Former wrestler Hulk Hogan says he feels better than ever and credits much of his newfound good health to CBD. Hogan joins a growing number of athletes avoiding drugs and turning to cannabis as a more natural way to treat their aches and issues. “As I got into the CBD world, it really changed the game from my sleep to the inflammation, the way my wrists and my joints hurt, across the board, it helped me with my health,” Hogan says. CBD expert Mary Lopez Carter can explain how CBD oil can provide pain relief for conditions such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and neuropathic pain. Listeners will also learn how CBD oil works to reduce anxiety and stress, and how it improves sleep quality in those suffering insomnia and sleep disorders. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103 (call/text)
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6/6/2023 RTIR Newsletter: The Problem With Golfing Execs, Deadly Black/White Swimming Disparity, What is Kratom?
01. What Brought Young Voters to the Polls in 2022?02. For July 4th: WWII Homefront Heroes03. The Deadly Black/White Swimming Disparity04. The Problem with Executives Who Golf05. Hulk Hogan Touts Health Benefits of CBD06. Everything You Need to Know About Artificial Intelligence07. How Workers Really Feel About ‘Woke’ Workplaces08. New Efforts to Make the Internet Safer for Kids09. Wine and Women: The Veiled Misogyny of the Wine World10. What Is Kratom and Why Does the FDA Want to Ban It?11. Pet Therapy: Man’s Best Friend Is Also Good Medicine12. Been Ghosted? Why It Happens and What to Do Next13. Can Life Coaching Improve Kids’ Mental Health?14. Surprising Ways You Choose to Be Unhappy15. Don’t Believe in Reincarnation? This Guest May Change Your Mind1. ==> What Brought Young Voters to the Polls in 2022?After every election, the data analysts at Catalist, a progressive research company, publish a post-mortem report based on months of analysis of election returns, voter files and other sources. A central theme of the latest report, covering the 2022 midterms, was that “Gen Z and millennial voters had exceptional levels of turnout,” as Catalist’s experts wrote. Why? Many younger voters have become more politically active because they fear for the country’s future. “What seems to be driving younger voters to the polls isn’t love, but anger,” says Amy Walter, publisher and editor-in-chief of “The Cook Political Report.” The report found that those on the left — who are a majority of younger voters — worry about climate change, abortion access, the extremism of the Republican Party and more. Those on the right worry about secularization, political correctness, illegal immigration and more. Walter can discuss other findings in the report and what it all means for the upcoming 2024 elections. Contact her at @amyewalter or support@cookpolitical.com2. ==> For July 4th: WWII Homefront HeroesThis Fourth of July, take your listeners back to WWII and hear how FDR confronted a nation antagonistic to war in Europe, skillfully won their support, and pushed the government and big business to build the secret weapons that won the war. Invite WWII historian Craig Nelson on your show and learn how corporate and government managers worked together to organize the war effort with leaders turning their factories into assembly lines churning out ships, planes, and tanks. You’ll also hear surprising revelations about Winston Churchill and incredible stories of women at war. Craig Nelson is the author of many books including his latest, “V is for Victory: Franklin Roosevelt’s American Revolution and the Triumph of World War II.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-27053. ==> The Deadly Black/White Swimming DisparitySwimming isn’t just a recreational activity, it’s a skill that can save lives, but few African Americans know how to swim thanks to pre-civil rights-era Jim Crow policies. “Swimming became popularized among white Americans in the 1920s and 1930s at municipal swimming pools and in the 1950s and 1960s at suburban club pools,” explains Jeff Wiltse, a history professor at the University of Montana and the author of “Contested Waters: A Social History of Swimming Pools in America.” He says, “Black Americans were largely denied access to these pools and the swim lessons that occurred at them. As a result, swimming never became integral to Black Americans’ recreation and sports culture and was not passed down from generation to generation.” Instead, he says, Black parents passed along a fear of water to their children and the swimming disparity persists to the present. A 2014 study by the CDC found the rate of drowning in swimming pools for Black kids and teens is more than five times that of white children. Jeff Wiltse has appeared as a featured commentator for NPR, the BBC, ABC News, Vice News, Al Jazeera, the CBS Early Show, and other media outlets. Contact him at jeffrey.wiltse@umontana.edu4. ==> The Problem with Executives Who GolfAccording to a study by researchers at Miami University and the University of Cincinnati, women trying to climb the corporate career ladder are up against a “grass ceiling.” The study found that CEOs who play golf are less likely to have women on their executive teams. What’s more, when the CEO golfs, there’s a higher pay gap between men and women on management teams. With a round of golf taking four to five hours, Kara Alaimo says getting more ladies on the links is not the answer. “Many working moms struggle to find four to five minutes of free time in a typical day. We certainly don’t have the time to take up golf — and should have to in order to get ahead in our careers.” Alaimo points to research that shows that businesses are more successful when they have greater gender and other diversity and says, “CEO golf culture isn’t just bad for women. It’s also bad for business overall. Putting an end to favoritism among people who meet on the green could help both women and businesses see more green — in the form of higher paychecks and profits.” Kara Alaimo, an associate professor of communication at Fairleigh Dickinson University, writes about issues affecting women and social media. Her upcoming book is “Over the Influence: Why Social Media Is Toxic for Women and Girls — And How We Can Reclaim It.” Contact her at k.alaimo@fdu.edu; @karaalaimo5. ==> Hulk Hogan Touts Health Benefits of CBD6. ==> Everything You Need to Know About Artificial IntelligenceIt’s been a few months since AI chatbots became available to the general public and experts say there’s no turning back now. What exactly is artificial intelligence and is it good or bad for the future? Invite Calum Chace to discuss the big picture and how AI is likely to play out in the years to come. He can discuss how big tech and governments are responding to the new technology, including the proposed European AI Act. Calum Chace is a sought-after keynote speaker and best-selling writer on artificial intelligence. He focuses on the medium- and long-term impact of AI on us, society and the economy. He is the author of several books on artificial intelligence including “Surviving AI,” about strong AI and super intelligence, and “The Economic Singularity,” about the prospect of widespread technological unemployment. Contact him at cccalum@gmail.com7. ==> How Workers Really Feel About ‘Woke’ WorkplacesAs conservatives rail against “woke” workplaces, and target diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in businesses, a new report from Pew Research shows that most Americans think the policies make offices better. The survey comes at a time when DEI efforts are facing some backlash and many major companies are laying off their DEI professionals. DEI is broadly described as policies and principles that promote belonging in an organization, especially among historically marginalized groups like women, racial minorities and people with disabilities. More than half of Black and Asian people in the survey said that being white makes it easier at work, while only 24% of white people said the same. Very low percentages of people of each race said that being a person of color can put them ahead, suggesting the idea that workplace DEI policies hold back white workers is not a very popular one. For more information on the survey and interviews, contact Tanya Arditi at (202) 419-3623; tarditi@pewresearch.org8. ==> New Efforts to Make the Internet Safer for KidsIn just the last few months there has been a flurry of bills introduced across the country purporting to make the internet safer for children and teenagers. Tate Ryan-Mosley, a senior tech policy reporter for “MIT Technology Review,” says the content of the child safety bills varies from state to state. Some focus on limiting data collection from users who are minors. In California, the bills focus on shifting the incentive model for data and online advertising; currently, companies can profit from minors’ online data. Ryan-Mosley can discuss what’s behind the new push, the likelihood the bills can get bipartisan support, how they’ll be enforced if enacted, and why Europe is years ahead of the U.S. on this front. Contact Tate Ryan-Mosley at tate.ryan-mosley@technologyreview.com9. ==> Wine and Women: The Veiled Misogyny of the Wine WorldBeing a wine writer may sound like a dream job, but the wine industry has an underbelly that isn’t quite five-star worthy. Best-selling wine writer Natalie MacLean takes listeners inside the glamorous but sexist wine industry to reveal the slick marketing that encourages women to drink too much and the veiled misogyny of the wine world. She’ll also discuss how she found herself drinking too much as a wine professional and share tips on moderating alcohol consumption without going sober. Natalie MacLean is the author of several books including “Red, White and Drunk All Over: A Wine-Soaked Journey from Grape to Glass” and “Unquenchable: A Tipsy Quest for the World’s Best Bargain Wines.” “Wine Witch on Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation, and Drinking Too Much” is her debut memoir. Contact her at natalie@nataliemaclean.com10. ==> What Is Kratom and Why Does the FDA Want to Ban It?Cindy Perlin believes kratom could help end the opioid crisis. The Southeast Asian herb has been used for centuries to relieve pain and has helped millions to overcome opioid addiction because it relieves withdrawal symptoms. But Perlin says the FDA has gone to extraordinary lengths to keep it from patients, even asking the WHO to ban it internationally (they declined). Perlin, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, certified biofeedback practitioner and chronic pain survivor, will explain how the herb works, who could benefit from it, and why the FDA is against it. She says getting this information to your audience could save lives. The author of “The Truth About Chronic Pain Treatments: The Best and Worst Strategies for Becoming Pain Free” and the founder and CEO of the Alternative Pain Treatment Directory, is a seasoned radio guest who has appeared on dozens of radio shows and podcasts. Contact her at (518) 439-6431 cindyperlin@gmail.com11. ==> Pet Therapy: Man’s Best Friend Is Also Good MedicinePets make our lives better in many ways. They offer us companionship, love, exercise, and inclusion. They can also help us be healthier. Medical researchers have found the simple act of petting a dog lowers our blood pressure, heart rate and anxiety. Larry Grogan has seen firsthand how pets can work wonders for people struggling with mental and physical health issues. 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. With the need for pet therapy outpacing the supply, he is 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, which he says is easier than you think! Contact Larry Grogan at (423) 557-1908; larrygrogan5@gmail.com12. ==> Been Ghosted? Why it Happens and What to Do NextRelationships are important. So whether it is a lover, former love, date, friend, parent, or sibling, no one likes being ghosted — having their texts, phone calls, and emails ignored leaves them in limbo and feeling minimized. Some research indicates that as many as 23% of us have been ignored by people we care about. Marcia Chang Vogl, a pastor and mentor in “spiritual maturity,” says we can’t prevent people from ghosting us but we can control how we react when it happens. Invite Marcia to explain the process she recommends people go through and what to say to yourself out loud that will help you move on from the most challenging relationships. Vogl has been ghosted by a relative for decades and is an expert on forgiveness as a powerful weapon in one’s mental health arsenal. She is the author of “The Path Forward.” Marcia Chang Vogl is an ordained minister with more than 30 years of experience in pastoral counseling, teaching and mentoring. Vogl is the director of Bethany Projects of Hidden With Christ Ministries. She is a former public school music teacher, university lecturer, and mortgage industry professional. Contact Marcia at (714) 454-7194; marciavogl@gmail.com13. ==> Can Life Coaching Improve Kids’ Mental Health?Child mental health is now a national emergency, with experts calling for new solutions, parents looking for help, and children suffering needlessly. There’s never been a more urgent time to talk about the gap in children’s mental health: prevention. Renaye Thornborrow can share how life coaching can help children navigate the ups and downs of growing up so that they are confident and prepared to thrive in life. Since 2013, Renaye has certified hundreds of child life coaches in 30-plus countries who use her story-based coaching curriculum to help children develop skills for self-esteem, confidence, resilience, happiness, and success. Renaye is the CEO of Adventures in Wisdom and the creator of the WISDOM Coach Certification Program. Ask her: What is life coaching for kids? How is life coaching different from counseling? How can coaching benefit children? Contact Renaye Thornborrow at (512) 222-6659; renaye@AdventuresInWisdom.com14. ==> Surprising Ways You Choose to Be UnhappyIt’s no surprise that people tend to avoid things like rejection, discomfort, criticism, and failure. However, most people are unaware of how quickly this can lead to unhappiness. Jennifer Hughes reveals the surprising things we try to steer clear of that can make us happy. She’ll also reveal what won’t make you happy — such as being right, doing whatever you want, and making no mistakes. This author, parenting expert, and certified life coach who has worked with Jack Canfield points out the many ways people choose to be unhappy without knowing it. Interview her for an eye-opening show and some shocking advice your audience won’t forget. Ask her: What are some ways people choose to be unhappy? How does avoiding rejection, criticism, and failure make you unhappy? Why is focusing on yourself counterproductive to your happiness? Can being late make you happy? Contact Jennifer Hughes at (480) 745-2113; jhughes@rtirguests.com15. ==> Don’t Believe in Reincarnation? This Guest May Change Your MindAfter experiencing a traumatic brain injury due to falling at home, author Jennifer Maag became extremely empathic and developed a keen sense that she has lived before. “I have been provided with some jarring past-life experiences that I seemingly did nothing to stir up,” she says. “Reliving these past-life experiences proved insightful; it allowed me to make peace with the emotions I had carried into this present life.” Jennifer can demonstrate how to determine if we have lived before, and the ways our past lives impact our current lives. She is a licensed massage therapist and co-author along with her son, Alexander Maag, 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 -
5/25/2023 RTIR Newsletter: Debt Ceiling, ‘Queen Charlotte,’ Do Books Make Kids Queer?
01. How a Debt Ceiling Default Could Affect You
02. What We Really Want From Local News
03. Can Books Make Kids Queer?
04. 5 Ways to Commemorate Memorial Day
05. A Historic Road Trip With 4 American Legends
06. ‘Scamanda’ – True Story of a Blogger’s Fake Cancer
07. The Dangerous Distortion of ‘Queen Charlotte’
08. Got Career Questions? Get a Psychic’s Perspective
09. How to Give Up the Ghost When You’ve Been Ghosted
10. Be More Resilient in 5 Minutes a Day
11. Advantages Doubters Have That Self-Confident People Miss
12. Why You Have to Move On to Move Up
13. Everything You Never Knew About Elephants
14. How This Former Drug Dealer Turned Her Life Around
15. Small Steps Can Avert Big Health Issues1. ==> How a Debt Ceiling Default Could Affect You
What could happen on Main Street if Washington’s political showdown over the debt ceiling stopped the government from cutting checks that fund a quarter of the economy? Experts say Americans could quickly notice painful blows to their retirement accounts as stock markets drop, and within days the lack of federal payments could weigh heavily on doctors’ offices, retirees and workplaces throughout the country. According to Shai Akabas, director of economic policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center, people would keep one eye on their bank accounts for missed deposits and the other on Wall Street. One eye is focused on “days of delays for their Social Security check, and the other is a 20% drop in their 401(k),” she says. The Bipartisan Policy Center is a not-for-profit think tank that estimates Washington’s day-to-day schedule of bills due. Contact Erin Meade at emeade@bipartisanpolicy.org
2. ==> What We Really Want From Local News
TV stations continue to have the widest reach when it comes to local news but digital outlets are an important part of the equation as local newspapers disappear from many areas of the country. The American Journalism Project recently surveyed 5,000 people in eight local markets across the country about their experience with journalism in their communities and what kinds of local information would be most useful to them. Researchers found a number of common themes across every market, that aren’t centered on topics. Among them: Americans want more local news, a shared, trusted source of facts, and they want the full stories of their communities to be told. They also want newsrooms to play a role in connecting and convening communities. The American Journalism Project provides grants to nonprofit news organizations, partners with communities to launch new organizations, and coaches leaders as they grow and sustain their newsrooms. For more information and survey results, contact Roshni Neslage at roshni@theajp.org or Hannah Ross at hannah@theajp.org
3. ==> Can Books Make Kids Queer?
Books about LGBTQ people are fast becoming the main target of a historic wave of school book challenges. An analysis of all book challenges in the 2021-2022 school year by “The Washington Post” found the main factor in the push is a stated wish to shield children from sexual content. Nearly half of the filings targeted titles with LBBTQ characters or themes, with many challengers believing that reading books about LGBTQ people could cause children to alter their sexuality or gender. There is little research into the effects of LGBTQ literature on children, in part because the books have only recently become widely available. But “we do have a lot of data about other topics that don’t lead us to think that reading a book would make a child suddenly become gay,” says Amy Egbert, a University of Connecticut assistant professor who studies youth mental health. And, she says, there is a clear risk to removing the books. “Any time a certain identity is stigmatized, that tends to lead to more discrimination, more bullying, increased mental health challenges,” she says. “Everything we know suggests this is very harmful to LGBTQ kids.” Contact Amy Egbert at (860) 486-4936; amy.egbert@uconn.edu
4. ==> 5 Ways to Commemorate Memorial Day
Memorial Day is seen as the unofficial start of summer, marked by picnics, BBQs and relaxing with family and friends, but the real meaning behind the day is to honor and remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Retired Air Force pilot Col. Lee Ellis can discuss ways to include that aspect into your weekend activities. Many communities will hold local parades and ceremonies and flags will be flying, but Ellis says you can also honor fallen veterans by expressing gratitude to present and former military personnel who are among us today. Listeners will learn why the poppy holds great significance in relation to Memorial Day and how disabled and disadvantaged veterans in VA hospitals have been crafting Buddy Poppies since 1924. Lee Ellis is the founder and president of Leadership Freedom® LLC and FreedomStar Media®. He is a leadership coach and the co-author of “Captured by Love,” with love expert Greg Godek. The book features inspiring stories of POWs who returned from the Vietnam War after years of incarceration and mistreatment and offers a rare glimpse into the resilient and enduring love and romance that emerged from such a challenging and heartbreaking situation. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; ryan@goldmanmccormick.com
5. ==> A Historic Road Trip With 4 American Legends
For a fun show that paints a nostalgic portrait of rural America, invite writer, historian, and Yale University professor Wes Davis to share the story of historic road trips four American legends took in August 1918. Hear about the friendships that sprang up among automobile tycoon Henry Ford, naturalist John Burroughs, inventor Thomas Edison, and tire industrialist Harvey Firestone as they took road trips together in Ford’s miraculous vehicle, exploring parts of rural America that had been largely inaccessible. Learn how the relationship began in 1913 between Burroughs, then 75, and Ford, nearly 50, when Burroughs wrote in an article in “Atlantic Monthly” that the automobile “was going to kill the appreciation of nature.” In response, Ford sent him a new Model T, which changed the old naturalist’s life by prompting him to set out on wide-ranging road trips beyond his Hudson River homestead. Wes Davis is the author of several books including his latest, “On the Road with Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and John Burroughs.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com
6. ==> ‘Scamanda’ – True Story of a Blogger’s Fake Cancer
The story of infamous cancer-faking early social media influencer Amanda C. Riley, who is now behind bars for fraud, is the topic of a new podcast. Through exclusive access to her now-defunct blogs and new interviews with the people who thought they knew her best, award-winning journalist Charlie Webster explores this unbelievable tale of a scam that ripped a family apart and left a community in shock. The series unravels the surprising and bizarre story behind Riley’s long-running scam to use her growing online presence to take advantage of the social media community. Ultimately, the young woman pleaded guilty to soliciting over $100,000 in donations to help pay for cancer treatments that she never received. Webster says, “The psychology of what this woman did to manipulate and infiltrate her community using the power of social media is fascinating and I know listeners will be enthralled by what unfolds in the series.” The eight-episode limited series podcast Scamanda is available now. Contact Katie Fuchs at (646) 493-0215 (NY); kfuchs@lippingroup.com or Kevin Broderick at kevin@lippingroup.com
7. ==> The Dangerous Distortion of ‘Queen Charlotte’
At the center of Shonda Rhimes’ latest Netflix historical miniseries is the “Great Experiment,” an attempt to introduce, by royal fiat, greater racial and social equity in the realm and the show features a Black noblewoman married to the King of England. But historian Shaun Armstead reminds us that “Queen Charlotte” is fantasy. “The series offers viewers a racially integrated world that upholds Eurocentric paradigms. The diversity championed in these shows is one in which Black and Asian characters are welcomed as long as they conform to the values and norms governing Western societies,” she says. “Reimagining history in this way ignores the painful truths of the era: Imperial domination and dispossession as well as slavery.” She adds, “We are served a sanitized version of history at the very moment when more accurate narratives of the past are under attack.” Shaun Armstead is a historian whose research centers on Black women’s international activism in the 20th century. She will be a postdoctoral research associate in the Department of Africana Studies at Brown University this fall. Contact her at sta50@history.rutgers.edu
8. ==> Got Career Questions? Get a Psychic’s Perspective
Although many economists predict a downturn in the job market over the next year, more than half of workers (56%) are likely to look for a job within that same timeframe, Bankrate’s 2023 job seeker survey found. With unemployment recently at its lowest level in decades, the tight labor market has given many workers the confidence to do things like switch jobs and even careers. But how do you know where to go when thinking about a new career? Find out when you talk to top psychic Ann Johnson. Ann can guide your audience toward job success as well as provide instant personality analysis, relationship advice, and more. The real deal among psychics, Ann has been featured by top media outlets including “New York Magazine,” MTV Network, and “Rolling Stone.” She is the author of “Facing Forward: A Memoir About Choices, Intuition, and Insights in a Show Busy Life.” Contact Ann Johnson at (516) 862-4405; ajohnson@rtirguests.com
9. ==> How to Give Up the Ghost When You’ve Been Ghosted
Relationships are important. So whether it is a lover, former love, date, friend, parent, or sibling, no one likes being ghosted — having their texts, phone calls, and emails ignored leaves them in limbo and feeling minimized. Some research indicates that as many as 23% of us have been ignored by people we care about. Marcia Chang Vogl, a pastor and mentor in “spiritual maturity,” says we can’t prevent people from ghosting us but we can control how we react when it happens. Invite Marcia to explain the process she recommends people go through and what to say to yourself out loud that will help you move on from the most challenging relationships. Vogl has been ghosted by a relative for decades and is an expert on forgiveness as a powerful weapon in one’s mental health arsenal. She is the author of “The Path Forward.” Marcia Chang Vogl is an ordained minister with more than 30 years of experience in pastoral counseling, teaching and mentoring. Vogl is the director of Bethany Projects of Hidden With Christ Ministries. She is a former public school music teacher, university lecturer, and mortgage industry professional. Contact Marcia at (714) 454-7194; marciavogl@gmail.com
10. ==> Be More Resilient in 5 Minutes a Day
Why are some people better able to handle life’s blows than others? Can you learn how to bounce back from your challenges? Linda Karimo, who has developed a course on being more resilient, has researched this issue and says she can teach anyone — even those whose personalities struggle with change — to be more resilient, starting with a personalized five-minute activity that will lower your stress and help you think clearly about what you can change, what you can’t and how to deal with the difference. In addition to her upcoming resilience course, Linda is the developer of Initiative: “After Hours” by Linda Karimo, an education-focused community of individual and family members concerned about eye and mental health, and the author of her mother’s story, “I Know My Way Memoir,” which explores how normal living is possible with a little bit of adaption. Contact Linda Karimo at (914) 944-1474; lkarimo@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Advantages Doubters Have That Self-Confident People Miss
In our culture, self-confidence is lauded as a virtue. So what happens when doubt creeps in? Does that mean you’re broken? Or could you have an advantage others lack? Invite leadership expert Marc A. Pitman to reveal why doubt can be a surprising gift that forces leaders to look inward to gain special insight. His book, “The Surprising Gift of Doubt,” provides a framework for leaders to move past feeling like a fraud and manage teams more effectively. Ask him: How could the words in your head be sabotaging your efforts? Why are people who are experiencing doubt some of the strongest leaders? Contact Marc Pitman at (317) 751-1610; mpitman@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Why You Have to Move On to Move Up
Are you ready to take the journey from poverty to prosperity? Sylvia O’Connor, the “Moving On Expert,” did so and says if you believe it, you can achieve it! Invite Sylvia to share her personal story of overcoming poverty and how listeners can do the same. You’ll learn why you have to move on in life in order to move up, the power of the gift of goodbye and how to discover opportunities and successes available by moving on. Sylvia grew up poor in a small town in Louisiana but shed the seeming restraints that held her back and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees and succeeded in a 30-year career in the health-care industry while being an adjunct professor. Proving that it is never too late, she has now ventured into entrepreneurship by forming her own company. Contact Sylvia O’Connor at (225) 916-3588; sdanielrich@yahoo.com
13. ==> Everything You Never Knew About Elephants
People the world over have a deep affection for elephants. But did you know that they could help save the planet? “Not only are elephants adorable, super-loving and brilliant, they are also important ecosystem engineers,” says author and animal/environmental advocate Georja Umano. “They are so large that rain in an elephant’s footprint can create a microsystem that can provide a home for tadpoles and other organisms. The effects of their movements in both savannahs and forests help restore and maintain the balance of nature.” Georja can share why it’s so important to protect this endangered species, and other fascinating pachyderm facts, as well as her experiences living in Kenya. She is the author of “Terrier in the Jungle.” Contact her at (213) 568-1764; gumano@rtirguests.com
14. ==> How This Former Drug Dealer Turned Her Life Around
As a single teenage mother who grew up in a highly dysfunctional broken home, author Tressa Mitchener fell in with a bad crowd and turned to drug dealing. She was ultimately arrested and received a 30-year-to-life federal prison sentence. Miraculously, that sentence was reduced to five years, something she attributes to her strong belief in a higher power. Tressa went on to earn a B.A. in psychology, became a respected Christian counselor and best-selling author, and married the love of her life. “While I was in prison, I was strongly focused on God,” she says. “He was giving me instructions and guiding me. My mind began to change.” She is the author of “Looking Out from the Inside: The United States v. Tressa Oliva Parker.” Contact Tressa at (919) 582-5992; Tmitchener@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Small Steps Can Avert Big Health Issues
You probably have some lifestyle choices that are hurting you, but it can seem overwhelming (not to mention unappealing) to tackle them. But Emily Gold Mears says you only need to take small steps toward better health to postpone the onset of chronic disease. “Forget the urge to change everything at once,” Mears says. “Every incremental change you make will result in a positive impact. Every lifestyle alteration will contribute to your living a longer, healthier and happier life.” She’ll share ways to reduce your toxin exposure at home, explain why you should prioritize your oral health, and reveal the surprising benefits of optimizing your indoor light exposure. Emily Gold Mears is a former attorney and a citizen scientist whose research focuses on the intersection of functional and allopathic medicine and the critical requirements for individuals to become their own health-care advocates. She is the author of “Optimizing Your Health: An Approachable Guide to Reducing Your Risk of Chronic Disease.” Contact her at emily@emilygoldmears.com; egoldmears@aol.com
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5/23/2023 RTIR Newsletter: Memorial Day, Religion and the 2024 Election, A Grad Speech for Parents
01. Great Memorial Day Show: ‘Black Hawk Down’ Legend
02. Military Historian on WWII Heroes on the Homefront
03. The Changing Religious Landscape and the 2024 Election
04. How Gen Zs Are Different from Boomers, GenXers, and Millennials
05. An Epidemic of Spouse Killing: What’s Love Got to Do With it?
06. The Grad Speech Parents Need to Hear
07. Is a College Education Still Worth It?
08. Why Are There So Few Women in U.S. Politics?
09. Journalist Shares Surprising Stories With Biggest Impact
10. How to Get Over Being Ghosted
11. How Tony Bennett and Glen Campbell Performed With Memory Loss
12. The Stigma of Infertility Within the Black Community
13. Is Satan Real?
14. This Guest Inspires Others to Never Give Up
15. Boost Your Immun-a-Tea for a Healthier Summer1.==> Great Memorial Day Show: ‘Black Hawk Down’ Legend
As we remember those who gave their lives in service to our country this Memorial Day, consider a show with Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Tom Satterly. Depicted in the 2001 Oscar-winning film, “Black Hawk Down,” Satterly led hundreds of critical military campaigns, including Operation Red Dawn, which led to the capture of Saddam Hussein. For 20-plus years a member of Delta Force — the most elite and secretive special operations force in the U.S. military — he was the recipient of 64 medals, including five Bronze Stars and two for Valorous Acts. But the military hero says when he finally got back home, he struggled to reclaim his life. He and his wife, Jen, have spent many years in counseling and therapy battling complex PTSD and are now not only serving veterans but first responders and others hard hit by the COVID crisis. Tom Satterly details his and other veterans’ desperate attempts to overcome PTSD, addiction and other mental health issues in his book, “All Secure: A Delta Force Operator’s Fight to Survive on the Battlefield and the Homefront.” Contact Jason Jones at jason@jonesliterary.com
2. ==> Military Historian on WWII Heroes on the Homefront
This Memorial Day, take your listeners back to WWII and hear how FDR confronted a nation antagonistic to war in Europe, skillfully won their support, and pushed the government and big business to build the secret weapons that won the war. Invite WWII historian Craig Nelson on your show and learn how corporate and government managers worked together to organize the war effort with leaders turning their factories into assembly lines churning out ships, planes, and tanks. You’ll also hear surprising revelations about Winston Churchill and incredible stories of women at war. Craig Nelson is the author of many books including his latest, “V is for Victory: Franklin Roosevelt’s American Revolution and the Triumph of World War II.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
3. ==> The Changing Religious Landscape and the 2024 Election
One of the most significant shifts in American politics and religion just took place over the past decade and it barely got any notice: the share of Americans who associate with religion dropped by 11 points. Ryan Burge says the impact of that will ripple across the political landscape at every level and especially in presidential politics. Burge, research director for Faith Counts, says people are not fleeing organized religion at equal rates across the United States and points to the industrial Midwest as the region with the biggest drop in religious adherents. That bodes well for Democrats, but Burge says there are a few areas in the U.S. where religion is growing, like Miami, Florida, and some heavily Hispanic communities near the Mexican border. Burge can discuss other findings in the 2020 U.S. Religion Census, which was released late last year, and why both political parties have been slow to react to the changing religious landscape. Ryan Burge is an expert on the links between religion and society. He’s an associate professor of political science at Eastern Illinois University, regularly appears as an expert in major news outlets, and has been published in the “Washington Post,” “New York Times,” and “Wall Street Journal.” Contact Kerry Troup at (202) 679-2702; ktroup@faithcounts.com
4. ==> How Gen Zs Are Different from Boomers, GenXers, and Millennials
Does it seem that today’s kids, teens and young adults are somehow different from previous generations? They are! Jean Twenge makes the case that Gen Z (or iGen, as she calls them) is growing up in a way that is fundamentally different from previous generations. “Twelfth graders now are more like eighth-graders from previous generations, waiting longer to take part in activities associated with independence and adulthood,” she says. They are less likely to go out with friends, drive, go to prom or drink alcohol than Gen-X 12th-graders were and are more likely to lie on their beds and scroll through social media. Twenge says they may be physically safer, but the long-term effect on their mental and brain health is a big question mark. She’ll discuss their attitudes about work, what motivates them, and how they view gender and politics. Jean Twenge is a professor of psychology at San Diego State University and the author of several books including her latest, “iGen: Why Today’s Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy – and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood – and What That Means for the Rest of Us.” Contact her at twenge@sdsu.edu; jeantwenge@gmail.com or atriapublicity@simonschuster.com
5.==> An Epidemic of Spouse Killing: What’s Love Got to Do With it?
There seems to be no shortage of news stories recently about spouses accused of killing one another. Recent headlines include a dentist charged with putting cyanide and arsenic in his wife’s workout shakes and a woman who wrote a children’s book about grief after her husband’s sudden death who is now accused of giving him a fatal dose of fentanyl. David J. Glass is all too familiar with the states of mind of those who murder their spouses or family members. A certified family law specialist who also holds a Ph.D., in psychology, Glass can address today’s “Family Annihilation” crisis. Ask him: What motivates people to kill their spouses? Is it simply jealousy? A misconception about love? Is there a particular “profile” of a spouse-killer or family annihilator? Are there red flags or signals that your spouse may kill you? Glass calls this proliferation of killings a societal epidemic and can bring clarity as to why, and, as a society, what we can do to prevent it. David J. Glass is the host of The HourGlass podcast and managing partner at EPGLawyers. Contact Cherie Kerr at (714) 550-9900; (714) 271-2140 or cherie@kerrpr-execuprov.com
6. == > The Grad Speech Parents Need to Hear
Whether your kid is heading to college, starting a job, taking a gap year or whatever else awaits in the next phase of life, this is a big moment —for them — and YOU! “No matter what kind of parent you’ve been —attached, detached, tiger mom, baseball dad — the dynamic between you and your child changes now, forever,” says Mary Laura Philpott. When she was left with an unexpected hole In her life when her son went off to college, Philpott was surprised at her reaction. She’ll share the lessons she learned from the experience, why she’ll do things differently when her daughter leaves the nest, and what soon-to-be empty nesters can do now to ease their transition. She’ll explain what a “planned breather” is and why you should plan one now to begin immediately after your teen departs. Mary Laura Philpott’s books include “I Miss You When I Blink” and “Bomb Shelter: Love, Time, and Other Explosives.” Her writing has been featured in the “New York Times,” “Washington Post,” and “The Atlantic,” among many other publications. She is a cohost of “A Word on Words” on Nashville Public Television. Contact Falon Kirby at falon.kirby@simonandschuster.com
7. ==> Is a College Education Still Worth It?
The average tuition per year at a four-year college is more than $25,000, with in-state students or their parents spending upwards of $102,000 to get that degree. What is more, the average in-state student begins their life after graduation with $37,000 in debt. With those kinds of numbers it is incumbent on doing all one can to be sure that a college investment — in time, dollars, and effort — pays off. And that’s where the advice of author and college readiness coach Alicia J. Moore can be crucial to your audience, particularly at high school graduation time. Moore is the author of “Crushing It in College: Your 7-Step Guide to an Awesome Adventure.” Moore talks to audiences at high schools and colleges across the country about why a college education is even more important today, despite the costs, when it comes to future employment prospects, and developing self-confidence and critical thinking. Contact Alicia J. Moore at (408) 569-1267; aliciajmoore@comcast.net
8. ==> Why Are There So Few Women in U.S. Politics?
More than a century after women gained the right to vote, the U.S. still compares poorly to most other countries in terms of gender equality in politics — including to our nearest neighbors, Canada and Mexico. Debbie Peterson will discuss five reasons we need to elect more women beyond merely for purposes of equal representation. She’ll talk about why women are more likely to reach across the aisle to get things done, are better at fast-tracking the implementation of new ideas and more. Peterson is the former mayor of Grover Beach, Calif., and the host of the podcast The Corruption Chronicles. Peterson’s Integrity 101 book series includes “The Happiest Corruption: Sleaze, Lies & Suicide in a California Beach Town,” and the newly released “City Council 101: Insider’s Guide for New Councilmembers.” Ask her: What do studies show about female leaders in terms of happiness, crime figures, and government? How does the U.S. fare in relation to other countries? Contact Debbie Peterson at (805) 550-4490; DebbiePeterson805@gmail.com
9. ==> Journalist Shares Surprising Stories With Biggest Impact
One of America’s top investigative journalists, Michael Bowker has been up close and personal with celebrities, presidents, and even serial killers. However, the most incredible events he’s covered have been ordinary people doing extraordinary things — and those stories transform the world more than the juiciest celebrity gossip. Meet everyday heroes whose “small” acts have resulted in ripple effects that make the world a better place, such as the man who saved a million lives . . . so far. Show your audience how they can truly change the world when you interview this seasoned media guest who’s been featured by “Good Morning America,” “Reader’s Digest,” and many more. Ask him: What’s the biggest ripple effect you’ve seen from a non-famous person’s actions? Which two stories led to death threats against you? What happened after you ran a story about a convicted criminal who saved an autistic child from a burning house? Contact Michael Bowker at (530) 296-6301; mbowker@rtirguests.com
10. ==> How to Get Over Being Ghosted
Relationships are important. So whether it is a lover, former love, date, friend, parent, or sibling, no one likes being ghosted — having their texts, phone calls, and emails ignored leaves them in limbo and feeling minimized. Some research indicates that as many as 23% of us have been ignored by people we care about. Marcia Chang Vogl, a pastor and mentor in “spiritual maturity,” says we can’t prevent people from ghosting us but we can control how we react when it happens. Invite Marcia to explain the process she recommends people go through and what to say to yourself out loud that will help you move on from the most challenging relationships. Vogl has been ghosted by a relative for decades and is an expert on forgiveness as a powerful weapon in one’s mental health arsenal. She is the author of “The Path Forward.” Marcia Chang Vogl is an ordained minister with more than 30 years of experience in pastoral counseling, teaching and mentoring. Vogl is the director of Bethany Projects of Hidden With Christ Ministries. She is a former public school music teacher, university lecturer, and mortgage industry professional. Contact Marcia at (714) 454-7194; marciavogl@gmail.com
11. ==> How Tony Bennett and Glen Campbell Performed With Memory Loss
Dementia comes with devastating effects that destroy quality of life, yet both Tony Bennett and Glen Campbell performed live tours while suffering from the condition. How did they do it, and do it so well? John Campbell can explain the healing effect of music, especially in patients with memory loss. He’ll provide tips and advice for caregivers and those with family members suffering from dementia on how to incorporate music into their routines, to tremendous positive effect. An entrepreneur and lyricist/songwriter, John is the author of “Beyond the Fading Memories: Guiding Words for Dementia Caregivers.” Contact him at (608) 975-2714; jcampbell@rtirguests.com
12. ==> The Stigma of Infertility Within the Black Community
Did you know that experts say that the infertility rate among Black women is possibly twice as high (if not higher) than that of white women? Moreover, Black women face much higher barriers to fertility services like IVF due to lack of insurance, sperm donors and underrepresentation in research trials. And as if that were not daunting enough, Frances Jones will explain that Black women are often ashamed of being infertile and unable to talk about this health issue with their friends and family. Frances is the author of “Overcoming the Emotional Stigmas of Infertility: Barren But Not Ashamed,” a book that tells the story of her over 20-year journey of never conceiving children and offers tips for couples traveling a similar journey. She is a global women empowerment speaker, an advocate, and a transformational coach who has been featured on CBS, NBC, ABC and Fox affiliates, and in the “Los Angeles Tribune,” and other media. Contact her at (901) 910-0915; fjones@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Is Satan Real?
There has been much debate, even in Christianity, about the existence of the devil, as some wonder whether it’s just a metaphor. Interview Valerie Galloway to talk about the realities of “the enemy” and how Satan infiltrates our lives and our psyches. She’ll share her personal experiences with loss due to the devil’s influence and help your audience banish evil from their lives to achieve fulfillment, joy, and purpose. A certified ICF coach with a bachelor’s degree in community health and a master’s degree in social science, Valerie is the author of “Addiction Steal, Kill & Destroy: A Spiritual Guide to Overcoming Addiction and Loss.” Contact Valerie Galloway at (917) 994-8841; vgalloway@rtirguests.com
14. ==> This Guest Inspires Others to Never Give Up
Most of us have plenty of obstacles standing in the way of happiness or success — and most of us give up too soon, settling for less than what we really want out of life. Are some issues simply too challenging to overcome? According to author and inspirational speaker Jesse Fiedor, no challenge is insurmountable! Jesse overcame a serious disability to achieve his dream of working in Hollywood. He can help your audience find the motivation to accomplish anything, no matter what stands in their way. Like Beethoven continuing to make music after he lost his hearing, you can realize any goal and live your best life. Ask him: How did you conquer your obstacles, and how can others do the same? Did you meet any celebrities during your time in Hollywood? Why do you say, “If I can do it, anyone can”? Contact Jesse Fiedor at (714) 683-2353; jfiedor@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Boost Your Immun-a-Tea for a Healthier Summer
Want to have a happy, healthy summer? As you look for ways to be healthier and ward off disease, Tilak Silva says you should pay closer attention to what you eat and drink. He’ll share the best natural way to bring about strength, energy, healthier skin and ultimately longer life. Silva is an expert in nutrition and health research and the inventor of CilanTea, which helps people of all ages find their ideal path to a healthier life. Ask him: What makes cilantro an unexpected health food? What’s the best way to take advantage of its benefits? Which commonly imbibed beverages should we watch out for, since they decrease immunity, especially in difficult times? Contact Tilak Silva at (310) 421-4680, tsilva@rtirguests.com
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5/18/2023 RTIR Newsletter: ‘Woke’ Workplaces, Most-Banned Books, How to Raise Fearless Kids
01. There’s No Going Back: The New World of Artificial Intelligence
02. How Workers Really Feel About ‘Woke’ Workplaces
03. The Most-Banned Books in Schools This Year
04. CBD Products Are Everywhere, But Do They Work?
05. Under the Sea: Mysteries of the Octopus
06. The Amazing Healing Power of Pets
07. New Measures to Make the Internet Safer for Kids
08. Surprising Skills That Could Help Young Students Most
09. How to Raise Fearless Kids in Scary Times
10. Beyond Vacation: How to Become a Traveler
11. More People Are Going It Alone: The Best Cruises for Singles
12. This Bookie’s Son Is a Sure-Bet Guest
13. Why the First and Last 15-Minutes of the Day Are the Most Important
14. He Succeeded Despite the Odds. You Can Too
15. How to Get Back Up After One of Life’s Gut Punches1.==> There’s No Going Back: The New World of Artificial Intelligence
It’s been about 25 weeks since AI chatbots have become available to the general public and there’s no turning back now. What exactly is artificial intelligence and is it good or bad for the future? Invite Calum Chace to discuss the big picture and how AI is likely to play out in the years to come. He can discuss how big tech and governments are responding to the new technology, including the proposed European AI Act. Calum Chace is a sought-after keynote speaker and best-selling writer on artificial intelligence. He focuses on the medium- and long-term impact of AI on all of us, our societies and our economies. He is the author of several books on artificial intelligence including “Surviving AI,” about strong AI and super intelligence, and “The Economic Singularity,” about the prospect of widespread technological unemployment. Contact him at cccalum@gmail.com
2. ==> How Workers Really Feel About ‘Woke’ Workplaces
As conservatives rail against “woke” workplaces, and target diversity, equity and inclusion programs in businesses, a new report from Pew Research shows that most Americans think DEI policies make offices better. The survey comes at a time when DEI efforts are facing some backlash and many major companies are laying off their DEI professionals. DEI is broadly described as policies and principles that promote belonging in an organization, especially among historically marginalized groups like women, racial minorities and people with disabilities. More than half of Black and Asian people in the survey said that being white makes it easier at work, while only 24% of white people said the same. Very low percentages of people of each race said that being a person of color can put them ahead, suggesting the idea that workplace DEI policies hold back white workers is not a very popular one. For more information on the survey and interviews, contact Tanya Arditi at (202) 419-3623; tarditi@pewresearch.org
3. ==> The Most-Banned Books in Schools This Year
The recent surge in book bans in U.S. school districts and libraries is the latest front in a long-running battle that has swept up even literary masterpieces of John Steinbeck, J.D. Salinger and Toni Morrison. But the dramatically increasing censorship attempts have evolved, says Allison Lee, Los Angeles director of PEN America, a century-old writers’ organization that works to defend freedom of expression. Prior to the current wave, communities usually banned books on a case-by-case basis, often in response to complaints about violent or sexual content. Now, Lee says, “Large swaths of books, sometimes even entire school or classroom libraries are being removed.” Many activists and politicians object to an entire genre of books that deal with LGBTQ+ topics or issues. Other targeted books deal with race. Lee can discuss the most banned books this school year and some surprising, notable books that have been banned or challenged over the years. Contact her at alee@pen.org
4. ==> CBD Products Are Everywhere, But Do They Work?
You’ve probably run into a product containing cannabidiol, also known as CBD. It’s in everything from drinks and pet products to lotions and chewable gummies. But many people still don’t really know what CBD is. Is it marijuana? Is it legal? Does it actually work? Is it safe? Invite Mary Lopez Carter, the founder of Carolina Hemp Hut and an expert on CBD, to answer all your CBD questions. She’ll discuss how CBD can help with various health issues from insomnia to chronic pain, anxiety and even cancer. Learn what conditions can benefit from CBD, the different ways it can be consumed, and how to choose the right product and make sure it’s legit. Carolina Hemp Hut is the largest CBD-dedicated hemp store in North Carolina and a trusted leader in the hemp and CBD industry. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; ryan@goldmanmccormick.com
5. ==> Under the Sea: Mysteries of the Octopus
With their bulbous heads, big eyes, eight limbs and the ability to shape-shift, octopuses (or octopi if you prefer) remain one of the most fascinating sea creatures, but their elusive behavior and the changing nature of their appearances make them difficult to locate, identify, and study. Marine biologist David Scheel has been studying octopuses for more than 25 years and has witnessed a sea change in what we know and can discover about octopus physiology and behavior — even an octopus’s inner life. Perhaps most surprising of all, Scheel has discovered that “despite their solitary reputation, octopuses like closeness.” Invite him to share what he’s learned about octopuses, how climate change is affecting the species, and stories and legends of Indigenous peoples that illuminate our relationship with these creatures across centuries. David Scheel is a field-oriented ecologist with experience in remote and wilderness settings in Africa and Alaska. He joined Alaska Pacific University in 2000 and teaches courses in marine biology, aquarium husbandry, and animal behavior. His new book is “Many Things Under a Rock: The Mysteries of Octopuses.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
6. ==> The Amazing Healing Power of Pets
We love our pets! They offer companionship, love, exercise, and inclusion. May is National Pet Month and a great time to discuss the many ways pets can help us lead healthier lives. Medical researchers have found the simple act of petting a dog lowers our blood pressure, heart rate and anxiety. Larry Grogan has seen firsthand how pets can work wonders for people struggling with mental and physical health issues. 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. With the need for pet therapy outpacing the supply, he is 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, which he says is easier than you think! Contact Larry Grogan at (423) 557-1908; larrygrogan5@gmail.com
7. ==> New Measures to Make the Internet Safer for Kids
In just the last few months there has been a flurry of bills introduced across the country purporting to make the internet safer for children and teenagers. Tate Ryan-Mosley, a senior tech policy reporter for “MIT Technology Review,” says the content of the child safety bills varies from state to state. Some focus on limiting data collection from users who are minors. In California, the bills focus on shifting the incentive model for data and online advertising; currently, companies can profit from minors’ online data. Ryan-Mosley can discuss what’s behind the new push, the likelihood the bills can get bipartisan support, how they’ll be enforced if enacted, and why Europe is years ahead of the U.S. on this front. Contact Tate Ryan-Mosley at tate.ryan-mosley@technologyreview.com
8. ==> Surprising Skills That Could Help Young Students Most
Teaching computer science to students in grades pre-K through 5 is now a major focus in schools. Children’s author and longtime STEM educator Chris Goldberg, Ed.D., has worked with even the youngest elementary school students and can speak to the need for teaching these skills to young children. “Research shows that these skills help students in mathematics, problem-solving and critical thinking and may help create a path of interest for students who have the aptitude for programming one day,” he says. “There also must be a focus on making sure underrepresented populations receive exposure to computer science skills.” Chris is the author of “Aliyah and The STEMsational Problem-Solvers: What’s Cooking?” Contact him at (973) 576-5841; cgoldberg@rtirguests.com
9. ==> How to Raise Fearless Kids in Scary Times
School shootings. Widespread bullying. The perils of social media. Today’s kids have a lot to be afraid of. Author and father of six Jerry Bures insists there is hope. “Today’s parents are under a lot of stress,” he says. “There are a record number of special needs kids, financial struggles, relationship failures, declining political discourse, distrust in leadership, systemic failures in our current health model, moral decay across a wide range of industries and communities, and more. Now is the time for caring, eager adults to buckle up and double down on building better kids.” Jerry is the author of “When Kids Leave Clues: 26 Timeless Stories of Inspiration and Essential Life Lessons Taught to Us by Our Own Children.” Contact him at (920) 796-9160; jbures@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Beyond Vacation: How to Become a Traveler
There’s nothing wrong with sitting on the beach and relaxing with an umbrella drink, but if you want to come back from your next trip with more than a tan, consider using your time off to travel — really travel. “The greatest thing to feed our mind, body and spirit is new discovery!” says Tammy Adams. As an intuitive life coach for over 30 years, Tammy has seen many amazing places while taking people on spiritual retreats around the world. She’ll discuss the benefits of leaving your hotel room and getting into the local community, how to take the stress out of travel and enjoy it to the fullest, and the many ways that travel can change your life. Tammy Adams is an international speaker, podcast host and the author of “Secrets to Your Chakras” and the upcoming “Spiritual Table Talk: The Elements of Healing.” Contact her at (833) 742-6268; info@lifepurposeshaman.com
11. ==> More People Are Going It Alone: The Best Cruises for Singles
The cruise industry has traditionally focused on couples and families with kids. But because there are more single people than ever, the industry is now offering options for those who are sailing solo. Travel marketing expert Cindy Bertram says, “There are now more options available to do this. It’s a great way to meet other people with whom you can go on shore excursions, and to hang out in common areas where you can meet other singles.” Cindy has lots of tips to offer solo cruisers. She is a communications, media and branding specialist who has spent many years in the travel and cruise industry. Cindy 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
12. ==> This Bookie’s Son Is a Sure-Bet Guest
As the son of a big-time bookie, Steven Feinberg, Ph.D., learned a lot about the world as he watched his father’s 24/7 gambling lifestyle including losing the equivalent of $90,000 on a single football game. “My life was a training ground for the handling and mishandling of uncertainty,” Dr. Feinberg observes. Now, Steven is ready to share with your audience stories about his father and how Steven managed to see the film “The Godfather” with an actual wise guy at his side. He’ll also share the three steps he learned about winning more from life by utilizing the Bookie vantage point. A one-of-a-kind guest, Steven is a top 1% executive consultant who 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
13. ==> Why the First and Last 15-Minutes of the Day Are the Most Important
Did you know that you can change your life, get rid of stress, and feel more in control of your destiny in only 30 minutes a day? Interview Theo Prodromitis, the author of “The Balance Between the Hustle and the Flow: Knowing When to Make Things Happen and When to Let Them Happen,” to discover why the first and last 15 minutes of your day are the most important and how to maximize them. Theo is an award-winning entrepreneur, marketing strategist, and best-selling author of “The Success Formula” with Jack Canfield. Ask her: What does neuroscience tell us about our brain activity at the beginning and end of each day? What are the four things we should do every morning? Contact Theo Prodromitis at (813) 701-5414; tprodromitis@rtirguests.com
14. ==> He Succeeded Despite the Odds. You Can Too
Many people go through life experiencing failure after failure and ultimately give up trying to succeed. In fact, society may set people up to fail, due to their family backgrounds, ethnicity and/or socio-economic circumstances. But after experiencing numerous setbacks in his personal and professional life, Dr. Carl Barnes 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. “Failure is a great learning tool,” he says. “The key to succeeding against all odds is unbridled resilience and turning pain into purpose.” 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
15. ==> How to Get Back Up After One of Life’s Gut Punches
There’s plenty of advice out there on coping with day-to-day stress, but how do you handle a situation that turns your life inside out? Most methods don’t work with major life changes ranging from losing a job to the death of a loved one — because they don’t address the grief that accompanies these events. Frank DiMaio has been there. After losing his wife to breast cancer, he found no real support or guidance for surviving husbands and set out to change that. He developed a way to help anyone deal with grief and move forward from being emotionally stuck. Ask him: Do men grieve differently than women? How can we move forward after a chaotic, life-changing event? Frank is the author of “A Promise Made, A Promise Kept: A Husband’s Journey Through Journaling to Heal the Loss of His Spouse.” Contact him at (401) 205-3325; fdimaio@rtirguests.com
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5/16/2023 RTIR Newsletter: Yelling Bosses, Crazy Courtroom Antics, Haircut Therapy
01. Domination: How the U.S. Achieved it and Who Wants It Now
02. How Congress Could Rein in the Supreme Court
03. It’s National Pet Month: Do a Show on Celebrity Pets
04. Therapist? 1 in 3 Prefer Their Hair Stylist
05. Is it Ever OK for a Boss to Yell?
06. How to Use Brain Glue to Make Your Ideas Stick
07. Secrets of the World’s Most Celebrated Brands
08. From Tic-Tac-Toe Chickens to Roulette Wheel Custody Battles: Crazy Stories from the Courtroom
09. The Amazing Health Benefits of ‘Microadventures’
10. Why 39-Year-Old Actor Chris Hemsworth Is Concerned About Alzheimer’s, and You Should Be Too
11. Tips to Get the Most From Your Doc Visits
12. How Slowing Down Can Make You More Productive
13. What Would We Do if Aliens Contacted Us?
14. What Is an Empath – and Could You Be One?
15. How to Make ‘Happy’ Choices1. ==> Domination: How the U.S. Achieved it and Who Wants It Now
At a time when some claim the United States is “destined for war” with China, and when Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has sparked fresh concerns about nuclear war, foreign policy expert Sean Mirski offers a window into where we’re headed by looking at how the U.S. became the world’s greatest power in the century after the Civil War. Minski’s new book, “We May Dominate the World: Ambition, Anxiety, and the Rise of the American Colossus,” details how the U.S. achieved complete supremacy by squeezing European rivals out of the hemisphere while landing forces on their neighbors’ soil with dizzying frequency. He offers a window into the trajectory that other regional powers — including China, Russia, and Iran — may take in the coming decades. Minski says understanding the factors that led a rising United States to conduct a muscular foreign policy in its neighborhood can shed valuable light on how to prevent Armageddon in our own century. Sean Mirski is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. He currently practices national security, foreign relations, and appellate law and is a visiting scholar at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
2. ==> How Congress Could Rein in the Supreme Court
While many argue that the separation of powers constrains Congress from imposing meaningful checks on the Supreme Court, Steve Vladeck says that’s not true. The author of “The Shadow Docket: How the Supreme Court Uses Stealth Rulings to Amass Power and Undermine the Republic” points out that in the first century under the Constitution Congress repeatedly used an array of unquestioned constitutional powers to check the court. “Even the most pro-judiciary readings of the Constitution still leave to Congress broad control over the court’s docket, its budget and just about everything else short of the justices’ tenure and salaries,” he says. “Thus, it isn’t that the Constitution prevents Congress from pulling these levers to exert influence over the court; it’s that Congress has chosen to stop pulling them.” Steve Vladeck is a professor at the University of Texas School of Law.” Contact him at (512) 475-9198; svladeck@law.utexas.edu
3. ==> It’s National Pet Month: Do a Show on Celebrity Pets
People are their most genuine selves when they’re with their pets, even celebrities. Celebrate National Pet Month, with photographer Johanna Siegmann, whose new book, “In Good Company,” features portraits of notable people with their pets. “No matter how experienced or nervous someone is about being photographed, interviewed or even in crowds, as soon as they are with their pets, everything changes,” Siegmann says. Unlike traditional pet portraits, these unique images depict the relationship between people and their beloved pets and portray everyday moments between them, which are intimate and mundane, often humorous, whimsical, or touching, and always genuine. Participants include the late Ed Asner, Ed Begley Jr., Richard Karn, Norman Lear, Adam Schiff, Eric Swalwell and many others from a wide range of fields including the arts, science, literature, performance and music. A portion of the book’s profits will go to support Apex Protection Project, a Los Angeles-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization created to save wolves through education, rescue and advocacy. Contact Harlan Boll at harlan@bhbpr.com
4.==> Therapist? 1 in 3 Prefer Their Hair Stylist
Beauty parlors and barber shops have always been a place to bond and literally “let your hair down,” but has the stylist’s chair become the therapist’s couch? May is Mental Health Month, and according to one recent poll, nearly a third of Americans (32%) say they are more likely to discuss their worries with the person who cuts their hair than with a professional therapist. Women, younger adults, Midwesterners and Hispanics are most likely of all to do so, according to the survey of 1,005 Americans by pollsters on behalf of AQ, an anxiety management app. Dr. Shaun Nanavati, a neuropsychologist, says time, money and stigma can prevent people from going to a mental health professional, plus there just aren’t enough trained therapists to meet the overwhelming demand. Stylists and barbers, of course, lack the training and qualifications to tackle many of the issues that trained therapists do, stresses Dr. Nanavati. “And yet some of their clients may feel more relaxed, trusting and open with them than they would with a trained therapist.” He’ll share ways to bridge the therapy gap including an innovative new app that collects vitals through an Apple Watch. It tracks anxiety levels in real time and offers proven measures to help lower anxiety in the moment. Dr. Nanavati is the chief science officer of AQ. Contact Todd Brabender at toddb@spreadthenewspr.com
5. ==> Is it Ever OK for a Boss to Yell?
Some bosses are quiet while others tend to shout. But is it ever OK to raise your voice to an employee? Workplace expert Christina Curtis says what matters most is the overall relationship a boss has with employees. “If there is a healthy relationship where employees feel like they can speak up and ask questions, then if a boss’s stress comes through once in a while, there is an understanding that they are only human, and they can apologize if they have made a mistake,” she says. “When it becomes a trend that bosses are yelling or undermining employees, that is abusive supervision and is super stressful for employees. It is hard to be around, and it will inevitably make the quality of work go down as people don’t feel like they can get help, ask questions, or make mistakes.” Curtis will share ways executives can voice their displeasure with subordinates in a professional manner and discuss generational differences when it comes to leadership styles. Christina Curtis is founder of Curtis Leadership Consulting and the author of “Choosing Greatness: An Evidence-Based Approach to Achieving Exceptional Outcomes.” Contact Mark Goldman at (516) 639-0988 (call/text); markgoldman73@gmail.com
6. ==> How to Use Brain Glue to Make Your Ideas Stick
James Bond (no, not THAT one!) knows how to get to yes in surprising and unexpected ways. And whether you’re looking to sell more of your products or services, level up your career with a raise or promotion, or boost your personal life through better relationships, you need to hear from this guest. He reveals the incredible secrets to highly effective persuasion that will have more people than you ever imagined saying “yes!” to your ideas, offerings, and so much more by applying “brain glue” to make yourself unforgettable. A top behavioral management and business marketing specialist, James has worked with a virtual Who’s Who of American business as well as numerous Fortune 500 companies. This popular and frequent media guest has been featured in “Forbes” and the “Los Angeles Times” and appeared on ABC News, CBS News, and Fox News, among many others. Jack Canfield calls his new book, “Brain Glue,” “mind-blowing … this should be required reading for anyone in business.” Contact James Bond at (805) 424-8611; jbond@rtirguests.com
7. ==> Secrets of the World’s Most Celebrated Brands
Would your listeners like to know how celebrities create world-class brands so they can do it too? Raj Girn, an internationally celebrated brand authority and the creator of “The 6-Step Guide That Celebrities Use to Guarantee World-Class Brand Presence,” is prepared to offer the same fantastic tips to your audience that she has passed on to executives at L’Oréal Paris, Estée Lauder, Johnnie Walker, Cîroc, Sheraton and Fairmont Hotels and people like Priyanka Chopra, Hannah Simone, Robin Sharma and Freida Pinto. Ask her: What are the four biggest myths that prevent brands from taking off? What are the six steps to creating a world-class brand that anyone can dial in, no matter what their size or budget? A media celebrity in Canada who has been featured in “The Wall Street Journal” and “Globe and Mail,” and on FOX and CBS, Raj is a regular contributor to Entrepreneuer.com, ThriveGlobal.com and Medium.com and an internationally best-selling author whose blog attracts 500,000 unique monthly visitors. She also publishes a weekly newsletter with over 100,000 subscribers and has a combined social media network of over 1 million. She runs The Open Chest Confidence Academy. Contact Raj Girn at (647) 490-3158; Rgirn@rtirguests.com
8. ==> From Tic-Tac-Toe Chickens to Roulette Wheel Custody Battles: Crazy Stories From the Courtroom
Have you ever seen a chicken playing tic-tac-toe in court as evidence in a case? Experienced attorney J.D. Mortmain has! Movies and television portray the courtroom as a dramatic place full of nail-biting tension, but in real life, that’s not always the case. In fact, there’s often more humor than horror happening behind closed doors — such as the psychologist who failed his own test trying to prove a defendant was disabled. J.D. shares stories of the lighter side of the law with your audience. He has helped thousands of clients, many with unusual experiences like fighting for custody of a roulette wheel and the couple who divorced and remarried every year to profit from tax breaks. An author and experienced media guest, J.D.’s latest book is “The Fuzzy Pink Bathrobe and Other Tales of the Law.” Contact J.D. Mortmain at (860) 969-2693; jmortmain@rtirguests.com
9. ==> The Amazing Health Benefits of ‘Microadventures’
Dacher Keltner defines awe as “an emotion that we feel when we encounter vast mysteries that we don’t understand.” That sounds big, but it turns out it doesn’t have to be. “It can happen when we encounter somebody’s extraordinary kindness, we listen to a moving piece of music, we’re out in nature, [or] we hear a big idea that really moves us,” he says. Keltner champions “microadventures” — simple, easy-to-achieve excursions that inspire a sense of awe and allow us to tap into the emotion’s health and well-being benefits, without having to travel all the way to the Grand Canyon or the Taj Mahal. The author of “Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life” will share the benefits of awe as well as “micro-adventure” ideas. Dacher Keltner, Ph.D., is the founding director of the Greater Good Science Center and a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley. He is the host of the award-winning podcast The Science of Happiness and is a co-instructor of the GGSC’s popular online course of the same name. Contact him at (510) 642-2490; Greater@berkeley.edu
10. ==> Why 39-Year-Old Actor Chris Hemsworth Is Concerned About Alzheimer’s, and You Should Be Too
Chris Hemsworth is known for playing action-adventure heroes like Thor. His body is chiseled and toned and he looks to be in the prime of life. So that’s why it was surprising to learn that Hemsworth is scaling back on his career after learning that he carries a gene that makes him eight to ten times more likely to get Alzheimer’s than the average person. Dementia is often mistaken as an “old person’s disease,” but Hemsworth proves that memory-robbing illnesses can happen to even young people. Find out more when you interview Carlen Maddux, a former journalist who cared for his wife for 17 years after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at age 50. Carlen will reveal what he has learned about early-onset Alzheimer’s, its possible causes and more. Ask him: What are the signs and symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer’s? What about the gene Hemsworth has? How does Alzheimer’s affect families? Contact Carlen Maddux at (727) 351-8321; CMaddux@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Tips to Get the Most From Your Doc Visits
Have you noticed how the minutes you get with your doctor have become shorter? That’s why it is even more important to use such time wisely. During the visit, what should you communicate? What should you ask about your conditions, prognoses, treatments and preventative efforts? What advice and instructions are crucial (even lifesaving) to get? Learn more when you interview retired nurse practitioner Anne McAwley-LeDuc, whose career included 43-plus years of varied experience in the medical field. Anne will talk about understanding and following through on well¬ness strategies, remembering what your doctors need you to know and do, avoiding health mistakes, and caring for others in your family (particularly children and the elderly). Her advice will also help you maintain an important record of your health history. Anne McAwley-LeDuc is the author of the award-winning book “Personal Health Organizer.” Contact her at (860) 300-1603; AMcAwley@rtirguests.com
12. ==> How Slowing Down Can Make You More Productive
When was the last time you did something for yourself? Our lives are busier than ever before. Between jobs, 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 has 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 Whetstone at (408) 752-5943; vwhetstone@rtirguests.com
13. ==> What Would We Do if Aliens Contacted Us?
Is there life beyond Earth? Science has shown there are plenty of planets in the galaxy, many with similarities to our own, giving hope to the idea of other civilizations in the cosmos. But who’s to say everyone would get along? Enter a world of intergalactic threats and celestial battles when you interview retired U.S. Navy Commander Christopher Loric. His new book “SESG Explorer” is a sprawling sci-fi adventure influenced by real-world events and historical figures. The story centers on a fleet of American ships on a diplomatic mission to a faraway planet after receiving a mysterious message. Ask Loric: How did your 28 years in the military inform your writing? What inspired you to write this book? Christopher Loric is a retired U.S. Navy commander. He was deployed with the U.S. Navy and served twice with the U.S. Marine Corps including a year in Iraq; he had multiple assignments at commandant command level planning and overseeing multiple operations. Contact him at (757) 636-4680; stormrider712@hotmail.com
14. ==> What Is an Empath – and Could You Be One?
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
15. ==> How to Make ‘Happy’ Choices
Unlock the hidden secrets of happiness and discover five things you think will make you happy but actually won’t when you interview this dynamic guest! Jennifer Hughes is on a mission to help people choose happy. Most people get it backward, avoiding things that will make them happy while actively choosing things that end up disappointing them. A certified life coach, trainer of The Success Principles, and author of “Choose Happy: Be This, Not That,” Jennifer can help your audience strengthen their relationships, achieve their dreams, and skyrocket their happiness to new levels. Ask her: What are the five unexpected things people believe will make them happy but actually won’t? Why is it so important to take responsibility for our own happiness, and how can we do that? What would you say to someone who doesn’t believe that happiness is a choice? Contact Jennifer Hughes at (480) 745-2113; jhughes@rtirguests.com
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5/11/2023 RTIR Newsletter: Last-Minute Mother’s Day Ideas, the Mass Shooter/Military Connection, Mike Tyson’s Mother-in-Law
01. How the Federal Government Is Still Failing Border Kids
02. Clarence Thomas Is Running Out of Excuses
03. Mass Shooters Are Disproportionally Military Vets
04. How Did You Become a Mom? Why It Doesn’t Matter
05. Last-Minute, No- and Low-Cost Ways to Honor Mom
06. Could a Later School Start Help Teen Mental Health Crisis?
07. ‘New Yorker’ Writer Adam Gopnik – The Mystery of Mastery
08. 50th Anniversary of Title IX: This Guest Was There from the Start
09. Mike Tyson’s Mother-in-Law on Her Wrongful Conviction and More
10. Should You Take Parenting Advice from Kids?
11. Time for a Spring Friendship Cleanse
12. Live Your Best Life in the Worst of Times
13. How to Stop Beating Yourself Up
14. This Senior Athlete Proves Age Is Just a Number
15. How Elephants Can Save the Planet!1. ==> How the Federal Government Is Still Failing Border Kids
Anyone who follows the news has heard about an expected migrant surge with this week’s expiration of a pandemic-era border restriction, but the U.S. has been struggling with a crisis at the border for decades. According to author and international authority on immigration issues and foster families Richard Villasana, few people realize just how badly the kids suffer. “The federal government still has more than 1,000 families that have not been reunited,” he says. “One of the biggest failings of the Trump administration was the lack of successful efforts to stay in communication with the thousands of children who were placed with sponsors.” As an insider, Richard can reveal the little-known, shocking reasons for this, and why the border crisis continues. He is the author of “Do No Harm: The U.S. Border Child Tragedy Continues,” founder of the nonprofit Forever Homes for Foster Kids and has appeared as an expert on CNN and ABC. Contact him at (619) 648-4729; rvillasana@rtirguests.com
2. ==> Clarence Thomas Is Running Out of Excuses
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has come under fire recently for not disclosing lavish vacations and gifts, including private school tuition, from a wealthy Republican donor. Steven Lubet says Thomas’ explanations for decades of omissions on his annual financial reports are flimsy and based on a dubious interpretation of the law. “A justice who respects the public’s right to information – codified in the ethics law in 1978 by a bipartisan congressional majority – would always err in favor of disclosure. He would not blame unnamed, and perhaps deceased, colleagues for his own decisions or assert improbable misunderstandings of straightforward rules or conjure the narrowest possible interpretation of his obligations.” Lubet says with lifetime tenure, short of impeachment, the only corrective for a justice’s questionable conduct is public criticism, which makes full compliance with financial disclosure laws so important, and why Thomas’ evasiveness is so wrong. Steven Lubet is the Williams Memorial Professor Emeritus at the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law. He is the coauthor of “Judicial Conduct and Ethics.” Contact him at (312) 503-6605; slubet@law.northwestern.edu
3. ==> Mass Shooters Are Disproportionally Military Vets
According to the USA TODAY/Northeastern University/Associated Press Mass Killings Database, there have been 22 mass killings so far this year, the most ever. The latest attack in Texas was carried out by a man who spent three months in Army basic training. While technically not a veteran, David Swanson says he fits a pattern. “Of course statistically virtually all veterans are not mass shooters, because very few people are mass shooters. But disproportionately mass shooters are veterans — at least 36 percent last time I reviewed the data,” he says. “If we are going to take an interest in other demographic trends regarding this tiny group of people — their gender, mental health, criminal records, racist ideologies — we can take an interest in the fact that our tax dollars trained many of them to shoot. We can also notice that many non-veteran mass shooters dress, speak, and act — in the commission of their crime — as if they are participating in a military.” Swanson, the director of World BEYOND War, a global nonviolent movement, believes there’s a structural problem in training so many people to kill — including the recent killer on a New York subway — and a cultural problem in glorifying it. David Swanson is an author, activist and the host of Talk Word Radio. Contact him at davidcnswanson@gmail.com; @davidcnswanson
4. ==> How Did You Become a Mom? Why It Doesn’t Matter
There are many ways for a woman to become a mother and just as many reasons to honor the strength, courage, and selflessness that go into being a mother, whether by birth or by adoption. Mikki Shepard will discuss common myths about adoption and share her own adoption story spanning multiple generations. Listeners will learn why it doesn’t take biology to make a family as Mikki reveals lessons she learned from her father. Mikki Shepard is the author of “In a Heartbeat: The Miracle of a Family that Was Meant to Be.” Her diverse career spans multiple industries, successful entrepreneurship, and a strong background in speaking and real estate. Mikki has appeared on radio and in numerous publications. Contact her at (845) 733-8077; sea2sea@twc.com
5. ==> Last-Minute, No- and Low-Cost Ways to Honor Mom
Mother’s Day is Sunday and it’s a good time to celebrate with the incredible women who have fashioned our lives. But Alisha Allen says celebrating motherhood doesn’t have to break the bank. Invite the Party Princess to share some great, last-minute, no- and low-cost ideas to recognize Mom and make her feel appreciated. Alisha’s ideas run the gamut from becoming Mom’s personal assistant for a day to treating her to an at-home spa day or even creating a playlist full of her preferred songs and significant tunes that remind her of your bond. “Don’t be amazed if she breaks out into spontaneous dance actions or begins belting out her favorite power ballads,” Alisha says. “Feel free to enroll in and have an impromptu dwelling room dance party!” Alisha Allen is the Party Princess for The Party Nuptual Network, an online platform for planning a party or day or night out. Contact Mark Goldman at (516) 639-0988; markgoldman73@gmail.com
6. ==> Could a Later School Start Help Teen Mental Health Crisis?
It’s a long-held stereotype that teenagers love to sleep in, but it’s also a physiological fact: Young people need more rest during such an important stage of growth and development. With the current mental health crisis affecting teens across the country, the idea of starting school later is getting a fresh look. “These mental health challenges are already going to happen and then, with the absence of sleep, are much worse,” says Orfeu Buxton, director of the Sleep, Health & Society Collaboratory at Penn State University. “The same with decision-making, suicidal ideation, those kinds of things.” The reasons why high schools start as early as they do — many begin their day before 7:30 a.m. — are “lost to the sands of history,” Buxton says. But now, he says, “Everything is baked into that: traffic light patterns, bus schedules and adults’ work.” Nationally, at least nine states are considering legislation related to school start times and large school systems including Denver, Philadelphia and Anchorage have been looking into later start times. Orfeu Buxton’s research focuses on the causes and consequences of sleep deficiency. Contact him at (814) 867-5707; orfeu@psu.edu
7. ==> ‘New Yorker’ Writer Adam Gopnik – The Mystery of Mastery
Award-winning writer for the “New Yorker” Adam Gopnik has turned his attention to a fundamental human mystery: How do masters learn their miraculous skills? Whether it’s drawing a museum-ready nude or baking a perfect sourdough loaf, how does someone master a profession? A skill? A hobby? How could anyone become so good at anything? Is it possible to unravel the mystery of mastery? For his new book, “The Real Work: On the Mystery of Mastery,” Gopnik tried his hand at several new skills he assumed were beyond him, including drawing, baking, driving, magic, boxing, and dancing. Invite him to share what he learned during the process including how we can tackle learning a new skill – and how we then move on from mere accomplishment to expertise. Adam Gopnik is the author of numerous books including “Paris to the Moon.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (o); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Sasha Beatty at (703) 646-5188
8. ==> 50th Anniversary of Title IX: This Guest Was There from the Start
Fifty years ago this summer, the U.S. government enacted Title IX, a groundbreaking amendment that prohibited sex-based discrimination in education programs and activities, including athletics. Three-time Olympic track and field coach Sue Humphrey was there for it all. Sue began coaching in the late 1960s and has faced plenty of discrimination and sexual harassment in her career. This experienced, accomplished guest can discuss what it was really like for women in athletics both before and after Title IX, what it’s like to coach Olympic athletes, the challenges that women in sports still face today, and more. The author of “I Want to Run: The Olympic Developmental Training and Nutritional Guide for Young and Teen Track Runners Ages 10 to 18,” Sue has more than 50 years of experience and is a frequent media guest. Contact Sue Humphrey at (512) 881-9648; shumphrey@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Mike Tyson’s Mother-in-Law on Her Wrongful Conviction and More
Rita Ali was a distinguished Philadelphia socialite and among the few African American women boxing PR professionals who hobnobbed with such famous fighters as Muhammad Ali, Michael Spinks, and Mike Tyson, who is now her son-in-law. Then it all came crashing down when she — along with her daughter and son — was wrongly convicted and imprisoned for allegedly funneling public funds through a partnership between the Sister Clara Muhammad School and the Community College of Philadelphia. The indictment alleged that the defendants profited off of a ghost employee scam to provide adult education classes. “I was convicted and sentenced three times on virtually the same charges for a crime I didn’t commit, which amounted to triple jeopardy,” she says. She is the author of “Triple Jeopardy: 3 Strikes But Not Out,” a life coach, and founder of the nonprofit We 2 Matter, which provides resources for previously incarcerated women. Contact Rita Ali at (917) 243-9214; rali@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Should You Take Parenting Advice from Kids?
Most parents think they know what’s best for their kids. But author Jerry Bures claims we have it all wrong. “We can learn a lot about parenting from our kids by taking cues from them,” he says. “They will give you clues on how to handle them.” As a dad to six kids, including one with significant special needs, Jerry had to learn how to deal with the pressures of what he calls “crisis parenting,” which made him a better dad. He can share how parents can best connect with their children, so that they may become successful adults. Jerry is the author of “When Kids Leave Clues: 26 Timeless Stories of Inspiration & Essential Life Lessons Taught to Us by Our Own Children.” Contact him at (920) 796-9160; jbures@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Time for a Spring Friendship Cleanse
We all have them – friends (or family) who do nothing but criticize, complain about anything and everything and make us feel small and undeserving. Well, it’s time to call them out on their negativity, start a dialog and if that doesn’t work, take a break or walk away from that relationship. Annie Evans believes that if you don’t deal with them, there’s a really good chance you’ll turn out just like them. Evans personally knows how negativity breeds negativity. Combined with some serious life challenges, she went on her own downward spiral. Being raised by a severely mentally ill mom and losing two life partners was just the tip of the iceberg. Evans will share her startling story, and help listeners learn real strategies to change their mindsets and interactions and take charge of their attitudes. Contact her at (310) 621-0456; aevans@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Live Your Best Life in the Worst of Times
Life’s challenging, even at the best of times, but what can you do when life keeps kicking you when you’re already down? Invite author and inspirational speaker Danielle Harris-Branch to discuss why bad things happen and how to handle life when you’re at your lowest. Her book, “From the Other Side of the Bed: Allow Faith to Transform Your Perspective Through Life’s Hardest Blows,” shares her unimaginable journey of surviving two types of cancer at the same time her husband was waiting for a kidney transplant. This inspirational couple experienced the worst of life while discovering the best of life. Ask her: What are the essential tools for overcoming negative thinking in painful situations? How can you use a painful situation to become a better version of yourself and even start earning income from it? Contact Danielle Harris-Branch at (804) 373-8195; Harrisbranch@rtirguests.com
13. ==> How to Stop Beating Yourself Up
“I’m not good enough … I always mess up … I’m a failure.” Many people get trapped in the never-ending cycle of low self-esteem and negative self-talk, often without even realizing it. But psychologist/author Dr. Adriana Popescu says it’s possible to stop the inner critic and start feeling good about yourself. “Over the last 25 years, I’ve worked with thousands of people, empowering them to overcome their imagined limitations, release their self-judgments and discover the brilliance within − creating a life of infinite possibilities,” she says. Adriana is a licensed clinical psychologist, addiction and trauma specialist, speaker, thought leader and empowerment coach, and author of “What If You’re Not as F***ed Up As You Think You Are?: How We Come to Believe Lies About Ourselves and What We Can Do to Change Them.” Contact her at (415) 707-5054; Apopescu@rtirguests.com
14. ==> This Senior Athlete Proves Age Is Just a Number
They say you’re only as old as you feel. Yet if you’re struggling with your health and fitness, this motivational phrase can backfire. What if you’re in your 30s or 40s, but you feel 100 years old whenever you try to jog or hit the gym? National champion senior athlete John Hurd can help you turn things around with simple ways for anyone to improve their health at any age. John is proof that his methods work. He didn’t start competitive running until he was 61 years old. He has since won a total of 162 gold medals, including two National Senior Olympic Sprint Champion titles. Interview this motivating, inspiring guest today and help your listeners truly feel young. Ask him: Why did you decide to start getting in shape at 61? How did you train yourself without having to pay fitness experts? Contact John Hurd at (850) 367-8411; jhurd@rtirguests.com
15. ==> How Elephants Can Save the Planet!
Pachyderms aren’t just majestic, highly intelligent, loving and adorable. They are vital to the health and well-being of the entire world. “Elephants are very important ecosystem engineers,” says author and animal/environmental advocate Georja Umano. “They are so large that rain in an elephant’s footprint can create a microsystem that can provide a home for tadpoles and other organisms. The effects of their movements in both savannahs and forests help restore and maintain the balance of nature.” Sadly, their numbers are dwindling, due to poaching, over-development, logging and zoo captures. Georja can share how we can help our elephant friends and other fascinating pachyderm facts, as well as her experiences living in Kenya. She is the author of “Terrier in the Jungle.” Contact her at (213) 568-1764; gumano@rtirguests.com
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5/9/2023 RTIR Newsletter: Bracing for Border Surge, Mother’s Day is the Worst, Our Royal Obsession
01. The Border Surge Is Biden’s to Solve
02. The Problem With Our Royal Obsession
03. ‘Scamanda’ – True Story of Blogger’s Fake Cancer
04. Friday Is Military Spouse Appreciation Day
05. Why Some People Hate Mother’s Day
06. Mother’s Day and the Stigma of Infertility
07. How to Celebrate Mother’s Day When Your Mom Wasn’t Great
08. Working Mothers: The Benefit That Would Change the Game
09. It’s Grad Season: Is a College Education Still Worth It?
10. Should You Take Career Advice from a Psychic?
11. Journalist Shares Surprising Stories With Biggest Impact
12. Are You Drowning in Worry? How to Rise Above It All
13. How Tony Bennett and Glen Campbell Performed With Memory Loss
14. How to Hold It Together When Life Falls Apart
15. Interview the Python Huntress1. ==> The Border Surge Is Biden’s to Solve
The United States is bracing for the expiration of a pandemic-era border restriction this week, with officials fearing it will spur a surge of migrants and exacerbate an already challenging humanitarian crisis at the southern border. Patrick T. Brown says there is plenty of blame to go around for the crisis, but Democrats will be left holding the hot potato if they don’t treat the end of Title 42 as a substantive policy problem to be solved rather than a political optics challenge to be managed. But doing so will require them to stand up to their leftmost flank. “The Biden administration has at least some of the tools to mitigate some of the blowback. It can ramp up border enforcement, speed up deportation proceedings and consider reviving policies like the ‘Remain in Mexico’ approach.” He adds, “If undertaken seriously, achieving stability on the border could help send a message to the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, where many of the migrants’ journeys originate, that they should stop undertaking the perilous journey.” Patrick T. Brown is a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center (EPPC), a conservative, Washington, D.C.-based think tank and advocacy group. He is also a former senior policy adviser to Congress’ Joint Economic Committee. Contact him at pbrown@eppc.org
2. ==> The Problem With Our Royal Obsession
Everywhere you turned this weekend the media were slavering over the British Royals and the coronation of King Charles. It was a once-in-a-lifetime event, but psychologist Frank Farley says Americans’ obsession with the monarchy is problematic, especially now, with the rise of authoritarian leaders. “The mere presence of any monarchies in the 21st century, with or without power, is the wrong symbol for the increasingly sophisticated, enlightened, educated, cognitive cultures that give hope for the global expansion of democracy.” He adds, “Our British friends can of course do whatever they want, even holding on to the last vestiges of medieval pomp and privilege. But America has stood for many as a beacon of freedom, opportunity for all, and equality.” Frank Farley is a professor emeritus at Temple University and the former president of the American Psychological Association. Contact him at (215) 668-7581; frank.farley@comcast.net
3. ==> ‘Scamanda’ – True Story of Blogger’s Fake Cancer
The story of infamous cancer-faking early social media influencer Amanda C. Riley, who is now behind bars for fraud, is the topic of a new podcast. Through exclusive access to her now-defunct blogs and new interviews with the people who thought they knew her best, award-winning journalist Charlie Webster explores this unbelievable tale of a scam that ripped a family apart and left a community in shock. The series unravels the surprising and bizarre story behind Riley’s long-running scam to use her growing online presence to take advantage of the social media community. Ultimately, the young woman pleaded guilty to soliciting over $100,000 in donations to help pay for cancer treatments that she never received. Webster says, “The psychology of what this woman did to manipulate and infiltrate her community using the power of social media is fascinating and I know listens will be enthralled by what unfolds in the series.” The eight-episode limited series Scamanda will premiere on Monday, May 15 with new chapters dropping weekly. Contact Katie Fuchs at (646) 493-0215 (NY); kfuchs@lippingroup.com or Kevin Broderick at kevin@lippingroup.com
4. ==> Friday Is Military Spouse Appreciation Day
Military Spouse Appreciation Day was first recognized by President Ronald Regan in 1984. Celebrated on the Friday before Mother’s Day, the holiday honors husbands, wives and partners of service members. Invite Lee Ellis to share ways to express gratitude to a military spouse, including the simplest of all, saying a heartfelt “thank you.” A fighter pilot in Vietnam, Lee Ellis was shot down, captured and repatriated in 1973 after more than five years as a POW in Hanoi. He is president of Leading with Honor, a leadership and team development training and coaching company and the author of the upcoming book “Captured by Love: Inspiring True Romance Stories from Vietnam POWs.” Contact Mark Goldman at (516) 639-0988 (call/text); markgoldman73@gmail.com
5. ==> Why Some People Hate Mother’s Day
Celia Viggo Wexler hates Mother’s Day. She says, “Mothers don’t need more blenders or bread makers or greasy scrambled eggs. They need a lot more help.” She says the pandemic revealed just how much mothers hold their families together, many times without much support from the larger community. She believes celebrating motherhood should be more than gifting tokens and going out to brunch. “What might be a step in the right direction is an effort to change the culture of Mother’s Day: Make it less focused on individual families and tributes to specific mothers, and more about communities recognizing the mothers in their midst.” Viggo Wexler can discuss our distinctly American view of Mother’s Day and the ways other cultures around the world celebrate motherhood. Celia Viggo Wexler is the author of “Catholic Women Confront Their Church: Stories of Hurt and Hope.” Contact her at cvwexler@gmail.com
6. ==> Mother’s Day and the Stigma of Infertility
Mother’s Day can be very painful when you’re battling infertility, but especially so in the Black community where the subject is rarely discussed. Did you know that experts say that the infertility rate among Black women is possibly twice as high (if not higher) than that of white women? Moreover, Black women face much higher barriers to fertility services like IVF due to lack of insurance, sperm donors and underrepresentation in research trials. And as if that were not daunting enough, Frances Jones will explain that Black women are often ashamed of being infertile and unable to talk about this health issue with their friends and family. Frances is the author of “Overcoming the Emotional Stigmas of Infertility: Barren But Not Ashamed,” a book that tells the story of her over 20-year journey of never conceiving children and offers tips for couples traveling a similar journey. She is a global women empowerment speaker, an advocate, and a transformational coach who has been featured on CBS, NBC, ABC and Fox affiliates, and in the “Los Angeles Tribune,” and other media. Contact her at (901) 910-0915; fjones@rtirguests.com
7. ==> How to Celebrate Mother’s Day When Your Mom Wasn’t Great
On Mother’s Day, many of us will be thinking of or celebrating the day with our moms, but not everyone had a great childhood and some people may not even know their mother. Tammy Adams was abused and neglected as a child and yet says she approaches the day with love and forgiveness. “For me, Mother’s Day is very much like the celebration of life and being thankful.” Invite the minister and master psychic on your show to share what saved her from living a bitter life after a childhood filled with neglect and abuse. A mother herself to four children, Tammy can discuss how she healed, why she is now thankful for her mother, and how others can break free from traumas that continue to haunt them. Tammy Adams is an international speaker, podcast host and the author of “Secrets to Your Chakras” and the upcoming “Spiritual Table Talk: The Elements of Healing.” Contact her at (833) 742-6268; info@lifepurposeshaman.com
8. ==> Working Mothers: The Benefit That Would Change the Game
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, more workplace productivity, and even lower income disparities. She believes offering a free daycare benefit to employees would be more impactful than paying off their college debt, benefiting 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? A partner at Wong Fleming PC in Princeton, N.J. specializing in labor and employment law, Williams also hosts the podcast Your Employment Matters with Beverly Williams. Her latest book is “Your GPS to Employment Success: How to Find and Succeed in the Right Job.” Contact Beverly Williams at (973) 576-5841; bwilliams@rtirguests.com
9. ==> It’s Grad Season: Is a College Education Still Worth It?
The average tuition per year at a four-year college is more than $25,000, with in-state students or their parents spending upwards of $102,000 to get that degree. What is more, the average in-state student begins their life after graduation with $37,000 in debt. With those kinds of numbers it is incumbent on doing all one can to be sure that a college investment — in time, dollars, and effort — pays off. And that’s where the advice of author and college readiness coach Alicia J. Moore can be crucial to your audience, particularly at high school graduation time. Moore is the author of “Crushing It in College: Your 7-Step Guide to an Awesome Adventure.” Moore talks to audiences at high schools and colleges across the country about why a college education is even more important today, despite the costs, when it comes to future employment prospects, and developing self-confidence and critical thinking. Contact Alicia J. Moore at (408) 569-1267; aliciajmoore@comcast.net
10. ==> Should You Take Career Advice from a Psychic?
America’s job market is confusing right now and many people are wondering if they should switch gears and change professions. How do you know where to go when thinking about a new career? Find out when you talk to top psychic Ann Johnson. Ann can guide your audience toward job success as well as provide instant personality analysis, relationship advice, and more. The real deal among psychics, Ann has been featured by top media outlets including “New York Magazine,” MTV Network, and “Rolling Stone.” She is the author of “Facing Forward: A Memoir About Choices, Intuition, and Insights in a Show Busy Life.” Contact Ann Johnson at (516) 862-4405; ajohnson@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Journalist Shares Surprising Stories With Biggest Impact
One of America’s top investigative journalists, Michael Bowker has been up close and personal with celebrities, presidents, and even serial killers. However, the most incredible events he’s covered have been ordinary people doing extraordinary things — and those stories transform the world more than the juiciest celebrity gossip. Meet everyday heroes whose “small” acts have resulted in ripple effects that make the world a better place, such as the man who saved a million lives . . . so far. Show your audience how they can truly change the world when you interview this seasoned media guest who’s been featured by “Good Morning America,” “Reader’s Digest,” and many more. Ask him: What’s the biggest ripple effect you’ve seen from a non-famous person’s actions? Which two stories led to death threats against you? What happened after you ran a story about a convicted criminal who saved an autistic child from a burning house? Contact Michael Bowker at (530) 296-6301; mbowker@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Are You Drowning in Worry? How to Rise Above It All
Many people struggle with worry and stress on a day-to-day basis. What if you could let go of the burden of worry and enjoy peace every day, regardless of what’s happening in your life? Certified life coach and author Valerie Galloway can help your audience stop worrying and start living. Whether you’re struggling with grief, a major life change, addiction or dependency, or concerned that your future prospects seem less than bright, Valerie will empower you to tap into your own internal resources and trade worry for wonder and joy. Learn how to accomplish personal goals, improve relationships, and move forward with confidence by unlocking your potential when you interview this powerful and inspiring guest! A certified ICF coach with a bachelor’s in community health and a master’s in social science, Valerie is the author of “Steal, Kill & Destroy: A Spiritual Guide to Overcoming Addiction and Loss.” Contact Valerie Galloway at (917) 994-8841; vgalloway@rtirguests.com
13. ==> How Tony Bennett and Glen Campbell Performed With Memory Loss
Dementia comes with devastating effects that destroy quality of life, yet both Tony Bennett and Glen Campbell performed live tours while suffering from the condition. How did they do it, and do it so well? John Campbell can explain the healing effect of music, especially in patients with memory loss. He’ll provide tips and advice for caregivers and those with family members suffering from dementia on how to incorporate music into their routines, to tremendous positive effect. An entrepreneur and lyricist/songwriter, John is the author of “Beyond the Fading Memories: Guiding Words for Dementia Caregivers.” Contact him at (608) 975-2714; jcampbell@rtirguests.com
14. ==> How to Hold It Together When Life Falls Apart
There’s plenty of advice out there on coping with day-to-day stress, but how do you handle a situation that turns your life inside out? Most methods don’t work with major life changes ranging from losing a job to the death of a loved one — because they don’t address the grief that accompanies these events. Frank DiMaio has been there. After losing his wife to breast cancer, he found no real support or guidance for surviving husbands and set out to change that. He developed a way to help anyone deal with grief and move forward from being emotionally stuck. Ask him: Do men grieve differently than women? How can we move forward after a chaotic, life-changing event? Frank is the author of “A Promise Made, A Promise Kept: A Husband’s Journey Through Journaling to Heal the Loss of His Spouse.” Contact him at (401) 205-3325; fdimaio@rtirguests.com
15. ==> Interview the Python Huntress
Amy Siewe is a former real estate professional who took a flying leap off a cliff and landed in the Florida swamp to wage battle against the invasive pythons whose insatiable eating habits are driving thousands of mammals to extinction. Invite Amy to tell you how she got over her fears that other people will think she is crazy, describe the ecological problem, and reveal how she is living her best life as The Python Huntress. Amy has been featured on the “Today” show, “Fox and Friends” and CNN and in the “Los Angeles Times.” Ask her: How did a hater let you know you were onto something big? What are three shocking reasons to buy leather products sourced from invasive pythons instead of Asian python farms? Contact Amy Siewe at (317) 605-0081; amysiewe@gmail.com
Don’t see any guests or topics for your show? Search through past RTIR Newsletters and find hundreds of show ideas and possible guests at www.rtironline.com
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5/4/2023 RTIR Newsletter: Star Wars Day, Cinco de Mayo, Can Secrets Make You Sick?
01. May the Fourth Be With You!
02. Why Cinco de Mayo Is a Very American Holiday
03. ¡Salud! Let’s Talk Tequila and Mezcal
04. Lights Out – Do It for the Birds
05. A Historic Road Trip with 4 American Legends
06. Why Aren’t Students Learning U.S. History?
07. Will the U.S. Lose its Technology Edge to China?
08. Female Olympic Coach on the History of Women in Sports
09. Hidden Patterns: How to See What Others Miss
10. How TikTok Helped Diagnose Her Autism at 31
11. Advantages Doubters Have That Self-Confident People Miss
12. The Dangerous Connection between Keeping Secrets and Getting Sick
13. Surviving Loss: The 5 HABITs of Grief
14. Pachyderm Power! How Elephants Can Reverse Climate Change
15. America’s Royal Western Couple – Roy Rogers and Dale Evans1.==> May the Fourth Be With You!
Nerd Alert! Star Wars Day, otherwise known as May the Fourth, is here. Regardless of whether you prefer “Star Wars” or “Star Trek,” or if you are even a sci-fi aficionado at all, the influence of George Lucas’ “Star Wars” on pop culture is undeniable. Invite Dan Zehr, a “Star Wars” expert and host of the podcast Coffee with Kenobi, to talk about anything and everything related to the franchise. Discuss the history of “Star Wars,” debate favorite films and characters, or talk about how something as simple and nerdy as Star Wars Day can help bring people together no matter what background they’re from. Dan Zehr is a feature blog contributor for StarWars.com, as well as a writer for IGN, and is a prominent expert in “Star Wars” fandom. He has appeared on “Good Morning America” and been interviewed in HuffPost, “Forbes” and Bloomberg and is co-author of “The Star Wars Book.” Contact him at danz@coffeewithkenobi.com; @MrZehr
2. ==> Why Cinco de Mayo Is a Very American Holiday
Cinco de Mayo may be best known as an overly commercial holiday, stripped of meaning and reliant on stereotypes about Mexico, at least for the majority of Americans toasting with margaritas. But Ruben Arellano reminds us that the holiday actually marks an important historical event, and for Mexican Americans, the celebration of victory at the Battle of Puebla has served as a reminder of their own resilience and survival. Arellano can share the history of the holiday, where the first celebrations began, and why Cinco de Mayo is truly an American holiday! Ruben Arellano is an Indigenous Chicano scholar, cohost of the Tales from Aztlantis podcast and professor of history at Dallas College, Mountain View Campus. Contact him at (214) 860-8566; rubenarellano@dallascollege.edu
3. ==> ¡Salud! Let’s Talk Tequila and Mezcal
You may have noticed more bars and restaurants adding tequila and mezcal-based cocktails to their menus. It’s the fastest-growing liquor category in the U.S., with Americans now spending more on mezcal and tequila than they do on whiskeys. What’s behind the trend? Invite liquor industry veteran Joey Angelo to provide a beginner’s guide to mezcal, discuss its relationship to tequila, and share some innovative new cocktails and a simple recipe or two to impress your friends! Joey Angelo is the founder of VIVA XXXII Tequila, MARGS canned margaritas, and Su Casa Mezcal. He has appeared on TV’s “Elevator Pitch” and NYC’s Z-100 FM. Contact John Angelo at john@premieretv.com
4. ==> Lights Out – Do It for the Birds
City lights across the country will be dimmer than usual for the next few weeks to prevent millions of migrating birds from slamming into skyscrapers and crashing to the sidewalk. In Philadelphia, Bird Safe Philly was formed after a deadly mass collision in October 2020, when thousands of migratory birds were found on city streets after they became disoriented and flew into downtown buildings. Jason Weckstein, the associate curator of ornithology at Drexel University’s Academy of Natural Sciences, says, “Conditions were perfect for a heavy migratory flight and imperfect given that there was a low ceiling of clouds and rain. That, in combination with Philly’s bright city lights, was a disaster for many fall migrant birds winging their way south.” Lights Out is a voluntary program to turn off or dim the lights on the top floors of city buildings from midnight to 6 a.m. from April through May and again in the fall. The National Audubon Society, along with its partners, established the first Lights Out program in 1999 in Chicago. Other participating cities include New York, Boston, Atlanta and Washington, D.C. Contact Jason Weckstein, Ph.D., at (215) 299-1023; jdw342@drexel.edu or Matt Smelser at the Audubon Society at matt.smelser@audubon.org
5. ==> A Historic Road Trip with 4 American Legends
For a fun show that paints a nostalgic portrait of rural America, invite writer, historian, and Yale University professor Wes Davis to share the story of historic road trips taken by four American legends in August 1918. Hear about the friendships that sprang up among automobile tycoon Henry Ford, naturalist John Burroughs, inventor Thomas Edison, and tire industrialist Harvey Firestone as they took road trips together in Ford’s miraculous vehicle, exploring parts of rural America that had been largely inaccessible. Learn how the relationship began in 1913 between Burroughs, then 75, and Ford, nearly 50, when Burroughs wrote in an article in “Atlantic Monthly” that the automobile “was going to kill the appreciation of nature.” In response, Ford sent him a new Model T, which indeed changed the old naturalist’s life by prompting him to set out on wide-ranging road trips beyond his Hudson River homestead. Wes Davis is the author of several books including his latest, “On the Road with Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and John Burroughs.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com
6. ==> Why Aren’t Students Learning U.S. History?
Just released national test scores show a marked drop in students’ knowledge of U.S. history, another sign of how education has suffered in recent years. The pandemic plunge in U.S. history accelerates a nearly decade-long downward trend and comes at a time when the subject itself has become increasingly politically divisive. Experts point to a continuing de-emphasis on social studies instruction since the implementation of No Child Left Behind in the early 2000s when states began testing students in reading and math. They say the pattern was amplified during the pandemic when schools had to triage academic losses. “It doesn’t bode well for the future of this country and for the future of democracy if we don’t start doing more instruction in social studies,” according to Kristin Dutcher Mann, a history professor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, who helps train middle and high school social studies teachers. At one point, she says, older elementary school students in her community received an hour of social studies each day. Now, she says, “They will be lucky if they get 30 minutes for social studies twice a week.” Contact her at (501) 916-3236; kdmann@ualr.edu
7. ==> Will the U.S. Lose its Technology Edge to China?
Nationwide, undergraduate college enrollment dropped 8% from 2019 to 2022, according to the National Student Clearinghouse. The slide is the steepest on record, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Bring Alicia J. Moore on your show to explain why if the trend toward fewer college graduates continues the U.S. may lose its edge as the leading global innovator to China — in addition to creating worsening labor shortages and causing the American public to have an even more difficult time determining what is fake news. Moore is the author of “Crushing It in College: Your 7-Step Guide to an Awesome Adventure.” Moore talks to audiences at high schools and colleges across the country about why a college education is even more important today, despite the costs when it comes to future employment prospects and developing self-confidence and critical thinking. Contact Alicia J. Moore at (408) 569-1267; aliciajmoore@comcast.net
8. ==> Female Olympic Coach on the History of Women in Sports
Although things have improved since the late 1960s when Sue Humphrey began her athletic coaching career, there is still plenty of discrimination against women athletes, from grade-school competitions to the Olympic Games. With more than 50 years of experience, Sue has lived through the history of women in sports, beginning with the groundbreaking Title IX amendment that prohibited sex-based discrimination in athletics and other programs. Interview this author and seasoned media guest who has worked with sports legends such as Wilt Chamberlain, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and Florence Griffith Joyner for an eye-opening look at sports discrimination and how today’s women (and future athletes) can best prepare for success. Contact Sue Humphrey at (512) 881-9648; shumphrey@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Hidden Patterns: How to See What Others Miss
Want to be savvier? More competitive? Wiser? Wish you could develop a wisdom detector that would let you see patterns others fail to notice? If this wish list sounds too good to be true that’s because you have yet to meet Steven Feinberg, Ph.D., a top 1% business coach in the country who has advised Apple, Google, LinkedIn, Visa, Oracle, FedEx and more. Steven is a neuro strategist who can talk about why the logical solution too often fails and share lessons he learned from his father, a big-time bookie who taught him how to deal with uncertainty. As a child, Feinberg slept on a fire escape because he didn’t have a bed. In his youth, he worked as a doorman, cab driver and carnival barker. His latest book “Do What Others Say Can’t Be Done … Play The Meta-Game” features interviews he conducted with 50 world-class leaders and entrepreneurs. Ask him: Why do so many people remain stuck? What three behaviors let you do what others say can’t be done? Contact Steven Feinberg at (650) 374-4540; sfeinberg@rtirguests.com
10. ==> How TikTok Helped Diagnose Her Autism at 31
Artist, poet and best-selling author Morgan Harper Nichols is making headlines after sharing her story about her late autism diagnosis at the age of 31. Doctors misdiagnosed her and told her that she was “perfectly normal,” but after seeing a TikTok video describing autism symptoms, Morgan was compelled to advocate for herself and seek help again. She can discuss what it’s like to be diagnosed with autism as an adult, how to advocate for yourself when you feel something is not right and don’t feel heard, and the positive connection between autism and art. An advocate for autism and mental health and wellness with nearly two million followers on Instagram, Morgan uses her art, her platform, and her experiences to connect with her followers. Her story and artwork have been covered on “Good Morning America,” “Today,” “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” and in “Cosmopolitan,” “Forbes,” Refinery29 and more. Her new book is “You Are Only Just the Beginning.” Contact Jesse Metres at jesse@strategicheights.com or
Simone Smalls at simone@strategicheights.com11. ==> Advantages Doubters Have That Self-Confident People Miss
In our culture, self-confidence is lauded as a virtue. So what happens when doubt creeps in? Does that mean you’re broken? Or could you have an advantage others lack? Invite leadership expert Marc A. Pitman to reveal why doubt can be a surprising gift that forces leaders to look inward to gain special insight. His book, “The Surprising Gift of Doubt,” provides a framework for leaders to move past feeling like a fraud and manage teams more effectively. Ask him: How could the words in your head be sabotaging your efforts? Why are doubters some of the strongest leaders? Contact Marc Pitman at (317) 751-1610; mpitman@rtirguests.com
12. ==> The Dangerous Connection between Keeping Secrets and Getting Sick
We all know that keeping secrets can be stressful. But what most people don’t know is that it can also lead to illnesses (including cancer), especially if you keep secrets from your doctor. Attorney, author and cancer survivor Francine Tone can discuss the worst things to keep to yourself that can lead to sickness, suffering and even loss of life. Among the secrets are the pains, lumps, moles, nagging symptoms and other experiences you never mention to your doctor. Worse yet would be missing important screenings like mammograms or colonoscopies — and lying about it. Francine will also warn about keeping it to yourself when you consume the wrong foods, drink or smoke to excess, use illicit drugs, don’t exercise, or hide domestic violence. Francine is a sought-after guest on legal matters and overcoming everything from abuse to debilitating accidents. She’s the author of the best-selling book, “What Every Good Lawyer Wants You to Know.” Contact her at (531) 208-1297; FTone@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Surviving Loss: The 5 HABITs of Grief
The death of a loved one can be a crippling blow from which you never seem to recover, especially since most people have no idea how to deal with such a loss. Frank DiMaio has been there. After losing his wife to breast cancer, he found there was no real support or guidance for surviving husbands — so he set out to change that. Now, Frank shares insights from his journey of healing with your audience. He can help anyone say NO to defeat and move forward from being emotionally stuck, whether through the loss of a loved one or grief stemming from major life changes, through his system of positive HABITs. Frank’s new book is “A Promise Made, A Promise Kept: A Husband’s Journey Through Journaling to Heal the Loss of His Spouse.” Ask him: What does HABITs stand for, and how does it help people to deal with grief? Why did you sail to Bermuda following your wife’s passing? What is the best way to address survivor’s guilt after losing a loved one? Contact Frank DiMaio at (401) 205-3325; fdimaio@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Pachyderm Power! How Elephants Can Reverse Climate Change
People the world over have a deep affection for elephants. But did you know that they could help save the planet? “Not only are elephants adorable, super-loving and brilliant, they are also important ecosystem engineers,” says author and animal/environmental advocate Georja Umano. “They are so large that rain in an elephant’s footprint can create a microsystem that can provide a home for tadpoles and other organisms. The effects of their movements in both savannahs and forests help restore and maintain the balance of nature.” Georja can share why it’s so important to protect this endangered species, and other fascinating pachyderm facts, as well as her experiences living in Kenya. She is the author of “Terrier in the Jungle.” Contact her at (213) 568-1764; gumano@rtirguests.com
15. ==> America’s Royal Western Couple – Roy Rogers and Dale Evans
They were one of the most famous couples in Western film and television history, but to her, they were just Grandma and Grandpa. Invite Julie Rogers Pomilia to share a different view of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, the Brad and Angelina of the ‘50s, before it was in vogue. The youngest daughter of Dale Evans’ only biological son, Julie reveals little-known facts and unique insights into her grandparents including their adoption of five children from different walks of life and cultures. In fact, Grandma and Grandpa were seldom photographed by the press without their brood of nine kids, usually all lined up in little matching Western outfits. Julie Rogers Pomilia’s new book is “Your Heroes, My Grandparents.” Contact Harlan Boll at (626) 296-3757; harlan@bhbpr.com
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5/2/2023 RTIR Newsletter: Crowning a King, Work Matters, Octopus Mysteries
01. The Real Loser in the Fox News Case
02. Royal Drama: The King’s Fractious Family
03. A New Push for Kids’ Internet Safety?
04. The Mysteries of Octopuses
05. From Kids to Seniors: How Pet Therapy Heals
06. Tick Collars and Vegan Diets: Controversial Pet-Care Issues
07. How to Celebrate Mother’s Day When Your Mom Wasn’t Great
08. Do Honesty, Integrity, and Reliability Still Matter at Work?
09. Why We Love Bad News and How It Affects the Murder Rate
10. This Bookie’s Son Is a Sure-Bet Guest
11. The True Story of Making Sesame Street in Russia
12. Spring Health: Small Ways to Be Your Own Health Advocate
13. How to Be More Resilient in 5 Minutes a Day
14. Is Life Coaching the Answer to Improving Kids’ Mental Health?
15. How This Former Drug Dealer Turned Her Life Around1. ==> The Real Loser in the Fox News Case
David Zurawik calls the Fox News-Dominion Voting Systems settlement “a moment lost.” The former long-time media critic for the “Baltimore Sun” says what could have been a watershed moment for journalism and democracy was lost in the $787.5 million settlement. “It was a case that could have made clear to news consumers and providers that consciously lying and causing harm with those lies is not protected by the First Amendment.” He continues, “That courtroom could have become a crucible not just for the public humiliation of Fox, but a national understanding to some extent of how we have arrived at this terrible American moment with democracy drowning in a sea of disinformation and lies.” David Zurawik is a professor of practice in media studies at Goucher College. Contact him at @davidzurawik or Tara de Souza at (410) 337-6316; Tara.deSouza@goucher.edu
2. ==> Royal Drama: The King’s Fractious Family
Britain’s King Charles may wear a crown and live in a palace but he’s got family dramas and dirty laundry just like everyone else. There’s a second wife, an embarrassing brother, and an angry son and daughter-in-law. With his coronation this weekend and the world looking on, Charles is likely hoping his family can hold it all together and provide a picture of the future of the monarchy. All the royals will be in attendance, including Harry, who will be with the family for the first time since the release of his bombshell memoir “Spare.” His wife, Meghan, however, will skip the event. Psychiatrist Dr. Carole Lieberman can discuss how Charles is managing his family drama, why so many Brits are fed up with the monarchy and the royals, and the role of the British tabloids. Carole Lieberman, M.D., M.P.H., frequently appears in the media commentating on news headlines from a psychological and socio-political point of view. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103
3. ==> A New Push for Kids’ Internet Safety?
In just the last few months there has been a flurry of bills introduced across the country purporting to make the internet safer for children and teenagers. Tate Ryan-Mosley, a senior tech policy reporter for “MIT Technology Review,” says the content of the child safety bills varies from state to state. Some focus on limiting data collection from users who are minors. In California, the bills focus on shifting the incentive model for data and online advertising; currently, companies can profit from minors’ online data. Ryan-Mosley can discuss what’s behind the new push, the likelihood the bills can get bipartisan support, how they’ll be enforced if enacted, and why Europe is years ahead of the U.S. on this front. Contact Tate Ryan-Mosley at tate.ryan-mosley@technologyreview.com
4.==> The Mysteries of Octopuses
With their bulbous heads, big eyes, eight limbs and the ability to shape-shift, octopuses (or octopi if you prefer) remain one of the most fascinating sea creatures, but their elusive behavior and the changing nature of their appearance make them difficult to locate, identify, and study. Marine biologist David Scheel has been studying octopuses for more than 25 years and has witnessed a sea change in what we know and are able to discover about octopus physiology and behavior — even an octopus’s inner life. Perhaps most surprising of all, Scheel has discovered that “despite their solitary reputation, octopuses like closeness.” Invite him to share what he’s learned about octopuses, how climate change is affecting the species, and stories and legends of Indigenous peoples that illuminate our relationship with these creatures across centuries. David Scheel is a field-oriented ecologist with experience in remote and wilderness settings in Africa and Alaska. He joined Alaska Pacific University in 2000 and teaches courses in marine biology, aquarium husbandry, and animal behavior. His new book is “Many Things Under a Rock: The Mysteries of Octopuses.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705
5. ==> From Kids to Seniors: How Pet Therapy Heals
We love our pets! They offer companionship, love, exercise, and inclusion. May is National Pet Month and a great time to discuss the many ways pets can help us lead healthier lives. Medical researchers have found the simple act of petting a dog lowers our blood pressure, heart rate and anxiety. Larry Grogan has seen firsthand how pets can work wonders for people struggling with mental and physical health issues. 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. With the need for pet therapy outpacing the supply, he is 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, which he says is easier than you think! Contact Larry Grogan at (423) 557-1908; larrygrogan5@gmail.com
6. ==> Tick Collars and Vegan Diets: Controversial Pet-Care Issues
It’s no secret that we live in a hyper-polarized society, but do our disagreements extend to how we care for our pets? Pet owners are faced with all kinds of choices (from diet to grooming and training) with emotionally charged proponents on each side of every debate. The controversy surrounding many of these choices may surprise new pet parents, but integrative veterinarian Carol Osborne has heard it all! After more than 20 years in her own practice, she’ll share the facts at the heart of these issues so that you can make the right choice for your furry friend. From the safety of flea and tick collars to debates over declawing, vegan pet diets and more, Dr. Carol can answer your toughest pet-care questions. Carol Osborne, DVM, is a nationally recognized leader, speaker, educator, and advocate in the field of functional medicine. She is the founder and director of the Chagrin Falls Veterinary Center and Pet Clinic and an Emmy-nominated television journalist. She is a regular contributor to several television shows and networks including “Fox & Friends,” “Today,” Discovery’s Animal Planet, and “Good Day LA.” Contact Mackenzie August at (661) 255-8283; mackenzie@steveallenmedia.com
7. ==> How to Celebrate Mother’s Day When Your Mom Wasn’t Great
On Mother’s Day, many of us will be thinking of or celebrating the day with our moms, but not everyone had a great childhood and some people may not even know their mother. Tammy Adams was abused and neglected as a child and yet says she approaches the day with love and forgiveness. “For me, Mother’s Day is very much like the celebration of life and being thankful.” Invite the minister and master psychic on your show to share what saved her from living a bitter life after a childhood filled with neglect and abuse. A mother herself to four children, Tammy can discuss how she healed, why she is now thankful for her mother, and how others can break free from traumas that continue to haunt them. Tammy Adams is an international speaker, podcast host and the author of “Secrets to Your Chakras” and the upcoming “Spiritual Table Talk: The Elements of Healing.” Contact her at (833) 742-6268; info@lifepurposeshaman.com
8. ==> Do Honesty, Integrity, and Reliability Still Matter at Work?
At a time when it seems that society is awash in scandals, embellishments, and fabrications, is it still important to treat others the way we want to be treated, to be honest, and act with integrity? And how important are these character traits in the ever-changing world of work? Beverly Williams, J.D., an employment professional, arbitrator, and former HR executive, can share an eye-opening look at the lack of civility at work and offer some reasons why some people, particularly inexperienced employees, may now believe that there are fewer consequences to being blunt and even discriminatory. Williams will talk about why so many people falsely believe they have more power over their employers than they truly do and ways this may stall their advancement. 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. Ask her: What are some of the lost opportunities the overly confident may be missing out on? Why is the willingness to learn new skills sometimes more important than you’d think? What’s involved in being the employee your employer wants to keep even amid layoffs? Contact Beverly at (973) 576-5841; bwilliams@rtirguests.com
9. ==> Why We Love Bad News and How It Affects the Murder Rate
Watch the evening news and you’ll surely see one story after another about car crashes, fires, murders, and hit-and-runs. “We love bad news and bad news sells,” says Elizabeth Power, an adjunct instructor in psychiatry and expert on trauma. “The media recognize the powerful pull of ‘if it bleeds, it leads,’” she adds. Powers says bad news does have a positive side: paying attention to it can make us more vigilant about staying safe. But she says all the bad news we marinate in (the work of a serial killer and the reporting of crime statistics) ultimately leaves us feeling bad and powerless. She’ll explain how that can lead to a loss of our ability to cope, an increase in feelings of powerlessness, and a reverence for famous criminals. She says some people can even turn to violence themselves in a misguided attempt to feel powerful again. Elizabeth Power 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. Elizabeth is an adjunct instructor in psychiatry at Georgetown Medical Center and has been on NBC News, NPR, and in the “Wall Street Journal.” Contact Elizabeth Power at (615) 903-0906; epower@rtirguests.com
10. ==> This Bookie’s Son Is a Sure-Bet Guest
As the son of a big-time bookie, Steven Feinberg, Ph.D., learned a lot about the world as he watched his father’s 24/7 gambling lifestyle including losing the equivalent of $90,000 on a single football game. “My life was a training ground for the handling and mishandling of uncertainty,” Dr. Feinberg observes. Now, Steven is ready to share with your audience stories about his father and how Steven managed to see the film “The Godfather” with an actual wise guy at his side. He’ll also share the three steps he learned about winning more from life by utilizing the Bookie vantage point. A one-of-a-kind guest, Steven is a top 1% executive consultant who 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
11. ==> The 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. 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. She executive produced “Ulitsa Sezam,” the Russian adaptation of “Sesame Street,” between 1993 and 1997. “Muppets in Moscow: The Unexpected Crazy True Story of Making Sesame Street in Russia” is her book. Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853 (cell); LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com or @lissa_warren
12. ==> Spring Health: Small Ways to Be Your Own Health Advocate
Chances are your lifestyle choices are hurting you, but there are countless things you can do to improve your health and postpone the onset of chronic disease. Emily Gold Mears says spring is the perfect time to take small steps toward better health. Forget the urge to change everything at once, Mears says, “Every incremental change you make will result in a positive impact. Every lifestyle alteration will contribute to your living a longer, healthier and happier life.” She’ll share ways to reduce your toxin exposure at home, explain why you should prioritize your oral health, and reveal the surprising benefits of optimizing your indoor light exposure. Emily Gold Mears is a former attorney and a citizen scientist whose research focuses on the intersection of functional and allopathic medicine and the critical requirements for individuals to become their own health-care advocates. She is the author of “Optimizing Your Health: An Approachable Guide to Reducing Your Risk of Chronic Disease.” Contact her at emily@emilygoldmears.com; egoldmears@aol.com
13. ==> How to Be More Resilient in 5 Minutes a Day
Why are some people better able to handle life’s blows than others? Can you learn how to bounce back from your challenges? Linda Karimo, who has developed a course on being more resilient, has researched this issue and says she can teach anyone — even those whose personalities struggle with change — to be more resilient, starting with a personalized five-minute activity that will lower your stress and help you think clearly about what you can change, what you can’t and how to deal with the difference. In addition to her upcoming resilience course, Linda is the developer of Initiative: “After Hours” by Linda Karimo, an education-focused community of individual and family members concerned about eye and mental health, and the author of her mother’s story, “I Know My Way Memoir,” which explores how normal living is possible with a little bit of adaption. Contact Linda Karimo at (914) 944-1474; lkarimo@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Is Life Coaching the Answer to Improving Kids’ Mental Health?
With child mental health declared a national emergency, experts calling for new solutions, parents looking for help, and children suffering needlessly, there’s never been a more urgent time to talk about the gap in children’s mental health: prevention. Renaye Thornborrow can share how life coaching can help children navigate the ups and downs of growing up so that they are confident and prepared to thrive in life. Since 2013, Renaye has certified hundreds of child life coaches in 30-plus countries who use her story-based coaching curriculum to help children develop 27 mindset skills for self-esteem, confidence, resilience, happiness, and success. Renaye is the CEO of Adventures in Wisdom and the creator of the WISDOM Coach Certification Program. Ask her: What is life coaching for kids? How is life coaching different from counseling? How can coaching benefit children? Contact Renaye Thornborrow at (512) 222-6659; renaye@AdventuresInWisdom.com
15. ==> How This Former Drug Dealer Turned Her Life Around
As a single teenage mother who grew up in a highly dysfunctional broken home, author Tressa Mitchener fell in with a bad crowd and turned to drug dealing. She was ultimately arrested and received a 30-year to life federal prison sentence. But thanks to her strong belief in a higher power, her sentence was miraculously reduced to five years. She went on to earn a B.A. in psychology, became a respected Christian counselor and best-selling author, and married her dream man. “While I was in prison, I was strongly focused on God,” she says. “He was giving me instructions and guiding me. My mind began to change.” She is the author of “Looking Out from the Inside: The United States v. Tressa Oliva Parker.” Contact Tressa at (919) 582-5992; Tmitchener@rtirguests.com
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4/27/2023 RTIR Newsletter: Don’t Run Joe, Summer Job Outlook, Celebrity Pets
01. Don’t Run, Joe
02. Americans Are Getting Worried About the Job Market
03. Summer Job Outlook for Teens
04. Celebrities Love Their Pets Too: National Pet Week Is May 2-8
05. Interview Actor Chad Coleman
06. Consumer Alert: Beware of QR Code Scams
07. Go Behind the Scenes with This Veteran Investigative Journalist
08. Interview a Mind-Blowing Expert on the Science of Persuasion
09. 4 Words That Will Make Anyone Pay Attention to You
10. Psychic’s Tips to Tap into Your Intuition
11. Are You Choosing Happy or Avoiding It?
12. Why 39-Year-Old Actor Chris Hemsworth Is Concerned About Alzheimer’s, and You Should Be Too
13. Is Postpartum Depression Preventable?
14. How to Maximize the Time with Your Doctor
15. How Are Iconic Food Items Created? Ask the Family That Dreamed up Tater Tots1. ==> Don’t Run, Joe
President Joe Biden has officially announced he’s running for re-election and is asking Americans to help him “finish the job” he started in his first term. But a majority of adults have repeatedly said they do not want him to seek a second term. The Don’t Run Joe campaign reacted to the announcement by issuing a statement saying Biden is moving the Democratic Party toward a likely disaster in 2024. “Simply crowning Joe Biden as the 2024 nominee is unhealthy for the Democratic Party and the country. It’s not enough to try to ride in on the negative coattails of revulsion toward the GOP. That strategy failed in 2016. The Democratic nominee should offer bold progressive programs that can build winning electoral coalitions while providing an inspiring roadmap for the future.” Don’t Run Joe is not endorsing any of the current candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination. Jeff Cohen is co-founder of RootsAction.org, the sponsor of the Don’t Run Joe campaign. Contact him at jeff@rootsaction.org
2. ==> Americans Are Getting Worried About the Job Market
High Inflation and economic uncertainty continue to weigh on consumers. The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index, which measures attitudes toward the economy and the job market, fell in April marking the lowest level since July 2022. “Consumers became more pessimistic about the outlook for both business conditions and labor markets,” says Ataman Ozyildirim, senior director of economics at the Conference Board. “Compared to last month, fewer households expect business conditions to improve and expect worsening of conditions in the next six months. They also expect fewer jobs to be available over the short term.” The April survey showed that worries about the economy slipping into a recession persisted last month. Economists, including those at the Federal Reserve, expect a recession later in the year as the Fed’s rate hikes take a deeper hold. Ataman Ozyildirim is also an adjunct professor at Boston College. Contact him at ataman.ozyildirim@bc.edu
3. ==> Summer Job Outlook for Teens
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more teens are working again with almost 37% holding down a job this year, the highest percentage since 2009. But what will happen come June when teens traditionally pick up summer jobs? Andrew Challenger, senior vice president of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc., predicts teens will gain 1.1 million jobs in 2023, slightly lower than last year’s gains, and the lowest since 2011. This estimate is based on not only the potential for an economic slowdown, but also the fact that despite need, teens will not take available jobs, many of which include shift work at amusement parks, pools, restaurants, and summer entertainment venues. Challenger can share tips for teen job-seekers including the best time to look for a summer job and unexpected places to find summer opportunities and paid internships. Challenger, Gray and Christmas is a global outplacement and executive coaching firm. Contact Colleen Madden Blumenfeld at (312) 422-5074; (314) 807-1568 (cell) or colleenmadden@challengergray.com
4. ==> Celebrities Love Pets Too: National Pet Week Is May 2-8
People are their most genuine selves when they’re with their pets, even celebrities. Celebrate National Pet Week, May 2-8, with photographer Johanna Siegmann, whose new book, “In Good Company,” features portraits of notable people with their pets. “No matter how experienced or nervous someone is about being photographed, interviewed or even in crowds, as soon as they are with their pets, everything changes,” Siegmann says. Unlike traditional pet portraits, these unique images depict the relationship between people and their beloved pets and portray everyday moments between them, which are intimate and mundane, often humorous, whimsical, or touching, and always genuine. Participants include the late Ed Asner, Ed Begley Jr., Richard Karn, Norman Lear, Adam Schiff, Eric Swalwell and many others from a wide range of fields including the arts, science, literature, performance and music. A portion of the book’s profits will go to support Apex Protection Project, a Los Angeles-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization created to save wolves through education, rescue and advocacy. Contact Harlan Boll at harlan@bhbpr.com
5. ==> Interview Actor Chad Coleman
Critically acclaimed actor Chad Coleman takes on a villainous role in the new season of The CW’s “Superman and Lois.” Coleman plays the infamous DC baddie “Bruno Manheim,” known to most of Metropolis as a local hero and philanthropist who has revived the struggling neighborhoods of the city. For years, Lois Lane has worked to prove that behind the façade is a career criminal and the head of the notorious organization Intergang. Coleman can discuss the new season’s twists and turns as well as his new horror-thriller “The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster,” which recently premiered at SXSW.
Chad Coleman is best known for his TV roles in “The Walking Dead,” “The Wire,” and “The Orville.” He’s also had numerous film and stage roles. The new season of “Superman and Lois” is now airing on The CW. Contact Lilyan or JT at (323) 655-1008; AGPR@AndersonGroupPR.com6. ==> Consumer Alert: Beware of QR Code Scams
You see them all over the place these days, those square QR codes you scan with your phone to reveal information about a product or service. But cybersecurity expert Amir Sachs says some QR codes are traps to get your information or money. With multiple reports of hacks stimulated by a QR code, Amir says people and businesses are at risk. Whether it’s money or financial information directly stolen or personal information, Amir says a hack could cost you money in the long run. He’ll share ways to reduce the risk of getting QR hacked and what to do if you’ve been exposed. Amir Sachs is a cybersecurity expert and the founder of Blue Light IT. Contact Adrienne Mazzone at (561) 908-1683; amazzone@transmediagroup.com
7. ==> Go Behind the Scenes with This Veteran Investigative Journalist
Over an extraordinary career in journalism, Michael Bowker has interviewed celebrities, athletes, adventurers, several presidents, and even serial killers. He has narrowly escaped mountain lions and exploding volcanoes and been up close and personal with the Golden State Killer. Michael shares both behind-the-scenes stories of famous figures and inspiring tales of ordinary people accomplishing extraordinary things. Ask him: Who is your favorite person that you’ve interviewed in your career? What happened after you ran a story about the convicted criminal who saved an autistic child from a burning house? Why did you testify for over 40 hours in Congress? An expert media guest who has been featured on hundreds of radio, podcast, and TV shows including “Good Morning America,” Michael has written more than 20 books and thousands of articles appearing in such publications as the “Los Angeles Times” and “Reader’s Digest.” His latest book is “Michael Bowker’s No Ordinary Days.” Contact him at (530) 296-6301; mbowker@rtirguests.com
8. ==> Interview a Mind-Blowing Expert on the Science of Persuasion
JFK used it to boost volunteerism. Johnny Cochran used it in the OJ Simpson trial. Marilyn Monroe used it to propel herself into stardom. Now, you can use “brain glue” to create blockbusters of persuasion that will have people saying yes to you when you interview James Bond. Whether you’re trying to get your kids to bed on time, succeed in a job interview, or close a million-dollar deal, James helps your audience unlock the power of persuasion with shockingly effective, proven methods that will improve every aspect of their lives, from relationships to careers and beyond. James Bond is one of America’s leading behavioral management specialists and the author of “Brain Glue.” Contact him at (805) 424-8611; jbond@rtirguests.com
9. ==> 4 Words That Will Make Anyone Pay Attention to You
In this hectic age of social media overload, 24-hour news and overall fast-paced lifestyles, communicating with others is more challenging than ever. “People’s attention spans are getting shorter and shorter,” says public speaking expert Nina Surya. “Based on neuroscience, there are certain words that make the brain snap to attention.” Nina claims that the subconscious mind doesn’t just pay attention to what others are saying; it automatically tunes out most of what we hear, unless it receives a special signal that something is important. She can share the four words that spark immediate connection and how to get through to anyone, be they your spouse, co-workers, boss, employees and others. Nina is an experienced media guest who has appeared on “Access Hollywood.” She is the president and CEO of UniqueSpeak, through which she serves as a speech and communication coach to top-level executives, politicians and public figures. Contact Nina at (310) 359-0787; nsurya@rtirguests.com
10. ==> Psychic’s Tips to Tap into Your Intuition
Are you looking to achieve the life of your dreams? The powerful force of intuition can allow you to accomplish all you’ve ever wanted, and Ann Johnson can help your audience tap into that force today. When it comes to intuitive psychics, Ann is the real deal. She’s been featured by top media outlets including “New York Magazine,” MTV Network, and “Rolling Stone.” The author of “Facing Forward: A Memoir About Choices, Intuition, and Insights in a Show Busy Life,” Ann brings powerful insights and recommendations for your audience that will lead them toward living their best lives. She can also provide an instant personality analysis on-air for your show host. Ask her: How can we use intuition to look and feel better at any age? What can intuition help us with when it comes to relationships and finding love? What can we look forward to in 2023? Contact Ann Johnson at (516) 862-4405; ajohnson@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Are You Choosing Happy or Avoiding It?
Unlock the hidden secrets of happiness and discover five things you think will make you happy but actually won’t when you interview this dynamic guest! Jennifer Hughes is on a mission to help people choose happy. Most people get it backward, avoiding things that will make them happy while actively choosing things that end up disappointing them. A certified life coach, trainer of The Success Principles, and author of “Choose Happy: Be This, Not That,” Jennifer can help your audience strengthen their relationships, achieve their dreams, and skyrocket their happiness to new levels. Ask her: What are the five unexpected things people believe will make them happy but actually won’t? Why is it so important to take responsibility for our own happiness, and how can we do that? What would you say to someone who doesn’t believe that happiness is a choice? Contact Jennifer Hughes at (480) 745-2113; jhughes@rtirguests.com
12. ==> Why 39-Year-Old Actor Chris Hemsworth Is Concerned About Alzheimer’s, and You Should Be Too
Chris Hemsworth is known for playing action-adventure heroes like Thor. His body is chiseled and toned and he looks to be in the prime of life. So that’s why it was surprising to learn that Hemsworth is scaling back on his career after learning that he carries a gene that makes him eight to ten times more likely to get Alzheimer’s than the average person. Dementia is often mistaken as an “old person’s disease,” but Hemsworth proves the memory-robbing illnesses can happen to even young people. Find out more when you interview Carlen Maddux, a former journalist who cared for his wife for 17 years after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at age 50. Carlen will reveal what he has learned about early-onset Alzheimer’s, its possible causes and more. Ask him: What are the signs and symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer’s? What about the gene Hemsworth has? How does Alzheimer’s affect families? Contact Carlen Maddux at (727) 351-8321; CMaddux@rtirguests.com
13. ==> Is Postpartum Depression Preventable?
Giving birth is supposed to be joyous. But for about one in seven women in the U.S., that new baby comes with hopelessness, mood swings, inconsolable crying, anxiety, difficulties bonding with their infants, extreme tiredness, and loss of appetite, symptoms that can last from three to six months and be shared by their partners. But what if their agony could be prevented? What would we need to do to make that happen? Alan Lindemann has the answers, having practiced obstetrics for 45 years, delivered more than 6,000 babies, and been a pioneer in treating postpartum depression. The now-retired doctor is devoting his time to reaching out to women about maternal health, especially those who may have limited access to care and information based on where they live. Ask him: Why is it key to combat postpartum depression before birth takes place? Why is postpartum depression so common? How do “maternity deserts” impact the problem? Contact Alan Lindemann M.D., at (701) 399-9556; ALindemann@Rtirguests.com
14. ==> How to Maximize the Time with Your Doctor
Have you noticed how the minutes you get with your doctor have become shorter? That’s why it is even more important to use such time wisely. During the visit, what should you communicate? What should you ask about your conditions, prognoses, treatments and preventative efforts? What advice and instructions are crucial (even lifesaving) to get? Learn more when you interview retired nurse practitioner Anne McAwley-LeDuc, whose career included 43-plus years of varied experience in the medical field. Anne will talk about understanding and following through on well¬ness strategies, remembering what your doctors need you to know and do, avoiding health mistakes, and caring for others in your family (particularly children and the elderly). Her advice will also help you maintain an important record of your health history. Anne McAwley-LeDuc is the author of the award-winning book “Personal Health Organizer.” Contact her at (860) 300-1603; AMcAwley@rtirguests.com
15. ==> How Are Iconic Food Items Created? Ask the Family That Dreamed up Tater Tots
Have you wondered how some of the most iconic foods in the U.S. came to be? Or perhaps you’ve pondered whether an idea you had might “cut the mustard”? Take a fascinating look at this tasty topic when you interview cousins Les and Steve Grigg. Les is the grandnephew of Ore-Ida founding brothers Nephi and Golden Grigg while Steve is Nephi’s son. These visionary brothers created, promoted and established Ore-Ida and its iconic Tater Tots™ in the 1950s which they eventually sold to Heinz at a handsome profit. Les and Steve can share fascinating Tater Tot™ facts — Americans consume more than 70 million of them a year — what the 20 most iconic American foods are and other cool stuff. Ask them: How did the Griggs manage to have Tater Tots™ make their debut at the newly constructed Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami? How did Ore-Ida get its name? How did thriftiness lead to the birth of Tater Tots™? Contact Les Grigg at (208) 589-0065; griggnyle@gmail.com; available last-minute