01. Inside Iran’s Insurrection
02. The Debilitating Disease of Medical Debt
03. Just Had COVID? When to Get New Booster Shot
04. Actress Michael Learned Plays Jeffrey Dahmer’s Grandma
05. Turning a Terrible Sandwich into Something Good
06. Breast Cancer Awareness: It’s Not Your Mother’s Disease
07. Inside a Wilderness Program for Digitally Addicted Teens
08. Unusual Jobs: Interview a Former Pioneering Black Diplomat
09. What Was it Like to Work on ‘The Golden Girls?’
10. How to Make the Most of Commuting with Kids
11. Do You Drabble?
12. What Really Happens in the Afterlife?
13. Can You Live a Regret-Free Life?
14. How to Make Your Own Happiness
15. Don’t Book a Cruise Before Hearing from This Travel Expert
1. ==> Inside Iran’s Insurrection
Amid growing repression, a sickly economy and bleak prospects, the death of one young woman was all it took to unleash a torrent of rage across Iran. Ali Vaez, Iran director for the International Crisis Group, says the rise of hard-liners has contributed to growing desperation among young Iranians. “The reason the younger generation is taking this kind of risk is because they feel they have nothing to lose, they have no hope for the future,” he says. Many Iranians understand they are taking existential risks by protesting, given the regime’s history of responding to past protests with mass arrests. Demonstrations continue to spread across Iran with reports of at least 41 deaths and more than 1,200 arrests so far. Trained as a scientist, Vaez has more than a decade of experience in journalism and is a regular contributor to mainstream media outlets. Contact him at Avaez@crisisgroup.org
2. ==> The Debilitating Disease of Medical Debt
A new study published in “JAMA” (Journal of the American Medical Association) chronicles the prevalence and risk factors that contribute to medical debt in the United States. Two findings stand out, according to the study’s authors, David Himmelstein and Steffie Woolhandler. First, “individuals with Medicare Advantage coverage are, like the uninsured, at high risk of running up medical debts.” Second, “incurring medical debts causes housing and food insecurity –– key social determinants of health.” They argue that the “health care system itself is a big contributor to housing problems and food insecurity. Unaffordable medical bills … contribute to a downward spiral of ill-health and financial precarity.” The authors surveyed a representative population between 2017 and 2019 and found medical debt among 18% of householders; a higher risk of acquiring medical debt fell to those without insurance as well as those with high-deductible private insurance or Medicare Advantage. David Himmelstein and Steffie Woolhandler are professors in the CUNY School of Public Health at Hunter College. Contact them at himmelhandler@comcast.net
3. ==> Just Had COVID? When to Get New Booster Shot
There’s a new COVID-19 booster shot available that provides better protection ahead of an anticipated fall surge in cases, but there’s also some confusion over who should get one, and when. Since the shot is so new, guidance varies and it may differ from person to person. If you’re looking for a hard and fast rule, it’s safe to say you should wait two months after infection (or vaccination) to get your new shot. Some experts, however, think you can actually wait longer. “There are some immunologists that think spacing that booster out longer might help generate longtime immunity,” says Dr. Andy Pekosz, co-director of the Center of Excellence for Influenza Research and Response at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. In the end, he says, it’s better to get the booster than not get the booster, “even if it’s not an optimal time.” Andy Pekosz, Ph.D., investigates the replication and disease potential of respiratory viruses. Contact him at (410) 502-9306; apekosz@jhu.edu
4. ==> Actress Michael Learned Plays Jeffrey Dahmer’s Grandma
Four-time Emmy winner Michael Learned currently stars in Netflix’s limited series, “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.” She plays the grandmother of the infamous killer, Catherine Dahmer, with Evan Peters as Dahmer and a supporting cast that includes Niecy Nash, Richard Jenkins, Penelope Ann Miller, Molly Ringwald and Dylan Burnside. Invite Learned on your show and talk about the series that examines the victims of Dahmer’s gruesome crimes and exposes the police failures that allowed one of America’s most notorious serial killers to continue his murderous spree in plain sight for over a decade. On a much lighter note, ask her about the upcoming 50th reunion of the “The Walton’s.” Learned played the iconic mother Olivia in the long-running CBS drama series. Contact Harlan Boll at harlan@bhbpr.com
5. ==> Turning a Terrible Sandwich into Something Good
You may have seen the viral video of a kindergartener hopping off the bus after his first day of school and hilariously giving his mom a lunch review, telling her, “Terrible sandwich, by the way.” The clip, with more than 14 million views on Tik Tok, was actually captured several years ago – mom Ricki Weisberg shares it annually to mark the start of school, and this year it became a hit. Find out what was in the sandwich that Weisberg agrees was “truly terrible” and how she and her son Abe (now 10 years old) are using their moment of fame to raise money and awareness to fight childhood hunger through the website terriblesandwich.com. Ricki Weisberg has appeared on “Good Morning America,” NBC’s “Today,” “Fox News” and more. Contact her at ricki@birdhillpr.com
6. ==> Breast Cancer Awareness: It’s Not Your Mother’s Disease
Dr. Ellen Albertson knows that a breast cancer diagnosis can happen to anyone — even someone like her who had no family history of the disease and was living a healthy lifestyle. Luckily, her diagnosis was made early (1A) and within 30 days of beginning treatment she was in remission without losing her hair. What she did not know was that she carries a BRCA mutation and that in combination with dense breasts increased her risk for the disease. She wants people to know that even as President Biden announced the Cancer Moonshot program, substantial progress has already been made on the treatment options and survival rates of breast cancer patients. Just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the psychologist, registered dietician and national board-certified health and wellness coach can discuss warning signs women may miss and the importance of early detection, how to advocate for yourself and incorporate both complementary and conventional treatments, and lifestyle changes to make. Dr. Ellen has appeared on “Extra,” the Food Network and “NBC World News” and has been quoted in “Psychology Today,” “Eating Well” and “USA Today.” The author of “Rock Your Midlife: 7 Steps to Transform Yourself and Make Your Next Chapter Your Best Chapter” is also the host of the weekly Rock Your Midlife radio program. Contact Ellen Albertson at (802) 497-7222; ellen@drellenalbertson.com
7. ==> Inside a Wilderness Program for Digitally Addicted Teens
As a police officer and entrepreneur in the 1980s Chicago area, Trace Embry never imagined that his path would lead him to start a place like Shepherd’s Hill Academy (SHA). Invite the host of the nationally syndicated radio program “License to Parent” and author of “The Miracles of Shepherd’s Hill” to discuss the unlikely 30-year odyssey that defied all odds and resulted in a globally recognized healing program that helps troubled teens and families. Embry can discuss parenting issues in our tech-driven society, the issue of digital addiction and teens and SHA’s wilderness-style therapeutic program where teens undergo a one-year “digital detox” and live in a primitive environment without electricity or the internet. Shepherd’s Hill Academy is a Christ-centered therapeutic residential boarding school for teens in crisis. Contact Daniel Fazzina at (631) 463-7359; fazzinapr@use.startmail.com
8. ==> Unusual Jobs: Interview a Former Pioneering Black Diplomat
If you have ever wondered what a diplomat does, what being in the Foreign Service is like, or what it was like to be stationed in a country where coups were commonplace, this is your chance to find out. Starting in 1975 and for the next 30 years, Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans, a former English major and Fulbright Scholar, was a diplomat in the Foreign Service in New Delhi, Mumbai, Dhaka, Taipei, Hong Kong, Brussels, Libreville, Bujumbura, and Brazzaville. Moreover, she did it as a Black single mother with few role models. Ask her was it hard to wave the flag for an ideal America yet to be realized? What are the pros and cons of frequent travel? Who were some of the famous people you met? What lessons have you learned that are applicable to others with big dreams? Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans’s new memoir is “Chocolates for Mary Judith: Black Woman Blazes Trails as a Career Diplomat.” She rose from the military equivalent of a first lieutenant to a major general. Contact Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans at (571) 568-8667; jmuddkrijgelmans@rtirguests.com
9. ==> What Was it Like to Work on ‘The Golden Girls?’
Millions of Americans love “The Golden Girls,” the iconic network TV staple featuring a unique premise, a mesmerizing cast, and the tendency to tackle groundbreaking social issues that few sitcoms at the time dared to incorporate. But what was it really like on the set of this treasured show? Interview Jesse Fiedor to find out! An author and inspirational speaker, Jesse overcame a serious disability to achieve his dream of working in Hollywood. He’ll not only regale your guests with tales of meeting stars like Betty White, one of America’s most beloved actresses, but also help them find the motivation to overcome their own obstacles and succeed in life. Ask him: What was Betty White like in person? Did you meet anyone else? What did you do on the set of the show? How did you overcome your disability, and how can others do the same? Why do you say, “If I can do it, anyone can”? Contact Jesse Fiedor at (714) 683-2353; jfiedor@rtirguests.com
10. ==> How to Make the Most of Commuting with Kids
If taking your kids to after-school activities is a chore because they fight, scream or don’t talk at all, national board-certified teacher Sharon Wallen has the practical suggestions that can make car rides calming, fun and even an opportunity for learning whether with preschoolers or high school students. She’ll share how to use the ABCs, visualization, and more — even subjects for upcoming tests — to help your kids focus, be more attentive and bond with you. Sharon Wallen is the author of “Grateful Reflections Journal” and the new program “Pace Yourself for Personal Focus, Productivity and Victorious Living.” She taught for more than 30 years in Miami schools and is a Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Contact Sharon at (786) 473-4026; solaceplace07@aol.com
11. ==> Do You Drabble?
If you have never heard of Drabbles or Drabbling, or ever thought of writing a Drabble, maybe you should interview leading Drabble expert Arlene Duane Hemingway (no relation to Ernest) to find out about this addictive way to tell a story in 100 words that was inspired by the comedy troupe Monty Python. Drabble is more than a fun word to say (although we could use more of those); it’s a technique that lets you have greater focus, relaxation and problem-solving abilities. Curious to know more? Invite Arlene to share some of her favorite Drabbles including a Drabble on Drabbles, something she can do extremely quickly since they are so short. She is the author of “A Twist of Lemon: 100 Curious Stories in Exactly 100 Words” and has a master’s degree from the Juilliard School of Music. She was a respected piano and vocal music teacher in a Long Island public school system, a professional organist, choir director, and vocalist. She performed with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir at Radio City Music Hall and launched a composer’s original work at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Contact Arlene at (828) 684-9840; adh7@att.net
12. ==> What Really Happens in the Afterlife?
After experiencing a traumatic brain injury due to falling at home, author Jennifer Maag realized this was a blessing in disguise. “I became extremely empathic, which was a gift,” she says. One of those gifts was developing an understanding of what happens after we die. “When we pass over, we go to a ‘soul hospital’ and then ‘soul school’ where we learn valuable lessons. Those who have passed over often communicate with us through our dreams.” Jennifer, a licensed massage therapist, and her son, Alexander Maag, are the co-authors of the critically acclaimed book “Take on God,” which explores how to transform our inner battles into healing tools to live our best lives. Contact her at (419) 969-3259; jmaag@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Can You Live a Regret-Free Life?
Everyone is faced with choices in life. From daily decisions to major events, the choices we make lead us down one path or another — for better or worse. Sometimes, we may wonder whether things would have been better if we took a different path, or in hindsight learn that we definitely made the wrong decision. What if you could choose the right path every time and get more happiness and success than you ever thought possible? That’s what happens when you live a regret-free life, and Laura Brennan Ballet is here to show you how. The author of “The Science of Empowerment” and a life empowerment facilitator, Laura reveals how to make the right choice at every juncture and cast off regret forever. Ask her: Is it truly possible to live without regrets? How can you rewire your own brain to “think better” and break free of the patterns that trap us in bad decisions? What simple trick can you use to instantly replace negative thoughts with happiness? Contact Laura Ballet at (860) 831-4435; lballet@rtirguests.com
14. ==> How to Make Your Own Happiness
With a barrage of bad news on all fronts and the increasing struggle most Americans are facing both at home and in the workplace, it doesn’t seem like there’s much to be happy about today. The good news is that you don’t have to wait for the world to get better. Let Mary Mitchell show you how to generate your own happiness, no matter what your current life circumstances. Mary has helped thousands of people, from inmates to CEOs, attract the happiness they want. She’ll reveal the steps you can take now to ditch constant anxiety and worry, so you can seize joy and choose success every day – even if you’re surrounded by negativity. Ask her: How can you find happiness when the whole world seems unhappy? What is your method for identifying and removing personal obstacles to happiness? How does complaining literally make you sick? Contact Mary Mitchell at (530) 561-5945; mmitchell@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Don’t Book a Cruise Before Hearing from This Travel Expert
If you’re planning a cruise, you’ll be sure to enjoy smooth sailing with little-known insider tips from travel expert Cindy Bertram. “Having cruised many times myself, the actual process involved has become much more efficient due to COVID protocols,” she says. “And there are new apps that you can download for everything from checking in for your cruise, making advance dining reservations and booking shore excursions, along with ensuring hassle-free disembarking.” She is a communications, media and branding specialist who has spent many years in the travel and cruise industry and is the author of “How Six Women Executives Steer the Cruise Industry Today” and “Message from the Dog…Learning from Great Humans.” Contact Cindy at (219) 775-6488; cbertram@rtirguests.com