01. Maui Wildfires, Hawaiian History and the Banyan Tree
02. How to Prevent the Next Deadly Wildfire
03. Don’t Rely on Big Pharma to Solve Drug Shortages
04. America’s First Women Astronauts
05. Patrick Swayze’s Aug. 18 Birthday, Dirty Dancing’s 36th Anniversary
06. Indie/Jam Band Bassist Karina Rykman
07. This Guest Uncovers Your Unconscious Biases in 10 Seconds
08. How Kids Can Experience Less Stress During Back to School
09. What Your Tongue Reveals About Your Health
10. The 2-Second Mistake That Could Cost a Life
11. Are You a Victim of Weight Creep? How to Lose Weight While Aging
12. Comedian-Turned Animal Activist Shares Why Saving Elephants Is No Joke
13. 10-Minute Rituals to Curb ‘Caregiver Chaos’
14. Why Traditional Talk Therapy Doesn’t Work
15. Are You Choosing Happy or Avoiding It?
1. ==> Maui Wildfires, Hawaiian History and the Banyan Tree
The wildfires that devastated Maui are already the deadliest in modern U.S. history and officials are warning scores more people could be found in the coming days. More than 90 people are confirmed dead and hundreds more remain missing, days later. The fast-moving fires consumed most of the historic town of Lahaina and scorched an enormous Banyan tree that has stood for more than 150 years. It’s too soon to tell if the beloved landmark will survive, and it might seem trivial to even care about a tree amid such devastation, but Julia Flynn Siler says it and the surrounding historic district are a powerful reminder of Lahaina’s history and the struggle to preserve its 19th-century roots. The author of “Lost Kingdom: Hawaii’s Last Queen, the Sugar Kings, and America’s First Imperial Adventure” can explain the history of the Hawaiian islands, the significance of the town of Lahaina, and what happened on the islands after Hawaii became the 50th state in 1959. A veteran correspondent for the “Wall Street Journal” and “BusinessWeek” magazine, Siler is the author of several books including her latest, “The White Devil’s Daughters: The Women Who Fought Slavery in San Francisco’s Chinatown.” Contact her at julia@juliaflynnsiler.com or Deb Seager at dseager@groveatlantic.com
2. ==> How to Prevent the Next Deadly Wildfire
The horrific Maui devastation is just the latest example of the growing wildfire threat, even in paradise. For a timely take on this subject, interview wildfire expert Jim Moseley, who can explain what this wildfire threat encompasses, and how we can protect ourselves and our properties. Jim has developed patented products and methods to ease the danger and even prevent wildfires. Invite Jim to discuss what causes the wildfire scourge, what we should be doing, which locations and populations are in the worst wildfire and polluting danger zones, and even how NASA is involved with fighting the war against wildfires. Contact Jim at (818) 486-8662; jmoseley@rtirguests.com
3. ==> Don’t Rely on Big Pharma to Solve Drug Shortages
Drug shortages in the United States are at a record high. At least 14 essential generic cancer drugs are currently in shortage, forcing patients and doctors to make difficult decisions to delay or ration first-line treatments or accept second-best treatments. ADHD treatments, antibiotics, children’s acetaminophen, and many other critical medicines are also in short supply. Dana Brown and Christopher Morton say, so far, proposed solutions are simply “Band-Aids on a broken system.” What’s needed, they argue, is to completely “transform the incentives that routinely produce shortages and other market failures” by building out a robust public option to manufacture and distribute essential medicines. Brown says, “The profit motive is ingrained in the form of ownership (of pharmaceutical companies). Because of the way the economy is structured, companies can’t really afford not to put profits first. They have to maximize returns to shareholders in the short term.” Invite them to explain how public manufacturing works, how California is already doing it, and why it would reduce drug prices. Dana Brown is the director of health and economy at the Democracy Collaborative. Contact her at dbrown@democracycollaborative.org Christopher Morten is an associate clinical professor of law at Columbia Law School and director of Columbia’s Science, Health, and Information Clinic. Contact him at dbrown@democracycollaborative.org
4. ==> America’s First Women Astronauts
NASA’s Artemis project will put the first woman on the moon, but she won’t be the first female astronaut to make space history. Invite “Bloomberg News” space reporter Loren Grush to share the stories of the amazing women who became America’s first astronauts. Hear about the exceptional women, with backgrounds ranging from physicians to electrical engineers, who shattered gender barriers and established numerous spaceflight firsts. Grush’s new book, “The Six: The Untold Story of America’s First Women Astronauts,” uncovers the remarkable journey of Sally Ride, Judy Resnik, Anna Fisher, Kathy Sullivan, Shannon Lucid, and Rhea Seddon, who defied the norms of their time and battled against both the misogyny of the era and the challenges of space exploration. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
5. ==> Patrick Swayze’s Aug. 18 Birthday, Dirty Dancing’s 36th Anniversary
Although he died at age 57 of pancreatic cancer, actor and dancer Patrick Swayze and perhaps his best-known movie, 1987’s “Dirty Dancing,” continue to be extremely popular as we approach Aug. 18, his 71st birthday. Bring Sue Tabashnik, the author of four books about Swayze, his choreographer mother, and “Dirty Dancing” on your program to learn what’s behind Swayze’s continued popularity in the U.S. and abroad. Sue can talk about the film’s enduring themes of the power of love, the universal language of dance, and class differences, as well as the festivals that entice thousands of fans to gather to celebrate the film and its iconic soundtrack, and the “Dirty Dancing” sequel now scheduled to be released in 2025. Sue has done extensive research on “Dirty Dancing” and can share insider information. Ask her: What was it like meeting Patrick Swayze and his mother? What are some things that people may not know about “Dirty Dancing”? What happens at “Dirty Dancing” festivals? She was the special guest speaker at a major 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
6. ==> Indie/Jam Band Bassist Karina Rykman
Karina Rykman is one of the few female rock bass players, and after a decade of hard work, she’s just released her debut album “Joyride,” produced by Phish’s Trey Anastasio (who also plays guitar on several tracks). Invite the impressive young artist to discuss her music (a blend of indie pop and psychedelic jam rock), her dedicated following of passionate fans, and how she’s earned a reputation as an unmissable live act. In addition to her unforgettable festival appearances, Rykman has a recurring guest spot with the “Late Night with Seth Myers” house band. Rykman is about to begin a nationwide tour. Contact John Angelo at john@premieretv.com
7. ==> This Guest Uncovers Your Unconscious Biases in 10 Seconds
Everybody has biases, even the best among us, many without realizing it. Author Sara Ting has made it her life’s mission to help people overcome this and will help your listeners identify their biases in just 10 seconds. As a first-generation Asian American woman, she frequently experienced the insidious effects of discrimination. Then one day she experienced an epiphany while riding a bus that led her to write “The Sun Poem” for a campaign to promote racial and ethnic harmony. Sara is a diversity-and-inclusion educator, speaker, consultant and author of “Small Book with a Big Idea: The Key to a Fulfilling Life—Self-Awareness.” She is also the founder and president of World Unity, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to the elimination of all forms of bigotry. Contact Sara at (508) 715-3370; Sting@rtirguests.com
8. ==> How Kids Can Experience Less Stress During Back to School
With all the news stories about curriculum changes in Florida, it is apparent that what children are learning in school has become even more of interest to adults than before. But what people should be talking about as the new school year starts are ways to help kids learn to accept and understand each other’s differences and embrace what makes them who they are. Bring Arlene Hemingway, a former music educator in Long Island schools, on your show to explain why fourth-grade through twelfth-grade students would gain tremendous advantages from learning something called Drabble. She’ll reveal that when kids handwrite 100-word Drabbles that tell a complete story they experience less stress and more creativity, calmness, self-understanding, and empathy for others. Drabble has changed her life, too. As Arlene will say, “As the only person of color on the faculty in my school district, I saw that discrimination from parents and teachers was experienced almost daily. But after crafting Drabbles for some time, I discovered a way to address my problems, keeping me calm and in balance. This changed the nature of my dealing with life challenges considerably and continues to do so at present for me and the students whose lives I touch.” Hemingway teaches Drabble at Blue Bridge Community College in Flat Rock, North Carolina. She is the author of “A Twist of Lemon: 100 Curious Stories in Exactly 100 Words” and has a master’s degree from the Juilliard School of Music. Contact Arlene at (828) 684-9840; adh7@att.net
9. ==> What Your Tongue Reveals About Your Health
We normally don’t pay too much attention to our tongues unless we inadvertently burn them eating something hot or accidentally bite them. But there’s a reason doctors ask their patients to stick out their tongues: A tongue can tell a lot about a person’s health. Speech-language pathologist Janine Stiene says various factors like color, coating, and shape can offer insights into our well-being. “The presence of a thick coating can point to digestive issues, while a yellowish coating may indicate infection. A gray or blackish coating could signify long-term digestive problems or significant health concerns,” she says. She’ll explain what a healthy tongue looks like, what the texture of your tongue can tell you, and even why some people can roll their tongues and others can’t — and if that’s something you can learn to do! Janine Stiene is the founder of The Spot Pal, a custom-fit tongue training appliance designed to promote proper tongue resting posture and assist in breaking harmful oral habits. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103
10. ==> The 2-Second Mistake That Could Cost a Life
Life could change, or end, in a matter of seconds. As a long-time nurse and health-care provider, Allen Daugherty has witnessed what happens when people take safety for granted. “In our society, life is so fast-paced and hectic that people often don’t pay attention to safety or preventative health care,” he says. “This could range from texting while driving to neglecting to receive routine, yet life-saving health tests and screenings.” Allen can address why America is the unhealthiest developed nation in the world, and how we can collectively change our mindset to improve our health and well-being. Allen has worked in the medical field for almost 50 years, first as a U.S. Air Force medic then as an RN and certified dialysis nurse. He is the author of “An Ounce of Prevention is Worth More Than You Can Imagine.” Contact Allen at (540) 712-8704; adaugherty@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Are You a Victim of Weight Creep? How to Lose Weight While Aging
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
12. ==> Comedian-Turned Animal Activist Shares Why Saving Elephants Is No Joke
Former standup comedian Georja Umano loved to make audiences laugh. But after adopting a dog in 1997, her passion turned to animal and environmental activism, with a particular focus on saving endangered elephants. “Elephants are crucial to the health of our environment and ecosystems, and are sadly endangered because of poaching, trophy hunting and habitat loss due to land development,” she says. Georja is the author of the book “Terriers in the Jungle.” She has lived in Kenya and is in the process of launching a nonprofit called the Elephant Matriarch Project to educate and train young, underprivileged African women and girls for careers in wildlife conservation. Contact Georja at (213) 568-1764; gumano@rtirguests.com
13. ==> 10-Minute Rituals to Curb ‘Caregiver Chaos’
There are currently over 50 million people providing unpaid care to a sick or aging loved one in the United States and studies show that at least 40% to 70% of family caregivers report symptoms of anxiety or depression. That’s a whole lot of stressed-out caregivers! As the primary caregiver for her mother with Alzheimer’s disease, Alexandra Free suffered from daily panic attacks and depression. One particularly bad day, she decided something had to change and she started putting self-care at the top of her caregiving to-do list. Alexandra can discuss the importance of self-care for caregivers and share simple 10-minute rituals she created to help caregivers (and non-caregivers) create some peace in the middle of whatever chaos life is throwing at them. Alexandra is a self-care advocate, caregiving expert, and the author of “From Zero to Zen: A Guide to Help You Thrive as a Caregiver.” Contact Alexandra Free at (310) 922-5637; lex@alexandrafree.com
14. ==> Why Traditional Talk Therapy Doesn’t Work
Conventional mental health professionals have long maintained that talk therapy is the panacea to healing the mind. But Adriana Popescu Ph.D., claims that true healing comes from also treating the body and spirit. “I specialize in using some of the most powerful, effective holistic healing techniques to radically shift limiting feelings and beliefs,” she says. “These may include meditation, nutritional supplements and all kinds of mind-body healing techniques.” Adriana is a licensed clinical psychologist, addiction and trauma specialist, speaker, thought leader and empowerment coach, and author of the critically acclaimed book “What If You’re Not as F***ed Up As You Think You Are?: How We Come to Believe Lies About Ourselves and What We Can Do to Change Them.” Contact Adriana at (415) 707-5054; Apopescu@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Are You Choosing Happy or Avoiding it?
Unlock the hidden secrets of happiness and discover five things you think will make you happy but actually won’t when you interview this dynamic guest! Jennifer Hughes is on a mission to help people choose happy. Most people get it backward, avoiding things that will make them happy while actively choosing things that end up disappointing them. A certified life coach, trainer of The Success Principles, and author of “Choose Happy: Be This, Not That,” Jennifer can help your audience strengthen their relationships, achieve their dreams, and skyrocket their happiness to new levels. Ask her: What are the five unexpected things people believe will make them happy but actually won’t? Why is it so important to take responsibility for our own happiness, and how can we do that? What would you say to someone who doesn’t believe that happiness is a choice? Contact Jennifer Hughes at (480) 745-2113; jhughes@rtirguests.com