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  • 12/3/20 RTIR Newsletter: Presidential Pardons, Holiday Budget Stretchers, Awkward Conversations

    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

  • You Won’t Believe What Happened to Him On the Job!

    The first days on the job can be tough. But in Charles (Charlie) Gardner’s case, his first day started with a bang. Just 17 years old at the time and having driven through the night with a buddy to get to Houston, Charlie arrived on his first construction job in time to witness a woman pull out a 357 magnum and shoot her husband in the chest. While some people might have taken that as a bad omen, Charlie did not. He not only kept that job but has gone on to a 40-plus-year career in construction with a collection of weird and wonderful stories to show for it, stories his friends insisted belonged in a book he had to write. That memoir became “I Got This,” a collection of amazing, weird, and wonderful adventures from his life and career. On your show, he’ll share stories like what happened to a worker who fell into a tank of raw sewage, and the day he killed six poisonous snakes in the swamps of Louisiana. Contact Charlie Gardner at (650) 995-5626; charlesgardner@rtirguests.com

  • What Doubters Have that 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. His upcoming 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 experiencing doubt some of the strongest leaders? Contact Marc Pitman at (317) 751-1610; mpitman@rtirguests.com

  • Is Virtual Learning Better than YouTube?

    With U.S. college campuses dealing with COVID outbreaks and many classes taking place online the time is right to think about the value of a college education, the debt that is typically involved in acquiring one and whether a trade school or associate degree may be a better fit for high school seniors contemplating their future. Former college professor Glen Dunzweiler wants to help parents frame this discussion, thereby helping Gen Zs to plot a well-paying, satisfying future that puts their needs ahead of those of a future employer, college bursar or loan officer. Glen will explain why a traditional college education does not lead to a secure future for most students, why trade schools and work experience can be a better option and ways students can monetize their skills once they graduate. In addition to his former role as a college professor, Glen is a documentarian and the author of two books. His latest is “A Degree in Homelessness? Entrepreneurial Skills for Students.” Contact Glen at (702) 703-2219; GDunzweiler@rtirguests.com

  • From Migraines to COVID: Self-Healing Secrets

    Countless people in your audience are dealing with diseases and health challenges they never expected, and which hit them seemingly out of the blue. What do you do when such life-impacting issues strike with little warning? First, you can feel confident and empowered that we humans have innate abilities to begin self-healing and strengthening. So says physician and speaker Nelie Johnson, M.D., initiator of the forum “It’s Time to Heal,” which offers an integrative approach to treating illness. Invite this outspoken expert on-air to hear her advice for health and longer life. Dr. Johnson’s latest book is “The Healing Message of Illness.” Contact Dr. Nelie Johnson, (604) 334-3853; njohnson@rtirguests.com

  • 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

  • December 8 – 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

  • 12/1/20 RTIR Newsletter: Science vs. Society, Giving Tuesday, Award-Winning Medium

    01. Science is Working; Society Needs to Stand Up
    02. Nothing New(s): Presidents vs. the Press
    03. It’s Giving Tuesday: Beware Online Scams
    04. Is it Time to Sell? Home Prices Soar
    05. We All Need A Simply Delicious Holiday This Year
    06. The Nursing Shortage Has Arrived
    07. Unexpectedly Retired? Avoid Medicare Mistakes
    08. Will the Supreme Court Take IVF Away?
    09. Do We Really Get the Leaders We Deserve?
    10. December 8th – 40th Anniversary of Lennon’s Murder
    11. Award-Winning Medium Answers Your Questions
    12. From Migraines to COVID: Self-Healing Secrets
    13. Is Virtual Learning Better than YouTube?
    14. What Doubters Have that Confident People Lack
    15. You Won’t Believe What Happened to Him On the Job!

    1. ==> Science is Working, Now Society Needs to Stand Up

    In the coming days, if all goes according to schedule, the FDA’s vaccine advisory committee will recommend expanding the public use of the first vaccine against the coronavirus. Researchers appear to have delivered remarkably well but getting safe doses into the arms of the vulnerable and disadvantaged people who stand to benefit most from that innovation depends on several moving parts. Thomas J. Bollyky, director of the Global Health Program at the Council on Foreign Relations, says, “States and localities will need at least $6 billion, according to the CDC’s conservative estimate, to prepare for what will be the largest vaccination campaign in U.S. history. But so far the agency has distributed just $200 million to governors and mayors for that purpose.” He adds, “Without careful planning, early vaccine doses will go wherever it is politically and logistically expedient, rather than where they can save the most lives.” Bollyky is the author of “Plagues and the Paradox of Progress: Why the World Is Getting Healthier in Worrisome Ways.” Contact him at (202) 509-8517; tbollyky@cfr.org

    2. ==> Nothing New(s): Presidents vs. the Press

    Presidents have had contentious relationships with the press long before Donald Trump ever descended the gold escalator or branded the media the “enemy of the people.” Invite renowned historian Harold Holzer to share tales of presidents who turned on, jailed, censored, demeaned, brow-beat and occasionally sweet-talked reporters and their editors. Holzer will also discuss how presidents have pushed out their messages using evolving modes of communication – from pamphlets to newspapers, radio, television, cable TV and now Twitter. You’ll hear about several presidents whose terms started in the glow of positive press relations and ended like marriages gone bad and what we should expect from future occupants of the Oval Office. Harold Holzer is one of the country’s leading authorities on Abraham Lincoln and the political culture of the Civil War era. He serves as the director of the Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute at Hunter College. His new book is “The Presidents vs. the Press.” Contact him at (212) 650-3174; hh433@hunter.cuny.edu

    3. ==> It’s Giving Tuesday: Beware Online Scams

    Today is Giving Tuesday, which is the perfect day to give what you can to those in need. But be careful where you put your cash, especially if you’re donating online. Invite William Francavilla to share ways you can minimize being scammed this holiday season. From charity donations to online rip-offs and social media phishing scams, Francavilla will outline ways to make sure your hard-earned money doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. Francavilla is the author of “The Madoffs Among Us: Combat the Scammers, Con Artists and Thieves Who Are Plotting to Steal your Money.” He’s a CFP and former senior vice president, and director of Wealth Management for Legg Mason who has extensive media experience. Contact him at (757) 870-4590; wmfrancavilla@gmail.com

    4. ==> Is it Time to Sell? Home Prices Soar

    Home prices rose in every corner of the U.S. during the third quarter, as the pandemic boosted activity in a way not seen in recent history. Invite real estate expert Andrew Ragusa to talk about selling, buying and renting in the current real estate environment. Hear how record-low mortgage-interest rates combined with a longstanding shortage of homes for sale has worsened, increasing competition among buyers and sparking bidding wars, and how long that’s expected to continue. An experienced media guest, Andrew Ragusa is the CEO/Broker of REMI Realty on Long Island, New York. Contact Mark Goldman at mark@goldmanmccormick.com; (516) 639-0988 (call/text)

    5. ==> We All Need A Simply Delicious Holiday this Year

    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. ==> The Nursing Shortage Has Arrived

    Thanks in no small degree to the pandemic, burnout, and an older workforce, rural areas and small hospitals are scrambling for nurses. How can we help prevent these nursing shortages which are likely to worsen as our aging population needs more care? You’ll want to explore this timely topic and the nursing experience with all its implications by interviewing Nancy Congleton. In addition to offering solutions to help today’s nurses and ultimately everyone they serve, she will reveal the unexpected realities of the nursing profession, five relationship dynamics that nurses face, legal issues, and the concerns everyone should have when nurses feel so unprepared and overworked that they leave. An outspoken registered nurse known as Nurse Nancy, she has worked in the NICU, ER, and case management. She’s the author of “Autopsy of the NP: Dissecting the Nursing Profession Piece By Piece.” Contact Nancy Congleton at (918) 992-4616; NCongleton@rtirguests.com

    7. ==> Unexpectedly Retired? Avoid Medicare Mistakes

    Lots of baby boomers retired this year — many earlier than they’d planned thanks to COVID-19. Most new retirees are surprised when they find out that Medicare isn’t free and doesn’t cover 100% of your health-care costs. The open enrollment period is almost over and now is a great time to help your listeners make sense of this confusing, complicated insurance program. For the past 15 years, Danielle Kunkle Roberts and her team have helped more than 50,000 people avoid costly mistakes and hours of hassle. The author of “10 Costly Medicare Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make” will expose the most common pitfalls new Medicare beneficiaries unwittingly make and share how to expertly avoid them. Danielle Kunkle Roberts is the co-founder of Boomer Benefits, which was named the 2019 Health Insurance Advisory Firm of the Year. Contact Kesley Mundfrom at (817) 249-8600; kmundfrom@boomerbenefits.com

    8. ==> 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

    9. ==> 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

    10. ==> December 8th – 40th Anniversary of 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

    11. ==> 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

    12. ==> From Migraines to COVID: Self-Healing Secrets

    Countless people in your audience are dealing with diseases and health challenges they never expected, and which hit them seemingly out of the blue. What do you do when such life-impacting issues strike with little warning? First, you can feel confident and empowered that we humans have innate abilities to begin self-healing and strengthening. So says physician and speaker Nelie Johnson, M.D., initiator of the forum “It’s Time to Heal,” which offers an integrative approach to treating illness. Invite this outspoken expert on-air to hear her advice for health and longer life. Dr. Johnson’s latest book is “The Healing Message of Illness.” Contact Dr. Nelie Johnson, (604) 334-3853; njohnson@rtirguests.com

    13. ==> Is Virtual Learning Better than YouTube?

    With U.S. college campuses dealing with COVID outbreaks and many classes taking place online the time is right to think about the value of a college education, the debt that is typically involved in acquiring one and whether a trade school or associate degree may be a better fit for high school seniors contemplating their future. Former college professor Glen Dunzweiler wants to help parents frame this discussion, thereby helping Gen Zs to plot a well-paying, satisfying future that puts their needs ahead of those of a future employer, college bursar or loan officer. Glen will explain why a traditional college education does not lead to a secure future for most students, why trade schools and work experience can be a better option and ways students can monetize their skills once they graduate. In addition to his former role as a college professor, Glen is a documentarian and the author of two books. His latest is “A Degree in Homelessness? Entrepreneurial Skills for Students.” Contact Glen at (702) 703-2219; GDunzweiler@rtirguests.com

    14. ==> What Doubters Have that 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. His upcoming 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 experiencing doubt some of the strongest leaders? Contact Marc Pitman at (317) 751-1610; mpitman@rtirguests.com

    15. ==> You Won’t Believe What Happened to Him On the Job!

    The first days on the job can be tough. But in Charles (Charlie) Gardner’s case, his first day started with a bang. Just 17 years old at the time and having driven through the night with a buddy to get to Houston, Charlie arrived on his first construction job in time to witness a woman pull out a 357 magnum and shoot her husband in the chest. While some people might have taken that as a bad omen, Charlie did not. He not only kept that job but has gone on to a 40-plus-year career in construction with a collection of weird and wonderful stories to show for it, stories his friends insisted belonged in a book he had to write. That memoir became “I Got This,” a collection of amazing, weird, and wonderful adventures from his life and career. On your show, he’ll share stories like what happened to a worker who fell into a tank of raw sewage, and the day he killed six poisonous snakes in the swamps of Louisiana. Contact Charlie Gardner at (650) 995-5626; charlesgardner@rtirguests.com

  • 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

  • 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