01. Human Trafficking’s Hidden Toll
02. Great Show for Leonard Cohen Fans
03. Pride Month: Steve Pieters and ‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye’
04. Summer Beach Read: Model Who Grew Up a Fugitive
05. Don’t Let Hackers Spoil Your Vacation
06. Got ‘Cave Syndrome’? This Secret Survival Weapon Could Help
07. Grassroots Gets Real: How to Change a Law
08. 4,000 Americans Drown Each Year: Lifesaving Tips
09. Break Kids’ Bad Screen Habits This Summer
10. A Kitchen Redo to Live Longer?
11. A Unique Alternative to Traditional Adoption
12. Only Flip-Flops Can Teach You This
13. Make the Second Half of Your Life the BEST Half
14. ‘Life Lessons I Learned from the Dead’
15. Help Your Goals Take Off with Advice from This Airline Pilot
1. ==> Human Trafficking’s Hidden Toll
Rachel Vogelstein and Jamille Bigio warn that the global scourge of human trafficking is worse than a crime — it is a systemic threat. They write in the June issue of Foreign Affairs that human trafficking undermines U.S. national security, economic growth, and sustainable development and must be higher on the country’s foreign policy agenda. “The United States should craft a comprehensive response to address the gaps in existing policies meant to combat this scourge. Such an effort will advance U.S. economic and security interests by blocking the $150 billion in illicit profits traffickers make, preventing the loss of human capital, and saving the government the rising costs of assisting survivors. More important, it will save lives and demonstrate the strength of both the United States’ practical and moral leadership on the world stage.” Jamille Bigio is Senior Fellow for Women and Foreign Policy at the Council on Foreign Relations. Rachel Vogelstein is Douglas Dillon Senior Fellow and director of the Women and Foreign Policy Program at the Council on Foreign Relations. They are co-authors of the upcoming report “Ending Human Trafficking in the Twenty-First Century.” Contact Rachel Vogelstein at (202) 509-8527; rvogelstein@cfr.org
2. ==> Great Show for Leonard Cohen Fans
In 1973, at the age of 27, Judy Scott embarked on a trek through Europe —and wound up spending the entire summer on the Greek island of Hydra. The spot had become a destination for many celebrities over the years including John and Yoko Lennon, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. When Judy arrived for the first time it had become an artists’ colony of sorts where she met iconic singer/songwriter/poet Leonard Cohen and his lifelong muse, a beautiful blonde Norwegian woman named Marianne Ihlen. In the new book, “Leonard, Marianne, and Me: Magical Summers on Hydra,” Judy chronicles her affair with not only Hydra but with Cohen and, especially, Marianne, who lived with Cohen, on and off, for 11 years —much of it on the island — and remained soulmates with him until their death just months apart in 2016. Cohen fans will love the rare insight Judy can share into the meaning behind the lyrics of some of his most famous songs including “So Long, Marianne,” “One of Us Cannot Be Wrong,”
and the much-revered ‘Hallelujah.’ Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853 (cell); LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com
3. ==> Pride Month: Steve Pieters and ‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye’
Have you seen the new trailer for the upcoming movie “The Eyes of Tammy Faye,” starring Jessica Chastain, Andrew Garfield, and Vincent D’Onofrio? The film, due out this September, recreates Tammy Faye Bakker’s historic 1985 interview with Steve Pieters. It was the first time a televangelist gave an affirming interview with a gay man living with AIDS and Pieters says it was a turning point for him as well as Tammy Faye. “So many people have said my interview with her helped them come out or even saved them from suicide, by helping them realize they could be gay and Christian, or that God was not punishing them with AIDS for being gay.” Invite Pieters on your show to discuss the movie, what it was like to be one of the first non-celebrity figures to be identified with AIDS in the early 1980s, and why his fairy wand is in the Smithsonian archives. Contact Harlan Boll at harlan@bhbpr.com
4. ==> Summer Beach Read: Model Who Grew Up a Fugitive
By the age of nine, Cheryl Diamond had lived in more than a dozen countries on five continents and assumed six identities as her parents evaded Interpol and other law enforcement agencies. Born to a domineering, abusive con artist father and beautiful but fragile mother on the run from the law, Diamond’s childhood was filled with forged passports and midnight escapes. While her family lived on the run, she learned math on an abacus, trained as an Olympic hopeful, practiced Sikhism and then celebrated her bat mitzvah. Hear how she came to terms with the disappearance of her brother, became a successful fashion model, and ultimately watched her unconventional yet close-knit family implode. Cheryl Diamond is now a citizen of Luxembourg and lives between there and Rome. Her new book is, “Nowhere Girl: A Memoir of a Fugitive Childhood.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com or Briana Caywood at (703) 646-5188
5. ==> Don’t Let Hackers Spoil Your Vacation
Vacations are back this summer but beware, criminals will still be working to steal your hard-earned money! Urban economist and tech guru Ida Byrd-Hill can share five tips to help your listeners be cyber-safe while they’re distracted on vacation. You’ll learn how hackers operate like gangs and why she believes America is in the middle of a cyber war which we are currently losing. Ida Byrd-Hill is CEO of Automation Workz, a diversity consulting and cybersecurity job training company. She has appeared on “Good Morning America,” numerous radio stations and podcasts, and in Essence Magazine. An economist, futurist, and educator, Ida is the author of eight books including “Invisible Talent Market.” Contact her at (313) 483-2126; ida@autoworkz.org
6. ==> Got ‘Cave Syndrome’? This Secret Survival Weapon Could Help
As we ease back into our post-pandemic lives, many of us are feeling anxious and uncertain about the future. A Florida psychiatrist even coined the term “cave syndrome” to describe people who’ve been traumatized and remain fearful to return to the world — even after being vaccinated. Best-selling author and intuition expert Kim Chestney says focusing inward is the best way to heal and move on. “As life gets busier and we spend more time ‘out there’ in the world, it’s important to carve out dedicated quiet space in your daily routine to stay connected to yourself and your intuition,” she says. “Give yourself the time-outs, rejuvenation and creative time that you need to thrive. The simple yet powerful act of following your inner guidance is the key to surviving — and thriving — even during the most challenging times.” Kim can reveal how we can tap into our innate inner powers to rise above the insanity. Kim can discuss how people can tap into their intuition to start a new business or find a new job, and ways we can we overcome self-limiting beliefs that sabotage our lives. Kim is an international best-selling author of the new book “Radical Intuition: A Revolutionary Guide to Using Your Inner Power” and the founder of IntuitionLab. Contact her at (412) 214-9502; KChestney@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Grassroots Gets Real: How to Change a Law
Ever wonder why so many people say they want their voice to be heard, but politicians never listen? John Thibault can explain why and show you how to get past this frustrating hurdle. The founder of iLobby.co realized that ordinary people have championed legislation in their own communities following a tried-and-true formula that most people don’t know about. From an 86-year-old man to a 12-year-old girl, John will show you the principles that each used to get their voice heard and move an issue forward. Ask him: What are the six keys to policy success? Why do personal stories matter? Why doesn’t an argument have to raise your blood pressure? John worked in government affairs at MCA/Universal His new book is “How to Change a Law.” Contact John Thibault at (650) 490-0987; johnthib@gmail.com
8. ==> 4,000 Americans Drown Each Year: Lifesaving Tips
This summer, the lure of lakes, rivers, pools and the ocean are likely to attract toddlers, children and adults who may fall or jump in. Save lives by interviewing Dr. Pete Anderson, one of the world’s top swimming instructors, who can explain everything you need to know to safely enjoy the water. He’ll share the ten common errors that lead to drowning, the best age to teach children how to swim (it’s younger than you’d think), why “certified swimming instructors” are overrated and how to choose a good instructor, and his Top 10 tips for swimming safely this summer, whether at the lake or the community pool. Listeners can also download a free copy of his book “Teach Yourself (or Your Children) to Swim at Home Without a Pool.” Dr. Pete Andersen is a behaviorist, author, speaker, and coach. He has published 14 e-books and paperback books under his brand “Teach Yourself to Swim” and based on his credentials with a Ph.D., 55-plus years of experience, Masters Swimming World and National Records, and 25 Senior Olympic National Championships Gold Medals. Contact him at (858) 886-9820; drpete@The3SecretSkillsofTopPerformers.com
9. ==> Break Kids’ Bad Screen Habits This Summer
Americans are more than ready to enjoy a post-pandemic summer, but for many parents, getting out and about isn’t just about summer fun — it’s also about reversing some of the very real damage kids have suffered as a result of online school and an increased reliance on screens for fun and downtime. Taking the summer to find balance and get back on track is important to kids’ physical and mental health, but what if your child has a major meltdown or becomes violent when you try to set screen limits? Child behavior expert and family coach Rebecah Freeling has seen a significant increase in kids’ screen-obsession over the past year and says kids’ refusal to accept screen limits is much more common now than it was pre-pandemic. She’ll explain why common screen-management tips don’t always work and what parents can do if they think their kid is screen-obsessed or addicted. Freeling, who specializes in kids with problem behaviors, is CEO of Wits’ End Parenting and the author of “Your Rules Are Dumb: How to Maintain Your Parental Authority While Creating a Partnership With Your Spirited Child.” Contact her at (510) 619-5920; witsendparenting@gmail.com
10. ==> A Kitchen Redo to Live Longer?
We live in a world where medical problems are on the rise, much of them due to choosing convenience foods over nutritious fare. And many times we do it without even thinking about it! Interview bariatric surgeon Franchell Hamilton to learn small changes you can make in your kitchen that will help reprogram your brain to form healthier habits you won’t have to think about, lose weight and reduce your chance of medical problems. Dr. Hamilton has successfully used this method with her family and patients. A board-certified obesity medicine and wellness specialist, bariatric surgeon, author and practice consultant, Dr. Hamilton is the author of “Transformation Is a Mindset: The Journey to Changing Your Input and Your World.” Contact Dr. Franchell Hamilton at (210) 410-9374; Franchell.richardmd@gmail.com
11. ==> A Unique Alternative to Traditional Adoption
Most people think adoption means waiting until a baby is born to someone else and agreeing to care for and raise the child as their own. But there’s a new, more unusual and unique way to adopt that starts way before that, with a frozen fertilized embryo. And your audience is likely to have plenty of questions about it, questions that Nate Birt can answer. At the moment, the U.S. birth rate is declining but at the same time the number of women freezing their eggs has skyrocketed and, thanks to IVF, some of these eggs have been fertilized and are babies waiting for a womb. Nate and his wife adopted a frozen embryo, had it implanted in his wife’s body, enjoyed her pregnancy and birth experience, and are now the parents of a sweet toddler. Ask him: Where do you get the embryos to adopt? Are their risks involved? How much does it cost? What are the controversies, challenges and joys? Nate is the author of “Frozen, But Not Forgotten: An Adoptive Dad’s Step-by-Step Guide to Embryo Adoption.” Contact him at (417) 221-9045; Nbirt@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Only Flip-Flops Can Teach You This
Summer is here, and flip-flops are the footwear of the season. But former Miss America contestant, best-selling author and humorist Jane Jenkins Herlong regards them as a metaphor for much more. “Get your feet moving again, even if you are wearing flip-flops,” she says. “Starting your business and your life over again is like learning to walk. We may have to do things that we thought we outgrew, but passionate people are not afraid to go back and start over.” How can we rekindle our passion for life? Why are flip-flops a metaphor for living our best lives? Jane can illustrate how tapping into humor and finding our passions can dramatically change our lives, even in the worst of times. Jane is the award-winning author of four books including “Rhinestones on My Flip-Flops,” and has recorded music CDs and personal growth and comedy DVDs. As a humorist, her comedy is featured on Sirius XM 97. Contact her at (803) 599-2941; JHerlong@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Make the Second Half of Your Life the BEST Half
As we age, some things deteriorate, and many aspects of life can get harder. However, it’s also true that plenty of things get better. That’s the message of Joe Swinger, who specializes in helping adults in midlife enjoy the VIP life — one marked by greater vibrancy, impact, and purpose. Joe is the creator of the Silver Linings Network, which he established to encourage happiness, success, and emotional health in midlife and later years. Invite him on your show to learn what you should focus on (besides money) as you approach and dive into retirement years. Ask him: What helps aging boomers recreate themselves, make a difference, and stay relevant — especially during challenging years like this one? What skills and qualities (in addition to awareness, maturity, experience and motivation) can bring new opportunities and satisfaction in the second half of life? How can people love and appreciate life at every age? Contact Joe Swinger at (385) 425-6705; joeswinger@rtirguests.com
14. ==> ‘Life Lessons I Learned from the Dead’
While growing up in a Midwestern funeral home where her dad was an undertaker, Margo Lenmark learned about the mysteries surrounding death. “People are always taking in ‘prana,’ or life force,” she says. “Exactly six months before we die, we start letting go of our life force. If we could know that exact moment we start letting go, we would know the moment we are going to die.” She adds, “There are veils that hide things in the physical world that are no longer there when the body dies. That’s why it’s natural that when someone dies, you realize just how much they mean to you.” She can provide fascinating answers to the age-old questions: What really happens after we die? Is death really the end of life? Margo can delve into other mystifying questions, with astonishing insight. She is the author of “Light in the Mourning: Memoirs of an Undertaker’s Daughter.” The book has received glowing reviews from a number of prominent authors and spiritual leaders including Deepak Chopra. Contact her at Margo at (828) 260-0873, MLenmark@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Help Your Goals Take Off with Advice from This Airline Pilot
Want to land your dreams? The best way may be to follow the advice of someone who knows all about taking off and landing, Rico Racosky, an Air Force Academy graduate and airline pilot who spent decades in the USAF (as a fighter pilot) and flying for Southwest Airlines, where planning was critical, and choices had to be good ones. Rico who is also an award-winning author, speaker, educator and radio host will share his simple system for making smart choices at every turn — as featured in his best-seller “Just 2 Choices” — to soar to success. Contact Rico Racosky at (730) 572-1321; Rracosky@rtirguests.com