01. Restraint? Retribution? Israel Weighs Response to Iran
02. Being White Today: A Roadmap for an Antiracist Life
03. ‘Cat City’ – Chicago’s Love/Hate Relationship With Feral Felines
04. Earth Day Inspiration: Saving the Planet Is Doable
05. NCAA Draft: Women Are Having a Sports Moment
06. Well-Known Psychologist Reveals the Keys to Mastering Stress
07. Who Is Responsible for the Dumbing Down of America?
08. Can Diversity Training Eliminate Biases?
09. Lower the Bar, Feel Better and Get Farther
10. Which Charities Are Worth Donating to (and Which to Avoid)
11. Listen Up! Often-Ignored Health Warning Signs
12. The Problem With Traditional Talk Therapy
13. How to Extinguish Self-Doubt
14. Courage: Why So Many Lack It While Others Marshall It
15. 5 Habits for 10 Chronic Disease-Free Years
1. ==> Restraint? Retribution? Israel Weighs Response to Iran
Israel has vowed to “exact a price” from Iran after an unprecedented large-scale drone and missile attack over the weekend that escalated regional tensions stoked by the war in Gaza. Invite Asaf Romirowsky, executive director of Scholars for Peace in the Middle East, to discuss why Iran attacked Israel and what comes next. Trained as a Middle East historian, Romirowsky holds a Ph.D. in Middle East and Mediterranean Studies from King’s College London, UK and has published widely on various aspects of the Arab-Israeli conflict and American foreign policy in the Middle East, as well as on Israeli and Zionist history. Romirowsky is co-author of “Religion, Politics, and the Origins of Palestine Refugee Relief.” Contact Mark Goldman at (516) 639-0988 (call/text); markgoldman73@gmail.com
2. ==> Being White Today: A Roadmap for an Antiracist Life
How does racial identity affect people’s lives, society at large, and today’s politics? As the U.S. continues to reckon with both implied and explicit racialized appeals, Christine Saxman and Shelly Tochluk offer concrete, useful strategies to help people have productive conversations with family, friends, and co-workers in their sphere of influence. Shelly Tochluk is a professor at Mount Saint Mary’s University–Los Angeles. Christine Saxman founded Saxman Consulting where she provides racial and social justice training, facilitation, and coaching for educational, corporate, not-for-profit, and government organizations. They can discuss the movement for Black lives and how white nationalists successfully instilled weaponized messages into conservative politics. Their new book, “Being White Today,” is a unique resource that helps people to interpret and combat manipulative messaging in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 646-5188
3. ==> ‘Cat City’ – Chicago’s Love/Hate Relationship with Feral Felines
Many communities grapple with what to do about feral cats, but one city has taken a unique approach to the strays. A ground-breaking 2007 ordinance protects Chicago’s feral cats that have been trapped, neutered and returned to their neighborhoods. There are now thousands of cat colonies in Chicago, many with only a single cat, but some with more than 40. Dubbed community cats, these feral felines control rats and provide love and meaning to their caretakers. Director Ben Kolak’s new documentary, “Cat City,” tells the story of Chicago’s outdoor cats and the communities that look after them. Hear about the volunteer caretakers and the hardiest cats who survive many seasons and become legends in their neighborhoods. “Cat City” premieres May 9. Contact Kelly Hargraves at kelly.hargraves@firstrunfeatures.com
4. ==> Earth Day Inspiration: Saving the Planet Is Doable
Saving the planet seems like an insurmountable challenge. But what if there was a viable path to combating climate change? Dr. John Berger says there is — that we actually have the necessary technology and money to prevent further damage. For an inspiring Earth Day show, invite Berger to explain a three-pronged approach to the problem that includes embracing new technology, protecting our natural ecosystems, and reducing social and environmental injustice. Learn how replacing the fossil-fuel system with a newly invigorated, modernized, clean-energy economy could produce tens of millions of new jobs and save trillions of dollars, making the case that protecting the climate has the potential to be the greatest economic opportunity of our time. Berger spent six years traveling the nation and abroad to interview governors, mayors, ranchers, scientists, engineers, business leaders, energy experts, and entrepreneurs, as well as carbon farmers, solar and wind innovators, forest protectors, nonprofit leaders, and activists for his new book “Solving the Climate Crisis: Frontline Reports from the Race to Save the Earth.” John Berger, Ph.D., is a senior research fellow at The Pacific Institute. Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853; LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com or @Lissa_Warren
5. ==> NCAA Draft: Women Are Having a Sports Moment
Women were the stars of this year’s NCAA Tournament, and last night’s WNBA draft continued to shine a light on females in sports. The women are becoming pros, but Sue Humphrey says they still have quite a way to go to reach equality with their male counterparts. Although things have improved since the late 1960s when Sue began her athletic coaching career, there is still plenty of discrimination against women athletes, from grade school competitions to the Olympic Games. With more than 50 years of experience, Sue has lived through the history of women in sports, beginning with the groundbreaking Title IX amendment that prohibited sex-based discrimination in athletics and other programs. Interview this author and seasoned media guest who has worked with sports legends such as Wilt Chamberlain, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and Florence Griffith Joyner for an eye-opening look at sports discrimination and how today’s women (and future athletes) can best prepare for success. Contact Sue Humphrey at (512) 881-9648; shumphrey@rtirguests.com
6. ==> Well-Known Psychologist Reveals the Keys to Mastering Stress
Most of us are overwhelmed by daily stressors and when bad things happen — we lose our jobs, marriages, or health — we hope to bounce back. However, according to internationally known psychologist Stephen Sideroff, bouncing back is outdated because it puts you right back where you started instead of growing and learning from life’s stresses. Invite Dr. Sideroff on your show for National Stress Awareness month in April. He’ll explain the concept of bouncing forward: what it means and how to accomplish it. He’ll also provide actionable steps your listeners can take to reduce chronic stress, build resilience and achieve success. Stephen Sideroff is an associate professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Rheumatology at UCLA’s Geffen School of Medicine. He was the founder and former clinical director of the Stress Strategies Program of UCLA/Santa Monica Hospital and former clinical director of Moonview Treatment and Optimal Performance Center. He is the author of “The 9 Pillars of Resilience: The Proven Path to Mastering Stress, Slow Aging and Increase Vitality.” Contact Dr. Sideroff at (310) 666-3452; sideroff@UCLA.edu
7. ==> Who Is Responsible for the Dumbing Down of America?
When it comes to post-high school degrees, the U.S. ranks 33rd out of 44 advanced countries. We rank 26th in math, tenth in science, and sixth in reading. The situation is worse for preschoolers, where we rank a dismal 35th out of 37th. Author Rodger Friedman says, “It saddens me to consider that America’s best and brightest days may be in the past, not the future. What is sadder is that my children and their children will have to live in that world.” As the author of “Erasing America: Broken Politics, Broken Country,” Rodger can discuss who is responsible for the dumbing down of America, including the role schools play in turning out graduates who aren’t prepared to handle the most basic skills and who rely on videos for information instead of reading books. Rodger Friedman is a media-savvy expert who has earned a reputation as The Equal Opportunity Critic. He is a fiscally conservative financial professional and proud member of the Sons of the American Legion who sees America heading toward a one-party socialist future. The author of multiple books, he has extensive experience as a talk-show guest on a variety of topics. Contact Rodger Friedman at (813) 575-0862; Eocritic@protonmail.com
8. ==> Can Diversity Training Eliminate Biases?
Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives (DEI) have been in the news lately, due to the ongoing cultural biases that are permeating every aspect of life around the world. As a result, many companies and organizations are implementing diversity training to address the ways they treat marginalized groups. But does it work? Find out from author Sara Ting who says, “All humans have unconscious biases. I have a tool that takes 10 seconds or less to help cultivate a mindset to value all people and be aware of one’s unconscious bias without feelings of shame, judgment, or guilt.” Sara is a diversity and inclusion educator, speaker, consultant, and author of “Small Book with a Big Idea: 5 Minute Training to Empower You and Transform the World.” Contact Sara Ting at (508) 715-3370; Sting@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Lower the Bar, Feel Better and Get Farther
The main reason most people don’t attain their goals is that they often bite off more than they can chew and get frustrated when they fall short. “That’s because most people focus on a lofty goal instead of their progress,” says Gerald J. Leonard, a successful CEO, author, project management expert and professional musician. “Don’t go for large goals. Instead, take an inventory of bite-sized milestones, commit to them and celebrate the small-scale wins.” Gerald can share ways to set small, manageable goals when pursuing your largest dreams, and how to change your mindset to achieve maximum success. Gerald Leonard is the author of “A Symphony of Choices: How Mentorship Taught a Manager Decision-Making, Project Management, and Workplace Engagement – and Saved a Concert Season.” Contact Gerald Leonard at (443) 703-2929; gleonard@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Which Charities Are Worth Donating to (and Which to Avoid)
Many people are quick to donate to charitable causes, especially following natural disasters and times of crisis. But according to author and nonprofit expert Michele Whetzel, “It’s better to think with your head as opposed to your heart before turning over your hard-earned cash. Do your research first!” She can share what to look for in worthy charities, as well as tips for starting your own nonprofit. Michele is a veteran of the nonprofit arena, founder of Your 501 Guide consulting and author of the book “So, You Want to Start a Nonprofit, Now What?” Contact Michele Whetzel at (302) 407-0513; Mwhetzel@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Listen Up! Often-Ignored Health Warning Signs
Most people in our society don’t worry about their health until they actually get sick. Long-time registered nurse Allen Daugherty says that’s a huge mistake. “Many people think that accidents and terminal illnesses are just a part of living. The truth is that many of these can be prevented.” Not only can Allen share how to avoid developing serious illnesses, but he can also address how to raise safety-conscious kids, eliminate fire and fall hazards at home, and what vaccines and other preventative measures we need to stay healthy, and happy. He has worked in the medical field for 50 years, first as a U.S. Air Force medic then as an RN and certified dialysis nurse. He is the author of “An Ounce of Prevention is Worth More Than You Can Imagine.” Contact Allen Daugherty at (540) 712-8704; adaugherty@rtirguests.com
12. ==> The Problem With Traditional Talk Therapy
Conventional mental health professionals have long maintained that talk therapy is the panacea to healing the mind. But Adriana Popescu Ph.D., claims that true healing comes from also treating the body and spirit. “I specialize in using some of the most powerful, effective holistic healing techniques to radically shift limiting feelings and beliefs,” she says. “These may include meditation, nutritional supplements and all kinds of mind-body healing techniques.” Adriana is a licensed clinical psychologist, addiction and trauma specialist, speaker, thought leader and empowerment coach, and author of the critically acclaimed book “What If You’re Not as F***ed Up As You Think You Are?: How We Come to Believe Lies About Ourselves and What We Can Do to Change Them.” Contact Adriana at (415) 707-5054; Apopescu@rtirguests.com
13. ==> How to Extinguish Self-Doubt
What’s holding you back from achieving the life you want? If you answer that you don’t think you’re capable of doing it, you’re not alone. Self-doubt sabotages the best of intentions and stands in the way of the great relationships, careers, and successes you deserve. Psychologist and award-winning author Melody Krafft is here to help you banish doubt from your life and accomplish your dreams. Talk to Melody and find out how embedded doubt keeps you stuck in the moment, reliving the same day over and over again – and how you can break this cycle of doubt, anxiety, and fear to start living your best life now. She’ll also reveal techniques and tactics to rid yourself of everyday stress, why confidence and having a big ego are not the same thing, and much more. An experienced media guest and public speaker, Melody is the author of “Get Me Out of Here! What’s Beyond This Madness.” Contact her at (703) 951-4735; mkrafft@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Courage: Why So Many Lack It While Others Marshall It
These days it seems as though courage is in short supply. Politicians rarely show it. It’s easier to go along and stay in the shadows than to stand up and be a target. Sure, there are examples of courageous people such as the late Alexi Navalny, who took on Vladimir Putin and lost his life in the process. Closer to home are the often unsung heroes who usually don’t care to discuss why they put themselves at risk. For example, there is Masuda Rahmati, whose fight for women’s rights in Afghanistan nearly caused her death by the Taliban. Massie, as she likes to be called, can discuss: What is courage? Can we learn to be more courageous? What in her life led her to take such a dangerous stand? How did she deal with her family who tried to talk her out of her activism? Massie drew the Taliban’s ire in 2005 when she became the first woman to represent Afghanistan in the Mrs. World International Beauty Competition. Since then Massie has been a “voice for the voiceless.” Her upcoming book is tentatively titled “Almost Killed by the Taliban: How I Stood Up for the Women and Girls of Afghanistan.” Born in Kabul, she came to the U.S. with her family as a teenager in 1982. A media veteran, she has been interviewed by the international media and has been recognized by Congress. Contact Masuda Rahmati at (831) 298-8335; mrahmati@rtirguests.com
15. ==> 5 Habits for 10 Chronic Disease-Free Years
It’s not as hard as we think to stay healthy and free of the scary chronic diseases that shorten our lives. Randy Rolfe will shatter popular myths about our bodies, our weak-willed and lazy tendencies, and the effects of aging. Rolfe is the best-selling author of nine books on nutrition, parenting, and family life. For the past 50 years, she and her husband have followed and taught others a health-building diet that’s easy to access and prepare and is based on real foods as they come from nature. She’ll show your audience how to end the confusion and controversy between vegan versus carnivore, paleo versus grain-based and counting calories versus counting carbs, work¬outs versus restricting food intake, unsaturated fats versus saturated fats, and organic versus conventional, and instead focus on the real conflict between life-sustaining food ver¬sus nonfood. Invite Randy on your show to help your listeners regain control of their diet, their weight, and their health. Contact Randy Rolfe at (484) 459-2352; randyrolfe@randyrolfe.com