01. The Public Has a Vested Interest in COVID Vaccines
02. The Best and Worst Oscar Speeches
03. Chris Rock Hits Back: Lessons from the Oscar Slap
04. For St. Patrick’s Day – ‘Irish Times’ Columnist Fintan O’Toole
05. Interview Actor Jim Meskimen on ‘Welcome to Chippendales’ and More
06. Women’s History Month: Why Women-Led Countries Are Happier
07. Interview a Pioneering Female Diplomat
08. How the Most Productive, Creative People Get Things Done
09. Are You Drowning in Worry? How to Rise Above It All
10. What Really Goes On in the Courtroom: Crazy Lawyer Stories
11. Can Perfume Cause Infertility?
12. Could You Be an Empath? How to Tell
13. Jumpstart Your Weight-Loss Journey in One Week
14. Boost Your Immun-a-Tea for a Healthier Winter
15. Do You Keep Getting Bad Service? Maybe It’s You!
1. ==> The Public Has a Vested Interest in COVID Vaccines
A retrospective cohort study published this month in “The BMJ” found that 34 research grants funded by the National Institutes of Health were involved in the development of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, with public financing totaling $31.9 billion. Shawn Fremstad, a senior advisor at the Center for Economic and Policy Research says the study comes at the same time as the U.S. government COVID-19 vaccine supply is running out. “Pharmaceutical companies have not committed to providing free or low-cost vaccines to all people in the United States, even though each dose costs only $1 to $3 to manufacture,” he says. “Since the U.S. people and government made the investments and took on the risks that were needed to produce the vaccines, we also need to be the ones to direct how the value we created is used. That should include ensuring that the vaccines remain free without creating new administrative or insurance barriers to access them.” Fremstad says the U.S. should pursue Operation Global Vaccination, and build public options to manufacture vaccines and other critical health technologies. Fremstad is the director of law and political economy and a senior advisor at the Center for Economic and Policy Research. Contact him at fremstad@cepr.net
2. ==> The Best and Worst Oscar Speeches
The most coveted statue in Hollywood, the Oscar, will be handed out this Sunday at the Academy Awards ceremony and you can bet we’ll all be talking about the show on Monday. Book Nina Surya to discuss the best and worst acceptance speeches of the night. The celebrity public-speaking coach will share what makes a great acceptance speech, why so many actors are nervous about winning an award, and how to keep your cool when things go awry during a live event. Nina has worked with many famous people and can reveal the secrets to successful communication on stage and in everyday life. She is the president and CEO of UniqueSpeak Consulting and has served as a speech and communication coach to celebrities, top-level executives, politicians, and other public figures. Contact Nina at (310) 359-0787; nsurya@rtirguests.com
3. ==> Chris Rock Hits Back: Lessons from the Oscar Slap
A year later, Chris Rock finally addresses the Oscar slap from Will Smith in a new Netflix stand-up special. The assault clearly impacted Rock and led to Smith being banned from the awards show for ten years, but Cindy Watson says there are valuable lessons in this fiasco. Watson, creator of The Art of Feminine Negotiation, can discuss reframing masculine toxicity, masculine vs. feminine approaches to conflict and negotiating our mindset, including the fears that drive us to take ill-informed actions. She’ll reveal the seven deadly sins of negotiating (including ego, attachment and reactivity, each of which played a role in Will Smith’s actions), the importance of perspective (joke vs. insult) and impact vs. intention (Rock’s intention to be funny vis-à-vis the impact on Smith when Jada reacted negatively). An attorney specializing in social justice law, Cindy Watson is the founder of Women on Purpose. “The Art of Feminine Negotiation” is the title of her new book and podcast. Contact her at (705) 646-3851; cindy@womenonpurpose.ca
4.==> For St. Patrick’s Day – ‘Irish Times’ Columnist Fintan O’Toole
“Irish Times” columnist and Princeton University professor Fintan O’Toole was born the year the Irish revolution began. It was 1958, and the Irish government opened the country to foreign investment and popular culture, beginning a decades-long transformation of the nation’s identity. Invite him to share his take on modern Ireland’s history. The author of “We Don’t Know Ourselves: A Personal History of Modern Ireland” will touch on everything from the horrific story of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, which led most Irish to reject violent nationalism, to the once-unthinkable collapse of the Catholic Church, brought down through a combination of scandal and committed activism by the Irish people. In O’Toole’s telling, America became a lodestar, from John F. Kennedy’s 1963 visit, when the soon-to-be martyred American president was welcomed as a native son, to the emergence of the Irish technology sector in the late 1990s, driven by American corporations, which set Ireland on the path toward disaster during the 2008 financial crisis. Fintan O’Toole is a columnist for the “Irish Times” and a professor of Irish letters at Princeton University. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (o); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Sasha Beatty at (703) 646-5188
5. ==> Interview Actor Jim Meskimen on ‘Welcome to Chippendales’ and More
You’ll likely recognize Jim Meskimen from his many TV and film roles over the past thirty-some years. His latest is playing Phil Donahue in the new Hulu mini-series “Welcome to Chippendales,” but you may have also seen him alongside Julia Roberts and Sean Penn in “Gaslit,” on the Amazon series “Hunters,” starring Al Pacino, or up on the big screen in one of five movies directed by Ron Howard (“Apollo 13” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” to name a couple). Invite Jim on your show to talk about his work in those productions and his recurring role on Apple TV’s upcoming series “The Big Door Prize,” by the creators of “Schitt’s Creek.” Jim currently plays Colonel Sanders in KFC commercials, as well as President George Washington crossing the Delaware Turnpike for GEICO, which led his mother, Marion Ross (Mrs. C. from Happy Days), to claim that she is now the mother of the father of our country! Contact Harlan Boll at (626) 296-3757; harlan@bhbpr.com
6. ==> Women’s History Month: Why Women-Led Countries Are Happier
For more than a century, women have crusaded for health and safety issues. Today, in countries where there are more women in elected office, people are healthier, both physically and mentally, and they say they are happier. That’s just one reason Debbie Peterson believes we need to elect more women, beyond the issue of equal representation. The former mayor of Grover Beach, California, will discuss why women are more likely to reach across the aisle to get things done, are better at fast-tracking the implementation of new ideas and more. Peterson’s Integrity 101 book series includes “The Happiest Corruption: Sleaze, Lies & Suicide in a California Beach Town,” and the newly released “City Council 101: Insider’s Guide for New Councilmembers.” She also hosts The Corruption Chronicles podcast. Ask her: What do studies show about female leaders in terms of happiness, crime figures, and government? How does the U.S. fare in relation to other countries? Contact Debbie Peterson at (805) 550-4490; DebbiePeterson805@gmail.com
7. ==> Interview a Pioneering Female Diplomat
Starting in 1975 and for the next 30 years, Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans lived her dream life. The former English major and Fulbright Scholar who grew up in the Jim Crow South was a diplomat in the Foreign Service in New Delhi, Mumbai, Dhaka, Taipei, Hong Kong, Brussels, Libreville, Bujumbura, and Brazzaville. Moreover, she did it as a Black single mother. If you have ever wondered what a diplomat does, what being in the Foreign Service is like, or what it was like to be stationed in a country where coups were commonplace, this is your chance to find out. Ask her: which place did you like best? How could you represent a country which didn’t always treat you fairly? Who were some of the famous people you met? What lessons have you learned that are applicable to others with big dreams? Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans’s new memoir is “Chocolates for Mary Judith: Black Woman Blazes Trails as a Career Diplomat.” She rose from the military equivalent of a first lieutenant to a major general. Contact Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans at (571) 568-8667; jmuddkrijgelmans@rtirguests.com
8. ==> How the Most Productive, Creative People Get Things Done
For a great interview filled with new ways to attack your to-do list, grow your network of important relationships, and move from underdog to high achiever, invite Steve Rosenberg to share his entertaining, no-nonsense approach to accomplish more than you thought you could. A serial entrepreneur with an impressive career in sports, hospitality and nonprofits, Rosenberg will reveal practical secrets and sound wisdom on how to be the can-do person you always wanted to be while building a large network of friends and colleagues who can be tapped to find answers you need. Rosenberg says, “I am a grinder and subscribe to the theory that when opportunity isn’t knocking, it’s time to build a door.” Steve Rosenberg has worked for the Washington Bullets (now Wizards), the National Constitution Center and the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. He is currently principal of GSD Group, a company that helps organizations achieve greater efficiency, success, productivity, and cultural competency. A frequent media guest, he has appeared in “The New York Times” and on “The Michael Smerconish Show” on Sirius XM, Fox 29, and other national media. His new book is “Make Bold Things Happen.” Contact him at (215) 435-2400; sr@theteamgsd.com
9. ==> Are You Drowning in Worry? How to Rise Above It All
Many people struggle with worry and stress on a day-to-day basis. What if you could let go of the burden of worry and enjoy peace every day, regardless of what’s happening in your life? Certified life coach and author Valerie Galloway can help your audience stop worrying and start living. Whether you’re struggling with grief, a major life change, addiction or dependency, or concerned that your future prospects seem less than bright, Valerie will empower you to tap into your own internal resources and trade worry for wonder and joy. Learn how to accomplish personal goals, improve relationships, and move forward with confidence by unlocking your potential when you interview this powerful and inspiring guest! A certified ICF coach with a bachelor’s in community health and a master’s in social science, Valerie is the author of “Steal, Kill & Destroy: A Spiritual Guide to Overcoming Addiction and Loss.” Contact Valerie Galloway at (917) 994-8841; vgalloway@rtirguests.com
10. ==> What Really Goes On in the Courtroom: Crazy Lawyer Stories
Have you ever seen a chicken playing tic-tac-toe in court as evidence in a case? Experienced attorney J.D. Mortmain has! Movies and television portray the courtroom as a dramatic place full of nail-biting tension, but in real life, that’s not always the case. In fact, there’s often more humor than horror happening behind closed doors. J.D. shares stories of the lighter side of the law with your audience, such as fighting for custody of a roulette wheel and the couple who divorced and remarried every year to profit from tax breaks. An author and experienced media guest, J.D.’s latest book is “The Fuzzy Pink Bathrobe and Other Tales of the Law.” Ask him: What happened during the case of the fuzzy pink bathrobe mentioned in your book title? How did you win a case for a client when an Army psychologist failed his own disability test? What are some interesting custody and paternity cases you’ve been involved in? Contact J.D. Mortmain at (860) 969-2693; jdmortmain@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Can Perfume Cause Infertility?
Not only can fragrances in everyday products such as soap, body lotion and laundry detergent cause a variety of health ailments, but products expert Zorica Denton learned that these could also cause infertility in women and men. “Studies shows that fragrances affect male sperm and women’s fertility, making it more difficult to get pregnant,” she says. “Products with fragrances may contain anywhere from 100 to 1,000 chemicals. But they don’t have to be listed due to trade secret policies.” Zorica developed long-term, debilitating health problems as a result of working as a perfume model. She is the founder of the natural personal care products company Zorica of Malibu, and the author of an upcoming book about toxic chemicals in products. Contact her at (213) 616-7904; zdenton@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Could You Be an Empath? How to Tell
Do you sometimes know something is going to happen before it does? Do you actually feel the pain of others? Do you experience keen physical discomfort in the presence of certain people? If so, you may be an empath or perhaps you may find that you know someone who is, someone like Jennifer Maag. She says, “After experiencing a traumatic brain injury due to falling at home, I became extremely empathic, which was a gift.” While being highly empathic can cause people to be hyper-sensitive, Jennifer can share how mastering the emotions that accompany this trait can greatly benefit one’s existence. Jennifer, a licensed massage therapist, and her son, Alexander Maag, are the co-authors of the critically acclaimed book “Take on God,” which explores how to transform inner battles into healing tools to live one’s best life. Contact her at (419) 969-3259; jmaag@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Jumpstart Your Weight-Loss Journey in One Week
Millions of Americans carry 10, 20 or more pounds of excess weight but feel overwhelmed by the thought of trying to lose it and get in shape. For anyone who is tired of being overweight but doesn’t know how to get started on their weight-loss journey, Alvin Perry has simplified the process to lose 3-5 pounds in seven days! This is not a quick fix, says Perry, but a process that sets in motion everything you need to reach your health goals. Invite him on your show to inspire listeners with his weight struggles that began in college after losing his football scholarship. Now a successful entrepreneur and small business expert, Perry will share the unique system he used to drop 80 pounds and transform his life, with just three basic principles. Alvin Perry, DBA, is also ISSA certified in personal training, fitness and nutrition. He’s the author of numerous books including his latest, “Just Fat!” Contact him at (678) 788-7529; aperry@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Boost Your Immun-a-Tea for a Healthier Winter
Nobody wants to get sick, and there are quite a few nasty illnesses going around this winter. As you look for ways to be healthier and ward off disease, Tilak Silva says you should pay closer attention to what you eat and drink. He’ll share the best natural way to bring about strength, energy, healthier skin and ultimately longer life. Silva is an expert in nutrition and health research and the inventor of CilanTea, which helps people of all ages find their ideal path to a healthier life. Ask him: What makes cilantro an unexpected health food? What’s the best way to take advantage of its benefits? Which commonly imbibed beverages should we watch out for, since they decrease immunity, especially in difficult times? Contact Tilak Silva at (310) 421-4680, tsilva@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Do You Keep Getting Bad Service? Maybe It’s You!
Ask anyone and you are sure to hear some version of “customer service stinks” as well as the details of the latest incident in which they were treated as though their patronage didn’t matter. Your audience would love to hear how they can benefit from receiving A-1 service instead of mediocre service and Tawn Holstra Auston has the answers. She can offer some tips on what you can do to receive excellent service every time by being a better customer! Tawn has been advising small business owners for a decade and is working on a book that will tentatively be titled “Changing Gears: What It Takes to Make Huge Life Changes with Confidence and Grace.” Contact Tawn at (206) 495-6505; tauston@rtirguests.com