01. Should the U.S. Intervene in Haiti?
02. Why Inflation Is Here to Stay
03. The Best Fall Nature Experiences
04. Big News on Small Nuts: The Power of Pistachios
05. Ghosts, Ghouls and Good Conversation
06. Actor Jim Meskimen on Movies, Mothers and More
07. Why We Are Blowing the Mental Health Crisis (and How to Fix It)
08. What Happens to Immigrant Kids Who End Up in Foster Care?
09. She Lived ‘Orange Is the New Black’
10. The Curious Causes of Black Obesity
11. Interview the World’s Leading Phobia Expert
12. The Morning Routine That Sets You Up for the Best Day
13. 7 Things to Know Before Writing Your Memoir
14. The 2 Things You Should Never Leave Home Without
15. This Guest Almost Missed Out on an Incredible Life
1. ==> Should the U.S. Intervene in Haiti?
In Haiti, residents continue to face a series of crises that are becoming deadlier by the day including food shortages, gang violence and a cholera outbreak. Meantime, the U.N. Security Council is about to take up two resolutions by the United States and Mexico to impose sanctions and authorize an international force to help improve security in the country in response to a request from Haiti’s prime minister. But not all in Haiti welcome the intervention. Invite Chris Bernadel, a Haitian who works with the Port-au-Prince-based grassroots organization National Movement for Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity of Haitians to discuss the situation. Bernadel is also with the Black Alliance for Peace which has called for a veto of the U.N. resolutions. They write, “The current ‘government’ in Haiti is unelected and unaccountable to Haitian people. … the last thing the Haitian people want is another ‘humanitarian’ invasion and occupation by the U.S. and the ‘Core Group.’” Contact Chris Bernadel at cbernadel@protonmail.com; @chris_bernadel; @Blacks4Peace
2. ==> Why Inflation Is Here to Stay
After enjoying a long period of deflationary conditions, Michael Spence, Ph.D., says, “The global economy has entered a new era of frequent, severe shocks from climate change, pandemics, war, supply-chain blockages, geopolitical tensions, and other sources.” He says a process of supply-chain diversification is underway, and new economic policies are strongly reinforcing this trend. “Gone are the days when these chains were constructed entirely on the basis of cost, short-term efficiency, and comparative advantage. The new diversified supply chains will be more resilient but also more expensive.” He’ll explain the effect of tens of millions of consumers joining the middle class, how a longer-living aging population has reduced the labor supply but continues to need goods and services, and why we can no longer rely on highly elastic supply responses to mitigate inflationary pressures. Michael Spence is a distinguished visiting fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). Previously, Dr. Spence served as the chairman of an independent commission on growth in developing countries, professor emeritus of management in the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University. Contact him at mspence@cfr.org
3. ==> The Best Fall Nature Experiences
Autumn is a wonderful time to be a naturalist in the U.S. Invite Matthew Miller, editor of the Cool Green Science blog, to share the best nature shows currently going on across the country. Learn where to spot migrating raptors and dragonflies, what’s behind the fascinating flock structure and dominance displays of wild turkeys, and why the best fall experience of all is hearing a bull elk in full bugle. Miller says the secret to witnessing incredible nature displays is simply being alert and spending time in the woods. A big proponent of observing the wildlife that lives around you, Miller suggests that even those who live in the suburbs and city keep an eye out for white-tailed deer. “If you are really lucky you might see two bucks sparring or engaged in a full-blown antler fight,” he says. Matthew L. Miller is the director of science communications for The Nature Conservancy and editor of the Cool Green Science blog. He is the author of “Fishing Through the Apocalypse.” Contact him at @eatguineapigs or Rachel Winters at The Nature Conservancy at (267) 210-2189; rwinters@tnc.org
4. ==> Big News on Small Nuts: The Power of Pistachios
You’ve probably heard of the health benefits of antioxidants. They are proven to be a key part of a healthy lifestyle and valuable in decreasing the chance of heart disease and cancer. Traditional foods known for their antioxidant capacity include pomegranates and beets, but nutritional expert Mike Rousell, aka Dr. Mike, says a recent study from Cornell University reveals that pistachios are also a delicious antioxidant powerhouse. Invite Dr. Mike to discuss the importance of antioxidants, the results of the study, and the multiple health benefits of pistachios. Mike Rousell holds a degree in biochemistry from Hobart College and a doctorate in nutrition from Pennsylvania State University. He has appeared on hundreds of TV and radio programs, is a nutrition advisor to “Men’s Health” and “Shape” magazines and is the author of several books including “The Meta-Shred Diet.” Contact John Angelo at John@premieretv.com
5. ==> Ghost, Ghouls and Good Conversation
Matthew Warshauer is an internationally known installation artist who pushes the boundaries of history and contemporary political commentary in his annual Halloween displays. For nearly a quarter-century, the history professor has spent months building a statement — usually political — that brings thousands down his busy West Hartford, Connecticut, street. This year he may have outdone himself with a recreation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine featuring a credible-looking tank that breathes smoke, and skeletal soldiers, including one holding an anti-tank rocket launcher. Warshauer started this ritual with typical Halloween scenes. Over time that evolved into extravagant and thought-provoking life-sized dioramas that examine the issues of the day. In 2019, he lined up a skeletal Supreme Court, another year he built a Trump Wall. As a professor, Warshauer wants to spark conversation, and so far this year, the response has been positive, he said, and he’s had several sidewalk discussions about Ukraine. Contact Matthew Warshauer at (860) 832-2803; WarshauerM@ccsu.edu
6. ==> Actor Jim Meskimen on Movies, Mothers and More
You may recognize Jim Meskimen from his many TV and film roles over the past thirty-some years. He can currently be seen with Julia Roberts and Sean Penn in “Gaslit” and the Amazon series “Hunters,” starring Al Pacino and Carol Kane. Invite Jim on your show to talk about his work in those productions and his recurring role on Apple TV’s upcoming series “The Big Door Prize,” by the creators of “Schitt’s Creek.” Jim currently plays Colonel Sanders in the popular KFC commercials, as well as President George Washington crossing the Delaware Turnpike for GEICO, which led his mother, Marion Ross (Mrs. C. from “Happy Days”) to claim that she is now the mother of the father of our country! And if that wasn’t enough, you can also ask Jim about playing Phil Donahue in the upcoming mini-series “Welcome to Chippendales.” Contact Harlan Boll at harlan@bhbpr.com
7. ==> Why We Are Blowing the Mental Health Crisis (and How to Fix It)
There already was a mental health crisis in America before the pandemic. Now it’s even worse. This means that a discussion with Elizabeth Power, M.Ed., could not be timelier. Invite her on your program to talk about ways the U.S. is failing to deliver the mental health services the public needs, why there will never be enough therapists to handle that load and the overlooked solution that lets people help themselves. Ask her: how could the number of prescriptions written for Zoloft be cut in half? Why do mental health diagnoses cause a lifetime of stigma? How did her refusal to be a calm, compliant mentally ill person lead her to be an influence in all things trauma-informed on every continent except Antarctica? Elizabeth has helped thousands of people to learn the skills they failed to grasp after suffering traumas as children. She is the founding director of The Trauma Informed Academy and the author of “Healer: Reducing Crises,” which offers everyday actions people can take to recover from traumatic experiences and be more resilient in the face of stress and discomfort. She is an adjunct instructor in psychiatry at Georgetown Medical Center and has been on NBC News, NPR, and in the “Wall Street Journal.” Contact her at (615) 903-0906; epower@rtirguests.com
8. ==> What Happens to Immigrant Kids Who End Up in Foster Care?
It’s well known that the U.S. foster care system is seriously broken, but when it comes to immigrant children, it’s a nightmare. “FBI raids in Texas brought renewed attention to the vulnerabilities of immigrant foster children, who are disproportionately targeted by child sex traffickers,” says Richard Villasana, founder of the nonprofit Forever Homes for Foster Kids. “Foster care agencies are legally required to provide notice to grandparents and other adult relatives. Yet thousands of Latino children are often discriminated against because agencies are either not performing family finding or are doing sloppy work out of prejudice because of these children’s national origin.” Richard is the author of “Do No Harm: An American Tragedy Continues.” He is a former university professor who is a leading international authority on immigration and foster families. He has been featured on CNN International, ABC and many more media outlets. Contact Richard at (619) 648-4729; rvillasana@rtirguests.com
9. ==> She Lived ‘Orange Is the New Black’
Melisa Schonfield was living the upper-middle-class dream life as a successful psychotherapist, the wife of a respected dentist, a ballet company president, and an esteemed member of her community. But when her daughter’s boyfriend began abusing her infant grandson and the justice system did nothing, Melisa decided to take matters into her own hands by hiring a hit man to dispose of the boyfriend. But the hit man she attempted to hire in a Walmart parking lot turned out to be an undercover cop, and Melisa spent more than three years in prison. “The isolation is very difficult,” she says. “I did not want to make friends with anybody because I feared their agenda.” Melisa can share the details of her harrowing journey and what life is really like for women behind bars. She is the author of “Bitter or Better: The Melisa Schonfield Story.” Contact her at (305) 424-7507; mschonfield@rtirguests.com
10. ==> The Curious Causes of Black Obesity
Obesity is an epidemic across America, but especially so in Black communities where nearly half of all adults and a staggering 82% of women are overweight. The statistics are even more alarming when considering the health risks most commonly associated with obesity. Invite Dr. Alvin Perry to discuss the genetic, behavioral and socio-cultural factors at play in the Black community, and how to change the equation to create healthier communities. Ask him: Are Blacks genetically predisposed to being overweight? Has the community normalized obesity? Why are Black women less likely to exercise (and what is the simple solution)? Alvin Perry, DBA, is a successful entrepreneur and small business expert. He’s also ISSA certified in personal training and nutrition. His book, “Just Fat!,” chronicles his 80-pound weight-loss journey and shares a simple system he created that changed the course of his life and led him to the path of personal wellness. Contact him at (678) 788-7529; aperry@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Interview the World’s Leading Phobia Expert
Like many people, Kalliope Barlis suffered from debilitating phobias for years. As a former professional golfer, her fear of public speaking and crowds nearly sunk her career. But then a colleague introduced her to a technique that can dramatically change negative thoughts and behavior patterns, and Kalliope became an expert in it. She then began devoting her life to helping other people rid themselves of their phobias, everything from the fear of flying to being in tight spaces and freaking out over spiders and mice. Kalliope is a leading neurolinguistic programming (NLP) expert with a private practice in New York. She’s the author of “Phobia Relief: From Fear to Freedom” and creator of the upcoming docuseries “Kalliope’s From Fear to Freedom.” Contact her at (516) 703-4546; kbarlis@rtirguests.com
12. ==> The Morning Routine That Sets You Up for the Best Day
Wouldn’t it be great if there were some tiny steps you could take each morning that would result in big changes in your productivity and focus? And what if they could aid you in whatever goals you want to accomplish like losing weight, breaking addictions, or anything else? Sharon Wallen, a national-certified teacher who created the “Pace Yourself for Personal Focus, Productivity and Victorious Living” program, will explain the private habits that can lead to public victories and share game-changing techniques anyone can implement including those that are used by sports figures and Olympic athletes. Sharon Wallen has worked with children and adults using brain-friendly strategies to help them improve their lives. She taught for more than 30 years in Miami schools. Contact Sharon at (786) 473-4026; solaceplace07@aol.com
13. ==> 7 Things to Know Before Writing Your Memoir
Many people dream of writing a book with a good chunk wanting to tell their life stories. But what’s involved in actually doing so and how can they tell if anyone else is likely to care? Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans (pronounced Kray-gull-mans) taught memoir writing for 15 years and has penned two of her own. She can give your audience the nitty-gritty of this popular book genre and offer seven helpful tips to get you started. She is the author of “Chocolates for Mary Julia: Black Woman Blazes Trails as a Career Diplomat” and “Flowers for Brother Mudd: One Woman’s Path from Jim Crow to Career Diplomat.” She’s a former English major and Fulbright Scholar who was a diplomat in the Foreign Service in New Delhi, Mumbai, Dhaka, Taipei, Hong Kong, Brussels, Libreville, Bujumbura, and Brazzaville. Contact Judith at (571) 568-8667; jmuddkrijgelmans@rtirguests.com
14. ==> The 2 Things You Should Never Leave Home Without
Few people would dream of leaving the house without their cell phone, car keys and wallet. But there are two other things that most people don’t consider bringing along with them because they are unaware that their use could lead to greater problem-solving abilities, clarity, and relaxation. Bring Arlene (Duane) Hemingway on your program to identify what those two objects are and their connection to Drabbling, a literary art form inspired by Monty Python that uses just 100 words to tell a complete story. Arlene can read some examples of drabbles to get your audience started and has even created a Drabble on Drabbles. She is the author of “A Twist of Lemon: 100 Curious Stories in Exactly 100 Words” and has a master’s degree from the Juilliard School of Music. She was a respected piano and vocal music teacher in a Long Island public school system, and a professional organist, choir director, and vocalist. She performed with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir at Radio City Music Hall and launched a composer’s original work at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Contact Arlene at (828) 684-9840; adh7@att.net
15. ==> This Guest Almost Missed Out on an Incredible Life
Rick Smith was a professional hockey player with an amazing life – from the outside. However, his battle with substance abuse took a heavy toll. He snorted enough cocaine to literally make his nose bleed and was suicidal before the age of 30. Ultimately, his addictions cost him his hockey career and nearly killed him. Yet Rick overcame his addictions and rebuilt his life. Clean and sober for more than 19 years, he is an award-winning athlete, author, behavior change expert, and world traveler who has helped thousands of people transform their lives. Interview Rick today for a powerfully motivational show that will inspire your audience to overcome addiction, or any other obstacle they face. Ask him: Why doesn’t going “cold turkey” work? What was it like playing professional hockey? How can people who struggle with substance abuse avoid passing their problems to the next generation? What was the low point that made you decide to change? Contact Rick Smith at (313) 351-7037; rsmith@rtirguests.com