01. Senate Expert on Biden, Schumer and Filibuster
02. Wednesday is Holocaust Remembrance Day
03. Panger: When People Ignoring COVID Make You Furious
04. More Me Time: What Moms Want This Valentine’s Day
05. Be Mine: Say It with Nuggets
06. For Valentine’s Day: Expert Reveals 6 Types of Men
07. Why Aren’t We Blaming China for COVID-19?
08. Are Americans Too Independent for Their Own Good?
09. She Was Accused of Being an American Spy If She Didn’t Marry
10. Novelist and TV Host: How to Create Instant Calm
11. Do a Funny Show on Caring for Aging Parents
12. Broke and Homeless to Working and Traveling in a 39-Ft. Luxury RV
13. Moving On: 3 Ways to Put Last Year Behind You
14. Advantages Doubters Have that Self-Confident People Miss
15. What Really Happens When We Die?
1.==> Senate Expert on Biden, Schumer and Filibuster
Things have changed in the U.S. Senate after the last election. Or have they? Invite former deputy chief of staff to Senator Harry Reid (D-NV), Adam Jentleson to discuss how the Senate will operate under President Biden and Majority Leader Senator Chuck Schumer including whether we’ll see the end of the controversial filibuster. Jentleson traces the history of today’s partisan gridlock back to the early 20th century when southern senators fought to protect Jim Crow laws and instituted the filibuster. He’ll explain how the filibuster and entrenched party loyalties became a “kill switch” that cuts off broad-based solutions and shuts down our democratic process and ways to “fix” filibuster rules to allow real debate. Jentleson is the public affairs director at Democracy Forward, a columnist for GQ and a frequent political commentator on MSNBC. His new book is “Kill Switch The Rise of the Modern Senate and the Crippling of American Democracy.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com
2. ==> Wednesday is Holocaust Remembrance Day
On Wednesday, January 27 the world will pause to remember the tragedy of the Holocaust. On International Holocaust Remembrance Day we honor the 6 million Jews and 11 million others killed by the Nazi regime and its collaborators. Invite Dr. Susan Michael of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem to discuss the importance of remembering the genocide especially in our current, hate-filled, divisive culture. For more than 35 years, Dr. Michael has pioneered the development of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, a Christian Zionist organization, in the United States and around the world. She’s is a sought-after speaker on the topics of Jewish-Christian relations, anti-Semitism, the biblical significance of Israel and the history of Christian support for Israel. Contact Jason Jones at jason@jonesliterary.com
3. ==> Panger: When People Ignoring COVID Make You Furious
If seeing the risky behavior of family, friends and others during the pandemic makes your blood boil, you’re not alone, and you’re not wrong. Somebody even made up a name for the feeling; panger. COVID-19 has now killed more than 400,000 Americans and sickened millions more, while putting a tremendous strain on our health-care workers. Yet, many families continue to gather indoors for maskless get-togethers, and others take group trips to far-away destinations and flaunt pictures on social media. “Those who are engaging in risky behavior are sending the message that COVID isn’t really their problem, that they don’t see a reason to modify their behavior to mitigate risk,” according to Atlanta clinical psychologist Zainab Delawalla. “This is infuriating to people who have been making sacrifices for almost a year, and doing so not just to protect themselves, but also to protect others around them. When you’ve been holding up your end of the bargain, it is enraging to see that others are not doing the same,” she adds. Delawalla can explain why some people flout the rules, share ways to deal with your rage, and discuss whether you should confront offenders or simply avoid them. In addition to maintaining a private practice, Delawalla also teaches at the Emory University School of Medicine and Emory University. Contact her at (404) 325-2400; zainab@drdelawalla.com
4.==> More Me Time: What Moms Want this Valentine’s Day
You might want to rethink the flowers and candy this Valentine’s Day and pick up some bath bombs and an eye mask instead. A new survey from the online retailer Zulily reveals how moms and couples view romance in our current COVID reality. Probably not surprising, 55% of moms say they’ve spent too much time with their partner in the last year, so they’re looking for the gift of “me time” this Valentine’s Day, in whatever form that can take. The survey also finds that couples are coping with the new normal by finding creative ways to spend their time together like making TikTok videos and having weekly game and trivia nights. Megan Marshall, Zulily’s director of brand marketing says, “What we learned is that while moms may want a little more time to themselves to unwind, they also want to make the time with their partners more meaningful.” She’ll discuss other survey findings including how “quality” time for couples has changed and how the pandemic has created new “love languages.” For more survey results and interviews, contact media@zulily.com or Courtnee Chun at (720) 875-5420
5. ==> Be Mine: Say It with Nuggets
Not everyone will appreciate this gift, but if you know a chicken nugget lover this might just be the best Valentine’s Day idea ever. To celebrate their limited-edition heart-shaped Nuggets of Love, Tyson is sponsoring a chicken nugget bouquet contest. Starting February 1, create your best nugget bouquet, take a picture, and then share and tag it. You could be the big winner and take home $5,000 for a staycation and a year’s supply of Tyson chicken nuggets OR be one of 150 winners to nab a bag of the coveted limited-edition Tyson Nuggets of Love. The contest runs through February 17 when a panel of judges — including the famed chicken nugget bride Blair and her maid of honor Jenna — will evaluate the bouquet arrangements based on creativity, presentation, expression of chicken nugget love, originality and overall tie to a Valentine’s Day theme. For contest information and interviews, contact Tyson’s public relations department at (479) 290-6397; Tysonfoodspr@tyson.com
6. ==> For Valentine’s Day: Expert Reveals 6 Types of Men
Some women make the same dating mistakes over and over then wonder why they can’t find happiness. Author, speaker, and personal transformation expert Arnoux Goran says that once a woman knows the six types of men, she can navigate her way to red hot romance. Invite him to share the secrets that can lead to relationship bliss. Goran has developed a method to reprogram yourself that was studied by the University of California, Irvine, and proven to be 100% effective. His latest program is “How to Attract Your Soulmate.” Ask him: What are the biggest mistakes women make when choosing a partner? What are the red flags women should watch out for? Contact Goran at (878) 203-8231; AGoran@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Why Aren’t We Blaming China for COVID-19?
One year into the pandemic there are still many unanswered questions: Was COVID-19 unleashed on the world on purpose? Was it a bioweapon that got away from its Chinese creators? Why hasn’t there been an investigation to get to the bottom of this? Tamara Lashchyk and Jacqueline Toboroff host the “The Bo Peep Podcast” which probes the answers to questions that we are afraid to ask; they would like to debate how we got here on your program and why we need to hold China accountable for its infiltration of U.S. politics and institutions. Lashchyk has been interviewed by the BBC and featured in Huffington Post. A career coach, author, and former Wall Street executive, she recently ran for the New York State Assembly. Toboroff is a candidate for New York City Council (D1) and a parent and life-long resident of Manhattan. Contact Tamara Lashchyk at (848) 373-3543; TLashchyk@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Are Americans Too Independent for Their Own Good?
Glen Dunzweiler is an independent filmmaker, former college professor, and author who specializes in raising and debating difficult questions. For example, are Americans more inclined to fight each other than to fight the COVID-19 virus? Is the rugged independence the U.S. is known for a handicap when it comes to getting people to buy into doing what is best for the common good? How can we deal with the deeply ingrained pushback we have for authority? Just as he does with his new YouTube series, “Difficult Questions with Glen Dunzweiler,” Glen will engage your audience in a thoughtful discussion on ways to use “good old American innovation” to turn COVID mania into something good. Contact Glen at (702) 703-2219; GDunzweiler@rtirguests.com
9. ==> She Was Accused of Being an American Spy If She Didn’t Marry
As the daughter of an Iraqi diplomat and American mother, Nadia Al-Samarrie led a fascinating, movie-worthy life. Case in point: while visiting her father in Iraq once she received 11 marriage proposals in a similar number of months including one from the prime minister’s doctor that carried a potentially deadly twist. The doctor told her, “I’ll turn you in as an American spy if you don’t marry me!” He was 30, she just 19. Interview Nadia to find out how she made her escape from this dangerous political situation. You can also ask her what it was like to be a diplomat’s daughter and grow up in a culture where what people thought of you was more dangerous than what you did. Nadia is the author of the new memoir, “From Bagdad to Berkeley: A Woman’s Affair.” As an author and diabetes expert, she has been featured on ABC, NBC, CBS, and other major cable networks. View her book trailer on her self-named website or through Vimeo (From Baghdad to Berkeley- A Woman’s Affair). Contact Nadia Al-Samarrie at (415) 741-3545; nalsamarrie@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Novelist and TV Host: How to Create Instant Calm
Invite award-winning TV and movie screenwriter/producer, novelist, lifestyle journalist, and the host of PBS-TV’s “Simply Delicious Living,” Maryann Ridini Spencer to reveal her body-mind-spirit secrets to create instant calm, maintain balance, and find joy in this sometimes stress-filled world. She’ll share tips for creating instant calm, discuss the importance of keeping a positive mental outlook and explain what “living Aloha” means and how that contributes to creating calm. The author of the award-winning Kate Grace Mystery books, Maryann’s work has appeared on Hallmark Hall of Fame (CBS-TV), the Hallmark Channel, CNN, USA, SyFy, Showtime, and many other outlets. Contact her at (818) 492-9135; mspencer@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Do a Funny Show on Caring for Aging Parents
In tough times, a laugh can help keep our spirits up. Kathleen Lenane is here to explore the humorous side of family caregiving. Yes, even in a pandemic. Kat is the creator of the hilarious website The Clueless Caregiver and blog. Expect to chortle and guffaw as she answers, in an entertaining Q&A format, questions like: How do I tell my 85-year-old father he shouldn’t be driving anymore? And: Where does Mom hide the hearing aids, iron supplements and medical alert pendant she should be using — but insists “she doesn’t really need”? Kat’s mix of wit and tips includes personal stories of, for instance, rounding up discarded hospital meal-tray bananas for a Super Bowl party her father threw in the Intensive Care Unit (way before COVID times). Kat has worked as a book ghostwriter and staff writer and editor for SELF and Cosmopolitan — in addition to caring for two mischievous parents who refused to act old into their 90s. Contact Kat at (860) 500-1524; klenane@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Broke and Homeless to Working and Traveling in a 39-Ft. Luxury RV
Try not to be jealous of Tim Winders; just be inspired by his ability to take off to out-of-the-way places on a whim, leaving the beaten path for something simpler and better. Tim and his wife live and work out of their 39-foot RV named Theo. They travel full time, making money as they go, living an abundant life that is as far removed from “cookie-cutter” as could be. Tim went from owning seven-figure businesses and over 100 properties to bankruptcy, homelessness and having $100 in his bank account before rebounding to his current, more intentional lifestyle. He has over 25 years’ experience as a coach for business owners, executives, and leaders. He also hosts the “SeekGoCreate” podcast and just published his first novel, “A Time To Act.” Tim and his wife have enjoyed the nomadic lifestyle in New Zealand, Australia and across North America. Contact Tim Winders at (404) 846-4639; winders@rtirguests.com; available as a last-minute guest
13. ==> Moving On: 3 Ways to Put Last Year Behind You
A contentious election. Unarmed Black people shot by police. A pandemic claiming the lives of several hundred thousand loved ones. Record unemployment and social isolation. Although most people were glad to see last year end, they still need some help to deal with the lingering grief of loved ones gone too soon, their deferred or shattered dreams and feelings of hopelessness. Meghan Smith Brooks can address these issues as well as share the hidden gift contained in all we have been through and how forgiveness, acceptance and gratitude can help us put things in perspective. She is a certified grief expert, ordained Unity Minister, and licensed spiritual educator whose younger son was murdered. She is also the author of “Unraveling Grief: A Mother’s Spiritual Journey of Healing and Discovery.” Contact Rev. Meghan Smith Brooks at (816) 844-6783; mbrooks@rtirguests.com
14. ==> 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. You’ll learn how words in your head can sabotage your efforts and why people who experience doubt are some of the strongest leaders. Pittman’s new book, “The Surprising Gift of Doubt,” provides a framework for leaders to move past feeling like a fraud and manage teams more effectively. Contact him at (317) 751-1610 (SC); mpitman@rtirguests.com
15. ==> What Really Happens When We Die?
With so many people mourning COVID-19 victims, many wonder if we go to an afterlife after we take our last breath. While growing up in a Midwestern funeral home where her dad was an undertaker, Margo Lenmark learned the truth. “People send messages in death that are very clear,” she says. “Death is not the end. I have gotten messages from dead people that have helped me to live a better life.” She shares her fascinating experiences and insights in her book “Light in the Mourning: Memoirs of an Undertaker’s Daughter. “The book has received glowing reviews from a number of prominent authors and spiritual leaders including Deepak Chopra. Contact Margo Lenmark at (828) 260-0873, MLenmark@rtirguests.com