01. U.S. Global Freedom Ranking: Third World
02. The Pandemic Pushed Millions Out of Global Middle-Class
03. Planes, Trains, Automobiles and More: Biden’s Big Plan
04. Cyborgs Are Closer than Ever: Creating Superhumans
05. Disgusting or Delicacy? Cicadas for Supper
06. Boycotting Georgia? Why You Should
07. Personal Cybersecurity Simplified
08. Grassroots Gets Real: How to Change a Law
09. The Coming Tidal Wave of Parkinson’s Disease
10. More Women Freezing Eggs: What Happens Later?
11. When Mainstream Medicine Fails
12. Make the Second Half of Your Life the BEST Half
13. Why Flip Flops Are the Footwear of the Moment
14. What If Death Is Just the Beginning of Life?
15. NYT Best-Selling Authors: Why Is Everyone Going Vegan?
1. ==> U.S. Global Freedom Ranking: Third World
Freedom House issued a report last week that listed the U.S. below countries like Mongolia and Argentina in its global freedom rankings with the U.S. tying with Romania and Croatia. The position marks an 11-point drop over the past ten years and many pin the blame on political tension, the influence of money in politics, and racial inequality. Gerald Celente, publisher of the Trends Journal, says that by its deeds and actions, America has declined into third-world freedom status. “The loss of Constitutional and Bill of Rights greatly accelerated following 9/11 and has now reached unprecedented government control/censorship levels since the COVID-19 War was launched in March 2020.” He notes that March marks the month that Americans marched off to the Iraq and Libyan Wars. The Trends Journal is a weekly, online-only magazine that forecasts the latest trends in everything from politics to health and finances. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; ryan@goldmanmccormick.com
2. ==> The Pandemic Pushed Millions Out of Global Middle-Class
The COVID-19 pandemic is having a deep effect on the global economy. According to analysis by the Pew Research Center, the economic downturn has pushed millions out of the global middle class and into poverty. James Bell, vice president for global strategy, says, “Rather than continuing its upward trajectory, this segment of the global economy shrank dramatically in 2020. What this means for domestic and international politics, immigration and global recovery remains to be seen.” The report finds the middle-class drop was centered in South Asia, East Asia and the Pacific, while India and sub-Saharan Africa accounted for the biggest increase in poverty, reversing years of progress on that front. From 2011 to 2019, the global middle-class population increased from 899 million to 1.34 billion, or by 54 million people annually, on average. The pandemic is estimated to have erased a year of growth. Contact Stefan Cornibert at (202) 419-4517; scornibert@pewresearch.org or Julia O’Hanlon at (202) 419-3613; johanlon@pewresearch.org
3. ==> Planes, Trains, Automobiles and More: Biden’s Big Plan
While the scope and scale of Joe Biden’s massive infrastructure plan may be unprecedented, Thomas Balcerski says the two-pronged proposal is only the latest chapter in a long history of federal efforts to bind together the nation that began with the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, popularly known as the National Interstate and Defense Highway Act, or simply the Eisenhower Interstate System. “For Biden to accomplish his own infrastructure goals, he should draw on the lessons from the passage and implementation of that system,” says Balcerski. “Like Eisenhower, Biden will need to find a legislative path that satisfies Democrats and potentially Republicans in Congress — and garners the widespread support of the American people.” He adds, “To improve the nation’s infrastructure for good, he must similarly build a system that will last beyond his time in office.” Thomas Balcerski teaches history at Eastern Connecticut State University. He is the author of “Bosom Friends: The Intimate World of James Buchanan and William Rufus King.” Contact him at (860) 465-4005; balcerskit@easternct.edu
4. ==> Cyborgs Are Closer than Ever: Creating Superhumans
Throughout history, humans have sought ways to improve themselves and gain advantages whether through simple early inventions like eyeglasses and dentures to complex, sophisticated advancements in genetic engineering and human-centered bioengineering. Until fairly recently, cyborg-like enhancements and modifications have been the stuff of science fiction, but a new report shows how the latest advancements in biotechnology and genetic modifications could lead to creating superhumans. David Broyle can discuss the latest genetic engineering to correct malfunctioning genes in diseases like cystic fibrosis, FDA-approved gene therapies, and potential future genetic engineering for enhancements like greater intelligence and height. David Broyles is director of special activities and intelligence operations for the Center for Naval Analyses at CNA Corporation, a non-profit research and analysis organization. He is available for interviews on Wednesday, April 21. Contact Mala Perna at (917) 225-0889; malapernamedia@gmail.com
5. ==> Disgusting or Delicacy? Cicadas for Supper
By now, you’ve probably heard all the noise about the billions of 17-year Brood X cicadas set to emerge from the earth this spring. What should be done with all these red-eyed bugs? How about eating them? They’re high in protein and low in fat and recipes are all over the internet; they can be deep fried and served with a dipping sauce, marinated, and even baked into a pie. But why, you may ask? Entomologist Isa Betancourt calls them “shrimp of the land” and she considers them a delicacy. The cicadas will begin rising from the ground in 15 states and the District of Columbia in May or June. For those wanting to taste-test the creatures, Betancourt says the best time to harvest the bugs is just after they emerge and molt in the morning, “That’s when they’re softest,” she says. “When they first emerge, they’ll be kind of green in color, and after a few hours they’ll harden.” They’re still edible after hardening, but crunchy. Isla Betancourt is employed by Philadelphia’s Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University. Contact her at isabelle.s.betancourt@drexel.edu; @isabetabug
6. ==> Boycotting Georgia? Why You Should
A tough new voter suppression law in Georgia will make it harder than ever for Black people, women, and gay people to vote and that’s the general idea by the bill’s sponsors. Folks who oppose those restrictions can push back by boycotting large Georgia-based corporations that have either pushed for these restrictions or failed to push back against them. Coca-Cola, Home Depot and UPS, for example. (Coca-Cola gave $35,000 to the bill’s sponsor.) Interview Lorri Craig, an expert on how to vote with your wallet for the social change you want to see happen, to learn why consumers have way more power than they imagine and how they can apply it against measures aimed at restricting voting rights and other issues. She has a master’s degree in finance and is a subject matter expert for the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. She offers an Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) robo investment platform on her website for socially conscious investors who want to make a positive impact. Contact Lorri at (484) 453-1742; LCraig@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Personal Cybersecurity Simplified
Many people think of cybersecurity as something that other people need to worry about. Besides, the subject can be very intimidating. Sandra Estok will change your mind about that and share tips that everyone should know to keep their personal information safe and out of the hands of criminals. She’ll help listeners overcome their fear of the cyber-world and learn how to protect what matters most against hackers, scammers and cyber monsters. Sandra can discuss what to do if your social media account is hacked, ways to keep your personal data secure and prevent identity theft, and how to keep your kids safe online. Sandra Estok boasts a 20-plus-year multicultural and cross-functional career in the U.S., Latin America and Europe working in cybersecurity, IT and data privacy. The founder of the consulting company Way2Protect, she has appeared on ABC, Fox, NBC and Telemundo and many more media outlets and is the author of the “Happily Ever Cyber!’ book series. Contact Sandra Estok at team@sandraestok.com; @Way2Protect
8. ==> Grassroots Gets Real: How to Change a Law
Ever wonder why so many people say they want their voice to be heard, but politicians never listen? John Thibault can explain why and show you how to get past this frustrating hurdle. The founder of iLobby.co realized that ordinary people have championed legislation in their own communities following a tried-and-true formula that most people don’t know about. From an 86-year-old man to a 12-year-old girl, John will show you the principles that each used to get their voice heard and move an issue forward. Ask him: What are the six keys to policy success? Why do personal stories matter? Why doesn’t an argument have to raise your blood pressure? John worked in government affairs at MCA/Universal His new book is “How to Change a Law.” Contact John Thibault at (650) 490-0987; johnthib@gmail.com
9. ==> The Coming Tidal Wave of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is currently the fastest-growing neurological disorder in the world. With cases climbing at an unprecedented pace, experts predict that 1-in-15 people in the U.S. will receive a diagnosis of Parkinson’s in their lifetime. Dr. Michael Okun, medical director of the Parkinson’s Foundation, says the most effective treatment for the disease is now a half-century old and without more research, we’re failing to stop a runaway train. He’s calling for an Operation Warp Speed approach to developing a vaccine, saying Parkinson’s is fast on its way to becoming a pandemic —one that, if left unaddressed, will persist long after COVID-19 disappears. Dr. Okun and Dr. Ray Dorsey, a neurologist and former director of the Parkinson’s Disease Division at Johns Hopkins Medicine, are available for interview. They co-authored the new book “Ending Parkinson’s Disease” with two other experts. Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853 (cell); LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com or @Lissa_Warren
10. ==> More Women Freezing Eggs: What Happens Later?
In response to the COVID pandemic, more women are feeling the need to freeze their eggs to preserve their reproductive options for the future. In fact, some U.S. clinics are reporting as much as a 40% increase in egg-banking. But what will happen to those frozen eggs including those that were fertilized before freezing, when the donors don’t plan more children? Or split from their partner who doesn’t want more kids? Or when something happens to the embryos’ parents and IFV becomes medically impossible? Expect controversy and heartwarming stories when you interview Nate Birt, author of “Frozen, But Not Forgotten: An Adoptive Dad’s Step-by-Step Guide to Embryo Adoption.” He will tell how he and his wife, like many other parents, sought embryo adoption, carried the baby to term and are now raising a healthy toddler daughter they adore. Contact Nate Birt at (417) 221-9045; NBirt@rtirguests.com
11. ==> When Mainstream Medicine Fails
Susana Stoica, a Ph.D. in computer engineering and a healer by birth, brings a scientist’s view to energy healing. She collaborates with medical doctors and has written nine books about physical and emotional healing, has spoken about brain trauma recovery at Harvard Medical School, trained medical and social work students in the use of energy healing, and helped people feel better all over the world. Susana’s gift is removing long-held emotional traumas from a person’s energy field. A survivor of two traumatic brain injuries, she helps people with traumatic brain injuries, strokes, ALS, Asperger’s, epilepsy, or brain trauma-induced illnesses like severe allergies that do not respond to accepted medical treatments. Ask her: What is medical intuition? Why is energy healing effective when allopathic medicine is stumped? What insights does she offer on COVID? Contact Susana Stoica at (248) 895-5784; healingbraininjury@gmail.com
12. ==> Make the Second Half of Your Life the BEST Half
As we age, some things deteriorate, and many aspects of life can get harder. However, it’s also true that plenty of things get better. That’s the message of Joe Swinger, who specializes in helping adults in midlife enjoy the VIP life — one marked by greater vibrancy, impact, and purpose. Joe is the creator of the Silver Linings Network, which he established to encourage happiness, success, and emotional health in midlife and later years. Invite him on your show to learn what you should focus on (besides money) as you approach and dive into retirement years. Ask him: What helps aging boomers recreate themselves, make a difference, and stay relevant — especially during challenging years like 2021? What skills and qualities (in addition to awareness, maturity, experience and motivation) can bring new opportunities and satisfaction in the second half of life? How can people love and appreciate life at every age? Contact Joe Swinger at (385) 425-6705; joeswinger@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Why Flip Flops Are the Footwear of the Moment
Aside from being fun to wear, flip-flops can also help define us, and enable us to live our best lives. So says former Miss America contestant, author and humorist Jane Jenkins Herlong. “Since life has flipped on us, we need to survive with humor, productivity and occupying our minds in healthy ways,” she says. “It’s okay to laugh!” Jane can reveal how to put rhinestones on your flip-flops, literally and metaphorically, in order to shine. She is the award-winning author of four books including “Rhinestones on My Flip-Flops,” and has recorded music CDs and personal growth and comedy DVDs. Her comedy is featured on Sirius XM-97. Contact Jane Jenkins Herlong at (803) 599-2941, JHerlong@rtirguests.com
14. ==> What If Death Is Just the Beginning of Life?
You might think the subject of death would feel heavy, but what if it doesn’t have to be? Interview Laura Formentini, author of “21 Olive Trees: One Mother’s Walk Through the Grief of Suicide to Hope and Healing,” to find out. Laura will give you an intimate look at coping with loss and embracing acceptance that intrigues, inspires, and gives hope to an audience looking for answers about life and death, and how to transform grief into something beautiful like creating an animal sanctuary in Italy or helping orphans in Kenya. Ready to journey into joy? Laura is a child welfare activist, an advocate to prevent cruelty to animals, a philanthropist and a photographer who works all over the world. As her: How can we reinvent life through conscious awareness of life’s daily miracles? How can we use the power of choice to turn our darkness into joy? Contact Laura Formentini at (860) 966-2652; info@lauraformentini.com
15. ==> NYT Best-Selling Authors: Why Is Everyone Going Vegan?
Back in 2014, just 1 percent of Americans were vegans. Fast-forward to today — in the last five years, the number of self-identified vegans has skyrocketed 600%. Impossible burgers are now available at Burger King, KFC, and Taco Bell. And sales of dairy and meat alternatives grew by 20% in U.S. supermarkets in 2018 — that’s a $3 billion surge in coconut milk yogurt, tempeh bacon, and the like. What’s happening? Ask New York Times best-selling authors Kathy Freston and Gene Stone. The authors of “72 Reasons to Be Vegan: Why Plant-Based. Why Now” will discuss the health benefits of going vegan and how to transition to a more plant-based diet, the environmental benefits of cutting out meat, and how veganism could lessen the risk of future pandemics. Kathy Freston has written multiple health and wellness books and has appeared on Ellen, Dr. Oz, Good Morning America, and many other national shows. Gene Stone is a journalist, editor and the author of many books including “Forks Over Knives.” They are individually available for interviews. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com
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