01. Heat Waves Are Getting Hotter and More Frequent
02. How to Stay Cool Without Air Conditioning
03. Why the Next Jan. 6 Hearing Could Be a Game Changer
04. Biden’s Approval Plummets – Is He One of Worst U.S. Presidents?
05. Trial Lawyer on Elon Musk/Twitter Battle Royale
06. Fear, Guns and the American Psyche
07. The U.S. Has a Maternal Health Crisis
08. Whatever Happened to ‘the Public Good’?
09. Why You Can’t Find Unbiased News in the U.S.
10. The Real Estate Market Is Crazy. These Stories Are Bonkers!
11. Psychedelics as Psychiatric Medicine?
12. How to Fix Our Broken Medical Model
13. Test Your Sunglasses IQ
14. Why the First and Last 15 Minutes of Your Day Are the Most Important
15. Save the Fireflies
1. ==> Heat Waves Are Getting Hotter and More Frequent
The U.S. and Europe are sweltering this summer and experts say the extreme heat is likely to become more frequent and more intense as the planet warms. Ben Zaitchik, a professor in the Earth and Planetary Sciences department at Johns Hopkins University who studies extreme weather events, says, “We’re going to be facing heat waves of at least the intensity we’ve been experiencing the past couple of years and almost certainly of greater intensity, even if we decarbonize along the best-case scenario.” He stresses the importance of preparing for a heatwave and taking steps to adapt to the changing environment. “Heat is often referred to as the silent killer because it doesn’t get the kind of attention a big hurricane blowing in does,” he says. “Just being aware of that is critically important.” Contact Ben Zaitchik, Ph.D., at (410) 516-4223; zaitchik@jhu.edu
2. ==> How to Stay Cool Without Air Conditioning
Air conditioning can be lifesaving in a heat wave but sometimes there just isn’t any available. Whether you are without power or don’t own an air conditioner, there are ways to feel comfortable when it’s hot out without artificial cooling. Wendell Porter, a senior lecturer emeritus in agricultural and biological engineering at the University of Florida, says hydration is the first and foremost step to cooling down. “If your body is suffering from the heat and needs to cool itself, it can’t do that without enough moisture, since the body cools itself by sweating,” he says. He adds that the temperature of the water doesn’t even matter since your body will heat it. He also recommends taking a cold shower or bath to lower your core temperature, using cold washrags on your neck and wrists, closing curtains and blinds, and choosing breathable, low thread count cotton sheets. Porter’s other tips include closing off rooms, sleeping in the basement and pulling out your crockpot to make meals without overheating the kitchen. Contact Wendell Porter at (352) 392-1864; waporter@ufl.edu
3. ==> Why the Next Jan. 6 Hearing Could Be a Game Changer
Over the course of the January 6 hearings, we’ve heard detailed testimony rejecting allegations of widespread fraud in the 2020 election and exposing former President Donald Trump’s failed attempts to overturn the results. While many commentators are pessimistic this new evidence will change the large proportion of Republican voters who’ve lost faith in American elections, Katherine Clayton and Robb Willer disagree. Invite them to discuss their recent experiment involving more than 2,000 GOP voters that indicates the possibility of a significant shift in public opinion. The pair writes, “Our findings suggest that continued media coverage of prominent Republicans endorsing election results – a recurring theme of the January 6 hearings – does matter.” Katherine Clayton is a Ph.D. candidate in political science at Stanford University. Robb Willer is a professor of sociology, psychology and organizational behavior at Stanford. Contact Rob Willer atwiller@stanford.edu; @RobbWiller or Katherine Clayton at kpc14@stanford.edu; @katie_clayton14
4. ==> Biden’s Approval Plummets – Is He One of Worst U.S. Presidents?
There were more voters who disapproved of President Joe Biden’s performance than those who approved of it in 88% of states in the second quarter of 2022, according to a new poll from Morning Consult, released the same day a CNBC survey found Biden’s overall and economic approval ratings have hit record lows—lower than former President Donald Trump’s worst ratings. Invite strategic advisor Dr. Harlan Ullman to discuss approval ratings and what they really mean. Ask him: If a president or world leader becomes too unpopular, does that undermine their office and ability to lead effectively? How do you think President Biden compares to other U.S. presidents and what do you think his legacy will be? Who are some of the worst presidents in U.S. history? Harlan Ullman’s career spans the worlds of business and government. Chairman of several companies and an advisor to the heads of major corporations and governments, he was the principal author of “Shock and Awe.” His latest book is “The Fifth Horseman and the New MAD: How Massive Attacks of Disruption Became the Looming Existential Danger to a Divided Nation and the World at Large.” Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; ryan@goldmanmccormick.com
5. ==> Trial Lawyer on Elon Musk/Twitter Battle Royale
The legal battle between the CEO of Tesla and the management of the microblogging website promises sparks and could have important consequences for mergers and acquisitions in the future. Invite top trial attorney Jesse Bolling to discuss the issue and how it could be resolved. Ask him Was Musk’s “walk” simply a ploy to lure Twitter into a lawsuit so he could get a better purchase price? If so, how is this “strategy” likely to play out? What leverage does each side have in the face of litigation? Should Twitter be careful about what they wish for? Is forcing someone to buy a company a big mistake? Might someone else step up and save the day for both litigants? If so, who might be a likely “player?” Jesse Bolling is a partner at Enenstein Law’s Costa Mesa, California, office. Contact Cherie Kerr at (714) 550-9900; (714) 271-2140 or Cherie@kerrpr-execuprov.com
6. ==> Fear, Guns and the American Psyche
The world continues to watch the seemingly never-ending mass shootings in the U.S. − particularly in schools such as Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas − in shock and horror. While social observers remain baffled about the “whys” and “hows” of these horrific tragedies, renowned scholar Sousan Abadian, Ph.D., claims the reasons are shockingly simple. “It’s all about fear,” she says. “All those people owning/carrying guns are the most frightened people around. How did they become so fearful, and how do we reassure them?” Dr. Sousan can discuss some of the reasons why American society may be so fear-based, including spiritual trauma, and that we are collectively suffering from the “trauma virus.” She has a Ph.D. in political economy and government from Harvard University and conducts workshops on healing from spiritual trauma. Contact Sousan at (617) 860-2785; sabadian@rtirguests.com
7. ==> The U.S. Has a Maternal Health Crisis
Even in the 21st century, pregnancy is rough for most women. And it can be unsafe and even fatal, particularly in the U.S. which has the highest rate of maternal fatalities in the developed world. To find out why, and how we can do better for mothers and babies, interview OB specialist obstetrician Alan Lindemann, M.D., who in his 40-year rural practice has delivered more than 6,000 babies without a single maternal death. Ask him: Why do we lose so many women in childbirth? How can complications be prevented? How has the Supreme Court decision on Roe vs. Wade increased the disparity in health-care access for women? What can be done about “maternity deserts” that keep expectant moms far from hospitals and care? Dr. Lindemann is the author of “Safe Pregnancy Explained: Three Steps to a Safer Pregnancy.” He can also answer questions about morning sickness, lifestyle changes, and what expectant fathers can do to improve the health of their partner. Contact Alan Lindemann, M.D., at (701) 399-9556; ALindemann@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Whatever Happened to ‘the Public Good’?
Today’s highly polarized society makes it hard for people from opposing sides to agree on anything, let alone work together, even if the goal is for the common good. It’s possible, though not easy, as Bee Bloeser personally witnessed in the middle of the Cold War when despite their vast differences, leaders across the globe joined forces to rid the world of smallpox. Bee and her family became involved in the global campaign when the CDC dispatched her husband to West Africa in 1969. Invite her to share what it was like to be an American woman in Africa at that time and the unexpected challenges she and her family faced, including brushes with a brutal dictator’s regime and living in an isolated region suffering a humanitarian crisis the rest of the world knew nothing about. An award-winning author and engaging public speaker, Bee Bloeser has been featured on NPR’s “Journeys of Discovery” and NPR KCBX Radio’s show, “Issues and Ideas.” Her book is “Vaccines and Bayonets: Fighting Smallpox in Africa amid Tribalism, Terror and the Cold War.” Contact her at (520) 214-5971; bbloeser@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Why You Can’t Find Unbiased News in the U.S.
We rely on the news to get information about the world and make good decisions, but newspapers, TV, radio, and social media are all businesses. They exist to make money, not inform you or even tell the truth. Is this real journalism? And who does it help – and hurt? Find out who owns and rules the press when you invite Dutch/American journalist Hans Izaak Kriek on your show. He’ll reveal the 15 billionaires and six major organizations that dominate and own the mainstream media and discuss how they influence and manipulate the American public daily, with fake news and framing. Ask him: How can you be sure the news you consume is accurate? What is framing and how do the media use it? Do others besides politicians use fake news, and why? Hans Izaak Kriek is the publisher and editor-in-chief of Krieksmediaworld.com and the author of “Trump’s Daily Domination of the News Media.” He’s worked as an international political journalist for AVRO/TROS, the two largest Dutch National broadcasters. As a media trainer, he has coached and advised thousands of politicians and executives. Contact him at (561) 861-2974; jkriek@rtirguests.com
10. ==> The Real Estate Market is Crazy. These Stories Are Bonkers!
Selling real estate to the rich and famous can sometimes be crazy, often hilarious but never boring. Let top Realtor Valerie Fitzgerald, cohost of the podcast “Real Estate, Real Laughs,” take your audience behind the scenes to hear some of the greatest stories never told before. While she can’t mention names, Valerie can dish on the unusual and sometimes embarrassing situations she and her peers have encountered (for example, showing a house while a naked couple were visible directly outside the window) and a whole lot more. Maybe you’ll hear about the role cats play in whether someone likes a house or not, celebrities who show up for appointments in disguise, or the fantastic perks the wealthiest potential buyers may be awarded to keep them happy. The former star of HGTV’s “Selling L.A,” former Ford model and TEDx speaker, Valerie Fitzgerald is one of Coldwell Banker’s Top 10 Agents, with $3 billion in sales. She has 30,000 followers on Instagram. Her weekly podcast proves there is a side to real estate most people don’t know about: the fun side. Contact Valerie Fitzgerald at (310) 861-3238; vfitzgerald@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Psychedelics as Psychiatric Medicine?
Some once-considered “bad boys” of illicit drug culture (LSD, Psilocybin, MDMA), are now getting a second look by mental health professionals. Harvard University has restarted its long-lost psilocybin research with the launch of the Center for Neuroscience of Psychedelics at Massachusetts General Hospital. Its goal is to test how psychedelics can be used in treating depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. Sparrow Hart is available for interview on this timely topic, having studied the variety of ways to alter and change consciousness for decades. He can discuss both the incredible promise of psychedelics as well as the potential pitfalls of their misuse in an addictive and distraction-seeking culture. Ask him if he see psychedelics as having a broader impact than just improving a few individuals’ happiness? He has studied with Native Americans, taught courses on shamanism, and led vision quests for three decades. Is there any commonality between these processes that alter consciousness, for example between a vision quest and a psychedelic journey? Sparrow’s varied career includes being a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Stanford, a brief stint working in a slaughterhouse, adventures in the Amazon, and over 30 years of leading workshops on shamanism, conscious dreaming, and vision quests in nature. 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
12. ==> How to Fix Our Broken Medical Model
How flawed is the traditional medical model in the U.S.? Can we depend on it to keep us well or is that wishful thinking? Dr. Annalee Kitay minces no words: “If you are smart, you’ll stop relying on a system that is failing everyone. Instead, you’ll learn how to tap into your body’s amazing healing properties through noninvasive modalities.” Dr. Kitay can tell your audience how to do just that. Ask her: Did medicine fail us during the pandemic? What can people do to protect themselves against communicable and other illnesses? Dr. Kitay has been in private practice for 30 years and trained in alternative protocols that aid the body in its natural recovery. She is one of the top practitioners of Neural Organization Technique and teaches the hands-on protocol to other doctors. She is a frequent guest on talk shows. Contact Annalee Kitay at (561) 462-4733; akitay@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Test Your Sunglasses IQ
Do you know how to pick a pair of sunglasses 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
14. ==> Why the First and Last 15 Minutes of Your Day Are the Most Important
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. ==> Save the Fireflies
Chasing lightning bugs on a summer night has long been a rite of passage for many youngsters. But you may feel as if you are seeing fewer flashes across the night sky compared to when you were younger. Sérgio Henriques, the invertebrate conservation coordinator for the Indianapolis Zoo’s Global Center for Species Survival, can explain “little and easy” things listeners can do to help increase lightning bug populations including reducing lights at night, planting native species, installing a rain garden and reducing the chemicals you use on your yard or in your house. You’ll also learn how you can participate in Firefly Watch, an ongoing initiative to better survey and know the extent of lightning bug populations across the nation. “Fireflies are a privilege,” Henriques says. “It would be such a waste of a treasure if they were to decline or be gone.” Contact Kelly Griese at (317) 735-6381; kgriese@indyzoo.com or Judy Palermo at (317) 630-2010; jpalermo@indyzoo.com