01. Why Putin Wanted Prigozhin Dead
02. New Documentary: Legendary Bodybuilder Tony Pearson
03. What Americans Know About AI, Cybersecurity and Big Tech
04. NPR Host: The Power and Politics of Seeds
05. Indie/Jam Band Bassist Karina Rykman
06. The Magic of Mantras for Mental Health
07. 5 Simple Strategies to Take Control of Your Health
08. The Top 3 Health Screenings That Could Save Your Life
09. 10 Signs You’re Ready to Lose Weight
10. Could Herbs Be the Key to Living Longer and Stronger?
11. Is Unconscious Bias Real?
12. Why Traditional Talk Therapy Doesn’t Work
13. Are You Choosing Happy or Avoiding it?
14. Bruce Willis’ Wife Shares Caregiving Struggles
15. Mike Tyson’s Mother-in-Law on Her Wrongful Conviction and More
1. ==> Why Putin Wanted Prigozhin Dead
The founder of the Wagner private mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin was once close enough to Vladimir Putin to be called his “personal chef.” But that was before he led a mutiny that posed perhaps the greatest challenge yet to the Russian president’s long rule. Prigozhin survived the aftermath of his failed insurrection, but many, including Tatiana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, had doubts over his future. Two months after the aborted mutiny, the mercenary leader’s plane fell out of the sky. Tatiana can discuss the long list of high-profile Russians who have fallen from the president’s good graces and died under mysterious circumstances, how Putin and others benefit from Prigozhin’s death, and what to look for as Russian TV covers the situation. Tatiana Stanovaya is the founder and head of R.Politik. An expert on Russian politics, she has worked for leading Moscow-based think tanks, writes regularly for international media and is regularly quoted by journalists around the world. Contact her at @Stanovaya or rpolitik@rpolitik.com or contact Clarissa Guerrero at The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace at (202) 939-2371; pressoffice@ceip.org
2. ==> New Documentary: Legendary Bodybuilder Tony Pearson
A new documentary, “Driven: The Tony Pearson Story,” chronicles the bodybuilder’s remarkable career and sheds light on the profound challenges he overcame during his harsh upbringing in the Deep South. “’Driven’ is a story that exemplifies the extraordinary power of resilience and determination and transcends the confines of the sport to inspire audiences worldwide,” says the film’s director Andrew Menjivar. Menjivar can talk about the abuse Pearson suffered as a child, his eventual journey to Los Angeles where Arnold Schwarzenegger encouraged him, and his incredible career in bodybuilding. The film also includes Pearson’s return to the stage in Las Vegas, at 63 years old, for one last competition. Andrew Menjivar is the founder of Tequila Mockingbird Productions. “Driven” debuts October 6 on major streaming platforms. Contact Nicole Goesseringer Muj at (310) 804-0964; nicolekultura@gmail.com
3. ==> What Americans Know About AI, Cybersecurity and Big Tech
Most U.S. adults can correctly identify a secure password, but far fewer can recognize an example of two-factor authentication. That’s just two findings of a recent digital knowledge survey by the Pew Research Center. The questions spanned a range of topics, including cybersecurity practices, facts about major technology companies, artificial intelligence and federal online privacy laws. Overall, Americans answered a median of five out of nine questions correctly. Some 26% could answer at least seven of the nine questions accurately, but just 4% could correctly answer all nine. And as was the case in past digital knowledge surveys by the center, the public’s understanding of digital issues differs by age and educational attainment. Take the quiz along with your listeners and see how you score! Contact Monica Anderson, director of internet and technology research at the Pew Research Center at manderson@pewresearch.org; @pewresearch or Haley Nolan at (202) 419-4394; hnolan@pewresearch.org or Kelsey Beveridge at (202) 419-4372; kbeveridge@pewresearch.org
4. ==> NPR Host: The Power and Politics of Seeds
As we navigate the climate crisis, a sharp decline in biodiversity, financial uncertainty, and social unrest, maybe it’s time to reconsider what humans need most. Gardening expert Jennifer Jewel believes that hope can be found in the humblest of forms — the simple seed. The host of NPR’s “Cultivating Place,” Jewell reveals the power of seeds in our world “for food, for medicine, for utility, for the vast interconnected web we include in the concept of biodiversity and planetary health, for beauty, and for culture.” She can discuss the natural history of seeds, loopholes in the seed supply chain for growing “organic” plants, and efforts of activists working to regain legal access to heirloom seeds that were stolen from Indigenous peoples and people of color. Jennifer Jewell is a gardener, garden writer, and gardening educator and advocate. Her new book is “What We Sow: On the Personal, Ecological, and Cultural Significance of Seeds.” Contact Johana Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
5. ==> Indie/Jam Band Bassist Karina Rykman
Karina Rykman is one of the few female rock bass players, and after a decade of hard work, she has just released her debut album “Joyride,” produced by Phish’s Trey Anastasio (who also plays guitar on several tracks). Invite the impressive young artist to discuss her music (a blend of indie pop and psychedelic jam rock), her dedicated following of passionate fans, and how she has earned a reputation as an unmissable live act. In addition to her unforgettable festival appearances, Rykman has a recurring guest spot with the “Late Night with Seth Myers” house band. Rykman is currently on a nationwide tour. Contact John Angelo at john@premieretv.com
6. ==> The Magic of Mantras for Mental Health
By now, most people have heard of the many benefits of meditation, but you may not know how mantras and chants can improve your spiritual and mental health. Radha Metro-Midkiff, the executive director of Integral Yoga Institute New York, can explain how chanting can calm the mind and release emotional tension, and how the vibrations resonate within the body, mind, and spirit to create a profound sense of unity and inner awakening. You’ll learn how repeating sacred sounds, or mantras, can help cultivate focus and concentration and allow individuals to experience a profound sense of unity with the cosmic consciousness or higher power. Contact Mark Goldman at (516) 639-0988; markgoldman73@gmail.com
7. ==> 5 Simple Strategies to Take Control of Your Health
Did you know seven of the 10 leading causes of death and disability worldwide are almost entirely preventable? And yet for the first time in over 100 years, our human life expectancy — despite our amazing medical technology and treatment options — is going down. Dr. Thomas Hemingway believes much of the destiny of our health is in our own hands. Invite him on your show to hear how health and wellness are both possible and sustainable through simple strategies that address the root cause of health challenges. Hemingway, a board-certified physician and wellness expert, will discuss the importance of gut health, how to restart your metabolism, and how to sleep better and develop a smarter approach to stress. Hemingway has appeared on numerous radio shows and podcasts, and hosts his own podcast, “Unshakable Health.” His latest book is “Preventable! Five Powerful Practices to Avoid Disease and Build Unshakeable Health.” Contact him at (808) 652-1506; alohasurfdoc@gmail.com
8. ==> The Top 3 Health Screenings That Could Save Your Life
Many Americans wait until they get sick to focus on their health. According to long-time nurse Allen Daugherty, we have it backwards. “The problem in our society is a lack of emphasis on preventative care,” he says. “People need to get routine screenings at various stages of their lives, as opposed to waiting until a problem occurs.” Allen can share the top screenings people should get before they get sick, the disease that is the number one killer (hint, it’s not cancer) and how to get out of the obesity and sedentary lifestyle rut. He has worked in the medical field for almost 50 years, first as a U.S. Air Force medic then as an RN and certified dialysis nurse. He is the author of “An Ounce of Prevention is Worth More Than You Can Imagine.” Contact Allen at (540) 712-8704; adaugherty@rtirguests.com
9. ==> 10 Signs You’re Ready to Lose Weight
Weight gain is something that creeps up on us especially as we get older. But once we notice it and want to do something about it we may find that reversing course is hard. Laura Pickett knows this firsthand but as an older woman who dropped 80 pounds she’s living proof that weight loss can happen at any age. Using a combination of honest talk, encouragement and humor, Laura can help audience members who have all but given up on taking off those last five or ten pounds or more. Ask her: What is the role forgiveness plays in weight loss? What are the ten signs that you are ready to lose weight? Why does she say that changing your eating habits is not the be-all and end-all of weight loss? Laura is the author of “Get Over Weight (12 Steps to Finally Win the Weight Battle and Win at Life)” and the creator of a coaching and membership program on the topic. She has spent more than 30 years in the ministry and made multiple appearances on TBN’s national and local network (in Atlanta), and WATV. Contact her at (404) 856-5781; lpickett@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Could Herbs Be the Key to Living Longer and Stronger?
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
11. ==> Is Unconscious Bias Real?
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
12. ==> Why Traditional Talk Therapy Doesn’t Work
Conventional mental health professionals have long maintained that talk therapy is the panacea to healing the mind. But Adriana Popescu Ph.D., claims that true healing comes from also treating the body and spirit. “I specialize in using some of the most powerful, effective holistic healing techniques to radically shift limiting feelings and beliefs,” she says. “These may include meditation, nutritional supplements and all kinds of mind-body healing techniques.” Adriana is a licensed clinical psychologist, addiction and trauma specialist, speaker, thought leader and empowerment coach, and author of the critically acclaimed book “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 Adriana at (415) 707-5054; Apopescu@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Are You Choosing Happy or Avoiding it?
Unlock the hidden secrets of happiness and discover five things you think will make you happy but actually won’t when you interview this dynamic guest! Jennifer Hughes is on a mission to help people choose happy. Most people get it backwards, avoiding things that will make them happy while actively choosing things that end up disappointing them. A certified life coach, trainer of The Success Principles, and author of “Choose Happy: Be This, Not That,” Jennifer can help your audience strengthen their relationships, achieve their dreams, and skyrocket their happiness to new levels. Ask her: What are the five unexpected things people believe will make them happy but actually won’t? Why is it so important to take responsibility for our own happiness, and how can we do that? What would you say to someone who doesn’t believe that happiness is a choice? Contact Jennifer Hughes at (480) 745-2113; jhughes@rtirguests.com
14. ==> 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
15. ==> Mike Tyson’s Mother-in-Law on Her Wrongful Conviction and More
Rita Ali was a distinguished Philadelphia socialite and among the few African American women boxing PR professionals who hobnobbed with such famous fighters as Muhammad Ali, Michael Spinks, and Mike Tyson, who is now her son-in-law. Then it all came crashing down when she — along with her daughter and son — was wrongly convicted and imprisoned for allegedly funneling public funds through a partnership between the Sister Clara Muhammad School and the Community College of Philadelphia. The indictment alleged that the defendants profited off of a ghost employee scam to provide adult education classes. “I was convicted and sentenced three times on virtually the same charges for a crime I didn’t commit, which amounted to triple jeopardy,” she says. She is the author of “Triple Jeopardy: 3 Strikes But Not Out,” a life coach, and founder of the nonprofit We 2 Matter, which provides resources for previously incarcerated women. Contact Rita Ali at (917) 243-9214; rali@rtirguests.com
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