01. Why Is Bill Cosby Free?
02. Deadly Weather: Heat Stroke, Heat Exhaustion
03. Don’t Spend July 4th in the ER
04. True Crime: One of the 1st International Serial Killers
05. Great Summer Show: Calling All Leonard Cohen Fans
06. Documentary: What Drives Young Activists to Get Political?
07. Should Critical Race Theory Be Taught in Schools?
08. Summer Cyber Safety
09. Falling College Enrollments Represent Good News
10. How to Break Kids’ Bad Screen Habits
11. Why Countless Kids Fear the Post-Pandemic World
12. This Guest Dispels the 5 Major Myths about Adoption
13. A Candid Conversation about Bipolar Disorder
14. Expert Reveals the 6 Types of Men
15. Worried about the Afterlife? Talk to This Retired Hospice Nurse
1.==> Why Is Bill Cosby Free?
Bill Cosby was released from prison yesterday after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court vacated his conviction on sexual assault charges. Neama Rahmani, president of West Coast Trial Lawyers, who is not involved in Cosby’s case, says the overturn is unprecedented. “Cosby was convicted in 2018 based on evidence that is inadmissible,” Rahmani explains. “He testified truthfully but he did so under the assumption that there would be no prosecution.” Cosby was convicted of drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand, a Temple University employee, at his suburban Philadelphia estate back in 2004. He’s served more than two years of a three- to 10-year sentence at a state prison near Philadelphia. Neama Rahmani graduated from UCLA at 19 and Harvard Law School at 22. He’s worked for the U.S. Attorney’s Office as a federal prosecutor, is a regular legal commentator in the media, and sits on the UCLA Political Science Board of Advisors. Contact him at (888) 979-9356; (213) 927-3701 (cell) or nr@westcoasttriallawyers.com
2. ==> Deadly Weather: Heat Stroke, Heat Exhaustion
Sweating in the summer sun is one thing, but overheating is another. According to an expert at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, the main concern with heat exhaustion is that it can lead to heat stroke if symptoms are ignored. Heat stroke occurs when the core temperature of the body reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit and changes in our central nervous system take place such as disorientation, confusion, behavioral or emotional changes or altered mental status,” says Isabel Valdez, physician assistant and assistant professor of general internal medicine at Baylor. “In some case, seizures or comas can also occur. Vital internal organs like the brain, liver and kidneys can be damaged by heat stroke.” Valdez will discuss symptoms of heat exhaustion and stroke, some common over the counter and prescription medications that may increase your risk, and prevention tips if you work outside or don’t have air conditioning. Contact Isabel Valdez, PA-C, MPAS, CPAAPA at (713) 798-2500; isabel.valdez@bcm.edu
3. ==> Don’t Spend July 4th in the ER
Nothing can ruin a holiday gathering more than a trip to the emergency room or a visit from your local firefighters! Whether it’s a grill fire as you’re preparing dinner, someone slipping around the pool, or a serious burn from a sparkler, the Fourth of July holiday is filled with opportunities for accidents and mishaps. Former chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Hon. Nancy Steorts, will reveal the biggest threats this holiday weekend and share ways to make sure your family enjoys the summer season without anyone having to call 911. Nancy Steorts is the author of several books including “Your Home Safe Home” and “Safe Living in a Dangerous World.” Contact her at (703) 790-5116; (240) 401-7782 (cell); nancysteorts@cox.net
4.==> True Crime: One of the 1st International Serial Killers
In the late 1800s, one of the first international serial killers murdered as many as ten people in the United States, Britain, and Canada. Over 15 years, Dr. Thomas Neill Cream targeted vulnerable and desperate women who came to him for medical advice, using his knowledge of poisons to conceal his crimes. Invite Dean Jobb, author of the monthly true-crime column, “Stranger Than Fiction,” for Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, to discuss the case. You’ll learn about the flawed detection methods, bungled investigations, corrupt officials, and stifling morality of Victorian-era society that allowed Dr. Cream to prey on victims undetected, time after time. Dean Jobb’s new book is “The Case of the Murderous Dr. Cream.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com or Briana Caywood at (703) 646-5188
5. ==> Great Summer Show: Calling All 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
6. ==> Documentary: What Drives Young Activists to Get Political?
On issues like student loan debt and gun violence, America’s young adults have a few ideas on how to change the world they’ve inherited, and they are standing up and demanding to be heard. Laura Pellegrini and Stefano Da Frè are co-directors and producers of the documentary “The Day I Had To Grow Up,” an award-winning film that showcases six young activists and the events that shaped their political lives including student debt, the Parkland school shooting, women’s roles in the new democracy, and the climate crisis. Laura Pellegrini and Stefano Da Frè are co-owners of Rosso Films International, which creates emerging political documentaries and narrative feature films about women, people of color, and people with disabilities. Two of Laura’s films have premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Contact Mark Goldman at (516) 639-0988 (call/text); mark@goldmanmccormick.com
7. ==> Should Critical Race Theory Be Taught in Schools?
When America’s children return to the classroom in the fall, will they be taught that white people are oppressors and that America is a systemically racist country? Are these really tenets of Critical Race Theory and if so, what organization is behind the push to indoctrinate school children in it? At least six states introduced bills that aim to place limitations on lessons about race and inequality being taught in American schools; should more states follow? Discuss this timely topic with Tamara Lashchyk and Jacqueline Toboroff, hosts of “The Bo Peep Podcast,” which probes the answers to questions that we are afraid to ask. Their podcast has already tackled this topic. Tamara Lashchyk has been interviewed by the BBC and featured in Huffington Post. A career coach, author, and former Wall Street executive, she recently ran for the New York State Assembly. Jacqueline Toboroff is a candidate for New York City Council (D1) and a parent and life-long resident of Manhattan. Contact Tamara Lashchyk at (848) 373-3543; TLashchyk@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Summer Cyber Safety
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 cyberwar 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
9. ==> Falling College Enrollments Represent Good News
For a variety of reasons, many colleges are still looking for students this fall, reasons that include economic issues, lingering COVID fears, international students whose families can’t send them, and fewer young students in the college-age group. While college administrators are worried about this trend, former college professor Glen Dunzweiler is anything but. He says, Good!” Glen says it’s time to think about the value of a college education vs. the debt it requires and whether a trade school or associate degree may be a better fit for young people contemplating their future. Glen can talk about how Gen Zs and their parents can plot a well-paying, satisfying future that puts their needs ahead of those of a future employer, college bursar, or loan officer. He will explain why a traditional college education does not lead to a secure future for most students, why trade schools and work experience can be a better option, and ways students can monetize their skills once they graduate. In addition to his former role as a college professor, Glen is a documentarian and the author of two books. His latest is “A Degree In Homelessness? Entrepreneurial Skills For Students.” Contact Glen at (702) 703-2219; GDunzweiler@rtirguests.com
10. ==> How to Break Kids’ Bad Screen Habits
Americans are more than ready to enjoy 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’ screens-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
11. ==> Why Countless Kids Fear the Post-Pandemic World
For more than a year, kids have been facing the pandemic, feeling lonely and separated from friends, worried about disease, and struggling with online learning or homeschooling. Now many children are almost as fearful about the changes the post-COVID world will bring. You’ll want to speak with educator Barbara Daniels, author of the award-winning Timmy Teacup series, to help parents prepare their kids for post-pandemic normalcy. Ask her: What are the biggest challenges for post-pandemic life as we reopen schools, theaters, amusement parks, malls, and other places kids hang out? What steps can parents take if their child seems particularly reticent? Contact Barbara Daniels at (636) 220-5495; BDaniels@rtirguests.com
12. ==> This Guest Dispels the 5 Major Myths about Adoption
Many childless couples and single people who wish to become parents opt to adopt. But they often find themselves navigating through a minefield of red tape, overwhelming expenses, complex laws and emotional turmoil. “Some people believe that the ‘waiting period’ between the time a birth parents’ rights have been terminated and the adoption is final is to allow the birth parents to change their mind,” Mikki Shepard says. “But it’s actually for the adoptive parents.” She adds, “Those who refer to putting a child up for adoption as ‘giving up a child’ are misinformed. It is the greatest gift a birth parent can give to a child when they feel they can’t take care of a baby at the time. It’s a rewarding gift of love to give a child life without second-guessing her decision forever. It creates a family based on love and respect.” As an adoptive mom who was adopted herself as a child, Mikki can also discuss laws regarding independent and international adoption, what expenses to expect, the “nature versus nurture” myth and more. Mikki is the author of “In a Heartbeat: The Miracle of a Family That Was Meant to Be.” Contact her at (938) 222-4650; mshepard@rtirguests.com
13. ==> A Candid Conversation about Bipolar Disorder
Invite longtime bipolar patient Diana Grippo to share the three-pronged approach that helped her cope with the mental disorder that at one point led her to a harsh life on the streets in San Francisco’s Tenderloin. Using candor and humor, Grippo will discuss how the combination of taking a spiritual path, employing music therapy and participating in Dialectical Behavior Therapy made all the difference, allowing her to better cope with the bipolar disease that has ruled her life for 34 years. Ask her: What do loved ones need to know about bipolar disease? What signs should they look for in those they suspect of having it? Why is it difficult for people to recognize their own mania? A former high school English teacher and marketing and sales professional who now works for Apple, Diana is the author of “Bipolar Chronicles: From Crazed to Content.” Contact her at (650) 417-1242; dianagrippo@gmail.com
14. ==> Expert Reveals the 6 Types of Men
Some women make the same dating mistakes over and over then wonder why they can’t find happiness. Author, speaker, and personal transformation expert Arnoux Goran says that once a woman knows the six types of men, she can navigate her way to red hot romance. Invite him to share the secrets that can lead to relationship bliss. He can tell your audience the biggest mistakes women make when choosing a partner and the red flags women should watch out for. Goran has developed a method to reprogram yourself that was studied by the University of California, Irvine, and proven to be 100% effective. His latest program is available on HowToAttractYourSoulmate.com. Goran has been featured on radio and television nationwide. Contact him at (878) 203-8231; AGoran@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Worried about the Afterlife? Talk to This Retired Hospice Nurse
As someone who has been with many patients as they faced the end of their lives, retired hospice nurse Jean Keegan Daly knows that some people worry about the afterlife, known as apeirophobia. For example, they may believe they will go to hell, are unable to forgive people who wronged them, or did not do a “good enough” job practicing the tenets of their religion. Jean will reveal what she tells them that often puts their minds at ease including why she believes their worries are unfounded. Jean will share what she has come to know about life after death, encounters she has had with angels and deceased patients and why she says all of us have a soul and a purpose for what we are supposed to do in this life. Jean has written the memoir “Reflections of a Seasoned Soul” and can share true stories of some of her most memorable patients. She has appeared on local television and taught at community colleges and hospitals. Reach her at (609) 912-3778; Jkeegandaly@rtirguests.com