01. Have We Been Looking at Trade all Wrong?
02. Conditions Dire in Gaza After Renewed Strikes
03. Be Kind Online Day: Creating a Positive Social Media Space for Teens
04. Where Did the Easter Bunny Come From?
05. A Hidden World That Comes Alive After Dark
06. The White Lotus Effect
07. Common-Sense Money Tips for Today’s Unpredictable Times
08. How to Have a Five-Figure Garage Sale
09. Can Rebels and Scoundrels Also Be Great Leaders?
10. Business Expert Shares How to Really Pay Off the National Debt
11. Meet a Real Life Psychic Detective
12. How to Bully-Proof Your Kids
13. As Seen on ‘Shark Tank’: How to Look Chic at Any Size
14. What Your Past Life Reveals About Your Current Life Choices
15. Get Ready for Cicadas!
1. ==> Have We Been Looking at Trade all Wrong?
Since its founding, the United States has built relationships with other countries through trade. So, where did things go wrong? Edward Alden, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations says, “Right up to Donald Trump in 2016, presidents believed that opening trade around the world was good for U.S. companies, good for those of us who buy the stuff we need for our day-to-day lives, and really good for the U.S. position in the world. It was a big tool for making friends, cementing alliances, making the rest of the world more prosperous, which those presidents saw as in our interest, And there was a fairly well respected set of rules that pretty much every nation in the world abided by.” But Alden says, “Trump is blowing up the rulebook. He’s saying we've been getting screwed by this set of rules for decades now, we're going to tear up the rule book and make our own, and the rest of the world's just going to have to adjust to that. That is profound and destabilizing. We're only in the early stages of it, but it’s a profound and destabilizing change.” Edward Alden teaches international economic policy at Western Washington University. His latest book is “When the World Closed Its Doors: The Covid-19 Tragedy and the Future of Borders.” Contact him at (202) 509-8474; ealden@cfr.org
2. ==> Conditions Dire in Gaza After Renewed Strikes
It’s been a month since Israel cut off humanitarian aid to the Gaza strip and aid agencies say the humanitarian situation there has deteriorated dangerously, with the plight of two million civilians worsened by intensive Israeli military operations. Israeli aircraft continues its strikes in war-ravaged northern Gaza with the death toll growing almost daily amid renewed fighting with no signs of letting up. Among the dead are fifteen Palestinian paramedics and rescue workers, including at least one United Nations employee, who were killed by Israeli forces “one by one” and buried in a mass grave in southern Gaza eight days ago, the UN has said. Invite Jennifer Loewenstein to discuss the current situation, why it’s so difficult to maintain a ceasefire and how that affects the fate of the remaining Israeli hostages. Jennifer Loewenstein is a former associate director of Middle Eastern studies and senior lecturer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has lived in and reported extensively on the Mideast. Contact her at sarinj111@gmail.com
3. ==> Be Kind Online Day: Creating a Positive Social Media Space for Teens
According to some estimates, teens spend an average of nine hours per day online. And that’s excluding schoolwork. This Friday more than 3,300 schools nationwide will celebrate Be Kind Online Day, reflect on their social media use, and commit to creating more welcoming digital spaces for middle school students. The effort is sponsored by Beyond Differences, a youth-led movement to end social isolation in middle schools and create a culture of belonging for everyone. A program of Sandy Hook Promise, it includes downloadable resources for teachers and parents and a student guide to create a Be Kind Online Day at your school. “School safety extends well beyond the classroom,” Nicole Hockley, co-founder and co-CEO of Sandy Hook Promise says. “That’s why it’s vital to equip students with the skills to navigate social media in a way that promotes kindness and connections.” Other Beyond Differences programs include No One Eats Alone and Know Your Classmates. Contact Barbara Zamost at (415) 987-2810
4. ==> Where Did the Easter Bunny Come From?
Parents are dyeing eggs and making baskets 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
5. ==> A Hidden World That Comes Alive After Dark
Invite naturalist and adventurer Charles Hood to take your listeners on a journey into the darkness, revealing the astonishing life that thrives when the sun goes down. The author of “Nature at Night: Discover the Hidden World That Comes Alive After Dark” will bring to life an unseen world, from bioluminescent oceans to stealthy predators of the jungle. In addition to being an author and professor, Hood has also been a factory worker, a ski instructor, a dishwasher, and a nature guide in Africa. Nature study has taken him to all 50 US states, 80 countries, and the South Pole. Along the way he has seen 6,000 species of birds in the wild and 1,000 kinds of mammal. Charles has been lost in a whiteout in Tibet, contracted and survived bubonic plague, and published 20 books and over 800 photographs. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 400-1099; johanna@jrbpr.biz or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
6. ==> The White Lotus Effect
If watching “The White Lotus” had you thinking, “I should book a trip to Thailand,” you’re not alone. When the location of Season 3 was first announced, interest in travel to Thailand skyrocketed. The phenomenon has even been dubbed “the White Lotus effect.” Brenda Prater Sellers understands travel lust and encourages people to lean into their adventurous spirit. She’s climbed Mt. Everest, chatted with celebrities, slept in crazy places and learned a lot of lessons. Bring her on your show to share her story and discuss her travels. Hear about her experiences and mishaps in bizarre locations and staying at the world’s most unique places: an underwater hotel, an ice hotel, sleeping with polar bears, and sleeping in wigwams along Route 66. She’ll share cost-saving travel tips and provide insight into her adventures while encouraging listeners to create their own bucket lists! Brenda is the author of “You Slept Where? Calamities of a Clumsy Businesswoman.” Contact her at (865) 344-1755; bsellers@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Common-Sense Money Tips for Today’s Unpredictable Times
Millions of Americans are worried about money right now, whether they’re living paycheck-to-paycheck, working multiple jobs or carrying large amounts of debt. Monique Gagné, “the Money Mom,” can share her top money tips to better manage your finances in today’s unpredictable economy. Her common sense advice is a must in a culture that encourages us to buy now and pay later. She’ll debunk common money myths and invite your audience to rethink their financial strategy with proven, transformative advice. Learn how to understand your spending habits and smart techniques to break free from debt, including how to embrace a 30-day plan. With a rich IT and fashion design background, and over two decades as a mortgage agent and financial coach, Monique has empowered thousands to reclaim their economic freedom. She is the author and creator of “The Power of Financial Happiness,” and the bestseller, “Who Took My Money?” Contact her at (343) 644-3121; mgagne@rtirguests.com
8. ==> How to Have a Five-Figure Garage Sale
Downsizing and decluttering can be overwhelming, but what if you could turn the painful process into a money-making operation? You’ll look at your stuffed closets and basement boxes in a whole new light when you interview Aaron LaPedis, the Garage Sale Millionaire. Aaron’s journey as an entrepreneur started when he was 9 flipping coins, stamps and baseball cards. By 21 he was a millionaire. Invite him on your show and learn how to have a five-figure garage sale, how to buy and sell online marketplaces and eBay, and the five top scams people are losing money to while buying and selling online. Aaron had a TV show on PBS for many years and continues to be an expert for the FBI. With over 1,000 interviews on radio, podcasts, and TV and 40 years of experience, Aaron could be your next great interview! Contact him at alapedis@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Can Rebels and Scoundrels Also Be Great Leaders?
Historically, sinister characters like Al Capone, Genghis Khan, and Hell's Angel Sonny Barger have been considered villains and thugs. However, Steve Williams believes we can actually learn a lot from them about effective leadership. "These figures personified extreme leadership, shattering the status quo, leading from the front, and decisive decision making," he says. He can share the specific tactics that made these infamous characters such effective head honchos, and how to apply these to one's own path to success. He is the author of six books including "Notorious: Leadership Lessons from History's Most Notorious Leaders," with a forward written by renowned author Jack Canfield, and a certified leadership coach and QMS expert. Contact Steve Williams at (920) 280-1068; swilliams@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Business Expert Shares How to Really Pay Off the National Debt
As political strategist James Carville famously said, "It's the economy, stupid!" The U.S. economy has, indeed dominated the news for months, with concerns about the current chaos and the spiraling deficit. "The deficit grew from almost nothing just 40 years ago to now more than $34 trillion," says author and business expert Mitch Francis. "Can you picture how successful the U.S. would be if it had no deficit, no interest payments, and was required to spend no more that the taxes bring in?" While this may seem far-fetched, Mitch can share with audiences how this could actually happen. Mitch is the author of "Bad-Ass Solutions For Today's Big-Ass Problems." He has an extensive business background as founder and CEO of publicly traded and private companies and develops, owns, and manages commercial real estate across the U.S. Contact Mitch Francis at (424) 380-4561; Mfrancis@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Meet a Real Life Psychic Detective
Nancy Orlen Weber is a true expert in psychic investigations, animal communication and spiritual development. For the past 45 years the author of “The Life of a Psychic Detective” has worked with law enforcement agencies as a psychic detective and has received an honorary Chief of Detectives badge and a Sheriff's commendation for her work. Invite Nancy on your show to hear about her work with law enforcement and how she helped solve real-life mysteries. A fascinating guest, Nancy will also reveal how listeners can tap into the ex¬traordinary power of their own soul’s guidance to find their inner wisdom and develop deeper connections with people and animals, unlock their life’s purpose, and navigate challenges with clarity and confidence. Contact Nancy Orlen Weber at (973) 453-0906; NWeber@rtirguests.com
12. ==> How to Bully-Proof Your Kids
Kids are being bullied in record numbers. The effects can range from severe anxiety and depression to suicide. Such was the tragic case when 11-year-old Jocelynn Rojo took her own life after being bullied by classmates regarding her family’s immigration status. Jack Gindi claims that we need to teach our kids to be resilient in the face of such abuse. "Real resilience isn't built by avoiding pain or by force and struggle," he says. "It's built by teaching them how to navigate life's challenges with confidence and grace." This led him to found the I Believe in Me program, which provides kids and parents with practical tools for building self-esteem, managing emotions, and setting achievable goals. Contact Jack Gindi at (719) 751-8807; jgindi@rtirguests.com
13. ==> As Seen on ‘Shark Tank’: How to Look Chic at Any Size
For a fun show on looking and feeling your best no matter what your size, invite Gayla Bently to amp up the energy and wow your audience. You may have seen Bentley impressing the judges on ‘Shark Tank’ a few seasons back. She is a pioneer in size-inclusive fashion who shares tips to elevate style—no matter the size or budget. With years of fashion experience in Paris and at Saks Fifth Avenue, Gayla blends timeless elegance with practicality. From poorly fitting undergarments to cookie-cutter trends, she’ll show listeners how to refine their look with what they already own. Gayla’s wit and wisdom will leave audiences laughing, learning and feeling confident. Gayla Bentley is the author of “Fashion’s Stepsister: A Journey to Style!” Contact her at (936) 261-7713; gbentley@rtirguests.com
14. ==> What Your Past Life Reveals About Your Current Life Choices
Do you feel like you’ve known your partner forever? Could you have been together in a past life? And can your past lives explain your current life choices and patterns? Alla Kaluzhny, a licensed therapist and hypnotherapist, delivers insight that will inspire your audience to rethink their connections and choices. During this one-of-a-kind show, Alla will share her most unforgettable past-life experiences and explain how past lives influence love, friendships, and behaviors. She’ll answer your questions about déjà vu, karmic ties, and recurring patterns and explore how past-life memories can help resolve today’s conflicts. Alla Kaluzhny is the author of two thought-provoking reincarnation memoirs including “Turning New Pages.” Contact her at (213) 459-3509; akaluzhny@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Get Ready for Cicadas!
It’s that time of year again: A new brood of cicadas is preparing to emerge. This spring, Brood XIV is set to make itself known in 13 U.S. states, though Kentucky and Tennessee are expected to experience the brunt of it. Gene Kritsky, the founder of Cicada Safari, a group that crowdsources and reviews data on cicadas, says the insects will likely start to emerge in the next couple of weeks, or after a “good rain.” The cicadas, which are initially burrowed underground, emerge once soil temperatures reach 64 to 65 degrees, he says. How long will they stick around? “It takes about two full weeks for the great bulk of the cicadas to come out,” he says. “Once they start coming out at a specific location, that starts the clock. You’ll have cicadas at that location for the next six weeks.” Kritsky can answer all your cicada questions. Cicada Safari was created by Kritsky working with the Center for IT Engagement at Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati. Contact Gene Kritsky, Ph.D., M.S. at (513) 244-4401; gene.kritsky@msj.edu (put Press in the subject line)
