01. Dianne Feinstein’s Complicated Legacy
02. What You Need to Know About China, Russia and Other Threats
03. Federal Day Care Aid Ends: What’s Next?
04. How Indigenous Wisdom Can Save the World
05. For Halloween: Murderous Plants and Mystery Writers
06. Great Halloween Show: A Real-Life ‘Rocky Horror’ Story
07. Hate Your Job? Ways to Make it Better Today
08. How Guns Became Childhood’s Greatest Danger
09. Health Screenings: Which Ones to Get and When
10. Why Informed Consent Has Gone Too Far
11. Psychologist Reveals Hidden Causes of Depression, Addiction and More
12. Everyone Has Unconscious Biases. Uncover Yours
13. Toxic Anger: It’s Not Just a Male Problem
14. This Guest Says Faith Got Her Out of Prison
15. Beyond ‘Dirty Dancing’ – Was Patrick Swayze a Hero?
1. ==> Dianne Feinstein’s Complicated Legacy
Flags across the U.S. are flying at half-staff this week in honor of Dianne Feinstein. The trailblazer who died last week spent more than 30 years on Capitol Hill to become the longest-serving female senator in U.S. history. Other than her family and close friends, few people had a longer history with or a better understanding of the 90-year-old senator than Jerry Roberts. The former political writer and newspaper editor first covered Feinstein nearly 50 years ago. In 1994 he published the biography “Dianne Feinstein: Never Let Them See You Cry.” Roberts can discuss Feinstein’s storied career, her personal history, and why he believes she refused to step down. Jerry Roberts is the host of “Newsmakers with Jerry Roberts.” Contact him at (805) 451-2099; newsmakerswithjr@gmail.com
2. ==> What You Need to Know About China, Russia and Other Threats
The world is changing from a geopolitical and military standpoint, and with that change, many Americans may feel inadequate in understanding the growing influence of such foreign powers as Russia, North Korea, and most importantly, China. Defense expert and strategist Ptolemy Pruden will share knowledge your listeners need to understand and combat the threats facing America. Whether discussing the application of economic pressure by cutting off purchasing items made through companies owned by China or pushing for more advanced STEM-based educational programs offered by American companies, Pruden elevates the discussion. “We have to work with our friends and allies to engage in building a strong naval presence across the Indo-Pacific while providing a lethal and sustainable deterrent to the PRC. As the United States moves forward, the whole nation must play its part in the protection of its children’s future,” he says. Ptolemy Pruden is the host of the Common Sense Defense Podcast and author of the upcoming book “China Rising: The Case for Containment.” Contact him at (248) 275-7327; calprudenthree@yahoo.com
3.==> Federal Day Care Aid Ends: What’s Next?
According to the Biden administration, American Rescue Plan grants helped 80% of U.S. licensed childcare centers stay afloat during the pandemic. But the federal funding ended this month, and some are predicting as many as 70,000 programs may be forced to shutter, leaving parents and kids in the lurch. Matt Bruenig, founder of the People’s Policy Project, says experts still don’t know how childcare will fare going forward. “The tight labor market has pushed pay up for low-wage jobs and this will increase cost pressures on childcare centers, which they will need to pass through to parents who may not be able to afford them. Through this tight-labor-market mechanism, I think it’s plausible that some segment of current childcare arrangements will become unaffordable and therefore non-viable without government subsidy.” He adds, “I would like to see the government fully subsidize all childcare spots in the country so that there are no fees charged to parents. We do this for K-12 education and there is no reason we cannot do it for birth-pre-K.” The People’s Policy Project (3P) is an American think tank focused on social, economic, and political equity issues. Unlike conventional think tanks, 3P relies on crowdfunding small donations, as opposed to financial support from corporations. Contact Matt Bruenig at mattbruenig@peoplespolicyproject.org
4. ==> How Indigenous Wisdom Can Save the World
October 8 is Indigenous People’s Day, an effort by Native American advocates to change the narrative around Columbus Day and commemorate Indigenous history and culture. Invite scholar and author Dr. Susan Abadian on your show for a timely discussion on how we can all benefit from embracing Indigenous people and the spiritual and cultural practices they have long honored. “Indigenous wisdom can help us to connect with the deepest aspects of ourselves, in order to come into the right relationship with the natural world and the interconnected planet that we all call home.” Sousan is the author of the forthcoming book “Free Me to Love.” She has a Ph.D. in political economy and government from Harvard University. Contact her at (617) 901-5358; susan.abadian@gmail.com
5. == > For Halloween: Murderous Plants and Mystery Writers
From Edgar Allan Poe to Agatha Christie to modern bestsellers, hundreds of the greatest mystery writers have found inspiration in the sinister side of gardens. Is it the poisonous plants, sharp tools, shady corners, and ready-made burial sites that make gardens a mainstay in the mystery genre? “New York Times” best-selling author Marta McDowell can point out some murderous plants to keep an eye out for this spooky season and explore the deeply rooted connection between gardens, writers, and mystery novels. Hear about the role of gardens and gardening in murder mysteries and interesting trends in the evolution of the genre, how modern-day writers like Ruth Ware, Karen Hugg, and Cynthia Riggs use their gardens to find creativity, and what makes the perfect horticultural crime. McDowell’s new book is “Gardening Can Be Murder: How Poisonous Poppies, Sinister Shovels, and Grim Gardens Have Inspired Mystery Writers.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
6. ==> Great Halloween Show: A Real-Life ‘Rocky Horror’ Story
In the 1975 cult movie classic “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” a young couple’s car breaks down in front of a spooky house. They knock on the door and encounter Dr. Frank-IN-Furter and assorted other weirdos. Detri McGhee (say DE’ trah) — a perfect guest for the Halloween season — had a ‘Rocky Horror” moment herself in the 1980s before cellphones when her car ran out of gas two miles from home late at night at the entrance to three cemeteries. Dressed in black and wearing high heels suitable for the business meeting she had been at, she found herself stranded in a rough neighborhood known to be home to bears and panthers. To find out what happened you will have to interview Detri for the ultimately uplifting story that changed her life. Detri runs the nonprofit Reaching for Life, Inc. which encourages reading writing, and communicating through developing advanced emotional intelligence skills. Contact Detri McGhee at (870) 407-7523; dmcghee@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Hate Your Job? Ways to Make it Better Today
A recent study from Workhuman reports that nearly half of employees in the U.S. feel undervalued at work, and one out of ten don’t feel valued at all. This dissatisfaction often results from being overworked, underpaid, and above all, not listened to. However, many of us feel stuck in our miserable jobs due to a lack of better options. Francesca Burack reveals how you can take steps today to improve your job immediately, and it all begins with speaking up. She’ll explain the best ways to approach work conversations such as getting a raise, being promoted, changing your hours, improving your benefits, and more. Ask her: What’s the best way to ask for a raise or promotion with confidence (even if you don’t have any)? How can you become a fearless leader in your organization? What are the “magic words” that will help you get ahead in your career? Francesca Burack is an author, entrepreneur, educator, and frequent speaker and media guest. Contact her at (516) 823-4003; fburack@rtirguests.com
8. ==> How Guns Became Childhood’s Greatest Danger
Gun violence recently surpassed car accidents as the leading cause of death for American children. Every year, 18,000 children and teens are shot and killed or wounded and approximately 3 million are exposed to gun violence. What are adults in the U.S. doing wrong? Dr. Regina M. Griego lost five family members to a mass murder, three of whom were children. Her 15-year-old nephew shot them and Regina took guardianship of her nephew. She has since become an advocate for gun safety and believes that we all want to keep our children safe and families whole. Ask her: Why are our children dying from guns? What role does mental health play in the gun deaths of children? Griego is the author of the award-winning, best-selling book “Sins of the System: Trauma, Guns, Tragedy, and the Betrayal of Our Children,” a memoir that explains the systems that failed her family. She holds a Ph.D., MS, and BS in electrical and computer engineering and an MS in computer science. Contact Regina Griego at (505) 306-6189; transcendingfutures@gmail.com
9. ==> Health Screenings: Which Ones to Get and When
Many Americans wait until they get sick to focus on their health. According to long-time nurse Allen Daugherty, we have it backward. “The problem in our society is a lack of emphasis on preventative care,” he says. “People need to get routine screenings at various stages of their lives, as opposed to waiting until a problem occurs.” Allen has worked in the medical field for almost 50 years, first as a U.S. Air Force medic then as an RN and certified dialysis nurse. He is the author of “An Ounce of Prevention is Worth More Than You Can Imagine. Contact Allen Daugherty at (540) 712-8704; adaugherty@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Why Informed Consent Has Gone Too Far
In the modern world, informed consent lets patients participate in their own health care by knowing all their treatment options and any associated risks. However, full transparency in medicine can overwhelm patients and lead to poor decision-making. Is it really the best policy? Dr. Dinesh Verma reveals why we’ve taken informed consent too far. He’ll talk about the damage caused when patients fail to trust medical experts, often resulting in the refusal of lifesaving treatment. He also discusses the right way to implement under-used alternative therapies in combination with modern medicine for astonishing results. A medical doctor with 45 years in practice and 18 years of integrative medicine research and experience, Verma’s latest book is “Ipsicura Effect.” Ask him: Why should more health-care professionals use the placebo effect in their practice? How did your mother miraculously recover from late-stage breast cancer? How can patients feel better, heal faster, and even save money on medical expenses? Contact Dinesh Verma at (248) 817-8296; dverma@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Psychologist Reveals Hidden Causes of Depression, Addiction and More
Depression has reached epidemic proportions in modern society. According to psychologist/author Adriana Popescu, “Depression and issues such as low self-esteem and addiction are not just caused by mental distress. There are many other contributing factors such as hormone imbalances, and disruptions in the mind/body/spirit connection overall.” Adriana is a licensed clinical psychologist, addiction and trauma specialist, speaker, thought leader and empowerment coach, and author of “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 Popescu at (415) 707-5054; Apopescu@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Everyone Has Unconscious Biases. Uncover Yours
While bigotry is on the rise across the globe, author Sara Ting claims that there is hope for peace and harmony. “All humans have unconscious biases,” she says. “I have developed a tool that organizations can offer to their colleagues that takes 10 seconds or less to help cultivate a mindset to value all people equally.” Sara is a diversity and inclusion educator, speaker, consultant, and author of “Small Book with a Big Idea: 5 Minute Training to Empower You and Transform the World.” She is also the founder and president of World Unity, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to the elimination of all forms of bigotry. Contact Sara Ting at (508) 715-3370; Sting@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Toxic Anger: It’s Not Just a Male Problem
Heart disease is the number-one killer of women. According to clinical psychologist Dr. Karyne B. Wilner, anger is one well-known factor in women’s heart disease, along with our culture’s role in suppressing it. “Anger creates stress in the body that can lead to physical and emotional health problems,” she says. She can share body-based techniques to release anger in ways that lead to greater health overall. Karyne is the author of the upcoming book “Releasing Toxic Anger for Women: Body-Based Practices to Transform Negative Thoughts, Soothe Stress, and Stay True to Yourself.” She is a leader in the field of Core Energetics and mind/body health. Contact Dr. Karyne Wilner at (401) 305-2278; kwilner@rtirguests.com
14. ==> This Guest Says Faith Got Her Out of Prison
Growing up in a highly dysfunctional broken home, author Tressa Mitchener became a single teenage mother and drug dealer who was facing a 30-year-to-life sentence in federal prison. But thanks to her strong belief in a higher power, her sentence was miraculously reduced to five years, and she went on to earn a B.A. in psychology, become a respected Christian counselor and best-selling author, and marry her dream man. She credits her newfound faith for enabling her to dramatically turn her life around. “While I was in prison, I was strongly focused on God,” she says. “He was giving me instructions and guiding me. My mind began to change. I became a change-maker for others.” Tressa shared her incredible story on “The 700 Club,” and can reveal how anyone can transform his or her life through faith. She is the author of “Looking Out from the Inside: The United States v. Tressa Oliva Parker.” Contact Tressa at (919) 582-5992; Tmitchener@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Beyond ‘Dirty Dancing’ – Was Patrick Swayze a Hero?
Most people know Patrick Swayze from the movies “Dirty Dancing” “Ghost” and “Road House.” They are aware that he often played heroes on screen but few know that he was a real-life hero too. Interview Sue Tabashnik, author of “Patrick Swayze: The Dreamer,” to share the many reasons he was and continues to be an inspiration to many, more than 20 years after his death. As she will explain, Patrick was one of the first celebrities to talk about battling pancreatic cancer. He advocated for more funding for research for better early detection and new treatment for pancreatic cancer, and by example showed more openness about discussing the cancer’s impact on lives. Ask her: What was it like to meet Patrick four times? Why do you consider him a hero? How can Patrick’s life be an inspiration to all of us? What can you tell us about his advocacy for dance, conservation, and traditional values? Contact Sue Tabashnik at (248) 617-0505; stabashnik@rtirguests.com
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