01. Justices Show Little Sympathy for Abortion Pill Foes
02. The Anti-Vax Movement Is Thriving but Kids Are Getting Sick
03. J. Bernard Calloway, From BET’s ‘The Ms. Pat Show’
04. 5-Time Cancer Survivor Shares ‘Road Map’ for Princess Kate
05. Where Did the Easter Bunny Come From?
06. Holiday Table Talk with Crazed Liberal Relatives
07. Does the New ‘Road House’ Do the Original Proud?
08. ‘Underdog’- A Quirky, Heartwarming Documentary
09. Courage: Why so Many Lack It While Others Marshall It
10. Psychotherapist Shares Key to Ending Religious Divisiveness
11. Are You Missing Your Body’s Friendly Warning Signals?
12. Autism Awareness: When You’re Diagnosed as an Adult
13. How to Raise Confident Kids in a Chaotic World
14. What to Do When You Suffer a Significant Setback
15. The Season Has Started! Great Baseball History Show
1. ==> Justices Show Little Sympathy for Abortion Pill Foes
A decision won’t be handed down until June, but Mary Ziegler says after this week’s testimony, it doesn’t appear the High Court will restrict American’s access to mifepristone, a drug used in the majority of U.S. abortions. Ziegler, the author of “Dollars for Life: The Antiabortion Movement and the Fall of the Republican Establishment” and “Roe: The History of a National Obsession,” doesn’t believe this case will be a decisive turning point for abortion rights. She’ll explain why, even with the court’s conservative majority, justices will likely deny a ban. But still, she says, legal arguments that pose a major risk to abortion access, even in blue states, will remain a threat in 2024 and beyond. Mary Ziegler is an expert on the law, history and politics of reproduction, health care and conservatism in the United States from 1945 to the present. She is one of the world’s leading historians of the U.S. abortion debate and is a professor of law at the University of California, Davis. Contact her at mziegler@ucdavis.edu
2. ==> The Anti-Vax Movement Is Thriving but Kids Are Getting Sick
As the country faces an increasing number of measles cases, researchers point to anti-vaccine rhetoric from COVID to measles, and even HIV. Tara Smith leads the Smith Emerging Infections Laboratory at Kent State University. “HIV denial narratives have become resurgent in the last few years,” she says. She traces the trend to the 2021 publication of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s book “The Real Anthony Fauci,” which covers the years that Dr. Fauci worked in HIV research. “That’s where the HIV denial started from,” she says. “For the anti-vaccine groups I follow, everything has coalesced into a denial of germ theory. There’s a meta-narrative around infectious disease no longer being considered dangerous. Some even believe that kids should get measles because it prevents cancer.” Smith notes that although infectious disease outbreaks have been covered relatively well by the media, the public is missing stories about people who have been “harmed by these diseases. Twenty percent of kids with measles are hospitalized. That’s getting glossed over in exchange for the controversy about vaccination.” Contact Tara Smith at tsmit176@kent.edu
3. ==> J. Bernard Calloway, From BET’s ‘The Ms. Pat Show’
Multifaceted artist J. Bernard Calloway is making waves and stealing scenes as Terry, the wise-cracking husband, in BET’s Emmy-nominated hit, “The Ms. Pat Show.” Described by “The Washington Post” as “unforgiving and darkly hilarious” and by the “New York Times” as “brutally honest and outrageous,” this rollercoaster of comedy directed by Tony Award-nominee Debbie Allen takes viewers on a journey through the conservative heartland of Middle America. Invite Calloway to talk about the show’s new season, his journey from college football to the Broadway stage, and his life off-stage with Broadway sensation Carmen Ruby Floyd and their adorable son. Contact Edgar Deniz at (323) 360-3441 or Lilyan Park at (323) 313-7144
4. ==> 5-Time Cancer Survivor Shares ‘Road Map’ for Princess Kate
The world was shocked and saddened when Princess Kate recently revealed that she is battling cancer. As someone who’s been on this journey multiple times, Shariann Tom says, “The cancer journey is easier with a trusted roadmap.” She adds that while the medical world is great at treating one’s physical body, they often ignore the mind/spirit connection, which is an integral healing component. Sheriann left the corporate world to launch the Cancer Journey Institute, which trains coaches to work with cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers of all ages, cancer stages, and walks of life to discover their inner strengths. She has been featured on KGO-TV in San Francisco and in the “Wall Street Journal” and “Stanford Medical Magazine.” She is the author of “The Call of Cancer: A Loving Pathway to Wholeness, Healing, and Transformation.” Contact Shariann Tom at (415) 480-3264; stom@rtirguests.com
5. ==> Where Did the Easter Bunny Come From?
Parents will be dyeing eggs and making baskets this weekend as they get ready for their annual Easter celebrations. But did you ever wonder how a rabbit handing out eggs became the face of the holiest day in Christianity? Cultural anthropologist Tok Thompson says the hare has a long association with spring and Easter, with folklore dating back centuries, often with pagan influences. Thompson can discuss the earliest German and English Easter traditions that involved rabbits and eggs, and how German immigrants brought the story of the Easter Bunny to Pennsylvania in the 1700s, or at least an early iteration of the story. Hear how the Easter Bunny became a symbol of joy and new beginnings, despite its ancient origins. Tok Thompson is an anthropologist at the University of Southern California who has extensively studied folklore and cultural symbols. Contact him at (213) 740-5195; tokthomp@usc.edu
6. ==> 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
7. ==> Does the New ‘Road House’ Do the Original Proud?
“Road House” — a remake of a 1989 classic action movie starring Patrick Swayze — is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. The remake with Jake Gyllenhaal is already getting press after sparking a lawsuit since it is bypassing theaters; it has put the late Swayze who continues to have legions of fans in the news again. Sue Tabashnik, author of four books on Swayze, is available to comment on “Road House,” both the original and the latest reboot. She can talk about the differences between the two movies, how Swayze fans are likely to receive the newest version and the robust fans and celebrations that honor Swayze 14 years after his death from pancreatic cancer. She can also speak about the remakes of other Patrick Swayze movies. She met Patrick several times and his mother once. Those encounters changed her life. Among her books are “Patrick Swayze: The Dreamer” and “Patsy Swayze: Every Day, A Chance to Dance.” Contact Sue Tabashnik at (248) 617-0505; stabashnik@rtirguests.com
8. ==> ‘Underdog’- A Quirky, Heartwarming Documentary
In “Underdog,” quixotic Vermont dairy farmer Doug Butler risks losing the only home he has ever known to chase his dreams of dog mushing in Alaska. Meticulously captured over a decade, the movie paints an intimate cinéma vérité portrait of Butler as he puts a curiously optimistic twist on the family farm tragedies that have marked American rural life. Director Tommy Hyde’s documentary has been making the rounds of film festivals and has gotten a lot of attention for its subtle style and message of resilience. Invite Hyde to discuss the film and why it resonates with so many who have faced their own loneliness, isolation and the struggle to make sense of forces beyond their control. “Underdog” is available to stream on Freeview and Amazon Prime on April 2. Contact Kelly Hargraves at kelly.hargraves@firstrunfeatures.com
9. ==> Courage: Why So Many Lack It While Others Marshall It
These days it seems as though courage is in short supply. Politicians rarely show it. It’s easier to go along and stay in the shadows than to stand up and be a target. Sure, there are examples of courageous people such as the late Alexi Navalny, who took on Vladimir Putin and lost his life in the process. Closer to home are the often unsung heroes who usually don’t care to discuss why they put themselves at risk. For example, there is Masuda Rahmati, whose fight for women’s rights in Afghanistan nearly caused her death by the Taliban. Massie, as she likes to be called, drew the Taliban’s ire in 2005 when she became the first woman to represent Afghanistan in the Mrs. World International Beauty Competition. Since then Massie has been a “voice for the voiceless.” Her upcoming book is tentatively titled “Almost Killed by the Taliban: How I Stood Up for the Women and Girls of Afghanistan.” Born in Kabul, she came to the U.S. with her family as a teenager in 1982. A media veteran, she has been interviewed by the international media and has been recognized by Congress. Contact Masuda Rahmati at (831) 298-8335; mrahmati@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Psychotherapist Shares Key to Ending Religious Divisiveness
What if we could stop every disagreement over religion, from fighting with your uncle at Easter to full-scale holy wars? Author and psychotherapist Joe Masterleo reveals the universal constant that not only encompasses all religions but also bridges the gap between spirituality and science. Until now, he says, the only “solution” we’ve found is to agree to disagree – a theory not everyone subscribes to, and one that only puts off arguments rather than ending them. Ask him: How can God be everywhere at once? Why do you say that heaven is real? What is the all-inclusive theory that unites nature and religion? Are dogs a reflection of God? A psychotherapist for over 50 years, Joe has worked with hundreds of people to help them reconcile their inner conflicts and contradictions along mental-spiritual lines. Joe’s commentaries have appeared in the “Syracuse Post Standard.” He is the author of ” The Ambient Christ: The Untold Story of God in Science, Scripture and Spirituality.” Contact Joe Masterleo at (315) 509-3740 or jmasterleo@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Are You Missing Your Body’s Friendly Warning Signals?
Do you carry painkillers in your handbag or keep them in a drawer at work or a medicine cabinet at home in case you develop a headache or backache? Do you take antihistamines to calm your allergy symptoms? Do you keep antacids handy to block the uncomfortable result of a not-so-ideal meal? According to naturopathic health practitioner Hester Ladewig, those are just a few examples of our bodies’ alarm system going off but few are getting the message. “Regularly taking these drugs [and more] doesn’t get to the real cause of your discomfort. All they do is help you ignore the real problem and carry on despite the warning signals.” Invite Hester to deliver the messages your body wants you to hear instead of those delivered by the steady barrage of marketing material for over-the-counter products that mask what is going on. Ask her: What are some other signs that our body may be trying to get our attention with? What are some practical tips for heeding your alarm system? 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 info@hesterladewig.com or through Whatsapp at +27716438191
12. ==> Autism Awareness: When You’re Diagnosed as an Adult
Autism is considered a developmental disorder and is most often diagnosed in early childhood. But not always. Tallulah Willis, the 30-year-old daughter of actor Bruce Willis, is opening up about her recent autism diagnosis, saying it has changed her life. Best-selling author and podcaster Brant Hansen can relate. He too was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder as an adult and can discuss what it’s like to live life “on the spectrum.” Brant, who is also a nationally syndicated radio host blessed with a great sense of humor, can share stories of how he has overcome his challenges to find peace in a chaotic world. A great guest for Autism Awareness Month in April, Brant can offer encouragement to anyone with autism or who loves someone with autism. Brant Hansen’s new book is “Life is Hard, God is Good, Let’s Dance.” Contact Jason Jones at jason@jonesliterary.com
13. ==> How to Raise Confident Kids in a Chaotic World
It’s not easy being a kid in the age of social media, facing bullying, the post-pandemic pressure to catch up in school, and other, unprecedented stressors. In fact, the American Psychological Association reports that suicide among teens and adolescents has doubled within the last decade. According to author Patricia Wilson, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to navigating the youth mental health crisis. “What children need is a sense of self-worth, and an appreciation of the gift of life,” she says. Patricia can share her experience of working with a suicidal 13-year-old girl, and some simple, yet powerful exercises that can help parents to raise confident kids. 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
14. ==> What to Do When You Suffer a Significant Setback
We all have goals, from smaller things like planning a vacation to big ideas like finding a dream job or getting the promotion we’ve always wanted. And we all suffer setbacks on the road to those goals. It can be hard to pick yourself up after your path is interrupted — especially with a major, life-disrupting issue. Frank DiMaio is here to help you continue forward, whether you’re facing a temporary bad patch or a serious hardship like divorce, layoffs, or even the loss of a loved one. After losing his wife to breast cancer, Frank developed a method for dealing with his grief. He’ll share what he learned about facing life’s biggest challenges with positivity and progress. Contact Frank DiMaio at (401) 205-3325; fdimaio@rtirguests.com
15. ==> The Season Has Begun! Great Baseball History Show
It’s time for baseball! Invite sports historian Gary Sarnoff to share the uplifting story of a team that surpassed all expectations and gave Washington fans a season to remember. He’ll take listeners back to 1924 when the Washington Senators’ team president Clark Griffith hired Bucky Harris, his 27-year-old second baseman, to manage the Senators, a decision called “Griffith’s folly.” Hear how the team was inspired by their new leader and found themselves in first place heading into the homestretch, and what happened next. Gary Sarnoff is the author of “Team of Destiny: Walter Johnson, Clark Griffith, Bucky Harris, and the 1924 Washington Senators.” Sarnoff is a member of the Society for American Baseball Research and speaks frequently on baseball history throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbpr.biz or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705