01. The Philippines’ High-Stakes Election
02. Prepare for Weeks of Depp’s Dirty Laundry
03. Still Unsolved: The 1996 Shenandoah Murders
04. Lights Out – Cities Cut Lights to Save Millions of Birds
05. Vacation Planning? What to Know Before Booking a Cruise
06. How to Ride the ‘Perfect Storm’ Brewing in the Workplace
07. This Guest Landed Her Dream Job in Her 60s
08. What Was It Like Growing Up in the Jim Crow South?
09. Why We Need More Women in STEM Fields
10. Pachyderm Power! How Elephants Can Reverse Climate Change
11. The Real Reason Kids Are Disengaged in School
12. Rock Your Midlife: Good News about Aging
13. Why This OB-GYN Avoids C-Sections
14. Secrets Successful People Know about Healthy Choices
15. What Makes for a Happy Life? Start with Your Home
1. ==> The Philippines’ High-Stakes Election: What to Know
The Philippines’ upcoming presidential election is likely to bring to power Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the son of a longtime dictator. Joshua Kurlantzick says it could spell the end of democracy in the country. “Democracy has already regressed significantly in Southeast Asia in the past decade, and a death blow to the Philippines, one of the world’s most populous democracies, would further this trend.” Kurlantzick, senior fellow for Southeast Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), can discuss how social media disinformation campaigns have whitewashed the Marcos family legacy and why the presidential contest has centered on personalities and the future of the country’s freedom instead of the struggling economy, graft and other deep-rooted problems. Joshua Kurlantzick has written for many publications, from “Rolling Stone” to “The New York Times Magazine,” and is the author of several books. Contact him at (202) 285-4339; jkurlantzick@cfr.org
2. ==> Prepare for Weeks of Depp’s Dirty Laundry
Johnny Depp’s $50 million defamation suit against former wife Amber Heard has already generated headlines about everything from violent text messages sent by Depp to audio recordings of their arguments. Attorney Peter Ticktin says the circus atmosphere is likely to continue throughout the trial, which could go on for weeks. “The attorneys for Depp and Heard should all be ashamed of themselves. These fools willingly exposed their clients to harm which was obviously predictable. Any lawyer worth their salt knows that you never expose a client by suing for defamation unless that lawyer is representing Mother Teresa. It does not matter who you are, hanging your dirty laundry in public is not likely to do you any good.” Peter Ticktin is founder and managing partner of The Ticktin Law Group. Contact Adrienne Mazzone at (561) 908-1683; amazzone@transmediagroup.com
3. ==> Still Unsolved: The 1996 Shenandoah Murders
In May 1996, two skilled backcountry leaders, Lollie Winans and Julie Williams, were found brutally murdered at their remote campsite in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park, adjacent to the world-famous Appalachian Trail. Despite an extensive decades-long joint investigation by the FBI, National Park Service investigators, and the Virginia State Police, this shocking case has never been solved. On the 20th anniversary of this infamous crime, award-winning journalist and author Kathryn Miles embarked on a passionate search for justice. Hear about her all-consuming obsession to solve this notorious case and the disturbing legacy of violence against women in America’s national parks. Miles found evidence of cover-ups, incompetence, and controversy that may have prevented the murders from ever being solved. Learn why she believes the wrong man has been under suspicion for more than 20 years and hear her compelling theory of a new suspect after decades of dead ends. Kathryn Miles’ new book is “Trailed: One Woman’s Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com
4. ==> Lights Out – Cities Cut Lights to Save Millions of Birds
City lights across the country will be dimmer than usual for the next few weeks in an effort to prevent millions of migrating birds from slamming into skyscrapers and crashing to the sidewalk. In Philadelphia, Bird Safe Philly was formed after a deadly mass collision in October 2020, when thousands of migratory birds were found on city streets after they became disoriented and flew into downtown buildings. Jason Weckstein, the associate curator of ornithology at Drexel University’s Academy of Natural Sciences, says, “Conditions were perfect for a heavy migratory flight and imperfect given that there was a low ceiling of clouds and rain. That, in combination with Philly’s bright city lights, was a disaster for many fall migrant birds winging their way south.” Lights Out is a voluntary program to turn off or dim the lights on the top floors of city buildings from midnight to 6 a.m. from April through May and again in the fall. The National Audubon Society, along with its partners, established the first Lights Out program in 1999 in Chicago. Other participating cities include New York, Boston, Atlanta and Washington, D.C. Contact Jason Weckstein, Ph.D., at (215) 299-1023; Jason.D.Weckstein@drexel.edu or Carolyn Belardo at belardo@ansp.org
5. ==> Vacation Planning? What to Know Before Booking a Cruise
Everyone seems to be making summer plans right now and cruising can be a wonderful option for a relaxing vacation. But there are key things you should know before getting on board. “You need to decide what port you want to sail from, how you are going to get there, what documents you need, determine the age groups that each line caters to, obtain travel insurance and know how to acquire a passport for overseas travel,” says travel expert Cindy Bertram. One also must take into consideration COVID protocols and certain vaccines that may be required when traveling to foreign countries. Cindy can share these and other insider tips for smooth sailing. She is a communications, media, and branding specialist who has spent many years in the travel and cruise industry and 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
6. ==> How to Ride the ‘Perfect Storm’ Brewing in the Workplace
Businesses and workplaces across nearly every industry have been upended over the past few years. When unhappy workers started quitting their jobs in unprecedented numbers the phenomenon was dubbed “The Great Resignation,” but Oreste D’Aversa says yet another shift is occurring as aging baby boomers leave the workforce. “I view this ‘perfect storm’ as creating not so much a revolution, but more of an evolution of the way business needs to hire, retain, and motivate employees so everyone can be content, productive, and prosperous.” Invite the author of “Life Beyond the Pandemic: A Practical New Journey Handbook” on your show and learn how to navigate this evolving world of work. He’ll share his revolutionary step-by-step blueprint to reinvent your life and thrive, explain what people get wrong about happiness and money, and help listeners get unstuck, define their life’s purpose, and be more prosperous in every aspect of life. Oreste D’Aversa is a life and business coach, corporate trainer and all-faith minister. Contact him at (201) 949-3002; odaversa@rtirguests.com
7. ==> This Guest Landed Her Dream Job in Her 60s
Most people over 60 who wish to continue working fear age discrimination and a workforce that seems to favor younger employees. But Judy Balloff claims that’s nonsense. “I started a new career at age 64 in a job I had never done before, and I have made over half a million dollars at an age when many take social security,” she says. “Treat looking for a job like a job. Be open-minded about doing something with your skills that never occurred to you before.” Judy can share these and other tips for landing your dream job in your 50s, 60s, and beyond. She is a financial advisor and author of “365 Days of Abundance.” Contact her at (571) 568-8491; jballoff@rtirguests.com
8. ==> What Was It Like Growing Up in the Jim Crow South?
History is much more potent when told through the eyes of people who have lived it. Now that much of the country is too young to recall what it was like to grow up in a deliberately segregated America, stories like that of Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans (pronounced Kray-gull-mans) are golden. A child of educators, she grew up in public housing in the Jim Crow South where Blacks were told they lived in a separate, but equal society. As a third-grader whose family had moved to a new neighborhood, she experienced a cross burning on her front lawn and reeled from the horror of having her dog poisoned. But, as she will tell you, she still describes her childhood as “happy with a loving family who tried to be typical Americans.” Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans, a Fulbright Scholar, was one of the first Black women in the Foreign Service. She is the author of “Flowers for Brother Mudd: One Woman’s Path from Jim Crow to Career Diplomat.” Contact Judith at (571) 568-8667; jmuddkrijgelmans@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Why We Need More Women in STEM Fields
Women have excelled in the STEM fields for so long but their accomplishments have often gone unrecognized. In recent years, more and more women, particularly women of color, have finally started to receive the attention they deserve, such as the women featured in the book and movie “Hidden Figures” and Dr. Gladys West, who led to the development of the model for the GPS device. “The more women that enter the field and find success, the more role models we’ll have to inspire other young ladies to pursue these fields that require so many talented candidates,” says Chris A. Goldberg Ed.D. He is an award-winning educator and speaker on the subject, and the author of the upcoming book “Aliyah and the STEMsational Problem-Solvers: What’s Cooking?” Contact Chris at (973) 576-5841; cgoldberg@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Pachyderm Power! How Elephants Can Reverse Climate Change
People the world over have a deep affection for elephants. But did you know that they could help save the planet? “Not only are elephants adorable, super-loving and brilliant, they are also 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.” Georja can share why it’s so important to protect this endangered species, 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
11. ==> The Real Reason Kids Are Disengaged in School
Parents and teachers everywhere are troubled that countless students are bored and no longer enthusiastic in the classroom. Invite Paul Bernabei, author of “Why Students Are Disengaged in American Schools and What We Can Do about It,” to explore the causes and remedies of disengagement. He’ll explain how today’s bored and disengaged students likely got that way, and how leaders, educators, mentors and families can cooperate to fix the problem. Ask him: What are American youth experiencing that is resulting in their decreased interest in learning? What can be done to create a culture of learning? What conversation should we be having with disengaged students? How can school boredom affect people for life? Contact Paul Bernabei at (651) 470-3827; PBernabei@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Rock Your Midlife: Good News about Aging
Most Americans dread hitting middle age but Dr. Ellen Albertson says it’s time we let go of our old beliefs and make room for what could be the most magnificent phase of life. Scientists used to think that the brain did not change once we reached adulthood. We now know that the brain experiences neuroplasticity, which means our brain grows, changes and develops throughout our lifetime. Dr. Ellen will share the seven steps to thrive and discuss ways to outsmart and change your brain, whether you’re dealing with weight gain, sedentary living, depression, isolation, or midlife burnout. Ellen Albertson Ph.D., is a psychologist, registered dietitian, board-certified health and wellness coach, mindful self-compassion teacher, and the author of “Rock Your Midlife: 7 Steps to Transform Yourself and Make Your Next Chapter Your Best Chapter.” She has appeared on CBS and NBC News, The Food Network, and “EXTRA” and been quoted in “Psychology Today,” “Forbes,” and “Eating Well.” Contact her at (802) 497-7222; ellen@drellenalbertson.com
13. ==> Why This OB-GYN Avoids C-Sections
Chances are you know someone who had a C-section. The serious and danger-prone surgery has become far more common in North America during the last 35 years. But are more cesarean births happening for medical reasons or convenience? You and your audience will discover what veteran obstetrician Alan Lindemann, M.D., says about avoiding C-sections, for the health and safety of mothers and babies. Ask him: Why has giving birth become so dangerous? How has the pandemic impacted conception and maternal care? What advice does he have about obstetrical risks, older moms (births past 40), living in maternity “deserts” and minimizing surgical deliveries? A sought-after media guest and author, Dr. Lindemann has delivered more than 6,000 babies in his 40-year career without any maternal mortalities. Contact Alan Lindermann, M.D., at (701) 399-9556; ALindemann@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Secrets Successful People Know about Healthy Choices
According to author Rico Racosky, the world’s most successful people know that whatever they do, buy, develop, interact with or say can impact their physical, emotional, mental, relational and financial health. In fact, Rico says these people (who have achieved great accomplishments) are part of something he calls a Healthy Choice Revolution that’s amazingly simple, surprisingly obvious, and profoundly practical. He says anyone is capable of embracing this concept with their choices. Rico’s popular book is “Just 2 Choices” and he can instantly teach your audience some of the choice-making skills contained in his book and online classes that we all need for greater happiness and wellness. Contact him at (720) 572-1321; RRacosky@rtirguests.com
15. ==> What Makes for a Happy Life? Start with Your Home
With all of the increased stress of the modern world, it’s become increasingly difficult for people to find their happy space. Author and realtor Valentina Tjan claims that there are simple, yet powerful ways to reclaim and maintain joy, starting with your home. “Home should be a haven to fall back to,” she says. Valentina can share how to turn your home into a physical, emotional and spiritual safe sanctuary for your spouse, kids, and yourself. She is the author of “The Best Is Yet to Come: Real Life Journey to Riches to Inspire You to Wisdom and Wealth.” Contact Valentina at (647) 493-1694; vphoey@rtirguests.com