01. The Russia-Ukraine Solution Hiding in Plain Sight
02. American Black History You’ve Likely Never Heard
03. Star Wars’ Love Lessons: I Love You. I Know.
04. Dating Coach Shares Tips for Valentine’s Day
05. Wine + Chocolate = Ultimate Valentine’s Day Sensuality
06. The KGB Wanted Him Dead. He Lived to Tell His Story
07. Should You Believe the News You’re Reading?
08. Why You Can’t Get the Theme from ‘Succession’ Out of Your Head
09. Create a Mental Health Emergency Kit
10. Meet the World’s Most Effective Procrastinator
11. How to Push Through Your ‘Limitations’
12. Why There Is No Weight Problem in America (Seriously)
13. Signs Your Spouse May Be Bipolar
14. Why Is It So Dangerous to Give Birth in America?
15. Psychedelics: Should You Consider Taking Them?
1. ==> The Russia-Ukraine Solution Hiding in Plain Sight
More than 100 national and regional U.S. organizations have released a joint statement urging President Biden “to end the U.S. role in escalating the extremely dangerous tensions with Russia over Ukraine.” The groups said, “it is gravely irresponsible for the president to participate in brinkmanship between two nations that possess 90 percent of the world’s nuclear weapons.” “The Nation” editorial director Katrina Vanden Heuvel is among those warning that the current crisis “could easily spiral out of control to the point of pushing the world to the precipice of nuclear war.” Vanden Heuvel is also president of the American Committee for U.S.-Russia Accord and a columnist for the “Washington Post.” She just wrote the piece “The Exit from the Ukraine Crisis That’s Hiding in Plain Sight.” Contact her at kat@thenation.com, @KatrinaNation
2. ==> American Black History You’ve Likely Never Heard
The brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans, Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Ida Byrd-Hill explains that it came about, at least in part, because public schools weren’t — and still aren’t — teaching about the contributions Blacks had in building America. “Three hundred documented patents of major inventions and innovations show that Blacks led major pivots in the growth of the United States. Blacks created the electric railway, automatic crankshaft, refrigeration and the gas furnace!” Invite this urban economist and tech guru to share the many ways Blacks helped solve the talent shortage of the agricultural and industrial revolutions and how they can solve the talent shortage of the digital revolution, if provided with emerging technology training. Ida Byrd-Hill is CEO of Automation Workz, a cybersecurity reskilling and diversity consulting firm. She’s appeared on “Good Morning America,” numerous radio stations and podcasts, and in “Essence Magazine.” Her latest book is “Invisible Talent Market.” Contact her at (313) 483-2126; ida@autoworkz.org
3. ==> Star Wars’ Love Lessons: I Love You. I Know.
Relationships can be complex — your dad could have turned to the dark side, your partner could be a princess, or your best friend might speak in more than 7 million forms of communication and never stop talking! This Valentine’s Day, invite Star Wars expert and writer Amy Richau to discuss lessons in love and friendship from a galaxy far, far away. She’ll share wise advice for romances, friendships, and family relationships from fan-favorite Star Wars characters like Han and Leia, Rey and Kylo Ren, and Finn and Poe. Amy Richau is the author of “Star Wars: I Love You. I Know.” She’s an entertainment journalist and contributing writer for StarWars.com and “Star Wars Insider” magazine. She also contributed to the Star Wars docu-series “Looking for Leia” and has written for Nerdist and Screenrant. Contact her at amy@richau.org; @amyrichau or publicity@dk.com
4.==> Dating Coach Shares Tips for Valentine’s Day
Many of your listeners will likely find themselves in the same situation Dina Rifkin used to be in. Single and looking to find genuine love while avoiding the cheaters, liars and toxic people who can get in the way of finding the good ones. Rifkin, a dating coach and the founder of Love + Qi (who is in her mid-thirties), embarked on a year-long intensive search involving 71 dates with different men. Now happily married to date #71, she’ll share the lessons she learned along the way that she believes will help other women find their best match. She’ll discuss what to look for and what to look out for when dating, her list of red flags, and post-date practices and questions to ask yourself, including whether you liked the person you were on that date. Dina Rifkin is the author of “Date Better, Darling! Your Sassy, Soulful, Self-Aware Guide to Finding Love.” Contact her at (303) 898-0791; datebetterdarling@gmail.com
5. ==> Wine + Chocolate = Ultimate Valentine’s Day Sensuality
Let’s be honest, we’ve all given or received a box of chocolates on Valentine’s Day. Hopefully to, or from, someone very special. Yet how many of those heartfelt offerings do we really remember? Mmm … none? But with the assistance of some well-chosen wine, we can all create a stellar tasting experience that will be etched in our sweetie’s memory for years to come. Let wine guru Jim Laughren, CWE, show your audience how to set the stage for a delicious and memorable Valentine’s Day after-dinner snuggle-up. He will discuss the long and remarkable relationship between wine and chocolate and how we can pair this sensuous twosome for maximum delight. Contact Jim at (954) 317-9623; JLaughren@rtirguests.com
6. ==> The KGB Wanted Him Dead. He Lived to Tell His Story
With Vladimir Putin’s tanks lined up at the Ukrainian border ready to attack, a conversation with John Christmas is extremely timely right now. 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. Christmas has co-authored the new geopolitical thriller “KGB Banker,” inspired by his story. 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
7. ==> Should You Believe the News You’re Reading?
Newsflash: The media is biased. Not just one outlet. All of the major media sources. Newspapers, TV, radio, and social media are businesses where the bottom line is their bottom line. They exist to make money, not inform you or even tell the truth. Is this real journalism? And who does it help – and hurt. Find out who owns and rules the press when you invite Dutch/American journalist Hans Izaak Kriek on your show. He’ll reveal the 15 billionaires and six major organizations that dominate and own the mainstream media and discuss how they influence and manipulate the American public daily, with fake news and framing. Ask him: How can you be sure the news you consume is accurate? What is framing and how do the media use it? Do others besides politicians use fake news, and why? Hans Izaak Kriek is the publisher and editor-in-chief of Krieksmediaworld.com and the author of “Trump’s Daily Domination of the News Media.” He’s worked as an international political journalist for AVRO/TROS, the two largest Dutch National broadcasters. As a media trainer, he has coached and advised thousands of politicians and executives. Contact him at (561) 861-2974; jkriek@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Why You Can’t Get the Theme from ‘Succession’ Out of Your Head
If you have ever wondered why some TV theme songs become iconic earworms such as the Nicholas Britell-penned theme from HBO’s “Succession,” you’ll want to interview songwriter-pianist Dave Combs to find out. Dave, who has written more than 120 songs including the earworm-worthy “Rachel’s Song,” and put out 15 albums, can boast that his compositions have been played millions of times on radio, satellite, and internet streaming media. He can talk about why songs get stuck in our heads and why so many of them are instrumental TV themes for such beloved shows as “Hawaii 5-0,” “The Office,” and “Jeopardy.” Dave is the author of “Touched By the Music: How the Story and Music of Rachel’s Song Can Change Your Life.” Contact him at (336) 655-8320; dave@combsmusic.com
9. ==> 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
10. ==> 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
11. ==> How to Push Through Your ‘Limitations’
Many of us have excuses for why we can’t do things: We’re too busy, we don’t have the energy, or perhaps we don’t have the right skillset. That’s why we need to hear the inspiring story of Dorothy Kegler who has achieved so much despite being the youngest of 10 kids and being diagnosed with a learning difficulty. She managed to defy the odds to earn a bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees, a doctorate in higher education administration and author three books. She’s also African American, of which only 5.4 percent hold doctorate degrees in the U.S. “African Americans are exposed to sports and entertainment and other quick-money fields, not higher education,” she says. She credits her success to her unwavering faith in God, her family’s emphasis on the importance of education, the support of mentors and setting big-picture goals. Dr. Dorothy can share how anyone can achieve their dreams and attain their loftiest goals, despite even the most seemingly insurmountable odds. Contact her at (619) 679-9627; dkegler@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Why There Is No Weight Problem in America (Seriously)
You’ve heard that 40 percent of U.S. adults are obese and nearly 35 percent more are overweight. So why then does health coach, fitness, and weight-loss expert Stavros Mastrogiannis say that the U.S. does not have a weight problem? Feel free to challenge him as he explains that what Americans do have is a habit problem that in turn has led to people weighing too much. In short, he says, we have more bad habits than good when it comes to eating and when we solve that problem the weight issue will resolve. He’ll talk about how to replace bad habits with good ones to avoid stress eating, eating when you aren’t hungry, and even focusing too much on what you’re eating. You’ll also learn why using a scale as an indicator of success is a “disaster waiting to happen.” Also, be sure to ask Stavros about what happened when he recreated Morgan Spurlock’s experiment about eating McDonald’s food (burgers, fries, and Cokes) that became the basis of the 2004 movie “Super Size Me.” In 2011, Stavros did the same thing but unlike Spurlock, Stavros’ blood work was just as good as it had been before he spent two months working and exclusively eating at McDonald’s. He’ll tell you why this experiment proves it’s not what you eat but how you eat that matters! Stavros is the creator of the Live Your Way Thin System. Contact Stavros at (203) 733-0109; stavros@liveyourwaythin.com
13. ==> Signs Your Spouse May Be Bipolar
For nearly 20 years, Shelly Sood lived with a man who suddenly morphed from a picture-perfect spouse into a “cold, vengeful, monster.” Unbeknownst to them, he had bipolar disorder, and, as Shelly will point out, 90 percent of marriages involving a bipolar spouse end in divorce. Shelly separated from her banker husband for nearly two years but never lost hope that the man she fell in love with would re-emerge. She has remained in the marriage, resolved to be his advocate, and helped save his life: “I am a victim of his disorder, not his abuse. If he couldn’t fight for himself, I would fight for him,” she vowed. Her message to anyone coping with a similar spouse is simple: “Never give up or let anyone tell you it is hopeless.” She can discuss the symptoms associated with bipolar disorder and why the mental illness is often misdiagnosed. She is the author of the upcoming memoir, “Untethered,” a mother of three children, and a founding partner of GIOSTAR Chicago, a company that offers regenerative medicine therapies. Her memoir is being modified for film by Hollywood producers. Contact Shelly at (312) 401-3495; shelly@giostarchicago.com
14. ==> Why Is It So Dangerous to Give Birth in America?
It’s shocking but true: the U.S. ranks dead last among developed nations when it comes to the safety of giving birth. The birth process in America has become so dangerous because of the huge increase in interventions in U.S. hospitals. C-sections are the most common operation done here. C-section statistics have gone through the roof and are now at about 30 percent of all births. Even well-staffed and well-equipped hospitals lose mothers and babies, and the best prenatal care cannot always prevent early labor, obstetrical dangers, long hospital stays, and high-risk pregnancies. What’s happening? And how can we protect pregnant women and their babies? How can we improve the statistics? Learn more from Dr. Alan Lindemann, who delivered 6,000 babies without a single maternal mortality in 40 years. His upcoming book, “Pregnancy Your Way” and video course are designed to provide women with the tools they need to help steer their pregnancies into safe deliveries. Ask him: Why is giving birth in the U.S. so dangerous? How can C-sections be avoided? How has the pandemic impacted births? What happens when pregnant women live far away from clinics, midwives, doctors, and hospitals? Contact Alan Lindemann, M.D., at (701) 399-9556; ALindemann@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Psychedelics: Should You Consider Taking Them?
While still prohibited by law, some once-considered “bad boys” of the drug culture (LSD, Psilocybin, MDMA), are now being seriously studied by science and found to be not only completely non-addictive, but more effective in the relief of anxiety, addiction, and depression than any known or traditional treatment. Sparrow Hart is available for interview on this timely topic, having studied the variety of ways to alter and change consciousness for decades. He can discuss both the incredible promise of psychedelics as well as potential pitfalls for their misuse in an addictive and distraction-seeking culture. Ask him does he see psychedelics as having a broader impact than just improving a few individuals’ personal happiness? He has studied with Native Americans, taught courses on shamanism, and led vision quests for three decades. Is there any commonality between these processes that alter consciousness, for example between a vision quest and a psychedelic journey? Sparrow’s varied career includes being a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Stanford, a brief stint working in a slaughterhouse, adventures in the Amazon, and over 30 years of leading workshops on shamanism, conscious dreaming, and vision quests in nature. He is the author of several books including “Letters to the River: A Guide to a Dream Worth Living.” Contact Sparrow Hart at (801) 516-0740; SHart@rtirguests.com