01. Cancer Alley: Toxic Air Measures 1,000x Safe Levels
02. Why Hunter Biden Should Have Pleaded Guilty
03. For Juneteenth: Slavery Ended, but What About Racism?
04. The Toughest Hike in the World: 750 Miles Across the Grand Canyon
05. For Father’s Day – Former Pro Wrestler and Pastor, ‘The Saint’
06. Saving Earth is the Greatest Economic Opportunity of Our Time
07. How to Disaster-Proof Your Family’s Memories
08. What Do Tommy Chong and Deepak Chopra Have in Common?
09. How to Disagree Without Disrespect
10. What NOT to Do When Diagnosed with Cancer
11. The Surprising Connection Between Sunshine and Breast Cancer
12. How Nuclear Fusion Can Fuel Your Success
13. The One Thing to Do Every Day to Reach Your Goals
14. Amazing True Encounters People Have Had With God
15. How to Have Your Best Summer Ever
1. ==> Cancer Alley Toxic Air Measures 1,000x Safe Levels
A new study from Johns Hopkins researchers found levels of carcinogenic toxic gas was 1,000 times higher than what’s considered safe in the stretch of Louisiana communities known as Cancer Alley. The man-made gas ethylene oxide is used in manufacturing other chemicals and can also be used to sterilize medical equipment. “That tells you it’s particularly nasty,” the study’s senior author Peter DeCarlo says. He says the gas has historically been hard to detect and is dangerous in incredibly small concentrations so people who live near plants with it in their emissions have no way of understanding their risk. An expert on air pollution who has performed air quality measurements all over the world, DeCarlo is an associate professor of environmental health and engineering at Johns Hopkins University. Contact him at (410) 516-5434; pdecarl1@jhu.edu
2. ==> Why Hunter Biden Should Have Pleaded Guilty
Hunter Biden now awaits sentencing after a jury found him guilty on federal gun charges this week. Attorney Dennis Aftergut says the conviction leaves one huge takeaway and one huge mystery. The former federal prosecutor says the takeaway is that the rule of law is working. “It’s hard to conceive of better evidence of a justice system operating without fear or favor. The mystery is this: Why did Hunter Biden ever test his luck with a jury when a guilty plea would have better served him and so many others who are close to him, not to mention the country?” Aftergut says the conviction will hurt Hunter Biden’s father personally, and it can’t help him politically, but it does distinguish him from Donald Trump and his attacks on his own guilty verdict. “By uplifting the rule of law, the president told us that it is even more important to him than his unlimited love for his son.” Dennis Aftergut is currently counsel to Lawyers Defending American Democracy (LDAD), a nonpartisan organization dedicated to preserving the rule of law. Arrange interviews through LDAD at ldadpress@gmail.com
3.==> For Juneteenth: Slavery Ended, but What About Racism?
June 19 is now a federal holiday that commemorates the historic day in 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas at the end of the Civil War. But while there is a greater awareness of the need for equality for people of color, racism is still rampant in American society. Author Sara Ting says, “Many people have biases that they aren’t even aware of. I have a tool that can help people become more self-aware of all of their unconscious biases, and even future ones” 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
4.==> The Toughest Hike in the World: 750 Miles Across the Grand Canyon
A few years after quitting his job to follow an ill-advised dream of becoming a guide on the Colorado River, Kevin Fedarko was approached by his longtime friend and collaborator, photographer Pete McBride, with an idea as bold as it was hairbrained: they embark on an end-to-end traverse of the Grand Canyon, a journey McBride claimed would be “a walk in the park” for which no preparation was required. The pair considered themselves explorers but quickly realized they were out of their depth, poorly equipped and in serious danger. Fedarko will explain how their harrowing situation turned around. Hear how they came into contact with a group of veteran long-distance hikers who would volunteer their time, knowledge, and skills over the following months to guide the men through the canyon, bringing them to hidden pockets only a handful of humans has ever before seen. Kevin Fedarko has spent the past twenty years writing about conservation, exploration, and the Grand Canyon. He has been a staff writer at “Time,” where he worked primarily on the foreign affairs desk, as well as a senior editor at “Outside.” His new book is “A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 646-5188
5. ==> For Father’s Day – Former Pro Wrestler and Pastor, ‘The Saint’
Dr. Chris Whaley spent the 1980s as “The Saint,” competing with the biggest names in pro wrestling including “The Undertaker,” “The Freebirds,” “The Ultimate Warrior,” and more. But after a decade in the ring, Chris retired and stopped one battle and started another, fighting the good fight as a minister. Chris’ first book, “The Masked Saint” — based on a true story — was made into an award-winning movie and his second book, “Harold’s Heavenly Christmas” will be a Movie of the Week. Invite the grandfather to six for a fun and inspirational Father’s Day show where he’ll share why fathers are so important, ways every dad can be a hero, and what raising two daughters taught him about being a father. Ask him about his wrestling career (and whether pro wrestling is fake,) his 48-year marriage to his high school sweetheart, or what it’s like to see his books made into movies. Dr. Chris Walley has appeared on TV, radio and podcasts. Contact him at (407) 227-8781; themaskedsaint59@gmail.com
6. ==> Saving Earth is the Greatest Economic Opportunity of Our Time
Saving the planet seems like an insurmountable challenge. But what if there was a viable path to combating climate change? Dr. John Berger says there is — that we actually have the necessary technology and money to prevent further damage. Invite Berger to explain a three-pronged approach to the problem that includes embracing new technology, protecting our natural ecosystems, and reducing social and environmental injustice. Learn how replacing the fossil-fuel system with a modernized, clean-energy economy could produce millions of new jobs and save trillions of dollars, making the case that protecting the climate has the potential to be the greatest economic opportunity of our time. Berger spent six years traveling the world interviewing experts on climate change and business for his new book, “Solving the Climate Crisis: Frontline Reports from the Race to Save the Earth.” John Berger, Ph.D., is a senior research fellow at The Pacific Institute. Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853; LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com or @Lissa_Warren
7. ==> How to Disaster-Proof Your Family’s Memories
Whether your precious memories are digital, photographic, or on DVD, one disaster can wipe out all those memories instantly. What’s the best way to preserve your family’s records so they can be enjoyed for decades to come? Find out when you interview Rhonda Chadwick. A professional archivist with a master’s degree in library science, she helps your audience protect their photos and keepsakes so they can be passed on and enjoyed for generations to come. An experienced media guest, Rhonda is the author of “Secrets from the Stacks: An Archivist Reveals How to Store, Digitize, and Preserve Documents to Create a Family Archive and Leave a Personal Legacy.” Learn the best practices for preparing photos, documents, textile and metal keepsakes, how ‘storing and ignoring’ can lead to a complete loss of digital content, and the five things millennials need to know about digital preservation. Contact Rhonda Chadwick at (401) 227-3306; rchadwick@rtirguests.com
8. ==> What Do Tommy Chong and Deepak Chopra Have in Common?
Perhaps you have wondered why people like Deepak Chopra, Gary Vee (“Crush It!”), Jack Canfield (“Chicken Soup for the Soul”), Lisa Nichols (“The Secret”), Brian Austin Green (“90210”), and Tommy Chong seemingly become more successful and happier, ultimately weathering economic and emotional storms with ease. Corey Poirier, often called the Modern-Day Napoleon Hill, has the answers. Poirier has interviewed over 7,500 of the world’s top thought leaders and his new book, “The Enlightened Passenger,” reveals the top lessons and habits he has learned during those interviews. Ask him: What are the secrets behind The Power of No, the Purpose Statement, Vitamin P, E+R=O? How do they allow people to succeed, enjoy greater abundance, and even avoid the current mental health crises? Contact Corey Poirier at (902) 303-5544; corey@blutalks.com
9. ==> How to Disagree Without Disrespect
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 wants to 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 this book? Contact Philip Blackett at (617) 608-7702; philip.blackett@gmail.com
10. ==> What NOT to Do When Diagnosed with Cancer
We all have a cancer story. With one in three Americans being diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes, it is a common thread in all our lives. However, with good information and proper guidance, these stories can have better endings – if we know what to do, and what not to do. Dr. Kerry Forrestal can help. An ER doctor for 20 years, Dr. Forrestal has worked with thousands of cancer patients. His expert advice can give your audience the best possible chance against cancer as well as tips for navigating your finances, relationships, and career post-diagnosis. Ask him: Why should newly diagnosed cancer patients absolutely not go online to research when they first receive their diagnosis? Why are most cases of cancer discovered in the ER? How have evolving treatments made it more likely than ever that patients will survive a cancer diagnosis? An experienced media guest, Forrestal is the author of “Crushing Cancer: A Patient’s Complete Guide to Managing a Cancer Diagnosis.” Contact him at (419) 780-3689; kforrestal@rtirguests.com
11. ==> The Surprising Connection Between Sunshine and Breast Cancer
When you think of cancer treatments, the first thing to come to mind is typically chemotherapy or radiation. However, there’s another surprising, natural treatment that may help cure this dreaded disease: Sunlight. Francisca Epale shares her amazing, inspiring story of surviving breast cancer without chemotherapy (and with plenty of sun). A certified health and life coach and the award-winning author of “How I Conquered Breast Cancer Without Chemotherapy: My Journey from a Mess to a Message” (medical disclaimer included), Francisca looked for better ways to survive cancer after five of her family members died due to chemotherapy. After being diagnosed with breast cancer herself and successfully curing it, she now shares her advice to help other women fight breast cancer whether or not they choose to undergo traditional treatments. Contact Francisca Epale at (647) 692-3886; fepale@rtirguests.com
12. ==> How Nuclear Fusion Can Fuel Your Success
John Nicholas says he accidentally discovered (and applied) the power of nuclear principles at the age of 16, after crashing into a house during a Halloween night car chase with police. “I was desperate for direction and was able to harness a few keys that can totally change your outlook and launch you toward success, no matter what your situation, setbacks or challenges,” he says. Ask him: What exactly is nuclear fusion? How can one apply its principles to achieve success? John is a Brown University and Fuller Seminary graduate, a former pro football player, pastor, and co-founder/partner of award-winning sports-media and real estate companies. The author of “Hit Your Bullseye!” has appeared on ABC News, CBS News, syndicated radio, and numerous podcasts. Contact John Nicholas at (214) 225-9991; Jnicholas@rtirguests.com
13. ==> The One Thing to Do Every Day to Reach Your Goals
The main reason why most people don’t attain their goals is because they often bite off more than they can chew and get frustrated when they fall short. “That’s because most people focus on a lofty goal instead of their progress,” says Gerald J. Leonard, a successful CEO, author, project management expert and professional musician. “Don’t go for large, lofty goals. Instead, take an inventory of bite-sized milestones, commit to them and celebrate the small-scale wins.” He can share how to change your mind set in order to achieve maximum success. Ask him: What small things can people do to attain their goals? How can we focus on the positive as opposed to all of the things that can go wrong? Gerald is the author of “A Symphony of Choices: How Mentorship Taught a Manager Decision-Making, Project Management, and Workplace Engagement — and Saved a Concert Season.” Contact Gerald J. Leonard at (443) 703-2929; gleonard@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Amazing True Encounters People Have Had With God
For many people, even those who are religious, God is a nebulous concept whose existence is difficult to prove. If you’ve ever wondered whether God is real, invite Marcia Fleischman on your show to share real encounters with God, both those she’s heard from others and experienced herself. Marcia discusses ordinary people who have interacted with God and how these encounters have changed their lives. Delight your audience and help them rediscover or strengthen their faith when you interview this intriguing guest. Ask her: How can we experience the everyday presence of God? How did you experience God in your life after a double lung transplant? Can people meet God even if they aren’t religious? A pastor, author, illustrator, and inventor, Marcia’s latest book is “If God is Love, Why Do I Feel So Bad? Considering Our Images of God.” Contact her at (816) 852-3849; mfleischman@rtirguests.com
15. ==> How to Have Your Best Summer Ever
Summer is a time of adventure, vacations, and trying new things. It can also be a time of transformation. Remember how summer vacation from school allowed you to explore more about who you were? Now that you are grown up, how can you have your best summer ever? Explore what that might look and feel like with the appropriately named Edie Summers, the author of “The Memory of Health.” With Edie’s ideas under your belt, a memorable summer is a real possibility as she encourages people to check out a new beach or camping spot, get more sun and apply more sunscreen, visit places they have never been before in their neighborhood and a few hours away, and connect more with people in real life instead of whiling away the hours on their smartphones. Edie is a corporate wellness advisor for a high-tech startup who has been featured in “Entrepreneur” and on many podcasts. Contact Edie Summers at (503) 487-0058; esummers@rtirguests.com