01. A Bill Won’t Solve the Immigration Crisis
02. Why This Is Prime Season for Pink Slips
03. What’s With the Right’s Infatuation With Dictators?
04. Schizophrenia Expert on Jennifer Crumbley Case
05. ‘Stolen Dough’ – The True Story of Stuffed Crust Pizza
06. How to Be an Assertive Woman and Not Be Seen as a Bitch
07. Expert Reveals How to Love Anyone You Hate, Even Trumpers
08. How to Be More Optimistic
09. Which Charities Are Worth Donating to (and Which to Avoid)
10. Why Traditional Talk Therapy Doesn’t Work
11. Can You Be Addicted to Being Unhappy?
12. Self-Belief Matters Less Than You Think
13. 5 Habits for 10 Chronic Disease-Free Years
14. Doc Discusses How to Put More Compassion in Medicine
15. Why Patrick Swayze’s Legacy Is Still So Powerful
1.==> A Bill Won’t Solve the Immigration Crisis
Will Freeman says no one should expect tougher rules at the border to end the surge in irregular migration. “Even more urgently than a decade ago, when it was last seriously up for discussion, the U.S. needs comprehensive, bipartisan immigration reform.” Freeman can explain what needs to be done today, and how it has been done before. “In 1986, a Republican president — Ronald Reagan — signed into law the Immigration Reform and Control Act, amnestying undocumented people, expanding guest worker programs, securing the border, and enhancing requirements for employers. Only reform on a similarly ambitious scale will provide lasting means of dealing with the unprecedented situation the Americas face now.” Will Freeman can discuss the real reasons for the crisis at the border and how this has become a political issue that neither party has been able to solve. Freeman is a fellow for Latin America studies at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). His writing has appeared in “Foreign Affairs,” the “New York Times,” the “Economist,” the “Washington Post,” and “Americas Quarterly,” where he writes a monthly column. Contact him at wfreeman@cfr.org or communications@cfr.org
2. ==> Why This is Prime Season for Pink Slips
January saw a steep rise in job cuts. The biggest hits came in the tech and finance sectors but food, retail and the media also announced plans to cut jobs. Andrew Challenger of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc., explains that a number of factors are at play. “The landscape is shaped by stabilizing prices and the anticipation of falling interest rates. It is also an election year, and companies begin to plan for potential policy changes that may impact their industries. However, these layoffs are also driven by broader economic trends and a strategic shift towards increased automation and AI adoption in various sectors, though in most cases, companies point to cost-cutting as the main driver for layoffs,” he says. Challenger can discuss who’s hiring, where the best paying and most secure jobs can be found today, and what he predicts will happen to the job market as we head into the spring. Contact Colleen Madden Blumenfeld at (314) 807-1568; colleenmadden@challengergray.com
3. ==> What’s With the Right’s Infatuation With Dictators?
The rise of authoritarian rhetoric in America is no longer news, but the right’s affinity for foreign autocrats is still baffling. Why does Tucker Carlson keep figures like Viktor Orbán and Jair Bolsonaro (and now Argentina’s Javier Milei) on his speed dial? Why does Ron DeSantis embrace the kind of illiberal democracy in Turkey, Hungary, and the Philippines? And why is Trump incapable of breaking up with Putin? “National Interest” editor Jacob Heilbrunn says the infatuation of American conservatives with foreign dictators is not a new phenomenon. The author of “America Last: The Right’s Century-Long Romance with Foreign Dictators” will trace the love affair back to WWI and show that dictator worship is an unignorable tradition within modern American conservatism — and what it means for us today. Jacob Heilbrunn is a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council. He is also the author of “They Knew They Were Right: The Rise of the Neocons.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 646-5188
4.==> Schizophrenia Expert on Jennifer Crumbley Case
Jennifer Crumbley will soon learn her fate as jurors decide whether she is guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the death of four people after her son went on a shooting spree at his Michigan high school in 2021. It’s the first of the couple’s separate trials with prosecutors accusing the parents of making a gun accessible in their home and neglecting their son’s “downward spiral.” Psychiatrist Steven Lesk says the son, Ethan, is likely a schizophrenic who got no treatment. The author of “Footprints of Schizophrenia” says the manslaughter charges against Ethan’s parents bring up issues of how to recognize the signs of schizophrenia and how to get rapid help for kids who make unusual statements regarding hallucinations and violence as Ethan did. Dr. Lesk is also quick to point out that most schizophrenics are rather passive people — anything but violent. Steven Lesk, M.D., has been a practicing, board-certified psychiatrist for almost four decades. Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853; LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com
5. ==> ‘Stolen Dough’ – The True Story of Stuffed Crust Pizza
A movie about stuffed crust pizza? What’s to know? Apparently plenty. The new film “Stolen Dough” unveils the extraordinary journey of Anthony Mongiello, a young Italian American who, at the age of 18, claims to have invented stuffed crust pizza, only to allegedly have his patent stolen by Pizza Hut. Currently streaming on Amazon, the movie is directed by Stefano Da Frè, and is a true story of resilience. Invite Da Fre and the movie’s protagonist, Anthony “The Big Cheese” Mongiello, to share the gripping tale of the pursuit of justice, involving a staggering $1-billion lawsuit. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103
6. ==> How to Be an Assertive Woman and Not Be Seen as a Bitch
Assertive men are considered strong, but equally bold women are often perceived as nasty shrews. “Because of this perception, women in our society tend to repress their anger,” says psychologist Karyne Wilner. “However, this can lead to severe mental and physical health issues, because anger can get trapped in our psyches.” Karyne can share simple yet powerful mind/body techniques designed to enable women to process anger in positive, healthy ways. A leader in the field of mind/body health, Dr. Karyne Wilner is a faculty member at Salve Regina University and the author of the upcoming “Releasing Toxic Anger for Women: Body-Based Practices to Transform Neg¬ative Thoughts, Soothe Stress, and Stay True to Yourself.” Contact her at (401) 305-2278; kwilner@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Expert Reveals How to Love Anyone You Hate, Even Trumpers
There are people in our lives with whom we have contentious relationships. They might be family members, coworkers, neighbors, and people on the opposite side of the political spectrum. Phil Brattain is the perfect guest for our divided polarized times. He is an expert on learning to love one’s worst enemies — which may include Trump — and learning to appreciate his opponents through his advocacy work where he often found himself on the losing side. He can share how he came to change his mind about Trump and what audience members can do to reconcile their issues with others in their lives with whom they have contentious relationships. Phil Brattain is the author of “Waging Love: How to Transform Our World One Heart at a Time.” He has spent decades in international business development. Ask him: What timeless secrets can you share that can bring us back together as a nation? Can anyone learn to love someone they despise? Contact Phil Brattain at (650) 218-8136; philbrattain@gmail.com
8. ==> How to Be More Optimistic
War. Climate catastrophe. Economic turmoil. Immigrant invasions. Political fighting and backstabbing. All endlessly circulating on TV, radio, podcasts, social media. Everywhere we go. Everyone we know. At times, it feels like everyone in the United States is angry, afraid, anxious, confused or depressed. How can anyone remain positive, hopeful and optimistic these days? Quirky, smart and funny, syndicated radio host and podcaster Brant Hansen will explain how to experience more joy, whatever your circumstances, and “outsource your worries” without being naïve or unaware. He’ll share a refreshingly different approach to life and how it can resonate with people seeking a deeper sense of meaning and purpose. Brant Hansen is a best-selling author, syndicated radio host and advocate for healing children with correctable disabilities through CURE International Children’s Hospitals. His latest book is “Life is Hard. God is Good. Let’s Dance.” Contact Jason Jones at jason@jonesliterary.com
9. ==> Which Charities Are Worth Donating to (and Which to Avoid)
Many people are quick to donate to charitable causes, especially following natural disasters and times of crisis. But according to author and nonprofit expert Michele Whetzel, “It’s better to think with your head as opposed to your heart before turning over your hard-earned cash. Do your research first!” She can share what to look for in truly worthy charities, as well as tips for starting your own nonprofit. Michele is a veteran of the nonprofit arena, founder of Your 501 Guide consulting and author of the book “So, You Want to Start a Nonprofit, Now What?” Contact Michele Whetzel at (302) 407-0513; Mwhetzel@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Why Traditional Talk Therapy Doesn’t Work
Conventional mental health professionals have long maintained that talk therapy is the panacea to healing the mind. But Adriana Popescu Ph.D., claims that true healing comes from also treating the body and spirit. “I specialize in using some of the most powerful, effective holistic healing techniques to radically shift limiting feelings and beliefs,” she says. “These may include meditation, nutritional supplements and all kinds of mind-body healing techniques.” Adriana is a licensed clinical psychologist, addiction and trauma specialist, speaker, thought leader and empowerment coach, and author of the critically acclaimed book “What If You’re Not as F***ed Up As You Think You Are?: How We Come to Believe Lies About Ourselves and What We Can Do to Change Them.” Contact Adriana at (415) 707-5054; Apopescu@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Can You Be Addicted to Being Unhappy?
Everyone wants to be happy. But many people are unwittingly addicted to unhappiness. We all do things we think will make us happy (but don’t) while avoiding things we believe lead to unhappiness (but also don’t). And so, the cycle continues, and we never realize how far away from happiness we truly are. Jennifer Hughes reveals good news: You can choose happiness! A certified success trainer and life coach, and the author of “Choose Happy: Be This, Not That; Increase Your Happiness, Strengthen Your Relationships, Achieve Your Dreams,” she’ll share the real, surprising secrets of happiness that anyone can accomplish. You’ll learn why making mistakes is good, being right is wrong, and looking for who’s at fault keeps you miserable. You’ll also hear how to unlearn deceptive choices that seem right, but actually block satisfaction and deliver disappointment. Interview this eye-opening guest to find out what’s been keeping you from being happy with your life. Contact Jennifer Hughes at (480) 745-2113; jhughes@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Self-Belief Matters Less Than You Think
Many people mistakenly believe that lacking confidence is a sure sign that you shouldn’t do something. Leading change expert Kirsty Maynor — a woman with 25 years of experience working with more than 10,000 executives — says while it is important to believe in ourselves, the truth is that self-confidence often comes after we make the change. Kirsty’s refreshingly counterintuitive message may be just what your listeners need to overcome their own hesitations and make changes, whether that’s starting their own business, relocating or something equally life-changing. Kirsty Maynor is an entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Firefly, a team of organizational culture change and leadership development specialists. Her just-released book is “Untangled: A Practical and Inspirational Guide to Change You Choose and Change You Don’t.” Contact Kirsty at kirsty.maynor@gmail.com
13. ==> 5 Habits for 10 Chronic Disease-Free Years
It’s not as hard as we think to stay healthy and free of the scary chronic diseases that shorten our lives. Randy Rolfe will shatter popular myths about our bodies, our weak-willed and lazy tendencies, and the effects of aging. Rolfe is the best-selling author of nine books on nutrition, parenting, and family life. For the past 50 years, she and her husband have followed and taught others a health-building diet that’s easy to access and prepare and is based on real foods as they come from nature. She’ll show your audience how to end the confusion and controversy between vegan versus carnivore, paleo versus grain-based and counting calories versus counting carbs, work¬outs versus restricting food intake, unsaturated fats versus saturated fats, and organic versus conventional, and instead focus on the real conflict between life-sustaining food ver¬sus nonfood. Invite Randy on your show to help your listeners regain control of their diet, their weight, and their health. Contact Randy Rolfe at (484) 459-2352; randyrolfe@randyrolfe.com
14. ==> Doc Discusses How to Put More Compassion in Medicine
Each of us will be both patient and caregiver at some point and we all want a health-care system that supports everyone. Yet despite remark-able medical advances, knowledge, and training, patient care remains fragmented, frustrating, and expensive, especially from the patient’s perspective. Meanwhile, solutions for caregivers, especially those on the frontlines, remain elusive. Invite Doug Slakey, M.D., MPH, on your show to demystify the complex health-care system and provide tools that empower laypeople and medical professionals to receive or provide the most effective, safe, and reliable care. Doug Slakey is the author of “The Process Manifesto: Improving Healthcare in a Complex World.” Contact him at (504) 232-6129; dpsurgical@me.com
15. ==> Why Patrick Swayze’s Legacy Is Still So Powerful
Patrick Swayze left us in 2009, too soon, yet Sue Tabashnik believes his wise words and zest for living are as applicable as ever. For example, Patrick said: “We kind of get ruined in the Western way of thinking that the brass ring is what’s important when it’s very simple things in life that are important — like hanging on to faith and hope. … I hope our standards, our levels of integrity and morality and passion and beliefs upgrade themselves soon.” Sue can talk about Patrick’s universal take on the world and core values that would be of comfort to all in 2024 and his many movies and performances that still touch us deeply. Throughout his life, Patrick never gave up when facing adversity. He was a romantic and an advocate for dance, conservation, and advances in cancer treatment. Sue is the author of four books about Patrick Swayze including “Patrick Swayze: The Dreamer.” She met him several times, and as a result, says her life was forever changed. Contact Sue Tabashnik at (248) 617-0505; stabashnik@rtirguests.com
Don’t see any guests or topics for your show? Search through past RTIR Newsletters and find hundreds of show ideas and possible guests at www.rtironline.com