June 16, 2020
01. SCOTUS: Civil Rights Law Protects LGBTQ Workers Too
02. Community Control vs. Defunding the Police
03. New Environmental Disaster: Arctic Diesel Leak
04. Summer Road Trip: Appalachia’s Unexpected History and Beauty
05. How Fathers Can Reconnect with Sons
06. Celebrate Single Dads This Father’s Day
07. Why We Think People are Lying When They’re Not
08. Love: Is That Really The Secret Most Leaders Are Missing?
09. He’s Proof: You Don’t Have to Be Guilty of a Crime to Be Convicted!
10. Think You’re Concussion Proof? (You’ve Probably Had One and Didn’t Know!)
11. The Real Reason Americans Can’t Hear One Another
12. Toast to Your Health as States Open Up After Lockdown
13. Why Netflix’s ‘Dead to Me’ Resonates
14. Talk to This Expert If You Think You Are Weird
15. Why Popeye Didn’t Get Cataracts
1. ==> SCOTUS: Civil Rights Law Protects LGBTQ Workers Too
Winnie Stachelberg of the Center for American Progress
calls yesterday’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling a watershed
moment for fairness and equality, particularly after
President Trump’s recent rollback of nondiscrimination
protections for LGBTQ people in health care, education,
and access to safe shelter. Stachelberg says, “This
ruling will allow millions of people to work with the
respect, dignity, and increased job security that they
deserve. The work is far from over, though. We need
Congress to catch up to the Supreme Court by passing
the Equality Act to ensure that all individuals receive
the full measure of equality guaranteed to them under
the Constitution.” Winnie Stachelberg is executive vice
president for external affairs at the Center for
American Progress, an independent nonpartisan policy
institute. Contact Adam Peck at
apeck@americanprogress.org
2. ==> Community Control vs. Defunding the Police
Authors of the upcoming book “Community Control Over
Police” write that it is “undeniable that policing in
the U.S. is out of control and outrageously overfunded.
Since 1977 crime has continued to fall, but police
budgets have almost tripled to a staggering $115
billion per year.” But, they argue, “Defunding the
police will not abolish the police. Far from purging
classism, racism and patriarchy from its ranks,
defunding the police is likely to bring them back in
their purest form and with a vengeance.” Max Rameau and
Netfa Freeman note that historically, “the shift from
private security to public utility created the
contradiction that allowed civil rights organizations
to fight for equal protection under the law, public
transparency and other reforms.” Rameau is a Haitian-
born Pan-African author and organizer with Pan-African
Community Action. Netfa Freeman is on the Coordinating
Committee of the Black Alliance for Peace and an
organizer in Pan-African Community Action. They
recently wrote the piece “Community Control vs.
Defunding the Police: A Critical Analysis” which was
published by Black Agenda Report. Contact Rameau at
afrimax@niainteractive.com or Freeman at netfa@ips-
dc.org; @Netfafree
3. ==> New Environmental Disaster: Arctic Diesel Leak
Things must be bad if Russian President Vladimir Putin,
who doesn’t have a strong environmental track record,
has declared a state of emergency in the Arctic. A 5-
million-gallon diesel fuel spill from a power station
storage tank poses a deadly threat to the region’s
people, plants, and animals. Christopher Reddy, an oil
spill expert and scientist at Woods Hole Oceanographic
Institution, can explain the unique dangers in the
Arctic and why the spill is a warning of a precarious
future that we are unprepared for. You’ll learn the
difference between a diesel fuel spill and a crude oil
spill and why the location of a spill is so important.
Hear about a 1969 diesel spill in Buzzards Bay,
Massachusetts, in bays that are similar to those found
along the Arctic coastline. Reddy says residents still
refer to the “Silent Autumn” that followed for the lack
of birdlife in the area that season. It took up to five
years for marsh grasses to grow back, and 50 years
later, grasses, crabs, and mussels in the area still
show detrimental impacts from the spill. Reddy expects
more spills in the Arctic and says strategies and
policies are desperately needed to prepare effective
responses before the next disaster happens. Contact
Christopher Reddy at (508) 289-2316; creddy@whoi.edu
4.==> Summer Road Trip: Appalachia’s Unexpected History
and Beauty
The Appalachian mountain range covers an area of
205,000 square miles and is home to more than 25
million Americans. Yet, the special culture of the
region is quite different from the image commonly
conveyed by the media. With families looking to
vacation safely this summer, Nancy Brown Diggs says the
region is a great option and just a car ride away for
many. Consider this: Appalachia encompasses all of West
Virginia, parts of Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama,
Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio,
Pennsylvania, Virginia, Mississippi, Maryland and even
a small part of western New York State! Diggs, a
scholar and author of “In Search of Appalachia,” can
share great stories and suggestions for visitors this
summer, from historic spots to natural wonders and
more. Hear about former coal mine tours, a rock ledge
overhang thought to be the earliest site of human
habitation in North America, and the largest space
museum in the country. Contact Johanna Ramos Boyer at
(703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell);
johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 646-5188
5. ==> How Fathers Can Reconnect with Sons
This Father’s Day many fathers and sons will not be
able to see each other due to social distancing. But
hiding behind the pandemic is another epidemic
afflicting men and boys — an invisible wound
experienced by males who have been abandoned by their
fathers; one that frequently manifests itself in anger,
violence, depression, and suicide. Sandy D. Kirk,
Ph.D., has 20 years of experience helping teens and
young adults heal from their father-wounds. Dr. Sandy
says, “No pain on earth crushes a boy more deeply than
being abandoned by his father.” She points out,
“Studies show that 63 percent of suicides among teens
are from fatherless boys and 82 percent of the boys who
shot up schools were fatherless. This is a problem of
epidemic proportions, and it explains why our broken
boys are so angry.” Dr. Sandy will reveal five powerful
steps to help fathers mend their broken sons, why one
of the greatest messages a son can receive from his dad
is “Son, you have become a real man!” and how asking a
son’s forgiveness and telling him your own father-wound
story can open his heart and restore mutual respect.
Dr. Sandy hosted her own radio show, has been a
contributing editor for Good News Magazine and has been
a guest on radio and TV programs. Her latest book is
“Reaching Your Son’s Heart: A Heartwarming Story of
Healing for Fathers and Sons.” Contact her at (251)
979-9068; drsandy.aam@gmail.com
6. ==> Celebrate Single Dads this Father’s Day
Although moms head most single-parent households, dads
play an equally important role when it comes to raising
boys to be decent men. “There is a ‘dad deficit’ in
modern society,” says Pastor Eric Hawthorne, a divorced
father of two young boys. “That’s why it’s crucial that
boys have father figures who can be role models who
teach them how to treat women with respect, manage
money, set and achieve goals and be responsible, so
that they can grow up to be productive adults.” Eric is
the second-generation pastor of Daystar Deliverance
Ministries in Richardson, Texas, and the author of the
upcoming book “Are You Ready For Marriage?” Contact
Eric at (214) 225-0769; EHawthorne@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Why We Think People are Lying When They’re Not
The truth seems to be in short supply these days. But
is it? “Most people accuse whoever is on the opposite
side of a political debate with lying or dishonesty
when an honest evaluation of the situation is that they
disagree with their opinion about something,” says
author and leadership expert Steven Mays. Mays can talk
about why we toss around labels like “racist,”
“tyrant,” “Nazi” and “Snowflake,” as a way of
disavowing other people’s experiences and opinions and
why poor leadership leads to catastrophic unintended
consequences like riots and pandemics. Mays is the
author of “Power of 3 Leadership, Lessons in
Leadership.” A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy at
Annapolis who served on nuclear submarines, he was a
mathematician, electrical engineer, and nuclear
engineer who worked in private industry and at the
Nuclear Regulation Commission. Contact him at (703)
552-5672; smays@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Love: Is That Really The Secret Most Leaders Are
Missing?
If leadership coach and expert Tim Winders had only one
message to share right now — and he has many — it would
be that businesses and organizations need to inject
more love in their day-to-day operations to reduce
racism, sexism, divisiveness, turnover, and
productivity problems. Invite Winders, who has over 25
years’ experience as a coach for business owners,
executives, and leaders, to share ways employers can
utilize kindness and skillful communication to motivate
employees to do better and increase the bottom line.
Encouraging individuals and corporations to act out of
love is one of the themes of Winders’ debut novel, “A
Time To Act,” which tells the story of Cooper Travis,
an executive who contemplates ending his life after
personal failures and business problems that could
potentially send him to jail; as the story unfolds, the
executive learns three acts to gain clarity that can be
useful and bring peace to anyone. Especially in the
chaotic world that we live in today. Winders, who along
with his wife, lives and works in a large RV while
traveling around the country, survived several business
failures before finding a better path in life. He hosts
the “SeekGoCreate” podcast. Contact him at (404)
846-4639; twinders@rtirguests.com Ask about last-minute
availability.
9. ==> He’s Proof: You Don’t Have to Be Guilty of a
Crime to Be Convicted!
The old adage “you’re innocent until proven guilty” is
not necessarily true – especially in today’s crazy
cancel culture – where people, usually celebrities, are
called out and boycotted for actions they might have
done. In the eyes of society, they are guilty. Period.
Interview John Smith – an ordinary guy who unwittingly
got caught up in the 1980’s S&L crisis and found out
the hard way that you don’t have to commit a crime to
be convicted of one. His message: If it can happen to
him it can happen to you. John will tell your audience
what he had to go through to finally get his
Presidential Pardon, what General Flynn must be going
through, and what you need to know about the abuse of
Federal power… including the FBI. John Smith is an
author and a professional speaker who shares his
gripping story and the consequences of ethical and
unethical behavior. His book “Embracing the Abyss”
chronicles his amazing true story of unknowingly
becoming a part of a fraud scandal and finally
receiving a presidential pardon. Contact John Smith at
(214) 216-2199; JSmith@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Think You’re Concussion Proof? (You’ve Probably
Had One and Didn’t Know!)
Is it possible to have a concussion and have no idea?
“Absolutely!” says Paul Wand, M.D. “Sometimes symptoms
relating to the concussion don’t show up until months
or years later! And about 20% of people who actually do
go to the Emergency Room for CT or MRI scans are told
they are perfectly fine … when they aren’t.” This
summer, as COVID-19 restrictions loosen up around the
country, people are more eager than ever to get out and
get going! Which means more outdoor activities,
leading to more concussion-related accidents. Interview
Dr. Wand, a neurologist, to learn how your child, or
you for that matter, could have a concussion and have
no idea. Dr. Wand, who specializes in the diagnosis and
treatment of concussions, will explain his unique
protocol that enables doctors to do both faster and
easier. Paul Wand, M.D., PA, has been a medical doctor
for 35 years. He’s the author of “The Concussion Cure:
Three Proven Methods to Heal Your Brain.” Contact him
at (954) 743-5380; PWand@rtirguests.com
11. ==> The Real Reason Americans Can’t Hear One
Another
When’s the last time you had a decent conversation?
Particularly with someone who doesn’t think as you do.
Today we find ourselves in an overly connected society
that ironically experiences very little real connection
between individuals. Why? “Much of this can be laid at
the doorstep of technology that reinforces our desire
for speed and availability over true connection –
individual to individual, face to face,” says Ivan
Obolensky. Deterioration in the art of communication
can be seen across kitchen tables as well as across the
country in race relations, political debates and late-
night pundits. Interview Ivan to find out what your
audience needs to know now to create meaningful
conversations. We can start by being curious and
interested instead of being interesting and learning
what to avoid at all costs (don’t commit “assumicide”).
Obolensky is an author and Renaissance man. His novel
“Eye of the Moon” won “Best First Book (Fiction)” in
the IndieReader Discovery Awards. Contact Ivan
Obolensky at (818) 495-8731; IObolensky@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Toast to Your Health as States Open Up After
Lockdown
States are in various stages of opening up and people
have begun going to restaurants again. What better way
to celebrate your first night out in months than to
share a great bottle of wine and make a toast to good
health and good friends? To help you select the perfect
wine, invite Andy Hyman, a tour guide in the Napa and
Sonoma wine country who has shared his passion for wine
with thousands of people from around the world. He can
reveal what you need to know about how much to spend,
how to get the most for your money, and how to ensure
you buy a wine that you’ll really enjoy. His book,
“Snob-Free Wine Tasting Companion: Wine Smart in a
Day,” reveals how to get the most out of a wine-tasting
experience, how wine is made, and general knowledge
about wine. 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;
andyhyman@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Why Netflix’s ‘Dead to Me’ Resonates
The critically acclaimed “Dead to Me,” in its second
season on Netflix, is well-acted and full of plot
twists. Both comedy and drama, the show starring
Christine Applegate, Linda Cardellini and James Marsden
is unusual in that it openly depicts characters
experiencing grief — the hit-and-run death of a spouse
and multiple miscarriages — and attending grief support
meetings. So why are we frequently unwilling to talk
about these important topics? And does talking about
them really help? Get some answers from Rev. Meghan
Smith Brooks, an ordained Unity Minister, licensed
spiritual educator, and certified grief coach whose
younger son was murdered. She is the author of the new
book “Unraveling Grief: A Mother’s Spiritual Journey of
Healing and Discovery.” Contact her at (816) 844-6783;
mbrooks@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Talk to This Expert If You Think You Are Weird
Elana Davidson works with weird people. People who
wonder what’s wrong with them because they feel so
different than everybody else. People for whom the
usual advice on being happy does not work. People like
herself. Elana has good news for those who struggle
with emotions and experiences they don’t understand.
“They may be incredibly empathic and not screwed up,”
she says. Ask her: How can you tell if you’re
empathic? How does being empathic affect your mental
health? What tools can you offer to help? Elana is
giving away copies of her book, “Finding Your Own
Happy: The Soul-Searchers Guide to Peace and Happiness
in Everyday Life,” published by Morgan James. Contact
her at (413) 225-4758; elanadavidson@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Why Popeye Didn’t Get Cataracts
True or False: You can be born with cataracts. They are
the most common cause of vision loss in people over 40.
There is no way to protect yourself from getting them.
Black people and Hispanics are more likely to get them
than white people. The average age for cataract surgery
is 60. Find out which of these statements are true when
you interview vision educator Linda Odubayo Thompson
for Cataract Awareness Month in June. Learn how to
protect yourself this summer and why you just might
want to wear better sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
as you spend time outdoors as well as gain information
on symptoms, diagnosis, surgeries and more. Linda knows
not to take her vision for granted; she has suffered
from glaucoma for more than 30 years. Contact Linda at
(914) 229-9184; lthompson@rtirguests.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