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01. Pulitzer Prize-Winner’s New Malcolm X Biography
02. How Santa is Handling the Pandemic
03. The Govt. Agency that Tracks Santa
04. The Kosher Baker Lightens Up Hanukkah
05. TV Host: How to Have a Simply Delicious Holiday
06. Don’t Be a Scrooge: Penny-Pinching Holiday Tips
07. Happier Holidays are as Easy as Answering Yes or No
08. Do We Really Get the Leaders We Deserve?
09. What Really Happened to Freddie Gray?
10. Bad Weather: We Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet
11. Are Students Learning or Losing Out in Virtual Classrooms?
12. Flip-Flops for Winter? Yup!
13. Live Your Best Life in the Worst of Times
14. Characteristics of People Who Make the Biggest Impact
15. Award-Winning Medium Answers Your Questions

1. ==> Pulitzer Prize-Winner’s New Malcolm X Biography

Americans know that Malcolm X was an African American Muslim minister and human rights activist who was a popular figure during the civil rights movement. But a new biography greatly expands our understanding of Malcolm X’s life and contextualizes it, not only within the Nation of Islam, but within the larger arc of African American history. Researched and written by Pulitzer Prize–winning investigative journalist Les Pane and his daughter Tamara, and published after Les Pane’s death in 2018, “The Dead Are Rising” incorporates material culled from hundreds of hours of interviews with Malcolm’s then still-living immediate family and contemporaries. Tamara Pane can discuss her father’s first witnessing Malcolm X’s galvanizing oratory at a rally in 1963 and how that affected his life and career and what it was like working with her father on the book. Les Payne was an investigative journalist, foreign correspondent, and editor at Newsday. A founder of the National Association of Black Journalists, he also wrote an award-winning syndicated column. Tamara Payne served as her father’s principal researcher. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com

2. ==> How Santa is Handling the Pandemic

This is Santa’s busiest time of the year, when he makes a lot of public appearances, but how is he dealing with COVID-19 restrictions? Mall Santa experiences aren’t gone but they’ve changed like just about everything else has these days. Santa Ed is a professional Santa who also runs The Santa Claus Conservatory, a Santa Claus school. He’ll explain the ways “Santas for Hire” are adapting this year including Zoom calls and virtual parties, and how kids and their parents are responding. He’ll also share some of the craziest Santa requests he’s gotten. Santa Ed is Hollywood’s “go-to” Santa Claus and has appeared in many TV shows, commercials and movies. The Santa Claus Conservatory has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Fox Business, Money magazine, VOX, and many others. Contact Santa Ed at (424) 343-9555 (call or text); Santa@SantaEd.com

3.==> The Govt. Agency that Tracks Santa

COVID-19 has canceled a lot of things, but it’s only made Santa’s Christmas Eve flight around the world more anticipated than ever! Though he’ll probably be wearing a mask and maintaining social distance, St. Nick is scheduled to take his sled and reindeer to the skies for his annual trip and The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the government agency that tracks everything that flies in and around North America in defense of our homeland, will be following his every move just as they have each year since 1955. Book an interview with a Santa Tracker to hear the unlikely story of how this modern tradition began with a child’s accidental phone call, why the agency continues to provide Santa’s flight updates more than 50 years later, and how the process has evolved to include social media and flight apps that allow you to track Santa on your phone! The folks at NORAD can provide video b-roll and graphics and arrange general interviews with a Santa Tracker or tailor the interview for your specific region. You can even book live in-flight interviews for December 24. Contact NORAD Public Affairs at (719) 554-6889; NTSMedia@outlook.com

4. ==> The Kosher Baker Lightens Up Hanukkah

Many of us have put on a few pandemic pounds in the past few months. Skip the calorie-loaded dishes and opt for a healthier Hanukkah this year when you invite Paula Shoyer aka the Kosher Baker to share ways to lighten-up your favorite family recipes. Whether you’re cooking Keto, Whole30 or are just trying to cut calories, Paula will help you makeover your holiday table with dishes every generation will appreciate. She’ll also help you create a stress-free holiday with great ideas for room temperature dishes and freezer-friendly make-ahead recipes that are perfect for COVID delivery to the loved ones you can’t gather with right now. Paula Shoyer has appeared on numerous radio and TV shows and even competed on Food TV. A graduate of Ritz Escoffier Ecole de Gastronomie Francaise, she is the author of several cookbooks including “The Healthy Jewish Kitchen.” Contact her at (301) 404-8998; pshoyer@hotmail.com

5. ==> TV Host: How to Have a Simply Delicious Holiday

As the host of PBS-TV’s “Simply Delicious Living,” Maryann Ridini Spencer can tell your audience how to make their holidays simply delicious when she shares her recipes for body, mind and spirit. Invite her to reveal the secret to keeping balance and joy during this sometimes stress-filled season and share ways to make this year’s holiday season special despite the current pandemic. Maryann is a TV/film producer, screenwriter, and the author of the award-winning Kate Grace Mystery books, “Lady in the Window” and “The Paradise Table.” Her work has appeared on “Hallmark Hall of Fame” (CBS-TV), the Hallmark Channel, CNN, USA, SyFy, Showtime and many other outlets. Contact Maryann Ridini Spencer at (818) 492-9135; mspencer@rtirguests.com

6. ==> Don’t Be a Scrooge: Penny-Pinching Holiday Tips

These are difficult financial times for many. The pandemic has led to reduced work hours for some; has put many people out of work; and has led to a sense of financial angst. With the holiday season bearing down on us, Patricia Davis can talk about ways to avoid excessive holiday spending while still being generous. Filled to the brim with creative ideas, Davis will encourage listeners to substitute material gifts for gifts of their time such as running errands for friends, neighbors and family members and, where appropriate, re-gifting new unused items to others who will get more use from them. She’ll also share ways to raise cash that can be used for presents by selling their opinions and selling items on sites like Poshmark. The author of “Going Broke Is No Joke!,” she is an experienced guest with a B.S. from Howard University, an MBA from Stanford, an M.S. in personal financial planning from Golden Gate University, and a Diploma of Graduation from Georgetown University’s Stonier Graduate School of Banking and Finance. Contact Patricia Davis at (301) 517-6304; pdavis@rtirguests.com

7. ==> Happier Holidays are as Easy as Answering Yes or No

Want to have a happier holiday season but don’t know where to start? Want to get a head-start on your New Year’s resolutions? Just like every other move you make in your life, you have Just 2 Choices, says author, speaker and radio guest Rico Racosky. Rico can help individuals navigate the holiday season and New Year’s resolutions so they can reach their goals by using simple yes or no answers. Figuring out your life just got way easier. Rico’s book is “Just 2 Choices.” Contact Rico at (730) 572-1321; Rracosky@rtirguests.com

8. ==> Do We Really Get the Leaders We Deserve?

Americans just lived through a bitter, chaotic election in which questions about civility, leadership, honesty and courage abounded. What lessons can we learn from the experience? Interview leadership expert Steven Mays who will tell you why he says whether for good or bad, the public gets the leaders they deserve. “We get the leaders we deserve because we fail to provide for their foundation development due to overemphasis on talent,” he says. “Why aren’t there college classes in Honesty 101 or capstone courses in courage? Instead, our reliance on talent alone causes an imbalance, which can lead to catastrophic leadership failures.” Mays 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

9. ==> What Really Happened to Freddie Gray?

Listeners likely remember the tragic story of 25-year old Freddie Gray, a young Black man who died in police custody in Baltimore in 2015 as a result of a broken neck. Six officers were subsequently tried, but the trials of three were dismissed and the others were found not guilty on various charges. Invite Mary Anne Whelan M.D., Ph.D., to take apart the process and testimony of the trial from a medical point of view. She’ll critique the prosecution, the autopsy report, and the testimony of the expert witnesses. She’ll also review the important medical concepts necessary to evaluate what happened, and the medical ethics which should (but did not) prevail in such cases. For a show that touches on racial injustice in America as well as medico-legal ethics, invite Dr. Whelan to discuss not only what happened in this case, but what needs to change in our approach to this type of situation—and why this is not just a problem for the Black community but for all of us. Dr. Whelan has a Ph.D. in biological anthropology and an M.D. with board certification in neurology and psychiatry. Her new book is “Freddie’s Last Ride.” Contact her at (607) 437-5040; mawhelan@capital.net

10. ==> Bad Weather: We Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet

In a statement released last week with the U.N.’s State of the Climate Report, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres said, “Humanity is waging war on nature. This is suicidal. Nature always strikes back, and it is already doing so with growing force and fury.” No one knows that better than Sana Brauner, who nearly died in a tsunami that came out of nowhere, claiming her mother and young daughter. In the 16 years since then, Sana has learned a lot about facing sudden, unexpected events and the fear they engender and can share lessons we need as we face the continued disruption of our lives from COVID-19. She can inspire audience members to see the future and create the life they need to get there. She is the author of “The Borrowed Daughter.” Contact her at s.brauner@ihr-einkauf.at Skype: sanabr

11. ==> Are Students Learning or Losing Out in Virtual Classrooms?

Education has been profoundly affected as today’s pandemic drags on. From kindergarten to college, for many school administrators, the alternative to spreading COVID-19 has meant the introduction of virtual classrooms. Educator, speaker, and author Barbara Daniels will discuss virtual teaching options and whether students benefit from them. Author of the award-winning Timmy Teacup book series, Daniels will reveal how to eliminate common school problems, engage students more and encourage teachers to be more compassionate. She’ll discuss how to keep order and minimize distractions in virtual classrooms, what’s currently missing and what’s more effective, and how we can help teachers improve. Contact Barbara Daniels at (636) 220-5495; BDaniels@rtirguests.com

12. ==> Flip-Flops for Winter? Yup!

Aside from being fun to wear, flip-flops can also help define us, and enable us to live our best lives. So says former Miss America contestant, author and humorist Jane Jenkins Herlong. “Since life has flipped on us, we need to survive with humor, productivity and occupying our minds in healthy ways,” she says. “It’s okay to laugh!” Jane can reveal how to put rhinestones on your flip-flops, literally and metaphorically, in order to shine. She is the award-winning author of four books including “Rhinestones on My Flip-Flops,” and has recorded music CDs and personal growth and comedy DVDs. Her comedy is featured on Sirius XM 97. Contact Jane Jenkins Herlong at (803) 599-2941, JHerlong@rtirguests.com

13. ==> 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 share 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 struggled through needing 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

14. ==> Characteristics of People Who Make the Biggest Impact

We all know or have heard of people who influence lives, affect history, lead by example, and even change the future. What do those powerful individuals have in common? How could you become such a leader? Teruni Lamberg, a sought-after leadership expert and author of “Leaders Who Lead Successfully,” will tell you how as she discusses everything from recognizing and strengthening good ideas to having a good sense of humor and overcoming mistakes. Discover what kinds of leadership skills are important and why, as well as how to look at problems from a fresh perspective. Contact Teruni Lamberg at (775) 451-3086: TLamberg@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Award-Winning Medium Answers Your Questions

What does a medium really do? How can a psychic help people who are struggling in life? Find out when you bring Beth Lynch on your show. She’ll reveal how a deeper sense of spirituality can heal us at any age. Learn what’s missing in modern life, the surprising benefits of prayer and meditation, and spiritual-based remedies for anxiety and loss. Whether your show is about relationships, news, family, business, money, health, or the unexplained — there’s an audience for Beth Lynch! Ask her: What do dreams often signify? How do you strengthen your ideals in such a difficult year? How does spirituality enhance wellness, relationships, and even finances? What does it take to communicate with the afterlife? Beth Lynch has been practicing and teaching spiritual principles and meditation for over 25 years. She is a popular author, speaker and media guest. Contact Beth at (484) 705-2818; BLynch@rtirguests.com

 

 

01. How Bad Is the Pandemic Going to Get?
02. Educators Beg Biden to Be Bold
03. True Survival Story: Shipwrecked in the Arctic
04. Mrs. Christmas Says Caroling Isn’t Cancelled!
05. From St. Nick to Santa: The Gospel of Santa Claus
06. Immune-Boosting Holiday Hacks
07. RX for a Stress-Free Holiday
08. Cheers! The Best Holiday Pours
09. How to Experience More Holiday Joy
10. Will the Supreme Court Take IVF Away?
11. Here’s How to Live a More Adventurous Life in 2021
12. Put More Yay in Every Day
13. Advantages Self-Doubters Have That Self-Confident People Lack
14. Mourning Alex Trebek, Wishing Al Roker Well
15. DOTUS: Welcome the Presidential Pooches!

1.==> How Bad Is the Pandemic Going to Get?

Laurie Garrett has been sounding the alarm about COVID-19 since the first days of the pandemic. The Pulitzer Prize-winning science author and former fellow for global health at the Council on Foreign Relations says the U.S. is in a period of “exponential growth” of the coronavirus and “the gates of Hades have opened.” She and other health experts are calling for a very dark winter, citing the record number of new infections and hospitalizations across the country. As scientists continue to work on rolling out a vaccine, Garrett says there are concrete actions that can be taken to minimize risk and spread in the upcoming months, but Americans are suffering COVID fatigue. She can discuss how the situation got this bad and share advice on staying safe this holiday season along with some creative ways to follow basic coronavirus protocols. “The moment you start hugging someone you haven’t seen for weeks — yes, it’s good for your soul and for your heart, and we all long for it — but that is the moment when you are sharing a risk and a threat that wasn’t there before you had that hug,” she says. Garrett was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Journalism in 1996 for a series of works published in Newsday chronicling the Ebola virus outbreak in Zaire. Contact Ron Bernstein at Assist.RBernstein@icmpartners.com

2. ==> Educators Beg Biden to Be Bold

Anticipation and advocacy are building around Joe Biden’s pick to lead the Department of Education and whether his policies will significantly depart from past decades. Building on Biden’s reference to Franklin D. Roosevelt, over 1,000 educators and organizations have sent a letter to Biden urging the appointment of leaders who bring a bold, research-based vision for education that parallels FDR’s New Deal. Kevin Welner of the National Education Policy Center says, “Biden’s initial appointments show his desire to draw upon expertise developed during the Obama administration. The appointees know the ropes and will be able to immediately embark on the difficult work of responding to the pandemic and economic crisis, as well as reversing four years of damage. But experience is not always a good thing.” Obama’s Department of Ed largely continued the test-based accountability and charter-school policies of the George W. Bush administration but Welner says Biden promised to shift away from this old thinking — and to instead focus on closing resource gaps and opportunity gaps. Welner is director of the National Education Policy Center at the University of Colorado Boulder, fellow of the American Educational Research Association, and co-author of the research brief, “What’s Next for Pre-K-12 Funding?” Contact him at kevin.welner@gmail.com

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

Your listeners have probably never heard of William Barents. 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.==> Mrs. Christmas Says Caroling Isn’t Cancelled!

Families across America are having heart-wrenching conversations about how to spend the upcoming holidays. People want to have their loved ones around them, but many recognize that gathering just isn’t safe. So how do we have meaningful, memorable, joyous celebrations together? Renae Baker says, “Traveling and gathering may be on hold for this December, but holiday spirit doesn’t have to be.” Affectionately known as Mrs. Christmas, Baker has managed a professional caroling company in NYC for decades and this year she’s bringing live carol sing-alongs to virtual holiday spaces. The “I’ll Be Zoom for Christmas” and “Zoom Gali Gali” parties feature professional Broadway carolers taking real-time requests. Baker and her carolers have been featured on Fox News Chief Religion Correspondent Lauren Green’s, “Mighty Christmas” special and many more media outlets. She’s the author of “Defeating Scrooge: How to Harness the Power of Christmas Carols to Revive Your Spirit Anytime of the Year” and the Defeating Scrooge Spirit Saver Calendar. Contact her at (917) 509-9022; ismileny@gmail.com

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

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

6. ==> Immune-Boosting Holiday Hacks

Coronavirus cases are up in the U.S. and it’s also flu season. Combine that with Christmas and New Year’s and people’s pent-up desire to celebrate and you have a recipe for disaster. If you are looking for a guest who is timely, unusually candid and knowledgeable, you have found her. Dr. Annalee Kitay has seldom-heard advice on how to keep your immune system boosted so that you do not fall prey to viruses. Dr. Kitay says, “With traditional medicine in a questionable state, not providing sound health care, and everything going on threatening our health, it is imperative to look at other natural choices that will boost your immune system.” She also trains other doctors in this revolutionary protocol that enables the body to achieve optimum wellness. Dr. Kitay worked with and did a radio show with the late Dr. Robert Atkins. Contact Dr. Kitay at (561) 462-4733; akitay@rtirguests.com

7. ==> RX for a Stress-Free Holiday

We all have a lot on our plates right now and the stress is adding up. With the holidays now upon us, how can we dial things back to actually enjoy the season? Invite New York-based meditation expert Adam Weber to share his method for relaxing and calming your mind anywhere, at any time of the day, even at work. Weber says that in only three to five minutes you can decompress and build a meditation practice that fits into your busy schedule. Invite him to share why it’s not hard to start meditating and how you can really relax your mind in a stressful place like the office. He is the author of the soon-to-be-released book “Meditation Not Medicine: Survive and Thrive in Our Stress Filled World.” Contact him at (917) 779-8177; aweber@rtirguests.com

8. ==> Cheers! The Best Holiday Pours

It’s been an unconventional year and the holidays are sure to be the same. No matter whom you’re with or what you are eating, there will likely be some adult beverages involved and Jim Laughren, CWE, can help your listeners figure out the perfect wine for the occasion, whether they’re looking for a comforting favorite, something out of the ordinary or a bargain too good to pass up. He can also suggest creative gift ideas for the wine lovers on your shopping list like special glasses and accessories, wine club memberships and more. An encyclopedia of wine knowledge, Jim is the author of two short new eBooks, “The 15-Minute Guide to Red Wine” and “The 15-Minute Guide to White Wine.” He has appeared on radio and TV around the country and is also the award-winning author of “50 Ways to Love Wine More” and “A Beer Drinker’s Guide to Knowing and Enjoying Fine Wine.” Contact Jim Laughren at (954) 317-9623; JLaughren@rtirguests.com

9. ==> How to Experience More Holiday Joy

Could there be a simple scientific formula for experiencing more joy that could help your listeners through the COVID-infused holidays? According to author and scientist David L. Peters, such a formula exists and he has used it to cope with the grief of losing his wife of 58 years on the 60th anniversary of their first meeting. Bring David on your show to help others whose yule season is shaping up to be difficult so that they too can develop their own personal recipe for peace and happiness. David is an engineer who holds 18 patents and is the author of the book “The 12 Steps to Joy and Happiness: Finding the Kingdom of God That Lies Within.” Contact David at (607) 304-3329; DPeters@rtirguests.com

10. ==> Will the Supreme Court Take IVF Away?

Expect controversy when Nate Birt discusses in vitro fertilization (IVF) and whether it could become a casualty when the new conservative Supreme Court addresses reproductive rights. Birt, the father of a toddler who began life as another couple’s embryo, can discuss: what Roe v Wade has to do with IVF, whether this is more than a pro-life issue, and what may happen if parents are denied the chance to give birth to or adopt a baby if IVF is no longer allowed. Nate Birt is the author of “Frozen, But Not Forgotten: An Adoptive Dad’s Step-by-Step Guide to Embryo Adoption.” Contact Nate Birt at (417) 221-9045; NBirt@rtirguests.com

11. ==> Here’s How to Live a More Adventurous Life in 2021

As you think about what you would like to do differently in 2021, you should take living a safer life off the list. According to author and adventurer Sparrow Hart, safety has consequences – an ever-growing store of regrets from living small — we don’t always think about. He’ll explain why “safety-ism” — valuing safe¬ty above everything else — runs counter to scientific research and ancient wisdom; is toxic to our dreams; and antithetical to a passionate pursuit of our best selves. Sparrow’s varied career includes being a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Stanford, a brief stint working in a slaughterhouse, adven¬tures in the Amazon jungle, and over 30 years of leading workshops on shamanism, the heroic journey, and vision quests in nature. He is the author of several books including “Letters to the River: A Guide to a Dream Worth Living.” Contact Sparrow Hart at (801) 516-0740; SHart@rtirguests.com

12. ==> Put More Yay in Every Day

It’s been a tough year, one unlike any most of us can remember. But one of the things that have saved many of us and will continue to save us as 2021 rolls around is having a hobby or two. For those who have procrastinated on finding one or still aren’t giving enough time to what brings them joy listening to award-winning author Mary K. Savarese could be a lifesaver. Mary’s own hobby — writing books — came after her last child left home and she overcame significant anxiety about her new family dynamic. Mary can talk about why it is important to find yourself, and even how to find a new hobby (that could turn into a career) that’s best for you. Mary has appeared in local publications, Mindalia TV, iHeartRadio and podcasts. Her latest book is “Tigers Love Bubble Baths & Obsession Perfume, (who knew!).” Her latest project, “The Girl In The Toile Wallpaper” is a trilogy that will be published in the spring. Contact Mary at (860) 550-3344; maryksavarese@gmail.com

13. ==> Advantages Self-Doubters Have That Self-Confident People Lack

In our culture, self-confidence is lauded as a virtue. So, what happens to self-doubters? Are they broken? Or could they have an advantage that 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. He can reveal how the words in your head could be sabotaging your efforts and why people experiencing doubt are some of the strongest leaders. His forthcoming book, “The Surprising Gift of Doubt,” provides a framework for leaders to move past feeling like a fraud and manage teams more effectively. Contact Marc Pitman at (317) 751-1610; mpitman@rtirguests.com

14. ==> Mourning Alex Trebek, Wishing Al Roker Well

As the nation was processing the election results word came that Alex Trebek, iconic “Jeopardy” host, had succumbed to pancreatic cancer while beloved TV weatherman Al Roker announced that he had an aggressive form of prostate cancer. But even with this sad news, there are lessons to be had in how Trebek lived his life since his diagnosis last year and how Roker is living his, lessons understood by Kipp Harris, who has been struck by a rare form of cancer three times. With celebrity news bringing these issues to the fore and perhaps encouraging people to go for screenings, Kipp can share what he learned from his journey. Including the importance of living fully, recognizing the many lives we touch every day, and even finding joy during chemotherapy. Kipp’s latest book is “Improbable Joy: A 3-Time Cancer Survivor’s Journey to Finding Joy in Unexpected Places.” Contact Kipp at (701) 638-4051; Kharris@rtirguests.com

15. ==> DOTUS: Welcome the New Presidential Pooches!

The White House has been without a presidential pet since the Obama’s moved out, but that will change come January when the Biden family brings their German shepherds with them. Alexandra Horowitz, author of “Our Dogs Ourselves: The Story of a Singular Bond,” says nearly every president since George Washington has had a presidential pet of some sort — including a ram, a cow, a badger, raccoons, and a couple of parakeets. She says dogs in particular help make the White House and its occupants more relatable. “Who doesn’t get a kick out of the images of President Theodore Roosevelt’s dog Pete chasing the French ambassador up a tree? Thinking about Champ and Major scampering through the Biden White House, knocking over a precious lamp or two, chewing the occasional executive desk leg or soiling the rug during a long night, reminds us of the pleasures, and sometimes difficulties, of living with animals.” Major and Champ are already featured on Instagram fan accounts, with thousands of followers. Alexandra Horowitz is a professor and senior research fellow at Barnard College. Contact her at alexandra.c.horowitz@gmail.com or Kathryn Gerlach at (212) 854-8037; mediarelations@barnard.edu

01. I Beg Your Pardon: A President’s Prerogative
02. Biden: More Humane Cages for Refugees?
03. To Save the Iran Nuclear Deal, Think Bigger
04. Bracing for the Next Round of Economic News
05. ’World’s Deadliest Catch’ Airborne Cameraman
06. Tuesday: 40th Anniversary of John Lennon’s Murder
07. Remember Waco? What Really Happened
08. During Holiday Time, Don’t Spend Your Last Dime!
09. Help for Uncomfortable Holiday Conversations
10. Holy Cannoli! How to Beat the Call of Holiday Sweets
11. Politics Aside … Why You Should Adopt Biden’s Aviators
12. Why Wait? Make New Year’s Resolutions Now
13. How Do We Heal from 2020?
14. Why You Aren’t Happier (and What to Do About It!)
15. Do You Need a Mindset Reboot? Take This Quiz

1. ==> I Beg Your Pardon: A President’s Prerogative

As the end of Donald Trump’s presidency approaches pardon season is officially upon us. Historian Thomas Balcerski can discuss presidential pardons throughout America’s history, from Warren Harding to Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. You’ll learn which Oval Office occupant issued the most pardons, who made the most controversial choices, and why the pardon exists. Balcerski says, “Presidential pardons have the power to undo past injustice and clear the name of those who were unfairly prosecuted for federal crimes. Overall, good pardons quell rough political waters and correct previous wrongdoings, while bad pardons diminish the prestige of the presidency and undermine the strength of American democracy.” Balcerski can discuss whether Donald Trump’s pardons will become one of the most defining parts of his legacy, especially if he tries to pardon himself. Thomas Balcerski teaches history at Eastern Connecticut State University. He is the author of “Bosom Friends: The Intimate World of James Buchanan and William Rufus King” Contact him at (860) 465-4005; balcerskit@easternct.edu or @tbalcerski

2. ==> Biden: More Humane Cages for Refugees?

Will a Biden administration improve America’s immigration crisis? Adrienne Pine says initial signs are disappointing. “Many of Biden’s DHS transition team selections show his platform will differ (if at all) only in form, not in substance, from that of Trump. None of his team members hail from the ranks of BIPOC (black, Indigenous and people of color) organizers who delivered him his victories in key states like Arizona, and for whom immigration is a major issue.” Pine, author of “Asylum for Sale: Profit and Protest in the Migration Industry,” will discuss the immigration issues facing the new administration and whether we should fundamentally question the overarching logic of border security. Adrienne Pine is an associate professor of anthropology at American University and co-editor of the new book “Asylum for Sale: Profit and Protest in the Migration Industry.” She just wrote the piece “More Humane Cages? Prospects for Immigration Justice Under Biden Appear Dim,” which scrutinizes new Biden appointees. Contact her at (202) 885-1845; pine@american.edu; @adriennepine
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3. ==> To Save the Iran Nuclear Deal, Think Bigger

In the weeks before leaving office, Donald Trump is issuing sanctions meant to squeeze Iran and leave Joe Biden fewer choices in dealing with the nation. Trita Parsi says the transparent sabotage actually only sharpens Biden’s choices and may force him to go bigger than just restoring the 2015 nuclear agreement. “Contrary to the calculations of the Trump administration and its allies in Israel, Biden may now seek not only to rejoin the nuclear deal but also to improve relations with Iran in order to insulate the agreement from Saudi, Emirati, and Israeli efforts to kill it.” She adds, “If being trapped in unending enmity no longer serves U.S. interests, but instead makes the country less safe at a time when the public wants an end to wars and a withdrawal of forces from the Middle East, then Biden should outwit Trump just as Obama outsmarted Netanyahu and think beyond the nuclear deal.” Trita Parsi is an executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft and the author of “Losing an Enemy: Obama, Iran, and the Triumph of Diplomacy.” Contact Jessica Rosenblum at (202) 279.0005; media@quincyinst.org

4. ==> Bracing for the Next Round of Economic News

All eyes will be on the next monthly jobs report due in a few weeks. Book economic/Federal Reserve expert Danielle DiMartino Booth now to discuss the numbers when they’re released on December 16th. She’ll explain whether they accurately reflect the number of Americans out of work, and what they say about the current U.S. employment situation. Danielle DiMartino Booth is a frequent contributor to Fox Business News, CNBC, Bloomberg Television, BNN Bloomberg, Yahoo Finance, The Street, and CNN Money. She is the CEO and chief strategist for Quill Intelligence LLC (QI), a research and analytics firm that produces and distributes the economic newsletters The Daily Feather and The Weekly Quill. DiMartino Booth spent nine years at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com

5. ==> ‘World’s Deadliest Catch’ Airborne Cameraman

As anyone who has seen episodes of “World’s Deadliest Catch” knows, being a crab fisherman in Alaska is one of the most dangerous jobs on earth — and watching these men and women battle the weather, waves, and fatigue to earn a lucrative living is a pure adrenalin rush for those of us tethered to dry land. David Alan Arnold can give your audience the ultimate insider’s view of the show from his vantage point as the airborne cameraman who risks his own life to film the show. The Emmy-Award winner can also talk about what it’s like to work in the clouds above the Super Bowl and the work he did on other shows like “Celebrity Apprentice,” “Survivor,” and “The Amazing Race.’ David Alan Arnold has been a helicopter cameraman for 22 years. He is the author of “Help from Above: How I Went from Sweeping the Floor to Painting the Sky” and “Help from Above Book 2: What Lies Above the Clouds.” The latter describes his attempts to break up a deadly crime ring based at a school bus stop. Contact David Arnold at (818) 275-8676; DArnold@rtirguests.com

6. ==> Tuesday: 40th Anniversary of John Lennon’s Murder

It’s hard to “Imagine” what John Lennon would be like as an 80-year-old. After all, he was only 40 when he was murdered by Mark David Chapman outside Lennon’s Manhattan apartment house 40 years ago, on Dec. 8, 1980. For a fascinating show that celebrates Lennon’s legacy invite Susan Shumsky to discuss John, the Beatles, and their relationship with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of Transcendental Meditation (TM.) You’ll hear why Lennon was the Beatles’ unofficial leader, leading the way in all things, including their love affair with psychedelics and their spiritual seeking. Learn the hidden significance of the Lennon-penned song “Across the Universe,” why Lennon fell out with Maharishi, and the devastating remark Maharishi made when he tried to reconcile. Susan spent 22 years in the ashrams and six years on the personal staff of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. She’s appeared on more than 1,200 programs and is the author of 18 books including “Maharishi & Me: Seeking Enlightenment with the Beatles’ Guru.” Contact her at (917) 336-7184; SShumsky@rtirguests.com

7. ==> Remember Waco? What Really Happened

It has been nearly 28 years since the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) and the National Guard were ambushed during the execution of a search and arrest warrant at the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas. Since then there have been multiple movies and TV mini-series (the last in 2018) and books but according to former ATF agent Mark Rusin, the public still doesn’t know what really happened. How was the ATF compromised so badly? Who was ultimately responsible for the deaths of four ATF agents? Who fired the first shot? Who set the fires after the 51-day siege? Get the answers from Rusin, who, as the ATF representative to the Drug Czar’s office at the White House briefed President Clinton in 1993 regarding the families of the slain ATF agents at Waco. Rusin also met several U.S. presidents while protecting them. He has been a consultant to “CSI” and other shows and is the author of the upcoming book “METRO: Sin City Chronicles.” An earlier novel, “Justice For Dallas,” was based on real events and is being turned into a screenplay. Contact Mark Rusin at (520) 205-1113; msrusin@comcast.net

8. ==> During Holiday Time, Don’t Spend Your Last Dime!

These are difficult financial times for many. The pandemic has led to reduced work hours for some; has put many people out of work; and has led to a sense of financial angst. With the holiday season bearing down on us, Patricia Davis can talk about ways to avoid excessive holiday spending while still being generous. Filled to the brim with creative ideas, Davis will encourage listeners to substitute material gifts for gifts of their time such as running errands for friends, neighbors and family members and, where appropriate, re-gifting new unused items to others who will get more use from them. She’ll also share ways to raise cash that can be used for presents by selling their opinions and selling items on sites like Poshmark. The author of “Going Broke Is No Joke!,” she is an experienced guest with a B.S. from Howard University, an MBA from Stanford, an M.S. in personal financial planning from Golden Gate University, and a Diploma of Graduation from Georgetown University’s Stonier Graduate School of Banking and Finance. Contact Patricia Davis at (301) 517-6304; pdavis@rtirguests.com

9. ==> Help for Uncomfortable Holiday Conversations

Awkward holiday conversations continue this year, whether in person or on Zoom. A gathering of friends and family, whether across the table or online, can end up feeling like an interrogation, negotiation, or worse a fight. “It’s probably been a while since a simple conversation was just that,” says Ivan Obolensky. “It’s become nearly impossible not to talk about emotionally charged topics … because that’s all we’ve got!” Interview Ivan about the art of conversation during a divisive election year and pandemic. He will show your audience how to set better boundaries around who they are talking to and what they are talking about, so that simple conversations don’t feel like negotiations that need to be won. Ask him about the four N’s of negotiating that can help conversations become a win-win. Ivan is an author and Renaissance man. His novel “Eye of the Moon” won “Best First Book (Fiction)” in the IndieReader Discovery Awards. Contact Ivan Obolensky at (818) 495-8731; IObolensky@rtirguests.com

10. ==> Holy Cannoli! How to Beat the Call of Holiday Sweets

Yummy treats seem to go with the holidays. But everyone from watchful parents to determined dieters and sugar-avoiding diabetics (or others with health issues) will want to control their family’s intake of sweets. That’s where the “Sugar Witch” comes in! You’ll want to interview Marsha Allen, who will help everyone in your audience celebrate the holiday season without overdoing sugar. As a sought-after guest and speaker, Marsha hosts “Sugar Addicts” on Crown City News TV and is known as America’s Sugar Witch. She is the author of “Spoiled Rotten on a Diet: Gluten, Sugar & Dairy-Free Made Simple.” You’ll learn how to quell sugar cravings even when sweet treats abound, healthier options for all ages, and ways to identify sugars that are hiding in many foods. Contact Marsha Allen at (902) 906-5231; MAllen@rtirguests.com

11. ==> Politics Aside … Why You Should Adopt Biden’s Aviators

Joe Biden has been wearing aviator sunglasses for most of his life. Some might say he looks cool. But putting style and politics aside, Joe may be onto something. Wearing wraparound aviator sunglasses (but not necessarily pricey Ray-Bans can help you protect your health, especially during COVID-19, reports vision educator Linda Odubayo Thompson. As Linda will tell your listeners, “The eyes are porous, and the optic nerve is a direct extension to the brain. So, it stands to reason that eye protection should be added to the virus protection mix, especially for children,” she says. Linda knows not to take her vision for granted; she has suffered from glaucoma for more than 30 years. Contact Linda Odubayo Thompson at (914) 944-1474; lthompson@rtirguests.com

12. ==> Why Wait? Make New Year’s Resolutions Now

Making resolutions is a fine idea but why not get a head start on what you want to accomplish by starting now? That way when January comes around you can hit the ground running, suggests Trevor Campbell, M.D. He’s 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. Dr. Campbell knows that with colder weather pain gets worse, so he is urging people to educate themselves as soon as possible to feel better sooner. He’ll offer listeners advice they won’t hear from their doctors. Dr. Campbell has worked in multidisciplinary pain management and opioids reduction programs and served as s medical director for a leading pain management provider. His new book is “The Language of Pain: Fast Forward Your Recovery to Stop Hurting.” Contact Trevor Campbell at (250) 217-7832; tcampbell@rtirguests.com

13. ==> How Do We Heal from 2020?

A contentious election. Unarmed Black people shot by police. A pandemic claiming the lives of several hundred thousand loved ones. Record unemployment and social isolation. Most people will be glad to put 2020 behind them but will need some help dealing with the lingering grief of loved ones gone too soon, their deferred or shattered dreams, and feelings of hopelessness. Meghan Smith Brooks can address these issues as well as share the hidden gift contained in the year gone by. She is a certified grief expert, ordained Unity Minister, and licensed spiritual educator whose youngest son was murdered. She is also the author of the “Unraveling Grief: A Mother’s Spiritual Journey of Healing and Discovery.” Ask her: How can forgiveness, acceptance, and gratitude help us put things in perspective? Do you have some advice for coping with the holidays this year? Contact Rev. Meghan Smith Brooks at (816) 844-6783; mbrooks@rtirguests.com

14. ==> Why You Aren’t Happier (and What to Do About It!)

Many experts offer tips on how to be happier. What happens when you try so many of them and they just don’t work? Elana Davidson discovered what she and so many others were missing. True happiness is not just about attitude and gratitude, it won’t be found through quick-fixes and cookie-cutter clichés. The good news is Elana can offer some tools and insights to your audience that can make a real difference. Ask her why doesn’t therapy work for some people? What key things are people missing? How is the subconscious affecting people’s ability to be happy? Elana is giving away copies of her book “Finding Your Own Happy: The Soul-Searchers Guide to Peace and Happiness in Everyday Life,” published by Morgan James. Contact Elana at (413) 225-4758; elanadavidson@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Do You Need a Mindset Reboot? Take This Quiz

If there is anything good about the contentious election and the COVID epidemic it’s that some people are using them as a catalyst to change. Others could use some help changing, help that the Rev. Arthur Mackey can provide. Invite Rev. Mackey on your program to provide the fuel for change by giving your audience a quiz. How will they answer such questions as what is your biggest priority right now? Are you most concerned about relationships, career, health, or finances? How would you describe your current mood: stressed, bored and unchallenged, hopeful, serene? He will inspire audiences as he explores everything from family and workplace influences on our lives to health and social services, faith-based resources and education programs worth knowing about. Rev. Mackey is a sought-after media guest and researcher who has written “Overcoming the Spirit of Depression.” Contact Rev. Mackey at (516) 219-8392; AMackey@rtirguests.com