01. I Beg Your Pardon: A President’s Prerogative
02. Biden: More Humane Cages for Refugees?
03. To Save the Iran Nuclear Deal, Think Bigger
04. Bracing for the Next Round of Economic News
05. ’World’s Deadliest Catch’ Airborne Cameraman
06. Tuesday: 40th Anniversary of John Lennon’s Murder
07. Remember Waco? What Really Happened
08. During Holiday Time, Don’t Spend Your Last Dime!
09. Help for Uncomfortable Holiday Conversations
10. Holy Cannoli! How to Beat the Call of Holiday Sweets
11. Politics Aside … Why You Should Adopt Biden’s Aviators
12. Why Wait? Make New Year’s Resolutions Now
13. How Do We Heal from 2020?
14. Why You Aren’t Happier (and What to Do About It!)
15. Do You Need a Mindset Reboot? Take This Quiz
1. ==> I Beg Your Pardon: A President’s Prerogative
As the end of Donald Trump’s presidency approaches pardon season is officially upon us. Historian Thomas Balcerski can discuss presidential pardons throughout America’s history, from Warren Harding to Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. You’ll learn which Oval Office occupant issued the most pardons, who made the most controversial choices, and why the pardon exists. Balcerski says, “Presidential pardons have the power to undo past injustice and clear the name of those who were unfairly prosecuted for federal crimes. Overall, good pardons quell rough political waters and correct previous wrongdoings, while bad pardons diminish the prestige of the presidency and undermine the strength of American democracy.” Balcerski can discuss whether Donald Trump’s pardons will become one of the most defining parts of his legacy, especially if he tries to pardon himself. Thomas Balcerski teaches history at Eastern Connecticut State University. He is the author of “Bosom Friends: The Intimate World of James Buchanan and William Rufus King” Contact him at (860) 465-4005; balcerskit@easternct.edu or @tbalcerski
2. ==> Biden: More Humane Cages for Refugees?
Will a Biden administration improve America’s immigration crisis? Adrienne Pine says initial signs are disappointing. “Many of Biden’s DHS transition team selections show his platform will differ (if at all) only in form, not in substance, from that of Trump. None of his team members hail from the ranks of BIPOC (black, Indigenous and people of color) organizers who delivered him his victories in key states like Arizona, and for whom immigration is a major issue.” Pine, author of “Asylum for Sale: Profit and Protest in the Migration Industry,” will discuss the immigration issues facing the new administration and whether we should fundamentally question the overarching logic of border security. Adrienne Pine is an associate professor of anthropology at American University and co-editor of the new book “Asylum for Sale: Profit and Protest in the Migration Industry.” She just wrote the piece “More Humane Cages? Prospects for Immigration Justice Under Biden Appear Dim,” which scrutinizes new Biden appointees. Contact her at (202) 885-1845; pine@american.edu; @adriennepine
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3. ==> To Save the Iran Nuclear Deal, Think Bigger
In the weeks before leaving office, Donald Trump is issuing sanctions meant to squeeze Iran and leave Joe Biden fewer choices in dealing with the nation. Trita Parsi says the transparent sabotage actually only sharpens Biden’s choices and may force him to go bigger than just restoring the 2015 nuclear agreement. “Contrary to the calculations of the Trump administration and its allies in Israel, Biden may now seek not only to rejoin the nuclear deal but also to improve relations with Iran in order to insulate the agreement from Saudi, Emirati, and Israeli efforts to kill it.” She adds, “If being trapped in unending enmity no longer serves U.S. interests, but instead makes the country less safe at a time when the public wants an end to wars and a withdrawal of forces from the Middle East, then Biden should outwit Trump just as Obama outsmarted Netanyahu and think beyond the nuclear deal.” Trita Parsi is an executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft and the author of “Losing an Enemy: Obama, Iran, and the Triumph of Diplomacy.” Contact Jessica Rosenblum at (202) 279.0005; media@quincyinst.org
4. ==> Bracing for the Next Round of Economic News
All eyes will be on the next monthly jobs report due in a few weeks. Book economic/Federal Reserve expert Danielle DiMartino Booth now to discuss the numbers when they’re released on December 16th. She’ll explain whether they accurately reflect the number of Americans out of work, and what they say about the current U.S. employment situation. Danielle DiMartino Booth is a frequent contributor to Fox Business News, CNBC, Bloomberg Television, BNN Bloomberg, Yahoo Finance, The Street, and CNN Money. She is the CEO and chief strategist for Quill Intelligence LLC (QI), a research and analytics firm that produces and distributes the economic newsletters The Daily Feather and The Weekly Quill. DiMartino Booth spent nine years at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com
5. ==> ‘World’s Deadliest Catch’ Airborne Cameraman
As anyone who has seen episodes of “World’s Deadliest Catch” knows, being a crab fisherman in Alaska is one of the most dangerous jobs on earth — and watching these men and women battle the weather, waves, and fatigue to earn a lucrative living is a pure adrenalin rush for those of us tethered to dry land. David Alan Arnold can give your audience the ultimate insider’s view of the show from his vantage point as the airborne cameraman who risks his own life to film the show. The Emmy-Award winner can also talk about what it’s like to work in the clouds above the Super Bowl and the work he did on other shows like “Celebrity Apprentice,” “Survivor,” and “The Amazing Race.’ David Alan Arnold has been a helicopter cameraman for 22 years. He is the author of “Help from Above: How I Went from Sweeping the Floor to Painting the Sky” and “Help from Above Book 2: What Lies Above the Clouds.” The latter describes his attempts to break up a deadly crime ring based at a school bus stop. Contact David Arnold at (818) 275-8676; DArnold@rtirguests.com
6. ==> Tuesday: 40th Anniversary of John Lennon’s Murder
It’s hard to “Imagine” what John Lennon would be like as an 80-year-old. After all, he was only 40 when he was murdered by Mark David Chapman outside Lennon’s Manhattan apartment house 40 years ago, on Dec. 8, 1980. For a fascinating show that celebrates Lennon’s legacy invite Susan Shumsky to discuss John, the Beatles, and their relationship with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of Transcendental Meditation (TM.) You’ll hear why Lennon was the Beatles’ unofficial leader, leading the way in all things, including their love affair with psychedelics and their spiritual seeking. Learn the hidden significance of the Lennon-penned song “Across the Universe,” why Lennon fell out with Maharishi, and the devastating remark Maharishi made when he tried to reconcile. Susan spent 22 years in the ashrams and six years on the personal staff of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. She’s appeared on more than 1,200 programs and is the author of 18 books including “Maharishi & Me: Seeking Enlightenment with the Beatles’ Guru.” Contact her at (917) 336-7184; SShumsky@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Remember Waco? What Really Happened
It has been nearly 28 years since the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) and the National Guard were ambushed during the execution of a search and arrest warrant at the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas. Since then there have been multiple movies and TV mini-series (the last in 2018) and books but according to former ATF agent Mark Rusin, the public still doesn’t know what really happened. How was the ATF compromised so badly? Who was ultimately responsible for the deaths of four ATF agents? Who fired the first shot? Who set the fires after the 51-day siege? Get the answers from Rusin, who, as the ATF representative to the Drug Czar’s office at the White House briefed President Clinton in 1993 regarding the families of the slain ATF agents at Waco. Rusin also met several U.S. presidents while protecting them. He has been a consultant to “CSI” and other shows and is the author of the upcoming book “METRO: Sin City Chronicles.” An earlier novel, “Justice For Dallas,” was based on real events and is being turned into a screenplay. Contact Mark Rusin at (520) 205-1113; msrusin@comcast.net
8. ==> During Holiday Time, Don’t Spend Your Last Dime!
These are difficult financial times for many. The pandemic has led to reduced work hours for some; has put many people out of work; and has led to a sense of financial angst. With the holiday season bearing down on us, Patricia Davis can talk about ways to avoid excessive holiday spending while still being generous. Filled to the brim with creative ideas, Davis will encourage listeners to substitute material gifts for gifts of their time such as running errands for friends, neighbors and family members and, where appropriate, re-gifting new unused items to others who will get more use from them. She’ll also share ways to raise cash that can be used for presents by selling their opinions and selling items on sites like Poshmark. The author of “Going Broke Is No Joke!,” she is an experienced guest with a B.S. from Howard University, an MBA from Stanford, an M.S. in personal financial planning from Golden Gate University, and a Diploma of Graduation from Georgetown University’s Stonier Graduate School of Banking and Finance. Contact Patricia Davis at (301) 517-6304; pdavis@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Help for Uncomfortable Holiday Conversations
Awkward holiday conversations continue this year, whether in person or on Zoom. A gathering of friends and family, whether across the table or online, can end up feeling like an interrogation, negotiation, or worse a fight. “It’s probably been a while since a simple conversation was just that,” says Ivan Obolensky. “It’s become nearly impossible not to talk about emotionally charged topics … because that’s all we’ve got!” Interview Ivan about the art of conversation during a divisive election year and pandemic. He will show your audience how to set better boundaries around who they are talking to and what they are talking about, so that simple conversations don’t feel like negotiations that need to be won. Ask him about the four N’s of negotiating that can help conversations become a win-win. Ivan 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
10. ==> Holy Cannoli! How to Beat the Call of Holiday Sweets
Yummy treats seem to go with the holidays. But everyone from watchful parents to determined dieters and sugar-avoiding diabetics (or others with health issues) will want to control their family’s intake of sweets. That’s where the “Sugar Witch” comes in! You’ll want to interview Marsha Allen, who will help everyone in your audience celebrate the holiday season without overdoing sugar. As a sought-after guest and speaker, Marsha hosts “Sugar Addicts” on Crown City News TV and is known as America’s Sugar Witch. She is the author of “Spoiled Rotten on a Diet: Gluten, Sugar & Dairy-Free Made Simple.” You’ll learn how to quell sugar cravings even when sweet treats abound, healthier options for all ages, and ways to identify sugars that are hiding in many foods. Contact Marsha Allen at (902) 906-5231; MAllen@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Politics Aside … Why You Should Adopt Biden’s Aviators
Joe Biden has been wearing aviator sunglasses for most of his life. Some might say he looks cool. But putting style and politics aside, Joe may be onto something. Wearing wraparound aviator sunglasses (but not necessarily pricey Ray-Bans can help you protect your health, especially during COVID-19, reports vision educator Linda Odubayo Thompson. As Linda will tell your listeners, “The eyes are porous, and the optic nerve is a direct extension to the brain. So, it stands to reason that eye protection should be added to the virus protection mix, especially for children,” she says. Linda knows not to take her vision for granted; she has suffered from glaucoma for more than 30 years. Contact Linda Odubayo Thompson at (914) 944-1474; lthompson@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Why Wait? Make New Year’s Resolutions Now
Making resolutions is a fine idea but why not get a head start on what you want to accomplish by starting now? That way when January comes around you can hit the ground running, suggests Trevor Campbell, M.D. He’s a family physician with a charming South African accent who specializes in helping people achieve the fullest lives possible by minimizing their chronic aches and pains. Dr. Campbell knows that with colder weather pain gets worse, so he is urging people to educate themselves as soon as possible to feel better sooner. He’ll offer listeners advice they won’t hear from their doctors. Dr. Campbell has worked in multidisciplinary pain management and opioids reduction programs and served as s medical director for a leading pain management provider. His new book is “The Language of Pain: Fast Forward Your Recovery to Stop Hurting.” Contact Trevor Campbell at (250) 217-7832; tcampbell@rtirguests.com
13. ==> How Do We Heal from 2020?
A contentious election. Unarmed Black people shot by police. A pandemic claiming the lives of several hundred thousand loved ones. Record unemployment and social isolation. Most people will be glad to put 2020 behind them but will need some help dealing with the lingering grief of loved ones gone too soon, their deferred or shattered dreams, and feelings of hopelessness. Meghan Smith Brooks can address these issues as well as share the hidden gift contained in the year gone by. She is a certified grief expert, ordained Unity Minister, and licensed spiritual educator whose youngest son was murdered. She is also the author of the “Unraveling Grief: A Mother’s Spiritual Journey of Healing and Discovery.” Ask her: How can forgiveness, acceptance, and gratitude help us put things in perspective? Do you have some advice for coping with the holidays this year? Contact Rev. Meghan Smith Brooks at (816) 844-6783; mbrooks@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Why You Aren’t Happier (and What to Do About It!)
Many experts offer tips on how to be happier. What happens when you try so many of them and they just don’t work? Elana Davidson discovered what she and so many others were missing. True happiness is not just about attitude and gratitude, it won’t be found through quick-fixes and cookie-cutter clichés. The good news is Elana can offer some tools and insights to your audience that can make a real difference. Ask her why doesn’t therapy work for some people? What key things are people missing? How is the subconscious affecting people’s ability to be happy? 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 Elana at (413) 225-4758; elanadavidson@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Do You Need a Mindset Reboot? Take This Quiz
If there is anything good about the contentious election and the COVID epidemic it’s that some people are using them as a catalyst to change. Others could use some help changing, help that the Rev. Arthur Mackey can provide. Invite Rev. Mackey on your program to provide the fuel for change by giving your audience a quiz. How will they answer such questions as what is your biggest priority right now? Are you most concerned about relationships, career, health, or finances? How would you describe your current mood: stressed, bored and unchallenged, hopeful, serene? He will inspire audiences as he explores everything from family and workplace influences on our lives to health and social services, faith-based resources and education programs worth knowing about. Rev. Mackey is a sought-after media guest and researcher who has written “Overcoming the Spirit of Depression.” Contact Rev. Mackey at (516) 219-8392; AMackey@rtirguests.com
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