01. Columbia Professor: “Protests Are Not Justice”
02. Is UAW Launching a Union Wave?
03. Hundreds of Drugs Are in Short Supply: What Can You Do?
04. It’s Not Too Early to Think About Summer Jobs
05. ‘Roots of Fire’: The New Generation of Cajun Music
06. What We Still Get Wrong About Porn Addiction
07. Would You Give Up Meat to Avert a Global Catastrophe?
08. The Biggest Myths About Hard Work and Success
09. How to Prevent AI From Taking Your Job
10. This Guest Offers a Bigotry Breakthrough
11. The Profound Power of Holding Hands
12. How to Be an Assertive Woman and Not Be Seen as a Bitch
13. Why Aren’t We Battling the Biggest Threat to Children?
14. 5 Ways to Feel More Joy and Confidence Every Day
15. This Guest Says Faith Got Her Out of Prison
1.==> Columbia Professor: “Protests Are Not Justice”
Tensions have been rising on college campuses across the country since the October Hamas attack in Israel. Columbia University in New York City is home to the “Gaza Solidarity Encampment,” erected last week by student protesters. Professor John McWhorter has watched the situation unfold and in an opinion piece for the “New York Times,” he discusses the difference between these protests and those of the past. “Today’s protesters have pursued their goals with a markedly different tenor — in part because of the single-mindedness of antiracist academic culture and in part because of the influence of iPhones and social media, which inherently encourage a more heightened degree of performance.” He adds, “What began as intelligent protest has become, in its uncompromising fury and its ceaselessness, a form of abuse.” John McWhorter is a linguist at Columbia University. He writes a newsletter for the “New York Times” that explores how race and language shape our politics and culture and is the author of more than 20 books including “Nine Nasty Words” and “Woke Racism.” Contact him at (212) 854-3941; jm3156@columbia.edu
2. ==> Is UAW Launching a Union Wave?
Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga recently voted to join the United Auto Workers (UAW). Labor reporter Mike Elk covered previous UAW elections where the union was defeated and says workers at Volkswagen, following national trends, were much more receptive this time around. “Following a wave of pandemic-inspired strikes that changed attitudes about unions, UAW may be launching a historical unprecedented union wave across the country,” he says. Until now, the Tennessee plant was the only non-unionized Volkswagen facility in the world. Elk can explain what happened and why other companies should take note. Mike Elk is a senior labor reporter for PaydayReport.com. He recently wrote the piece “After Ten-Year Battle, a Younger Generation Leads the Way at Volkswagen,” for “The American Prospect.” Contact him at mike.elk@gmail.com, @MikeElk
3. ==> Hundreds of Drugs Are in Short Supply: What Can You Do?
Drug shortages are at an all-time high. Both basic and life-saving drugs are in short supply, from oxytocin and chemotherapy medications to prescriptions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications, including Adderall, which is especially difficult to track down. Dr. Shawn Rowland can discuss the major cause of the shortages and what patients can do to ensure they have the medicine they need. Rowland first experienced the difficulty of obtaining lifesaving medications during a natural disaster in Mexico. He realized the extent of the problem while working as a physician during the pandemic and founded Jase Medical, a company that provides a supply of medication to have on hand in the event of a serious emergency or when professional medical help isn’t available. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; Ryan@goldmanmccormick.com
4.==> It’s Not Too Early to Think About Summer Jobs
More than a third of teens were holding down a job in March according to the latest government employment numbers. That’s the highest rate of teen employment since 2008, and labor expert John Challenger expects even more teens to look for jobs this summer. He says it remains to be seen whether higher labor costs will deter employers from hiring. Ask him: Why are more teens looking for work? Where should teens look for jobs? What’s the best time to start applying? Challenger can also explain why few teens have been working in recent years and what’s driving the recent interest. Andrew Challenger is senior vice president at Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. Contact Colleen Madden Blumenfeld at (314) 807-1568; colleenmadden@challengergray.com
5. ==> ‘Roots of Fire’: The New Generation of Cajun Music
Cajun music’s contemporary scene in Louisiana has found mainstream success with Grammy Award nominations and wins, but shuttering venues and aging fans leave some questioning the music’s longevity. In their new documentary “Roots of Fire,” Abby Berendt Lavoi and Jeremey Lavoi honor the rich history and cultural legacy of Cajun music. Featuring electrifying performances from the Pine Leaf Boys, Feufollet, Jourdan Thibodeaux et Les Rôdailleurs, Bonsoir Catin, and more, the crowd-pleasing documentary explores how playing kick-ass music preserves Cajun tradition for future generations. “Roots of Fire” is available to stream beginning May 7. For interviews with the directors and musicians, contact Kerry Hargraves at kelly.hargraves@firstrunfeatures.com
6. ==> What We Still Get Wrong About Porn Addiction
Is porn addiction a real thing? Is it natural for men to be drawn to porn? Sam Black is a former journalist and an expert in the field of pornography recovery. He says porn addiction is a genuine problem, and not just for men. He’ll explain how porn has changed in recent years and why that makes it more dangerous. You’ll hear what watching pornography does to the brain, how porn affects relationships of all kinds, and why it’s so hard to get help, even when you know you have a problem. Sam is the author of two books: “The Porn Circuit: Understand Your Brain and Break Porn Habits.” And “The Healing Church: What Churches Get Wrong About Pornography and How to Fix It.” He is the director of recovery education at Covenant Eyes and regularly speaks at parenting, leadership and men’s events across the country. Contact Mark Breta at mark@jonesliterary.com
7. ==> Would You Give Up Meat to Avert a Global Catastrophe?
There’s no question that climate change is a serious threat to the entire world. But did you know it involves much more than extra-hot summers and saving the ozone layer? Author and activist Richard Schwartz, Ph.D., reveals why the world is eating itself to extinction. He’ll discuss why animal-based industries are the real climate killers and explain how vegetarianism and veganism are key to saving the planet. He’ll also explain why humans will likely be extinct by 2100 if we don’t make drastic changes now. An experienced media guest, Richard is the author of “Vegan Revolution: Saving Our World, Revitalizing Judaism” and similar books. Contact Richard Schwartz at (914) 533-1949 or rschwartz@rtirguests.com
8. ==> The Biggest Myths About Hard Work and Success
America is a nation of workaholics who have long been indoctrinated to believe that performing long hours of mind-numbing work is the path to success. But according to author, project management expert and professional musician Gerald Leonard, that is total nonsense. “The long-held myth is that stressful work environments lead to higher productivity,” he says. “However, this leads to extreme burnout, greater employee turnover and decreased worker loyalty.” Gerald can share how to work smarter, not harder, to obtain maximum success. He is the author of numerous books including “Culture Is the Bass: 7 Steps to Creating High Performing Teams.” He is a certified Portfolio Management Professional and professional bass player. Contact Gerald Leonard at (443) 703-2929; gleonard@rtirguests.com
9. ==> How to Prevent AI From Taking Your Job
AI is changing every aspect of our lives. It is irreversibly changing the way we work. It is expected that up to 800 million employees worldwide will lose their jobs in less than six years due to AI and automation. So, what can you do if AI takes your job? Interview Mustafa Ammar who can offer five unique strategies to outsmart AI. Mustafa is the founder and CEO of The Passion MBA, a career and business coach, and author of “Time to Move On” in which he debunks the seven most common career myths to help professionals find their dream careers. He is also a former international diplomat, investment banker, and pharmacist who reincarnated his career several times. Ask him: Why should you be a generalist, not a specialist in the current job market? Why is it never too late to find your dream career? Contact Mustafa Ammar at (240) 543-2529; DreamCareer@ThePassionMBA.com
10. ==> This Guest Offers a Bigotry Breakthrough
While racism and bigotry are on the rise across the globe, author Sara Ting claims that there is still hope for peace and harmony. The founder and president of World Unity, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to the elimination of all forms of bigotry says, “All humans have unconscious biases. I have developed a tool that takes 10 seconds or less to help cultivate a mindset to value all people equally.” 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
11. ==> The Profound Power of Holding Hands
Studies show that holding hands can reduce pain and buffer stressful experiences. But its impact on brain activity suggests something more profound is going on. “If you really understand handholding — what it is and how it has its effects — you begin to understand just about every single facet of what it is to be a human being,” clinical psychologist James Coan recently told the “Washington Post.” “It expresses all the things that we are for each other.” Coan has been involved in several experiments on the topic, including one in which 16 married women were placed in MRI machines and faced with the prospect of an electric shock. When they held hands with strangers, it lowered their stress. When they held hands with their husbands, it lowered their stress even more. For Coan, the most surprising revelation from the experiments is that handholding isn’t an added benefit or a boost to our brains. Rather, it represents the baseline — we’re meant to be sharing our lives, and our burdens, with other people. “To the human brain, the world presents a series of problems to solve,” he said. “And it turns out being alone is a problem.” James Coan is a professor of psychology at the University of Virginia and the director of the Virginia Affective Neuroscience Laboratory. Contact him at jcoan@virginia.edu
12. ==> How to Be an Assertive Woman and Not Be Seen as a Bitch
Assertive men are considered strong, but equally bold women are often perceived as nasty shrews. “Because of this perception, women in our society tend to repress their anger,” says psychologist Karyne Wilner. “However, this can lead to severe mental and physical health issues, because anger can get trapped in our psyches.” Karyne can share simple yet powerful mind/body techniques designed to enable women to process anger in positive, healthy ways. A leader in the field of mind/body health, Dr. Karyne Wilner is a faculty member at Salve Regina University and the author of the upcoming “Releasing Toxic Anger for Women: Body-Based Practices to Transform Neg¬ative Thoughts, Soothe Stress, and Stay True to Yourself.” Contact her at (401) 305-2278; kwilner@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Why Aren’t We Battling the Biggest Threat to Children?
Every year, 18,000 children and teens are shot and killed or wounded and approximately 3 million are exposed to gun violence. What are adults in the U.S. doing wrong? Dr. Regina M. Griego lost five family members to a mass murder, three of whom were children. Her 15-year-old nephew shot them and Regina took guardianship of her nephew. She has since become an advocate for gun safety and believes that we all want to keep our children safe and families whole. Ask her: Why are our children dying from guns? What role does mental health play in the gun deaths of children? Griego is the author of the award-winning, best-selling book “Sins of the System: Trauma, Guns, Tragedy, and the Betrayal of Our Children,” a memoir that explains the systems that failed her family. She holds a Ph.D., MS, and BS in electrical and computer engineering and an MS in computer science. Contact Regina Griego at (505) 306-6189; transcendingfutures@gmail.com
14. ==> 5 Ways to Feel More Joy and Confidence Every Day
For many people, life is not a series of successes. Anxiety, stress, fear, and self-doubt hold us back and we spend our days extinguishing the fires of the past rather than looking toward the potential of the future. Is it possible to escape the day-to-day rut and live a happy life now, rather than working endlessly toward it? Psychologist and author Melody Krafft will show your audience how to bring more joy and confidence into your life, starting today. Learn how to extinguish doubt, hone your intuition, and rid your life of everyday stress when you interview this life-changing expert. An experienced media guest, Melody is the author of “Get Me Out of Here! What’s Beyond This Madness.” Contact Melody Krafft at (703) 951-4735; mkrafft@rtirguests.com
15. ==> This Guest Says Faith Got Her Out of Prison
Growing up in a highly dysfunctional broken home, author Tressa Mitchener became a single teenage mother and drug dealer who was facing a 30-year-to-life sentence in federal prison. But thanks to her strong belief in a higher power, her sentence was miraculously reduced to five years, and she went on to earn a B.A. in psychology, become a respected Christian counselor and best-selling author, and marry her dream man. She credits her newfound faith for enabling her to dramatically turn her life around. “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. I became a change-maker for others.” Tressa shared her incredible story on “The 700 Club,” and can reveal how anyone can transform his or her life through faith. 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