May 5, 2020
01. Who Loses if Post Office Goes Bankrupt?
02. Netflix Doc: The Jenny Jones Show Murder
03. Officer Clemmons, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Policeman Pal
04. Mommy Rapper – Clean Rap Songs for Everyone
05. Would the U.S. Be Better off If Mothers Ran It?
06. Why Moms Hate Mother’s Day
07. Transforming Mother’s Day
08. This Guest Proves It Doesn’t Take Biology to Make a Mother
09. It’s National Nurses Week
10. Your Child is Better Off Now That You’re His Teacher
11. What Do These Famous Firings Have in Common?
12. M.D. Shares 7 Essential Tools to Survive the Pandemic
13. When You’re Quarantined with Your Abuser
14. Can a Pencil Help You Build Connection in the Time of Coronavirus?
15. You Think You’ve Got Cabin Fever?
1. ==> Who Loses if Post Office Goes Bankrupt?
The future of the U.S. Postal Service is up in the air, as President Donald Trump continues to starve the institution of financial assistance. Who would suffer most if the USPS went bankrupt? According to a new report: “A USPS shutdown would be devastating for the entire country, but especially for the rural communities that rely most on a public service with a universal mandate to serve every address, no matter how remote.” Coauthors Sarah Anderson and Scott Klinger find that “the 15 most rural U.S. states would face heavy blows to jobs, revenue, mail and package deliveries, and voting rights.” Sarah Anderson directs the Global Economy Project of the Institute for Policy Studies and is a co-editor of Inequality.org. Scott Klinger is a senior equitable development specialist at Jobs with Justice and an associate fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies. Contact Anderson at sarah@ips-dc.org; @ips_dc or Klinger at scottklinger@earthlink.net
2.==> Netflix Doc: The Jenny Jones Show Murder
A new Netflix documentary, “Trial by Media,” features the case of Jonathon Schmitz. Schmitz killed Scott Amedure three days after the two men appeared in a 1995 episode of The Jenny Jones Show entitled Same-Sex Secret Crushes. Visibly shaken and embarrassed on camera, Schmitz stated that he was heterosexual and nervously laughed off the remarks. Schmitz was convicted of second-degree murder and served 22 years before being released in 2017. Dr. Carole Lieberman, who testified on behalf of Jonathan Schmitz during his trial, is available for interviews. Dr. Lieberman has letters and phone calls from Schmitz, taped interviews with those involved, and other information from the trial. Carole Lieberman, M.D., M.P.H., is a board-certified psychiatrist and a bestselling author. She has appeared on Oprah, the Today show, Good Morning America, CNN, Fox News, HLN, Entertainment Tonight, ABC, CBS, NBC and many more media outlets. Contact Mark Goldman at (516) 639-0988 (call/text); mark@goldmanmccormick.com
3. ==> Officer Clemmons, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Policeman Pal
The world knows Dr. François Clemmons as Mr. Rogers’ friend Officer Clemmons on the award-winning children’s TV show Mister Rogers. He made history as the first African American actor to have a recurring role on a children’s television program. His new memoir “Officer Clemmons” details his incredible life story, beginning with his early years in Alabama and Ohio, marked by family trauma and loss, through his studies as a music major at Oberlin College, where he began to investigate and embrace his homosexuality, to a chance encounter with Fred Rogers that changed the whole course of both men’s lives, leading to a deep, spiritual friendship and mentorship spanning nearly 40 years. Invite him on your show to discuss Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, his friendship with Rogers, and how a new world opened up for him, but also required him to make painful choices and sacrifices. Contact Megan Fishmann at megan.fishmann@counterpointpress.com
4. ==> Mommy Rapper – Clean Rap Songs for Everyone
At a time when moms are being pushed to work from home, homeschool their kids and keep the family afloat, one Sacramento, California, mom is making rap music a family experience. Invite internet sensation Mommy Rapper on your show for a fun segment that may leave your listeners feeling a little differently about rappers and rap music. Mommy Rapper writes, records and produces clean rap songs rated E for Everyone. Her mission began back in 2012 when she realized she couldn’t play commercial rap music in front of her four daughters without explicit lyrics and demeaning messages. Since then she’s been creating commercial rap music that uplifts and inspires women, mothers and girls. She says people in positions of fame and popularity have a social and moral responsibility to be role models that inspire and uplift children. Her latest CD is “Clean Rap Songs.” Contact Kellie DeMarco at (916) 747-3231; kellie@kelliedemarco.com
5. ==> Would the U.S. Be Better off If Mothers Ran It?
Mother’s Day is a time to honor the women who hold our world together. But it can also serve as a reminder that the same qualities moms use—empathy, collaboration, reason, and fact-gathering to name but a few—could also be put to greater use in running the country. From the boardroom to the White House, women will continue to make their mark just as they are doing around the world (i.e. think New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, both of whom have been praised for their country’s handling of the coronavirus). Lorri Craig is a Certified Financial Planner, developer of the Wake the Warrior Woman platform and author of an upcoming book on how to shape a culture that embraces more creative, collaborative, and receptive feminine energy that benefits both women and men. Bring her on-air to discuss what the country is likely to gain economically, socially, and militarily by harnessing the power of mothers. Contact her at (484) 453-1742; LCraig@rtirguests.com
6. ==> Why Moms Hate Mother’s Day
Don’t bother sending cards, flowers, or gift cards for Mother’s Day this year. Mothers everywhere are so stressed-out, tired and anxious they don’t want to celebrate! So, don’t spend money you don’t have to buy stuff she doesn’t want, or make promises you know you can’t keep. Get ready for a fun and informative show as Ivy Ge, Pharm.D., shares the three things a mother really wants. A pharmacy specialist and professor, Dr. Ge is a multi-genre author who writes books that empower women to pursue self-growth outside the role of caregivers. Her latest books include “The Art of Good Enough: The Working Mom’s Guilt-Free Guide to Thriving While Being Perfectly Imperfect” and “Life Transformational Journal.” Contact Dr. Ivy Ge at (415) 326-3655; Contact.Ivy.Ge@gmail.com
7. ==> Transforming Mother’s Day
Remember past Mother’s Days when you could take Mom out for dinner or buy her flowers? This year, many people will grieve for Mother’s Day as it used to be while others will be riddled with unhappy thoughts of mothers who are no longer living or present, babies who were never conceived, or mothers who were abusive or absent. When you invite the Rev. Meghan Smith Brooks on your program there will be an opportunity to transform the holiday into a time for releasing, renewing, replenishing, and relaxing. Meghan, who recently conducted a workshop on this topic, can share ways grief, pain, and loss offer a gift for healing and transformation and ways people can realize the power they have to choose how they want to live. Meghan is an expert on coping with grief whose son was murdered seven years ago this May. She is an ordained Unity Minister and certified grief coach. She is the author of the upcoming book “Unraveling Grief: A Mother’s Spiritual Journey After Losing Her Son.” Contact Meghan at (816) 844-6783; mbrooks@rtirguests.com
8. ==> This Guest Proves It Doesn’t Take Biology to Make a Mother
Just in time for Mother’s Day, May 10, Mikki Shepard can deliver a feel-good show on the joys of nontraditional motherhood experienced by women who choose to be mothers to children and babies with whom they do not share DNA. Mikki, who adopted her son CJ as an infant and is the author of “In a Heartbeat: The Miracle of a Family That Was Meant to Be,” can talk about the challenges and opportunities of adoption and bust the myths that prevent more couples and birth mothers from choosing it. She can also share the amazing story of coincidences and serendipity that led her to adopt CJ and the lesson her stepfather taught her about what it means to be a family that changed her life. A Realtor by profession, “In a Heartbeat” is her first book. Contact Mikki at (938) 222-4650; mshepard@rtirguests.com
9. ==> It’s National Nurses Week
Right now, we need nurses more than ever, but what kind of career can you expect in the profession? What should you know as you enter nursing school, graduate, become registered, and begin a nursing career? What will it take to keep you on the job? How can we all help prevent nursing shortages since the aging population needs such professionals more than ever? You’ll want to explore this timely topic and the nursing experience with all its implications by interviewing Nancy Congleton. In addition to offering solutions to help today’s nurses and ultimately everyone they serve, she will reveal the unexpected realities of the nursing profession, five relationship dynamics that nurses face, legal issues, and the concerns everyone should have when nurses feel so unprepared and overworked that they leave. An outspoken registered nurse known as Nurse Nancy, Nancy Covington has worked in the NICU, ER and case management. She’s the author of “Autopsy of the NP: Dissecting the Nursing Profession Piece By Piece.” Contact Nancy Congleton at (918) 992-4616; NCongleton@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Your Child is Better Off Now That You’re His Teacher
Many parents now face the scary reality that they are in charge of their kid’s education for the rest of the school year. Is it possible to enjoy this time and feel confident that your children won’t fall behind? “Absolutely!” says educator and school administrator Lee Jenkins. According to Lee, it’s easier than you think to create a fun, creative learning environment at home … using many of the same principles he teaches to teachers and administrators in schools. Lee will share simple strategies like why your child should draw a picture before they write a story, why you should just spell a word for a child when they ask, how your smartphone, your bathroom scale and a measuring cup are all it takes to teach some math, and why you should never use a red pen when editing your child’s work (and what to use instead). Lee Jenkins is the author of “How to Create a Perfect School,” with a foreword by Jack Canfield. He has been an educator and administrator in public schools and universities. Contact Lee Jenkins at (484) 306-8784; LJenkins@rtirguests.com
11. ==> What Do These Famous Firings Have in Common?
What is the difference between Harry Truman firing Gen. Douglas MacArthur, Barack Obama firing Gen. Stanley McChrystal, and the Former Acting Secretary of the Navy firing Capt. Brett Crozier? As Steven Mays will explain, all were widely respected leaders in their service and all believed in their view of how to achieve the nation’s goals. All three looked out for the troops in their charge and all spoke the truth. Ultimately, each failed to support their commander in chief, resulting in their firings. With Capt. Crozier’s potential reinstatement to the U.S.S. Roosevelt, now is the perfect time to explore the difference between civilian and military leadership and why Mays says that while civilian command over the military is crucial, civilian direction of every aspect within the military is a disaster waiting to happen. He says, “The rules for behavior are different from running a restaurant or a bank or a plumbing service. It is unwise to expect the leaders in the combat arms to act in the same manner as other jobs in all aspects of their performance.” Mays says whatever the Navy decides makes regarding Capt. Crozier is sure to send shock waves throughout the service. Mays is the author of “The Power of 3, Lessons in Leadership.” He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis who served on nuclear submarines. Contact him at (703) 552-5672; smays@rtirguests.com
12. ==> M.D. Shares 7 Essential Tools to Survive the Pandemic
Are the “what-ifs” of the current COVID-19 pandemic driving you crazy? Steven Hall, M.D., can share the keys to physically and mentally surviving these scary times. “When life becomes uncertain, it’s easy to become undone,” he says. “With everything that is going on in the world right now, it’s understandable how our emotions get the better of us.” Dr. Steven can guide audiences through seven simple yet powerful tools that can keep them safe, sane, and resilient, even in the most difficult times. He has been practicing family medicine since 1985. He is the co-creator of the online class Fostering Resilience in Uncertain Times and the author of “The 7 Tools of Healing: Unlock Your Inner Wisdom and Live the Life Your Soul Desires.” Contact Dr. Steven at (425) 531-3684; shall@rtirguests.com
13. ==> When You’re Quarantined with Your Abuser
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, abuse has increased 30% since social distancing began in the U.S. Dr. Dellia Evans says survivors are reporting increased distress and anxiety. “They feel even more isolated from support and social connections, and that they have no escape. With finances becoming limited, their partners are taking it out on them with control and manipulation. Some abusers are threatening victims if they try to leave. Others are threatening victims that they will throw them out to get exposed to COVID-19.” Dr. Evans knows the issues associated with abusive relationships only too well having been married to a man who abused her for nearly 20 years. The author of “Heart Vision: How to See Your Path Forward When You’re in a Dark Place” and the companion “Heart Vision Journal” will discuss the dynamics of abusive relationships, how to get to the other side of the fears and anxieties of a destructive marriage and share a quiz to see if you are in a toxic relationship. Dr. Dellia Evans is a certified laser vision correction surgeon and optometrist. Contact her at (844) 798-9898; visible@drdellia.com
14. ==> Can a Pencil Help You Build Connection in the Time of Coronavirus?
Bored with reading, streaming and playing video games? Running out of things to say to your family members and fellow social distancers? If you want to do something fun that builds connection all it may take is a few minutes of your time, a piece of paper and a pen or a pencil. According to Lynn Matsuoka, considered the best living reportage artist, the way to draw someone to you is to draw them on paper! In an interview that works just as well for radio as television, Lynn will explain a simple technique anyone can employ, even the most artistically impaired, fearful and untalented individuals, to do quick drawings that will build connection and admiration. And while she is at it, Lynn can tell stories of what it was like to take her own drawing skills behind the scenes of such varied venues as TV shows, concerts, sumo wrestling in Japan and the Watergate hearings. For 40 years, Lynn has gotten paid to be a fly on the wall, recording behind the scenes activities in quick drawings and all the while heightening her skills of observation. A great, one-of-a-kind interview, Lynn is a media favorite. Reach her at (808) 479-5966; artist@hamptonsartist.com
15. ==> You Think You’ve Got Cabin Fever?
By now, many of your listeners are feeling stir-crazy after being cooped up at home waiting out the pandemic. Imagine if home was a 39-foot RV. And you shared it with your spouse! Tim Winders and his wife have been riding out the COVID storm and social distancing from the world in the RV they’ve named Theo. He is so persuasive that his adult son also works and lives in his own RV. Tim can also talk about his inspiring life journey: he went from owning seven-figure businesses and over 100 properties to bankruptcy, homelessness and having $100 in his bank account before rebounding to his current, more intentional lifestyle. Contact Tim Winders at (404) 846-4639; twinders@rtirguests.com
Don’t see any guests or topics for your show? Search through past RTIR Newsletters and find hundreds of show ideas and possible guests at www.rtironline.com