01. Crisis in Science Labs: The Supply Chain Spiral
02. Entrepreneurs Are Back: Start-Ups Surge in First Quarter
03. The Growing Problem of Food Deserts
04. No Return to Normal for COVID Orphans
05. Do a Show for Fans of TV’s ‘Bones’
06. Are You Secretly Allergic to Your Spouse?
07. Interview Comedian on New TV Series, ‘DisLabeled’
08. Outrageous Stuff that Happens at Open Houses
09. Do Successful People Make Healthier Choices?
10. Can’t We Do More to Prevent Wildfires?
11. This Guest Landed Her Dream Job in Her 60s
12. Do a Show on the Ladies Who Run the Cruise Industry
13. How to Raise a Reader (One Book at a Time)
14. Will Someone You Love Get Early-Onset Alzheimer’s?
15. Blending Bennifer: How a JLo/Affleck Marriage Might Work
1.==> Crisis in Science Labs: The Supply Chain Spiral
Scientific equipment suppliers are complaining that supply chain disruptions continue into this stage of the pandemic, and scientists and researchers are feeling the cumulative effects of these disruptions. They say raw material shortages, the impacts of inflation, shipping costs, logistical and shipping delays, and more have all affected their ability to complete lab work. Lee Riley, a professor of epidemiology and infectious diseases at the University of California, Berkeley, says, this research is also paramount, as much of it involves developing new Covid-19 vaccines as variants emerge and ensuring that scientists continue to work on vaccines for other potentially emergent diseases. In a recent interview, Riley noted that he has been “stressed by the supply chain impacts the pandemic has imposed. It now takes many months just to obtain simple things we need for research.” Riley notes that supply chain problems are beginning to ease, especially with the decrease in testing, but “if the pandemic returns with a vengeance similar to what we saw during the last peak [in the U.S. in December and January], we will run into the same problem.” Contact Lee Riley at Lwriley@berkeley.edu
2. ==> Entrepreneurs Are Back: Start-Ups Surge in First Quarter
Have you wondered what happened to all the workers who left jobs during “The Great Resignation?” According to a new survey by global outplacement and executive coaching firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc., many of them decided to start their own business! According to the survey of over 3,000 job seekers in the U.S., 5.2% of job seekers started their own businesses in the first quarter, the highest rate since 2019. “Low interest rates and availability of capital made it an ideal time to attempt entrepreneurial endeavors,” says Sr. VP Andrew Challenger. Start-ups seem particularly enticing for job seekers who are further along in their careers. According to Challenger, of the new businesses started in the first quarter, nearly 70% were founded by workers over the age of 40. “Older job seekers draw on the breadth of their experience, institutional knowledge, and networks to embark on new ventures. For those who may want to start winding down their careers, contract or consulting work allows for greater freedom in selecting projects and setting work schedules.” However, Challenger warns that recent economic uncertainty may impact start-up activity in the near future. Contact Colleen Madden Blumenfeld at (312) 422-5074; (314) 807-1568 (cell) or colleenmadden@challengergray.com
3.==> The Growing Problem of Food Deserts
Many households across the country have limited reliable access to affordable, nutritious food. And as food prices rise, the problem is only getting worse. Donsha Johnson and his wife, Nicole Folkes-Johnson, are the owners of Eat Right Atlanta, is an affordable produce service that delivers fresh fruits and vegetables and operates pop-up markets at health systems across Atlanta and the surrounding areas. Invite them to discuss the increasing problem of food insecurity. Learn what a ‘food desert’ is and what it’s like to live in one, the relationship between grocery store geography and food insecurity, and how inflation is affecting the growing problem. Contact Donsha and Nicole at (404) 717-2502; kimberly@bluescorpionrm.com
4. ==> No Return to Normal for COVID Orphans
More than 200,000 children across the U.S. have been orphaned by the COVID-19 pandemic and advocates for the bereaved and pediatricians say too little attention has been focused on the issue and as of April, no law or executive order has provided any resources to specifically help these children. Brennan Wood, executive director of the non-profit Dougy Center says the situation has become a public health crisis. “Never in our lifetimes has grief been so public in the media, yet so privately complex,” he says. “It is time that we as a nation take a stand and acknowledge grief for what it truly is: a natural and normal response to loss that is interwoven into a sociocultural context.” The Dougy Center supports children and families who are grieving before and after a death. Contact Brennan Wood at brennan@dougy.org
5. ==> Do a Show for Fans of TV’s ‘Bones’
Kathy Reichs’ best-selling book series featuring Temperance “Bones” Brennan was the inspiration for Fox TV’s longest-running scripted drama. Bring the author and certified forensic anthropologist on your show and discuss “Bones,” how the series and forensic anthropology in general have changed over the past two decades, and what’s in store for Tempe in the 21st installment, “Cold, Cold Bones.” The new book, which hearkens back to many of Tempe’s most fascinating—and gruesome—cases, is sure to captivate longtime fans and new readers alike. Kathy Reich is available beginning Tuesday, July 5. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer with preferred date/time at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com or Briana Caywood at (703) 646-5188
6. ==> Are You Secretly Allergic to Your Spouse?
Do you sneeze uncontrollably whenever your wife or hubby tries to hug you? Do you wake up with a headache after sleeping next to your other half? According to products ingredients expert Zorica Denton, you may be allergic to the fragrances in their soap, body lotion or something else they use, and not even know it. “Products with fragrances may contain anywhere from 100 to 1,000 chemicals,” she says. “But they don’t have to be listed due to trade secret policies.” Zorica developed asthma and other long-term, debilitating health problems as a result of working as a perfume model, and almost died. She is the founder of the natural personal care products company Zorica of Malibu, and author of an upcoming book about toxic chemicals in products. Contact Zorica at (213) 616-7904; zdenton@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Interview Comedian on New TV Series, ‘DisLabeled’
A few years ago, comedian Brian McCarthy’s eyesight suddenly started to fail. He rapidly lost most of his central vision and, along with it, a lifestyle he never thought to question. During this major personal upheaval, he poured his angst and triumphs into creating “DisLabeled,” a television series that follows Brian in his quest to understand and navigate his new reality. Brian brings his humor and edge to encounters with a broad range of disabled designers, activists, and technologists who share their innovative approaches to surviving and thriving in an ableist society while advocating for a more just and accessible future. “DisLabeled” airs on BRIC TV, an Emmy-winning, nonprofit cable television channel and digital network. Contact Jesse Metres at (646) 286-6589; jesse@strategicheights.com
8. ==> Outrageous Stuff that Happens at Open Houses
An open house is supposed to induce sales, not mirth. But people sometimes do weird things at open houses and other showings, especially if they are looking at multimillion-dollar properties. Usually known only to real estate professionals, these zany stories can be yours when you interview top Realtor Valerie Fitzgerald, cohost of the new podcast “Real Estate, Real Laughs.” She can talk about people who show up to see luxurious manses in broken-down jalopies or on foot — somehow negotiating the freeway — the guy who wanted a limo to pick him up at a seedy motel where he was living, or the couple having sex in the backyard of a house that was being shown. The former star of HGTV’s “Selling L.A,” former Ford model and TEDx speaker, is one of Coldwell Banker’s Top 10 Agents, with $3 billion in sales. Valerie has 30,000 followers on Instagram. Her new weekly podcast proves there is a side to real estate most people don’t know about: the fun side. Contact Valerie Fitzgerald at (310) 861-3238; vfitzgerald@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Do Successful People Make Healthier Choices?
According to author Rico Racosky, the world’s most successful people know that whatever they do, buy, develop, interact with or say can impact their physical, emotional, mental, relational and financial health. In fact, Rico says these people (who have achieved great accomplishments in life) are part of something he calls a Healthy Choice Revolution that’s amazingly simple, surprisingly obvious, and profoundly practical. Anyone is capable of embracing this, with all their choices going forward. Rico’s popular book is “Just 2 Choices” and he can instantly teach your audience some of the choice-making skills contained in that book and his online classes that we all need for greater happiness and wellness. Contact him at (403) 938-9368; Rico@Just2Choices.com
10. ==> Can’t We Do More to Prevent Wildfires?
Droughts and higher temperatures caused by climate change are fueling a vicious, increasing cycle of wildfires. Right now, a wildfire in New Mexico has already burned 104,000 acres, or more than 160 square miles, in addition to creating a very unhealthy air quality. What can we do to prevent more U.S. soil from succumbing to wildfires? Interview wildfire prevention expert James Moseley for some timely perspective on this white-hot issue. He can answer such questions as what actions and technologies can we employ that will save lives and what should everyone know about wildfires no matter where they live. Contact James Moseley at (818) 217-1270; jmoseley@rtirguests.com
11. ==> This Guest Landed Her Dream Job in Her 60s
Most people over 60 who wish to continue working fear age discrimination and a workforce that seems to favor younger employees. But Judy Balloff claims that’s nonsense. “I started a new career at age 64 in a job I had never done before, and I have made over half a million dollars at an age when many take social security,” she says. “Treat looking for a job like a job. Be open-minded about doing something with your skills that never occurred to you before.” Judy can share these and other tips for landing your dream job in your 50s, 60s, and beyond. She is a financial advisor and author of “365 Days of Abundance.” Contact her at (571) 568-8491; jballoff@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Do a Show on the Ladies Who Run the Cruise Industry
Most people think of cruise ship honchos as men. However, more and more women are manning the helm in the industry, and making waves. “Today, there are numerous women cruise line presidents and vice presidents, as well as the first and only American woman captain of a cruise ship for a well-known cruise line, and another woman who is a co-founder and co-owner,” says author and travel industry expert Cindy Bertram. Cindy can talk about the numerous women cruise line bigwigs who have sailed on to dazzling careers in an industry long dominated by men. 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 Cindy at (219) 775-6488; cbertram@rtirguests.com
13. ==> How to Raise a Reader (One Book at a Time)
Despite their hectic schedules and the distractions of social media and modern technology, families can dramatically improve their children’s lives by setting aside time to read with them. “A relaxing reading ritual not only fuels your child’s reading journey, but it also builds a bond and creates memories that last,” says author and long-time educator Lori Lynn Ahrends. “The right books will not only be fun, but will build your child’s self-confidence in reading, plus offer other learning opportunities. The key to raising a reader is simple: Joy!” Lori Lynn can offer many ideas on how to incorporate reading into busy lives. She is an award-winning educator and international speaker with a master’s in education; a singer/songwriter; creator of the Overall Buddies early childhood learning website and author of the children’s book “I’m a Pig.” Contact Lori Lynn at (402) 235-4292; lahrends@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Will Someone You Love Get Early-Onset Alzheimer’s?
The ravages of Alzheimer’s are not limited to the aged. In fact, thousands of relatively young people and their families will be affected by early-onset Alzheimer’s this year alone. Interview Carlen Maddux, author of “A Path Revealed,” about the journey he took with his late wife, Martha, after she was diagnosed at 50. Carlen has many insights to share about the first signs of the disease, and ultimately on caregiving, single parenting, learning about a memory-robbing illness with no cure, and what lifestyle changes and treatments gave his spouse additional quality years. Contact Carlen Maddux at (727) 351-8321; CMaddux@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Blending Bennifer: How a JLo/Affleck Marriage Might Work
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are engaged for a second time after calling off their prior pledge in 2004. Both bring with them a good deal of “baggage,” according to David Glass, a Certified Family Law Specialist, author, and former clinical psychologist. “Not only do they have to deal with how they can make their relationship work when once it did not, they also will need to find productive ways to manage the many complexities of blending their respective families and careers.” Ask him: Will it be difficult to co-parent with Jennifer Garner? Where and how does Marc Anthony fit into the family picture? When a family is this “complicated” what are some of the best ways to coordinate schedules and manage family relations? Will the couple sign a prenuptial agreement? If so, what might it contain? David Glass is one of a few attorneys trained in both law and clinical psychology (PhD). He has practiced exclusively in family law for 23 years. Contact Cherie Kerr at (714) 550-9900; (714) 271-2140 or cherie@kerrpr-execuprov.com