01. How the American Colossus Was Built
02. Veteran Journalist Charles Glass Shares Story of War Poets
03. Inside the SAG-AFTRA Strike
04. Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Hot Dogs
05. Meet the World Laughter Champion
06. Twin Incels: Bryan Kohberger and the Unabomber
07. How an Olympian Died of Childbirth Complications
08. Are You a Victim of Weight Creep? Lose Weight As You Age
09. Stop Wasting Money on Health Insurance You Don’t Need
10. Mike Tyson’s Mother-in-Law: Helping Women Start Over After Prison
11. Stop Chasing Your Dreams and Searching for Your Calling
12. Does Enduring Tough Times Make Us Stronger?
13. What Nobody Tells You About Bouncing Back From Big Setbacks
14. Why the First and Last 15-Minutes of the Day Are the Most Important
15. From Kids to Seniors: How Pet Therapy Heals
1.==> How the American Colossus Was Built
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 Mirski 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. Mirski’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. Mirski 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
2. ==> Veteran Journalist Charles Glass Shares Story of War Poets
From the moment war broke out across Europe in 1914, the world entered a new, unparalleled era of modern warfare. Soldiers faced relentless machine-gun shelling, incredible artillery power, flame throwers, and gas attacks. Veteran journalist Charles Glass tells the story of the soldiers and doctors who struggled with the effects of industrial warfare on the human psyche in his new book, “Soldier’s Don’t Go Mad.” As psychiatrists tried to treat the victims of shell shock with various degrees of success, Glass shows us how a few patients emerged from the trenches and the mental hospitals to depict their demons in some of the most compelling poetry of the 20th century. Glass recently wrote the piece “From ‘Shell Shock’ to PTSD, Veterans Have a Long Walk to Health.” An author, journalist, broadcaster and publisher specializing in the Middle East and the Second World War, Glass was ABC News’ chief Middle East correspondent from 1983 to 1993 and has worked as a correspondent for “Newsweek” and “The Observer.” Contact him at charlesglass@gmx.com; @charlesmglass
3. ==> Inside the SAG-AFTRA Strike
One hundred and sixty thousand SAG-AFTRA members in TV and film are on strike, joining the 11,000 Writers Guild members, who have already been on strike for nearly three months. The walk-out marks the first time the two unions have been on strike together in Hollywood in over 60 years. “Many union members hope the Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA can together shut down production across Hollywood,” says journalist Mike Elk. “SAG-AFTRA and the studio association AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers) are far apart on critical issues, particularly on the studio’s refusal to regulate the use of artificial intelligence.” Elk can talk about the issues involved in the labor dispute and the impact on the movie and TV industry. Mike Elk is the founder and Emmy-nominated senior labor reporter at Payday Report. Contact him at melk@paydayreport.com; @MikeElk
4. ==> Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Hot Dogs
Is there any more iconic American summer food than a hot dog? But we have so many questions! Is a hot dog a sandwich? What’s the most popular topping for a frankfurter? And what are hot dogs really made from? Get your fill of hot dog and sausage facts, culture and history when you interview Hot Dog Top Dog Eric Mittenthal of the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (NHDSC). A wealth of information on anything and everything about this all-American food, the NHDSC has many resources for summer hot dog lovers including a full guide to regional hot dog styles, a list of the hot dogs found at Major League ballparks and tips on hot dog etiquette. Contact Mittenthal at (202) 587-4238; (404) 808-8396 (cell) or emittenthal@meatinstitute.org
5.==> Meet the World Laughter Champion
Who knew that laughing was a competitive sport? And what makes a winning laugh? Carla Brown (who has been the National Laughing Champion for two years running) recently finished first against competitors from Asia, Europe and the Americas in the World Laughing Championship! Her Diabolical Laugh, Sexy Laugh, ROFL and Contagious Laughter helped her win the title. Brown, who calls herself a recovering serious person, says the competition is really about conjuring laughter when there’s nothing specific to laugh at. “I’ve been teaching and practicing these tools for so long, it’s a part of me now,” the trailblazing laughter yogi says. The idea behind her laughter and grief yoga is that the very act of laughing — even if, maybe especially if, you don’t feel like it — can regulate your mood, break patterns of negative thoughts, relieve stress and tension, and lead to lasting joy and contentment. Contact Carla Brown at (806) 392-5768; livingfromjoy@gmail.com
6. ==> Twin Incels: Bryan Kohberger and the Unabomber
Ted Kaczynski, known as The Unabomber, was found dead in his federal prison cell last month. “What is most fascinating, when reviewing The Unabomber’s life, in the context of today’s criminals, is how he fits the profile of an incel, just like Bryan Kohberger,” says Dr. Carole Lieberman. She adds, “Indeed, Kaczynski may well have been the first notorious incel — though during his crime spree, the term wasn’t yet popular. Incel stands for Involuntary Celibate, a subculture of heterosexual men who build up resentment towards women because of their own inability to attract romantic or sexual partners.” Lieberman can discuss the similarities between the two men, the rise in incel crime, and how the incel subculture can exacerbate feelings of anger and hostility among men with similar experiences. Carole Lieberman, M.D., M.P.H., frequently appears in the media commentating on news headlines from a psychological and socio-political point of view. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103
7. ==> How an Olympian Died of Childbirth Complications
An autopsy report concluded that Olympic sprinter Tori Bowie died of complications of preeclampsia. The 32-year-old elite athlete was eight months pregnant and in labor at the time of her death. 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 preeclampsia 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
8. ==> Are You a Victim of Weight Creep? Lose Weight As You Age
Weight gain is something that creeps up on us especially as we get older. But once we notice it and want to do something about it we may find that reversing course is hard. Laura Pickett knows this firsthand but as an older woman who dropped 80 pounds she’s living proof that weight loss can happen at any age. Using a combination of honest talk, encouragement and humor, Laura can help audience members who have all but given up on taking off those last five or ten pounds or more. Ask her: What is the role forgiveness plays in weight loss? What are the ten signs that you are ready to lose weight? Why does she say that changing your eating habits is not the be-all and end-all of weight loss? Laura is the author of “Get Over Weight (12 Steps to Finally Win the Weight Battle and Win at Life)” and the creator of a coaching and membership program on the topic. She has spent more than 30 years in the ministry and made multiple appearances on TBN’s national and local network (in Atlanta), and WATV. Contact her at (404) 856-5781; lpickett@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Stop Wasting Money on Health Insurance You Don’t Need
For many Americans, health insurance costs can range from a significant expense to an exorbitant cost they can’t afford. Even those with free or low-cost policies often end up paying a lot out of pocket for co-pays and specialized care. What if you could reduce what you pay for health care by 30% or more, as well as your reliance on health-care visits and pharmaceuticals? Dr. Dinesh Verma shows your audience how to integrate self-administered alternative therapies with modern medicine for incredible results. With more than 45 years as a doctor and 18 years of research and experience in integrative medicine, he delivers science-backed methods to heal faster and recover from even serious illnesses — so you’ll spend less money on health care and more time feeling great. Ask him: How did your mother miraculously recover from late-stage breast cancer? How does integrative medicine make modern treatments even more effective? What is the REMIM technique? Why did you write your latest book, “Ipsicura Effect?” Contact Dinesh Verma at (248) 817-8296; dverma@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Mike Tyson’s Mother-in-Law: Helping Women Start Over After Prison
Rita Ali was a distinguished Philadelphia socialite and among the few African American women boxing PR professionals who hobnobbed with such famous fighters as Muhammad Ali, Michael Spinks, and Mike Tyson, who is now her son-in-law. Then it all came crashing down when she was convicted and imprisoned for a crime she says she didn’t do. “I was convicted and sentenced three times on virtually the same charges for a crime I didn’t commit, which amounted to triple jeopardy.” After her release, Ali, along with Mike Tyson (who also served time in prison), founded the nonprofit We 2 Matter, which provides resources for previously incarcerated women. Ask her about her experience behind bars and how she has turned the experience into a cause for good. She is also the author of “Triple Jeopardy: 3 Strikes But Not Out.”. Contact Rita Ali at (917) 243-9214; rali@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Stop Chasing Your Dreams and Searching for Your Calling
Many people spend their lives looking for meaning and purpose, oftentimes in the wrong places. Invite popular podcaster and author Kelly Needham to explore the origins of our insatiable desire for the extraordinary and unveil a path to a life brimming with purpose — without turning our world upside down. For anyone who is restless and discontented, stuck in the thick of a seemingly endless and mundane routine, or in the throes of a mid-life crisis, Needham will explain how we’ve been fooled when it comes to understanding our purpose how social media contributes to the confusion and why finding joy in the mundane isn’t the same as settling or expecting less from life. Kelly Needham is the author of “Purposefooled: Why Chasing Your Dreams, Finding Your Calling and Reaching for Greatness Will Never Be Enough.” Contact Jason Jones at jason@jonesliterary.com
12. ==> 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
13. ==> What Nobody Tells You About Bouncing Back From Big Setbacks
Are you prepared for the major problems life can throw at you? When you suffer a serious setback, whether it’s a divorce, losing a job, surviving a disaster such as a house fire, ending a relationship, or struggling with life-altering health issues, dealing with grief is a huge part of the process. Unfortunately, the majority of advice for conquering the aftermath of life’s worst curveballs does not address grief at all. Frank DiMaio can help your audience recover from the big things and find ways to enjoy life. He developed a way to help anyone move forward from being emotionally stuck in grief. Frank’s new book is “A Promise Made, A Promise Kept: A Husband’s Journey Through Journaling to Heal the Loss of His Spouse.” Contact Frank DiMaio at (401) 205-3325; fdimaio@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Why the First and Last 15-Minutes of the Day Are the Most Important
Did you know that you can change your life, get rid of stress, and feel more in control of your destiny in only 30 minutes a day? Interview Theo Prodromitis, the author of “The Balance Between the Hustle and the Flow: Knowing When to Make Things Happen and When to Let Them Happen,” to discover why the first and last 15 minutes of your day are the most important and how to maximize them. Theo is an award-winning entrepreneur, marketing strategist, and best-selling author of “The Success Formula” with Jack Canfield. Ask her: What does neuroscience tell us about our brain activity at the beginning and end of each day? What are the four things we should do every morning? Contact Theo Prodromitis at (813) 701-5414; tprodromitis@rtirguests.com
15. ==> From Kids to Seniors: How Pet Therapy Heals
We love our pets! They offer companionship, love, exercise, and inclusion. They can also help us lead healthier lives. Medical researchers have found the simple act of petting a dog lowers our blood pressure, heart rate and anxiety. Larry Grogan has seen firsthand how pets can work wonders for people struggling with mental and physical health issues. Larry and his tiny dog Scrappy were a pet therapy team for eight years at a children’s hospital where they worked with thousands of suffering children. With the need for pet therapy outpacing the supply, he is on a mission to increase the number of pet therapy teams worldwide. Larry can talk about what your listeners need to know about accessing pet therapy or training to become a therapy team, which he says is easier than you think! Contact Larry Grogan at (423) 557-1908; larrygrogan5@gmail.com