01. Will Mar-a-Lago Search Ignite Right-Wing Violence?
02. Trump Raid Should Be Garland’s Opening Act
03. NBA Player/Coach Ray Scott on Bill Russell, Racism and More
04. Can We Please Change the Name of Monkeypox?
05. Why a 4-Day Work Week Would Be Better for the Earth
06. Who Knew? How to Pay Less for Big Medical Bills
07. Why Are Americans So Fearful?
08. Latinos More Likely to Get Alzheimer’s, Less Likely to Get Treatment
09. Good News for Older Workers – Employers Like You
10. How to Be Happy in an Unhappy World
11. Award-winning Senior Athlete Began Sprinting at 61
12. What No One Ever Tells You about Being an Entrepreneur
13. 3 Questions You Should Never Ask People You Meet
14. Got Social Anxiety? 4 Things You Can Do Right
15. Irreverent Reverend Busts Taboos about God and Sex
1. ==> Will Mar-a-Lago Search Ignite Right-Wing Violence?
For months, right-wing agitators have peddled the idea that a moment was brewing when violence would become necessary — a patriotic duty — to save the republic. After the FBI search of Donald Trump’s Florida compound this week, some say the moment is here. Extremist researcher Caroline Orr Bueno compiled a collage of dozens of screenshots of tweets calling for violence in response to the search, or “raid” in the parlance of Trump supporters. “I already bought my ammo,” one person boasted in the sampling.” “Civil War! Pick up arms, people!” ordered another. “This whole situation is red meat for their base. They use events like this to feed into this fantasy they’ve co-created with their supporters and defusing the situation would require stepping out of that alternate reality,” says Orr Bueno, a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Maryland who studies disinformation. “They’re not going to do that, particularly with 2024 right around the corner.” She adds that a “disturbing number of elected Republicans and influential right-wing figures” joined in on the “civil war” rhetoric. Contact Caroline Orr Bueno at (301) 226-8900; info@arlis.umd.edu or @RVAwonk
2. ==> Trump Raid Should Be Garland’s Opening Act
It’s not entirely clear why the FBI targeted Mar-a-Lago, but it appears the feds were searching for classified records Donald Trump stashed at his Palm Beach compound after leaving the White House. Journalist Timothy O’Brien says those calling the search a “weaponization” of federal investigations and something that would happen in a “Banana Republic” are wrong. “That’s how a proper federal investigation unfolds,” he says. “And those worried that holding a former president accountable for his crimes runs the risk of sparking a constitutional and political crisis should consider the converse: Allowing Trump to end-run the law also threatens to shred the fabric of American democracy and justice.” He adds, “The American democratic experiment is at stake, and (Merrick) Garland’s core duty is to charge Trump for the crimes he committed and then let the judicial process run its course.” Timothy L. O’Brien is a journalist, editor, TV commentator and the author of “TrumpNation: The Art of Being the Donald.” Contact him at tim@timothylobrien.com; @TimOBrien or Henry Reisch at HReisch@wmeentertainment.com
3. ==> NBA Player/Coach Ray Scott on Bill Russell, Racism and More
Ray Scott was a celebrated NBA player in the 1960s and the first Black Coach of the Year. He was part of the early wave of Black NBA players like Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain who literally changed how the game of professional basketball is played. Scott’s new book “The NBA in Black and White: The Memoir of a Trailblazing NBA Player and Coach,” shares the hard lessons learned in the racially segregated and sometimes outright racist NBA of the early ’60s. Invite Scott on your show to share his memories of Russell and hear about his relationships with fellow Philly native Wilt Chamberlain, Aretha Franklin, Muhammad Ali and many others. You’ll also learn how he became one of the few players to become a successful NBA coach thanks to the mentorship of NBA player and coach Earl Lloyd. Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853 (cell); LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com or @lissa_warren
4. ==> Can We Please Change the Name of Monkeypox?
Monkeypox has been declared a public health emergency worldwide and now health justice advocates are urging experts not to exacerbate stigma among those most at risk of the virus. Dr. Stella Safo, an HIV primary care physician and the founder of Just Equity for Health, says renaming the virus is an important measure to reduce stigma. “When a disease that can infect humans –– especially diseases that can cause disfigurement –– has a closeness in its name to an animal, it increases the stigma for those who then get infected. It becomes really important that we consider all of the implications that come with a name. In this case, ‘monkeypox’ is something that people already have a lot of thoughts about. It’s important that we start to name these conditions as neutrally as possible.” In 2015, the World Health Organization issued guidance on naming new human infectious diseases. The idea is to avoid names that worsen stigma or create negative associations or fear. Contact Dr. Safo at stella@justequityforhealth.com; @AmmahStarr
5. ==> Why a 4-Day Work Week Would Be Better for the Earth
Numerous studies have been done over the years on the impact of a four-day work week. In addition to improving the well-being of workers, experts now say slashing working hours may also reduce carbon emissions. “The one thing we do know from lots of years of data and various papers and so forth is that the countries with short hours of work tend to be the ones with low emissions, and work time reductions tend to be associated with emission reduction,” says Juliet Schor, an economist and sociologist at Boston College who researches work, consumption and climate change. Transportation is the biggest contributor to greenhouse emissions, Schor says, “and commuting is a big part of that.” But the climate benefits of less commuting could be negated, experts say, depending on how people choose to spend their time off. Schor says it’s important to ask: “What are people going to do on the fifth day, and what is the energy use associated with that, and how does it compare with what they would be doing?” Contact Juliet Schor, Ph.D., at (617)-552-4056; juliet.schor@bc.edu
6. ==> Who Knew? How to Pay Less for Big Medical Bills
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. Invite the author of “What Your Doctor Wants You to Know to Crush Medical Debt” to share three steps everyone should take before paying a bill for a costly medical procedure, hospital stay, surgery or ER visit and learn how to defend and protect your loved ones from financial ruin. Virgie Bright Ellington, M.D., is an internal medicine physician and medical billing expert. A dedicated patient advocate, Dr. Virgie practiced for more than 20 years in primary care and psychiatric settings and as a health insurance executive. She now helps patients understand complex medical procedures, communicate effectively with their health care providers, and avoid financial catastrophe from crushing medical bills. Contact her at (914) 636-1070; dr.virgie@crushmedicaldebt.com
7. ==> Why Are Americans So Fearful?
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
8. ==> Latinos More Likely to Get Alzheimer’s, Less Likely to Get Treatment
According to data from the Alzheimer’s Association, Hispanic people are about 50% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than non-Latino whites but are less likely to pursue treatment for the disease. Instead, they tend to rely on informal care from family and community members. This can lead to poor health outcomes because of low awareness of the disease and its symptoms as well as limited access to medical resources. Behavioral specialist and author Lisa Skinner says language, lack of resources and cultural differences are often roadblocks to quality dementia care. “Alzheimer’s disease is a global crisis that needs native-language resources which help family members and caregivers improve their ability to manage the challenging symptoms and behaviors associated with brain disease,” says Skinner. “Many Latino caregivers end up being family members, as many Latinos live in multigenerational households.” She shares tools for caregivers in the book, “Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s – Its Secret Faces,” which is also available in Spanish (“Verdad, Mentiras Y Alzheimer – Sus Caras Secretas”). Skinner is a Certified Dementia Care Trainer through the Alzheimer’s Association with more than a quarter-century of experience in the field of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Contact Dianemarie (DM) Collins at (775) 742-8403; DM@DMProductionsLLC.com; @DMCollins
9. ==> Good News for Older Workers – Employers Like You
Older workers used to have a rough time finding employment due to rampant age discrimination. But thanks to the current labor shortages and lack of reliable employees, people of a certain age are very much in demand in the job market. “Mature workers are worth their weight in gold,” says author Judy Balloff. “They are extremely reliable, efficient and have a terrific work ethic.” Judy should know. She landed her dream job at age 60, and even met and married the love of her life in her later years. “I can also show people how to control their thoughts to create their own reality and share the 12 Universal Laws for living a healthier and happier life and other tips for finding your dream life 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. ==> How to Be Happy in an Unhappy World
For people all around the globe, the COVID-19 pandemic introduced never-before-seen challenges that no one was prepared to meet, with disastrous consequences for not only our health, but our happiness and well-being. Even before the pandemic, people had overall been less happy year after year, and the unprecedented coronavirus crisis has only accelerated things. Is it possible to return to a pre-pandemic state of happiness? Author and mentor Mary Mitchell helps your audience learn how to break free of constant worry and anxiety over current events as well as personal problems, so you can rediscover joy no matter what’s happening — in your life, or in the world at large. An experienced media guest, Mary is the author of seven books and has received multiple awards for her work in environmental conservation and restoration. Contact Mary Mitchell at (530) 561-5945 or mmitchell@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Award-winning Senior Athlete Began Sprinting at 61 (He’ll Get You Off the Couch)
Exercising is one of those things that we all know we should be doing, and yet we can find endless reasons not to. The issue can be even harder to tackle for those over 40 because many people believe that the older you get, the more pointless it is to try getting into shape. National champion senior athlete John Hurd is here to tell your audience that it’s never too late and motivate them to reclaim their physical health at any age. John began training on his own to run competitively at the age of 61, and holds a total of 162 gold medals, is a 15-year undefeated Florida State Sprint Champion in three separate events, and a two-time National Senior Olympic Sprint Champion. The author of “Johnny Run Lately” and “A Sprint to the Gold,” John shares his success story with your audience as well as a simple-to-use spreadsheet that works better than fitness apps to help anyone achieve their exercise goals, and much more. Interview this inspiring guest who puts young couch potatoes to shame. Contact John Hurd at (850) 367-8411 or jhurd@rtirguests.com
12. ==> What No One Ever Tells You about Being an Entrepreneur
Being an entrepreneur is hard work. It takes dedication, perseverance and a commitment to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Unfortunately, for many that can mean working late into the night, grabbing unhealthy food on the go and not making time for exercise, relationships and fun. Invite Dr. Alvin Perry to share how he used the same resourcefulness and resiliency that made him successful in business to help him transform his health when he suddenly “discovered” he’d gained 70 pounds over ten years. You’ll hear how he created a system using three simple principles that changed the course of his life and pushed him onto the path of personal wellness. A successful entrepreneur, small-business expert and author, Alvin Perry, DBA, is also ISSA certified in personal training and nutrition. His latest book, “Just Fat!” chronicles his 80-pound weight loss journey. Contact him at (678) 788-7529; aperry@rtirguests.com
11. ==> 3 Questions You Should Never Ask People You Meet
In a polarized society, you need to be very careful what you say to people you don’t know well. But even those who keep that in mind would be surprised by some of the questions you should refrain from asking, according to author Frances Jones. Invite her on your program to share the three questions you should never ask someone you don’t know well including if they have children and why this is an emotionally charged question. Frances is 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
14. ==> Got Social Anxiety? 4 Things You Can Do Right Now
Are you worried about going out in public because you fear that other people will judge you? Do you struggle to interact with strangers? Have you avoided speaking up for yourself at work or at home because you’re afraid that you won’t be liked enough to be taken seriously? You may be relieved to know that you’re not alone – and that you don’t have to struggle with these and other common symptoms of social anxiety. Collectively, our social anxiety has only gotten worse since the isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Interview Lee Vallely, the author of “Kick the Sh*t out of Social Anxiety,” to help your audience ease the stress of social anxiety and start enjoying their lives. Ask him: What are four things you can do right now if you’re experiencing social anxiety? Why is “feel the fear and do it anyway” terrible advice? How can simple breathing help you overcome social anxiety? Contact Lee Vallely at (561) 658-1266 or lvallely@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Irreverent Reverend Busts Taboos about God and Sex
Rev. Stephanie Clarke has been busting taboos with humor and helping people break free of guilt, shame, and fear for years by exposing the religious mythology of sexuality so that people can have healthy, passionate, sexual relationships. Ask her: How has our biblical heritage impacted our relationship to our bodies, sexuality, and the opposite sex? What is the meaning of Original Sin? Was Mary, mother of Jesus, really a virgin? Was Mary Magdalene a hooker? Rev. Stephanie is a metaphysical minister and Law of Attraction coach who studied for ten years at Agape in Los Angeles under Rev. Michael Beckwith of “The Secret” fame. She started the first multiracial New Thought ministry in South Africa. Contact her at revstephanieclarke@gmail.com