Author: admin

  • 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

  • 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

  • What Really Happened in Waco?

    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

  • 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

  • 11/24/20 RTIR Newsletter: Presidential Pets, Growing Gratitude, Yay Everyday

    01. A COVID Vaccine Before Christmas?
    02. DOTUS: The White House is Going to the Dogs!
    03. Thanksgiving: How to Feel Grateful When Life Stinks
    04. Billionaire Wealth vs. Essential Workers’ Health
    05. In a Divided America, What is Post-Election Unity?
    06. Do We Really Get the Leaders We Deserve?
    07. December 8th – 40th Anniversary of Lennon’s Murder
    08. What Really Happened in Waco?
    09. Family Members Explained: Why They Do What They Do
    10. Why Other Nations are Better at Easing the Opioid Epidemic
    11. Are Students Learning or Losing Out in Virtual Classrooms?
    12. How Do We Heal from 2020?
    13. Put More Yay in Every Day
    14. Characteristics of People Who Make the Biggest Impact
    15. Live Your Best Life in the Worst of Times

    1. ==> A COVID Vaccine Before Christmas?

    Last weekend the head of Operation Warp Speed said the first doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine could be given to Americans as soon as December 11. Dr. Moncef Slaoui predicted that 70% of the population could be vaccinated by May, allowing life to return to normal across the country. Invite pharmaceutical technologies expert Dean Fanelli to discuss whether that’s likely to happen, who would get the vaccine first, and how long it would take to vaccinate the entire U.S. He’ll also discuss what’s happening with other vaccines in development, and whether Americans should be worried about the accelerated pace of the testing and approval process. Dean Fanelli, Ph.D., is a partner in the intellectual property department of Seyfarth Shaw LLP’s Washington D.C. office. His focus is on pharmaceutical- and chemical-related technologies. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; (919) 377-1200 or ryan@goldmanmccormick.com

    2. ==> DOTUS: The White House is Going to the Dogs!

    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

    3. ==> Thanksgiving: How to Feel Grateful When Life Stinks

    This Thanksgiving will be especially difficult for many people. Some may even skip the holiday, feeling that there’s nothing to celebrate. During these difficult times, how can we develop gratitude when we’re feeling anything but thankful? Myke Merrill, D.Min., says, “One great challenge everyone faces is how to manage your internal response in spite of the external circumstances.” The author of “Why Do People Act that Way? (And What Can I Do About It?)” will discuss how perceptions, emotions, motivations and behaviors work together and how you have the power to change how you feel and act if you truly want. He says it’s not hard but requires effort. “Developing an internal skill is just like developing a physical skill: know what you want to do, break it down into basic parts, and practice each part.” Dr. Myke Merrill was a panelist on the national television show “Ask the Pastor” for 18 years. Contact him at (585) 615-6383; myke@grippingreality.com

    4.==> Billionaire Wealth vs. Essential Workers’ Health

    A new report finds that essential workers continue to suffer financially and otherwise as U.S. billionaires gained almost $1 trillion during the pandemic. Chuck Collins, a co-author of the report, says, “Billionaires are sequestered in protective bubbles and private jets while essential workers are without adequate personal protective equipment.” The report highlights the handful of billionaires and corporations that have seen their wealth surge to record levels, in part as a result of their monopoly status and opportunism during the pandemic. “For example, Walmart, Target, and Amazon benefited from their monopoly positions in the economy, with these three retailers considered ‘essential’ while their retail competitors were shut down. But the success of these businesses hasn’t translated into better pay or safer working conditions for the employees showing up to work in a pandemic,” says Collins. The report by the Institute for Policy Studies, Bargaining for the Common Good, and United for Respect focuses on a list of 12 emblematic bad actors including Amazon, Walmart, Target, Instacart, Tyson Foods, Dollar General and more. Chuck Collins is director of the Program on Inequality and the Common Good at the Institute for Policy Studies. Contact Olivia Alperstein at olivia@ips-dc.org; @inequalityorg or Sara Myklebust (as liaison to connect workers for interviews) at Sara.Myklebust@georgetown.edu

    5. ==> In a Divided America, What is Post-Election Unity?

    Peniel Joseph says the controversy over the election results is a testament to the enormity of the challenges now facing the nation. Everyone agrees the nation is bitterly divided, so how does a new administration unify the country? Joseph says, “Americans are not just living in a nation divided into red and blue — we are existing in two separate realities. Unity isn’t placating the feelings on the ‘other side.’ Recognizing that the over 73 million Americans who voted for Trump seem committed to a presidency based on racial division and a party that revels in voter suppression is the first step toward achieving any kind of national unity under a Biden-Harris administration.” He suggests looking to the past for inspiration. “The most transformative presidential administrations have paired soaring idealism with strategic pragmatism to produce a combination deft enough to pass consequential legislation while remaining tethered to core political values.” Peniel Joseph holds a joint professorship appointment at the LBJ School of Public Affairs and the History Department in the College of Liberal Arts at The University of Texas at Austin. Contact him at 512) 475-7241; peniel.joseph@austin.utexas.edu

    6. ==> 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

    7. ==> 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

    8. ==> What Really Happened in Waco?

    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

    9. ==> Family Members Explained: Why They Do What They Do

    Have you ever wondered why Uncle Mike always has to have the last word? Why your mother never puts herself first? Or why your sister-in-law can’t seem to make up her mind? You can stop wondering because science has the answers! Just in time for the holidays, Linda L. McIssac, Ph.D., can give your listeners the gift of insight into the way people think! The “aha” moments will flow as she discusses human behavior and why it’s a lot more predictable than you’d expect! Dr. Linda McIssac is president of Xyte, Inc. and the developer of Science of the Mind. She was the first female superintendent of schools in Wisconsin and has worked analyzing audiences for CBS. Contact her at (608) 699-6855; lmcisaac@rtirguests.com

    10. ==> Why Other Nations are Better at Easing the Opioid Epidemic

    In 2020, the U.S. has 320+ million people. The European Union is home to 510+ million. Which country should have the worst problem with opioid abuse? You’d think it would be Europe, but you would be wrong. Pain relief expert Maggie Phillips, Ph.D., says it’s time the U.S. embraced better forms of healing that are common in Europe and other nations/regions. This is especially timely as we face not only the opioid epidemic but also the ongoing effects of COVID-19. As your interview guest, Dr. Phillips can talk about using skills (not pills!) to ease pain. Ask her: How do we work with the rhythms of our nervous systems? What about the importance of using diet, exercise and drug-free supplements? What should we know about meditation, hypnosis, and other safe ways to build healing pathways and recovery? Dr. Phillips is the author of “Freedom From Pain and Reversing Chronic Pain.” Contact her at (510) 561-1645; mphillips@rtirguests.com

    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. ==> 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

    13. ==> 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

    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. ==> 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

  • 11/19/20 RTIR Newsletter: Are Americans Selfish? White House Weirdness, Immunity Boosters

    01. Public Entrepreneurship – What Government Needs Now?
    02. Greatest Generation vs. COVID Generation
    03. And You Thought the White House Couldn’t Get Any Weirder
    04. During Holiday Time, Don’t Spend Your Last Dime!
    05. Why Giving Thanks is So Good
    06. What Wine Goes with Turducken?
    07. Just in Time for the Holidays: The Art of Pleasant Conversation
    08. Would You Know What to Do If Shots Erupted?
    09. Doc Shares Natural Immunity Boosters
    10. National Diabetes Month: Are You at Risk for the Silent Killer?
    11. Use Your Insecurities to Get Ahead
    12. You’ll Want this Guy’s Life
    13. A Near-Death Experience You Won’t Forget
    14. Mourning Alex Trebek, Wishing Al Roker Well
    15. Feel Like a Fraud? Why It May Be a Good Thing

    1. ==> Public Entrepreneurship – What Government Needs Now?

    As American’s look toward a new era of governing in 2021, invite Harvard Business School professor and former chief of staff to Boston’s Mayor Thomas Menino, Mitchell Weiss to discuss what he calls “possibility government” and how this public entrepreneurship could solve our most pressing local, state and federal government problems! Weiss says this new way of governing involves trying new ways of doing things and designing solutions with input from citizens to reinvigorate democracy. He’ll explain how the idea began in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings and share examples of the ways public entrepreneurship is already working like how Airbnb and Amsterdam finally came to an agreement over short-term rentals, and Singapore’s eight-week race to deploy a contact-tracing app to help rein in COVID-19. Weiss’ upcoming book is “We The Possibility: Harnessing Public Entrepreneurship to Solve Our Most Urgent Problems.” He is available for interviews in January. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com

    2. ==> Greatest Generation vs. COVID Generation

    Why do some Americans still refuse to wear masks and follow public health guidelines? Have we become a nation of selfish jerks? It may seem that way when compared to the Greatest Generation and the sacrifices they made during the Depression and World War II. Political historian Nicole Hemmer says, “Understanding today’s self-centered, rule-breaking, comfort-craving Americans in accurate relation with our past matters, because it reveals the problems we’re facing now reflect a failure not of American spirit but of American leadership.” She points out that the sacrifices made during WWII were very often mandatory and resented. “We can empathize with those Americans who yearned for creature comforts and chafed against restrictions,” she says. “And we can envy them, too, because while they weren’t naturally braver or more restrained or altruistic, they had something Americans today do not: a clear message about common good and shared goals.” Nicole Hemmer is an associate research scholar with the Obama Presidency Oral History project. She is co-founder and co-editor of Made by History, the historical analysis section of the Washington Post. Contact her at (212) 854-4106; nrh2102@columbia.edu

    3. ==> And You Thought the White House Couldn’t Get Any Weirder

    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 current 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 or hmarcovitz@aol.com

    4. ==> 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 gifts by selling your opinions and selling items you no longer use or want on sites like Poshmark. The author of “Going Broke Is No Joke!,” Davis 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

    5. ==> Why Giving Thanks is So Good

    We contemplate our blessings on Thanksgiving Day each year, but that’s just one day in November. What about the rest of the year? Is it difficult to feel thankful all year long and can it really improve your outlook? Invite screenwriter, author, TV/film producer, journalist, and TV host Maryann Ridini Spencer to discuss why gratitude is important for personal health and wellbeing, how it improves your relationships, and ways it can help support and heal you through life’s tough times and transitions. Maryann is the host of PBS-TV’s “Simply Delicious Living.” She is also a 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. ==> What Wine Goes with Turducken?

    Thanksgiving is all about the food, but there are also libations to consider. And choosing wine can be intimidating — just ask anyone who has spent too much time in the local wine shop trying to decide what to buy to please their guests, or to impress the folks on their shopping list. Give your audience their own personal wine guide, and a fun, informative romp — without the usual snobbery — through the wonderful world of wine when you invite Jim Laughren on your show. You’ll learn how to avoid the most common wine mistakes a host can make, the secret to choosing a wine gift and where to find wine bargains. 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’s appeared on radio and TV around the country and is also the award-winning author of “50 Ways to Love Wine More” and “A Beer Drinker’s Guide to Knowing and Enjoying Fine Wine.” Contact Jim Laughren at (954) 317-9623; JLaughren@rtirguests.com

    7. ==> Just in Time for the Holidays: The Art of Pleasant Conversation

    When is the last time you had a conversation that didn’t end up feeling like a negotiation, or worse a fight? “It’s probably been a while since a simple conversation was just that,” 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

    8. ==> Would You Know What to Do If Shots Erupted?

    Would you know what to do if you were in a public place and someone started shooting? Whether you’re on public transportation, at work or sitting on your front stoop, you could unwittingly find yourself in an active shooter situation. How can you and your loved ones stay safe when shots ring out? Would you be able to react, escape, find cover, seek help, or shield others? Would you notice dangers before they put anyone at risk? What actions should you always take or never take? Explore the vital answers with personal protection specialist Allen Banks, CEO of Proactive Protection Agency. He’s the developer of Active Shooter Prevention and Workplace Violence Prevention Training, plus special programs for schools and other locations. Contact him at (661) 417-0786; abanks@rtirguests.com

    9. ==> Doc Shares Natural Immunity Boosters

    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. Ask her what is The Neural Organization Technique and how does it work? What role does the brain play in immune function? How can we tap into it? How is the pandemic impacting the immune systems of people who seem well? 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

    10. ==> National Diabetes Month: Are You at Risk for the Silent Killer?

    Did you know that more than 30 million adults have diabetes and more than 7 million don’t even know they have it? Or that one in four adults has prediabetes? With these staggering numbers, no one can afford to be diabetes illiterate, particularly during National Diabetes Month. That is why you’ll want to interview Nadia Al-Samarrie, a leading patient advocate in the diabetes community who knows this topic inside and out. Ask her: What are the biggest myths about diabetes? How did being born into a family with type-2 diabetes and being married to a type-1 diabetic affect your life? What do you wish everyone knew about diabetes? Nadia is editor-in-chief of Diabetes Health, a 400,000-circulation magazine used in hospitals, diabetes classes, and doctors’ offices. Her AskNadia column is ranked No. 1 by Google as is her DiabetesHealth.com website. Nadia is also the author of “Sugar Happy: Your Diabetes Health Guide in Achieving Your Best Blood Sugars and Letting Go of Your Diabetes Complication Fears.” She has appeared on ABC, NBC, CBS and other major cable networks. Contact her at (415) 741-3545; nalsamarrie@rtirguests.com

    11. ==> Use Your Insecurities to Get Ahead

    This has been a rough year and people have more insecurities than ever: do they have what it takes to replace their lost job with a new one? Are they lacking confidence in themselves and the economy? Do they even deserve the chance to aim high? Raj Grin will explain how these insecurities can be powerful assets instead of stumbling blocks. Raj started her own company because she didn’t think she was good enough for anyone else to hire her and today she heads the Open Chest Confidence Academy! A well-known media personality in Canada, Raj Girn is 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 her at (647) 490-3158; Rgirn@rtirguests.com

    12. ==> You’ll Want this Guy’s Life

    You’ll be inspired by (and maybe a little jealous of) his Tim Winders’ ability to take off to out-of-the-way places on a whim, leaving the beaten path for something simpler and better. Tim and his wife live and work out of their 39-foot RV named Theo. They travel full time, working as they go, living an abundant life that is as far removed from “cookie-cutter” as could be. Tim went from owning seven-figure businesses and over 100 properties to bankruptcy, homelessness and having $100 in his bank account before rebounding to his current, more intentional lifestyle. He has over 25 years’ experience as a coach for business owners, executives, and leaders. He also hosts the “SeekGoCreate” podcast. Tim and his wife have enjoyed the nomadic lifestyle in New Zealand, Australia and all over North America. Available as a last-minute guest, contact him at (404) 846-4639; winders@rtirguests.com

    13. ==> A Near-Death Experience You Won’t Forget

    Sure, near-death experiences are fairly common, but Charles (Charlie) Gardner’s experience may take the cake when it comes to pathos, humor, and life lessons. Nine years ago, when he developed sepsis while recovering from the flu, Charlie spent six weeks in a coma, suffered 13 strokes and major organ failure. In the near-death experience that accompanied that ordeal, Charlie had the requisite out-of-body experience but the bright light he saw was a green disco ball! Charlie can relate what happened including how one day before his family planned to pull the plug on him his 14-year-old daughter’s words brought him back to his body. He can talk about the difference between Heaven time and Earth time, the angels he met and why he believes he was spared to tell other people about the miracles he has experienced and serve as an example of how to appreciate the life you have even if it isn’t the one you expected. Charlie tells his inspiring story in “Always Remember This Moment.” Contact Charlie Gardner at (650) 995-5626; charlesgardner@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. ==> Feel Like a Fraud? Why It May Be a Good Thing

    Leaders are expected to be confident, but what can you do if you’re in a leadership position and you lack confidence in your abilities? Author and leadership expert Marc Pitman says that self-doubt may actually mean you’re on the verge of greatness. Invite him to reveal the three main factors that can bring out the best leader in you. He can also share how to overcome past failures to achieve career success. 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. Ask him how to overcome the feeling you’re “broken,” and why it can be dangerous to follow every new leadership system or self-help guru. Contact Marc Pitman at (317) 751-1610; mpitman@rtirguests.com

  • 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 gifts by selling your opinions and selling items you no longer use or want on sites like Poshmark. The author of “Going Broke Is No Joke!,” Davis 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

  • And You Thought the White House Couldn’t Get Any Weirder

    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 current 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 or hmarcovitz@aol.com

  • Can You Drink Your Way to Increased Immunity?

    Since the coronavirus outbreak began, everyone has been talking about immunity. How can your body be healthier to ward off disease? Can we be wiser in what we eat and drink? What’s the best natural way to bring about strength, energy, healthier skin and ultimately longer life? For the answers, listen to Tilak Silva, an expert in nutrition and health research and the inventor of CilanTea. Ask him: What makes cilantro an unexpected health food? What’s the best way to take advantage of its benefits? Which commonly imbibed beverages decrease immunity? Contact Tilak Silva at (310) 483-2785, tsilva@rtirguests.com

  • Racist Cops? Are Their Numbers Exaggerated?

    Mark Rusin, a former Las Vegas METRO police officer and retired ATF special agent with nearly 30 years as a law enforcement official, wants to talk about Black Lives Matter, Blue Lives Matter, and defunding the police. He says although there are some bad apples, all cops are being unfairly painted as racist when “99% of cop shootings of ‘unarmed’ people occur when they resist arrest or fail to follow commands.” He adds, “It is a known fact that when an ‘unarmed’ subject refuses to follow lawful police commands and chooses to physically engage in hand-to-hand combat with an officer they must be treated as ‘armed’ because every officer has a loaded gun at their side.” Rusin will also share why allegations of racism have led to police apathy in America and what that means for public safety. A consultant to “CSI” and other shows, he is the author of the upcoming book “METRO: Sin City Chronicles.” An earlier novel, “Justice For Dallas,” based on real events, is being turned into a screenplay.  Contact Mark Rusin at (520) 205-1113; msrusin@comcast.net