01. #StayStrongStaySafe – Campaign Tackles COVID & Violence
02. Political Comedian on Ending Toll-Free Phone Numbers
03. Behind Dolly Parton’s New “Pink” Single
04. Campaign Guru Analyzes Trump Tweets in Real Time
05. Joe Biden’s Big Leadership Fail
06. Saving Halloween for Pediatric Patients
07. Everything You Were Too Terrified to Ask about Ghosts
08. Growing Up with Ghosts … and their Stories
09. Would You Know What to Do if Shots Erupted?
10. How to Get Tuned-Out Students to Tune In
11. Saving Your Career is as Simple as Answering Yes or No
12. How to Win Big at Public Speaking Every Time!
13. What’s It Like to Care for a Spouse with Early Onset Alzheimer’s?
14. Why Would God Want a Trump Presidency?
15. A Near-Death Experience You Won’t Forget
1. ==> #StayStrongStaySafe – Campaign Tackles COVID & Violence
Comedian Tracy Morgan and actress Rosario Dawson are teaming up with New York City community and civic leaders for a citywide digital campaign called “Stay Strong, Stay Safe” to support communities hardest hit by rising rates of violence and the COVID-19 pandemic. Both celebrities are using their platforms to spread awareness and encourage New Yorkers to take care of themselves and their communities amid the public health crises posed by both Coronavirus and gun violence. Videos and shareable content on the website have received more than 1 million views, and targeted messages from the campaign are visible on digital kiosks and screens citywide. “Stay Strong, Stay Safe” features the voices and experiences of New Yorkers on the frontlines of the Crisis Management System (CMS), New York City’s neighborhood-based Cure Violence model that invests resources in communities impacted by increased gun violence. CMS deploys local partners to mediate conflicts on the street and connect high-risk individuals to services, which include a year-round employment program, mental health services, and trauma counseling. They’ve also handed out approximately 50,000 hand sanitizers, 65,000 protective gloves, and 285,000 masks in some of the communities hit hardest by COVID-19. Contact Simone Smalls at (212) 634-7176; media@strategicheights.com
2. ==> Political Comedian on Ending Toll-Free Phone Numbers
Political comedian, author and host Tim Young notes that some of the most overlooked negative impacts of COVID-19 shutdowns have been mental health, drug abuse and domestic violence. That’s why he’s railing against government moves to chip away at services that could help those who find themselves in a hopeless or dangerous place. He says, “Right now, the Federal Communications Commission is considering a move to eliminate the toll-free number — the aspects of which could be devastating to many underprivileged Americans who struggle mentally with drug abuse or suffer from domestic violence.” He says many of the top 100 toll-free numbers used include services that people need more than ever now: State unemployment agencies, poison control centers, veteran crisis hotlines, sexual assault hotlines, mental health hotlines, suicide hotlines — you get the point. Tim Young has appeared on stages across the country and hundreds of radio and TV shows. He writes the popular “On The Road” series for the Washington Times and is the author of several books including “I Hate Democrats, I Hate Republicans.” Contact him at tim@timyoung.com
3. ==> Behind Dolly Parton’s New “Pink” Single
Dolly Parton is joined by some famous friends for a new charity single to raise money for the Susan G. Komen breast cancer organization. The country music icon has teamed up with Monica, Jordin Sparks, Rita Wilson and Sara Evans for “Pink,” a new single released this week for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The song was produced and co-written by Victoria Shaw, the singer/songwriter/producer behind such hits as Garth Brooks’ “The River,” Ricky Martin and Christina Aguilera’s “Nobody Wants to be Lonely” and others. Invite Shaw on your show to talk about the project, the influence behind the song, and what it was like working with Parton and company. Contact Aaron Crisler at (615) 474-8673; aaron@conduitmediaemail.com
4. ==> Campaign Guru Analyzes Trump Tweets in Real Time
Over the past few years we’ve gotten used to hearing about (or reading) Donald Trump’s lengthy tweetstorms, but do we ever really know what he’s talking about? And why does he use so many caps? Is he yelling? The new website Twitterism.com analyzes the tone of Trump’s tweets in real time using artificial intelligence. Ravi Singh, Ph.D., who formerly founded ElectionMall.com, is available to debunk the popular media narratives that Donald Trump’s tweets often come across as harsh or negative using quantitative scientific study. Dr. Singh identifies himself as a conservative turban-wearing Ph.D. holding a master’s degree in political science, a master of science in social media, and one of the first in the academic world to achieve a doctor of philosophy degree specializing in social media and technology. Contact Jenny Kefauver at (703) 850-3533; jenny@jkpublicrelationsdc.com
5. ==> Joe Biden’s Big Leadership Fail
Joe Biden has been dodging the question of whether he would pack the Supreme Court were he to be elected; the most he has said was that he was “not a fan” of expanding the Supreme Court to offset the impending Conservative majority. Although he stated he does not “want to get into it,” by not doing so, Biden has failed the courage test, says author and leadership expert Steven Mays, who will explain his reasoning on your show; he can also discuss the other hallmarks of good leadership besides courage. 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 Steven Mays at (703) 552-5672; smays@rtirguests.com
6. ==> Saving Halloween for Pediatric Patients
Halloween will look a lot different this year, but the Spirit of Children is focused on making sure the holiday isn’t canceled for kids already battling health issues in the hospital. The charity is delivering one-of-a-kind care packages to more than 140 pediatric hospitals across the U.S. and Canada filled with costumes, activity books, crayons and treat bags. Child life specialists will “reverse trick-or-treat” with the children by delivering the packages individually to patients’ rooms and many hospitals will also create video conferencing parties for contactless celebrations. Spirit of Children was started in 2006 by Spirit Halloween, the nation’s largest Halloween retailer. President and CEO Steven Silverstein says, “We are honored to bring a sense of normalcy to some of the toughest times a family and child go through, and that dedication doesn’t stop in a pandemic. We are determined, now more than ever, to bring the magic of Halloween to pediatric patients, even if we can’t be there in person this year.” Contact Erin Springer at 609) 645-5619;
Erin.Springer@SpiritHalloween.com
7. ==> Everything You Were Too Terrified to Ask about Ghosts
Dr. Susan Shumsky is a ghost whisperer and perfect Halloween guest who can tell you everything you ever wanted to know about ghosts — but were too terrified to ask. For example, what really happens to souls after death? Is it possible to communicate with the dead; how so? Why are some homes, cars, offices, and other places haunted? What are the 11 types of people most susceptible to possession? What are the 15 reasons why people become ghosts? Dr. Shumsky is no fly-by-night author. She has 17 books in print and has been published by Simon & Schuster. Open your phone lines for listeners with haunted houses, and Dr. Shumsky will send the ghosts packing! Contact her at (917) 336-7184; SShumsky@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Growing Up with Ghosts … and their Stories
What’s it like growing up in family homes surrounded by ghosts and their stories? Interview Ivan Obolensky and find out! Ivan’s rich personal history includes his grandfather Serge, the famed “Prince of New York,” and his grandmother Alice (of the famed Astor family) who died holding an “Egyptian Book of the Dead” on her chest. Convinced that people lived on after death, she proved it by scaring off governesses and attracting a large number of black cats that kept returning to her home on 61st Street in New York City, even after extermination was tried. The family home was finally exorcised. Alice’s husband, Serge, had ghost stories of his own to tell including one of a captain reportedly recovering from TB in the Crimea appearing to Serge’s mother and a butler at the family country home many miles away … and then vanishing before their eyes! They learned later the soldier had died before his appearance. Ivan Obolensky is a true Renaissance man in his own right and the author of “Eye of the Moon.” Contact Ivan at (818) 495-8731; IObolensky@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Would You Know What to Do if Shots Erupted?
Few of us expect we’ll be in a public place when someone begins shooting. Yet as we know, people going about their daily lives in schools, workplaces, concert halls, religious institutions, shopping malls, and even on their front stoops have found themselves under fire. What if it happened to you? How can you and your loved ones remain safe when shots ring out? Would you be able to react, escape, find cover, seek help, or shield others? Would you notice dangers before they put anyone at risk? What actions should you always take or never take? Explore the vital answers with personal protection specialist Allen Banks, CEO of Proactive Protection Agency. He’s the developer of Active Shooter Prevention and Workplace Violence Prevention Training, plus special programs for schools and other locations. Contact Allen Banks at (661) 417-0786; abanks@rtirguests.com
10. ==> How to Get Tuned-Out Students to Tune In
Countless students across America are feeling disengaged and uninspired. Their schools are not deliberately creating a negative, tune-out atmosphere. So what’s happening and how can educators, administrators, coaches and parents help our centers of learning improve? Educator and author Paul Bernabei is spearheading a movement to encourage and benefit students, which ultimately boosts our nation’s future. Ask him: What has become seemingly invisible for school students these days? How has an epidemic of “I’m neither good enough nor smart enough” started attacking student populations nationwide? What easily-implemented strategies will create a safe environment for students, especially during stressful times? Bernabei is the author of “Why Students Disengage in American Schools and What We Can Do About It.” Contact him at (651) 470-3827; PBernabei@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Saving Your Career is as Simple as Answering Yes or No
Should you go on that job interview? Or accept that offer? Are you feeling comfortable enough to sign that contract or take that promotion? Are you ready to quit your current job? Go part-time? Or finally retire? Just like every other move you make in your personal or professional life, you have “Just 2 Choices.” That’s the message of Rico Racosky, who has already gained a substantial following with his “Just 2 Choices” book, speaking engagements, webinars and radio program. Ask Rico: Why do people make their career moves far more complicated than necessary? What fears keep many people from moving up? How can the “Just 2 Choices” strategy strengthen someone’s situation, even during a pandemic? Rico can help your listeners navigate their careers and reach their goals with a yes or no answer! Contact him at (730) 572-1322; Racosky@rtirguests.com
12. ==> How to Win Big at Public Speaking Every Time!
Public speaking is considered the #1 fear. And while most of us will never have to debate someone in a national forum (think the 2020 election debates), we’re now challenged with audiences who are spread out, behind masks, and even virtual. Moreover, many people would rather quit their job than speak on stage, be interviewed on camera, or present on Zoom. A groundbreaking approach could change all that, and Jill Jaysen has one. She’ll identify the five biggest public speaking blunders and replace them with five strategic power-up principles. Not only will your audience feel transformed, but they will also finally believe they can win big (consistently) at public speaking! Contact Jill Jaysen at (203) 442-9301; jjaysen@rtirguests.com
13. ==> What’s It Like to Care for a Spouse with Early Onset Alzheimer’s?
A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is devastating within any family. Often patients are elderly, or past retirement age. But what if the afflicted is someone much younger — still raising children, perhaps involved in a successful career, and looking forward to many more years with a loving partner? Find out from Carlen Maddux how he cared for his wife Martha after she was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at age 50. Carlen’s powerful insights will inspire audiences everywhere, as he shares how demanding the condition can be, and what he advises for the thousands of spouses who might face such a challenge. Carlen can discuss caregiver burnout, communicating with the kids, and what to look for as a loved one’s health, mood and memory decline. Carlen Maddux is the author of “A Path Revealed.” Contact him at (727) 351-8321; CMaddux@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Why Would God Want a Trump Presidency?
After years of being a casino owner, billionaire businessman, reality TV star and tabloid target, Donald Trump gained enough fame to be elected the 45th president. And he may win a second term in a few weeks. According to Patric Rutherford, Ph.D., it was God’s will that put Trump in the White House. Why? Did God approve of Trump’s fame? His business skills? His lifestyle? His ability to attract loyal followers? Or Trump’s desire to be in charge? Explore Trump’s amazing political journey when you interview Dr. Rutherford, author of “God and President Trump Plus the Rest of Us.” Ask him: Were Christians who saw President Trump as a divine deliverer justified in their support for him? Why has President Trump never pivoted to acting presidential? Did anything justify the divisiveness and hate that the Trump presidency has engendered? How would God grade Trump’s presidency? Contact Dr. Patric Rutherford at (786) 201-6638; patricrutherford@gmail.com
15. ==> A Near-Death Experience You Won’t Forget
Sure, near-death experiences are fairly common, but Charles (Charlie) Gardner’s experience may take the cake when it comes to pathos, humor, and life lessons. Nine years ago when he developed sepsis while recovering from the flu, Charlie spent six weeks in a coma, suffered 13 strokes and major organ failure. In the near-death experience that accompanied that ordeal, Charlie had the requisite out-of-body experience but the bright light he saw was a green disco ball! Charlie can relate what happened including how one day before his family planned to pull the plug on him his 14-year-old daughter’s words brought him back to his body. He can talk about the difference between Heaven time and Earth time, the angels he met and why he believes he was spared to tell other people about the miracles he has experienced and serve as an example of how to appreciate the life you have even if it isn’t the one you expected. Charlie tells his inspiring story in “Always Remember This Moment.” Contact Charlie Gardner at (650) 995-5626; charlesgardner@rtirguests.com