01. Why the Abortion Pill Decision Is So Dangerous
02. Why Doesn’t the U.S. Hold Autocrats Accountable?
03. The Growing Debate Over Transgender Athletes
04. Earth Day Interview: Why Environmentalists Should Hunt
05. College Students to Send First American Rover to Moon
06. Is a College Education Still Worth It?
07. For 4/20: The Racist History of Cannabis
08. What is Kratom and Why Does the FDA Want to Ban it?
09. Spring Health: How to Be Your Own Health Advocate
10. April Is Math Awareness Month: Myths About Girls and Math
11. Were You Programmed to Fail?
12. Is Life Coaching the Answer to Improving Kids’ Mental Health?
13. How to Afford Everything You Want
14. This Guest May Change Your Mind about Reincarnation
15. Surprising Things We Avoid That Can Actually Make Us Happy
1. ==> Why the Abortion Pill Decision Is So Dangerous
Joshua M. Sharfstein calls a federal judge’s decision to invalidate the Federal Drug Administration’s approval of mifepristone shocking and irresponsible. Sharfstein, who worked at the FDA, says undermining the agency is a threat to the health and safety of millions of Americans. He says the medication has been used safely by hundreds of thousands of women each year to help terminate pregnancies as part of a two-pill regimen. “For what appears to be the first time, a court has invalidated an agency drug approval — an approval that was based on extensive review of scientific evidence, earned the unanimous support of outside experts and retains, after two decades, the full backing of major professional medical organizations.” Sharfstein says the decision is so stunning that it is reasonable to ask whether courts should have any role in reviewing the FDA.’s scientific decision-making at all. Dr. Joshua Sharfstein is a professor at the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins. He was principal deputy commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration from 2009 to 2011. Contact him at (443) 424-8490; joshua.sharfstein@jhu.edu
2. ==> Why Doesn’t the U.S. Hold Autocrats Accountable?
President Joe Biden recently held his second Summit for Democracy to galvanize democratic countries to work toward advancing democracy within their own borders. But with authoritarianism on the rise across the globe, Jon Temin says the U.S. needs a plan to hold autocrats accountable for their actions. “Biden has rightly emphasized humility in foreign policy, given that the health of the United States’ own democracy is not what it once was. But to mount a credible defense of democracy abroad, Washington and its partners would need to challenge authoritarian and authoritarian-leaning governments, not just bolster democratic reformers.” He says, “Washington cannot advance the cause of democracy simply by bolstering those who champion it, as the first two years of the Biden administration have shown. The United States must also confront the authoritarians responsible for democratic decline.” Jon Temin is vice president of policy and programs at the Truman Center for National Policy. From 2014 to 2017, he served on the U.S. Department of State’s Policy Planning staff. Contact him at press@trumancnp.org
3. ==> The Growing Debate Over Transgender Athletes
Schools and colleges across the U.S. would be forbidden from enacting outright bans on transgender athletes under a proposal by the Biden administration, but teams could create some limits in certain cases — for example, to ensure fairness. The proposed rule sends a political counterpunch toward a wave of Republican-led states that have sought to ban trans-athletes from competing in school sports that align with their gender identities. If finalized, the proposal would become enshrined as a provision of Title IX, the landmark gender-equity legislation enacted in 1972. Invite John Sovec, a psychotherapist who specializes in working with LGBT teens and their families, to discuss the issue and what he sees as the way to solve it. Sovec is the author of “Out: A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Your LGBTQIA+ Kid Through Coming Out and Beyond.” He has been featured on “The Riki Lake Show,” OWN, Fox, “The Advocate,” LA Talk Radio, “The Huffington Post” and more. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103
4. ==> Earth Day Interview: Why Environmentalists Should Hunt
Can an environmentalist also be a hunter? Brant MacDuff is a conservation historian and jack-of-many-trades who lives in Brooklyn, New York, and defies common perceptions of who hunts and why. Invite the avid environmentalist on your show to gain a deeper understanding of how hunting protects public lands, supports sustainable ecosystems, encourages biodiversity, can help bridge social and political divides — and how hunting can be an act of conservation. MacDuff will share his personal journey from hating hunting as a child to learning whole-animal butchering at one of New York’s most prestigious butchers to working as a taxidermist and holding hunting licenses in four states. Hear the provocative, humorous, and insightful story of how he became a hunter and the colorful characters, big personalities, and firsthand research that helped change his mind.
MacDuff is the author of “The Shotgun Conservationist: Why Environmentalists Should Love Hunting.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell)
5. ==> College Students to Send First American Rover to Moon
On May 4, the first American-made lunar rover, dubbed Iris, will begin its month-long journey to the moon. In addition to being the first American device of its kind, Iris is unique in that the people manning the mission controls aren’t NASA scientists — they’re college students. “Hundreds of students have poured thousands of hours into Iris. We’ve worked for years toward this mission,” says Raewyn Duvall, a research associate at Carnegie Mellon University and the mission commander. Once Iris is launched to space aboard the Peregrine lunar lander next month, students will monitor and control the rover — which is also the smallest and lightest moon rover in history — from Carnegie Mellon’s Pittsburgh campus, working in shifts to maintain constant contact. And in a fun coincidence for sci-fi nerds, the launch date coincides with Star Wars Day, the informal holiday celebrated on “May the fourth” because of the film franchise’s catchphrase, “May the force be with you.” Contact Aaron Aupperlee at (412) 268-9068; aaupperlee@cmu.edu
6. ==> Is a College Education Still Worth It?
The average tuition per year at a four-year college is more than $25,000, with in-state students or their parents spending upwards of $102,000 to get that degree. What is more, the average in-state student begins their life after graduation with $37,000 in debt. With those kinds of numbers it is incumbent on doing all one can to be sure that a college investment — in time, dollars, and effort — pays off. And that’s where the advice of author and college readiness coach Alicia J. Moore can be crucial to your audience, particularly at high school graduation time. Moore is the author of “Crushing It in College: Your 7-Step Guide to an Awesome Adventure.” Moore talks to audiences at high schools and colleges across the country about why a college education is even more important today, despite the costs, when it comes to future employment prospects, and developing self-confidence and critical thinking. Contact Alicia J. Moore at (408) 569-1267; aliciajmoore@comcast.net
7. ==> For 4/20: The Racist History of Cannabis
4/20 has become known as a national holiday for cannabis culture. It’s also an opportunity for a discussion about the racist history of cannabis. Hear how the War on Drugs targeted Black, brown, and indigenous Americans already disadvantaged by a system stacked against them and whether the current legalization movement and booming cannabis industry are doing enough to repair the damage. Akwasi Owusu-Bempah and Tahira Rehmatullah call the War on Drugs one of the worst social and political failures in the nation’s history. The authors of “Waiting to Inhale: Cannabis Legalization and the Fight for Racial Justice” argue that with attitudes toward cannabis shifting, now is the time to expunge marijuana convictions and make a place in the burgeoning legal cannabis market for Blacks and other underrepresented groups who have borne the brunt of harsh cannabis laws. Akwasi Owusu-Bempah is a sociology professor at the University of Toronto, an affiliate scientist at Canada’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and the director of research for the Campaign for Cannabis Amnesty. Tahira Rehmatullah is a partner at Highlands Venture Partners, co-founder and CEO of Commons, and a member of the board of directors for Akerna Corp and Last Prisoner Project. She is often referred to in the trade press as “the most powerful woman in cannabis.” Contact Lissa Warren at LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com; (617) 233-2853
8. ==> What Is Kratom and Why Does the FDA Want to Ban It?
Cindy Perlin believes kratom could help end the opioid crisis. The Southeast Asian herb has been used for centuries to relieve pain and has helped millions to overcome opioid addiction because it relieves withdrawal symptoms. But Perlin says the FDA has gone to extraordinary lengths to keep it from patients, even asking the WHO to ban it internationally (they declined). Perlin, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, certified biofeedback practitioner and chronic pain survivor, will explain how the herb works, who could benefit from it, and why the FDA is against it. She says getting this information to your audience could save lives. The author of “The Truth About Chronic Pain Treatments: The Best and Worst Strategies for Becoming Pain Free” and the founder and CEO of the Alternative Pain Treatment Directory, is a seasoned radio guest who has appeared on dozens of radio shows and podcasts. Contact her at (518) 439-6431 cindyperlin@gmail.com
9. ==> Spring Health: How to Be Your Own Health Advocate
Chances are your lifestyle choices are hurting you, but there are countless things you can do to improve your health and postpone the onset of chronic disease. Emily Gold Mears says spring is the perfect time to take small steps toward better health. Forget the urge to change everything at once, Mears says, “Every incremental change you make will result in a positive impact. Every lifestyle alteration will contribute to your living a longer, healthier and happier life.” She’ll share ways to reduce your toxin exposure at home, explain why you should prioritize your oral health, and reveal the surprising benefits of optimizing your indoor light exposure. Emily Gold Mears is a former attorney and a citizen scientist whose research focuses on the intersection of functional and allopathic medicine and the critical requirements for individuals to become their own health-care advocates. She is the author of “Optimizing Your Health: An Approachable Guide to Reducing Your Risk of Chronic Disease.” Contact her at emily@emilygoldmears.com; egoldmears@aol.com
10. ==> April Is Math Awareness Month: Myths About Girls and Math
It’s long been believed that girls lack math skills. “That’s a myth!” says author and STEM professor Chris A. Goldberg. “In fact, female students tend to perform better than boys in math. But they suffer from lower confidence and a lack of role models in the STEM-related fields and do not pursue these careers, according to a recent study.” Chris can share how girls can get their inspiration from such role models as mathematician Dr. Gladys B. West, an African American woman credited for the major calculations that led to the development of the Global Positioning System (GPS). He is the author of “Aliyah and The STEMsational Problem-Solvers: What’s Cooking?” Contact Chris at (973) 576-5841; cgoldberg@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Were You Programmed to Fail?
Many parents, teachers and society in general set kids up for failure due to their family backgrounds, ethnicity and or socio-economic circumstances. Sadly, this programming often lasts into adulthood. But Dr. Carl Barnes claims that embracing failure as a path to success is the key to overcoming this programming. “Failure is a great learning tool,” he says. “The key to succeeding against all odds is unbridled resilience and turning pain into purpose.” Carl was repeatedly rejected in the realms of academia, career and romance. But he eventually overcame the odds and went on to a 35-year career in the military, ultimately becoming a Navy chaplain; and earned five degrees including a doctorate of ministry in leadership. Carl is the author of “Resilient Sailing: 10 Lessons to Persevere in Life’s Stormy Seas,” and conducts life coaching workshops and online courses. Contact him at (407) 809-8047; cbarnes@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Is Life Coaching the Answer to Improving Kids’ Mental Health?
With child mental health declared a national emergency, experts calling for new solutions, parents looking for help, and children suffering needlessly, there’s never been a more urgent time to talk about the gap in children’s mental health: prevention. Renaye Thornborrow can share how life coaching can help children navigate the ups and downs of growing up so that they are confident and prepared to thrive in life. Since 2013, Renaye has certified hundreds of child life coaches in 30-plus countries who use her story-based coaching curriculum to help children develop 27 mindset skills for self-esteem, confidence, resilience, happiness, and success. Renaye is the CEO of Adventures in Wisdom and creator of the WISDOM Coach Certification Program. Ask her: What is life coaching for kids? How is life coaching different from counseling? How can coaching benefit children? Contact Renaye Thornborrow at (512) 222-6659; renaye@AdventuresInWisdom.com
13. ==> How to Afford Everything You Want
Stop living paycheck to paycheck. Stop drowning in debt. Stop robbing Peter to pay Paul. April is Financial Literacy Month and a great time to start on a path to achieve your financial dreams. Invite financial literacy coach Jill Russo Foster to share her personal story so you don’t make the mistakes she did. “In my 20s, I maxed out 27 credit cards!” she says. “I was able to pay off all my debt and learn how to have thriving finances. My credit cards are paid in full each month, my FICO credit score is 800-plus and I have money saved in the bank to buy or do whatever I want.” She’ll share how she did it and how you can afford anything you want. Jill is the author of “Cash, Credit and Your Finances: The Teen Years,” “Thrive in Five: Take Charge of Your Finances in 5 Minutes a Day” and “111 Ways to Save.” Contact Jill Russo Foster at jill@jillrussofoster.com
14. ==> This Guest May Change Your Mind about Reincarnation
After experiencing a traumatic brain injury due to falling at home, author Jennifer Maag became extremely empathic and developed a keen sense that she has lived before. “I have been provided with some jarring past life experiences that I seemingly did nothing to stir up,” she says. “Reliving these past-life experiences proved insightful; it allowed me to make peace with the emotions I had carried into this present life.” Jennifer can demonstrate how to determine if we have lived before, and the ways our past lives impact our current lives. She is a licensed massage therapist and co-author along with her son, Alexander Maag, of the critically acclaimed book “Take on God,” which explores how to transform our inner battles into healing tools to live our best lives. Contact her at (419) 969-3259; jmaag@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Surprising Things We Avoid That Can Actually Make Us Happy
People tend to avoid things like rejection, discomfort, criticism, and failure. However, most people are unaware of how quickly this can lead to unhappiness. Jennifer Hughes reveals the surprising things we try to steer clear of that can make us happy. She’ll also reveal what won’t make you happy — such as being right, doing whatever you want, and making no mistakes. This author, parenting expert, and certified life coach who has worked with Jack Canfield points out the many ways people choose to be unhappy without knowing it. Interview her for an eye-opening show and some shocking advice your audience won’t forget. Ask her: What are some ways people choose to be unhappy? How does avoiding rejection, criticism, and failure make you unhappy? Why is focusing on yourself counterproductive to your happiness? Can being late make you happy? Contact Jennifer Hughes at (480) 745-2113; jhughes@rtirguests.com