01. What to Watch for During Monday’s Eclipse
02. Not in Eclipse Path? NASA Has You Covered
03. The Unravelling of the UNRWA
04. Mitch McConnell’s Parting Maneuvers
05. RFK: Count on Him to Create Chaos
06. Ghost Guns and Gangsters
07. How to Disaster-Proof Your Family’s Memories
08. Who Is Responsible for the Dumbing Down of America?
09. Stop Asking Why Abused Women Stay
10. ‘Underdog’— A Quirky, Heartwarming Documentary
11. Why Social Anxiety Sufferers Don’t Seek Treatment
12. Former NBA Player’s Mission to Keep Kids in School
13. This RN Can Share Often Ignored Health Warning Signs
14. Would You Give Up Meat to Avert a Global Catastrophe?
15. Lights Out for the Birds
1. ==> What to Watch for During Monday’s Eclipse
On Monday, millions of people across North America will experience a rare celestial sight: a total solar eclipse. Over about an hour, viewers in 15 states across the U.S. will experience up to four and a half minutes of darkness when the moon moves fully in front of the sun, revealing the sun’s faint outer atmosphere: the corona. “When you see totality, you can see how it’s had such a huge impact on humans through thousands of years. It’s one of the most beautiful things most people will ever experience.” But the phases surrounding totality are pretty memorable too, according to Dr. John Mulchaey. He says an eerily darkening sky is a cue for skywatchers to grab their eclipse glasses and get ready for the stellar show to begin. Dr. John Mulchaey is the Carnegie Institution for Science’s deputy for science and the director and Crawford H. Greenewalt Chair of the Carnegie Observatories. Contact Natasha Metzler at nmetzler@carnegiescience.edu
2. ==> Not in Eclipse Path? NASA Has You Covered
For those living outside the path of totality, a crescent-shaped partial eclipse will be the main event, but you can still view the full show, thanks to NASA. The space agency will host live coverage of the eclipse and can provide experts to interview and talk about the significance of the eclipse and what scientists will be looking for. Contact Karen Fox at (202) 358-1100; karen.c.fox@nasa.gov or Sarah Frazier at (202) 853-7191; sarah.frazier@nasa.gov
3. ==> The Unravelling of the UNRWA
After operating under the radar for much of its 74-year history, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has become a household name to many. In late January, Israeli officials alleged that 12 UNRWA staffers were involved in Hamas’s October 7 attacks in which more than 1,200 Israelis were killed and some 240 taken hostage. The allegations were met with outrage by the agency’s Western donors, leading 17 countries to suspend their funding, including the United States and Germany. With UNRWA as the largest humanitarian organization operating in Gaza, no other entity can match its reach or capacity. Gaza’s 2.2 million residents are on the brink of famine, 85% have lost their homes, and Israel’s decision to cut off the fresh water supply has led to a multifaceted public health crisis. Invite Christopher Gunness, a former spokesperson for UNRWA, to discuss the situation in Gaza and how to find a just and durable solution to the Palestinian refugees’ protracted crisis. Contact Christopher Gunness at cgunness@outlook.com; @MyanmarAProject
4. ==> Mitch McConnell’s Parting Maneuvers
Longtime Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is stepping down in November, but Ira Shapiro says he’s not going quietly into the night. Invite the author of “The Betrayal: How Mitch McConnell and the Senate Republicans Abandoned America” to discuss the future of the GOP and McConnell’s legacy. Hear how McConnell remains the Republican’s most powerful fundraiser in his quest to recapture a Senate majority and why he endorsed Donald Trump, despite the fact they despise each other. Shapiro’s 45-year Washington career has focused on American politics and international trade. He served 12 years in senior staff positions in the U.S. Senate and worked in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative during the Clinton administration, first as general counsel and then chief negotiator with Japan and Canada, with the rank of ambassador. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; johanna@jrbcomm.com
5. ==> RFK: Count on Him to Create Chaos
Americans are clearly unhappy with their choice of candidates for the White House in the upcoming election, but will they go for third-party candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.? Lee Drutman describes Kennedy’s message as an odd version of populism. “It’s anti-corporate and anti-government, a kind of trust-no-one mood that mixes progressive economic policy ideas with anti-immigrant sentiments and off-the-wall nutty-crunch. And of course, a heavy dose of anti-vax conspiracy theories.” Because his support coalition is so unusual and heavy with otherwise unlikely voters, Drutman says his support numbers vary quite a bit and make his campaign a wildcard. He says, “In a close race between the two unpopular frontrunners, Kennedy will almost certainly be a chaos factor.” Lee Drutman is a senior fellow in the Political Reform program at the liberal think tank New America. He is the author of “Breaking the Two-Party Doom Loop: The Case for Multiparty Democracy in America.” Contact him at drutman@newamerica.org; @leedrutman
6. ==> Ghost Guns and Gangsters
Ghost guns have created a major public safety issue in the United States. Unserialized and untraceable, they’re often bought in kits online and allow criminals to circumvent existing gun regulations. Retired undercover ATF Special Agent Ignacio Esteban says this is the new way of trafficking dangerous weapons to criminal organizations with no end in sight. Invite Esteban to explain how this glaring regulatory loophole undermines the effectiveness of existing gun-related policies enacted at the state level. You’ll also learn how the rise of ghost guns has been accompanied by a surge in conversion devices that transform legal semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic firearms, reminiscent of the days of Prohibition-era gangsters. Ignacio Esteban spent 26 years as an undercover special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). He’s a frequent media guest and the author of dozens of books including his autobiography “ATF Undercover,” which details his most difficult and dangerous cases. Contact Adrienne Mazzone at amazzone@transmediagroup.com
7. ==> How to Disaster-Proof Your Family’s Memories
Whether your precious memories are digital, photographic, or on DVD, one disaster can wipe out all those memories instantly. What’s the best way to preserve your family’s records so they can be enjoyed for decades to come? Find out when you interview Rhonda Chadwick. A professional archivist with a master’s degree in library science, Rhonda is the author of “Secrets from the Stacks: An Archivist Reveals How to Store, Digitize, and Preserve Documents to Create a Family Archive and Leave a Personal Legacy.” She can discuss best practices for preparing photos, documents, textile and metal keepsakes, digital materials, and more to ensure that even if disaster strikes, your story and legacy will be protected. Whether your listeners are looking to simply protect their family photos or preserve a deep-dive history of their ancestry for generations to come, you need to hear from this expert. Contact Rhonda Chadwick at (401) 227-3306 or rchadwick@rtirguests.com
8. ==> 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 public 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, 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
9. ==> Stop Asking Why Abused Women Stay
In recent years, the issue of domestic violence has finally received more attention as the public unites against it, but we still have a long way to go. One of the most pressing problems is the belief that women should “just leave” their abusers. The reality is that leaving is not that simple for many trapped in abusive relationships. Phoenix Rose understands that reality. She shares her story with your audience on escaping a violent relationship and rebuilding her life and offers real, actionable advice for people to help themselves or their loved ones do the same. The author of “Walking in Aloha: 5 Steps to Living Your God Potential Life,” Phoenix provides secure, empowering steps for women that will help them break free and achieve a stronger, more purposeful life. She’ll also discuss the unseen reasons women stay with those who hurt them, what domestic violence victims have in common with their abusers, why the occurrence of domestic violence spiked drastically during the pandemic, and much more. Contact Phoenix Rose at (808) 201-2784; prose@rtirguests.com
10. ==> ‘Underdog’- A Quirky, Heartwarming Documentary
In “Underdog,” quixotic Vermont dairy farmer Doug Butler risks losing the only home he’s ever known to chase his dreams of dog mushing in Alaska. Meticulously captured over a decade, the movie paints an intimate portrait of Butler as he puts a curiously optimistic twist on the family farm tragedies that have so marked American rural life. Director Tommy Hyde’s documentary has been making the rounds of film festivals and has gotten a lot of attention for its subtle style and message of resilience. Invite Hyde to discuss the film and why it resonates with so many who have faced down their own loneliness, isolation and the struggle to make sense of forces beyond control. “Underdog” is currently available to stream on Freeview and Amazon Prime. Contact Kelly Hargraves at kelly.hargraves@firstrunfeatures.com
11. ==> Why Social Anxiety Sufferers Don’t Seek Treatment
Millions of teens and adults struggle with persistent fears of social situations because they believe they will be judged negatively or humiliated. Many avoid seeking help. “Less than half seek treatment; most seek treatment only after they have been suffering for 15 to 20 years,” says clinical psychologist and author Dr. Thomas E. Brown. “They feel embarrassed and ashamed.” Dr. Brown notes that social anxiety is associated with increased rates of school dropouts, unemployment, remaining single, and getting divorced. He can describe the causes and symptoms of social anxiety, the most effective treatment options, and how those suffering can reclaim their lives. Dr. Brown is a professor of psychiatry and neuroscience at UC Riverside School of Medicine and the author of seven books including “Smart But Stuck: Emotions in Teens and Adults” and his forthcoming “Social Anxiety: Hidden Fears and Shame in Teens and Adults.” Contact Thomas E. Brown at (475) 405-3549; tbrown@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Former NBA Player’s Mission to Keep Kids in School
The rate of school dropouts has increased alarmingly, especially after the pandemic. More than 7,000 U.S. kids leave the education system every day — that’s one child every 26 seconds — which places them at high risk for drug addiction, prison, or worse. Former NBA champion Dean Tolson is on a mission to stop this national crisis. His powerful personal story has already inspired thousands of kids across the country to stay in school. Hear Dean’s incredible journey from illiterate NBA player to graduating magna cum laude with a master’s degree, and how he was drafted for the Seattle SuperSonics by Hall of Famer Bill Russell. He’ll also reveal the shocking, controversial actions that took place during his recruitment, why he never should have played in college or the NBA, and much more! The author of “Power Forward: The Dean Tolson Story,” Dean has decades of public speaking experience and has appeared on KING5 TV, The Grio, and in “Sports Illustrated.” Contact him at (235) 884-8934; dtolson@rtirguests.com
13. ==> This RN Can Share Often Ignored Health Warning Signs
Most people 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 can be prevented.” Not only can Allen share how to avoid developing serious illnesses, he can address how to raise safety-conscious kids, eliminate fire and fall hazards at home, and share 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
14. ==> 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
15. ==> Lights Out for the Birds
City lights across the country will be dimmer than usual in the coming weeks 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; jdw342@drexel.edu or Matt Smelser at the Audubon Society at matt.smelser@audubon.org