01. Why Is Everything Suddenly So Expensive?
02. The History of Quarantine
03. Pride Month: Why We Need the Equality Act
04. Summer Jobs Are Everywhere
05. Why More Shark Sightings Are Good News
06. Celebrate Single Dads this Father’s Day
07. Estranged from Dad? How to Heal and Reconcile
08. Do a Show on the NASA-Wildfire Connection
09. Turn Your Job Search into Job Found
10. Are Newly Hired Grads Being Set Up to Fail?
11. 5 Things You Can Do to Outsmart Pain
12. Missing This Health Task Could Be Deadly
13. How to Find Inner Peace Again
14. How to Calm Down an Out-of-Control Child
15. Unpack Baggage You Didn’t Even Know You Had
1.==> Why Is Everything Suddenly So Expensive?
The post-pandemic recovery is in full swing and the global economy is struggling to keep up. Prices for everything from steel and plastic to sugar and diapers are rising, but why? Experts say a perfect storm of factors played into the current situation. “We’ve never really had anything quite that violent and rapid, both in terms of the change down and the change back up,” says George Calhoun, director of the quantitative finance program at the Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey. “It’s clear that (the economic rebound) created a lot of disruptions, not just in supply chains, but in business models.” Experts say logistics and labor costs have also increased a shortage of workers in some industries and is fueling inflation expectations among businesses and consumers. Contact George Calhoun at (201) 216-8160; gcalhoun@stevens.edu
2. ==> The History of Quarantine
When Geoff Manaugh and Nicola Twilley first began working on “Until Proven Safe: The History and Future of Quarantine” the topic of quarantine seemed to be a relatively niche subject. In the years before COVID-19, the idea that quarantine still even held modern relevance was occasionally met with disbelief from the people they were speaking with. In light of the past year, it’s clear that quarantine is as relevant as ever. Invite Manaugh and Twilley to discuss what quarantine actually means—what it is, how it’s been used in the past, and how we can use it better in the future. Nicola Twilley is a science journalist who contributes regularly to The New Yorker, and the co-host of the Gastropod podcast, which explores the intersection of science and food. Her husband, Geoff Manaugh, is the creator of BLDGBLOG and the author of “A Burglar’s Guide to the City.” He’s written for The New York Times Magazine and The Atlantic. They are available for interviews starting in late July. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com or Briana Caywood at (703) 646-5188
3. ==> Pride Month: Why We Need the Equality Act
The Supreme Court handed down its landmark ruling legalizing same-sex marriage six years ago this June, a decision that was especially resonant because it occurred during Pride month. This month, the Senate may have the chance to pass civil rights legislation with similar significance for LGBTQ Americans, if it isn’t stymied by Republican opposition. Transgender activist Barbara Satin says passage of the Equality Act would protect LGBTQ people no matter where they live. “We have such a crazy quilt of state and local LGBTQ laws and ordinances — some affirming and respecting but many more that are restrictive, insulting and penalizing,” she says. “Now is the time for this nation to address the inequality that still exists across so many of our states.” Barbara Satin is a transgender activist who’s been deeply involved with LGBTQ issues, locally and nationally, particularly around the issues of aging and faith. She currently serves as Director of Faith Outreach for The National LGBTQ Task Force where her responsibilities include working for the full inclusion of trans persons in communities of faith. Contact her at (612) 670-1978; bsatin@thetaskforce.org
4. ==> Summer Jobs Are Everywhere
Want to get your teen off the couch and out of the house this summer? Good news! Summer hiring has begun and it looks like it could be a lucrative season for ambitious teens looking to make some money. “There are scores of opportunities for teens this summer and employers are having a hard time finding talent. Teens can expect higher starting wages, sign-on bonuses, and other perks, like free amusement park passes or employee discounts, to attract them,” says Andrew Challenger, senior VP of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. He predicts 2 million jobs will be gained by teens this summer. “June is typically the month when most teens land jobs, especially as schools let out across the country. This summer is looking good for job seekers regardless of age or industry,” he adds. Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. is a global outplacement and business and executive coaching firm. Contact Colleen Madden Blumenfeld at (314) 807-1568 (cell); colleenmadden@challengergray.com
5. ==> Why More Shark Sightings Are Good News
There’s new evidence that shark populations are growing on both coasts. For some people, it’s terrifying to think of sharks circling close to beaches, especially as millions of Americans head to the shore this summer. But researchers say their modestly rising numbers are a sign the larger ecosystem is doing well. “If we have these marine systems that can support a healthy population of apex predators it means those marine systems themselves are healthy, so it’s a good sign that we’re doing the right thing on our coastal systems,” Oregon State University professor Dr. Taylor Chapple says. Chapple says the probability of interacting with a great white shark has gone down by 90% over the past 60 years, and the drive to the beach is still more dangerous than the sharks in the water. “I’ve been in the water with sharks for thousands of hours, and I’ve never had a negative interaction,” he says. Contact Chapple at (541) 867-0254; taylor.chapple@oregonstate.edu
6. ==> Celebrate Single Dads this Father’s Day
Next Sunday we’ll throw some burgers on the grill and recognize ‘Dear Old Dad’ for the special role he plays in families and society. But there’s a group of fathers who deserve a special shout-out; those who are in the especially difficult role of being a single parent. Invite Patrick Long to talk about the challenges and stress that come with the job and offer tips for other single dads. Long has been raising four young children since his wife’s death two years ago. He says he quickly discovered he needed to simplify daily tasks and routines in order to lessen household stress and provide more quality time for himself and his kids. He’ll share advice for things like simplifying laundry and finding time for self-care, along with ways to let friends and family help out. Most importantly, he says, “Lose the label. Ditch the traditional dad stereotype. You’re now a hybrid of Mom and Dad!” Long’s memoir, “Ordinarily Extraordinary,” recounts the final weeks of his wife’s battle with breast cancer and his focus on setting a positive tone for his family after she passes. Contact Renee Chronister at (816) 766-5010; renee@paddyppublishing.com
7. ==> Estranged from Dad? How to Heal and Reconcile
Yours may be one of the millions of families harboring an estrangement. Arguments, regrets, rivalries, miscommunication, avoidance and lack of forgiveness are sadly very common. After all, we often hurt the ones we love. So what does it take to heal such troubled family dynamics? Discuss reconciling and rebuilding family relationships with Peter Colman, Ph.D., a speaker, missionary and author of “The Prodigal Father: A Son’s Hope-Filled Story of Love, Reconciliation and Redemption.” Dr. Colman will explore why people often accuse those closest to them of mistreatment, hold grudges and drift apart. He’ll help family members understand each other and learn to lean on their shared faith and heritage to heal. Ask him: What’s the first step away from regrets and blame, toward forgiveness and healing? How do the effects of wartime service impact family relationships? What is sacred about family bonds, especially between father and son? Contact Judith Colman at (847) 912-4481; jcolman@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Do a Show on the NASA-Wildfire Connection
What connection could NASA have to the wildfires that have increasingly plagued the drought-prone world? Find out from James Moseley, who will share how NASA research — which has already given the world memory foam, Tang and Dustbusters — has also had and will continue to have a major impact on firefighting. Using material found in high-temperature fire blankets designed to ease the re-entry of the Space Shuttles, Jim’s company, Sun FireDefense, has developed technology whose widespread use could save property and lives this wildfire season. Jim will discuss:
How can this new technology protect homes? Where might wildfires be most damaging in the U.S. and Canada? What about technologies that protect wildlife, the environment and communities in wildfire areas? Contact James Moseley at (818) 486-4662; jmoseley@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Turn Your Job Search into Job Found
As we turn the corner on COVID-19 plenty of people are looking for jobs, from newly minted college graduates to men and women who lost their jobs during the pandemic or delayed seeking something better. Nearly everyone could benefit from the straight-shooting career advice of Beverly Williams, whose book, “Your GPS to Employment Success: How to Find and Succeed in the Right Job,” contains 125 solid tips and more. She can explain everything from how to motivate yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally for the job search to why it isn’t always a good idea to answer every question honestly during a job interview. Ask her: How can watching ESPN or the Food Network help with your job search? What are some inconvenient truths job seekers need to hear? What can people learn from LeBron James’ career? Beverly is an employment professional, arbitrator, and speaker, and a former HR executive in both private and public sectors. She also hosts the podcast Your Employment Matters with Beverly Williams. She 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)769-7823; bwilliams99@comcast.net
10. ==> Are Newly Hired Grads Being Set Up to Fail?
New grads are entering an unprecedented market and many of them aren’t prepared for the new world of work, according to Dawn Mahan, CEO of PMOtraining, LLC, a consulting and talent development firm. “COVID-19 changed the way many professionals work. More than ever businesses need people who are able to take an idea without a lot of information, effectively collaborate with colleagues and deliver results with a positive attitude.” But she says many employers aren’t ready to onboard newly hired grads. “Many employers that are hiring grads are already running leaner than usual and it may be the first time that they are onboarding grads virtually. It’s likely to be a bit of a bumpy ride.” Mahan can share insights about COVID-19’s impact on the future of work and tips for grads to shine on the job and become valued contributors, including the No. 1 skill every ambitious young professional needs to succeed and why. Dawn Mahan is author of the upcoming book “Welcome to Projectland: The Project Gurus’ Ultimate Guide for Beginners.” Contact Elizabeth Collins at (877) PMO-7070, (ext. 4); ECollins@PMOtraining.com
11. ==> 5 Things You Can Do to Outsmart Pain
Who wouldn’t want to learn how to put suffering on hold? Trevor Campbell, M.D., says, “When you understand what pain is, you can work around it.” Let Dr. Campbell tell you things about pain management that most doctors don’t even know because the topic isn’t covered well in medical school! You’ll learn why you shouldn’t fight pain, that what hurts isn’t necessarily harmful, and ways our thoughts can be our greatest handicap. Dr. Campbell is a family physician who has worked in multidisciplinary pain management and opioids reduction programs and has served as s medical director for a leading pain management provider in Western Canada. He graduated from the University of Cape Town and has a delightful South African accent. Dr. Campbell’s new book, hailed as a great read by Inc. Magazine, is “The Language of Pain: Fast Forward Your Recovery to Stop Hurting.” Contact Trevor Campbell at (250) 217-7832; tcampbell@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Missing This Health Task Could Be Deadly
You don’t want to ignore your medical records! After all, the smartest patients (and those most likely to live healthier and longer lives) never overlook the details about their family’s medications, vaccinations, doctor visits, or previous surgeries/procedures. Learn more from retired nurse practitioner (APRN) Anne McAwley-LeDuc, who advocates full and accurate record-keeping even for ordinary patients. She warns that having disorganized personal health histories can be dangerous and threaten lives! Ask her: Where should you keep and maintain essential medical records? What inspired her to create the Personal Health Organizer that provides a life-saving snapshot of one’s health history? What do doctors, school nurses and emergency departments need to know when treating your kids — and how can you help? How did COVID-19 make this issue even more important? Contact McAwley-LeDuc at (860) 300-1603; AMcAwley@rtirguests.com
13. ==> How to Find Inner Peace Again
In the aftermath of the virulent pandemic shattering lives around the world, even those who once felt optimistic and secure are reeling and grieving. How do we reclaim our inner peace after such a horrific event? Perhaps by listening to the wise advice of Sana Brauner, who once lost everything and survived. In 2004, Sana was in Thailand on vacation when a tsunami hit. Sana almost drowned, her mother died and her two-year-old daughter was never found. Yet Sana found a way to go on and a mission of helping other people to find hope and resilience. Ask her: Why does she say that every day is a traineeship for some big unexpected event? What are the nine things that restored her inner peace? Which was the most important? She is the author of “The Borrowed Daughter,” a memoir containing lessons to help anyone going through a life crisis. Contact Sana at s.brauner@ihr-einkauf.at or through Skype: sanabr
14. ==> How to Calm Down an Out-of-Control Child
When your child acts out do you say, “Go to your room and relax” only to find a few minutes later that he’s jumping on the bed or throwing things? Dr. Roxanne, a renowned clinician, leader, and pioneer in health psychology, has solutions for parents to help transform their children from out of control and inconsolable to calm. You’ll learn how moving your energy is essential to transforming your child’s behavior. According to mind/body research, both positive and negative life events create symptoms of stress. Fortunately, there is a powerful form of mind/body medicine helping children and adults alike; harness your inner energies and learn to wheel and direct them! Ask Dr. Roxanne: What are the four key energetic portals that are essential for building health integrity in your child? How can parents reawaken their natural, potent “way of being” that a child can hold onto as shifts in life take place? Contact Dr. Roxanne at (617) 755-4490; dr.roxanne@gmail.com
15. ==> Unpack Baggage You Didn’t Even Know You Had
Can you judge a book by its cover? Should you? Find out when you interview Keyonna Cox, who calls herself the Unpacked Baggage Connoisseur. Keyonna knows about carrying excess baggage around. Her mom was murdered when Keyonna was just two years old and present at the murder scene. Her father did not raise her. Keyonna can also talk about being a single mother of three sons and how she lost everything before COVID-19 came along and reinvented herself. Keyonna is the author of “Unpacked Baggage: Getting to Know Keyonna Cox, From A to Z.” She is the founder and owner of Beyond Surface Media Group and the creative director of Tie Bow, a high-end brand of ties and accessories for men and women. Contact Keyonna Cox at (424) 256-0280; keyonna@unpackedbaggage.com