01. The Biology of Politics: Why We Get So Angry
02. Parental Stress is Now a Public Health Emergency
03. Empty Nest Syndrome is Real
04. Zoning Isn’t Sexy but it Shapes Your World
05. An Extraordinary Backpack Built With Love
06. Hungarian Refugee Shares Why We Should Support Ukraine
07. How Did DEI Get So Divisive?
08. The Truth About Today’s High-Potency Pot
09. For the 23rd Anniversary: This Woman Saw 9/11 in a Dream
10. Are We Eating Our Way to Extinction?
11. How to Be the Goddess of Your Own Story
12. Back-to-School Show: How to Raise Confident Kids in a Chaotic World
13. How Can I Afford Retirement? Help for Boomers Without a Plan
14. Panic, Anxiety, Procrastination: Signs of Hidden Trauma
15. Where to Find Hidden Money in Your Home
1. ==> The Biology of Politics: Why We Get So Angry
Have you ever found yourself in a full-blown fight with a friend when your calm conversation turned to politics? How does that happen? Psychiatrist Melvyn Lurie says more is going on than you realize. Invite the author of “The Biology of Politics” to explain exactly what is happening. In plain terms, he says it’s all about basic biology; We all have certain drives that are part of our animal nature which must be met. For example, even much simpler creatures like birds have an innate drive to protect the nest. When people talk about tightening the border, he says many are operating out of a very deep drive to “protect their nest.” On the flipside, he says there’s an equally powerful drive to help the most vulnerable – one that motivates people to expand the safety net. Lurie can discuss the many hidden drives that are a fundamental part of our nature and help your audience learn how to discuss and debate politics (or anything) with family and friends without resorting to anger, rage or name-calling. Dr. Lurie is an honors graduate of Harvard Medical School. He has practiced and taught medical students at Harvard and Tufts, has served as an expert witness, managed political campaigns and even once ran for political office. Contact him at (617) 510-8474; mlurie@post.Harvard.edu
2.==> Parental Stress is Now a Public Health Emergency
America’s top doctor has declared a public health emergency among parents. The U.S. surgeon general says parents are under dangerous levels of stress and loneliness and may be passing mental health problems to their children. Invite Dr. Andrew Elliston, a board certified pediatrician, to discuss the latest research showing nearly half of parents feel overwhelming stress most days, compared to 26 percent of other adults. Elliston can also talk about the effect of loneliness on parents and children. Andrew Elliston MD, FAAP, is co-founder and medical director of Elliston Pediatrics. Contact Ryan McCormack at (516) 901-1103; Ryan@goldmanmccormick.com
3. ==> Empty Nest Syndrome is Real
Colleges across the country are full of new students ready to spread their wings. But back at home, many parents are struggling to cope with empty nests. Rachel Lankester can discuss the many emotions and issues that can arise when kids leave home and share ways to embrace this new phase of life as a beginning rather than an end. Rachel Lankester is an author, podcast host, midlife mentor and founder of Magnificent Midlife, an online hub helping women over 40 thrive through the often messy middle of life. She’s the author of “Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause and Beyond” and is the host of the Magnificent Midlife Podcast. Contact her at info@magnificentmidlife.com
4.==> Zoning Isn’t Sexy but it Shapes Your World
You likely don’t think about zoning codes very often, but they’ve become the most significant regulatory power of local government, determining how we experience our cities. Legal scholar and architect Sara C. Bronin can reveal the impact of zoning—for good and ill—in cities across the country, from Hartford to Baltimore and Las Vegas to Chicago. Listeners may be surprised to learn how outdated zoning codes have maintained racial segregation, prioritized cars over people, and enabled great ecological harm. Bronin argues that once we recognize the power of zoning, we can harness it to instead create walkable and vibrant communities, resist the monotonous effects of suburban sprawl, integrate design elements that inspire delight, and ensure that everyone has access to affordable housing, public transportation, and healthy food. A former Rhodes Scholar, Sara Bronin is a professor of law and urban planning at Cornell University and the author of “Key to the City: How Zoning Shapes Our World.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at johanna@jrbpr.biz; johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
5. ==> An Extraordinary Backpack Built With Love
Kevan Chandler was born with spinal muscular atrophy and has spent his life overcoming extraordinary challenges and doing extraordinary things. How? He sees possibilities and not limitations. And he has an extraordinary community of friends. A few years ago, when Kevan dreamt of climbing mountains and seeing Europe, his friends built a special backpack and carried him. Wanting others to be able to experience what he had, Kevan came home and launched a non-profit to create more backpacks and provide them to people in need all over the world. Each backpack includes the children’s picture book “We Carry Kevan” that follows the true-story adventure of Kevan and his friends as they dance in the streets of Paris, trek through the English countryside and climb the island of Skellig Michael. Invite Kevan to share his story of uncommon friendship and how it felt to experience places he could never otherwise go. He’ll also offer advice to parents with children who have disabilities or accessibility challenges. Contact Jason Jones at jason@jonesliterary.com
6. ==> 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, it would 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
7. ==> How Did DEI Get So Divisive?
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
8. ==> The Truth About Today’s High-Potency Pot
Americans of all ages are embracing cannabis, whether they use it socially or medicinally, to treat aches and pains and other health issues. Recent polls found an overwhelming share of U.S. adults (60%-88%) say marijuana should be legal for medical or recreational use, but Dr. Raymond Wiggins warns that today’s pot isn’t as harmless as many believe. “This is not your grandfather’s weed. At Woodstock in 1969, the average THC potency was 1-2%. Today the average is 22%,” he says, and explains why that matters. “High potency marijuana carries a 4X risk of addiction and leads to true physical addiction and significant physical and mental health issues. It affects the heart and lungs and decreases fertility. It also increases the risk of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and psychosis.” Wiggins, a licensed physician, has performed general anesthetics on more than 27,000 patients, including thousands of marijuana users. He says anesthesia is particularly tricky for patients who use pot, with some requiring more than 3X the normal dose to be fully sedated. “You have to let your doctor know so they can be better prepared. Also, you have a higher risk of heart attack the more recently you have used, so recent use with anesthesia is not good.” Raymond Wiggins, MD, is the author of “Weeding Out the Myths About Marijuana.” Contact him at (972) 525-5205; rw@drwiggins.com
9. ==> Are We Eating Our Way to Extinction?
There’s no question that climate change is a serious threat to the entire world. But did you know it involves much more than extra-hot summers and saving the ozone layer? Author and activist Richard Schwartz, Ph.D., reveals why the world is eating itself to extinction. He’ll discuss why animal-based industries are the real climate killers and explain how vegetarianism and veganism are key to saving the planet. He’ll also explain why humans will likely be extinct by 2100 if we don’t make drastic changes now. An experienced media guest, Richard is the author of “Vegan Revolution” and similar books. Contact Richard Schwartz at (914) 533-1949 or rschwartz@rtirguests.com
10. ==> How to Be the Goddess of Your Own Story
The annual nine-goddess festival of Navratri begins on Oct. 3 and is celebrated by millions of Indians worldwide, with many colors, music, pomegranate seeds, puffed rice, potatoes, and dancing around the light of a lamp. Interview Ananta Ripa Ajmera to learn Navratri’s significance including the light of the lamp, which represents the power we have to give birth to the most authentic version of ourselves. Ananta will also explain the nine-step process she created to empower people to overcome abuse and trauma and turn adversity into their friend. Ananta is the author of “The Way of the Goddess: Daily Rituals to Awaken Your Inner Warrior and Discover Your True Self,” which is endorsed by Deepak Chopra. Contact Ananta Ripa Ajmera at (419) 297-9210; ananta.ripa.ajmera@gmail.com
11. ==> Back-to-School Show: How to Raise Confident Kids in a Chaotic World
It’s not easy being a kid in the age of social media, facing bullying, and other, unprecedented stressors. In fact, the American Psychological Association reports that suicide among teens and adolescents has doubled within the last decade. According to long-time educator and author Patricia Wilson, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to navigating the youth mental health crisis. “What children need is a sense of self-worth, and an appreciation of the gift of life,” she says. Patricia can share her experience of working with a suicidal 13-year-old girl, and some simple, yet powerful exercises that can help parents to raise confident kids. She has taught children from grades K-12 and counseled kids for more than 30 years. She is the author of numerous best-selling books including “My Magical Night Mare,” “I am Amazing” and “When Grandma Giggled.” Contact Patricia Wilson at (778) 561-4603; pwilson@rtirguests.com
12. ==> How Can I Afford Retirement? Help for Boomers Without a Plan
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. ==> Panic, Anxiety, Procrastination: Signs of Hidden Trauma
Author, coach and therapist Lisa Morgan experienced the kind of trauma that many people could not survive. After enduring a horrific childhood which included sexual abuse, violence, and neglect, she developed multiple personality disorder (soul-fracturing) as a way to cope. Despite the odds, Lisa not only survived the trauma, she also somehow managed to thrive and now helps others facing similar circumstances. Lisa can explain how she developed her own path forward with compassion and love, and how her Freedom Body Blueprint coaching methodology helps others to reclaim their authentic selves. “After navigating a 20-year journey through the dark night of the soul, I draw upon all of my professional experiences in psychiatry, 20-plus years of inner-healing, and all the wisdom, insights, and know-how gained along the way to provide hope for those who suffer.” Lisa is an author, speaker, and coach with 35-plus years of experience as a Certified Life Coach and Board- Certified Music Therapist. She is the author and co-author of several books including “Against All Odds.” Contact Lisa Morgan at (314) 265-3491; lmorgan@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Panic, Anxiety, Procrastination: Signs of Hidden Trauma
Author, coach and therapist Lisa Morgan experienced the kind of trauma that many people could not survive. After enduring a horrific childhood which included sexual abuse, violence, and neglect, she developed multiple personality disorder (soul-fracturing) as a way to cope. Despite the odds, Lisa not only survived the trauma, she also somehow managed to thrive and now helps others facing similar circumstances. Lisa can explain how she developed her own path forward with compassion and love, and how her Freedom Body Blueprint coaching methodology helps others to reclaim their authentic selves. “After navigating a 20-year journey through the dark night of the soul, I draw upon all of my professional experiences in psychiatry, 20-plus years of inner-healing, and all the wisdom, insights, and know-how gained along the way to provide hope for those who suffer.” Lisa is an author, speaker, and coach with 35-plus years of experience as a Certified Life Coach and Board- Certified Music Therapist. She is the author and co-author of several books including “Against All Odds.” Contact Lisa Morgan at (314) 265-3491; lmorgan@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Where to Find Hidden Money in Your Home
Feeling the financial pinch right now? Want to earn some money while also getting rid of clutter? Aaron LaPedis, author of “How to Become a Garage Sale Millionaire,” can show you how to make money from things you probably already have around the house. You may have seen LaPedis on PBS and the Discovery Channel sharing ways to make money off other people’s trash. Bring him on your show and learn how to make over $1,000 on your next garage sale, 3 things you need to know to make money selling online, and how to make eBay the perfect side-hustle. Aaron LaPedis’ expertise has helped thousands of people make money from the comfort of their own homes and has even helped the FBI solve cases! His new book, “How to Become a Garage Sale Millionaire,” is a personal finance guide to selling through eBay, online marketplaces, and auctions. It also covers garage sales, estate sales, downsizing, and how to make money doing it all. To arrange interviews contact Mara at (303) 324-3060; assistant@gsmpartnersinc.com