01. Why Did Biden Close the Border Now?
02. Prepare for a Record-Breaking Hurricane Season
03. Modi Wins, but Loses Majority
04. Keep Your Pets Safe During Cicada Season
05. For Father’s Day – Former Pro Wrestler and Pastor, ‘The Saint’
06. 5 Things Millennials Need to Know About Digital Preservation
07. Interview a Morgan Stanley Whistle-Blower
08. How World War II Affected College Football
09. She Was in the Trauma Unit When Tupac Died
10. Don’t Ignore These Health Warning Signs
11. The Biggest Myths About Hard Work and Success
12. What’s Really Holding You Back?
13. This Guest Offers a Bigotry Breakthrough
14. Battle Climate Change by Going Vegan?
15. Get Kids to Put Down Their Phones, Pick Up a Pencil
1.==> Why Did Biden Close the Border Now?
Immigration is the most important issue to voters in the lead up to November’s U.S. presidential election, with 28 percent of Americans citing it as the greatest challenge facing the United States in a February 2024 Gallup poll. President Joe Biden significantly expanded restrictions on asylum in a sweeping new executive order, but reaction has been mixed from both sides of the aisle. Officials expect an uptick in activity as seasonal summer migration returns, fueled by the tens of thousands crossing the Darién Gap in recent months. Unrest in Cuba, near anarchy in Haiti, and authoritarian repression in Venezuela suggest more are likely to make the journey to the U.S.-Mexico border as the Biden administration struggles with an asylum case backlog topping three million. Shannon O’Neil can explain the new restrictions and why they were issued by executive order. “The bipartisan bill to address border security, which would have provided $20 billion in funds for 100 new judges and case workers, 4,300 new asylum officers, and nearly 3,000 new border enforcement personnel, failed to pass Congress, leaving Biden with no new tools.” She adds, “As other borders have shown, border security is possible with sufficient resources, processing, and infrastructure, but all that requires investment—and, in turn, elusive bipartisan support.” Shannon O’Neil is the vice president, deputy director of studies, and Nelson and David Rockefeller senior fellow for Latin America studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. She is an expert on global trade, supply chains, Mexico, Latin America, and democracy. Contact her at (212) 434-9632; soneil@cfr.org
2.==> Prepare for a Record-Breaking Hurricane Season
Prepare for another summer of extreme weather! The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts more hurricanes than ever. NOAA expects 17 to 25 named storms across the U.S., with eight to 13 expected to be hurricanes, and four to seven, “major hurricanes.” Invite Dr. Shawn Rowland to share 5 tips to prepare your family for the possibility of an emergency situation. Rowland says, “Being as prepared as possible is the only way to safeguard your family against preventable mishaps during an unpreventable emergency. Remember, emergencies come in all shapes and sizes, so the more diverse ways in which you prepare, the better.” Rowland first experienced the difficulty of obtaining lifesaving medications during a natural disaster in Mexico. He realized the extent of the problem while working as a physician during the pandemic and founded Jase Medical, a company that provides a supply of medication to have on hand in the event of a serious emergency or when professional medical help isn’t available. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; Ryan@goldmanmccormick.com
3.==> Modi Wins, but Loses Majority
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s National Democracy Alliance formally named him to lead a new coalition government for a third straight term. Modi, a populist who has dominated Indian politics since 2014, will for the first time head a government dependent on the support of regional allies whose loyalties have wavered over time, which could complicate the new cabinet’s reform agenda. Invite Manjari Chatterjee Miller to discuss what Modi’s third term will mean for India’s economy, democracy, and position in the Global South. An expert on India, China, South Asia, and rising powers, Miller is the author of “Why Nations Rise: Narratives and the Path to Great Power” and a frequent contributor to policy and media outlets in the United States and Asia. Contact her at mmiller@cfr.org
4.==> Keep Your Pets Safe During Cicada Season
You’ve probably heard that we’re in the middle of a cicada invasion this summer. If you’re a pet owner in a region that’s experiencing this rare phenomenon where trillions of periodical cicadas are emerging from the earth, you may be wondering if the creatures pose a hazard to your pets. Thankfully, integrative veterinarian Dr. Carol Osborne has all the information and advice pet parents will need to keep their fur babies safe during the cicada invasion season! Ask her: Are cicadas a danger to pets? Can they trigger allergies? What if my dog eats one or brings one into my house? Carol Osborne, DVM, is a practicing integrative veterinarian, the director of the Chagrin Falls Veterinary Center and Pet Clinic, and an Emmy-nominated television journalist. She is a regular contributor to several TV shows and networks including “Fox & Friends,” the “Today” show, Discovery’s Animal Planet and “Good Day LA.” Contact Mackenzie August at (661) 255-8283; mackenzie@steveallenmedia.com
5. ==> For Father’s Day – Former Pro Wrestler and Pastor, ‘The Saint’
Dr. Chris Whaley spent the 1980s as “The Saint,” competing with the biggest names in pro wrestling including “The Undertaker,” “The Freebirds,” “The Ultimate Warrior,” and more. But after a decade in the ring, Chris retired and stopped one battle and started another, fighting the good fight as a minister. Chris’ 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. Invite the grandfather to six for a fun and inspirational Father’s Day show where he’ll share why fathers are so important, ways every dad can be a hero, and what raising two daughters taught him about being a father. Ask him about his wrestling career (and whether pro wrestling is fake,) his 48-year marriage to his high school sweetheart, or what it’s like to see his books made into movies. Dr. Chris Walley has appeared on TV, radio and podcasts. Contact him at (407) 227-8781; themaskedsaint59@gmail.com
6. ==> 5 Things Millennials Need to Know About Digital Preservation
For the first generation who grew up with cell phones, the internet, and digital cameras, the word “photo” invokes a collection of pixels rather than a physical object. It’s said that the internet is forever, but are all those digital memories truly safe? Professional archivist Rhonda Chadwick reveals why “storing and ignoring” can lead to a complete loss of digital content, and what we need to do to protect our cherished photos. She’ll also discuss why some file formats are better than others, how to guard against corporations pulling the plug on your digital storage, why you need to disaster-proof your photo collection and much more. The author of “Secrets from the Stacks: An Archivist Reveals How to Store, Digitize, and Preserve Documents to Create a Family Archive and Leave a Personal Legacy,” Rhonda holds a master’s degree in library science. Talk to this knowledgeable guest today, and help your listeners preserve their memories for generations to come. Contact Rhonda Chadwick at (401) 227-3306; rchadwick@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Interview a Morgan Stanley Whistle-Blower
While working as a broker at Morgan Stanley in the early 2000s, Dana de Wendt witnessed a shocking series of events. “I was convinced that Morgan Stanley was cheating clients,” he says. Thus, Dana decided to blow the whistle. In 2007, Morgan Stanley and one of its senior traders agreed to pay $6.1 million in fines and restitution to settle allegations that the investment bank overcharged brokerage customers — one of whom was Dana’s then 87-year-old father — on 2,800 purchases of $59 million of bonds. But no criminal charges were ever pursued. That is just one of the shocking events he witnessed during his 30-plus years in the financial industry, and they are still happening. Dana can share why such white-collar crimes remain under the radar, and how companies continue to get away with them. Dana is the author of “Checkmate: The Morgan Stanley Whistle Blower.” Contact him at (772) 773-6879; ddewindt@rtirguests.com
8. ==> How World War II Affected College Football
The football season may be over but there are still great stories out there for football fans who miss the regular gridiron action. One of them has to do with the surprising importance of college football to the country during World War II and the lengths colleges went to preserve this American institution and keep morale high. West Point graduate, retired Army lieutenant colonel, and Vietnam veteran Rich Cacioppe gives your audience an in-depth look at college football in the crucial 1940s, as well as the unique cultural aspects that surrounded this tumultuous time. The author of “Black Knights and Fighting Irish” and an experienced media guest, Rich provides the answers to fascinating questions like: Why was the 1946 Army-Notre Dame game considered “The Game of the Century?” What was the shocking connection between Notre Dame and a 1951 cheating scandal at West Point? How does WWII’s impact on college football make today’s unprecedented Transfer Portal issue seem benign by comparison? Contact Rich Cacioppe at (239) 420-7460 or rcacioppe@rtirguests.com
9. ==> She Was in the Trauma Unit When Tupac Died
Susie Bell was a young nurse working in the trauma unit at University Medical Center in Las Vegas when infamous rapper Tupac Shakur was fatally shot. At the time, she was a member of the Mormon Church and had led a sheltered life. “I had no idea who he was,” she says. “I saw a lot of people who I assumed were celebrities coming in and out of the hospital.” At one point, Susie found herself alone with Shakur’s lifeless body and can recount that poignant experience. That is just one aspect of her often harrowing life story, which includes excommunication from the church, being drugged, raped, and dragged through the mud by a famous athlete, and more. Susie is now a nurse practitioner and author of the upcoming book “A Piece of Me: Finding My Voice After Mormonism, Marriage, Medicine & Men.” Contact Susie Bell at (213) 816-3622; sbell@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Don’t Ignore These Health Warning Signs
Most people in our society don’t worry about their health until they actually get sick. Long-time registered nurse Allen Daugherty says that’s a huge mistake. “Many people think that accidents and terminal illnesses are just a part of living. The truth is that many of these can be prevented.” Not only can Allen share how to avoid developing serious illnesses, he can address how to raise safety-conscious kids, eliminate fire and fall hazards at home, and what vaccines and other preventative measures we need to stay healthy, and happy. He has worked in the medical field for 50 years, first as a U.S. Air Force medic then as an RN and certified dialysis nurse. He is the author of “An Ounce of Prevention is Worth More Than You Can Imagine.” Contact Allen Daugherty at (540) 712-8704; adaugherty@rtirguests.com
11. ==> The Biggest Myths About Hard Work and Success
America is a nation of workaholics who have long been indoctrinated to believe that performing long hours of mind-numbing work is the path to success. But according to author, project management expert and professional musician Gerald Leonard, that is total nonsense. “The long-held myth is that stressful work environments lead to higher productivity,” he says. “However, this leads to extreme burnout, greater employee turnover and decreased worker loyalty.” Gerald can share how to work smarter, not harder, to obtain maximum success. He is the author of numerous books including “Culture Is the Bass: 7 Steps to Creating High Performing Teams.” He is a certified Portfolio Management Professional and professional bass player. Contact Gerald Leonard at (443) 703-2929; gleonard@rtirguests.com
12. ==> What’s Really Holding You Back?
Do you know what’s holding you back from achieving the life you want? If you think you’re not capable of doing it, you’re not alone. Self-doubt sabotages the best of intentions and stands in the way of the great relationships, careers, and successes you deserve. Psychologist and award-winning author Melody Krafft is here to help you banish doubt from your life and accomplish your dreams. Talk to Melody and find out how embedded doubt keeps you stuck in the moment, reliving the same day over and over again – and how you can break this cycle of doubt, anxiety, and fear to start living your best life now. She’ll also reveal techniques and tactics to rid yourself of everyday stress, why confidence and having a big ego are not the same thing, and much more. An experienced media guest and public speaker, Melody is the author of “Get Me Out of Here! What’s Beyond This Madness.” Contact her at (703) 951-4735; mkrafft@rtirguests.com
13. ==> This Guest Offers a Bigotry Breakthrough
While racism and bigotry are on the rise across the globe, author Sara Ting claims that there is still hope for peace and harmony. The founder and president of World Unity, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to the elimination of all forms of bigotry says, “All humans have unconscious biases. I have developed a tool that takes 10 seconds or less to help cultivate a mindset to value all people equally.” Sara is a diversity and inclusion educator, speaker, consultant and author of “Small Book with a Big Idea: 5 Minute Training to Empower You and Transform the World.” Contact Sara Ting at (508) 715-3370; Sting@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Battle Climate Change by Going Vegan?
There’s no question that climate change is a serious threat to the entire world. But did you know it involves much more than extra-hot summers and saving the ozone layer? Author and activist Richard Schwartz, Ph.D., reveals why the world is eating itself to extinction. He’ll discuss why animal-based industries are the real climate killers and explain how vegetarianism and veganism are key to saving the planet. He’ll also explain why humans will likely be extinct by 2100 if we don’t make drastic changes now. An experienced media guest, Richard is the author of “Vegan Revolution: Saving Our World, Revitalizing Judaism” and similar books. Contact Richard Schwartz at (914) 533-1949 or rschwartz@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Get Kids to Put Down Their Phones, Pick Up a Pencil
Teens and preteens are like Olympic athletes when it comes to texting with both thumbs. And while texting is a great way to communicate, nothing beats printing or cursive for building self-confidence, reducing stress, improving vocabulary, memory and more, according to former teacher Arlene Hemingway. In this unusual show, Arlene can discuss the benefits children (and adults) can accrue by using a pen or No. 2 pencil and a legal pad to create stories. Arlene can also introduce your audience to Drabble, a 100-word stories that tell a complete story. Hemingway teaches Drabble at Blue Bridge Community College in Flat Rock, North Carolina, and at some charter schools. She formerly taught music in the Long Island public school system, She is the author of “A Twist of Lemon: 100 Curious Stories in Exactly 100 Words” and has a master’s degree from the Juilliard School of Music. Contact Arlene at (828) 684-9840; info@arleneduanehemingway.com