01. Doctors in Gaza Describe Israeli Attacks
02. Authoritarian Wannabes Are Networking Worldwide
03. The Significance of South Africa’s Election
04. New Study: Anger Hurts Your Body More Than You Think
05. Hollywood’s Favorite A-List Talent Agent Reveals All
06. Help for Boomers Without a Retirement Plan
07. MicroSkills to Make Your Job Easier and Career More Successful
08. How to Disagree with People Without Disrespecting Them
09. The Worst Response to a Setback Is Also the Most Common
10. Dying at Home: Help for Family Caregivers
11. Excommunicated Mormon Tells Her Harrowing Story
12. This Guest Says He’s Got the Solution to Border Insanity
13. The Essential Skill No One Teaches Adults
14. Why Shouldn’t Every Kid Get a ‘Gifted’ Education?
15. How to Dial In Messages From the Dead
1. ==> Doctors in Gaza Describe Israeli Attacks
Israel continues its assault on Rafah, days after a strike on a displacement camp killed 28 people and injured 180 others. The group Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) condemned the attacks that have sparked global outrage and released a statement after Tuesday’s assault saying: “While Israeli forces described this attack as precise, with some civilians injured, the number of casualties resulting from these airstrikes shows otherwise.” “Women and children were among the people that were brought to the stabilization point, and once again, civilians are paying the price of this war,” says Samuel Johann, MSF emergency coordinator in Gaza. “This Israeli attack on a populated camp in a so-called ‘safe zone’ in Rafah shows the complete disregard for the lives of civilians in Gaza. Though all the patients were stabilized and referred to field hospitals in Rafah, no single health care facility in Gaza can handle a mass casualty event such as this one. The health system has been decimated and cannot cope any longer.” Contact Tim Shenk at tim.shenk@newyork.msf.org
2. ==> Authoritarian Wannabes Are Networking Worldwide
Far-right politicians from across Europe, including Italy, Hungary, Portugal and France, recently attended a summit organized by Spain’s right-wing Vox party. Heidi Beirich, cofounder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism (GPAHE), says the summit is “a regular occurrence that shows how much on the same page these governments and far-right actors are. The conferences have become quite routine. Not enough attention is being paid to the conferences yet. Not enough attention on the transnational far-right network which is enacting policies that are rolling back rights for women, LGBTQ [people], immigrants and refugees.” But Beirich says these events are going on worldwide, including the U.S. “The coordination is deep. [There are] multiple sets of conferences every year where the Melonis and Orbáns show up, as well as powerful think tanks like Heritage Foundation. These are networking events where you find high-level leaders of far-right governments speaking to think tanks from other countries.” Contact Heidi Beirich at heidi@globalextremism.org; @heidibeirich or @globalextremism
3. ==> The Significance of South Africa’s Election
Today, South Africans will vote in the seventh general election since the country’s transition to democracy in 1994. The African National Congress (ANC), the party of Nelson Mandela, faces the prospect of losing its parliamentary majority for the first time in 30 years. Invite Michelle Gavin, a senior fellow for Africa policy studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, to discuss how the party’s dominance is now waning with recent polling showing that 70% of South Africans are dissatisfied with the way democracy works in their country and a majority saying they would give up their ability to elect leaders if they could be assured of security, jobs, and better service delivery from the government. She can talk about who is on the ballot and the implications of the elections, both in South Africa and around the world. Gavin is a former U.S. ambassador to Botswana and previously worked as the managing director of The Africa Center, a multidisciplinary institution dedicated to increasing understanding of contemporary Africa. Contact communications@cfr.org
4. ==> New Study: Anger Hurts Your Body More Than You Think
Everyone gets mad now and then, but too much anger can cause problems, according to a new study. “If you’re a person who gets angry all the time, you’re having chronic injuries to your blood vessels,” says study leader Daichi Shimbo, M.D., a cardiologist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City. “It’s these chronic injuries over time that may eventually cause irreversible effects on vascular health and eventually increase your heart disease risk.” The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and published in the “Journal of the American Heart Association,” shows for the first time that anger is linked to this vascular impairment — a precursor to the kind of long-term damage that can lead to heart attack and stroke. Because participants were generally young and healthy — with an average age of 26 — other studies will also need to explore whether the findings are generalizable to older adults with health problems. Future studies may explore, as well, whether positive emotions, such as joy or laughter, could blunt the adverse effects of anger on the heart. For more information on the study and to arrange interviews, contact the NIH media department at (301) 496-5449; nhlbi_news@nhlbi.nih.gov
5. ==> Hollywood’s Favorite A-List Talent Agent Reveals All
In Hollywood, you don’t get to be called legendary for nothing. It’s rumored, when agent Harry Abrams speaks everyone stops texting, including A-list Hollywood and Broadway stars, directors and producers. For 60-plus years he’s charted his own course and shattered the stereotype of the harsh, cold-blooded talent agent representing and befriending some of entertainment’s biggest household names, many of whom he discovered, such as Jennifer Lopez, Liam Neeson, Kerry Washington, Jerry Seinfeld, William H. Macy, Jason Alexander, Connie Britton, Jaclyn Smith, David Strathairn, Bob Barker and many, many more. He reveals all in his new book, “Out to Launch: How to Make Your Business and Career Take Off,” and shares the secret tracks and tricks of his career that has spanned back to the 1960s. Abrams has tons of anecdotes about “the biz” that will leave you laughing — and cringing — as he provides an honest and clear window into Hollywood access and success. Contact Ilene Proctor at (828) 483-6063 (o); (310) 721-2336 (c) or ilenepr@sbcglobal.net;
6. ==> Help for Boomers Without a Retirement Plan
The largest segment of the U.S. population is rapidly approaching retirement age, yet more than half are worried they won’t have enough to retire – and 20% have no retirement savings at all. With rising inflation and a middling economy, is there any way to turn things around? Tom Loegering (pronounced “Lay-ger-ing”) reveals how baby boomers and anyone in the workforce can ensure a happy, well-funded retirement so they can enjoy their golden years. Learn how to develop “the business of you” and retire comfortably without sacrificing your goals and dreams along the way. A retired contractor and experienced speaker, Tom is the author of “Success or Failure: The Choice Is Yours,” a workbook to help anyone plan their perfect retirement. Contact him at (623) 400-8648; tloegering@rtirguests.com
7. ==> MicroSkills to Make Your Job Easier and Career More Successful
When you begin your professional journey, it can feel like there is some sort of playbook to which you aren’t privy. Lend a hand to newbies when you invite the authors of “MicroSkills” to impart advice to recent college graduates about how to enter the workforce. Dr. Adaira Landry and Dr. Resa Lewiss believe every big goal and complicated task can be broken down into small, learnable skills that can be practiced and incorporated in real time. They call them MicroSkills, and say they’ll make your job easier and your career more successful. Find it hard to network because you’re an introvert? Ditch awkward large-group mixers in favor of small-group dinners or even one-on-one coffees. Sick of endless Zooms? Meetings tend to expand to fill the time allotted, so book them for 45 minutes instead of an hour, and 20 minutes instead of a half hour. Dr. Adaira Landry and Dr. Resa Lewiss, two accomplished emergency medical physicians, wrote “MicroSkills: Small Actions, Big Impact,” as the book they wish they’d had when they were starting out. Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853; LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com; @Lissa_Warren
8. ==> How to Disagree with People Without Disrespecting Them
Do you remember when we had to be careful when we discussed religion, politics, and money with others? Today, with so much polarization in our world, we are more hesitant to share a different viewpoint on “any” issue due to fear of being isolated from loved ones, condemned on social media, or even unfriended. Philip Blackett is on a mission to change our intimidating “cancel culture” that lacks diversity of thought by reintroducing the rules of engagement that we’ve lost. He is the author of “Disagree without Disrespect: How to Respectfully Debate with Those Who Think, Believe and Vote Differently from You.” He’ll help your audience confidently navigate tough conversations, questions, and debates with their families, friends, and colleagues through his five-step framework where you can disagree with someone’s views and still respect and love that person in a healthy relationship. Ask him: Why is it important to know how to respectfully debate with those who think, believe, and vote differently from you? Can you share the five-step framework for how people can disagree without disrespect? What inspired you to write your book? Contact Philip Blackett at (617) 608-7702; philip.blackett@gmail.com
9. ==> The Worst Response to a Setback Is Also the Most Common
Most of us are overwhelmed by daily stressors and their impact on our bodies and minds. When bad things happen — problems at work, relationships, or ill health — we hope to bounce back. But according to internationally known psychologist Stephen Sideroff, bouncing back is outdated because it puts you back where you started instead of growing and learning from life’s stresses. Invite Sideroff to explain the concept of bouncing forward: what it means and how to accomplish it. He’ll share the important mindset for busting through old childhood lessons of thinking and behavior and provide actionable steps to reduce chronic stress and build resilience for better health and success. Most importantly, he will help listeners who feel overwhelmed find what he describes as “The Path,” a methodology that gives people hope. Stephen Sideroff is an associate professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Rheumatology at UCLA’s Geffen School of Medicine. He was the founder and former clinical director of the Stress Strategies Program of UCLA/Santa Monica Hospital and former clinical director of Moonview Treatment and Optimal Performance Center. He is the author of “The 9 Pillars of Resilience: The Proven Path to Mastering Stress, Slow Aging and Increase Vitality.” Contact
Stephen Sideroff at (310) 666-3452; sideroff@UCLA.edu
10. ==> Dying at Home: Help for Family Caregivers
Many people say if they had the option, they’d like to die in the comfort and privacy of their own home rather than in an unfamiliar hospital or facility. But navigating professional services, insurance coverage, and family dynamics often makes the process unmanageable during an already difficult time. Dr. Andrea Sankar can discuss caregiving for an aging family member and the challenges of end-of-life decisions. She’ll provide resources and tips for arranging medical care, nursing and support and share valuable insight about navigating the process of dying and caring for the body after death. Andrea Sankar, Ph.D., is a professor of medical anthropology at Wayne State University where she specializes in the study of care, death and dying, and urban sustainability. She and CM Cassady are the authors of “Dying at Home: A Family Guide for Caregiving.” Contact Reigan Wright at (703) 646-5188 or Erin Bolden at (703)980-2705
11. ==> Excommunicated Mormon Tells Her Harrowing Story
For the first half of her life, author Susie Bell knew nothing but the Mormon Church. She grew up, married, had six kids, and became a nurse while living as a practicing Mormon. But she began to question the religion and was excommunicated in 2012. “I realized that it’s a cult,” she says. “It ends up tearing a lot of families apart.” Her life became even more chaotic after her excommunication, which included a messy divorce, the loss of a baby, being drugged, raped, and publicly harassed by a famous athlete, struggles with substance abuse, and more. But Susie not only survived, she managed to thrive and can share what really goes on in this mysterious faith. She is the author of the upcoming book, “A Piece of Me: Finding My Voice After Mormonism, Marriage, Medicine & Men.” Contact Susie Bell at (213) 816-3622; sbell@rtirguests.com
12. ==> This Guest Says He’s Got the Solution to Border Insanity
According to several recent Gallup polls, a majority of Americans believe immigration is the most important issue facing the country — more important than how the government is run, the shape the economy is in, or concerns about inflation. Rodger Friedman, ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬author of “Erasing America: Broken Politics, Broken Country,” says, “Sanctuary cities, mimicking the catch and release policies of the federal government, put dangerous illegals back on city streets to murder Americans all the while the government of Joe Biden does nothing. Why on earth do liberal senators and Congress folk alike tolerate this situation?” A Florida resident, Rodger can talk about ways his state is making itself extremely unattractive to illegal immigrants in stark contrast to what sanctuary states like California, Colorado, and New York are doing; the latter provide hotel accommodations, meals, health care, spending money, cell phones and more. Find out how your listeners view the issue when you invite Rodger to discuss ways voters and individual states can combat the Biden administration’s “border insanity.” Rodger Friedman is a media-savvy expert who has earned a reputation as The Equal Opportunity Critic. He is a fiscally conservative financial professional and proud member of the Sons of the American Legion who sees America heading toward a one-party socialist future. The author of multiple books, he has extensive experience as a talk-show guest on a variety of topics. Contact Rodger Friedman at (813) 575-0862; Eocritic@protonmail.com
13. ==> The Essential Skill No One Teaches Adults
Everyone faces criticism — some deserved, some totally off-base and even mean-spirited. But most of us never get any help learning how to handle criticism including the negative stuff we say to ourselves. Interview emotional intelligence and criticism management expert Detri McGhee to discuss how mastering the C-A-T system can help your listeners get something positive out of every critical comment they are exposed to. Ask her: How can adults profit from every criticism they receive? What tools are available to combat the negative and destructive effects of deserved and undeserved criticism? Detri is the president of Entrepreneurial Training and Marketing, LLC, a company that offers workshops and seminars on criticism management. Contact her at (870) 407-7523; dmcghee@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Why Shouldn’t Every Kid Get a ‘Gifted’ Education?
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights estimates that 6% of public school students are enrolled in gifted and talented programs. But what about the other 94%? Prompted by a student’s question when he was a principal, Brian Butler was confronted with honoring his true beliefs about all students having gifts, which sparked these questions: Who decides which students are gifted? What happens to children who are excluded from these programs? And why can’t the practices associated with gifted education be accessible to all, not just a select few? When Brian examined the neuroscience of how children learn, numerous studies showed that children’s brains are remarkably adaptable. In fact, current research shows that all students can excel — if educators believe they can. Invite Brian to discuss how schools and educators can cultivate a growth mindset, eliminate the harmful effects of marginalizing labels, and create an environment where every student thrives. Brian Butler is a renowned educational consultant and author of “Every Student Deserves a Gifted Education.” recently chosen as a Foreword INDIES Awards Finalist. Contact him at (571) 733-0489, bkbutler497@gmail.com
15. ==> How to Dial In Messages from the Dead
Have you ever dreamed about a lost loved one? Or felt the presence of those who have passed on, and experienced other seemingly inexplicable messages from the dearly departed? While it’s common to chalk this up to mere nonsense, psychic medium and author June Edward claims that this is not our imagination playing tricks on us. “You can’t see the air you breathe, but it’s there,” she says. “It’s the same with souls that have passed on. They are standing right next to you!” June can share how to communicate with departed loved ones, and how this can vastly improve our lives. She is the author of “All’s Fair in Love & Karma: 5 Steps to Relationship Mastery,” which has been endorsed by best-selling author John Gray. Contact June Edward at (508) 544-0189; jedward@rtirguests.com