01. Murdaugh Murder Trial Wrapping Up
02. Hunger Relief Ends: Millions Will Lose Benefits This Month
03. How Americans Have Changed the Way They Exercise
04. The Mystery of Mastery: How to Become Great at Something
05. Smart Bosses Take Note: Friday Is Employee Recognition Day
06. Make the World a Happier Place. Elect More Women
07. Americans Trust Local Media More than National News
08. Attorney Reveals 5 Brutal Truths about Divorce
09. More People Are Going It Alone: The Best Cruises for Singles
10. How to Stop Worrying and Start Living
11. Do a Show on the Healing Power of Music
12. Surprise! The Best Parenting Advice Comes from Kids
13. Are Girls Really Bad at Math? This Expert Reveals the Truth
14. Do You Know the 5 HABITs of Grief?
15. ‘Confessions of Frannie Langton’ Star and Author
1.==> Murdaugh Murder Trial Wrapping Up
After almost a month of testimony, the double murder trial of former South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh is in the final stages. Murdaugh is accused of killing his wife and youngest son at the family’s home. Invite Dr. Carole Lieberman to talk about the case, what she saw in the surveillance video shown during the trial, and what stood out to her about Murdaugh’s body language and demeanor on the stand. Carole Lieberman, M.D., M.P.H., is a forensic psychiatrist and body-language expert. She frequently appears in the media commentating on news headlines from a psychological and socio-political point of view. She also writes the column “Inside the Criminal Mind” for Front Page Detectives. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103
2. ==> Hunger Relief Ends: Millions Will Lose Benefits This Month
Putting food on the table will be a lot harder for millions of Americans starting this month. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), food stamp recipients will each receive about $90 a month less in benefits, on average, as a pandemic hunger relief program ends nationwide, three years after Congress approved it. “It’s something people are going to notice,” says Dottie Rosenbaum, director of federal SNAP policy at the center. Rosenbaum says the change will increase food hardship for many families. “It’s $3 billion a month that’s going to food that’s not going to be there anymore.” A CBPP study estimated that emergency assistance kept 4.2 million people above the poverty line in the last quarter of 2021. When the public health emergency ends in May, several more pandemic provisions will terminate, leaving food banks and pantries bracing for a new spike in need. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities is a nonpartisan research and policy institute. Contact Nanci Flores at nflores@cbpp.org
3. ==> From Jack LaLanne to Jane Fonda to CrossFit: How Americans Have Changed the Way They Exercise
Goodbye treadmill and elliptical trainer, hello dumbbells, squat rack and bench press. Strength training (aka weight or resistance training) is the exercise of choice these days, driven by new research on its health benefits and gyms like CrossFit. “Strength training has become so much more widely embraced and accepted for all kinds of outcomes – aesthetic, weight loss, bone health and balance,” says Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, an associate professor of history at the New School and author of “Fit Nation: The Gains and Pains of America’s Exercise Obsession.” She says it’s just the latest in a series of radical shifts over decades in how Americans exercise. She can discuss the history of America’s obsession with exercise including early 20th-century gyms, women’s “reducing salons,” and the cardio revolution that included Jane Fonda workout videos and aerobics. Contact Natalia Mehlman Petrzela at natalia@nataliapetrzela.com; @nataliapetrzela
4.==> The Mystery of Mastery: How to Become Great at Something
Award-winning writer for the “New Yorker,” Adam Gopnik has turned his attention to a fundamental human mystery: How do masters learn their miraculous skills? Whether it’s drawing a museum-ready nude or baking a perfect sourdough loaf, how does someone master a profession? A skill? A hobby? How could anyone become so good at anything? Is it possible to unravel the mystery of mastery? For his new book, “The Real Work: On the Mystery of Mastery,” Gopnik tried his hand at several new skills he assumed were beyond him, including drawing, baking, driving, magic, boxing, and dancing. Invite him to share what he learned during the process including how we can tackle learning a new skill – and how we then move on from mere accomplishment to expertise. Adam Gopnik is a staff writer at the “New Yorker” and the author of numerous books including “Paris to the Moon.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (o); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Sasha Beatty at (703) 646-5188
5. ==> Smart Bosses Take Note: Friday Is Employee Recognition Day
This Friday is Employee Recognition Day and savvy employers may want to pay particular attention this year. COVID-19 changed the landscape of our workplaces, triggering the Great Resignation and the Great Reset. Cindy Watson says employees are redefining how they want to live their lives in profound new ways, with a much heavier focus on quality of life and well-being. “Progressive employers will be sure to focus on wellness initiatives in the workplace to attract and retain top talent,” she says. “Those employers who don’t get creative in fostering better workplaces will be left in the dust.” She’ll discuss ways to recognize employees, how that affects workers and the company as a whole, and why so many employers fail to understand the importance of employee satisfaction. An attorney specializing in social justice law, Cindy Watson is the author of “The Art of Feminine Negotiation.” Contact her at (705) 646-3851; cindy@womenonpurpose.ca
6. ==> Make the World a Happier Place. Elect More Women
For more than a century, women have crusaded for health and safety issues. Today, in countries where there are more women in elected office, people are healthier, both physically and mentally, and they say they are happier. That’s just one reason Debbie Peterson believes we need to elect more women, beyond the issue of equal representation. The former mayor of Grover Beach, California will discuss why women are more likely to reach across the aisle to get things done, are better at fast-tracking the implementation of new ideas and more. Peterson’s Integrity 101 book series includes “The Happiest Corruption: Sleaze, Lies & Suicide in a California Beach Town,” and the newly released “City Council 101: Insider’s Guide for New Councilmembers.” She also hosts The Corruption Chronicles podcast. Ask her: What do studies show about female leaders in terms of happiness, crime figures, and government? How does the U.S. fare in relation to other countries? Contact Debbie Peterson at (805) 550-4490; DebbiePeterson805@gmail.com
7. ==> Americans Trust Local Media More than National News
Half of Americans in a recent survey indicated they believe national news organizations intend to mislead, misinform or persuade the public to adopt a particular point of view through their reporting. The survey, by Gallup and the Knight Foundation, goes beyond others that have shown a low level of trust in the media to the startling point where many believe there is an intent to deceive. “Americans don’t seem to think that the national news organizations care about the overall impact of their reporting on the society,” says John Sands, Knight’s senior director for media and democracy. In one small consolation, the survey found Americans have more trust in local news. Participants also reported that the amount of information available today makes it harder to be well-informed and, for those that rely on digital platforms rather than television or print, trust in the media overall is lower. The results are based on a Gallup study of 5,593 Americans aged 18 and older conducted between May 31 and July 21, 2022. Contact Rebecca Dinar at dinar@kf.org
8. ==> Attorney Reveals 5 Brutal Truths about Divorce
While the fundamentals of divorce are known to most people because when you go through a divorce everyone “thinks” they are a lawyer, the ugly truth about divorce can only be passed on by someone like Nancy Perpall. She’s a divorce attorney with over 30 years of experience, who shares the five brutal truths about divorce that no one tells you. The root meaning of divorce is the Latin word “diverte,” which means to divert. Nancy believes that divorce is a diversion. Ask her: how can people evaluate whether to stay or go in a marriage? Nancy is an experienced media guest, a former critical care nurse, and the author of the novel about relationships, “Around Which All Things Bend,” and the upcoming book, “The Malnourished Marriage: 5 Essential Emotional Nutrients for a Healthy Relationship.” Contact Nancy Perpall at (610) 360-9822; nap@nancyperpall.com
9. ==> More People Are Going It Alone: The Best Cruises for Singles
The cruise industry has traditionally focused on couples and families with kids. But because there are more single people than ever, the industry is now offering options for those who are sailing solo. Travel marketing expert Cindy Bertram says, “There are now more options available to do this. It’s a great way to meet other people with whom you can go on shore excursions, and to hang out in common areas where you can meet other singles.” Cindy has lots of tips to offer solo cruisers. She is a communications, media and branding specialist who has spent many years in the travel and cruise industry. Cindy is the author of “How Six Women Executives Steer the Cruise Industry Today” and “Message from the Dog…Learning from Great Humans.” Contact her at (219) 775-6488; cbertram@rtirguests.com
10. ==> How to Stop Worrying and Start Living
Many people struggle with worry and stress on a day-to-day basis. What if you could let go of the burden of worry and enjoy peace every day, regardless of what’s happening in your life? Certified life coach and author Valerie Galloway can help your audience stop worrying and start living. Whether you’re struggling with grief, a major life change, addiction or dependency, or concerned that your future prospects seem less than bright, Valerie will empower you to tap into your own internal resources and trade worry for wonder and joy. Learn how to accomplish personal goals, improve relationships, and move forward with confidence by unlocking your potential when you interview this powerful and inspiring guest! A certified ICF coach with a bachelor’s in community health and a master’s in social science, Valerie is the author of “Steal, Kill & Destroy: A Spiritual Guide to Overcoming Addiction and Loss.” Contact Valerie Galloway at (917) 994-8841; vgalloway@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Do a Show on the Healing Power of Music
Music is a huge part of every culture the world over. Beyond a form of entertainment, music can instantly affect our moods and bring people together — but did you know that music can also heal? John Campbell talks about the tremendous power of music to soothe us body and soul. He’ll share examples from personal experience of Alzheimer’s and dementia sufferers responding to music. John can provide tips and advice on choosing the best music for healing, unconventional ways to bring healing music into your life, and more. An entrepreneur and musician/songwriter, John is the author of four books. His latest, “Beyond the Fading Memories: Guiding Words for Dementia Caregivers,” includes stories, advice, and lessons learned from six years as the primary caregiver for his mother after she was diagnosed with dementia. Contact John Campbell at (608) 975-2714; jcampbell@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Surprise! The Best Parenting Advice Comes from Kids
Most parents think they know what’s best for their kids. But author Jerry Bures claims we have it all wrong. “We can learn a lot about parenting from our kids by taking cues from them,” he says. “They will give you clues on how to handle them.” As a dad to six kids, including one with significant special needs, Jerry had to learn how to deal with the pressures of what he calls “crisis parenting,” which made him a better dad. He can share how parents can best connect with their children, so that they may become successful adults. Jerry is the author of “When Kids Leave Clues: 26 Timeless Stories of Inspiration & Essential Life Lessons Taught to Us by Our Own Children.” Contact him at (920) 796-9160; jbures@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Are Girls Really Bad at Math? This Expert Reveals the Truth
It’s long been believed that girls lack math skills. “That’s a myth!” says author and STEM professor Chris A. Goldberg. “In fact, female students tend to perform better than boys in math. But they suffer from lower confidence and a lack of role models in the STEM-related fields and do not pursue these careers, according to a recent study.” Chris can share how girls can get their inspiration from such role models as mathematician Dr. Gladys B. West, an African American woman credited for the major calculations that led to the development of the Global Positioning System (GPS). He is the author of “Aliyah and The STEMsational Problem-Solvers: What’s Cooking?” Contact Chris at (973) 576-5841; cgoldberg@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Do You Know the 5 HABITs of Grief?
The death of a loved one can be a crippling blow from which you never seem to recover, especially since most people have no idea how to deal with such a loss. Frank DiMaio has been there. After losing his wife to breast cancer, he found there was no real support or guidance for surviving husbands — so he set out to change that. Now, Frank shares insights from his journey of healing with your audience. He can help anyone say no to defeat and move forward from being emotionally stuck, whether through loss of a loved one or grief stemming from major life changes, through his system of positive HABITs. Frank’s new book is “A Promise Made, A Promise Kept: A Husband’s Journey Through Journaling to Heal the Loss of His Spouse.” Ask him: What does HABITs stand for, and how does it help deal with grief? Why did you sail to Bermuda following your wife’s passing? What is the best way to address survivor’s guilt after losing a loved one? Contact Frank DiMaio at (401) 205-3325; fdimaio@rtirguests.com
15. ==> ‘Confessions of Frannie Langton’ Star and Author
The highly anticipated mini-series “The Confessions of Frannie Langton” premieres March 8 on the BritBox streaming service. Critics call it a must-watch for fans of seductive period dramas like Bridgerton and Downton Abbey. Based on the best-selling book by Sara Collins, the murder mystery series is set in 1826 London and narrates Frannie’s journey from a Jamaican plantation to a grand mansion where she is employed as a maid for scientist George Benham and his wife, Marguerite. Events take a fateful turn as the Benhams are found murdered in their beds with Frannie lying next to Marguerite. Karla-Simone Spence who stars as Frannie as well as author Sara Collins can discuss this powerful new drama and the story behind it. Contact John Angelo at john@premieretv.com