01. The Invisible Gaza War
02. How Biden Could Stop Houthi Attacks
03. Taboo: What We Don’t Talk About, but Should
04. Why Barbie’s Oscar Snub Stings So Much
05. Will Swifties Sway the 2024 Election?
06. What You Can Learn from Taylor Swift and Warren Buffett
07. Mortgage Rates, Inflation, Stocks: 2024 Financial Trends
08. Mike Tyson’s Mother-in-Law on Helping Imprisoned Women
09. What Is Unconscious Bias and Why It Matters
10. 3 Ways to Cultivate a Habit of Hope
11. Still Waiting for Things to Happen? The Science of Empowerment
12. Boost Your Healing Power to Get Well Faster
13. The Top 3 Health Screenings That Could Save Your Life
14. Why Are So Many Teens Depressed?
15. How Are Those Resolutions Going?
1.==> The Invisible Gaza War
You may browse your newsfeed every day and feel you’re up to speed on what’s going on in the world, but Norman Solomon says you haven’t seen the realities of the wars raging across the worldglobe. Last week the U.N. reported “Gazans now make up 80 per cent of all people facing famine or catastrophic hunger worldwide, marking an unparalleled humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip amid Israel’s continued bombardment and siege.” Yet Solomon says you probably haven’t seen any reporting from the scene. “For the vast majority of Americans, no matter how much mainstream media they consume, the war that actually exists — in contrast to the war reporting by news outlets — remains virtually invisible.” Solomon will discuss the realities of the Gaza war and why we’re not seeing them in the media. Norman Solomon is the author of “War Made Invisible.” He is the executive director of the Institute for Public Accuracy. Contact him at solomonprogressive@gmail.com
2. ==> How Biden Could Stop Houthi Attacks
In the recent “Time” magazine piece, “How Biden Can Stop Houthi Attacks – Without Risking War,” Trita Parsi writes: “The Houthis had consistently expressed their demands publicly: an end to attacks on Red Sea ships in exchange for Israel halting strikes on Palestinians in Gaza. There’s no guarantee the Houthis would have upheld their commitment post-ceasefire. But when a temporary truce did reign in Gaza from Nov. 24 to 30 of last year, the number of confirmed Houthi attacks in the Red Sea significantly diminished, according to the Institute for the Study of War.” Parsi concludes: “If, in the worst-case scenario, Biden’s escalation against the Houthis sparks a regional war, there should be little doubt that this is another war of choice – and one without Congressional authorization. Not because Biden desired it, but because he refused to pursue the most obvious and peaceful path to prevent it.” Trita Parsi is the executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft and the founder and former president of the National Iranian American Council. He regularly writes articles and appears on TV to comment on foreign policy. Contact him at trita@quincyinst.org, @tparsi
3. ==> Taboo: What We Don’t Talk About, but Should
Many people keep their personal struggles hidden from view and battle them silently, but pastor and author Mike Novotny says that causes isolation and loneliness and can hinder the development of relationships and a community that can provide comfort and guidance. “We should share our struggles. Talk about hard things. With other people. People who love us. People we trust,” he says. “Keeping these secrets not only leads us to feel alone, it damages our faith, witness and leadership, too. Because, when we present a facade of perfection while privately struggling, it destroys our credibility in the eyes of others.” Novotny can discuss why we fail to address topics like abortion, suicide, transgenderism, homosexuality, sex, pornography, race, depression, and politics — all of the things we struggle with and would rather not talk about — and how healing often begins with acknowledging and sharing our struggles. Mike Novotny is the lead speaker for Time of Grace, an independent, donor-funded global media ministry. His new book is “Taboo: Topics Christians Should be Talking About but Don’t.” Contact Jason Jones at jason@ jonesliterary.com
4.==> Why Barbie’s Oscar Snub Stings So Much
Many say “Barbie” director Greta Gerwig and Barbie herself, Margot Robbie, were snubbed after being left off this year’s list of Oscar nominations. “Barbie” was the top grossing film in 2023, raking in more than $1billion worldwide. It also became a commentary on sexism with America Ferrara delivering a scene-stealing 2-and-a-half-minute monologue describing the baggage that comes with simply existing as a woman in the world. Francesca Burack says the film—and the snub—reflect women’s struggle. If your audience is looking to reclaim their power in the workplace, at home, and beyond, you need to hear from Burack. The author of “Women Are Special: 12 Reasons Why” can share advice, tips, and encouragement to help women find, own, and use their voices with confidence. Ask her: What can women do to speak up in one-sided relationships, whether it’s at work or with family? How can women approach difficult conversations in the workplace, such as asking for raises, promotions, or benefits? An author, entrepreneur, educator, and popular speaker, Francesca Burack has been featured on major networks including ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox News. Contact her at (516) 823-4003; fburack@rtirguests.com
5. ==> Will Swifties Sway the 2024 Election?
An Instagram post by pop superstar Taylor Swift got more than 30,000 people to sign up through Vote.org during National Voter Registration Day, many of them teens who will be eligible to vote in this fall’s election. Experts say there’s every indication youth voting will be high again this year, as it was in 2020. “The younger generation is really starting to connect the dots between what they care about and participation numbers,” says Andrea Hailey, CEO of nonpartisan Vote.org, which registered 279,00 new voters last year. “When you have someone registering 30,000 voters at a time it absolutely can have an impact.” Vote.org partners with influencers, including Swift, to reach potential voters, in particular young people. It also partners with micro-influencers at historically black colleges and universities, echoing the work done by MTV’s Rock the Vote starting in the 1990s. For interviews, contact Vote.org at press@vote.org
6. ==> What You Can Learn from Taylor Swift and Warren Buffett
Taylor Swift and Warren Buffett are very different people. However, both are icons with advice your listeners can use to live happier, more fulfilling lives. Interview Detri McGhee to learn ways you can strive to be more like Swift or Buffett without having to be a Swiftie or making a single terrific financial investment. Detri is an emotional intelligence expert who says both Swift and Buffett recognize that EI (emotional intelligence) is more important than AI (artificial intelligence). Ask her: What surprising thing did Buffett say represents one’s best investment? What have Swifties been told to never do? Why should you pay attention to criticism offered by an enemy? Detri is the author of the upcoming book “Criticism Management: The C-A-T That Tames the Dragon.” She is the president of Entrepreneurial Training and Marketing, LLC, a company that offers workshops and seminars on criticism management. Contact Detri McGhee at (870) 407-7523; dmcghee@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Mortgage Rates, Inflation, Stocks: 2024 Financial Trends
All signs currently point to a resilient economy, yet a new Bankrate survey finds that two-thirds of Americans don’t expect their personal finances to improve in 2024. The biggest reason behind Americans’ financial pessimism continues to be inflation. Invite Sam Burns of Mill Street Research to explain the disconnect and what he sees ahead in the coming year. Sam can discuss stock picks, corporate earnings, economic news, and the current geopolitical environment’s impact on the markets. Sam Burns is CFA and chief strategist at Mill Street Research, an independent research company specializing in proprietary institutional research tools for asset allocation, stock selection, and macroeconomic indicators. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com
8. ==> Mike Tyson’s Mother-in-Law on Helping Imprisoned Women
Rita Ali was a distinguished Philadelphia socialite and among the few African American women boxing PR professionals in boxing who hobnobbed with such famous fighters as Muhammad Ali, Michael Spinks, and Mike Tyson, who is now her son-in-law. Then it all came crashing down when she — along with her daughter and son — was convicted and imprisoned for funneling public funds. Though she has maintained her innocence throughout, Ali was tried, convicted and sent to federal prison three times. “I was convicted and sentenced three times on virtually the same charges for a crime I didn’t commit, which amounted to triple jeopardy,” she says. She is the author of “Triple Jeopardy: 3 Strikes But Not Out,” a life coach, and founder of the nonprofit We 2 Matter, which provides resources for previously incarcerated women. Contact Rita Ali at (917) 243-9214; rali@rtirguests.com
9. ==> What Is Unconscious Bias and Why It Matters
The modern world seems to be a bubbling cauldron of out-of-control chaos, wars, and hate. But according to author Sara Ting, there is hope. “Most people harbor unconscious biases, which is the root cause of societal divineness,” she says. “I have a tool that can help people become more self-aware of all of their unconscious biases and any future ones humans will create. It’s a poem called The Sun Poem, and it only takes 15 seconds or less to read.” Sara is a diversity and inclusion educator, speaker, consultant and author of “Small Book with a Big Idea: 5 Minute Training to Empower You and Transform the World.” Contact Sara Ting at (508) 715-3370; Sting@rtirguests.com
10. ==> 3 Ways to Cultivate a Habit of Hope
With all the political turmoil and negative news Americans are subjected to it’s easy to see why some of us have lost the habit of hope. But like any healthy habit, it can be refreshed, rebooted, or acquired for the first time. Expert Edie Summers is making it her mission to teach people how to be more hopeful and shift their mindset to focus on what they can control. Ask Edie: How can we develop a habit of hope? How can focusing on small things to be grateful for reinforce that habit? What mindset shift do we need to make? Edie Summers is the author of “The Memory of Health,” a mind-body fitness instructor, a former executive, and the creator of the My Daily Well app. She has been featured in “Entrepreneur” and on many podcasts. Contact her at (503) 487-0058; esummers@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Still Waiting for Things to Happen? The Science of Empowerment
Are you feeling stuck in an unhappy job, relationship, or other unpleasant situation? Does it seem like the circumstances will never be right for you to find the perfect partner, career, or life? Luckily, you don’t have to wait for the opportunity to come to you. Learn how to make your own opportunities for breaking free from anything that holds you back when you interview Laura Brennan Ballet. The author of “The Science of Empowerment,” Laura is an experienced life coach and frequent media guest who helps people connect with their personal power to achieve anything, simply by changing the way they think about it. She’ll not only show your audience how to think differently but actually recalibrate their brains and reach for their dreams with intent. You’ll hear why we all become algorithms of the people around us, how to reclaim your authentic self, and how to move past disappointment and live life with zero regrets. Contact Laura Ballet at (860) 831-4435; lballet@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Boost Your Healing Power to Get Well Faster
Science has shown that a mind-body connection exists and your emotions can impact your physical health, but how much does it actually help? Discover the real power of positive thinking when you interview Stan Munslow. After helping his father beat 30% survival odds and fully recover from Stage 4 lymphoma, Stan shares his methods for faster recovery from surgery, chronic conditions, or serious illness — and improved health overall. Discover powerful techniques to optimize your mind-body connection and reclaim your health. Ask him: How can your thoughts help you decrease pain, recovery time, and even your health-care costs? Why does being the “perfect patient” help you shorten and improve a hospital experience? Stan Munslow is the author of “Get Weller Sooner: 12 Powerful, Proven Ways to Speed and Improve Your Recovery from Illness or Surgery.?” Contact him at (401) 337-7436; smunslow@rtirguests.com
13. ==> The Top 3 Health Screenings That Could Save Your Life
Did you know that heart disease is the number one cause of death among American men and women? The good news is, it can be avoided, according to long-time nurse Allen Daugherty. “The American health-care system is designed to focus on diseases after they happen,” he says. “So we need to change our mindset to focus on prevention.” Allen can share the types of screenings, lifestyle changes and other preventative steps we can take before becoming another statistic. He has worked in the medical field for almost 50 years, first as a U.S. Air Force medic then as an RN and certified dialysis nurse. He is the author of “An Ounce of Prevention is Worth More Than You Can Imagine.” Contact Allen at (540) 712-8704; adaugherty@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Why Are So Many Teens Depressed?
Teen depression and suicide have dramatically increased during the past decade. “There are multiple causes including isolation, school stress, social media, bullying, and many others,” says best-selling author Scott Kolbaba M.D. “This was made worse by the pandemic.” Dr. Kolbaba claims that enabling young people to focus on finding a purpose in life and pursuing their passions is just what the doctor ordered. His award-winning children’s book, “Clara’s Magic Garden” is an uplifting illustration of this principle. He is an internal medicine physician who graduated from the University of Illinois College of Medicine and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He completed his residency at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and appeared in “Chicago Magazine” as a “Top Doctor.” Contact Dr. Scott Kolbaba at (630) 656-9507; skolbaba@rtirguests.com
15. ==> How Are Those Resolutions Going?
It’s the end of January and many are struggling to keep the New Year’s resolutions they made a few weeks ago. Others are feeling guilty for already abandoning theirs. But Dr. Dravon James says the problem isn’t you. “It’s safe to say we’ve grown tired of the unfulfilling notion of New Year’s resolutions! It’s time to readjust our focus. Our goals shouldn’t be limited to what we want, but who we want to be!” Dr. James will share a system that can help revolutionize your mindset and put you on track to discover the best version of yourself. Dr. Dravon is a transformation specialist who coaches women on how to master goal attainment. She is the author of “Freedom is Your Birthright,” host of “Dr. Dravon James Every Day Peace” on Unity Online Radio, coach on the SiriusXM “Road Dog Trucking” show, and an actress whose career credits include a recurring role on HBO’s “The Wire.” Contact Mackenzie August at (661) 255-8283; mackenzie@steveallenmedia.com