- Should Business Fight Voter Suppression Laws?
- Air Travel Is Up, But Is it Safe to Fly?
- What You Didn’t Know: Origins of the Klu Klux Klan
- Super Science Stories: Mindboggling Bioengineering Marvels
- April 22 is Earth Day: Is What You Eat Helping or Hurting?
- Beloved Wildlife Expert Diagnosed with Dementia
- Why is Everyone Leaving California?
- Seriously, Humor Makes You a Better Boss
- PBS Host Shares Secrets to ‘Simply Delicious Living’
- Are You a Carrier of the ‘Trauma Virus’?
- Spring Cleaning Isn’t Just for Grownups
- Why Parents Should Put Themselves First
- The Myth about the 5 Stages of Grief
- ‘Death is Not the End of Life,’ Says the Undertaker’s Daughter
- Advantages Doubters Have that Self-Confident People Miss
1.==> Should Business Fight Voter Suppression Laws?
One hundred business leaders met over Zoom this weekend to discuss plans to fight GOP voter suppression legislation. The move comes after dozens of Black executives called out corporate America for failing to stand up for racial justice. Urban economist and tech guru Ida Byrd-Hill applauds the leaders, saying political power leads to economic power. “From the very start of our country, corporations supported and sponsored laws that led to institutional bias in hiring, compensation, mortgage financing, sales, services, supplier contracts and location of their headquarters to substantiate the economic growth of white Americans. The passage of restrictive voting rights laws highlights how this behavior continues within corporations today.” A Black conservative for the past 35 years, Byrd-Hill says the GOP is trying to block the growing political and economic power of women, Blacks and Asians. Ida Byrd-Hill is CEO of Automation Workz, a diversity consulting and cybersecurity job training company. She has appeared on “Good Morning America,” numerous radio stations and podcasts, and in Essence Magazine. Her latest book is “Invisible Talent Market.” Contact her at (313) 483-2126; ida@autoworkz.org
- ==> Air Travel Is Up, But Is it Safe to Fly?
The advice on air travel is a little confusing right now. Fully vaccinated people have been told it’s OK to travel within the U.S., but officials are still discouraging non-essential travel due to the rising numbers of COVID-19 infections. So, how do you know what’s safe? Linsey Marr, who studies the airborne transmission of COVID, says there are three factors to consider. “How prevalent is the virus in the population? If it’s highly prevalent, then there’s a good chance that someone who is infected is going to be on a plane,” Marr says. “Is everyone masked? That’s also very important,” she adds. “Finally, air travel safety could be improved if airlines and manufacturers install and use HEPA filters properly in more planes. Proper filtration is a key to safe air travel.” Marr is world-renowned for her 2011 discovery that influenza can hover in air for an hour via respiratory microscopic droplets called aerosols. Over the last year she has been flying with a carbon dioxide monitor, conducting a one-woman unscientific survey of air quality during boarding and deplaning. Linsey Marr is a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Tech. Contact her at (540) 231-6071; lmarr@vt.edu
- ==> What You Didn’t Know: Origins of the Klu Klux Klan
Get ready for a history lesson as Linda Gordon shares her comprehensive investigation into the origins of the Klu Klux Klan and sheds light on the transformation of the post-Civil War KKK into a mainstream social movement among the Anglo-Saxon middle class in the 1920s. Hear how the Klan, which started as a terrorist group in the 1870s, evolved into a new iteration that took hold largely above the Mason-Dixon, with particularly strong roots in Oregon and Illinois. Learn how this 20th-century revival drew nearly six million members and how by operating in broad daylight, within the confines of democracy (even electing hundreds to public office), the Klan influenced the trajectory of “Americanism.” Hear why Gordon says the biggest Klan victory was much less visible and remains far more urgent: the movement of the 1920s altered the threshold for tolerable public discourse for decades. Linda Gordon is a professor of history at New York University and the author of several books including “The Second Coming of the KKK.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com
4.==> Super Science Stories: Mindboggling Bioengineering Marvels
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
- ==> April 22 is Earth Day: Is What You Eat Helping or Hurting?
April 22 is Earth Day, a time to think about the impact of what we do has on the planet. Interview health coach Ximena Yanez to find out five ways what you are putting in your mouth might be ruining the environment as well as five simple things you could easily do to turn this around. Ask her: does eating organic produce really matter? What’s so bad about GMO ingredients? What should you include in every meal? Ximena (pronounced He-men-a) is the author of the upcoming book “Healthy Planet, Healthy You: Invest Now in the Transformational Change That Will Ensure Our Future” and the former CFO of an environmental fund. Contact her at (720) 277-8617; xiyaso@gmail.com
- ==> Beloved Wildlife Expert Diagnosed with Dementia
Jack Hanna’s family has announced the 76-year-old animal and wildlife expert is retiring after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Famous for his TV appearances over the years, Hanna’s condition has deteriorated quickly in recent months and his family says he can no longer participate in public life as he used to. It’s not easy for families to talk about a loved one’s diagnosis because of the stigma surrounding the disease. As a devoted caregiver and husband of someone who was diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s in her fifties, Carlen Maddux can discuss what it’s like to have a loved one who fades away even as they continue to live. He can share early warning signs and treatment options along with the biggest challenges for loved ones and tips for caregivers. Maddux has appeared on numerous shows. He’s the author of “A Path Revealed.” Contact him at (727) 351-8321; CMaddux@rtirguests.com
- ==> Why is Everyone Leaving California?
Whatever happened to the Golden State? Why are Californians fleeing by the millions? Is our nation, including your state, following in California’s footsteps? Interview California-based author, columnist and speaker Rick Elkin who explores these topics in his new book, “The Illusion of Knowledge: Why So Many Educated Americans Embrace Marxism.” He’ll explain how several generations of well-meaning but gaslighted Californians have turned the nation’s largest state into a Venezuelan-style disaster zone. And why so many successful, well-educated and seemingly patriotic leaders in major institutions of academia, entertainment, social media and communications endorse Marxist social theories. Contact Rick Elkin at (760) 877-1262; RElkin@rtirguests.com
- ==> Seriously, Humor Makes You a Better Boss
What do all great leaders have in common? How do they consistently lead well and inspire others? College professor, prolific author and speaker Teruni Lamberg has extensively researched this topic for her seminars and book, “Leaders Who Lead Successfully.” And she has discovered a quality that separates superior leaders from lackluster or boring ones: the best leaders have a sense of humor that makes followers smile, understand and emulate. Learn more when you interview Teruni and hear her insights about leaders in business, medicine, academia, entertainment, politics, sports, media and more. Ask her how will laughing along with influential people raise your own ability to lead? Why do funny people make the best mentors? Whom does she admire most: Musk, Pelosi, Gates, Spielberg, Fauci, Winfrey, or Goodell? Contact Teruni Lamberg at (775) 451-3086: TLamberg@rtirguests.com
- ==> PBS Host Shares Secrets to ‘Simply Delicious Living’
Invite award-winning TV and movie screenwriter/producer, novelist, lifestyle journalist, and the host of PBS-TV’s “Simply Delicious Living,” Maryann Ridini Spencer to reveal her body-mind-spirit secrets to create instant calm, maintain balance, and find joy in this sometimes stress-filled world. She’ll discuss the importance of keeping a positive mental outlook and explain what “living Aloha” means and how that contributes to creating calm. The author of the award-winning Kate Grace Mystery books, Maryann’s work has appeared on Hallmark Hall of Fame (CBS-TV), the Hallmark Channel, CNN, USA, SyFy, Showtime, and many other outlets. Contact her at (818) 492-9135; mspencer@rtirguests.com
- ==> Are You a Carrier of the ‘Trauma Virus’?
Trauma is embedded in institutions, in our collective stories, and passed down from generation to generation. Scholar and author Dr. Sousan Abadian says that even if you think you haven’t experienced trauma yourself, you can be a carrier of the trauma virus. She says we see trauma footprints today in the riots, insurrection, and rise of far-right extremists and white supremacists and that many of us are unaware of the ways we are carrying the trauma virus that can create fertile ground for radicalization to occur. She’ll explain how you may be infected by trauma or a carrier of trauma without being aware of it because forms of trauma have come to feel ordinary. Dr. Abadian is the author of the forthcoming book “Free Me to Love,” based on her personal experience with “collective trauma” and healing. She has a Ph.D. in political economy and government from Harvard University. Contact Sousan Abadian at (617) 860-2785; sabadian@rtirguests.com
- ==> Spring Cleaning Isn’t Just for Grownups
Spring is in the air! It’s time to open the windows, let the fresh air in and … clean! But spring cleaning isn’t just for grownups. Child behavior expert Rebecah Freeling says spring is also a great time to declutter and organize kids’ spaces — and more importantly — get rid of their extra stuff! She says, “That extra stuff — or lack thereof — really impacts kids’ behavior and their mental health. Eliminating the stuff reduces the overstimulation kids so often experience in today’s world. It also increases the quality of their play and reduces kids’ feelings of entitlement.” Freeling says parents will be amazed at how kids’ behavior improves when toys are reduced to a reasonable minimum. She says despite initial pushback, kids are happier without all the extra junk. Rebecah Freeling is the owner of Wits End Parenting. She consults with schools and speaks on parenting issues and specializes in kids with difficult behaviors. She’s the author of “Your Rules Are Dumb: How to Maintain Your Parental Authority While Creating a Partnership With Your Spirited Child.” Contact her at (510) 619-5920; witsendparenting@gmail.com
- ==> Why Parents Should Put Themselves First
Parenting is stressful, even at the best of times, so how can parents continue to give their all when they feel they’re running on empty? Invite author and speaker Natalie Bonfig to share the importance of parents putting themselves first to do better for their children. She says that if parents are sick, exhausted or stressed, they can’t adequately meet their children’s needs. She points out that mothers, in particular, tend to neglect themselves by putting their children first, but that such self-sacrifice has a heavy price. She’ll tell your audience how to show kids that taking care of your basic needs is smart, not selfish. Her forthcoming book, “Everyday Self-Care and Your High Needs Child,” offers advice for parents of high-needs children on how to reduce stress and make their lives more joyful. Bonfig has been interviewed on podcasts nationwide. Contact her at (651) 419-3137; nbonfig@rtirguests.com
- ==> The Myth about the 5 Stages of Grief
Many of us think there is a set pattern for grieving in which we go from one step to the next. The truth is there aren’t five stages of grief, even though this is the popular perception, and not everyone will go through a pre-determined order, says Emily Thiroux-Threatt, author of “Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief.” “You aren’t doing something wrong if you aren’t going through five stages of grief in the correct order,” she says. “You can have the best grieving experience by doing what serves you. There’s no timeline, no rush to get to acceptance,” she adds. Moreover, she says grief never completely goes away, it just wanes in intensity and you can become more comfortable with it. Emily Thiroux Threatt has extensive personal experience in the grieving process. She holds a master’s degree in English with a concentration in writing and taught writing and composition at the college and university level for over 30 years. Thiroux Threatt conducts workshops, speaking engagements, and retreats on transforming from loss to joy on the mainland of the United States and on Maui, Hawaii. Contact her at (661) 428-3610; emily@lovingandlivingyourwaythroughgrief.com
- ==> ‘Death is Not the End of Life,’ Says the Undertaker’s Daughter
While growing up in a Midwestern funeral home where her dad was an undertaker, Margo Lenmark learned the truth about death. “People send messages in death that are very clear,” she says. “Death is not the end. I have gotten messages from dead people that have helped me to live a better life.” She shares her fascinating experiences and insights in her book “Light in the Mourning: Memoirs of an Undertaker’s Daughter.” The book has received glowing reviews from a number of prominent authors and spiritual leaders including Deepak Chopra. Ask her: What really happens after we take our last breath? Is there an afterlife, and what is it like? Contact Margo at (828) 260-0873; MLenmark@rtirguests.com
- ==> Advantages Doubters Have that Self-Confident People Miss
In our culture, self-confidence is lauded as a virtue. So what happens when doubt creeps in? Does that mean you’re broken? Or could you have an advantage others lack? Invite leadership expert Marc A. Pitman to reveal why doubt can be a surprising gift that forces leaders to look inward to gain special insight. You’ll learn how words in your head can sabotage your efforts and why people who experience doubt are some of the strongest leaders. Pittman’s new book, “The Surprising Gift of Doubt,” provides a framework for leaders to move past feeling like a fraud and manage teams more effectively. Contact him at (317) 751-1610; mpitman@rtirguests.com