01. For Labor Day: CEO-Worker Pay Gap Widens
02. When Religion Meets Tech: The Faith Code
03. Artificial Intelligence for Mental Health?
04. Interview Blues Artist David Deacon
05. Summer May be Over but Traveling Is Not
06. Our Aging Politicians: How Old Is Too Old?
07. Why You May Be Addicted to Being Unhappy
08. Rewire Your Brain to Break Negative Patterns
09. She Lost 70 Pounds: How to Get Off the ‘Weight List’ for Good
10. Divorce, Disappointment, Disaster: How to Right Your Life After a Major Wrong
11. Do Your Thoughts Affect Your Health?
12. So, You Want to Start a Nonprofit …
13. Why the First and Last 15 Minutes of the Day Are the Most Important
14. He Succeeded Despite the Odds. You Can Too
15. What Really Happens to the Clothes You Donate?
1. ==> For Labor Day: CEO-Worker Pay Gap Widens
If you thought the pandemic might have made a dent in the wealth gap between CEOs and rank-and-file workers, you’d be wrong. Just in time for Labor Day, a new report, “Executive Excess 2023,” finds that CEOs of the top 100 ‘low-wage’ U.S. firms earn $601 for every $1 by workers, with many using stock buybacks to artificially inflate executive stock-based pay and siphon funds from worker wages and other productive investments. “This is really hard data that reinforces what is the major story in corporate America: instead of investing in their workforce or investment to be competitive, in the long term, they’ve been putting out huge sums to enrich their CEOs and their shareholders,” says Sarah Anderson, the report’s lead author. “These are sums that workers at these companies could not even wrap their minds around.” The report singles out which 100 companies in the S&P 500 pay their workers the least and highlights companies that stood out within the group, including the highest-paid CEOs and the largest stock buybacks. Sarah Anderson directs the Global Economy Project at the Institute for Policy Studies and co-edits the IPS website Inequality.org. Contact her at sarah@ips-dc.org; @inequalityorg
2. ==> When Religion Meets Tech: The Faith Code
Longtime Bay-area pastor Terry Brisbane and Silicon Valley tech executive, investor and philanthropist Rusty Rueff have met for coffee for the last decade to talk about their lives, ambitions and missions. And to pray together. Dedication to these meetings has resulted in a deep friendship between two very different people on various ends of politics and culture. While their relationship is a wonderful model for the rest of us — particularly as we dive headlong into another ugly election cycle — there are many other interesting topics they can discuss. Ask them: Are AI pastors and sermons around the corner? Should they be? How does technology most benefit — and degrade —us? Is there danger in efficiency? Terry Brisbane and Rusty Rueff are the authors of “The Faith Code.” Contact Jason Jones at jason@jonesliterary.com
3. ==> Artificial Intelligence for Mental Health?
A mental health company that uses artificial intelligence is testing a new functionality using large language models that interpret and generate text. The company launched a two-week randomized trial of 150 participants to “gauge user satisfaction.” Invite psychologist Linda Michaels to discuss the issue and whether user satisfaction is a good indicator of therapy success. Michaels is part of a group of academics from the U.S. and the U.K. researching digital therapy tools, called the Digital Therapy Project. The group’s first survey recently launched; it focuses on documenting the landscape of digital therapeutics. The group, Michaels says, “Aims to help identify which tools and technology might be helpful in improving patients’ coping mechanisms, mental health, self-awareness, and self-understanding.” Linda Michaels is a psychologist in private practice in Chicago and a co-founder of the Psychotherapy Action Network. Contact her at lindamichaels.psyd@gmail.com
4. == > Interview Blues Artist David Deacon
At 70 years old, David Deacon has no intention of slowing down. The Toronto-born singer-songwriter, poet, former race-car driver, painter and entrepreneur is a living example of how to live life fully. Invite the blues artist on your show to talk about his latest CD, “Good Day, Good Night,” which reflects the crashes, burns and dust-yourself-off recoveries we all experience in life. Deacon says, “We are all soldiers of the universe. We will all fall, either in battle, by accident, or in age. The question is — is it a result of a personal attack of the universe on you, or is it made personal by your own concern for self?” Known as Toronto’s Renaissance man, Deacon’s gravelly voice and delivery have been compared to Tom Waits, Robbie Robertson, Joe Cocker and even Louis Armstrong. To book interviews and get a link to David Deacon’s new single, “Soldiers of the Universe,” contact Paul Clarke at paul@newsworthypress.org
5. ==> Summer May be Over but Traveling Is Not
Experts say we have experienced the most expensive travel summer ever, yet it hasn’t stopped Americans from packing their bags and heading out of town. Travel experts and brothers Justin Mackler and Austin Stratt say the trend is nowhere near over. Invite them to discuss what’s fueling this travel lust as well as what destinations are hot this fall, from eagerly sought-out eco-friendly, sustainable spots to a new boom in immersive exotic locations. Maybe best of all, they’ll also share this fall’s best travel deals and discounts. Mackler and Stratt are co-founders of the discount luxury platform Hotel Savings Club. Contact Adrienne Mazzone at (561) 908- 1683; amazzone@transmediagroup.com
6. ==> Our Aging Politicians: How Old Is Too Old?
Senator Mitch McConnell had another worrisome freeze during a news conference on Wednesday. The eighty-one-year-old had a similar freezing incident several weeks ago and suffered a concussion after a fall at an event earlier this year leaving many to question his health and fitness for office. And he’s not even the oldest lawmaker on Capitol Hill! Diane Feinstein is 90 years old, there are almost a dozen octogenarians currently in the Senate, and an 81-year-old president is running for reelection! Behavioral specialist Lisa Skinner says it’s totally appropriate to ask about the cognitive health of the people making key decisions for our country, no matter what their age! 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 has appeared on CBS News, NBC News, Fox News, and ABC News, and in “USA Today,” “Health & Fitness,” and many other publications. Contact Lisa Paglia Skinner at lpaglia1@yahoo.com
7. ==> Why You May Be Addicted to Being Unhappy
Everyone wants to be happy. However, most people are unwittingly addicted to unhappiness. We all do things we think will make us happy (but don’t) while avoiding things we believe lead to unhappiness (but also don’t). And so, the cycle continues, and we never realize how far away from happiness we truly are. Jennifer Hughes reveals good news: You can choose happy! A certified success trainer and life coach, and the author of “Choose Happy: Be This, Not That; Increase Your Happiness, Strengthen Your Relationships, Achieve Your Dreams,” she’ll share the real, surprising secrets of happiness that anyone can accomplish. You’ll learn why making mistakes is good, being right is wrong, and looking for who’s at fault keeps you miserable, as well as how to unlearn deceptive choices that seem right, but actually block satisfaction and deliver disappointment. Interview this eye-opening guest to find out what’s been keeping you from being happy with your life. Contact Jennifer Hughes at (480) 745-2113; jhughes@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Rewire Your Brain to Break Negative Patterns
Are you feeling stuck in an unhappy job, relationship, or other unpleasant situation? Does it seem like the circumstances will never be right for you to find the perfect partner, the perfect career, or the perfect life? Luckily, you don’t have to wait for the opportunity to come to you. Learn how to make your own opportunities for breaking free from anything that holds you back when you interview Laura Brennan Ballet. The author of “The Science of Empowerment,” Laura is an experienced life coach and frequent media guest who helps people connect with their personal power to achieve anything, simply by changing the way they think about it. She’ll show your audience not only how to think differently but to actually recalibrate their brains and reach for their dreams with intent. Contact Laura Brennan Ballet at (860) 831-4435; lballet@rtirguests.com
9. ==> She Lost 70 Pounds: How to Get Off the ‘Weight List’ for Good
Laura Pickett struggled with her weight for years, topping out at 225 pounds. She has gone on to lose 70 pounds and maintain that weight loss, counseling hundreds of women on weight loss and marital challenges. Invite Laura on your program to share why anyone looking to lose weight needs to look inward to discover what is truly eating them that is causing them to linger on the “weight list.” 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. Ask her: Why are so many people eating in the dark without realizing it? What are the real reasons so many of us struggle with our weight? Why is forgiveness an integral part of losing weight? Contact Laura Pickett at (404) 856-5781; lpickett@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Divorce, Disappointment, Disaster: How to Right Your Life After a Major Wrong
Life can throw some serious problems at you. When you suffer a setback, whether it’s divorce, losing a job, surviving a disaster, ending a relationship, or struggling with life-altering health issues, grief is a huge part of the process. Unfortunately, the majority of advice for conquering the aftermath of life’s worst curveballs does not address grief at all. Frank DiMaio can help your audience handle the big things and move toward emotional prosperity. He developed a way to help anyone embrace the negative to achieve the positive. An author and professional speaker, Frank holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and shares proven methods to heal from tragedy. Contact Frank DiMaio at (401) 205-3325; fdimaio@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Do Your Thoughts Affect Your Health?
Can you think yourself healthy? Science has shown that a mind-body connection exists and your emotions can impact your physical health, but how much does it actually help? Discover the real power of positive thinking when you interview Stan Munslow. After helping his father beat 30% survival odds and fully recover from Stage 4 lymphoma, Stan shares his methods for faster recovery from surgery, chronic conditions, or serious illness — and improved health overall — with your audience. Discover powerful techniques to optimize your mind-body connection and reclaim your health when you interview Stan. Ask him: How can your thoughts help you decrease pain, recovery time, and even your health-care costs? Why does being the “perfect patient” help you shorten and improve a hospital experience? What led you to write your book “Get Weller Sooner: 12 Powerful, Proven Ways to Speed and Improve Your Recovery from Illness or Surgery?” Contact Stan Munslow at (401) 337-7436; smunslow@rtirguests.com
12. ==> So, You Want to Start a Nonprofit …
Tragic events like school shootings and natural disasters often lead everyday people to start nonprofits. But while this may be a noble endeavor, it’s not right for everyone. “Starting and running a new nonprofit is hard, so maybe people should think about doing something else with their passion project,” says author and nonprofit consultant Michele Whetzel. “Consider that there may be a way to have a successful program to fulfill your charitable ambition without all that is required to start and run a stand-alone public charity.” Michele can offer invaluable advice about how to pursue your passion project, without the headaches. She is a veteran of the nonprofit arena, founder of Your 501 Guide consulting and author of the upcoming book “So, You Want to Start a Nonprofit, Now What?” Ask her: What are examples of good nonprofits? What are some better alternative projects? Contact Michele at (302) 407-0513; Mwhetzel@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Why the First and Last 15 Minutes of the Day Are the Most Important
Did you know that you can change your life, get rid of stress, and feel more in control of your destiny in only 30 minutes a day? Interview Theo Prodromitis, the author of “The Balance Between the Hustle and the Flow: Knowing When to Make Things Happen and When to Let Them Happen,” to discover why the first and last 15 minutes of your day are the most important and how to maximize them. Theo is an award-winning entrepreneur, marketing strategist, and best-selling author of “The Success Formula” with Jack Canfield. Ask her: What does neuroscience tell us about our brain activity at the beginning and end of each day? What are the four things we should do every morning? Contact Theo Prodromitis at (813) 701-5414; tprodromitis@rtirguests.com
14. ==> He Succeeded Despite the Odds. You Can Too
Many people go through life experiencing failure after failure and ultimately give up trying to succeed. In fact, society may set people up to fail, due to their family backgrounds, ethnicity and/or socio-economic circumstances. But after experiencing numerous setbacks in his personal and professional life, Dr. Carl Barnes went on to a 35-year career in the military, ultimately becoming a Navy chaplain; and earned five degrees, including a doctorate of ministry in leadership. “Failure is a great learning tool,” he says. “The key to succeeding against all odds is unbridled resilience and turning pain into purpose.” 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. ==> What Really Happens to the Clothes You Donate?
You probably feel pretty good about cleaning out your closet and donating your cast-offs, but do you know what happens after you drop off that bag? Oliver Franklin-Wallis points out that many of us spend a lot of time thinking about where things come from, but rarely consider where they go after we’re done with them. Invite the author of “Wasteland: The Dirty Truth About What We Throw Away, Where It Goes, and Why It Matters” to share what happens to our stuff after we throw it “away” — the places it goes, and the people who deal with it when it gets there. He’ll share stories from around the globe that took him inside dumpsters and mountainous landfills, to super-sewers, ghost towns, and the largest nuclear waste store in Europe. Oliver Franklin-Wallis is a contributing editor at “WIRED.” His work has appeared in many publications including “British GQ,” “The Guardian,” “The New York Times,” “The Times Magazine,” and “The Sunday Times Magazine.” Contact Jayme Boucher at jayme.boucher@hbgusa.com