April 9, 2020
01. Bye, Bye, Bernie
02. Debi Mazar on Recovering from COVID and New Series
03. MIT Expert Warns Colleges to Stay Shut Through 2020
04. Passover and Easter: Can Religion Help Us Cope with COVID?
05. Interview the Singing Tree Lady for Earth Day or Arbor Day
06. 50 Years Ago, the Announcement That Shook the World
07. Fun Way to Get Closer to Your Pets, Spouse and Fellow Shut-ins
08. Outsmart Your Brain: How to Make Healthy Choices When You Crave Comfort
09. Could Sloppy Record-Keeping Cost You Your Life?
10. Don’t Worry, Be Healthy: Balancing Fears with Facts
11. Make Positive Changes and Choices During Negative Times
12. Don’t Toss Out These 5 Keepsakes for Your Kids
13. Changing Careers Now: Tips from a Pro
14. What Happens When Exes Fight Over a Frozen Embryo?
15. Why 50 Isn’t the New 30 … It’s Way Better
16. Social Distancing is a Great Time to Write a Book!
17. Should You Hang Up on Doctor Google?
18. Fibro Lady Delivers You Pain-Free Living
19. Get off Social Media and Get Outside!
20. How to Make Your Own Mask
1.==> Bye, Bye, Bernie
Senator Bernie Sanders ended his presidential campaign
on Wednesday, clearing Joe Biden’s path to the
Democratic nomination and a showdown with President
Donald Trump in November. Discuss Sanders’ candidacy
with political commentator and talk show host Arnie
Arnesen. She says Sanders appealed to those in America
who are currently hurting. “He has moved the entire
agenda of the Democratic Party not to the left, but to
where the essence and soul of the party has
historically been. About workers, about justice, about
investment in infrastructure, about health care as a
right and an environment that sustains us and does not
serve the interests of corporate success and America’s
failure. The New Dems under Bill Clinton moved the
party into the arms of Wall Street and had more in
common with a moderate Republican party that no longer
exists in America.” In addition to her daily talk show
The Attitude, Arnesen is a frequent political
commentator in Boston and New England radio and has
appeared on CNN and other major media. She served for
eight years as a member of the New Hampshire House of
Representatives and ran for governor of the state in
1992. Contact her at nharnie@gmail.com; @pchowder
2. ==> Debi Mazar on Recovering from COVID and New
Series
Two bits of good news from Debi Mazar: She’s feeling
much better and recovering from the coronavirus AND
she’s got a fun, new TV series premiering May 5. Mazar
tested positive for COVID-19 in late March and says
she’s almost symptom-free, but it was tough going for a
while. For fans looking to escape as they self-isolate
at home, her new series Arde Madrid: Burn Madrid Burn
is about to start. Set in the swinging ‘60s of Spain,
the critically acclaimed dramedy is loosely based on
actress and Hollywood star Ava Gardner’s move to Madrid
to flee her husband Frank Sinatra, Metro Goldwyn Mayer,
and the paparazzi. It’s shot in black and white and
captures the Dolce Vita lifestyle as seen through the
imagined life of Gardner, played by Debi Mazar speaking
Spanish, along with a Spanish cast featuring Paco Leon
and Inma Cuesta. (Don’t worry, there are subtitles!)
The series premieres May 5 on MHz Network, a streaming
service featuring a library of international television
mysteries, dramas, comedies and documentaries subtitled
in English. Contact Kelly Hargraves at
khargraves@mhznetworks.org or kellyhargraves@gmail.com
3. ==> MIT Expert Warns Colleges To Stay Shut Through
2020
Many experts are worried about a second surge in the
coronavirus this fall. Especially vulnerable, would be
college towns where the population swells as summer
ends. MIT professor Dr. Richard Lawson says Boston’s
150,000 students would be better off not returning to
campus in the fall and taking a ”gap period” instead.
Without a plan to self-quarantine when they return from
around the world in August, Dr. Larson envisions “this
could become a huge infection-seeding event, creating a
major second wave of infections here.” He proposes
creating a “gap period” of four to five months instead
of coming back to campus. “These would be organized,
vetted and managed by the students’ home universities
or colleges. Have the students work for society, in
safe ways but in ways that help bring us all back to
normality. I bet that such four- or five-month
experiences would be very positive game-changers for
many students,” Larson says. Richard Larson is co-
director of the MIT Operations Research Center. For
much of his career, Dr. Larson’s primary area of
research was in the area of urban systems, and
especially on the effectiveness and efficiency of urban
emergency services. Contact him at (617) 253-3604;
rclarson@mit.edu
4. ==> Passover and Easter: Can Religion Help Us Cope
with COVID?
Jews are observing Passover and Christians are
approaching their holiest day of the year on Sunday,
but there will be no big seders or family gatherings
this year. Synagogues and churches are closed, and
people are being told to stay apart just when we’re
feeling the need to be closer to our loved ones.
Discuss the role of religion and spirituality in mental
health with clinical forensic psychologist Dr. John
Huber. He’ll discuss studies that show the benefits of
believing and how having a strong sense of “oneness”
leads to greater life satisfaction. Ask him: What are
some of the ways that a belief in God or any form of
religion/spirituality can impact someone’s mental
health? Do you think people who believe they’re
protected by God, the Universe or something bigger than
themselves are less susceptible to succumbing to fears
related to the coronavirus? For those who aren’t
religious, what are some ways to mentally endure
COVID-19? Dr. John Huber is chairman of the nonprofit
organization Mainstream Mental Health. He has appeared
on hundreds of radio shows, dozens of TV programs and
hosts his own show, Mainstream Mental Health Radio.
Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; (919)
377-1200; ryan@goldmanmccormick.com
5. ==> Interview the Singing Tree Lady for Earth Day or
Arbor Day
Laurie Marshall is a two-for-one guest who can help you
celebrate Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day (April 24)
in a year in which environmental holidays are more
important than ever. Laurie is capable of discussing
everything from fascinating facts about trees (did you
know that tree-like structures show up in lungs,
brains, arteries, and rivers or that trees communicate
with each other?) to how to talk to kids about the
overwhelming issues of the pandemic and climate change
by involving them in finding solutions. Laurie is a
cutting-edge educator whose many books include “Beating
the Odds Now” and “Singing Trees: A Growing Forest.”
Known as The Tree Lady, Laurie is a project-based
learning and arts integration specialist who has worked
with underserved youth for over 30 years. Her partners
include FEMA and Project Drawdown, the World’s Leading
Resource for Climate Solutions. She has trained over
6,000 teachers in project-based learning and
facilitated 125 nature-based murals with over 25,000
people in schools, nonprofits, and government agencies.
Contact Laurie Marshall at (415) 360-3304;
lmarshall@rtirguests.com
6. ==> 50 Years Ago, the Announcement That Shook the
World
On April 10, 1970, Paul McCartney made it official. He
was leaving the Beatles and the group’s eight-year run
of creating the soundtrack of a generation was over.
While the individual members would go on to create many
top hits of their own — “Maybe I’m Amazed,” “Jet,”
“Imagine, “Starting Over,” “My Sweet Lord, “Give Me
Love,” “You’re Sixteen,” and “Photograph” for example —
few would have predicted just how influential the
Beatles would continue to be 50 years later when their
“White Album” made it into the Billboard Top 10 — a
half-century after its release! The Fab Four wrote this
album while on retreat in Rishikesh, India, with
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, founder of Transcendental
Meditation (TM). From baby boomers to millennials, the
Beatles remain a favorite. Susan Shumsky is a rare
insider who spent 22 years in the ashrams and six years
on the personal staff of Maharishi. She can entertain
your audience with stunning, fascinating, unknown facts
and meanings of songs you’ve grown up with. Her Ben
Franklin Book Award-winning tell-all memoir, “Maharishi
& Me: Seeking Enlightenment with the Beatles’ Guru,”
reveals hidden information about Maharishi’s influence
on the Beatles. Susan Shumsky has 17 books in print and
has proven to be an enthralling guest during more than
1,100 media appearances. Contact Susan Shumsky at (917)
336-7184; SShumsky@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Fun Way to Get Closer to Your Pets, Spouse and
Fellow Shut-ins
Bored with reading, streaming and playing video games?
Running out of things to say to your family members and
fellow social distancers? If you want to do something
fun that builds connection all it may take is a few
minutes of your time, a piece of paper and a pen or a
pencil. According to Lynn Matsuoka, considered the best
living reportage artist, the way to draw someone to you
is to draw them on paper! In an interview that works
just as well for radio as television, Lynn will explain
a simple technique anyone can employ, even the most
artistically impaired, fearful and untalented
individuals to do quick drawings that will build
connection and admiration. And while she is at it, Lynn
can tell stories of what it was like to take her own
drawing skills behind the scenes of such varied venues
as TV shows, concerts, sumo wrestling in Japan and the
Watergate hearings. For 40 years, Lynn has gotten paid
to be a fly on the wall, recording behind the scenes
activities in quick drawings and all the while
heightening her skills of observation. A great, one of
a kind interview, Lynn is a media favorite. Reach her
at (808) 479-5966; artist@hamptonsartist.com
8. ==> Outsmart Your Brain: How to Make Healthy Choices
When You Crave Comfort
Millions of Americans are stuck at home, gyms are
closed and we’re not only more sedentary, but we’re
also stressed and depressed. We’re eating foods we
think will give us comfort, but many times they are not
the healthiest choices. Invite Ed Dodge, M.D., to share
ways to keep a positive mindset and how that can make
all the difference to your success in maintaining a
healthy eating regime. He’ll tell your audience which
wholesome foods can help you feel full so you stay on
track and share four types of processed foods that
contribute to the development of life-threatening
chronic diseases. Dr. Dodge’s latest book, “Family: A
Family Doc’s Memoir of Life in Africa and the U.S.,”
shares his journey from his childhood in the wilds of
Africa, where he enjoyed exotic fruits and ate antelope
and buffalo, to experiencing culture shock as a teen
returning to the U.S. After becoming a physician, he
returned to Africa to work and later to volunteer. As
host of Healthy Living Radio, Dr. Dodge has interviewed
groundbreaking leaders in medicine and he has been
honored by the Johns Hopkins University Center for a
Livable Future. Contact Dr. Ed Dodge at (484) 259-9887;
edodge@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Could Sloppy Record-Keeping Cost You Your Life?
In the middle of a pandemic, keeping your own medical
records in order is more important than ever. In a
medical emergency, anyone can be rattled enough to
forget important details, finding themselves unable to
answer physicians’ important questions about their
health or that of a loved one. Anne McAwley-LeDuc, a
retired nurse practitioner (APRN), learned this the
hard way after her husband fell down the stairs and
showed signs of paralysis. At the hospital, physicians
sought answers about his medical history but she
couldn’t answer vital questions. McAwley-LeDuc wants to
help others — especially ordinary folks with no medical
background — advocate for themselves and their loved
ones for better and safer health care. She’ll discuss
the role patients play in reducing medical errors, ways
disorganized medical records can be deadly, and why so
few patients keep good medical records or grasp the
need to do so. Anne McAwley-LeDuc developed the
“Personal Health Organizer” to keep essential medical
information in one place and provide a snapshot of your
health history. Contact her at (860) 642-1786;
a.mcawley.leduc@charter.net
10. ==> Don’t Worry, Be Healthy: Balancing Fears with
Facts
Erasing stress is not only critical to success but also
critical to our survival, says Janet McKee, a former
Fortune 500 executive who nearly died from massive
stress and burnout. But how can we erase stress in the
midst of a pandemic? McKee knows. Allow her to explain
how to balance fear with facts to reach a place of calm
acceptance, how to maintain positive energy to get your
power back amid the chaos and to self-regulate the news
you take in. She’ll also share four ways to build a
strong immune system and even discuss the good that is
coming out of the epidemic. Janet McKee, MBA, CHPC,
CHHC, is a High-Performance™ success coach, wellness
expert, and CEO of SanaView. She is the author of the
No. 1 bestseller “Stressless Success: The Surprising
Secrets to a Life of Passion, Purpose, and Prosperity.”
Contact her at (724) 417-6695; janet@janetmckee
11. ==> Make Positive Changes and Choices During
Negative Times
Remember when you used to dread rush-hour traffic,
thought how sweet it would be to stay home instead of
going to work, or dreamed about taking a sick day?
Times have changed. Now many of us wish we didn’t have
to stay at home and long to have more choices. But, as
former radio host and award-winning author Rico Racosky
will tell you, we all have the power to change our life
stories and form new habits even during the most trying
times. Known as the New Story Guy, Rico can share his
“Just 2 Choices” concept with your listeners. In
addition to his work in radio, this upbeat guest is a
keynote speaker and thought leader on overcoming
personal and work-related obstacles. Ask about his free
downloads for clear thinking! Contact Rico at (730)
572-1322; rracosky@rtirguests
12. ==> Don’t Toss Out These 5 Keepsakes for Your Kids
Nowadays many people try to make their home look sleek
and minimalistic. But our homes still need elements of
history and personality to come alive. So, think twice
before issuing a blanket refusal when offered keepsakes
from downsizing parents and grandparents, advises
lifestyle journalist Suzanne Wexler. Let Suzanne tell
you which five keepsakes you should never toss out.
Suzanne will also share her hilarious story of what
happened when she unexpectedly had a truckload of
antiques from her late grandparents’ home show up at
her new house. Suzanne is published in the Huffington
Post, National Post, Bust.com and her work has been
syndicated throughout Canada. She’s been quoted in
Reader’s Digest, Goodhousekeeping.com, and Prevention
magazine and provided commentary on CTV National and
Virgin Radio; she has been on more than 200 radio
stations in the U.S. and Canada. Contact her at (514)
704-0029; suzannawexler@hotmail.com
13. ==> Changing Careers Now: Tips from a Pro
Millions of Americans are now out of work. Some won’t
have a job to return to after the pandemic, while
others may find their previous career no longer serves
their needs. Geraldine Hogan will offer tips for anyone
who wants — or needs — to apply their skills in a new
direction. She has already helped thousands of
educators; business professionals and entrepreneurs
explore new opportunities. She can talk about her own
career journey as well. Learn three simple, life-
changing questions to ask before making any career
move, whether salary should guide your decision, and
how to overcome obstacles, hesitation and fear of the
unknown. Geraldine is a former educator, attorney and
judge and the author of “Career Moves for Teachers and
Other Professionals: Strategies for a Successful Job
Change.” Contact Geraldine Hogan at (305) 902-3869;
ghogan@rtirguests.com
14. ==> What Happens When Exes Fight Over a Frozen
Embryo?
Recent news stories have explored the issue of frozen
embryos caught in the crossfire of couples who have
uncoupled. Fertilized during happier times, these
embryos may remain in limbo forever and rack up storage
fees if the couples cannot agree on their future. Or,
as Nate Birt advises, the couple can agree to let the
frozen embryo be adopted by someone else, a possibility
they may not have considered. Learn more when you
interview Nate, whose daughter began life as another
couple’s frozen embryo. Nate is the author of “Frozen,
But Not Forgotten: An Adoptive Dad’s Step-by-Step Guide
to Embryo Adoption.” Ask him: What are some of the
controversies that surround frozen embryos? Are
fertilized embryos people or property? How costly is it
to adopt such an embryo? Contact Nate Birt at (417)
221-9045; Nbirt@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Why 50 Isn’t the New 30 … It’s Way Better
As we get older, we may not realize that things should
get better. With awareness, maturity, experience, and
motivation going for us, the second half of life offers
extraordinary opportunities and satisfaction. That’s
the message of Joe Swinger, who specializes in helping
adults in midlife enjoy the VIP life — one marked by
greater vibrancy, impact and purpose. He’ll discuss
what you should focus on (besides money) as you
approach and dive into retirement and offer ideas for
aging boomers who want to make a difference, recreate
and stay relevant. Joe created the Silver Linings
Network to encourage happiness, success and emotional
health in midlife and later years. Contact Joe Swinger
at (801) 865-7748: joeswinger@RTIRguests.com
16. ==> Social Distancing is a Great Time to Write a
Book!
You’ve wanted to write a book for years but never found
the time. Now that you’re sheltering in place at home,
this is the perfect time to begin writing. Author Andy
Hyman can tell your audience how to get started and
stay on track to complete their first book. He says
that by scheduling time every day, you can finally get
your book going. Invite him to reveal how to overcome
distractions and competing priorities, and even how to
get writing done when your kids are home and how to get
feedback on your manuscript. His book, “Snob Free Wine
Tasting Companion,” reveals how to get the most out of
a wine tasting experience, how to match foods with
specific wines, and how wine is made. Hyman has been
featured by Sonoma Magazine, the Marin Independent
Journal, Napa Valley Register, North Bay BIZ magazine,
and other radio and print outlets nationwide. Contact
him at (415) 767-1441 (CA); andyhyman@rtirguests.com
17. ==> Should You Hang Up on Doctor Google?
Every minute 70,000 health-related questions are asked
on Google, according to the search engine itself.
That’s one billion questions a day! But is this a good
thing? Not so much, says Trevor Campbell, M.D., who
points out that the worst scenarios of any condition
tend to draw the most interest. “It makes people
depressed, ruminative and can destroy hope,” he says,
adding that the resulting hypervigilance actually
worsens the lot of people who suffer from chronic pain,
his area of expertise. Dr. Campbell can also talk about
the ways technology brings its own stressors and what
the antidotes are for avoiding drama in cyberspace. Ask
him: How is technology robbing us of our leisure time?
How can we limit its reach this spring? Dr. Campbell is
a family physician who studied medicine at the
University of Cape Town, South Africa, before
immigrating to Canada. His new book is “The Language of
Pain: Fast Forward Your Recovery to Stop Hurting.”
Contact Trevor Campbell at (250) 217-7832;
tcampbell@rtirguests.com
18. ==> Fibro Lady Delivers You Pain-Free Living
Every morning Leah McCullough appreciates that she no
longer deals with life-impacting pain, fatigue and
accompanying depression. But as the sought-after Fibro
Lady, so named because she overcame intense
fibromyalgia that pained her for decades, she’s on a
mission to help other pain sufferers do the same.
Invite this informative expert on-air to discuss
secrets to upbeat mood and boundless energy as you
recover. Leah is the author of “Freedom from
Fibromyalgia: 7 Steps to Complete Recovery” and “Eat to
Energize.” She also offers the online program Fibro
Pain is a Pain (And What You Can Do About It.) Contact
her at (859) 279-0413; LMcCullough@rtirguests.com.
19. ==> Get off Social Media and Get Outside!
Feeling low on energy? Need a spring in your step or a
new attitude? Put down the iPad or remote and get
outside for a quick perk up that can make you feel
better. Invite award-winning screenwriter, author,
TV/film producer, journalist, and TV host Maryann
Ridini Spencer to reveal why simply getting outdoors
and surrounding yourself with nature can improve your
mood and your health. She can tell your audience how it
also helps with your focus and creativity. Maryann is
the author of the award-winning novel “Lady in the
Window” and the new Amazon bestseller, “The Paradise
Table.” Her work has appeared on Hallmark Hall of Fame
(CBS-TV), the Hallmark Channel, CNN, USA, Syfy,
Showtime, PBS, and many others. Contact Maryann Ridini
Spencer at (818) 884-0104; recprinfo@gmail.com
20. ==> How to Make Your Own Mask
Research scientist Jeremy Howard argued in a Washington
Post article last week that “we should all wear masks —
store-bought or homemade — whenever we’re out in
public.” He pointed to findings in dozens of scientific
papers that indicate even the most basic of masks can
be an effective tool in reducing virus transmission.
The article went viral sparking a nationwide grassroots
movement in the U.S. and created enough buzz that
within days the CDC changed its guidance and now
recommends all Americans wear masks in public. “Masks
are the closest thing we have right now to this kind of
imperfect vaccine,” he says. Howard founded the social
media campaign #Masks4All which encourages people to
make their own face masks at home so that medical
workers have access to personal protective equipment.
Patterns, instructions and information can be found
online at masks4all.co. Jeremy Howard is a
distinguished research scientist at the University of
San Francisco, founding researcher at fast.ai and a
member of the World Economic Forum’s Global AI Council.
Contact him at media@masks4all.co