01. 50th Anniversary of Watergate
02. Mass Shootings: When Employees Fear the Workplace
03. Pandemic Policies: What Worked Where?
04. The Latin King of Country Music’ is Still Alive
05. Do a Show for Fans of TV’s ‘Bones’
06. Father’s Day Is No Picnic for Estranged Dads
07. Former Mayor – How to Spot Local Government Corruption
08. Jumpstart Your COVID Weight Loss: Lose 3-5 LBS in 7 Days
09. The Current Epidemic of Postpartum Depression
10. The Truth About Caring for Someone with Dementia
11. How to Cope with Rising Teen Anxiety
12. Can Teenage Lifers Be Rehabilitated?
13. Why Teaching Kids STEM Skills Can Save the Planet
14. Raise a Reader this Summer (One Book at a Time)
15. How to Make Healthy Eating Cheaper
1.==> 50th Anniversary of Watergate
The 50th anniversary of the Watergate break-in is June 17. Invite Jefferson Morley, author of “Scorpions’ Dance: The President, the Spymaster and Watergate,” to discuss the relationship between President Richard Nixon and then-CIA Director Richard Helms and why documents that have since been partly released suggest a reexamination of overlooked portions of Nixon’s tapes. He says, “We can now say with confidence what the CIA denied: that Howard Hunt was a CIA asset at the same time he was a Watergate burglar.” In his recent piece “The (Redacted) Truth About the CIA’s (Redacted) Role in Watergate” for the Daily Beast, Morley writes: “A redacted FBI memo from May 1973 conceals details about Hunt’s role in breaking into the office of the psychiatrist of Daniel Ellsberg, the former Defense Department analyst who leaked the Pentagon Papers to The New York Times. The memo was addressed to Acting FBI Director Mark Felt who was serving as a confidential source, known as Deep Throat, for Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward.” Contact Jefferson Morley at morleyj@gmail.com; @jeffersonmorley
2. Mass Shootings: When Employees Fear the Workplace
Recent mass murders at previously-thought “safe spaces” – churches, hospitals, schools – are also workplaces for thousands of Americans nationwide. No doubt American workers are assessing this prominent risk, as employers grapple with increasing quits and return-to-office plans, according to workplace authority Andrew Challenger. “The overwhelming feeling right now is that a mass shooting could happen anywhere at any time to anyone. Americans are worried for their safety. Many workers are already pushing back on their employers’ return-to-office plans, for their mental health, for flexibility, to alleviate burnout. Others are leaving their jobs entirely.” Challenger says it’s crucial for employers to focus on mental health and provide support right now. “This may mean allowing workers to remain remote, offering mental health benefits, or even hosting some sort of group counseling for your teams on this issue,” he says. “In the past, employers addressed this issue by hiring consultants to run active shooter drills and shore up building security. While very important tools, leaders may want to really connect with teams to ensure they feel safe.” Andrew Challenger is senior VP of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. Contact Colleen Madden Blumenfeld at (312) 422-5074; (314) 807-1568 (cell) or colleenmadden@challengergray.com
3. ==> Pandemic Policies: What Worked Where?
As COVID-19 spread across the nation in 2020, states enacted policies that had the goal of mitigating the pandemic and its economic consequences. There’s now a database that documents the dates and components of economic relief and public health measures issued at the state level in response to the pandemic. The Covid-19 U.S. State Policy database has provided continually updated information documenting the “widespread variation in state policy decisions and implementation dates” across the country. It has also already been used to shape pandemic response. Julia Raifman, one of the creators of CUSP says, “Researchers have used CUSP to conduct important research on eviction freezes, mask mandates, physical distancing policies, unemployment insurance and minimum wage. We hope the database will be useful for informing further learning about policy impacts in the years ahead, to better prepare us for future outbreaks or crises.” Raifman is an assistant professor of health law, policy and management at Boston University. She conducts research on population health and health disparities. Contact her at jraifman@bu.edu; @JuliaRaifman
4. ==> The Latin King of Country Music’ is Still Alive
Despite internet rumors to the contrary, Johnny Rodriguez is alive and well. In fact, “The Latin King of Country Music” has been writing and recording new music during the pandemic. His new Country/Mariachi CD “Building Bridges” includes two songs written by actor and singer/songwriter Dennis Quaid and a duet with two-time Grammy Winner and friend, Tanya Tucker. Johnny’s Latin-infused hits made him one of the most successful county singers of the ‘70s and ’80s. His new memoir, “Desperado: Pieces of My Soul” details his meteoric rise to fame and his plunge into personal despair and getting back in the saddle, again. Invite him to talk about his arrival in Nashville, his friendships and adventures with country music’s biggest stars, and the missed opportunities and missteps he made along the way. Contact Pauline Vega at (661) 387-3174; pvega@rtirguests.com
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. ==> Father’s Day Is No Picnic for Estranged Dads
Father’s Day is a time when we consider the value fathers play in their children’s lives. But the holiday can also be a time of considerable pain for fathers suffering from parental alienation, a family dynamic in which a child has aligned with one parent and rejected the other for no legitimate reason. Currently, about 22 million parents in the U.S., both male and female, have been alienated from their children. Lynn Steinberg, Ph.D., can explain how this happens and why part of the U.S. Violence Against Women’s Act is likely to make the situation worse. The author of “You’re Not Crazy: Overcoming Parent/Child Alienation” will reveal the signs of parental alienation, effective intervention treatments for parents and children, and what’s wrong with Kayden’s Law and why it should be opposed. Lynn Steinberg is on the board of directors of The Parental Alienation Legislative Fund, whose mission is to pass legislation that would mandate training and reporting of parental alienation as child abuse. Contact Chloe Busch at (323) 449-2203; lynnsteinbergphd@gmail.com
7. ==> Former Mayor – How to Spot Local Government Corruption
As a former mayor, council member, planning commissioner, and an advocate for good government with a propensity for “telling it like it is,” Debbie Peterson spent years serving communities, seeing people’s needs go unmet because of gross misappropriation of funds. With her new book, “The Happiest Corruption: Sleaze, Lies and Suicide in a California Beach Town,” Peterson combines insider political analysis, breaking-news thrills, and a historical account into a true-crime story that follows determined citizens who worked out how local government corruption happens, how to spot it, and how to fix it. Peterson has been interviewed by everyone from the Los Angeles Times to the BBC and Script Networks. She is the former mayor of Grover Beach, Calif. and the host of the new weekly podcast “The Corruption Chronicles.” Contact Debbie Peterson at (805) 550-4490; info@DebbiePeterson.com
8. ==> Jumpstart Your COVID Weight Loss: Lose 3-5 LBS in 7 Days
Millions of Americans are walking around with ten, twenty or more COVID pounds and overwhelmed by the thought of trying to lose the weight and get in shape. For anyone who is tired of being overweight but doesn’t know how to get started on their weight loss journey, Alvin Perry has simplified the process to lose 3-5 lbs. in 7 days! This is not a quick fix, says Perry, but a process that sets in motion everything you need to reach your health goals. Invite him on your show to inspire listeners with his own weight struggles that began in college after losing his football scholarship. Now a successful entrepreneur and small business expert, Perry will share the unique system he used to drop 80 pounds and transform his life, with just three basic principles. Alvin Perry, DBA, is also ISSA certified in personal training, fitness and nutrition. He’s the author of numerous books including his latest, “Just Fat!” Contact him at (678) 788-7529; aperry@rtirguests.com
9. ==> The Current Epidemic of Postpartum Depression
Many new moms attribute their feelings of sadness and emptiness to exhaustion, hormonal changes and the non-stop attention babies require. But for many women, this is more than just “the baby blues.” “Postpartum depression had been on the rise pre-COVID, but the pandemic has made the rise more significant,” says OB/GYN Dr. Florence Akindele. “A lot of women are not getting support after giving birth, and there’s not enough at-home planning.” Dr. Florence will share how new moms can get the support they need to overcome this very real mental illness. She is the founder of Florence Women’s Health Services in Alberta, Canada, and author of the book “Your Joyous Birth Experience: Empowering Moms to Participate in Their Labour And Delivery.” Contact Dr. Florence at (780) 614-5219; fakindele@rtirguests.com
10. ==> The Truth About Caring for Someone with Dementia
Having a loved one with a brain disease like Alzheimer’s or dementia can be difficult and confusing but Lisa Skinner has helped thousands of families and caregivers understand the daunting challenges. Skinner cuts through the confusion and overwhelming fear that loved ones experience in taking care of people with dementia and can provide a new set of tools to allow caregivers to enjoy more of the time they spend together. Skinner’s new book is “Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s: Its Secret Faces.” A behavioral specialist with more than a quarter-century of experience in the field of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, Skinner has appeared on national and regional media including CBS, NBS, ABC and in “USA Today” and other publications. Contact Dianemarie Collins at (775) 825-1727; DM@DMProductionsLLC.com or @DMCollins
11. ==> How to Cope with Rising Teen Anxiety
U.S. teenagers have more reasons than ever to be anxious, and it’s costing them. Normal teen pressures were bad enough, but today’s youth are dealing with additional stresses in the form of pandemic isolation, increased violence, heightened social pressure, and a rapidly changing global landscape that can make entry into adulthood a terrifying prospect. With suicide rates spiking among teens and young adults, and even in preteen children, now is the right time to interview author and teen coach Lee Vallely (pronounced Vall-ELL-ee). Lee offers strategies your listeners can use to help teens manage stress levels in today’s highly charged world and find real happiness. Ask him: How can positive thinking be bad for your health? Why does he call his program for students “Shift Happens”? What steps can parents and educators take to help struggling teens today? Contact Lee Vallely at (561) 658-1266; lvallely@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Can Teenage Lifers Be Rehabilitated?
Lengthy prison sentences for youth offenders are becoming common in the U.S., and the costs – both personal and financial – are staggering. Not only do many people believe life sentences for teenagers are unjust, but the costs to governments and taxpayers are three times higher for youth than for incarcerated adults. Through correspondence with youth offenders, Mary Mitchell has seen firsthand that rehabilitation is possible. An experienced guest and the author of seven books as well as hundreds of articles, and host of a weekly radio show, Mary can share her 13-year relationship with a man incarcerated at 19 (now 50) who has found transformation in prison and talks about the prison system reform we need to offer rehabilitation and hope. Ask her: Can the U.S. prison system truly rehabilitate anyone? Why is solitary confinement both cruel and ineffective? How can you offer real support to incarcerated loved ones? Contact Mary Mitchell at (530) 561-5945; mmitchell@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Why Teaching Kids STEM Skills Can Save the Planet
We all know about recycling and that plastics and toxic chemicals are harmful to the Earth. But we can accomplish much more by empowering children to acquire science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills to become stewards for the environment. “STEM education can help students of all backgrounds to develop the skills, awareness of and solutions to environmental issues,” says author, speaker, former STEM teacher and adjunct college professor Dr. Chris A. Goldberg. He is author of the soon-to-be published book “Aliyah and The STEMsational Problem-Solvers: What’s Cooking?” Contact him at (973) 576-5841; cgoldberg@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Raise a Reader this Summer (One Book at a Time)
Despite their hectic schedules and the distractions of social media and modern technology, parents can dramatically improve their children’s lives by setting aside time to read with them this summer – and beyond. “A relaxing reading ritual not only fuels your child’s reading journey, 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.” Lori Lynn 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 her at (402) 235-4292; lahrends@rtirguests.com
15. ==> How to Make Healthy Eating Cheaper
With the sharply rising costs of groceries, it may seem as though eating healthier is more expensive than ever. But, as health coach, fitness, and weight-loss expert Stavros Mastrogiannis will tell you, that isn’t so. As counterintuitive as it may sound, he’ll explain that eating for good health can be cheaper than just grabbing anything. In fact, he’ll explain how his clients manage to slash nearly $60 off their weekly food bills, all while eating better. He’ll also talk about why so many of us eat for entertainment and not because we are hungry and that the extra money we can save by healthy eating can be used to spend on more appropriate entertainment needs. Also, be sure to ask what he learned when he recreated Morgan Spurlock’s experiment about eating McDonald’s food (burgers, fries and Cokes) that became the basis of the 2004 movie “Super Size Me.” In 2011, Stavros did the same thing but unlike Spurlock, Stavros’ blood work was just as good as it had been before he spent two months working and exclusively eating at McDonald’s. Stavros is the creator of The Stavros Method: Practical Wellness through 5 Ancient Habits. Contact him at (203) 733-0109; stavros@liveyourwaythin.com