01. Don’t Run, Joe
02. Americans Are Getting Worried About the Job Market
03. Summer Job Outlook for Teens
04. Celebrities Love Their Pets Too: National Pet Week Is May 2-8
05. Interview Actor Chad Coleman
06. Consumer Alert: Beware of QR Code Scams
07. Go Behind the Scenes with This Veteran Investigative Journalist
08. Interview a Mind-Blowing Expert on the Science of Persuasion
09. 4 Words That Will Make Anyone Pay Attention to You
10. Psychic’s Tips to Tap into Your Intuition
11. Are You Choosing Happy or Avoiding It?
12. Why 39-Year-Old Actor Chris Hemsworth Is Concerned About Alzheimer’s, and You Should Be Too
13. Is Postpartum Depression Preventable?
14. How to Maximize the Time with Your Doctor
15. How Are Iconic Food Items Created? Ask the Family That Dreamed up Tater Tots
1. ==> Don’t Run, Joe
President Joe Biden has officially announced he’s running for re-election and is asking Americans to help him “finish the job” he started in his first term. But a majority of adults have repeatedly said they do not want him to seek a second term. The Don’t Run Joe campaign reacted to the announcement by issuing a statement saying Biden is moving the Democratic Party toward a likely disaster in 2024. “Simply crowning Joe Biden as the 2024 nominee is unhealthy for the Democratic Party and the country. It’s not enough to try to ride in on the negative coattails of revulsion toward the GOP. That strategy failed in 2016. The Democratic nominee should offer bold progressive programs that can build winning electoral coalitions while providing an inspiring roadmap for the future.” Don’t Run Joe is not endorsing any of the current candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination. Jeff Cohen is co-founder of RootsAction.org, the sponsor of the Don’t Run Joe campaign. Contact him at jeff@rootsaction.org
2. ==> Americans Are Getting Worried About the Job Market
High Inflation and economic uncertainty continue to weigh on consumers. The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index, which measures attitudes toward the economy and the job market, fell in April marking the lowest level since July 2022. “Consumers became more pessimistic about the outlook for both business conditions and labor markets,” says Ataman Ozyildirim, senior director of economics at the Conference Board. “Compared to last month, fewer households expect business conditions to improve and expect worsening of conditions in the next six months. They also expect fewer jobs to be available over the short term.” The April survey showed that worries about the economy slipping into a recession persisted last month. Economists, including those at the Federal Reserve, expect a recession later in the year as the Fed’s rate hikes take a deeper hold. Ataman Ozyildirim is also an adjunct professor at Boston College. Contact him at ataman.ozyildirim@bc.edu
3. ==> Summer Job Outlook for Teens
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more teens are working again with almost 37% holding down a job this year, the highest percentage since 2009. But what will happen come June when teens traditionally pick up summer jobs? Andrew Challenger, senior vice president of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc., predicts teens will gain 1.1 million jobs in 2023, slightly lower than last year’s gains, and the lowest since 2011. This estimate is based on not only the potential for an economic slowdown, but also the fact that despite need, teens will not take available jobs, many of which include shift work at amusement parks, pools, restaurants, and summer entertainment venues. Challenger can share tips for teen job-seekers including the best time to look for a summer job and unexpected places to find summer opportunities and paid internships. Challenger, Gray and Christmas is a global outplacement and executive coaching firm. Contact Colleen Madden Blumenfeld at (312) 422-5074; (314) 807-1568 (cell) or colleenmadden@challengergray.com
4. ==> Celebrities Love Pets Too: National Pet Week Is May 2-8
People are their most genuine selves when they’re with their pets, even celebrities. Celebrate National Pet Week, May 2-8, with photographer Johanna Siegmann, whose new book, “In Good Company,” features portraits of notable people with their pets. “No matter how experienced or nervous someone is about being photographed, interviewed or even in crowds, as soon as they are with their pets, everything changes,” Siegmann says. Unlike traditional pet portraits, these unique images depict the relationship between people and their beloved pets and portray everyday moments between them, which are intimate and mundane, often humorous, whimsical, or touching, and always genuine. Participants include the late Ed Asner, Ed Begley Jr., Richard Karn, Norman Lear, Adam Schiff, Eric Swalwell and many others from a wide range of fields including the arts, science, literature, performance and music. A portion of the book’s profits will go to support Apex Protection Project, a Los Angeles-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization created to save wolves through education, rescue and advocacy. Contact Harlan Boll at harlan@bhbpr.com
5. ==> Interview Actor Chad Coleman
Critically acclaimed actor Chad Coleman takes on a villainous role in the new season of The CW’s “Superman and Lois.” Coleman plays the infamous DC baddie “Bruno Manheim,” known to most of Metropolis as a local hero and philanthropist who has revived the struggling neighborhoods of the city. For years, Lois Lane has worked to prove that behind the façade is a career criminal and the head of the notorious organization Intergang. Coleman can discuss the new season’s twists and turns as well as his new horror-thriller “The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster,” which recently premiered at SXSW.
Chad Coleman is best known for his TV roles in “The Walking Dead,” “The Wire,” and “The Orville.” He’s also had numerous film and stage roles. The new season of “Superman and Lois” is now airing on The CW. Contact Lilyan or JT at (323) 655-1008; AGPR@AndersonGroupPR.com
6. ==> Consumer Alert: Beware of QR Code Scams
You see them all over the place these days, those square QR codes you scan with your phone to reveal information about a product or service. But cybersecurity expert Amir Sachs says some QR codes are traps to get your information or money. With multiple reports of hacks stimulated by a QR code, Amir says people and businesses are at risk. Whether it’s money or financial information directly stolen or personal information, Amir says a hack could cost you money in the long run. He’ll share ways to reduce the risk of getting QR hacked and what to do if you’ve been exposed. Amir Sachs is a cybersecurity expert and the founder of Blue Light IT. Contact Adrienne Mazzone at (561) 908-1683; amazzone@transmediagroup.com
7. ==> Go Behind the Scenes with This Veteran Investigative Journalist
Over an extraordinary career in journalism, Michael Bowker has interviewed celebrities, athletes, adventurers, several presidents, and even serial killers. He has narrowly escaped mountain lions and exploding volcanoes and been up close and personal with the Golden State Killer. Michael shares both behind-the-scenes stories of famous figures and inspiring tales of ordinary people accomplishing extraordinary things. Ask him: Who is your favorite person that you’ve interviewed in your career? What happened after you ran a story about the convicted criminal who saved an autistic child from a burning house? Why did you testify for over 40 hours in Congress? An expert media guest who has been featured on hundreds of radio, podcast, and TV shows including “Good Morning America,” Michael has written more than 20 books and thousands of articles appearing in such publications as the “Los Angeles Times” and “Reader’s Digest.” His latest book is “Michael Bowker’s No Ordinary Days.” Contact him at (530) 296-6301; mbowker@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Interview a Mind-Blowing Expert on the Science of Persuasion
JFK used it to boost volunteerism. Johnny Cochran used it in the OJ Simpson trial. Marilyn Monroe used it to propel herself into stardom. Now, you can use “brain glue” to create blockbusters of persuasion that will have people saying yes to you when you interview James Bond. Whether you’re trying to get your kids to bed on time, succeed in a job interview, or close a million-dollar deal, James helps your audience unlock the power of persuasion with shockingly effective, proven methods that will improve every aspect of their lives, from relationships to careers and beyond. James Bond is one of America’s leading behavioral management specialists and the author of “Brain Glue.” Contact him at (805) 424-8611; jbond@rtirguests.com
9. ==> 4 Words That Will Make Anyone Pay Attention to You
In this hectic age of social media overload, 24-hour news and overall fast-paced lifestyles, communicating with others is more challenging than ever. “People’s attention spans are getting shorter and shorter,” says public speaking expert Nina Surya. “Based on neuroscience, there are certain words that make the brain snap to attention.” Nina claims that the subconscious mind doesn’t just pay attention to what others are saying; it automatically tunes out most of what we hear, unless it receives a special signal that something is important. She can share the four words that spark immediate connection and how to get through to anyone, be they your spouse, co-workers, boss, employees and others. Nina is an experienced media guest who has appeared on “Access Hollywood.” She is the president and CEO of UniqueSpeak, through which she serves as a speech and communication coach to top-level executives, politicians and public figures. Contact Nina at (310) 359-0787; nsurya@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Psychic’s Tips to Tap into Your Intuition
Are you looking to achieve the life of your dreams? The powerful force of intuition can allow you to accomplish all you’ve ever wanted, and Ann Johnson can help your audience tap into that force today. When it comes to intuitive psychics, Ann is the real deal. She’s been featured by top media outlets including “New York Magazine,” MTV Network, and “Rolling Stone.” The author of “Facing Forward: A Memoir About Choices, Intuition, and Insights in a Show Busy Life,” Ann brings powerful insights and recommendations for your audience that will lead them toward living their best lives. She can also provide an instant personality analysis on-air for your show host. Ask her: How can we use intuition to look and feel better at any age? What can intuition help us with when it comes to relationships and finding love? What can we look forward to in 2023? Contact Ann Johnson at (516) 862-4405; ajohnson@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Are You Choosing Happy or Avoiding It?
Unlock the hidden secrets of happiness and discover five things you think will make you happy but actually won’t when you interview this dynamic guest! Jennifer Hughes is on a mission to help people choose happy. Most people get it backward, avoiding things that will make them happy while actively choosing things that end up disappointing them. A certified life coach, trainer of The Success Principles, and author of “Choose Happy: Be This, Not That,” Jennifer can help your audience strengthen their relationships, achieve their dreams, and skyrocket their happiness to new levels. Ask her: What are the five unexpected things people believe will make them happy but actually won’t? Why is it so important to take responsibility for our own happiness, and how can we do that? What would you say to someone who doesn’t believe that happiness is a choice? Contact Jennifer Hughes at (480) 745-2113; jhughes@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Why 39-Year-Old Actor Chris Hemsworth Is Concerned About Alzheimer’s, and You Should Be Too
Chris Hemsworth is known for playing action-adventure heroes like Thor. His body is chiseled and toned and he looks to be in the prime of life. So that’s why it was surprising to learn that Hemsworth is scaling back on his career after learning that he carries a gene that makes him eight to ten times more likely to get Alzheimer’s than the average person. Dementia is often mistaken as an “old person’s disease,” but Hemsworth proves the memory-robbing illnesses can happen to even young people. Find out more when you interview Carlen Maddux, a former journalist who cared for his wife for 17 years after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at age 50. Carlen will reveal what he has learned about early-onset Alzheimer’s, its possible causes and more. Ask him: What are the signs and symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer’s? What about the gene Hemsworth has? How does Alzheimer’s affect families? Contact Carlen Maddux at (727) 351-8321; CMaddux@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Is Postpartum Depression Preventable?
Giving birth is supposed to be joyous. But for about one in seven women in the U.S., that new baby comes with hopelessness, mood swings, inconsolable crying, anxiety, difficulties bonding with their infants, extreme tiredness, and loss of appetite, symptoms that can last from three to six months and be shared by their partners. But what if their agony could be prevented? What would we need to do to make that happen? Alan Lindemann has the answers, having practiced obstetrics for 45 years, delivered more than 6,000 babies, and been a pioneer in treating postpartum depression. The now-retired doctor is devoting his time to reaching out to women about maternal health, especially those who may have limited access to care and information based on where they live. Ask him: Why is it key to combat postpartum depression before birth takes place? Why is postpartum depression so common? How do “maternity deserts” impact the problem? Contact Alan Lindemann M.D., at (701) 399-9556; ALindemann@Rtirguests.com
14. ==> How to Maximize the Time with Your Doctor
Have you noticed how the minutes you get with your doctor have become shorter? That’s why it is even more important to use such time wisely. During the visit, what should you communicate? What should you ask about your conditions, prognoses, treatments and preventative efforts? What advice and instructions are crucial (even lifesaving) to get? Learn more when you interview retired nurse practitioner Anne McAwley-LeDuc, whose career included 43-plus years of varied experience in the medical field. Anne will talk about understanding and following through on well¬ness strategies, remembering what your doctors need you to know and do, avoiding health mistakes, and caring for others in your family (particularly children and the elderly). Her advice will also help you maintain an important record of your health history. Anne McAwley-LeDuc is the author of the award-winning book “Personal Health Organizer.” Contact her at (860) 300-1603; AMcAwley@rtirguests.com
15. ==> How Are Iconic Food Items Created? Ask the Family That Dreamed up Tater Tots
Have you wondered how some of the most iconic foods in the U.S. came to be? Or perhaps you’ve pondered whether an idea you had might “cut the mustard”? Take a fascinating look at this tasty topic when you interview cousins Les and Steve Grigg. Les is the grandnephew of Ore-Ida founding brothers Nephi and Golden Grigg while Steve is Nephi’s son. These visionary brothers created, promoted and established Ore-Ida and its iconic Tater Tots™ in the 1950s which they eventually sold to Heinz at a handsome profit. Les and Steve can share fascinating Tater Tot™ facts — Americans consume more than 70 million of them a year — what the 20 most iconic American foods are and other cool stuff. Ask them: How did the Griggs manage to have Tater Tots™ make their debut at the newly constructed Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami? How did Ore-Ida get its name? How did thriftiness lead to the birth of Tater Tots™? Contact Les Grigg at (208) 589-0065; griggnyle@gmail.com; available last-minute