01. Racist Police Violence is More than One ‘Bad Apple’ Cop
02. Who Should Get Credit for Economy, Biden or Trump?
03. One-Third of COVID Survivors Suffer Brain Issues
04. Lessons from the Georgia-Based Boycott
05. Hot Dog! Baseball is Back!
06. Are Americans Too Independent for Their Own Good?
07. What the Far-Right Has in Common with the Far-Left (and Where Both Go Wrong)
08. Wine Destinations: Plan Your Next Trip
09. Laugh Along with The Clueless Caregiver
10. Telemedicine is Here to Stay: How to Use it Best
11. 4 Things You Should Never Say to Someone Who Lost Someone to COVID
12. Why Does My Partner Do That?
13. What Parents Can Do to Stop Violence
14. Is Mother’s Intuition Real?
15. How to Boost Your Immun-a-Tea
1.==> Racist Police Violence is More than One ‘Bad Apple’ Cop
As the murder trial of Derek Chauvin for killing George Floyd proceeds, the prosecution has tried to portray the defendant as a “bad apple” who used excessive force in violation of departmental policy. But Marjorie Cohn says the argument obfuscates the racist violence inherent in the U.S. system of policing. “Black people who are unarmed or not attacking police are 3.5 times more likely to be killed by police than white people, the Brookings Institution found. More than 75 percent of the time, chokeholds are applied on men of color.” She adds, “For nine minutes and 29 seconds, Chauvin continued to choke Floyd as several bystanders watched, many visibly recording the killing. Chauvin didn’t try to hide what he was doing. As eyewitness Genevieve Hansen testified, Chauvin looked “comfortable” with his weight on Floyd’s neck. Cohn asks, “What would have happened if eyewitnesses had not recorded Floyd’s death? Would Chauvin have been fired and charged with murder?” Marjorie Cohn is professor emerita at Thomas Jefferson School of Law and former president of the National Lawyers Guild. She just wrote the piece “Calling Chauvin a ‘Bad Apple’ Denies Systemic Nature of Racist Police Violence.” Contact her at marjorielegal@gmail.com
2. ==> Who Should Get Credit for Economy, Biden or Trump?
Politicians routinely take credit for the cyclical economic shifts that can be years in the making, but Lakshman Achuthan says there is more to the story than that. The co-founder of the Economic Cycle Research Institute says Biden will benefit from the robust revival that began under Trump’s watch but it’s the economic cycle that deserves the lion’s share of the credit for the strong recovery from the COVID recession. He’ll explain how the pandemic-related shutdowns suddenly plunged the economy into a deep recession over a year ago, but as the economy began opening up, economic activity automatically rebounded, starting a new cyclical upturn. He says the U.S. growth outlook still looks sunny, but with international interest rates on the rise, there are storm clouds on the far horizon. Contact Lakshman Achuthan at (212) 557-7788; @businesscycle
3. ==> One-Third of COVID Survivors Suffer Brain Issues
A new study finds that as many as one in three people infected with COVID-19 are left with longer-term mental health or neurological symptoms. Researchers found that 34% of coronavirus survivors received a diagnosis for a neurological or psychological condition within six months of infection, according to the research published in the journal Lancet Psychiatry. Anxiety and depression or mood disorders were the most common diagnoses. Instances of post-COVID cases of stroke, dementia and other neurological disorders were rarer, but still significant — especially in people who had been seriously ill with the virus, according to scientists. Invite Carole Lieberman, M.D., M.P.H., a psychiatrist and bestselling author, to discuss the study and its implications, and why some health experts say brain issues are just one of the long-term burdens the virus will have on those it struck. Dr. Lieberman is a board-certified Beverly Hills psychiatrist who serves on the clinical faculty of UCLA’s Neuropsychiatric Institute. She’s appeared on many radio and TV shows including Oprah, Good Morning America and Fox News. Contact Mark Goldman at (516) 639-0988 (call/text); mark@goldmanmccormick.com
4. ==> Lessons from the Georgia-Based Boycott
Consumer pushback against a new voter law in Georgia that will limit ballot access, confuse voters and could allow officials to meddle with results offers a real learning opportunity for anyone interested in social change. In recent days, Major League Baseball pulled its All-Star game from Atlanta while Coca-Cola and Delta Airlines issued statements against the law. Home Depot, also based in Georgia, has been silent. Interview Lorri Craig, an expert on how to vote with your wallet for the social change you want to see happen, to learn why consumers have way more power than they imagine and how they can apply it against measures aimed at restricting voting rights and other issues. She has a master’s degree in finance and is a subject matter expert for the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. She offers an Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) robo investment platform on her website for socially conscious investors who want to make a positive impact. Contact Lorri at (484) 453-1742; LCraig@rtirguests.com
5. ==> Hot Dog! Baseball is Back!
Whether you enjoy a frankfurter, frank, wiener, weenie, Coney, red hot or hot dog, the start of Major League Baseball season is time to celebrate one of America’s most iconic foods! Hot dogs are part of American culture, summer celebrations, travel and grilling traditions and now National Hot Dog & Sausage Council (NHDSC) Hot Dog Top Dog Eric Mittenthal says new data finds that MLB teams that sell the most hot dogs also win the most games! Mittenthal can discuss everything and anything about hot dogs including the biggest myths, fascinating trivia, and more. Hear the history of hot dogs and sausages, how they’re made and even a guide to hot dog etiquette. Eric Mittenthal is president of the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council. Contact him at (202) 587-4238; (404) 808-8396 (cell) or emittenthal@meatinstitute.org
6. ==> Are Americans Too Independent for Their Own Good?
Glen Dunzweiler is an independent filmmaker, former college professor, and author who specializes in raising and debating difficult questions. For example, are Americans more inclined to fight each other than to fight the COVID-19 virus? Is the rugged independence the U.S. is known for a handicap when it comes to getting people to buy into doing what is best for the common good? How can we deal with the deeply ingrained pushback we have for authority? Just as he does with his new YouTube series, “Difficult Questions with Glen Dunzweiler,” Glen will engage your audience in a thoughtful discussion on ways to use “good old American innovation” to turn COVID mania into something good. Contact Glen at (702) 703-2219; GDunzweiler@rtirguests.com
7. ==> What the Far-Right Has in Common with the Far-Left (and Where Both Go Wrong)
Both sides of the political divide have their grievances. The right contends they’ve been victimized by big government, oppressive regulations, liberal elites, socialists, illegal immigrants, etc. The left’s grievance list includes racism, sexism, homophobia, fascism, authoritarianism, capitalism, and more. What they have in common, says Sparrow Hart, is that each side claims someone else is to blame and needs to make restitution to them. Sparrow says the country’s healing requires paying attention, not to past grievances, but to the journey ahead. With over 30 years’ experience leading workshops on shamanism and the heroic journey, he knows the importance of hope, gratitude, and love in bringing the best parts of ourselves to our collective hero’s journey. “Traditionally, a ‘heroic journey’ calls people to find their best selves by leaving familiar territory behind and stepping outside their comfort zones … including the familiar comfort zone made up of people who agree with you, know they’re right, and feel morally superior to their adversaries.” Sparrow’s varied career also includes being a vision quest guide, Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Stanford, a brief stint working in a slaughterhouse, and adventures in the Amazon jungle. 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
8. ==> Wine Destinations: Plan Your Next Trip
As vaccinations advance, COVID retreats, and we begin moving about the world once again, combining the pleasures of wine and travel will return. Helping audiences make the most of post-pandemic wine adventures is expert guide Jim Laughren, CWE, with suggestions from how to enjoy local wineries to where in the world we can find the “wildest” wine vacations of all. Whether you’re looking for fabulous food, incredible scenery, or amazing hospitality, all to enjoy with some gorgeous wines, Jim can steer you in the right direction. Ask him: Why should people visit Mendoza, Argentina, the Republic of Georgia and the Napa Valley? Where can you not only tour 1,500 acres of grapes but also buy a piece of the vineyard AND return for the harvest to make your own wine? The author of two short new eBooks, “The 15-Minute Guide to Red Wine” and “The 15-Minute Guide to White Wine,” Jim has appeared on radio and TV around the country and is also the award-winning author of “50 Ways to Love Wine More” and “A Beer Drinker’s Guide to Knowing and Enjoying Fine Wine.” Contact Jim Laughren at (954) 317-9623; JLaughren@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Laugh Along with The Clueless Caregiver
In tough times, a laugh can help keep our spirits up. Kathleen Lenane is here to explore the humorous side of family caregiving. Kat is the creator of the hilarious website The Clueless Caregiver and blog. Expect to chortle and guffaw as she answers, in an entertaining Q&A format, questions like: How do I tell my 85-year-old father he shouldn’t be driving anymore? And: Where does Mom hide the hearing aids, iron supplements and medical alert pendant she should be using — but insists “she doesn’t really need”? Kat’s mix of wit and tips includes personal stories of, for instance, rounding up discarded hospital meal-tray bananas for a Super Bowl party her father threw in the Intensive Care Unit. Kat has worked as a book ghostwriter and staff writer and editor for SELF and Cosmopolitan — in addition to caring for two mischievous parents who refused to act old into their 90s. Contact Kat at (860) 500-1524; klenane@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Telemedicine is Here to Stay: How to Use it Best
Telemedicine had already been around before COVID-19, but it took off by necessity once the pandemic shut down medical offices along with everything else. And while it’s not always the best way to treat health issues, telemedicine a safe option that will likely remain popular. Invite Anne McAwley-LeDuc to discuss ways to make the most of and prepare for virtual appointments. From managing your time on the call to sharing information about your medical history, you’ll learn how to take more control of your health care to make sure you and your loved ones get proper treatment and stay safe. Anne is a retired registered nurse (RN) and nurse practitioner (APRN) board-certified in adult medicine, with 43 years of varied experience in the medical field. An experienced radio, TV and podcast guest, she is the author of “Personal Health Organizer.” Contact her at (860) 300-1603; AMcAwley@rtirguests.com;
11. ==> 4 Things You Should Never Say to Someone Who Lost Someone to COVID
To date, more than 555,000 people have died from COIVD-19 in the U.S., leaving behind shell-shocked survivors. Most people know someone for whom the contagious disease has been fatal or one of their family members. What can you possibly say to the COVID grievers? Well, you can start by avoiding the most common meaningless phrases that often come to mind in such situations. Interview Emily Thiroux-Threatt, author of “Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief” and a woman with extensive grief experience, to learn the worst things you could say, starting with “I’m sorry for your loss” and “aren’t you over that now?” She’ll cover what you should say instead. Emily holds a master’s degree in English with a concentration in writing and taught writing and composition at the college and university level for over 30 years. She conducts workshops, speaking engagements, and retreats on transforming from loss to joy on the mainland of the United States and on Maui, Hawaii. Contact her at (661) 428-3610; emily@lovingandlivingyourwaythroughgrief.com
12. ==> Why Does My Partner Do That?
Millions of couples have lived in a bubble this past year and some have fared better than others. For a different take on the relationship issues that may have cropped up invite clinical psychologist Dr. Stacy Dicker on your show. Stacy offers fresh insight using a combination of psychology and astrology that can bring couples closer no matter how long they’ve been dating or married. Want to know why your mate does what he or she does that drives you crazy? Hear ways that they are like you or different than you that you hadn’t considered? Find out from the author of “Psychstrology: Apply the Wisdom of the Cosmos to Gain Balance and Improve Your Relationships.” Stacy Dicker, Ph.D., is a psychologist who has been working with clients for 20 years using astrology as her secret sauce. She taught psychotherapy courses to upper-level psychology majors at the University of Colorado, Boulder, for nearly ten years. Contact her at (720) 327-1732; sldicker@yahoo.com
13. ==> What Parents Can Do to Stop Violence
America is in the midst of a spiritual crisis, with violent young Americans destroying, looting and abusing each other because they don’t know how to stay centered to avoid bullying others or becoming victims of bullying. So says 40-year crime and violence prevention consultant Stephanie Mann, the author of “Empowerment Parenting: How to Raise Resilient Children Who Become Happy, Self-Reliant Adults.” “They never learned how to develop the 3Cs: Courage, Character and Conscience,” she says. “Let’s discuss why and what we can do to wake up American values, restore faith in our country and keep our citizens, neighborhoods and cities safe and healthy.” Contact Stephanie Mann at (925) 451-3654; safeneighborhoods@gmail.com
14. ==> Is Mother’s Intuition Real?
People talk about mother’s intuition, but is it real or just a myth? Natalie Brobin says it exists and that mothers should trust their intuition because they know their children better than anyone else, even doctors. Her upcoming book, “Everyday Self-Care and Your High Needs Child,” offers advice for parents, particularly of children with medical issues, on how to reduce stress and make their lives more joyful. She’ll discuss how parents can take care of their children and themselves without anyone losing out and share her No. 1 piece of advice for “medical moms.” Contact Natalie Brobin at (651) 419-3137; nbonfig@rtirguests.com
15. ==> How to Boost Your Immun-a-Tea
For the past year we’ve been talking about immunity and how to stay healthy and ward off disease. Invite Tilak Silva to share new ways we can be wiser in what we eat and drink. He’ll discuss the best natural ways to create strength, energy, healthier skin and ultimately longer life. You’ll learn about unexpected health foods and how to take advantage of their benefits, as well as which commonly imbibed beverages can decrease your immunity. Tilak Silva is an expert in nutrition and health research and the inventor of CilanTea, based on a 3,000-year-old recipe from Sri Lanka. Contact Tilak Silva at (310) 421-4680, tsilva@rtirguests.com