01. Daytime TV Actor Kevin Spiritas
02. The Future of Affirmative Action
03. What Is the Southern Baptists’ Problem With Women?
04. Child Gun Deaths: Most Happen at Home
05. Can You Use AI for Investing?
06. Fun Show: Explore Space Without Leaving Earth
07. Why Wildfires Are Now Everyone’s Business
08. How an Olympian Died of Childbirth Complications
09. Teens Wanted: It’s Not Too Late for a Summer Job
10. Psychologist on Why Traditional Talk Therapy Doesn’t Work
11. Why So Many Women Suffer From Imposter Syndrome
12. How Trying to Be a Perfect Parent Can Ruin Your Kids
13. Does Enduring Tough Times Make Us Stronger?
14. This Guest Will Ignite Your Inner Power!
15. Wine Writer Reveals the Veiled Misogyny of the Wine World
1.==> Daytime TV Actor Kevin Spiritas
From Broadway’s “Finian’s Rainbow” and “Priscilla … Queen of the Desert,” not to mention the standby for Hugh Jackman in “The Boy from Oz,” to daytime TV heartthrob on both “One Life to Live” and “Days of Our Lives,” Kevin Spiritas has become one of Hollywood’s most watched talents. Invite him on your show to talk about his varied and lengthy career and his latest creation, “After Forever,” the first LGBTQ-themed drama to sweep the Daytime Emmy Awards with six wins including best digital drama. Spiritas was also a nominee for outstanding guest performance in a daytime Drama, returning as Dr. Craig Wesley, on “Days Of Our Lives.” Contact Harlan Boll at (626) 296-3757; harlan@bhbpr.com
2.==> The Future of Affirmative Action
Affirmative action came out of the civil rights movement as a means to address inequalities experienced by minorities. It became law through an executive order made by John F. Kennedy in 1961. With the Supreme Court about to decide two cases challenging it, now is a good time to discuss affirmative action’s past and future with author Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans (pronounced Kray-gull-mans). Among the topics she can discuss are: 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@rtirguests.com
3. ==> What Is the Southern Baptists’ Problem With Women?
At their annual meeting in New Orleans, Southern Baptists doubled down on their crusade against female clergy and expelled two congregations for condoning the ordination of women. Religion historian Randall Balmer traces the conservative takeover of the Southern Baptist Convention to the 1970s and a purge of all vestiges of “liberalism” from the denomination. Balmer can discuss the recent developments and how they differ from Baptist core principles of liberty of conscience and congregational autonomy. Randall Balmer, an Episcopal priest, teaches at Dartmouth College and is the author of “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory: A Journey into the Evangelical Subculture in America.” Contact Randall Balmer at (505) 603-1213; (603) 646-9389 or Randall.Balmer@Dartmouth.edu
4. ==> Child Gun Deaths: Most Happen at Home
In the United States, guns are the leading cause of death for children and teens and, according to a new study, most children who die from an accidental shooting are playing around with guns at home or mistaking them for toys. The research also shows over 90% of the guns involved were left unlocked and loaded and over 40% of the time, these unintentional deaths happened among kids aged 2 to 4. “It’s worth trying to figure out, ‘how do we encourage parents to embrace safe storage?’” says Dr. Nichole Michaels, senior author of the study and principal investigator in the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “Because that’s the way we prevent these fatalities.” The new study, published in the scientific journal “Epidemiology,” looked at cases over a decade in which children under 15 accidentally killed themselves or another child with a gun. Contact Dr. Nichole Michaels at Nichole.Michaels@NationwideChildrens.org
5.==> Can You Use AI for Investing?
Lately we’ve been hearing a lot about the power of artificial intelligence and how it can be applied to various aspects of our lives. Using big data combined with machine learning and artificial intelligence, Michael Robbins can explain how to apply modern tools to investing, currency control, market impact, and taxes. Listeners will learn how to implement factor investing and data science and apply machine learning to investment portfolios. Michael Robbins is the chief investment officer at Larson Financial and an adjunct professor at Columbia University where he teaches quantitative investing including graduate classes in global macroeconomic tactical asset allocation and environmental, social, and governance investing. His new book is “Quantitative Asset Management: Factor Investing and Machine Learning for Institutional Investing.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (O); (703) 400-1099 (C) or johanna@jrbpr.biz; johanna@jrbcomm.com
6. ==> Fun Show: Explore Space Without Leaving Earth
Looking for an out-of-this-world adventure this summer? When we think about space travel, we normally look skyward. But much of spaceflight history happened down here on Earth. Before astronauts walked on the Moon, they trained at locations you can visit today — from NASA space centers and telescope observatories to impact craters and atomic testing grounds. Mike Bezemek offers listeners a peek at these sites along with true stories that span the Space Age. Bezemek is the author of “Space Age Adventures: Over 100 Terrestrial Sites and Out of This World Stories,” populated with artifact-filled museums, mountaintop observatories and working spaceports. Bezemek is the author of six books and has written for many publications including “Outside,” “Men’s Health” and “Paddling Magazine.” Contact him at mike@mikebezemek.com
7. ==> Why Wildfires Are Now Everyone’s Business
Think wildfires only affect the western U.S.? Almost 58 million people in the northeastern and mid-Atlantic U.S., recently witnessed the unmistakable haze caused by 416 Canadian wildfires. The smoky pollution was detected in many states, provinces and cities in the region, leaving little doubt that the damage from wildfires is affecting huge swaths of people. For a timely take on this, interview wildfire expert Jim Moseley, who will explain what this wildfire threat encompasses, and how we can protect ourselves. Jim has developed patented products and methods to ease the danger and even prevent wildfires. Invite Jim to discuss what causes the wildfire scourge, what we should be doing, which locations and populations are in the worst wildfire and polluting danger zones, and even how NASA is involved with fighting the war against wildfires. Contact Jim at (818) 486-8662; jmoseley@rtirguests.com
8. ==> How an Olympian Died of Childbirth Complications
An autopsy report shows Olympic sprinter Tori Bowie, who was found dead in May, was eight months pregnant and in labor at the time of her death. She was an elite athlete and just 32 years old, so how could this happen? Experts say being Black, no matter what your fitness level or socioeconomic status, is one of the strongest predictors of developing birth complications that can lead to death. Dr. Alan Lindemann can explain the difference between pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, the risk factors, and the symptoms. He can also discuss “maternal deserts” and why childbirth has become so dangerous in the U.S. Lindeman practiced obstetrics for 45 years and delivered more than 6,000 babies and now devotes his time to reaching out to women about maternal health, especially those who may have limited access to care and information based on where they live. Contact Alan Lindemann M.D., at (701) 399-9556; ALindemann@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Teens Wanted: It’s Not Too Late for a Summer Job
For teens looking to make some money and get work experience, there are plenty of jobs this summer, according to Andrew Challenger, senior vice president of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. “The jobs are there. Despite the potential for a recession on the horizon, inflation is easing and consumer spending has not fallen as much as some economists expected. Summer camps and community pools are up and running and need workers,” he says. With an estimated 2.4 million jobs currently available in the hospitality, retail and leisure industries, Challenger says, “This is a great time for teens looking for work. Amusement parks, pools and beaches, grocery stores, summer camps, zoos and museums, child-care facilities all need workers and offer great first jobs for teens.” Challenger can share tips for teen job seekers, unexpected places to find summer opportunities, and where to look for paid internships. Challenger, Gray and Christmas is a global outplacement and executive coaching firm. Contact Colleen Madden Blumenfeld at (312) 422-5074; (314) 807-1568 (cell) or colleenmadden@challengergray.com
10. ==> Psychologist on Why Traditional Talk Therapy Doesn’t Work
Conventional mental health professionals have long maintained that talk therapy is the panacea to healing the mind. But Adriana Popescu Ph.D., claims that true healing comes from also treating the body and spirit. “I specialize in using some of the most powerful, effective holistic healing techniques to radically shift limiting feelings and beliefs,” she says. “These may include meditation, nutritional supplements and all kinds of mind-body healing techniques.” Adriana is a licensed clinical psychologist, addiction and trauma specialist, speaker, thought leader and empowerment coach, and author of the critically acclaimed book “What If You’re Not as F***ed Up As You Think You Are? How We Come to Believe Lies About Ourselves and What We Can Do to Change Them.” Contact Adriana at (415) 707-5054; Apopescu@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Why So Many Women Suffer From Imposter Syndrome
They may look perfectly put together on the outside but inside many successful women suffer from feelings of not being good enough — despite all they have accomplished. What can they do to feel as good inside as they appear to be on the outside? Interview Tonya Comer to find out. The author of “In High Heels on a Ladder,” this life coach and speaker can share the seven power tools she used to rise above her own shame and self-doubt that kept her from fully enjoying her success as one of the Top 20 African American Interior Designers in the country. Raised in the projects of Pittsburgh, Pa., Tonya has held her own among A-listers and power players, surviving the sexism, ageism, and stereotyping of designers commonly held by people in the construction trades. She holds an MBA from Michigan State University’s Eli Broad Graduate School of Management and a B.A. from Duquesne University. She studied interior design at London Metropolitan University. Tonya formerly worked in broadcasting, and in sales, marketing, advertising, and consulting for corporate America. Contact Sudanna Morris at (215) 667-8464; info@tonyacomer.com
12. ==> How Trying to Be a Perfect Parent Can Ruin Your Kids
Many parents attempt to be perfect and expect the same from their kids. But author Jerry Bures claims that this does a lot more harm than good. “Striving for perfection in parenting is both unrealistic and unnecessary,” he says. “It’s the curse of parenting. It’s more about getting it mostly right, most of the time, and celebrating more of what goes well and beating yourself up less for what goes wrong.” Jerry should know. As a dad to six kids, including one with significant special needs, he had to learn how to deal with the pressures of what he calls “crisis parenting.” He is the author of “When Kids Leave Clues: 26 Timeless Stories of Inspiration & Essential Life Lessons Taught to Us by Our Own Children.” Contact him at (920) 796-9160; jbures@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Does Enduring Tough Times Make Us Stronger?
“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” You’ve probably heard the phrase, but is it really true? Invite Hillary Saffran to share stories of famous people like Albert Einstein, Ludwig van Beethoven and Oprah, and others who have accomplished great things despite going through great adversities. The author of “Fill Your Glass with Gold: When It’s Half Full or Even Completely Shattered” faced significant challenges throughout her life and tells others, “Whatever you have gone through — no matter how difficult it seems — it will be useful for you in the future. Out of great difficulty many have created nonprofits, formed ministries, and have gathered more skill sets for a new or better career.” Hillary Saffran is an author, therapist, transformational coach, speaker, actress, singer, musician, voiceover artist, and ventriloquist. As a single parent of three children, she made extra money by becoming a birthday party clown and performing singing telegrams. Her books include “Laughing in the Rain: Self-Care for the Storms of Life” and “The Little Coach Engine That Could Because It Stopped Sabotaging Itself.” Contact her at (907) 707-7556; hillarysaffran@gmail.com
14. ==> This Guest Will Ignite Your Inner Power!
Are you ready to embark on a profound journey of personal transformation? Are you seeking genuine joy, peace, happiness, and abundance in every aspect of your life? If your answer is a resounding “Yes!” then Paul Jebelli is here to guide you toward a life of greatness and fulfillment. He’ll reveal powerful practices to ignite the light within you and help get you from where you are to where you want to be. Paul Jebelli is a personal success coach, spiritual mystic, meditation and breath work master and transformational trainer. Contact him at (647) 783-3534; paul_jebelli@yahoo.com
15. ==> Wine Writer Reveals the Veiled Misogyny of the Wine World
Being a wine writer may sound like a dream job, but the wine industry has an underbelly that isn’t quite five-star worthy. Best-selling wine writer Natalie MacLean takes listeners inside the glamorous but sexist wine industry to reveal the slick marketing that encourages women to drink too much and the veiled misogyny of the wine world. She’ll also discuss how she found herself drinking too much as a wine professional and share tips on moderating alcohol consumption without going sober. Natalie MacLean is the author of several books including “Red, White and Drunk All Over: A Wine-Soaked Journey from Grape to Glass” and “Unquenchable: A Tipsy Quest for the World’s Best Bargain Wines.” “Wine Witch on Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation, and Drinking Too Much” is her debut memoir. Contact her at natalie@nataliemaclean.com