8/24/2021 RTIR Newsletter: ‘Jeopardy!’ ‘The Trial of George W. Bush,’ Time Management Guru

01. Afghanistan and Beyond: Does NATO Just Make Things Worse?
02. The Host ‘Jeopardy!’ Needs Now
03. Crisis Management: Is ‘Jeopardy!’ in Jeopardy?
04. Emmy-winning Producer on ‘The Trial of George W. Bush’
05. Life is Short: Tips from a Time Management Expert
06. Millennials Would Rather Work from Home
07. What’s Next for the Housing Market?
08. How NASA Research Can Help Fight Fires
09. Want to Run Away? How to Live and Work in Paradise
10. TV Host Shares Cool Tips for Savoring Last Bits of Summer
11. Why We Need to Rethink ‘Senior Living’
12. 7 in 10 Families Are Estranged
13. This Guest Dispels the 5 Major Myths About Adoption
14. Why Isn’t This Guest a Drug Addict, Hooker, or Alcoholic?
15. ‘Life Lessons I Learned from the Dead’

1.==> Afghanistan and Beyond: Does NATO Just Make Things Worse?

NATO meets in an emergency session this week to discuss the situation in Afghanistan, but historian David Gibbs says the group’s record on global security has been disastrous, especially concerning its efforts at interventionism and regime change. “Its 1999 bombing of Serbia and Kosovo greatly augmented the scale of atrocities and ethnic cleansing. The 2011 NATO intervention in Libya was even more disastrous, triggering a generalized destabilization of the whole North African region. And more recently, NATO expansion into Eastern Europe has contributed to rising tensions between the West and Russia. Since the end of the Cold War, NATO’s principal legacy has been to generate global insecurity and destabilization — all at great expense to taxpayers.” Gibbs can also discuss the history of outside intervention in Afghanistan, including the little-known U.S., Pakistani and Iranian (under the Shah) operations in the early 1970s, which began Afghanistan’s instability. David Gibbs is a professor of history at the University of Arizona and has published extensively on foreign intervention in Afghanistan since the 1980s. Contact him at dgibbs@email.arizona.edu

2. ==> The Host ‘Jeopardy!’ Needs Now

The quiz show “Jeopardy!” is once again looking for a new host after Mike Richards stepped down from the gig amid a series of scandals. Journalist and historian David Perry thinks the show has a second chance to reinvent itself around its unique strengths and hopes the show takes some time to consider what exactly made Alex Trebek so special as a host. “It doesn’t have to find another Trebek — that’s not going to happen. But it does need to recognize that a show about knowing things, a show that is still watched by everyone from kids to elders, is special.” He says, “This is not a place for a bland game show host in a nice suit, but a real person with whom viewers can connect. It’s an opportunity to entertain, but also project the value of learning.” David Perry writes commentary features for CNN, The Nation and the Washington Post. He is a blogger and the author of several books including an upcoming history of the Middle Ages. Contact him at (612) 396-4837; lollardfish@gmail.com

3. ==> Crisis Management: Is ‘Jeopardy!’ in Jeopardy?

Crisis manager Tom Madden says having Mike Richards step down was the right decision for “Jeopardy!” But did the show go far enough? “The question now for Sony is whether to keep Alex Trebek’s erstwhile replacement as the beloved show’s executive producer. On that score, I would advise that since he was not fired after those inappropriate remarks surfaced, I’d let Mike keep that job as he’s undoubtedly learned a lesson and his now off-camera role is far less incendiary.” Madden says fans have good reason to be upset at Sony’s botched succession plan. “I’d have to agree with them as it’s devilishly dangerous to attempt to replace a saint with an unrepentant sinner,” he says. “Sony should have probed Richard’s background better instead of putting ‘Jeopardy!’ into such jeopardy.” Tom Madden is the founder and CEO of TransMedia Group and the author of five books including “Wordshine Man.” Contact Justin Baronoff at (561) 750-9800; justin@transmediagroup.com

4.==> Emmy-winning Producer on ‘The Trial of George W. Bush’

You may have read stories about former president George W. Bush painting portraits these days but seven-time Emmy award-winning
producer/director Terry Jastrow still sees Bush as a criminal. “The decision to attack Iraq,” says Jastrow, “made back in 2002 by then-President Bush, was and remains a war crime. And we, the people, cannot afford to forget that fact.” Jastrow’s new novel, “The Trial of George W. Bush,” imagines a scenario wherein President Bush is kidnapped off a golf course in Scotland and transferred to The Hague in the Netherlands to stand trial at the International Criminal Court. Invite Jastrow on your show to discuss whether his work of fiction could turn into fact and why Americans should review the factual record of what George W. Bush said and did to cause the Iraq War. Terry Jastrow is a television producer, director, screenwriter, playwright and actor (as well as husband to Oscar-nominated actress Anne Archer.) Contact Anthony Pomes at (516) 535-2010, ext. 105; apomes@squareonepublishers.com

5. ==> Life is Short: Tips from a Time Management Expert

We’re living on borrowed time. “The average human lifetime is absurdly, terrifyingly, insultingly short,” says Oliver Burkeman. If we’re lucky enough to live until we’re 80, we get just four thousand weeks. The pandemic brought home how short life is and caused many of us to rethink how to better apportion our time between jobs, family, friends and community. Most time management gurus preach becoming more efficient and maximizing every minute. But Burkeman contends that approach doesn’t meet the post-pandemic moment and leaves us more stressed, anxious, and isolated from each other. Burkeman, author of the popular Guardian psychology column, “This Column Will Change Your Life,” proposes a blueprint for less stressful living: accept the truth of our finitude and make choices. He’ll invite listeners to drop the futile struggle to carry off the impossible and focus on what’s “gloriously possible” instead and share five questions to help them simplify and identify areas where they can let go. He says, “The last year left many of us feeling utterly unmoored from our familiar routines. As we re-emerge, we have a unique opportunity to reconsider what we’re doing with our time — to construct lives that do justice to the outrageous brevity, and shimmering possibilities, of our four thousand weeks.” Oliver Burkeman’s latest book is “Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com or Briana Caywood at (703) 646-5188 (office)

6. ==> Millennials Would Rather Work from Home

Corporate America is making plans to get back to the office, with some companies requiring workers to start their commute again and go back to their cubicles. But many workers, especially younger ones, have grown accustomed to remote work and are balking at demands they be onsite five days a week. “Companies would be well served to be as flexible as possible,” says Rebecca Ray, executive vice president for human capital at the Conference Board, a non-profit business membership and research group. “Among the generations, millennials are the most concerned about their health and psychological well-being.” In a recent survey by the group, 5 percent of millennials (defined as people born between 1981 and 1996) questioned the wisdom of returning to the office. Among members of Generation X (born between 1965 and 1980) 45 percent had doubts about going back, while only 36 percent of baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) felt that way. Rebecca Ray created the Human Capital Watch, a monthly webcast series that explores current issues, research, and practitioner successes in the field of human capital. Contact her at rebecca.ray@conferenceboard.org or Joseph DiBlasi at (781) 308-7935; Joseph.DiBlasi@conference-board.org

7. ==> What’s Next for the Housing Market?

When COVID-19 first hit, real estate watchers worried about a housing market collapse. But Ali Wolf, chief economist for Zonda, says instead, what unfolded was a transformation of the housing market, fueled by what she calls “migration mania.” But, she says, this is not an equal-opportunity boon. “The housing rebound has been fueled by buyers whose wealth allowed them to win bidding wars often with a high down payment and a bid over asking price.” She says those living on local incomes, which are often modest compared with relocating newcomers, are losing the ability to buy a home. Wolf can discuss ways to give locals a shot at homeownership and how to get builders and developers to focus on lower-priced, smaller homes. Ali is quoted frequently in national publications including CNBC, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Yahoo! Finance, and has also appeared on national and international TV and radio programs such as Bloomberg TV and Marketplace. Zonda creates proprietary housing market research tools. Contact Ali Wolf at awolf@zondahome.com or Valerie Sheets at vsheets@zondahome.com

8. ==> How NASA Research Can Help Fight Fires

What connection could NASA have to fighting the wildfires that have increasingly plagued the drought-prone world? Find out from James Moseley, who will share how NASA research — which has already given the world memory foam, Tang and Dustbusters — has also had and will continue to have a major impact on firefighting. Using material found in high-temperature fire blankets designed to ease the re-entry of the Space Shuttles, Jim’s company, Sun FireDefense, has developed technology whose widespread use could save property and lives this wildfire season. Jim will discuss: How can this new technology protect homes? Why are the western U.S. and Canada so prone to damaging wildfires? How can new technologies protect wildlife, the environment and communities in wildfire areas? Contact James Moseley at (818) 486-4662; jmoseley@rtirguests.com

9. ==> Want to Run Away? How to Live and Work in Paradise

After the past 18 months, who hasn’t thought about running away from home and living in paradise? With so many people now working from home, companies changing their remote work policies, digital nomads, and people reinventing their lives post-pandemic, what was once just a pipedream has become a possibility for many! Invite Diane Huth, author of “The Grown-Ups Guide To Running Away From Home: Earn Dollars. Spend Pesos. Escape to Paradise.” to discuss how much it really costs to live in paradise, medical and safety concerns about moving abroad, and how to fund your overseas dream life. Through her personal story of transformation from a burnt-out caregiver scraping by on Social Security to a joy-filled adventurer living her dream life on a white sandy beach in Mexico, she will show your listeners they too can do the same — more easily and affordably than they ever imagined possible. Contact Diane Huth at (210) 601-7852; Diane@DianeHuth.com

10. ==> TV Host Shares Cool Tips for Savoring Last Bits of Summer

With summer’s end at hand, how can you savor every sweet last moment? Invite award-winning TV and movie screenwriter/producer, novelist, lifestyle journalist, and host of PBS-TV’s “Simply Delicious Living,” Maryann Ridini Spencer, to share simple ways to relax and rejuvenate, create memorable entertaining experiences, and use these last days of downtime to recharge your life. She’ll also tell your audience how to keep your summer spirit going into the fall by creating a special dining or relaxing space inside or outside and reveal five tips to start your day to get the most out of it, no matter what the season. Author of the award-winning Kate Grace Mystery books, “Lady in the Window,” “The Paradise Table,” and “Secrets of Grace Manor,” Maryann’s work has appeared on Hallmark Hall of Fame (CBS-TV), the Hallmark Channel, CNN, USA, SyFy, Showtime, and many other outlets. Contact her at (818) 492-9135; mspencer@rtirguests.com

11. ==> Why We Need to Rethink ‘Senior Living’

According to an AARP survey, 77% of people over 50 say they would like to “age in place” and health experts say it can afford them the greatest span of good health and quality of life. But Linda Mac Dougall’s experiences as a holistic health practitioner and certified massage therapist have opened her eyes to the unmet needs of older Americans. “I want things to change. Seniors don’t have to get so sick and die. We can live long and healthy lives. It is a waste of human potential and costs individuals and this country way too much in so many ways to keep doing what we are doing.” Mac Dougall will discuss the need for more in-home services and what those services might be, as well as creative ways to fill those jobs. Listeners will hear how seniors are often endangered and harmed by improperly fitted walkers, canes and wheelchairs and learn what senior living communities have in common with special needs populations and why a nursing plan alone is insufficient. Linda Mac Dougall’s new book is “The SPIRIT Method of Massage for Seniors: Raising the Bar.” Contact her at (805) 202-6379; speakerholistic@gmail.com

12. ==> 7 in 10 Families Are Estranged

Is there a troubling or even unspoken estrangement lurking in your family? Perhaps siblings who no longer communicate, or parents and adult children who avoid or even openly rebuke each other? Discuss these common family dynamics with author Peter Colman, Ph.D., whose book “The Prodigal Father: A Son’s Hope-Filled Story of Love, Reconciliation and Redemption” explores how fragile family relationships can be. Dr. Colman, an educator, will reveal truths and myths about why loved ones drift apart, the regrets both sides have but may not readily admit, the power of shared faith, and his personal insights. Many listeners are sure to identify with this topic and be moved. Ask him: How do forgiveness and healing begin? What is so sacred about the bond between father and son? How do the effects and memories of wartime service impact family relationships? Contact Judith Colman at (847) 469-1886; jcolman@rtirguests.com

13. ==> This Guest Dispels the 5 Major Myths About Adoption

Many childless couples and single people who wish to become parents opt to adopt. But they often find themselves navigating through a minefield of red tape, overwhelming expenses, complex laws and emotional turmoil. “Some people believe that the ‘waiting period’ between the time a birth parents’ rights have been terminated and the adoption is final is to allow the birth parents to change their mind,” Mikki Shepard says. “But it’s actually for the adoptive parents.” She adds, “Those who refer to putting a child up for adoption as ‘giving up a child’ are misinformed. It is the greatest gift a birth parent can give to a child when they feel they can’t take care of a baby at the time. It’s a rewarding gift of love to give a child life without second-guessing her decision forever. It creates a family based on love and respect.” As an adoptive mom who was adopted herself as a child, Mikki can also discuss laws regarding independent and international adoption, what expenses to expect, the “nature versus nurture” myth and more. Mikki is the author of “In a Heartbeat: The Miracle of a Family That Was Meant to Be.” Contact her at (938) 222-4650; mshepard@rtirguests.com

14. ==> Why Isn’t This Guest a Drug Addict, Hooker, or Alcoholic?

Talk to Francine Tone and you’ll be surprised that her life turned out so successful and positive. She is an accomplished attorney, author, speaker and devoted mother. But things weren’t headed that way in her youth. After loss and abandonment as a child, she was molested before age 6 by her adoptive father and she contemplated suicide nightly as a teen. Francine also suffered a near-fatal car accident, went through a troubling divorce, got cancer and then dealt with a traumatic injury to her only son. But she never gave up. Now she is prepared to tell others how they, too, can overcome adversity and get their lives in order despite the worst of the worst happening. Ask Francine about the difference between learning to accept trouble and turning challenges into motivation for healing; how a TV show helped save her; and what advice she has for young people who are being victimized. Francine is the author of “What Every Good Lawyer Wants You to Know.” Contact Francine Tone at (531) 208-1297; FTone@rtirguests.com

15. ==> ‘Life Lessons I Learned from the Dead’

While growing up in a Midwestern funeral home where her dad was an undertaker, Margo Lenmark learned about the mysteries surrounding death. “People are always taking in ‘prana,’ or life force,” she says. “Exactly six months before we die, we start letting go of our life force. If we could know that exact moment we start letting go, we would know the moment we are going to die.” She adds, “There are veils that hide things in the physical world that are no longer there when the body dies. That’s why it’s natural that when someone dies, you realize just how much they mean to you.” She can provide fascinating answers to the age-old questions: What really happens after we die? Is death really the end of life? Margo can also delve into other mystifying questions, with astonishing insight. She is the author of “Light in the Mourning: Memoirs of an Undertaker’s Daughter,” which has received glowing reviews from prominent authors and spiritual leaders including Deepak Chopra. Contact her at Margo at (828) 260-0873, MLenmark@rtirguests.com

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