01. How the ’68 Election Set the Stage for Today’s Fractured Politics
02. How to End the Debt Ceiling Drama for Good
03. Shark Week Starts Sunday! All Your Shark Questions Answered
04. How to Create a Staycation That Feels Like a Real Break
05. Mental Illness Derailed This Hollywood Starlet’s Career
06. Patrick Swayze Would Be 71 in August: Why ‘Dirty Dancing’ Still Resonates
07. Don’t Book a Cruise Before Hearing From This Travel Expert
08. She Teaches Women to Show Up, Stand Up and Speak Up
09. How to Use Brain Science to Be a Better Speaker
10. Why Tragedies Birth New Nonprofits (but Maybe Shouldn’t)
11. Good News About Young Kids and Computers
12. Why Don’t Most People Take Their Happiness Seriously?
13. Live Your Best Life in the Worst of Times
14. He Succeeded Despite the Odds. You Can Too
15. Fun Show: Explore Space Without Leaving Earth
1. ==> How the ’68 Election Set the Stage for Today’s Fractured Politics
The 1968 presidential race was a contentious battle between Vice President Hubert Humphrey, Republican Richard Nixon, and former Alabama Governor George Wallace. The United States was reeling from the assassinations of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy, and was bitterly divided on the Vietnam War and domestic issues, including civil rights and rising crime. Historian Luke Nichter can explain how that campaign created a new template and tone for election battles, which still resonates in today’s fractured political climate. Learn about the deal evangelist Billy Graham made with Lyndon Johnson after the president’s attempt to reenter the race was stymied by his own party, and how Wallace’s strong third-party campaign strategy set the mold for today’s Republican populism and its candidates, including Donald Trump. Luke Nichter’s new book is “The Year That Broke Politics.” The Chapman University professor has appeared on, or written for, outlets including “The New York Times,” “Wall Street Journal,” “The Washington Post,” “Fortune,” “CBS This Morning,” “20/20,” NPR’s “Here and Now,” and many more. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbpr.biz or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
2. ==> How to End the Debt Ceiling Drama for Good
Most people would agree that the United States government should always pay its debts and that it should (at the very least) significantly slow the growth of the federal debt. Yet, when mixed together, these two propositions create a toxic political brew. Invite economist Ben Steil to share his take on how to stop debt-ceiling stand-offs between Republicans in Congress and Democratic administrations. Steil says the first step is to separate the two issues — permanently. He’ll discuss how Congress can do that and why a bipartisan commission could help create a roadmap to fiscal reform. Benn Steil is senior fellow and director of international economics at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York. Contact him at (212) 434-9622; lrosenzweig@cfr.org
3. ==> Shark Week Starts Sunday! All Your Shark Questions Answered
Shark lovers wait all year for Discovery’s Shark Week, which gets underway this Sunday. Get in on the shark fest with Catherine Macdonald, director of the Shark Research and Conservation Program at the University of Miami. She can 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? Does 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. ==> How to Create a Staycation That Feels Like a Real Break
A recent survey by the Pew Research Center found that 46% of employees with paid time off did not use all of their allotted days. Vacations are good for you but between work, school, and budget issues, it can be tough to get away, and many people feel a “staycation” just isn’t the same. But “a few days at home could bring more happiness than some far-flung adventure,” says Jaime Kurtz, a professor of psychology at James Madison University and author of “The Happy Traveler: Unpacking the Secrets of Better Vacations.” She says a summer staycation can feel every bit as joyful and restorative as a journey elsewhere. “There are fewer expectations,” she says. “There’s less room for disappointment. And you don’t have all of those logistical hassles that can derail you.” She can share tips for planning a successful staycation and says one of the best ways to start is to ask yourself, “If I were moving away soon, what would I most want to do, and who would I most want to do it with?” Jaime Kurtz, Ph.D., is an associate professor of psychology at James Madison University, where she studies happiness. Contact Eric Gorton at (540) 908-1760; gortonej@jmu.edu
5. ==> Mental Illness Derailed This Hollywood Starlet’s Career
Kathy O’Dare’s acting career was on the rise. At just 16, she was cast in the pilot of “Happy Days,” playing Ron Howard’s love interest. But sadly, Kathy’s acting career ended when she began having mental health issues. David F. D’Orazi is Kathy’s brother and has written “Is Everybody Happy? The Untold Story of Kathy O’Dare.” David can talk about his sister’s acting career and also address how to deal with mental illness. David credits his success as a salesman to having both a sister and father who struggled with mental illness, saying those experiences taught him how to deal with the everyday world. Ask him: Was Kathy really Ron Howard’s first kiss? What was Mark Hamill like pre-“Star Wars?” What other shows did Kathy appear on? Why do so many mentally ill people never get medical treatment? Contact David F. D’Orazi at (818) 427-4261; h20david@aol.com
6. ==> Patrick Swayze Would be 71 in August: Why ‘Dirty Dancing’ Still Resonates
Patrick Swayze was just 57 when he passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2008, but his legacy lives on through his films including the quintessential summer flick “Dirty Dancing.” Sue Tabashnik will take your audience back in time to relive the movie’s magic. Set at a Catskills Resort, the film also stars Jennifer Grey and features a coming-of-age tale intertwined with a love story. Invite Sue to talk about the film’s enduring themes and the festivals that entice thousands of fans to gather to celebrate the film and its iconic soundtrack. She can also talk about the “Dirty Dancing” sequel scheduled to be released next year. Sue has done extensive research on “Dirty Dancing” and was the special guest speaker at a major “Dirty Dancing” festival. She met Swayze multiple times and his mother once. Among her books are “Patrick Swayze: The Dreamer” and “Patsy Swayze: Every Day, A Chance to Dance.” Contact Sue Tabashnik at (248) 617-0505; stabashnik@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Don’t Book a Cruise Before Hearing From This Travel Expert
If you’re thinking about taking a cruise soon, you’ll want to hear little-known tips from travel expert Cindy Bartram. What type of cruise is best for me? What’s the best time of year to cruise? Should I buy travel insurance? Are there specific travel apps for cruising? Cindy has spent many years in the travel and cruise industry and can ensure smooth sailing on your next shipboard adventure. She’ll answer all your cruising questions from booking to boarding and share insider tips to make the most of your time on and off the ship. Cindy is a communications, media and branding specialist and the author of “How Six Women Executives Steer the Cruise Industry Today” and “Message from the Dog…Learning from Great Humans.” Contact Cindy Bertram at (219) 501-5054; cbertram@rtirguests.com
8. ==> She Teaches Women to Show Up, Stand Up and Speak Up
It’s no secret that women struggle to be heard. Society teaches girls to be polite and agreeable and not make a fuss, even when a situation is challenging — or just plain wrong. If your audience is looking to reclaim their power in the workplace, at home, and beyond, you need to hear from Francesca Burack. The author of “Women Are Special: 123 Reasons Why” can share advice, tips, and encouragement to help women find, own, and use their voices with confidence. Ask her: What can women do to speak up in one-sided relationships, whether it’s at work or with family? How can women approach difficult conversations in the workplace, such as asking for raises, promotions, or benefits? An author, entrepreneur, educator, and popular speaker, Francesca Burack has been featured on major networks including ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox News. Contact her at (516) 823-4003; fburack@rtirguests.com
9. ==> How to Use Brain Science to Be a Better Speaker
Blank looks. Confused expressions. People looking at their cell phones or wishing they were anywhere else. When business executives lose their audiences, it is usually because they have bought into communication myths. Psychotherapist and renowned speech coach Danny Slomoff says there is no such thing as public speaking — it’s simply talking. And talking is the same whether it is to one person or an auditorium full of people. Slomoff, who overcame speaking issues himself, asserts that there are no natural-born speakers. Similar to all brain-based coordination systems like music and sports, he says speaking at the highest level requires practice and commitment. The author of “The Myth of Public Speaking: The Revolutionary Brain-Based System for Communicating in Business” will reveal five neurological behaviors of authentic executive presence, why mind contact matters more than eye contact and where speech patterns and bad habits come from. He can explain the unique public speaking method he created that utilizes the way human brains are wired, without techniques or tricks. Danny Slomoff is CEO of Slomoff Consulting Group and the founder of the Slomoff Method©. He coaches CEOs and C-suite executives worldwide on their corporate communication. He has a Ph.D. in both clinical and organizational psychology and is the speaking coach for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Olympic team. Contact Ariana Donaldson at (415) 606-0099; ari@slomoff.com
10. ==> 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
11. ==> Good News About Young Kids and Computers
Teaching computer science to students in grades pre-K through 5 is now a major focus in schools. Children’s author and longtime STEM educator Chris Goldberg, Ed.D., has worked with even the youngest elementary school students and can speak to the need for teaching these skills to young children. “Research shows that these skills help students in mathematics, problem-solving and critical thinking and may help create a path of interest for students who have the apti¬tude for programming one day,” he says. “There also must be a focus on making sure underrepresented populations receive exposure to computer science skills.” Chris is the author of “Aliyah and The STEMsational Problem-Solvers: What’s Cooking?” Ask him: How does learning computer science prepare kids for the future? What specific STEM skills should young kids learn, and why? Contact Chris Goldberg at (610) 557-8442; cgoldberg@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Why Don’t Most People Take Their Happiness Seriously?
Everyone wants to live a happy life. But the trouble is most of us never bother to do the work to achieve one. Why? According to Raj Girn, it’s because few people pay serious attention to what will make them happy. Raj says, “What I’ve learned through my own experiences, the experiences of people around me, and what clients share with me, is that there is one common denominator that screams out louder than all the others and it is a lack of constant evaluation of their life.” Interview Raj — who just became a regular panelist on CTV’s daily news show “The Debate with Mike Le Couteur” — to learn the questions all of us should be asking ourselves. A media celebrity in Canada, Raj has been featured in “The Wall Street Journal,” “Globe” and “Mail,” and on FOX and CBS and has a combined social media network of over 1 million followers. She also runs The Open Chest Confidence Academy. Contact her at (647) 363-7372; Rgirn@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Live Your Best Life in the Worst of Times
Life’s challenging, even at the best of times, but what can you do when life keeps kicking you when you’re already down? Invite author and inspirational speaker Danielle Harris-Branch to discuss why bad things happen and how to handle life when you’re at your lowest. Her book, “From the Other Side of the Bed: Allow Faith to Transform Your Perspective Through Life’s Hardest Blows,” shares her unimaginable journey of surviving two types of cancer at the same time her husband was waiting for a kidney transplant. This inspirational couple experienced the worst of life while discovering the best of life. Ask her: What are the essential tools for overcoming negative thinking in painful situations? How can you use a painful situation to become a better version of yourself and even start earning income from it? Contact Danielle Harris-Branch at (804) 373-8195; Harrisbranch@rtirguests.com
14. ==> He Succeeded Despite the Odds. You Can Too
Many people go through life experiencing failure after failure and ultimately give up trying to succeed. In fact, society may set people up to fail, due to their family backgrounds, ethnicity and/or socio-economic circumstances. But after experiencing numerous setbacks in his personal and professional life, Dr. Carl Barnes went on to a 35-year career in the military, ultimately becoming a Navy chaplain; and earned five degrees, including a doctorate of ministry in leadership. “Failure is a great learning tool,” he says. “The key to succeeding against all odds is unbridled resilience and turning pain into purpose.” Carl is the author of “Resilient Sailing: 10 Lessons to Persevere in Life’s Stormy Seas,” and conducts life coaching workshops and online courses. Contact him at (407) 809-8047; cbarnes@rtirguests.com
15. ==> 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