01. Interview Grammy Winner Ashanti
02. Great White Worries – It’s Shark Season
03. Are There Warning Signs Before a Mass Shooting?
04. Another Devastating Supreme Court Decision
05. Mental Health Myths about Women and Abortion
06. Are the Jan. 6 Commission Hearings Just Politics?
07. What Happened to the Kids Separated at the Mexican Border?
08. Former Mayor – How to Spot Local Government Corruption
09. Why Going Vegan Could Be Disastrous for Your Health
10. Can You Rewire Your Own Brain? How to Break Negative Patterns
11. 4 Tips to Ease Social Anxiety
12. COVID’s Toll on Alzheimer’s Patients
13. Can We Make Pregnancy Safer for Women?
14. Quick-Start Your COVID Weight Loss
15. Brains, Games, and Foes: How to Do What Others Say Can’t Be Done
1. ==> Interview Grammy Winner Ashanti
Anyone with an unusual name will be able to relate to Ashanti’s new book, “My Name Is A Story.” inspired by the Grammy-Award winner’s childhood experiences, it’s an empowering tale about a self-conscious young girl who learns to love her unique name. Ashanti can talk about why she chose to write a children’s book. Also ask her about her upcoming summer concerts and what else she’s working on now. “My Name Is A Story,” the debut picture book from singer-songwriter, actress, and philanthropist Ashanti, with illustrations by Monica Mikai, is currently available. For interviews, contact Michelle Huff Elliott at michelle@strategicheights.com
2. ==> Great White Worries – It’s Shark Season
It’s summertime and Americans are headed to the beach, but beware, especially if you’re on Cape Cod, there are sharks in the water. According to great white shark researchers on the Cape, early July coincides with warmer waters that lead into the primary shark sighting season from August through October. Greg Skomal, a state marine biologist in Massachusetts, advises beachgoers to be most vigilant when swimming off beaches where the shoreline quickly drops off into deeper waters to reduce the risks of bumping into a shark. “Sharks will come close to the shore when they have water depth,” Skomal says. Cape Cod is the only known place in the Northwest Atlantic where great white sharks are known to aggregate, and the number of sightings has likely increased as their primary prey species, the gray seal, began to recover. Gregory Skomal, Ph.D., heads up the Massachusetts Shark Research Program (MSRP) and is an adjunct scientist with the Center for Shark Research in Sarasota, Florida. Contact him at (508) 742-9745; gregory.skomal@mass.gov
3. ==> Are There Warning Signs Before a Mass Shooting?
There have been at least 314 mass shootings in the U.S. this year. On July Fourth alone there were at least six, including one at a holiday parade in a Chicago suburb that left six dead and dozens injured. Jaclyn Schildkraut, a national expert on mass shootings, looks at the behavior of shooters before a tragedy. She says things usually start with a grievance, like a break-up or loss of a job. She’ll discuss warning signs and red flags, and why, despite most shooters posting on social media and telling others of their plans, these mass killings continue. For those who are anxious about being in public these days, she’ll also share ways to feel safer when you’re in a crowd. “I always walk in somewhere and do a quick scan and check where the exits are. I’m also situationally aware of what’s going on around me. But I don’t stop living my life because the reality is this can happen anywhere at any time, and even in our own homes,” she says. Jaclyn Schildkraut, Ph.D., is an associate professor of criminal justice at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Oswego. Contact her at (561) 609-8035 (cell); info@jaclyn.schildkraut.com
4. ==> Another Devastating Supreme Court Decision
The Supreme Court’s decision to severely limit the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency to combat greenhouse gas emissions not only endangers the planet, legal expert Erwin Chemerinsky says it also poses a broad and serious threat to the power of federal agencies to adopt regulations to protect public health and safety in other fields. He says, “The decision reflects an aspect of the Roberts court that has not gotten as much attention as it has overturned precedents on abortion, guns and religion. This is a court that is profoundly pro-business, even in the face of clear threats to public health and safety.” Believing this decision will have huge long-term effects, he adds, “The court’s hubris and its decision to give businesses a way to challenge every sort of federal regulatory power will do this nation great damage.” Erwin Chemerinsky is dean of the UC Berkeley School of Law and a contributing writer to Opinion. He is the author, most recently, of “Presumed Guilty: How the Supreme Court Empowered the Police and Subverted Civil Rights.” Contact him at echemerinsky@law.berkeley.edu
5. ==> Mental Health Myths about Women and Abortion
“There’s so much misinformation, so many myths about abortion. Abortion will lead to substance abuse, depression, suicidal thoughts; abortion is bad for your health; every woman is going to regret it,” says social psychologist Brenda Major, a distinguished professor emeritus in the department of psychological and brain sciences at the University of California, Santa Barbara. In reality, decades of research have shown that “the vast majority of women feel they made the right choice, and they don’t experience regret,” says Major, who led a 2008 American Psychological Association task force exploring the science on abortion and mental health. Women who had an abortion in the first trimester were no more likely to have mental health problems than women who continued with an unplanned pregnancy, the APA review concluded. Contact Brenda Major at (805) 893-7238; brenda.major@psych.ucsb.edu
6. ==> Are the Jan. 6 Commission Hearings Just Politics?
As the Jan. 6 Commission continues its public hearings, it’s reasonable to wonder what effect they will have on the country. Sure, they represent 10 months of investigatory work, the collection of more than 130,000 documents, and testimony from more than 1,000 witnesses, but is the committee preaching to the choir? Is the committee guilty of demonizing Donald Trump without giving him the right to defend himself? Are the hearings dividing the country even more? Are they all about politics or should Trump be prosecuted and banned from running again? And what about the paradoxical way former Attorney General William Barr admitted that Trump’s claims of election fraud were “detached from reality” yet still said he would support him once again should he be the GOP nominee? Interview Sheryl White, DDiv, to discuss the questions on your listeners’ minds. A self-described independent conservative, White is a YouTube channel creator and the author of historical fiction based on the life of abolitionist and suffragist Laura Smith Haviland. Contact her at (620) 672-1596; sdw1001@gmail.com
7. ==> What Happened to the Kids Separated at the Mexican Border?
The world looked on in horror when families emigrating to the U.S. from Mexico were separated at the border in 2017 and 2018. “This was because of the U.S. government’s ineptitude, losing contact with thousands of families and its faltering efforts at reunification for these families,” says Richard Villasana, founder of the nonprofit Forever Homes for Foster Kids. But thanks in part to his valiant efforts, 2,000 of those 5,000 kids have been reunited with their families. Richard is the author of the upcoming book “Do No Harm.” He is a former university professor who is a leading international authority on immigration and foster families. He has been featured on CNN International, ABC and many more. Contact him at (619) 648-4729; rvillasana@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Former Mayor – How to Spot Local Government Corruption
As a former mayor, council member, planning commissioner, and an advocate for good government with a propensity for “telling it like it is,” Debbie Peterson spent years serving communities, seeing people’s needs go unmet because of gross misappropriation of funds. With her new book, “The Happiest Corruption: Sleaze, Lies and Suicide in a California Beach Town,” Peterson combines insider political analysis, breaking-news thrills, and a historical account into a true-crime story that follows determined citizens who worked out how local government corruption happens, how to spot it, and how to fix it. Peterson has been interviewed by everyone from the “Los Angeles Times” to the BBC and Scripps Networks. She is the former mayor of Grover Beach, California, and the host of the new weekly podcast “The Corruption Chronicles.” Contact Debbie Peterson at (805) 550-4490; info@DebbiePeterson.com
9. ==> Why Going Vegan Could be Disastrous for Your Health
Plant-based eating is all-the-rage and touted as the “healthiest” but what if your genes have issues converting nutrients from plants? You could wind up with severe and catastrophic nutrient deficiencies. Take it from licensed dietitian Kristina Hess, who didn’t know her genetic profile when she went vegan 15 years ago and wound up with fractured bones and reduced bone density. Keto is all the rage too, but some people don’t feel good with this type of plan for a reason. Kristina can talk about the little-known field of nutrigenomics that can provide you with the right strategy and eating plan for your genetic blueprint, and help you optimize your health and longevity. Kristina Hess is a premier health coach and licensed dietitian-nutritionist with a functional and integrative approach. She is the co-founder of the first-of-its-kind Keto Symposium to be held in the New York tri-state area on Sept. 23 and Sept. 24, at the New York Library Performing Arts at Lincoln Center — Bruno Walter Auditorium. Contact her at (203) 984-7989; kristinaihess@gmail.com
10. ==> Can You Rewire Your Own Brain? How to Break Negative Patterns
The feeling of being stuck in a rut or trapped by life’s circumstances is all too common, especially in the wake of a global pandemic that has left us with fewer choices than ever. Laura Brennan Ballet is here to help us break free of the negative patterns that keep us stuck in unhappy jobs, relationships, or situations – simply by changing the way we think. An experienced life coach and the author of “The Science of Empowerment,” Laura can teach your audience how to not just think differently, but to actually recalibrate your brain and move forward with intent, free of the negativity that’s been holding you back. Ask her: Is it really possible to live without regrets? Why does she say that we all become algorithms of the people around us? How can we “think better?” Contact Laura Ballet at (860) 831-4435 or lballet@rtirguests.com
11. ==> 4 Tips to Ease Social Anxiety
Are you worried about going out in public because you fear that other people will judge you? Do you struggle to interact with strangers? Have you avoided speaking up for yourself at work or at home because you’re afraid that you won’t be liked enough to be taken seriously? You may be relieved to know that you’re not alone – and that you don’t have to struggle with these and other common symptoms of social anxiety. Collectively, our social anxiety has only gotten worse since the isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Interview Lee Vallely, the author of “Kick the Sh*t out of Social Anxiety,” to help your audience ease the stress of social anxiety and start enjoying their lives. Ask him: What are four things you can do right now if you’re experiencing social anxiety? Why is “feel the fear and do it anyway” terrible advice? How can simple breathing help you overcome social anxiety? Contact Lee Vallely at (561) 658-1266 or lvallely@rtirguests.com
12. ==> COVID’s Toll on Alzheimer’s Patients
Isolation was a huge issue for many during the COVID pandemic, but for those in memory care facilities suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s the isolation triggered faster declines in cognitive health due to loneliness and not being connected. Lisa Skinner, a behavioral specialist, says she’s now seeing a shift in caring for Alzheimer’s patients, with more adult children caring for ailing parents in their homes. Lisa Skinner and Douglas Collins are the authors of “Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s – Its Secret Faces.” Singer/songwriter Phil Vassar shares his personal story in a chapter called “Bringing Mom Home” which details how his family was proactive during the course of Alzheimer’s disease and had a plan in place for each stage of it. Lisa Skinner has appeared on “CBS News,” “NBC News,” ”Fox News,” and “ABC News,” and in “USA Today,” “Health & Fitness,” and many other publications. Phil Vassar’s signature songs include 10 No. 1 singles and 26 Top 40 hits. Contact Dianemarie (DM) Collins at (775) 825-1727; DM@DMProductionsLLC.com or @DMCollins. Contact Phil Vassar by texting (615) 727-2323; or bqsdad@yahoo.com
13. ==> What Can We Do to Make Pregnancy Safer for Women?
Even in the 21st century, pregnancy is rough for most women. And it can be unsafe and even fatal, particularly in the U.S. which has the highest rate of maternal fatalities in the developed world. To find out why, and how we can do better for mothers and babies especially after the end of Roe v. Wade, interview OB specialist obstetrician Alan Lindemann, M.D., who in his 40-year rural practice has delivered more than 6,000 babies without a single maternal death. Dr. Lindemann is the author of “Safe Pregnancy Explained: Three Steps to a Safer Pregnancy.” He can also answer questions about morning sickness, lifestyle changes, and what expectant fathers can do to improve the health of their partners. Ask him: Why do we lose so many women in childbirth? How can complications be prevented? What can be done about “maternity deserts” that keep expectant moms far from hospitals and care? What are some of the biggest lessons learned from patients? What should women know about C-sections? Contact Dr. Lindemann at (701) 399-9556; ALindemann@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Quick-Start Your COVID Weight Loss
Millions of Americans are walking around with ten, 20 or more COVID pounds and are overwhelmed by the thought of trying to lose the weight and get in shape. For anyone who is tired of being overweight but doesn’t know how to get started on their weight loss journey, Alvin Perry has simplified the process to lose 3-5 lbs. in seven days! This is not a quick fix, says Perry, but a process that sets in motion everything you need to reach your health goals. Invite him on your show to inspire listeners with his own weight struggles that began in college after losing his football scholarship. Now a successful entrepreneur and small-business expert, Perry will share the unique system he used to drop 80 pounds and transform his life, with just three basic principles. Alvin Perry, DBA, is also ISSA certified in personal training, fitness and nutrition. He’s the author of numerous books including his latest, “Just Fat!” Contact him at (678) 788-7529; aperry@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Brains, Games, and Foes: How to Do What Others Say Can’t Be Done
Most people believe it takes willpower, smarts and motivation to accomplish great things, but do you know the actual secret ingredient that world-class leaders, entrepreneurs and creatives rely on to create their exceptional outcomes? Invite Steven Feinberg, Ph.D., on your show to discuss the power of patterns and how an awareness of what he calls the game of patterns can up-level your personal, professional and business life. Dr. Feinberg will show your audience how to recognize hidden patterns in their daily interactions and decisions so they can accomplish life goals they never dreamed possible. Ask him: What is Shutdown Syndrome? Why do you say that persistence is a problem? What do you mean by “first adapter”? What is the Meta-Game? With 40 years of experience as an executive coach for leaders and entrepreneurs in companies like Google, Visa, Apple, and more, Dr. Feinberg has unlocked the secrets to achieving what people say can’t be done. For his new book, “Do What Others Say Can’t Be Done … Play The Meta-Game,” he interviewed over 50 world-class leaders and entrepreneurs. Contact Dr. Steven Feinberg at (650) 374-4540; sfeinberg@rtirguests.com