Author: admin

01. Qatar Post-World Cup – Everybody’s Gone but U.S. Troops and Support
02. Forensic Psychiatrist on Idaho Student Murders
03. Telehealth: How’s That Working Out?
04. From St. Nick to Santa: The Gospel of Santa Claus
05. Skol! How to Pick the Perfect Holiday Wine
06. Lighten-Up Your Holiday Food Favorites
07. Lights Out? Holiday Help for Tree Trimmers
08. New Year, New You: How Food Can Impact Mental Health
09. How to Have More Joy and Less Oy In 2023
10. Why You Should Practice Positive Peace This New Year
11. Have We Lost the Ability to Cope with Not Getting Our Way?
12. Why Your Next Cruise Should be a River Voyage
13. How Being a Loser Can Make You a Winner
14. Matthew Perry’s Opioid Addiction: Lessons for Us All
15. How to Live a Life without Regrets

1. ==> Qatar Post-World Cup – Everybody’s Gone but U.S. Troops and Support

The athletes and media have all packed up and left Qatar but David Vine says most Americans don’t realize U.S. troops remain there. “The issue of U.S. bases and troops in Qatar and U.S. support for the Qatari government was supremely overlooked during reporting on the World Cup. If this was a World Cup ‘soaked in blood,’ as many rightly said, what does it mean that the U.S. government has been one of the Qatari government’s biggest backers for decades? The presence of U.S. bases in Qatar means the U.S. government and U.S. taxpayers have been supporting and helping prop up the Qatari regime, including its undemocratic rule and human rights abuses including its systematic labor exploitation and discrimination against LGBTQ people.” He adds, “Holding the World Cup in Qatar was an outrage. Maintaining U.S. bases in Qatar is an even greater outrage. They should be closed and U.S. troops should come home.” Vine is a professor at American University in Washington, D.C. His books include “Base Nation: How U.S. Military Bases Abroad Harm America and the World.” Contact him at vine@american.edu

2. ==> Forensic Psychiatrist on Idaho Student Murders

More than a month after the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students, the investigation continues, and still no suspect or person of interest has been identified. Carole Lieberman’s opinion, as a forensic psychiatrist and expert witness, is that the victims were targeted, and the murders were not random or the work of a serial killer. “The multiple stabbings and bloody mess are signs that it was personal and that the killer was enraged,” she says. “These four students were the epitome of good looks, success and self-confidence. At least that’s the way it seemed to their classmates and others in the town. So, there would have been a lot of envy and jealousy towards them.” Lieberman believes the killer could be an incel (involuntary celibate) who saw the female victims as “Stacy”s — a name they give girls they believe would look down on them and refuse to date or have sex with them. She says, “Incels can develop a lot of rage towards Stacys as they play their imagined rejection over and over in their mind.” Carole Lieberman, M.D., M.P.H., was trained at NYU-Bellevue and at Anna Freud’s London Clinic and has served on the clinical faculty of UCLA’s Neuropsychiatric Institute for years. She is a best-selling author and a columnist for “Inside the Criminal Mind” in Front Page Detectives. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; ryan@goldmanmccormick.com

3. ==> Telehealth: How’s That Working Out?

Telehealth exploded during the pandemic when health-care systems around the country overhauled their approach to deliver care by smartphone or computer as we all stayed apart and quarantined. Rules were relaxed from previous restrictions but are set to expire this spring. The Bipartisan Policy Center, a Washington think tank that has studied the use of telehealth during the pandemic, reports that many Medicare beneficiaries have turned to audio-only telehealth, with almost one out of every five visits being delivered by phone. But does that really provide good care and should we continue to embrace phone medicine? “Continuing to lean ‘all in’ on audio-only care before we understand the impact on access, quality, and cost has the potential to create a two-tiered system whereby some have access to higher quality, face-to-face or video interventions and others access health care via the telephone,” says the center’s associate director Julia Harris. “Alternatively, allowing most audio-only flexibilities to expire ignores the needs of some beneficiaries to access their health-care providers by phone.” Meantime, the global telehealth market shows no signs of slowing down and is projected to grow from $25.4 billion this year to $55.6 billion by 2025, and “The Wall Street Journal” recently reported that several telehealth companies are looking to go public or are exploring sales. Contact Jennifer Ruff at jruff@bipartisanpolicy.org or Luci Manning at Lmanning@bipartisanpolicy.org; @LuciKManning

4.==> From St. Nick to Santa: The Gospel of Santa Claus

Everyone is familiar with Santa Claus, with his big belly, white beard, pink cheeks and omnipresent sack of toys for children. Most people know that the inspiration for Santa was Saint Nicholas, a priest and bishop who lived in the third century A.D., but few know much about the real man in the red suit. Wayne Van Der Wal, a school psychologist and practicing Christian, wants to change that. Invite him on your show and hear how St. Nicholas overcame childhood tragedy, felt called by God to take a vow of poverty, endured horrific persecution for his religious faith, and went on to become one of the most beloved, generous, loving, and famous figures in human history. The author of the historical novel “The Gospel of Santa Claus” will fascinate your audience as he shares details of St. Nicholas’ extraordinary life and what Santa Claus has in common with St. Nick. He’ll also explain how writing the book changed the way he and his family celebrate Christmas each year and how anyone can have the best Christmas season ever, even on a limited budget. Contact Wayne Van Der Wal at (775) 338-4300; wav66@yahoo.com

5. ==> Skol! How to Pick the Perfect Holiday Wine

Whether you’re celebrating Hannukah, Christmas, Kwanza or New Year’s Eve, it’s highly likely there will be some adult beverages involved. Need a wine choice for dinner? Looking for something sparkly for a toast? Is it tacky to serve boxed wine to guests? Jim Laughren, CWE, can help your listeners figure out the perfect wine for the occasion, whether they’re looking for a comforting favorite, something out of the ordinary or a bargain too good to pass up. He can also suggest creative gift ideas for the wine lovers on your shopping list like special glasses and accessories, wine club memberships and more. An encyclopedia of wine knowledge, Jim is the author of two short eBooks, “The 15-Minute Guide to Red Wine” and “The 15-Minute Guide to White Wine.” He has appeared on radio and TV around the country and is also the award-winning author of “50 Ways to Love Wine More” and “A Beer Drinker’s Guide to Knowing and Enjoying Fine Wine.” Contact Jim Laughren at (954) 317-9623; JLaughren@rtirguests.com

6. ==> Lighten-Up Your Holiday Food Favorites

When you’re trying to shed some pounds or you’re working to be more health conscious, it can be tough to stay on track during the holiday season. Skip the calorie-loaded dishes and opt for a healthier holiday this year when you invite Paula Shoyer, aka the Kosher Baker, to share ways to lighten up your favorite family recipes. Whether you’re cooking Keto, Whole30 or are just trying to cut calories, Paula will help you make over your holiday table with dishes every generation will appreciate. She’ll also help you create a stress-free holiday with great ideas for room-temperature dishes and freezer-friendly make-ahead recipes. Paula Shoyer has appeared on numerous radio and TV shows and even competed on Food TV. A graduate of Ritz Escoffier Ecole de Gastronomie Francaise, she is the author of several cookbooks including “The Healthy Jewish Kitchen.” Contact her at (301) 404-8998; pshoyer@hotmail.com

7. ==> Lights Out? Holiday Help for Tree Trimmers

It’s the time of year when strings of twinkling lights are attached to anything and everything around us. Can you even picture a holiday season without them? John DeCosmo is a Christmas lights expert. For the past 15 years, his Chicago company, Ulta-Lit Tree Company, has been selling tools to fix broken Christmas tree lights. On your show, he’ll explain what to do now to make sure your holiday lights are working properly, the dos and don’ts of Christmas tree lights, and the difference between LED and incandescent lights and how to tell which is right for you. He’ll also introduce listeners to his version of the Butterball Turkey hotline that has answered more than 100,000 Christmas lights questions from frazzled tree trimmers since 2004. Contact Ivy Boomershine at ivy@lightspeedpr.com

8. ==> New Year, New You: How Food Can Impact Mental Health

Food has the power to nourish your mind, supporting emotional wellness through both nutrients and pleasure. “Washington Post” food expert Mary Beth Albright draws on cutting-edge research to explain the food/mood connection. She redefines “emotional eating” based on science and will reveal how eating triggers biological responses that affect humans’ emotional states both immediately and long-term. Albright can discuss recent studies from the new field of nutritional psychology and explain “what” to eat and “how” to eat it. Listeners will learn which foods help reduce the inflammation that can harm mental health, the critical relationship between the microbiome and the brain, and which vitamins help restore the body during intensely emotional times. Mary Beth Albright has broad experience, from food attorney to finalist on “Food Network Star,” where she competed on “Iron Chef America.” Her new book is “Eat and Flourish: How Food Supports Emotional Well-Being.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705

9. ==> How to Have More Joy and Less Oy In 2023

If you want to have a happy New Year, start by ditching resolutions in favor of real solutions, says Ellen Albertson, a psychologist, registered dietitian, nutritionist, and board-certified health and wellness coach. “Make it a happy no year!” She’ll advise people to say no to the habits, behaviors, and relationships that drain them and yes to more of what brings them joy. Dr. Ellen says, “When we are happy and joyful we release serotonin and dopamine, which makes us more motivated to accomplish our goals. When we are happy, our brain is flooded with these feel-good hormones and we are much less likely to pour another glass of wine or have a threesome with Ben & Jerry’s to feel good.” Dr. Ellen can discuss what joy is, how it differs from happiness and ways joyfulness improves relationships and well-being, makes life more meaningful and even helps people to lose weight and be healthier. A best-selling author, inspirational speaker, and expert on women’s well-being, Dr. Ellen has appeared on “Extra,” the Food Network and “NBC World News” and has been quoted in “Psychology Today,” “Forbes,” “Eating Well” and “USA Today.” She has written for “SELF,” “Better Homes & Gardens” and “Good Housekeeping.” Her latest book is “Rock Your Midlife.” Contact Dr. Ellen at (802) 497-7222; tigerwellness1@gmail.com

10. ==> Why You Should Practice Positive Peace This New Year

A New Year is nearly here but how can we approach it when many of us have lingering anxiety from all that happened this year? Find out when you interview Miami public school teacher Sharon Wallen and she introduces you to the concept of positive peace. “We are all searching for answers to calm our troubled minds and soothe our anxious hearts,” Sharon says and she is sure to deliver on providing them. Learn what you can say to yourself to practice positive peace and discover how doing so can improve your relationships with people who are important to you. She is a National Board Certified Teacher with degrees in psychology, sociology, and elementary education. Wallen is the author of “Grateful Reflections Journal” and the new program “Pace Yourself for Personal Focus, Productivity and Victorious Living. Contact her at (786) 473-4026; solaceplace07@aol.com

11. ==> Have We Lost the Ability to Cope with Not Getting Our Way?

Today if you lose an election, you may simply contest the results and not even bother to concede. That’s one example of failing to cope with unpleasant realities. Another example is the mass shooter who, along with ready access to high-capacity rifles and magazines, has a sense of entitlement, difficulty managing strong feelings and a belief that someone must pay for the wrongs they have suffered. Elizabeth Power says, “You can stop the manufacture of guns, melt every one you can seize, make proper ownership incredibly expensive, and it won’t stop mass murder.” What we need more than gun control, she’ll say, are ways to help people deal with their inability to cope with not getting their way. She’ll explain how adults can learn this skill and why mass shootings are the result of a learning deficit, not a mental illness. Elizabeth is the founding director of The Trauma-Informed Academy and the author of “Healer: Reducing Crises,” which offers everyday actions people can take to recover from traumatic experiences and be more resilient in the face of stress and discomfort. She is an adjunct instructor in psychiatry at Georgetown Medical Center and has been on “NBC News,” NPR, and in the “Wall Street Journal.” Contact her at (615) 903-0906; epower@rtirguests.com

12. ==> Why Your Next Cruise Should be a River Voyage

If you’re thinking of booking a cruise, travel marketing expert and author Cindy Bertram can share the wonders of traveling on rivers throughout the U.S. and Europe, versus ocean voyages. “The ships are much smaller, with fewer guests,” she says. “Most are all-inclusive. They also offer immersive excursions and special interest tours. It’s a beautiful way to explore the wonderful areas of Europe and the U.S. in a more seamless way.” Cindy is a communications, media and branding specialist who has spent many years in the travel and cruise industry and is the author of “How Six Women Executives Steer the Cruise Industry Today” and “Message from the Dog…Learning from Great Humans.” Contact her at (219) 775-6488; cbertram@rtirguests.com

13. ==> How Being a Loser Can Make You a Winner

The majority of people perceive losing as derogatory. But Dr. Carl Barnes disagrees. “Not only can losing teach us valuable life lessons, it can also teach us how to win,” he says. “Losing actually allowed me to win in the end. The key is developing resilience.” Carl faced a lifetime of rejection. He was almost aborted by his single teenage mom, was rejected by the military and numerous colleges and went through a painful divorce. He eventually overcame the odds and went on to a 35-year career in the military, ultimately becoming a Navy chaplain; and earned five degrees, including a doctorate of ministry in leadership. Carl is the author of “Resilient Sailing: 10 Lessons to Persevere in Life’s Stormy Seas,” and conducts life coaching workshops and online courses. Contact him at (407) 809-8047; cbarnes@rtirguests.com

14. ==> Matthew Perry’s Opioid Addiction: Lessons for Us All

Matthew Perry recently opened up about his 20-year, $9 million opioid addiction that started when he was prescribed painkillers for a jet skiing injury. Perry puts a familiar face to a story playing out in families all across the country as just one of the millions who’ve become addicted after receiving a prescription for opioids to treat pain from an injury or illness. Cindy Perlin is passionate about educating patients about safer and more effective treatments for acute and chronic pain and can educate your audience so they can avoid Perry’s fate. Perlin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, certified biofeedback practitioner, chronic pain survivor, and the author of “The Truth About Chronic Pain Treatments: The Best and Worst Strategies for Becoming Pain Free.” She created the “Alternative Pain Treatment Directory” and is a seasoned radio guest who has appeared on dozens of radio shows and podcasts. Contact her at (518) 439-6431; cindyperlin@gmail.com

15. ==> How to Live a Life without Regrets

Whether it’s your choice of a college major, that job you took that you’re stuck with now, a huge, missed opportunity, or the one that got away, everyone has regrets, and you just have to live with them — or do you? What if you could live your whole life and never regret a thing? Talk to Laura Brennan Ballet and learn how to do just that. The author of “The Science of Empowerment” and a life empowerment facilitator, Laura shares with your audience how to climb away from the chaos and drama in order to live the positive life you’ve always wanted, without regretting anything — and how you can connect with the people and experiences you’ve always wanted to discover. She’ll discuss how to turn your fears into advancement opportunities, a simple method for instantly replacing negative thoughts with happiness, how to become a force for greatness, and much more. Contact Laura Ballet at (860) 831-4435; lballet@rtirguests.com

01. Children Under Fire: 10 Years After the Sandy Hook Shooting
02. Iran: It’s Not Whether, but When the Regime Will Fall
03. The Kosher Baker Lightens Up Hanukkah
04. From St. Nick to Santa: The Gospel of Santa Claus
05. The Santa Conservatory: A School that Trains Santas
06. The New Year’s Resolution You’ll Be Happy to Keep!
07. Have We Lost the Ability to Cope with Not Getting Our Way?
08. Will the Supreme Court Undo Affirmative Action?
09. NPR Producer/Podcaster: Holiday Tips for Family Caregivers
10. WaPo Food Expert: How Food Can Impact Mental Health
11. Interview the World’s Leading Phobia Buster
12. Is Pet Therapy an Answer to the Student Anxiety Epidemic?
13. Could Your Forgetful Spouse Have Early-Onset Alzheimer’s?
14. This Guest Shares How to Make Your Own Happiness
15. Real Housewife: Beware ‘Little’ Holiday Luxuries

1. ==> Children Under Fire: 10 Years After Sandy Hook Shooting

This week marks the 10th anniversary of the school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, when a 20-year-old man shot and killed 26 people, including 20 children aged 6 and 7. John Woodrow Cox, an enterprise reporter at “The Washington Post” and a leading voice on gun violence and its impact on children, recently interviewed four school shooting survivors — between the ages of 10 and 52 — about what the experience has meant to them. He says each has been shaped by what they saw and heard and lost. On a recent Post podcast he said, “I think the scope of this crisis is so much larger than people are willing to acknowledge. It’s not just the kids who died. It’s not just kids who got shot. It’s third graders, it’s teachers and their kids. It’s cousins. It’s people in the community who thought, ‘Is my kid dead?’ That damage cannot be undone.” John Woodrow Cox is the author of “Children Under Fire: An American Crisis,” based on his acclaimed series for “The Washington Post.” Contact him at john.cox@washpost.com; @JohnWoodrowCox

2. ==> Iran: It’s Not Whether but When the Regime Will Fall

Karim Sadjadpour says the protests in Iran, now in their third month, are a historic battle pitting two powerful and irreconcilable forces: a predominantly young and modern population, proud of its 2,500-year-old civilization and desperate for change, versus an aging and isolated theocratic regime, committed to preserving its power and steeped in 43 years of brutality. Karim Sadjadpour says however the protests are resolved, they seem to have already changed the relationship between Iranian state and society. He’ll explain what’s different about the current protests and why he believes the current regime is doomed. “Four decades of the Islamic Republic’s hard power will ultimately be defeated by two millenniums of Iranian cultural soft power. The question is no longer about whether this will happen but when. History has taught us that there is an inverse relationship between the courage of an opposition and the resolve of a regime, and authoritarian collapse often goes from inconceivable to inevitable in days.” Mr. Sadjadpour is a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, where he focuses on Iran and U.S. policy toward the Middle East. Contact Clarissa Guerrero at (202) 939-2371; pressoffice@ceip.org

3. ==> The Kosher Baker Lightens Up Hanukkah

When you’re trying to shed some pounds or you’re working to be more health conscious, it can be tough to stay on track during the holiday season. Skip the calorie-loaded dishes and opt for a healthier Hanukkah this year when you invite Paula Shoyer, aka the Kosher Baker, to share ways to lighten up your favorite family recipes. Whether you’re cooking Keto, Whole30 or are just trying to cut calories, Paula will help you make over your holiday table with dishes every generation will appreciate. She’ll also help you create a stress-free holiday with great ideas for room-temperature dishes and freezer-friendly make-ahead recipes. Paula Shoyer has appeared on numerous radio and TV shows and even competed on Food TV. A graduate of Ritz Escoffier Ecole de Gastronomie Francaise, she is the author of several cookbooks including “The Healthy Jewish Kitchen.” Contact her at (301) 404-8998; pshoyer@hotmail.com

4. ==> From St. Nick to Santa: The Gospel of Santa Claus

Everyone is familiar with Santa Claus, with his big belly, white beard, pink cheeks and omnipresent sack of toys for children. Most people know that the inspiration for Santa was Saint Nicholas, a priest and bishop who lived in the third century A.D., but few know much about the real man in the red suit. Wayne Van Der Wal, a school psychologist and practicing Christian, wants to change that. Invite him on your show and hear how St. Nicholas overcame childhood tragedy, felt called by God to take a vow of poverty, endured horrific persecution for his religious faith, and went on to become one of the most beloved, generous, loving, and famous figures in human history. The author of the historical novel “The Gospel of Santa Claus” will fascinate your audience as he shares details of St. Nicholas’ extraordinary life and what Santa Claus has in common with St. Nick. He’ll also explain how writing the book changed the way he and his family celebrate Christmas each year and how anyone can have the best Christmas season ever, even on a limited budget. Contact Wayne Van Der Wal at (775) 338-4300; wav66@yahoo.com

5. ==> The Santa Conservatory: A School that Trains Santas

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to put on the famous red suit and stand in for Santa Claus? Santa Ed is a professional Santa who also runs The Santa Claus Conservatory, a Santa Claus school. He’ll explain the ways “Santas for Hire” adapted during COVID (think Zoom calls, virtual parties and Plexiglas) and how kids and their parents responded. He’ll also share some of the craziest Santa requests he’s gotten and explain how he got into the profession and how he now trains others for the job. Santa Ed is Hollywood’s “go-to” Santa Claus and has appeared on many TV shows and in commercials and movies. The Santa Claus Conservatory has been featured in the “Wall Street Journal,” Fox Business, “Money” magazine, VOX, and many others. Contact Santa Ed at (424) 343-9555 (call or text); Santa@SantaEd.com

6. ==> The New Year’s Resolution You’ll Be Happy to Keep!

Ever wondered how to easily learn more about wine? Or how to enjoy and appreciate wine more than you already do? Let Jim Laughren, CWE (certified wine educator) show your audience how. Jim is one of the most interesting, and least intimidating, wine experts available. A veteran of TV and radio, Jim knows how to make listeners glad they tuned in. The author of “50 Ways to Love Wine More” as well as “A Beer Drinker’s Guide to Knowing & Enjoying Fine Wine” and eBooks “The 15 Minute Guide to Red Wine and “The 15 Minute Guide to White Wine,” Jim consistently provides insight and enjoyment to anyone interested in knowing more about wine, especially for the New Year! He’ll share interesting, little-known facts about wine and explain how to end “wine intimidation.” You’ll find out the most important thing to know about wine lists and whether 2023 will be a good year for wine! Contact Jim Laughren at (954) 317 9623; JLaughren@rtirguests.com

7. ==> Have We Lost the Ability to Cope with Not Getting Our Way?

Today if you lose an election, you may simply contest the results and not even bother to concede. That’s one example of failing to cope with unpleasant realities. Another example is the mass shooter who, along with ready access to high-capacity rifles and magazines, has a sense of entitlement, difficulty managing strong feelings and a belief that someone must pay for the wrongs they have suffered. Elizabeth Power says, “You can stop the manufacture of guns, melt every one you can seize, make proper ownership incredibly expensive, and it won’t stop mass murder.” What we need more than gun control, she’ll say, are ways to help people deal with their inability to cope with not getting their way. She’ll explain how adults can learn this skill and why mass shootings are the result of a learning deficit, not a mental illness. Elizabeth is the founding director of The Trauma Informed Academy and the author of “Healer: Reducing Crises,” which offers everyday actions people can take to recover from traumatic experiences and be more resilient in the face of stress and discomfort. She is an adjunct instructor in psychiatry at Georgetown Medical Center and has been on NBC News, NPR, and in the “Wall Street Journal.” Contact her at (615) 903-0906; epower@rtirguests.com

8. ==> Will the Supreme Court Undo Affirmative Action?

The Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments on two major cases concerning race-based affirmative action at Harvard and the University of North Carolina. Discuss affirmative action’s past and future with author Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans (pronounced Kray-gull-mans). Hear how affirmative action came out of the civil rights movement as a means to address inequalities experienced by minorities and became law through an executive order made by John F. Kennedy in 1961. Ask Judith: Is affirmative action reverse discrimination? How effective has it been? Was it always controversial? Does it benefit everyone or just a few? Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans, a Fulbright Scholar, was one of the first Black women in the Foreign Service. A child of educators, she grew up in public housing in the Jim Crow South where Blacks were told they lived in a separate, but equal society. She is the author of “Flowers for Brother Mudd: One Woman’s Path from Jim Crow to Career Diplomat.” Contact Judith at (571) 568-8667; jmuddkrijgelmans@rtir.com

9. ==> NPR Producer/Podcaster: Holiday Tips for Family Caregivers

There are more than 53 million family caregivers in the United States. It’s hard work. It’s also joy-filled, soul-filled, and heart-filled work. The holidays can be especially challenging, but Emmy-winning NPR producer and podcaster Kitty Eisele can share her favorite memories, along with useful tips and tricks about how caregivers can successfully navigate the season and find joy and peace amidst the chaos. Based on her personal experience caring for her parents, she can expand on practical ways for celebrating with loved ones who have dementia, engaging in sacred conversations, building resilience, finding support in surprising spaces and finding ways to care for yourself (take a nap!). Eisele began her podcast, “Twenty-Four Seven,” after moving back into her childhood home to care for her father with dementia. She spent more than two decades at NPR, most recently as supervising senior editor of “Morning Edition,” and has been recognized with DuPont, Peabody and James Beard awards. Twenty-Four Seven: A Podcast about Caregiving airs on Texas Public Radio. Contact Debi Pfitzenmaier at debi@tpr.org

10. ==> WaPo Food Expert: How Food Can Impact Mental Health

Food has the power to nourish your mind, supporting emotional wellness through both nutrients and pleasure. “Washington Post” food expert Mary Beth Albright draws on cutting-edge research to explain the food/mood connection. She redefines “emotional eating” based on science and will reveal how eating triggers biological responses that affect humans’ emotional states both immediately and long-term. Albright can discuss recent studies from the new field of nutritional psychology and explain “what” to eat and “how” to eat it. Listeners will learn which foods help reduce the inflammation that can harm mental health, the critical relationship between the microbiome and the brain, and which vitamins help restore the body during intensely emotional times. Mary Beth Albright has broad experience, from food attorney to finalist on Food Network Star, where she competed on Iron Chef America. Her new book is “Eat and Flourish: How Food Supports Emotional Well-Being.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705

11. ==> Interview the World’s Leading Phobia Buster

Like many people, Kalliope Barlis suffered from debilitating phobias for years. As a former professional golfer, her fear of public speaking and crowds nearly sunk her career. But then a colleague introduced her to a technique that can dramatically change negative thoughts and behavior patterns, and Kalliope became an expert in it. She then began devoting her life to helping other people rid themselves of their phobias, everything from the fear of flying to being in tight spaces and freaking out over spiders and mice. Kalliope is a leading neurolinguistic programming (NLP) expert with a private practice in New York, the author of the critically acclaimed book “Phobia Relief: From Fear to Freedom and creator of the upcoming docuseries “Kalliope’s From Fear to Freedom.” Contact her at (516) 703-4546; kbarlis@rtirguests.com

12. ==> Is Pet Therapy an Answer to the Student Anxiety Epidemic?

It’s no secret that America is in the midst of a mental health crisis, with students among the hardest hit thanks to COVID, fears about their safety at school and even declining gains in math and reading. Larry Grogan has an unusual suggestion for ways to help the 65% of college students expressing overwhelming anxiety as well as younger students who have yet to graduate from high school: pet therapy. As you may know, petting a dog lowers your stress, heart rate, and blood pressure and provides mental stimulation. Larry says, “Pet therapy is a key to addressing the mental wellness of all of our students and colleges are the starting point.” Larry and his tiny dog Scrappy were a pet therapy team for eight years at a children’s hospital where they worked with thousands of suffering children. He is now a pet therapy advocate on a mission to increase the number of pet therapy teams worldwide. Larry can talk about what your listeners need to know about accessing pet therapy or training to become a therapy team. Contact Larry Grogan at (423) 557-1908; larrygrogan5@gmail.com

13. ==> Could Your Forgetful Spouse Have Early-Onset Alzheimer’s?

It’s one thing to overlook paying a bill, or to misplace your keys, or to be unable to remember a stranger’s name. It’s another thing to become so forgetful that you can’t complete a task you have done a thousand times. Or to forget how to find your way home. When such things happen, especially to a loved one who isn’t even 60, you may wonder if it’s early-onset Alzheimer’s, which can strike as early as 30. Discover more about the disease and how to spot its symptoms when you interview Carlen Maddux. A former reporter who chronicled his family’s 17-year Alzheimer’s journey in the award-winning book “A Path Revealed,” Carlen is determined to help others with information and been-there advice. His wife, Martha, was just past her 50th birthday when diagnosed. Carlen will discuss his family experiences, and what it was like to become his wife’s caregiver. Highly articulate, Carlen has done dozens of media interviews. Contact Carlen Maddux at (727) 351-8321; CMaddux@rtirguests.com

14. ==> This Guest Shares How to Make Your Own Happiness

With a barrage of bad news on all fronts and the increasing struggle most Americans are facing both at home and in the workplace, it doesn’t seem like there’s much to be happy about today. The good news is that you don’t have to wait for the world to get better. Let Mary Mitchell show you how to generate your own happiness, no matter what your current life circumstances. Mary has helped thousands of people, from inmates to CEOs, attract the happiness they want. She’ll reveal the steps you can take now to ditch constant anxiety and worry, so you can seize joy and choose success every day – even if you’re surrounded by negativity. Ask her: How can you find happiness when the whole world seems unhappy? What is your method for identifying and removing personal obstacles to happiness? How does complaining literally make you sick? Contact Mary Mitchell at (530) 561-5945; mmitchell@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Real Housewife: Beware ‘Little’ Holiday Luxuries

Leonard Lauder coined the “lipstick index” in 2001 as a recession indicator. As chairman of Estee Lauder Cosmetics, he noticed that a rise in lipstick sales and other cosmetics often meant the opposite of what many people thought. Instead of a sign of disposable income, it was a sign of tight budgets – because when consumers can afford less, they buy small luxury items instead of larger ones. Researchers at Debt.com built on that concept and compared the current inflation rate to Google’s search volume for the terms “lipstick,” “lip gloss” and “foundation” and found a significant uptick in consumers searching for those products. The debt relief organization then commissioned a survey of 1,000 beauty buyers and found that 38% are using credit to buy cosmetics, and 37% are buying more despite inflation. “We’d like to think we’re making affordable choices by splurging on small items during hard times,” says Vicki Gunvalson, spokesperson for Debt.com and former star of “Real Housewives of Orange County.” “Credit card debt is rising, and Americans are carrying $887 billion of it. Now is not the time to get into holiday debt,” she warns. According to the survey, half of the respondents had no plans to slow down on holiday spending with nearly two in five planning to spend over $300 on beauty products. Debt.com is a consumer website where people can find help with credit card debt, student loan debt, tax debt, credit repair, bankruptcy, and more. For interviews, contact Christine Burton at cburton@debt.com

01. Children Under Fire: 10 Years After the Sandy Hook Shooting
02. Iran: It’s Not Whether, but When the Regime Will Fall
03. The Kosher Baker Lightens Up Hanukkah
04. From St. Nick to Santa: The Gospel of Santa Claus
05. The Santa Conservatory: A School that Trains Santas
06. The New Year’s Resolution You’ll Be Happy to Keep!
07. Have We Lost the Ability to Cope with Not Getting Our Way?
08. Will the Supreme Court Undo Affirmative Action?
09. NPR Producer/Podcaster: Holiday Tips for Family Caregivers
10. WaPo Food Expert: How Food Can Impact Mental Health
11. Interview the World’s Leading Phobia Buster
12. Is Pet Therapy an Answer to the Student Anxiety Epidemic?
13. Could Your Forgetful Spouse Have Early-Onset Alzheimer’s?
14. This Guest Shares How to Make Your Own Happiness
15. Real Housewife: Beware ‘Little’ Holiday Luxuries

1. ==> Children Under Fire: 10 Years After Sandy Hook Shooting

This week marks the 10th anniversary of the school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, when a 20-year-old man shot and killed 26 people, including 20 children aged 6 and 7. John Woodrow Cox, an enterprise reporter at “The Washington Post” and a leading voice on gun violence and its impact on children, recently interviewed four school shooting survivors — between the ages of 10 and 52 — about what the experience has meant to them. He says each has been shaped by what they saw and heard and lost. On a recent Post podcast he said, “I think the scope of this crisis is so much larger than people are willing to acknowledge. It’s not just the kids who died. It’s not just kids who got shot. It’s third graders, it’s teachers and their kids. It’s cousins. It’s people in the community who thought, ‘Is my kid dead?’ That damage cannot be undone.” John Woodrow Cox is the author of “Children Under Fire: An American Crisis,” based on his acclaimed series for “The Washington Post.” Contact him at john.cox@washpost.com; @JohnWoodrowCox

2. ==> Iran: It’s Not Whether but When the Regime Will Fall

Karim Sadjadpour says the protests in Iran, now in their third month, are a historic battle pitting two powerful and irreconcilable forces: a predominantly young and modern population, proud of its 2,500-year-old civilization and desperate for change, versus an aging and isolated theocratic regime, committed to preserving its power and steeped in 43 years of brutality. Karim Sadjadpour says however the protests are resolved, they seem to have already changed the relationship between Iranian state and society. He’ll explain what’s different about the current protests and why he believes the current regime is doomed. “Four decades of the Islamic Republic’s hard power will ultimately be defeated by two millenniums of Iranian cultural soft power. The question is no longer about whether this will happen but when. History has taught us that there is an inverse relationship between the courage of an opposition and the resolve of a regime, and authoritarian collapse often goes from inconceivable to inevitable in days.” Mr. Sadjadpour is a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, where he focuses on Iran and U.S. policy toward the Middle East. Contact Clarissa Guerrero at (202) 939-2371; pressoffice@ceip.org

3. ==> The Kosher Baker Lightens Up Hanukkah

When you’re trying to shed some pounds or you’re working to be more health conscious, it can be tough to stay on track during the holiday season. Skip the calorie-loaded dishes and opt for a healthier Hanukkah this year when you invite Paula Shoyer, aka the Kosher Baker, to share ways to lighten up your favorite family recipes. Whether you’re cooking Keto, Whole30 or are just trying to cut calories, Paula will help you make over your holiday table with dishes every generation will appreciate. She’ll also help you create a stress-free holiday with great ideas for room-temperature dishes and freezer-friendly make-ahead recipes. Paula Shoyer has appeared on numerous radio and TV shows and even competed on Food TV. A graduate of Ritz Escoffier Ecole de Gastronomie Francaise, she is the author of several cookbooks including “The Healthy Jewish Kitchen.” Contact her at (301) 404-8998; pshoyer@hotmail.com

4. ==> From St. Nick to Santa: The Gospel of Santa Claus

Everyone is familiar with Santa Claus, with his big belly, white beard, pink cheeks and omnipresent sack of toys for children. Most people know that the inspiration for Santa was Saint Nicholas, a priest and bishop who lived in the third century A.D., but few know much about the real man in the red suit. Wayne Van Der Wal, a school psychologist and practicing Christian, wants to change that. Invite him on your show and hear how St. Nicholas overcame childhood tragedy, felt called by God to take a vow of poverty, endured horrific persecution for his religious faith, and went on to become one of the most beloved, generous, loving, and famous figures in human history. The author of the historical novel “The Gospel of Santa Claus” will fascinate your audience as he shares details of St. Nicholas’ extraordinary life and what Santa Claus has in common with St. Nick. He’ll also explain how writing the book changed the way he and his family celebrate Christmas each year and how anyone can have the best Christmas season ever, even on a limited budget. Contact Wayne Van Der Wal at (775) 338-4300; wav66@yahoo.com

5. ==> The Santa Conservatory: A School that Trains Santas

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to put on the famous red suit and stand in for Santa Claus? Santa Ed is a professional Santa who also runs The Santa Claus Conservatory, a Santa Claus school. He’ll explain the ways “Santas for Hire” adapted during COVID (think Zoom calls, virtual parties and Plexiglas) and how kids and their parents responded. He’ll also share some of the craziest Santa requests he’s gotten and explain how he got into the profession and how he now trains others for the job. Santa Ed is Hollywood’s “go-to” Santa Claus and has appeared on many TV shows and in commercials and movies. The Santa Claus Conservatory has been featured in the “Wall Street Journal,” Fox Business, “Money” magazine, VOX, and many others. Contact Santa Ed at (424) 343-9555 (call or text); Santa@SantaEd.com

6. ==> The New Year’s Resolution You’ll Be Happy to Keep!

Ever wondered how to easily learn more about wine? Or how to enjoy and appreciate wine more than you already do? Let Jim Laughren, CWE (certified wine educator) show your audience how. Jim is one of the most interesting, and least intimidating, wine experts available. A veteran of TV and radio, Jim knows how to make listeners glad they tuned in. The author of “50 Ways to Love Wine More” as well as “A Beer Drinker’s Guide to Knowing & Enjoying Fine Wine” and eBooks “The 15 Minute Guide to Red Wine and “The 15 Minute Guide to White Wine,” Jim consistently provides insight and enjoyment to anyone interested in knowing more about wine, especially for the New Year! He’ll share interesting, little-known facts about wine and explain how to end “wine intimidation.” You’ll find out the most important thing to know about wine lists and whether 2023 will be a good year for wine! Contact Jim Laughren at (954) 317 9623; JLaughren@rtirguests.com

7. ==> Have We Lost the Ability to Cope with Not Getting Our Way?

Today if you lose an election, you may simply contest the results and not even bother to concede. That’s one example of failing to cope with unpleasant realities. Another example is the mass shooter who, along with ready access to high-capacity rifles and magazines, has a sense of entitlement, difficulty managing strong feelings and a belief that someone must pay for the wrongs they have suffered. Elizabeth Power says, “You can stop the manufacture of guns, melt every one you can seize, make proper ownership incredibly expensive, and it won’t stop mass murder.” What we need more than gun control, she’ll say, are ways to help people deal with their inability to cope with not getting their way. She’ll explain how adults can learn this skill and why mass shootings are the result of a learning deficit, not a mental illness. Elizabeth is the founding director of The Trauma Informed Academy and the author of “Healer: Reducing Crises,” which offers everyday actions people can take to recover from traumatic experiences and be more resilient in the face of stress and discomfort. She is an adjunct instructor in psychiatry at Georgetown Medical Center and has been on NBC News, NPR, and in the “Wall Street Journal.” Contact her at (615) 903-0906; epower@rtirguests.com

8. ==> Will the Supreme Court Undo Affirmative Action?

The Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments on two major cases concerning race-based affirmative action at Harvard and the University of North Carolina. Discuss affirmative action’s past and future with author Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans (pronounced Kray-gull-mans). Hear how affirmative action came out of the civil rights movement as a means to address inequalities experienced by minorities and became law through an executive order made by John F. Kennedy in 1961. Ask Judith: Is affirmative action reverse discrimination? How effective has it been? Was it always controversial? Does it benefit everyone or just a few? Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans, a Fulbright Scholar, was one of the first Black women in the Foreign Service. A child of educators, she grew up in public housing in the Jim Crow South where Blacks were told they lived in a separate, but equal society. She is the author of “Flowers for Brother Mudd: One Woman’s Path from Jim Crow to Career Diplomat.” Contact Judith at (571) 568-8667; jmuddkrijgelmans@rtir.com

9. ==> NPR Producer/Podcaster: Holiday Tips for Family Caregivers

There are more than 53 million family caregivers in the United States. It’s hard work. It’s also joy-filled, soul-filled, and heart-filled work. The holidays can be especially challenging, but Emmy-winning NPR producer and podcaster Kitty Eisele can share her favorite memories, along with useful tips and tricks about how caregivers can successfully navigate the season and find joy and peace amidst the chaos. Based on her personal experience caring for her parents, she can expand on practical ways for celebrating with loved ones who have dementia, engaging in sacred conversations, building resilience, finding support in surprising spaces and finding ways to care for yourself (take a nap!). Eisele began her podcast, “Twenty-Four Seven,” after moving back into her childhood home to care for her father with dementia. She spent more than two decades at NPR, most recently as supervising senior editor of “Morning Edition,” and has been recognized with DuPont, Peabody and James Beard awards. Twenty-Four Seven: A Podcast about Caregiving airs on Texas Public Radio. Contact Debi Pfitzenmaier at debi@tpr.org

10. ==> WaPo Food Expert: How Food Can Impact Mental Health

Food has the power to nourish your mind, supporting emotional wellness through both nutrients and pleasure. “Washington Post” food expert Mary Beth Albright draws on cutting-edge research to explain the food/mood connection. She redefines “emotional eating” based on science and will reveal how eating triggers biological responses that affect humans’ emotional states both immediately and long-term. Albright can discuss recent studies from the new field of nutritional psychology and explain “what” to eat and “how” to eat it. Listeners will learn which foods help reduce the inflammation that can harm mental health, the critical relationship between the microbiome and the brain, and which vitamins help restore the body during intensely emotional times. Mary Beth Albright has broad experience, from food attorney to finalist on Food Network Star, where she competed on Iron Chef America. Her new book is “Eat and Flourish: How Food Supports Emotional Well-Being.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705

11. ==> Interview the World’s Leading Phobia Buster

Like many people, Kalliope Barlis suffered from debilitating phobias for years. As a former professional golfer, her fear of public speaking and crowds nearly sunk her career. But then a colleague introduced her to a technique that can dramatically change negative thoughts and behavior patterns, and Kalliope became an expert in it. She then began devoting her life to helping other people rid themselves of their phobias, everything from the fear of flying to being in tight spaces and freaking out over spiders and mice. Kalliope is a leading neurolinguistic programming (NLP) expert with a private practice in New York, the author of the critically acclaimed book “Phobia Relief: From Fear to Freedom and creator of the upcoming docuseries “Kalliope’s From Fear to Freedom.” Contact her at (516) 703-4546; kbarlis@rtirguests.com

12. ==> Is Pet Therapy an Answer to the Student Anxiety Epidemic?

It’s no secret that America is in the midst of a mental health crisis, with students among the hardest hit thanks to COVID, fears about their safety at school and even declining gains in math and reading. Larry Grogan has an unusual suggestion for ways to help the 65% of college students expressing overwhelming anxiety as well as younger students who have yet to graduate from high school: pet therapy. As you may know, petting a dog lowers your stress, heart rate, and blood pressure and provides mental stimulation. Larry says, “Pet therapy is a key to addressing the mental wellness of all of our students and colleges are the starting point.” Larry and his tiny dog Scrappy were a pet therapy team for eight years at a children’s hospital where they worked with thousands of suffering children. He is now a pet therapy advocate on a mission to increase the number of pet therapy teams worldwide. Larry can talk about what your listeners need to know about accessing pet therapy or training to become a therapy team. Contact Larry Grogan at (423) 557-1908; larrygrogan5@gmail.com

13. ==> Could Your Forgetful Spouse Have Early-Onset Alzheimer’s?

It’s one thing to overlook paying a bill, or to misplace your keys, or to be unable to remember a stranger’s name. It’s another thing to become so forgetful that you can’t complete a task you have done a thousand times. Or to forget how to find your way home. When such things happen, especially to a loved one who isn’t even 60, you may wonder if it’s early-onset Alzheimer’s, which can strike as early as 30. Discover more about the disease and how to spot its symptoms when you interview Carlen Maddux. A former reporter who chronicled his family’s 17-year Alzheimer’s journey in the award-winning book “A Path Revealed,” Carlen is determined to help others with information and been-there advice. His wife, Martha, was just past her 50th birthday when diagnosed. Carlen will discuss his family experiences, and what it was like to become his wife’s caregiver. Highly articulate, Carlen has done dozens of media interviews. Contact Carlen Maddux at (727) 351-8321; CMaddux@rtirguests.com

14. ==> This Guest Shares How to Make Your Own Happiness

With a barrage of bad news on all fronts and the increasing struggle most Americans are facing both at home and in the workplace, it doesn’t seem like there’s much to be happy about today. The good news is that you don’t have to wait for the world to get better. Let Mary Mitchell show you how to generate your own happiness, no matter what your current life circumstances. Mary has helped thousands of people, from inmates to CEOs, attract the happiness they want. She’ll reveal the steps you can take now to ditch constant anxiety and worry, so you can seize joy and choose success every day – even if you’re surrounded by negativity. Ask her: How can you find happiness when the whole world seems unhappy? What is your method for identifying and removing personal obstacles to happiness? How does complaining literally make you sick? Contact Mary Mitchell at (530) 561-5945; mmitchell@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Real Housewife: Beware ‘Little’ Holiday Luxuries

Leonard Lauder coined the “lipstick index” in 2001 as a recession indicator. As chairman of Estee Lauder Cosmetics, he noticed that a rise in lipstick sales and other cosmetics often meant the opposite of what many people thought. Instead of a sign of disposable income, it was a sign of tight budgets – because when consumers can afford less, they buy small luxury items instead of larger ones. Researchers at Debt.com built on that concept and compared the current inflation rate to Google’s search volume for the terms “lipstick,” “lip gloss” and “foundation” and found a significant uptick in consumers searching for those products. The debt relief organization then commissioned a survey of 1,000 beauty buyers and found that 38% are using credit to buy cosmetics, and 37% are buying more despite inflation. “We’d like to think we’re making affordable choices by splurging on small items during hard times,” says Vicki Gunvalson, spokesperson for Debt.com and former star of “Real Housewives of Orange County.” “Credit card debt is rising, and Americans are carrying $887 billion of it. Now is not the time to get into holiday debt,” she warns. According to the survey, half of the respondents had no plans to slow down on holiday spending with nearly two in five planning to spend over $300 on beauty products. Debt.com is a consumer website where people can find help with credit card debt, student loan debt, tax debt, credit repair, bankruptcy, and more. For interviews, contact Christine Burton at cburton@debt.com

01. Big Pharma’s Big-Money Business Model for the Pandemic
02. Congress’ Best Idea to Save Local Journalism Would Hurt It
03. The Autocrat in Your iPhone: How Mercenary Spyware Threatens Democracy
04. Eating the Shokuiku Way: A Japanese Guide to Healthy Food Habits
05. Muppets in Moscow: True Story of Making ‘Sesame Street’ in Russia
06. Rosa Parks, Emmitt Till: Retelling Civil Rights History
07. The Red Movement: Social Justice in the Aftermath of BLM
08. Help! I Drank Too Much at the Office Holiday Party!
09. When the Holidays Hurt
10. How to Have More Joy and Less Oy In 2023
11. No More Bad Service! How to Be Treated Royally
12. Why Are So Many Black Women Obese?
13. How Trauma Can Position You for Triumph
14. Rewire Your Brain to Break Negative Patterns
15. Behind-the-Scenes: A ‘Golden Girls’ Experience

1. ==> Big Pharma’s Big-Money Business Model for the Pandemic

The Inflation Reduction Act marked an important step on the path to reducing prices for key prescription drugs in the United States. But fresh analysis from the New Institute for Economic Thinking finds that the status quo will remain largely intact unless pharmaceutical companies sever executive pay from stock price performance and the companies are banned from stock buybacks, among other reforms. William Lazonick is a professor emeritus of economics at the University of Massachusetts and co-founder and president of the Academic-Industry Research Network. This week, he co-authored a piece with Öner Tulum describing how pharmaceutical industry lobbyists have argued since the 1980s that “they need high pricing to yield enough profit to reinvest in innovation, and that you can’t regulate pricing because that will hinder innovation.” But Lazonick and Tulum’s work finds just the opposite to be true: “Rather than devoting the high profits from high drug prices to augmenting and accelerating investment in drug innovation, U.S. pharmaceutical companies burden U.S. patients and taxpayers so that, through massive distributions to shareholders, the senior executives who make these allocation decisions can boost the yields on the companies’ publicly traded shares.” Lazonick argues that alongside executive pay reforms and the banning of stock buybacks, reforms must also focus on reforming corporate tax policy and placing representative stakeholders in corporate board positions. Contact William Lazonick at william.lazonick@gmail.com

2. ==> Congress’ Best Idea to Save Local Journalism Would Hurt It

For weeks, congressional negotiators have been considering folding the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act (JCPA), a bill intended to support local journalism, into a larger must-pass spending bill. Thanks to changing priorities, the bill won’t advance this year, and Jeremy Littau says that’s cause for cheer. The JCPA would attempt to subsidize dying news brands by creating a type of link tax on social platforms, but Littau says the problem is that the bill itself wouldn’t address the underlying problems that have news organizations struggling economically. He can explain what the issues are and why we may not have seen the last of this bill. “The JCPA’s unusual ally list suggests it could easily surface again, and probably at an unexpected time. Proponents cleverly evolved their rhetoric to call the JCPA a check on Big Tech, which excites partisans across ideologies, even as the legislative mechanism does nothing of the sort. If you’re worried about Big Tech’s massive gatekeeping power, this bill does nothing to address it structurally. In fact, it looks like entrenchment.” Jeremy Littau is a former journalist who specializes in teaching and researching digital media as an associate professor of journalism and communication at Lehigh University. He worked in newsrooms for 10 years as both a reporter and editor, most recently with the “Los Angeles Daily News.” He recently wrote a piece on the JCPA for Slate. Contact him at (610) 758-6520; jeremy@lehigh.edu

3. ==> The Autocrat in Your iPhone: How Mercenary Spyware Threatens Democracy

There are dozens of cases in which Pegasus or other similar spyware technology has been found on the digital devices of prominent political opposition figures, journalists, and human rights activists across the globe. Providing the ability to clandestinely infiltrate even the most up-to-date smartphones — the latest “zero click” version of the spyware can penetrate a device without any action by the user — Pegasus has become the digital surveillance tool of choice for repressive regimes around the world. Invite professor Ronald Deibert to discuss the spyware revolution and why the risks for democracy will become acute if the use of mercenary spyware continues to grow unchecked. “If elites in any country can use this technology to neutralize legitimate political opposition on any point on earth, silence dissent through targeted espionage, undermine independent journalism, and erode public accountability with impunity, then the values on which the liberal international order is built may soon be no more secure than the passwords on our phones.” Ronald Deibert is a professor of political science and director of the Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. Contact him at (416) 946-8916; r.deibert@utoronto.ca

4. ==> Eating the Shokuiku Way: A Japanese Guide to Healthy Food Habits

The Japanese are known for their long lifespans and low obesity rates and many attribute that to a healthier attitude surrounding food that begins in childhood. With a focus on simple ingredients to improve the sensitivity of growing taste buds and an emphasis on slowing down to aid digestion and brain function, the Shokuiku way helps children and families appreciate food and the act of eating. Chef and nutritionist Marie Akisawa says the comprehensive approach encourages mindful eating and making healthful choices that will last a lifetime. And while it’s best to start at an early age, Akisawa says the approach can help anyone hoping to change their eating habits and improve their overall health and well-being. Marie Akisawa and Motoko Kimura wrote “Eating the Shokuiku Way: The Japanese Guide to Raising Kids with Healthy Food Habits” as a go-to guide for learning how to respect and honor food and its role in nourishing our bodies and minds. Akisawa has written four books on healthy cooking. Kimura is an author and TV and film producer. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (o); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Sasha Beatty at (703) 646-5188

5. ==> Muppets in Moscow: True Story of Making ‘Sesame Street’ in Russia

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, the timing appeared perfect to bring “Sesame Street’ to millions of children living in the former Soviet Union. With the Muppets envisioned as ideal ambassadors of Western idealistic values, no one anticipated just how challenging and dangerous this would prove to be. Invite American TV producer Natasha Lance Rogoff to discuss her experience producing a Russian version of the classic children’s show. You’ll hear how Natasha and her colleagues faced the assassinations of their broadcast partners, a car bombing, and the takeover of the show’s production office by Russian soldiers with AK-47s, the cognitive dissonance of creating a comedic, educational children’s television show against the violent backdrop of 1990s Moscow, and the cultural clashes that threatened to derail efforts to bring the Muppets and their values to millions of children across the former Soviet empire. Natasha Lance Rogoff is an award-winning American television producer, filmmaker, and journalist who has produced television news and documentaries in Russia, Ukraine, and the former Soviet Union for CBS, NBC, ABC, and PBS. Lance Rogoff executive produced “Ulitsa Sezam,” the Russian adaptation of “Sesame Street,” between 1993 and 1997. She also produced “Plaza Sesamo” in Mexico. “Muppets in Moscow: The Unexpected Crazy True Story of Making Sesame Street in Russia” is her new book. Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853 (cell); LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com or @lissa_warren

6. ==> Rosa Parks, Emmitt Till: Retelling Civil Rights History

The Peacock documentary “The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks” and the hit movie “Till” about Emmitt Till, are shining a light on America’s civil rights struggles. Both movies are generating a lot of buzz and revealing to some Americans unknown and painful chapters. Author Nita Wiggins contends that many Black Americans have long known about the kidnapping and lynching of the teenaged Till. Wiggins interviewed Rosa Parks, Muhammed Ali and many other prominent Black figures and athletes during her career as a pioneering female sports broadcaster. The author of “Civil Rights Baby” can discuss how telling these stories might affect the civil rights climate and why they were buried for decades. Wiggins is a former news and sports journalist who currently teaches journalism in Paris, France. Contact her at nita@nitawiggins.com or request an interview via text or a phone call to Nita’s WhatsApp number + 336 72 97 31 62

7. ==> The Red Movement: Social Justice in the Aftermath of BLM

From the coffee that is harvested by Black child slaves in Africa to the clothes that are created by modern-day slave labor in India and other parts of the world, The Red Movement increases awareness about how our purchasing power is supporting companies who use slave labor and child labor every day. Attorney, activist and founder of The Red Movement Shadan Kapri says billions of people are completely in the dark about how their hard-earned money is supporting slavery and its proliferation around the world. She’ll reveal the surprising number of items in your home that are harvested or put together by slave and forced labor and why slavery is more prevalent now than at any time in history — and why #BLM isn’t talking about it. Shadan Kapri (pronounced Shadawn Capri) has been recognized nationally and internationally for her work in law and human rights. Her book is “The Red Movement: Social and Environmental Justice in the 21st Century.” Contact her at (509) 720-0278; ShadanKapri@icloud.com

8. ==> Help! I Drank Too Much at the Office Holiday Party!

Holiday merriment is back this year, but unfortunately, some people will have a little too much to drink at the office holiday party and become immortalized for all the wrong reasons. If you or someone you know was recently the jackass at the company shindig, mental health expert and Author Marni Goldman is here with a plan to begin the recovery. From taking responsibility for your behavior to starting an apology tour, Marni will discuss ways to repair your reputation, questions to ask yourself in the aftermath of bad behavior, and how cringe-worthy antics can affect your future career advancement. Marni says even if you’re not famous, you should check your social media accounts and hope your behavior wasn’t caught on camera and posted online. In the end, she says, “We all make mistakes and sometimes, we all have a little too much fun. You will get through this and your true friends will never leave your side.” Marni Goldman is a spiritual life coach and author of “True To Myself: Peace, Love, Marni.” Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; ryan@goldmanmccormick.com

9. ==> When the Holidays Hurt

Scenes of happy families celebrating can feel like torture when you’re hurting, especially when everyone is talking about being grateful and you feel anything but. Why do our hurts and pains get magnified around the holidays? How can you navigate this time without feeling isolated, forgotten, confused and hopeless? Help your listeners understand what’s going on and find ways to find comfort when you interview Pastor Mike Novotny, author of “When Life Hurts: How to See Through Suffering.” Novotny can discuss strategies to get through the holidays and how to help loved ones who are hurting. Mike Novotny is pastor at The CORE, a church in Appleton, Wisconsin, and spiritual leader and lead speaker for Time of Grace, a media ministry that features a weekly television program, video and written devotions, blog posts, podcasts, and printed publications. Contact Jason Jones at jason@jonesliterary.com

10. ==> How to Have More Joy and Less Oy In 2023

If you want to have a happy New Year, start by ditching resolutions in favor of real solutions, says Ellen Albertson, a psychologist, registered dietitian, nutritionist, and board-certified health and wellness coach. “Make it a happy no year!” She’ll advise people to say no to the habits, behaviors, and relationships that drain them and yes to more of what brings them joy. Dr. Ellen says, “When we are happy and joyful, we release serotonin and dopamine, which makes us more motivated to accomplish our goals. When we are happy, our brain is flooded with these feel-good hormones and we are much less likely to pour another glass of wine or have a threesome with Ben & Jerry’s to feel good.” Dr. Ellen can discuss what joy is, how it differs from happiness and ways joyfulness improves relationships and well-being, makes life more meaningful and even helps people to lose weight and be healthier. A best-selling author, inspirational speaker, and expert on women’s well-being, Dr. Ellen has appeared on “Extra,” the Food Network and “NBC World News” and has been quoted in “Psychology Today,” “Forbes,” “Eating Well” and “USA Today.” She has written for “SELF,” “Better Homes & Gardens” and “Good Housekeeping.” Her latest book is “Rock Your Midlife.” Contact Dr. Ellen at (802) 497-7222; tigerwellness1@gmail.com

11. ==> No More Bad Service! How to Be Treated Royally

Ask anyone and you are sure to hear some version of “customer service stinks” as well as the details of the latest incident in which they were treated as though their patronage didn’t matter. Your audience would love to hear how they can benefit from receiving A-1 service instead of mediocre service and Tawn Holstra Auston has the answers. She can offer some tips on what you can do to receive excellent service every time by being a better customer! Tawn has been advising small business owners for a decade and is working on a book that will tentatively be titled “Changing Gears: What It Takes to Make Huge Life Changes with Confidence and Grace.” Contact Tawn at (206) 495-6505; tauston@rtirguests.com

12. ==> Why Are So Many Black Women Obese?

Obesity is an epidemic across America, but especially so in Black communities where nearly half of all adults and a staggering 82% of women are overweight. The statistics are even more alarming when considering the health risks most commonly associated with obesity. Invite Dr. Alvin Perry to discuss the genetic, behavioral and socio-cultural factors at play in the Black community, and how to change the equation to create healthier communities. Ask him: Are Blacks genetically predisposed to being overweight? Has the community normalized obesity? Why are Black women less likely to exercise (and what is the simple solution)? Alvin Perry, DBA, is a successful entrepreneur and small business expert. He is also ISSA certified in personal training and nutrition. His book, “Just Fat!” chronicles his 80-pound weight-loss journey and shares a simple system he created that changed the course of his life and led him to the path of personal wellness. Contact him at (678) 788-7529; aperry@rtirguests.com

13. ==> How Trauma Can Position You for Triumph

If you have faced a life challenge that involved being vulnerable, you know that it’s not the best feeling, yet it’s just what is needed to make most life situations better. As the new year approaches, many people are looking to make a fresh new start and Kenya Lee says that begins with self-awareness and changing your emotional outlook. Lee is a women’s empowerment expert, registered nurse and the author of “The Path to Emotional Greatness (EGYPT).” Ask her: What relationship does low self-esteem play in making (and staying in) self-destructive life choices? How did she manage to heal from her trauma of abuse and the loss of an unborn child? What is the Trinity Strategy? Kenya Lee is the CEO and founder of Faith in Girls, Inc. which encourages the development of life-coping skills, financial preparation and education in order to maintain permanent housing for those who lack the traditional ability to qualify for it. Contact Kenya Lee at (313) 999-0264; kenyalee.kl@gmail.com

14. ==> Rewire Your Brain to Break Negative Patterns

The feeling of being stuck in a rut or trapped by life’s circumstances is all too common, especially in the wake of a global pandemic that has left us with fewer choices than ever. Laura Brennan Ballet is here to help us break free of the negative patterns that keep us stuck in unhappy jobs, relationships, or situations – simply by changing the way we think. An experienced life coach and the author of “The Science of Empowerment,” Laura can teach your audience how to not just think differently, but to recalibrate your brain and move forward with intent, free of the negativity that’s been holding you back. Ask her: Is it really possible to live without regrets? Why does she say that we all become algorithms of the people around us? How can we “think better?” Contact Laura Ballet at (860) 831-4435 or lballet@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Behind-the-Scenes: A ‘Golden Girls’ Experience

Millions of Americans love “The Golden Girls,” an iconic network television staple that featured a unique premise, a mesmerizing cast, and the tendency to tackle groundbreaking social issues that few sitcoms at the time dared to incorporate. But what was it really like on the set of this treasured show? Interview Jesse Fiedor to find out! An author and inspirational speaker, Jesse overcame a serious disability to achieve his dream of working in Hollywood. He’ll not only regale your guests with tales of meeting stars like Betty White, one of America’s most beloved actresses, but also help them find the motivation to overcome their own obstacles and succeed in life. Ask him: What was Betty White like in person? Did you meet anyone else? What did you do on the set of the show? How did you overcome your disability, and how can others do the same? Why do you say, “If I can do it, anyone can”? Contact Jesse Fiedor at (714) 683-2353; jfiedor@rtirguests.com

01. Is Warnock the Southern Shepherd of the Democratic Party?
02. 9 Out of 10 COVID Deaths Are Americans 65+
03. Legendary Actor Frankie Faison on ‘Till’ and ‘Rookie: Feds’
04. Aaron Judge’s Big MLB Deal
05. Real Housewife: Beware ‘Little’ Holiday Luxuries
06. Got Holiday Relationship Issues? Help Is Here
07. Is Pet Therapy an Answer to the Student Anxiety Epidemic?
08. The Voice of Donald Duck: Emmy-Nominated Voice Artist Daniel Ross
09. She Lived ‘Orange Is the New Black’
10. Can We Fix America’s Broken Workplaces?
11. Should You Encourage Your Daughter to Try for a STEM Career?
12. How to Keep Conversations Civil
13. Tell-Tale Signs You’re an Empath
14. This Champion Athlete Began Sprinting at Age 61
15. Here’s Why Your Next Cruise Should be a River Voyage

1.==> Is Warnock the Southern Shepherd of the Democratic Party?

After a long, expensive campaign, Sen. Raphael Warnock has won reelection as one of Georgia’s two Democratic U.S. senators. Political strategist and campaign expert Fredrick Hicks says Warnock is now the leader of a new generation of Democratic leaders who are younger and more diverse than their predecessors. He believes this to be a generational moment and a potential opportunity to move a center-left agenda forward for the country. Hicks says Warnock will no doubt be the most valuable asset and endorser for the Democratic Party in 2024, unless he heads up the ticket himself. “Should Biden decide not to run for reelection, Warnock should be the Democratic Party’s first choice to lead them back to the presidency,” he says. “After all, is there a better shepherd than a pastor?” Fredrick Hicks is the founder and president of the Hicks Evaluation Group (HEG), a consulting firm that specializes in candidate and issue campaigns. He served as a debate prep partner for then-candidate Raphael Warnock in 2020. He did not work for the campaign in 2022. Contact Fredrick Hicks at fred@fredhicks.com

2. ==> 9 Out of 10 COVID Deaths Are Americans 65+

A recent “Washington Post” analysis of CDC data shows that although adults over the age of 65 make up only 16% of the U.S. population, they account for nearly 90% of current COVID deaths. Elizabeth Wrigley-Field says, “Age is also a marker for other demographics in the U.S. This population is whiter and more rural, and that has always been a real complication. Meanwhile, people of color have substantially died at younger ages. That’s a big part of why we’ve lost more life expectancy than other countries. Now we have deaths shifting to rural, whiter areas –– so older areas.” Wrigley-Field, a sociologist specializing in racial inequality in mortality and historical infectious disease, says, she is struck by the rate of deaths in nursing homes. “If you were trying to think about how to create a super spreader with as much force as possible, it would look like a nursing home, she says. What’s even more concerning to her than deaths among older people is “the fact that deaths are still so high.” Elizabeth Wrigley-Field is an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota’s department of sociology and the Minnesota Population Center. Contact her at ewf@umn.edu

3. ==> Legendary Actor Frankie Faison on ‘Till’ and ‘Rookie: Feds’

Award-winning actor Frankie Faison has a lot to talk about right now. He currently stars in the Oscar-buzzed film “Till” and ABC’s new hit series “Rookie: Feds.” Invite him on your show to talk about both roles and his illustrious career spanning nearly 50 years! Frankie portrays the grandfather of Emmett Till in the movie “Till,” based on the true story of Emmett’s mother’s relentless pursuit of justice for her 14-year-old son, who was brutally lynched in 1955 while visiting his cousins in Mississippi. On “Rookie: Feds,” Frankie brings to life Christopher “Cutty” Clark, the father of Niecy Nash’s character, Simone. Frankie Faison’s career spans nearly 50 years in film and television, and even longer in the theater. “The Wire,” “Coming to America,” “Do the Right Thing,” and “The Silence of the Lambs” are just a few of his many credits. Contact JT Hainje or Caitlin Green at (323) 655-1008; AGPR@AndersonGroupPR.com

4.==> Aaron Judge’s Big MLB Deal

Aaron Judge answered baseball’s burning offseason question this week, agreeing to a nine-year, $360 million contract to remain with the New York Yankees. Rick Cerrone, editor-in-chief of “Baseball Digest,” worked for the Yankees for a decade. Bring him on your show to talk about how the 30-year-old Judge hit free agency after one of the greatest seasons in baseball history, hitting an American League record of 62 homers to break the mark set by Roger Maris in 1961. He’ll also discuss who wins with this deal and what it says about Major League Baseball today. “Baseball Digest” is the longest-running baseball magazine in the world. Rick Cerrone was senior director of media relations for the New York Yankees from 1996 through 2006. Contact Mark Goldman at (516) 639-0988 (call/text)

5. ==> Real Housewife: Beware ‘Little’ Holiday Luxuries

Leonard Lauder coined the “lipstick index” in 2001 as a recession indicator. As chairman of Estee Lauder Cosmetics, he noticed that a rise in lipstick sales and other cosmetics often meant the opposite of what many people thought. Instead of a sign of disposable income, it was a sign of tight budgets – because when consumers can afford less, they buy small luxury items instead of larger ones. Researchers at Debt.com built on that concept and compared the current inflation rate to Google’s search volume for the terms “lipstick,” “lip gloss” and “foundation” and found a significant uptick in consumers searching for those products. The debt relief organization then commissioned a survey of 1,000 beauty buyers and found that 38% are using credit to buy cosmetics, and 37% are buying more despite inflation. “We’d like to think we’re making affordable choices by splurging on small items during hard times,” says Vicki Gunvalson, spokesperson for Debt.com and former star of “Real Housewives of Orange County.” “Credit card debt is rising, and Americans are carrying $887 billion of it. Now is not the time to get into holiday debt,” she warns. According to the survey, half of respondents had no plans to slow down on holiday spending with nearly two in five planning to spend over $300 on beauty products. Debt.com is a consumer website where people can find help with credit card debt, student loan debt, tax debt, credit repair, bankruptcy, and more. For interviews, contact Christine Burton at cburton@debt.com

6. ==> Got Holiday Relationship Issues? Help Is Here

Tensions run high during the holiday season. Whether you’re dealing with your own deep-rooted family dysfunction or your partner’s relatives, it’s hard to navigate all the expectations and traditions. Wendi Dumbroff can offer a multitude of proven tips to diffuse relationship issues that arise and share ways to dial down the stress and create healthy boundaries. She can also tie in how mindfulness and meditation can benefit relationships and sexual connection any time of the year. Wendi Dumbroff, MA, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice and has extensive experience counseling individuals, families, and couples on many different matters including; vulnerability, infidelity, lack of communication, depression, anxiety, and all aspects of sexual issues. A sought-after media resource, she has been featured in numerous print and broadcast outlets. Contact Amy Delman at (201) 563-4614; amydelmanpr@verizon.net

7. ==> Is Pet Therapy an Answer to the Student Anxiety Epidemic?

It’s no secret that America is in the midst of a mental health crisis, with students among the hardest hit thanks to COVID, fears about their safety at school and even declining gains in math and reading. Larry Grogan has an unusual suggestion for ways to help the 65% of college students expressing overwhelming anxiety as well as younger students who have yet to graduate from high school: pet therapy. As you may know, petting a dog lowers your stress, heart rate, and blood pressure and provides mental stimulation. Larry says, “Pet therapy is a key to addressing the mental wellness of all of our students and colleges are the starting point.” Larry and his tiny dog Scrappy were a pet therapy team for eight years at a children’s hospital where they worked with thousands of suffering children. He is now a pet therapy advocate on a mission to increase the number of pet therapy teams worldwide. Larry can talk about what your listeners need to know about accessing pet therapy or training to become a therapy team. Contact Larry Grogan at (423) 557-1908;
larrygrogan5@gmail.com

8. ==> The Voice of Donald Duck: Emmy-Nominated Voice Artist Daniel Ross

Daniel Ross and his alter ego, Donald Duck, are up for an Emmy at the first annual Children and Family Emmy Awards this weekend for the Disney animated show “Mickey and Minnie Wish Upon a Christmas.” You will likely recognize Daniel’s voice from one of his many roles in TV, films and commercials, but playing Donald Duck has special meaning for him. As a 3-year-old, Ross’ mother — known as “Momma Duck” — taught him how to do the iconic voice of Donald Duck and it’s stuck with him ever since. He is the third person to officially voice the character for Disney and says it was the joy of a lifetime to share the news with his mother before her death. Invite Daniel on your show to talk about his career as a voice artist (including the pros and cons) and what it’s like to be the voice of such an iconic cartoon character. Daniel Ross is one of the most in-demand voice artists working in the industry today. Originally a theatre and film actor/producer from Maryland, he moved to Los Angeles in 2014 to begin pursuing work in the voice-over industry. Since then, his voice has been featured on almost every network but most notably, he is the voice of Donald Duck in the smash hit series “Mickey and the Roadster Racers” and “Mickey Mouse: Mixed-Up Adventures,” on Disney Junior. Contact Harlan Boll at harlan@bhbpr.com

9. ==> She Lived ‘Orange Is the New Black’

Melisa Schonfield was living the upper-middle-class dream life as a successful psychotherapist, the wife of a respected dentist, a ballet company president, and an esteemed member of her community. But when her daughter’s boyfriend began abusing her infant grandson and the justice system did nothing, Melisa decided to take matters into her own hands by hiring a hit man to dispose of the boyfriend. But the hit man she attempted to hire in a Walmart parking lot turned out to be an undercover cop, and Melisa spent more than three years in prison. “The isolation is very difficult,” she says. “I did not want to make friends with anybody because I feared their agenda.” Melisa can share the details of her harrowing journey and what life is really like for women behind bars. She is the author of “Bitter or Better: The Melisa Schonfield Story.” Contact her at (305) 424-7507; mschonfield@rtirguests.com

10. ==> Can We Fix America’s Broken Workplaces?

Driven in part by the COVID-19 pandemic, America’s workplaces are changing faster than ever. The good news is that we are no longer shackled to desks and office cubicles. The bad news is that workplaces are changing faster than workplace culture can keep up with. Elizabeth Power can talk about why people need more emotional intelligence to survive and thrive in the workplace and how they can achieve that goal. Among her tips: go out of your way to capture good workplace moments so they are at your fingertips, pay different people compliments each day, and “walk the talk” of the company values. Elizabeth is the founding director of The Trauma Informed Academy and the author of “Healer: Reducing Crises,” which offers everyday actions people can take to recover from traumatic experiences and be more resilient in the face of stress and discomfort. She is an adjunct instructor in psychiatry at Georgetown Medical Center and has been on NBC News, NPR, and in the “Wall Street Journal.” Contact her at (615) 903-0906; epower@rtirguests.com

11. ==> Should You Encourage Your Daughter to Try for a STEM Career?

Careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) are booming and will continue to be in high demand well into the future. According to author, long-time STEM educator and college professor Chris A. Goldberg, females should be at the leading edge in these fields. “I have long advocated for girls and minorities to pursue STEM careers, a huge topic due to under-representation in these professions,” he says. “A number of women have made significant contributions to these fields but are often not given the credit they deserve.” One example that Chris can share is Dr. Gladys B. West, an African American woman credited for the major calculations that led to the development of the Global Positioning System (GPS). He is the author of “Aliyah and The STEMsational Problem-Solvers: What’s Cooking?” Contact him at (973) 576-5841; cgoldberg@rtirguests.com

12. ==> How to Keep Conversations Civil

When was the last time you had a conversation that didn’t end up feeling like a negotiation, or worse, a fight? “It’s probably been a while since a simple conversation was just that, a simple conversation!” says Ivan Obolensky. “No matter what we talk about now, it’s become nearly impossible to not talk about emotionally charged topics because that’s all we’ve got!” Interview Ivan about the art of conversation during these contentious times. He will show your audience how to control the conversation and establish a better rapport with WHO they are talking to and WHAT they are talking about so that simple conversations don’t feel like battles that need to be won! Ivan Obolensky is the author of “Eye of the Moon,” which won “Best First Book (Fiction)” in the IRDA’s. The latest novel in his American Gothic series is “Shadow of the Son.” Contact Ivan Obolensky at (818) 495-8731; IObolensky@rtirguests.com

13. ==> Tell-Tale Signs You’re an Empath

Do you sometimes know something is going to happen before it does? Do you actually feel the pain of others? Do you experience keen physical discomfort in the presence of certain people? If so, you may be an empath or perhaps you may find that you know someone who is, someone like Jennifer Maag. She says, “After experiencing a traumatic brain injury due to falling at home, I became extremely empathic, which was a gift.” While being highly empathic can cause people to be hyper-sensitive, Jennifer can share how mastering the emotions that accompany this trait can greatly benefit one’s existence. Jennifer, a licensed massage therapist, and her son, Alexander Maag, are the co-authors of the critically acclaimed book “Take on God,” which explores how to transform inner battles into healing tools to live one’s best life. Contact her at (419) 969-3259; jmaag@rtirguests.com

14. ==> This Champion Athlete Began Sprinting at Age 61

Exercising is one of those things that we all know we should be doing, and yet we can find endless reasons not to. The issue can be even harder to tackle for those over 40 because many people believe that the older you get, the more pointless it is to try getting into shape. National champion senior athlete John Hurd is here to tell your audience that it’s never too late and motivate them to reclaim their physical health at any age. John began training on his own to run competitively at the age of 61, and holds a total of 162 gold medals, is a 15-year undefeated Florida State Sprint Champion in three separate events, and a two-time National Senior Olympic Sprint Champion. The author of “Johnny Run Lately” and “A Sprint to the Gold,” John shares his success story with your audience as well as a simple-to-use spreadsheet that works better than fitness apps to help anyone achieve their exercise goals, and much more. Interview this inspiring guest who puts young couch potatoes to shame. Contact John Hurd at (850) 367-8411 or jhurd@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Here’s Why Your Next Cruise Should be a River Voyage

If you’re thinking of booking a cruise, travel marketing expert and author Cindy Bertram can share the wonders of traveling on rivers throughout the U.S. and Europe, versus ocean voyages. “The ships are much smaller, with fewer guests,” she says. “Most are all-inclusive. They also offer immersive excursions and special interest tours. It’s a beautiful way to explore the wonderful areas of Europe and the U.S. in a more seamless way.” Cindy is a communications, media and branding specialist who has spent many years in the travel and cruise industry and is the author of “How Six Women Executives Steer the Cruise Industry Today” and “Message from the Dog … Learning from Great Humans.” Contact her at (219) 775-6488; cbertram@rtirguests.com

 

01. U.S. Men’s Soccer Team Loses But Goes Home Big
02. Another Toxic Leak Highlights Military Negligence
03. Muppets in Moscow: True Story of Making ‘Sesame Street’ in Russia
04. The Holiday Office Party Is Back!
05. The History and Uncertain Future of the Koala Bear
06. This Former Shoemaker to the Stars Gets Tongues Wagging
07. 10 Ways to Kiss Negative Self-Talk Goodbye!
08. Why Are More of Us Socially Anxious?
09. What Happens When Immigrant Kids Enter Foster Care?
10. Military Aviator to Bilingual Children’s Author – Meet ‘Captain Mama’
11. 3 Tools Parents Can Use to Boost Their Kids’ Self-Esteem
12. An Artful Recipe to Heal and Feel Better
13. How Being a Loser Can Make You a Winner
14. What Really Happens in the Afterlife?
15. ‘Carry It On’- New Buffy Sainte-Marie Documentary

1.==> U.S. Men’s Soccer Team Loses But Goes Home Big

The U.S. Men’s National Team was handed a punishing 3-1 loss by the Netherlands in the first match of the men’s World Cup’s knockout round in Qatar, but Amy Bass says America’s losing team goes home with big wins. “The depth, grit and determination of these young men became the headline,” she says. She’ll discuss the team’s rising stars including Christian Pulisic, or as he’s often called, “Captain America,” the millions of fans who tuned in to the matches, and how the women’s team will benefit from the men’s games. Amy Bass is a professor of sport studies at Manhattanville College and the author of “One Goal: A Coach, a Team, and the Game That Brought a Divided Town Together” and “Not the Triumph but the Struggle: The 1968 Olympics and the Making of the Black Athlete,” among other titles. She has appeared on NBC’s “Today Show”, “CNN Newsroom,’ “Anderson Cooper Full Circle,” NPR and other major media outlets. Contact her at (914) 323-5127; Amy.Bass@mville.edu

2. ==> Another Toxic Leak Highlights Military Negligence

Approximately 1,100 gallons of toxic fire-suppressing foam leaked at a Navy base in Honolulu, according to the military and Hawaii health department, with Hawaii’s deputy director of environmental health calling the leak “egregious,” saying “the military needs to explain itself.” The latest toxic leak was not unexpected, according to Pat Elder, founder of the group Military Poisons. The foam is used to suppress fuel fires and contains chemicals known as PFAS that are linked to cancer and other health problems. PFAS chemicals are notorious environmental contaminants because they are “forever chemicals” that don’t break down in the environment. Elder has written extensively on the issue of the military’s reckless use of PFAS and other toxins throughout the U.S. and around the world and has specifically warned about this facility in Hawaii. Elder’s team documented high levels of PFAS draining into the water at Honolulu earlier this year. Contact him at pelder@militarypoisons.org

3.==> Muppets in Moscow: True Story of Making ‘Sesame Street’ in Russia

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, the timing appeared perfect to bring “Sesame Street’ to millions of children living in the former Soviet Union. With the Muppets envisioned as ideal ambassadors of Western idealistic values, no one anticipated just how challenging and dangerous this would prove to be. Invite American TV producer Natasha Lance Rogoff to discuss her experience producing a Russian version of the classic children’s show. You’ll hear how Natasha and her colleagues faced the assassinations of their broadcast partners, a car bombing, and the takeover of the show’s production office by Russian soldiers with AK-47s, the cognitive dissonance of creating a comedic, educational children’s television show against the violent backdrop of 1990s Moscow, and the cultural clashes that threatened to derail efforts to bring the Muppets and their values to millions of children across the former Soviet empire. Natasha Lance Rogoff is an award-winning American television producer, filmmaker, and journalist who has produced television news and documentaries in Russia, Ukraine, and the former Soviet Union for CBS, NBC, ABC, and PBS. Lance Rogoff executive produced “Ulitsa Sezam,” the Russian adaptation of “Sesame Street,” between 1993 and 1997. She also produced “Plaza Sesamo” in Mexico. “Muppets in Moscow: The Unexpected Crazy True Story of Making Sesame Street in Russia” is her new book. Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853 (cell); LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com or @lissa_warren

4. ==> The Holiday Office Party Is Back!

According to new survey results from global outplacement and business and executive coaching firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc., more than half of companies report they are having in-person holiday parties this year. “Employers know their teams are battling burnout, may be on the verge of quiet quitting, or are leaving their positions altogether,” says Senior VP Andrew Challenger. “The holiday party has always been a way for companies to show their teams they value them. Creating a space for employees to have fun together bolsters morale and connection to their employers and their work, so it really is an important retention and leadership tool for employers,” he adds. Challenger can discuss creative ways companies are gathering and how the work-from-home movement and hybrid office set-ups have changed company culture and the way offices operate. The findings are from a survey conducted online in October and November among 252 U.S.-based companies of various sizes and industries nationwide. Contact Colleen Madden Blumenfeld at (312) 422-5074 (o); (314) 807-1568 (cell) or colleenmadden@challengergray.com

5. ==> The History and Uncertain Future of the Koala Bear

Despite their iconic status and celebrity, koalas remain a mystery. Often affectionate in captivity, they seek out humans when in need of water or care yet can also be fierce and belligerent. They are beloved worldwide but are also plagued by sexually transmitted diseases and maligned for a lack of intelligence. Their diet consists solely of leaves that are full of toxins. In some states, they are threatened with extinction, while in others they are dying from overpopulation. Invite zoologist, biologist, natural history author, and animal expert Danielle Clode to share the latest scientific insights and myth-busting facts about koalas and take listeners up into the trees to reveal the truth about these extraordinary animals and what must be done to ensure their survival. Based at Flinders University in Adelaide Australia, Danielle Clode is the author of “Koala: A Natural History and an Uncertain Future.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (o); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Sasha Beatty at (703) 646-5188

6. ==> This Former Shoemaker to the Stars Gets Tongues Wagging

Elizabeth Power has been described as “sharper than a number two pencil, and funnier than a six-pack of funny bones on go-juice.” Known as the Voice of Lived Experience, she has had many interesting life experiences that make her an excellent talk-show guest. Among them was fixing the shoes (and other stuff) for stars she met while working as a cobbler in Nashville. Invite Elizabeth to entertain your audience with stories about how she turned Tammy Wynette’s pastel rainbow pumps into slingbacks, fixed Minnie Pearl’s makeup case and fixed the shoes of other celebrities including Oprah and Al Gore. Ask her: What was it like to be a cobbler to the stars? What do our shoes say about us? How did she earn the appellation Voice of Lived Experience? Elizabeth Power grew up far from glitzy Nashville, in Appalachia, and spent many years “failing therapy.” Now a highly influential adult educator, she is an adjunct instructor in psychiatry at Georgetown Medical Center and has been on NBC News, NPR, and in the “Wall Street Journal.” Contact her at (615) 903-0906; epower@rtirguests.com

7. ==> 10 Ways to Kiss Negative Self-Talk Goodbye!

Each day people average about 60,000 thoughts, most of them skewing negative. So what can we do to keep all that negative energy at bay? How can we practice self-talk that is affirming and uplifting? Interview Sharon Wallen, who taught for more than 30 years in Miami schools and is a Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, to find out at least 10 steps you can take. Why wait for a New Year to kick this unproductive habit to the curb? Ask Wallen how she has used positive self-talk to reach her own goals. Wallen is the author of “Grateful Reflections Journal” and the new program “Pace Yourself for Personal Focus, Productivity and Victorious Living. Contact her at (786) 473-4026; solaceplace07@aol.com

8. ==> Why Are More of Us Socially Anxious?

If you dread social engagements, fear going into public places, or feel that no one really likes you even when you’re around friends, you may be struggling with social anxiety. It is the most common anxiety issue in the United States, and it’s only getting worse. The prevalence of social anxiety has risen dramatically since the start of the pandemic. Lee Vallely talks about the causes of this social anxiety epidemic with your audience. The author of “Kick the Sh*t out of Social Anxiety,” Lee reveals his simple “traffic light” system you can use to combat the effects of prolonged isolation, new social pressures, and daily bad news. Interview this upbeat, positive guest today to discover how to reclaim your life from social anxiety! Ask him: How can positive thinking be bad for your health? What are four things you can do right now if you’re struggling with social anxiety? Why does he say you can’t trick yourself out of anxiety? Contact Lee Vallely at (561) 658-1266; lvallely@rtirguests.com

9. ==> What Happens When Immigrant Kids Enter Foster Care?

It’s well known that the U.S. foster care system is seriously broken. But when it comes to immigrant children, it’s a nightmare. “FBI raids in Texas brought renewed attention to the vulnerabilities of immigrant foster children, who are disproportionately targeted by child sex traffickers,” says Richard Villasana, founder of the nonprofit Forever Homes for Foster Kids. “Foster care agencies are legally required to provide notice to grandparents and other adult relatives. Yet, thousands of Latino children are often discriminated against because agencies are either not performing family finding or are doing sloppy work out of prejudice because of these children’s national origin.” Richard is the author of “Do No Harm: An American Tragedy Continues.” He is a former university professor who is a leading international authority on immigration and foster families. He has been featured on CNN International, ABC and many more. Contact Richard at (619) 648-4729; rvillasana@rtirguests.com

10. ==> Military Aviator to Bilingual Children’s Author – Meet ‘Captain Mama’

Chat with Latina military veteran Graciela Tiscareño-Sato about her Air Force service and how it sparked her entrepreneurial spirit. The author of the bilingual “Captain Mama” trilogy of children’s books created the series to inspire families. Graciela can discuss what it was like to be a navigator on the KC-135 flying gas station, how she became the first female Hispanic Air Force aviator to be awarded an Air Medal for combat air operations, and what she hopes to accomplish with her children’s books. Bilingual in Spanish and English, Graciela has appeared in “USA Today” and on NPR, ABC, NBC, CNN en Español, Al Jazeera, Fox News, Telemundo, Univision, and many regional TV networks. She can share her daughter-of-immigrants-turned-military-aviator journey for long-form interviews. Contact Graciela Tiscareño-Sato at (510) 542-9449; grace@CaptainMama.com

11. ==> 3 Tools Parents Can Use to Boost Their Kids’ Self-Esteem

Does your child struggle at home or at school? Do you often hear them say they can’t do something, or it’s too hard? Whether it’s learning to tie their shoes, getting good grades, or joining extracurricular activities, having positive self-esteem helps kids do more — and feel great about themselves in the process. Valerie Whetstone is an experienced educator and the author of several books, including the brand-new children’s book “Oh No, Riley!” This expert, who has trained with Oprah Winfrey and Jack Canfield, shares three crucial tools to help kids of all ages boost their confidence and develop the life skills they need for success. Ask her: What is the one mistake millions of parents are making that affects their child’s self-esteem? How can I increase my child’s confidence today? What are some “power words” kids can use to become more confident and positive? Contact Valerie Whetstone at (408) 752-5943 or vwhetstone@rtirguests.com

12. ==> An Artful Recipe to Heal and Feel Better

Could looking at art restore people’s health as well as their souls? According to Annessa Morrison, if done properly in the manner she prescribes, it may very well do so. Working under the name Abstract Annessa, Morrison has been painting full-time for eight years after discovering that viewing and creating art helped her heal from the debilitating symptoms of lupus and fibromyalgia. In response to the many questions people ask about her return to health, Morrison developed an online course that mirrors the routine that cured her. Invite her to discuss how “The Art Alternative” helps program the subconscious mind to heal from within. Annessa Morrison is a working artist and painter who creates art using 15 distinct techniques that she has found help immerse people in the act of looking at art. Contact her at (928) 830-3935; healingthroughartrx@gmail.com

13. ==> How Being a Loser Can Make You a Winner

The majority of people perceive losing as derogatory. But Dr. Carl Barnes disagrees. “Not only can losing teach us valuable life lessons, it can also teach us how to win,” he says. “Losing actually allowed me to win in the end. The key is developing resilience.” Carl faced a lifetime of rejection. He was almost aborted by his single teenage mom, was rejected by the military and numerous colleges and went through a painful divorce. He eventually overcame the odds and went on to a 35-year career in the military, ultimately becoming a Navy chaplain; and earned five degrees, including a doctorate of ministry in leadership. Carl is the author of “Resilient Sailing: 10 Lessons to Persevere in Life’s Stormy Seas,” and conducts life coaching workshops and online courses. Contact him at (407) 809-8047; cbarnes@rtirguests.com

14. ==> What Really Happens in the Afterlife?

After experiencing a traumatic brain injury due to falling at home, author Jennifer Maag realized this was a blessing in disguise. “I became extremely empathic, which was a gift,” she says. One of those gifts was developing an understanding of what happens after we die. “When we pass over, we go to a ‘soul hospital’ and then ‘soul school’ where we learn valuable lessons. Those who have passed over often communicate with us through our dreams.” Jennifer, a licensed massage therapist, and her son, Alexander Maag are the co-authors of the critically acclaimed book “Take on God,” which explores how to transform our inner battles into healing tools to live our best lives. Contact her at (419) 969-3259; jmaag@rtirguests.com

15. ==> ‘Carry It On’- New Buffy Sainte-Marie Documentary

The life, music, and activism of legendary Indigenous singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie are explored in the new documentary “Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry It On.” Since her groundbreaking debut in 1964, the Cree singer-songwriter has been a trailblazer and a tireless advocate, an innovative artist, and a disruptor of the status quo. In 1969, she made one of the world’s first electronic vocal albums; in 1982, she became the only indigenous person to win an Oscar; she spent five years on “Sesame Street” where she became the first woman to breastfeed on national television. Music blogger and publicist Eric Alpert calls the PBS documentary a much-needed, inspiring biography of one of our most revered and courageous artists. Invite him to discuss “Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry It On,” which includes never-before-seen archival material, new performance footage and interviews with Sainte-Marie, Joni Mitchell, Sonia Manzano, John Kay, Robbie Robertson, Jackson Browne and others. Contact Eric Alpert at (647) 971-3742; Eric@ThatEricAlper.com

01. What U.S. Rail Workers Want
02. The Biggest Victims of America’s Gun Epidemic
03. How Will China Deal with Growing Protests?
04. Got World Cup ‘Fanxiety’? Creative Tips for Stressed-Out Fans
05. Help for Holiday Relationship Issues
06. Don’t Forget Yourself This Holiday Season
07. How Not to Hire a Hitman
08. How Did a Big-Time Bookie’s Son Become a Big-Time Business Coach?
09. OB Explores Roe v. Wade and Women’s Health
10. The Modernization of Menopause
11. Did Mom Put a Shoe in the Refrigerator?
12. 12 Questions You Should Ask Your Medical Provider
13. Matthew Perry’s Opioid Addiction: Lessons for Us All
14. This Expert Almost Missed Out on an Incredible Life
15. Help! My Holiday Lights Aren’t Working!

1. ==> What U.S. Rail Workers Want

A railroad worker strike likely won’t happen now that Congress has stepped in. But a key sticking point in the standoff — whether the more than 100,000 freight rail workers get any paid sick leave — is still an open question. Biden called on Congress to block a potential strike but Maximillian Alvarez, host of the Working People Podcast, says there are two things everyone needs to understand about the current situation. “It is BECAUSE they always counted on Biden/Congress forcing a deal down workers’ throats that rail carriers saw no reason to bargain in good faith for two-plus years or to change the profit-maximizing practices that have blown up the supply chain. So, if you just started caring about the crisis on the railroads and were hand-wringing about striking workers hurting the supply chain, I got news for you: Biden just gave a big thumbs up to the people who have already run the supply chain into the ground.” Maximillian Alvarez is editor-in-chief of “The Real News” and the author of “The Work of Living.” Contact him at max@therealnews.com

2. ==> The Biggest Victims of America’s Gun Epidemic

A new study in JAMA Network Open analyzes firearm deaths over the past three decades—a total of more than 1 million lives lost since 1990. Researchers found that while death from firearms rose in all demographic groups, especially during the pandemic, there were vast disparities. The homicide rate for young Black men was a staggering 22 times higher than among young white men. The sheer scale of the issue brings the United States to a “new moment in the history of firearm fatalities,” said Eric Fleegler, a pediatric emergency physician and researcher with Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School and co-author of the study. “At this moment in time, we have seen a dramatic increase that is really unparalleled,” he says. “These are orders of magnitude differences that are just worsening. And they demand that type of attention.” He can discuss the geographical shift in firearm mortality, the urban-rural divide, and the role of mental health issues. Contact Dr. Eric Fleegler at (617) 355-6624; eric.fleegler@childrens.harvard.edu

3. ==> How Will China Deal with Growing Protests?

In recent days, numerous reports from China have painted a picture of a nation in revolt, with protests not seen in decades breaking out in major population centers over the nation’s “zero-COVID” policies and a general sense of dissatisfaction with the country’s direction. While protesters have begun to clash with police, there are reports that Chinese officials have begun to recognize the potential of the protests and are now seeking to suppress dissent before it begins, targeting people in their homes and seizing cell phones to dissuade residents from taking to the streets. Invite China expert Joshua Kurlantzick to explain what’s going on and why. Joshua Kurlantzick is senior fellow for Southeast Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). He recently authored “Beijing’s Global Media Offensive: China’s Uneven Campaign to Influence Asia and the World.” Contact him at (202) 285-4339; jkurlantzick@cfr.org

4. ==> Got World Cup ‘Fanxiety’? Creative Tips for Stressed-Out Fans

As play at the World Cup heats up so does the stress, both on and off the field! Top anxiety specialist Dr. Shaun Nanavati says many fans watching the games suffer from “World Cup fanxiety” at times of big match tension – and symptoms will only get worse when it comes to the knock-out stage when extra time and penalty shoot-outs kick in. He’ll describe the symptoms of acute fanxiety (which include spiking heart rate, sweaty palms, rapid breathing and dread of extra time and penalties) and share his top four tips for stressed-out World Cup fans. Nanavati is a neuroscientist, psychologist and the chief science officer of the anxiety management app AQ. He’s also a big soccer fan, who knows the stress that many fellow fans are suffering from. AQ is an app that tracks and measures anxiety and mental health in real time – and provides targeted advice and treatments to manage anxiety and improve mental health and performance. Contact Todd Brabender at (785) 842-8909; toddb@spreadthenewpr.com

5. ==> Help for Holiday Relationship Issues

Tensions run high during the holiday season. Whether you’re dealing with your own deep-rooted family dysfunction or your partner’s relatives, it’s hard to navigate all the expectations and traditions. Wendi Dumbroff can offer a multitude of proven tips to diffuse relationship issues that arise and share ways to dial down the stress and create healthy boundaries. She can also tie in how mindfulness and meditation can benefit relationships and sexual connection any time of the year. Wendi Dumbroff, MA, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice and has extensive experience counseling individuals, families, and couples, on many different matters including; vulnerability, infidelity, lack of communication, depression, anxiety, and all aspects of sexual issues. A sought-after media resource, she has been featured in numerous print and broadcast outlets. Contact Amy Delman at (201) 563-4614; amydelmanpr@verizon.net

6. ==> Don’t Forget Yourself This Holiday Season

When was the last time you did something for yourself? Our lives are busier than ever this time of year. Between work, families, and social obligations, it can often feel like every day is precisely scheduled from the minute your alarm goes off until the time you go to bed and set it for the next day. Not only is there zero time for yourself, but you feel guilty when you do take time out — because there’s always something you could be getting done. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to talk to Valerie Whetstone. She’ll show your audience ten simple ways to carve out me-time every day so you can rest and recharge, no matter how busy your life has become. This best-selling author and coach who trained with Jack Canfield and Oprah Winfrey reveals not only how to put yourself first, but why you must do so today! Ask her: How can you instantly stop feeling guilty about putting yourself first? Why does slowing down make you more productive than ever? How did she nearly die by not taking time for herself? Contact Valerie at (408) 752-5943; vwhetstone@rtirguests.com

7. ==> How Not to Hire a Hitman

Melisa Schonfield was a successful psychotherapist and a respected pillar of her community, who had never been in trouble. But when her daughter’s boyfriend began abusing her daughter and young grandson, Melisa decided to take matters into her own hands, by hiring a hitman to dispose of the boyfriend. The hit man she attempted to hire turned out to be an undercover cop. Melisa spent more than three years in prison. “When my grandson was five days old, my daughter’s boyfriend threatened to punch him if he didn’t stop crying,” she says. “He [the boyfriend] never got into trouble because he fooled the police.” Melisa can share the details of her harrowing journey, and how the justice system failed her. She is the author of “Bitter or Better: The Melisa Schonfield Story.” Contact her at (305) 424-7507; mschonfield@rtirguests.com

8. ==> How Did a Big-Time Bookie’s Son Become a Big-Time Business Coach?

Here’s why Steven Feinberg, Ph.D., stands out from all the business coaches you could interview: he’s considered one of the top 1% of executive coaches in the country who has advised Apple, Google, LinkedIn, Visa, Oracle, FedEx and more. He’s a neuro strategist who can talk about why the logical solution too often fails, how to develop a wisdom detector that lets you see things others fail to notice, and much more. Ask him: What is sagacity? How can you identify patterns others miss? How do you defy expectations? What is the No. 1 foe of leaders? What was it like growing up as the son of a big-time bookie? Dr. Feinberg 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

9. ==> OB Explores Roe v. Wade and Women’s Health

It’s been months since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, opening the door for states to begin restricting access to abortion. Alan Lindemann practiced obstetrics in North Dakota, one of the states that immediately moved to ban abortions. Invite him on your show to discuss how this landmark decision is affecting women’s health and health care. From new safety challenges facing pregnant women to ways IVF, surrogacy, multiple births and adoptions may change, Lindemann can share stories about the ways women’s health care has been affected. Alan Lindemann, M.D. has delivered more than 6,000 babies without a single maternal death in his 40-year career He is the creator of the PregnancyYourWay.com support site. Contact him at (701) 399-9556; ALindemann@Rtirguests.com

10. ==> The Modernization of Menopause

Whether its Oscar-nominated Naomi Watts’ recent, high-publicity launch of beauty/wellness products for the “menopausal market” or 2022’s explosion of high-profile summits of Menopause Innovators, one thing is clear: the shame, silence and suffering of menopause seem to (finally!) be headed out the door. With 1.1 billion women – or 1 in 3 – expected to be in a stage of menopause by 2025, menopause industry disrupters Debbie and Markea Dickinson say it’s time for a change in how we approach this time in a woman’s life. The mother-daughter duo is helping to modernize menopause and mobilize an empowerment movement. They’ll offer listeners a science-backed, inspirational earful on menopause symptoms, solutions and support. The Dickinsons (along with Yale scientists, engineers and doctors) invented Thermaband Zone, a first-of-its-kind wristband using artificial intelligence and Nobel Prize-winning research to outsmart hot flashes and stop them in their tracks. Debbie Dickinson is a former Johnson & Johnson executive. Her daughter Markea is a logistical and operational genius who spent five years at Unilever. Contact Jenn Weinstein at Jennifer@TransmediaGroup.com

11. ==> Did Mom Put a Shoe in the Refrigerator?

As the holiday season gets underway and families gather in person, it’s important to take note of some of the changes that may have taken place since you last saw your loved ones. Maybe you’ve been keeping in touch with your elderly loved ones over the phone or via Skype but haven’t been together for a while. Leonie Rosenstiel will discuss what to do if you feel something is a bit off during your visit. “I’m not talking about someone feeling down, but perhaps you find things in odd places — a shoe in the refrigerator or a favorite brooch in the bathroom,” she explains. Leonie, a senior advocate and advisor, will discuss what to look for, when to worry, and what you can do to help protect your elderly loved ones. Originally a classical violinist, Rosenstiel earned a master’s degree in public health after her mother, a retired professor with dementia, was put in a conservatorship, with dire results. Léonie Rosenstiel is the author of “Protecting Mama: Surviving the Legal Guardianship Swamp.” Her work has been featured in “The New York Review of Books,” “Los Angeles Times,” “Albuquerque Journal,” “Chicago Tribune,” the “Boston Globe,” the “Cleveland Plain Dealer” and more. Contact her at (505) 317-2405; leonie@DayspringResources.com

12. ==> 12 Questions You Should Ask Your Medical Provider

The time you spend with your physician is crucial. Along with any wellness check-up, diagnostic tests, and planned procedures, you will want to make the most of every appointment to ask key questions and ultimately keep a record of the answers. Invite retired nurse practitioner Anne McAwley-LeDuc whose career included 43 years of varied experience in the medical field, to educate audiences about making the most of any conversation with any doctor — from one’s family physician to specialists. Anne will talk about what to listen for, so your listeners can understand their doctor’s answers and know how to follow their instructions. Anne McAwley-LeDuc is the author of “Personal Health Organizer.” Contact her at (860) 300-1603; AMcAwley@rtirguests.com

13. ==> Matthew Perry’s Opioid Addiction: Lessons for Us All

Matthew Perry has been all over the media recently promoting his new book that reveals how he spent over 20 years and more than $9 million overcoming an opioid addiction that started when he was prescribed painkillers for a jet skiing injury. Perry puts a familiar face to a story playing out in families all across the country as just one of the millions who’ve become addicted after receiving a prescription for opioids to treat pain from an injury or illness. Cindy Perlin is passionate about educating patients about safer and more effective treatments for acute and chronic pain and can educate your audience so they can avoid Perry’s fate. Perlin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, certified biofeedback practitioner, chronic pain survivor, and the author of “The Truth About Chronic Pain Treatments: The Best and Worst Strategies for Becoming Pain Free.” She created the “Alternative Pain Treatment Directory” and is a seasoned radio guest who has appeared on dozens of radio shows and podcasts. Contact her at (518) 439-6431; cindyperlin@gmail.com

14. ==> This Expert Almost Missed Out on an Incredible Life

Rick Smith was a professional hockey player with an amazing life – from the outside. But his battle with substance abuse took a heavy toll. He snorted enough cocaine to literally make his nose bleed and was suicidal before the age of thirty. Ultimately, his addictions cost him his hockey career and nearly killed him. Rick eventually overcame his addictions and rebuilt his life. Clean and sober for more than 19 years, he’s an award-winning athlete, author, behavior change expert, and world traveler who has helped thousands of people transform their lives. Interview Rick today for a powerfully motivational show that will inspire your audience to overcome addiction, or any other obstacle they face. Ask him: Why doesn’t going “cold turkey” work? What was it like playing professional hockey? How can people who struggle with substance abuse avoid passing their problems to the next generation? What was the low point that made you decide to change? Contact Rick Smith at (313) 351-7037; rsmith@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Help! My Holiday Lights Aren’t Working!

It’s the time of year when strings of twinkling lights are attached to anything and everything around us. Can you even picture a holiday season without them? John DeCosmo is a Christmas light expert. For the past 15 years, his Chicago company, Ulta-Lit Tree Company, has been selling tools to fix broken Christmas tree lights. On your show he’ll explain what to do now to make sure your holiday lights are working properly, the dos and don’ts of Christmas tree lights, and the difference between LED and incandescent lights and how to tell which is right for you. He’ll also introduce listeners to his version of the Butterball Turkey hotline which has answered more than 100,000 Christmas light questions from frazzled tree trimmers since 2004. Contact Ivy Boomershine at ivy@lightspeedpr.com

01. World Cup Brings Excitement and ‘Fanxiety’
02. Forensic Psychiatrist on Idaho Student Murders
03. Post-Election Analysis: What’s Next for a Divided Nation?
04. The Voice of Donald Duck: Emmy-Nominated Voice Artist Daniel Ross
05. NPR Producer/Podcaster: Holiday Tips for Family Caregivers
06. Is Your Job Killing You? The Surgeon General Thinks So
07. The Game-Changing Benefit Companies Ought to Offer Workers
08. Has the Generation Gap at Work Gotten Wider?
09. 3 Principles You Must Know to Thrive in Chaos
10. Why We Are Blowing the Mental Health Crisis (and How to Fix It)
11. How to Rewire Your Brain to Break Negative Patterns
12. 3 Tools Parents Can Use to Boost Their Kids’ Self-Esteem
13. Can Perfume Cause Infertility?
14. Interview the World’s Leading Phobia Buster
15. What Really Happens in the Afterlife?

1. ==> World Cup Brings Excitement and ‘Fanxiety’

The stakes are getting higher in Qatar as the World Cup games progress, and it’s not just the teams that are feeling the heat, according to a top anxiety specialist. Dr. Shaun Nanavati says many fans watching the games suffer from “World Cup fanxiety” at times of big match tension – and symptoms will only get worse when it comes to the knock-out stage when extra time and penalty shoot-outs kick in. He’ll describe the symptoms of acute fanxiety (which include spiking heart rate, sweaty palms, rapid breathing and dread of extra time and penalties) and share his top four tips for stressed-out World Cup fans. Nanavati is a neuroscientist, psychologist and the chief science officer of the anxiety management app AQ. He’s also a big soccer fan, who knows the stress that many fellow fans are suffering from. AQ is an app that tracks and measures anxiety and mental health in real time – and provides targeted, real-time advice and treatments to manage your anxiety and improve your mental health and performance. Contact Todd Brabender at (785) 842-8909; toddb@spreadthenewpr.com

2. ==> Forensic Psychiatrist on Idaho Student Murders

Two weeks have passed since authorities first began investigating the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students in Moscow, Idaho, and no suspect or person of interest has been identified. According to the parents of a victim, the investigation is slow and painstaking because the killer was “sloppy” and left a “mess” of evidence behind. Steve and Kristi Goncalves, whose daughter Kaylee was one of the four students killed, said they were told by police that examining the chaotic crime scene would take time. Invite forensic psychiatrist Carole Lieberman, M.D., M.P.H., to discuss what investigators might be looking for, why they are releasing so little information, and whether the horrific crime could have been the work of a serial killer. Lieberman is a forensic psychiatrist and trial expert witness and a columnist for “Inside the Criminal Mind” in Front Page Detectives. Contact Ryan McCormick at 516-901-1103; ryan@goldmanmccormick.com

3. ==> Post-Election Analysis: What’s Next for a Divided Nation?

After a long campaign and period of vote counting that were more positive for the Democrats and more disappointing than expected for Republicans, the GOP is nonetheless in control of the House and a divided government seems likely to continue. Allan Rivlin, co-author of “Divided We Fall: Why Consensus Matters,” will explain how bipartisan problem-solving and legislative compromise have been declining for decades starting in the Reagan Administration through the Obama presidency. He’ll make the case that bipartisanship is always possible and often happens when it appears least likely. Rivlin can also talk about the current lame-duck session of Congress and what, if anything, will be accomplished, as well as Mitch McConnell’s current strategy and whether Democrats are listening to voters. Allan Rivlin is the CEO of Zen Political Research. He served in the first Clinton administration as a senior adviser to Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala. “Divided We Fall” was written with Rivlin’s mother Alice before her death in 2019. She was a key player in national economic and social policymaking for nearly 60 years. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (o); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Sasha Beatty at (703) 646-5188

4. ==> The Voice of Donald Duck: Emmy-Nominated Voice Artist Daniel Ross

Daniel Ross and his alter ego, Donald Duck, are up for an Emmy at the first annual Children and Family Emmy Awards this weekend for the Disney animated show “Mickey and Minnie Wish Upon a Christmas.” You will likely recognize Daniel’s voice from one of his many roles in TV, films and commercials, but playing Donald Duck has special meaning for him. As a 3-year-old, Ross’ mother—affectionately known as “Momma Duck”— taught him how to do the iconic voice of Donald Duck and it’s stuck with him ever since. He is the third person to officially voice the character for Disney and says it was the joy of a lifetime to share the news with his mother before her death. Invite Daniel on your show to talk about his career as a voice artist (including the pros and cons) and what it’s like to be the voice of such an iconic cartoon character. Daniel Ross is one of the most in-demand voice artists working in the industry today. Originally a theatre and film actor/producer from Maryland, he moved to Los Angeles in 2014 to begin pursuing work in the voice-over industry. Since then, his voice has been featured on almost every network but most notably, he is the voice of Donald Duck in the smash hit series “Mickey and the Roadster Racers” and “Mickey Mouse: Mixed-Up Adventures,” on Disney Junior. Contact Harlan Boll at harlan@bhbpr.com

5. ==> NPR Producer/Podcaster: Holiday Tips for Family Caregivers

There are more than 53 million family caregivers in the United States. It’s hard work. It’s also joy-filled, soul-filled, and heart-filled work. The holidays can be especially challenging, but Emmy-winning NPR producer and podcaster Kitty Eisele can share her favorite memories, along with useful tips and tricks about how caregivers can successfully navigate the season and find joy and peace amidst the chaos. Based on her personal experience caring for her parents, she can expand on practical ways for celebrating with loved ones who have dementia, engaging in sacred conversations, building resilience, finding support in surprising spaces and finding ways to care for yourself (take a nap!). Eisele began her podcast, “Twenty-Four Seven,” after moving back into her childhood home to care for her father with dementia. She spent more than two decades at NPR, most recently as supervising senior editor of “Morning Edition,” and has been recognized with DuPont, Peabody and James Beard awards. “Twenty-Four Seven: A Podcast about Caregiving” airs on Texas Public Radio. Contact Debi Pfitzenmaier at debi@tpr.org

6. ==> Is Your Job Killing You? The Surgeon General Thinks So

A report from The Surgeon General paints a bleak picture of Americans’ work lives, pointing out that 76% of U.S. workers in a 2021 survey reported at least one symptom of a mental health condition such as anxiety and depression, and 84% of respondents reported at least one workplace factor that harmed their mental health. While the Surgeon General’s Report concluded that companies need to change the way they operate — which will take time if it happens at all — leadership expert coach Marc A. Pitman can tell your listeners how to advocate for their health right now … without losing their jobs. Marc has a master’s degree in organizational leadership and 30 years of studying leadership to his credit. He’s been featured in “Real Simple” and “SUCCESS,” and on NBC, and Fox News. Marc is the author of seven books, the latest of which is “The Surprising Gift of Doubt: Use Uncertainty to Become the Exceptional Leader You Are Meant to Be.” Contact Marc Pitman at (317) 751-1610 (SC); mpitman@rtirguests.com

7. ==> The Game-Changing Benefit Companies Ought to Offer Workers

What benefit should companies offer employees that would be a win-win for everyone? Get the surprising answer from Beverly Williams, J.D., an employment professional, arbitrator, and former HR executive. She’ll explain why paying for employees’ childcare would lead to better outcomes for children and their parents, workplace productivity, and even lower income disparities. She’ll say that offering a free daycare benefit to employees would be more impactful than paying off their college debt, benefitting society in many ways. Ask her how would free daycare be paid for? Can most companies afford to do this? Would this be the end of living paycheck to paycheck? Williams is the author of “Your GPS to Employment Success: How to Find and Succeed in the Right Job.” She is a partner at Wong Fleming PC in Princeton, N.J., where she specializes in labor and employment law. She also hosts the Your Employment Matters with Beverly Williams podcast. Williams earned an M.P.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a J.D. from Rutgers Law School. Contact Beverly Williams at (973) 576-5841; bwilliams@rtirguests.com

8. ==> Has the Generation Gap at Work Gotten Wider?

There’s a reason that “quiet quitting” became so popular among disgruntled workers. It resonates with millennial and Gen Z employees fighting to rewrite the rules of the workplace from baby boomer and Gen X managers. Depending on whom you ask, “quiet quitters” are either setting healthy work/life boundaries or doing nothing more than their basic job requirements. Unhappy workers are nothing new, but Oreste D’Aversa says the pandemic changed everything. Invite the author of “Life Beyond the Pandemic: A Practical New Journey Handbook” to discuss why workers feel disengaged and the effect of generational diversity on the job, as well as offer a better solution to “quiet quitting.” The life and business coach, corporate trainer, and interfaith minister will share his revolutionary step-by-step blueprint to reinvent your life and thrive in the post-pandemic world. Contact Oreste D’Aversa at (201) 949-3002; odaversa@rtirguests.com

9. ==> 3 Principles You Must Know to Thrive in Chaos

Perhaps the best word that describes present times is “chaotic.” A knee-jerk reaction might be to stay in bed with the blanket pulled over your head but that gets old fast. Instead, author and performance coach Tim Winders says it would be better to change your perspective by discovering the three timeless perspectives he will teach you. Winders, who has over 25 years’ experience as a coach for business owners, executives, and leaders, utilizes these principles in his novel, “Coach: A Story of Success Redefined.” It tells the story of a man who had it all — money, a successful company, a beautiful wife — everything society considers successful but contemplates ending his life. Winders, who along with his wife, lives and works in a large RV while traveling around the country, survived several business failures before finding a better path in life. He hosts the “SeekGoCreate” podcast. Contact Tim Winders at (404) 846-4639; twinders@rtirguests.com. Ask about last-minute availability

10. ==> Why We Are Blowing the Mental Health Crisis (and How to Fix It)

There already was a mental health crisis in America before the pandemic. Now it is even worse. This means that a discussion with Elizabeth Power, M.Ed., could not be timelier. Invite her on your program to talk about ways the U.S. is failing to deliver the mental health services the public needs, why there will never be enough therapists to handle that load and the overlooked solution that lets people help themselves. Ask her: how could the number of prescriptions written for Zoloft be cut in half? Why do mental health diagnoses cause a lifetime of stigma? How did her refusal to be a calm, compliant mentally ill person lead her to be an influence in all things trauma-informed on every continent except Antarctica? Elizabeth has helped thousands of people to learn the skills they failed to grasp after suffering traumas as children. She is the founding director of The Trauma Informed Academy and the author of “Healer: Reducing Crises,” which offers everyday actions people can take to recover from traumatic experiences and be more resilient in the face of stress and discomfort. She is an adjunct instructor in psychiatry at Georgetown Medical Center and has been on NBC News, NPR, and in the “Wall Street Journal.” Contact her at (615) 903-0906; epower@rtirguests.com

11. ==> How to Rewire Your Brain to Break Negative Patterns

The feeling of being stuck in a rut or trapped by life’s circumstances is all too common, especially in the wake of a global pandemic that has left us with fewer choices than ever. Laura Brennan Ballet is here to help us break free of the negative patterns that keep us stuck in unhappy jobs, relationships, or situations – simply by changing the way we think. An experienced life coach and the author of “The Science of Empowerment,” Laura can teach your audience how to not just think differently, but to actually recalibrate your brain and move forward with intent, free of the negativity that’s been holding you back. Ask her: Is it really possible to live without regrets? Why does she say that we all become algorithms of the people around us? How can we “think better?” Contact Laura Ballet at (860) 831-4435 or lballet@rtirguests.com

12. ==> 3 Tools Parents Can Use to Boost Their Kids’ Self-Esteem

Does your child struggle at home or school? Do you often hear them say they can’t do something, or it’s too hard? Whether it’s learning to tie their shoes, getting good grades, or joining extracurricular activities, having positive self-esteem helps kids do more — and feel great about themselves in the process. Valerie Whetstone is an experienced educator and the author of several books, including the brand-new children’s book “Oh No, Riley!” This expert, who has trained with Oprah Winfrey and Jack Canfield, shares three crucial tools to help kids of all ages boost their confidence and develop the life skills they need for success. Ask her: What is the one mistake millions of parents are making that affects their child’s self-esteem? How can I increase my child’s confidence today? What are some “power words” kids can use to become more confident and positive? Contact Valerie Whetstone at (408) 752-5943 or vwhetstone@rtirguests.com

13. ==> Can Perfume Cause Infertility?

Not only can fragrances in everyday products such as soap, body lotion and laundry detergent cause a variety of health ailments, but products expert Zorica Denton learned that they could also cause infertility in women and men. “Studies show that fragrances affect male sperm and women’s fertility, making it more difficult to get pregnant,” she says. “Products with fragrances may contain anywhere from 100 to 1,000 chemicals. But they don’t have to be listed due to trade secret policies.” Zorica developed long-term, debilitating health problems as a result of working as a perfume model. She is the founder of the natural personal care products company Zorica of Malibu and the author of an upcoming book about toxic chemicals in products. Contact her at (213) 616-7904; zdenton@rtirguests.com

14. ==> Interview the World’s Leading Phobia Buster

Like many people, Kalliope Barlis suffered from debilitating phobias for years. As a former professional golfer, her fear of public speaking and crowds nearly sunk her career. But then a colleague introduced her to a technique that can dramatically change negative thoughts and behavior patterns, and Kalliope became an expert in it. She then began devoting her life to helping other people rid themselves of their phobias, everything from the fear of flying to being in tight spaces and freaking out over spiders and mice. Kalliope is a leading neurolinguistic programming (NLP) expert with a private practice in New York, author of the critically acclaimed book “Phobia Relief: From Fear to Freedom and creator of the upcoming docuseries “Kalliope’s From Fear to Freedom.” Contact her at (516) 703-4546; kbarlis@rtirguests.com

15. ==> What Really Happens in the Afterlife?

After experiencing a traumatic brain injury due to falling at home, author Jennifer Maag realized this was a blessing in disguise. “I became extremely empathic, which was a gift,” she says. One of those gifts was developing an understanding of what happens after we die. “When we pass over, we go to a ‘soul hospital’ and then ‘soul school’ where we learn valuable lessons. Those who have passed over often communicate with us through our dreams.” Jennifer, a licensed massage therapist, and her son, Alexander Maag, are the co-authors of the critically acclaimed book “Take on God,” which explores how to transform our inner battles into healing tools to live our best lives. Contact her at (419) 969-3259; jmaag@rtirguests.com

01. Turkey Talk: Butterball Experts Share Advice
02. Beware Holiday Scams: Online Shopping Tips
03. Help! My Holiday Lights Aren’t Working!
04. WaPo Food Expert: How Food Can Impact Mental Health
05. Actor Jim Meskimen on ‘Welcome to Chippendales’ and More
06. ‘Carry It On’- New Buffy Sainte-Marie Documentary
07. Pediatricians Plead for RSV Health Emergency
08. Matthew Perry’s Opioid Addiction: Lessons for Us All
09. It’s Time to Change the Way We Talk about Menopause
10. Parents Are Deeply Divided Over Education
11. 3 Tools Parents Can Use to Boost Their Kids’ Self-Esteem
12. How to Have Unbreakable Resilience
13. Using Art to Heal and Feel Better
14. A Traumatic Brain Injury Revealed Her Greatest Gift
15. The 2 Things You Should Never Leave Home Without

1. ==> Turkey Talk: Butterball Experts Share Advice

Whether it’s your first or fortieth time preparing a Thanksgiving meal, there’s a lot involved in creating the feast and it can be quite intimidating. “The holiday season can be one of the most exciting times of the year, but unfortunately, it can also be one of the most stressful,” says Nicole Johnson, director and 22-year veteran of the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line. Since its first season in November 1981, the Turkey Talk-Line has helped almost 50 million consumers with their bird woes. Each November and December, professionally trained turkey experts assist more than 4 million cooks through the phone hotline, Butterball.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Butterball Skill for Alexa, live chat and emails in the United States and Canada. With more than 50 staff members, the Talk-Line crew operates through December and answers questions from both English- and Spanish-speaking callers and responds to questions via email. Johnson can share the most common questions asked and offer tips and tricks to pulling off a holiday meal that everyone will enjoy. Contact Derek Wimmer at (312) 937-4855;
derek.wimmer@edelman.com

2. ==> Beware Holiday Scams: Online Shopping Tips

Every year, consumers flock online to secure a deal on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and this year promises to be no different. Cybercriminals – the opportunists that they are – will respond with the same enthusiasm. Cybersecurity expert Rick McElroy will share some of the most prevalent tricks fraudsters will use to target consumers online. From making sure your financial transaction is secure to double-checking delivery and other “additional” fees, listeners will appreciate his smart tips to avoid scams and overcharges. And he’ll remind shoppers that if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. “This year, the scarcity of some products, due to the ongoing supply chain issues, is creating a more attractive playing field for fraudsters,” he says. “Consumers should keep in mind that if someone is offering a shortcut to the front of the line for an in-demand product, it may be a scam.” Rick McElroy is a cybersecurity strategist at VMware, a leading provider of multi-cloud services. Contact Sara Bistrin at sbistrin@inkhouse.com

3. ==> Help! My Holiday Lights Aren’t Working!

It’s the time of year when strings of twinkling lights are attached to anything and everything around us. Can you even picture a holiday season without them? John DeCosmo is a Christmas light expert. For the past 15 years, his Chicago company, Ulta-Lit Tree Company, has been selling tools to fix broken Christmas tree lights. On your show he’ll explain what to do now to make sure your holiday lights are working properly, the dos and don’ts of Christmas tree lights, and the difference between LED and incandescent lights and how to tell which is right for you. He’ll also introduce listeners to his version of the Butterball Turkey hotline which has answered more than 100,000 Christmas light questions from frazzled tree trimmers since 2004. Contact Ivy Boomershine at ivy@lightspeedpr.com

4. ==> WaPo Food Expert: How Food Can Impact Mental Health

Food has the power to nourish your mind, supporting emotional wellness through both nutrients and pleasure. “Washington Post” food expert Mary Beth Albright draws on cutting-edge research to explain the food/mood connection. She redefines “emotional eating” based on science and will reveal how eating triggers biological responses that affect humans’ emotional states both immediately and long-term. Albright can discuss recent studies from the new field of nutritional psychology and explain “what” to eat and “how” to eat it. Listeners will learn which foods help reduce the inflammation that can harm mental health, the critical relationship between the microbiome and the brain, and which vitamins help restore the body during intensely emotional times. Mary Beth Albright has broad experience, from food attorney to finalist on Food Network Star, where she competed on Iron Chef America. Her new book is “Eat and Flourish: How Food Supports Emotional Well-Being.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705

5. ==> Actor Jim Meskimen on ‘Welcome to Chippendales’ and More

You’ll probably recognize Jim Meskimen from his many TV and film roles over the past thirty-some years. His latest is playing Phil Donahue in the new Hulu mini-series “Welcome to Chippendales,” but you may have also seen him alongside Julia Roberts and Sean Penn in “Gaslit,” or on the Amazon series “Hunters,” starring Al Pacino and Carol Kane. Invite Jim on your show to talk about his work in those productions and his recurring role on Apple TV’s upcoming series “The Big Door Prize,” by the creators of “Schitt’s Creek.” Jim currently plays Colonel Sanders in the popular KFC commercials, as well as President George Washington crossing the Delaware Turnpike for GEICO, which led his mother, Marion Ross (Mrs. C. from “Happy Days”) to claim that she is now the mother of the father of our country! “Welcome to Chippendales” begins airing today on Hulu. Contact Harlan Boll at harlan@bhbpr.com

6. ==> ‘Carry It On’- New Buffy Sainte-Marie Documentary

The life, music, and activism of legendary Indigenous singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie are explored in the new documentary “Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry It On.” Since her groundbreaking debut in 1964, the Cree singer-songwriter has been a trailblazer and a tireless advocate, an innovative artist, and a disruptor of the status quo. In 1969, she made one of the world’s first electronic vocal albums; in 1982, she became the only indigenous person to win an Oscar; she spent five years on “Sesame Street” where she became the first woman to breastfeed on national television. Music blogger and publicist Eric Alpert calls the documentary a much-needed, inspiring biography of one of our most revered and courageous artists. Invite him to discuss “Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry It On,” which begins airing tonight on PBS and includes never-before-seen archival material, new performance footage and interviews with Sainte-Marie, Joni Mitchell, Sonia Manzano, John Kay, Robbie Robertson, Jackson Browne and others. Contact Eric Alpert at (647) 971-3742; Eric@ThatEricAlper.com

7. ==> Pediatricians Plead for RSV Health Emergency

“Our hospital is filling up with young babies who are struggling to breathe,” says Dr. James Reingold, chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia. And Reingold’s hospital is not alone. Rising rates of RSV combined with an increase in the flu, continued COVID-19 cases, and staff shortages have created a public health crisis, yet the Biden Administration has not declared an emergency despite pleas from The Children’s Hospital Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Reingold can explain what’s happening and why low-income communities are hardest hit by respiratory illnesses. He can also discuss the difference between RSV and the flu, the best ways to avoid getting sick, and when to seek medical help. Contact Paul Healy at (215) 427-4060 (office); Paul.Healy@towerhealth.org

8. ==> Matthew Perry’s Opioid Addiction: Lessons for Us All

Matthew Perry has been all over the media in recent days revealing how he spent over 20 years and more than $9 million overcoming an opioid addiction that started when he was prescribed painkillers for a jet skiing injury. Perry puts a familiar face to a story playing out in families all across the country as just one of the millions who’ve become addicted after receiving a prescription for opioids to treat pain from an injury or illness. Cindy Perlin is passionate about educating patients about safer and more effective treatments for acute and chronic pain and can educate your audience so they can avoid Perry’s fate. Perlin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, certified biofeedback practitioner, chronic pain survivor, and the author of “The Truth About Chronic Pain Treatments: The Best and Worst Strategies for Becoming Pain Free.” She created the “Alternative Pain Treatment Directory” and is a seasoned radio guest who has appeared on dozens of radio shows and podcasts. Contact her at (518) 439-6431; cindyperlin@gmail.com

9. ==> It’s Time to Change the Way We Talk about Menopause

Whether it’s Oscar-nominated Naomi Watts’ recent, high-publicity launch of beauty/wellness products for the “menopausal market” or 2022’s explosion of high-profile summits of Menopause Innovators, one thing is clear: the shame, silence and suffering of menopause seem to (finally!) be headed out the door. With 1.1 billion women – or 1 in 3 – expected to be in a stage of menopause by 2025, menopause industry disrupters Debbie and Markea Dickinson say it’s time for a change in how we approach this time in a woman’s life. The mother-daughter duo is helping to modernize menopause and mobilize an empowerment movement. They’ll offer listeners a science-backed, inspirational earful on menopause symptoms, solutions and support. The Dickinsons (along with Yale scientists, engineers and doctors) invented Thermaband Zone, a first-of-its-kind wristband using artificial intelligence and Nobel Prize-winning research to outsmart hot flashes and stop them in their tracks. Debbie Dickinson is a former Johnson & Johnson executive. Her daughter Markea is a logistical and operational genius who previously spent five years at Unilever. Contact Jenn Weinstein at Jennifer@TransmediaGroup.com

10. ==> Parents Are Deeply Divided Over Education

Republican and Democratic parents of K-12 students have widely different views on what their children should learn at school about gender identity, slavery and other topics, according to a new Pew Research Center survey. At the same time, Republican and Democratic parents –– including those with children in public schools –– are equally likely to say they are extremely or very satisfied with the quality of the education their children are receiving. Kim Park, director of social trends research at the Pew Research Center can discuss the survey results including how parents think the pandemic has affected their children’s educational progress and emotional well-being, and their concerns about school shootings. Kim Parker frequently discusses social and demographic trends with journalists and has been interviewed by broadcast outlets such as NPR, NBC, MSNBC and C-SPAN. Contact her at @kim_c_parker or Julia O’Hanlon at (202) 419-3613; johanlon@pewresearch.org

11. ==> 3 Tools Parents Can Use to Boost Their Kids’ Self-Esteem

Does your child struggle at home or school? Do you often hear them say they can’t do something, or it’s too hard? Whether it’s learning to tie their shoes, getting good grades, or joining extracurricular activities, having positive self-esteem helps kids do more — and feel great about themselves in the process. Valerie Whetstone is an experienced educator and the author of several books, including the brand-new children’s book “Oh No, Riley!” This expert, who has trained with Oprah Winfrey and Jack Canfield, shares three crucial tools to help kids of all ages boost their confidence and develop the life skills they need for success. Ask her: What is the one mistake millions of parents are making that affects their child’s self-esteem? How can I increase my child’s confidence today? What are some “power words” kids can use to become more confident and positive? Contact Valerie Whetstone at (408) 752-5943 or vwhetstone@rtirguests.com

12. ==> How to Have Unbreakable Resilience

It’s easy to appear resilient when life is going great. But the true test of one’s flexibility comes when life is difficult and unpredictable as it had been for Kiden Jonathan. Invite Kiden on your show to learn how anyone can develop unbreakable resilience by listening to her as she passes along what she learned after she fled worn-torn Sudan at age 20 with her two-month-old baby, lived with an abusive man and spent time in a women’s shelter and the world’s largest refugee camp in Kenya. Now she lives in Canada where she is a full-time college student, speaker, and the author of “Resilience: The Journey of Self-Discovery.” She has been quoted in CBC News and the “Toronto Star.” Contact Kiden at (647) 503-5092; kjonathan@rtirguests.com

13. ==> Using Art to Heal and Feel Better

Could looking at art restore people’s health as well as their souls? According to Annessa Morrison, if done properly in the manner she prescribes, it may very well do so. Working under the name Abstract Annessa, Morrison has been painting full-time for eight years after discovering that viewing and creating art helped her heal from the debilitating symptoms of lupus and fibromyalgia. In response to the many questions people ask about her return to health, Morrison developed an online course that mirrors the routine that cured her. Invite her to discuss how “The Art Alternative” helps program the subconscious mind to heal from within. Annessa Morrison is a working artist and painter who creates art using 15 distinct techniques that she has found help immerse people in the act of looking at art. Contact her at (928) 830-3935; healingthroughartrx@gmail.com

14. ==> A Traumatic Brain Injury Revealed Her Greatest Gift

After experiencing a traumatic brain injury due to falling at home, author Jennifer Maag realized this was a blessing in disguise. “I became extremely empathic, which was a gift,” she says. One of those gifts was developing an understanding of what happens after we die. “When we pass over, we go to a ‘soul hospital’ and then ‘soul school’ where we learn valuable lessons. Those who have passed over often communicate with us through our dreams.” Jennifer, a licensed massage therapist, and her son, Alexander Maag, are the co-authors of the critically acclaimed book “Take on God,” which explores how to transform our inner battles into healing tools to live our best lives. Contact her at (419) 969-3259; jmaag@rtirguests.com

15. ==> The 2 Things You Should Never Leave Home Without

Few people would dream of leaving the house without their cell phone, car keys and wallet. But there are two other things that most people don’t consider bringing along with them because they are unaware that their use could lead to greater problem-solving abilities, clarity, and relaxation. Bring Arlene Duane Hemingway on your program to identify what those two objects are and their connection to Drabbling, a literary art form inspired by Monty Python that uses just 100 words to tell a complete story. Arlene can read some examples of drabbles to get your audience started and has even created a Drabble on Drabbles. She is the author of “A Twist of Lemon: 100 Curious Stories in Exactly 100 Words” and has a master’s degree from the Juilliard School of Music. She was a respected piano and vocal music teacher in a Long Island public school system, and a professional organist, choir director, and vocalist. She performed with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir at Radio City Music Hall and launched a composer’s original work at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Contact Arlene at (828) 684-9840; adh7@att.net

01. Goodbye, Election Deniers
02. The Fetterman Effect: How Dems Can Rebuild ‘Blue-Wall’ States
03. Biden Turns 80 on Sunday – How Sharp Are Our Aging Politicians?
04. 50th Anniversary of ‘The Waltons’ – Actor Michael Learned
05. Blast Off! How the Artemis Missions Can Inspire Kids
06. Don’t Be a Turkey: How to Choose Thanksgiving Wine
07. How to Cultivate Gratitude That Lasts Beyond Thanksgiving
08. Nearly Half of Americans Think the U.S. Should Be a Christian Nation
09. Unusual Jobs: Interview a Former Pioneering Black Diplomat
10. How to Have Unbreakable Resilience
11. 4 Ways to Kick Social Anxiety to the Curb
12. What Your Teen Can’t Tell You
13. Do You Drabble?
14. This Champion Athlete Began Sprinting at Age 61
15. Fighting Gun Violence from the Inside

1.==> Goodbye, Election Deniers

Many political observers worried about the number of election deniers on the midterm ballots and what their wins would mean for future politics and elections. Christopher Beem says the vast majority of election deniers lost their races with few losers claiming fraud. He believes that signals a shift away from Trumpism and says that’s very good news for the country. “Election denial may not quite be in America’s rearview mirror, but it is unlikely to be the go-to play for Republican politicians that it was in this campaign. In the end, it failed to be a winning strategy. And that means that free and fair elections remain the foundation of a still viable American democracy.” Christopher Beem is the managing director of the McCourtney Institute for Democracy at Penn State University. He’s also the host of the Democracy Works podcast and the author of “The Seven Democratic Virtues: What You Can Do to Overcome Tribalism and Save Our Democracy.” Contact him at (814) 863-7630; cxb518@psu.edu

2. ==> The Fetterman Effect: How Dems Can Rebuild ‘Blue-Wall’ States

Journalist Greg Sargent says Democrats should take note of John Fetterman’s Pennsylvania Senate campaign if they hope to win back voters in traditional “blue-wall” states. Calling Fetterman’s win “uniquely instructive,” Sargent says the candidate’s unorthodox issue profile (legalization and prison clemency) combined with his unusual campaign style (a lumbering giant in a hoodie and cargo shorts) helped make tough political territory more competitive again. He says new data from the American Communities Project offers a detailed picture of Fetterman’s winning strategy against Dr. Mehmet Oz, especially in the three types of counties where MAGA Republicans have recently done extraordinarily well. He’ll discuss how Fetterman made the biggest gains in Trump country and what that means for Democrats trying to rebuild the blue-wall before the 2024 election. The American Communities Project is a combined social science/journalism effort based at the Michigan State University School of Journalism that uses data to break communities into different types for analysis to show how people in different places experience the world very differently. Greg Sargent writes the Plum Line Blog for the “Washington Post.” Contact him at sargentg@washpost.com; @ThePlumLineGS

3. ==> Biden Turns 80 on Sunday – How Sharp Are Our Aging Politicians?

Joe Biden turns 80 on Sunday and is the oldest ever U.S. president, but he’s not the only old geezer on Capitol Hill. Look around and you’ll see a sea of white hair with more than a dozen octogenarian senators, many in leadership positions. Nancy Pelosi is 81. Bernie Sanders is 80 and Mitch McConnell turns 80 in February. Behavioral specialist Lisa Skinner says with this aging herd of politicians making key decisions for America, it’s important to ask about the cognitive health and fitness of our country’s current leaders. We do ask candidates for the presidency to disclose their medical histories; however, we currently have no mechanism to evaluate their past and present mental health. In her book, “Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s – Its Secret Faces,” Skinner provides a roadmap to distinguish normal aging from something more troubling by identifying the common early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Lisa Skinner has more than a quarter-century of experience in the field of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. She has appeared on CBS News, NBC News, Fox News, and ABC News, and in “USA Today,” “Health & Fitness,” and many other publications. Contact Dianemarie (DM) Collins at (775) 825-1727; DM@DMProductionsLLC.com or @DMCollins

4. ==> 50th Anniversary of ‘The Waltons’ – Actor Michael Learned

Four-time Emmy winner Michael Learned currently stars in Netflix’s limited series, “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,” but millions of fans came to love her as Olivia, the iconic mother on the long-running CBS drama “The Waltons.” As the show celebrates its 50th anniversary, invite Learned to discuss why she thinks the show about the life of a Depression-era family in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains became so popular. Hear her favorite memories, behind-the-scenes stories from the series, and the biggest myths about the show and cast. Ask her about this week’s cast reunion when seven of the original Waltons family came together at the Hollywood Museum to celebrate the show and answer questions from fans. Contact Harlan Boll at harlan@bhbpr.com

5.==> Blast Off! How the Artemis Missions Can Inspire Kids

NASA launched its massive Artemis I moon rocket early Wednesday, bringing the United States a step closer to landing on the lunar surface for the first time in 50 years since the end of the Apollo program. The purpose of the Artemis missions is to explore the lunar surface more than ever before and establish the first long-term presence on the moon. Dr. Samantha Pillay hopes the fanfare and excitement surrounding the mission will encourage young females to dream about a career in science. She says, “There has never been a better time for encouraging STEM activities in girls in the lead-up to the first woman on the moon in 2024, fueling a well overdue focus on female STEM role models in the media.” Dr. Pillay can discuss space STEM activities to do with kids to immerse them in the excitement of the historic missions. Dr. Pillay is a surgeon and the author of eight books. “When I’m a Surgeon” and “When I’m an Astronaut” are part of her “Inspiration Careers for Kids” series written to inspire the next generation of female leaders. Contact her at drssp@continencematters.com; @drsamantha_p

6. ==> Don’t Be a Turkey: How to Choose Thanksgiving Wine

Thanksgiving is hectic enough as it is. The last thing you want is to be lost in the wine aisle or struggle to select bottles within your budget at the local wine shop. Jim Laughren, CWE, can help your listeners figure out the perfect wine for the occasion, whether they’re looking for a comforting favorite or something out of the ordinary. And since we are entering holiday season, he can also suggest creative gift ideas for the wine lovers on your holiday shopping list like special glasses and accessories, wine club memberships and more. An encyclopedia of wine knowledge, Jim is the author of two short eBooks, “The 15-Minute Guide to Red Wine” and “The 15-Minute Guide to White Wine.” He has appeared on radio and TV around the country and is also the award-winning author of “50 Ways to Love Wine More” and “A Beer Drinker’s Guide to Knowing and Enjoying Fine Wine.” Contact Jim Laughren at (954) 317-9623; JLaughren@rtirguests.com

7. ==> How to Cultivate Gratitude That Lasts Beyond Thanksgiving

Many people celebrate Thanksgiving by thinking about all the things for which they are grateful. Family, careers, a home to call their own, close relationships with family and friends and a full belly may occupy their thoughts. But, as Sharon Rose Wallen will tell you, the ability to feel grateful is too important to limit to just one day. She’ll suggest ways listeners can cultivate a daily gratitude practice and reap its many benefits, including happiness, lessened anxiety, better health and stronger connections to others among others. Wallen can discuss several studies that back up her contention that gratitude and well-being are connected and explain simple ways to incorporate gratitude into your daily life. Sharon Rose Wallen is a retired elementary school teacher and the author of “Grateful Reflections Journal.” Contact her at (786) 473-4026; solaceplace07@aol.com

8. ==> Nearly Half of Americans Think the U.S. Should Be a Christian Nation

Forty-five percent of Americans believe the U.S. should be a “Christian nation,” one of several striking findings from a sweeping September Pew Research Center survey examining Christian nationalism. But researchers say respondents differed greatly when it came to outlining what a Christian nation should look like, suggesting a wide spectrum of beliefs. According to the survey, 60% of Americans believe the U.S. was originally intended to be a Christian nation, but only 33% say it remains so today. Spiritual life coach Latoya Shea can discuss the role Christianity has played in shaping America, how nations that share a faith differ from those that don’t, and whether she believes the civility and morality of a country are directly affected by how many citizens practice some type of religion or spirituality. A veteran and former nurse, Latoya Shea has appeared on numerous radio and TV shows sharing advice to help people live more fulfilling lives. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103

9. ==> Unusual Jobs: Interview a Former Pioneering Black Diplomat

If you have ever wondered what a diplomat does, what being in the Foreign Service is like, or what it was like to be stationed in a country where coups were commonplace, this is your chance to find out. Starting in 1975 and for the next 30 years, Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans, a former English major and Fulbright Scholar, was a diplomat in the Foreign Service in New Delhi, Mumbai, Dhaka, Taipei, Hong Kong, Brussels, Libreville, Bujumbura, and Brazzaville. Moreover, she did it as a Black single mother with few role models. Ask her was it hard to wave the flag for an ideal America yet to be realized? What are the pros and cons of frequent travel? Who were some of the famous people you met? What lessons have you learned that are applicable to others with big dreams? Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans’s memoir is “Chocolates for Mary Judith: Black Woman Blazes Trails as a Career Diplomat.” She rose from the military equivalent of a first lieutenant to a major general. Contact Judith Mudd-Krijgelmans at (571) 568-8667; jmuddkrijgelmans@rtirguests.com

10. ==> How to Have Unbreakable Resilience

It’s easy to appear resilient when life is going great. But the true test of one’s flexibility comes when life is difficult and unpredictable as it had been for Kiden Jonathan. Invite Kiden on your show to learn how anyone can develop unbreakable resilience by listening to her as she passes along what she learned after she fled worn-torn Sudan at age 20 with her two-month-old baby, lived with an abusive man and spent time in a women’s shelter and the world’s largest refugee camp in Kenya. Now she lives in Canada where she is a full-time college student, speaker, and the author of “Resilience: The Journey of Self-Discovery.” She has been quoted in CBC News and the “Toronto Star.” Contact Kiden at (647) 503-5092; kjonathan@rtirguests.com

11. ==> 4 Ways to Kick Social Anxiety to the Curb

Are you worried about going out in public because you fear that other people will judge you? Do you struggle to interact with strangers? Have you avoided speaking up for yourself at work or home because you’re afraid that you won’t be liked enough to be taken seriously? You may be relieved to know that you’re not alone – and that you don’t have to struggle with these and other common symptoms of social anxiety. Collectively, our social anxiety has only gotten worse since the isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Interview Lee Vallely, the author of “Kick the Sh*t out of Social Anxiety,” to help your audience ease the stress of social anxiety and start enjoying their lives. Ask him: What are four things you can do right now if you’re experiencing social anxiety? Why is “feel the fear and do it anyway” terrible advice? How can simple breathing help you overcome social anxiety? Contact Lee Vallely at (561) 658-1266 or lvallely@rtirguests.com

12. ==> What Your Teen Can’t Tell You

A lot of jokes are made about the difficulties of raising a teenager, but beneath the jokes, parents are hurting and feeling helpless, while their teens are navigating extraordinary cultural challenges unlike anything faced by previous generations. Teens today are feeling more isolated, anxious and depressed says longtime pediatric nurse practitioner Jessica Peck, and parents don’t know how to communicate with them and help. Invite her to share ways parents can assess their teen’s emotional, physical, and spiritual health and share practical advice and tools to empower them to connect their teen to support and services. In the privacy of her exam room, Dr. Peck has treated teens with mental illnesses, responded to suicide attempts, treated self-harm wounds as well as the emotional trauma of cyberbullying, sexting, pornography addictions and numerous other issues. Jessica Peck has a doctor of nursing practice degree (DPN) and is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), a clinical professor at Baylor University School of Nursing, and a former president of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. She is the author of “Behind Closed Doors.” Contact Jason Jones at (512) 720-2996

13. ==> Do You Drabble?

If you have never heard of Drabbles or Drabbling, or ever thought of writing a Drabble, maybe you should interview leading Drabble expert Arlene Duane Hemingway (no relation to Ernest) to find out about this addictive way to tell a story in 100 words that was inspired by the comedy troupe Monty Python. Drabble is more than a fun word to say (although we could use more of those); it’s a technique that lets you have greater focus, relaxation and problem-solving abilities. Curious to know more? Invite Arlene to share some of her favorite Drabbles including a Drabble on Drabbles, something she can do extremely quickly since they are so short. She is the author of “A Twist of Lemon: 100 Curious Stories in Exactly 100 Words” and has a master’s degree from the Juilliard School of Music. She was a respected piano and vocal music teacher in a Long Island public school system, and a professional organist, choir director, and vocalist. She performed with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir at Radio City Music Hall and launched a composer’s original work at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Contact Arlene at (828) 684-9840; adh7@att.net

14. ==> This Champion Athlete Began Sprinting at Age 61

Exercising is one of those things that we all know we should be doing, and yet we can find endless reasons not to. The issue can be even harder to tackle for those over 40 because many people believe that the older you get, the more pointless it is to try getting into shape. National champion senior athlete John Hurd is here to tell your audience that it’s never too late and motivate them to reclaim their physical health at any age. John began training on his own to run competitively at the age of 61, and holds a total of 162 gold medals, is a 15-year undefeated Florida State Sprint Champion in three separate events, and a two-time National Senior Olympic Sprint Champion. The author of “Johnny Run Lately” and “A Sprint to the Gold,” John shares his success story with your audience as well as a simple-to-use spreadsheet that works better than fitness apps to help anyone achieve their exercise goals, and much more. Interview this inspiring guest who puts young couch potatoes to shame. Contact John Hurd at (850) 367-8411 or jhurd@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Fighting Gun Violence from the Inside

Concerns about violent crime and guns also remain top of mind for American voters, though solutions remain elusive. Ricky Aiken, founder and executive director of Inner City Innovators, says, “When gun violence happens in our communities, it’s not outsiders tearing up our communities. It’s insiders.” Based in West Palm Beach, Florida, his nonprofit combats crime rates and gun violence by empowering and inspiring inner-city youth through mentoring programs, anti-violence workshops and community engagement. “Our goal is simple: to keep every young man in our program free and alive through age 25. Most offending starts around 13, and 25 is when they say the brain is finished developing,” says Aiken. He’ll explain why he and his cousin created the nonprofit back in 2015 and the ways they’re helping young men in the community, giving many a second chance at a better life. “When you challenge a young person who’s been through hard times, they want to stand up and show you they’re capable,” says Aiken. Contact Chelsea Koester at (561) 838-6687; c.koester@innercityinnovators.org