01. Ukraine’s NATO Future
02. Biden’s Bad Temper: Is It Ever OK for a Boss to Yell?
03. You’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat! Shark Week Is Back
04. What Went Wrong With Aretha Franklin’s Will?
05. The New Roaring Twenties: A.I. in America
06. Can You Fireproof a House?
07. Why Tragedies Birth New Nonprofits (but Maybe Shouldn’t)
08. From Tic-Tac-Toe Chickens to Roulette Wheel Custody Battles: Crazy Stories from the Courtroom
09. The 2-Second Mistake That Could Cost a Life
10. Do a Show on the Healing Power of Music
11. The Psychedelic World of Silicon Valley
12. Top Psychic’s Summer Advice and Predictions
13. Psychologist Says Traditional Talk Therapy Doesn’t Work
14. Are You Choosing Happy or Avoiding it?
15. How God Bailed This Author Out of Prison
1.==> Ukraine’s NATO Future
The most complicated problem leaders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) faced at their summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, was how to respond to Ukraine’s interest in joining the alliance. Invite Stephen Sestanovich to explain what happened at the meeting and why members pledged to support the embattled country but offered no protection under the alliance’s security umbrella. He says the test of the summit’s success will be whether NATO made its steadily increasing support for Ukraine seem meaningful enough that both the alliance and Kyiv treat the occasion as a true milestone on the way to a lasting partnership. Stephen Sestanovich is the George F. Kennan senior fellow for Russian and Eurasian studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and a professor of international diplomacy at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. He is the author of “Maximalist: America in the World from Truman to Obama.” Contact him at (202) 509-8454; communications@cfr.org
2. ==> Biden’s Bad Temper: Is It Ever OK for a Boss to Yell?
According to a report in Axios, Joe Biden has a habit of cursing out, criticizing and cursorily dismissing members of his staff. He’s certainly not the only boss to have a bad temper, but is it ever OK to raise your voice to an employee? Workplace expert Christina Curtis says what matters most is the overall relationship a boss has with employees. “If there is a healthy relationship where employees feel like they can speak up and ask questions, then if a boss’s stress comes through once in a while, there is an understanding that they are only human, and they can apologize if they have made a mistake,” she says. “When it becomes a trend that bosses are yelling or undermining employees, that is abusive supervision and is super-stressful for employees. It is hard to be around, and it will inevitably make the quality of work go down as people don’t feel like they can get help, ask questions, or make mistakes.” Curtis will share ways executives can voice their displeasure with subordinates in a professional manner and discuss generational differences when it comes to leadership styles. Christina Curtis is founder of Curtis Leadership Consulting and the author of “Choosing Greatness: An Evidence-Based Approach to Achieving Exceptional Outcomes.” Contact Mark Goldman at (516) 639-0988 (call/text); markgoldman73@gmail.com
3. ==> You’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat! Shark Week Is Back
Discovery’s wildly popular Shark Week returns Sunday, July 23. It’s seven days of dusk-to-dawn programming filled with everything and anything related to sharks. Join in the feeding frenzy when you book Catherine Macdonald, director of the Shark Research and Conservation Program at the University of Miami. She’ll 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? Do 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
4.==> What Went Wrong With Aretha Franklin’s Will?
A jury in Michigan has decided that a handwritten note found under a couch cushion is Aretha Franklin’s last will and testament. Invite attorney David J. Glass, Ph.D., to unravel the unusual situation, explain how the matter ended up in court, and what the Queen of Soul’s sons have been fighting about. Ask him: Are handwritten wills valid everywhere? What happens if you die without a will, as was believed to be the case when Franklin died in 2018? Does a proper will prevent lawsuits like this one? David Glass is one of a few attorneys trained in both law and clinical psychology. He has practiced family law including probate litigation for 23 years. Contact Cherie Kerr at (714) 550-9900; (714) 271-2140 or cherie@kerrpr-execuprov.com
5. ==> The New Roaring Twenties: A.I. in America
Artificial intelligence, or A.I., is in the news almost daily. Recent stories include actor Bruce Willis allowing his A.I. likeness to be used by Deepfake in a commercial venture and potential films. Meantime, a court in Denver, Colorado, decided couples can use an artificial intelligence bot as their marriage officiant, an idea banned by other countries. Paul Zane Pilzer and Stephen P. Jarchow contend that as exciting and futuristic as this all sounds, our civilization faces a very real danger from “zero-day” cyber-attacks and manipulative algorithms. Invite the authors of “The New Roaring Twenties: A.I. in America” on your show to discuss what the public should know about the technology and how it’s causing a re-evaluation of the nature of work and our inefficient social welfare and health-care systems, as well as prompting new and surprising views of the national debt and inflation. Paul Zane Pilzer is an economist, social entrepreneur and the “New York Times” best-selling author of 13 books. Stephen P. Jarchow has been involved in the production and/or distribution of over 250 motion pictures and television seriates and is the author of five books on real estate finance. Contact Harlan Boll at (626) 296-3757
harlan@bhbpr.com
6. ==> Can You Fireproof a House?
Wildfires destroyed over 300,000 acres across the country last year alone. Ravaging forests and homes alike, wildfires have become drastically more frequent, burning longer and more intensely than ever before. For a timely take on this subject, interview wildfire expert Jim Moseley, who can explain what this wildfire threat encompasses, and how we can protect ourselves and our properties. 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
7. ==> Why Tragedies Birth New Nonprofits (but Maybe Shouldn’t)
Tragic events like school shootings and natural disasters often lead everyday people to start nonprofits. But while this may be a noble endeavor, it’s not right for everyone. “Starting and running a new nonprofit is hard, so maybe people should think about doing something else with their passion project,” says author and nonprofit consultant Michele Whetzel. “Consider that there may be a way to have a successful program to fulfill your charitable ambition without all that is required to start and run a stand-alone public charity.” Michele can offer invaluable advice about how to pursue your passion project, without the headaches. She is a veteran of the nonprofit arena, founder of Your 501 Guide consulting and author of the upcoming book “So, You Want to Start a Nonprofit, Now What?” Ask her: What are examples of good nonprofits? What are some better alternative projects? Contact Michele at (302) 407-0513; Mwhetzel@rtirguests.com
8. ==> 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
9. ==> The 2-Second Mistake That Could Cost a Life
Life could change, or end, in a matter of seconds. As a long-time nurse and health-care provider, Allen Daugherty has witnessed what happens when people take safety for granted. “In our society, life is so fast-paced and hectic that people often don’t pay attention to safety or preventative health care,” he says. “This could range from texting while driving to neglecting to receive routine, yet life-saving health tests and screenings.” Allen can address why America is the unhealthiest developed nation in the world, and how we can collectively change our mindset to improve our health and well-being. Allen has worked in the medical field for almost 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 at (540) 712-8704; adaugherty@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Do a Show on the Healing Power of Music
Music is a huge part of every culture the world over. Beyond providing entertainment, music can instantly affect our moods — but did you know that music can also heal? John Campbell talks about the tremendous power of music to soothe body and soul. He’ll share examples from personal experience of Alzheimer’s and dementia sufferers responding to music, tips and advice on choosing the best music for healing, unconventional ways to bring healing music into your life, and more. An entrepreneur and songwriter, John is the author of four books. His latest, “Beyond the Fading Memories: Guiding Words for Dementia Caregivers, includes stories, advice, and lessons learned from six years as the primary caregiver for his mother after she was diagnosed with dementia. Ask him: How does music help your mind and body heal? Why are old songs so ingrained in our brains? What can caregivers do to help patients or loved ones (and themselves) during difficult times? Contact John Campbell at (608) 975-2714; jcampbell@rtirguests.com
11. ==> The Psychedelic World of Silicon Valley
According to a report in the “Wall Street Journal,” some of Silicon Valley’s biggest movers and shakers regularly turn on, tune in and drop out. The report says Elon Musk micro doses ketamine for his depression while Google founder Sergey Brin enjoys magic mushroom parties. The reported rise in drug use, specifically psychedelics like psilocybin, ketamine, and LSD, is seen as part of a movement to drive innovation among Silicon Valley executives. Sparrow Hart is available for interview on this timely topic, having studied the variety of ways to alter and change consciousness for decades. He can discuss both the incredible promise of psychedelics as well as the potential pitfalls of their misuse in an addictive and distraction-seeking culture. Ask him if he sees psychedelics as having a broader impact than just improving a few individuals’ happiness. He has studied with Native Americans, taught courses on shamanism, and led vision quests for three decades. Sparrow’s varied career includes being a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Stanford, a brief stint working in a slaughterhouse, adventures in the Amazon, and over 30 years of leading workshops on shamanism, conscious dreaming, and vision quests in nature. He is the author of several books including “Letters to the River: A Guide to a Dream Worth Living.” Contact Sparrow Hart at (801) 516-0740; SHart@rtirguests.com
12. == > Top Psychic’s Summer Advice and Predictions
With the fun and sun of summer in full swing, moods are lifted across the board. It’s the perfect time to look toward the future — and you can find out what’s in store for you and yours when you talk to popular psychic Ann Johnson. Interview Ann for instant personality analysis, career and relationship advice, and much more. A frequent media guest and top psychic based in New York, Ann has been featured by top media outlets including “New York Magazine,” MTV Network, and “Rolling Stone.” She is the author of “Facing Forward: A Memoir About Choices, Intuition, and Insights in a Show Busy Life.” Discover how to live your best life when you interview Ann! Ask her: What are some ways to use psychic advice to improve our lives? How can we harness our own intuition to look and feel better at any age? What can we look forward to for the rest of 2023? Contact Ann Johnson at (516) 862-4405; ajohnson@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Psychologist Says 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
14. ==> Are You Choosing Happy or Avoiding it?
Unlock the hidden secrets of happiness and discover five things you think will make you happy but actually won’t when you interview this dynamic guest! Jennifer Hughes is on a mission to help people choose happy. Most people get it backward, avoiding things that will make them happy while actively choosing things that end up disappointing them. A certified life coach, trainer of The Success Principles, and author of “Choose Happy: Be This, Not That,” Jennifer can help your audience strengthen their relationships, achieve their dreams, and skyrocket their happiness to new levels. Ask her: What are the five unexpected things people believe will make them happy but actually won’t? Why is it so important to take responsibility for our own happiness, and how can we do that? What would you say to someone who doesn’t believe that happiness is a choice? Contact Jennifer Hughes at (480) 745-2113; jhughes@rtirguests.com
15. ==> How God Bailed This Author Out of Prison
As a single teenage mother who was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for conspiracy to sell drugs and money laundering, Tressa Mitchener seemed like a lost cause. But thanks to her strong faith, her sentence was miraculously reduced to five years. She went on to earn a B.A. in psychology, become a respected Christian counselor and best-selling author, and marry her dream man. “While I was in prison, I was strongly focused on God,” she says. “He was giving me instructions and guiding me. My mind began to change.” She is the author of “Looking Out from the Inside: The United States v. Tressa Oliva Parker.” Contact Tressa at (919) 582-5992; Tmitchener@rtirguests.com