01. Moscow Attack Shows Troubling, Lethal Reach of ISIS
02. Hot Topic: America’s Growing Threat of Ghost Guns
03. How Can Americans Be Happier?
04. Squatters Are Stealing The American Dream
05. How to View the Total Solar Eclipse
06. Interview This Morgan Stanley Whistleblower
07. How to Disaster-Proof Your Family’s Memories
08. Expert Reveals How to Love Anyone You Hate, Even Trumpers
09. Many Struggling with Social Anxiety Wait Years Before Seeking Help
10. How to Be an Assertive Woman and Not Be Seen as a Bitch
11. 5 Ways to Experience More Joy and Confidence
12. Why Every Student Deserves a Gifted Education
13. Can Pets Benefit From Alternative Medicine?
14. How to Cultivate a Habit of Hope
15. Why the Tooth Fairy Is Giving Less
1.==> Moscow Attack Shows Troubling, Lethal Reach of ISIS
Terrorism expert Bruce Hoffman says the mass casualty theater attack in Moscow was a reminder that affiliates of the Islamic State have reorganized and infiltrated even powerful states. He believes ISIS has the capability to mount such an attack and says the group has long deemed Russia as much of an enemy of the Muslim people as the United States. Hoffman can discuss how ISIS is organized these days and why Russia didn’t heed a recent terrorism warning from U.S. officials. Bruce Hoffman is Shelby Cullom and Kathryn W. Davis senior fellow for counterterrorism and homeland security at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). He has been studying terrorism and insurgency for almost half a century and is a tenured professor at Georgetown University. Contact him at (202) 509-8508; bhoffman@cfr.org
2. ==> Hot Topic: America’s Growing Threat of Ghost Guns
Ghost guns have created a major public safety issue in the United States. Unserialized and untraceable, they’re often bought in kits online and allow criminals to circumvent existing gun regulations. Retired undercover ATF Special Agent Ignacio Esteban says this is the new 21st century way of trafficking dangerous weapons to criminal organizations with no end in sight. Invite Esteban to explain how this glaring regulatory loophole undermines the effectiveness of existing gun-related policies enacted at the state level. You’ll also learn how the rise of ghost guns has been accompanied by a surge in conversion devices that transform legal semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic firearms, reminiscent of the days of Prohibition-era gangsters. Ignacio Esteban spent 26 years as an undercover special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). He’s a frequent media guest and the author of dozens of books including his autobiography “ATF Undercover,” which details his most difficult and dangerous cases. Contact Adrienne Mazzone at amazzone@transmediagroup.com
3. ==> How Can Americans Be Happier?
According to the annual World Happiness Report for 2024 released by Gallup, the United States has dropped to the 23rd happiest country, down from 15th place last year. The U.S. ranks in the top 10 happiest countries for Americans over 60 but ranks 62nd for those 30 and under. So, how should younger Americans work on finding happiness? Adam Gopnik, author of the new book “All That Happiness Is,” points to our society’s obsession with achievement vs. accomplishment. “Achievement is the completion of a task imposed from outside. Accomplishment, by contrast, is the end point of an engulfing activity one engages in for its own sake,” he explains. From stories of artists, philosophers, and scientists to his own fumbling attempts to play Beatles songs on a guitar, Gopnik demonstrates that while self-directed passions sometimes do lead to a career, the contentment that flows from accomplishment is available to each of us. The author of several bestselling books, Adam Gopnik is a staff writer at The New Yorker and has written for the magazine since 1986. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 646-5188
4.==> Squatters Are Stealing The American Dream
America is in the middle of a squatting crisis. All around the country, incidents have surged as online listings and virtual estate agents make it easier for squatters to identify and enter unoccupied properties unchallenged. Homeowners then face months-long court battles to rid their homes of illegal occupants with some desperate families resorting to hiring vigilante ‘squatter hunters.’ Forensic psychiatrist Carole Lieberman, M.D., M.P.H., warns that the growing problem will have violent implications. “Taking away a person’s home brings out their primal rage, worse than stealing a baby’s bottle!” she says. Invite Dr. Lieberman to talk about the reasons behind the growing crisis, the role politics plays, and how homeowners can protect themselves. Carole Lieberman has appeared on numerous radio and TV shows from “Oprah” to “Fox News.” She is a best-selling author and a columnist for “Inside the Criminal Mind” in Front Page Detectives. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; ryan@goldmanmccormick.com
5. ==> How to View the Total Solar Eclipse
On Monday, April 8th, millions of people across North America will experience a rare celestial sight: a total solar eclipse. Over the course of about an hour, viewers in 15 states across the U.S. will experience up to four and a half minutes of darkness when the moon moves fully in front of the sun, revealing the sun’s faint outer atmosphere: the corona. Find out where the best show will be, how to safely view this celestial event and exactly what will happen. NASA will host live coverage of the eclipse and can provide experts to talk about the significance of the eclipse and what scientists will be looking for. Contact Karen Fox at (202) 358-1100; karen.c.fox@nasa.gov or Sarah Frazier at (202) 853-7191; sarah.frazier@nasa.gov
6. ==> Interview This Morgan Stanley Whistleblower
When former Morgan Stanley financial advisor Dana de Windt uncovered the company’s practice of selling bonds that were actually unsecured surplus notes — which became worthless — he began a crusade to protect the firm’s clients, while trying to right the wrongs Morgan Stanley committed. “This was a classic David versus Goliath chess match,” he says. Dana can share how this match began, how he cleverly fought to corner the company and the convoluted events that transpired after he blew the whistle. This is just one of the shocking events he witnessed during his 30-plus years in the financial industry, and he can share how average investors can protect themselves from inappropriate investments. Dana is the author of “Checkmate: The Morgan Stanley Whistle Blower.” Contact him at (772) 773-6879; ddewindt@rtirguests.com
7. ==> How to Disaster-Proof Your Family’s Memories
Whether your precious memories are digital, photographic, or on DVD, one disaster can wipe out all those memories instantly. What’s the best way to preserve your family’s records so they can be enjoyed for decades to come? Find out when you interview Rhonda Chadwick. A professional archivist with a master’s degree in library science, Rhonda is the author of “Secrets from the Stacks: An Archivist Reveals How to Store, Digitize, and Preserve Documents to Create a Family Archive and Leave a Personal Legacy.” She can discuss best practices for preparing photos, documents, textile and metal keepsakes, digital materials, and more to ensure that even if disaster strikes, your story and legacy will be protected. Whether your listeners are looking to simply protect their family photos or preserve a deep-dive history of their ancestry for generations to come, you need to hear from this expert. Contact Rhonda Chadwick at (401) 227-3306 or rchadwick@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Expert Reveals How to Love Anyone You Hate, Even Trumpers
We all have people in our lives with whom we have contentious relationships. They might be family members, coworkers, neighbors, and people on the opposite side of the political spectrum. Phil Brattain is the perfect guest for our divided polarized times. He is an expert on learning to love one’s worst enemies —which may include Trump — and learning to appreciate his opponents through his advocacy work where he often found himself on the losing side. He can share how he came to change his mind about Trump and what audience members can do to reconcile their issues with others in their lives with whom they have contentious relationships. Phil Brattain spent decades in international business development. He is the author of “Waging Love: How to Transform Our World One Heart at a Time.” Contact him at (650) 218-8136; philbrattain@gmail.com
9. ==> Many Struggling with Social Anxiety Wait Years Before Seeking Help
Millions of teens and adults struggle with persistent fears of social situations because they believe they will be judged negatively or humiliated. Many avoid seeking help. “Less than half seek treatment; most seek treatment only after they have been suffering for 15 to 20 years,” says clinical psychologist and author Dr. Thomas E. Brown. “They feel embarrassed and ashamed.” Dr. Brown notes that social anxiety is associated with increased rates of school dropouts, unemployment, remaining single, and getting divorced. He can describe the causes and symptoms of social anxiety, the most effective treatment options, and how those suffering can reclaim their lives. Dr. Brown is a professor of psychiatry and neuroscience at UC Riverside School of Medicine and the author of seven books including “Smart But Stuck: Emotions in Teens and Adults” and his forthcoming “Social Anxiety: Hidden Fears and Shame in Teens and Adults.” Contact Thomas E. Brown at (475) 405-3549; tbrown@rtirguests.com
10. ==> How to Be an Assertive Woman and Not Be Seen as a Bitch
Assertive men are considered strong, but equally bold women are often perceived as nasty shrews. “Because of this perception, women in our society tend to repress their anger,” says psychologist Karyne Wilner. “However, this can lead to severe mental and physical health issues, because anger can get trapped in our psyches.” Karyne can share simple yet powerful mind/body techniques designed to enable women to process anger in positive, healthy ways. A leader in the field of mind/body health, Dr. Karyne Wilner is a faculty member at Salve Regina University and the author of the upcoming “Releasing Toxic Anger for Women: Body-Based Practices to Transform Neg¬ative Thoughts, Soothe Stress, and Stay True to Yourself.” Contact her at (401) 305-2278; kwilner@rtirguests.com
11. ==> 5 Ways to Experience More Joy and Confidence
For many people, life is not a series of successes. Anxiety, stress, fear, and self-doubt hold us back and we spend our days extinguishing the fires of the past rather than looking toward the potential of the future. Is it possible to escape the day-to-day rut and live a happy life now, rather than working endlessly toward it? Psychologist and author Melody Krafft will show your audience how to bring more joy and confidence into your life, starting today. Learn how to extinguish doubt, hone your intuition, and rid your life of everyday stress when you interview this life-changing expert. An experienced media guest, Melody is the author of “Get Me Out of Here! What’s Beyond This Madness.” Contact Melody Krafft at (703) 951-4735; mkrafft@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Why Every Student Deserves a Gifted Education
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights estimates that 6% of public school students are enrolled in gifted and talented programs. But what about the other 94%? Prompted by a student’s question when he was a principal, Brian Butler was confronted with honoring his true beliefs about all students having gifts, which sparked these questions: Who decides which students are gifted? What happens to children who are excluded from these programs? And why can’t the practices associated with gifted education be accessible to all, not just a select few? When Brian examined the neuroscience of how children learn, numerous studies showed that children’s brains are remarkably adaptable. In fact, current research shows that all students can excel — if educators believe they can. Invite Brian to discuss how schools and educators can cultivate a growth mindset, eliminate the harmful effects of marginalizing labels, and create an environment where every student thrives. Brian Butler is a renowned educational consultant and author of “Every Student Deserves a Gifted Education.” recently chosen as a Foreword INDIES Awards Finalist. Contact him at (571) 733-0489, bkbutler497@gmail.com
13. ==> Can Pets Benefit From Alternative Medicine?
Veterinarians often treat animals with the same meds and treatments used on humans. Dr. Bill Ormston DVM, who incorporates holistic remedies into his practice, takes it one step further by adding chiropractic care. “It can treat everything from range of motion issues in senior pets to injury recovery, behavior issues caused by medical issues, and more,” he says. Dr. O can share how this works, and its many benefits for animals. He has been a vet for more than 36 years, has been adjusting animals for more than 26 years, and is a member of the elite Animal Chiropractic Hall of Fame. He is the author of “Yes! It’s Really a Thing: An Informative Guide to Animal Chiropractic.” Contact Dr. Bill Ormston at (469) 833-2378; bormston@rtirguests.com
14. ==> How to Cultivate a Habit of Hope
With all the political turmoil and negative news Americans are subjected to it’s easy to see why some of us have lost the habit of hope. But like any healthy habit, it can be refreshed, rebooted, or acquired for the first time. Expert Edie Summers is making it her mission to teach people how to be more hopeful and shift their mindset to focus on what they can control. Ask Edie: How can we develop a habit of hope? How can focusing on small things to be grateful for reinforce that habit? What mindset shift do we need to make? Edie Summers is the author of “The Memory of Health,” a mind-body fitness instructor, a former executive, and the creator of the My Daily Well app. She has been featured in “Entrepreneur” and many podcasts. Contact her at (503) 487-0058; esummers@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Why the Tooth Fairy Is Giving Less
Have you ever wondered how much other parents are paying their kids for their lost baby teeth? Well wonder no more because the results are in from the 2024 Original Tooth Fairy Poll® and they are historic. According to Delta Dental, the company that has been polling parents on the topic for 26 years, during the past year the average Tooth Fairy giving has declined by 6%, from $6.23 to $5.84 per tooth, representing the first year-over-year decline in five years. Gabriella Ferroni, senior director, strategic communications for Delta Dental Plans Association, says, “It’s not a surprise to see she [the Tooth Fairy] tightened her purse strings following last year’s record high. Despite the more economical reward, Tooth Fairy giving is a fun conversation starter to encourage good oral hygiene habits at an early age.” Conducted among 1,000 parents of children ages six to 12, the poll also revealed Tooth Fairy giving habits by region, with Western state parents the most generous, forking over an average of $8.54 per tooth, and Midwestern parents coming in last with $3.63 a tooth. Based in Chicago, Delta Dental Plans Association is a not-for-profit national association of independent Delta Dental companies. Contact Gabriella Ferroni at media@deltadental.com