- Is an Environmental Activist a Terrorist?
- The Pandemic Divide Explained
- U.S. Comes in Last in Health Care Rankings
- Ahmet Zappa on New Rock Memorabilia Show
- Want to Pretend to Live on Mars for a Year?
- 3 Diet Changes That Can Save the Planet
- Are Americans Selfish? Independence vs Common Good
- What the Far-Right Has in Common with the Far-Left
- How to Live Large on a Small Budget
- Wine Destinations: Plan Your Next Trip
- Do a Show on Family Estrangement
- The Truth about Black Women and Infertility
- The 3 Most Toxic Things for Your Health
- This Therapist Says Racism is a Mental Illness
- Will Trump Be Remembered as the Worst President?
1.==> Is an Environmental Activist a Terrorist?
Just as the U.N. releases a report on the danger that human-caused climate change poses to the world, a longtime environmental activist is heading to prison. A federal judge sentenced 39-year-old Jessica Reznicek to eight years behind bars after she pleaded guilty to a single count of damaging equipment at the Dakota Access Pipeline in Iowa. Her lengthy sentence was based in part on a domestic terrorism claim and her prior criminal history related to activism. Environmentalists are outraged over the sentence and say the fossil fuel companies who knowingly caused the climate emergency are the real criminals who should be held to account. Alex Cohen, part of the SupportJessicaReznicek.com coalition, criticizes the dangerous legal precedent of applying domestic terrorism enhancement to Reznicek’s case. He says, “The terrorism enhancement doubled Jessica’s sentence and unless changed could have frightening consequences for anyone seeking to protect the environment from corporate destruction.” Contact him at freejessicareznicek@gmail.com; @freejessrez
- ==> The Pandemic Divide Explained
A new Pew Research Center study reveals pronounced ideological divides between those on the left and right over the level of restrictions imposed to combat COVID-19’s spread. The degree of division is greatest in the United States, with fully half of right-leaning Americans (52%) objecting to lockdowns and other measures introduced in 2020 and 2021. That compares with just 7% of those on the left of the political spectrum who criticize COVID-19 restrictions as too harsh. James Bell says the ideological divide over how far countries should go in stemming the spread of the coronavirus is evident among many of the publics polled, including in Australia, Canada, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. He says, “Americans may be more emphatic about the societal divisions sown since the pandemic’s outbreak, but they are far from alone in thinking COVID-19 has done more to divide than unite society.” James Bell is vice president of global strategy at the Pew Research Center. Contact Stefan Cornibert at scornibert@pewresearch.org; (202) 419-4517 or Gar Meng Leong at gleong@pewresearch.org; (202) 419-4354
- ==> U.S. Comes in Last in Health Care Rankings
The U.S. once again ranks last in access to health care, equity and outcomes among high-income countries, despite spending a far greater share of its economy on health care, a new report finds. The nation has landed in the basement in all seven studies the Commonwealth Fund has conducted since 2004 and is the only one of the 11 countries surveyed not to have universal health insurance coverage. U.S. health insurance does not provide enough protections, which compromises Americans’ health and finances, according to David Blumenthal, president of the Commonwealth Fund. “In no other country does income inequality so profoundly limit access to care as it does here,” he says. “Far too many people cannot afford the care they need and far too many are uninsured, especially compared to other wealthy nations.” In addition to lower access to care, the U.S. also ranked poorly on maternal mortality, infant mortality, life expectancy at age 60, and deaths that were potentially preventable with timely access to care, the survey found. The Commonwealth Fund is a private foundation whose mission is to promote a high-performing health care system that achieves better access, improved quality, and greater efficiency, particularly for society’s most vulnerable, including low-income people, the uninsured, and people of color. Contact David Blumenthal at (212) 606-3825; db@cmwf.org
4.==> Ahmet Zappa on New Rock Memorabilia Show
For music memorabilia fans, AXS TV has a new show that may rock your world. “Rock My Collection” is hosted by Ahmet Zappa and showcases unique Items ranging from weird and rare to deeply personal and possibly even priceless. What kind of stuff? Picture an Italian roadmap signed by guitar great Jimi Hendrix, love letters written by Axl Rose, and Stevie Nicks’ stage microphone, complete with lipstick smears! Through a unique auction partnership, viewers can bid on the pieces via the show’s website, with proceeds going to the National Independent Venues Foundation (NIVF) which benefits small music venues and personnel who have been impacted by COVID. The show features collectors’ personal acquisition stories while an appraiser shares the unique history of the items and their potential value. Musical guests include Alice Cooper, Nancy Wilson, Gavin Rossdale and Todd Rundgren. “Rock My Collection” launches August 15. Ahmet Zappa is the late Frank Zappa’s son and runs his estate. He is also an entrepreneur, author, screenwriter, director, producer, musician, inventor and host of “Rocktails” on SiriusXM. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com or Briana Caywood at (703) 646-5188 (office)
- == > Want to Pretend to Live on Mars for a Year?
Want to find your inner Matt Damon and spend a year pretending you are isolated on Mars? NASA has a job for you. To prepare for eventually sending astronauts to Mars, NASA is recruiting four people to live in Mars Dune Alpha, a 1,700-square-foot setting — made by an Icon 3D printer — located at Houston’s Johnson Space Center. The paid position entails taking part in a simulated Martian exploration mission complete with spacewalks, limited communications back home, restricted food and resources and equipment failures. Grace Douglas, lead scientist for NASA’s Advanced Food Technology research effort, says, “The analog is critical for testing solutions to meet the complex needs of living on the Martian surface.” She adds, “Simulations on Earth will help us understand and counter the physical and mental challenges astronauts will face before they go.” Applicants will need to hold a master’s degree in engineering, math, or computer science and have at least two years of pilot experience. For interviews and more information, contact Shaneequa Vereen at (281) 483-5111; (281) 792-7441 or shaneequa.y.vereen@nasa.gov
- ==> 3 Diet Changes That Can Save the Planet
The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change just released a new report, and the message is clear: Deadly and irreversible effects of climate change are already here. Unlike previous assessments, the report also concludes it is “unequivocal” that humans have caused the climate crisis. Invite health coach Ximena Yanez Soto (pronounced He-men-a) to explain how our current diet and lifestyle have contributed to the degradation of ecosystems worldwide. Ask her: Does eating organic produce really matter? Have we been manipulated about the importance of animal protein in our diets? What’s so bad about GMO ingredients? What should you include in every meal? How can we eat to save the planet? Ximena is the author of the upcoming book “Healthy Planet, Healthy You: Invest Now in the Transformational Change That Will Ensure Our Future” and the former CFO of an environmental fund. Contact her at (720) 277-8617; xiyaso@gmail.com
- ==> Are Americans Selfish? Independence vs Common Good
Glen Dunzweiler is an independent filmmaker, former college professor, and author who specializes in raising and debating difficult questions. For example, are Americans more inclined to fight each other than to fight the COVID-19 virus? Is the rugged independence the U.S. is known for a handicap when it comes to getting people to buy into doing what is best for the common good? How can we deal with the deeply ingrained pushback we have for authority? Just as he does with his new YouTube series, “Difficult Questions with Glen Dunzweiler,” Glen will engage your audience in a thoughtful discussion on ways to use “good old American innovation” to turn COVID mania into something good. Contact Glen at (702) 703-2219; GDunzweiler@rtirguests.com
- ==> What the Far-Right Has in Common with the Far-Left
Both sides of the political divide have their grievances. The right contends they’ve been victimized by big government, oppressive regulations, liberal elites, socialists, illegal immigrants, etc. The left’s grievance list includes racism, sexism, homophobia, fascism, authoritarianism, capitalism, and more. What they have in common, says Sparrow Hart, is each side claims someone else is to blame and needs to make restitution to them.
Sparrow says the country’s healing requires paying attention, not to past grievances, but to the journey ahead. With over 30 years’ experience leading workshops on shamanism and the heroic journey, he knows the importance of hope, gratitude, and love in bringing the best parts of ourselves to our collective hero’s journey. “Traditionally, a ‘heroic journey’ calls people to find their best selves by leaving familiar territory behind and stepping outside their comfort zones … including the familiar comfort zone made up of people who agree with you, know they’re right, and feel morally superior to their adversaries.” Sparrow’s varied career also includes being a vision quest guide, Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Stanford, a brief stint working in a slaughterhouse, and adventures in the Amazon jungle. 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
- ==> How to Live Large on a Small Budget
The world may be opening up again, but just about everything is more expensive, and many people are struggling financially. How can you get out and enjoy things without breaking the bank? Bring Marilyn Anderson on your show to share her unique yet practical advice on how to save money while still enjoying life to the max! The author of “How to Live Like a Millionaire When You’re a Million Short!” will explain how to go through your closet and come out with cash, where to find money you never knew you had, and how to redo a room to look like a million bucks without spending a dime. She’ll also share six easy ways to make money from home and even how to go to Harvard or Yale for free! This money-saving expert, speaker and TV and film writer is an experienced guest with a breezy, fun style. Contact Marilyn Anderson at (310) 502-4047; mandersoncapnews@gmail.com
- ==> Wine Destinations: Plan Your Next Trip
As we begin moving about once again, combining the pleasures of wine and travel is becoming a possibility. Helping audiences make the most of their wine adventures is expert guide Jim Laughren, CWE, with suggestions from how to enjoy local wineries, to where in the world we can find the “wildest” wine vacations of all. Whether you’re looking for fabulous food, incredible scenery, or amazing hospitality, all to enjoy with some gorgeous wines, Jim can steer you in the right direction. Ask him: Why should people visit Mendoza, Argentina, the Republic of Georgia and the Napa Valley? Where can you not only tour 1,500 acres of grapes but also buy a piece of the vineyard AND return for the harvest to make your own wine? The author of two short new eBooks, “The 15-Minute Guide to Red Wine” and “The 15-Minute Guide to White Wine,” Jim has appeared on radio and TV around the country and is also the award-winning author of “50 Ways to Love Wine More” and “A Beer Drinker’s Guide to Knowing and Enjoying Fine Wine.” Contact Jim Laughren at (954) 317-9623; JLaughren@rtirguests.com
- ==> Do a Show on Family Estrangement
Is there a troubling or even unspoken estrangement lurking in your family? Perhaps siblings who no longer communicate, or parents and adult children who avoid or even openly rebuke each other? Discuss these common family dynamics with author Peter Colman, Ph.D., whose book “The Prodigal Father: A Son’s Hope-Filled Story of Love, Reconciliation and Redemption” explores how fragile family relationships can be. Dr. Colman, an educator, will reveal truths and myths about why loved ones drift apart, the regrets both sides have but may not readily admit, the power of shared faith, and his personal insights. Many listeners are sure to identify with this topic and be moved. Ask him: How do forgiveness and healing begin? What is so sacred about the bond between father and son? How do the effects and memories of wartime service impact family relationships? Contact Judith Colman at (847) 469-1886; jcolman@rtirguests.com
- ==> The Truth about Black Women and Infertility
It took almost 20 years for Frances Jones to heal the damage that being infertile had caused her and to put feelings of unworthiness behind her. She hopes to prevent other women, particularly women of color like herself, from viewing themselves as “damaged goods” because they cannot conceive and bear children. “Many people facing infertility battle with low self-esteem and feelings of unworthiness. There are so many negative feelings including guilt, anger, resentment and blame as a result of fertility challenges,” Jones says. In her new book, “Overcoming the Emotional Stigmas of Infertility,” she discusses what fertile people don’t understand about those who are not, why her desire to conceive never went away despite having two adopted sons and a stepdaughter, and why we need to change the dialogue society has about fertility problems. Frances Jones co-authored the national and international best-seller “Girl on Fire! Fireproof” and is an executive channel producer for the TV network Women Wins. She recently appeared on TV on Fox Soul’s “The Tammi Mac Late Show” to discuss Black women and infertility. Contact her at (855) 738-5345; frances@heartdesirescoaching.com
- ==> The 3 Most Toxic Things for Your Health
Patients are subjected to all manner of advice about their health. Just when it seems like we have heard it all, along comes family physician Trevor Campbell who discusses the three most toxic things to avoid at all costs especially for people who have chronic illnesses like chronic pain. Sharing information you are unlikely to hear from your doctor, Campbell will talk about ways to reduce chronic daily stress, negative ways of looking at your illness and the nasty habit of catastrophizing things that go slightly wrong, the trio he dubs “the Bermuda Triangle of Health.” With a charming South African accent, Campbell specializes in helping people achieve the fullest lives possible by minimizing their chronic aches and pain. His book is “The Language of Pain: Fast Forward Your Recovery to Stop Hurting.” Contact him at (250) 217-7832; tcampbell@rtirguests.com
- ==> This Therapist Says Racism is a Mental Illness
Are hate crimes a mental health problem? How about the behavior of those who make racist comments? Explore this timely controversial issue with Howard Bronson, a marriage and family therapist and author of 16 books. Bronson says we already have the means to end racist thinking through sensitivity training, but we need to coordinate. Ask him: How did we get to this place where gossip and divisiveness have gotten so out of hand? What is gossip and what is its relationship to racism? With over 40 years of therapy experience, Howard Bronson has appeared on “CBS This Morning” and NBC’s “Today” show and done more than 1,000 radio interviews. His new book is “Speak Up: How Gossip Has Transformed Racism and Misinformation into a Primary Mental Illness.” Contact him at (802) 373-2921; howard_bronson@yahoo.com
- ==> Will Trump Be Remembered as the Worst President?
Donald Trump considers himself to have been America’s “best-ever commander-in-chief.” He even compared himself to Abraham Lincoln and other greats immortalized on Mount Rushmore. But will he be remembered as the worst? Expect intense discussion when you interview Patric Rutherford, Ph.D., about this controversy, and why he is certain that God did not want Trump to serve a second term. Dr. Rutherford has studied politics, faith, and human nature for decades and is the author of “God and President Trump Plus the Rest of Us.” Ask him: Why do you believe God allowed Trump to be elected the first time? How would God grade Trump’s years in office? What does the anti-Trump contingent get right and wrong? What five aspects of the Trump presidency, beyond even his two impeachments, ensure that Trump will get the lowest marks of anyone to occupy the White House? Contact Patric Rutherford at (786) 591-0091; prutherford@rtirguests.com
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