01. Washington’s Ill-Fated Mideast Ambitions
02. Election 2024: What Americans Can Learn from Hungary
03. A Call for AI Transparency in Journalism
04. The Dirty Truth About Your Drinking Water
05. Air Travel Has Gone to the Dogs!
06. From Rags to Riches to Rags: They Had it All and Lost it
07. The Paradox of Acceptance: Find Peace of Mind By Letting Go
08. Interview a YouTube Star Who Hit 1M Subs at Age 50
09. How to Make Better Choices with Fewer Regrets
10. 5-Time Survivor Reveals Why She’s Glad She Had Cancer
11. Why You Shouldn’t Do Your Best
12. Do the Dems Want to Take Away Our Freedom and Prosperity?
13. How Wives and the Men Who Betrayed Them Can Heal
14. Is It Good to Stay in a Bad Marriage for the Children’s Sake?
15. This Guest Knows What Takes Place in Spaceships
1. ==> Washington’s Ill-Fated Mideast Ambitions
U.S. administrations have backed sweeping efforts for societal change in the Middle East in recent decades, with poor results. But Steven A. Cook believes Washington may be able to achieve more modest, essential goals in the region. “The Biden administration should avoid an ambitious effort to reform Palestinian politics and build a Palestinian state. There is little reason to believe that such an effort in international social engineering would succeed when in the past it has failed.” He says, “The time, energy, and resources of the United States would be better spent preventing threats to American interests than on what would likely be unending, inconclusive negotiations that are likely to do more harm than good. It could very well be that there is no U.S. solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in which case, no amount of American effort would change that.” Steven A. Cook is an expert on Arab and Turkish politics as well as U.S.-Middle East policy at the Council on Foreign Relations. His latest book is “The End of Ambition: America’s Past, Present, and Future in the Middle East.” Contact him at (202) 509-8620; scook@cfr.org
2. ==> Election 2024: What Americans Can Learn from Hungary
Since 2010, Hungary has been led by Viktor Orban, an authoritarian strongman who is a favorite among American conservatives who seem only too willing to take a page from Orban’s playbook. Author Laszlo Suhayda, who was five years old when he followed his parents and two older siblings through a minefield in the forest of Sopron, Hungary, to escape the oppressive Communist government, can share the grim lessons he learned about war, totalitarian governments, and keeping the faith amid horror as it relates to the current turmoil in the world. He says, “As I was swimming through weeds, I fell on top of a young Hungarian man who was shot in the head by a Russian sniper. I saw the tragedy of war and the price of freedom. Freedom is not free; you have to earn it.” Laszlo is the author of the memoir “Twelve Bells to Freedom: The Suhajda Story,” and the inventor of the first wine slushee product in America. Contact Laszlo Suhayda at (314) 501-6838; Lsuhayda@rtirguests.com
3.==> A Call for AI Transparency in Journalism
Google is currently in the beta testing phase of its latest generative AI tool, which the company says is meant to assist journalists with their work. AI experts warn that by 2026, 90% of web content will be AI-generated, giving rise to a potential bonanza of misinformation. Karla Jo Helms of JOTO PR Disruptors warns, “The consequences of using artificial intelligence to assume the responsibilities of the Fourth Estate could jeopardize the quality, integrity, and accuracy of news stories.” Helms, whose anti-PR agency supports disruptively innovative tech companies in their mission to educate the market via multimedia news channels, is issuing a call to action: “The tech industry needs to band together to help keep the First Amendment operating at the highest standards for the benefit of all and to protect their brand by facing AI head-on.” Contact her at (727) 777-4619 or Kaden Haig at mradmin@jotopr.com
4.==> The Dirty Truth About Your Drinking Water
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued new standards last month for PFAS levels in drinking water, giving water systems three years to conduct testing for the “forever chemicals,” and another two years to install treatment systems if contaminants are detected. State officials and utilities say it’s going to be difficult and costly to meet the requirements. Discuss the growing issue of contaminated water here and worldwide with Jeff Szur, COO of Altitude Water. His company makes and installs Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs) that produce water anytime, anywhere. He can explain how our water became so contaminated, where the situation is the worst, and how to know if the water your family’s drinking is safe or not. Contact Adrienne Mazzone at amazzone@transmediagroup.com
5. ==> Air Travel Has Gone to the Dogs!
Traveling long distances with a dog is a challenge, particularly if Fido doesn’t fit into a carrier that can be placed under the seat in front. Often times, dogs are denied travel, confined to a duffle bag, or endure the stress of flying in cargo. BARK Air now provides a more fun – and humane – option for dogs traveling with their two-legged human companions. Pups are the VIPs on these flights where they’re served up chicken-flavored puppuccinos, special cupcakes and even a shoe—on a platter—and then encouraged to stretch out and nap at will. The airline is a subsidiary of BARK, the company behind dog-focused brands like the subscription service BarkBox. Cofounder and CEO Matt Meeker says he’s been working towards this idea for over a decade and was inspired by his late Great Dane who traveled with him often but could never fit on a plane. Current routes include the New York City metro area, the Los Angeles area and London, England. Contact Matt Meeker at matt@bark.co or @barkmeeker or Garland Harwood at press@barkbox.com
6. ==> From Rags to Riches to Rags: They Had it All and Lost it
We’ve all heard the stories of people hitting the lottery and then losing it all. Explore the phenomena of going from rags to riches and back again with financial advisor Ted Oakley. He will share stories of entrepreneurs, heirs, athletes, artists, lottery winners, and settlement recipients finding themselves with enough wealth to “support them and their families in perpetuity.” Then, as a result of unmanaged spending, bad investments, and investment advisors, they live the reverse American Dream and lose it all. Ask Oakley: How do people lose all of their money? What makes successful people make bad investment decisions? How do you avoid it happening to you? How much money is enough to last a lifetime? Ted Oakley, founder and managing partner of Oxbow Advisors, is the author of nine books including the upcoming “$30 Million and Broke: If You Have It, Don’t Lose It.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbpr.biz or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
7. ==> The Paradox of Acceptance: Find Peace of Mind By Letting Go
It’s no surprise that anxiety levels are through the roof these days when we’re faced with an overload of stressors and tragedies on a daily basis. Dr. Greg Hammer says many people suffer needlessly when one simple attitude adjustment could make a huge difference. “Practicing acceptance can be one of the most helpful attitudes at our disposal to make peace with our anxieties and increase our happiness,” he says. Invite the author of “GAIN Without Pain: The Happiness Handbook for Health Care Professionals” to explain the difference between resignation and acceptance, how to acknowledge feelings without judging or being self-critical, and ways to set limits and boundaries without placing conditions on love. Greg Hammer, M.D. is a recently retired professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, pediatric intensive care physician, pediatric anesthesiologist and wellness and mindfulness lecturer. Contact Mackenzie August at (661) 255-8283; mackenzie@steveallenmedia.com
8. ==> Interview a YouTube Star Who Hit 1M Subs at Age 50
Whenever most of us think of YouTube stars, images of cool young people come to mind. But author and educator Jennifer Lebedev is living proof that you don’t have to be a Gen-Zer or millennial to be a huge success on that trendy channel. “I was nearing a midlife crisis in February 2022, when my YouTube channel hit the 1 million mark,” she says. “A month later, I turned 50. I chose to celebrate both events.” Jennifer is an English language teacher and author of “Being a YouTuber: One Creator’s Bumpy Road to 1M Subscribers.” She can share how mid-lifers can successfully set and attain personal and professional goals, despite their hectic lives. Contact Jennifer Lebedev at (617) 668-1804; jlebedev@rtirguests.com
9. ==> How to Make Better Choices with Fewer Regrets
We all face many choices each day. Some are crucial to our lives and career, others are not. We know we won’t always make the right decision, but psychologist Stephen Sideroff says there are some things you can do to help lower your odds of regret. He says all get in our own way of good decision-making due to emotional and cognitive traps we fall into. Invite him to share the three traps, as well as three key steps to take before making any decision. He’ll also reveal three steps to help recover from a mistake you’ve already made! Dr. Sideroff will give you new perspectives on decision-making for greater clarity, objectivity, and results. 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.” Reach him at (310) 666-3452; sideroff@UCLA.edu
10. ==> 5-Time Survivor Reveals Why She’s Glad She Had Cancer
The very thought of cancer strikes terror into the hearts of most people. But after surviving four bouts with lymphoma and one with a rare digestive tract cancer, Shariann Tom considered her experiences a gift. For one, she discovered her true passion. “I left the unfulfilling corporate world to launch the Cancer Journey Institute, which trains coaches to work with cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers of all ages, cancer stages, and walks of life to discover their inner strengths,” she says. She also devised a “cancer road map,” which eases the journey. Shariann is the author of “The Call of Cancer: A Loving Pathway to Wholeness, Healing, and Transformation.” She has been featured on KGO-TV in San Francisco and in the “Wall Street Journal” and “Stanford Medical Magazine.” Contact Shariann Tom at (415) 480-3264; stom@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Why You Shouldn’t Do Your Best
People think that doing one’s best is the key to success. But according to transformational speaker, educator, and businesswoman Rachel Rappaport, that attitude leads to “just getting by.” Instead, she says, “Do whatever it takes because doing your best is not enough! It is just a well-intentioned excuse; it is a mindset that leads to feeling stuck and creates an imaginary glass ceiling.” Alternatively, doing whatever it takes will stretch your creativity, empower you, and expand your possibilities, and give you the passion that you need to succeed in business and life. Rachel is the founder of the success-coaching program MAX! She also trained with Jack Canfield, co-author of “Chicken Soup for the Soul,” and well-known motivational coach Tony Robbins. Contact Rachel Rappaport at (848) 266-5824; rrappaport@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Do the Dems Want to Take Away Our Freedom and Prosperity?
Americans are more divided than they’ve been in decades. Author Taylor Woodruff blames Democrats for situation. He also believes the 2020 election was stolen. “I was distressed to find that not one entity Americans trust analyzed or reviewed election results,” he claims. “They all appeared to have sided with the corrupt, godless, communist transformation of the American Democratic Party. That, more than anything, told me where they plan on taking this country.” Ask Taylor about his controversial views and how he came to these conclusions. He is the author of “My Book: The Case for National Divorce, One Christian’s Perspective.” Contact Taylor Woodruff at (252) 888-5892; twoodruff@rtirguests.com
13. ==> How Wives and the Men Who Betrayed Them Can Heal
Infidelity is a leading cause of divorce in the U.S. But while many marriages do not survive such betrayal, author and marriage therapist Marsha Means claims that there is hope. “In a number of cases, cheating is a result of sex addiction,” she says. “The problem is the same with any form of addiction, be it sex, heroin, or alcohol, which often is the result of unresolved childhood trauma.” Marsha can share how to address past trauma to break sex addiction for good, and how couples can survive the pain. She is the author of the critically acclaimed books “Learn Empathy: Help Your Betrayed Wife Heal” and “From Betrayal Trauma to Healing & Joy: A Workbook for Partners of Sex Addicts.” Contact Marsha Means at (520) 341-6002; mmeans@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Is It Good to Stay in a Bad Marriage for the Children’s Sake?
It’s a dilemma many people face: divorce or suffer the remorse of having stayed in a bad marriage for the sake of the children. Pat Allen knows this from experience, having married at 19 and endured an unhappy marriage for 14 years because she thought she owed it to her young son and daughter. Leaving the marriage was the best thing she ever did despite the rough times of having the phone cut off and working two part-time jobs. Pat is an inspiring example for anyone who is stuck in a bad situation and afraid to do something about it. The author of “Hurdles in a Girdle: Holding Life Together When You’re Bursting at the Seams,” Pat says, “Jumping the hurdle to end a marriage knowing something or someone better is on the other side can lead to a fulfilled and joyful life.” Inspirational, funny and insightful, her life’s journey has taken her from a barefoot country girl living on a dirt road to a lady in suits and high heels who created a multimillion-dollar real estate firm. Ask her: Why do you say staying in a bad marriage is a worst-case scenario for families with children? What are some of the biggest hurdles you had to leap over and what advice did you glean from doing so? Contact Pat Allen at (828) 200-9179; therealpatallen@gmail.com
15. ==> This Guest Knows What Takes Place in Spaceships
Alien abduction has long been the stuff of science fiction. According to author and long-time licensed hypnotherapist, Kryste Andrews, such occurrences are real. While relaxing into the hypnotic state of consciousness called theta, some of Kryste’s clients have reported interacting with life on other planets. “Thousands of people are certain they’ve been abducted by aliens,” she says. “I’ve worked with a few who have ‘beamed up’ to a space ship during our sessions and reported details about what goes on there.” Her upcoming book, “31 Conversations With An Alien,” is based on a recent client’s extraordinary life and reveals the living room chats between Kryste and an extraterrestrial named Fred. Contact Kryste Andrews at (201) 801-4551; Kandrews@rtirguests.com