01. Let’s End the Political War on Universities
02. What Would Autocracy in America Look Like?
03. Why Reclassifying Weed Is a Big Deal
04. Whatever Happened to ‘The New Zoo Revue’?
05. Sunday Is Cinco de Mayo: Get Your ‘Ritas Ready
06. Got a Toxic Mom? Have a Happy Mother’s Day Anyway
07. The Loss of Women’s Freedoms Will Impact Generations to Come
08. Drug Shortages Reach Record High
09. New Cybersecurity Risks for Your Business
10. Unbelievable! She Found Her Childhood Best Friend 40 Years Later
11. Former NBA Player’s Mission to Keep Kids in School
12. Why Don’t More Doctors Use Placebos?
13. The Surprising Reason People Become Addicted to Sex
14. Interview the DJ Who Worked with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog and Joe Jackson
15. ‘Roots of Fire’: The New Generation of Cajun Music
1.==> Let’s End the Political War on Universities
History professor Jeremi Suri says Republicans’ 20-year war on universities is the real fuel behind the current protests on campuses. He says many GOP leaders have elite university pedigrees yet they’ve spent the last two decades “condemning everything about the universities that boosted their careers — the expertise on subjects like climate change, the values around diversity and inclusion, and even the commitment to teach a full history of our country.” He adds, “The time has come to end what has been a long political war on universities. It no longer benefits anyone, except those who truly want to destroy higher education and build their careers by repressing the free speech of young, talented citizens.” Jeremi Suri holds the Mack Brown Distinguished Chair for Leadership in Global Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin, where he is a professor in the History Department and the LBJ School. He is the author and editor of 11 books and co-hosts the podcast “This is Democracy.” Contact him at (512) 475 7242; suri@austin.utexas.edu
2. ==> What Would Autocracy in America Look Like?
Many people, including UCLA law professor Richard Abel, believe the future of American democracy is in peril. So why aren’t more Americans up in arms about the situation and defending the principles our nation was founded upon? Do they understand what an autocracy is and how that would affect them? Abel’s latest book, “How Autocrats Seek Power: Resistance to Trump and Trumpism,” chronicles and analyses resistance to the threat that autocracy poses in a liberal democracy. “Autocracy negates democracy — which requires that the state be responsible to an electorate composed of all eligible voters — by concentrating unconstrained power in a single individual,” he explains. Abel provides the definitive account of the rise of Donald Trump’s popular support in 2016, and his failed efforts to nullify the result of the 2020 election. Richard Abel is an internationally recognized scholar who has written about law from a social scientific perspective in countries as varied as the U.S., England, South Africa and Kenya. He is the author of numerous books including his latest, the Defending American Democracy mini-series. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbpr.biz or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
3. ==> Why Reclassifying Weed Is a Big Deal
In a remarkable move, the Drug Enforcement Administration has announced plans to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. The decision marks a major turning point in how many Americans perceive this complex plant and its place in society. The move must now undergo what is likely to be a lengthy approval process, but still, the switch is considered “paradigm-shifting and it’s very exciting,” according to Vince Sliwoski, a Portland, Oregon-based cannabis and psychedelics attorney who authors well-known legal blogs on those topics. “I can’t emphasize enough how big of news it is,” he says. Ask him what’s involved in the decision and the effect it will have on the cannabis industry. Vince is a partner in the law firm Harris Sliwoski. He is a frequent presenter and commentator on the legal aspects of controlled substances issues and has been cited by many sources over the years. Contact him at (503) 549-4636; @vince_sliwoski
4.==> Whatever Happened to ‘The New Zoo Revue’?
If you are old enough, chances are you grew up watching “The New Zoo Revue.” The show was syndicated from 1972 to 1977 and episodes ran well into the 1990s. The show was the brainchild of Doug Momary who, along with his wife, Emmy Jo, created an answer to Sesame Street, focusing on relationships and feelings. Doug wrote every song and storyline for their 550-plus shows. Besides their wildly popular Facebook livestreams, they’ve made several public appearances, including one at Comic Con in San Diego, where fans cried when they saw them. Invite them on your show and find out what they’ve been doing for the past 50 years and why they think the response to them has been so overwhelming. Contact Danny Deraney at (323) 333-8501; @dannyderaney
5. ==> Sunday Is Cinco de Mayo: Get Your ‘Ritas Ready
Cinco de Mayo is more popular in the U.S. than in Mexico, and we celebrate that date by – well, let’s be honest, drinking margaritas! Americans seem to be obsessed with the margarita and Mexican spirits. This year, for the first time ever, agave spirits (e.g., tequila and mezcal) will outsell vodka in U.S. bars to become the No. 1 selling liquor category – and the top-selling cocktail across American bars will be the margarita! Liquor industry vet and agave spirit expert Joey Angelo can discuss our love affair with margaritas, tequila and Mexican culture and cuisine in general, and offer some new cocktail ideas (including twists on the classic margarita) for your Cinco de Mayo celebration. Joey Angelo has worked in the wine and spirit industry for almost 20 years and has launched a tequila, mezcal and canned margarita beverage. Contact John Angelo at john@premieretv.com
6. ==> Got a Toxic Mom? Have a Happy Mother’s Day Anyway
Do you dread Mother’s Day? It can be an emotional minefield when you’ve got a toxic mother. Everywhere you turn the focus is on how wonderful mothers are, but your experience doesn’t match up, and even though you’ve grown up and matured, your mother hasn’t. Psychologist Therese Rosenblatt says many toxic moms are self-absorbed or immature. After years of being controlled by a toxic mom, it can feel radical to focus on yourself and your needs, but Rosenblatt says that’s exactly what you need to do when you’re around your mom, and also when you’re not. She’ll share ways to change the dynamic as an adult. “If you don’t fulfill their needs — if that’s who you are, if you recognize yourself in that — then remind yourself verbally that you’re allowed to prioritize yourself,” Rosenblatt says. Do whatever feels right in the moment for you, especially if your mom is pushing your proverbial buttons. Therese Rosenblatt, Ph.D., is a psychologist, a psychoanalyst, and the author of “How Are You? Connection in a Virtual Age.” Contact her at (914) 712-8092
7. ==> The Loss of Women’s Freedoms Will Impact Generations to Come
The recent reversal of Harvey Weinstein’s felony sex crime charges after more than 100 women accused him of sexual assault and misconduct has landed another staggering blow to women’s rights after decades of gaining ground, in a landslide that started with the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade. Future generations of women are at risk of losing crucial protections if we don’t turn things around now. Learn more about this critical topic when you interview Shila Patel, M.D. An author and retired licensed psychiatrist who started her personal and professional life in a culture where women are typically treated as lesser than men, Shila brings a unique perspective to women’s rights and why we need to fight harder than ever to safeguard our children. Interview this expert guest today to discuss how the Weinstein reversal undermines the progress of the #MeToo movement (which started when women came forward against the producer), how the pandemic highlighted the need for women’s freedom, and much more. Contact Dr. Shila Patel at (229) 586-6190 or spatel@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Drug Shortages Reach Record High
Drug shortages are at an all-time high with 99% of pharmacists reporting supply issues. Both basic and life-saving drugs are in short supply, from oxytocin and chemotherapy medications to prescriptions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications, including Adderall, which is especially difficult to track down. Dr. Shawn Rowland can discuss the major cause of the shortages and what patients can do to ensure they have the medicine they need. Rowland first experienced the difficulty of obtaining lifesaving medications during a natural disaster in Mexico. He realized the extent of the problem while working as a physician during the pandemic and founded Jase Medical, a company that provides a supply of medication to have on hand in the event of a serious emergency or when professional medical help isn’t available. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; Ryan@goldmanmccormick.com
9. ==> New Cybersecurity Risks for Your Business
A cyberattack occurred every 39 seconds in 2023 — more than 2,200 times per day — according to a recent study by Cybersecurity Ventures. While consumers need to guard their personal information, business owners face a unique set of problems. Invite international cybersecurity expert Amir Sachs to explain what’s at stake by ignoring your cybersecurity and help entrepreneurs and business owners get ahead of hackers. Listeners will learn who hackers target and why, and the most important first step to shore up your company’s security today as Amir shares well-kept secrets that only cyber experts know. Amir Sachs is the CEO of Blue Light IT. Contact Adrienne Mazzone at (561) 908-1683; amazzone@transmediagroup.com
10. ==> Unbelievable! She Found Her Childhood Best Friend 40 Years Later
Since 1980, many civilians have died in war-torn Afghanistan, but Masuda Rahmati was determined to find her childhood best friend, whom she last saw more than 40 years ago when they were 11 years old. The two were separated when Masuda and her family fled Afghanistan before the Taliban took over and the girls never said goodbye or spoke again. Invite Masuda to share why it was so important for her to find her friend, how her famous father helped her in the search, details about their planned reunion and the different directions the two families took. You’ll also hear how Masuda drew the Taliban’s ire in 2005 when she became the first woman to represent Afghanistan in the Mrs. World International Beauty Competition. Masuda Rahmati’s upcoming book is “Almost Killed by the Taliban: How I Stood Up for the Women and Girls of Afghanistan.” A media veteran, she has been interviewed by the international media and has been recognized by Congress. Contact her at (831) 298-8335; mrahmati@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Former NBA Player’s Mission to Keep Kids in School
The rate of school dropouts has increased alarmingly, especially after the pandemic. More than 7,000 U.S. kids leave the education system every day — that’s one child every 26 seconds — which places them at high risk for drug addiction, prison, or worse. Former NBA champion Dean Tolson is on a mission to stop this national crisis. His powerful personal story has already inspired thousands of kids across the country to stay in school. Hear Dean’s incredible journey from illiterate NBA player to graduating magna cum laude with a master’s degree, and how he was drafted for the Seattle SuperSonics by Hall of Famer Bill Russell. He’ll also reveal the shocking, controversial actions that took place during his recruitment, why he never should have played in college or the NBA, and much more! The author of “Power Forward: The Dean Tolson Story,” Dean has decades of public speaking experience and has appeared on KING5 TV, The Grio, and in “Sports Illustrated.” Contact him at (235) 884-8934; dtolson@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Why Don’t More Doctors Use Placebos?
The power of the placebo effect — medication or treatment that has no effect save for the patient’s belief that it works — has been documented as successful in 30% to 60% of patients suffering from a wide range of symptoms. Dr. Dinesh Verma reveals why modern medicine usually ignores the placebo effect and makes the case for why more physicians should integrate this and other under-used alternative therapies with modern health-care methods for incredible results. Ask him: Why does the placebo effect work so well? How did your mother miraculously recover from late-stage breast cancer? How can patients feel better, heal faster, and even save money on medical expenses? A medical doctor with 45 years in practice and 18 years of integrative medicine research and experience, Dr. Verma’s latest book is “From Dreams to Genes.” Contact Dr. Dinesh Verma at (248) 817-8296; dverma@rtirguests.com
13. ==> The Surprising Reason People Become Addicted to Sex
The general belief is that sex addicts are merely selfish, amoral perverts. But according to author and marriage therapist Marsha Means, the reasons for this crippling dependence are far more complicated. “I have researched the connection between sexual addiction and attachment wounds in childhood,” she says. “I see the addict as wounded and desperately in need of healthy, secure connection.” Marsha can share how to break this addiction once and for all, and how couples can survive the pain and heartache this causes in relationships. She is the author of the critically acclaimed books “Learn Empathy: Help Your Betrayed Wife Heal” and “From Betrayal Trauma to Healing & Joy: A Workbook for Partners of Sex Addicts.” Contact Marsha Means at (520) 341-6002; mmeans@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Interview the DJ Who Worked with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog and Joe Jackson
While growing up on the streets of Compton, Calif., Damon Grayson could have become just another sad statistic. But thanks to his love of music, combined with his irrepressible can-do spirit, he managed to become a successful DJ known as DMG, who worked with such superstars as Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog, Joe Jackson and many others. “Not only was music a form of therapy for me, the self-confidence of those who rose up from my same background to become highly successful was a great inspiration to me,” he says. Damon is an entrepreneur, relationship counselor, single dad to three boys and author of the inspirational book for women “When His Ways Meet Yours: When You Love You He Will Follow Suit.” Contact Damon Grayson at (760) 490-0656; dgrayson@rtirguests.com
15. ==> ‘Roots of Fire’: The New Generation of Cajun Music
Cajun music’s contemporary scene in Louisiana has found mainstream success with Grammy Award nominations and wins, but shuttering venues and aging fans leave some questioning the music’s longevity. In their new documentary “Roots of Fire,” Abby Berendt Lavoi and Jeremey Lavoi honor the rich history and cultural legacy of Cajun music. Featuring electrifying performances from the Pine Leaf Boys, Feufollet, Jourdan Thibodeaux et Les Rôdailleurs, Bonsoir Catin, and more, the crowd-pleasing documentary explores how playing kick-ass music preserves Cajun tradition for future generations. “Roots of Fire” is available to stream beginning May 7. For interviews with the directors and musicians, contact Kerry Hargraves at kelly.hargraves@firstrunfeatures.com
Comments are closed.