01. The Myth of Private Equity
02. USPS to Get Even S-L-O-W-E-R
03. Could This Simple Law Unite the Country?
04. Extinct? The Death of the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker
05. Wise Guys Help Boys Battle Bullying
06. What’s Really Behind the ‘Great Resignation’ Phenomenon?
07. Are Americans Selfish? Independence vs Common Good
08. Time to Address Racism in the Wine Industry
09. Gotcha: Big Fat Myths about Pain Even Doctors Believe
10. The Truth about Black Women and Infertility
11. Is Your Kid Ready for the High Costs of Higher Learning?
12. How This Retired Hospice Nurse Knows There is an Afterlife
13. The Biggest Myths about Happiness
14. Make the Second Half of Your Life the BEST Half
15. Who Knew? Fascinating Facts about NYC
1.==> The Myth of Private Equity
Jeffrey Hooke pulls back the curtain on one of the most controversial areas of finance – private equity. Once an obscure niche of the investment world, private equity has grown into a large and powerful force, having consequences for a wide range of industries and financial markets. Hooke will discuss private equity’s negative effects on Wall Street and corporate America and expose how it has avoided scrutiny. A former private equity executive and investment banker with deep knowledge of the industry, Hooke unravels the exaggerations the industry spins to its customers and the business media and can discuss how, even as the ruthlessness of some funds has made private equity a poster child for the harms of unfettered capitalism, many aspects of the industry remain hidden from the normal bounds of accountability. Jeffrey Hooke is a senior lecturer in finance at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. His latest book is “The Myth of Private Equity: An Inside Look at Wall Street’s Transformative Investments.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com or Briana Caywood at (703) 646-5188 (office)
2. ==> USPS to Get Even S-L-O-W-E-R
If you’re already a dissatisfied postal customer, you may not be happy to hear that the United States Postal Service (USPS) plans to slow down the delivery of some mail beginning Friday. The move is part of a 10-year plan to cut costs and provide more reliable service, but author and historian Christopher Shaw says, “With the Postal Service facing a number of financial challenges — notably the unique burden of massively pre-funding its retirees’ health benefits — reducing service will only discourage use of the U.S. Mail, which is not a formula for long-term financial health and stability.” Shaw will discuss the current fight over the future of the U.S. Postal Service, arguing that current attacks have implications that go beyond the future of mail service, and will have grave consequences for American democracy if they are not stopped. Christopher Shaw is the author of several books about the post office including the upcoming “First Class: The U.S. Postal Service, Democracy, and the Corporate Threat.” Contact him at christophershaw.ca@gmail.com; @chris_w_shaw
3. ==> Could this Simple Law Unite the Country?
Masks, vaccines, mandates, toxic politics and fiercely held beliefs about how to course correct the culture and keep ourselves safe and our liberties intact are tearing us apart at the seams. Author and pastor Tony Scott says there is an irrefutable law, sewn into the very fabric of the universe that can solve — once and for all — the divisiveness we’re experiencing. Tony will touch on something critical that supersedes all of the other proposed “solutions” to our problems. He’ll explain the Law of Oneness, ancient wisdom that no Republican or Democrat, no Instagram influencer or celebrity has dreamt up … and that can’t be denied. Listeners will learn why the law is the world’s greatest principle of building relationships and how it can be applied everywhere —marriage, relationships, friendships, businesses, professionals, teams and more. A minister and radio/TV host, Tony Scott is the author of numerous books including his latest, “One Plus One Equals One,” which he wrote with his late wife ShirleyAnn. Contact Jason Jones at jason@jonesliterary.com or Mark Breta at assistantpublicist@jonesliterary.com
4. ==> Extinct? The Death of the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed taking 23 animals and plants off the endangered species list because none can be found in the wild. The species pushed over the brink include ten types of birds and bats found only on Pacific islands, as well as eight types of freshwater mussels that once inhabited riverbeds from Illinois to Georgia. The list also includes the ivory-billed woodpecker. “The fact that this bird is so critically endangered has been true since the 1890s, and it’s fundamentally a consequence of the fact that we cut down every last trace of the virgin forest of the Southeastern U.S.,” says John W. Fitzpatrick, director emeritus of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. “We took all that away.” He’ll discuss the longtime fascination with the woodpecker, the importance of designating and protecting endangered species, and why he won’t give up hope on the woodpecker’s survival. “I’m not ready to call it extinct,” he says. “It’s been looking bad, but it’s been looking bad for 60 years.” John W. Fitzpatrick stepped down as executive director of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in July after more than 25 years. He is currently involved in a variety of research projects at the lab. Contact him at (607) 254-2410; jwf7@cornell.edu
5. ==> Wise Guys Help Boys Battle Bullying
October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. Educate and raise awareness of bullying and cyberbullying when you invite Rodney Absher on your show to talk about an innovative program that tackles the toxic masculinity behind bullies’ behavior. He says, “In today’s culture, boys feel the need to fit within the strict definitions of manhood, and some boys who do not act in lockstep with that definition tend to be the targets of bullying.” Absher, an educator in the award-winning holistic Wise Guys program, helps boys understand healthy masculinity and empowers them to be their own men. He’ll explain how the program works by giving young men a chance to meet in a safe and comfortable environment and talk about things like healthy relationships, sexual decision-making, and fatherhood. The Wise Guys program is run by The Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, a nonprofit organization that helps at-risk infants, children, youth, and families. Contact Dillard Spring at (800) 632-1400; dspring@chsnc.org
6. ==> What’s Really Behind the ‘Great Resignation’ Phenomenon?
Thanks to the pandemic, more of us had time to think about our values and what we like and don’t like about our jobs. That soul searching has led to some refusing to go back to work or seeking new opportunities. But, as workplace specialist Marc A. Pitman will tell you, not everyone knows the best way to make these changes. Invite Marc to explain why having a side hustle is more important than ever today and even why having one can make you a more effective employee. He can talk about the steps to take to determine what type of moonlighting is best for you, how to value your time, and eventually, how to resign well. Ask him what does it mean to resign well? Why do moonlighters make good employees? How can you identify what you do well? Marc has a master’s degree in organizational leadership and 30 years of studying leadership to his credit. He’s been featured in “Real Simple” and “SUCCESS,” and on NBC, and Fox News. Marc is the author of seven books including his latest, “The Surprising Gift of Doubt: Use Uncertainty to Become the Exceptional Leader You Are Meant to Be.” Contact Marc Pitman at (317) 751-1610; mpitman@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Are Americans Selfish? Independence vs Common Good
Glen Dunzweiler is an independent filmmaker, former college professor, and author who specializes in raising and debating difficult questions. For example, are Americans more inclined to fight each other than to fight the COVID-19 virus? Is the rugged independence the U.S. is known for a handicap when it comes to getting people to buy into doing what is best for the common good? How can we deal with the deeply ingrained pushback we have for authority? Just as he does with his new YouTube series, “Difficult Questions with Glen Dunzweiler,” Glen will engage your audience in a thoughtful discussion on ways to use “good old American innovation” to turn COVID mania into something good. Contact Glen at (702) 703-2219; GDunzweiler@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Time to Address Racism in the Wine Industry
People of color have long been shut out of the wine industry. Even today, a Black or Brown face at a wine tasting or wine seminar is an uncommon sight. Yet wine has been part of the total human condition across cultures and races for thousands of years. Join author Jim Laughren, CWE, for an honest assessment of the current situation and some thoughts on how we can all take a stand to turn the tide toward greater inclusiveness. Jim is the author of “50 Ways to Love Wine More,” “A Beer Drinker’s Guide to Knowing and Enjoying Fine Wine,” and the eBooks “The 15-Minute Guide to Red Wine” and The 15-Minute Guide to White Wine.” Contact Jim Laughren at (954) 317-9623; JLaughren@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Gotcha: Big Fat Myths about Pain Even Doctors Believe
Who wouldn’t want to learn how to put suffering on hold? Trevor Campbell, M.D., says, “When you understand what pain is, you can work around it.” Let Dr. Campbell tell you things about pain management that most doctors don’t even know because the topic isn’t covered well in medical school! You’ll learn why you shouldn’t fight pain, that what hurts isn’t necessarily harmful, and ways our thoughts can be our greatest handicap. Ask him why is the treatment of chronic pain often ineffective? How can people’s thoughts affect their health? Dr. Campbell is a family physician who has worked in multidisciplinary pain management and opioids reduction programs and has served as s medical director for a leading pain management provider in Western Canada. He graduated from the University of Cape Town and has a delightful South African accent. Dr. Campbell’s book, hailed as a great read by “Inc.” Magazine, is “The Language of Pain: Fast Forward Your Recovery to Stop Hurting.” Contact Trevor Campbell at (250) 217-7832; tcampbell@rtirguests.com
10. ==> The Truth about Black Women and Infertility
It took almost 20 years for Frances Jones to heal the damage that being infertile had caused her and to put feelings of unworthiness behind her. She hopes to prevent other women, particularly women of color like herself, from viewing themselves as “damaged goods” because they cannot conceive and bear children. “Many people facing infertility battle with low self-esteem and feelings of unworthiness. There are so many negative feelings including guilt, anger, resentment and blame as a result of fertility challenges,” Jones says. In her new book, “Overcoming the Emotional Stigmas of Infertility,” she discusses what fertile people don’t understand about those who are not, why her desire to conceive never went away despite having two adopted sons and a stepdaughter, and why we need to change the dialogue society has about fertility problems. Frances Jones co-authored the national and international best-seller “Girl on Fire! Fireproof” and is an executive channel producer for the TV network Women Wins. She appeared on TV on Fox Soul’s “The Tammi Mac Late Show” to discuss Black women and infertility. Contact her at (855) 738-5345; frances@heartdesirescoaching.com
11. ==> Is Your Kid Ready for the High Costs of Higher Learning?
Are the parents in your audience tired of nagging their kids to study to get better grades? If so, Pete Andersen, Ph.D., an Amazon best-selling author of “The 3 Secret Skills of Top Performers,” a father of six college graduates, and a former principal and school superintendent, is on hand to give the success secrets they need to raise go-getters instead of excuse-makers. Dr. Pete will explain the need for an early discussion of the costs of college, the family sacrifices that may be needed and why higher education is an investment not to be wasted. He can also share why top students set low positive goals, and parents should wear college sweatshirts and discuss shared expectations. Ask him how can you teach your student to hold themselves accountable and demonstrate serious learning behaviors? What are top-performing students doing that your kids aren’t doing? How can parents raise positive expectations for future success in their children? Contact Dr. Pete Andersen at (858) 886-9820 (text); drpete@The3SecretSkillsofTopPerformers.com
12. ==> How This Retired Hospice Nurse Knows There is an Afterlife
As someone who has been with many patients as they faced the end of their lives, retired hospice nurse Jean Keegan Daly knows that some people wonder, worry, or feel afraid about an afterlife. The incidents she has witnessed coupled with her own profound near-death experience have led her to conclude that there truly is life after death, angels are real, and departed loved ones are still paying attention to our lives. Invite Jean on your program to hear some of her amazing stories including the one about 9-year-old Diane who, after her death, appeared to and spoke to Jean. Ask Jean: What lessons did her first hospice patient teach her? What encounters did she have with angels? Why does she believe that all of us have a soul and a purpose for what we are supposed to do in this life? Jean has written her memoir, “Reflections of a Seasoned Soul,” which reveals her journey to understanding life here and beyond. She has appeared on local television and taught at community colleges, organizations, and hospitals. Contact Jean Keegan Daly at (609) 912-3778; Jkeegandaly@rtirguests.com
13. ==> The Biggest Myths about Happiness
You might be surprised to learn that despite a history of childhood sexual assault, institutional racism, domestic violence, divorce and single parenting, Trish Ahjel Roberts is a happiness expert. “One of the most common misconceptions about happiness is that it’s based on your situation,” she explains. Roberts, founder of Mind-Blowing Happiness LLC and Black Vegan Life™, can explain how your listeners can experience mind-blowing happiness no matter what’s going on in their world or the world at large. The self-actualization coach says, “The trick is learning to find joy even when things aren’t going your way. That could be when the job, home, or relationship isn’t working out. For the country, that could be when we are experiencing trauma as a nation or not living up to our own ideals as Americans.” While Roberts’ business is focused on personal development, she has a diverse background including finance, economics, yoga and Buddhism. She is an MBA, certified life coach, and yoga and meditation instructor. Contact her at (917) 887-3689; hello@trishahjelroberts.com
14. ==> Make the Second Half of Your Life the BEST Half
As we age, some things deteriorate, and many aspects of life can get harder. However, it’s also true that plenty of things get better. That’s the message of Joe Swinger, who specializes in helping adults in midlife enjoy the VIP life — one marked by greater vibrancy, impact, and purpose. Joe is the creator of the Silver Linings Network, which he established to encourage happiness, success, and emotional health in midlife and later years. Invite him on your show to learn what you should focus on (besides money) as you approach and dive into retirement years. Ask him: What helps aging boomers recreate themselves, make a difference, and stay relevant — especially during challenging years like 2021? What skills and qualities (in addition to awareness, maturity, experience and motivation) can bring new opportunities and satisfaction in the second half of life? How can people love and appreciate life at every age? Contact Joe Swinger at (385) 425-6705; joeswinger@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Who Knew? Fascinating Facts about NYC
Ever wonder what lays beneath the high-rise buildings of New York? Or the city’s role in finalizing and celebrating the Constitution? Did you know that New York was the first U.S. capital? Sasha Vosk can share fascinating facts about New York and discuss the role the city has played in the country from colonial times until today, for its cultural and financial influence and its popularity as a tourist destination. Vosk’s new book, “400 Years of New York History: A Pictorial Guide: Book 1: New York as New Amsterdam in the 1600s,” takes readers back in time to experience the sights of New York City’s past using photorealism, a technique that combines photography, 3-D modeling and painting. Sasha Vosk is a Brooklyn-based writer, director, and muralist who immigrated to New York 40 years ago from Russia. He has also been a stand-up comic, an Emmy-award-winning film producer (“Billy Crystal: A Midnight Train to Moscow”), Russian cultural festival promoter, and a producer of the Moscow Circus’ worldwide tours. He is a New York history buff and has more than 30 years’ experience using photorealism in illustration and mural work. Contact Sasha Vosk at (347) 225-2574; author@VoskTimeTravelGuide.com