01. The Cold War Never Ended
02. We Need to Do 3 Things NOW to Save the Earth
03. It’s Earth Week: Is What You Eat Helping or Hurting?
04. Can Elephants Reverse Climate Change?
05. Helping Women Take Hold of Their Finances
06. Road Rage is Rising: How to Tame Your Temper
07. The Problem with ‘Fresh-Smelling’ Laundry
08. Why the Most Qualified Person Doesn’t Always Get the Job
09. This Guest Landed Her Dream Job in Her 60s
10. Do a Show on Women Who Run the Cruise Industry
11. Everyday Tips to Squash Stress
12. What History Can Tell Us about Ending Polarization
13. What Makes for a Happy Life?
14. How the First and Last 15 Minutes of Your Day Can Change Your Life
15. What You Don’t Know about Sunglasses Could Hurt You
1.==> The Cold War Never Ended
Steven Kotkin says the view is now widespread that Vladimir Putin cannot be allowed to triumph in Ukraine not only for the sake of Ukraine and Europe but also for the sake of the Asian strategy that the United States is pursuing with its allies. “Moscow is now a pariah, and business as usual with Beijing is no longer tenable,” he says. “Even the most committed liberal internationalists, including some in the Biden administration, are coming to see that enduring rivalries constitute an ongoing cold war — that the world as it is came into being not in 1989-1991 but in the 1940s, when the greatest sphere of influence in history was deliberately formed to counter the Soviet Union and Stalin. It is fundamentally a voluntary sphere of influence that offers mutual prosperity and peace, in contrast to the closed, coercive sphere pursued by Russia in Ukraine and by China in its region and beyond.” Steven Kotkin teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on modern authoritarian regimes, global history (1850-present), and Soviet-Eurasian history. He is the author of numerous books and writes for various publications including “The New Republic,” “Times Literary Supplement,” “The New Yorker” and “The Washington Post.” Contact him at (609) 258-4699; kotkin@princeton.edu
2. ==> We Need to Do 3 Things NOW to Save the Earth
Earth Day started in 1970. Back then, pesticides were in our food, the air was choked with smog, and our national symbol, the bald eagle, was nearing extinction. Dominick DellaSala says we still have a long way to go to a safe climate and thriving planet. “Climate change has become climate chaos and is now intertwined with the unraveling of the natural world globally and locally.” The longtime conservationist and chief scientist at Wild Heritage can discuss the biggest threats to the environment and the three things we must do now, while there is precious time remaining; end our addiction to fossil fuels and the corporations and unjust governments that profit from them, protect older forests and big trees, and adapt to wildfires. Dr. Dominick A. DellaSala is the former president of the Society for Conservation Biology, North America Section. He is an internationally renowned author of over 200 scientific papers and has appeared on “Jim Lehrer News Hour,” CNN, MSNBC, “Living on Earth (NPR),” several PBS documentaries and Fox News. Contact him at (541) 621-7223 dominick@geosinstitute.org
3. ==> It’s Earth Week: Is What You Eat Helping or Hurting?
This is Earth Week and a great time to think about the impact of all we do on the planet, including what we eat. Interview health coach Ximena Yanez to find out five ways what you are putting in your mouth might be ruining the environment as well as five simple things you could easily do to turn this around. Ask her: Does eating organic produce really matter? What’s so bad about GMO ingredients? What should you include in every meal? Ximena (pronounced He-men-a) is the author of “Healthy Planet, Healthy You: Invest Now in the Transformational Change That Will Ensure Our Future” and the former CFO of an environmental fund. Contact her at (720) 277-8617; xiyaso@gmail.com
4.==> Can Elephants Reverse Climate Change?
People the world over have a deep affection for elephants. But did you know that they could help save the planet? “Not only are elephants adorable, super loving and brilliant, but they are also important ecosystem engineers,” says author and animal/environmental advocate Georja Umano. “They are so large that rain in an elephant’s footprint can create a microsystem that can provide a home for tadpoles and other organisms. The effects of their movements in both savannahs and forests help restore and maintain the balance of nature.” Georja can share why it’s so important to protect this endangered species, and other fascinating pachyderm facts, as well as her experiences living in Kenya. She is the author of “Terrier in the Jungle.” Contact her at (213) 568-1764; gumano@rtirguests.com
5. ==> Helping Women Take Hold of Their Finances
Nearly one billion women have been completely excluded from the formal financial system. Microfinance has been hailed as an economic lifeline for women in developing countries — but, as Mary Ellen Iskenderian explains, it takes more than microloans to empower women and promote sustainable, inclusive economic growth. Invite the president and CEO of Women’s World Banking (WWB) to discuss how financial inclusion can be transformative for the lives of women in developing countries, and why the banking industry should view these one billion “unbanked” women as a business opportunity. WWB is a global nonprofit devoted to giving low-income women in the developing world access to the financial tools and resources they require to achieve financial security. Iskenderian leads the WWB global team, based in New York, and serves as a member of the Investment Committee of its two investment funds. Mary Ellen is also on the Forbes 50 over 50: Investment list. Her new book is “There’s Nothing Micro About a Billion Women: Making Finance Work for Women.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com
6. ==> Road Rage is Rising: How to Tame Your Temper
Gas prices aren’t the only thing ticking motorists off these days as more drivers take advantage of nice weather and the opportunity to take long-delayed roads trips. Road rage incidents increased during the pandemic and Houston had three separate road rage shootings last weekend. Author and happiness expert Trish Ahjel Roberts can offer motorists five tips for taming their tempers behind the wheel. She’ll explain how to gear up your imagination to build empathy, recognize your success as a driver, notice your breath, safely acknowledge your anger and entertain yourself while behind the wheel. The author of “12 Steps to Mind-Blowing Happiness” recently appeared on CBS46 in Atlanta to discuss road rage. Contact Trish Ahjel Roberts at (917) 887-3689; hello@trishahjelroberts.com
7. ==> The Problem with ‘Fresh-Smelling’ Laundry
Your laundry may smell like a mountain breeze or fresh meadow after washing. But those seemingly delightful aromas may be as deadly as cigarettes. “Many household products contain fragrance,” says product expert Zorica Denton. “They may contain anywhere from 100 to 1,000 chemicals. But they don’t have to be listed due to trade secret policies.” Zorica developed asthma, a gastric ulcer and other debilitating health problems as a result of working as a perfume model, and almost died. She is the founder of the natural personal care products company Zorica of Malibu, and author of an upcoming book about toxic chemicals in products. Contact her at (213) 616-7904; zdenton@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Why the Most Qualified Person Doesn’t Always Get the Job
The interview went well and your qualifications met the job description to a T. Despite your certainty that you were the most qualified candidate, you didn’t get the job. Why not? Get the surprising answer from Beverly Williams, the author of “Your GPS to Employment Success: How to Find and Succeed in the Right Job,” and an employment professional, arbitrator, and former HR executive in both private and public sectors. She’ll explain why the most qualified person doesn’t always get the job and reveal the bigger picture that most of us miss when we are on the hunt for a new job so next time, you’ll be better prepared. Williams is a partner at Wong Fleming PC in Princeton, N.J., where she specializes in labor and employment law. She also hosts the Your Employment Matters with Beverly Williams podcast. Williams earned an M.P.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a J.D. from Rutgers Law School. Contact Beverly Williams at (973) 576-5841; bwilliams@rtirguests.com
9. ==> This Guest Landed Her Dream Job in Her 60s
Most people over 60 who wish to continue working fear age discrimination and a workforce that seems to favor younger employees. But Judy Balloff claims that’s nonsense. “I started a new career at age 64 in a job I had never done before, and I have made over half a million dollars at an age when many take social security,” she says. “Treat looking for a job like a job. Be open-minded about doing something with your skills that never occurred to you before.” Judy can share these and other tips for landing your dream job in your 50s, 60s, and beyond. She is a financial advisor and author of “365 Days of Abundance.” Contact her at (571) 568-8491; jballoff@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Do a Show on Women Who Run the Cruise Industry
Most people think of cruise ship honchos as men. However, more and more women are manning the helm in the industry, and making waves. “Today, there are numerous women cruise line presidents and vice presidents, as well as the first and only American woman captain of a cruise ship for a well-known cruise line, and another woman who is a co-founder and co-owner,” says author and travel industry expert Cindy Bertram. Cindy can talk about the numerous women cruise line big wigs who have sailed on to dazzling careers in an industry long dominated by men. She is a communications, media and branding specialist who has spent many years in the travel and cruise industry and is the author of “How Six Women Executives Steer the Cruise Industry Today” and “Message from the Dog…Learning from Great Humans.” Contact Cindy at (219) 775-6488; cbertram@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Everyday Tips to Squash Stress
Even before the pandemic’s lingering effects, the war in Ukraine, and rising food prices, stress was a constant problem and killer. In time for Stress Awareness Month in April, Dr. D. Terrence Foster says, “We all experience stress. However, the nature of stress is complex.” He’ll explain the impact of stress on the body as well as society as a whole and discuss how to create a stress management and prevention plan. He’ll also offer dozens of ways to ease daily stressors. D. Terrence Foster, M.D., is board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation as well as pain medicine. His new best-selling award-winning book is “The Stress Book: 40-Plus Ways to Manage Stress & Enjoy Your Life.” Contact him at (678) 237-1080; INFO@DTERRENCEFOSTER.COM
12. ==> What History Can Tell Us about Ending Polarization
Americans are so deeply divided today that one might wonder if anything could possibly bring us together. But author and theologian Sheryl White, D. Min., says that history can offer us some comfort, particularly Civil War history. Dr. White says we need to stop choosing sides on every issue, bridging issues instead. It’s not an all-or-nothing siding with pro-lifers or pro-abortionists, pro-guns or anti-guns, Democrats or Republicans, conservatives or progressives. Dr. White can offer steps we can take to bridge that divide including ways we can strip away labels and stereotypes and make friends with people who represent different religions, races and positions on issues. Dr. White is a YouTube channel creator and the author of historical fiction based on the life of abolitionist and suffragist Laura Smith Haviland. Contact Dr. White at (620) 672-1596; sdw1001@gmail.com
13. ==> What Makes for a Happy Life?
With all of the increased stress of the modern world, it’s become increasingly difficult for people to find their happy space. Author and realtor Valentina Tjan claims that there are simple, yet powerful ways to reclaim and maintain joy, starting with your home. “Home should be a haven to fall back to,” she says. Valentina can share how to turn your home into a physical, emotional and spiritual safe sanctuary for your spouse, your kids, and yourself. She is the author of “The Best Is Yet to Come: Real Life Journey to Riches to Inspire You to Wisdom and Wealth.” Contact Valentina at (647) 493-1694; vphoey@rtirguests.com
14. ==> How the First and Last 15 Minutes of Your Day Can Change Your Life
Did you know that you can change your life, get rid of stress, and feel more in control of your destiny in only 30 minutes a day? Interview Theo Prodromitis, the author of “The Balance Between the Hustle and the Flow: Knowing When to Make Things Happen and When to Let Them Happen,” to discover why the first and last 15 minutes of your day are the most important and how to maximize them. Theo is an award-winning entrepreneur, marketing strategist, and best-selling author of “The Success Formula” with Jack Canfield. What does neuroscience tell us about our brain activity at the beginning and end of each day? What are the four things we should do every morning? Contact Theo Prodromitis at (813) 701-5414; tprodromitis@rtirguests.com
15. ==> What You Don’t Know about Sunglasses Could Hurt You
What’s your sunglass IQ? Do you know how to pick a pair that will protect your eyes and not just look good? Do you know when to wear them and why? Many people have no clue about just how important protecting their eyes from the sun’s UV rays is, missing out on a simple way to help ensure that they keep their vision for life. But as vision educator Linda Odubayo Thompson will tell you, “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. “Add to that protection against cataracts while looking totally cool, and you have a potent reason not to leave the house without them.” Linda knows not to take her vision for granted; she has suffered from glaucoma for more than 30 years. Ask her why aren’t sunglasses just for summer? Why do you need them on cloudy days? Should you also wear a hat? What does she have in common with Bono? Contact Linda Odubayo Thompson at (914) 944-1474; lthompson@rtirguests.com