01. Former U.S. Senator Phil Gramm: American Inequality is a Myth
02. New Polls: What Do they Mean?
03. NASA’s Artemis Mission Can Inspire Girls to Aim High
04. The History of Modern Parenting
05. Help! My Nest Is Empty and I’m Freaking Out
06. Maybe Your Child Isn’t Ready for School Yet
07. Why Older Workers Are in Demand
08. A Doctor’s Guide to Crushing Medical Debt
09. How to Fix Our Broken Medical Model
10. The Surprising Reason Your Neighbors Could Live Longer Than You
11. How to Be Happy in an Unhappy World
12. 4 Things to Do if You’re Experiencing Social Anxiety
13. Take the Higher Road. It’s Called Etiquette
14. Is It Possible to Live a Life without Regrets?
15. Naked Neighbors, Crazy Clients, Pesky Pets: True Stories from a High-End Realtor
1.==> Former U.S. Senator Phil Gramm: American Inequality is a Myth
Former Senator Phil Gramm (R-TX) claims everything you know about income inequality, poverty, and other measures of economic well-being in America are wrong. He’s teamed up with fellow economists John Early and Robert Ekelund for a new book that challenges the prevailing consensus that income inequality is a growing threat to American society. In an interview Gramm will explain why every measure of well-being is greater than official statistics show and argue that income inequality is lower today than at any time in post-World War II America. Graham says the facts reveal a very different and better America than the one that is currently described by advocates across much of the political spectrum. Phil Gramm served 24 years in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. Economist John Early is a former senior leader at the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Robert Ekelund is an author and professor of economics emeritus at Auburn University. Together they’ve written “The Myth of American Inequality: How Government Biases Policy Debate.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
2. ==> New Polls: What Do They Mean?
According to a new poll from The Economist/YouGov, 57 percent of Republicans have a “very favorable” view of former President Donald Trump after the FBI raid of his Florida residence last week, a noticeable increase from 45 percent the week before. Meantime, an NBC survey finds a whopping 74 percent of Americans say the country is on the wrong track. It found more than half of the respondents — 58 percent — feel “more worried that America’s best years may already be behind us.” Invite presidential historian and strategic advisor Dr. Harlan Ullman to discuss the polls and what he thinks they reflect. Ask him: As a historian and military expert, what trajectory do you see the U.S. on? How would you compare the leadership styles of our last four presidents – which ones unified the nation and which ones further divided it? 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
3.==> NASA’s Artemis Mission Can Inspire Girls to Aim High
NASA’s historic Artemis 1 mission will launch toward the moon next Monday, if all goes according to plan. It will be quite an event, and not just for die-hard space fans. NASA says its webcast will include celebrity appearances by Jack Black, Chris Evans and Keke Palmer, as well as a special performance of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ by Josh Grobin and Herbie Hancock. Dr. Samantha Pillay hopes the fanfare and excitement surrounding the mission will encourage young females to dream about a career in science. She says, “There has never been a better time for encouraging STEM activities in girls in the lead-up to the first woman on the moon in 2024, fueling a well overdue focus on female STEM role models in the media.” Dr. Pillay can discuss space STEM activities to do with kids to immerse them in the excitement of this historic event. Dr. Pillay is a surgeon and the author of eight books. “When I’m a Surgeon” and “When I’m an Astronaut” are part of her “Inspiration Careers for Kids” series written to inspire the next generation of female leaders. Contact her at drssp@continencematters.com; @drsamantha_p
4. ==> The History of Modern Parenting
Why is parenting so hard today? Andy Bomback believes a lot of it has to do with society’s expectations and how we see parents portrayed in the media. And, as he points out, it’s very different for moms than dads. The author of “Long Days, Short Years: A Cultural History of Modern Parenting” can discuss the pressure on mothers to have (and do) it all; generational trends in parenting (from baby whispering to free-range kids); how outside disciplines such as neuroscience, behavioral economics, and biostatistics have staked claims in the parenting space; and even the perils of parenting during a pandemic. Bomback will explore the anxiety that plagues modern parents and offer both a window and a mirror into how 21st century mothers and fathers are trying to enjoy their time with their children, because “the days are long, but the years are short.” Andy Bomback is a nephrologist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the father of three young children. Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853 (cell); LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com or @lissa_warren
5. ==> Help! My Nest Is Empty and I’m Freaking Out
Millions of American parents are dropping their kids off at college and returning home to a very different, very quiet house. For some empty nesters the experience can be quite overwhelming and sad. Dr. Ellen Albertson can address how to deal with grief that is so common when kids leave home and share how this transitional stage can be the starting point for exploring new passions and possibilities from changing careers, finding a new hobby, or elevating your fitness level to traveling the world. Ellen Albertson is a psychologist, wellbeing coach, radio show host, and author of “Rock Your Midlife: 7 Steps to Transform Yourself and Make Your Next Chapter Your Best Chapter.”
Contact her at (802) 497-7222; ellen@drellenalbertson.com
6. ==> Maybe Your Child Isn’t Ready for School Yet
It’s tough enough to send your child off to school for the first time, but what if they’re not ready? As parents gear up for the start of a new school year invite Lori Lynn Ahrens, a long-time early education teacher and author, to discuss signs a child may not be ready for kindergarten and why that’s not necessarily a bad thing. An expert in reading readiness, Ahrens can share advice on getting kids interested in books, what children need now more than ever, and why what we teach kids before 4th grade is so critical. And while parents and teachers worry that children have fallen behind during the pandemic, Ahrens is reassuring and reminds us that children also need time to be children. Lori Lynn is an award-winning educator and international speaker with a master’s in education; a singer/songwriter; creator of the Overall Buddies early childhood learning website and author of the children’s book “I’m a Pig.” Contact her at (402) 235-4292; lahrends@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Why Older Workers Are in Demand
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
8. ==> A Doctor’s Guide to Crushing Medical Debt
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
9. ==> 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 Kite 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
10. ==> The Surprising Reason Your Neighbors Could Live Longer Than You
Most of us look at our neighbors and make silent comparisons. Some certainly look worse than we do, older, paunchier, and perhaps grayer. But we may concede that some look better, more active, upbeat, and healthier, making us wonder what they know that we don’t. You could ask them, but you probably won’t. Instead, why not ask nurse practitioner (APRN) Anne McAwley-LeDuc, an award-winning author? Anne says the healthiest people don’t just see physicians regularly, stick to a healthful diet and exercise program, take prescription medicines correctly and avoid bad habits. According to Anne, they also keep accurate health histories and records. She’ll reveal the importance of maintaining key information about every doctor visit, and all procedures, tests, treatments, vaccinations, and prescriptions for every family member. Anne is the creator of the “Personal Health Organizer.” Contact her at (860) 300- 603; AMcAwley@rtirguests.com
11. ==> 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
12. ==> 4 Things to Do if You’re Experiencing Social Anxiety
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 4 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
13. ==> Take the Higher Road. It’s Called Etiquette
Most of us would agree that people seem to disrespect others more these days leading to arguments, yelling, fighting and worse. It’s especially true when politics come up. Zane Carson Carruth, a certified etiquette business expert reminds everyone there’s a way to approach these conversations by taking the high road. “While everyone’s entitled to their opinion, etiquette in conversation puts on pleasant restraints and safeguards so points of view don’t go too far off kilter or into damaging territory,” says Zane. She advises opponents to remove their war helmets and take a more cordial road toward respecting others and not overstepping boundaries and says that proper etiquette is anything but weak. She says it shows even your staunchest adversaries you’re a decent human being who deserves equal respect. Zane Carson Carruth is an author, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Contact Spencer Cowen at (845) 558 4321; spencercowen.transmediagroup@gmail.com
14. ==> Is It Possible to Live a Life without Regrets?
Whether it’s your choice of a college major, that job you took that you’re stuck with now, a huge missed opportunity, or the one that got away, everyone has regrets, and you just have to live with them…or do you? What if you could live your whole life and never regret a thing? Talk to Laura Brennan Ballet and learn how to do just that. The author of “The Science of Empowerment” and a life empowerment facilitator, Laura shares with your audience how to climb away from the chaos and drama in order to live the positive life you’ve always wanted, without regretting anything – and how you can connect with the people and experiences you’ve always wanted to discover. She’ll discuss how to turn your fears into advancement opportunities, a simple method for instantly replacing negative thoughts with happiness, how to become a force for greatness, and much more. Contact Laura Ballet at (860) 831-4435 or lballet@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Naked Neighbors, Crazy Clients, Pesky Pets: True Stories from a High-End Realtor
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 new 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 new 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