01. Why is Ukraine Not in NATO? Is it Too Late?
02. A Return to the Old World Order?
03. Russia, Ukraine and the KGB Banker: This Guest Was Hunted by Russian Mafia
04. Celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Yellowstone
05. TV Host Offers 5 Tips for a ‘Simply Delicious’ Spring
06. What History Can Tell Us about Ending Polarization
07. Will the ‘Great Resignation’ Lead to a Resurgence of Unions?
08. Could Quitting Your Job Make You Happier?
09. She Helps COVID-Traumatized Healthcare Workers Heal
10. What You Don’t Know about Sunglasses Could Hurt You
11. How to Turn Self-Doubt into Self-Clout
12. The 3 Types of Men Women Should Run from
13. How the First and Last 15 Minutes of Your Day Can Change Your Life
14. Do a Show on Unsung Women Heroes in STEM Fields
15. Is Cruising Safe During COVID?
1. ==> Why is Ukraine Not in NATO? Is it Too Late?
The U.S. and European countries in NATO are unlikely to get involved in Vladimir Putin’s assault on Ukraine unless Russia launches a direct attack on a NATO member. Sean Monaghan can explain why Ukraine is not a member and whether it’s too late to join. “NATO’s line has always been, the door to membership to NATO is open to any state that chooses that it wants to join NATO. If it makes that choice independently, then there is a process and criteria to follow,” according to Monaghan, a visiting fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. NATO welcomed Ukraine’s bid for membership in 2008 and agreed that it could eventually become a member of NATO if it met some requirements. “There’s a lot of criteria for NATO membership. Ukraine didn’t really meet any of those, although it was on a path to meeting those,” Monaghan explains. “NATO was helping them meet those targets. There was a path then, but now that seems much, much less likely.” Monaghan explains that Russia’s strategy has been to foment conflicts in countries that might join NATO to make that process more difficult, like what is happening in Ukraine right now. Contact H. Andrew Schwartz at (202) 775-3242; aschwartz@csis.org or Paige Montfort at (202) 775-3173; pmontfort@csis.org
2. ==> A Return to the Old World Order?
While some argue that Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine has overturned the post-war world order, Katrina vanden Heuvel believes the reality is more dangerous than that. The publisher and editorial director of “The Nation” says, “Putin has simply (and brutally) reasserted Russia’s role. The old order — with its Cold War attitudes, militaries, alliances and enmities — is reclaiming center stage.” So what can stand in the way of this Cold War revival? Katrina says, “In Ukraine, the hope is that the global outrage will lead Russia to negotiate a cease-fire. The Minsk Accords, terms hammered out in 2015 but never implemented, could offer the outlines of a settlement. They essentially guarantee Ukraine independence in exchange for neutrality. What’s needed above all is a courageous and transnational citizens’ movement demanding not simply the end of the war on Ukraine but also an end to perpetual wars.” Katrina vanden Heuvel recently wrote the piece “We Must End the War on Ukraine — and Put an End to Perpetual Wars” for the “Washington Post.” Contact her at kat@thenation.com; @KatrinaNation
3. ==> Russia, Ukraine and the KGB Banker: This Guest Was Hunted by Russian Mafia
Imagine what life would be like if the KGB was after you, threatening your life? And if you had no idea you were even taking them on at first? John Christmas does not have to imagine … he lived it. While heading up an international banking group, Christmas tried to expose fraud he uncovered without realizing that the bank in question was a KGB front. Fired for being a whistle-blower, he was threatened and terrorized and finally fled the country. Christmas is co-author of the geopolitical thriller “KGB Banker,” which is inspired by his story and takes place on the Russia/Ukraine border. Ask him: Why is your experience particularly relevant given today’s political environment? What happened to the players you exposed? Are you still in danger? Contact John Christmas at (514) 700-9015; jchristmas@rtirguests.com
4. ==> Celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Yellowstone
Each year, nearly four million people visit Yellowstone National Park —one of the most popular of all national parks — but few know the fascinating and complex historical context in which it was established. Invite historian Megan Kate Nelson to shine a light on the creation of our first national park and the tensions of the era that lead to a weakening of the Native American population. Hear how in 1871, the geologist-explorer Ferdinand Hayden led a team of scientists through a narrow canyon into Yellowstone Basin, one of the last unmapped places on the continent, in hopes of proving that tales of majestic landscapes and untold natural wonders, but also incomparable danger — were true. While Hayden saw the mission as a way to secure his place in history, the American government that was funding the expedition had its own goals: to give Americans a sense of achievement and unity. Megan Kate Nelson has written about the Civil War, U.S. western history, and American culture for “The New York Times,” the “Washington Post,” “Smithsonian Magazine” and more. She’s the author of the Pulitzer Prize finalist “The Three-Cornered War.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com or Briana Caywood at (703) 646-5188 (office)
5. ==> 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
6. ==> 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-abortionist, 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
7. ==> Will the ‘Great Resignation’ Lead to a Resurgence of Unions?
Unionism — the policies and practices of labor organizations meant to protect and further the rights of workers — has been declining since the mid-1970s. But as employment attorney Beverly Williams will point out, the Great Resignation may bring it back. As proof, she’ll cite the two Starbucks locations in the U.S. which have unionized and the congressional staffers who have taken steps to form a union. Williams will say that employers have the opportunity to avoid unionization if they treat their employees mindfully, authentically, and with integrity instead of with lip service. Beverly Williams is a partner at Wong Fleming PC in Princeton, N.J., where she specializes in labor law. She is also an employment professional, arbitrator, and former HR executive of a Fortune 500 corporation. Additionally, she is the author of “Your GPS to Employment Success: How to Find and Succeed in the Right Job,” and host of the podcast “Your Employment Matters with Beverly Williams.” Williams earned an M.P.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a J.D. from Rutgers Law School. Contact Beverly Williams at (973) 576-5841; bwilliams@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Could Quitting Your Job Make You Happier?
The Great Resignation continues with millions of people standing up and saying, “I quit!” to jobs that don’t fit their lives anymore. Some are lured by better pay while others hope to start a business or switch careers entirely. Experts say the current labor shortage means workers can more easily change jobs, but Oreste D’Aversa says if you’re quitting to be happier, you need a game plan before you hand in your resignation. Invite the author of “Life Beyond the Pandemic: A Practical New Journey Handbook” to share his revolutionary step-by-step blueprint to reinvent your life and thrive in the post-pandemic world. He’ll explain what people get wrong about happiness, prosperity and money to help listeners get unstuck, define their life’s purpose, and have more joy in every aspect of life. Oreste D’Aversa is a life and business coach, corporate trainer, and interfaith minister. Contact him at (201) 949-3002; odaversa@rtirguests.com
9. ==> She Helps COVID-Traumatized Healthcare Workers Heal
It’s no secret that 22 million U.S. healthcare professionals and another 38 million around the world had nearly every aspect of their lives negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. What is less known is how to make them whole again. “The pandemic affected more than life balance, fatigue and emotional health; it struck healthcare workers at the essence of who they are — their soul,” says Katherine Kelly, Ph.D., M.S.P.H. “We will never be the same, but we can be even better than we were before this viral enemy arrived.” Dr. Kelly will discuss the real story behind COVID trauma suffered by RNs, reveal five unspoken truths about celebrated healthcare workers, and share six steps to making healthcare workers whole again. Katherine Kelly is a clinical health psychologist, former director of behavioral science in family medicine and medical school professor. Her new book is “The Healer’s Path to Post-COVID Recovery: A Restorative Journey for Healthcare Workers.” Contact her at (336) 659-3923 (office): (336) 406-8431 (cell); kkelly@drkatherinetkelly.com
10. ==> What You Don’t Know about Sunglasses Could Hurt You
What’s your sunglass IQ? Do you know how to pick a pair that will protect your eyes and not just look good? Do you know when to wear them and why? Many people have no clue about just how important protecting their eyes from the sun’s UV rays is, missing out on a simple way to help ensure that they keep their vision for life. But as vision educator Linda Odubayo Thompson will tell you, “the eyes are porous and the optic nerve is a direct extension to the brain. So, it stands to reason that eye protection should be added to the virus protection mix, especially for children,” she says. “Add to that protection against cataracts while looking totally cool, and you have a potent reason not to leave the house without them.” Linda knows not to take her vision for granted; she has suffered from glaucoma for more than 30 years. Ask her why aren’t sunglasses just for summer? Why do you need them on cloudy days? Should you also wear a hat? What does she have in common with Bono? Contact Linda Odubayo Thompson at (914) 944-1474; lthompson@rtirguests.com
11. ==> How to Turn Self-Doubt into Self-Clout
Everyone has negative self-beliefs that hold them back from reaching their potential. But did you know that you can use these “limiting” beliefs to your advantage? Confidence-building expert Raj Girn can explain how she built a corporate and celebrity network because she felt no one would hire her as a single mother with no journalism or business degrees or personal connections. Ask her: what gave you the chutzpah to go out on your own? How did you turn your limitations into assets? What advice do you have for other people who lack confidence? A media celebrity in Canada who has been featured in “The Wall Street Journal” and “Globe and Mail,” and on FOX and CBS, Raj is an internationally best-selling author whose blog attracts 500,000 unique monthly visitors. She also publishes a weekly newsletter with over 100,000 subscribers and has a combined social media network of over 1 million. She runs The Open Chest Confidence Academy. Contact Raj Girn at (647) 490-3158; Rgirn@rtirguests.com
12. ==> The 3 Types of Men Women Should Run from
Women often overlook major red flags in their quest for romantic love. According to Arnoux Goran, the obvious ones are liars, mama’s boys and sociopaths. However, women also need to focus inward in order to stop attracting jerks in the first place. “Dating without permanently erasing your baggage from your previous relationships is like trying to swim with rocks tied to your ankles,” he says. Arnoux adds that we must first overcome any childhood trauma to form healthy relationships, and he will show audiences how. He created the Goran Technique online and live courses and is the author of three upcoming books including “The Goran Technique.” Contact Arnoux at (878) 203-8231; AGoran@rtirguests.com
13. ==> How the First and Last 15 Minutes of Your Day Can Change Your Life
Did you know that you can change your life, get rid of stress, and feel more in control of your destiny in only 30 minutes a day? Interview Theo Prodromitis, the author of “The Balance Between the Hustle and the Flow: Knowing When to Make Things Happen and When to Let Them Happen,” to discover why the first and last 15 minutes of your day are the most important and how to maximize them. Theo is an award-winning entrepreneur, marketing strategist, and best-selling author of The Success Formula with Jack Canfield. What does neuroscience tell us about our brain activity at the beginning and end of each day? What are the four things we should do every morning? Contact Theo Prodromitis at (813) 701-5414; tprodromitis@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Do a Show on Unsung Women Heroes in STEM Fields
Careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) are booming for men. But as the film “Hidden Figures” illustrated, females in general and women of color, in particular, have made major contributions, with minimal fanfare. According to former STEM teacher Chris A. Goldberg, mathematician Dr. Gladys West − who helped to develop the GPS model that we all so rely on, and is alive and well at 91 − is among the other “hidden figures” who deserve their due. “No one knows that she’s a hidden figure; that’s how hidden she is,” Chris says. He is the author of the upcoming book “Aliyah and the STEMsational Problem-Solvers: Cooking up the Winning Dessert.” Contact him at (973) 576-5841; cgoldberg@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Is Cruising Safe During COVID?
We’ve all heard the media horror stories about COVID outbreaks on cruise ships, which many perceive as giant floating Petri dishes. But according to travel industry expert Cindy Bertram, nothing could be further from the truth. “The media are scaring people,” she says. “Cruise lines have been working together for months to put the highest level of safety protocols in place. They also work with high-level medical professionals. You don’t find that in hotels.” Cindy can share details about this and other fascinating insider glimpses into the cruise industry. She is a communications, media and branding specialist who has spent many years in the travel and cruise industry and is author of “Message from the Dog…Learning from Great Humans” and “How Six Women Executives Steer the Cruise Industry Today.” Contact her at (219) 775-6488; cbertram@rtirguests.com