01. The Cuomo Brothers Must Both Resign
02. Why Your Boss Wants You Vaxxed
03. Americans’ Piggybanks Are Getting Fuller
04. 20 Years Later: How 9/11 Changed America
05. Frontline Barbie: Dolls Honor Real-Life Heroes
06. Don’t Be an August Statistic: Lifesaving Swim Tips
07. When You Want Facts and Only Facts
08. Critical Race Theory -What it Is and Why it Matters
09. Why We Love Bennifer 2.0
10. The Gas We Pass: The Truth about Aging and Flatulence
11. Make the Second Half of Your Life the BEST Half
12. Summer Can Be Ruff on Pets!
13. Where’s the Peace You’ve Been Looking For?
14. Achieve Joy, Purpose, and Fulfillment after a Disastrous Year
15. Interview Emmy-Nominated Actress Carolyn Hennesy
1.==> The Cuomo Brothers Must Both Resign
President Joe Biden has called on New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to resign after an explosive report concluded that Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women. The report also includes information about journalist Chris Cuomo working behind the scenes to help his brother respond to the allegations and Laura Bassett says he too should resign or be fired. “It’s extremely inappropriate and unethical for a journalist to advise and craft the statements of a politician, regardless of family relation,” she says. “New Yorkers deserve better than a lying, harassing, misogynistic creep presiding over the state. And CNN’s viewers deserve better than a news anchor who is working on behalf of a politician he covers and helps to manipulate public opinion of him. Both Cuomo brothers have amassed massive power and influence, while betraying public trust. And both brothers must go.” Laura Bassett writes about gender, culture and politics. Her bylines have appeared in GQ, Elle, The Washington Post, New York Magazine and elsewhere, and she consulted on Netflix’s Emmy-nominated docuseries “The Keepers.” Previously, she was a senior politics reporter at HuffPost for nearly a decade. Contact her at bassett.laura@gmail.com; @LEBassett
2. ==> Why Your Boss Wants You Vaxxed
The Federal government, along with some of the nation’s largest corporations, have recently announced requirements that employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 and that could cause a cascade of private company vaccine mandates, according to one workplace authority. “Certainly, companies nationwide will follow the lead of some of these major employers. Time will tell if it will increase vaccination rates among the holdouts,” says Andrew Challenger, senior vice president of global outplacement and executive coaching firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. “Workers are pushing back on coming back into the office in-person and many companies are having trouble finding workers, especially for in-person roles. Knowing their colleagues are vaccinated may give many significant peace of mind and bring some people back to the workforce,” he adds. According to a recent Challenger survey, 81% of companies are experiencing pushback from their teams to the return to in-person work and 85% report having trouble filling open positions. Nearly 24% cited COVID concerns specifically as a reason workers are leaving jobs. Contact Colleen Madden Blumenfeld at (314) 807-1568 (cell); colleenmadden@challengergray.com
3. ==> Americans’ Piggybanks Are Getting Fuller
One important item in the GDP report released this week that received little attention, is that Americans’ saving rate is still well above the pre-pandemic level. Economist Dean Baker says there are two reasons this rise in the saving rate is a big deal. “The first is that it indicates that the money the government paid out over the course of the pandemic is not now leading to a big surge in spending, as some had predicted.” He adds, “A higher than normal saving rate also implies that there will be a gap in demand that needs to be filled by some other component of GDP, such as increased government spending, if the economy is to operate at close to its full employment level of output. In this context, a large government deficit may be essential for supporting demand.” Baker is co-founder of The Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR). He’s the author of several books including “Rigged: How Globalization and the Rules of the Modern Economy Were Structured to Make the Rich Richer.” Contact him at baker@cepr.net; @DeanBaker13
4.==> 20 Years Later: How 9/11 Changed America
On the morning of September 11th, 2001, 19 terrorists from the Islamist extreme group al Qaeda hijacked four commercial aircraft and crashed two of them into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center complex in New York City. A third plane crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. After learning about the other attacks, passengers on the fourth hijacked plane, Flight 93, fought back, and the plane crashed into an empty field in western Pennsylvania. It was the worst attack on American soil since the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941. Invite Dr. Carole Lieberman to share how America was forever changed that fateful day. Lieberman, M.D., M.P.H., is a board-certified psychiatrist and the author of “Coping with Terrorism: Dreams Interrupted” and “Lions and Tigers and Terrorists, Oh My: How to Protect Your Child from Terrorism.” She also hosts The Terrorist Therapist radio show. Contact Mark Goldman at (516) 639-0988 (call/text); markgoldman73@gmail.com
5. ==> Frontline Barbie: Dolls Honor Real-Life Heroes
Continuing Mattel’s #ThankYouHeroes program, Barbie is spotlighting six women who are modern real-life heroes of the pandemic and honoring each of them with a one-of-a-kind doll made in their likeness. Among the women being honored are two from the U.S.: Amy O’Sullivan, an emergency room nurse who treated the first COVID-19 patient in Brooklyn, and Audrey Sue Cruz, a frontline worker from Las Vegas, who worked with other Asian American physicians to fight anti-Asian hate during the pandemic. Mattel’s Lisa McKnight says, “To shine a light on their efforts, we are sharing their stories to inspire the next generation to take after these heroes and give back. Our hope is to nurture and ignite the imaginations of children playing out their own storyline as heroes.” The company will also donate $5 for each Barbie doctor, nurse or paramedic doll sold at participating Target locations during the month of August to the First Responders Children’s Foundation (FRCF), benefiting the children of first responders. Contact Devin Tucker at Devin.Tucker@Mattel.com
6. ==> Don’t Be an August Statistic: Lifesaving Swim Tips
Tragically, approximately 4,000 Americans drown each year. This August, the lure of lakes, rivers, pools and the ocean is likely to attract toddlers, children and adults who may fall or jump in. Save lives by interviewing Dr. Pete Anderson, one of the world’s top swimming instructors, who can explain everything you need to know to safely enjoy the water. He’ll share the ten common errors that lead to drowning, the best age to teach children how to swim (it’s younger than you’d think), why “certified swimming instructors” are overrated and how to choose a good instructor, and his Top 10 tips for swimming safely, whether at the lake or the community pool. Listeners can also download a free copy of his book “Teach Yourself (or Your Children) to Swim at Home Without a Pool.” Dr. Pete Andersen is a behaviorist, author, speaker, and coach. He has published 14 e-books and paperback books under his brand “Teach Yourself to Swim” and based on his credentials with a Ph.D., 55-plus years of experience, Masters Swimming World and National Records, and 25 Senior Olympic National Championships Gold Medals. Contact him at (858) 886-9820; drpete@The3SecretSkillsofTopPerformers.com
7. ==> When You Want Facts and Only Facts
Tired of listening to politicians and officials spinning numbers, making things up and downright lying? Skeptical about the news media? Americans need unbiased information and facts to make informed decisions. What’s in the latest coronavirus relief package? How many Americans are currently vaccinated against COVID-19? Where are the current hot spots right now? How much of the country is suffering from a drought? Which states have added the most jobs in recent months? USAFacts is a nonpartisan civic initiative that provides a data-driven portrait of the population, government’s finances, and government’s impact on society. USAFacts presents metrics on all U.S. governments, from federal records to a growing collection of state and county data, including coronavirus data. It provides vital spending, revenue, demographic, and performance information as a free public service and commits to maintaining and expanding their available data in the future. For interviews, contact Lisa Conquergood at (425) 332-4196; lisac@usafacts.org
8. ==> Critical Race Theory -What it Is and Why it Matters
When America’s children return to the classroom in the fall, will they be taught that white people are oppressors, and that America is a systemically racist country? Are these really tenets of Critical Race Theory and if so, what organization is behind the push to indoctrinate school children in it? At least six states introduced bills that aim to place limitations on lessons about race and inequality being taught in American schools; should more states follow? Discuss this timely topic with Tamara Lashchyk and Jacqueline Toboroff, hosts of “The Bo Peep Podcast,” which probes the answers to questions that we are afraid to ask. Their podcast has already tackled this topic. Tamara Lashchyk has been interviewed by the BBC and featured in Huffington Post. A career coach, author, and former Wall Street executive, she recently ran for the New York State Assembly. Jacqueline Toboroff is a candidate for New York City Council (D1) and a parent and life-long resident of Manhattan. Contact Tamara Lashchyk at (848) 373-3543; TLashchyk@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Why We Love Bennifer 2.0
It’s Instagram official and we can’t get enough! The internet exploded when JLo’s social media featured sexy shots of her and Ben Affleck aboard a yacht in St. Tropez celebrating her 52nd birthday. We could be interested because the rekindled romance comes 17 years after the pair’s famous split, just days before their wedding. We could also hate how fabulous they both look and envy their extravagant ways, but we love them and we’re eating it up! Why? Lifestyle blogger and author Mary Oves says Bennifer 2.0 is a lot like homemade macaroni and cheese. “We all have our favorite outfits that are not only comfortable, but they also look good and make us feel great. The same is true for food … and relationships! These two feel like our gorgeous mom and buff dad who divorced, dated other people for almost 20 years, and are now back together! Who wouldn’t be happy about that?” Oves can talk with candor and humor about everything from suddenly finding yourself single and switching careers midlife to surviving hot flashes in the middle of a heatwave and posting drunk comments on social media! Oves’ writing has appeared in the New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Erma Bombeck Humor Website and many other publications. She teaches English at Stockton University and blogs at ChrysalisCollective.org (formerly not-the-it-girl.org) Contact Mary Oves at (609) 408-8762 (NJ); Mary@chrysaliscollective.org
10. ==> The Gas We Pass: The Truth about Aging and Flatulence
Whether you call it breaking wind, cutting the cheese, tooting, or something else, flatulence is part of the human condition. But did you know that as we age, we are more likely to emit more gas or that there just may be a way to have fewer embarrassing incidents? Find out more with a playful interview with health expert and senior advocate Linda Mac Dougall. Linda will explain how our ability to break down food declines, leading to more gassiness and less absorption of important nutrients. She’ll also share some tips on what to do about it. Linda has worked with hundreds of seniors through her business, has an M.A. in counseling psychology, and is the author of “The SPIRIT Method of Massage for Seniors.” Contact her at (805) 202-6379; speakerholistic@gmail.com
11. ==> Make the Second Half of Your Life the BEST Half
As we age, some things deteriorate, and many aspects of life can get harder. However, it’s also true that plenty of things get better. That’s the message of Joe Swinger, who specializes in helping adults in midlife enjoy the VIP life — one marked by greater vibrancy, impact, and purpose. Joe is the creator of the Silver Linings Network, which he established to encourage happiness, success, and emotional health in midlife and later years. Invite him on your show to learn what you should focus on (besides money) as you approach and dive into retirement years. Ask him: What helps aging boomers recreate themselves, make a difference, and stay relevant — especially during challenging years like 2021? What skills and qualities (in addition to awareness, maturity, experience and motivation) can bring new opportunities and satisfaction in the second half of life? How can people love and appreciate life at every age? Contact Joe Swinger at (385) 425-6705; joeswinger@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Summer Can Be Ruff on Pets!
We all know that summer weather can cause health problems in some people, but Dr. Judy Morgan reminds us that animals can suffer in extreme heat too! Do you know which food and treats can help your pets deal with extreme heat? Is it safe to exercise with your dog in the summer? Dr Morgan will share ways to keep your furry friends safe and comfortable while traveling, how to keep them active without overheating, and other summer pet tips. Judy Morgan DVM, CVA, CVCP, CVFT, specializes in integrative medicine, combining the best of both traditional and holistic veterinary care. She’s the founder and CEO of Naturally Healthy Pets and the author of several books including “Yin & Yang Nutrition for Dogs: Maximizing Health with Whole Foods, Not Drugs.” Contact her at (609) 202-0999; judy@drjudymorgan.com
13. ==> Where’s the Peace You’ve Been Looking For?
Most of us eagerly awaited 2021, hoping for more peace and prosperity in our lives. Now that we’re more than halfway through the year, some may feel that things haven’t really changed much. Donna Melanson says big changes don’t occur without some practice. She says, “We get good at what we practice whether it is public speaking, riding a bike, or learning anything new. You don’t just wake up one day and become like the Buddha. Practicing peace needs to be a non-negotiable daily commitment, like brushing your teeth.” Invite her on your show and learn how to ground yourself wherever you are in any particular moment. She’ll also reveal what it means to “let yourself go” and why it might be the skill to master right now. An experienced yoga teacher, Donna Melanson is best known for her daily beach sunrise broadcast on Periscope.tv. She is the host of “The Silent Bit” podcast and the author of “A Yogi’s Path to Peace: My Journey to Self-Realization.” Contact her at (828) 215-1212; donna.melanson@gmail.com
14. ==> Achieve Joy, Purpose, and Fulfillment after a Disastrous Year
What happened to Trish Ahjel Roberts two years ago may very well help people coping with the lingering effects of the pandemic. When Roberts’ VW was hit by a truck, the collision changed her life. Invite her on your show and hear how she was able to use the accident as a catalyst to redefine herself, reclaim her life and create her dream business, and how those struggling right now can do the same. Learn the biggest misconception about happiness and why it endures, how to stop worrying about the future, and the difference between being outraged and enraged and why it matters. A former sales exec and financial advisor, Trish Ahjel Roberts is a self-actualization coach, blogger, freelance writer and yoga and meditation instructor. She’s the founder of HoneyButterflyz LLC and Black Vegan Life™ and the author of several books including of “12 Steps to Mind-Blowing Happiness: A Journal of Insights, Quotes & Questions to Juice Up Your Journey.” Contact Trish Ahjel Roberts at (917) 887-3689; trish@mindblowinghappiness.com
15. ==> Interview Emmy-Nominated Actress Carolyn Hennesy
From an Oscar-winning Hollywood family to her own Emmy Gold, Carolyn Hennesy has created characters that fans love to hate, on both the big and small screen. One of the more recognizable is Diane Miller on General Hospital, recently celebrating her 500th episode on the hit series. As the daughter of an Academy Award-winning father, Carolyn is no stranger to the entertainment industry. Her long list of credits includes TV appearances in Dawson’s Creek, True Blood, and the Disney Channel’s Jessie. She’s been seen on the big screen in Legally Blonde 2 and Terminator 3, and even voiced Princess Leia in Lego Star Wars. Throw in her work as a New York Times best-selling author and her podcast focusing on global animal advocacy issues, and you’ve got one fun and interesting show. Contact Harlan Boll at (626) 296-3757; harlan@bhbpr.com