01. 77 Years After Hiroshima: Today’s Nuclear Threat
02. Why Wasn’t U.S. Prepared for Monkeypox?
03. Another Epidemic, Another Time: What It Took to Eliminate Smallpox
04. The ‘Friending Bias’ in Breaking the Poverty Cycle
05. Why You Should Eat Bugs This Summer
06. How Sharp Are Our Aging Politicians?
07. How the Abortion Ban Will Impact Foster Care
08. What the Far-Right Has in Common with the Far-Left (and Where Both Go Wrong)
09. How to Be Profitable in Any Economy
10. 3 Questions You Should Never Ask People You Meet
11. Should You Be Drinking Coffee for Your Health?
12. The Alarming Rise in Postpartum Depression
13. How to Cope with Rising Teen Anxiety
14. His Mom Almost Aborted Him
15. How to Put the ‘Chill’ Back In Your Summer
1. ==> 77 Years After Hiroshima: Today’s Nuclear Threat
On August 6 and 9, 1945, the United States detonated two nuclear weapons over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The bombings killed between 129,000 and 226,000 people, most of whom were civilians, and to this day remain the only uses of nuclear weapons in armed conflict. John Steinbach, co-founder of the Hiroshima/Nagasaki Peace Committee of the National Capital Area, says, “The public is shockingly oblivious to the threat of global nuclear war. This is the most dangerous period, even exceeding the Cuban missile crisis. The proximate cause is the crisis in Ukraine, but the stage was largely set by the U.S. government killing a series of treaties.” He adds, “If it’s one thing the survivors of nuclear bombings — hibakusha — keep reminding us of, it’s that a nuclear war now will not be limited and will not be survivable.” The committee is holding a series of events including an online Hiroshima commemoration and an in-person Nagasaki candlelight vigil at the White House. There are also events in Baltimore and New York City. Contact John Steinbach at johnsteinbach1@verizon.net
2. ==> Why Wasn’t U.S. Prepared for Monkeypox?
Infectious disease specialist Luciana Borio says, as with the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States’ response to monkeypox has lagged behind other countries. She says the U.S. should have been prepared for this public health threat adding that any hope that this outbreak will recede quickly is misplaced. “Controlling the spread of monkeypox through vaccination in Africa and high-risk populations in non-endemic countries offers the best hope, but limited supplies of vaccines will complicate these efforts. There should be no expectation this global epidemic will burn out without additional public health measures.” She adds, “The global epidemic of monkeypox is another sobering reminder that infectious diseases do not respect borders, and that the U.S. government remains unequipped and unprepared to detect and contain them.” Luciana Borio is an infectious disease specialist and a venture partner with Arch Venture Partners, and a senior fellow for global health at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). For interviews contact CFR at communications@cfr.org or Reina Patel at rpatel@cfr.org
3. ==> Another Epidemic, Another Time: What It Took to Eliminate Smallpox
Fighting a deadly virus is complicated. It took 20 years and a global campaign for the world to eradicate smallpox. Bee Bloeser and her two young children became involved when the CDC dispatched her husband to Africa in 1969. From being welcomed by cheering Africans to encountering witch doctors, a 10-acre mass gravesite, and living under a brutal dictator in remote Equatorial Guinea, Bee can discuss the exhilarating moments, unexpected challenges, and why she and her children were eventually evacuated after an incident with a simple child’s toy. Bee Bloeser has been featured on NPR’s “Journeys of Discovery” and NPR KCBX Radio’s show, “Issues and Ideas.” Her book is “Vaccines and Bayonets: Fighting Smallpox in Africa amid Tribalism, Terror and the Cold War.” Ask her: What are the similarities and differences between fighting smallpox, monkeypox and COVID? Did she face resistance, and by whom? How did the experience change her and her family? Contact Bee Bloeser at (520) 214-5971; bbloeser@rtirguests.com
4. ==> The ‘Friending Bias’ in Breaking the Poverty Cycle
Social scientists have made it a priority in recent years to understand upward mobility. Education plays a big role, but a large new study offers interesting clues about how lower-income children can rise up the economic ladder through their friendships with people who aren’t poor. “Growing up in a community connected across class lines improves kids’ outcome and gives them a better shot at rising out of poverty,” Raj Chetty, an economist at Harvard and one of the study’s four principal authors, says. Diversity is necessary for a high level of socioeconomic integration. But it is not sufficient, the study’s authors say. And in fact, more racially diverse places tend to have fewer cross-class friendships, the study found. What might increase cross-class interactions? Among the promising possibilities, the researchers say: more housing, including subsidized housing, in well-off areas; more diverse K-12 schools and colleges; and specific efforts — like public parks that draw a diverse mix of families — to encourage interactions among richer and poorer people. Raj Chetty is the William A. Ackman Professor of Economics at Harvard University and the director of Opportunity Insights, which uses big data to study the science of economic opportunity. Contact him at chetty@opportunityinsights.org or Danny Pantry at dpantry@opportunityinsights.org
5. ==> Why You Should Eat Bugs This Summer
Edible insects are serious business to Bill Broadbent. He says eating bugs has been gaining acceptance across the U.S. and Europe in recent years, in part because of growing health and environmental concerns. There are nearly 2,000 edible insects and no two species taste the same, but are bugs really a viable food source? Invite Bill on your show and hear the many nutritional benefits of edible insects and the best ways to incorporate them into your diet. He’ll also share the ways innovative chefs are using whole, chopped and powdered insects to astound patrons with dishes that range from shocking to delicious. Bill is president of Entosense and an expert on edible insects. CONTACT: Bill Broadbent at (207) 841-5174; bbroadbent@rtirguests.com
6. ==> How Sharp Are Our Aging Politicians?
Today, you’re nobody in Washington unless you’re 80. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is 81 and her deputy, Rep. Steny Hoyer, is 82. The No. 3 Democrat, Rep. Jim Clyburn, is 81 and Senator Bernie Sanders is 80. President Joe Biden, the oldest person to take office as president, will turn 80 this year as will Republican Senator Mitch McConnell. Behavioral specialist Lisa Skinner says with an aging herd of politicians making key decisions for America, it’s important to ask about the cognitive health and fitness of our country’s current leaders. We do ask candidates for the presidency to disclose their medical histories; however, we currently have no mechanism to evaluate their past and present mental health. In her book, “Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s – Its Secret Faces,” Skinner provides a roadmap to distinguish normal aging from something more troubling by identifying the common early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Lisa Skinner has more than a quarter-century of experience in the field of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. She’s appeared on CBS News, NBC News, Fox News, and ABC News, and in USA Today, Health & Fitness, and many other publications. Contact Dianemarie (DM) Collins at (775) 825-1727; DM@DMProductionsLLC.com or @DMCollins
7. ==> How the Abortion Ban Will Impact Foster Care
With the recent, controversial Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the main focus has been on how this will impact women. According to Richard Villasana, founder of the nonprofit Forever Homes for Foster Kids, this will also have a profound impact on the already broken foster care system. “Hundreds of children die in foster care annually,” he says. “Tens of thousands of children are physically and sexually abused while in foster care. Foster care is not a safety net for more children. That net is in shreds and in crisis without adding children from forced pregnancies.” 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
8. ==> What the Far-Right Has in Common with the Far-Left (and Where Both Go Wrong)
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 that 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
9. ==> How to Be Profitable in Any Economy
Amidst global recession and money conflicts that continue to tear apart families and business relationships alike, Victoria Rader, Ph.D. insists there’s always a way to prosper. Invite her on your show to share the universal laws of money that work in any culture, language, and economy. Her simple, reliable formula for success has helped thousands bridge the gap from stressful lack to peaceful prosperity. Rader’s new book, “Prosper Me: the 35 Universal Laws to Make Money Work for You” covers 35 empowering spiritual principles with practical applications to guide readers on the path of inner peace and financial stability and prosperity. Victoria is a frequent and popular podcast guest and a best-selling author in seven countries. Contact her at (703) 300-6866; vicarader@gmail.com
10. ==> 3 Questions You Should Never Ask People You Meet
In a polarized society you need to be very careful what you say to people you don’t know well. But even those who keep that in mind would be surprised by some of the questions you should refrain from asking, according to author Frances Jones. Invite her on your program to share the three questions you should never ask someone you don’t know well including if they have children and why this is an emotionally charged question. Frances is the author of “Overcoming the Emotional Stigmas of Infertility: Barren But Not Ashamed.” Her book tells the story of her over 20-year journey of never conceiving children and offers tips for couples traveling a similar journey. She’s a global women empowerment speaker, an advocate, and a transformational coach who has been featured on CBS, NBC, ABC and Fox affiliates, in the “Los Angeles Tribune” and other media. Contact her at (901) 910-0915; fjones@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Should You Be Drinking Coffee for Your Health?
There’s so much confusing information about what foods to eat and avoid. But what you may not know is that one-size-fits-all recommendations are pretty much useless. Let Kristina Hess tell your audience about the emerging science of nutrigenomics and how they can learn to eat based on their DNA. She says, “Some people will metabolize coffee fast. Those people will get all the benefits of drinking caffeine without the drawbacks: clarity, etc. People who are slow metabolizers and heavy drinkers of coffee will have heart palpitations and are more likely to suffer heart attacks.” Kristina Hess is a premier health coach and licensed dietitian-nutritionist with a functional and integrative approach. She is the co-founder of the first-of-its-kind Keto Symposium to be held in the New York tri-state area on Sept. 23 and Sept. 24, at the New York Library Performing Arts at Lincoln Center — Bruno Walter Auditorium. Contact her at (203) 984-7989; kristinaihess@gmail.com
12. ==> The Alarming Rise in 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
13. ==> How to Cope with Rising Teen Anxiety
U.S. teenagers have more reasons than ever to be anxious, and it’s costing them. Normal teen pressures were bad enough, but today’s youth are dealing with additional stresses in the form of pandemic isolation, increased violence, heightened social pressure, and a rapidly changing global landscape that can make entry into adulthood a terrifying prospect. With suicide rates spiking among teens and young adults, and even in preteen children, now is the right time to interview author and teen coach Lee Vallely (pronounced Vall-ELL-ee). Lee offers strategies your listeners can use to help teens manage stress levels in today’s highly charged world and find real happiness. Ask him: How can positive thinking be bad for your health? Why does he call his program for students “Shift Happens”? What steps can parents and educators take to help struggling teens today? Contact Lee Vallely at (561) 658-1266; lvallely@rtirguests.com
14. ==> His Mom Almost Aborted Him
She was 16, unwed, pregnant and scared, and considered aborting her baby. But luckily for Carl Barnes, his mother decided to give birth to him, which led him on a journey to greatness. Dr. Barnes went on to become a Navy chaplain who holds five degrees, including a doctorate of ministry in leadership. “I experienced a lot of rejection, including almost not being born” he says. “But God told my mother not to do it, and she became a great inspiration to me. We have a fantastic relationship.” Carl claims that his mother’s unwavering faith in God and him helped him to weather many life storms to become a success. He can share the one trait that led to his success: resilience. Carl is the author of “Resilient Sailing: 10 Lessons to Persevere in Life’s Stormy Seas,” and conducts life coaching workshops and online courses. Contact him at (407) 809-8047; cbarnes@rtirguests.com
15. ==> How to Put the ‘Chill’ Back In Your Summer
This summer tempers are running hot around the country as the nation deals with the Supreme Court’s Roe v Wade reversal, the findings of the Jan. 6 Committee and whether or not there will be any movement to end the mass shootings that have been cropping up like dandelions. Yet even people who aren’t getting hot about changes to society may still be finding themselves in a lather about post-pandemic life, high gas prices and summer traffic. Invite happiness expert Trish Ahjel Roberts to share ways to put the chill back in your life. The author of “12 Steps to Mind-Blowing Happiness,” has created a 5-hour online course that provides tools and resources to make the summer season relaxing, fun and freeing just as it is supposed to be. After a terrifying car accident in 2018, Roberts founded Mind-Blowing Happiness LLC in 2019 and left her career as a financial advisor to become a self-actualization coach and happiness expert working primarily with Black women like herself. Contact her at (917) 887-3689; hello@trishahjelroberts.com
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