01. Mitch McConnell’s Legacy
02. Are the Media Biased Toward Republicans?
03. 45 Years Later, Film Sheds Light on Three Mile Island
04. Shocking Show for March 8, International Women’s Day
05. Many Struggling with Social Anxiety Wait Years Before Seeking Help
06. Interview the Whistleblower Standing Up to White-Collar Crime
07. Self-Belief Matters Less Than You Think
08. Should You Tell Your Kids They’re Amazing?
09. Don’t Lose Sleep Over Daylight Savings Time
10. Herbal Expert Spills the Tea on Longevity
11. How to Find Your Personal Fountain of Youth
12. This Guest Says Faith Got Her Out of Prison
13. She Was in the Trauma Unit When Tupac Died
14. Out-of-This-World Stories of What Really Happens Under Hypnosis
15. Why Is Patrick Swayze’s Legacy Still So Powerful?
1. ==> Mitch McConnell’s Legacy
Last week, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell – who held that position longer than anyone in history — announced he would be stepping down. The end of the McConnell era begs the question: What was his impact and how will he be remembered? It also marks the perfect time to interview Ira Shapiro, author of the newly updated book “The Betrayal: How Mitch McConnell and the Senate Republicans Abandoned America.” Shapiro is the author of two previous critically acclaimed books about the Senate: “The Last Great Senate: Courage and Statesmanship in Times of Crisis” and “Broken: Can the Senate Save Itself and the Country? “ Shapiro’s 45-year Washington career has focused on American politics and international trade. He served 12 years in senior staff positions in the U.S. Senate and worked in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative during the Clinton administration, first as general counsel and then chief negotiator with Japan and Canada, with the rank of ambassador. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; johanna@jrbcomm.com
2. ==> Are the Media Biased Toward Republicans?
According to author and journalist Rick Perlstein, a hundred years from now, historians are likely to judge the media we have now harshly for their role in normalizing Republican Party extremists. Perlstein told the Institute for Public Accuracy, “A lot of the journalism about the rise of Trump and the increasing coarsening of American political culture looks more like the journalism of an authoritarian country. Just looking at the front page of the ‘Washington Post’ or the ‘New York Times,’ you would think that the Republican Party and the Democratic Party have equal responsibility for the acceptance of violent rhetoric, because of this professional norm [in journalism] that the contributions of Democrats and Republicans need to be ‘balanced.’ But if you have one political party in a two-party system that has built lying, cheating, and stealing into its DNA … and the media treats [both parties] as equal actors, then the media is biased toward the party willing to lie, cheat, and steal. The Republicans get a booster seat from mainstream journalism.” Rick Perlstein is a journalist and a historian of the post-1960s American conservative movement. He is the author of several books including “Reaganland.” Contact him at nixonland@gmail.com, @rickperlstein
3. ==> 45 Years Later, Film Sheds Light on Three Mile Island
It has been 45 years since the worst commercial nuclear power accident in U.S. history, the 1979 meltdown at Three Mile Island, and yet there are still facts to be uncovered. Facts revealed in the award-winning documentary “RADIOACTIVE: The Women of Three Mile Island,” whose director Heidi Hutner is available for interview. Available March 12 to streaming on Apple TV, Amazon, and other platforms, the film uncovers the never-before-told stories of four intrepid homemakers who take their local community’s case against the plant operator to the Supreme Court – and a young female journalist who’s caught in the radioactive crossfire. The doc also breaks the story of a radical new health study that may finally expose the truth of the meltdown. Activist and actor Jane Fonda appears in the documentary. “RADIOACTIVE” won the Audience Award – Best Documentary at the Dances With Films Festival and Best Director & Best Documentary Award at Full Frame International Film Festival, both in New York City, and the Best lnvestigative Documentary Award at the Uranium International Film Festival in Rio de Janeiro. Hutner is a professor of environmental humanities and gender studies at Stony Brook University and a scholar of nuclear and environmental history, literature, film and ecofeminism. For interviews, contact Kelly Hargraves at kelly.hargraves@firstrunfeatures.com
4. ==> Shocking Show for March 8, International Women’s Day
Imagine what life would be like if women were only allowed to receive a sixth-grade education and could be killed for wearing open-toed shoes or nail polish. If they were prohibited from going out in public without covering their faces and being accompanied by a male. If they were forbidden from most jobs. While it may sound like the plot of a dystopian novel, it is real life for women living in Afghanistan under Taliban rule in what the United Nations describes as the world’s most repressive country for women. In time for International Women’s Day, interview Massuda Rahmati, who grew up in Kabul before the Taliban took over and now lives in the U.S., so she can share how she stood up to the Taliban — and lived to tell about it — as well as to raise awareness about the crimes against humanity committed by the Islamic fundamentalist group against girls and women in Afghanistan. Massie, as she prefers 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, a bold action her family begged her not to take. 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
5. ==> 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
6. ==> Interview the Whistleblower Standing Up to White-Collar Crime
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. ==> Self-Belief Matters Less Than You Think
Many people mistakenly believe that lacking confidence is a sure sign that you shouldn’t do something. Leading change expert Kirsty Maynor — a woman with 25 years of experience working with more than 10,000 executives — says while it is important to believe in ourselves, the truth is that self-confidence often comes after we make the change. Kirsty’s refreshingly counterintuitive message may be just what your listeners need to overcome their own hesitations and make changes, whether that’s starting their own business, relocating or something equally life-changing. Kirsty Maynor is an entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Firefly, a team of organizational culture change and leadership development specialists. Her just-released book is “Untangled: A Practical and Inspirational Guide to Change You Choose and Change You Don’t.” Contact Kirsty at kirsty.maynor@gmail.com
8. ==> Should You Tell Your Kids They’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 determine 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
9. ==> Don’t Lose Sleep Over Daylight Savings Time
Daylight Savings Time — March 10 — is around the corner and even a one-hour change in our schedule can affect some people’s ability to get enough sleep. Couple that with the fact that more than a third of Americans already report getting less than seven hours of sleep a night and that 30% of adults have insomnia and you can see there is a genuine need to prepare now for the seasonal change. That’s how Edie Summers can help your audience as she explains the four things to concentrate on now before Daylight Savings returns. The author of The Memory of Health” and a corporate wellness advisor for a tech-health startup who is knowledgeable about the latest sleep research, she’ll share four foods and supplements to help you sleep better tonight (sushi anyone?), the need to invest in downtime and why you should go to bed early if you have a lot on your mind. Edie has been featured in “Entrepreneur” and many podcasts. Contact Edie Summers at (503) 487-0058; esummers@rtirguests.com
10. ==> 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
11. ==> How to Find Your Personal Fountain of Youth
Millions of men and women are on the hunt for the secret to turn back the hands of time. Everyone wants to stay young, but the elusive search for the fountain of youth can leave you feeling unfulfilled and empty. Nina Presman turned her struggles with weight and aging into her life’s journey. With degrees in advanced face and body sculpting, advanced skincare procedures, psychology, nutrition, and exercise, she has found her true calling in helping women feel good about themselves on the outside — as well as on the inside. Nina understands the struggle and loss of self-esteem that can come with aging, and the importance of regaining confidence and feeling comfortable in your own skin. Learn five ways to look younger without going under the knife, the myths and truths about collagen and collagen supplements, and how to get over the fear of getting older. The owner and founder of the Anti-Aging Center of Boca, Nina Presman has developed a revolutionary anti-aging technology that replaces plastic surgery. Contact her at (561) 654-0177; antiagingcenterofboca.com
12. ==> This Guest Says Faith Got Her Out of Prison
Growing up in a highly dysfunctional broken home, author Tressa Mitchener became a single teenage mother and drug dealer who was facing a 30-year-to-life sentence in federal prison. But thanks to her strong belief in a higher power, her sentence was miraculously reduced to five years, and she went on to earn a B.A. in psychology, become a respected Christian counselor and best-selling author, and marry her dream man. She credits her newfound faith for enabling her to dramatically turn her life around. “While I was in prison, I was strongly focused on God,” she says. “He was giving me instructions and guiding me. My mind began to change. I became a change-maker for others.” Tressa shared her incredible story on “The 700 Club,” and can reveal how anyone can transform his or her life through faith. She is the author of “Looking Out from the Inside: The United States v. Tressa Oliva Parker.” Contact Tressa at (919) 582-5992; Tmitchener@rtirguests.com
13. ==> She Was in the Trauma Unit When Tupac Died
Susie Bell was a young nurse working in the trauma unit at University Medical Center in Las Vegas when infamous rapper Tupac Shakur was fatally shot. At the time, she was a member of the Mormon Church and had led a sheltered life. “I had no idea who he was,” she says. “I saw a lot of people who I assumed were celebrities coming in and out of the hospital.” At one point, Susie found herself alone with Shakur’s lifeless body and can recount that poignant experience. That is just one aspect of her often harrowing life story, which includes excommunication from the church, being drugged, raped, and dragged through the mud by a famous athlete, and more. Susie is now a nurse practitioner and author of the upcoming book “A Piece of Me: Finding My Voice After Mormonism, Marriage, Medicine & Men.” Contact Susie Bell at (213) 816-3622; sbell@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Out-of-This-World Stories of What Really Happens Under Hypnosis
Everyday people are discovering unseen worlds with guidance from Kryste Andrews, a long-time licensed hypnotherapist. While relaxing into the hypnotic state of consciousness called theta, some of Kryste’s clients have interacted with life on other planets. Kryste’s book, “Discovery,” Book One of the LEGACY series, chronicles the true stories of an ancient tribe trekking over mountain ranges, migrating to what is now southern France. Kryste says: “I’ve observed a client time-traveling and remotely viewing ancient people he believes to be his ancestors who lived 25,000 years ago, and much more.” Her upcoming book, “31 Conversations With An Alien,” is based on a recent client’s extraordinary life and reveals the living room chats between Kryste and an extraterrestrial named Fred. Contact Kryste Andrews at (201) 801-4551; Kandrews@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Why Is Patrick Swayze’s Legacy Still So Powerful?
Patrick Swayze left us in 2009, too soon, yet his wise words and zest for living are as applicable. For example, Patrick said: “We kind of get ruined in the Western way of thinking that the brass ring is what’s important when it’s very simple things in life that are important — like hanging on to faith and hope. … I hope our standards, our levels of integrity and morality and passion and beliefs upgrade themselves soon.” Sue Tabashnik can talk about Patrick’s universal take on the world and core values that would be of comfort to all in 2024 and his many movies and performances that still touch us deeply. Throughout his life, Patrick never gave up when facing adversity. He was a romantic and an advocate for dance, conservation, and advances in cancer treatment. Sue is the author of four books about Patrick Swayze — including “Patrick Swayze: The Dreamer,” met him several times, and as a result, her life was forever changed. Contact Sue Tabashnik at (248) 617-0505; stabashnik@rtirguests.com