8/8/2024 RTIR Newsletter: Pulitzer-Winning Journalist, Fmr U.S. Health Secretary, Age Bias at Work

01. Pulitzer Prize–Winning Journalist David Rohde
02. The Public is Souring on Project 2025
03. Former U.S. Health Secretary Tommy Thompson
04. The Secret Life of Ella Fitzgerald
05. EPA Pulls Weedkiller Over Fetus Risks
06. Do Regulatory Agencies Have Too Much Power?
07. What Men Don’t Know About Sex
08. How to Protect Loved Ones From Elder Abuse
09. The Real Fountain of Youth: 9 Steps to Slow Aging
10. How to Get Better Sleep Tonight
11. How Younger Workers Feel About Older Officemates
12. Help for Boomers Without a Nest Egg
13. 5-Time Survivor Reveals Why She’s Glad She Had Cancer
14. This Guest Knows What Takes Place in Spaceships
15. The Paradox of Acceptance: Find Peace of Mind By Letting Go

1. ==> Pulitzer Prize–Winning Journalist David Rohde

Over the course of his presidency, Donald Trump intimidated, silenced, and bent to his will Justice Department and FBI officials, from Attorneys General Jeff Sessions and William Barr to career public servants. He sowed public doubt in both agencies so successfully that when he tried to overturn the results of the 2020 election, he paid little political cost and, despite an unprecedented array of criminal indictments, easily won the Republican nomination for the 2024 presidential election. Invite two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize and national security editor at NBC News, David Rohde to reveal the strategies Trump systematically used to turn the country’s two most powerful law-enforcement agencies into his personal political weapons. He’ll also discuss how, during the Biden years, Justice Department non-partisan 1970s norms that Attorney General Merrick Garland reinforced inadvertently helped Trump and could fail to deliver a trial and legal accountability by Election Day 2024. Rohde’s new book, “Where Tyranny Begins: The Justice Department, the FBI, and the War on Democracy,” exposes how ill-suited both the DOJ and FBI are to serve as checks on abuses of presidential power. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (o); (703) 400-1099 (c); johanna@jrbpr.biz or Reigan Wright at (703) 646-5188

2. ==> The Public is Souring on Project 2025

Just a few months ago few Americans were aware of Project 2025, but new polling from Navigator Research this month found that 54 percent of Americans are now familiar with the Heritage Foundation proposal that aims to fundamentally reshape the U.S. federal government and consolidate executive power if a Republican wins the 2024 presidential election. Julia Conley, a staff writer for “Common Dreams” says, “This poll is showing that the more people learn about Project 2025, the less they like it. “It’s focused on putting more power in the hands of the president, gutting the federal government, reducing staff at the EPA, and so forth. Those types of big points––centralizing power with the president––are clear to people and are likely distressing.” Conley can discuss the poll findings, why Republicans aren’t talking about Project 2025, and whether Americans think it accurately represents what Donald Trump stands for. Contact Julia Conley at julia@commondreams.org

3.==> 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 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

4. ==> The Secret Life of Ella Fitzgerald

Geoffrey Mark is known as a walking encyclopedia of show business. His latest book, “Ella: A Biography of the Legendary Ella Fitzgerald,” chronicles her ultimate rags-to-riches embodiment of the American dream and her personal life, which was one of the best-kept secrets in show business. Invite Marks on your show and learn about her bittersweet life and the tragedy of being a homeless orphan who faced racial prejudice and sexual and physical abuse. You’ll also hear how she used her amazing talent and burning ambition to build an astonishing musical career spanning seven decades. Geoffrey Marks has spent the past 50 years working in the entertainment industry, starting at age 15. He’s worked as an actor, singer, stand-up comedian and radio host. He is an Emmy award-winner and Grammy nominee and the author of several books including “The Lucy Book,” which her fans consider “The Bible.” Contact Harlan Boll at harlan@bhbpr.com

5. ==> EPA Pulls Weedkiller Over Fetus Risks

For the first time in almost 40 years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an emergency order suspending all uses of the weedkiller known as DCPA due to serious health risks for unborn babies. Mostly used on vegetable crops like broccoli and cabbage, the herbicide has been banned in Europe since 2009 after being linked to low birth weight, impaired brain development, decreased I.Q., and impaired motor skills later in life. Advocacy groups are hailing the ban, but many criticize the agency for not acting earlier. “The decision is welcome news, but it’s long overdue,” says Alexis Temkin, senior toxicologist at the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit advocacy organization. She’ll explain the risk to not only farmworkers, but also consumers, and why washing doesn’t remove the pesticide. Contact Sarah Graddy at (202) 939-9141; sarah@ewg.org

6. ==> Do Regulatory Agencies Have Too Much Power?

Federal agencies are tasked with protecting the American public, but can they go too far? They can, say Clifford Rosenthal and Michael McCray, and paying the price are some of America’ most disadvantaged citizens. Rosenthal and McCray, coauthors of “Community Capital: Race, Equity, and the Credit Union Movement,” can talk about two cases of regulatory overreach the Supreme Court is slated to rule on this summer, making this an extremely timely topic. A trained CPA, lawyer and whistleblower, McCray led an unprecedented court challenge to the unjust liquidation of Kappa Alpha Psi Federal Credit Union. Rosenthal, an Obama appointee, wrote the book on community development financial institutions. McCray, a Clinton White House veteran, blew the whistle on public corruption from USDA to ACORN. Ask them: What role do credit unions play in minority communities? What does it take to bring financial justice to communities of color? What are the consequences of regulatory agency overreach? Contact Michael McCray at (870) 543-0024; mccray.michael@gmail.com

7. ==> What Men Don’t Know About Sex

In our sex-obsessed world, it might seem strange to say that men need more talk about sex, but Sam Jolman disagrees. A therapist who has spent 20 years specializing in men’s issues argues that while men, generally, are over sexualized, their psychological formation and understanding of sexuality is grossly under-nurtured and many men have a malformed understanding of their sexuality. Sam will explain how affects men’s relationships and their self-perception and leads to confusion. A down-to-earth guest with a refreshing approach, Sam aims to help men regain what he calls ‘a vigorous and vibrant sexuality.’ His new book is “The Sex Talk You Never Got.” Contact Jason Jones at jason@jonesliterary.com

8. ==> How to Protect Loved Ones From Elder Abuse

More than 57 million people worldwide suffer from dementia. Not only does this awful disease cause severe mental and physical impairment, it can lead to many forms of abuse inflicted by those in the person’s orbit. “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 (203) 846-0168; patrickgfalk@cs.com

9. ==> The Real Fountain of Youth: 9 Steps to Slow Aging

It happens to all of us and it’s happening every day: Aging. As we age, the various ways our bodies break down, create our vulnerability to all illnesses. Research has now shown that stress speeds up the aging process and thus stress can be considered the leading cause of most illnesses. Interview internationally known psychologist Stephen Sideroff to discover nine steps people can take to slow the aging process to stay healthy longer and extend their healthspan. The steps can help them reduce chronic stress, build resilience and achieve success. Stephen Sideroff is an associate professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Rheumatology at UCLA’s Geffen School of Medicine. He was the founder and former clinical director of the Stress Strategies Program of UCLA/Santa Monica Hospital and former clinical director of Moonview Treatment and Optimal Performance Center. He is the author of “The 9 Pillars of Resilience: The Proven Path to Mastering Stress, Slow Aging and Increase Vitality.” Reach Dr. Sideroff at (310) 666-3452; sideroff@UCLA.edu

10. ==> How to Get Better Sleep Tonight

According to the CDC, one in three Americans doesn’t get enough sleep; being sleep-deprived affects your cognitive functioning and emotional resilience, leading to even more stress and the creation of a vicious circle. For some great ideas on how to sleep better that you can use right away, interview Edie Summers, the author of “The Memory of Health” and a corporate wellness advisor for a tech-health startup. Knowledgeable about the latest sleep research, Edie can help your listeners learn the answers to such questions as what time should you stop drinking caffeinated beverages (it’s earlier than you think), why should you go to bed early if you have a lot to do, what food eaten at bedtime helps you sleep, and what type of bed works best for couples troubled by their partner’s tossing and turning. Edie has been featured in “Entrepreneur” and many podcasts. Contact Edie Summers at (503) 487-0058; esummers@rtirguests.com

11. ==> How Younger Workers Feel About Older Officemates

According to AARP, the country’s leading advocate for older Americans, today’s corporate culture is doing a poor job of addressing age bias in the workplace. Author Sara Ting agrees, “There are more older people in the workplace than ever before, but despite their valuable experience and work ethics, there continues to be a lot of bias against them.” Ting, a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) educator, speaker and consultant, can discuss how to make workplaces more inclusive, how younger workers feel about older officemates, and the ways workplace culture has changed in recent years. Sara Ting is the author of “Small Book with a Big Idea: 5-Minute Training to Empower and Transform the World.” Contact her at (508) 715-3370; Sting@rtirguests.com

12. ==> Help for Boomers Without a Nest Egg

The largest segment of the U.S. population is rapidly approaching retirement age, yet more than half are worried they won’t have enough to retire – and 20% have no retirement savings at all. With rising inflation and a middling economy, is there any way to turn things around? Tom Loegering (pronounced “Lay-ger-ing”) reveals how baby boomers and anyone in the workforce can ensure a happy, well-funded retirement so they can enjoy their golden years. Learn how to develop “the business of you” and retire comfortably without sacrificing your goals and dreams along the way. A retired contractor and experienced speaker, Tom is the author of “Success or Failure: The Choice Is Yours,” a workbook to help anyone plan their perfect retirement. Contact him at (623) 400-8648; tloegering@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. ==> This Guest Knows What Takes Place in Spaceships

Alien abduction has long been the stuff of science fiction. According to author and long-time licensed hypnotherapist, Kryste Andrews, such occurrences are real. While relaxing into the hypnotic state of consciousness called theta, some of Kryste’s clients have reported interacting with life on other planets. “Thousands of people are certain they’ve been abducted by aliens,” she says. “I’ve worked with a few who have ‘beamed up’ to a space ship during our sessions and reported details about what goes on there.” Her upcoming book, “31 Conversations With An Alien,” is based on a recent client’s extraordinary life and reveals the living room chats between Kryste and an extraterrestrial named Fred. Contact Kryste Andrews at (201) 801-4551; Kandrews@rtirguests.com

15. ==> The Paradox of Acceptance: Find Peace of Mind By Letting Go

It’s no surprise that anxiety levels are through the roof these days when we’re faced with an overload of stressors and tragedies on a daily basis. Dr. Greg Hammer says many people suffer needlessly when one simple attitude adjustment could make a huge difference. “Practicing acceptance can be one of the most helpful attitudes at our disposal to make peace with our anxieties and increase our happiness,” he says. Invite the author of “GAIN Without Pain: The Happiness Handbook for Health Care Professionals” to explain the difference between resignation and acceptance, how to acknowledge feelings without judging or being self-critical, and ways to set limits and boundaries without placing conditions on love. Greg Hammer, M.D. is a recently retired professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, pediatric intensive care physician, pediatric anesthesiologist and wellness and mindfulness lecturer. Contact Mackenzie August at (661) 255-8283; mackenzie@steveallenmedia.com

More posts