01. Blinken in China: Asians Just Want to Do Business
02. The Legacy of Daniel Ellsberg
03. New Center’s Mission Is Public Civility
04. What’s Gotten Into You? Fun Science Show
05. Simple Ways to Help Save the Summer Firefly
06. Beyond Dorm Shopping: How to Get Ready for College This Fall
07. How to Brag the Right Way to Get What You Want
08. Sports Fanatics, Doggie Daters, Baby Talkers: 99 Types of Men
09. Does Enduring Tough Times Make Us Stronger?
10. Think You Don’t Have Unconscious Biases? She’ll Uncover Yours in 10 Seconds
11. Psychic Medium Says Life Is a Vacation from the Afterlife
12. Why This Bookie’s Son is a Sure-Bet Interview Guest
13. Can God Help You Shed Pounds This Summer? This Evangelical Minister Says Yes
14. Should You View Foods You Eat as an Investment?
15. Comedian Turned Animal Activist Shares Why Saving Elephants is No Joke
1. ==> Blinken in China: Asians Just Want to Do Business
As U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with China’s Xi Jinping to try and smooth tensions, best-selling author James Bradley can provide background to the situation and explain how the past — and the current war in Ukraine — are affecting the relationship. The author of several books focused on U.S. policy in the Pacific and Asia including his latest, “The China Mirage: The Hidden History of American Disaster in Asia,” Bradley tracks the rise of the “war lobby” that attempted to convince the U.S. public that the Chinese people wanted Chiang Kai-shek and that China could be Christianized during the FDR administration. Bradley says, “Today, Asians want to do business; the U.S. government is ‘war, war, war.’ East Asians don’t want a Ukraine war here.” James Bradley is perhaps most well-known for his book “Flags of Our Fathers.” Contact him at james@jamesbradley.com
2. ==> The Legacy of Daniel Ellsberg
Pentagon Papers whistleblower and longtime peace activist Daniel Ellsberg died on Friday at the age of 92. Invite author and activist Norman Solomon to reflect on the dimensions of Ellsberg’s commitments and historic impacts. Solomon, executive director of the Institute for Public Accuracy, co-wrote a piece with Ellsberg for “The Nation” magazine in 2021 about the especially grave dangers of nuclear war posed by ICBMs on hair-trigger alert, “To Avoid Armageddon, Don’t Modernize Missiles — Eliminate Them.” Contact Norman Solomon at solomonprogressive@gmail.com
3. ==> New Center’s Mission Is Public Civility
The decline of civility and respect in America is posing a significant threat to the foundation of our democracy. Divisiveness and lack of trust are damaging our political process and causing Americans to lose faith in its institutions and their leaders. The new, nonpartisan Center on Public Civility promises to promote constructive solutions to address the deep divisions and discord in America. Media executive and former chief of staff to former President Ronald Reagan Fred Ryan will head the effort to advance the principles of collaboration and respectful dialogue. Ryan can explain how the center hopes to bridge the current divide and how things have changed since his days in the Reagan White House. Fred Ryan is the former publisher and CEO of “The Washington Post” and co-founder and CEO of Politico. Ryan is currently chairman of the board of trustees of the Ronald Reagan Foundation and Institute. Contact Melissa Giller at mgiller@reaganfoundation.org
4. ==> What’s Gotten Into You? Fun Science Show
Every one of us contains a billion times more atoms than all the grains of sand in the Earth’s deserts. If you weigh 150 pounds, you’ve got enough carbon to make 25 pounds of charcoal, enough salt to fill a saltshaker, enough chlorine to disinfect several backyard swimming pools, and enough iron to forge a 3-inch nail. But how did these elements combine to make us human? Invite science historian Dan Levitt to tell the awe-inspiring story of the elements that make up the human body and how these building blocks of life make us who we are. Levitt is the author of “What’s Gotten Into You: The Story of Your Body’s Atoms: From the Big Bang Through Last Night’s Dinner.” He’s spent over 25 years writing, producing, and directing award-winning documentaries for “National Geographic,” “Discovery,” “Science,” “History,” PBS, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
5. ==> Simple Ways to Help Save the Summer Firefly
Chasing lightning bugs on a summer night has long been a rite of passage for many youngsters. But you may feel as if you are seeing fewer flashes across the night sky compared to when you were younger. Sérgio Henriques, the invertebrate conservation coordinator for the Indianapolis Zoo’s Global Center for Species Survival, can explain “little and easy” things listeners can do to help increase lightning bug populations including reducing lights at night, planting native species, installing a rain garden and reducing the chemicals you use on your yard or in your house. You’ll also learn how you can participate in Firefly Watch, an ongoing initiative to better survey and know the extent of lightning bug populations across the nation. “Fireflies are a privilege,” Henriques says. “It would be such a waste of a treasure if they were to decline or be gone.” Contact Kelly Griese at (317) 735-6381; kgriese@indyzoo.com or Judy Palermo at (317) 630-2010; jpalermo@indyzoo.com
6. ==> Beyond Dorm Shopping: How to Get Ready for College This Fall
For high school graduates who plan to attend college this fall, this summer is the time to check off last-minute items to prepare for the journey and set things up to start strong. Invite college readiness coach Alicia J. Moore to share concrete tips to “Get Ready. Get Set. And Go!” and start your college career off right. She’ll explain why it’s important for high school grads to set a college mindset and expand their “adulting” skills this summer, why they should take time to envision their college journey and plan their course route, and the importance of creating a successful environment from the get-go. Moore is the author of “Crushing It in College: Your 7-Step Guide to an Awesome Adventure.” Moore talks to audiences at high schools and colleges across the country about why a college education is even more important today, despite the costs, when it comes to future employment prospects, and developing self-confidence and critical thinking. Contact Alicia J. Moore at (408) 569-1267; aliciajmoore@comcast.net
7. ==> How to Brag the Right Way to Get What You Want
Are you afraid to brag because you think bragging is bad? Most of us were taught not to brag but according to Winifred Bragg, a medical doctor, and author of the best-selling book “How to Create Your Bragg Book for a Competitive Job Market,” you can get what you want by bragging the right way. She’ll explain what it means to brag effectively (she spells it bragg) and help your audience develop their own 30-second braggs. She says, “Think of bragging as simply telling others how to solve ‘their’ problem. They need you.” Ask her: What does BRAGG stand for? How did you use the TheBraggFactor® to repay your hefty medical school loan? Can you give some examples of braggs? A nationally recognized speaker, Dr. Bragg has appeared in numerous TV and print media and been featured on ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX. She’s been quoted as an expert in “Redbook,” “Women’s World,” and “Self” magazine. Contact Winifred Bragg at (757) 434-7425; drbragg@thebraggfactor.com
8. ==> Sports Fanatics, Doggie Daters, Baby Talkers: 99 Types of Men
For a fun show guaranteed to provide laughs and encouragement for anyone in the dating pool, book an interview with long-time love coach and expert Stephanie Bailey. She’ll share a tongue-in-cheek guide to 99 types of men and how to date them. Learn about: the Doggie Dater who makes you question if he is dating you — or his dog; the Baby Talker who thinks baby talk is sexy; the Holiday Saboteur who breaks up with you on your birthday, anniversary or some other celebratory date that will forever be ruined; and the Sports Fanatic who is addicted to football, basketball, hockey, soccer, and more. Bailey encourages daters to ditch timelines and expectations and reminds them that she found her true love at 47 years old. Her new book, “99 Types of Guys: A Humorous Collection of Dating Tips and Misadventures” (a #1 best-seller on Amazon) is based on almost 30 years of dating experience. ”I’ve dated enough men to piece together my simple philosophy — and no, it isn’t revolutionary. I’ve learned the more you date, the better you understand yourself and your relationship essentials; therefore, the more equipped you are to find your ultimate match.” Stephanie Bailey, CEO of Miss-Adventures, LLC, offers in-person and virtual love coaching sessions. Contact her at (720) 276-2226; missadventuresseries@yahoo.com
9. ==> Does Enduring Tough Times Make Us Stronger?
“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” You’ve probably heard the phrase, but is it really true? Invite Hillary Saffran to share stories of famous people like Albert Einstein, Ludwig van Beethoven and Oprah, and others who have accomplished great things despite going through great adversities. The author of “Fill Your Glass with Gold: When It’s Half Full or Even Completely Shattered” faced significant challenges throughout her life and tells others, “Whatever you have gone through — no matter how difficult it seems — it will be useful for you in the future. Out of great difficulty, many have created nonprofits, formed ministries, and have gathered more skill sets for a new or better career.” Hillary Saffran is an author, therapist, transformational coach, speaker, actress, singer, musician, voiceover artist, and ventriloquist. As a single parent of three children, she made extra money by becoming a birthday party clown and performing singing telegrams. Her books include “Laughing in the Rain: Self-Care for the Storms of Life” and “The Little Coach Engine That Could Because It Stopped Sabotaging Itself.” Contact her at (907) 707-7556; hillarysaffran@gmail.com
10. ==> Think You Don’t Have Unconscious Biases? She’ll Uncover Yours in 10 Seconds
Even the best people have biases, many without realizing it. Sara Ting has made it her life’s mission to help people overcome this, and on your show, she’ll help them identify their biases in just 10 seconds. As a first-generation Asian American woman, she frequently experienced the insidious effects of discrimination. Then one day she experienced an epiphany while riding a bus that led her to write “The Sun Poem” for a campaign to promote racial and ethnic harmony. Sara is a diversity-and-inclusion educator, speaker, consultant and author of “Small Book with a Big Idea: The Key to a Fulfilling Life- Self-Awareness.” She is also the founder and president of World Unity, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to the elimination of all forms of bigotry. Contact Sara at (508) 715-3370; Sting@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Psychic Medium Says Life Is a Vacation from the Afterlife
According to psychic medium June Edward, no matter how tough your present life may seem, it represents a vacation from what happens after you die. As June will explain, having a body that can taste, smell and have sex — among other things — is a treat because those senses will not be present after death; that is why people who have passed on live vicariously through us. With June as your guest, you can have a fascinating discussion about what your life circumstances may be trying to teach you, what the Other Side is like, the difficult process involved before being reborn and more. June is a psychic medium who passed to the Other Side during surgery at the age of 27 and came back by choice. She fully embraced her gifts at 52 and has since worked on missing person cases and consulted with many well-known paranormal groups and authors. She is the author of “The 5 Love Lessons” and other books. Ask her: Can you tell us about the spirit who showed up in your shower? Are angels a separate race? Can people who passed away see everything we do? Are jerks still jerks in the afterlife? Contact June Edward at (508) 259-1231; juneedward111@gmail.com
12. ==> Why This Bookie’s Son is a Sure-Bet Interview Guest
As the son of a big-time bookie, Steven Feinberg, Ph.D., learned a lot about the world as he watched his father’s 24/7 gambling lifestyle including losing the equivalent of $90,000 on a single football game. “My life was a training ground for the handling and mishandling of uncertainty,” Dr. Feinberg observes. Now, Steven is ready to share with your audience stories about his father and how Steven managed to see the film The Godfather with an actual wise guy at his side. He’ll also share the three steps he learned about winning more from life by utilizing the Bookie vantage point. A one-of-a-kind guest, Steven is a top 1% executive consultant who taught for nearly 30 years at the University of San Francisco School of Management and leadership and has guest lectured at Stanford, Cal Poly and UC Berkeley Extension. His latest book is “Do What Others Say Can’t Be Done … Play The Meta-Game,” and features interviews he conducted with 50 world-class leaders and entrepreneurs. Contact Dr. Steven Feinberg at (650) 374-4540; sfeinberg@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Can God Help You Shed Pounds This Summer? This Evangelical Minister Says Yes
Having dropped 50 pounds in a year after a lifetime of trying, Laura Pickett can help people finally figure out what’s behind their weight problems as she shares why getting off the “weight list” involves a combination of spirit, soul, and body. Laura Pickett is the author of “Get Over Weight (12 Steps to Finally Win the Weight Battle and Win at Life)” and the creator of a coaching and membership program on the topic. She has spent more than 30 years in the ministry and made multiple appearances on TBN’s national and local network (in Atlanta), and WATV. Ask her: Why do you say you have to eat what you love to lose weight? What are the ten signs that someone is ready to lose weight? What happened when you asked God to knock something off your plate if it wasn’t OK for you to eat it? Contact Laura Pickett at (404) 856-5781; lpickett@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Should You View Foods You Eat as an Investment?
While growing up on his family’s organic farm on the idyllic Caribbean island of Dominica, which has the highest percentage of centenarians per capita in the world, master herbalist Gladstone Etienne rarely got sick or went to a conventional doctor. “My mother was a traditional island herbalist, who used herbal remedies to treat everything from the flu to sprains and cuts,” he says. At 16, he traveled to Washington, D.C., in order to share his wisdom with Americans. “Many people see food as an expense,” he says. “Instead, we should look at it as an investment in your body.” He also believes that herbal teas should be a cornerstone of health and wellness. He is the founder of ZABIOLife herbal tea company. Contact Gladstone at (301) 820-7656; Getienne@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Comedian Turned Animal Activist Shares Why Saving Elephants is No Joke
Former standup comedian Georja Umano loved to make audiences laugh. But after adopting a dog in 1997, her passion turned to animal and environmental activism, with a particular focus on saving endangered elephants. “Elephants are crucial to the health of our environment and ecosystems, and are sadly endangered because of poaching, trophy hunting and habitat loss due to land development,” she says. Georja is the author of the award-winning book “Terriers in the Jungle.” She has lived in Kenya and is in the process of launching a nonprofit called the Elephant Matriarch Project, the goal of which is to educate and train young, underprivileged African women and girls for careers in wildlife conservation. Contact Georja at (213) 568-1764; gumano@rtirguests.com