01. Why Don’t More Christians Denounce Christian Nationalists?
02. #DontRunJoe
03. A Young Boy Flipped ‘Let’s Go Brandon’ On Its Head
04. Science (Not Political Science) Can Conquer Climate Change
05. Help Save the Monarch Butterfly
06. Jackpot! What Would You Do with $1 Billion?
07. The Only Correct Way to Pay a Medical Bill
08. The ‘Perfect Storm’ in the Workplace Now
09. How to Help Burned-Out Health Care Workers
10. Does Society Look Down on Childless Couples?
11. The Many Ways Alzheimer’s Impacts Families
12. Are You Keeping Killer Secrets?
13. Two Choices the Most Successful People Make
14. Can You Rewire Your Own Brain? How to Break Negative Patterns
15. Love at First Sight: What’s Behind It?
1.==> Why Don’t More Christians Denounce Christian Nationalists?
Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene recently labeled herself a Christian nationalist and says the “movement” will solve school shootings and “sexual immorality” in America. For years, Amanda Tyler has been tracking Christian nationalism and sounding the alarm about it, but she says Greene’s comments mark an alarming shift in the public conversation and she thinks Christians have a special responsibility to separate themselves from this ideology. “American Christians can and should be self-critical about the ways our faith and our country have been influenced by Christian nationalism, and we need to come together to loudly reject those who would embrace it as their identity and as a policy direction for the country.” She says, “Christian nationalism is a political ideology and cultural framework that merges Christian and American identities, distorting both the Christian faith and America’s promise of religious freedom.” Amanda Tyler is the executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty and the lead organizer of the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign. Contact Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons at guthrie@BJConline.org
2. ==> #DontRunJoe
A recent CNN poll found that 75% of Democrats do not want President Joe Biden to run for reelection in 2024. Now comes word of an upcoming campaign to get his attention called #DontRunJoe. The initiative is organized by the progressive group RootsAction. Co-founder Jeff Cohen says, “The current debate over whether Biden should run again focuses too narrowly on his age and the latest polls. It’s his performance — his inability to fight for working people and stand up against Republican and corporate obstruction — that has us worried about 2024.” The group says it plans to spend six figures on the #DontRunJoe campaign, with digital ads starting in early nominating states on Nov. 9, one day after the midterm elections. Jeff Cohen is an author, media critic, and co-founder of RootsAction, a non-partisan, online initiative started in 2011 to galvanize people committed to economic fairness, equal rights for all, civil liberties, environmental protection — and defunding endless wars. Contact Jeff Cohen at jeff@rootsaction.org; @jeffcot or @Roots_Action
3. ==> A Young Boy Flipped ‘Let’s Go Brandon’ On Its Head
The origins and meaning of “Let’s Go Brandon” are anything but positive, but a young boy’s innocent misunderstanding has turned the hurtful phrase on its head. Sheletta Brundidge wrote the children’s book “Brandon Spots His Sign,” about her son feeling awkward about participating in activities because of his autism. When he spots “Let’s Go Brandon” messages in his neighborhood they encourage him to take more chances. The book attracted the attention of President Joe Biden, who sent Brandon a letter of admiration. It also reached Brandon Brown, the NASCAR driver who unwittingly helped spawn the phrase. He invited the family to a race as a chance to reclaim a phrase that he feels has gotten too nasty. Brundidge says the whole ordeal has been a huge boost for her son. “I have seen his confidence go through the roof. Kids with autism are so often chosen last or left out. A lot of times, it’s because other children just don’t understand why they do what they do.” Sheletta Brundidge is a broadcaster, media personality and author. Three of her four children were born with autism and her books aim to educate families about the condition and show her own kids how much they are loved. Contact her at shelettab@gmail.com
4.==> Science (Not Political Science) Can Conquer Climate Change
Record-high temperatures in Europe and elsewhere, droughts, wildfires, more severe storms, and increased migration can all be traced to climate change, yet international efforts to slow the pace of global warming have accomplished little. Richard Haas doubts politicians will rise to the occasion to slow global warming but doesn’t believe all is lost. “The best hope of getting ahead of climate change may well come from technology, primarily those that enable us to stop or even reverse climate change, whether by removing some atmospheric carbon or by putting reflective particles in the atmosphere to reduce the amount of sunlight that reaches Earth.” The president of the Council on Foreign Policy says there is a recent precedent for such a global effort: COVID-19. “What saved us from an even greater catastrophe was government and business coming together to develop a new generation of highly effective vaccines in record time. With climate change, too, we will have to rely more on physical science than political science to save us from ourselves.” Richard Haass is a veteran diplomat, a prominent voice on American foreign policy. The Council on Foreign Relations is an independent, nonpartisan membership organization, think tank, publisher, and educational institution. Contact him at (212) 434-9540; president@cfr.org
5. ==> Help Save the Monarch Butterfly
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has just added the migratory monarch butterfly to it’s Red List of Threatened Species as endangered. The monarch is the only butterfly known to make a two-way migration like birds, but the native populations have declined dramatically since the 1980s, especially in the western United States. Destruction of habitat and rising temperatures are increasingly threatening the species, but Wendy Caldwell of Monarch Joint Venture says it’s not too late to protect them. She’ll discuss current efforts to save the butterflies and how listeners can help by growing milkweed and reducing pesticides. “I think that this IUCN listing will continue to help us grow momentum just by generating awareness that monarchs are in trouble,” she says. “They need our help, and everybody has a role to play.” Wendy Caldwell is the executive director of Monarch Joint Venture, a nonprofit that coordinates a network of more than 110 organizations from all over the United States to conserve the migration of the monarchs. Contact Stacy Carlson at (612) 208-6049; stacy@monarchjointventure.org
6. ==> Jackpot! What Would You Do with $1 Billion?
So let’s imagine you’re the incredibly lucky winner of the Mega Millions’ mind-boggling $1 billion jackpot on Friday. What should you do next? Financial advisor Robert Pagliarini, CEO of Pacifica Wealth Advisors, frequently helps lottery winners and people who come into money very quickly. He says there are some basic tips that can save you money and heartache, including a few that you should do in the first 10 minutes after winning. He’ll share other advice too, like why you should keep mum about your win and whether you should take a lump sum payment or annuity. A syndicated columnist for CBS and Forbes, Robert Pagliarini has appeared on Dr. Phil, 20/20, Good Morning America, ABC News, and more. Contact him at Robert@Pacificawealth.com
7. ==> The Only Correct Way to Pay a Medical Bill
Medical debt is the No. 1 cause of bankruptcy in the U.S. But perhaps what is even more shocking is that medical bills often contain errors and most patients have no idea that they are paying their medical bills wrong, says Virgie Bright Ellington, M.D., an internal medicine physician and former insurance executive. She says that when patients receive a bill for any costly medical procedure, hospital stay, surgery or ER visit they need to take three steps before paying it. Invite her to explain the process that can save you thousands of dollars. Dr. Virgie first became interested in medical debt after sharing a hospital room with a woman with young children who was coerced into agreeing to pay an exorbitant medical bill that would force her family into debt. Her new book is “What Your Doctor Wants You to Know to Crush Medical Debt.” Contact her at (914) 636-1070; dr.virgie@crushmedicaldebt.com
8. ==> The ‘Perfect Storm’ in the Workplace Now
When unhappy workers started quitting their jobs in unprecedented numbers the phenomenon was dubbed “The Great Resignation,” but Oreste D’Aversa says yet another shift is occurring as aging baby boomers leave the workforce. “I view this ‘perfect storm’ as creating not so much a revolution, but more of an evolution of the way business needs to hire, retain, and motivate employees so everyone can be content, productive, and prosperous.” Invite the author of “Life Beyond the Pandemic: A Practical New Journey Handbook” on your show and learn how to navigate this evolving world of work. He’ll share his revolutionary step-by-step blueprint to reinvent your life and thrive, explain what people get wrong about happiness and money, and help listeners get unstuck, define their life’s purpose, and be more prosperous in every aspect of life. Oreste D’Aversa is a life and business coach, corporate trainer and all-faith minister. Contact him at (201) 949-3002; odaversa@rtirguests.com
9. ==> How to Help Burned-Out Health Care Workers
Hospitals across the U.S. are facing workforce shortages, some so severe that they have had to scale back on the services they offer. This is not surprising given that 22 million U.S. healthcare professionals and another 38 million around the world had nearly every aspect of their lives negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. But, as Katherine Kelly, Ph.D., M.S.P.H, says, making them whole again will require more than offering higher wages and signing bonuses. Dr. Kelly says, “Like individuals, healthcare organizations are struggling because they’ve lost touch with who they are. Until that is repaired the problems will persist.” She’ll explain what healthcare leaders need to know about leading in post-COVID times, five vital steps to revitalizing the “soul” of healthcare organizations, and six ways to make healthcare workers whole again. Dr. Katherine T. Kelly, Ph.D., M.S.P.H., is a clinical health psychologist, former director of behavioral science in family medicine and medical school professor, best-selling author, speaker and consultant. Her latest book is “The Healer’s Path to Post-COVID Recovery: A Restorative Journey for Healthcare Workers.” Contact her at (336) 659-3923; (336) 406-8431 (cell) or kkelly@drkatherinetkelly.com
10. ==> Does Society Look Down on Childless Couples?
Does our society discriminate against the childless? Do we assume that everyone should have children and that those who don’t are selfish? Is it OK to ask strangers if they have children? Can most people truly understand the pain of being childless due to infertility? And finally, since children are so valued by U.S. society, should health-care plans cover IVF costs? Spark an enlightening discussion that may change minds when you interview Frances Jones, the author of “Overcoming the Emotional Stigmas of Infertility: Barren But Not Ashamed.” Her book tells the story of her over 20-year journey of never conceiving children and offers tips for couples traveling a similar journey. She’s a global women empowerment speaker, an advocate, and a transformational coach who has been featured on CBS, NBC, ABC and Fox affiliates, in the Los Angeles Tribune and other media. Contact her at (901) 910-0915; fjones@rtirguests.com
11. ==> The Many Ways Alzheimer’s Impacts Families
Alzheimer’s disease affects some 5.8 million American families with loved ones over 65 while its younger version, early-onset, affects at least 200,000 more. Whenever this progressive, memory-robbing disease strikes, families are tested on so many levels: emotionally, physically, financially, and mentally, in ways most of us can’t imagine. For a look at Alzheimer’s hidden toll on families, interview Carlen Maddux, a former reporter who cared for his wife for 17 years after she was diagnosed at 50. He can talk about how his wife’s illness affected their children and his marriage and the lessons he learned along the way. Maddux is the author of “A Path Revealed” and has done dozens of interviews. Contact him at (727) 351-8321; CMaddux@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Are You Keeping Killer Secrets?
Everyone knows that keeping secrets can be stressful. But what most people don’t know is that it can also lead to illnesses including cancer. Attorney, author and cancer survivor Francine Tone discusses the worst things to keep to yourself that can lead to illness, suffering and even the loss of life. She’s not merely talking about what you don’t tell your doctor or what happens with missed screenings. She’s talking about traumas, big and small, that happen to everyone that you keep hidden out of shame. Francine is a sought-after interview guest on legal matters and overcoming everything from abuse to debilitating accidents. Ask her: Why do secrets ultimately only protect other people? What secrets did you keep before coming to your senses? Francine Tone is the author of “What Every Good Lawyer Wants You to Know.” Contact Francine Tone at (531) 208-1297; FTone@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Two Choices the Most Successful People Make
What do highly savvy people do on their way to great accomplishments, wealth, power and influence? How do they become confident and fulfilled? Choice expert Rico Racosky — with an impressive career as a fighter pilot, airline pilot, and creator of the Choice Revolution — has the answers. Ask him: How has the way people make choices changed in recent years? How has it opened up more opportunities? How can you recognize a poor choice before you make one? The author of “Just 2 Choices” also speaks nationwide on making choices that will reward you with relationship happiness, better income and savings, career and entrepreneurial success, wellness and fitness, and even longevity. Contact Rico Racosky at (720) 572-1321; RRacosky@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Can You Rewire Your Own Brain? How to Break Negative Patterns
The feeling of being stuck in a rut or trapped by life’s circumstances is all too common, especially in the wake of a global pandemic that has left us with fewer choices than ever. Laura Brennan Ballet is here to help us break free of the negative patterns that keep us stuck in unhappy jobs, relationships, or situations – simply by changing the way we think. An experienced life coach and the author of “The Science of Empowerment,” Laura can teach your audience how to not just think differently, but to actually recalibrate your brain and move forward with intent, free of the negativity that’s been holding you back. Ask her: Is it really possible to live without regrets? Why does she say that we all become algorithms of the people around us? How can we “think better?” Contact Laura Ballet at (860) 831-4435; lballet@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Love at First Sight: What’s Behind It?
If you haven’t experienced it yourself you’ve probably seen it portrayed in a movie: two people who have an instant attraction, a soul connection, and a feeling they belong together. Alicia McBride, an empath, psychic, and author of three books, can discuss the powerful emotions behind love at first sight. Whether they are believers or not, your audience will get a kick out of exploring this unusual topic. In an interview, Alicia will say that intense instant attraction may be the result of recognizing someone from a past life, or from one of the participants having psychic abilities even though they may be hidden. She’ll explain that what we think of as love at first sight may not last or even be mutual. Be sure to ask her what happened when she met a man she had pictured in her head for two years. Alicia McBride is the author of “The Empath Effect,” “I Feel Too Much” and “I Love You When.” Reach her at (484) 369-1464; Healinglightempath@gmail.com