May 12, 2020
01. The Pandemic is About to Test Rural America
02. Are We Running Out of Food?
03. The Dangers of Reimagining Education after the Pandemic
04. The Industry of Politics: Is it Possible to Break Partisan Gridlock?
05. 5 Reasons to Go Consignment This Spring
06. Tigers Love Bubble Baths … More Than Murder
07. Your Smartphone, Bathroom Scale and Other Ways to Teach Kids Math at Home
08. How the Pandemic Will Continue to Impact Your Health Once It’s Over
09. Why Churches Are More Important Than Ever During COVID-19
10. The Most Important Trait You Have for Surviving the Pandemic
11. 5 Easy Ways to Combat Eco-Anxiety and Disease Dread
12. The Real Reason You Do Stuff Knowing It’s Bad for You
13. Interview a Real-Life ‘Death Whisperer’
14. Become an Author While Sheltering in Place
15. How to Be an Astrologer: Everything You Need to Know
1. ==> The Pandemic is About to Test Rural America
Since the novel coronavirus arrived in the United
States, it has ravaged mainly urban communities and
until very recently, rural America was mostly spared.
Epidemiologist Tara Smith says with their communities
still relatively undisturbed, it is little wonder that
so many rural dwellers remain skeptical of the virus’s
potential to upend their lives, but she warns the
pandemic has only just begun in rural America. Smith
explains how the virus will be slower moving and less
dramatic but will linger in the South and Midwest,
areas that have seen more than 120 hospital closures in
the past decade, leaving them woefully underprepared
for the epidemic. “The loss of hospitals often means
the loss of the medical providers these institutions
employed, leaving fewer health professionals to treat
rural residents, who tend to be in worse health overall
than their urban counterparts.” Tara C. Smith is a
professor of epidemiology at Kent State University in
Ohio. Her research focuses on disease transmission in
rural populations. Contact her at tsmit176@kent.edu;
(330) 672-3946 or @aetiology
2. ==> Are We Running Out of Food?
Grocery stores don’t look the same as they did a few
months ago. Besides one-way aisles, plexiglass barriers
and required mask-wearing, shoppers who venture out
after weeks of social distancing may likely find poorly
stocked shelves and shortages of basic goods. Invite
Maria Concepcion Powell, CEO and president of the U.S-
Women Grocers Association, to discuss what’s happening
with our supply chain and whether we should be worried
about a food shortage. She’ll discuss why millions of
Americans were going hungry before the coronavirus
crisis and offer insight into the role today’s business
and political leaders should play in reshaping our
post-COVID economy so that it serves everyone,
including the most vulnerable. The U.S.-Women Grocers
of America represents female grocers and other women
affiliated with the independent food industry. Maria
Concepcion Powell has over 40 years’ experience in the
food and pharmaceutical industries. Contact her at
(732) 875-6511 or uswga.corporation@gmail.com
3. == > The Dangers of Reimagining Education after the
Pandemic
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has tapped a second
billionaire to “reinvent” education in New York State
after the pandemic. Cuomo reportedly sees distance
learning as “the wave of the future,” and has enlisted
Bill Gates and Eric Schmidt of Google as his advisers.
Diane Ravitch, a historian of education at New York
University, says it’s a huge mistake. “Parents want to
return to work, students want to see their teachers and
their friends, and they want to return to their
activities and sports. Teachers want to see their
students. No one but Cuomo—and probably Bill Gates and
Eric Schmidt—wants remote learning to become
permanent.” She adds, “Why doesn’t Gov. Cuomo listen to
parents and teachers and students, who will tell him to
reinvent schools by fully funding them? They want
smaller class sizes, well-maintained facilities,
experienced teachers, a well-stocked library with a
librarian, programs in the arts, a nurse and social
worker and guidance counselor in every school.” Diane
Ravitch is the author of several books including “Reign
of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and
the Danger to America’s Public Schools.” Contact her at
gardendr@gmail.com; @DianeRavitch
4. ==> The Industry of Politics: Is it Possible to
Break Partisan Gridlock?
No one would argue that today’s political climate
doesn’t serve us very well as Americans. Discuss the
industry of politics and how political innovation can
break partisan gridlock with Harvard economist Michael
Porter and former CEO Katherine Gehl. The pair can
discuss key areas of nonpartisan change, political
innovation, and action that could improve America’s
political system and ability to compete globally. From
improving how we hold elections to changing legislative
rules and ending the current duopoly of political
parties, Porter and Gehl say Democrats and Republicans
need to operate under a potential threat from
competitors. Katherine M. Gehl was president and CEO of
Gehl Foods, a $250 million, high-tech food
manufacturing company in Wisconsin. She’s a business
leader, writer, speaker, and political innovation
activist. Michael E. Porter is the Bishop William
Lawrence University Professor at Harvard Business
School and the author of 19 books. Together they’ve
written “The Politics Industry: How Political
Innovation Can Break Partisan Gridlock and Save Our
Democracy.” Contact Johanna Ramos Boyer at (703)
646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell); johanna@jrbcomm.com or
Erin Bolden at (703) 646-5188
5. ==> 5 Reasons to Go Consignment This Spring
Whether your audience members are buyers, sellers or
just interested in emerging trends, a story on the
booming clothing consignment business is sure to please
when lifestyle journalist Suzanne Wexler is your expert
(she was recently quoted in Reader’s Digest on this
topic). Suzanne will explain how gently used luxury
men’s and women’s clothing became an online super trend
and why Instagram enthusiasts were leading the charge.
Suzanne will offer five reasons why you should start
choosing consignment this spring and will even let your
listeners know how they can select clothes in their
closet for consignment vs. donation, which they can
drop off once social distancing ends. This show idea
works on multiple levels: it’s timely, it’s green and
it’s a way to make money on clothing people no longer
wear while they remain stuck at home. Suzanne is
published in the Huffington Post, National Post,
Bust.com and her work has been syndicated throughout
Canada. She’s been quoted in Goodhousekeeping.com, and
Prevention magazine and provided commentary on CTV
National and Virgin Radio; she has been on more than
200 radio stations in the U.S. and Canada. Contact her
at (514) 704-0029; suzannawexler@hotmail.com
6. ==> Tigers Love Bubble Baths … More Than Murder
With its tales of big cats and murder, “Tiger King” is
one of the most talked-about shows streaming on
Netflix. Suddenly, tigers are hot! But, as award-
winning author Mary K. Savarese will tell you, tigers
have a softer, cooler side: they love bubble baths and
lapping up Obsession perfume like a cocktail. Mary will
explain that tigers are the only big cats that like
water. They are also lazy and known to sleep away the
day but will sit in a tub with bubbles forever. Mary
can also talk about ways your audience can help the
reserves that care for big cats and save their lives.
It was at one such reserve that Mary, a mystery romance
writer, got the idea for her latest book, “Tigers Love
Bubble Baths & Obsession Perfume.” That happened when
she witnessed a 600-pound Siberian Tiger jump into a
galvanized tank filled with bubble baths. Contact Mary
at (860) 550-3344; maryksavarese@gmail.com
7. ==> Your Smartphone, Bathroom Scale and Other Ways
to Teach Kids Math at Home
Many parents now face the scary reality that they are
in charge of their kid’s education for the rest of the
school year. Is it possible to enjoy this time and feel
confident that your children won’t fall behind?
“Absolutely!” says educator and school administrator
Lee Jenkins. According to Lee, it’s easier than you
think to create a fun, creative learning environment at
home … using many of the same principles he teaches to
teachers and administrators in schools. Lee will share
simple strategies like why your child should draw a
picture before they write a story, why you should just
spell a word for a child when they ask, how your
smartphone, your bathroom scale and a measuring cup are
all it takes to teach some math, and why you should
never use a red pen when editing your child’s work (and
what to use instead). Lee Jenkins is the author of “How
to Create a Perfect School,” with a foreword by Jack
Canfield. He has been an educator and administrator in
public schools and universities. Contact Lee Jenkins at
(484) 306-8784; LJenkins@rtirguests.com
8. ==> How the Pandemic Will Continue to Impact Your
Health Once It’s Over
COVID-19 has been a game-changer especially when it
comes to public health. What are some of the likely
aftereffects your listeners should be aware of? Dr.
Annalee Kitay has already found that a great number of
people’s immune systems are compromised from the scare
of this pandemic. She adds, “People may appear healthy
on the outside but due to the incredible stress of this
pandemic, some will need to boost their immune system.”
Dr. Kitay will talk about our body’s systems and the
important communication role the brain plays with those
systems in immune function. She will share information
about the revolutionary protocol she practices and also
trains physicians in. This protocol is one of health
care’s best-kept secrets. She is one of fewer than 50
practitioners in the U.S., who is using Neural
Organization Technique, a proven noninvasive approach
to help people with everything from immune issues and
concussions to learning disabilities and low-back pain.
Dr. Kitay has done research with Kessler Institute and
also practiced with the late Dr. (Robert) Atkins at his
Center for Complementary Medicine in New York City.
Contact Dr. Kitay at (561) 462-4733;
akitay@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Why Churches Are More Important Than Ever During
COVID-19
Like many other businesses and institutions, the
COVID-19 pandemic social distancing mandate has
presented great challenges for houses of worship that
are dedicated to helping the most vulnerable among us.
“When the motto of the day becomes, ‘Stay at home and
save a life,’ we become insular,” says Rev. Raleigh
Sadler. Raleigh can share safe, creative ways to
identify and aid the most vulnerable, without putting
others and ourselves at risk. He’ll explain how we can
safely help local nonprofits working with vulnerable
populations, how to stay connected via video chats
through Zoom or FaceTime, how to aid elderly neighbors,
and more. Raleigh is founder of the human trafficking
awareness group Let My People Go, and author of
“Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.” Contact
Raleigh at (917) 341-6758; RSadler@rtirguests.com
10. ==> The Most Important Trait You Have for Surviving
the Pandemic
As the world is rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic, most
people are experiencing one overriding, debilitating
emotion. Fear is the biggest enemy in times of
uncertainty, says Kim Chestney. “Now, more than ever,
the most important thing we can do is to reconnect with
our inner power.” Let Kim tell you how as she explores
the role intuition can play in navigating stressful
times. She’ll teach you how to cut through the stress,
the BS and fake news, to get back to your center by
tuning in to your inner truth. Kim is an international
best-selling author and the founder of IntuitionLab.
Her new book “Radical Intuition: A Revolutionary Guide
to Your Inner Power” releases in the fall from New
World Library. Contact Kim at (412) 214-9502;
KChestney@rtirguests.com
11. ==> 5 Easy Ways to Combat Eco-Anxiety and Disease
Dread
It’s impossible to ignore the climate crisis with
headlines focusing on the increase in carbon dioxide
emissions, warming of the oceans and climate disasters.
While we want to be aware of environmental issues, it
is not uncommon for these events — and contagious
disease outbreaks — to trigger anxiety, helplessness,
sadness, and fear for future generations. Registered
psychotherapist Elke Scholz can explore on-air such
topical questions as what is the cost of eco-anxieties
and health worries on our well-being? How is all this
affecting today’s youth? Why should listeners pay
attention to such topics? Elke will recommend five tips
to alleviate stress while acknowledging your
discomfort; including, how to recognize where the
anxiety is coming from and how to make safer, greener
choices. Elke has two books on anxiety, “Anxiety
Warrior Vol. One and Vol. Two.” She also offers anti-
anxiety and pro-wellness kits for employees, at-risk
youth and seniors. For over 35 years, Elke has run a
private therapy practice. Contact Elke Scholz at (705)
710-4315; escholz@rtirguests.com
12. ==> The Real Reason You Do Stuff Knowing It’s Bad
for You
We do things we shouldn’t … from eating too much fast
food to smoking cigarettes and dating unsuitable
people. We know these things are wrong for us, but we
do them anyway, often not knowing why. Elana Davidson
is a happiness and mental health coach who can tell you
how to figure out why your subconscious is getting in
your way and how to talk it down. Elana’s professional
training spans decades of exploration and study in the
fields of consciousness, psychology, personal
development and kinesiology. Elana will tell your
audience members how they can get a free copy of her
eBook, “Finding Your Own Happy: The Soul-Searchers
Guide to Peace and Happiness in Everyday Life,”
published by Morgan James. Contact Elana at (413)
225-4758; elanadavidson@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Interview a Real-Life ‘Death Whisperer’
While growing up in a Midwestern funeral home where her
dad was an undertaker, Margo Lenmark learned how to
communicate with the deceased. As a result, she
received many valuable lessons about living one’s best
life. “I’ve been called a ‘death whisperer’ because
death speaks to me in many ways,” she says. “People who
have passed over have given me important messages about
life that pertain to everyone. Naturally, as each
person is unique, his or her message is unique. But all
are universal, important and relevant.” Margo is the
author of the critically acclaimed book “Light in the
Mourning: Memoirs of an Undertaker’s Daughter.” The
book has received glowing reviews from a number of
prominent authors and spiritual leaders, including
Deepak Chopra. Contact Margo at (484) 928-7824;
MLenmark@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Become an Author While Sheltering in Place
You’ve wanted to write a book for years but never found
the time. Now that you’re sheltering in place at home,
this is the perfect time to begin writing. Author Andy
Hyman can tell your audience how to get started and
stay on track to complete their first book. He says
that by scheduling time every day, you can finally get
your book going. Invite him to reveal how to overcome
distractions and competing priorities, and even how to
get writing done when your kids are home and how to get
feedback on your manuscript. His book, Snob-Free Wine
Tasting Companion, reveals how to get the most out of a
wine-tasting experience, how to match foods with
specific wines, and how wine is made. Hyman has been
featured by Sonoma Magazine, the Marin Independent
Journal, Napa Valley Register, North Bay BIZ magazine,
and other radio and print outlets nationwide. Contact
him at (415) 767-1441 (CA); andyhyman@rtirguests.com
15. ==> How to Be an Astrologer: Everything You Need to
Know
Why go to an astrologer when you can be an astrologer?
From horoscopes to compatibility breakdowns, astrology
is everywhere. But how do you figure out what it all
means? And how can it help you better understand
yourself and the world around you? Invite astrologer
Constance Stellas on your show to share relatable
advice to anyone interested in learning more about
astrology, getting to know themselves through the
zodiac, and providing accurate readings for others. She
can also do the astrological charts of your show host
and crew, revealing their personalities, life’s
purpose, and future! Constance Stellas has appeared on
several New York TV morning shows and national radio
programs. Constance is the astrologer for Huffington
Post and a regular contributor to Thrive Global. She is
also the author of several books including “How to Be
an Astrologer: Everything You Need to Interpret
Anyone’s Birth Chart for a Complete, Accurate, and
Revealing Astrological Reading.” Contact Ryan McCormick
at (516) 901-1103; (919) 377-1200 or
ryan@goldmanmccormick.com
Don’t see any guests or topics for your show? Search
through past RTIR Newsletters and find hundreds of show
ideas and possible guests at www.rtironline.com