01. Tucker Carlson and the ‘Great Replacement Theory’
02. Dr. Oz’s Political Rise: A Silver Lining for Sound Science?
03. Environmental Change and New Diseases Now Linked
04. Good and Bad News about Inside Air Quality
05. ‘The Couples Whisperer’- How to Avoid a Depp/Heard Divorce
06. TV Host Shares 5 Tips for a ‘Simply Delicious Summer’
07. Eat This for a Better Brain This Summer
08. What You Should Know Before Booking a Cruise
09. True Crime: The 1996 Shenandoah Murders
10. The Future of Affirmative Action
11. Is It too Late to Fix Our Broken Medical Model?
12. 3 Surprising Ways to Lessen Pain
13. Have You Been Brainwashed by Weight-Loss Lies?
14. Do Elephants Belong in Zoos?
15. What You Don’t Know about Sunglasses Could Hurt You
1.==> Tucker Carlson and the ‘Great Replacement Theory’
The 18-year-old suspect in Sunday’s mass shooting in Buffalo, New York, who killed 10 and injured three African Americans, penned a rambling screed about replacement theory. Juan Cole says the young white man was likely indoctrinated with White Nationalist ideas peddled by the likes of Fox News anchors. “People like Tucker Carlson are pitifully ignorant of history and so are wielding an anti-American, highly unpatriotic notion for the sake of their television ratings.” He’ll explain how the idea of “replacement theory” began with French Nazi Rene Binet, who served during WWII in Europe. Cole says it originated in hatred for Americans and denigration of their supposed “whiteness” by the European Right, which did not see Russians as “white” either. He says, “Ironically, Tucker’s intellectual forebear, Binet, would have considered him a mongrel ‘Negro.’” Juan Cole teaches Middle Eastern and South Asian history at the University of Michigan. He has appeared widely on television, radio, and op-ed pages as a commentator on Middle East affairs and has a regular column at Salon.com. Contact him at (734) 764-6305; jrcole@umich.edu
2. ==> Dr. Oz’s Political Rise: A Silver Lining for Sound Science?
In his run for U.S. Senate, Dr. Oz repeatedly reminds audiences that he is a “doctor,” but many health experts say the surgeon-turned-TV star has also spent much of his career embracing untruths. In a country plagued by medical misinformation, some see the prospect of a “Senator Oz” as another assault on basic scientific fact. Others argue the celebrity doctor is a more complex character. “The assumption is that if people traffic in some misinformation, they’re always trafficking in misinformation,” says Kathleen Hall Jamieson, a University of Pennsylvania professor and health communication expert who has studied Oz’s impact on vaccination rates among his viewers. “But we found Dr. Oz is often on the side of traditional medical science. … He developed a relationship with his audience that influenced people in the direction of science consistency.” Kathleen Hall Jamieson has authored or co-authored 17 books, including “Creating Conspiracy Beliefs: How Our Thoughts Are Shaped” and “Cyberwar: How Russian Hackers and Trolls Helped Elect a President.” Contact her at kathleen.jamieson@asc.upenn.edu or Julie Sloane, director of communications at (215) 746-1798; julie.sloane@asc.upenn.edu
3. ==> Environmental Change and New Diseases Now Linked
A new analysis published by “Nature” has confirmed a “link between global environmental change and disease emergence.” The researchers conclude that climate change will cause new diseases to emerge more frequently. They assert that because climate change and habitat destruction will likely drive species to aggregate in areas of high human population density, particularly in Asia and Africa, zoonotic spillover (the cross-species transmission of viruses that can lead to new epidemics and pandemics) will increase. The COVID-19 pandemic may have been sparked by just such spillover. Climate and ocean scientist Sarah Myhre says there are key lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic that can be applied to the climate crisis. “Just like physical phenomena of heat waves or smoke storms, biological and social problems like pandemics are not contained within the artifice of borders. Such questions are squarely in the paradigm of environmental justice, for both climate change and the coronavirus pandemic.” Sarah Myhre, PhD., is the program director for Climate Advocacy and Democracy Reform at the Glaser Progress Foundation. Contact her at sarah@glaserprogress.org
4.==> Good and Bad News about Inside Air Quality
It’s been more than two years since we started learning about COVID-19 and how it spreads. We now know the virus is most transmissible indoors and in poorly ventilated places, but are there ways to make our buildings safer? And are we doing that? Joseph Allen, an associate professor at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health and director of its Healthy Buildings program, has mixed feelings about the situation. He’s aggravated because we are still not doing things that we know can reduce COVID infection and deaths (and slash COVID risks in schools) even though it’s not that complicated. However he’s optimistic because, however belatedly, buildings and indoor spaces are becoming safer — in part because big companies are figuring out that nontoxic buildings are better than “sick” ones. Allen’s research shows that our lungs like healthy buildings, but so do our brains. We think, learn and perform better when we’re not inhaling invisible toxic gunk. Allen can discuss ways to improve the ventilation and air quality in our buildings including tips to make your home environment healthier. Contact Joseph Allen at jgallen@hsph.harvard.edu
5. ==> ‘The Couples Whisperer’- How to Avoid a Depp/Heard Divorce
While Johnny Depp and Amber Heard are the latest celebrity couple to flame out in public, the sad truth is that half of all marriages end in divorce and most divorces end badly. Chris Shaver, “The Couples Whisperer,” reveals the shocking research on why couples fight, why even the best marriages can turn ugly, and how you can safeguard your own relationship with a surprisingly simple personality test that shows you the biggest mistakes you can make with your spouse or partner and how to avoid them. Chris is the CEO and founder of The Marriage Cure Program. He has 10 years’ experience using a professional-grade personality assessment that reveals what couples need from each other — and desperately need to avoid. His upcoming book is “Marriage Cure: A Proven Way to Restore Your Love.” Contact Chris Shaver at (610) 417-5342; Chris@CouplesWhisperer.com
6. ==> TV Host Shares 5 Tips for a ‘Simply Delicious Summer’
Spring has sprung and Memorial Day is just weeks away. Summer will be here in no time! For a head start on making the most of the season, interview Maryann Ridini Spencer, an award-winning screenwriter, author, TV/film producer, journalist, and host of the Telly Award-winning “Simply Delicious Living” PBS-TV series. She’ll discuss how to create a healthy plate you’ll “want” to eat, offer five tips for getting in shape and more. Ask her what are your mind, body, and spirit tips as the weather warms? How can people get moving again after being isolated and dormant? What’s the best way to spring into summer? Maryann is the author of the award-winning Kate Grace novels “Lady in the Window,” “The Paradise Table,” “Secrets of Grace Manor,” and the “Simply Delicious Living” cookbooks. 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) 492-9135; mspencer@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Eat This for a Better Brain This Summer
What we eat is closely tied to brain (and heart) health. So what can you eat that will reduce inflammation and help you think better? Interview husband and wife duo Melissa and David Bernstein to find out. Melissa is an occupational therapist who specializes in working with patients with neurological disorders and their caregivers, and David is a board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine and geriatrics. Both of them are book authors. Learn why you should eat more of the condiment you may think only belongs on a hot dog, how to get more of your protein from vegetables, the best type of coffee to consume, what is meant by their Power of 5 lifestyle and more from these inspiring and upbeat guests. Contact David or Melissa via office phone at (813) 922- 2876 or email david@powerof5life.com or melissa@powerof5life.com
8. ==> What You Should Know Before Booking a Cruise
Cruising can be a wonderful option for a relaxing vacation. But there are key things you should know before getting onboard. “You need to decide what port you want to sail from, how you are going to get there, what documents you need, determine the age groups that each line caters to, obtain travel insurance and know how to acquire a passport for overseas travel,” says travel expert Cindy Bertram. One also must take into consideration COVID protocols and certain vaccines that may be required when traveling to foreign countries. Cindy can share these and other insider tips for smooth sailing. 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 her at (219) 775-6488; cbertram@rtirguests.com
9. ==> True Crime: The 1996 Shenandoah Murders
In May 1996, two skilled backcountry leaders, Lollie Winans and Julie Williams, were found brutally murdered at their remote campsite in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park, adjacent to the world-famous Appalachian Trail. Despite an extensive decades-long joint investigation by the FBI, National Park Service investigators, and the Virginia State Police, this shocking case has never been solved. On the 20th anniversary of this infamous crime, award-winning journalist and author Kathryn Miles embarked on a passionate search for justice. Hear about her all-consuming obsession to solve this notorious case and the disturbing legacy of violence against women in America’s national parks. Miles found evidence of cover-ups, incompetence, and controversy that may have prevented the murders from ever being solved. Learn why she believes the wrong man has been under suspicion for more than 20 years and hear her compelling theory of a new suspect after decades of dead ends. Kathryn Miles’ new book is “Trailed: One Woman’s Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com
10. ==> The Future of Affirmative Action
Affirmative action came out of the civil rights movement as a means to address inequalities experienced by minorities. It became law through an executive order made by John F. Kennedy in 1961. With two upcoming cases challenging it before the Supreme Court, now is a good time to discuss affirmative action’s past and future with author Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans (pronounced Kray-gull-mans). Among the topics she can discuss are: Is affirmative action reverse discrimination? How effective has it been? Was it always controversial? Does it benefit everyone or just a few? Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans, a Fulbright Scholar, was one of the first Black women in the Foreign Service. A child of educators, she grew up in public housing in the Jim Crow South where Blacks were told they lived in a separate, but equal society. She is the author of “Flowers for Brother Mudd: One Woman’s Path from Jim Crow to Career Diplomat.” Contact Judith at (571) 568-8667; jmuddkrijgelmans@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Is It too Late to Fix Our Broken Medical Model?
How flawed is the traditional medical model in the U.S.? Can we depend on it to keep us well or is that wishful thinking? Dr. Annalee Kitay minces no words: “If you are smart, you’ll stop relying on a system that is failing everyone. Instead, you’ll learn how to tap into your body’s amazing healing properties through noninvasive modalities.” Dr. Kitay can tell your audience how to do just that. Ask her: Did medicine fail us doing the pandemic? What can people do to protect themselves against communicable and other illnesses? Dr. Kitay has been in private practice for 30 years and trained in alternative protocols that aid the body in its natural recovery. She is one of the top practitioners of Neural Organization Technique and teaches the hands-on protocol to other doctors. She is a frequent guest on talk shows. Contact Annalee Kitay at (561) 462-4733; akitay@rtirguests.com
12. ==> 3 Surprising Ways to Lessen Pain
Living with chronic pain is no fun and was even less so during the pandemic when care was restricted and stress levels were through the roof. Why not help make listeners’ lives more comfortable by interviewing Trevor Campbell, M.D., who can share tips for controlling stress, managing negative thoughts, and paying attention to the story they tell their friends and family members about their illnesses, all things that can lead to lessening pain? Ask him how can what we are thinking affect our pain levels? How can people feel less stressed when they hurt? Dr. Campbell is a family physician who has worked in multidisciplinary pain management and opioid reduction programs and has served as a medical director for a leading pain management provider in Western Canada. He graduated from the University of Cape Town. He hosts the holistic “Healthscape” podcast. Dr. Campbell’s book is “The Language of Pain: Fast Forward Your Recovery to Stop Hurting.” Contact Trevor Campbell at (250) 217-7832; tcampbell@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Have You Been Brainwashed by Weight-Loss Lies?
As summer approaches, many people will go on diets because they’ve been brainwashed to believe diets and exercise are the only ways to lose weight and look good in their summer clothes. Most people have no idea there are other options for shedding unwanted pounds. Ruth Houston can discuss research-backed, no-cost, easy-to-implement weight-loss tips and tricks — things the diet industry hopes the public will never find out. The author of “Eat Smart and Lose Weight: Scientifically Proven Ways to Lose Weight without Diets or Exercise” will share table tactics, kitchen tricks, binge prevention and more. Ruth has appeared on more than 500 radio and TV news and talk shows. Contact her at (718) 708-9799; EatSmartWeightLossExpert@gmail.com
14. ==> 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
15. ==> What You Don’t Know about Sunglasses Could Hurt You
What’s your sunglass IQ? Do you know how to pick a pair that will protect your eyes and not just look good? Do you know when to wear them and why? Many people have no clue about just how important protecting their eyes from the sun’s UV rays is, missing out on a simple way to help ensure that they keep their vision for life. But as vision educator Linda Odubayo Thompson will tell you, “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. “Add to that protection against cataracts while looking totally cool, and you have a potent reason not to leave the house without them.” Linda knows not to take her vision for granted; she has suffered from glaucoma for more than 30 years. Ask her why aren’t sunglasses just for summer? Why do you need them on cloudy days? Should you also wear a hat? What does she have in common with Bono? Contact Linda Odubayo Thompson at (914) 944-1474; lthompson@rtirguests.com