01. There’s No Going Back: The New World of Artificial Intelligence
02. How Workers Really Feel About ‘Woke’ Workplaces
03. The Most-Banned Books in Schools This Year
04. CBD Products Are Everywhere, But Do They Work?
05. Under the Sea: Mysteries of the Octopus
06. The Amazing Healing Power of Pets
07. New Measures to Make the Internet Safer for Kids
08. Surprising Skills That Could Help Young Students Most
09. How to Raise Fearless Kids in Scary Times
10. Beyond Vacation: How to Become a Traveler
11. More People Are Going It Alone: The Best Cruises for Singles
12. This Bookie’s Son Is a Sure-Bet Guest
13. Why the First and Last 15-Minutes of the Day Are the Most Important
14. He Succeeded Despite the Odds. You Can Too
15. How to Get Back Up After One of Life’s Gut Punches
1.==> There’s No Going Back: The New World of Artificial Intelligence
It’s been about 25 weeks since AI chatbots have become available to the general public and there’s no turning back now. What exactly is artificial intelligence and is it good or bad for the future? Invite Calum Chace to discuss the big picture and how AI is likely to play out in the years to come. He can discuss how big tech and governments are responding to the new technology, including the proposed European AI Act. Calum Chace is a sought-after keynote speaker and best-selling writer on artificial intelligence. He focuses on the medium- and long-term impact of AI on all of us, our societies and our economies. He is the author of several books on artificial intelligence including “Surviving AI,” about strong AI and super intelligence, and “The Economic Singularity,” about the prospect of widespread technological unemployment. Contact him at cccalum@gmail.com
2. ==> How Workers Really Feel About ‘Woke’ Workplaces
As conservatives rail against “woke” workplaces, and target diversity, equity and inclusion programs in businesses, a new report from Pew Research shows that most Americans think DEI policies make offices better. The survey comes at a time when DEI efforts are facing some backlash and many major companies are laying off their DEI professionals. DEI is broadly described as policies and principles that promote belonging in an organization, especially among historically marginalized groups like women, racial minorities and people with disabilities. More than half of Black and Asian people in the survey said that being white makes it easier at work, while only 24% of white people said the same. Very low percentages of people of each race said that being a person of color can put them ahead, suggesting the idea that workplace DEI policies hold back white workers is not a very popular one. For more information on the survey and interviews, contact Tanya Arditi at (202) 419-3623; tarditi@pewresearch.org
3. ==> The Most-Banned Books in Schools This Year
The recent surge in book bans in U.S. school districts and libraries is the latest front in a long-running battle that has swept up even literary masterpieces of John Steinbeck, J.D. Salinger and Toni Morrison. But the dramatically increasing censorship attempts have evolved, says Allison Lee, Los Angeles director of PEN America, a century-old writers’ organization that works to defend freedom of expression. Prior to the current wave, communities usually banned books on a case-by-case basis, often in response to complaints about violent or sexual content. Now, Lee says, “Large swaths of books, sometimes even entire school or classroom libraries are being removed.” Many activists and politicians object to an entire genre of books that deal with LGBTQ+ topics or issues. Other targeted books deal with race. Lee can discuss the most banned books this school year and some surprising, notable books that have been banned or challenged over the years. Contact her at alee@pen.org
4. ==> CBD Products Are Everywhere, But Do They Work?
You’ve probably run into a product containing cannabidiol, also known as CBD. It’s in everything from drinks and pet products to lotions and chewable gummies. But many people still don’t really know what CBD is. Is it marijuana? Is it legal? Does it actually work? Is it safe? Invite Mary Lopez Carter, the founder of Carolina Hemp Hut and an expert on CBD, to answer all your CBD questions. She’ll discuss how CBD can help with various health issues from insomnia to chronic pain, anxiety and even cancer. Learn what conditions can benefit from CBD, the different ways it can be consumed, and how to choose the right product and make sure it’s legit. Carolina Hemp Hut is the largest CBD-dedicated hemp store in North Carolina and a trusted leader in the hemp and CBD industry. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; ryan@goldmanmccormick.com
5. ==> Under the Sea: Mysteries of the Octopus
With their bulbous heads, big eyes, eight limbs and the ability to shape-shift, octopuses (or octopi if you prefer) remain one of the most fascinating sea creatures, but their elusive behavior and the changing nature of their appearances make them difficult to locate, identify, and study. Marine biologist David Scheel has been studying octopuses for more than 25 years and has witnessed a sea change in what we know and can discover about octopus physiology and behavior — even an octopus’s inner life. Perhaps most surprising of all, Scheel has discovered that “despite their solitary reputation, octopuses like closeness.” Invite him to share what he’s learned about octopuses, how climate change is affecting the species, and stories and legends of Indigenous peoples that illuminate our relationship with these creatures across centuries. David Scheel is a field-oriented ecologist with experience in remote and wilderness settings in Africa and Alaska. He joined Alaska Pacific University in 2000 and teaches courses in marine biology, aquarium husbandry, and animal behavior. His new book is “Many Things Under a Rock: The Mysteries of Octopuses.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
6. ==> The Amazing Healing Power of Pets
We love our pets! They offer companionship, love, exercise, and inclusion. May is National Pet Month and a great time to discuss the many ways pets can help us lead healthier lives. Medical researchers have found the simple act of petting a dog lowers our blood pressure, heart rate and anxiety. Larry Grogan has seen firsthand how pets can work wonders for people struggling with mental and physical health issues. Larry and his tiny dog Scrappy were a pet therapy team for eight years at a children’s hospital where they worked with thousands of suffering children. With the need for pet therapy outpacing the supply, he is on a mission to increase the number of pet therapy teams worldwide. Larry can talk about what your listeners need to know about accessing pet therapy or training to become a therapy team, which he says is easier than you think! Contact Larry Grogan at (423) 557-1908; larrygrogan5@gmail.com
7. ==> New Measures to Make the Internet Safer for Kids
In just the last few months there has been a flurry of bills introduced across the country purporting to make the internet safer for children and teenagers. Tate Ryan-Mosley, a senior tech policy reporter for “MIT Technology Review,” says the content of the child safety bills varies from state to state. Some focus on limiting data collection from users who are minors. In California, the bills focus on shifting the incentive model for data and online advertising; currently, companies can profit from minors’ online data. Ryan-Mosley can discuss what’s behind the new push, the likelihood the bills can get bipartisan support, how they’ll be enforced if enacted, and why Europe is years ahead of the U.S. on this front. Contact Tate Ryan-Mosley at tate.ryan-mosley@technologyreview.com
8. ==> Surprising Skills That Could Help Young Students Most
Teaching computer science to students in grades pre-K through 5 is now a major focus in schools. Children’s author and longtime STEM educator Chris Goldberg, Ed.D., has worked with even the youngest elementary school students and can speak to the need for teaching these skills to young children. “Research shows that these skills help students in mathematics, problem-solving and critical thinking and may help create a path of interest for students who have the aptitude for programming one day,” he says. “There also must be a focus on making sure underrepresented populations receive exposure to computer science skills.” Chris is the author of “Aliyah and The STEMsational Problem-Solvers: What’s Cooking?” Contact him at (973) 576-5841; cgoldberg@rtirguests.com
9. ==> How to Raise Fearless Kids in Scary Times
School shootings. Widespread bullying. The perils of social media. Today’s kids have a lot to be afraid of. Author and father of six Jerry Bures insists there is hope. “Today’s parents are under a lot of stress,” he says. “There are a record number of special needs kids, financial struggles, relationship failures, declining political discourse, distrust in leadership, systemic failures in our current health model, moral decay across a wide range of industries and communities, and more. Now is the time for caring, eager adults to buckle up and double down on building better kids.” Jerry is the author of “When Kids Leave Clues: 26 Timeless Stories of Inspiration and Essential Life Lessons Taught to Us by Our Own Children.” Contact him at (920) 796-9160; jbures@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Beyond Vacation: How to Become a Traveler
There’s nothing wrong with sitting on the beach and relaxing with an umbrella drink, but if you want to come back from your next trip with more than a tan, consider using your time off to travel — really travel. “The greatest thing to feed our mind, body and spirit is new discovery!” says Tammy Adams. As an intuitive life coach for over 30 years, Tammy has seen many amazing places while taking people on spiritual retreats around the world. She’ll discuss the benefits of leaving your hotel room and getting into the local community, how to take the stress out of travel and enjoy it to the fullest, and the many ways that travel can change your life. Tammy Adams is an international speaker, podcast host and the author of “Secrets to Your Chakras” and the upcoming “Spiritual Table Talk: The Elements of Healing.” Contact her at (833) 742-6268; info@lifepurposeshaman.com
11. ==> More People Are Going It Alone: The Best Cruises for Singles
The cruise industry has traditionally focused on couples and families with kids. But because there are more single people than ever, the industry is now offering options for those who are sailing solo. Travel marketing expert Cindy Bertram says, “There are now more options available to do this. It’s a great way to meet other people with whom you can go on shore excursions, and to hang out in common areas where you can meet other singles.” Cindy has lots of tips to offer solo cruisers. She is a communications, media and branding specialist who has spent many years in the travel and cruise industry. Cindy 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
12. ==> This Bookie’s Son Is a Sure-Bet Guest
As the son of a big-time bookie, Steven Feinberg, Ph.D., learned a lot about the world as he watched his father’s 24/7 gambling lifestyle including losing the equivalent of $90,000 on a single football game. “My life was a training ground for the handling and mishandling of uncertainty,” Dr. Feinberg observes. Now, Steven is ready to share with your audience stories about his father and how Steven managed to see the film “The Godfather” with an actual wise guy at his side. He’ll also share the three steps he learned about winning more from life by utilizing the Bookie vantage point. A one-of-a-kind guest, Steven is a top 1% executive consultant who taught for nearly 30 years at the University of San Francisco School of Management and leadership and has guest lectured at Stanford, Cal Poly and UC Berkeley Extension. His latest book is “Do What Others Say Can’t Be Done … Play the Meta-Game,” and features interviews he conducted with 50 world-class leaders and entrepreneurs. Contact Dr. Steven Feinberg at (650) 374-4540; sfeinberg@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Why the First and Last 15-Minutes of the Day Are the Most Important
Did you know that you can change your life, get rid of stress, and feel more in control of your destiny in only 30 minutes a day? Interview Theo Prodromitis, the author of “The Balance Between the Hustle and the Flow: Knowing When to Make Things Happen and When to Let Them Happen,” to discover why the first and last 15 minutes of your day are the most important and how to maximize them. Theo is an award-winning entrepreneur, marketing strategist, and best-selling author of “The Success Formula” with Jack Canfield. Ask her: What does neuroscience tell us about our brain activity at the beginning and end of each day? What are the four things we should do every morning? Contact Theo Prodromitis at (813) 701-5414; tprodromitis@rtirguests.com
14. ==> He Succeeded Despite the Odds. You Can Too
Many people go through life experiencing failure after failure and ultimately give up trying to succeed. In fact, society may set people up to fail, due to their family backgrounds, ethnicity and/or socio-economic circumstances. But after experiencing numerous setbacks in his personal and professional life, Dr. Carl Barnes went on to a 35-year career in the military, ultimately becoming a Navy chaplain; and earned five degrees, including a doctorate of ministry in leadership. “Failure is a great learning tool,” he says. “The key to succeeding against all odds is unbridled resilience and turning pain into purpose.” Carl is the author of “Resilient Sailing: 10 Lessons to Persevere in Life’s Stormy Seas,” and conducts life coaching workshops and online courses. Contact him at (407) 809-8047; cbarnes@rtirguests.com
15. ==> How to Get Back Up After One of Life’s Gut Punches
There’s plenty of advice out there on coping with day-to-day stress, but how do you handle a situation that turns your life inside out? Most methods don’t work with major life changes ranging from losing a job to the death of a loved one — because they don’t address the grief that accompanies these events. Frank DiMaio has been there. After losing his wife to breast cancer, he found no real support or guidance for surviving husbands and set out to change that. He developed a way to help anyone deal with grief and move forward from being emotionally stuck. Ask him: Do men grieve differently than women? How can we move forward after a chaotic, life-changing event? Frank is the author of “A Promise Made, A Promise Kept: A Husband’s Journey Through Journaling to Heal the Loss of His Spouse.” Contact him at (401) 205-3325; fdimaio@rtirguests.com