01. What Does Chauvin’s Conviction Mean?
02. Guilty: What Happens After the Verdict
03. The Oscars are Sunday: Interview This Film Historian
04. Do You Have ‘Reluctant Reentry Syndrome’?
05. Tuesday’s Super Pink Moon: Will It Affect Creativity?
06. From Racism to a ‘Stolen Election’: How to Get Past Our National Grievances
07. Is College Still Worth It?
08. 6 Types of Men (and What You Need to Know About Them)
09. Grab a Glass for a Fun Wine Show
10. One and Done: How a Single Weekend Can Save Years of Therapy
11. Find Your Power in Today’s Chaotic World
12. Live Your Best Life in the Worst of Times
13. Are There 5 Stages of Grief?
14. Fight Fibromyalgia and Feel Better
15. Hot Dog! Baseball is Back!
1. ==> What Does Chauvin’s Conviction Mean?
Netfa Freeman says there is a struggle to control the narrative of what the conviction of Derek Chauvin actually means. “This struggle is between, on the one hand, the people whose actions in the streets nearly a year ago sent then-President Trump fleeing to a bunker and forcing the prosecution of Chauvin. And on the other hand you have the ruling-class establishment trying to uphold the illusion of shared interests and obscure notions of systemic change.” Freeman says, “Real justice for the Black and Brown working-class against the repression of police requires a power shift. It requires putting such forces and all the resources allocated to it under the collective democratic control of those most directly impacted by this repression.” Netfa Freeman and Max Rameau are writing the book “Community Control Over Police.” They have also written the piece “Community Control vs. Defunding the Police: A Critical Analysis.” Contact Netfa Freeman at netfa@ips-dc.org, @Netfafree or Max Rameau at afrimax@niainteractive.com
2. ==> Guilty: What Happens After the Verdict
Attorney and race and justice expert Nkechi (Nah – KEE – Chee) Taifa (Tah – EE – Fah) can discuss the Chauvin trial and verdict. She runs The Taifa Group, LLC, a social enterprise firm and founded, convenes and directs the Justice Roundtable, an advocacy coalition advancing progressive justice system transformation. Nkechi also cohosts the weekly Pacifica radio show “Crossroads” and frequently tackles hot-button issues on numerous national and local media outlets. She’ll explain what the slogan “defund the police” really means and why people shouldn’t be afraid of it. Nkechi Taifa, Esq., is an activist and the author of “Black Power, Black Lawyer: My Audacious Quest for Justice.” Contact her at Memoir@BlackPowerBlackLawyer.com; nkechi@thetaifagroup.com or @Nkechi_Taifa
3. ==> The Oscars are Sunday: Interview This Film Historian
Hollywood’s big night is Sunday when the Academy Awards are handed out! Invite Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and film historian Glenn Frankel to discuss the nominees, what’s involved in the race for an Oscar, and how this year’s awards will be different from previous ones. Frankel will also reveal why he thinks several of this year’s films will stand out as unique in the history of cinema. Glenn Frankel — a former Washington Post journalist who received a Pulitzer Prize for his reporting from the Middle East in 1989 — has, in the past decade, made a name for himself as the author of page-turning and authoritative works of film history. His latest book is “Shooting Midnight Cowboy: Art, Sex, Loneliness, Liberation, and The Making of a Dark Classic,” about the only X-rated film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com
4. ==> Do You Have ‘Reluctant Reentry Syndrome’?
If you’re wondering why you’re not feeling giddy with anticipation about venturing outside into the”’new normal,” you’re not alone. Carole Lieberman, M.D., M.P.H., says, “Despite our grumbling about seemingly endless months of lockdowns, many of us are secretly saying, ’Not so fast!’ as we cling to the side of the pool afraid to jump in and get wet.” Don’t want to put on regular pants? Are you afraid of the COVID variants? Feel like you need to make life changes but don’t know where to start? Dr. Lieberman will share the 10 signs you have “Reluctant Reentry Syndrome” along with ways to overcome it. Dr. Lieberman is a board-certified Beverly Hills psychiatrist who serves on the clinical faculty of UCLA’s Neuropsychiatric Institute. She has appeared on many radio and TV shows including Oprah, “Good Morning America” and Fox News. Contact Mark Goldman at (516) 639-0988 (call/text); mark@goldmanmccormick.com
5. ==> Tuesday’s Super Pink Moon: Will It Affect Creativity?
This Tuesday, April 27, there will be a Super Pink Moon, making now the perfect time to interview Lonni Whitchurch, a former high school English teacher who can talk about ways full moons have influenced poets and creativity. Whitchurch can also share how the Super Pink Moon got its name and how full moons are associated with everything from influencing ocean tides and romance to more fanciful imaginings such as werewolves and the increased likelihood of observing crazy behavior. About a third of the poems in Whitchurch’s new book, “Send the Moon,” reference the moon and she was born a “moon child” under the astrological sign of Cancer. Ask her what she keeps by the bed and why, why being married to a poet is like sleeping with a firefly and what famous bards have waxed poetic about the moon. Whitchurch is an accomplished poet known for her vivid imagery and captured emotion. Raised in Minnesota, she graduated from Bemidji State University and taught high school English and creative writing there for seven years. Her book started as a thesis for her master’s degree and the poems were written over 30-plus years. She currently lives in Florida. Contact Whitchurch at (727) 571-1232; lonni@loonlakepress.com
6. ==> From Racism to a ‘Stolen Election’: How to Get Past Our National Grievances
Both sides of the political divide have their grievances. The right contends they’ve been victimized by big government, oppressive regulations, liberal elites, socialists, illegal immigrants, etc. The left’s grievance list includes racism, sexism, homophobia, fascism, authoritarianism, capitalism, and more. What they have in common, says Sparrow Hart, is that each side claims someone else is to blame and needs to make restitution to them. Sparrow says the country’s healing requires paying attention, not to past grievances, but to the journey ahead. With over 30 years’ experience leading workshops on shamanism and the heroic journey, he knows the importance of hope, gratitude, and love in bringing the best parts of ourselves to our collective hero’s journey. “Traditionally, a ‘heroic journey’ calls people to find their best selves by leaving familiar territory behind and stepping outside their comfort zones … including the familiar comfort zone made up of people who agree with you, know they’re right, and feel morally superior to their adversaries.” Sparrow’s varied career also includes being a vision quest guide, Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Stanford, a brief stint working in a slaughterhouse, and adventures in the Amazon jungle. He is the author of several books including “Letters to the River: A Guide to a Dream Worth Living. Contact Sparrow Hart at (801) 516-0740; SHart@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Is College Still Worth It?
In addition to saddling most students with five- and six-figure debt before they are even hired, college and universities teach students one thing, one way, with one success metric and it takes a minimum of four years to learn it, says Raj Girn. Graduates are left incapable of doing anything else unless they spend another four years learning another single thing like law or medicine and if they don’t take that path, they will find what they learned to be out-of-date shortly after graduation. Interview Raj to discuss the increasing popularity of alternative education facilities and what they can mean to employees and corporations. She says, “Never has there been a time where people have needed more support to level up to meet the rapid demands of technological advancements, amplified by pandemic circumstances.” Raj heads the Open Chest Confidence Academy, is a well-known media personality in Canada and a serial media entrepreneur who has worked with thought leaders, celebrities, and multinational corporations. Contact her at (647) 490-3158; Rgirn@rtirguests.com
8. ==> 6 Types of Men (and What You Need to Know About Them)
Some women make the same dating mistakes over and over then wonder why they can’t find happiness. Author, speaker, and personal transformation expert Arnoux Goran says that once a woman knows the six types of men, she can navigate her way to red-hot romance. Invite him to share the secrets that can lead to relationship bliss. Goran has developed a method to reprogram yourself that was studied by the University of California, Irvine, and proven to be 100% effective. His latest program is “How to Attract Your Soulmate.” Ask him: What are the biggest mistakes women make when choosing a partner? What are the red flags women should watch out for? Contact Goran at (878) 203-8231; AGoran@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Grab a Glass for a Fun Wine Show
Don’t know the difference between a pinot grigio and a petite Syrah? Did your last wine come in a box? No matter your level of wine knowledge, you’ll enjoy talking with Andy Hyman. A tour guide in the Napa and Sonoma wine country, he shares his passion for wine with thousands of people from around the world and will reveal all you need to know about buying wine including how much to spend, how to get the most for your money, and how to find a wine that you’ll really enjoy. He can discuss how to get the most out of a wine-tasting experience (whether in person or virtual), 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. He is the author of “Snob-Free Wine Tasting Companion: Wine Smart in a Day.” Contact him at (415) 767-1441; andyhyman@rtirguests.com
10. ==> One and Done: How a Single Weekend Can Save Years of Therapy
Many people spend years, if not decades in talk therapy for such problems as anxiety, depression, trauma and addiction. But too much talking can be counterproductive says Canadian psychotherapist Robert Grigore, who points out that he is now helping top creative professionals eliminate their worst issues in as little as a single weekend! Grigore’s passion for saving his clients from needless struggle has resulted in him being dubbed “The Celebrity Saviour” by several sources, including a two-time Emmy Award-winning television producer. Robert Grigore has been featured across TV, radio, podcasts, and magazines, including CTV, Global News BC1, Sirius XM, “Wake Up With Patti Katter” (on Amazon FireTV and ROKU), Yahoo Finance, Disrupt Magazine, and others. Contact Robert Grigore at (778) 883-4819; info@thecelebritysaviour.com
11. ==> Find Your Power in Today’s Chaotic World
Are you ready to rise above the chaos of a divided world, stronger than ever? “Extraordinary times call for extraordinary insight,” says intuition expert Kim Chestney. “The simple yet powerful act of following your inner guidance is the key to surviving — and thriving — in these uncertain times.” Kim can reveal how we can tap into our innate inner powers to rise above the insanity. She is an international best-selling author, innovation leader and founder of IntuitionLab. Her latest book is “Radical Intuition: A Revolutionary Guide to Using Your Inner Power.” Her work has been featured or supported by some of the world’s leading organizations, including SXSW, Carnegie Mellon University, Hewlett-Packard, AT&T and Americans for the Arts. Contact Kim Chestney at (412) 214-9502; KChestney@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Live Your Best Life in the Worst of Times
Life’s challenging, even at the best of times, but what can you do when life keeps kicking you when you’re already down? Invite author and inspirational speaker Danielle Harris-Branch to discuss why bad things happen and how to handle life when you’re at your lowest. Her book, “From the Other Side of the Bed: Allow Faith to Transform Your Perspective Through Life’s Hardest Blows,” shares her unimaginable journey of surviving two types of cancer at the same time her husband was waiting for a kidney transplant. This inspirational couple experienced the worst of life while discovering the best of life. Ask her: What are the essential tools for overcoming negative thinking in painful situations? How can you use a painful situation to become a better version of yourself and even start earning income from it? Contact Danielle Harris-Branch at (804) 373-8195; Harrisbranch@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Are There 5 Stages of Grief?
Many of us think there is a set pattern for grieving in which we go from one step to the next. The truth is there aren’t five stages of grief, even though this is the popular perception and not everyone will go through a pre-determined order, says Emily Thiroux Threatt, author of “Loving and Living Your Way Through Grief.” “You aren’t doing something wrong if you aren’t going through five stages of grief in the correct order,” she says. “You can have the best grieving experience by doing what serves you. There’s no timeline, no rush to get to acceptance,” she adds. Moreover, she says grief never completely goes away, it just wanes in intensity and you can become more comfortable with it. Emily Thiroux Threatt has extensive personal experience in the grieving process. She holds a master’s degree in English with a concentration in writing and taught writing and composition at the college and university level for over 30 years. Thiroux Threatt conducts workshops, speaking engagements, and retreats on transforming from loss to joy on the mainland of the United States and on Maui, Hawaii. Contact her at (661) 428-3610; emily@lovingandlivingyourwaythroughgrief.com
14. ==> Fight Fibromyalgia and Feel Better
Leah McCullough, affectionately known as The Fibro Lady, appreciates that she no longer deals with life-impacting pain, fatigue and depression. Now an international wellness speaker and author, she’s on a mission to help other pain sufferers cope, manage, and even recover from fibromyalgia. Invite this informative and vivacious speaker to discuss secrets to an upbeat mood, boundless energy, achieving a great night’s sleep, and also timely topics such as the coronavirus pandemic’s effects on chronic pain patients, as well as medical cannabis. Leah is the author of “Freedom from Fibromyalgia: 7 Steps to Complete Recovery and Eat to Energize.” Her free online program is “How to Reduce and Even Eliminate Fibromyalgia Pain.” Contact Leah at (859) 279-0413; LMcCullough@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Hot Dog! Baseball is Back!
Whether you enjoy a frankfurter, frank, wiener, weenie, Coney, red hot or hot dog, the start of Major League Baseball season is time to celebrate one of America’s most iconic foods! Hot dogs are part of American culture, summer celebrations, travel and grilling traditions and now National Hot Dog & Sausage Council (NHDSC) Hot Dog Top Dog Eric Mittenthal says new data finds that MLB teams that sell the most hot dogs also win the most games! Mittenthal can discuss everything and anything about hot dogs including the biggest myths, fascinating trivia, and more. Hear the history of hot dogs and sausages, how they’re made and even a guide to hot dog etiquette. Eric Mittenthal is president of the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council. Contact him at (202) 587-4238; (404) 808-8396 (cell) or emittenthal@meatinstitute.org