01. Historian Max Boot on Ronald Reagan’s Life and Legacy
02. Christian Zionism 101
03. His Friends Carried Him on Their Backs Across Europe
04. COVID-19: What to Know About New Strain and Vaccine
05. Better Mental Health Through … Crafting?
06. Former U.S. Health Secretary Tommy Thompson
07. Can Cannabis Be Dangerous? Myths About Marijuana
08. Dementia and Elder Abuse: How to Protect Loved Ones
09. Outlaws, Rebels, Femme Fatales: What History’s Most Notorious Leaders Can Teach You about Success
10. Former Beauty Queen’s Serious Take on Female Equality
11. How Will Bias Affect the Upcoming Presidential Election?
12. Why are Mike Tyson, Don King, and This Black Pastor All voting for Donald Trump?
13. 5-Time Survivor Reveals Why She’s Glad She Had Cancer
14. Warning: The U.S. Health Care System Can Kill You!
15. How to Have a 5-Figure Garage Sale
1. ==> Historian Max Boot on Ronald Reagan’s Life and Legacy
President Ronald Reagan’s telegenic leadership ushered in a transformative conservative era in American politics. Despite his fame as a Hollywood star and TV host, Reagan remained a man of profound contradictions, even to those closest to him. Invite biographer and historian Max Boot to discuss Reagan’s epic journey from Depression-era America to “Morning in America.” He’ll provide fresh insight into “trickle-down economics,” the Cold War’s end, the Iran-Contra affair, and so much more. Boot’s latest book, “Reagan: His Life and Legend,” has been touted as the most definitive and balanced biography of the former president to date, drawing from previously unavailable archives and nearly 100 new interviews with Reagan’s aides and family members; many who have since passed away. Max Boot is a senior fellow for national security studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and a columnist for the “Washington Post.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (o); (703) 400-1099 (c); johanna@jrbpr.biz or Reigan Wright at (703) 646-5188
2. ==> Christian Zionism 101
You’ve probably heard of Christian nationalism, but what do you know about Christian Zionism? Ben Lorber, a senior research analyst at Political Research Associates (PRA), says Christian Zionism has been on his radar for years. “PRA has a longstanding focus on the Christian right and Christian nationalism, and Christian Zionism is part of that. It represents a global threat to democracy and is one of the strongest forces propping up U.S. support for Israel, as well as global support for Israel.” But, he says, Christian Zionists are not friends of the Jews. “Christian Zionism professes a deep love for Israel grounded in their understanding of the Bible and Christianity. But many of their leaders and followers think of this in apocalyptic terms: supporting the far right government of Israel and its maximalist agenda is a prerequisite for bringing about the End Times… It’s an instrumentalization of Jews in support of Israel.” Lorber’s work at PRA focuses on white nationalism and antisemitism and monitoring right-wing movements and threats to democracy. Contact him at benjaminlorber@gmail.com
3. ==> His Friends Carried Him on Their Backs Across Europe
Kevan Chandler was born with spinal muscular atrophy and has spent his life overcoming extraordinary challenges and doing extraordinary things. How? He sees possibilities and not limitations. And he has an extraordinary community of friends. A few years ago, when Kevan dreamt of climbing mountains and seeing Europe, his friends built a special backpack and carried him. Wanting others to be able to experience what he had, Kevan came home and launched a non-profit to create more backpacks and provide them to people in need all over the world. Each backpack includes the children’s picture book “We Carry Kevan” that follows the true-story adventure of Kevan and his friends as they dance in the streets of Paris, trek through the English countryside and climb the island of Skellig Michael. Invite Kevan to share his story of uncommon friendship and how it felt to experience places he could never otherwise go. He’ll also offer advice to parents with children who have disabilities or accessibility challenges. Contact Jason Jones at jason@jonesliterary.com
4.==> COVID: What to Know About New Strain and Vaccine
Most of the United States is still in the midst of a summer surge of COVID-19, with near record levels of the virus detectable in wastewater around the country. Meantime, the FDA has announced an updated vaccine will be available in the coming weeks. Ask Dr. Andrew Elliston who should get the new vaccine and when. “For most people, it is better to not wait very long to get the vaccine, especially as children return to school while COVID-19 is still circulating in high numbers. Overall, it is a good idea to at least get the updated vaccine by Halloween so that it can take effect before the holiday season begins in late November.” Elliston can discuss the latest strain of the virus, whether you should delay getting the vaccine if you’ve recently had COVID, and why it’s still important to test for the virus if you have symptoms, even if they’re not severe. Andrew Elliston, MD, FAAP, is a board certified pediatrician and co-founder and medical director of Elliston Pediatrics. Contact Ryan McCormack at (516) 901-1103; Ryan@goldmanmccormick.com
5. ==> Better Mental Health Through … Crafting?
At a time when America is suffering a mental health crisis, new evidence shows that indulging our creative side could provide everyone with a significant wellbeing boost. According to the new study published in “Frontiers in Public Health,” crafting and other artistic activities showed a meaningful effect in predicting people’s sense that their life is worthwhile. Lead study author Dr. Helen Keyes says, “The impact of crafting was bigger than the impact of being in employment. Not only does crafting give us a sense of achievement, it’s also a meaningful route to self-expression. This is not always the case with employment.” Because arts and crafts are relatively affordable and accessible, Keyes says promoting the public’s access to artistic activities could provide a major boost to public mental health. Dr. Helen Keyes is a cognitive psychologist and researcher at Anglia Ruskin University. Contact her at helen.keyes@aru.ac.uk
6. ==> Former U.S. Health Secretary Tommy Thompson
Former Wisconsin governor Tommy Thompson famously said during his tenure as US Secretary of Health and Human Services that “The most dangerous terrorist threat to the country is not terrorism, but excess body fat.” Thompson has dedicated his recent efforts to improving both the health of Americans and the American pocketbook by driving awareness of the common sense, preventative measures that anyone can take to improve chances for a longer, healthier life. Invite him on your show to discuss why the United States spends far more money on health care than any other country (nearly twice as much), yet we are much sicker, and how Americans can take control of their own health. From lifestyle changes to the latest screening and early detection tools, Thompson will share ways to avoid chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Tommy G. Thompson served as the governor of Wisconsin for four terms and as US Secretary of Health and Human Services from 2001-05. Contact Mara Quigley at (661) 255-8283; mara@steveallenmedia.com
7. ==> Can Cannabis Be Dangerous? Myths About Marijuana
Americans of all ages are embracing cannabis, whether they use it socially or medicinally, to treat aches and pains and other health issues. Recent polls found an overwhelming share of U.S. adults (60%-88%) say marijuana should be legal for medical or recreational use, but Dr. Raymond Wiggins warns that today’s pot isn’t as harmless as many believe. “This is not your grandfather’s weed. At Woodstock in 1969, the average THC potency was 1-2%. Today the average is 22%,” he says, and explains why that matters. “High potency marijuana carries a 4X risk of addiction and leads to true physical addiction and significant physical and mental health issues. It affects the heart and lungs and decreases fertility. It also increases the risk of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and psychosis.” Wiggins, a licensed physician, has performed general anesthetics on more than 27,000 patients, including thousands of marijuana users. He says anesthesia is particularly tricky for patients who use pot, with some requiring more than 3X the normal dose to be fully sedated. “You have to let your doctor know so they can be better prepared. Also, you have a higher risk of heart attack the more recently you have used, so recent use with anesthesia is not good.” Raymond Wiggins, MD, is the author of “Weeding Out the Myths About Marijuana.” Contact him at (972) 525-5205; rw@drwiggins.com
8. ==> Dementia and Elder Abuse: How to Protect Loved Ones
More than 57 million people worldwide suffer from dementia. This awful disease causes severe mental and physical impairment but it can also lead to many forms of abuse from strangers—and others. “My mother, Janie Falk, was the matriarch of a wealthy, high society European family who suffered from dementia at the end of her life,” says author Patrick Falk. “She was taken advantage of by various scoundrels and family members, with only me, her son, left to pick up the pieces.” Patrick can share how the financial abuse of the elderly at times requires the complicity of lawyers, notaries, curators, and caregivers, and how to avoid it. Patrick is the author of “Janie and Me: A True Story of the Evolution and Impact of Dementia,” in which he shares his experiences as a caretaker for a loved one who was struggling with dementia. Contact Patrick Falk at him at Contact Patrick Falk at (203) 846-0168; patrickgfalk@cs.com
9. ==> Outlaws, Rebels, Femme Fatales: What History’s Most Notorious Leaders Can Teach You about Success
The long-held conventional belief in the business world is that leadership can only be learned from positive role models. However, Steve Williams claims that we have it backward. “We can learn a lot about effective leadership from the likes of Atilla the Hun, Al Capone, and Genghis Khan,” he says. “Although they were ruthless, they were some of the most brilliant leaders of all time.” Steve can share the specific practices and tactics that made these infamous characters such effective head honchos, and how to apply these to one’s own path to success. He is the author of six books including ” Notorious: Leadership Lessons from History’s Most Notorious Leaders,” and a certified leadership coach and QMS expert. Contact Steve Williams at (920) 280-1068; swilliams@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Former Beauty Queen’s Serious Take on Female Equality
What do you think of when you read the words “beauty queen?” Many will conjure up images of a superficial person focused only on her looks and her role as a competitor. Masuda Rahmati — a former Mrs. World Beauty Pageant contestant representing Afghanistan — will put that stereotype to rest. Masuda, who was born in Kabul but emigrated to the U.S. with her family as a teenager, has been providing financial and emotional support to Afghani women for 30 years, something that is vitally important since women in that country face execution if they break the draconian rules the fundamentalist rulers have mandated. Masuda once had her life threatened by the Taliban yet persists in teaching girls about education via Zoom, buying 800 new textbooks for the orphans in Kabul, and helping to create a nonprofit organization called The Change Makers of the World. Masuda can talk about life in Afghanistan before and during the Taliban, her life in the U.S., what drives her to risk her life to benefit girls and how your listeners can help. She is the author of the upcoming book “Almost Killed by the Taliban: How I Stood Up for the Women and Girls of Afghanistan.” She has been interviewed by the international media and has been recognized by Congress. Contact Masuda Rahmati at (831) 298-8335; mrahmati@rtirguests.com
11. ==> How Will Bias Affect the Upcoming Presidential Election?
When President Biden stepped down from the race for president, Vice President Kamala immediately stepped into the spotlight as his potential successor. Considering the rise in bigotry and misogyny in American society, how is having a candidate who is Black and Asian American making you feel? “Many people have biases that they aren’t even aware of,” says author Sara Ting. “As a candidate for president, Ms. Harris needs to turn the focus away from herself to what she can do for all Americans.” Sara adds that emphasizing diversity and inclusion across a broad spectrum of society will be the winning ticket and can share how the historic candidate for president can go about this. Sara is a diversity and inclusion educator, speaker, consultant, and author of “Small Book with a Big Idea: 5 Minute Training to Empower You and Transform the World.” Contact Sara Ting at (508) 715-3370; Sting@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Why are Mike Tyson, Don King, and This Black Pastor All voting for Donald Trump?
It’s no secret that Donald Trump is not exactly popular with minorities and people of color. Yet, there is a small but highly enthusiastic contingent of prominent black voters who support him. One is Frank Tull, a former Democrat and church pastor who is now a die-hard Donald fan. Frank claims that his decision to support the controversial former president was actually based on biblical principles. “The bible supports the vote for a republican candidate and actually opposes the Democratic party, and I can prove it,” he says. “I truly believe that God would want us all to vote Republican.” He is the author of “Christians Must Vote,” as well as the co-founder and senior pastor at the World Church in Texas. Contact Frank Tull at (469) 609-1385; ftull@rtirguests.com
13. ==> 5-Time Survivor Reveals Why She’s Glad She Had Cancer
The very thought of cancer strikes terror into the hearts of most people. But after surviving four bouts with lymphoma and one with a rare digestive tract cancer, Shariann Tom considered her experiences a gift. For one, she discovered her true passion. “I left the unfulfilling corporate world to launch the Cancer Journey Institute, which trains coaches to work with cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers of all ages, cancer stages, and walks of life to discover their inner strengths,” she says. She also devised a “cancer road map,” which eases the journey. Shariann is the author of “The Call of Cancer: A Loving Pathway to Wholeness, Healing, and Transformation.” She has been featured on KGO-TV in San Francisco and in the Wall Street Journal and Stanford Medical Magazine. Contact Shariann Tom at (415) 480-3264; stom@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Warning: The U.S. Health Care System Can Kill You!
The U.S. is the only developed country in the world that doesn’t have universal health care. Indeed, it’s strictly a for-profit system, which has long jeopardized the health of American citizens. “Health care is a business,” says author and long-time nurse practitioner Susie Bell. “Decision-making in health care used to be made by trained medical practitioners. But now, the decisions are based upon an algorithm to save money. Insurance companies have contracts with hospitals and clinics. What is charged is only ever reimbursed at a very small fraction of the actual price.” Susie can share the shocking ways that this affects Americans, and how to navigate the often-confounding health care system. She is the author of the upcoming book “A Piece of Me: Finding My Voice After Mormonism, Marriage, Medicine & Men.” Contact Susie Bell at (213) 816-3622; sbell@rtirguests.com
15. ==> How to Have a 5-Figure Garage Sale
Garage sales don’t usually generate a lot of money, but with the right information and skills you could make a pretty penny while cleaning out your garage and attic. Aaron LaPedis, author of “How to Become a Garage Sale Millionaire,” will show your listeners how to make money from things they already have around the house. You may have seen LaPedis on PBS and the Discovery Channel sharing ways to make money off other people’s trash. Bring him on your show and learn how to make over $1,000 on your next garage sale, 3 things you need to know to make money selling online, or how to make eBay the perfect side-hustle. Aaron LaPedis’ expertise has helped thousands of people make money from the comfort of their own homes and has even helped the FBI solve cases! His new book, “How to Become a Garage Sale Millionaire,” is a personal finance guide to selling through eBay, online marketplaces, and auctions. It also covers garage sales, estate sales, downsizing, and how to make money doing it all. To arrange interviews contact Mara at (303) 324-3060; assistant@gsmpartnersinc.com