01. The Debate Over Vaccine Passports
02. Home Health Care and Infrastructure? Why it Makes Sense
03. Academy Award-Winner George Chakiris
04. It’s Earth Month! What’s Your Environmental Handprint?
05. The Bad News about Friendly Bears
06. ‘She-Cession’ Survival Tactics
07. Is College Broken?
08. The Truth about Black Women and Infertility
09. Are You Dating a Frog or a Prince?
10. Where to Find Calm and Clarity Amid Chaos
11. Why Being Safe Can Be Dangerous
12. Time to Plan Your Next Travel Adventure
13. Politics Aside … Why You Should Adopt Biden’s Aviators
14. How to Move From Heartache to Happiness
15. Ride Along with Former Vegas Cop and ATF Agent
1.==> The Debate Over Vaccine Passports
New York and Florida have both taken official positions regarding vaccine passports. The official NYS Excelsior Pass is now available for download while the governor of Florida just issued an executive order prohibiting businesses from requiring customers to show vaccine documentation. But business and technology consultant Shelly Palmer says this is more than just a tale of two states. “The self-assembled safe and unsafe groups we have today are relatively easy to understand and to deal with. But as we move closer and closer to herd immunity, it is less easy to understand how these two groups get re-integrated,” according to Palmer. He can discuss the management issues and policy concerns now surfacing. As for passports, Palmer says, “The labeling of safe and unsafe people is set up to fail both technically and morally.” He can discuss the management issues and policy concerns now surfacing. Shelly Palmer is an advertising, marketing and technology consultant and business adviser. He’s CEO of The Palmer Group, Fox 5 New York’s on-air tech and digital media expert, a columnist for Ad Age, and a regular commentator on CNBC and CNN. Contact him at (917) 886-1173; shelly@palmer.net or Dana Eisenberg at (212) 532-3880; admin@shellypalmer.com
2. ==> Home Health Care and Infrastructure? Why it Makes Sense
Building roads and bridges is good for the economy, pretty much everybody agrees. But helping senior citizens stay out of nursing homes? Raising pay for childcare workers? President Joe Biden says those sorts of initiatives can help, too. Last week he introduced the first half of what he has called his “Build Back Better” agenda which included big new spending on traditional infrastructure projects like bridges and waterways AND a dramatic increase in federal support for home- and community-based services. The twist is placing the proposals alongside traditional infrastructure projects as part of a broader economic agenda. But many, like Ai-jen Poo, executive director of National Domestic Workers Alliance, say the economic benefits of caregiving initiatives are real. “Like our physical infrastructure — roads, bridges, green energy — our care infrastructure needs permanent investment to ensure our communities can thrive.” The National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) is the nation’s leading voice for dignity and fairness for the millions of domestic workers in the United States. Contact Nidya Sarria-King at press@domesticworkers.org
3. ==> Academy Award-Winner George Chakiris
Academy Award- and Golden Globe-winner George Chakiris is perhaps best known for his role of Bernardo, leader of the Sharks, in “West Side Story.” The multi-talented actor gained a reclusive reputation over the years but is now opening up about his life in and out of the spotlight. In his new memoir, “My West Side Story,” he discusses working with Natalie Wood and Rita Moreno (with whom he remains friends) and his many appearances on stage and screen. In addition to his award-winning role, Chakiris appeared as a dancer in Marilyn Monroe’s “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” number in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” acted opposite Charlton Heston and Gene Kelly on the big screen, and even enjoyed a brief career as a pop singer, resulting in a couple of minor hit songs. Today, Chakiris continues to create, making jewelry. What started as a hobby has become The George Chakiris Collections, currently on display at Tokyo’s prestigious Mitsukoshi Department Store. Contact Harlan Boll at (626) 296-3757; harlan@bhbpr.com
4.==> It’s Earth Month! What’s Your Environmental Handprint?
You care about the environment — the world you live in, and the world you are going to leave behind for future generations. Perhaps you already avoid wasting energy and buying more things than you need — reducing your ecological footprint. Yet energy conservation expert Jon Biemer says you can do more to help heal our planet by looking at your ecological handprint. “Footprints are good for quantifying cost and carbon. Looking at our handprints is better for quantifying changes in the system. Footprints encourage us to consume less. Handprints encourage us to be proactive, even entrepreneurial.” He’ll explain how you can make a difference with the choices you make about the clothing you buy, the investments you make, and even the food you choose to eat. Trained as a mechanical engineer, Biemer has more than 40 years of experience creating sustainability. Over the years, he and his wife have planted food forests, eco-remodeled their home, and lived without a power clothes dryer, refrigerator and car. His new book is “Our Environmental Handprints: Recover the Land, Reverse Global Warming, Reclaim the Future.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com
5. ==> The Bad News about Friendly Bears
A mysterious neurological disease in young California black bears is making them behave like pet dogs, cozying up to humans. “Infected bears come to our attention because they approach people in a peaceful, friendly and non-aggressive manner,” says Ann Bryant, executive director of the BEAR (Bear Education Aversion Response) League who has been involved in rescuing infected bears. “The first bear I personally rescued was diagnosed with encephalitis in March of 2018,” Bryant says. “She walked into a school and entered a classroom where she sat down among the children, behaving very much like a friendly dog.” Bryant warns that the bears are still dangerous to humans despite their friendly behavior. Eight cases have been reported in California in recent years, although the actual number may be higher. Half of the confirmed cases have been detected in the last year. The BEAR League is a completely volunteer, community-based, not-for-profit organization committed to keeping bears safe and wild in their natural habitat. Contact Ann Bryant at (530) 525-7297; info@savebears.org
6. ==> ‘She-Cession’ Survival Tactics
It’s been a brutal year for most Americans, both emotionally and financially, but the evidence is clear; women have been hit hardest, with many economists saying we’re currently in a “She-Cession.” Invite Jessica Weaver to share three easy steps to get your finances back on track. The author of “Strong Woman, Stronger Assets,” and “Time to Refine: A Strong Woman’s Guide to Retiring On Her Own Terms” can help listeners stop living paycheck-to-paycheck and plan for a better financial future. She can also discuss how women can shatter the glass ceiling, ways to bring up money issues with a spouse, and how to raise children to become financially independent adults. Jessica Weaver, CFP, CDFA, CFS, is a wealth advisor and author of the Not Your Father’s Advisor blog. She is the founder of #pinkfix, a community of women committed to growing their careers, building wealth, and forming lasting relationships. Contact her at (732) 752-9191; Jessica@JessicaWeaver.com
7. ==> Is College Broken?
In addition to saddling most students with five- and six-figure debt before they are even hired, college and universities teach students one thing, one way, with one success metric and it takes a minimum of four years to learn it, says Raj Girn. Graduates are left incapable of doing anything else unless they spend another four years learning another single thing like law or medicine and if they don’t take that path, they’ll find what they learned to be out-of-date shortly after graduation. Interview Raj to discuss the increasing popularity of alternative education facilities and what they can mean to employees and corporations. She says, “Never has there been a time where people have needed more support to level up to meet the rapid demands of technological advancements, amplified by pandemic circumstances.” Raj heads the Open Chest Confidence Academy, is a well-known media personality in Canada and a serial media entrepreneur who has worked with thought leaders, celebrities, and multinational corporations. Contact her at (647) 490-3158; Rgirn@rtirguests.com
8. ==> The Truth about Black Women and Infertility
It took almost 20 years for Frances Jones to heal the damage that being infertile had caused her and to put feelings of unworthiness behind her. She hopes to prevent other women, particularly women of color like herself, from viewing themselves as “damaged goods” because they cannot conceive and bear children. “Many people facing infertility battle with low self-esteem and feelings of unworthiness. There are so many negative feelings including guilt, anger, resentment and blame as a result of fertility challenges,” Jones says. In her new book, “Overcoming the Emotional Stigmas of Infertility,” she discusses what fertile people don’t understand about those who are not, why her desire to conceive never went away despite having two adopted sons and a stepdaughter, and why we need to change the dialogue society has about fertility problems. Frances Jones co-authored the national and international best-seller “Girl on Fire! Fireproof” and is an executive channel producer for the TV network Women Wins. She recently appeared on TV on Fox Soul’s The Tammi Mac Late Show to discuss Black women and infertility. Contact her at (855) 738-5345. frances@heartdesirescoaching.com
9. ==> Are You Dating a Frog or a Prince?
Relationship expert, author and “Extreme Makeover” dating, flirting and kissing coach Marilyn Anderson teaches women how to recognize frogs – the human kind – at first sight. Anderson says forget the old myth: You have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince. “No way,” she says. “The truth is, you can’t find a prince if you’re busy kissing frogs!” Marilyn was originally a biologist and studied the mating habits of animals. Now, as the world’s only “frogologist,” she studies the mating habits of the male animal! As a single woman, she has been in the dating swamp forever – and sees both the pitfalls and humor of relationships. An award-winning film and TV writer and author, Marilyn has appeared on more than 400 radio and TV shows. She is the author of several books including “Never Kiss a Frog: A Girl’s Guide to Creatures from the Dating Swamp.” Contact her at (310) 502-4047; MAndersonCapNews@gmail.com
10. ==> Where to Find Calm and Clarity Amid Chaos
When times are tough, most people look for external sources of comfort. But best-selling author and intuition expert Kim Chestney claims we have it backward. “When we learn to recognize and follow our inner guidance, it reconnects us with the fullness of our intended existence,” she says. “In this way, intuition is not only our line to higher awareness but the cure for our pains — our imbalanced bodies, worried minds, broken hearts and defeated spirits.” Kim will share specific ways to tap into our “inner guidance” and discuss how to remain at peace while surrounded by chaos. Kim Chestney is an international best-selling author and artist who founded the popular CREATE! Festival in Pittsburgh, Pa. Her Intuition Masterclass is part of her global online school, Intuition Lab. Contact her at (412) 214-9502; KChestney@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Why Being Safe Can Be Dangerous
In our current uncertain world many people gravitate toward safety in their lives, but according to author and adventurer Sparrow Hart, safety has consequences — an ever-growing store of regrets from living small — we don’t always think about. He’ll explain why “safety-ism” — valuing safe¬ty above everything else — runs counter to scientific research and ancient wisdom; is toxic to our dreams; and antithetical to a passionate pursuit of our best selves. Sparrow’s varied career includes being a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Stanford, a brief stint working in a slaughterhouse, adven¬tures in the Amazon jungle, and over 30 years of leading workshops on shamanism, the heroic journey, and vision quests in nature. He is the author of several books including “Letters to the River: A Guide to a Dream Worth Living.” Contact Sparrow Hart at (801) 516-0740; SHart@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Time to Plan Your Next Travel Adventure
Are you ready to hit the road and travel again? As the world reopens after the pandemic, where should you go next and what should you expect? Invite travel expert Estee Gubbay to discuss how to plan your next trip along with updates on the travel industry and the changes that could benefit you. You’ll hear the latest trends in travel, why now is the best time to plan your next adventure, and how to reap the benefits of travel while never leaving the house. A professional travel agent and writer, Estee will share tips for making the most of any journey. “Your Travel Bucket List: The Ultimate Guide to Enrich Your Life with Great Adventures and Unforgettable Memories” is her new book. Contact Estee Gubbay at (858) 381-7713; Estee@LuxuristTravel.com
13. ==> Politics Aside … Why You Should Adopt Biden’s Aviators
Joe Biden has been wearing aviator sunglasses for most of his life. Some might say he looks cool. But putting style and politics aside, Joe may be onto something. Wearing wraparound aviator sunglasses (but not necessarily pricey Ray-Bans) can help you protect your health, especially during COVID-19, reports vision educator Linda Odubayo Thompson. As Linda will tell your listeners, “The eyes are porous, and the optic nerve is a direct extension to the brain. So, it stands to reason that eye protection should be added to the virus protection mix, especially for children,” she says. Linda knows not to take her vision for granted; she has suffered from glaucoma for more than 30 years. Contact Linda Odubayo Thompson at (914) 944-1474; lthompson@rtirguests.com
14. ==> How to Move From Heartache to Happiness
Last year was especially tough for many of us. Author David L. Peters was no exception. “I lost my wife of 58 years, on the 60th anniversary of our meeting,” he says. “I also had to care for my sick brother, who passed away in October.” But he still manages to find joy via a simple yet powerful formula he created. He can share how we can develop our own recipes for happiness, even in the worst of times. David is an engineer who holds 18 patents and is the author of “The 12 Steps to Joy and Happiness.” He’ll describe his formula for happiness and explain how it utilizes science. Contact David at (607) 304-3329; DPeters@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Ride Along with Former Vegas Cop and ATF Agent
Mark Rusin loved being a cop in Sin City, where he spent four years before becoming an ATF agent. Now retired, Rusin says, “Any cop will tell you there is nothing like hustling to a hot call or being the first person on the scene of a murder. … In my mind, cops are all heroes. Who else do you know that puts on a bullet-proof vest with their name and blood type on it before going to work?” Rusin, who has served as a consultant to the CSI TV show, will take listeners along for a ride as he shares stories from his days on the Vegas strip, recounts the presidents he’s met and protected, and explains the realities of being a cop now and then, and why anyone would want the job. Mark Rusin is the author of “Metro: Sin City Chronicles” and “Justice For Dallas,” which is based on real events and is being turned into a screenplay. Contact him at (520) 205-1113; msrusin@comcast.net