Author: admin

01. Comedian Chris Gethard – ‘Beautiful/Anonymous’
02. Behind Britney Spears’ Conservatorship
03. Cyberspace and Democracy After the Insurrection
04. New CDC Report: The Best Way to Wear a Mask
05. Star Wars’ Love Lessons: I Love You. I Know.
06. Millennials’ Guide to Romance
07. Surprising Secret to Better Sex
08. Pair Wine with Chocolate for Ultimate Valentine’s Day Sensuality
09. Beyond Politics: How to Vote with Your Money
10. How to Prepare for a Telemed Appointment
11. Tony Bennett’s Family Reveals Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
12. 5 Surprising Daily Activities That May Be Making You Sick
13. Advice from This Airline Pilot Can Help Your Goals Take Off
14. Are You a Carrier of the ‘Trauma Virus’?
15. Is Mother’s Intuition Real?

1. ==> Comedian Chris Gethard – ‘Beautiful/Anonymous’

Good news for those who love comedian Chris Gethard’s popular podcast Beautiful/Anonymous. It’s coming to video! On each episode, Gethard tweets out a phone number and has a half-hour conversation with whoever gets to him first. His innate curiosity about people and their lives, as well as his ability to disarm all of those he speaks to, leads to a conversation you never knew you wanted to experience but are so glad you had. Past episodes have revealed a survivor of the Las Vegas mass shooting who turned tragedy into positive action, a mother calling from a Children’s Hospital awaiting the results of her daughter’s cancer scan and the pride of a young woman who not only came out to her family but got her Trump-supporting neighbor to help her hang a pride flag out her front door. Chris Gethard is the star of the critically acclaimed HBO special “Career Suicide” and the host of the cult classic cable series “The Chris Gethard Show.” Chris has appeared on TV shows such as “The Office,” “Broad City,” “Parks and Recreation” and “Inside Amy Schumer.” Beautiful/Anonymous can be seen on Topic, a new streaming service from First Look Media. Contact Nathaniel Baruch at nathaniel.baruch@topic.com

2. ==> Behind Britney Spears’ Conservatorship

There’s no doubt Britney Spears’ career is a great success, but her personal life has been plagued by trouble. Over a decade ago, Spears was put under the guardianship of her father when her psychological problems began filling tabloids. The new documentary “Framing Britney Spears” takes a closer look at her life and the conservatorship. Attorney Peter Strauss says, “The Britney Spears case is an American tragedy that shows a person in need of real help.” He can explain why Britney has a conservatorship, what decisions her father makes as her guardian and how a guardian is chosen. “Guardianship can be beneficial in providing financial, medical, and other decisions for an individual with a disability or who is incapacitated. But it can also result in a loss of individual rights. The goal is to balance those two conflicting interests,” Strauss explains. “People have a right to make bad decisions – often harmful to themselves – provided they are not incapacitated.” “Framing Britney Spears” is now streaming on Hulu. Peter Strauss is a media veteran and senior partner at Pierro, Connor & Strauss, LLC. Contact Mark Goldman at (516) 639-0988 (text/call); mark@goldmanmccormick.com

3. ==> Cyberspace and Democracy After the Insurrection

Cybersecurity expert David Fidler says the Capitol riot is forcing a reckoning in our country about many things, including how we deal with the anti-democratic weaponization of digital technologies. “January 6th is a day that will live in cyber infamy,” he says. He’ll discuss ideas for changing cyber policy, including transforming the responsibility of social media platforms for their activities, re-evaluating the economic and market power of technology companies, establishing formal cyber alliances among countries within the community of democracies, re-invigorating democratic cybersecurity practices, and confronting digital authoritarianism. Fidler says, “Sorting through these and other ideas is important, but, foremost, we need to accept that the country has reached an inflection point in its history when it must pivot to build a future fit for its ideals.” David Fidler is adjunct senior fellow for cybersecurity and global health at the Council on Foreign Relations. He is an expert in international law, cybersecurity, national security, terrorism, counterinsurgency, international trade, biosecurity, and global health. Contact him at dfidler@cfr.org; @D_P_Fidler

4. ==> New CDC Report: The Best Way to Wear a Mask

A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that double-masking could provide up to 90% protection against the viral particles that cause COVID-19. Linsey Marr, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Tech who is a leading expert in the aerosol transmission of viruses, and Dr. Monica Gandhi, a professor of medicine at UCSF/San Francisco General Hospital, recently published a commentary on the practice. “For maximal protection,” Marr and Gandhi suggest the public “wear a cloth mask tightly on top of a surgical mask where the surgical mask acts as a filter and the cloth mask provides an additional layer of filtration while improving the fit.” A second option, they say, could be to wear a three-layer mask made from a flexible, tightly woven fabric that conforms to the face, with an insert of a “non-woven high-efficiency filter material,” such as a vacuum bag. Contact Linsey Marr at (540) 231-6071; lmarr@vt.edu

5. ==> Star Wars’ Love Lessons: I Love You. I Know.

Relationships can be complex — your dad could have turned to the dark side, your partner could be a princess, or your best friend might speak in more than 7 million forms of communication and never stop talking! This Valentine’s Day, invite Star Wars expert and writer Amy Richau to discuss lessons in love and friendship from a galaxy far, far away. She’ll share wise advice for romances, friendships, and family relationships from fan-favorite Star Wars characters like Han and Leia, Rey and Kylo Ren, and Finn and Poe. Amy Richau is the author of the new book “Star Wars: I Love You. I Know.” She’s an entertainment journalist and contributing writer for StarWars.com and Star Wars Insider magazine. She also contributed to the Star Wars docu-series “Looking for Leia” and has written for Nerdist and Screenrant. Contact her at amy@richau.org; @amyrichau or publicity@dk.com

6. ==> Millennials’ Guide to Romance

Sure, you can ask your mother or favorite aunt for advice, but romantic relationships aren’t what they used to be! Between changing social norms, new technologies and the pandemic, millennials are navigating a completely new landscape as they try to find and maintain romantic relationships. In other words, they need fresh advice for this “new normal.” Whether you’re dating, hooking up or in a serious relationship, Jennifer Wisdom can share essential tools to safely navigate your love life during the pandemic. Ask her: How can you meet people right now? What constitutes a safe date these days? What should you do when you and your partner don’t agree on safety protocols? Is this a good time to move in together? What about breakups during the pandemic? Jennifer Wisdom Ph.D., MPH, is a clinical psychologist and the author of “Millennials’ Guide to Relationships,” one of the “Millennials’ Guide” series of books. Contact her at (503) 484-5679; admin@leadwithwisdom.com

7. ==> Surprising Secret to Better Sex

Let’s face it, Valentine’s Day is a high-pressure holiday, and we all feel like we have to make it special. Most of us will be relying on the old standards of candlelit dinners, flowers, and candy but are they just becoming boring and stale? There is no better time to ramp up your romance with a proven technique to make your relationship extremely passionate and intimately loving for this special day. Invite James Beard to reveal how to connect with your partner on another level and develop special intimacy in your relationship. Learn three sexy breathing tips to add more passion, the importance of letting go and forgiveness, and the three essential connections to a healthy relationship. Beard is a certified yoga teacher, a licensed massage therapist and a holistic health practitioner. He is a breathwork expert with 28 years of experience and the author of four books, including “Thirteen Breaths to Better Sex: Making Love Intimate.” Contact him at (858) 349-1061; jamesisbreathing@gmail.com

8. ==> Pair Wine with Chocolate for Ultimate Valentine’s Day Sensuality

Let’s be honest, we’ve all given or received a box of chocolates on Valentine’s Day. Hopefully to, or from, someone very special. Yet how many of those heartfelt offerings do we really remember? Mmm … none? But with the assistance of some well-chosen wine, we can all create a stellar tasting experience that will be etched in our sweetie’s memory for years to come. Let wine guru Jim Laughren, CWE, show your audience how to set the stage for a delicious and memorable Valentine’s Day after-dinner snuggle-up. He will discuss the long and remarkable relationship between wine and chocolate and how we can pair this sensuous twosome for maximum delight. Contact Jim at (954) 317-9623; JLaughren@rtirguests.com

9. ==> Beyond Politics: How to Vote with Your Money

You’ve heard of dark money, PAC money, and corporate money and their undue influence on elections and public policy. Ordinary people don’t have that kind of influence … or do they? Certified Financial Planner Lorri Craig says they could. “When we think of each dollar we spend as a vote for the environment, fair treatment of workers, ethics, and integrity, or oversight of their supply chains — we are positively altering an egregiously-imbalanced economic and political power system,” she says. “We can make choices that boost ourselves, our communities, and our planet.” Lorri has simple advice on how to implement this strategy. She has a master’s degree in finance and is a subject matter expert for the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. She offers an Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) investment platform on her website for socially conscious investors who want to make a positive impact. Ask her what are some examples of voting with your discretionary dollars? How can ordinary people have an outsized influence on the world? Contact Lorri at (484) 453-1742; LCraig@rtirguests.com

10. ==> How to Prepare for a Telemed Appointment

Telemedicine had already been around before COVID-19, but it took off by necessity once the pandemic shut down medical offices along with everything else. And while it’s not always the best way to treat health issues, telemedicine is a safe option that will likely remain popular even after the COVID crisis. Invite Anne McAwley-LeDuc to discuss ways to make the most of and prepare for virtual appointments. From managing your time on the call to sharing information about your medical history, you’ll learn how to take more control of your health care to make sure you and your loved ones get proper treatment and stay safe. Anne is a retired registered nurse (RN) and nurse practitioner (APRN) board-certified in adult medicine, with 43 years of varied experience in the medical field. An experienced radio, TV and podcast guest, she is the author of “Personal Health Organizer.” Contact her at AMcAwley@rtirguests.com; (860) 300-1603

11. ==> Tony Bennett’s Family Reveals Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

For four years, legendary singer Tony Bennett and his family have kept his secret. Now, they’re breaking their silence. Bennett has Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of age-related dementia. It’s not easy for families to talk about a loved one’s diagnosis because of the stigma surrounding the disease. As a devoted caregiver and husband of someone who was diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s in her fifties, Carlen Maddux can discuss what it’s like to have a loved one who fades away even as they continue to live. He can share early warning signs and treatment options along with the biggest challenges for loved ones and tips for caregivers. Maddux has appeared on numerous shows. He’s the author of “A Path Revealed.” Contact him at (727) 351-8321; CMaddux@rtirguests.com

12. ==> 5 Surprising Daily Activities That May Be Making You Sick

Most of us want to do all we can to live healthy lives. But the sad fact is that many people are routinely employing some daily behaviors that are leading to chronic diseases and making those diseases worse. Trevor Campbell, M.D., is a family physician with a charming South African accent who specializes in helping people achieve the fullest lives possible by minimizing their chronic aches and pains. He’ll share the things that are making people sick as well as those that could speed their recovery. You’ll also learn about bio-behavioral disease, why most people have never heard of it, and what it can teach us. Campbell is the author of “The Language of Pain: Fast Forward Your Recovery to Stop Hurting.” Contact him at (250) 217-7832; tcampbell@rtirguests.com

13. ==> Advice from This Airline Pilot Can Help Your Goals Take Off

Want to land your dreams? The best way may be to follow the advice of someone who knows all about taking off and landing, Rico Racosky, an Air Force Academy graduate and airline pilot who spent decades in the USAF (as a fighter pilot) and flying for Southwest Airlines, where planning was critical, and choices had to be good ones. Rico who is also an award-winning author, speaker, educator and radio host will share his simple system for making smart choices at every turn — as featured in his best-seller “Just 2 Choices” — to soar to success. Contact Rico Racosky at (730) 572-1321; Rracosky@rtirguests.com

14. ==> Are You a Carrier of the ‘Trauma Virus’?

Trauma is embedded in institutions, in our collective stories, and passed down from generation to generation. Scholar and author Dr. Sousan Abadian says that even if you think you haven’t experienced trauma yourself, you can be a carrier of the trauma virus. She says we see trauma footprints today in the riots, insurrection, and rise of far-right extremists and white supremacists and that many of us are unaware of the ways we are carrying the trauma virus that can create fertile ground for radicalization to occur. She’ll explain how you may be infected by trauma or a carrier of trauma without being aware of it because forms of trauma have come to feel ordinary. Dr. Abadian is the author of the forthcoming book “Free Me to Love,” based on her personal experience with “collective trauma” and healing. She has a Ph.D. in political economy and government from Harvard University. Contact Sousan Abadian at (617) 860-2785; sabadian@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Is Mother’s Intuition Real?

People talk about mother’s intuition, but is it real or just a myth? Natalie Brobin says it exists and that mothers should trust their intuition because they know their children better than anyone else, even doctors. Her upcoming book, “Everyday Self-Care and Your High Needs Child,” offers advice for parents, particularly of children with medical issues, on how to reduce stress and make their lives more joyful. She’ll discuss how parents can take care of their children and themselves without anyone losing out and share her No. 1 piece of advice for “medical moms.” Contact Natalie Brobin at (651) 419-3137; nbonfig@rtirguests.com

01. Is American Democracy Doomed by Populism?
02. It’s Time to Close Guantanamo Bay
03. True Survival Story: Shipwrecked in the Arctic
04. Surprising Secret to Better Sex This Valentine’s Day
05. After Love – ‘The Divorce Case’ Subscription Box
06. Anniversary of the Beatles on Ed Sullivan Show
07. Monday is Presidents Day: Inside the Weirdest White Houses
08. Drink Up: Feb 18th is National Drink Wine Day
09. Interview the Clueless Caregiver for Feb. 19’s National Caregivers Day
10. Black History Month: Celebrate Unknown Black Innovators
11. What We Can Learn from 2020’s Leadership Failures
12. Notes on Leadership from a Jazz Musician
13. How to Get Ahead by Breaking All the Rules
14. Tales from a Diplomat’s Daughter in Iraq
15. New Amazon Documentary: Beating Superbugs

1.==> Is American Democracy Doomed by Populism?

The Trump presidency demonstrated the appeal of populist authoritarianism to many Americans. Yascha Mounk says the way the country responds to the attack on the U.S. Capitol will indicate how long this movement lasts. Mounk can discuss the reasons behind the rise of populism around the world and how the U.S. compares to other nations. He’ll also talk about extremism and whether social media bans on Trump and others will help remove extremist messages or cause the internet to slowly break into two pieces — or a whole chaotic array of shards. Yascha Mounk is an associate professor of international affairs at Johns Hopkins University, a contributing editor at the Atlantic, and a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. He’s the author of several books including “The People vs. Democracy.” Contact him at ymounk@cfr.org or communications@cfr.org

2. ==> It’s Time to Close Guantanamo Bay

More than 100 human rights and civil liberties groups are calling on President Joe Biden to close the prison at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, and end indefinite military detention. Aliya Hussain of the Center for Constitutional Rights says, “That so many groups are calling for an end to the indefinite detention of Muslim men without charge or fair trial at Guantánamo, and see it as part of a broader movement to uphold human rights, demand accountability for U.S.-sanctioned torture and violence, and fundamentally change the flawed criminal legal system, is significant. There is wide-ranging public support for President Biden to close Guantánamo. He must take bold and decisive action, and we will hold him accountable until he does.” Other groups signing the petition include the Center for Victims of Torture, American Civil Liberties Union, Immigrant Advocacy Project, Physicians for Human Rights, Muslim Solidarity Committee and Witness Against Torture. Contact Aliya Hussain via Jen Nessel at jnessel@ccrjustice.org or @theCCR

3. ==> True Survival Story: Shipwrecked in the Arctic

Your listeners may have heard of William Barents, but even if they haven’t, they’ll be fascinated when they hear his story. The Dutch navigator was stranded on Nova Zembla in the winter of 1596 during a failed search for a northern trade route to the Far East. Using diaries, archival material, and her own three trips to the Arctic to recreate Barents’ three Arctic voyages, journalist Andrea Pitzer has pieced together his amazing story. On your show, she’ll share Barents’ harrowing ordeal and the lessons it teaches, including survival at 20 degrees below zero, the degeneration of the human body when it lacks Vitamin C, the history of mutiny, the practice of keelhauling, the art of celestial navigation, and the feats humans are capable of when asked to do the near impossible. Andrea Pitzer has written for the Washington Post, the New York Review of Books, the Daily Beast, Vox, and Slate, among other publications. Her latest book is “Icebound: Shipwrecked at the Edge of the World.” To schedule interviews for January, contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com

4.==> Surprising Secret to Better Sex This Valentine’s Day

On Valentine’s Day, you’re looking for the rush you felt when you first fell in love, but how can you restore that passion and intimacy? Why don’t the old standards of flowers, candy, and dinner cut it anymore? According to breathwork expert James Beard, it’s because we want to be seen, heard, and felt more than anything else. Beard will share breathing practices that can help you connect with your partner on profound intimate levels, whether you’ve been together a few days or several years. Invite him on your show for tips that will spice things up this Valentine’s Day and beyond. Beard is a certified yoga teacher, a licensed massage therapist and a holistic health practitioner. He is a breathwork expert with 28 years of experience and the author of four books, including “Thirteen Breaths to Better Sex: Making Love Intimate.” Contact him at (858) 349-1061; jamesisbreathing@gmail.com

5. ==> After Love – ‘The Divorce Case’ Subscription Box

Valentine’s Day can be tough if you’re separated, divorced or in the midst of a divorce. If you’re looking for a gift for a loved one or BFF who could use a pick-me-up, consider “The Divorce Case.” Lauren Peacock designed a subscription box that includes products that helped her get through her divorce experience. “I remember wishing I had certain things readily available when I was feeling sad and alone. Most people don’t realize that divorce can suck the life out of someone, so even trips to the store can be a big deal,” says Peacock. With each monthly case, recipients receive a selection of self-care gifts, all personally selected by Peacock. “All the items have a purpose behind them, which I describe in a note. Together, they make a wonderful care package meant to take you away from the situation and the emotions that you are currently experiencing and allow you to focus on positive next steps in the journey you are about to take,” she says. The first box also contains a signed copy of her latest book, “Female. Likes Cheese. Comes with Dog: Stories About Divorce, Dating, and Saying ‘I Do.’” Relationship and dating expert Lauren Peacock has appeared on NBC, FOX, ABC and Yahoo! and in Woman’s Day, Bustle, and other publications. Contact her at thelaurenpeacock@gmail.com or Phil Lobel at Phil@lobeline.com

6. ==> Anniversary of the Beatles on Ed Sullivan Show

On February 9, 1964, an estimated 73 million Americans watched as the Beatles made their live U.S. television debut on the Ed Sullivan Show. It was an iconic moment in musical history that Broadway star Merritt David Janes and Jill Walker, co-producers of the new song “Peace and Love Will Never Die, A Song for John & Yoko,” remember fondly. The pair can discuss their memories of the performance, their favorite Beatles’ songs, and what inspired them to write their latest song. Written for the “forever fans” of John Lennon with a message for a new generation to embrace, the pair say the song gives thanks to Yoko and reminds us of the love and purpose they shared as a couple. Merritt David Janes is a veteran of the stage appearing in eight separate touring and Broadway productions since 2007. Jill Walker is a former board member of Theatre Within, the nonprofit behind The Annual John Lennon Tribute in New York City. She is a longtime advocate for the arts and the founder and president of Girl from the Grotto, a nonprofit that provides gift boxes and special events for medically ill children. Contact Mark Goldman at (516) 639-0988 (call/text) or mark@goldmanmccormick.com

7. ==> Monday is Presidents Day: Inside the Weirdest White Houses

Did you know James Monroe used to enjoy swimming nude in the Potomac River? Or that doctors once held a press conference to announce Dwight Eisenhower moved his bowels? Or that Calvin Coolidge often conferred with a raccoon? Or that First Lady Florence Harding gave press interviews in her negligee? Or that George H.W. Bush took showers with his dog? Author Hal Marcovitz can talk about the many strange stories that have been circulating around the White House since John and Abigail Adams occupied the Executive Mansion, including some very odd stories about the last occupant. Marcovitz, a longtime journalist, is the author of the novel “Painting the White House,” which tells the story of an ordinary house painter who finds himself at the center of White House intrigues and misadventures. Contact him at (215) 718-6807; hmarcovitz@rtirguests.com

8. ==> Drink Up: Feb 18th is National Drink Wine Day

Get ready for some sparkling conversation as Certified Wine Educator Jim Laughren helps your audience celebrate all the joys of wine in time for National Drink Wine Day on Feb. 18. Jim will prove that talking about wine is nearly as much fun as imbibing it and says you don’t need to spend a fortune to find wines that are often overlooked by wine snobs. His approachable take on wine will encourage everyone in your audience — even the bargain-hunters — to chuckle and experiment more. You’ll also learn about the vital role wine played in developing the world’s trade routes, how monkeys, wild boars and elephants manage to get tipsy, which celebrities own wineries or wine labels, and much more. Jim is the author of two short new eBooks, “The 15-Minute Guide to Red Wine” and “The 15-Minute Guide to White Wine.” Jim has appeared on radio and TV around the country and is also the award-winning author of “50 Ways to Love Wine More” and “A Beer Drinker’s Guide to Knowing and Enjoying Fine Wine.” He is the past president of a wine importing and distribution company and is known for his fun and irreverent wine classes and seminars. Contact him at (954) 317-9623; JLaughren@rtirguests.com

9. == > Interview the Clueless Caregiver for Feb. 19’s National Caregivers Day

In tough times, a laugh can help keep our spirits up. Kathleen Lenane is here to explore the humorous side of family caregiving. Yes, even in a pandemic. Kat is the creator of the hilarious website The Clueless Caregiver and blog. Expect to chortle and guffaw as she answers, in an entertaining Q&A format, questions like: How do I tell my 85-year-old father he shouldn’t be driving anymore? And: Where does Mom hide the hearing aids, iron supplements and medical alert pendant she should be using — but insists “she doesn’t really need”? Kat’s mix of wit and tips includes personal stories of, for instance, rounding up discarded hospital meal-tray bananas for a Super Bowl party her father threw in the Intensive Care Unit (way before COVID times). Kat has worked as a book ghostwriter and staff writer and editor for SELF and Cosmopolitan — in addition to caring for two mischievous parents who refused to act old into their 90s. Contact Kat at (860) 500-1524; klenane@rtirguests.com

10. ==> Black History Month: Celebrate Unknown Black Innovators

February is Black History Month and a great time to celebrate some of the unknown contributions Blacks have made to America’s innovation and growth. You’ll be surprised by the number of everyday items — many of which we still use today — that were created by Black inventors over the last 400 years. From the doorknob to the kitchen stove, the engine crankshaft and the ironing board, urban economist and tech guru Ida Byrd-Hill will share stories of African American inventors including how patents were obtained at a time when it was illegal for them to have a case in American courts. Ida’s media experience includes Good Morning America, radio stations across the country, Essence Magazine and various newspapers and podcasts. She is the CEO of Automation Workz, a cybersecurity reskilling and diversity consulting firm and the author of “Invisible Talent Market.” Contact her at (313) 483-2126; ida@autoworkz.org

11. ==> What We Can Learn from 2020’s Leadership Failures

As a new administration takes shape in Washington, are we willing to learn from the mistakes we made in 2020, or will we double down on them due to a lack of courage to admit when things went wrong? That’s the question leadership expert Steven Mays raises as he explores why leaders catastrophically fail even at the country’s highest levels. “Could it be that we don’t nurture, train, reward, and value honesty and courage in our leaders by concentrating instead on talent and personality?” Mays asks. He is the author of “Power of 3 Leadership, Lessons in Leadership.” A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis who served on nuclear submarines, he was a mathematician, electrical engineer and nuclear engineer who worked in private industry and at the Nuclear Regulation Commission. Contact him at (703) 552-5672; smays@rtirguests.com

12. ==> Notes on Leadership from a Jazz Musician

Since he first picked up his sister’s guitar at age 12, music has taught Gerald J. Leonard many things: the discipline of practice, playing fairly, how to listen, connect with others, and how to have fun. Today, the conservatory-trained musician and CEO of the business consultancy Principles of Execution, uses those lessons to help managers understand and motivate their employees. “In the mind of an artist, a performance is either great or horrible. There is no gray area; it is excellent or it is shameful. For most of us, work is our biggest daily performance. We want to nail it and feel bad when we fail. We also need skilled conductors – good leadership – to guide our flow and help us play our best, both as solo artists and as part of the band.” Leonard will explain why the hallmarks of high-performing employees are nearly identical to those of artists and share how management can tap into their teams’ natural creativity to keep them engaged, collaborative and successful. A professional bassist, Gerald J. Leonard offers a unique approach to accomplishing more productivity in the workplace. His latest book is “Workplace Jazz: How to Improvise – 9 Steps to Creating High-Performing Agile Project Team.” Contact him at (443) 622-4740; gerald@geraldjleonard.com

13. ==> How to Get Ahead by Breaking All the Rules

If you are thinking about starting a business this year, you need to talk to Raj Girn first. Raj started what would prove to be a lasting, successful publishing business just one year after learning how to write a check and attributes much of her success to not knowing the rules, not realizing that she was breaking them! Raj gave numerous mainstream celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Scherzinger, and Nelly Furtado their first South Asian covers in her ANOKHI Magazine; she is also a confidence expert and has an inspiring life story of how she survived an arranged marriage with a stranger, life in a new culture and country and more to achieve a new identity and to work with an impressive roster of multinational clients (L’Oréal Paris, Estée Lauder, Johnnie Walker, Ciroc, Hilton and Sheraton Hotels). Raj heads the Open Chest Confidence Academy, is a well-known media personality in Canada and a serial media entrepreneur who has worked with thought leaders, celebrities, and multinational corporations. She has been featured in two coffee table books, a documentary, and a motivational book that became an international best-seller. Contact: Raj at (647) 490-3158; Rgirn@rtirguests.com

14. ==> Tales from a Diplomat’s Daughter in Iraq

As the daughter of an Iraqi diplomat and American mother, Nadia Al-Samarrie led a fascinating, movie-worthy life. Case in point: while visiting her father in Iraq once she received 11 marriage proposals in a similar number of months including one from the prime minister’s doctor that carried a potentially deadly twist. The doctor told her, “I’ll turn you in as an American spy if you don’t marry me!” He was 30, she just 19. Interview Nadia to find out how she made her escape from this dangerous political situation. You can also ask her what it was like to be a diplomat’s daughter and grow up in a culture where what people thought of you was more dangerous than what you did. Nadia is the author of the new memoir, “From Bagdad to Berkeley: A Woman’s Affair.” As an author and diabetes expert, she has been featured on ABC, NBC, CBS, and other major cable networks. View her book trailer on her self-named website or through Vimeo (From Baghdad to Berkeley- A Woman’s Affair). Contact Nadia Al-Samarrie at (415) 741-3545; nalsamarrie@rtirguests.com

15. ==> New Amazon Documentary: Beating Superbugs

While the world has been focused on conquering the COVID-19 virus, another health threat has been building. Some experts predict that if unchecked by mid-century, antibiotic-resistant superbugs could surpass cancer as the No. 1 cause of human death worldwide. The new documentary “Beating Superbugs: Can We Win?” examines the health crisis and provides a sober yet optimistic view of some of the most ingenious solutions to superbugs that are already in place or are emerging. Invite director Bill Mudge to discuss what he learned making the film and why people should pay attention to the issue. “Beating Superbugs” is streaming on Amazon this month. Contact Ryan Davis at (206) 491-3738; ryan@smarthousecreative.com