01. Will the Supreme Court Undo Affirmative Action?
02. Domination: How the U.S. Achieved It and Who Wants It Now
03. From Pro Wrestler to Pastor to Vigilante – Interview The Saint
04. Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Sharks
05. The Amazing Health Benefits of ‘Microadventures’
06. From Tic-Tac-Toe Chickens to Roulette Wheel Custody Battles: Crazy Stories from the Courtroom
07. Journalist Shares Surprising Stories With Biggest Impact
08. How to Get the Most From Your Next Doc Visit
09. Can You Talk Yourself Out of Being Sick?
10. Why 39-Year-Old Actor Chris Hemsworth Is Concerned About Alzheimer’s, and You Should Be Too
11. How Slowing Down Can Make You More Productive
12. What Is an Empath — and Could You Be One?
13. The Hidden Demons Returning Veterans Face
14. This Guest Inspires Others to Never Give Up
15. Is Satan Real?
1. ==> Will the Supreme Court Undo Affirmative Action?
The Supreme Court is set to rule on two major cases concerning race-based affirmative action at Harvard and the University of North Carolina. Discuss affirmative action’s past and future with author Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans (pronounced Kray-gull-mans). Hear how affirmative action came out of the civil rights movement as a means to address inequalities experienced by minorities and became law through an executive order made by John F. Kennedy in 1961. Ask Judith: Is affirmative action reverse discrimination? How effective has it been? Was it always controversial? Does it benefit everyone or just a few? Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans, a Fulbright Scholar, was one of the first Black women in the Foreign Service. A child of educators, she grew up in public housing in the Jim Crow South where Blacks were told they lived in a separate, but equal society. She is the author of “Flowers for Brother Mudd: One Woman’s Path from Jim Crow to Career Diplomat.” Contact Judith at (571) 568-8667; jmuddkrijgelmans@rtir.com
2. ==> Domination: How the U.S. Achieved It and Who Wants It Now
At a time when some claim the United States is “destined for war” with China, and when Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has sparked fresh concerns about nuclear war, foreign policy expert Sean Minski offers a window into where we’re headed by looking at how the U.S. became the world’s greatest power in the century after the Civil War. Minski’s new book, “We May Dominate the World: Ambition, Anxiety, and the Rise of the American Colossus,” details how the U.S. achieved complete supremacy by squeezing European rivals out of the hemisphere while landing forces on their neighbors’ soil with dizzying frequency. He offers a window into the trajectory that other regional powers — including China, Russia, and Iran — may take in the coming decades. Minski says understanding the factors that led a rising United States to conduct a muscular foreign policy in its neighborhood can shed valuable light on how to prevent Armageddon in our own century. Sean Mirski is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. He currently practices national security, foreign relations, and appellate law and is a visiting scholar at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
3. ==> From Pro Wrestler to Pastor to Vigilante – Interview The Saint
Dr. Chris Whaley spent ten years as a professional wrestler known as The Saint before becoming a pastor and vigilante. He was The Equalizer before Denzel Washington and Queen Latifah. His first book, “The Masked Saint” — based on a true story — was made into an award-winning movie and his second book (“Harold’s Heavenly Christmas”) will be a Movie of the Week. This guest who has done lots of TV, radio, and podcasts, is available to talk about his career as a vigilante, whether pro wrestling is fake, how to avoid the three killers in marriage, what it was like to see his books turned into movies, and more. Ask him: How did you go from a sickly childhood to being a pro wrestler? How did you deal with childhood bullying? What tips do you have for fulfilling one’s dreams? Contact Dr. Chris Whatley at (407) 227-8781; themaskedsaint59@gmail.com
4. ==> Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Sharks
If it’s summertime, it’s time to talk sharks! Catherine Macdonald, director of the Shark Research and Conservation Program at the University of Miami, can answer all your shark questions, separate fact from fiction, and comment on the latest sightings and research on the fish that raises fear and awe like no other sea creature. Ask her: Are interactions between humans and sharks getting more frequent? Are some beaches safer than others? How is climate change affecting sharks and other marine species? Does the media inform or disinform the public when it comes to sharks? Catherine Macdonald is an interdisciplinary marine conservation biologist who studies shark and ray biology, ecology, fisheries, and conservation. She is one of the co-founders and the director of Field School, an interdisciplinary marine science training and education organization, and the director of the Shark Research and Conservation Program at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School for Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science. Contact Catherine Macdonald at catherine.macdonald@earth.miami.edu; @dr_catmac
5. ==> The Amazing Health Benefits of ‘Microadventures’
Dacher Keltner defines awe as “an emotion that we feel when we encounter vast mysteries that we don’t understand.” That sounds big, but it turns out it doesn’t have to be. “It can happen when we encounter somebody’s extraordinary kindness, we listen to a moving piece of music, we’re out in nature, [or] we hear a big idea that really moves us,” he says. Keltner champions “microadventures” — simple, easy-to-achieve excursions that inspire a sense of awe and allow us to tap into the emotion’s health and well-being benefits, without having to travel all the way to the Grand Canyon or the Taj Mahal. The author of “Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life” will share the benefits of awe as well as “microadventure” ideas. Dacher Keltner, Ph.D., is the founding director of the Greater Good Science Center and a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley. He is the host of the award-winning podcast The Science of Happiness and is a co-instructor of the GGSC’s popular online course of the same name. Contact him at (510) 642-2490; Greater@berkeley.edu
6. ==> From Tic-Tac-Toe Chickens to Roulette Wheel Custody Battles: Crazy Stories from the Courtroom
Have you ever seen a chicken playing tic-tac-toe in court as evidence in a case? Experienced attorney J.D. Mortmain has! Movies and television portray the courtroom as a dramatic place full of nail-biting tension, but in real life, that’s not always the case. In fact, there’s often more humor than horror happening behind closed doors — such as the psychologist who failed his own test trying to prove a defendant was disabled. J.D. shares stories of the lighter side of the law with your audience. He has helped thousands of clients, many with unusual experiences like fighting for custody of a roulette wheel and the couple who divorced and remarried every year to profit from tax breaks. An author and experienced media guest, J.D.’s latest book is “The Fuzzy Pink Bathrobe and Other Tales of the Law.” Contact J.D. Mortmain at (860) 969-2693; jmortmain@rtirguests.com
7. ==> 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
8. ==> How to Get the Most From Your Next Doc Visit
Have you noticed how the minutes you get with your doctor have become shorter? That’s why it is even more important to use such time wisely. During the visit, what should you communicate? What should you ask about your conditions, prognoses, treatments and preventative efforts? What advice and instructions are crucial (even lifesaving) to get? Learn more when you interview retired nurse practitioner Anne McAwley-LeDuc, whose career included 43-plus years of varied experience in the medical field. Anne will talk about understanding and following through on well¬ness strategies, remembering what your doctors need you to know and do, avoiding health mistakes, and caring for others in your family (particularly children and the elderly). Her advice will also help you maintain an important record of your health history. Anne McAwley-LeDuc is the author of the award-winning book “Personal Health Organizer.” Contact her at (860) 300-1603; AMcAwley@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Can You Talk Yourself Out of Being Sick?
Being healthy is harder than ever. In the United States, nearly half of the population — around 133 million people — suffer from a chronic condition or serious illness, and almost 50 million people undergo surgery each year. Combine that with a resource-strained health-care industry, and you have millions living with poor health on a daily basis. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Stan Munslow shows your audience how to take control of their healing and recovery. The author of “Get Weller Sooner: 12 Powerful, Proven Ways to Speed and Improve Your Recovery from Illness or Surgery,” Stan reveals 12 powerful ways your audience can enhance their professional medical care and feel better, faster — with less pain, less time in the hospital, lower costs, and much more. Ask him: How did you help your father beat 30% survival odds and fully recover from Stage 4 lymphoma? Why does being the “perfect patient” help you shorten and improve a hospital experience? How can we optimize the mind-body connection for better health? Contact Stan Munslow at (401) 337-7436; smunslow@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Why 39-Year-Old Actor Chris Hemsworth Is Concerned About Alzheimer’s, and You Should Be Too
Chris Hemsworth is known for playing action-adventure heroes like Thor. His body is chiseled and toned and he looks to be in the prime of life. So that’s why it was surprising to learn that Hemsworth is scaling back on his career after learning that he carries a gene that makes him eight to ten times more likely to get Alzheimer’s than the average person. Dementia is often mistaken as an “old person’s disease,” but Hemsworth proves that memory-robbing illnesses can happen to even young people. Find out more when you interview Carlen Maddux, a former journalist who cared for his wife for 17 years after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at age 50. Carlen will reveal what he has learned about early-onset Alzheimer’s, its possible causes and more. Ask him: What are the signs and symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer’s? What about the gene Hemsworth has? How does Alzheimer’s affect families? Contact Carlen Maddux at (727) 351-8321; CMaddux@rtirguests.com
11. ==> How Slowing Down Can Make You More Productive
When was the last time you did something for yourself? Our lives are busier than ever before. Between jobs, families, and social obligations, it can often feel like every day is precisely scheduled from the minute your alarm goes off until the time you go to bed and set it for the next day. Not only is there zero time for yourself, but you feel guilty when you do take time out — because there’s always something you could be getting done. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to talk to Valerie Whetstone. She’ll show your audience ten simple ways to carve out me-time every day so you can rest and recharge, no matter how busy your life has become. This best-selling author and coach who has trained with Jack Canfield and Oprah Winfrey reveals not only how to put yourself first, but why you must do so today! Ask her: How can you instantly stop feeling guilty about putting yourself first? Why does slowing down make you more productive than ever? How did she nearly die by not taking time for herself? Contact Valerie Whetstone at (408) 752-5943; vwhetstone@rtirguests.com
12. ==> What Is an Empath – and Could You Be One?
Do you sometimes know something is going to happen before it does? Do you actually feel the pain of others? Do you experience keen physical discomfort in the presence of certain people? If so, you may be an empath or perhaps you may find that you know someone who is, someone like Jennifer Maag. She says, “After experiencing a traumatic brain injury due to falling at home, I became extremely empathic, which was a gift.” While being highly empathic can cause people to be hyper-sensitive, Jennifer can share how mastering the emotions that accompany this trait can greatly benefit one’s existence. Jennifer, a licensed massage therapist, and her son, Alexander Maag, are the co-authors of the critically acclaimed book “Take on God,” which explores how to transform inner battles into healing tools to live one’s best life. Contact her at (419) 969-3259; jmaag@rtirguests.com
13. ==> The Hidden Demons Returning Veterans Face
Although they risk their lives to protect our country, returning veterans are often underserved and neglected by society. Former Navy chaplain, author and life coach Carl Barnes is all too aware of the challenges veterans encounter. “What’s crucial is being resilient in transitioning out of the military, continuing to find purpose, seeking community and, most importantly, keeping your mental health at the forefront,” he says. “If overlooked, this can become overwhelming if you don’t seek professional help.” Carl is the author of “Resilient Sailing: 10 Lessons to Persevere in Life’s Stormy Seas” and conducts life coaching workshops and online courses. Contact Carl at (407) 809-8047; cbarnes@rtirguests.com
14. ==> This Guest Inspires Others to Never Give Up
Most of us have plenty of obstacles standing in the way of happiness or success — and most of us give up too soon, settling for less than what we really want out of life. Are some issues simply too challenging to overcome? According to author and inspirational speaker Jesse Fiedor, no challenge is insurmountable! Jesse overcame a serious disability to achieve his dream of working in Hollywood. He can help your audience find the motivation to accomplish anything, no matter what stands in their way. Like Beethoven continuing to make music after he lost his hearing, you can realize any goal and live your best life. Ask him: How did you conquer your obstacles, and how can others do the same? Did you meet any celebrities during your time in Hollywood? Why do you say, “If I can do it, anyone can”? Contact Jesse Fiedor at (714) 683-2353; jfiedor@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Is Satan Real?
There has been much debate, even in Christianity, about the existence of the devil, as some wonder whether it’s just a metaphor. Interview Valerie Galloway to talk about the realities of “the enemy” and how Satan infiltrates our lives and our psyches. She’ll share her personal experiences with loss due to the devil’s influence and help your audience banish evil from their lives to achieve fulfillment, joy, and purpose. A certified ICF coach with a bachelor’s degree in community health and a master’s degree in social science, Valerie is the author of “Addiction Steal, Kill & Destroy: A Spiritual Guide to Overcoming Addiction and Loss.” Contact Valerie Galloway at (917) 994-8841; vgalloway@rtirguests.com