01. What Happens Next in Ukraine?
02. She Wrote the Soundtrack to the ‘80s
03. Laid Off? What to Do Next
04. Life After Divorce: Is the Grass Really Greener?
05. MTV’s ‘Teen Mom: Family Reunion’
06. Doggie Daters, Baby Talkers, Holiday Saboteurs: 99 Types of Men
07. Do a Show on Title IX for Women’s History Month
08. How to Get People to Listen to You
09. Let One of NYC’s Top Psychics Help You Discover Your Intuition
10. Tired of Bad Service? How to Be Treated Like Royalty
11. The Dangerous Connection between Keeping Secrets and Getting Sick
12. Were You Programmed to Fail?
13. Advantages Doubters Have That Self-Confident People Miss
14. This Guest Loves to Talk About the Elephants in the Room
15. Millions Are Still Healing from Traumatic Pandemic Deaths
1. ==> What Happens Next in Ukraine?
One year in, the war in Ukraine shows no sign of ending and has evolved in ways few had predicted. Richard Haass says that leaves Vladimir Putin with difficult choices, playing for time. “Unable to defeat Ukraine’s military, he is attacking economic and civilian targets, hoping to break the will of Ukrainians. He may also believe that, despite what Western leaders say, it is only a matter of time before European governments, along with the U.S., rethink the costs of supporting Ukraine.” The way things look today, Haass says a diplomatic end is nowhere in sight. “The war will not end anytime soon. The map of Ukraine a year from now will most likely resemble nothing so much as the map as it appears today. The year ahead promises to be dismal, not decisive – more reminiscent of World War I than of World War II.” Richard Haass is a veteran diplomat and president of the Council on Foreign Relations, an independent, nonpartisan membership organization. Contact him at (212) 434-9540; president@cfr.org
2. ==> She Wrote the Soundtrack to the ‘80s
Take your audience back to the go-go eighties of big hair, extra-large egos, wild parties, and wildly popular music videos with Holly Knight. Find out how Holly broke into the rock scene and became one of its most in-demand writers. She composed such ‘80s classics as “Love is a Battlefield” and “Invincible” for Pat Benatar, “The Warrior” for Scandal, and “Better Be Good to Me” for Tina Turner. Holly Knight’s new autobiography is “I Am the Warrior: My Crazy Life Writing the Hits and Rocking the MTV Eighties.” Ask her: How did you meet Tina Turner and how did you end up writing nine songs for her? What was it like hanging out with KISS, Rod Stewart and Jon Bon Jovi? How did you navigate the male-dominated ‘80s music business? Contact Christine Finnegan at (212) 260-7576; media@mouthdigitalpr.com
3. ==> Laid Off? What to Do Next
The recent spate of layoffs impacting nearly every sector, technology and finance especially, means thousands of workers are now left trying to figure out how to tell friends and family, and what to do next. “Being laid off is one of the most difficult things that can happen in a person’s lifetime. The uncertainty can feel overwhelming, and the exiting employees generally blame themselves and question their value,” says workplace and labor expert Andrew Challenger. He’ll share tips on how to approach the conversation with a spouse or partner, what is and isn’t appropriate to post on social media, and how to use your network of contacts to find your next job. “People instinctively want to help other people. Asking for advice on how to move forward is a great way to advertise that you’re looking for work but avoids the potential awkward feelings of asking directly for a job,” says Challenger. Andrew Challenger is senior VP of the outplacement and executive and business coaching firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. Contact Colleen Madden Blumenfeld at (312) 422-5074 (office); (314) 807-1568 (cell) or colleenmadden@challengergray.com
4. ==> Life After Divorce: Is the Grass Really Greener?
The idea of not being married to your spouse may seem really appealing at times. No more nagging, escaping the never-ending criticism, and finally being able to live on your own terms again. This all sounds wonderful and so freeing. Right? Matrimonial law attorney Jacqueline Newman says while marriage is certainly difficult, divorce can be even harder and many people are clueless about the realities of being single, especially when children are involved. She says, “Before you make an appointment with me, I urge you to step through the sliding glass doors and truly envision what your life is going to look like when you are on your own but still responsible for all you created while you were married.” The author of “The New Rules of Divorce: 12 Secrets to Protecting Your Wealth, Health, and Happiness” will share questions to ask yourself before you tell your spouse, “I want a divorce.” Jacqueline Newman is the managing partner at the matrimonial law firm Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein LLP in Manhattan. She has appeared on many major networks including ABC, NBC, and Fox and in “U.S. News and World Report,” “Woman’s Day” and the Huffington Post, to name a few. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103
5. ==> MTV’s ‘Teen Mom: Family Reunion’
MTV’s “Teen Mom” franchise is back with season 2 “Teen Mom: Family Reunion.” Once again, viewers get a close-up look at teen moms from past seasons along with their mothers. This time the series takes place at an exclusive resort for team-building exercises and private and group therapy sessions guided by Dr. Cheyenne Bryant. “Bringing in the mothers of the teen moms allows for a deeper connection and healing to develop a better relationship between the two. This season is filled with drama, high emotions, and breakthroughs,” says Bryant, who helps guide, heal, and educate cast members through their past and current traumas. Cheyenne Bryant is a psychology expert, life coach and the author of “Mental Detox.” She is also a producer on this season of “Teen Mom: Family Reunion.” Episodes air on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. Contact Brithney Buchanan at (424) 362-9672; Brithney@buchanan-pr.com
6. ==> Doggie Daters, Baby Talkers, Holiday Saboteurs: 99 Types of Men
For a fun show guaranteed to provide laughs and encouragement for anyone in the dating pool, book an interview with long-time love coach and expert Stephanie Bailey. She’ll share a tongue-in-cheek guide to 99 types of men and how to date them. Learn about: the Doggie Dater who makes you question if he is dating you — or his dog; the Baby Talker who thinks baby talk is sexy; the Holiday Saboteur who breaks up with you on your birthday, anniversary or some other celebratory date that will forever be ruined; and the Sports Fanatic who is addicted to football, basketball, hockey, soccer, and more. Bailey encourages daters to ditch timelines and expectations and reminds them that she found her true love at 47 years old. Her new book, “99 Types of Guys: A Humorous Collection of Dating Tips and Misadventures” (a #1 best-seller on Amazon) is based on almost 30 years of dating experience. ”I’ve dated enough men to piece together my simple philosophy — and no, it isn’t revolutionary. I’ve learned the more you date, the better you understand yourself and your relationship essentials; therefore, the more equipped you are to find your ultimate match.” Stephanie Bailey, CEO of Miss-Adventures, LLC, offers in-person and virtual love coaching sessions. Contact her at (720) 276-2226; missadventuresseries@yahoo.com
7. ==> Do a Show on Title IX for Women’s History Month
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
8. ==> How to Get People to Listen to You
In this hectic age of social media overload, 24-hour news and overall fast-paced lifestyles, communicating with others is more challenging than ever. “People’s attention spans are getting shorter and shorter,” says public speaking expert Nina Surya. “Based on neuroscience, there are certain words that make the brain snap to attention.” Nina claims that the subconscious mind doesn’t just pay attention to what others are saying; it automatically tunes out most of what we hear, unless it receives a special signal that something is important. She can share the four words that spark immediate connection and how to get through to anyone, be they your spouse, co-workers, boss, employees and others. Nina is an experienced media guest who has appeared on “Access Hollywood.” She is the president and CEO of UniqueSpeak, through which she serves as a speech and communication coach to top-level executives, politicians and public figures. Contact Nina at (310) 359-0787; nsurya@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Let One of NYC’s Top Psychics Help You Discover Your Intuition
Are you looking to achieve the life of your dreams? The powerful force of intuition can allow you to accomplish all you’ve ever wanted, and Ann Johnson can help your audience tap into that force today. When it comes to intuitive psychics, Ann is the real deal. She’s been featured by top media outlets including “New York Magazine,” MTV Network, and “Rolling Stone. “ The author of “Facing Forward: A Memoir About Choices, Intuition, and Insights in a Show Busy Life,” Ann brings powerful insights and recommendations for your audience that will lead them toward living their best lives. She can also provide an instant personality analysis on-air for your show host. Ask her: How can we use intuition to look and feel better at any age? What can intuition help us with when it comes to relationships and finding love? What can we look forward to in 2023? Contact Ann Johnson at (516) 862-4405; ajohnson@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Tired of Bad Service? How to Be Treated Like Royalty
Ask anyone and you are sure to hear some version of “customer service stinks” as well as the details of the latest incident in which they were treated as though their patronage didn’t matter. Your audience would love to hear how they can benefit from receiving A-1 service instead of mediocre service and Tawn Holstra Auston has the answers. She can offer some tips on what you can do to receive excellent service every time by being a better customer! Tawn has been advising small business owners for a decade and is working on a book that will tentatively be titled “Changing Gears: What It Takes to Make Huge Life Changes with Confidence and Grace.” Contact Tawn at (206) 495-6505; tauston@rtirguests.com
11. ==> The Dangerous Connection between Keeping Secrets and Getting Sick
We all know that keeping secrets can be stressful. But what most people don’t know is that it can also lead to illnesses (including cancer), especially if you keep secrets from your doctor. Attorney, author and cancer survivor Francine Tone can discuss the worst things to keep to yourself that can lead to sickness, suffering and even loss of life. Among the secrets are the pains, lumps, moles, nagging symptoms and other experiences you never mention to your doctor. Worse yet would be missing important screenings like mammograms or colonoscopies — and lying about it. Francine will also warn about keeping it to yourself when you consume the wrong foods, drink or smoke to excess, use illicit drugs, don’t exercise, or hide domestic violence. Francine is a sought-after guest on legal matters and overcoming everything from abuse to debilitating accidents. She’s the author of the best-selling book, “What Every Good Lawyer Wants You to Know.” Contact her at (531) 208-1297; FTone@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Were You Programmed to Fail?
Many parents, teachers and society in general set kids up for failure due to their family backgrounds, ethnicity and or socio-economic circumstances. Sadly, this programming often lasts into adulthood. But Dr. Carl Barnes claims that embracing failure as a path to success is the key to overcoming this programming. “Failure is a great learning tool,” he says. “The key to succeeding against all odds is unbridled resilience, and turning pain into purpose.” Carl was repeatedly rejected in the realms of academia, career and romance. But he eventually overcame the odds and went on to a 35-year career in the military, ultimately becoming a Navy chaplain; and earned five degrees including a doctorate of ministry in leadership. Carl is the author of “Resilient Sailing: 10 Lessons to Persevere in Life’s Stormy Seas,” and conducts life coaching workshops and online courses. Contact him at (407) 809-8047; cbarnes@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Advantages Doubters Have That Self-Confident People Miss
In our culture, self-confidence is lauded as a virtue. So what happens when doubt creeps in? Does that mean you’re broken? Or could you have an advantage others lack? Invite leadership expert Marc A. Pitman to reveal why doubt can be a surprising gift that forces leaders to look inward to gain special insight. His book, “The Surprising Gift of Doubt,” provides a framework for leaders to move past feeling like a fraud and manage teams more effectively. Ask him: How could the words in your head be sabotaging your efforts? Why are people who are experiencing doubt some of the strongest leaders? Contact Marc Pitman at (317) 751-1610; mpitman@rtirguests.com
14. ==> This Guest Loves to Talk About the Elephants in the Room
Elephants are very popular in modern culture, with good reason. They are majestic, lovable and highly intelligent. But according to animal/environmental welfare activist Georja Umano, pachyderms are more than just adorable. “They are crucial to the health of our environment and ecosystems, and are sadly endangered because of poaching, trophy hunting and habitat loss due to land development,” she says. Georja can share why it’s so important to protect this endangered species, and other fascinating pachyderm facts, as well as her experiences living in Kenya. She is the author of the multi-award-winning book “Terriers in the Jungle,” and is launching a nonprofit called the Elephant Matriarch Project for Mothers and Children, the goal of which is to educate and train young underprivileged African women and girls for careers in wildlife conservation. Contact her at (213) 568-1764; gumano@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Millions Are Still Healing from Traumatic Pandemic Deaths
It can be emotionally devastating to have a loved one taken away without warning and a chance to say goodbye. It happened to millions of people during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving the grieving physically and socially isolated, with unfinished business. Interfaith (All-Faiths) Minister Oreste D’Aversa will reveal why pandemic deaths were so traumatic, share tools to help say your final goodbyes to departed loved ones, and achieve the closure you need. He’ll also discuss simple, practical, and meaningful approaches, rituals, and ceremonies to honor lost loved ones and move forward. Invite the author of “I Didn’t Get a Chance to Say Goodbye … Now What Can I Do?” to discuss how to start the bereavement and healing journey to create a contented life. Ask him: Why is it important to say goodbye to loved ones? How can you say goodbye to someone already dead? Are there ways to help people through their grief and bereavement journey? Contact Oreste D’Aversa at (201) 483-8660; OresteDAversa@outlook.com