01. The Biggest Takeaway From First GOP Debate
02. Tale of 2 Espionage Cases – Donald Trump and Jeffrey Sterling
03. Real Superheroes: Meet America’s First Female Astronauts
04. Patrick Swayze Biographer On His Life and Legacy
05. Safety Expert Shares Back-to-School Tips
06. What Should Be Taught in Most Schools But Isn’t
07. Good News About Young Kids and Computers
08. How to Attract Younger Workers (and Keep Them)
09. Advice on Having Difficult Conversations at Work
10. Is Self-Awareness the Key to Happiness?
11. This Guest Inspires Others to Never Give Up
12. Mental Illness Derailed This Hollywood Starlet’s Career
13. How to Live Longer and Stronger, with Herbs
14. WSJ Report: Silicon Valley Execs Are Using Psychedelics
15. Recipes for Murder: Agatha Christie-Inspired Meals
1. ==> The Biggest Takeaway From First GOP Debate
How should Americans view Donald Trump’s empty podium at the first GOP presidential debate? Amanda Carpenter says it should be seen as a clear symbol of his contempt for the democratic process. “He demands support from Republicans yet doesn’t make himself available to them. He believes the rules don’t apply to him.” Carpenter, an editor at the non-partisan anti-authoritarian group Protect Democracy, says we should be alarmed by what Trump is promising to do in his second administration. “He is openly campaigning on a retribution agenda to prosecute his political enemies, purge civil service experts, order widespread domestic military deployments and force independent government agencies to report to the White House. Skipping the debate was a way for Trump to quash dissent in the ranks on all of these pressing subjects by taking away the ability to question him.” Instead of talking about a winner or loser of the first debate, Carpenter says we should be focused on the GOP and whether the party is moving toward making our democracy more secure after the January 6 insurrection. Amanda Carpenter has written for “The Bulwark” and previously worked on Capitol Hill as Texas Sen. Ted Cruz’s communications director and South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint’s speechwriter. Contact her at press@protectdemocracy.org; @amandacarpenter
2. ==> Tale of 2 Espionage Cases – Donald Trump and Jeffrey Sterling
CIA whistleblower Jeffrey Sterling contrasts the current Espionage Act prosecution of Donald Trump with his own prosecution that resulted in a prison sentence. He says, “It doesn’t take much to shock me, but that Donald Trump has been charged with violating the Espionage Act has me unequivocally astonished. I can’t say that I have many, if any, commonalities with current or former presidents and I certainly take no pride in the shared tribulation I have with Donald.” Sterling is a former CIA case officer who was at the agency, including in the Iran Task Force, for nearly a decade. He filed an employment discrimination suit against the CIA, but the case was dismissed as a threat to national security. He served two and a half years in prison after being convicted of violating the Espionage Act. Sterling continues to profess his innocence. Contact him at jeffreys@rootsaction.org
3. ==> Real Superheroes: Meet America’s First Female Astronauts
NASA’s Artemis project will put the first woman on the moon, but she won’t be the first female astronaut to make space history. Invite “Bloomberg News” space reporter Loren Grush to share the stories of the amazing women who became America’s first astronauts. Hear about the exceptional women, with backgrounds ranging from physicians to electrical engineers, who shattered gender barriers and established numerous spaceflight firsts. Grush’s new book, “The Six: The Untold Story of America’s First Women Astronauts,” uncovers the remarkable journey of Sally Ride, Judy Resnik, Anna Fisher, Kathy Sullivan, Shannon Lucid, and Rhea Seddon, who defied the norms of their time and battled against both the misogyny of the era and the challenges of space exploration. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
4. ==> Patrick Swayze Biographer On His Life and Legacy
It’s been more than 35 years since his iconic role in “Dirty Dancing,” and over a decade since his death at 57 from pancreatic cancer, yet Patrick Swayze lives on in the hearts of millions of fans. Bring Sue Tabashnik, the author of four books about Swayze, his choreographer mother, and “Dirty Dancing” on your program to learn what’s behind Swayze’s continued popularity in the U.S. and abroad. Sue can talk about the film’s enduring themes of the power of love, the universal language of dance, and class differences, as well as the festivals that entice thousands of fans to gather to celebrate the film and its iconic soundtrack, and the “Dirty Dancing” sequel now scheduled to be released in 2025. Sue has done extensive research on “Dirty Dancing” and can share insider information. Ask her: What was it like meeting Patrick Swayze and his mother? What are some things that people may not know about “Dirty Dancing”? What happens at “Dirty Dancing” festivals? She was the special guest speaker at a major festival. She met Swayze multiple times and his mother once. Among her books are “Patrick Swayze: The Dreamer” and “Patsy Swayze: Every Day, A Chance to Dance.” Contact Sue Tabashnik at (248) 617-0505; stabashnik@rtirguests.com
5. ==> Safety Expert Shares Back-to-School Tips
Kids across the nation are headed back to school and parents have a lot of questions, especially if they’re sending their child to school for the first time. Invite child safety expert Debra Holtzman to answer all your back-to-school safety questions. Ask her: Should you let your child walk to school? How can I keep my latchkey kid safe until I get home from work? What’s the most important conversation to have with your child before the start of the school year? Debra Holtzman is a nationally renowned child safety and health expert, speaker, baby educator, crisis manager and expert witness. She’s the author of several books and has been a guest on hundreds of radio and TV shows around the world. Contact her at (954) 963-7702; info@thesafetyexpert.com
6. ==> What Should Be Taught in Most Schools But Isn’t
With all the news stories about curriculum changes in Florida, it is apparent that what children are learning in school has become even more of interest to adults than before. But what people should be talking about as the new school year starts are ways to help kids learn to accept and understand each other’s differences and embrace what makes them who they are. Bring Arlene Hemingway, a former music educator in Long Island schools, on your show to explain why fourth-grade through twelfth-grade students would gain tremendous advantages from learning something called Drabble. She’ll reveal that when kids handwrite 100-word Drabbles that tell a complete story they experience less stress and more creativity, calmness, self-understanding, and empathy for others. Drabble has changed her life, too. As Arlene will say, “As the only person of color on the faculty in my school district, I saw that discrimination from parents and teachers was experienced almost daily. But after crafting Drabbles for some time, I discovered a way to address my problems, keeping me calm and in balance. This changed the nature of my dealing with life challenges considerably and continues to do so at present for me and the students whose lives I touch.” Hemingway teaches Drabble at Blue Bridge Community College in Flat Rock, North Carolina. She is the author of “A Twist of Lemon: 100 Curious Stories in Exactly 100 Words” and has a master’s degree from the Juilliard School of Music. Contact Arlene at (828) 684-9840; adh7@att.net
7. ==> Good News About Young Kids and Computers
Teaching computer science to students in grades pre-K through 5 is now a major focus in schools. Children’s author and longtime STEM educator Chris Goldberg, Ed.D., has worked with even the youngest elementary school students and can speak to the need for teaching these skills to young children. “Research shows that these skills help students in mathematics, problem-solving and critical thinking and may help create a path of interest for students who have the apti¬tude for programming one day,” he says. “There also must be a focus on making sure underrepresented populations receive exposure to computer science skills.” Chris is the author of “Aliyah and The STEMsational Problem-Solvers: What’s Cooking?” Ask him: How does learning computer science prepare kids for the future? What specific STEM skills should young kids learn, and why? Contact Chris Goldberg at (610) 557-8442; cgoldberg@rtirguests.com
8. ==> How to Attract Younger Workers (and Keep Them)
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 best-selling 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. ==> Advice on Having Difficult Conversations at Work
A recent study from Workhuman reports that nearly half of employees in the U.S. feel undervalued at work, and one out of ten don’t feel valued at all. This dissatisfaction often results from being overworked, underpaid, and above all, not listened to. However, many of us feel stuck in our miserable jobs due to a lack of better options. Francesca Burack reveals how you can take steps today to improve your job immediately, and it all begins with speaking up. She’ll explain the best ways to approach work conversations such as getting a raise, being promoted, changing your hours, improving your benefits, and more. Ask her: What’s the best way to ask for a raise or promotion with confidence (even if you don’t have any)? How can you become a fearless leader in your organization? What are the “magic words” that will help you get ahead in your career? Francesca Burack is an author, entrepreneur, educator, and frequent speaker and media guest. Contact her at (516) 823-4003; fburack@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Is Self-Awareness the Key to Happiness?
Most of us would like to be happier, have more influence, be better decision-makers, and be more effective leaders but we don’t know where to start. Dr. Dravon James, founder of the Next Step Leadership Academy, says you first need to look in the mirror. “Having an accurate sense of who we are helps us identify where we can improve in life. People with high self-awareness seem to understand what makes them tick and how to respond to life more effectively,” she says. Unfortunately, most people think they’re self-aware but only 10-15% actually are, according to Dravon. She’ll share the many surprising roadblocks, myths, and truths about what self-awareness is and what it takes to improve it. Dravon calls herself a transformation specialist who coaches women on how to master goal attainment. She is also an author and has worked as a pharmacist for more than three decades. Contact Mackenzie August at (661) 255-8283; Mackenzie@steveallenmedia.com
11. ==> This Guest Inspires Others to Never Give Up
Most of us have plenty of obstacles standing in the way of happiness or success — and most of us give up too soon, settling for less than what we really want out of life. Are some issues simply too challenging to overcome? According to author and inspirational speaker Jesse Fiedor, no challenge is insurmountable! Jesse overcame a serious disability to achieve his dream of working in Hollywood. He can help your audience find the motivation to accomplish anything, no matter what stands in their way. Like Beethoven continuing to make music after he lost his hearing, you can realize any goal and live your best life. Ask him: How did you conquer your obstacles, and how can others do the same? Did you meet any celebrities during your time in Hollywood? Why do you say, “If I can do it, anyone can”? What was the inspiration for writing your book? Contact Jesse Feidor at (714) 683-2353; jfiedor@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Mental Illness Derailed This Hollywood Starlet’s Career
Kathy O’Dare’s acting career was on the rise. At just 16, she was cast in the pilot of “Happy Days,” playing Ron Howard’s love interest. But sadly, Kathy’s acting career ended when she began having mental health issues. David F. D’Orazi is Kathy’s brother and has written “Is Everybody Happy? The Untold Story of Kathy O’Dare.” David can talk about his sister’s acting career and also address how to deal with mental illness. David credits his success as a salesman to having both a sister and father who struggled with mental illness, saying those experiences taught him how to deal with the everyday world. Ask him: Was Kathy really Ron Howard’s first kiss? What was Mark Hamill like pre-“Star Wars?” What other shows did Kathy appear on? Why do so many mentally ill people never get medical treatment? Contact David F. D’Orazi at (818) 427-4261; h20david@aol.com
13. ==> How to Live Longer and Stronger, with Herbs
The idyllic Caribbean island nation of Dominica, where herbs expert Gladstone Etienne grew up, is a nature paradise known for its pristine environment, an abundance of organic fruits, vegetables and fish, and laid-back lifestyle. Gladstone claims that the citizens there live longer and stronger as a result. “According to the BBC, Dominica has the highest number of centenarians per capita in the world,” he says. He also gives credit to herbal medicine, which he began studying as a child. “My mother was a traditional herbalist. I rarely visited a conventional doctor as a child as herbs and herbal remedies were used for all kinds of ailments.” Gladstone went on to develop a line of teas, to make it easier for Americans to gain the wondrous health benefits of herbs. He is the founder of ZABIOLife herbal tea company. Contact him at (301) 820-7656; Getienne@rtirguests.com
14. ==> WSJ Report: Silicon Valley Execs Are Using Psychedelics
According to a report in the “Wall Street Journal,” some of Silicon Valley’s biggest movers and shakers regularly turn on, tune in and drop out. The report says Elon Musk micro doses ketamine for his depression while Google founder Sergey Brin enjoys magic mushroom parties. The reported rise in drug use, specifically psychedelics like psilocybin, ketamine, and LSD, is seen as part of a movement to drive innovation among Silicon Valley executives. Sparrow Hart is available for interview on this timely topic, having studied the variety of ways to alter and change consciousness for decades. He can discuss both the incredible promise of psychedelics as well as the potential pitfalls of their misuse in an addictive and distraction-seeking culture. Ask him if he sees psychedelics as having a broader impact than just improving a few individuals’ happiness. He has studied with Native Americans, taught courses on shamanism, and led vision quests for three decades. Sparrow’s varied career includes being a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Stanford, a brief stint working in a slaughterhouse, adventures in the Amazon, and over 30 years of leading workshops on shamanism, conscious dreaming, and vision quests in nature. 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
15. ==> Recipes for Murder: Agatha Christie-Inspired Meals
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, 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