01. Iran’s President Is Dead. What Happens Now?
02. Something Weird is Happening with Tornadoes
03. Memorial Day Should Unite Americans
04. Before You Hit the Beach: Tips to Stay Safe
05. Use Your Power for Good: Be a Love-Centered Activist
06. Interview a YouTube Star Who Hit 1M Subs at Age 50
07. He Can Help Boomers Who Haven’t Saved Enough to Retire
08. Can Diversity Training End Age Bias?
09. 5-Time Survivor Reveals Why She’s Glad She Had Cancer
10. She Turned to the Sun to Battle Breast Cancer
11. Help Kids Handle Nightmares — Instead of Waking You Up!
12. Texting Doesn’t Do This! Benefits of Handwriting for Kids
13. Amazing Encounters with God
14. Why You Shouldn’t Do Your Best
15. Will Humans Be Extinct by 2100? This Activist Says It’s Likely
1. ==> Iran’s President is Dead. What Happens Now?
With Iran under considerable economic and political strain, and tensions already high in the Middle East, what happens after the death of two of the country’s most influential political figures? Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi, the country’s foreign minister, and seven others were killed in a helicopter crash in a remote, mountainous area on Sunday. Discuss what happens next with Karim Sadjadpour, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace who focuses on Iran and U.S. foreign policy toward the Middle East. Karim is a contributing writer at the “Atlantic” and a frequent guest on media outlets such as the PBS “NewsHour,” NPR, and CNN. Contact him at karim.sadjadpour@ceip.org; @ksadjadpour or Clarissa Guerrero at (202) 939-2371; pressoffice@ceip.org
2. ==> Something Weird Is Happening with Tornadoes
Tornado season is changing, and it could have major consequences. “We are seeing a reduction in the total number of days where there are tornadoes, but those that do occur are almost always ‘supercharged,’ producing substantially more tornadoes than what we would otherwise expect,” says Jana Houser, an atmospheric scientist at Ohio State University. Experts have some sense of why tornado geography has shifted, though they’re still working to untangle the factors involved. Houser can discuss how “Tornado Alley” has expanded eastward, why the Midwest and Southeast are now more susceptible to tornadoes, and what happens when many tornadoes happen in one day. Houser says the new tornado trends mean people need to be on guard in areas that may not have normally expected to see tornadoes. Contact her at houser.262@osu.edu
3. ==> Memorial Day Should Unite Americans
“Memorial Day has a powerful national meaning in how it has been, on some level, not only a day of remembrance but also a day of reconciliation,” says James Dubinsky, a retired U.S. Army veteran who teaches English at Virginia Tech and works with veteran communities. “As a country, we might most effectively honor the many who have died for us by focusing on what all of us, the ‘we’ in ‘We the People,’ can do to preserve the U.S. they died serving. On this day, rather than focusing on what divides us or on elevating differences, Americans might focus on what unites us and on respecting each person’s humanity, particularly those who serve to protect us.” Dubinsky says, “While it is a national holiday and many celebrate with picnics and parades, Americans would benefit from taking a few moments to stop and reflect on the meaning of the day – why it exists, when it came into being, what it says about our country, and how it came to honor those who died to preserve it.” Contact Jenny Boone at (540) 314-7207; jennykb@vt.edu or Shannon Andrea at (703) 399-9494; sandrea@vt.edu
4. ==> Before You Hit the Beach: Tips to Stay Safe
Memorial Day is the official start of the summer travel season, kicking off 100 days of fun in the sun … and water! This week is Beach Safety Week and a great time to get some tips to keep everyone safe this summer, no matter what part of the country they’re vacationing in. “An open body of water always has hazards and dangers, It’s not like a pool. You don’t know the exact depth. You may not be able to see the floor. There are waves and currents, even on the flattest days,” says Brett Lesinger, the beach safety division chief for the City of Orange Beach, Ala. Learn how to get local water and weather conditions before and during your trip, where to look for surf warning flags and what they mean, and what to do if you see someone in danger or find yourself in trouble in the water. The most important safety tip, according to Lesinger, is to take your cues from the lifeguards on the beach. “We’re not here to ruin people’s fun,” Lesinger says. “We want people to enjoy their vacation and go home safely.” Contact Brett Lesinger at (251) 747-1051; blesinger@orangebeachal.gov
5. ==> Use Your Power for Good: Be a Love-Centered Activist
It is easy to feel helpless and hopeless in the face of all the problems looming in the world today, but interview Dr. Paul Zeitz and you’ll feel a renewed sense of optimism and purpose. Zeitz, a preventive medicine physician, epidemiologist, author and rabbi, has worked for decades in the global AIDS movement, climate transformation efforts, racial and gender equity, and international child welfare. Invite him on your show to share strategies that will improve your life and the lives of those around you using seven concrete steps that start with choosing to put love at the center of all you do. Zeitz will share ways to focus your political imagination and manifest your vision for a better world, and how to take action and contribute to peaceful movements. “My goal is to help people, young and old, to work together to bring out families closer and improve the beautiful world we live in,” he says. His latest book is “Revolutionary Optimism: 7 Steps for Living as a Love-Centered Activist.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (o); (703) 400-1099 (c); johanna@jrbpr.biz or Reigan Wright at (703) 646-5188
6. ==> Interview a YouTube Star Who Hit 1M Subs at Age 50
When most of us think of YouTube stars, images of cool young people come to mind. But author and educator Jennifer Lebedev is living proof that you don’t have to be a Gen-Zer or millennial to be a huge success on that trendy channel. “I was nearing a midlife crisis in February 2022, when my YouTube channel hit the 1 million mark,” she says. “A month later, I turned 50. I chose to celebrate both events.” Jennifer is an English language teacher and author of “Being a YouTuber: One Creator’s Bumpy Road to 1M Subscribers.” She can share how mid-lifers can successfully set and reach personal and professional goals, despite their hectic lives. Contact Jennifer Lebedev at (617) 668-1804; jlebedev@rtirguests.com
7. ==> He Can Help Boomers Who Haven’t Saved Enough to Retire
The largest segment of the U.S. population is rapidly approaching retirement age, yet more than half are worried they won’t have enough to retire – and 20% have no retirement savings at all. With rising inflation and a middling economy, is there any way to turn things around? Tom Loegering (pronounced “Lay-ger-ing”) reveals how baby boomers and anyone in the workforce can ensure a happy, well-funded retirement so they can enjoy their golden years. Learn how to develop “the business of you” and retire comfortably without sacrificing your goals and dreams along the way. A retired contractor and experienced speaker, Tom is the author of “Success or Failure: The Choice Is Yours,” a workbook to help anyone plan their perfect retirement. Contact him at (623) 400-8648; tloegering@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Can Diversity Training End Age Bias?
Many companies are becoming more mindful of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives (DEI) as this relates to cultural biases based on race, religion, and national origins. But according to AARP, an interest group focusing on issues that affect people over 50, the corporate world is lagging behind when it comes to addressing age bias. “There are more older people in the workplace than ever before,” says author Sara Ting. “But despite their valuable experience and work ethics, there continues to be a lot of bias against them. This demographic needs to be addressed through DEI.” Sara is a diversity and inclusion educator, speaker, consultant, and author of “Small Book with a Big Idea: 5 Minute Training to Empower You and Transform the World.” Contact Sara Ting at (508) 715-3370; Sting@rtirguests.com
9. == > 5-Time Survivor Reveals Why She’s Glad She Had Cancer
The very thought of cancer strikes terror into the hearts of most people. But after surviving four bouts with lymphoma and one with a rare digestive tract cancer, Shariann Tom considered her experiences a gift. For one, she discovered her true passion. “I left the unfulfilling corporate world to launch the Cancer Journey Institute, which trains coaches to work with cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers of all ages, cancer stages, and walks of life to discover their inner strengths,” she says. She also devised a “cancer road map,” which eases the journey. Shariann is the author of “The Call of Cancer: A Loving Pathway to Wholeness, Healing, and Transformation.” She has been featured on KGO-TV in San Francisco and in the “Wall Street Journal” and “Stanford Medical Magazine.” Contact Shariann Tom at (415) 480-3264; stom@rtirguests.com
10. ==> She Turned to the Sun to Battle Breast Cancer
When you think of cancer treatments, the first thing that comes to mind is typically chemotherapy or radiation. However, there’s another surprising, natural treatment that may help cure this dreaded disease: Sunlight. Francisca Epale shares her amazing, inspiring story of surviving breast cancer without chemotherapy (and with plenty of sun). A certified health and life coach and the award-winning author of “How I Conquered Breast Cancer Without Chemotherapy: My Journey from a Mess to a Message” (medical disclaimer included), Francisca looked for better ways to survive cancer after five of her family members died due to chemotherapy. She now shares her advice to help your audience fight breast cancer, whether or not they choose to undergo traditional treatments. Ask her: How does getting more sunshine help cure breast cancer? Why do you say breast cancer is not a death sentence if caught early? What is the best way to perform breast self-exams? Contact Francisca Epale at (647) 692-3886; fepale@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Help Kids Handle Nightmares — Instead of Waking You Up!
According to the Cleveland Clinic, nightmares in children are common, and more likely when a child is overtired or stressed. Today’s kids experience higher levels of stress due to the post-pandemic pressure to catch up in school, social media, bullying, and a myriad of modern challenges, so it’s no wonder many families are suffering at night. “Parents need to address kids’ fears during waking hours,” says long-time educator Patricia Wilson. “They also need to make instilling healthy sleep habits into their children.” She’ll share ways to talk with kids about their fears and stress and offer practical tips to make bedtime easier for everyone. Patricia has taught children from grades K-12 and counseled kids for more than 30 years. She is the author of numerous best-selling books including “My Magical Night Mare,” “Life Is Amazing!” and “When Grandma Giggled.” Contact Patricia Wilson at (778) 561-4603; pwilson@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Texting Doesn’t Do This! Benefits of Handwriting for Kids
Teens and preteens are like Olympic athletes when it comes to texting with both thumbs. And while texting is a great way to communicate, nothing beats printing or cursive for building self-confidence, reducing stress, improving vocabulary, memory and more, according to former teacher Arlene Hemingway. In this unusual show, Arlene can discuss the benefits children (and adults) can gain by using a pen or No. 2 pencil and a legal pad to create stories. Arlene can also introduce your audience to Drabble, 100-word stories that tell a complete story. Hemingway teaches Drabble at Blue Bridge Community College in Flat Rock, North Carolina, and at some charter schools. She formerly taught music in the Long Island public school system. She is the author of “A Twist of Lemon: 100 Curious Stories in Exactly 100 Words” and has a master’s degree from the Juilliard School of Music. Contact Arlene at (828) 684-9840; info@arleneduanehemingway.com
13. ==> Amazing Encounters with God
For many people, even those who are religious, God is a nebulous concept whose existence is difficult to prove. If you’ve ever wondered whether God is real, invite Marcia Fleischman on your show to share real encounters with God, both those she’s heard from others and experienced herself. Learn about ordinary people who have interacted with God and how these encounters have changed their lives. Delight your audience and help them rediscover or strengthen their faith when you interview this intriguing guest. A pastor, author, illustrator, and inventor, Marcia’s latest book is “If God is Love, Why Do I Feel So Bad? Considering Our Images of God.” Contact Marcia Fleischman at (816) 852-3849; mfleischman@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Why You Shouldn’t Do Your Best
People think that doing one’s best is the key to success. But according to transformational speaker, educator, and entrepreneur Rachel Rappaport, that attitude leads to “just getting by.” Instead, she says, “Do whatever it takes, because doing your best is not enough! It is just a well-intentioned excuse; it is a mindset that leads to feeling stuck and creates an imaginary glass ceiling.” Alternatively, doing whatever it takes will stretch your creativity, empower you, and expand your possibilities, and give you the passion that you need to succeed in business and life. Rachel is the founder of the success-coaching program MAX! She also trained with Jack Canfield, co-author of “Chicken Soup for the Soul,” and well-known motivational coach Tony Robbins. Contact Rachel Rappaport at (848) 266-5824; rrappaport@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Will Humans Be Extinct by 2100? This Activist Says It’s Likely
The extinction of the human race is a nebulous concept, so far in the future that we don’t have to think about it – or do we? Author and activist Richard Schwartz, Ph.D., reveals why climate change will probably bring about human extinction much faster than we believe – as in less than a hundred years – if we don’t act now. He’ll reveal the surprising link between animal-based diets and climate change and how embracing animal-free diets can truly help save the world. Interview this experienced media guest to learn why animal-based industries are the real climate killers, what you should know about lab-produced meat, the best (and tastiest) ways to transition to vegetarianism or veganism, and much more. A practicing vegetarian and vegan activist for more than four decades, Richard is the author of “Vegan Revolution” and similar books. Contact him at (914) 533-1949 or rschwartz@rtirguests.com