01. What Biden Gets Wrong about Student Debt
02. 40th Anniversary of ‘E.T.’ is Coming Up Fast
03. Lessons from the NFL Draft
04. COVID-19 and the Myth of Closure
05. Summer Teen Employment Outlook
06. Advice for Dealing with Sensitive People
07. Can’t We Do More to Prevent Wildfires?
08. How to Live Your Best Life in Your 50s and Beyond
09. The 3 Types of Men Women Should Run from
10. How to Keep Conversations Civil
11. What’s Your Sunglasses IQ?
12. Yes-No Way to Out of a Career Rut
13. Weird Things That Happened on Construction Sites
14. Outrageous Stuff that Happens at Open Houses
15. What Would You Give Up for a Year of Free Tacos?
1. ==> What Biden Gets Wrong about Student Debt
In a recent op-ed for CNN, Nicole Hemmer shares what everyone, including President Biden, is getting wrong about this timely topic. She writes, “The President seems eager to divide the nation’s enormous student debt load – $1.6 trillion owed to the federal government by 45 million Americans – into the deserving and undeserving debtors. More than half the debt load is carried by households with an income over $74,000 – one reason Biden prefers means-testing debt relief. But debt holders are also disproportionately women and people of color, with Black debtors carrying the highest levels of student debt. And, even higher-income households find themselves servicing enormous debts at rates that only nibble away at the principal, leaving many people paying back far more than they originally borrowed. That muddy picture of who ‘deserves’ relief suggests the Biden administration and other observers of and participants in this debate are asking the wrong question. It is not about ‘who’ carries student debt, but ‘why.’ And the answer to that question points toward a much broader economic crisis in the U.S., one that needs a far more comprehensive approach than piecemeal relief.” Nicole Hemmer is an associate research scholar at Columbia University with the Obama Presidency Oral History Project and the author of “Messengers of the Right” and the forthcoming “Partisans: The Conservative Revolutionaries Who Remade American Politics in the 1990s.” Contact Nicole Hemmer at nrh2102@columbia.edu
2. ==> 40th Anniversary of ‘E.T.’ is Coming Up Fast
The 40th anniversary of Steven Spielberg’s “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” is about a month away. So if you haven’t already done so, now is the time to book legendary Emmy-nominated actress Dee Wallace who starred in the movie before the June 11 anniversary. Wallace, who played Elliot’s mother, says she believes the story ultimately focuses on facing the unknown and mastering fear. Invite Wallace on your show to discuss the iconic film as well as her roles in the movies “CUJO,” “The Hills Have Eyes,” “The Howling” and many more. From ‘Scream Queen’ to an expert at creation, Dee has written numerous best-selling books and currently hosts a weekly call-in radio show. “Born: Giving Birth to a New You,” her latest book, discusses how spirituality, brain science, and religion all teach the same principles, and how you can easily use them in creating your life. Contact Harlan Boll at harlan@bhbpr.com
3. ==> Lessons from the NFL Draft
This past weekend, the NFL Draft in Las Vegas had its share of drama and surprises as teams chose the players they need to fill out their rosters. And while it is true that some 262 players had their dreams come true over the weekend, it’s equally true that there are takeaways for all of us from talking about what happened in what are arguably the most public hiring decisions ever made. With employment expert Beverly Williams as your guest, you can learn why just like in the places ordinary people work, the most qualified person doesn’t always get the job and indeed some of the top draft picks may turn out to be duds while some of the players drafted in later rounds may end up being golden. She’ll also reveal the bigger picture that most of us miss when we are on the hunt for a new job so next time we can 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
4. ==> COVID-19 and the Myth of Closure
The COVID-19 pandemic has left many people haunted by feelings of anxiety, despair and even anger. Renowned grief expert Pauline Boss, Ph.D., identifies these vague feelings of distress as caused by ambiguous loss, losses that remain unclear and hard to pin down, and thus have no closure. She’ll say that collectively, the world is grieving as the pandemic continues to change our everyday lives. In her book published by W. W. Norton, “The Myth of Closure: Ambiguous Loss in a Time of Pandemic and Change,” she asks and answers the question of how we begin to cope with loss that cannot be resolved. Dr. Boss is available for interviews starting Feb. 1. Contact Johanna J. Ramos-Boyer, office: (703) 646-5137; cell: (703) 400-1099 or Erin Bolden, publicity assistant, office: (703) 980-2705
5. ==> Summer Teen Employment Outlook
A perfect storm of current events affecting American teens might keep them from taking jobs this summer, according to a new outlook from global outplacement and business and executive coaching firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. Last summer, despite the availability of jobs teens typically fill, low COVID cases, and lifted restrictions, 41% fewer teens found jobs than in 2020 and Andrew Challenger predicts the same numbers this summer. “The most immediate concern for teens is their mental health. Teens are savvy. They know what is happening in the world, what’s happening overseas, and how divided many in the country are. They may even see that division firsthand at home.” He adds, “The jobs are available, but it remains to be seen if teens will take them.” For those looking for a summer job, Challenger can share tips including when to start looking, where to find the best summer job, and how to apply. Contact Colleen Madden Blumenfeld at (312) 422-5074 (office); (314) 807-1568 (cell) or colleenmadden@challengergray.com
6. ==> Advice for Dealing with Sensitive People
Is there someone in your life that cries at the drop of a hat? Is overwhelmed, anxious or depressed? Are you tired of not knowing what to do for them? Alicia McBride, author of two books on empaths — people who pick up the energy and feelings of others — says such people are often poorly understood by themselves and others. Alicia can answer such questions as what are the hallmarks of empaths? What are the gifts empaths bring that make people flock to them? What steps can empaths take that can protect them from harboring other people’s negative energies? Alicia McBride is a leading voice for empaths. She is the internationally best-selling author of “I Feel Too Much: A How-to Guide for the Beginner Empath” and “The Empath Effect”. An empath and healer, she holds a B.A. in psychology and is a Reiki master and a certified yoga instructor. Contact her at (484) 369-1464; healinglightempath@gmail.com
7. ==> 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
8. ==> How to Live Your Best Life in Your 50s and Beyond
Author Judy Balloff met and married the love of her life in her 50s and landed her dream job in her 60s! She can share specific tips for living your best life in your later years. “You are definitely not too old to find love; there are five sure-fire steps to finding it!” she says. “I can also show people how to control their thoughts to create their own reality.” In addition, Judy can share how running on autopilot can cut years off of your life, the 12 Universal Laws for living a healthier and happier life and other tips for finding your dream life 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
9. ==> The 3 Types of Men Women Should Run from
Women often overlook major red flags in their quest for romantic love. According to Arnoux Goran, the obvious ones are liars, mama’s boys and sociopaths. However, women also need to focus inward to stop attracting jerks in the first place. “Dating without permanently erasing your baggage from your previous relationships is like trying to swim with rocks tied to your ankles,” he says. Arnoux adds that we must first overcome any childhood trauma to form healthy relationships, and he will show audiences how. He created the Goran Technique online and live courses and is the author of three upcoming books including “The Goran Technique.” Contact Arnoux at (878) 203-8231; AGoran@rtirguests.com
10. ==> How to Keep Conversations Civil
When was the last time you had a conversation that didn’t end up feeling like a negotiation, or worse, a fight? “It’s probably been a while since a simple conversation was just that … a simple conversation!” says Ivan Obolensky. “No matter what we talk about now … it’s become nearly impossible to not talk about emotionally charged topics … because that’s all we’ve got!” Interview Ivan about the art of conversation during these contentious times. He will show your audience how to control the conversation and establish better rapport with WHO they are talking to and WHAT they are talking about so that simple conversations don’t feel like battles that need to be won! Ivan Obolensky is the author of “Eye of the Moon,” which won “Best First Book (Fiction)” in the IRDA’s. The latest novel in his American Gothic series, “Shadow of the Son,” was released in June 2021. Contact Ivan Obolensky at (818) 495-8731; IObolensky@rtirguests.com
11. ==> What’s Your Sunglasses IQ?
Do you know how to pick a pair that will protect your eyes and not just look good? Do you know when to wear them and why? Were you aware that what you don’t know about sunglasses could hurt you? Many people have no clue about just how important protecting their eyes from the sun’s UV rays is, missing out on a simple way to help ensure that they keep their vision for life. But as vision educator Linda Odubayo Thompson will tell you, “the eyes are porous and the optic nerve is a direct extension to the brain. So, it stands to reason that eye protection should be added to the virus protection mix, especially for children,” she says. “Add to that protection against cataracts while looking totally cool, and you have a potent reason not to leave the house without them.” Linda knows not to take her vision for granted; she has suffered from glaucoma for more than 30 years. Contact Linda Odubayo Thompson at (914) 944-1474; lthompson@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Yes-No Way Out of a Career Rut
Should you go on that job interview? Take that offer? Sign t5/hat contract? Accept that promotion? Quit your job? Go part-time? Retire? Just like every other move you make in your life, you have only two choices, says Rico Racosky, author of “Just 2 Choices.” Rico can discuss why people make their career moves more complicated than necessary, the fears that keep many people from moving up and what everyone needs to know about the Just 2 Choices strategy. Rico can help your listeners navigate their careers and reach their goals with a yes or no answer. Contact him at (730) 572-1322; Racosky@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Weird Things That Happened on Construction Sites
Most of us love to watch new buildings going up. There’s something about the whole process and the cranes, earthmovers and daredevil nature of scaffold climbing that appeals on a primal level. That same fascination is likely to extend behind the scenes to the unusual things that actually happen on construction sites, particularly when matched with the storytelling skills of 40-year construction professional Charles (Charlie) Garner. He’ll entertain your audience with true stories from his career that began right after high school and literally started with a bang. Charlie is a senior project manager for a large construction company in Atlanta and is a civil engineer who has worked in heavy construction for 40 years. His memoir, “I Got This,” contains amazing adventure stories from his life and career. Contact Charlie Gardner at (650) 995-5626; charlesgardner@rtirguests.com
14. ==> 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
15. ==> What Would You Give Up for a Year of Free Tacos?
Who doesn’t love tacos, especially free ones and especially with Cinco de Mayo just days away? The well-known Mexican food brand Ortega® is giving away a year of free tacos to one person who enters their sweepstakes through May 6 by visiting Ortega.com/sweepstakes and filling out an entry form. Not coincidentally, Ortega recently surveyed the taco-eating habits of 1,300 Americans and executive vice president and chief commercial officer Jordan Greenberg is available to comment on them. For example, one in three respondents said they would give up coffee for one year to get the free tacos. And one in five respondents said they would give up social media for a year! Contact Natalie Simon, Gillian Small PR, at (201) 526-4977; natalie@gilliansmallpr.com
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