01. ‘Washington Post’ Journalist David Ignatius
02. Is American Democracy Really in Danger?
03. The Slow Implosion of Moms for Liberty
04. Lights Out for the Birds
05. Got a Pudgy Pup? Spring Train With Fido
06. Former NBA Player’s Mission to Keep Kids in School
07. Welcome to Spring Break’s Unfriendly Skies
08. Holiday Table Talk With Crazed Liberal Relatives
09. Words Matter: Do You Use Weaponized Language?
10. U.S. Falls on Global Happiness Ranking
11. Hot Health Topic: Do You Need More Magnesium?
12. Would You Give Up Meat to Avert a Global Catastrophe?
13. Herbal Expert Spills the Tea on Longevity
14. Two Words Every Kid Should Hear: “You’re Amazing!”
15. The Most Surprising Thing About Sex Addicts
1.==> ‘Washington Post’ Journalist David Ignatius
Prize-winning columnist for the “Washington Post” David Ignatius has been covering the Middle East and the CIA for four decades. Invite him on your show to discuss U.S. foreign policy in an election year, Ukraine, Donald Trump’s remarks about abandoning NATO, the Middle East, the possibility of Russian interference in our next election – you name it. His intelligence sources are unparalleled and so is his career as a reporter on national security. The author of several “New York Times” bestsellers, Ignatius’ new novel predicts some of the current challenges being faced by the U.S. on the foreign affairs front. “Phantom Orbit” is about interstellar espionage and the race between the U.S., China and Russia for military and technological domination of outer space. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbpr.biz
2. ==> Is Democracy Really in Danger?
A growing number of people, including UCLA law professor Richard Abel, believe the future of American democracy is in peril. So why aren’t more Americans up in arms about the situation and defending the principles our nation was founded upon? Do they understand what an autocracy is? Abel’s latest book, “How Autocrats Seek Power: Resistance to Trump and Trumpism,” chronicles and analyses resistance to the threat that autocracy poses in a liberal democracy. “Autocracy negates democracy — which requires that the state be responsible to an electorate composed of all eligible voters — by concentrating unconstrained power in a single individual,” he explains. Abel provides the definitive account of the rise of Donald Trump’s popular support in 2016, and his failed efforts to nullify the result of the 2020 election. Richard Abel is an internationally recognized scholar, who has written about law from a social scientific perspective in countries as varied as the U.S., England, South Africa and Kenya. He is the author of numerous books including his latest Defending American Democracy mini-series. Contact Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705 or Reigan Wright at (703) 646-5188
3. ==> The Slow Implosion of Moms for Liberty
‘The New Republic’ recently reported that the conservative political organization Moms for Liberty, which rose to prominence during the Covid pandemic, is “slowly imploding.” Maurice Cunningham, author of “Dark Money and the Politics of School Privatization” has followed the ups and downs of the group and says, “The biggest misconception is that they’re just moms.” He says the group’s creation story about two or three moms gathering around the kitchen table over coffee discussing issues their kids are having in schools, isn’t true. “They’re actually part of a right-wing infrastructure that includes the Leadership Institute and the Heritage Foundation, which exert great control over them.” So what’s happening with the group now? “They’re playing defense lately more than anything else,” Cunningham says. “They attacked the Southern Poverty Law Center for designating them as an extremist group. That designation was extremely damaging.” Contact Maurice Cunningham at maurice.cunningham153@gmail.com
4.==> Lights Out for the Birds
City lights across the country will be dimmer than usual in the coming weeks in an effort to prevent millions of migrating birds from slamming into skyscrapers and crashing to the sidewalk. In Philadelphia, Bird Safe Philly was formed after a deadly mass collision in October 2020, 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 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 its partners, established the first Lights Out program in 1999 in Chicago. Other participating cities include New York, Boston, Atlanta and Washington, D.C. Contact Jason Weckstein, Ph.D., at (215) 299-1023; jdw342@drexel.edu or Matt Smelser at the Audubon Society at matt.smelser@audubon.org
5. ==> Got a Pudgy Pup? Spring Train With Fido
We’ve all heard about America’s obesity epidemic but did you know that more than half of our pets are also overweight? With the weather warming, it’s the perfect time to get outside and kickstart a more active and healthier lifestyle for you and your four-legged friend. Integrative veterinarian Dr. Carol Osborne can share tips and tricks on the best ways to include your favorite furball in your exercise routine to optimize your pet’s health (and yours!) and create a stronger bond. Learn 5 exercises you can do together, and how to make mindful changes to your pet’s diet to help stave off obesity and improve their overall quality of life. Carol Osborne, DVM, is a practicing integrative veterinarian and a nationally recognized leader, speaker, educator, and advocate in the field of functional medicine. She is a regular contributor to several TV shows and networks including “Fox & Friends,” “Today,” Discovery’s “Animal Planet,” and “Good Day L.A.” Contact Mackenzie August at (661) 255-8283; mackenzie@steveallenmedia.com
6. ==> Former NBA Player’s Mission to Keep Kids in School
The rate of school dropouts has increased alarmingly, especially after the pandemic. More than 7,000 U.S. kids leave the education system every day — that’s one child every 26 seconds — which places them at high risk for drug addiction, prison, or worse. Former NBA champion Dean Tolson is on a mission to stop this national crisis. His powerful personal story has already inspired thousands of kids across the country to stay in school. Hear Dean’s incredible journey from illiterate NBA player to graduating magna cum laude with a master’s degree, and how he was drafted for the Seattle SuperSonics by Hall of Famer Bill Russell. He’ll also reveal the shocking, controversial actions that took place during his recruitment, why he never should have played in college or the NBA, and much more! The author of “Power Forward: The Dean Tolson Story,” Dean has decades of public speaking experience and has appeared on KING5 TV, The Grio, and in “Sports Illustrated.” Contact him at (235) 884-8934; dtolson@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Welcome to Spring Break’s Unfriendly Skies
It’s Spring Break season and everyone is traveling. Unfortunately, reports of unruly passengers are up so your chances of encountering a nasty seatmate are higher than ever. Dr. Carole Lieberman traces the rise in bad behavior back to the pandemic and the isolation of lockdown. She says many people lost their ability to socialize appropriately, and some have tossed etiquette out the airplane window. But Dr. Carole says if you’re sitting next to an unruly passenger, there are many things you can do — and a few things you should avoid. She’ll share ways to de-escalate a travel situation and how to not let it ruin your vacation. Carole Lieberman, M.D., M.P.H., is a forensic psychiatrist. She frequently appears in the media commentating on news headlines from a psychological and socio-political point of view. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103
8. ==> Holiday Table Talk With Crazed Liberal Relatives
We all have relatives who do not share our political views. Whether it’s your nut-job brother-in-law Connor, your Aunt Becky or Uncle Lou, or your cousin Stacy, the holidays are reminders that we don’t get to choose our family. If you’re worried about politics coming up as you gather around the table this Easter or Passover, fear not, Rodger Friedman is here to save your sanity, if not your relationships. Well-spoken, soundbite-worthy and media-savvy, Rodger has earned a reputation as The Equal Opportunity Critic. He’ll share 20 questions to ask crazed liberal relatives to gauge how far off the rails they are when they hold forth on the seven reasons massive illegal immigration is good for America. (Sample question: Do you believe “The New York Times,” “The Washington Post” and CNN are unbiased media outlets that always neutrally report the truth?) Rodger Friedman is a fiscally conservative financial professional and proud member of the Sons of the American Legion who sees America heading toward a one-party socialist future. The author of multiple books, he has extensive experience as a talk-show guest on a variety of topics. His book is “Erasing America: Broken Politics, Broken Country,” Contact Rodger Friedman at (813) 575-0862; eocritic@protonmail.com
9. ==> Words Matter: Do You Use Weaponized Language?
Could changing the language Americans use to describe each other lead to greater empathy and problem-solving? That’s the provocative question Michael M. Starr wants to debate on your program. Mike wishes to raise people’s awareness of the words they use and hear so they become bloodhounds alerted to the dog-whistle language that divides us. For example, he’ll talk about words like libtard, mean, stupid, anti-vaxxer, and white privilege, and their role in weaponizing language, and how to replace them with wise, empathetic words. He says, “If we are not vigilant with language use and understanding, we can be deceived to believe exaggerated slanderous views of others. These views divide, disempower, and distract us from healthy relationships. They facilitate self-righteousness and become the antithesis of empathy.” Mike is the author of “Journey into Peace.” His life experiences include summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, driving a nuclear submarine, and managing a $100 million-a-year manufacturing business. Ask him: What does ROT stand for and what is its significance? What is self-exorcism and why might someone need one? How can we have more good and less bad in our lives? Contact Mike Starr at (501) 585-1302; michaelstarr222@yahoo.com
10. ==> U.S. Falls on Global Happiness Ranking
The annual Gallup World Happiness Report is out and the United States did not fare well. As a nation, the U.S. ranking fell from 15th to 23rd, with the biggest decline in younger adults. In contrast, Americans aged 60 and over report high levels of well-being, bringing the U.S. into the top 10 countries for happiness in their age group. Why the disparity? Is the American dream dying? The world has seen massive changes over the past few years, and it’s getting harder to enjoy our lives from day to day, let alone achieve our life goals. Dr. Shila Patel (pronounced Sheila) reveals the reasons behind this historic decline in happiness. A retired licensed psychiatrist who was in practice for more than 25 years and the author of three books, she offers a passionate perspective on why depression and anxiety are flourishing, and what we can do to help ourselves and our loved ones rediscover what makes life worth living. Contact Dr. Shila Patel at (229) 586-6190; spatel@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Hot Health Topic: Do You Need More Magnesium?
If you follow news about health topics you have probably seen an increase in the number of media outlets discussing the benefits of magnesium. The mineral is having a moment and perhaps it’s time to bring the topic to your audience’s attention by interviewing naturopathic health practitioner Hester Ladewig. Hester can talk about the role magnesium plays in hundreds of enzyme processes, the reasons why you may be low in magnesium (taking certain common prescription drugs, for example), and ways boosting magnesium levels may be helpful if you have insomnia, migraines, chronic pain, and other common problems. She can also explain what you need to know about magnesium supplements. Hester is the author of “Strengthen Your Immune System and Boost Your Resistance to Disease” and the upcoming “12 Steps to Walk Away from Chronic Pain and Take Back Your Life.” Hester Ladewig has studied and practiced in South Africa, Germany, and Switzerland, where she was part of a team of physicians at the Paracelsus Klinik Lustmühle. Contact her at hester@embracelifewithhester.com or through Whatsapp at +27716438191
12. ==> Would You Give Up Meat to Avert a Global Catastrophe?
There’s no question that climate change is a serious threat to the entire world. But did you know it involves much more than extra-hot summers and saving the ozone layer? Author and activist Richard Schwartz, Ph.D., reveals why the world is eating itself to extinction. He’ll discuss why animal-based industries are the real climate killers and explain how vegetarianism and veganism are key to saving the planet. He’ll also explain why humans will likely be extinct by 2100 if we don’t make drastic changes now. An experienced media guest, Richard is the author of “Vegan Revolution: Saving Our World, Revitalizing Judaism” and similar books. Contact Richard Schwartz at (914) 533-1949 or rschwartz@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Herbal Expert Spills the Tea on Longevity
The idyllic Caribbean nation of Dominica, where herbs expert Gladstone Etienne grew up, is a nature paradise known for its pristine environment, organic foods and laid-back lifestyle. Gladstone claims that the citizens there live longer, and stronger, as a result. “According to the BBC, Dominica has the highest number of centenarians per capita in the world,” he says. He also gives credit to herbal medicine, which he began studying as a child. Gladstone went on to develop a line of teas, to make it easier for Americans to gain the wondrous health benefits of herbs. He is the founder of ZABIOLife herbal tea company. Contact Gladstone Etienne at (301) 820-7656; Getienne@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Two Words Every Kid Should Hear: “You’re Amazing!”
Social media. Bullying. The long isolation of the pandemic. Gender confusion. Today’s kids have more stressors than at any other time in modern history. “When I speak to fellow counselors and parents, they say that anxiety and depression among young people are off the charts,” says author, former teacher and counselor Patricia Wilson. “I have an understanding of what children need: a sense of self-worth, how to cooperate with others and an appreciation of the gift of life.” Patricia can share how to figure out if kids are struggling with depression, and simple, yet powerful self-talk tools to convince them that they are amazing. She has taught children from grades K-12 and counseled kids for more than 30 years. She is the author of numerous best-selling books including “My Magical Night Mare,” “I Am Amazing” and “When Grandma Giggled.” Contact Patricia Wilson at (778) 561-4603; pwilson@rtirguests.com
15. ==> The Most Surprising Thing About Sex Addicts
The general belief is that sex addicts are merely selfish, amoral perverts. But according to author and marriage therapist Marsha Means, the reasons for this crippling dependence are far more complicated. “I have researched the connection between sexual addiction and attachment wounds in childhood,” she says. “I see the addict as wounded and desperately in need of healthy, secure connection.” Marsha can share how to break this addiction once and for all, and how couples can survive the pain and heartache this causes in relationships. She is the author of the critically acclaimed books “Learn Empathy: Help Your Betrayed Wife Heal” and “From Betrayal Trauma to Healing & Joy: A Workbook for Partners of Sex Addicts.” Contact Marsha Means at (520) 341-6002; mmeans@rtirguests.com
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