01. Stop! Safety Concerns Over J&J Shot
02. The U.S. is Leaving Afghanistan, But How?
03. Interview Producer of A&E’s ‘I Survived a Crime’
04. Space Talk: Ingenuity Gearing Up for First Flight
05. Prince Philip: Who Will Be the Monarchy’s New Modernizer?
06. Back to the Journey! Plan Your Next Adventure
07. Brace for an Early and Bad Wildfire Season
08. This Therapist Says Racism is a Mental Illness
09. What to Know About COVID-19 and Your Gut
10. How to Get Turned-Off Students to Tune In
11. Is it Time for a Self-Confidence Makeover?
12. Award-Winning Medium Answers Your Questions
13. Post-Quarantine Relationship Pick-Me-Ups
14. Sick and Misunderstood: Mother of Four with Rare Disease
15. ‘Free Byrd’ – Go Ahead, Live a Little
1. ==> Stop! Safety Concerns Over J&J Shot
Advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention met Wednesday to review blood clot cases among people who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommended a pause in the use of the single-shot vaccine after “six reported U.S. cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot.” The six cases were among more than 6.8 million Americans who have received a dose of that vaccine. Invite pharmaceutical technologies expert Dean Fanelli to discuss what the pause means in terms of the vaccine’s safety, what people who have received the vaccine should know, and what this means for those who were scheduled to receive a dose. Dean Fanelli, Ph.D., is a partner in the intellectual property department of Seyfarth Shaw LLP’s Washington D.C. office. His focus is on pharmaceutical- and chemical-related technologies. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; (919) 377-1200 or ryan@goldmanmccormick.com
2. ==> The U.S. is Leaving Afghanistan, But How?
Hours after the Biden administration announced that the remaining 3,500 American troops will return from Afghanistan by the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, a Taliban spokesperson announced a refusal to join U.S.-facilitated peace talks between the Islamic group and the Afghan government. Historian and foreign-policy expert Max Boot can explain Biden’s choices for getting U.S. troops out, how the Taliban is likely to respond moving forward, and why he believes a complete withdrawal could be disastrous. Max Boot is the Jeane J. Kirkpatrick senior fellow in national security studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and a columnist for the Washington Post. He is the author of “The Road Not Taken” and “Corrosion of Conservatism.” Contact him at communications@cfr.org; @MaxBoo
3. ==> Interview Producer of A&E’s ‘I Survived a Crime’
As you might expect, A&E’s new half-hour series “I Survived a Crime” features survivors’ stories. But in a twist on the conventional true-crime series, it also analyzes each person’s choice of either avoiding confrontation or fighting back. Produced by Michel Bryant, the show mixes survivors recounting their stories with video from security cameras, cell phones, dash cams and hidden cameras that captures the crimes in vivid detail. Bryant says the idea behind the show was to explore the difficult and split-second decisions a person faces when confronted with a life-or-death-type situation. The series airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on A&E. Michel Bryant is also a host on Dan Abrams’ Law and Crime Network. He was a correspondent and anchor for Court TV and a correspondent for the syndicated shows “A Current Affair” and “Extra!” Bryant is available for interviews Wednesday, April 21. Contact Mark Goldman at (516) 639-0988 (call/text); mark@goldmanmccormick.com
4. ==> Space Talk: Ingenuity Gearing Up for First Flight
Despite some software glitches, Ingenuity, the little helicopter that tagged along to Mars with NASA’s Perseverance rover, is getting ready to make history with the first attempt at powered flight on another planet. Invite space expert Rod Pyle to discuss what’s happening with NASA’s first astrobiology mission since the Viking landers of the 1970s. “The ultimate goal is to search for signs of ancient life on Mars, but Perseverance will also study Mars’ climate and geology and collect samples that will eventually be returned to Earth by the 2030s,” he says. Rod Pyle worked at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Johnson Space Center and has produced numerous documentaries for the History Channel and Discovery Communications. A media veteran, he appears regularly on radio and TV and is the author of more than a dozen books including “Destination Mars” and “First on the Moon: The Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Experience.” Contact him at (626) 399-4440; rodpyle@yahoo.com; Skype: rodpyle106
5. ==> Prince Philip: Who Will Be the Monarchy’s New Modernizer?
British journalist James Rodgers says Prince Philip’s death is a moment in British history, both for what it recalls and for what it presages about the monarchy itself. “While a 99-year-old prince might seem an unlikely modernizer, that is indeed what Philip was when he entered the royal family. With his death comes an inevitable period of reflection, and the conclusion must be that to face the challenges of the current century, the House of Windsor needs a new modernizer.” Rodgers says Philip’s death could help heal the current family rift involving Harry and Meghan. “Beyond the royal circle, the House of Windsor needs to seek new ways to engage with the public, especially those members of the younger generation who sympathize with Harry and Meghan. The queen will be 95 this month, so generational change is surely coming.” James Rodgers is associate professor of international journalism at City University of London. Contact him at +44 (0)20 7040 3593; james.rodgers.2@city.ac.uk or @jmacrodgers
6. ==> Back to the Journey! Plan Your Next Adventure
You may not be able to spend the summer in Europe this year, but Americans are gearing up to go wherever they can. Whether you’re planning a family road trip or a future trek abroad, travel and culture journalist Judith Fein can help you make the most of your next journey. She says, “Following advice from Trip Advisor and guidebooks and relying on 10-Best lists is old-school! If you make a checklist of sites and reserve all the recommended hotels and restaurants, you’ll just return with the same photos and experiences as everyone else!” Judith will explain how listeners can develop a new traveler mindset and share ways to get started right away. You’ll also hear ways the pandemic has changed how we’ll travel in the future and how to nurture your wanderlust while stuck at home for whatever reason. Judith Fein is an author and TEDx speaker with extensive media experience. Contact her at (505) 982-9248; judie@GlobalAdventure.us
7. ==> Brace for an Early and Bad Wildfire Season
Get your air filter ready — the wildfire season is starting early this year. Just as the freshly vaccinated start to resume barbecues and vacation travel in the coming months, wildfires are likely to force residents of Western states back inside. Seventy-six percent of the Western U.S. is in a drought and experts say that likely means another bad wildfire season. Time to interview James Moseley, CEO of Sun FireDefense. His California-based company defends life and property from wildfire every year. Ask him: What keeps many wildfires burning with such intensity? What role does climate change play? What can people do to protect themselves and bounce back? How can we save firefighters’ lives? What do you expect for this year’s wildfire season? Contact James Moseley at (818) 486-4662; jmoseley@rtirguests.com
8. ==> This Therapist Says Racism is a Mental Illness
Are hate crimes a mental health problem? How about the behavior of those who make racist comments? Explore this timely controversial issue with Howard Bronson, a marriage and family therapist and author of 16 books. Bronson says we already have the means to end racist thinking through sensitivity training, but we need to coordinate. Ask him: How did we get to this place where gossip and divisiveness have gotten so out of hand? What is gossip and what is its relationship to racism? With over 40 years of therapy experience, Howard Bronson has appeared on “CBS This Morning” and NBC’s “Today” show and done more than 1,000 radio interviews. His new book is “Speak Up: How Gossip Has Transformed Racism and Misinformation into a Primary Mental Illness.” Contact him at (802) 373-2921; howard_bronson@yahoo.com
9. ==> What to Know About COVID-19 and Your Gut
COVID-19 has righty been blamed for everything from deadly lung issues and brain fog to the loss of taste and smell. But what about the coronavirus’ effects on your digestive system? Can your gut protect you from COVID-19? What do people with inflammatory bowel disease need to know about the virus? How is COVID-19 leading to more gut issues for more people? Explore this timely topic with Stanford-trained physician Jeff Lazarus, M.D., who will educate your audience about gut responses to the pandemic, plus possible solutions. Dr. Lazarus has developed the “Controlling Your Gut Feelings” program using a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy, medical hypnosis, and motivational interviewing techniques to assist young patients and adults. Contact Dr. Lazarus at (216) 202-3112; jlazarusmd@rtirguests.com
10. ==> How to Get Turned-Off Students to Tune In
Countless students across America are feeling disengaged and uninspired. Their schools are not deliberately creating a negative, tune-out atmosphere. So what’s happening and how can educators, administrators, coaches and parents help our centers of learning improve? Educator and author Paul Bernabei is spearheading a movement to encourage and benefit students, which ultimately boosts our nation’s future. Ask him: What has become seemingly invisible for school students these days? How has an epidemic of “I’m neither good enough nor smart enough” started attacking student populations nationwide? What easily implemented strategies will create a safe environment for students, especially during stressful times? Bernabei is the author of “Why Students Disengage in American Schools and What We Can Do About It.” Contact him at (651) 470-3827; PBernabei@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Is it Time for a Self-Confidence Makeover?
Forget when you left the house last? Still living in sweats and T-shirts? It’s been a very rough year and even though the pandemic is easing in many places, many of us are still struggling to feel confident about the future and ourselves. A fitness trainer, health coach, and founder and CEO of The Knockout Room, Demi Dee can share simple ways to boost self-confidence. She’ll tell you why you should look closely at the titles of the books that surround you for hidden messages that may be negatively impacting you and ways the people you follow on Instagram may be making you feel bad. Demi and The Knockout Room have appeared in UpJourney, CEO Blog Nation, Insider, Business Insider, Elite Daily, Bustle, 24life.com, Women on Topp, Authority Magazine, and Thrive Global. Contact Demi Dee at (866) 857-4376; media@theknockoutroom.com
12. ==> Award-Winning Medium Answers Your Questions
What does a medium really do? How can a psychic help people who are struggling in life? Find out when you bring Beth Lynch on your show. She’ll reveal how a deeper sense of spirituality can heal us at any age. Learn what’s missing in modern life, the surprising benefits of prayer and meditation, and spiritual-based remedies for anxiety and loss. Whether your show is about relationships, news, family, business, money, health, or the unexplained — there’s an audience for Beth Lynch! Ask her: What do dreams often signify? How do you strengthen your ideals in such a difficult year? How does spirituality enhance wellness, relationships, and even finances? What does it take to communicate with the afterlife? Beth Lynch has been practicing and teaching spiritual principles and meditation for over 25 years. She is a popular author, speaker and media guest. Contact Beth at (484) 705-2818; BLynch@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Post-Quarantine Relationship Pick-Me-Ups
With so many people working from home and social distancing this past year, couples have been spending a lot of time alone together. That may have been romantic at first, but after months and months, things can get a little stale. Diana Wiley, Ph.D., says couples everywhere could use some help spicing things up right about now. Dr. Wiley has been a licensed marriage and family therapist and board-certified sex therapist for more than 30 years. She’ll share creative date ideas, advice on introducing new activities to a reluctant partner, and how to use sensual touch to relieve stress. Dr. Diana is the author of “Love in the Time of Corona: Advice from a Sex Therapist for Couples in Quarantine.” She will gladly adjust the level of explicit language in the interview to suit your audience. Contact Dr. Diana at (206) 448-5359; diana@drdianawiley.com
14. ==> Sick and Misunderstood: Mother of Four with Rare Disease
Having one child with a rare, incurable and often misunderstood genetic disease is tough enough but Ann S. Woodbury has four children — and a husband — with myotonic dystrophy ((Dystrophia Myotonica, DM), a disease that is characterized by progressive muscle wasting and weakness. Ever since their diagnosis in 1998, Woodbury has been advocating for families like hers and educating physicians about the symptoms that can vary from individual to individual and affect multiple organs. Invite her on your show to learn why as many as 50 percent of those with this disease remain undiagnosed, and how symptoms of the disease can alienate sufferers because of their “different” behavior. Ann Woodbury has been caregiving and advocating for her family since their diagnoses in 1998, at a time when even doctors didn’t know all of the effects of DM or that it was a brain disorder. She has shared her knowledge of the disease and its treatment as the former head of Utah’s DM support group. She is the author of “Surviving Myotonic Dystrophy.” Contact her at (801) 554-1258; annswoodbury@gmail.com
15. ==> ‘Free Byrd’ – Go Ahead, Live a Little
Looking for some feel-good entertainment? “Free Byrd” is a new film about living every moment to the fullest as long as you are able. It features Jay, a lovable underachiever who works as a van driver at an assisted living community, and Harry Byrd, who is being kicked out of the community for general irascibility. At the behest of the home and Harry’s kids, Jay is assigned to drive Harry to a new home. The ensuing journey is full of entertaining and enlightening misadventures which shed some much-needed perspective on each man’s life. Invite writer/director Tony Vidal to share behind-the-scenes stories from the film and discuss where he got the idea for the story. “Free Byrd,” starring Raymond Barry, Randy Nazarian and Shondrella Avery is currently streaming on Amazon, iTunes and other major platforms. Tony Vidal and the cast are available for interviews. Contact AJ Feuerman at aj@ajfeuerman.com; @FreeByrd_Movie