July 28, 2020
01. Top Docs Beg, ‘Shut Down the Country and Start Over!’
02. Miami ICU Doctor: Inside the Florida COVID Crisis
03. Pharma Expert Answers Your COVID-19 Vaccine Questions
04. Cybersecurity Risks of Working from Home
05. August 9th is 50th Anniversary of Nagasaki Bombing
06. How Good Are You at Recognizing Propaganda?
07. The Secret Most Leaders Are Missing: Love
08. Surprising Ways to Lower Your Risk of Getting COVID-19
09. During a Pandemic and Political Strife — Save Your Future with a New Mindset
10. This Guest Will Give You a New Perspective on Quarantine Fatigue
11. 5 Simple Tools for Stressed-Out Parents
12. Consumer Alert: Billions Lost Due to Insurance Policy Lapse
13. Surviving Childbirth — Don’t Be a Maternal Mortality Statistic
14. When Pills are the Worst Way to Stop Pain
15. She Makes Math Fun
1. ==> Top Docs Beg, ‘Shut Down the Country and Start Over!’
With the number of COVID-19 cases at more than 4 million and climbing, over 150 prominent U.S. medical experts, scientists, teachers, nurses and others are calling on the nation’s leaders to shut down the country and start over to contain the surging coronavirus pandemic. “Our decision makers need to hit the reset button,” says Matt Wellington, the public health campaigns director for the advocacy group U.S. PIRG, which joined with health experts to draft the public letter to President Trump, Congress and other elected officials. “Continuing on the path we’re on now will result in widespread suffering and death. And for what? Health experts laid out criteria for how to reopen safely. It’s time to listen to them,” Wellington says. The authors say the only way to reopen the economy and the country safely is to follow a set of public health protocols that include: enough daily testing to test everyone with flu-like symptoms, a workforce of contact tracers large enough to track all current cases and more personal protective equipment to keep essential workers safe. In addition, they say all non-essential businesses should be closed and restaurants nationwide should only provide takeout service. People should only leave their homes to get food and medicine or fresh air and exercise, and masks should be mandatory in all situations, they urge, adding that leaders should ban interstate travel to help stem the spread of the virus. The University of Pennsylvania’s Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, William Hanage with the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Northwestern University’s Dr. Seth Trueger and Yale School of Medicine’s Dr. Reshma Ramachandran are among the growing number of experts who have signed the letter. Meanwhile, the country has recorded more than 1,000 daily deaths for four straight days. Contact Matt Wellington at (845) 591-5646; communications@uspirg.org
2. ==> Miami ICU Doctor: Inside the Florida COVID Crisis
As the coronavirus ravages Florida, health-care workers in Miami hospitals are struggling to cope with the emotional and physical impact of treating a crushing wave of COVID-19 patients. After seeing 10,000 new cases a day become the norm across the state in July, many of those on the frontlines are frustrated with the apparent inability of local, state, and federal governments to coordinate an adequate response. They are equally aghast with what appears to be the reluctance or refusal of many Floridians to honor safety precautions to stop the spread of coronavirus. Invite Dr. Gustavo Ferrer on your show to discuss what is happening in Florida. Dr. Ferrer has been running two ICUs in the Miami area since day one of the COVID outbreak. An experienced pulmonologist trained both in Cuba and the U.S. and an authority on respiratory ailments with more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Ferrer has appeared on ABC, CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, Telemundo, Univision, Canadian National Television and several other media outlets in recent weeks. Contact Jeff Gulko at (617) 304-7339; jeff@thegulkogroup.com
3. ==> Pharma Expert Answers Your COVID-19 Vaccine Questions
Massachusetts biotech company Moderna launched Phase 3 of its coronavirus vaccine trial yesterday. Moderna anticipates enrolling 30,000 U.S. participants. There’s still no guarantee that the experimental vaccine, developed by the National Institutes of Health and Moderna, will really protect the participants. Volunteers won’t know if they’re getting the real shot or a dummy version. After two doses, scientists will closely track which group experiences more infections as they go about their daily routines, especially in areas where the virus is spreading unchecked. Invite Dean L. Fanelli, Ph.D., an expert on pharmaceutical- and chemical-related technologies, to discuss anything related to COVID-19 vaccine trials. What is involved in a drug trial? How long should we expect to wait for a vaccine? Will there be more than one? Dr. Fanelli has over 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical and biotechnology IP management including in technology licensing/transactions, due diligence, prosecution and litigation. He is a partner in the Intellectual Property Department of Seyfarth Shaw LLP’s Washington D.C. office. Contact Mark Goldman at (516) 639-0988 (call/text); mark@goldmanmccormick.com
4. ==> Cybersecurity Risks of Working from Home
The Twitter hack that compromised the accounts of Barack Obama, Kanye West and other figures earlier this month should be a reminder to other companies that while we’re all focused on the pandemic, cybersecurity threats are still an issue — maybe even more so now. Experts say having many people working from home presents unique security risks, especially given that many companies made the transition practically overnight. Anu Bourgeois, an associate professor of computer science at Georgia State University, says in the hurry to keep employees safe but still maintain their workflow, companies might have given out laptops not equipped with the proper security software or asked them to use their own personal devices for work. Experts say social engineering may also be easier when people are working from home, where they may be distracted or let their guard down. “You have people scrambling, in a different environment, and that mindset is not the same when you’re working from home versus the office,” Bourgeois says. For companies looking to avoid being the next target of an attack — in addition to implementing antivirus software and two-factor authentication — “the number one thing is education,” she says. Contact Anu Bourgeois at (404) 413-5723; abourgeois@cs.gsu.edu
5. ==> August 9th is 50th Anniversary of Nagasaki Bombing
For a fascinating show about the dawning of the Atomic Age, invite science writer Steve Olson on your show. He’ll discuss the discovery and weaponization of plutonium, the unforeseen consequences of the nuclear arms race and the historical significance of the Hanford B Reactor, the first full-scale nuclear reactor in the world. Located in Hanford — south-central — Washington State, the reactor made the plutonium at the core of the nuclear weapons in the U.S. arsenal (and in the bomb dropped on Nagasaki) and all subsequent reactors have been based on the technologies developed there. Olson will share a history of how that happened and what it means. Hear how the site expanded from three to nine nuclear reactors during the Cold War and supplied most of the plutonium for the American nuclear arsenal, and why it is now the most contaminated nuclear site in the Western hemisphere. Steve Olson’s new book is “The Apocalypse Factory: Plutonium and the Making of the Atomic Age.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com
6. ==> How Good Are You at Recognizing Propaganda?
We’re all influenced by propaganda every day, especially in an election year. Learning to recognize techniques people use to influence your opinions and actions can help you evaluate the flood of information you get each day. Layman “Buzz” Allen will explain how learning to identify propaganda is as easy as playing an online game (the aptly named The Propaganda Game) and explain why propaganda can be a good thing. “The fascinating thing is that propaganda is used by all sides in most controversial issues. Our role in pointing out the actual mechanics is neutral as far as ideology is concerned. We are seeking to raise the level of discourse and appreciation for everyone involved,” Buzz says. Used in schools, The Propaganda Game was co-invented by Buzz’s late uncle, Robert W. Allen, and Bonanza actor Lorne Greene in the 1960s. Ask him: What are some of the 50 techniques explored in the game and which could help us in an election year? How did propaganda get a bad reputation during the Cold War? Why do you take a neutral attitude toward propaganda? What would people be surprised to know about Lorne Greene and comedian Leslie Nielsen? Contact Michael Clever at (515) 412-0419; MClever@rtirguests.com or lallen@rtirguests.com
7. ==> The Secret Most Leaders Are Missing: Love
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
8. ==> Surprising Ways to Lower Your Risk of Getting COVID-19
Cases may not be spiking in your area, but no matter where you live in the country, COVID-19 is there. How can you protect yourself when things like social distancing either aren’t possible or aren’t being observed by others? Invite author, surgeon, and pain expert Dr. David Hanscom to share concrete steps you can take to decrease your chances of becoming ill. He’ll also explain why lowering your feelings of anxiety or threat are critical to maintaining good health and how people with chronic stress die seven years earlier. Learn how your family can be harming your health and why insecurity about your income and financial situation can cause harmful inflammation that increases your risk of deadly illness. Dr. Hanscom’s book, “Back in Control,” reveals the latest developments in neuroscience research and his own personal history with pain. He’s been featured on Dr. Oz, NPR, CBS, ABC and Fox as well as in Men’s Health, Psychology Today, and many other media outlets. Contact Dr. Hanscom at (206) 890-1892; dnhanscom@gmail.com
9. ==> During a Pandemic and Political Strife — Save Your Future with a New Mindset
Sad to say, societal problems are on the rise. To prevail and build a better present and future, even as we face political upheaval and diseases attacking us — we must change. Find out more from Reverend Arthur Mackey, a prolific author, focused researcher, respected pastor and sought-after media guest. He will help save lives by helping audiences develop a mindset that makes such positive change possible. Mackey is the author of the popular book “Overcoming the Spirit of Depression.” He will inspire audiences as he explores everything from family and workplace influences to health and social services, faith-based resources and education programs worth knowing. Ask him: Why is it never too late to change your surroundings, relationships, mood and ideals? What are the four most effective ways to change your mindset, minus the stress? Does healing always require medicine? What’s the role of prayer for navigating a happier, healthier lifestyle? Contact Reverend Mackey at (516) 219-8392; AMackey@rtirguests.com
10. ==> This Guest Will Give You a New Perspective on Quarantine Fatigue
The country — and the world — has been in various stages of lockdowns and quarantines for months now and everyone is frazzled, irritable and itching to get out and get back to their old lives. But health officials say the pandemic isn’t over just yet, and to quell the spread we’ll need to keep up our guard and continue to be socially distant for the foreseeable future. We’re afraid, we’re frustrated and we’re feeling helpless. Nikki Nardizzi has been here before. After a double kidney and pancreas transplant in 2010, she was put on a three-month quarantine due to the anti-rejection medication that left her immune system extremely weak. Nikki experienced the same emotions we’re all facing now and says that experience has given her a different perspective and understanding of what’s currently going on. She’ll explain how she’s been approaching quarantine this time around, what she’s doing differently, and why. Listeners who are struggling with anxiety and fear will appreciate her perspective and suggestions for maintaining their sanity through these trying times. Nikki Nardizzi is the author of “BADASS grATTITUDE.” Contact her at (646) 872-9090; nbn@nikkinardizzi.com
11. ==> 5 Simple Tools for Stressed-Out Parents
Parenting is never easy but being quarantined with children while being unemployed or on the pandemic frontline are making it even harder. Families will welcome the creative suggestions of educator Laurie Marshall, suggestions that will help everyone get along better and safely blow off stress. She’ll share why parents and kids should put paper bags over their heads to convey emotions such as anger and silliness, why families should make a practice of singing and dancing together, and how taking three deep breaths when they feel out of control can center parents and interrupt impulsive behavior that can lead to harming family members. Marshall is a bullying prevention expert and the author of multiple books. She has trained over 6,000 teachers in project-based learning and facilitated 125 bully-prevention, nature-based murals with over 25,000 people in schools, nonprofits, and government agencies (NASA, FEMA, U.S. Botanical Gardens). Contact Laurie at (415) 360-3304; lmarshall@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Consumer Alert: Billions Lost Due to Insurance Policy Lapse
Imagine if you could receive CASH for that life insurance policy you or your parents don’t need anymore! Did you know that $70 billion of life insurance policies go to waste annually? Simply because consumers don’t know a little-known secret that, if you qualify, you could receive up to 75% of your death benefits in CASH. Many professional advisors such as attorneys and CPAs are now becoming aware of this and trying to help their clients avoid this waste and turn it into cash. David Kottler, the Insurance Doctor™, will educate your audience and tell you what life insurance companies don’t want you to know. David combines his legal and business experience with a passion for philanthropy. His book, “The Best Kept Money Secret in Your Insurance Policy,” details everything your audience needs to know to get that insurance policy working for them. Contact David Kottler at (216) 532-1221; DKottler@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Surviving Childbirth — Don’t Be a Maternal Mortality Statistic
It’s the 21st century. That means women can breeze through childbirth and be healthy to raise their children, right? Sadly, maternal deaths have been increasing, despite advanced obstetrical care. Find out why and what expectant parents and medical personnel should know, when you interview Alan Lindemann, M.D. He has delivered more than 6,000 babies (including many multiple births, even quads) during his decades-long career without losing a mom. This fascinating professional will discuss the trouble with “maternity deserts” where women are hours away from where they’ll deliver … illnesses affecting healthy birthing … the impact of too many c-sections … who needs more OB nurses … plus additional issues that put mothers (and babies) at risk. Dr. Lindemann’s advice can save countless lives, families and careers. Contact Dr. Lindemann at (701) 543-6182; dhaugen@rtirguests.com
14. ==> When Pills Are the Worst Way to Stop Pain
You and your audience will want to listen-up when Maggie Phillips, Ph.D., pain relief expert and trainer, talks about using skills not pills to alleviate pain. After all, it’s almost daily that we hear of opioid controversies, addictions and even painkiller-related deaths. The author of “Freedom from Pain and Reversing Chronic Pain” will share good news about effective alternative healing methods. Ask her about the value of working with the rhythms of the nervous system, diet and exercise, spiritual practices, drug-free supplements, meditation, hypnosis, lifestyle changes and other ways to build healing pathways. She’ll also explain why other nations are far ahead of the U.S. in wisely using “skills-not-pills” approaches to thwart pain and trauma without unwanted side effects or creating dependency and addiction problems. Contact Maggie at (510) 561-1645; mphillips@rtirguests.com
15. ==> She Makes Math Fun
Many people wish they were better at math and look back at their math education with anything but fondness. Why are so many of us math-phobic? Why do we rely so much on calculators and try to let someone else be the one to figure out the restaurant bill? Interview Teruni Lamberg, Ph.D., who knows all about the fear of math and the challenges educators face in teaching the subject. She says there is a better way for more people to appreciate the beauty and simplicity of math. Author of the new book “Work Smarter, Not Harder: A Framework for Math Teaching and Learning,” Dr. Lamberg can talk about ways to improve the teaching of mathematics and the way students absorb it. She says math can be fun and is ready to prove it on your show. Contact Teruni Lamberg at (775) 451-3086; TLamberg@rtirguests.com