestrial stranded on Earth. Legendary Emmy-nominated actress Dee Wallace starred in the movie as the boy’s mother and says she believes the story ultimately focuses on facing the unknown and mastering fear. Invite Wallace on your show to discuss the iconic film as well as her roles in the movies “CUJO,” “The Hills Have Eyes,” “The Howling” and many more. From ‘Scream Queen’ to an expert at creation, Dee has written numerous best-selling books and currently hosts a weekly call-in radio show. “Born: Giving Birth to a New You,” her latest book, discusses how spirituality, brain science, and religion all teach the same principles, and how you can easily use them in creating your life. Contact Harlan Boll at harlan@bhbpr.com
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