01. Is the Supreme Court Untouchable?
02. Clarence Thomas Is Supremely Arrogant
03. From Martha to Melania: America’s First Ladies
04. Historic Launch Is Set for Star Wars Day
05. Gray Wolves Are Back But Not Everyone Is Happy
06. For Earth Day: How Elephants Can Save the Planet!
07. What Can We Do to Protect Against Wildfires?
08. This Persuasion Expert Will Blow Your Mind
09. Cruise Like Royalty without Busting Your Budget
10. Is a College Education Still Worth It?
11. The Surprising Skill That Must Be Taught in Elementary School
12. How to Raise Fearless Kids in Scary Times
13. Are You a Victim of Past-Life Trauma?
14. How this Former Drug Dealer Turned Her Life Around
15. He Succeeded Despite the Odds. You Can Too
1.==> Is the Supreme Court Untouchable?
New reporting finds that Clarence Thomas may have been quietly violating federal disclosure law for over 20 years and now calls for an investigation are growing. But as a member of the Supreme Court is he untouchable? NYU law professor Stephen Gillers says an investigation has the potential to unveil a pattern of behavior by the justice that even goes beyond what we already know. “It gives us more reason to suspect that Thomas is holding back,” he argues. “Any presumption that he’s following the law can no longer be indulged. His behavior is suspect and the public and the government have an obligation to conduct an investigation that reveals the truth.” Gillers can discuss the rules for Supreme Court justices, who, if anyone, provides oversight of the panel, and whether Congress has any power in this situation. Stephen Gillers has been a professor of law at New York University School of Law since 1978. Contact him at (212) 998-6264; stephen.gillers@nyu.edu
2. ==> Clarence Thomas Is Supremely Arrogant
Americans’ faith in government has fallen over the past several decades and according to the Pew Research Center, today only two-in-ten Americans say they trust the government in Washington to do what is right “most of the time.” Debbie Peterson says recent revelations illustrate one reason why we feel that way. “There’s an arrogance that creeps in when public officials take office,” the former California mayor says. “They start to think that the rules and laws of accountability and the ethics of best practice are for other people, not them. We’re seeing that now with former and current presidents and vice presidents retaining classified documents in their homes and a Supreme Court justice whose financial disclosures don’t fully or accurately disclose his activities.” Peterson is the former mayor of Grover Beach, California, and the host of the weekly podcast The Corruption Chronicles. Her Integrity 101 book series includes “The Happiest Corruption: Sleaze, Lies & Suicide in a California Beach Town,” and the newly released “City Council 101: Insider’s Guide for New Councilmembers.” Contact her at (805) 550-4490; DebbiePeterson805@gmail.com
3. ==> From Martha to Melania: America’s First Ladies
Did you know that more than 50 women have held the role of First Lady? Or that not all were spouses to the presidents? If the president was a bachelor or widower, or if his wife was unable or unwilling to perform the role, other female relatives or friends were called upon to carry out the first lady’s official duties. National First Ladies Day is celebrated on the last Saturday of April every year to recognize the role first ladies have played in molding our nation. Rev. Nicholas Inman, founder of the National First Ladies Day Commission, can share stories and historical trivia about our nation’s first ladies as listeners learn more about the women who’ve set tradition, supported the president, and become role models. A ceremony will be held in Marshfield, Missouri, during the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival on April 29 featuring descendants of many of America’s greatest first ladies. Contact Harlan Boll at (626) 296-3757; harlan@bhbpr.com
4. ==> Historic Launch Is Set for Star Wars Day
On May 4, the first American-made lunar rover will begin its month-long journey to the moon aboard the Peregrine lunar lander. Dubbed Iris, it’s the smallest and lightest moon rover in history and unique in that college students — not NASA scientists — are manning the mission controls. “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. 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
5. ==> Gray Wolves Are Back But Not Everyone Is Happy
After being nearly eradicated in the 1990s, the gray wolf has made an astonishing comeback in Washington State. Since last year, the wolves have been protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Conservationists are delighted, but ranchers are furious. Journalist Eli Francovich says the situation is the perfect metaphor for the fundamental tension in contemporary American behavior. Invite him to discuss the deep social and political struggles at the core of the debate over the endangered species and whether there is a solution that will appease both parties — and perhaps mend an ever-widening division in American culture. Francovich covers the environment, conservation, and outdoor recreation in Washington for the “Spokesman-Review.” His new book is “The Return of Wolves: An Iconic Predator’s Struggle to Survive in the American West.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 400-1099; johanna@jrbpr.biz or johanna@jrbcomm.com
6. ==> For Earth Day: How Elephants Can Save the Planet!
Pachyderms aren’t just majestic, highly intelligent, loving and adorable. They are vital to the health and well-being of the entire world. “Elephants are very important ecosystem engineers,” says author and animal/environmental advocate Georja Umano. “They are so large that rain in an elephant’s footprint can create a microsystem that can provide a home for tadpoles and other organisms. The effects of their movements in both savannahs and forests help restore and maintain the balance of nature.” Sadly, their numbers are dwindling, due to poaching, over-development, logging and zoo captures. Georja can share how we can help our elephant friends and other fascinating pachyderm facts, as well as her experiences living in Kenya. She is the author of “Terrier in the Jungle.” Contact her at (213) 568-1764; gumano@rtirguests.com
7. ==> What Can We Do to Protect Against Wildfires?
Will this be another season of rampant wildfires that kill people and wildlife, destroy homes, flatten forests, ravage farmland and endanger communities? As climate change and global warming imperil our planet, audiences want to know what they can do to protect lives and property. You’ll want to interview wildfire expert James Moseley to learn what we can do before more acres become uninhabitable. He will explain which advanced new technologies, tools and trends are designed to prevent wildfire devastation. His Sun FireDefense for Wildfire Coating Technology is now patented. Ask him: How is NASA connected to the war against wildfires? Which North American locations are especially endangered in our drought-prone world? When does “wildfire season” become its worst? Contact James Moseley at (818) 486-4662; jmoseley@rtirguests.com
8. ==> This Persuasion Expert Will Blow Your Mind
JFK used it to boost volunteerism. Johnny Cochran used it in the OJ Simpson trial. Marilyn Monroe used it to propel herself into stardom. Now, you can use “brain glue” to create blockbusters of persuasion that will have people saying yes to you when you interview James Bond. Whether you’re trying to get your kids to bed on time, succeed in a job interview, or close a million-dollar deal, James helps your audience unlock the power of persuasion with shockingly effective, proven methods that will improve every aspect of their lives, from relationships to careers and beyond. James Bond is one of America’s leading behavioral management specialists and the author of “Brain Glue.” Contact him at (805) 424-8611; jbond@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Cruise Like Royalty without Busting Your Budget
As fans of cruises know, this form of travel can be very expensive. There are often hidden fees the public doesn’t know about. Travel expert Cindy Bertram can share insider tips for getting the most bang for your buck for smooth sailing. “There are now apps you can download that can help you find the best deals on dining, shore excursions and more,” she says. “You can also save money on luxury cruises by booking at certain times.” Cindy is a communications, media and branding specialist who has spent many years in the travel and cruise industry. She is the author of “How Six Women Executives Steer the Cruise Industry Today” and “Message from the Dog…Learning from Great Humans.” Contact her at (219) 775-6488; cbertram@rtirguests.com
10. ==> 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
11. ==> The Surprising Skill That Must Be Taught in Elementary School
Teaching computer science to students in grades pre-K through 5 is now a major focus in schools. Children’s author and longtime STEM educator Chris Goldberg, Ed.D., has worked with even the youngest elementary school students and can speak to the need for teaching these skills to young children. “Research shows that these skills help students in mathematics, problem-solving and critical thinking and may help create a path of interest for students who have the aptitude for programming one day,” he says. “There also must be a focus on making sure underrepresented populations receive exposure to computer science skills.” Chris is the author of “Aliyah and The STEMsational Problem-Solvers: What’s Cooking?” Contact him at (973) 576-5841; cgoldberg@rtirguests.co
12. ==> How to Raise Fearless Kids in Scary Times
School shootings. Widespread bullying. The perils of social media. Today’s kids have a lot to be afraid of. Author and father of six Jerry Bures insists there is hope. “Today’s parents are under a lot of stress,” he says. “There are a record number of special needs kids, financial struggles, relationship failures, declining political discourse, distrust in leadership, systemic failures in our current health model, moral decay across a wide range of industries and communities, and more. Now is the time for caring, eager adults to buckle up and double down on building better kids.” Jerry is the author of “When Kids Leave Clues: 26 Timeless Stories of Inspiration & Essential Life Lessons Taught to Us by Our Own Children.” Contact him at (920) 796-9160; jbures@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Are You a Victim of Past-Life Trauma?
Do you experience unexplained fears and phobias that do not relate to anything that’s ever happened to you before? Do you frequently have a sense of déjà vu? After experiencing a traumatic brain injury due to falling at home, author Jennifer Maag had a keen sense that she lived before. “I have had jarring past life experiences that I did nothing to stir up,” she says. “Reliving these experiences allowed me to make peace with the emotions I had carried into this present life.” Jennifer 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
14. ==> How This Former Drug Dealer Turned Her Life Around
As a single teenage mother who grew up in a highly dysfunctional broken home, author Tressa Mitchener fell in with a bad crowd and turned to drug dealing. She was ultimately arrested and received a 30-year to life federal prison sentence. But thanks to her strong belief in a higher power, her sentence was miraculously reduced to five years. She went on to earn a B.A. in psychology, became a respected Christian counselor and best-selling author, and married her dream man. “While I was in prison, I was strongly focused on God,” she says. “He was giving me instructions and guiding me. My mind began to change.” She is the author of “Looking Out from the Inside: The United States v. Tressa Oliva Parker.” Contact Tressa at (919) 582-5992; Tmitchener@rtirguests.com
15. ==> He Succeeded Despite the Odds. You Can Too
Many people go through life experiencing failure after failure and ultimately give up trying to succeed. In fact, society may set people up to fail, due to their family backgrounds, ethnicity and/or socio-economic circumstances. But after experiencing numerous setbacks in his personal and professional life, Dr. Carl Barnes 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. “Failure is a great learning tool,” he says. “The key to succeeding against all odds is unbridled resilience and turning pain into purpose.” 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