01. The Olympics Can’t Help China’s Global Image
02. Are the Russian People Ready for War?
03. Vaccine Expert on Kids, Boosters and Ivermectin
04. What Smallpox Can Teach Us about Vaccines and Politics
05. Great Super Bowl Show: How to Have a Career Like Tom Brady
06. Love Goddess Judy Tenuta
07. How to Make Valentine’s Day Last All Year
08. Music and the Language of Love
09. Will Quitting Your Job Make You Happier?
10. Time to Start a Biz? Brainstorm with this Expert
11. Ideology and Psychology: Behind America’s Deep Divide
12. Science Fiction or Reality? The World of Frozen Embryos
13. How to Stay Positive When Everything is Negative
14. Why You Should Be a Productive Procrastinator
15. Do Good: How to Start a Nonprofit
1. ==> The Olympics Can’t Help China’s Global Image
You can dress up the Olympic stadium and host world-class athletes, but Joshua Kurlantzick says the Chinese government’s increasingly aggressive diplomacy has hurt its image in much of the world and it’s unlikely to improve anytime soon. He says Beijing’s global public image has deteriorated for several reasons, including China’s increasingly coercive, belligerent style of diplomacy, called wolf warrior diplomacy. And what should the U. S. do? “Washington could let Beijing continue digging its hole and, meanwhile, rebuild U.S. ties with democratic partners,” he says, “However, the United States should remain vigilant about Chinese efforts that cross the line from soft power into so-called sharp power—efforts to covertly and often coercively influence public discourse.” Joshua Kurlantzick is senior fellow for Southeast Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). His most recent book is “A Great Place to Have a War: America in Laos and the Birth of a Military CIA.” Contact him at (202) 285-4339; jkurlantzick@cfr.org
2. ==> Are the Russian People Ready for War?
As the high-stakes standoff in Ukraine continues, the world is holding its breath to see whether Vladimir Putin is willing to invade the country despite the high costs likely to be incurred. Take a deep dive into the psyche of Putin and the Russian people with U.S. Brigadier General (Ret.) Peter B. Zwack. He was on duty in Moscow when Russia first invaded Ukraine and his new memoir, “Swimming the Volga,” offers insight and 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, when the Russian people were initially filled with euphoria, only to have their hopes dashed by the emergence of internal and international challenges, the black market, major ruble devaluations, scammers, oligarchs, and hard times. Zwack 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. 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. Contact Terri Beavers at (434) 409-5687; bg.pbz.r@gmail.com
3. ==> Vaccine Expert on Kids, Boosters and Ivermectin
An advisory committee will meet next week to discuss whether the Food and Drug Administration should authorize Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for children younger than 5. Vaccines for the littlest kids have been delayed many times, most recently because the data from Pfizer’s trial weren’t a clear home run. Discuss when babies and young children will be able to get the vaccine with Dean Fanelli, Ph.D., an expert on pharmaceutical and chemical-related technologies. Dr. Fanelli can also talk about booster shots and why America lags behind other countries in booster rates, as well as why hundreds of doctors continue to prescribe ivermectin for COVID despite FDA warnings. Fanelli is a partner in the intellectual property department of Seyfarth Shaw LLP’s Washington D.C. office. He also hosts the podcast Politics & Life Sciences Radio. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; (919) 377-1200 or ryan@goldmanmccormick.com
4. ==> What Smallpox Can Teach Us about Vaccines and Politics
For a timely show in light of today’s discussions about the role of vaccines in stopping COVID’s spread in the world’s poorest nations, invite Bee Bloeser to share her experiences in Africa during the CDC’s campaign to rid the world of smallpox. Bee’s new book, “Vaccines and Bayonets: Fighting Smallpox in Africa amid Tribalism, Terror and the Cold War,” details her time in Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea (where she was one of only two American women), including brushes with a brutal dictator and a heartbreaking humanitarian crisis unknown to the outside world. Hear what happened when Bee packed up her kids and headed to Africa when her husband was dispatched to join the global smallpox vaccination campaign in 1969. An award-winning author and engaging public speaker, Bee Bloeser has been featured on NPR’s “Journeys of Discovery” and NPR KCBX Radio’s show, “Issues and Ideas.” Contact her at (520) 214-5971; bbloeser@rtirguests.com
5. ==> Great Super Bowl Show: How to Have a Career Like Tom Brady
Tom Brady recently announced his retirement from the NFL where he was arguably the most successful quarterback ever, with seven Super Bowl victories, 35 playoff wins, and record-setting yards rushed. Brady’s retirement at 44 and career stats are likely to be fodder for conversation at least until the Feb. 13 Super Bowl. But while most of us will never approach Brady’s performance on the gridiron we can take inspiration from him in our careers, says Beverly Williams, author of “Your GPS to Employment Success: How to Find and Succeed in the Right Job.” Williams will discuss how ordinary people can create their own version of Brady’s multiple income streams, personal brand, and image. Williams is an employment professional, arbitrator, and former HR executive in both private and public sectors. She also hosts the podcast Your Employment Matters with Beverly Williams. She earned an M.P.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a J.D. from Rutgers Law School. Contact her at (973) 576-5841; bwilliams@rtirguests.com
6. ==> Love Goddess Judy Tenuta
While the world has been dealing with the pandemic, comedienne Judy Tenuta, best known to fans as “The Love Goddess” and “Aphrodite of the Accordion,” has been battling Stage 4 ovarian cancer, or as she puts it in her recent viral video, “Kicking Cancer’s A$$.” Shot at home during isolation and quarantine as a much-needed creative outlet while letting family, friends and fans know that she was winning the battle and had no intention of giving up the fight, the video has gone on to receive numerous accolades and become an unexpected battle cry for those who are experiencing not only cancer, but other health issues including COVID. Invite Judy on your show to talk about her varied career including stand-up specials on Showtime and HBO and her newest role in the soon-to-be-released “Gibsonberg,” based on a true story. Contact Harlan Boll at harlan@bhbpr.com
7. ==> How to Make Valentine’s Day Last All Year
Valentine’s Day is a great way to celebrate the love and affection couples have for each other. Still, it is just one day: flowers fade, chocolates disappear. Too often, loving feelings give way to entirely preventable fights and misunderstandings. Let Chris Shaver come to true love’s rescue as he explains how to understand the genuine differences couples have that, left unnoticed, place couples on the hamster wheel of drama and discord. Chris can share the stories of three different couples who fought for decades – and quickly stopped – once they understood the single surprising reason they were fighting … and the nine behaviors that heal marriages. Chris is the author of the upcoming book “Marriage Cure.” He is also the developer of The Marriage Cure Program – an assessment-based conflict resolution program that provides couples with an accurate, unbiased, and articulate way to see their personality differences and get a research-proven way to stop fighting and restore their love. Contact Chris at (610) 417-5342; chris@marriagecure.com
8. ==> Music and the Language of Love
Where would romance be without music? Most couples have “their song,” or listen to music to get in the mood. Let songwriter/pianist Dave Combs who has written more than 120 songs and put out 15 albums play cupid this year by discussing the symbiotic relationship between music and love. Dave’s instrumental music has provided the backdrop for marriage proposals, wedding ceremonies and honeymoons and he has the fan letters to prove it. Best known for the instrumental “Rachel’s Song,” Dave’s compositions have been played millions of times on radio, satellite, and internet streaming media. He is also 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. ==> Will Quitting Your Job Make You Happier?
The Great Resignation shows no signs of slowing, with the government reporting that 4.5 million Americans quit their jobs in November, an all-time monthly high. Some are leaving for better pay while others are starting businesses or reevaluating their careers. While experts say the current labor shortage means workers can more easily switch jobs, 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 All-Faiths Minister. Contact him at (201) 949-3002; odaversa@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Time to Start a Biz? Brainstorm with this Expert
For a lively, fun show, have callers pitch Tawn Holstra Auston their small business ideas; she’ll offer them invaluable advice on what they need to be thinking about. Tawn says, “Most people don’t want to get rich… they just want to get a mortgage, put braces on their kids’ teeth, and be able to afford a prom dress for their child. Starting a business does not have to be so uncertain, hard, scary, or stressful.” Tawn developed “Launch Like a Pro,” an affordable system for helping businesses of one to five people get the support they need to be successful. She’s been advising small business owners for more than 10 years. Ask her: How can people go from vision to first customers in just a few months? What are the top myths that prevent people from acting on their business dreams? Contact Tawn Holstra Auston at (206) 495-6505; tauston@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Ideology and Psychology: Behind America’s Deep Divide
Our nation is more divided now than any time since the Civil War, and many observers believe that our democracy now hangs by a thread. How did we get here — where we can’t even agree on such basic facts as who won the last presidential election? And how do we proceed? Discuss these and other questions with psychologist Gary Rosenthal. Find out why he believes the Capitol attack was enabled by narcissism but led by something more perilous. He’ll discuss the traits of a psychopath, why you won’t find them in the official diagnostic manual of American psychiatry, and whether Donald Trump is both a narcissist and a psychopath. Gary Rosenthal has been a clinical psychologist and licensed therapist for nearly 40 years. His latest book is “Re-Visioning Narcissism: Healing Heresies for Polarized Times.” Contact him at (510) 232-8701; (415) 342-3090 (cell) or garysroses@gmail.com
12. ==> Science Fiction or Reality? The World of Frozen Embryos
How is it possible that embryos that have been frozen for as long as 27 years can be defrosted and implanted in a woman’s uterus to produce a healthy baby? What sounds like science fiction is happening more and more, and Nate Birt can fill you in on the exciting details. This topic is personal for Birt, the father of a toddler who began life as another couple’s frozen embryo adopted by Birt and his wife, who carried the embryo to term. The author of “Frozen, But Not Forgotten: An Adoptive Dad’s Step-by-Step Guide to Embryo Adoption,” Birt can talk about the frozen embryo adoption journey, the controversies that exist with unclaimed embryos, and much more. Ask him: Are frozen embryos screened for genetic issues? Is this form of adoption affordable? Why would parents choose frozen embryo adoption over IVF or standard adoption? Contact Nate Birt at (417) 221-9045; Nbirt@rtirguests.com
13. ==> How to Stay Positive When Everything is Negative
Today, when people are struggling with the ongoing pandemic and all that it has brought with it — isolation, mental health challenges, product shortages, inflation, upheaval in the way they do their jobs — people need all the help they can get to stay positive. Rick McDaniel, a beloved pastor, podcaster, and the author of “This is Living,” is known for encouraging people to see the hope that exists in the most unlikely places. Pastor Rick will deliver inspiration in the form of bite-sized stories and meditations that will help listeners hone in on what’s important in life. Learn what a church building in Spain can teach us about making progress in life, how a macadamia nut is key to surviving the pandemic, and how the growth of giant sequoias shows we can survive tough times. Rick McDaniel has appeared on “Fox & Friends,” all major TV networks, ESPN Radio, Christian TV and more. “This Is Living: Daily Inspiration to Live Your Faith” is his latest book. Contact Terri Connell at (804) 512-9581; terri@rickmcdaniel.com
14. ==> Why You Should Be a Productive Procrastinator
All adults know they have to perform certain tasks even though they may dread doing them (think paying taxes or answering emails). But for some people, about one out of five, these tasks lead to a kind of paralysis in which nothing gets done, causing feelings of shame and guilt. Interview Patrick Sanaghan, a “productive” procrastinator who has learned how to do what needs to be done and can pass that real-world advice on to your listeners. He’ll say that there are no silver bullets and the urge to put off for tomorrow what could be done today is likely to persist but we can learn to master it. His new book, “How to Be a Better Procrastinator,” contains 100 strategies to draw from. Patrick Sanaghan (the “g” is silent) heads The Sanaghan Group, an organizational consulting firm. Despite his bad habit, he earned a doctorate in education, has written 12 books and 50 academic articles. Contact him at (215) 234-1346; psanaghan@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Do Good: How to Start a Nonprofit
Nonprofit organizations are the pillars of society. With their beneficial or charitable goals, nonprofits touch millions of lives and bring about positive changes in society. But starting one is a long and hard process. The paperwork is very time-consuming, there are lots of fees, and 75% of filings are rejected because of language and filing wrongdoings. Shai Goldstein helps those who aspire to bring positive change in society by helping create and foster nonprofits. Invite the Founder and CEO of A2Z Filings to discuss how to get started, share the story that set him on his path, and why he believes nonprofits are key to building better and healthier communities. A2Z Filings helps facilitate nonprofit organizations to start up and help others. Contact Karla Hernandez at (561) 768-1773; karla@transmediagroup.com