01. John Glenn, John Kennedy and the Space Race
02. Britney’s Back in Court
03. Last-Minute St. Patrick’s Day Guest
04. The Kosher Baker Lightens Up Passover
05. Lights Out – City Cuts Lights to Save Birds
06. Who’s Surprised the Royals are Racist?
07. Spring is Wildfire Season!
08. Taking the Country Back: Are Freedom Pods the Answer?
09. One Year Later: The Great Remote Work Experiment
10. Why Safety Can Be Dangerous
11. Are You a Carrier of the ‘Trauma Virus’?
12. COVID – Navigating the Last Mile
13. Telemed Dos and Don’ts
14. 5 Surprising Daily Activities That May Be Making You Sick
15. Advice from This Airline Pilot Can Help Your Goals Take Off
1. ==> John Glenn, John Kennedy and the Space Race
If the United States couldn’t catch up to the Soviets in space, how could it compete with them on Earth? That was the question facing John F. Kennedy at the height of the Cold War. When John Glenn blasted into orbit on February 20, 1962, his mission was greater than circling Earth; it was to calm the fears of the free world and renew America’s sense of self-belief. In his new book, “Mercury Rising: John Glenn, John Kennedy, and the New Battleground of the Cold War,” historian and former presidential speechwriter Jeff Shesol explains how the astronaut’s heroics lifted the nation’s hopes in what Kennedy called the “hour of maximum danger.” Shesol describes the space race as Kennedy and Khrushchev saw it: a Cold War conflict every bit as perilous as Cuba or Berlin, and reveals the singular role that John Glenn played in restoring America’s faith in itself and advancing the space program. Jeff Shesol is a former speechwriter for President Bill Clinton and a founding partner of West Wing Writers. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com
2. ==> Britney’s Back in Court
The saga of Britney Spears’ conservatorship heads to the courtroom this week as the fight over control of the entertainer’s estate continues. Since 2008, there have been several battles over who runs the “show” when it comes to Britney’s affairs. On Wednesday, a judge will hear arguments on whether Spears’ father and conservator, Jamie, should retain a certain amount of control over her estate. Attorney David Glass can explain the conservatorship arrangement, why it was originally granted and what it involves, as well as what may happen next. A Certified Family Law Specialist and former clinical psychologist, Glass is best known for handling A-list celebrities and has appeared on numerous radio and TV shows. He’s the author of “Moving On: Redesigning Your Emotional, Financial and Social Life After Divorce.” Contact: Cherie Kerr at (714) 550-9900; Cherie@kerrpr-execuprov.com or Shannon Dugger at (303) 619-3949; Shannon@Kerrpr-execuprov.com
3. ==> Last-Minute St. Patrick’s Day Guest
Ireland’s beloved patron saint is celebrated worldwide each March 17, but do you know why? What did he do during his remarkable life, more than 1,500 years ago? What will most Americans, including those of Irish ancestry, be surprised and intrigued and inspired to learn? Invite acclaimed historian William Federer on-air to explore the compelling true story of Saint Patrick. With quiz questions and little-known stories, Federer will separate fact from folklore, helping everyone observe Saint Patrick’s Day with newfound appreciation and fascination. William Federer is president of Amerisearch, Inc. He is the author of many books including “Saint Patrick: The Real Story of his Amazing Life from Tragedy to Triumph.” Contact him at (314) 487-4395; (314) 540-1172 (cell) or wjfederer@gmail.com
4. ==> The Kosher Baker Lightens Up Passover
Many of us have put on a few pandemic pounds this past year. Skip the calorie-loaded dishes and opt for a healthier Passover when you invite Paula Shoyer, aka the Kosher Baker, to share ways to lighten-up your favorite family recipes. Whether you’re cooking keto, Whole30 or are just trying to cut calories, Paula will help you make over your holiday table with dishes every generation will appreciate. She’ll also help you create a stress-free holiday with great ideas for room temperature dishes and freezer-friendly make-ahead recipes that are perfect for delivery to the loved ones you can’t gather with right now. Paula Shoyer has appeared on numerous radio and TV shows and even competed on Food TV. A graduate of Ritz Escoffier Ecole de Gastronomie Francaise, she is the author of several cookbooks including “The Healthy Jewish Kitchen.” Contact her at (301) 404-8998; pshoyer@hotmail.com
5. ==> Lights Out – City Cuts Lights to Save Birds
The lights of Philadelphia might not shine as bright in the coming weeks as a coalition in the City of Brotherly Love tries to prevent millions of migrating birds that pass through twice a year from slamming into skyscrapers and crashing to the sidewalk. Bird Safe Philly was formed after last October’s deadly mass-collision when thousands of migratory birds were found on city streets after they became disoriented and flew into downtown buildings. Jason Weckstein, the associate curator of ornithology at Drexel University’s Academy of Natural Sciences, says, “Conditions were perfect for a heavy migratory flight and imperfect given that there was a low ceiling of clouds and rain. That, in combination with Philly’s bright city lights, was a disaster for many fall migrant birds winging their way south.” Lights Out Philly is a voluntary program to turn off or dim the lights on the top floors of city buildings from midnight to 6 a.m. from April through May and again in the fall. The National Audubon Society, along with partners, established the first Lights Out program in 1999 in Chicago. Philadelphia joins 33 other cities including New York, Boston, Atlanta and Washington, D.C. Contact Jason Weckstein, Ph.D., at (215) 299-1023; Jason.D.Weckstein@drexel.edu
6. ==> Spring is Wildfire Season!
In the past couple of days, wildfires have broken out in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Alabama, bringing to mind last year’s crushing wildfires across the West that killed people and animals, destroyed homes, paralyzed the wine industry, and decimated millions of acres in California alone. With 60 percent of wildfires happening in the spring, now is the perfect time to interview James Moseley, CEO of Sun FireDefense. His California-based company defends life and property from wildfire every year. Ask him: What keeps many wildfires burning with such intensity? What role does climate change play? What can people do to protect themselves and bounce back? How can we save firefighters’ lives? What do you expect for next year’s wildfire season? Contact James Moseley at (818) 486-4662; jmoseley@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Who’s Surprised the Royals are Racist?
A week after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle dropped their televised bombshells about the rest of the royal family, the British tabloids are by and large continuing to back Harry’s grandma, dad, brother and sister-in-law against claims of racism. But Ida Byrd-Hill isn’t surprised; she says the British monarchy is a business that earned its wealth from colonizing and instituting slavery throughout the world. “They instituted a labor caste system, with those having black skin at the bottom. Even though physical slavery has been eradicated, the legacy of slavery remains as racism. Just because Harry married a Black person did not change the British monarch’s 600-year-old beliefs,” says Ida, an urban economist and tech guru. She’ll discuss the economic impact of racism on Black Americans in particular. Her company, Automation Workz, focuses on diversity consulting and cybersecurity job training. Ida Byrd-Hill has appeared on “Good Morning America,” numerous radio stations and podcasts, and in Essence Magazine. Her latest book is “Invisible Talent Market.” Contact her at (313) 483-2126; ida@autoworkz.org
8. ==> Taking the Country Back: Are Freedom Pods the Answer?
Having lost the presidency, the House of Representatives and the Senate, what can Republicans and other concerned people do to restore the liberties lost in the process? Tom DeWeese, president of the American Policy Center, a grassroots action and education foundation dedicated to the promotion of free enterprise and limited government regulations, says they need to stop depending on one person — one icon — to lead them forward and take responsibility into their own hands by forming Freedom Pods in their communities. DeWeese will explain what a Freedom Pod is and why Republicans find themselves in this position. “For several decades the radical left has been dedicated in its efforts to organize at every level of government while advocates of limited government failed to do the required ‘dirty work’ of local organization and activism to protect our freedoms. We gave the left a pretty clear playing field to organize and seize control, and now we are suffering under the result.” DeWeese is the author of several books including “Sustainable, the WAR on Free Enterprise, Private Property, and Individuals.” A speaker and property rights advocate, he’s been featured by Fox News, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, the Washington Times, and other media nationwide. Contact him at (540) 341-891; APCDeWeese@aol.com
9. ==> One Year Later: The Great Remote Work Experiment
It’s been one year since millions of employees began working from home, but now that there’s an end in sight to the pandemic, what will the new workplace look like? Andrew Hewitt, senior analyst at market research firm Forrester, expects 60% of companies will offer a hybrid work model, while 30% of companies will be back in the office and 10% will be fully remote. He says when it comes to the workforce post-pandemic, remote work will no longer be considered a special perk. “It’s no longer: ‘Do you offer remote work?’ But do you offer it with enough organizational support so I can be as successful as the people who work in the office?” He adds, “Many companies succeeded working remotely in 2020 largely because everyone was doing it — there was no built-in preference for office workers or stigma against remote workers. Hybrid is going to make managing this difference harder.” Contact Ira Kantor at (617) 613-6115; ikantor@forrester.com
10. ==> Why Safety Can Be Dangerous
In our current uncertain world many people gravitate toward safety in their lives, but according to author and adventurer Sparrow Hart, safety has consequences — an ever-growing store of regrets from living small — we don’t always think about. He’ll explain why “safety-ism” — valuing safe¬ty above everything else — runs counter to scientific research and ancient wisdom; is toxic to our dreams; and antithetical to a passionate pursuit of our best selves. Sparrow’s varied career includes being a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Stanford, a brief stint working in a slaughterhouse, adven¬tures in the Amazon jungle, and over 30 years of leading workshops on shamanism, the heroic journey, and vision quests in nature. He is the author of several books including “Letters to the River: A Guide to a Dream Worth Living.” Contact Sparrow Hart at (801) 516-0740; SHart@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Are You a Carrier of the ‘Trauma Virus’?
Trauma is embedded in institutions, in our collective stories, and passed down from generation to generation. Scholar and author Dr. Sousan Abadian says that even if you think you haven’t experienced trauma yourself, you can be a carrier of the trauma virus. She says we see trauma footprints today in the riots, insurrection, and rise of far-right extremists and white supremacists and that many of us are unaware of the ways we are carrying the trauma virus that can create fertile ground for radicalization to occur. She’ll explain how you may be infected by trauma or a carrier of trauma without being aware of it because forms of trauma have come to feel ordinary. Dr. Abadian is the author of the forthcoming book “Free Me to Love,” based on her personal experience with “collective trauma” and healing. She has a Ph.D. in political economy and government from Harvard University. Contact Sousan Abadian at (617) 860-2785; sabadian@rtirguests.com
12. ==> COVID – Navigating the Last Mile
Case numbers are down and vaccines are rolling out to the public, but experts say we’re not done with the COVID-19 virus just yet. Or, rather, the virus isn’t done with us! With warnings that it’s too soon to drop our guard, what do you do when you’re trying to remain safe, and family and friends want to relax the COVID rules? Invite Rebecah Freeling to help your audience navigate this tricky time. She’ll share perspectives on thinking about this dilemma in a way that honors everyone’s needs, specific ways to communicate with family members (including teens) and practical ideas for compromise. Rebecah Freeling is the owner of Wits End Parenting. She also consults with schools and speaks on parenting issues. She’s the author of “Your Rules Are Dumb: How to Maintain Your Parental Authority While Creating a Partnership With Your Spirited Child.” Contact her at (510) 619-5920; witsendparenting@gmail.com
13. ==> Telemed Dos and Don’ts
Telemedicine had already been around before COVID-19, but it took off by necessity once the pandemic shut down medical offices along with everything else. And while it’s not always the best way to treat health issues, telemedicine is a safe option that will likely remain popular even after the COVID crisis. Invite Anne McAwley-LeDuc to discuss ways to make the most of and prepare for virtual appointments. From managing your time on the call to sharing information about your medical history, you’ll learn how to take more control of your health care to make sure you and your loved ones get proper treatment and stay safe. Anne is a retired registered nurse (RN) and nurse practitioner (APRN) board-certified in adult medicine, with 43 years of varied experience in the medical field. An experienced radio, TV and podcast guest, she is the author of “Personal Health Organizer.” Contact her at AMcAwley@rtirguests.com; (860) 300-1603
14. ==> 5 Surprising Daily Activities That May Be Making You Sick
Most of us want to do all we can to live healthy lives. But the sad fact is that many people are routinely employing some daily behaviors that are leading to chronic diseases and making those diseases worse. Trevor Campbell, M.D., is a family physician with a charming South African accent who specializes in helping people achieve the fullest lives possible by minimizing their chronic aches and pains. He’ll share the things that are making people sick as well as those that could speed their recovery. You’ll also learn about bio-behavioral disease, why most people have never heard of it, and what it can teach us. Campbell is the author of “The Language of Pain: Fast Forward Your Recovery to Stop Hurting.” Contact him at (250) 217-7832; tcampbell@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Advice from This Airline Pilot Can Help Your Goals Take Off
Want to land your dreams? The best way may be to follow the advice of someone who knows all about taking off and landing, Rico Racosky, an Air Force Academy graduate and airline pilot who spent decades in the USAF (as a fighter pilot) and flying for Southwest Airlines, where planning was critical, and choices had to be good ones. Rico who is also an award-winning author, speaker, educator and radio host will share his simple system for making smart choices at every turn — as featured in his best-seller “Just 2 Choices” — to soar to success. Contact Rico Racosky at (730) 572-1321; Rracosky@rtirguests.com