01. Chinese Surveillance Balloons Are Nothing New
02. Is the Super Bowl the Ultimate American Holiday?
03. Do African American Studies Teach Hate?
04. The Dark History and Troubling Present of Eugenics
05. Hollywood Icons Raise Awareness of Homeless Youth
06. It’s Black History Month: Interview a Former Pioneering Diplomat
07. Have an Ex Like a Cockroach? A Zoo Has the Perfect Valentine
08. Doggie Daters, Baby Talkers, Holiday Saboteurs: 99 Types of Men
09. Secrets of the World’s Most Celebrated Brands
10. Do a Show on the Modern History of Women and Athletics
11. Why You Like Board Games But Blow Real-Life Challenges
12. How Slowing Down Can Make You More Productive
13. What Is an Empath – and Could You Be One?
14. Surprising Parallels between Trump and Lincoln
15. From Tic-Tac-Toe Chickens to Roulette Wheel Custody Battles: Crazy Stories from the Courtroom
1. ==> Chinese Surveillance Balloons Are Nothing New
Everyone’s talking about the Chinese balloon that hovered over the U.S. for several days until it was shot down off the coast of South Carolina. While most people have said they’ve never seen anything quite like it, a Pentagon spokesman said “instances of this kind of balloon activity have been observed previously over the past several years.” The statement raises all sorts of questions, and Amy B. Zegart, a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, says the fact that they have come into airspace before is not comforting. “We should have had a strategy earlier and we should have signaled our limits much earlier.” While there’s nothing new about superpowers spying on one another, Zegart says this incident is telling. “It makes you wonder who was talking to whom in China,” she says. “This is clearly the greatest unforced error the Chinese have made in some time.” Zegart is the author of “Spies, Lies and Algorithms,” a study of new technologies in ubiquitous surveillance. Contact her at @AmyZegart or Jeffrey Marschner at (202) 760-3187; jmarsch@stanford.edu
2. ==> Is the Super Bowl the Ultimate American Holiday?
What will you be doing this Sunday? According to a new survey of 3,201 respondents across the United States, 75% of Americans will be watching the Super Bowl. What’s more, over half of the people who took the American Sports Fanship Survey said the game is an important part of their lives. Invite Don Levy, director of the Siena Research Institute, and Aaron Chimbel, dean of the Jandoli School of Communication at St. Bonaventure University, to discuss the results. The poll covers just about everything about the Super Bowl including our favorite snacks, who watches for the ads, what we do during the halftime show, and how many Americans think Super Bowl Sunday should be a national holiday. Contact Don Levy at (518) 783-2901; dlevy@siena.edu or Aaron Chimbel at (716) 375-2040; achimbel@sbu.edu
3. ==> Do African American Studies Teach Hate?
A revised curriculum for a new AP course on African American Studies downplays some of the components that drew criticism from conservatives including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who threatened to ban the class in his state. Leslie Kay Jones, a sociologist at Rutgers University, says African American Studies is a rigorous scholarly response to real political arguments made in the public sphere. “As a result, it often challenges the ideology that race is a natural, instinctive way to understand difference. Without the veneer of nature, it is much harder to deny the ways that specific political ideologies create very different social and economic conditions for different categories of people.” She says, “The DeSantis administration paved the way to convince the public that the accurate teaching of African American Studies as a field of research was a Trojan horse for teaching students to hate.” Leslie Kay Jones is an assistant professor in the Department of Sociology at Rutgers New Brunswick, specializing in social movements. Contact her at lv251@sociology.rutgers.edu
4. ==> The Dark History and Troubling Present of Eugenics
Geneticist Adam Rutherford may startle listeners as he explains why eugenics still figures prominently in the 21st century, despite its genocidal past. With disarming wit and scientific precision, he’ll confront the insidious recurring questions — did eugenics work in Nazi Germany? And could it work today? — revealing the intellectual bankruptcy of the idea, and the scientific impossibility of its realization. Adam Rutherford is a geneticist and lecturer in biology and society at University College London, where he teaches the history of eugenics, race science, genetics, and science communication. He co-hosts the popular BBC science podcast The Curious Cases of Rutherford and Fry and appears frequently on radio and television. Rutherford’s new book is “Control: The Dark History and Troubling Present of Eugenics.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
5. ==> Hollywood Icons Raise Awareness of Homeless Youth
It’s estimated that there are more than 3.5 million homeless youth on the streets today and the situation appears to only be getting worse. Invite Jeffrey Sitcov, founder and president of Doors of Change, to discuss the roots of the problem, how it has changed in recent years, and how his organization works to help raise awareness and funds. Enlisting the help of music legends including Elton John, Billy Joel, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and Carlos Santana and such comedians as Billy Crystal and Steve Martin and iconic TV moms including Marion Ross, Dee Wallace and Michael Learned, Sitcov has raised more than $5.9 million for the cause. Doors of Change has placed over 2,600 homeless youth in safe housing since 2001. Interviews are available with Sitcov, homeless survivors who have benefited from the program, and some of the Hollywood icons who have helped the effort. Contact Harlan Boll at harlan@bhbpr.com
6. ==> It’s Black History Month: Interview a Former Pioneering Diplomat
Starting in 1975 and for the next 30 years, Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans lived her dream life. The former English major and Fulbright Scholar who grew up in the Jim Crow South was a diplomat in the Foreign Service in New Delhi, Mumbai, Dhaka, Taipei, Hong Kong, Brussels, Libreville, Bujumbura, and Brazzaville. Moreover, she did it as a Black single mother. If you have ever wondered what a diplomat does, what being in the Foreign Service is like, or what it was like to be stationed in a country where coups were commonplace, this is your chance to find out. Ask her: which place did you like best? How could you represent a country which didn’t always treat you fairly? Who were some of the famous people you met? What lessons have you learned that are applicable to others with big dreams? Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans’s new memoir is “Chocolates for Mary Judith: Black Woman Blazes Trails as a Career Diplomat.” She rose from the military equivalent of a first lieutenant to a major general. Contact Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans at (571) 568-8667; jmuddkrijgelmans@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Have an Ex Like a Cockroach? A Zoo Has the Perfect Valentine
Feeding a cockroach named after your ex to an animal may not seem to be in keeping with the Valentine’s Day spirit, but it certainly appeals to a lot of people. At least in Texas. “The season of love and loath is back,” says Tim Morrow, CEO and president of the San Antonio Zoo, about the fourth annual Cry Me a Cockroach promotion, a Valentine’s-themed fundraiser. For $10, the zoo will name a cockroach after your not-so-special someone and feed it to an animal. Those who feel that’s not enough can upgrade to a rodent for $25. As part of your donation, you’ll receive a digital downloadable Valentine’s Day Card but if you’re really looking to send a message, for an additional $150 you can get a personalized video capturing the creature being devoured by an animal. The zoo also keeps track of the most popular names, with last year’s winners (or losers) being Jacob and Sarah. At last count, Zach, Ray and Adam were on track to top the list this year. Contact Cyle Perez at (210) 478-8746 (cell); cyle.perez@sazoo.org
8. ==> Doggie Daters, Baby Talkers, Holiday Saboteurs: 99 Types of Men
For a fun Valentine’s Day show dedicated to all single people looking for love and 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
9. ==> Secrets of the World’s Most Celebrated Brands
Would your listeners like to know how celebrities create world-class brands so they can do it too? Raj Girn, an internationally celebrated brand authority and the creator of “The 6-Step Guide That Celebrities Use to Guarantee World-Class Brand Presence,” is prepared to offer the same fantastic tips to your audience that she has passed on to executives at L’Oréal Paris, Estée Lauder, Johnnie Walker, Cîroc, Sheraton and Fairmont Hotels and people like Priyanka Chopra, Hannah Simone, Robin Sharma and Freida Pinto. Ask her: What are the four biggest myths that prevent brands from taking off? What are the six steps to creating a world-class brand that anyone can dial in, no matter what their size or budget? A media celebrity in Canada who has been featured in “The Wall Street Journal” and “Globe and Mail,” and on FOX and CBS, Raj is a regular contributor to Entrepreneuer.com, ThriveGlobal.com and Medium.com and an internationally best-selling author whose blog attracts 500,000 unique monthly visitors. She also publishes a weekly newsletter with over 100,000 subscribers and has a combined social media network of over 1 million. She runs The Open Chest Confidence Academy. Contact Raj Girn at (647) 490-3158; Rgirn@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Do a Show on the Modern History of Women and Athletics
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
11. ==> Why You Like Board Games but Blow Real-Life Challenges
If you are a millennial or are related to one, you probably know that board games are more popular than ever, accounting for $3.13 billion in spending last year, with that number expected to rise to $4.67 billion within four years. With names like Root, Wingspan, Descent, and Unmatched, board games are beloved because in order to win you have to figure out certain patterns, and that can be addictive. So too is an interview with Steven Feinberg, Ph.D., an expert on playing the meta-game in real life (no board game needed) and helping identify the patterns hiding in plain sight that most of us miss. Let Steven tell you the reason so many of us remain stuck and identify the three behaviors that let you do what others say can’t be done. A top 1% business consultant who has worked with Google, Visa, Apple, and more, Feinberg, taught for nearly 30 years at the University of San Francisco School of Management and Leadership. His latest book is “Do What Others Say Can’t Be Done … Play The Meta-Game,” and features interviews he conducted with 50 world-class leaders and entrepreneurs. Contact Steven Feinberg at (650) 374-4540; sfeinberg@rtirguests.com
12. ==> How Slowing Down Can Make You More Productive
When was the last time you did something for yourself? Our lives are busier than ever before. Between jobs, families, and social obligations, it can often feel like every day is precisely scheduled from the minute your alarm goes off until the time you go to bed and set it for the next day. Not only is there zero time for yourself, but you feel guilty when you do take time out — because there’s always something you could be getting done. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to talk to Valerie Whetstone. She’ll show your audience ten simple ways to carve out me-time every day so you can rest and recharge, no matter how busy your life has become. This best-selling author and coach who has trained with Jack Canfield and Oprah Winfrey reveals not only how to put yourself first, but why you must do so today! Ask her: How can you instantly stop feeling guilty about putting yourself first? Why does slowing down make you more productive than ever? How did she nearly die by not taking time for herself? Contact Valerie Whetstone at (408) 752-5943; vwhetstone@rtirguests.com
13. ==> What Is an Empath – and Could You Be One?
Do you sometimes know something is going to happen before it does? Do you actually feel the pain of others? Do you experience keen physical discomfort in the presence of certain people? If so, you may be an empath or perhaps you may find that you know someone who is, someone like Jennifer Maag. She says, “After experiencing a traumatic brain injury due to falling at home, I became extremely empathic, which was a gift.” While being highly empathic can cause people to be hyper-sensitive, Jennifer can share how mastering the emotions that accompany this trait can greatly benefit one’s existence. Jennifer, a licensed massage therapist, and her son, Alexander Maag, are the co-authors of the critically acclaimed book “Take on God,” which explores how to transform inner battles into healing tools to live one’s best life. Contact her at (419) 969-3259; jmaag@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Surprising Parallels between Trump and Lincoln
Donald Trump has been one of the most controversial presidents of our times, with a love-him-or-hate-him line that practically divides the country in half. He has even drawn fire from members of his own party, leading some to claim that he has ruined the Republican Party. However, author Gretchen Wollert will argue that’s not the case. This guest, who has a degree in history, will discuss the many startling similarities between Donald Trump and Abraham Lincoln. She’ll discuss why Trump will determine the future of the Republican Party, and much more. An educator, entrepreneur, and farmer with appearances in local, regional, and national shows, Gretchen is the author of “Born to Fight: Lincoln & Trump.” Ask her: What is the only thing standing in the way of a socialist America? Why do you say that Trump can’t be “canceled”? What do you see ahead for the Republican Party in American politics? Contact Gretchen Wollert at (307) 338-2807; gwollert@rtirguests.com
15. ==> From Tic-Tac-Toe Chickens to Roulette Wheel Custody Battles: Crazy Stories from the Courtroom
Have you ever seen a chicken playing tic-tac-toe in court as evidence in a case? Experienced attorney J.D. Mortmain has! Movies and television portray the courtroom as a dramatic place full of nail-biting tension, but in real life, that’s not always the case. In fact, there’s often more humor than horror happening behind closed doors — such as the psychologist who failed his own test trying to prove a defendant was disabled. J.D. shares stories of the lighter side of the law with your audience. He has helped thousands of clients, many with unusual experiences like fighting for custody of a roulette wheel and the couple who divorced and remarried every year to profit from tax breaks. An author and experienced media guest, J.D.’s latest book is “The Fuzzy Pink Bathrobe and Other Tales of the Law.” Contact J.D. Mortmain at (860) 969-2693; jmortmain@rtirguests.com