01. The Border Surge Is Biden’s to Solve
02. The Problem With Our Royal Obsession
03. ‘Scamanda’ – True Story of Blogger’s Fake Cancer
04. Friday Is Military Spouse Appreciation Day
05. Why Some People Hate Mother’s Day
06. Mother’s Day and the Stigma of Infertility
07. How to Celebrate Mother’s Day When Your Mom Wasn’t Great
08. Working Mothers: The Benefit That Would Change the Game
09. It’s Grad Season: Is a College Education Still Worth It?
10. Should You Take Career Advice from a Psychic?
11. Journalist Shares Surprising Stories With Biggest Impact
12. Are You Drowning in Worry? How to Rise Above It All
13. How Tony Bennett and Glen Campbell Performed With Memory Loss
14. How to Hold It Together When Life Falls Apart
15. Interview the Python Huntress
1. ==> The Border Surge Is Biden’s to Solve
The United States is bracing for the expiration of a pandemic-era border restriction this week, with officials fearing it will spur a surge of migrants and exacerbate an already challenging humanitarian crisis at the southern border. Patrick T. Brown says there is plenty of blame to go around for the crisis, but Democrats will be left holding the hot potato if they don’t treat the end of Title 42 as a substantive policy problem to be solved rather than a political optics challenge to be managed. But doing so will require them to stand up to their leftmost flank. “The Biden administration has at least some of the tools to mitigate some of the blowback. It can ramp up border enforcement, speed up deportation proceedings and consider reviving policies like the ‘Remain in Mexico’ approach.” He adds, “If undertaken seriously, achieving stability on the border could help send a message to the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, where many of the migrants’ journeys originate, that they should stop undertaking the perilous journey.” Patrick T. Brown is a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center (EPPC), a conservative, Washington, D.C.-based think tank and advocacy group. He is also a former senior policy adviser to Congress’ Joint Economic Committee. Contact him at pbrown@eppc.org
2. ==> The Problem With Our Royal Obsession
Everywhere you turned this weekend the media were slavering over the British Royals and the coronation of King Charles. It was a once-in-a-lifetime event, but psychologist Frank Farley says Americans’ obsession with the monarchy is problematic, especially now, with the rise of authoritarian leaders. “The mere presence of any monarchies in the 21st century, with or without power, is the wrong symbol for the increasingly sophisticated, enlightened, educated, cognitive cultures that give hope for the global expansion of democracy.” He adds, “Our British friends can of course do whatever they want, even holding on to the last vestiges of medieval pomp and privilege. But America has stood for many as a beacon of freedom, opportunity for all, and equality.” Frank Farley is a professor emeritus at Temple University and the former president of the American Psychological Association. Contact him at (215) 668-7581; frank.farley@comcast.net
3. ==> ‘Scamanda’ – True Story of Blogger’s Fake Cancer
The story of infamous cancer-faking early social media influencer Amanda C. Riley, who is now behind bars for fraud, is the topic of a new podcast. Through exclusive access to her now-defunct blogs and new interviews with the people who thought they knew her best, award-winning journalist Charlie Webster explores this unbelievable tale of a scam that ripped a family apart and left a community in shock. The series unravels the surprising and bizarre story behind Riley’s long-running scam to use her growing online presence to take advantage of the social media community. Ultimately, the young woman pleaded guilty to soliciting over $100,000 in donations to help pay for cancer treatments that she never received. Webster says, “The psychology of what this woman did to manipulate and infiltrate her community using the power of social media is fascinating and I know listens will be enthralled by what unfolds in the series.” The eight-episode limited series Scamanda will premiere on Monday, May 15 with new chapters dropping weekly. Contact Katie Fuchs at (646) 493-0215 (NY); kfuchs@lippingroup.com or Kevin Broderick at kevin@lippingroup.com
4. ==> Friday Is Military Spouse Appreciation Day
Military Spouse Appreciation Day was first recognized by President Ronald Regan in 1984. Celebrated on the Friday before Mother’s Day, the holiday honors husbands, wives and partners of service members. Invite Lee Ellis to share ways to express gratitude to a military spouse, including the simplest of all, saying a heartfelt “thank you.” A fighter pilot in Vietnam, Lee Ellis was shot down, captured and repatriated in 1973 after more than five years as a POW in Hanoi. He is president of Leading with Honor, a leadership and team development training and coaching company and the author of the upcoming book “Captured by Love: Inspiring True Romance Stories from Vietnam POWs.” Contact Mark Goldman at (516) 639-0988 (call/text); markgoldman73@gmail.com
5. ==> Why Some People Hate Mother’s Day
Celia Viggo Wexler hates Mother’s Day. She says, “Mothers don’t need more blenders or bread makers or greasy scrambled eggs. They need a lot more help.” She says the pandemic revealed just how much mothers hold their families together, many times without much support from the larger community. She believes celebrating motherhood should be more than gifting tokens and going out to brunch. “What might be a step in the right direction is an effort to change the culture of Mother’s Day: Make it less focused on individual families and tributes to specific mothers, and more about communities recognizing the mothers in their midst.” Viggo Wexler can discuss our distinctly American view of Mother’s Day and the ways other cultures around the world celebrate motherhood. Celia Viggo Wexler is the author of “Catholic Women Confront Their Church: Stories of Hurt and Hope.” Contact her at cvwexler@gmail.com
6. ==> Mother’s Day and the Stigma of Infertility
Mother’s Day can be very painful when you’re battling infertility, but especially so in the Black community where the subject is rarely discussed. Did you know that experts say that the infertility rate among Black women is possibly twice as high (if not higher) than that of white women? Moreover, Black women face much higher barriers to fertility services like IVF due to lack of insurance, sperm donors and underrepresentation in research trials. And as if that were not daunting enough, Frances Jones will explain that Black women are often ashamed of being infertile and unable to talk about this health issue with their friends and family. Frances is the author of “Overcoming the Emotional Stigmas of Infertility: Barren But Not Ashamed,” a book that tells the story of her over 20-year journey of never conceiving children and offers tips for couples traveling a similar journey. She is a global women empowerment speaker, an advocate, and a transformational coach who has been featured on CBS, NBC, ABC and Fox affiliates, and in the “Los Angeles Tribune,” and other media. Contact her at (901) 910-0915; fjones@rtirguests.com
7. ==> How to Celebrate Mother’s Day When Your Mom Wasn’t Great
On Mother’s Day, many of us will be thinking of or celebrating the day with our moms, but not everyone had a great childhood and some people may not even know their mother. Tammy Adams was abused and neglected as a child and yet says she approaches the day with love and forgiveness. “For me, Mother’s Day is very much like the celebration of life and being thankful.” Invite the minister and master psychic on your show to share what saved her from living a bitter life after a childhood filled with neglect and abuse. A mother herself to four children, Tammy can discuss how she healed, why she is now thankful for her mother, and how others can break free from traumas that continue to haunt them. Tammy Adams is an international speaker, podcast host and the author of “Secrets to Your Chakras” and the upcoming “Spiritual Table Talk: The Elements of Healing.” Contact her at (833) 742-6268; info@lifepurposeshaman.com
8. ==> Working Mothers: The Benefit That Would Change the Game
What benefit should companies offer employees that would be a win-win for everyone? Get the surprising answer from Beverly Williams, J.D., an employment professional, arbitrator, and former HR executive. She’ll explain why paying for employees’ childcare would lead to better outcomes for children and their parents, more workplace productivity, and even lower income disparities. She believes offering a free daycare benefit to employees would be more impactful than paying off their college debt, benefiting society in many ways. Ask her: How would free daycare be paid for? Can most companies afford to do this? Would this be the end of living paycheck to paycheck? A partner at Wong Fleming PC in Princeton, N.J. specializing in labor and employment law, Williams also hosts the podcast Your Employment Matters with Beverly Williams. Her latest book is “Your GPS to Employment Success: How to Find and Succeed in the Right Job.” Contact Beverly Williams at (973) 576-5841; bwilliams@rtirguests.com
9. ==> It’s Grad Season: Is a College Education Still Worth It?
The average tuition per year at a four-year college is more than $25,000, with in-state students or their parents spending upwards of $102,000 to get that degree. What is more, the average in-state student begins their life after graduation with $37,000 in debt. With those kinds of numbers it is incumbent on doing all one can to be sure that a college investment — in time, dollars, and effort — pays off. And that’s where the advice of author and college readiness coach Alicia J. Moore can be crucial to your audience, particularly at high school graduation time. Moore is the author of “Crushing It in College: Your 7-Step Guide to an Awesome Adventure.” Moore talks to audiences at high schools and colleges across the country about why a college education is even more important today, despite the costs, when it comes to future employment prospects, and developing self-confidence and critical thinking. Contact Alicia J. Moore at (408) 569-1267; aliciajmoore@comcast.net
10. ==> Should You Take Career Advice from a Psychic?
America’s job market is confusing right now and many people are wondering if they should switch gears and change professions. How do you know where to go when thinking about a new career? Find out when you talk to top psychic Ann Johnson. Ann can guide your audience toward job success as well as provide instant personality analysis, relationship advice, and more. The real deal among psychics, Ann has been featured by top media outlets including “New York Magazine,” MTV Network, and “Rolling Stone.” She is the author of “Facing Forward: A Memoir About Choices, Intuition, and Insights in a Show Busy Life.” Contact Ann Johnson at (516) 862-4405; ajohnson@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Journalist Shares Surprising Stories With Biggest Impact
One of America’s top investigative journalists, Michael Bowker has been up close and personal with celebrities, presidents, and even serial killers. However, the most incredible events he’s covered have been ordinary people doing extraordinary things — and those stories transform the world more than the juiciest celebrity gossip. Meet everyday heroes whose “small” acts have resulted in ripple effects that make the world a better place, such as the man who saved a million lives . . . so far. Show your audience how they can truly change the world when you interview this seasoned media guest who’s been featured by “Good Morning America,” “Reader’s Digest,” and many more. Ask him: What’s the biggest ripple effect you’ve seen from a non-famous person’s actions? Which two stories led to death threats against you? What happened after you ran a story about a convicted criminal who saved an autistic child from a burning house? Contact Michael Bowker at (530) 296-6301; mbowker@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Are You Drowning in Worry? How to Rise Above It All
Many people struggle with worry and stress on a day-to-day basis. What if you could let go of the burden of worry and enjoy peace every day, regardless of what’s happening in your life? Certified life coach and author Valerie Galloway can help your audience stop worrying and start living. Whether you’re struggling with grief, a major life change, addiction or dependency, or concerned that your future prospects seem less than bright, Valerie will empower you to tap into your own internal resources and trade worry for wonder and joy. Learn how to accomplish personal goals, improve relationships, and move forward with confidence by unlocking your potential when you interview this powerful and inspiring guest! A certified ICF coach with a bachelor’s in community health and a master’s in social science, Valerie is the author of “Steal, Kill & Destroy: A Spiritual Guide to Overcoming Addiction and Loss.” Contact Valerie Galloway at (917) 994-8841; vgalloway@rtirguests.com
13. ==> How Tony Bennett and Glen Campbell Performed With Memory Loss
Dementia comes with devastating effects that destroy quality of life, yet both Tony Bennett and Glen Campbell performed live tours while suffering from the condition. How did they do it, and do it so well? John Campbell can explain the healing effect of music, especially in patients with memory loss. He’ll provide tips and advice for caregivers and those with family members suffering from dementia on how to incorporate music into their routines, to tremendous positive effect. An entrepreneur and lyricist/songwriter, John is the author of “Beyond the Fading Memories: Guiding Words for Dementia Caregivers.” Contact him at (608) 975-2714; jcampbell@rtirguests.com
14. ==> How to Hold It Together When Life Falls Apart
There’s plenty of advice out there on coping with day-to-day stress, but how do you handle a situation that turns your life inside out? Most methods don’t work with major life changes ranging from losing a job to the death of a loved one — because they don’t address the grief that accompanies these events. Frank DiMaio has been there. After losing his wife to breast cancer, he found no real support or guidance for surviving husbands and set out to change that. He developed a way to help anyone deal with grief and move forward from being emotionally stuck. Ask him: Do men grieve differently than women? How can we move forward after a chaotic, life-changing event? Frank is the author of “A Promise Made, A Promise Kept: A Husband’s Journey Through Journaling to Heal the Loss of His Spouse.” Contact him at (401) 205-3325; fdimaio@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Interview the Python Huntress
Amy Siewe is a former real estate professional who took a flying leap off a cliff and landed in the Florida swamp to wage battle against the invasive pythons whose insatiable eating habits are driving thousands of mammals to extinction. Invite Amy to tell you how she got over her fears that other people will think she is crazy, describe the ecological problem, and reveal how she is living her best life as The Python Huntress. Amy has been featured on the “Today” show, “Fox and Friends” and CNN and in the “Los Angeles Times.” Ask her: How did a hater let you know you were onto something big? What are three shocking reasons to buy leather products sourced from invasive pythons instead of Asian python farms? Contact Amy Siewe at (317) 605-0081; amysiewe@gmail.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