01. Biden Touts Inclusive Internationalism
02. Menendez Indictment and Egypt
03. Holiday Hiring Outlook: Amazon Jobs Aplenty, But What Else?
04. Return to the Office? Remote Workers Revolt
05. NPR Host: The Power and Politics of Seeds
06. All Your Artificial Intelligence Questions Answered
07. The New Law That Deprives Families of Religious Liberty
08. 5 Simple Strategies to Take Control of Your Health
09. Warning Signs of Doggy Dementia
10. Can You Be Addicted to Being Unhappy?
11. This Psychologist Shares the Real Causes of Depression
12. How to Think Yourself Healthy
13. Herbs to Live Longer and Stronger
14. Is a Color-Blind Society Possible?
15. 5 Tips to Raise Good Kids in Bad Times
1.==> Biden Touts Inclusive Internationalism
Amid renewed calls for changes in the world order, President Joe Biden used his opening address to the U.N. General Assembly to stress his support for greater inclusion of developing nations in addressing economic, social, and climate concerns. Esther Brimmer says, “For presidents advocating an internationalist foreign policy, the annual speech is a moment to reinforce a fundamental tenet of mainstream American foreign policy: that benevolent hegemony benefits the world at large. Biden’s speech was a classic of the internationalist mode.” Brimmer can discuss the four main issues Biden addressed and how the absence of the four other leaders of the U.N. Security Council’s five permanent, veto-wielding members — China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom — allowed Biden the chance to reinforce the image of the United States as a unique global power. Esther Brimmer’s career spans government, academia, and non-governmental organization leadership. She is the James H. Binger senior fellow in global governance at the Council on Foreign Relations. Contact her at ebrimmer@cfr.org
2. ==> Menendez Indictment and Egypt
Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) refuses to step down despite a federal corruption indictment. The three-count indictment, which also charges the senator’s wife and three New Jersey businessmen, accuses him of using his official position in a wide range of corrupt schemes at home and abroad. One of them alleges he provided sensitive U.S. government information and took other steps that secretly aided the government of Egypt. Professor of politics at the University of San Francisco Stephen Zunes says, “Menendez’s indictment for passing on sensitive government information to strengthen the el-Sisi regime underscores the often-overlooked bipartisan support for Egypt’s brutal dictatorship — one of the most repressive in the world.” Zunes can discuss the charges against Menendez, his controversial role as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and why the charges involving Egypt are particularly disturbing. Stephen Zunes wrote the piece “One of the Democrats’ Biggest Hawks Is Now Senate Foreign Relations Chair.” Contact Stephen Zunes at zunes@usfca.edu
3. ==> Holiday Hiring Outlook: Amazon Jobs Aplenty, But What Else?
As the 2023 holiday season kicks off, the labor market is starting to cool and employers are hiring at a slower clip. So what does this mean for the seasonal job market? “With inflation slowing, companies, particularly retailers, won’t be able to pass increased labor costs to the consumer as easily. This could lead to more cuts, rather than more added positions, as evidenced by the increase in job cuts in this sector,” says Andrew Challenger, a workplace and labor expert. He predicts retailers will add the lowest number of jobs since 2008. “Seasonal employers have a few issues to grapple with in the coming months. One is the cost of labor limiting desire to add workers. Another is whether consumers continue to spend at the same clip. Another is one that has been fairly constant since the pandemic: can they attract workers?” says Challenger. One outlier this year is Amazon, which says it plans to hire 250,000 workers this holiday season, the largest number since the fourth quarter of 2012. Andrew Challenger is the senior vice president of global outplacement and executive and business coaching firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. Contact Colleen Madden Blumenfeld at (312) 422-5074; (314) 807-1568 (cell) or colleenmadden@challengergray.com
4.==> Return to the Office? Remote Workers Revolt
More and more companies are cracking down on remote work with many now requiring workers to put in at least a few days in the office. But a substantial number of employees are pushing back with walkouts and resignations, despite the tightening job market. “I’m not surprised at all,” Prithwiraj Choudhury, a Harvard Business School professor who studies the future of work, says about workers quitting. “By mandating these rigid policies, you’re risking your top performers and diversity. It just doesn’t make sense.” As companies debate the pros and cons of remote work, Choudhury says the question isn’t whether work from anywhere is possible, but what is needed to make it possible. “The short answer,” he says, “is management.” Contact Prithwiraj (Raj) Choudhury at (617) 495-3656; @prithwic
5. ==> 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 the 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, 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
6. ==> All Your Artificial Intelligence Questions Answered
It’s been several months since AI chatbots became available to the general public and experts say there’s no turning back now. What exactly is artificial intelligence and is it good or bad for the future? Invite Calum Chace to discuss the big picture and how AI is likely to play out in the years to come. He can discuss the role AI played in the Hollywood Writers’ strike and how big tech and governments are responding to the new technology. Calum Chace is a sought-after keynote speaker and best-selling writer on artificial intelligence. He focuses on the medium- and long-term impact of AI on us, society and the economy. He is the author of several books on artificial intelligence including “Surviving AI,” about strong AI and super intelligence, and “The Economic Singularity,” about the prospect of widespread technological unemployment. Contact him at cccalum@gmail.com
7. ==> The New Law That Deprives Families of Religious Liberty
A Texas law went into effect this month that allows public schools to replace counselors with chaplains and to use funds earmarked for school safety and mental health to pay them. There are no requirements or training required outside of a background check, and chaplains are not barred from proselytizing. Lawmakers in at least two other states are pushing similar bills and more than a dozen states currently have laws requiring schools to display “In God We Trust” signs. Amanda Tyler, a constitutional lawyer and Baptist leader committed to religious liberty, says it’s all part of a resurgence of Christian nationalism, which conflates American and Christian identities. “The very premise that the government plays a role in religious affairs betrays the foundational values of religious freedom.” She says, “Christian nationalism is a powerful ideology in a majority-Christian nation. But I’m hopeful that most Americans — of all faiths and no faith — do not want the government deciding religious matters for our families.” Amanda Tyler is the lead organizer of Christians Against Christian Nationalism. Contact Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons at guthrie@BJConline.org
8. ==> 5 Simple Strategies to Take Control of Your Health
Did you know 7 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
9. ==> Warning Signs of Doggy Dementia
Have you noticed strange behaviors in your older furry friends? Has Fido been getting lost in the house? Have you found him sitting there, staring at the wall? Does he seem to randomly forget his house training after going years without an accident? Drastic behavioral changes in older animals may point to a more serious issue — canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome, also known as dog dementia. Integrative veterinarian Dr. Carol Osborne says elderly pets can experience brain changes similar to Alzheimer’s disease in people, which can affect their temperament, behavior and quality of life. She’ll share her expertise on how to spot the warning signs of degenerative diseases in your senior pets and what treatments are available. She’ll also discuss ways to keep your pet’s brain healthy with exercise, games and toys, and new experiences. Carole Osborne, DVM, is an author and Emmy-nominated television journalist. She has appeared on many shows including “Fox & Friends,” “Today” and “Good Day LA.” Contact Mackenzie August at (661) 255-8283; mackenzie@steveallenmedia.com
10. ==> Can You Be Addicted to Being Unhappy?
Everyone wants to be happy. But many 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 happiness! 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. You’ll also hear 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
11. ==> This Psychologist Shares the Real Causes of Depression
Depression has reached epidemic proportions in modern society. According to psychologist/author Adriana Popescu: “Depression and issues such as low self-esteem and addiction are not just caused by mental distress. There are many other contributing factors such as hormone imbalances, and disruptions in the mind/body/spirit connection overall.” 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 Popescu at (415) 707-5054; Apopescu@rtirguests.com
12. ==> How to 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. Discover powerful techniques to optimize your mind-body connection and reclaim your health. 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? Stan Munslow is the author of “Get Weller Sooner: 12 Powerful, Proven Ways to Speed and Improve Your Recovery from Illness or Surgery?” Contact him at (401) 337-7436; smunslow@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Herbs to Live Longer and Stronger
The idyllic Caribbean nation of Dominica, where herbs expert Gladstone Etienne grew up, is a nature paradise known for its pristine environment, organic foods 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. 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 Gladstone Etienne at (301) 820-7656; Getienne@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Is a Color-Blind Society Possible?
While bigotry is on the rise across the globe, author Sara Ting claims that there is hope for peace and harmony. “All humans have unconscious biases,” she says. “I have developed a tool that organizations can offer to their colleagues that takes 10 seconds or less to help cultivate a mindset to value all people equally.” 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.” She is also the founder and president of World Unity, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to the elimination of all forms of bigotry. Contact Sara Ting at (508) 715-3370; Sting@rtirguests.com
15. ==> 5 Tips to Raise Good Kids in Bad Times
With the perils of social media, bullying and over-worked and overwhelmed parents, it’s not easy being a kid in today’s chaotic world. But author/parenting expert Jerry Bures can offer tips for making the journey smoother. “It’s important to not just hear your kids, but actually listen to them,” he says. “It’s also important to set limits, without being overly strict.” Jerry is the author of “When Kids Leave Clues: 26 Timeless Stories of Inspiration & Essential Life Lessons Taught to Us by Our Own Children.” Contact Jerry Bures at (920) 796-9160; jbures@rtirguests.com