01. War, Wheat and Food Shortages
02. Making Finance Work for Ukrainian Women
03. Should You Get a 2nd COVID Booster?
04. Bruce Willis: Understanding Aphasia
05. Titanic Anniversary is April 15: The Untold Story of the Sinking
06. ‘The Latin King of Country Music’ is Still Alive
07. Spring Clean Your Ideas About Work
08. This Guest Landed Her Dream Job in Her 60s
09. Do a Show on the Ladies Who Run the Cruise Industry
10. Witch Doctors, Dictators, Wars: What It Took to Rid the World of Smallpox
11. Are You Secretly Allergic to Your Spouse?
12. Storms Are Getting Stronger – Buildings Need More Protection
13. How to Raise a Reader (One Book at a Time)
14. What the Most Successful People Know About Making Healthy Choices
15. Do Elephants Belong in Zoos?
1. ==> War, Wheat and Food Shortages
President Biden is warning of global food shortages as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine — predicting that the war will upend global wheat supplies. Research director with Food and Water Watch, Amanda Starbuck says, “Our corporate-controlled, just-in-time food system does little to buffer us from supply shocks created by events like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In fact, it helped create the problem.” Starbuck will explain why the U.S. abandoned its national grain reserve, the role of agribusinesses in our food supply chain, and how to ensure food for all. “The world already grows enough to feed a planet of nine billion, yet hunger persists, thanks to inequality and unfair allocation of resources. In the short term, we should divert some of the countless acreage growing corn for factory farms and instead grow wheat to feed people directly,” she says. “Long-term goals include reinstating supply management tools like grain reserves to buffer against future supply shocks — this time ensuring that farmers of all backgrounds can participate.” Contact Amanda Starbuck at astarbuck@fwwatch.org; @foodandwater
2. ==> Making Finance Work for Ukrainian Women
Millions of Ukrainian women and children have fled the country with just the clothes on their backs. Women’s World Banking CEO Mary Ellen Iskenderian says the refugees’ reliance on cash is exacerbating the crisis. “Ukrainian women are finding they can’t exchange the Ukrainian currency, the hryvnia, for euros or dollars at the border. Or can only do so at exorbitantly high, even predatory, exchange rates,” she says. “But the crisis is also shedding light on the limitations of digital financial services, particularly payments, even for those not entirely reliant on cash. Most of the Ukrainian women are arriving at the border with cell phones and many of them have credit and debit cards. But European banks are refusing digital transactions and payments drawn on Ukrainian banks because they’re worried that they won’t be reimbursed by the banks that issued the cards.” As these women’s financial situation becomes direr, Iskenderian fears a sex trafficking nightmare. The nonprofit Women’s World Banking works to give women access to the financial system. Mary Ellen Iskenderian’s new book is “There’s Nothing Micro About a Billion Women: Making Finance Work for Women.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com
3. ==> Should You Get a 2nd COVID Booster?
The Food and Drug Administration authorized a second COVID-19 booster shot for adults aged 50 and older as well as immunocompromised people aged 12 and up. If you fall into one of those groups, should you get another booster dose? Dean Fanelli, Ph.D., an expert on pharmaceutical and chemical-related technologies, can discuss who should get a booster shot and when, why America lags behind other countries in booster rates, and the latest COVID treatments and therapies. Fanelli is a partner in the intellectual property department of Seyfarth Shaw LLP’s Washington D.C. office. He also hosts the podcast Politics & Life Sciences Radio. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; (919) 377-1200 or ryan@goldmanmccormick.com
4. ==> Bruce Willis: Understanding Aphasia
Bruce Willis’ family has announced he’s retiring from acting after being diagnosed with aphasia — difficulty processing information and responding to it. Léonie Rosenstiel explains that people with aphasia have trouble understanding and responding to speech and or written language. “The problem often comes with the later stages of dementia but can also result from some sort of brain damage such as might result from a stroke or traumatic injury,” she says. “There is often a better ability to understand what people are saying than to respond to it appropriately, which can be especially frustrating for someone like an actor, who makes a living working with the spoken word.” Léonie says in some cases, speech therapy can help, but Willis’ reaction to the diagnosis makes her suspect the problem is more serious. Léonie is an author, senior advocate and advisor who works to help people navigate the maze of the eldercare system. Her work has been featured in “The New York Review of Books,” “Los Angeles Times,” “Chicago Tribune,” and more. Her books include “Protecting Mama: Surviving the Legal Guardianship Swamp.” Contact her at (505) 317-2405; L.rosenstiel1@gmail.com
5. ==> Titanic Anniversary is April 15: The Untold Story of the Sinking
On April 15, 1912, 110 years ago, the Titanic sank in the North Atlantic claiming the lives of some 1,500 people. The sinking still fascinates us as does the speculation that it may have been caused by something other than an iceberg. Loring Stead, M.D., author of the upcoming book “Sink the Unsinkable,” a retired physician and a descendant of first-class passenger W. T. Stead, will explain why the loss of the Titanic was no accident. Invite him on air to share the life of W.T., an expert on preventing child sex trafficking who was coming to America at the invitation of President Taft to give a talk on peace at Carnegie Hall. But, according to Dr. Stead, he planned to out wealthy, privileged child abusers. Ask Dr. Stead: Why does he believe W.T. and some others aboard the Titanic had to be silenced? How did business elites, the church, and politicians conspire to sink the ship? Loring Stead, M.D., has presented at hundreds of medical conferences and is a Titanic expert with previously unknown family stories to share. Contact him at (507) 358-2961; stead.loring@gmail.com
6. ==> ‘The Latin King of Country Music’ is Still Alive
Despite internet rumors to the contrary, Johnny Rodriguez is alive and well. In fact, “The Latin King of Country Music” has been writing and recording new music during the pandemic. His new CD, “Building Bridges,” includes two songs written by actor and singer/songwriter Dennis Quaid and a duet with two-time Grammy Award-winner Tanya Tucker. Johnny’s Latin-infused hits made him one of the most successful country singers of the ‘70s and ‘80s. His new memoir, “Desperado: My Story,” details his meteoric rise to fame and his plunge into personal despair. Invite him to talk about his arrival in Nashville, his friendships and adventures with country music’s biggest stars, and the missed opportunities and missteps he made along the way. Ask him: How did you get your life back on track? What was your relationship with Merle Haggard? How did you end up recording the Eagles’ song “Desperado”? Why did you turn down Elvis’ manager, Col. Parker? Contact Pauline Vega at (661) 387-3174; pvega@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Spring Clean Your Ideas About Work
Last year’s Great Resignation has evolved into this year’s Great Re-imagination of the workplace. Since the spring of 2021 more than 33 million people in the U.S. have quit jobs that aren’t accommodating their needs, including millions of people looking for careers that better wrap around their families. Sherry Beck Paprocki says this tightening of the workforce provides a unique opportunity to find the perfect job for those who are looking for more flexibility and freedom in their careers. Invite her on your show and learn how to have a lucrative freelance business, tips to create the gig lifestyle you’ve dreamed about, and why some people have satisfying careers while others don’t. Certified work-life balance coach Sherry Beck Paprocki has earned more than six figures a year as a freelance writer, editor and gig specialist. She is the author of “Freelance Fancy: Your Guide to Capturing Spiritual Health, Wealth and Happiness from Gig Work.” Contact her at (614) 537-7159; paprockiltd@cs.com
8. ==> 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
9. ==> Do a Show on the Ladies Who Run the Cruise Industry
Most people think of cruise ship honchos as men. However, more and more women are manning the helm in the industry, and making waves. “Today, there are numerous women cruise line presidents and vice presidents, as well as the first and only American woman captain of a cruise ship for a well-known cruise line, and another woman who is a co-founder and co-owner,” says author and travel industry expert Cindy Bertram. Cindy can talk about the numerous women cruise line bigwigs who have sailed on to dazzling careers in an industry long dominated by men. 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 Cindy at (219) 775-6488; cbertram@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Witch Doctors, Dictators, Wars: What It Took to Rid the World of Smallpox
Fighting a deadly virus is complicated. It took 10 years and a global campaign for the world to eradicate smallpox. Bee Bloeser and her two young children became involved when the CDC dispatched her husband to Africa in 1969. From being welcomed by cheering Africans to encountering witch doctors, a 10-acre mass grave, and living under a brutal dictator in remote Equatorial Guinea, Bee can discuss the exhilarating moments, unexpected challenges, and why she and her children were eventually evacuated after an incident with a simple child’s toy. Bee Bloeser has been featured on NPR’s “Journeys of Discovery” and NPR KCBX Radio’s show, “Issues and Ideas.” Her book is “Vaccines and Bayonets: Fighting Smallpox in Africa amid Tribalism, Terror and the Cold War.” Ask her: What are the similarities and differences between fighting smallpox and COVID? What was it like fighting a pandemic across battle lines of civil wars and the Cold War? Did she face resistance, and by whom? Contact Bee at (520) 214-5971; bbloeser@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Are You Secretly Allergic to Your Spouse?
Do you sneeze uncontrollably whenever your wife or hubby tries to hug you? Do you wake up with a headache after sleeping next to your other half? According to products ingredients expert Zorica Denton, you may be allergic to the fragrances in their soap, body lotion or something else they use, and not even know it. “Products with fragrances may contain anywhere from 100 to 1,000 chemicals,” she says. “But they don’t have to be listed due to trade secret policies.” Zorica developed asthma and other long-term, debilitating health problems as a result of working as a perfume model, and almost died. She is the founder of the natural personal care products company Zorica of Malibu, and author of an upcoming book about toxic chemicals in products. Contact Zorica at (213) 616-7904; zdenton@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Storms Are Getting Stronger – Buildings Need More Protection
Scientists have been predicting stronger, deadlier storms for years and now recent weather patterns appear to be playing out the scenario. These catastrophic events are becoming more frequent and causing extensive damage to homes and property. Building expert George C. Keefe says there are ways to protect buildings — old and new — to help them withstand Mother Nature’s increasing fury. Invite Keefe to discuss how to fortify roofs and building exteriors and why strengthening exteriors before disaster strikes can not only save lives but also time and money spent on repairs. Keefe will share simple, effective methods of protecting people, buildings and the environment. George C. Keefe is a building consultant, author and contractor with over 40 years of experience. Contact Lydia Ng’etich at (800) 228-5507; ask@encasementguy.com
13. ==> How to Raise a Reader (One Book at a Time)
Despite their hectic schedules and the distractions of social media and modern technology, families can dramatically improve their children’s lives by setting aside time to read with them. “A relaxing reading ritual not only fuels your child’s reading journey, but it also builds a bond and creates memories that last,” says author and long-time educator Lori Lynn Ahrends. “The right books will not only be fun, but will build your child’s self-confidence in reading, plus offer other learning opportunities. The key to raising a reader is simple: Joy!” Lori Lynn can offer many ideas on how to incorporate reading into busy lives. She is an award-winning educator and international speaker with a master’s in education; a singer/songwriter; creator of the Overall Buddies early childhood learning website and author of the children’s book “I’m a Pig.” Contact Lori Lynn at (402) 235-4292; lahrends@rtirguests.com
14. ==> What the Most Successful People Know About Making 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 in life) are part of something he calls a Healthy Choice Revolution that’s amazingly simple, surprisingly obvious, and profoundly practical. Anyone is capable of embracing this, with all their choices going forward. Rico’s popular book is “Just 2 Choices” and he can instantly teach your audience some of the choice-making skills contained in that book and his online classes that we all need for greater happiness and wellness. Contact him at (403) 938-9368; Rico@Just2Choices.com
15. ==> Do Elephants Belong in Zoos?
People the world over have a deep affection for the largest land animals, elephants. Currently, only a small percentage of pachyderms remain in the wild. To allow more people to enjoy them, many elephants have been corralled into lives of captivity in zoos and entertainment venues. “In the last century, elephant populations have plummeted by 90 percent due to trophy hunting, poaching, logging, zoos and circus captures,” says author and animal/environmental advocate Georja Umano. “There are alternate ways to enjoy elephants without stripping them of their natural habitats.” Georja spent two years living and working in Kenya and can share why it’s important to preserve elephants’ natural habitats, as well as how these lovable creatures positively impact global ecosystems. She is the author of “Terriers in the Jungle.” Contact her at (213) 568-1764; gumano@rtirguests.com
Comments are closed.