01. Hurricane Ian and the Growing Florida Bullseye
02. Americans Are Fed Up, Candidates. Clean Up Your Act!
03. Stories from the Front Lines of Ukraine War
04. Fairy Tales for Older Folks
05. Going Gray: The New Power Move for Women at Work
06. What Comes after ‘Quiet Quitting’?
07. The Surprising Work Benefit That Benefits Everyone
08. Smart Parenting: Prepare Your Kids for STEM Careers
09. Should You Be Drinking Coffee for Your Health?
10. Psychedelics as Psychiatric Medicine?
11. How to Be Happy in an Unhappy World
12. 7 Things to Know Before Writing Your Memoir
13. Tiny Morning Steps for Massively Accomplished Days
14. One Family’s Frozen Embryo Adoption Journey
15. The Two Choices the Most Successful People Make
1.==> Hurricane Ian and the Growing Florida Bullseye
Florida’s population has exploded, adding nearly 3 million residents since 2010, and that could make Hurricane Ian more destructive. The population boom in hurricane-prone Florida is an example of the “expanding bullseye effect,” says Stephen Strader, a professor at Villanova University who studies how human environments are vulnerable to natural disasters. Imagine an archer taking aim at a target, he explains. The bigger the bullseye, the better the archer’s odds of hitting it. “Instead of an arrow, we have hazard events like hurricanes and tornadoes. Instead of having targets, we are the targets – our cities, our developed areas. And nowhere is that more readily seen than along our coastlines,” Strader says. He adds, “Hurricanes set the stage for disasters, but the severity and impact are going to be determined by societal elements – things like poverty and exposure, like how many people and how many homes are exposed, like construction quality.” Stephen Strader is an associate professor in the Department of Geography and the Environment at Villanova University. Contact him at (610) 519-3347; stephen.strader@villanova.edu
2. ==> Americans Are Fed Up, Candidates. Clean Up Your Act!
Many politicians these days seem to think they have to play dirty to win, that truth is optional and that they don’t have to accept the results if they lose. But Paige Alexander, CEO of the Carter Center, says American voters are fed up with scorched-earth campaigning and want their leaders to act like adults. That’s why the center, along with 50 other organizations and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, have launched the Candidate Principles for Trusted Elections initiative. “Most Americans, no matter their political affiliation, want politicians to lead by example, play by the rules, and adhere to the values that serve as the cornerstone of our democratic republic,” says Alexander. The initiative asks candidates and voters to sign a pledge to abide by five simple ideals fundamental to the successful functioning of democracy and include cooperating with election officials and refraining from knowingly propagating falsehoods about the electoral process. The Carter Center is a not-for-profit organization founded by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn. Contact Soyia Ellison at soyia.ellison@cartercenter.org
3. ==> Stories from the Front Lines of Ukraine War
The war in Ukraine rages on with Russia continuing its brutal attacks and now claiming victory in sham elections held this week in occupied areas. This past spring, Kyle Duncan was in the homes of Ukrainians whose neighborhoods were being bombed and in vans full of orphans fleeing Russian tanks and at border crossings. The “New York Times” best-selling author and father of a Ukrainian son can talk about his harrowing experience on the front lines in Ukraine, the miracles he witnessed there and how listeners can help those affected. Kyle spent three weeks in Poland and western Ukraine in late March and early April, interviewing those who had fled the war, as well as aid workers and volunteers. He also conducted numerous interviews with Ukrainians who remain in the country. Proceeds from his new book “Hope for Ukraine: Stories of Grit and Grace from the Front Lines of War” will aid Ukrainian refugees. Contact Jason Jones at Jason@jonesliterary.com
4.==> Fairy Tales for Older Folks
We normally think of fairy tales as kids’ fare, but are these stories worth a second look during the second half of life? Invite Bill Randall, Andy Achenbaum and Barbara Lewis, two seventy-something gerontologists and a seventy-something psychoanalyst, to revisit the stories that previously made a profound impact on them such as fairy tales, Aesop Fables, the works of the Brothers Grimm, and parables from the Bible. They’ll share fresh insights and encourage older adults to celebrate the wisdom that lurks between the lines of their own lives. Randall, Achenbaum and Lewis spent five years collaborating on the book “Fairy Tale Wisdom: Stories for the Second Half of Life.” Contact Andy Achenbaum at (713) 516-8580; achenbaum@gmail.com
5. ==> Going Gray: The New Power Move for Women at Work
You may have noticed more silver-haired women in the office lately. Stuck at home during the early days of the pandemic, with salons closed, many decided to let go and see what happened. When they got to the other side, many loved what they saw. While they know there are biases against older women, especially in the workforce, many say they don’t care. “It’s both risky, and it’s awesome,” says Joan. C. Williams, who studies gender at work as the director of the Center for Work Life Law at University of California Hastings Law. She embraced her own gray about a decade ago. Williams says ageism in the workplace is real and going gray creates a double whammy for women who are already often thought of as less competent than men. She’ll discuss how the gray transformation can leave many women feeling more confident. Joan C. Williams’ work helped create the field of work-family studies and modern workplace flexibility policies. She is the author of “What Works for Women at Work” (co-written with her daughter Rachel Dempsey.) Contact her at (415) 565-4706; williams@uchastings.edu
6. ==> What Comes after ‘Quiet Quitting’?
There’s a reason we’re still talking about “quiet quitting.” The trend resonates with millennial and Gen Z employees fighting to rewrite the rules of the workplace from baby boomer and Gen X managers. Depending on whom you ask, “quiet quitters” are either setting healthy work/life boundaries or doing nothing more than their basic job requirements. Unhappy workers are nothing new, but Oreste D’Aversa says the pandemic changed everything. Invite the author of “Life Beyond the Pandemic: A Practical New Journey Handbook” to discuss why workers feel disengaged, the effect of generational diversity on the job, and a better solution to “quiet quitting.” The life and business coach, corporate trainer, and interfaith minister will share his revolutionary step-by-step blueprint to reinvent your life and thrive in the post-pandemic world. Contact Oreste D’Aversa at (201) 949-3002; odaversa@rtirguests.com
7. ==> The Surprising Work Benefit That Benefits Everyone
What benefit should companies offer employees that would be a win-win for everyone? Get the surprising answer from Beverly Williams, J.D., an employment professional, arbitrator, and former HR executive. She’ll explain why paying for employees’ childcare would lead to better outcomes for children and their parents, more workplace productivity, and even lower income disparities. She believes offering a free daycare benefit to employees would be more impactful than paying off their college debt, benefitting society in many ways. Ask her: How would free daycare be paid for? Can most companies afford to do this? Would this be the end of living paycheck to paycheck? A partner at Wong Fleming PC in Princeton, N.J., specializing in labor and employment law, Williams also hosts the podcast Your Employment Matters with Beverly Williams. Her latest book is “Your GPS to Employment Success: How to Find and Succeed in the Right Job.” Contact Beverly Williams at (973) 576-5841; bwilliams@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Smart Parenting: Prepare Your Kids for STEM Careers
Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills are very much in demand. Educator and college professor Chris A. Goldberg advises parents to encourage their kids by engaging in STEM-related activities at home, to prepare them for bright futures. “Students can gain confidence in making a positive impact by learning to design and build drones and mini rockets, build using recyclable materials, code on educational websites and work in teams to solve problems that affect our environment,” he says. “Encouraging young children to get involved in making a difference at an early age is crucial to building their awareness and self-esteem in the surrounding community.” Chris can share fun, educational activities the whole family can share. He is the author of the soon-to-be-published book “Aliyah and The STEMsational Problem-Solvers: What’s Cooking?” Contact him at (973) 576-5841; cgoldberg@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Should You Be Drinking Coffee for Your Health?
There’s so much confusing information about what foods to eat and avoid. But what you may not know is that one-size-fits-all recommendations are pretty much useless. Let Kristina Hess tell your audience about the emerging science of nutrigenomics and how they can learn to eat based on their DNA. She says, “Some people will metabolize coffee fast. Those people will get all the benefits of drinking caffeine without the drawbacks: clarity, etc. People who are slow metabolizers and heavy drinkers of coffee will have heart palpitations and are more likely to suffer heart attacks.” Kristina Hess is a premier health coach and licensed dietitian-nutritionist with a functional and integrative approach. She is the co-founder of the first-of-its-kind Keto Symposium that was held in the New York tri-state area on Sept. 23 and Sept. 24. Contact her at (203) 984-7989; kristinaihess@gmail.com
10. == > Psychedelics as Psychiatric Medicine?
Some once-considered “bad boys” of illicit drug culture (LSD, Psilocybin, MDMA), are now getting a second look by mental health professionals. Harvard University has restarted its long-lost psilocybin research with the launch of the Center for Neuroscience of Psychedelics at Massachusetts General Hospital. Its goal is to test how psychedelics can be used in treating depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. Sparrow Hart is available for interview on this timely topic, having studied the variety of ways to alter and change consciousness for decades. He can discuss both the incredible promise of psychedelics as well as the potential pitfalls of their misuse in an addictive and distraction-seeking culture. Ask him if he sees psychedelics as having a broader impact than just improving a few individuals’ happiness? He has studied with Native Americans, taught courses on shamanism, and led vision quests for three decades. Is there any commonality between these processes that alter consciousness, for example between a vision quest and a psychedelic journey? Sparrow’s varied career includes being a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Stanford, a brief stint working in a slaughterhouse, adventures in the Amazon, and over 30 years of leading workshops on shamanism, conscious dreaming, and vision quests in nature. He is the author of several books including “Letters to the River: A Guide to a Dream Worth Living.” Contact Sparrow Hart at (801) 516-0740; SHart@rtirguests.com
11. ==> How to Be Happy in an Unhappy World
For people all around the globe, the COVID-19 pandemic introduced never-before-seen challenges that no one was prepared to meet, with disastrous consequences for not only our health but our happiness and well-being. Even before the pandemic, people had overall been less happy year after year, and the unprecedented coronavirus crisis has only accelerated things. Is it possible to return to a pre-pandemic state of happiness? Author and mentor Mary Mitchell helps your audience learn how to break free of constant worry and anxiety over current events as well as personal problems, so you can rediscover joy no matter what’s happening — in your life, or the world at large. An experienced media guest, Mary is the author of seven books and has received multiple awards for her work in environmental conservation and restoration. Contact Mary Mitchell at (530) 561-5945 or mmitchell@rtirguests.com
12. ==> 7 Things to Know Before Writing Your Memoir
Many people dream of writing a book with a good chunk wanting to tell their life stories. But what’s involved in actually doing so and how can they tell if anyone else is likely to care? Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans (pronounced Kray-gull-mans) taught memoir writing for 15 years and has penned two of her own. She can give your audience the nitty-gritty of this popular book genre and offer seven helpful tips to get you started. She is the author of “Chocolates for Mary Julia: Black Woman Blazes Trails as a Career Diplomat” and “Flowers for Brother Mudd: One Woman’s Path from Jim Crow to Career Diplomat.” She’s a former English major and Fulbright Scholar who was a diplomat in the Foreign Service in New Delhi, Mumbai, Dhaka, Taipei, Hong Kong, Brussels, Libreville, Bujumbura, and Brazzaville. Contact Judith at (571) 568-8667; jmuddkrijgelmans@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Tiny Morning Steps for Massively Accomplished Days
Wouldn’t it be great if there were some tiny steps you could take each morning that would result in big changes in your productivity and focus? And that could aid you in whatever goals you want to accomplish such as losing weight, breaking addictions, or anything else. Sharon Wallen, a national-certified teacher who created the new “Pace Yourself for Personal Focus, Productivity and Victorious Living” program can share game-changing techniques anyone can implement including those that are used by sports figures and Olympic athletes. She can explain the private habits that can lead to public victories. Sharon Wallen has worked with children and adults using brain-friendly strategies to help them improve their lives. 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
14. ==> One Family’s Frozen Embryo Adoption Journey
A few years ago, Nate Birt and his wife started thinking about adding another child to their family through adoption. They did their research and found what they believe is the coolest way to adopt: frozen embryo adoption. Learn how the Birts’ youngest child started her life as someone else’s frozen embryo that was implanted, carried and birthed by Nate’s wife. Their daughter is now a preschooler adored by her parents and siblings. Invite Nate to discuss what other people need to know should they be considering a similar journey or if they’re merely curious. Contact Nate Birt at (417) 221-9045; Nbirt@rtirguests.com
15. ==> The Two Choices the Most Successful People Make
What do highly savvy people do on their way to great accomplishments, wealth, power and influence? How do they become confident and fulfilled? Choice expert Rico Racosky — with an impressive career as a fighter pilot, airline pilot, and creator of the Choice Revolution — has the answers. Ask him: How has the way people make choices changed in recent years? How has it opened up more opportunities? How can you recognize a poor choice before you make one? The author of “Just 2 Choices” also speaks nationwide about making choices that will reward you with relationship happiness, better income and savings, career and entrepreneurial success, wellness and fitness, and even longevity. Contact Rico Racosky at (720) 572-1321; RRacosky@rtirguests.com