01. All Eyes on Middle East
02. Why America Isn’t Working the Way it’s Supposed To
03. What You Need to Know About Listeria
04. The Science of Sound and Healing
05. Nearly 1-in-3 Americans Getting a ‘Sleep Divorce’
06. What’s it Like to Live Under a Dictator? Ask This Refugee
07. Why Mike Tyson, Don King and This Black Pastor Support Trump
08. How Doing Your Best Can Hold You Back
09. Nelson Mandela, Dalai Lama, U2: This Flight Attendant Met Them All
10. How Does Giving Up Meat Help Climate Change?
11. Stop Asking Why Abused Women Stay
12. Will Your Daughter Have Fewer Rights Than You?
13. This Guest Says Sunshine Helped Her Beat Breast Cancer
14. How to Raise Confident Kids in a Chaotic World
15. Comedian Geri Jewell Redefines Disability With Humor
1. ==> All Eyes on Middle East
The assassination of the militant group Hamas’ political chief, Ismail Haniyeh, in Iran’s capital has sent shockwaves across the region. Not only did the strike — which Iran and Hamas have blamed on Israel — deepen fears of an all-out war in the Middle East, it has dimmed hopes for a cease-fire deal that could help wind down the catastrophic war in the Gaza Strip and ensure the release of hostages still being held there. Invite Asaf Romirowsky, executive director of Scholars for Peace in the Middle East to discuss the latest developments in the region, including Israel’s assassination of a Hezbollah commander in Beirut on Tuesday. Trained as a Middle East historian Asaf Romirowsky holds a Ph.D. in Middle East and Mediterranean studies from King’s College. He has published widely on various aspects of the Arab-Israeli conflict and American foreign policy in the Middle East, as well as on Israeli and Zionist history. Romirowsky is co-author of “Religion, Politics, and the Origins of Palestine Refugee Relief.” Contact Mark Goldman at (516) 639-0988 (call/text); markgoldman73@gmail.com
2. ==> Why America Isn’t Working the Way it’s Supposed To
William Cooper validates something we’ve all been feeling lately: that twenty-first-century America isn’t working the way it’s supposed to. Invite the author of “How America Works…and Why It Doesn’t: A Brief Guide to the US Political System” to provide a non-partisan assessment of the ongoing challenges faced by American democracy. He’ll explain key aspects of U.S. political history to give the background to recent, dangerous developments and show how they have their roots in the deeper past, with the establishment of the political system in the first place. He’ll also reveal how the U.S. Supreme Court is now exacerbating polarization instead of acting as an effective check on executive power and assess the root cause of Americans’ irrationality (the combination of tribalism, social media, and structural defects in the political system) and the two biggest threats to American democracy (criminalizing politics and undermining election integrity). William Cooper is an attorney, author, and national columnist. His writings have appeared in hundreds of publications including the “New York Times,” “Wall Street Journal,” “USA Today,” “Newsweek,” CNN, “Washington Post,” and “San Francisco Chronicle.” Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853; lissawarrenpr@gmail.com
3.==> What You Need to Know About Listeria
A recall of Boar’s Head products has expanded to include a whopping 7 million pounds of deli and poultry items in a deadly multistate outbreak of listeria infections. As of Tuesday, 34 people have gotten sick across 13 states in the outbreak — including 33 hospitalizations and two deaths. Catherine Donnelly has spent her nearly four-decade career studying listeria and says the bacteria is special and stubborn because it grows on foods even when they’re inside a refrigerator. Donnelly says delicatessens are particularly susceptible to listeria growth on meat and cheese slicers, but says it’s also found on raw vegetables and fresh fruits. “Those of us with functional immune systems are being constantly exposed” without knowing it, she says. Because there’s no way to know if food is contaminated, she advises consumers to respect the dates on food packaging, avoid meat or cheese from the deli counter and not eat anything you’re concerned about. “Listeriosis is a rare illness. But for vulnerable consumers, they’re the ones that have to be cautious here,” she says. Catherine Donnelly is a professor emeritus at the University of Vermont. Contact her at Catherine.Donnelly@uvm.edu; cwdlakeview@gmail.com
4.==> The Science of Sound and Healing
Fascinating discoveries in science and medicine are revealing the many ways sound affects us at both a biological and an emotional level. At a time when people are seeking solace and healing as never before, former Broadway and opera singer, distinguished musician, and crystal singing bowl master teacher Jeralyn Glass can share with listeners how to embrace the power of music to uplift, transform, and heal. Learn how intentional sound can transmute uncertainty, chaos, and pain to harmony, coherence, and true healing. You’ll also hear the emotional story of her son’s birth, his death, and the astonishingly expansive relationship she has established with him—and the crystal singing bowls—in the years since he passed. Jeralyn Glass is an internationally known, multidisciplinary musician whose career began on Broadway and took her to the opera and concert stages of the world. She is the founder of Crystal Cadence Sound Healing Studio and the Sacred Science of Sound and the author of “Sacred Vibrations: The Transformative Power of Crystalline Sound and Music.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at johanna@jrbpr.biz; johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
5. ==> Nearly 1-in-3 Americans Getting a ‘Sleep Divorce’
Do you share a bed with your partner? Increasingly, Americans are saying no. A new survey of more than 2,000 adults conducted by the leading body of sleep research in the U.S., the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, finds 29 percent of Americans—or nearly one in three—choose to sleep in a separate bed to their partner, a concept many have described as a “sleep divorce.” Attorney Jacqueline Newman, author of “”The New Rules Of Divorce: 12 Secrets to Protecting Your Wealth, Health, and Happiness,” can discuss the issue and how it can impact marriages. Ask her: Can separate sleeping arrangements help a marriage or does it often indicate deeper underlying issues in the relationship? Do you think sleep divorce is a temporary or long-term solution for most couples? What advice would you give to couples who are experiencing sleep issues but want to avoid divorce? Jaqueline Newman is the managing partner at the matrimonial law firm Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein LLP. She specializes in complex, high net worth matrimonial cases and negotiating prenuptial agreements. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103.
6. ==> What’s it Like to Live Under a Dictator? Ask This Refugee
As a young boy growing up in Hungary, author Laszlo (Les) Suhayda and his family experienced living under the brutal rule of a Soviet-backed authoritarian strongman, which led to their dramatic, often-harrowing escape from their homeland for the promise of safety in America. “I was only five when we escaped,” he says. “As I was thrashing through weeds in the forest, I fell on top of a young Hungarian man who was shot in the head by a Russian sniper. When we arrived in America, we were on deck of the (U.S. Navy transport ship) General Haan and passed the Statue of Liberty. My parents never allowed us to forget how lucky we were and all that happened to our family.” Laszlo is the author of the memoir “Twelve Bells to Freedom: The Suhajda Story,” and the inventor of the first wine slushee product in America. Contact Laszlo (Les) Suhayda at (314) 501-6838; Lsuhayda@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Why Mike Tyson, Don King and This Black Pastor Support Trump
It’s no secret that Donald Trump isn’t exactly popular with minorities and people of color. Yet, there is a small but highly enthusiastic contingent of prominent Black voters who support him. One is Frank Tull, a former Democrat and church pastor who is now a die-hard Donald fan. Frank claims that his decision to support the controversial former president was actually based on biblical principles. “The bible supports the vote for a republican candidate and actually opposes the Democratic Party, and I can prove it,” he says. “I truly believe that God would want us all to vote Republican.” He is the author of “Christians Must Vote,” as well as the co-founder and senior pastor at the World Church in Texas. Contact Frank Tull at (469) 609-1385; ftull@rtirguests.com
8. ==> How Doing Your Best Can Hold You Back
People think that doing your best is the key to success. But according to transformational speaker, educator, and businesswoman Rachel Rappaport, that attitude leads to “just getting by.” Instead, she says, “Do whatever it takes because doing your best is not enough! It is just a well-intentioned excuse; it is a mindset that leads to feeling stuck and creates an imaginary glass ceiling.” Alternatively, doing whatever it takes will stretch your creativity, empower you, and expand your possibilities, and give you the passion that you need to succeed in business and life. Rachel is the founder of the success-coaching program MAX! She also trained with Jack Canfield, co-author of “Chicken Soup for the Soul,” and well-known motivational coach Tony Robbins. Contact Rachel Rappaport at (848) 266-5824; rrappaport@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Nelson Mandela, Dalai Lama, U2: This Flight Attendant Met Them All
During her nearly 40-year career as a flight attendant, Tania Anderson met everyone from Elizabeth Taylor and the mega rock band U2 to the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa, Britain’s Prince Philip, and five U.S. presidents! One of the most memorable people she met was South African President Nelson Mandela. “He was absolutely radiant,” she recalls. “I made my way up to the dais where he was speaking and yelled, ‘God Bless you, President Mandela!’ He leaned down and vigorously shook my hand.” Tania can share innumerable fascinating anecdotes about her high-flying life, and the many memorable individuals she’s met along the way. She is the author of the memoir “On Butterflies’ Wings: An Anthology of International Escapades,” and the upcoming “Synchronicity — the Escapades Continue.” Contact Tania Anderson at (213) 513-6099; tanderson@rtirguests.com
10. ==> How Does Giving Up Meat Help Climate Change?
There’s no question that climate change is a serious threat to the entire world. But did you know it involves much more than extra-hot summers and saving the ozone layer? Author and activist Richard Schwartz, Ph.D., reveals why the world is eating itself to extinction. He’ll discuss why animal-based industries are the real climate killers and explain how vegetarianism and veganism are key to saving the planet. He’ll also explain why humans will likely be extinct by 2100 if we don’t make drastic changes now. An experienced media guest, Richard is the author of “Vegan Revolution” and similar books. Contact Richard Schwartz at (914) 533-1949 or rschwartz@rtirguests.com.
11. ==> Stop Asking Why Abused Women Stay
There’s nothing new about domestic violence. It’s been around since the beginning of time but remains in the shadows unless there’s a celebrity involved or an incident in the news. Because of that, abuse is poorly understood and the secrecy continues. One of the most pressing problems is the belief that women should “just leave” their abusers. The reality is that leaving is not that simple for many trapped in abusive relationships. Phoenix Rose understands that reality. She shares her story with your audience on escaping a violent relationship and rebuilding her life and offers real, actionable advice for people to help themselves or their loved ones do the same. The author of “Walking in Aloha: 5 Steps to Living Your God Potential Life,” Phoenix provides secure, empowering steps for women that will help them break free and achieve a stronger, more purposeful life. She’ll also discuss the unseen reasons women stay with those who hurt them, what domestic violence victims have in common with their abusers, why the occurrence of domestic violence spiked drastically during the pandemic, and much more. Contact Phoenix Rose at (808) 201-2784; prose@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Will Your Daughter Have Fewer Rights Than You?
Women’s rights have taken a beating in recent years after decades of gaining ground. Starting with the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, women have lost access to lifesaving healthcare and had their reproductive freedoms taken away in states like Alabama, Oklahoma, Indiana and Texas. Discuss the impact of the current state of women’s rights with Dr. Shila Patel. The retired licensed psychiatrist and author believes future generations of women are at risk of losing crucial protections if we don’t turn things around now. Patel started her personal and professional life in a culture where women are typically treated as lesser than men and brings a unique perspective to women’s rights and why we need to fight harder than ever to safeguard our children. Contact Dr. Shila Patel at (229) 586-6190 or spatel@rtirguests.com
13. ==> This Guest Says Sunshine Helped Her Beat Breast Cancer
When you think of cancer treatments, the first thing to come to mind is typically chemotherapy or radiation. However, there’s another surprising, natural treatment that may help cure this dreaded disease: Sunlight. Francisca Epale shares her amazing, inspiring story of surviving breast cancer without chemotherapy (and with plenty of sun). A certified health and life coach and the award-winning author of “How I Conquered Breast Cancer Without Chemotherapy: My Journey from a Mess to a Message” (medical disclaimer included), Francisca looked for better ways to survive cancer after five of her family members died due to chemotherapy. After being diagnosed with breast cancer herself and successfully curing it, she now shares her advice to help other women fight breast cancer whether or not they choose to undergo traditional treatments. Contact Francisca Epale at (647) 692-3886; fepale@rtirguests.com
14. ==> How to Raise Confident Kids in a Chaotic World
It’s not easy being a kid in the age of social media, facing bullying, and other, unprecedented stressors. In fact, the American Psychological Association reports that suicide among teens and adolescents has doubled within the last decade. According to long-time educator and author Patricia Wilson, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to navigating the youth mental health crisis. “What children need is a sense of self-worth, and an appreciation of the gift of life,” she says. Patricia can share her experience of working with a suicidal 13-year-old girl, and some simple, yet powerful exercises that can help parents to raise confident kids. She has taught children from grades K-12 and counseled kids for more than 30 years. She is the author of numerous best-selling books including “My Magical Night Mare,” “I am Amazing” and “When Grandma Giggled.” Contact Patricia Wilson at (778) 561-4603; pwilson@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Comedian Geri Jewell Redefines Disability With Humor
In 1978 Geri Jewell embarked on what she was told was impossible for her, a career in stand-up comedy. She became known to millions as Cousin Geri on the NBC show “The Facts of Life.” For an interview that will inspire listeners and make them smile while challenging us all to love life, invite Geri on your show to share how she has survived and thrived in a world that was challenging from the day she was born with cerebral palsy in 1956. Hear how she was discovered by Norman Lear and how she uses her comedy to allow others to view people with disabilities in a different light and bring joy to what can be very painful. Geri’s career extends more than four decades as a comedian, actress, and writer. Her new book, “Geri’s Jewels and Gems,” is a collection of photos and columns she’s written for “Ability Magazine.” Contact Harlan Boll at harlan@bhbpr.com