01. What the Historic U.S. Climate Bill Gets Right and Wrong
02. Stories from the Front Lines of Ukraine War
03. Shed No Tears for Liz
04. What Happened to the Kids Separated at the Mex Border?
05. Perfect End-of-Summer Show: Every Lake Has a Story
06. Back-to-School: Prepare Your Kids for STEM Careers
07. Interview a Former Pioneering Black Diplomat
08. Why the Most Qualified Person Doesn’t Always Get the Job
09. Cruises Are Back! Hear from This Travel Expert
10. Frank Talk about Postpartum Depression
11. Would You Forgive an Unfaithful Spouse?
12. The Hidden Toll of Alzheimer’s Disease
13. Killer Secrets: The Worst Things to Keep Inside
14. The Two Choices the Most Successful People Make
15. Why We Should Care about Happy the Elephant
1. ==> What the Historic U.S. Climate Bill Gets Right and Wrong
The Inflation Reduction Act promises the largest investment in climate action in U.S. history — $370 billion — and could lead to significant emissions reductions over the next decade. But what is included in the bill? Invite Alice Hill to discuss what’s in the legislation, what isn’t, and whether the measure will lead to a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. She says ensuring the IRA’s funding goes to initiatives that actually help combat climate change will pose a challenge, and because it has a decade-long timespan, the risk remains that changes in administration could slow climate investment. Alice Hill is the David M. Rubenstein senior fellow for energy and the environment at the Council on Foreign Relations. Her latest book is “The Fight for Climate After COVID-19.” Contact her at (202) 509-8597; ahill@cfr.org
2. ==> Stories from the Front Lines of Ukraine War
The war in Ukraine rages on with Russia continuing its attacks and western countries agreeing to continue long-term funding to help Ukraine’s military, pledging billions of dollars. This past spring, Kyle Duncan was in the homes of Ukrainians whose neighborhoods were being bombed and in vans full of orphans fleeing Russian tanks and at border crossings. The “New York Times” best-selling author and father of a Ukrainian son can talk about his harrowing experience on the front lines in Ukraine, the miracles he witnessed there and how listeners can help those affected. Kyle spent three weeks in Poland and western Ukraine in late March and early April, interviewing those who had fled the war, as well as aid workers and volunteers. He also conducted numerous interviews with Ukrainians who remain in the country. Proceeds from his new book “Hope for Ukraine: Stories of Grit and Grace from the Front Lines of War” will aid Ukrainian refugees. Contact Jason Jones at Jason@jonesliterary.com
3. ==> Shed No Tears for Liz
All eyes are on Wyoming and the election fate of Congresswoman Liz Cheney. Political journalist Jodi Enda says regardless of the results, Cheney’s star has never shone more brightly. “Even if she loses this week, she will return to America’s living rooms in September, in the much-anticipated new season of the January 6 committee hearings. She might, as her admirers portend, be sacrificing her political future in order to save the republic. All in all, not a bad trade-off. Then again, perhaps she — with the help of other democracy lovers — can salvage them both.” Jodi Enda is an award-winning political journalist and a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress. A former White House correspondent, she was the editor in chief of “ThinkProgress” and an assistant managing editor at CNN. Contact Erin Phillips at ephillips@americanprogress.org
4.==> What Happened to the Kids Separated at the Mex 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
5. ==> Perfect End-of-Summer Show: Every Lake Has a Story
Many people have fond summer memories of spending time by the lake, but for John Richard Saylor, lakes are more than vacation destinations. Invite him to discuss some of the most fascinating lakes in the world — and your neighborhood. “Lakes possess phenomena that are always fascinating, sometimes unique, and, in some cases, even dangerous. Even the small duck pond down the street from your house has a story to tell.” Ask him about the lakes in your area and hear about Antarctica’s Lake Vostok, whose water hasn’t been exposed to the atmosphere in perhaps a million years, Lake Baikal, the deepest and oldest lake in the world formed from a rift in the earth’s crust in Siberia, and the so-called Killer Lake, Lake Nyos, which exploded in 1986 and caused hundreds of deaths. A professor of mechanical engineering at Clemson University, John Richard Saylor, Ph.D., is the author of “Lakes: Their Birth, Life and Death.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell); johanna@jrbcomm.com
6. ==> Back-to-School: Prepare Your Kids for STEM Careers
Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills are very much in demand. With the start of the new school year just around the corner, educator and college professor Chris A. Goldberg advises that parents encourage their kids by engaging in STEM-related activities at home, to prepare them for bright futures. “Students can gain confidence in making a positive impact by learning to design and build drones and mini rockets, build using recyclable materials, code on educational websites and work in teams to solve problems that affect our environment,” he says. “Encouraging young children to get involved in making a difference at an early age is crucial to building their awareness and self-esteem in the surrounding community.” Chris can share fun, educational activities the whole family can share. He is author of the soon-to-be-published book “Aliyah and The STEMsational Problem-Solvers: What’s Cooking?” Contact him at (973) 576-5841; cgoldberg@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Interview a Former Pioneering Black Diplomat
Starting in 1975 and for the next 30 years, Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans lived her dream life. The former English major and Fulbright Scholar who grew up in the Jim Crow South was a diplomat in the Foreign Service in New Delhi, Mumbai, Dhaka, Taipei, Hong Kong, Brussels, Libreville, Bujumbura, and Brazzaville. Moreover, she did it as a Black single mother. If you have ever wondered what a diplomat does, what being in the Foreign Service is like, or what it was like to be stationed in a country where coups were commonplace, this is your chance to find out. Ask her: which place did you like best? How could you represent a country which didn’t always treat you fairly? Who were some of the famous people you met? What lessons have you learned that are applicable to others with big dreams? Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans’ new memoir is “Chocolates for Mary Julia: Black Woman Blazes Trails as a Career Diplomat.” She rose from the military equivalent of a first lieutenant to a major general. Contact Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans at (571) 568-8667; jmuddkrijgelmans@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Why the Most Qualified Person Doesn’t Always Get the Job
The interview went well and your qualifications met the job description to a T. Despite your certainty that you were the most qualified candidate, you didn’t get the job. Why not? Get the surprising answer from Beverly Williams, the author of “Your GPS to Employment Success: How to Find and Succeed in the Right Job,” and an employment professional, arbitrator, and former HR executive in both private and public sectors. She’ll explain why the most qualified person doesn’t always get the job and reveal the bigger picture that most of us miss when we are on the hunt for a new job so next time, you’ll be better prepared. Williams is a partner at Wong Fleming PC in Princeton, N.J., where she specializes in labor and employment law. She also hosts the Your Employment Matters with Beverly Williams podcast. Williams earned an M.P.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a J.D. from Rutgers Law School. Contact Beverly Williams at (973) 576-5841; bwilliams@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Cruises Are Back! Hear from This Travel Expert
Recent airline disruptions have many Americans looking at alternate ways to travel. There are some great deals on cruises right now, but If you want to spare yourself headaches while saving some cash get little-known insider tips from travel expert Cindy Bertram. “I recently went on a cruise, and the process has become much more efficient due to COVID protocols,” she says. “And there are new apps that you can download for everything from making advance dining reservations to ensuring hassle-free disembarking.” Cindy can also share why it’s crucial to obtain travel insurance, the special features of various cruise ship lines and more. She is a communications, media and branding specialist who has spent many years in the travel and cruise industry and is the author of “How Six Women Executives Steer the Cruise Industry Today” and “Message from the Dog…Learning from Great Humans.” Contact Cindy at (219) 775-6488; cbertram@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Frank Talk about Postpartum Depression
Many new moms attribute their feelings of sadness and emptiness to exhaustion, hormonal changes and the non-stop attention babies require. But for many women, this is more than just “the baby blues.” “Postpartum depression had been on the rise pre-COVID, but the pandemic made the rise more significant,” says OB/GYN Dr. Florence Akindele. “A lot of women are not getting support after giving birth, and there’s not enough at-home planning.” Dr. Florence can share how new moms can get the support they need to overcome this very real mental illness. She is the founder of Florence Women’s Health Services in Alberta, Canada, and author of the book “Your Joyous Birth Experience: Empowering Moms to Participate in Their Labour And Delivery.” Contact Dr. Florence at (780) 614-5219; fakindele@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Would You Forgive an Unfaithful Spouse?
Infidelity is the leading cause of divorce. But author Valentina Tjan claims it doesn’t have to be the end of a marriage. “If your spouse does not possess the deal-breaker traits such as addiction to sex, drugs, alcohol or assault, and they are prepared to immediately stop the affair, then you should stay as the devil you know is better than the one you don’t know,” she says. “Do not leave any stones unturned before you abandon your spouse just because you caught them with their hand in the cookie jar.” She is the author of “The Best is Yet to Come: Real Life Journey to Riches to Inspire You to Wisdom and Wealth,” and has first-hand experience with marital infidelity. Contact Valentina at (647) 493-1694; vphoey@rtirguests.com
12. ==> The Hidden Toll of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease affects some 5.8 million American families with loved ones over 65 while its younger version, early-onset, affects at least 200,000 more. Whenever this progressive, memory-robbing disease strikes, families are tested on so many levels: emotionally, physically, financially, and mentally, in ways most of us can’t imagine.
For a look at Alzheimer’s hidden toll on families, interview Carlen Maddux, a former reporter who cared for his wife for 17 years after she was diagnosed at 50. He can talk about how his wife’s illness affected their children and his marriage and the lessons he learned along the way. He is the author of “A Path Revealed” and has done dozens of interviews. Contact him at (727) 351-8321; CMaddux@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Killer Secrets: The Worst Things to Keep Inside
Everyone knows that keeping secrets can be stressful. But what most people don’t know is that it can also lead to illnesses including cancer. Attorney, author and cancer survivor Francine Tone discusses the worst things to keep to yourself that can lead to illness, suffering and even the loss of life. She’s not merely talking about what you don’t tell your doctor or what happens with missed screenings. She’s talking about traumas, big and small, that happen to everyone that you keep hidden out of shame. Francine is a sought-after interview guest on legal matters and overcoming everything from abuse to debilitating accidents. She is the author of “What Every Good Lawyer Wants You to Know.” Contact her at (531) 208-1297; FTone@rtirguests.com
14. ==> The Two Choices the Most Successful People Make
What do highly savvy people do on their way to great accomplishments, wealth, power and influence? How do they become confident and fulfilled? Choice expert Rico Racosky — with an impressive career as a fighter pilot, airline pilot, and creator of the Choice Revolution — has the answers. Ask him: How has the way people make choices changed in recent years? How has it opened up more opportunities? How can you recognize a poor choice before you make one? The author of “Just 2 Choices” also speaks nationwide on making choices that will reward you with relationship happiness, better income and savings, career and entrepreneurial success, wellness and fitness, and even longevity. Contact Rico Racosky at (720) 572-1321; RRacosky@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Why We Should Care about Happy the Elephant
Bronx Zoo resident Happy the elephant was recently in the news when the animal advocacy group the Nonhuman Rights Project filed a writ of habeas corpus to have her declared a person. Although Chief Judge Janet DiFiore acknowledged that elephants are intelligent and deserve compassion, she decided that they do not have the same rights as humans. Animal welfare activist Georja Umano disagrees. “Happy and other captive elephants don’t deserve this treatment,” she says. “They deserve to live in accredited sanctuaries where they have room to walk where they want, roll in the mud, choose their own companions and have as much freedom as possible – given that they have lost their families, herds and homelands.” Georja spent two years living and working in Kenya. She is the author of “Terriers in the Jungle.” Contact her at (213) 568-1764; gumano@rtirguests.com