01. Expert on Latest Middle East Developments
02. Why Aren’t We Tougher With Venezuela Dictator?
03. Everyone Should Get Behind Supreme Court Reform
04. Actor Michael Learned: From ‘The Waltons’ to Jeffrey Dahmer’s Grandma
05. Nobody Loves Bugs More Than This Guy
06. Do Regulatory Agencies Have Too Much Power?
07. What Does DEI Stand For? Why Should You Care?
08. How to Disagree with People without Disrespecting Them
09. How to Make Better Choices with Fewer Regrets
10. Warning: The U.S. Health Care System Can Kill You!
11. Pet-Friendly Vacation Tips
12. There’s Still Time: How to Have Your Best Summer Ever
13. Social Anxiety Ruins Lives: Why Treatment Is Often an Afterthought
14. Charity: Are You Really Making a Difference?
15. Help Kids Handle Nightmares — Instead of Waking You Up!
1. ==> Expert on Latest Middle East Developments
A senior Iranian security official is warning that Iran will attack Israel if its talks with Hamas for a ceasefire in Gaza fall apart. White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said the attack “could be this week,” agreeing with reports that Israel expects an attack within days. Invite Middle East expert Asaf Romirowsky to talk about the situation and what to expect next. Romirowsky is the executive director of Scholars for Peace in the Middle East. Trained as a Middle East historian, he holds a PhD in Middle East and Mediterranean Studies from King’s College London, UK and 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 Aren’t We Tougher With Venezuela Dictator?
Venezuela continues to descend into economic and political chaos after last month’s election. Invite Elliott Abrams, senior fellow for Middle Eastern studies at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), to discuss reports that the United States and several Latin American countries are suggesting to Nicolas Maduro, the Venezuelan dictator, that he negotiate amnesty for himself and his cronies now, in the aftermath of his defeat. Abrams says that’s a start, but carrots without sticks won’t work. “Maduro must also be threatened—with more economic sanctions, more diplomatic isolation, fewer resources with which to reward cronies, and all the forms of pressure that can be mustered by the United States and our partners in this effort.” Abrams adds, “The Biden administration came into office with lots of strong rhetoric claiming they were building “a foreign policy that…is centered on the defense of democracy,” as Secretary of State Blinken put it in 2021. That policy has never appeared.” Elliott Abrams served as deputy assistant to the president and deputy national security advisor in the administration of President George W. Bush, where he supervised U.S. policy in the Middle East for the White House, and as Special Representative for Iran and Venezuela in the administration of Donald Trump. For interviews contact the CFR communications department at communications@cfr.org
3. ==> Everyone Should Get Behind Supreme Court Reform
President Joe Biden is weighing a slate of proposals aimed at dramatically reforming the Supreme Court, including imposing term limits and establishing an enforceable code of ethics. Law professor and Supreme Court expert Jeffrey Fisher has long proposed reforms. “Imposing term limits on Supreme Court justices would be good for the country and the court. It would help ease the bitterness of the confirmation process and make the court more representative of the public’s views. And while conservatives might currently balk in light of their 6-3 majority, it’s a change that would not necessarily advantage either side over the long run.” He can explain how reform would work and the likelihood that it could happen. Jeffrey L. Fisher is a law professor at Stanford Law School, co-director of the Stanford Supreme Court Litigation Clinic and special counsel at O’Melveny & Myers LLP. He has argued 48 cases in the Court, on issues ranging from criminal procedure to maritime law to civil and human rights. Contact him at (650) 724-7081; jlfisher@law.stanford.edu
4.==> Actor Michael Learned: From ‘The Waltons’ to Jeffrey Dahmer’s Grandma
Best-known as Olivia Walton, mother to a large “The Waltons,” actor Michael Learned has had a long and varied career. She recently played Jeffrey Dahmer’s grandmother in the Netflix series about the infamous serial killer and she continues to find roles that inspire and challenge her. Invite the four-time Emmy award winner to discuss her latest project, the film “Our Crossroads,” with Pat Boone. It’s the real-life story of a couple looking back on their life raising six orphans. Michael Learned has appeared on Broadway, TV and the big screen. Contact Harlan Boll at (626) 296-3757; harlan@bhbpr.com
5. ==> Nobody Loves Bugs More Than This Guy
We’re all tired of swatting mosquitos and checking for ticks this summer, but in a season that lends itself to cursing bugs, a talk with Barrett Klein might leave you with a little more appreciation for the creepy crawlies. The renowned entomologist will share his love of insects and examine the phenomenon of how humans and bugs relate on a cultural level. He’ll discuss the ways we use insects’ bodies (for silk, pigments, food, medicine), how we try to recreate them (for flight technology, architecture, social structures), and how we mimic them (for fighting, yoga, music, fashion). Klein will celebrate the many ways insects have inspired various aspects of what makes us human and might possibly leave you a little less bitter about your next bug bite. Barrett Klein’s new book is “The Insect Epiphany: How Our Six-Legged Allies Shape Human Culture.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at
6. ==> Do Regulatory Agencies Have Too Much Power?
Federal agencies are tasked with protecting the American public, but can they go too far? They can, say Clifford Rosenthal and Michael McCray, and paying the price are some of America’ most disadvantaged citizens. Rosenthal and McCray, coauthors of “Community Capital: Race, Equity, and the Credit Union Movement,” can talk about two cases of regulatory overreach the Supreme Court is slated to rule on this summer, making this an extremely timely topic. A trained CPA, lawyer and whistleblower, McCray led an unprecedented court challenge to the unjust liquidation of Kappa Alpha Psi Federal Credit Union. Rosenthal, an Obama appointee, wrote the book on community development financial institutions. McCray, a Clinton White House veteran, blew the whistle on public corruption from USDA to ACORN. Ask them: What role do credit unions play in minority communities? What does it take to bring financial justice to communities of color? What are the consequences of regulatory agency overreach? Contact Michael McCray at Michael McCray at (870) 543-0024; mccray.michael@gmail.com
7. ==> What Does DEI Stand For? Why Should You Care?
DEI – the acronym for diversity, equity, and inclusion — has been in the news a great deal lately, especially during the presidential campaign. While many may believe that this is a new concept, and it is often surrounded by controversy, author Sara Ting claims that it is nothing new. And it’s the foundation for a healthy society. “Many people are averse to the idea of DEI, because we all have our own personal biases,” she says. “Often times, people aren’t even aware of their biases. But because we live in such a diverse society, it’s important that we acknowledge our biases and work toward inclusion – so that we can all function more harmoniously in every aspect of life.” Sara is a diversity and inclusion educator, speaker, consultant, and author of “Small Book with a Big Idea: 5 Minute Training to Empower You and Transform the World.” Contact: Sara Ting at (508) 715-3370; Sting@rtirguests.com
8. ==> How to Disagree with People without Disrespecting Them
Do you remember when we had to be careful when we discussed religion, politics, and money with others? Today, with so much polarization in our world, we are more hesitant to share a different viewpoint on “any” issue due to fear of being isolated from loved ones, condemned on social media, or even unfriended. Philip Blackett is on a mission to change our intimidating “cancel culture” that lacks diversity of thought by reintroducing the rules of engagement that we’ve lost. He is the author of “Disagree without Disrespect: How to Respectfully Debate with Those Who Think, Believe and Vote Differently from You.” He wants to help your audience confidently navigate tough conversations, questions, and debates with their families, friends, and colleagues through his five-step framework where you can disagree with someone’s views and still respect and love that person in a healthy relationship. Ask him: Why is it important to know how to respectfully debate with those who think, believe, and vote differently from you? Can you share the five-step framework for how people can disagree without disrespect? What inspired you to write this book? Contact Philip Blackett at (617) 608-7702; philip.blackett@gmail.com
9. ==> How to Make Better Choices with Fewer Regrets
We are faced with many choices each day. Some that are crucial in our lives and career. But we get in our own way of good decision-making due to emotional and cognitive traps we fall into, according to internationally known psychologist Stephen Sideroff. Invite him on your program to share the three traps we all run into as well as the three key steps to take before making any decision to avoid the traps and to make better decisions. He can also reveal three steps that help you recover from a mistake you’ve already made. Dr. Sideroff will give you new perspectives on decision-making for greater clarity, objectivity, and results. Stephen Sideroff is an associate professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Rheumatology at UCLA’s Geffen School of Medicine. He was the founder and former clinical director of the Stress Strategies Program of UCLA/Santa Monica Hospital and former clinical director of Moonview Treatment and Optimal Performance Center. He is the author of “The 9 Pillars of Resilience: The Proven Path to Mastering Stress, Slow Aging and Increase Vitality.” Reach Dr. Sideroff at (310) 666-3452; sideroff@UCLA.edu
10. ==> Warning: The U.S. Health Care System Can Kill You!
The U.S. is the only developed country in the world that doesn’t have universal health care. Indeed, it’s strictly a for-profit system, which has long jeopardized the health of American citizens. “Health care is a business,” says author and long-time nurse practitioner Susie Bell. “Decision-making in health care used to be made by trained medical practitioners. But now, the decisions are based upon an algorithm to save money. Insurance companies have contracts with hospitals and clinics. What is charged is only ever reimbursed at a very small fraction of the actual price.” Susie can share the shocking ways that this affects Americans, and how to navigate the often-confounding health care system. She is the author of the upcoming book “A Piece of Me: Finding My Voice After Mormonism, Marriage, Medicine & Men.” Contact Susie Bell at (213) 816-3622; sbell@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Pet-Friendly Vacation Tips
A family vacation isn’t a family vacation unless Fido and/or Fluffy come along for the adventure. But travel can be stressful for pets and owners alike. Carol Osborne, DVM, offers must-have advice for those who ‘have pet, will travel’! Dr. Osborne will share important questions to ask yourself before packing up your pet, starting with if they’re well-trained and healthy enough for travel. Whether you’re taking a plane or hitting the highway, learn what to bring, how to prepare your pet beforehand, and natural remedies to help if your furry friend gets anxious on the trip. Carol Osborne, DVM, is a practicing integrative veterinarian. She is a regular contributor to several TV shows and networks including “Fox & Friends,” “Today,” Discovery’s “Animal Planet,” and “Good Day LA.” Contact Mackenzie August at (661) 255-8283; mackenzie@steveallenmedia.com
12. ==> There’s Still Time: How to Have Your Best Summer Ever
Summer is a time of adventure, vacations, and trying new things. It can also be a time of transformation. Remember how summer vacation from school allowed you to explore more about who you were? Now that you are grown up, how can you have your best summer ever? Explore what that might look and feel like with the appropriately named Edie Summers, the author of “The Memory of Health.” With Edie’s ideas under your belt, a memorable summer is a real possibility as she encourages people to check out a new beach or camping spot, get more sun and apply more sunscreen, visit places they have never been before in their neighborhood and a few hours away, and connect more with people in real life instead of whiling away the hours on their smartphones. Edie is a corporate wellness advisor for a high-tech startup who has been featured in “Entrepreneur” and on many podcasts. Contact Edie Summers at (503) 487-0058; esummers@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Social Anxiety Ruins Lives: Why Treatment Is Often an Afterthought
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 12% of U.S. adults experience social anxiety disorder at some time in their lives, while 9% of adolescents have social anxiety disorder. But many refrain from seeking treatment. Why? “Many young people and adults struggle with this privately, because they are fearful of what others might think of them,” says author and clinical psychologist Dr. Thomas E. Brown. A professor of psychiatry and neuroscience at the University of California Riverside School of Medicine, he is the author of seven books including “Smart but Stuck: Emotions in Teens and Adults with ADHD” and the forthcoming “Social Anxiety: Hidden Fears and Shame in Teens and Adults.” Contact Dr. Brown at (475) 405-3549; tbrown@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Charity: Are You Really Making a Difference?
Giving back by way of donating to charities, volunteering in your community, or starting a nonprofit can be very rewarding. But how do you know if you’re actually making a significant difference? “Many people are compelled to give back on the basis of their own life experiences, such as personal tragedies, and passions,” says author and nonprofit expert Michele Whetzel. “While it’s great to follow your heart, you need to do your homework.” Michele is a veteran of the nonprofit arena, founder of Your 501 Guide consulting and author of the book “So, You Want to Start a Nonprofit, Now What?” Contact: Michele Whetzel at (302) 407-0513; Mwhetzel@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Help Kids Handle Nightmares — Instead of Waking You Up!
According to the Cleveland Clinic, nightmares in children are common, and more likely when your child is overtired or stressed. Unfortunately, when they happen in the middle of the night, it’s tough to deal with the situation with a clear head. That’s why parents need Patricia Wilson, a long-time educator who understands kids and families. “Parents need to address kids fears during waking hours,” says Wilson. She’ll share ways to instill healthy sleep habits in little ones, how to set bedtime boundaries for older kids and teens, and ways to make bedtime less of a battle. Patricia 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,” “Life is Amazing!” and “When Grandma Giggled.” Contact Patricia Wilson at (778) 561-4603; pwilson@rtirguests.com