01. Is Anywhere Safe from Gun Violence?
02. There Is No Such Thing as a ‘Lone Wolf’
03. How to Survive an Active Shooter Attack
04. The Circus Is Back—Minus the Elephants
05. Another COVID Surge? What to Know Now
06. Lies, Spies and the Russian Mafia: He Lived to Tell the Story
07. Why the Most Qualified Person Doesn’t Always Get the Job
08. Spring Clean Your Ideas about Work
09. Become Part of ‘The Great Upgrade’
10. What Was It Like Growing Up in the Jim Crow South?
11. The Best Way to Improve Your Family’s Health
12. How to Talk to Kids about Illness and Empower Them to Heal
13. What Makes for a Happy Life? Start at Home
14. The Best 5-Minute Way to Start Your Morning
15. It’s the End of the World As We Know It
1. ==> Is Anywhere Safe from Gun Violence?
A grocery, hair salon and a church. In just the last week, deadly mass shootings have taken place in the most everyday American settings. Experts who have studied the phenomenon say the shootings underscore a sad fact that most of us already understand on some level — that no place is safe anymore. “They are targeting people in places like nail salons or churches or grocery stores because they think this is where the victims will be the most vulnerable, this is where they think they will find people who won’t fight back,” says Seamus McGraw, author of “From a Taller Tower: The Rise of the American Mass Shooter,” of the suspected shooters. “Because in the end, these killers are not the supervillains they are made out to be. They are weaklings and cowards.” He adds, “White supremacy is the garb they wrap themselves in to cover their raging sense of victimhood and narcissism.” Seamus McGraw is a journalist and author. Contact him at @seamusmcgraw or Cameron Ludwick at (512) 232-7647; cludwick@utpress.utexas.edu
2. == > There Is No Such Thing as a ‘Lone Wolf’
To analysts of racially motivated extremism, the Buffalo shooting highlights one of the most pernicious and poorly understood aspects of the recent wave of domestic terrorist attacks. Even when crimes like these are committed by solitary extremists, the perpetrators see themselves as acting on behalf of a movement. “There is a community of like-minded individuals that give these people strength and make them feel like they’re part of a greater cause,” says Daryl Johnson, a former Department of Homeland Security senior analyst who authored a 2009 report warning of the rise of right-wing and white supremacist extremism. “And when you have that sense of community, it makes your cause seem more legit. We shouldn’t be dismissing these people as mentally ill or just a one-off,” Johnson tells “TIME.” “There are many, many people out there that are on a spectrum of radicalization following each other’s path.” Daryl Johnson is a former senior analyst in far-right extremism at the Department of Homeland Security. He is now a private security consultant. Contact him at (888) 518-0522; daryl@dtanalytics.org
3. ==> How to Survive an Active Shooter Attack
What does it take to come out alive when a rampaging shooter strikes in a public setting? Would you (and your kids) know how to find safety, shield others or retaliate? Would you have the patience to observe yet make immediate, timely decisions to react? Explore the vital answers and hear life-saving insights when you interview personal protection specialist Allen Banks. He’s developed active shooter and workplace violence prevention training, plus special programs for schools and other locations. Contact Banks at (661) 417-0786; abanks@rtirguests.com
4. ==> The Circus Is Back—Minus the Elephants
After shutting down in 2017, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is planning its return next year, but with an elephant-sized caveat: The so-called “Greatest Show on Earth,” long celebrated for its animal performers, will now be sans any four-legged creatures. Animal/environmental advocate Georja Umano says that’s good news, particularly for pachyderms. “In the last century, elephant populations have plummeted by 90% due to trophy hunting, poaching, logging, zoos and circus captures,” she says. “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
5. ==> Another COVID Surge? What to Know Now
Despite a deep public urge to move on from the pandemic once and for all, COVID-19 continues to prove that it hasn’t finished spreading through the population. Certain regions are feeling particularly sharp rises in cases, with surging COVID numbers in some states having already surpassed the heights recorded during the Delta surge last summer. The CDC is now recommending people in those areas mask up indoors, regardless of the local regulations. Dean Fanelli, Ph.D., an expert on pharmaceutical and chemical-related technologies, can discuss who should get a booster shot and when, why America lags behind other countries in booster rates, and the latest COVID treatments and therapies. Fanelli is a partner in the intellectual property department of Seyfarth Shaw LLP’s Washington D.C. office. He also hosts the podcast Politics & Life Sciences Radio. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; (919) 377-1200 or ryan@goldmanmccormick.com
6. ==> Lies, Spies and the Russian Mafia: He Lived to Tell the Story
Imagine what life would be like if the KGB was after you, threatening your life. And if you had no idea you were even taking them on at first. John Christmas does not have to imagine … he lived it. While heading up an international banking group, Christmas tried to expose fraud he uncovered without realizing that the bank in question was a KGB front. Fired for being a whistleblower, he was threatened and terrorized and finally fled the country. Christmas is co-author of the geopolitical thriller “KGB Banker,” which was inspired by his story and takes place on the Russia/Ukraine border. Ask him: Why is your experience particularly relevant given today’s political environment? What happened to the players you exposed? Are you still in danger? Contact John Christmas at (514) 700-9015; jchristmas@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Why the Most Qualified Person Doesn’t Always Get the Job
The interview went well and your qualifications met the job description to a T. Despite your certainty that you were the most qualified candidate, you didn’t get the job. Why not? Get the surprising answer from Beverly Williams, the author of “Your GPS to Employment Success: How to Find and Succeed in the Right Job,” and an employment professional, arbitrator, and former HR executive in both private and public sectors. She’ll explain why the most qualified person doesn’t always get the job and reveal the bigger picture that most of us miss when we are on the hunt for a new job so next time, you’ll be better prepared. Williams is a partner at Wong Fleming PC in Princeton, N.J., where she specializes in labor and employment law. She also hosts the Your Employment Matters with Beverly Williams podcast. Williams earned an M.P.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a J.D. from Rutgers Law School. Contact Beverly Williams at (973) 576-5841; bwilliams@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Spring Clean Your Ideas about Work
Last year’s Great Resignation has evolved into this year’s Great Re-imagination of the workplace. Since the spring of 2021 more than 33 million people in the U.S. have quit jobs that aren’t accommodating their needs, including millions of people looking for careers that better wrap around their families. Sherry Beck Paprocki says this tightening of the workforce provides a unique opportunity to find the perfect job for those who are looking for more flexibility and freedom in their careers. Invite her on your show and learn how to have a lucrative freelance business, tips to create the gig lifestyle you’ve dreamed about, and why some people have satisfying careers while others don’t. Certified work-life balance coach Sherry Beck Paprocki has earned more than six figures a year as a freelance writer, editor and gig specialist. She is the author of “Freelance Fancy: Your Guide to Capturing Spiritual Health, Wealth and Happiness from Gig Work.” Contact her at (614) 537-7159; paprockiltd@cs.com
9. ==> Become Part of ‘The Great Upgrade’
“The Wall Street Journal” reports that most of those quitting jobs during ‘The Great Resignation’ have been non-management women, people of color and low-wage workers: America’s front-liners. Ida Byrd-Hill, author of “Invisible Talent Market,” says the time is right for these workers to become part of ‘The Great Upgrade.’ “Thanks to the pandemic, these employees were forced to use technology to shepherd their children through virtual schooling and now they want to use their new-found tech skills to work remotely, in less abusive jobs with greater compensation.” She’ll discuss ways to access cybersecurity and tech jobs without a typical college degree and why companies should begin to see workers through a more diverse lens if they want to win the current talent war. Ida Byrd-Hill is an economist, futurist, educator and CEO of Automation Workz, a cybersecurity reskilling and diversity consulting firm. She’s appeared on “Good Morning America” and numerous radio stations and podcasts. Contact her at (313) 483-2126; ida@autoworkz.org
10. ==> What Was It Like Growing Up in the Jim Crow South?
History is much more potent when told through the eyes of people who have lived it. Now that much of the country is too young to recall what it was like to grow up in a deliberately segregated America, stories like that of Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans (pronounced Kray-gull-mans) are golden. 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. As a third-grader whose family had moved to a new neighborhood, she experienced a cross burning on her front lawn and reeled from the horror of having her dog poisoned. But, as she will tell you, she still describes her childhood as “happy with a loving family who tried to be typical Americans.” Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans, a Fulbright Scholar, was one of the first Black women in the Foreign Service. 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. ==> The Best Way to Improve Your Family’s Health
You may see your doctor regularly, take your prescriptions, exercise, eat a good diet and avoid bad habits like smoking and excessive drinking. But what else should you be doing to keep yourself and your family members healthy? Interview Anne McAwley-LeDuc to learn about the simple health-promoting activity most people ignore: keeping fully accurate records of medical histories, doctor visits, procedures and treatments, medications, vaccinations, and more for all family members. She’ll explain why keeping records is essential, especially during challenging times like COVID. Anne is a retired nurse practitioner (APRN) and the award-winning author of “Personal Health Organizer.” Contact her at (860) 300-1603; AMcAwley@rtirguests.com
12. ==> How to Talk to Kids about Illness and Empower Them to Heal
It’s hard to understand what’s going on inside a sick body, especially when you’re a child. But Grandma Ness, a working artist and painter, provides a whimsical, entertaining and imaginative way for parents to broach the topic of illness with their children with her new book, “Bernie and Babs vs. the Virus.” Grandma Ness, a pen name for Annessa Morrison, says that although the book was written for four- to seven-year-olds, it’s for adults too because it gives readers a way to visualize their immune system’s response. She’ll share ways to empower sick children, five hacks that make healing visualization work better, and how she used them to treat her lupus and the pain that impacted her ability to work as an artist. Contact Grandma Ness at (928) 830-3935; GrandmaNess2022@gmail.com
13. ==> What Makes for a Happy Life? Start at Home
With all of the increased stress of the modern world, it’s become increasingly difficult for people to find their happy space. Author and realtor Valentina Tjan claims that there are simple, yet powerful ways to reclaim and maintain joy, starting with your home. “Home should be a haven to fall back to,” she says. Valentina can share how to turn your home into a physical, emotional and spiritual safe sanctuary for your spouse, your kids, and yourself. She is the author of “The Best Is Yet to Come: Real Life Journey to Riches to Inspire You to Wisdom and Wealth.” Contact Valentina at (647) 493-1694; vphoey@rtirguests.com
14. ==> The Best 5-Minute Way to Start Your Morning
Life has been tough for most of us lately and our collective mental health is showing the strain. Those are reasons enough to start every day off with the five-minute routine Rick Mc Daniel uses to begin each of his mornings. Invite Rick to share the one thing you need to do during this time and best of all, it requires little expense and no special expertise, or equipment. He’ll explain the simple concept anyone can embrace and answer any questions you have about it. Rick Mc Daniel is a writer, the host of the Point of Impact podcast, and the author of eight books. His latest is “This Is Living: Daily Inspiration to Live Your Faith.” Contact Rick at (804) 387-8321; rick@rickmcdaniel.com
15. ==> It’s the End of the World As We Know It
Most people reading the Book of Revelation eventually sigh, “I just don’t get it!” But Dr. Myke Merrill, a biblical scholar and pastor, presents an entirely new perspective on this amazing book. The author of “Experiencing Revelation,” explains, “The apostle John wrote the essential story of the life of Jesus as a dramatic play for the ancient theatergoers of the late first century: his birth, death, resurrection and return. Its performance has a prologue, three main acts, and an epilogue.” Invite the author of “Experiencing Revelation” on your show to talk about this controversial and fascinating topic and learn how you can view a performance of the dramatic script by a team of professional actors. Myke Merrill, D. Min., was a panelist on the national television show “Ask the Pastor” for 18 years. Contact him at (585) 684-8067; mmerrill@rtirguests.com