01. News Coverage of Maui Catastrophe Misses Key Element
02. Maui Tragedy May Birth New Nonprofits (but Maybe Shouldn’t)
03. What to Make of the Summer COVID Surge
04. From Pro Wrestler to Pastor to Vigilante – Interview The Saint
05. For Agatha Christie Fans: Make a Murder-Inspired Meal
06. Is It Possible to Rid the World of Prejudice, Bias and Discrimination?
07. Why So Many Women Suffer from Imposter Syndrome
08. What Employees Want in a Workplace (Hint: It Has Changed)
09. Bruce Willis’ Wife Shares Caregiving Struggles
10. This Bookie’s Son Is a Sure-Bet Interview Guest
11. How to Get the Most From Your Next Doc Visit
12. Can You Talk Yourself Out of Being Sick?
13. The Dog Days of Summer Are Tough on Dogs
14. Comedian-Turned Animal Activist: Why Saving Elephants Is No Joke
15. You’re Not as Messed Up as You Think!
1.==> News Coverage of Maui Catastrophe Misses Key Element
Major media outlets have gone to remarkable lengths to gather reporting from the scene of the devastating Maui wildfires, but according to the watchdog group Media Matters, just 4% of news segments tied the catastrophe to climate change in the first two days of news coverage. Mark Hertsgaard, executive director of the journalist consortium Covering Climate Now, says the media’s climate reporting has improved recently, but most news organizations still don’t give the crisis the amount and urgency of coverage the story deserves. “Most TV news reports on the ferocious heat and other weather extremes afflicting millions this summer have not even mentioned the words ‘climate change.’ The science is unequivocal on that connection and leaving it out leaves audiences not just uninformed, but misinformed.” He says the public is seeing changes in their local communities — from crazier weather and worsening air quality to more coastal floods — and they have questions about why it’s happening and what can be done to change things. He can discuss the political divide surrounding climate change and the challenges facing journalists trying to cover the issue. Hertsgaard is the co-founder and executive director of Covering Climate Now. He is the environment correspondent for “The Nation” and the author of seven nonfiction books. Contact him at @markhertsgaard or editors@coveringclimatenow.org
2. ==> Maui Tragedy May Birth New Nonprofits (but Maybe Shouldn’t)
Tragic events like the Maui wildfires often lead everyday people to start nonprofits to help those affected. While this may be a noble endeavor, Michele Whetzel says that’s not always the best way to make an impact. “Consider that there may be a way to have a successful program to fulfill your charitable ambition without all that is required to start and run a stand-alone public charity,” she says. The author and nonprofit consultant can offer invaluable advice about how to help your cause or pursue your passion project, without the headaches. Michele Whetzel is a veteran of the nonprofit arena, founder of Your 501 Guide consulting and author of the upcoming book “So, You Want to Start a Nonprofit, Now What?” Ask her: What are examples of good nonprofits? What are some good alternative projects? Contact Michele Whetzel at (302) 407-0513; Mwhetzel@rtirguests.com
3. ==> What to Make of the Summer COVID Surge
Recent reporting has sounded the alarm on this summer’s COVID surge but it’s been challenging for the public to know what to make of the numbers. Researcher Benjy Renton says, “It’s challenging to find good data on COVID for a number of reasons: testing has gone down, data sources are not being updated as frequently.” To mitigate the problem, Renton and his colleague, Jeremy Faust, put together a “1-stop shop dashboard” for COVID metrics, which they published in Faust’s “Inside Medicine” newsletter. The dashboard covers thousands of U.S. jurisdictions and includes data on wastewater levels, hospitalization rates and capacities, ICU census data, death rates, and some testing. Renton can discuss how to interpret the info and emphasizes that the current spike is not comparable to previous waves. Wastewater levels are a third of the Omicron peak in the winter of 2022; hospitalization rates are less than 10% of that Omicron peak. “The baseline is a lot lower these days,” he says. Benjy Renton researches vaccine access and equity and other issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic for Ariadne Labs, a joint center of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Contact him at bhrenton@gmail.com; @bhrenton
4. ==> From Pro Wrestler to Pastor to Vigilante – Interview The Saint
Dr. Chris Whaley spent ten years as a professional wrestler known as The Saint before becoming a pastor and vigilante. He was The Equalizer before Denzel Washington and Queen Latifah. His first book, “The Masked Saint” — based on a true story — was made into an award-winning movie and his second book (“Harold’s Heavenly Christmas”) will be a Movie of the Week. This guest who has done lots of TV, radio, and podcasts, is available to talk about his career as a vigilante, whether pro wrestling is fake, how to avoid the three killers in marriage, what it was like to see his books turned into movies, and more. Ask him: How did you go from a sickly childhood to being a pro wrestler? How did you deal with childhood bullying? What tips do you have for fulfilling one’s dreams? Contact Dr. Chris Whatley at (407) 227-8781; themaskedsaint59@gmail.com
5. ==> For Agatha Christie Fans: Make a Murder-Inspired Meal
Poisons, knives, and bullets riddle the stories of Agatha Christie, but so does food, which she uses to invoke settings, develop characters, and, of course, to commit murder. Agatha Christie fan Karen Pierce has created unique food and drink recipes for each of Christie’s mysteries along with their context in Christie’s life and times and the roles they play in her books. Her new book, “Recipes for Murder: 66 Dishes That Celebrate the Mysteries of Agatha Christie,” includes recipes for fish and chips at the Seven Dials Club, literary luncheon meringues, Oysters Rockefeller on the Orient Express and more. Invite Pierce to share the history of the recipes along with menu ideas for a Halloween murder mystery gathering, a “Christie for Christmas” get-together, a book club buffet, and other occasions. Karen Pierce is a detective-fiction devotee, food lover, and Agatha Christie superfan. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
6. ==> Is It Possible to Rid the World of Prejudice, Bias and Discrimination?
While bigotry is nothing new, it has boiled to the surface in modern times due to the current volatile political climate. But according to author and inclusion expert Sara Ting, there is hope. “Many people have biases without even realizing this,” she says. “The key is to educate people about the effects this has on society and empower them to become more self-aware.” As a first-generation Asian American woman, Sara is no stranger to the effects of discrimination. As a result, she became a diversity-and-inclusion educator, speaker, consultant and the author of “Small Book with a Big Idea: 5 Minute Training to Empower You and Transform the World.” 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
7. ==> Why So Many Women Suffer from Imposter Syndrome
They may look perfectly put together on the outside but inside many successful women suffer from feelings of not being good enough — despite all they have accomplished. What can they do to feel as good inside as they appear to be on the outside? Interview Tonya Comer to find out. The author of “In High Heels on a Ladder,” this life coach and speaker can share the seven power tools she used to rise above her own shame and self-doubt that kept her from fully enjoying her success as one of the Top 20 African American Interior Designers in the country. Raised in the projects of Pittsburgh, Pa., Tonya has held her own among A-listers and power players, surviving the sexism, ageism, and stereotyping of designers commonly held by people in the construction trades. She holds an MBA from Michigan State University’s Eli Broad Graduate School of Management and a B.A. from Duquesne University. She studied interior design at London Metropolitan University. Tonya formerly worked in broadcasting, and in sales, marketing, advertising, and consulting for corporate America. Contact Sudanna Morris at (215) 667-8464; info@tonyacomer.com
8. ==> What Employees Want in a Workplace (Hint: It Has Changed)
The Great Resignation isn’t going anywhere. More American businesses than ever are suffering from low employee engagement, high turnover rates, and a shortage of qualified staff. One of the biggest struggles is appealing to Generation Z and millennials, who make up 46% of our current workforce and whose career ideals are vastly different from previous generations. An executive coach and bestselling author of “The Path to Servant Leadership: A 12-Month Guide to Implementation,” Susan Anderson reveals how companies can not only appeal to the Gen Z and millennial workforce but also transform their employee practices to vastly improve engagement, decrease turnover — and by doing so, increase profits and revenue. Interview this passionate, motivational guest today to find out why Gen Z is less driven by money than any other generation (and what really gets them excited about a job), the real reason companies that prioritize employees are more profitable and much more! Contact Susan Anderson at (678) 999-8143; sanderson@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Bruce Willis’ Wife Shares Caregiving Struggles
Emma Heming Willis recently posted a candid video update about her struggle amid her husband Bruce Willis’ dementia battle, calling it “a care partner PSA.” Heming Willis has served as the actor’s caregiver during his struggle with the devastating disease. She is among the over 50 million people currently providing 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. As the primary caregiver for her mother with Alzheimer’s disease, Alexandra Free can identify with Heming Willis, having suffered from daily panic attacks and depression. 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
10. ==> This Bookie’s Son Is a Sure-Bet Interview Guest
As the son of a big-time bookie, Steven Feinberg, Ph.D., learned a lot about the world as he watched his father’s 24/7 gambling lifestyle including losing the equivalent of $90,000 on a single football game. “My life was a training ground for the handling and mishandling of uncertainty,” Dr. Feinberg observes. Now, Steven is ready to share with your audience stories about his father and how Steven managed to see the film “The Godfather” with an actual wise guy at his side. He’ll also share the three steps he learned about winning more from life by utilizing the Bookie vantage point. A one-of-a-kind guest, Steven is a top 1% executive consultant who taught for nearly 30 years at the University of San Francisco School of Management and leadership and has guest lectured at Stanford, Cal Poly and UC Berkeley Extension. His latest book is “Do What Others Say Can’t Be Done … Play The Meta-Game,” and features interviews he conducted with 50 world-class leaders and entrepreneurs. Contact Dr. Steven Feinberg at (650) 374-4540; sfeinberg@rtirguests.com
11. ==> How to Get the Most From Your Next Doc Visit
Have you noticed how the minutes you get with your doctor have become shorter? That’s why it is even more important to use such time wisely. During the visit, what should you communicate? What should you ask about your conditions, prognoses, treatments and preventative efforts? What advice and instructions are crucial (even lifesaving) to get? Learn more when you interview retired nurse practitioner Anne McAwley-LeDuc, whose career included 43-plus years of varied experience in the medical field. Anne will talk about understanding and following through on well¬ness strategies, remembering what your doctors need you to know and do, avoiding health mistakes, and caring for others in your family (particularly children and the elderly). Her advice will also help you maintain an important record of your health history. Anne McAwley-LeDuc is the author of the award-winning book “Personal Health Organizer.” Contact her at (860) 300-1603; AMcAwley@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Can You Talk Yourself Out of Being Sick?
Being healthy is harder than ever. In the United States, nearly half of the population — around 133 million people — suffer from a chronic condition or serious illness, and almost 50 million people undergo surgery each year. Combine that with a resource-strained health-care industry, and you have millions living with poor health on a daily basis. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Stan Munslow shows your audience how to take control of their healing and recovery. The author of “Get Weller Sooner: 12 Powerful, Proven Ways to Speed and Improve Your Recovery from Illness or Surgery,” Stan reveals 12 powerful ways your audience can enhance their professional medical care and feel better, faster — with less pain, less time in the hospital, lower costs, and much more. Ask him: How did you help your father beat 30% survival odds and fully recover from Stage 4 lymphoma? Why does being the “perfect patient” help you shorten and improve a hospital experience? How can we optimize the mind-body connection for better health? Contact Stan Munslow at (401) 337-7436; smunslow@rtirguests.com
13. ==> The Dog Days of Summer Are Tough on Dogs
Summer temperatures are always challenging for our canine friends, but this year’s soaring temperatures make it even more imperative for pet owners to know how to keep their pets cool. Invite integrated veterinarian Carole Osborne to share helpful advice and recommendations on everything from sunscreen that’s safe for dogs to dog booties to protect your puppy’s paws against hot pavement, and tips on how to detect signs of heatstroke in animals. Carole Osborne, DVM, is an author and Emmy-nominated television journalist. She has appeared on many shows including “Fox & Friends,” “Today” and “Good Day LA.” Contact Mackenzie August at (661) 255-8283; mackenzie@steveallenmedia.com
14. ==> Comedian-Turned Animal Activist: 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 award-winning book “Terriers in the Jungle.” She has lived in Kenya and is in the process of launching a nonprofit called the Elephant Matriarch Project, the goal of which is to educate and train young, underprivileged African women and girls for careers in wildlife conservation. Contact Georja at (213) 568-1764; gumano@rtirguests.com
15. ==> You’re Not as Messed Up as You Think!
Many people get trapped in a seemingly never-ending cycle of low self-esteem and are convinced that they are stuck in their limitations. They turn to self-judgment, self-abuse, poor choices and believing lies about themselves. But psychologist/author Dr. Adriana Popescu says it’s possible to stop the inner critic and stop feeling bad about yourself. “Over the last 25 years, I’ve worked with thousands of people, empowering them to overcome their imagined limitations, release their self-judgments and discover the brilliance within — creating a life of infinite possibilities,” she says. Adriana is a licensed clinical psychologist, addiction and trauma specialist, speaker, thought leader and empowerment coach. She’s the author of “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 her at (415) 707-5054; Apopescu@rtirguests.com