01. Catastrophic Failure: How McConnell’s GOP Abandoned America
02. Ukraine: How We Got Here, How to Get Out
03. Why the Supreme Court Needs a Black Woman
04. Exercise Over 50: Do This, Not That
05. Interview Comedian on New TV Series, ‘DisLabeled’
06. Why You Can’t Get ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno’ Out of Your Head
07. What History Can Tell Us about Ending Polarization
08. The World Came Together to Fight a Killer Virus Once …Could it Happen Today?
09. Should You Lie During a Job Interview?
10. Expert Freelancer Shares Tips to Get Gigging
11. Discover the ‘Hidden Figure’ Who Helped Develop GPS
12. Do a Show on the Ladies Who Run the Cruise Industry
13. Why Doing Your Laundry Can Be as Bad for You as Smoking
14. Trump and the Media: Who Can You Trust?
15. TV Host Offers 5 Tips for a ‘Simply Delicious Spring’
1. ==> Catastrophic Failure: How McConnell’s GOP Abandoned America
Ira Shapiro, a 45-year veteran of Washington D.C., who served for more than a dozen years in senior staff positions in the U.S. Senate, says that the Founding Fathers gave the Senate many functions, but just one fundamental responsibility — to provide the check against a dangerous president who threatens our democracy. “Two hundred and thirty years later,” he says. “When Donald Trump, a potential authoritarian, finally reached the White House, the Senate should have served as both America’s first and last lines of defense. Instead, we had the nightmare scenario: today’s Senate, reduced through a long period of decline to a hyper-partisan, gridlocked shadow of its former self, was unable to meet its fundamental responsibility.” Shapiro will examine how the Senate responded to the challenges posed by the Trump administration and its prospects under President Biden. He’ll discuss the pivotal challenges facing the Senate during Trump’s tenure and argue that Mitch McConnell’s lack of leadership represents the most catastrophic failure of government in American history. Ira Shapiro’s new book is “The Betrayal: How Mitch McConnell and the Senate Republicans Abandoned America.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com
2. ==> Ukraine: How We Got Here, How to Get Out
Nicolai Petro says there are multiple levels to the conflict in Ukraine. The professor of political science at the University of Rhode Island was a U.S. Fulbright Scholar in Ukraine from 2013 to 2014. Petro says, “At one level, it is a conflict between the United States and Russia over whose sphere of influence Ukraine belongs to. At another level, however, it is a conflict between Russian and Ukraine elites over whether their relations should be friendly or antagonistic.” Nicolai Petro is the author of the forthcoming book “The Tragedy of Ukraine: What Classical Greek Tragedy Can Teach Us About Conflict Resolution.” He regularly writes for “The Nation.” Contact him at npetro@uri.edu
3. ==> Why the Supreme Court Needs a Black Woman
Senate confirmation hearings have been underway this week for Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson. After she is confirmed, Jackson will be the first Black woman to sit on the court and while her ascendance to the top court won’t change the court’s conservative balance it is still a very big deal. So says author and retired diplomat Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans (pronounced Kray-gull-mans), who is no stranger to breaking ground as a Black woman. Judith can talk about why having a Black woman and Jackson in particular on the court is a win for all Americans. Judith can also talk about whether America still needs affirmative action and what it was like growing up in the Jim Crow South, just as Jackson’s mother did. A Fulbright Scholar, Judith was one of the first Black women in the Foreign Service. She is the author of “Flowers for Brother Mudd: One Woman’s Path from Jim Crow to Career Diplomat.” Contact Judith at (571) 568-8667; jmuddkrijgelmans@rtirguests.com
4. ==> Exercise Over 50: Do This, Not That
As we advance past 50, it becomes more critical than ever to engage in some sort of daily exercise. But not all exercise is equal. Dr. Karl Zarse says there are activities you want to avoid and others you want to emphasize. Dr. Zarse, a spine, pain and nutritional supplement specialist, recommends avoiding exercises that involve a lot of impact, like running, jumping, and plyometrics. “I cannot tell you how great CrossFit has been for my practice: herniated discs, ruptured Achilles’ tendons, hip and knee issues — the list goes on. Patients have a hard time letting go, especially if you are a runner. But I’m telling you, put it in the rearview mirror. The body’s connective tissue cannot support it, and the force transfers to areas that result in injury.” Dr. Zarse can speak on many topics in health including fat-fighting foods and vitamins, boosting your nutritional IQ, supplement trends, and much more. Karl Zarse, M.D., is an anesthesiology specialist and the owner of Spine and Pain PLLC. Contact Adrienne Mazzone at (561) 908-1683; amazzone@transmediagroup.com
5. ==> Interview Comedian on New TV Series, ‘DisLabeled’
A few years ago, comedian Brian McCarthy’s eyesight suddenly started to fail. He rapidly lost most of his central vision and, along with it, a lifestyle he never thought to question. During this major personal upheaval, he poured his angst and triumphs into creating “DisLabeled,” a television series that follows Brian in his quest to understand and navigate his new reality. Brian brings his humor and edge to encounters with a broad range of disabled designers, activists, and technologists who share their innovative approaches for surviving and thriving in an ableist society, while advocating for a more just and accessible future. “DisLabeled” airs on BRIC TV, an Emmy-winning, nonprofit cable television channel and digital network. Contact Jesse Metres at (646) 286-6589; jesse@strategicheights.com
6. ==> Why You Can’t Get ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno’ Out of Your Head
Have you ever wondered why you can’t get some songs out of your head? They become iconic earworms, like the Lin-Manuel Miranda-penned song from the Disney movie “Encanto.” Interview songwriter-pianist Dave Combs, who has written more than 120 songs including the earworm-worthy “Rachel’s Song,” and put out 15 albums. Combs’ can talk about why certain songs get stuck in our heads, and why so many of them are instrumental TV themes for such beloved shows as “Hawaii 5-0,” “The Office,” and “Jeopardy.” Combs’ compositions have been played millions of times on radio, satellite, and internet streaming media. He is the author of “Touched By the Music: How the Story and Music of Rachel’s Song Can Change Your Life.” Contact him at (336) 655-8320; dave@combsmusic.com
7. ==> What History Can Tell Us about Ending Polarization
Americans are so deeply divided today that one might wonder if anything could possibly bring us together. But author and theologian Sheryl White, D. Min., says that history can offer us some comfort, particularly Civil War history. Dr. White says we need to stop choosing sides on every issue, bridging issues instead. It’s not an all-or-nothing siding with pro-lifers or pro-abortionists, pro-gun or anti-gun, Democrat or Republican, conservatives or progressives. Dr. White can offer steps we can take to bridge that divide including ways we can strip away labels and stereotypes and make friends with people who represent different religions, races and positions on issues. Dr. White is a YouTube channel creator and the author of historical fiction based on the life of abolitionist and suffragist Laura Smith Haviland. Contact Dr. White at (620) 672-1596; sdw1001@gmail.com
8. ==> The World Came Together to Fight a Killer Virus Once …Could it Happen Today?
In today’s world it’s hard to get people from opposing sides to come together for any reason, even if the goal is for the common good. But it is possible, as Bee Bloeser personally witnessed in the middle of the Cold War when despite their vast differences, political leaders joined forces to rid the world of smallpox. Bee and her family became embedded in the global campaign when the CDC dispatched her husband to West Africa in 1969. Invite her to share her experiences as an American woman in Africa at that time and the unexpected challenges her family faced, including brushes with a brutal dictator’s regime and living in an isolated region suffering a humanitarian crisis the rest of the world knew nothing about. An award-winning writer and engaging public speaker, Bee Bloeser has been featured on NPR’s “Journeys of Discovery” and NPR KCBX Radio’s show, “Issues and Ideas.” Her book is, “Vaccines and Bayonets: Fighting Smallpox in Africa amid Tribalism, Terror and the Cold War.” Contact her at (520) 214-5971; bbloeser@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Should You Lie During a Job Interview?
When Beverly Williams was a young lawyer, she sat for an interview at a law firm. During that interview, she was asked why she became a lawyer and she responded, “When I was a child, I loved to watch the TV show ‘Perry Mason’ … and I decided that’s what I’m going to be.” Her answer, made on the fly, was honest but not what the firm was looking for. Now as the author of “Your GPS to Employment Success: How to Find and Succeed in the Right Job,” and an employment professional, arbitrator, and former HR executive in both private and public sectors, Williams can talk about why telling the truth may not be your best option and what to consider before answering commonly asked open-ended questions. Williams is a partner at Wong Fleming PC in Princeton, N.J., where she specializes in labor and employment law. She also hosts the Your Employment Matters with Beverly Williams podcast. Williams earned an M.P.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a J.D. from Rutgers Law School. Contact her at (973) 576-5841; bwilliams@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Expert Freelancer Shares Tips to Get Gigging
As last year’s Great Resignation has evolved into this year’s Great Re-imagination of the workplace, Sherry Beck Paprocki provides plenty of advice for those who are looking for more flexibility and freedom in their careers. Sherry has earned more than six figures a year as a gigger. An award-winning author, editor and journalist, though, she knows that earnings aren’t the only key to lifetime success and happiness. Invite her on your show and learn how to have a lucrative freelance business, tips to create the gig lifestyle you’ve dreamed about, and why some people have satisfying careers while others don’t. Sherry Beck Paprocki is a past president of the American Society of Journalists and Authors. Her work has been featured in the “Chicago Tribune,” the (Cleveland) “Plain Dealer,” the “Philadelphia Inquirer,” “Preservation” and more than 100 other publications. Her latest book is “Freelance Fancy: Your Guide to Capturing Spiritual Health, Wealth and Happiness.” Contact her at (614) 537-7159; paprockiltd@cs.com
11. ==> Discover the ‘Hidden Figure’ Who Helped Develop GPS
Those who saw the hit movie “Hidden Figures” are aware that women of color have made significant contributions to the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, for which they received little credit. According to former STEM teacher and current college professor Chris A. Goldberg, Ed.D., mathematician Dr. Gladys West − who helped develop the GPS model − is another unsung heroine of the STEM world. “She’s alive and well at 91,” Chris says. “No one knows that she’s a hidden figure; that’s how hidden she is.” Chris has established a professional friendship with Gladys’ family and can talk about her fascinating life and career. He is the author of the upcoming book “Aliyah and the STEMsational Problem-Solvers: What’s Cooking?” Contact Chris at (973) 576-5841; cgoldberg@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Do a Show on the Ladies Who Run the Cruise Industry
March is International Women’s Month and while most people think of cruise ship honchos as men, more and more women are manning the helm in the industry and making waves. “Today, there are numerous women cruise line presidents and vice presidents, as well as the first and only American woman captain of a cruise ship for a well-known cruise line, and another woman who is a co-founder and co-owner,” says author and travel industry expert Cindy Bertram. Cindy can talk about the numerous women cruise line bigwigs who have sailed on to dazzling careers in an industry long dominated by men. She is a communications, media and branding specialist who has spent many years in the travel and cruise industry and is the author of “How Six Women Executives Steer the Cruise Industry Today” and “Message from the Dog…Learning from Great Humans.” Contact Cindy at (219) 775-6488; cbertram@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Why Doing Your Laundry Can Be as Bad for You as Smoking
Your laundry may have the aroma of a flower garden or fresh mountain breeze after washing. But according to products ingredients expert Zodiac Denton, those seemingly delightful scents are the results of chemicals that can be as harmful to your health as smoking cigarettes. “Products with fragrances may contain anywhere from 100 to 1,000 chemicals,” she says. “But they don’t have to be listed due to trade secret policies.” Zorica should know. She developed asthma, a gastric ulcer and other long-term debilitating health problems as a result of working as a perfume model, and almost died. She is the founder of the natural personal care products company Zorica of Malibu, and author of an upcoming book about toxic chemicals in products. Contact Zorica at (213-616-7904); zdenton@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Trump and the Media: Who Can You Trust?
There’s no denying that Donald Trump changed the landscape of American journalism. Some say he exposed a lack of ethics and objectivity in the media while others say he used the media to spread misinformation and lies. Is it the media’s fault? Did they create the monster they hate? Invite Dutch American journalist and media trainer Hans Izaak Kriek to share his independent, nonpolitical observations on how the mainstream media have reported on Trump — as a person and president — and how both parties and their leaders played their part in building hatred for Trump and his family. The author of “Trump’s Daily Domination of the News Media” can discuss how journalism changed with the Trump presidency and whether he or the media themselves are responsible for the moniker “fake news.” Hans Izaak Kriek is the publisher and editor-in-chief of Krieksmediaworld.com. He worked as an international political journalist for AVRO/TROS, the two largest Dutch National broadcasters. As a media trainer, he has coached and advised thousands of politicians and executives. Contact him at (561) 861-2974; jkriek@rtirguests.com
15. ==> TV Host Offers 5 Tips for a ‘Simply Delicious Spring’
It’s time to shake off the winter blues and pandemic pounds and prepare for a healthy and delicious spring. For a head start, interview Maryann Ridini Spencer, an award-winning screenwriter, author, TV/film producer, journalist, and host of the Telly Award-winning “Simply Delicious Living” PBS-TV series. She’ll discuss how to create a healthy plate you’ll “want” to eat, offer five tips for getting in shape and more. Ask her what are your mind, body, and spirit tips for spring? How can people get moving again after being isolated and dormant? Maryann is the author of the award-winning Kate Grace novels “Lady in the Window,” “The Paradise Table,” “Secrets of Grace Manor,” and the “Simply Delicious Living” cookbooks. Her work has appeared on Hallmark Hall of Fame (CBS-TV), the Hallmark Channel, CNN, USA, SyFy, Showtime, PBS, and many others. Contact Maryann Ridini Spencer at (818) 492-9135; mspencer@rtirguests.com