01. 9/11’s Lasting Effect on Our Mental Health
02. The Rise of Rural Progressives
03. Historian Reveals the Real Ronald Reagan
04. Hiring Hits Lowest Level in 19 Years
05. PeaceWave to Celebrate 40th International Day of Peace
06. Divisive Politics, Climate Change, Wars: How to Overcome Overwhelming Stress
07. What is Christian Zionism?
08. Hungarian Refugee Shares Why We Should Support Ukraine
09. What Does DEI Stand For? Why Should We Care?
10. Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama, U2: This Flight Attendant Met Them All
11. This Guest Will Help You Sleep Better Tonight
12. Warning: The U.S. Health Care System Can Kill You!
13. How to Spot Elder Abuse
14. Better Mental Health Through … Crafting?
15. This Guest Knows What Takes Place in Spaceships
1. ==> 9/11’s Lasting Effect on Our Mental Health
Though we don’t want to believe that September 11th is still affecting us – psychologically and physically – Dr. Carole Lieberman says it is. Lieberman, a board certified psychiatrist and author of “Tigers and Terrorists, Oh My: How to Protect Your Child from Terrorism,” can discuss the mental health aspects of 9/11, particularly how it impacted children. She can also talk about what we have forgotten about that day. “Americans need to be reminded of the heroes of 9/11 – not just to honor them – but to model themselves after them.” Lieberman believes many Americans are now living like there’s no tomorrow, putting themselves first. She’ll discuss the many ways Americans were traumatized by the terrorist attack, how our memories of the day can continue to affect us, and how parents can discuss current terrorist events with children. Carole Lieberman, MD, MPH, has appeared on national TV shows including “Fox News,” “Today,” and “Good Morning America.” Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103
2. ==> The Rise of Rural Progressives
It’s become clear from recent campaign stops that the Harris/Walz campaign is making a play for rural voters and Matthew Ferrence thinks their strategy is a sound one. Ferrence, author of “I Hate It Here, Please Vote for Me: Essays on Rural Political Decay,” lives in rural Pennsylvania and self-identifies as a “rural progressive.” A few years ago, Matt ran for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, got zero DNC support, and lost in a landslide. He says it showed him how, at the time, American political narratives refused to recognize the existence and value of non-conservative rural Americans. But, he says, things have changed and having Tim Walz—himself a rural progressive—on the ticket is just one example of the growing political movement. Matthew Ferrence teaches creative writing at Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853; LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com
3.==> Historian Reveals the Real Ronald Reagan
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
4. ==> Hiring Hits Lowest Level in 19 Years
U.S.-based employers announced 75,891 cuts in August. That’s a 193% increase from the 25,885 cuts announced one month prior. Andrew Challenger, senior vice president of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. says, “August’s surge in job cuts reflects growing economic uncertainty and shifting market dynamics. Companies are facing a variety of pressures, from rising operational costs to concerns about a potential economic slowdown, leading them to make tough decisions about workforce management.” He says hiring plans have fallen to the lowest year-to-date total since Challenger began tracking hiring plans in 2005. “The labor market overall is softening,” he adds. He can discuss which industries are cutting the most workers and why. Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. is a global outplacement and business and executive coaching firm. Contact Colleen Madden Blumenfeld at (312) 422-5074; (314) 807-1568 (cell) or colleenmadden@challengergray.com
5.==> PeaceWave to Celebrate 40th International Day of Peace
September 21 is International Day of Peace and what began as a wave with a handful of people back in 1984 has become a peacebuilding movement now recognized by 3 billion people across the world. This year, the celebration will be augmented by an especially inspiring global project called “Essays for Peace” which calls for every screen in the world (from iPhones to the largest city billboards) to feature an image, in video, of a simple lit candle glowing for a minute (or five) at high noon local time. Invite Tezikiah Gabriel, executive director of Pathways To Peace, to discuss the history of the celebration, how the PeaceWave circled the globe the first year, and how it has grown exponentially over the past four decades. “As it was 40 years ago, the purpose of the Peace Day initiative is to foster cooperation at all levels of our local-global communities and to demonstrate the difference each individual, group, organization, or nation makes when acting in concert with one another… enough of a difference to change the course of history!” Initiated in 1978 and incorporated in 1983, Pathways To Peace (PTP) is a UN-designated Peace Messenger organization. Contact Amanda Tunison at (661) 755-5977; amanda@steveallenmedia.com
6. ==> Divisive Politics, Climate Change, Wars: How to Overcome Overwhelming Stress
Overcoming stress is not a new topic. But while most experts recommend strategies to avoid stress, internationally known psychologist Stephen Sideroff claims it’s best to just face it head on. “Stress is a fact of life, and it’s necessary for success,” he says. “I have discovered a holistic methodology based on 9 key pillars to help you thrive, even in the midst of overwhelming stress.” Drawing on over 40 years of experience, Stephen can share techniques to adjust the mind and body to cope with modern forms of stress and ways to prosper with stress, rather than letting it weigh you down. Stephen 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.” Contact Dr. Stephen Sideroff at (213) 660-4659; ssideroff@rtirguests.com
7. ==> What is Christian Zionism?
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
8. ==> Hungarian Refugee Shares Why We Should Support Ukraine
Many Americans resent the U.S. government’s financial support of Ukraine following the 2021 Russian invasion. But as a refugee from Communist Hungary, who escaped with his family for America when he was only 5, Laszlo (Les) Suhayda can share why turning our backs on Ukraine would have dire consequences on a global scale. “If they are not stopped, dictators like Putin will just barrel through Eastern Europe and other countries,” he says. “Not only would this have an impact on European security, but it would also be catastrophic for the security of the entire world.” Les can provide an insider’s perspective of what it’s like to live under the rule of a brutal Soviet-backed dictator, and why we should care about helping Ukraine. He is the author of the memoir “Twelve Bells to Freedom: The Suhajda Story,” and the inventor of the first wine slushee product in America. Contact Laszlo (Les) Suhayda at (314) 501-6838; Lsuhayda@rtirguests.com
9. ==> What Does DEI Stand For? Why Should We Care?
DEI – the acronym for diversity, equity, and inclusion — has been in the news a great deal lately, especially during the presidential campaign. While many may believe that this is a new concept, and it is often surrounded by controversy, author Sara Ting claims that it is nothing new. And it’s the foundation for a healthy society. “Many people are averse to the idea of DEI, because we all have our own personal biases,” she says. “Often times, people aren’t even aware of their biases. But because we live in such a diverse society, it’s important that we acknowledge our biases and work toward inclusion – so that we can all function more harmoniously in every aspect of life.” 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
10. ==> Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama, U2: This Flight Attendant Met Them All
During her nearly 40-year career as a flight attendant, Tania Anderson met everyone from Elizabeth Taylor and the mega rock band U2 to the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa, Britain’s Prince Philip, and five U.S. presidents! One of the most memorable people she met was South African President Nelson Mandela. “He was absolutely radiant,” she recalls. “I made my way up to the dais where he was speaking and yelled, ‘God Bless you, President Mandela!’ He leaned down and vigorously shook my hand.” Tania can share innumerable fascinating anecdotes about her high-flying life and the many memorable individuals she’s met along the way. She is the author of the memoir “On Butterflies’ Wings: An Anthology of International Escapades,” and the upcoming “Synchronicity — the Escapades Continue.” Contact Tania Anderson at (213) 513-6099; tanderson@rtirguests.com
11. ==> How to Sleep Better 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
12. ==> 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
13. ==> How to Spot Elder Abuse
More than 57 million people worldwide suffer from dementia. Not only does this awful disease cause severe mental and physical impairment, but it can also 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 him at Contact Patrick Falk at (203) 846-0168; patrickgfalk@cs.com
14. ==> 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
15. ==> 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