Author: admin

01. Go Inside the Secret Service with Former Female Agent
02. Weirdest White House Antics
03. The Lost Story of President Madison’s Black Family
04. Pulitzer Prize-Winner’s New Malcolm X Biography
05. COVID Long Haulers: What We’ve Learned So Far
06. Need-to-Know Vaccine Info
07. Lessons from First ER Doc to Die of COVID
08. How to Find a Job in the Post-COVID World
09. Lennon, the Beatles and the Maharishi
10. Can You Spot Propaganda?
11. What Happens in Vegas … No Longer Stays There
12. Former Stuntman Takes Listeners Behind the Scenes
13. New Amazon Documentary: Superbugs Are the Next Health Battle
14. How to Find Calm and Clarity During Chaotic Times
15. Interview Host of PBS’ ‘Simply Delicious Living’

1. ==> Go Inside the Secret Service with Former Female Agent

Melanie Lentz was a fresh-faced 22-year-old woman when she became a United States Secret Service special agent back in 2007. Invite her on your show and get an inside, behind-the-scenes look at the elite agency tasked with protecting our nation’s leaders and their families and hear what it was like to be one of the youngest female agents ever hired in the historically male profession. Lentz can discuss a typical day on the job, her most memorable assignments and what Former First Lady Nancy Reagan taught her that eventually led to her leaving the profession. Melanie Lentz is the author of “Agent Innocent: A Secret Service Love Story.” Contact her at media@melanielentz.com

2. ==> Weirdest White House Antics

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

3. ==> The Lost Story of President Madison’s Black Family

Author and physician Bettye Kearse is the great-great-great-granddaughter of an enslaved woman and her enslaver, and half-brother, President James Madison. Invite Dr. Kearse to share her perspective on being a descendant of both one of the Founding Fathers and also of a slave. She’ll share her family story and explore the issues of legacy, race, and the powerful consequences of telling the whole truth. Bettye Kearse is the author of “The Other Madisons: The Lost Story of a President’s Black Family” and the subject of a documentary film. She presented her story at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and has been featured by NPR, podcasts, and radio stations across the country. Contact her at (617) 640 4803; bettye@bettyekearse.com

4. ==> 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

5. ==> COVID Long Haulers: What We’ve Learned So Far

It’s been a year since the U.S. began seeing its first cases of the coronavirus and experts are still learning about the disease and its effects on the human body. Dr. Natalie Lambert’s COVID-19 Health Lab works to understand the multitude of ways in which COVID impacts patients’ health including the underlying health factors that affect health outcomes and why some “long haulers” suffer from COVID symptoms for months. She’ll share signs you may have already had the disease and commonly overlooked symptoms that could indicate an infection and discuss what doctors are learning about long-term health issues that can follow a bout with the virus. Dr. Natalie Lambert is an associate professor of medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine and Survivor Corps. Contact her at nalamb@iu.edu; @nataliejlambert

6. ==> Need-to-Know Vaccine Info

A massive push to inoculate the country against COVID-19 is on. Invite pharmaceutical technologies expert Dean Fanelli to answer your vaccine questions He’ll discuss the currently approved vaccines, what’s happening with other vaccines in development, and whether Americans should be worried about the new mutated strains of the virus. 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

7. ==> Lessons from First ER Doc to Die of COVID

Last March Renae Baker was working as a Lyft driver when she picked up Dr. Frank Gabrin after his shift at East Orange Hospital in New Jersey. Five days later he was dead from COVID-19, becoming the first ER doctor in the country to die from the virus. Baker says they talked the entire 35-minute ride to his home in New York City and some of what they discussed may have saved her own life in the following days. Dr. Gabrin developed his first symptoms later that morning. Baker developed hers shortly after and has since recovered. She will reveal what Dr. Gabrin told her about life inside the ER during the earliest days of the pandemic, the surprising thing he and other doctors were seeing at the moment of COVID-19 deaths, and why he thought this could be an important spiritual moment in our history. Baker says they discussed everything from morale among health-care workers to what happened when nurses got sick and how doctors were being treated by hospital administrators. Renae Baker is an author and speaker who has managed a professional caroling company in New York City for decades. She has been featured on Fox News and many more media outlets. Contact her at (917) 509-9022; ismileny@gmail.com

8. ==> How to Find a Job in the Post-COVID World

The world of work has changed exponentially this past year. High-rise office spaces are empty with many employees working from home. Millions of people lost their jobs or had hours cut and the future of entire industries remains uncertain. Many experts agree the COVID vaccine could spur recovery, bringing people back to work safely and consumers back to businesses. That said, can your company mandate it? Ask Andrew Challenger, of the global outplacement and executive coaching firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. He can discuss post-COVID workplace issues, the employment outlook for 2021, and give advice to anyone looking for a job right now. Contact Colleen Madden Blumenfeld at (312) 422-5074; (314) 807-1568 (cell) or colleenmadden@challengergray.com

9. ==> Lennon, the Beatles and the Maharishi

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. 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

10. ==> Can You Spot Propaganda?

We’re all influenced by propaganda every day. Learning to recognize techniques people use to influence your opinions and actions can help you evaluate the flood of information you get each day. Layman “Buzz” Allen will explain how learning to identify propaganda is as easy as playing an online game (the aptly named The Propaganda Game) and explain why propaganda can be a good thing. “The fascinating thing is that propaganda is used by all sides in most controversial issues. Our role in pointing out the actual mechanics is neutral as far as ideology is concerned. We are seeking to raise the level of discourse and appreciation for everyone involved,” Buzz says. Used in schools, The Propaganda Game was co-invented by Buzz’s late uncle, Robert W. Allen, and Bonanza actor Lorne Greene in the 1960s. Ask him: How did propaganda get a bad reputation during the Cold War? What would people be surprised to know about Lorne Greene and comedian Leslie Nielsen? Contact Michael Clever at (515) 412-0419; MClever@rtirguests.com or lallen@rtirguests.com

11. ==> What Happens in Vegas … No Longer Stays There

Las Vegas has earned its reputation as Sin City. And back in the early 1980s when Mark Rusin was a young police officer there, his job brought him face-to-face with some crazy situations which he’ll detail on your show. Ask him about the role his uniformed partner played in a bar’s wet T-shirt contest, about the time a john showed him what $70,000 in cash looked like, and about the “small” detail he missed while interviewing a stabbing victim. On a more serious note, he can also share the police call that has haunted him every day since he was called to the MGM Grand Hotel on Nov. 21, 1980. Rusin is a former ATF special agent who knows what “really” happened at Waco and has met several U.S. presidents while protecting them. Rusin has also been a consultant to “CSI” and other shows. He is the author of the upcoming book “METRO: Sin City Chronicles” and an earlier novel, “Justice For Dallas,” which was based on real events. Contact Mark Rusin at (520) 205-1113; msrusin@comcast.net

12. ==> Former Stuntman Takes Listeners Behind the Scenes

Steve McChesney knows what it was like to put his life on the line for the sake of entertainment. As a Hollywood stuntman, actor, or extra he appeared in more than 350 TV shows and movies, Part of that time, Steve earned money by falling off of high places, being knocked off of walls, performing stunts in automobiles and other things designed to make the audience’s hearts race. To the delight of baby boomers and others who love classic TV and movies, he can talk about the work he did on “Star Trek 6,” the last movie with the show’s original cast, “Starsky and Hutch,” “Battlestar Galactica,” “Wonder Woman” and more, and why professional stunt people are the safest people to hang around with. Now a marketing expert, Steve McChesney has been on CBS, ABC, NBC, and other large media outlets. His new book is “Rearranging Change: How You Market to an Ever-Changing World” and his podcast with the same name is available on all major channels. He is available as a last-minute guest. Contact Steve McChesney at (321) 414-2147; smcchesney@rtirguests.com

13. ==> New Amazon Documentary: Superbugs Are the Next Health Battle

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

14. ==> How to Find Calm and Clarity During Chaotic Times

When times are tough, most people look for external sources of comfort. But best-selling author and intuition expert Kim Chestney claims we have it backward. “When we learn to recognize and follow our inner guidance, it reconnects us with the fullness of our intended existence,” she says. “In this way, intuition is not only our line to higher awareness but the cure for our pains — our imbalanced bodies, worried minds, broken hearts and defeated spirits.” Kim will share specific ways to tap into our “inner guidance” and discuss how to remain at peace while surrounded by chaos. Kim Chestney is an international best-selling author and artist who founded the popular CREATE! Festival in Pittsburgh, Pa. Her Intuition Masterclass is part of her global online school, Intuition Lab. Contact her at (412) 214-9502; KChestney@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Interview Host of PBS’ ‘Simply Delicious Living’

As the host of PBS-TV’s “Simply Delicious Living,” Maryann Ridini Spencer inspires her viewers to live their bliss and best life every day. Invite her to share her top mood-boosting solutions, simple strategies to get happier and healthier, and how to find balance in your life both personally and professionally. She can also share her top five tips for simply delicious living and how gratefulness can lead to happiness. She 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

01. Senate Expert on Biden, Schumer and Filibuster
02. Wednesday is Holocaust Remembrance Day
03. Panger: When People Ignoring COVID Make You Furious
04. More Me Time: What Moms Want This Valentine’s Day
05. Be Mine: Say It with Nuggets
06. For Valentine’s Day: Expert Reveals 6 Types of Men
07. Why Aren’t We Blaming China for COVID-19?
08. Are Americans Too Independent for Their Own Good?
09. She Was Accused of Being an American Spy If She Didn’t Marry
10. Novelist and TV Host: How to Create Instant Calm
11. Do a Funny Show on Caring for Aging Parents
12. Broke and Homeless to Working and Traveling in a 39-Ft. Luxury RV
13. Moving On: 3 Ways to Put Last Year Behind You
14. Advantages Doubters Have that Self-Confident People Miss
15. What Really Happens When We Die?

1.==> Senate Expert on Biden, Schumer and Filibuster

Things have changed in the U.S. Senate after the last election. Or have they? Invite former deputy chief of staff to Senator Harry Reid (D-NV), Adam Jentleson to discuss how the Senate will operate under President Biden and Majority Leader Senator Chuck Schumer including whether we’ll see the end of the controversial filibuster. Jentleson traces the history of today’s partisan gridlock back to the early 20th century when southern senators fought to protect Jim Crow laws and instituted the filibuster. He’ll explain how the filibuster and entrenched party loyalties became a “kill switch” that cuts off broad-based solutions and shuts down our democratic process and ways to “fix” filibuster rules to allow real debate. Jentleson is the public affairs director at Democracy Forward, a columnist for GQ and a frequent political commentator on MSNBC. His new book is “Kill Switch The Rise of the Modern Senate and the Crippling of American Democracy.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com

2. ==> Wednesday is Holocaust Remembrance Day

On Wednesday, January 27 the world will pause to remember the tragedy of the Holocaust. On International Holocaust Remembrance Day we honor the 6 million Jews and 11 million others killed by the Nazi regime and its collaborators. Invite Dr. Susan Michael of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem to discuss the importance of remembering the genocide especially in our current, hate-filled, divisive culture. For more than 35 years, Dr. Michael has pioneered the development of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, a Christian Zionist organization, in the United States and around the world. She’s is a sought-after speaker on the topics of Jewish-Christian relations, anti-Semitism, the biblical significance of Israel and the history of Christian support for Israel. Contact Jason Jones at jason@jonesliterary.com

3. ==> Panger: When People Ignoring COVID Make You Furious

If seeing the risky behavior of family, friends and others during the pandemic makes your blood boil, you’re not alone, and you’re not wrong. Somebody even made up a name for the feeling; panger. COVID-19 has now killed more than 400,000 Americans and sickened millions more, while putting a tremendous strain on our health-care workers. Yet, many families continue to gather indoors for maskless get-togethers, and others take group trips to far-away destinations and flaunt pictures on social media. “Those who are engaging in risky behavior are sending the message that COVID isn’t really their problem, that they don’t see a reason to modify their behavior to mitigate risk,” according to Atlanta clinical psychologist Zainab Delawalla. “This is infuriating to people who have been making sacrifices for almost a year, and doing so not just to protect themselves, but also to protect others around them. When you’ve been holding up your end of the bargain, it is enraging to see that others are not doing the same,” she adds. Delawalla can explain why some people flout the rules, share ways to deal with your rage, and discuss whether you should confront offenders or simply avoid them. In addition to maintaining a private practice, Delawalla also teaches at the Emory University School of Medicine and Emory University. Contact her at (404) 325-2400; zainab@drdelawalla.com

4.==> More Me Time: What Moms Want this Valentine’s Day

You might want to rethink the flowers and candy this Valentine’s Day and pick up some bath bombs and an eye mask instead. A new survey from the online retailer Zulily reveals how moms and couples view romance in our current COVID reality. Probably not surprising, 55% of moms say they’ve spent too much time with their partner in the last year, so they’re looking for the gift of “me time” this Valentine’s Day, in whatever form that can take. The survey also finds that couples are coping with the new normal by finding creative ways to spend their time together like making TikTok videos and having weekly game and trivia nights. Megan Marshall, Zulily’s director of brand marketing says, “What we learned is that while moms may want a little more time to themselves to unwind, they also want to make the time with their partners more meaningful.” She’ll discuss other survey findings including how “quality” time for couples has changed and how the pandemic has created new “love languages.” For more survey results and interviews, contact media@zulily.com or Courtnee Chun at (720) 875-5420

5. ==> Be Mine: Say It with Nuggets

Not everyone will appreciate this gift, but if you know a chicken nugget lover this might just be the best Valentine’s Day idea ever. To celebrate their limited-edition heart-shaped Nuggets of Love, Tyson is sponsoring a chicken nugget bouquet contest. Starting February 1, create your best nugget bouquet, take a picture, and then share and tag it. You could be the big winner and take home $5,000 for a staycation and a year’s supply of Tyson chicken nuggets OR be one of 150 winners to nab a bag of the coveted limited-edition Tyson Nuggets of Love. The contest runs through February 17 when a panel of judges — including the famed chicken nugget bride Blair and her maid of honor Jenna — will evaluate the bouquet arrangements based on creativity, presentation, expression of chicken nugget love, originality and overall tie to a Valentine’s Day theme. For contest information and interviews, contact Tyson’s public relations department at (479) 290-6397; Tysonfoodspr@tyson.com

6. ==> For Valentine’s Day: Expert Reveals 6 Types of Men

Some women make the same dating mistakes over and over then wonder why they can’t find happiness. Author, speaker, and personal transformation expert Arnoux Goran says that once a woman knows the six types of men, she can navigate her way to red hot romance. Invite him to share the secrets that can lead to relationship bliss. Goran has developed a method to reprogram yourself that was studied by the University of California, Irvine, and proven to be 100% effective. His latest program is “How to Attract Your Soulmate.” Ask him: What are the biggest mistakes women make when choosing a partner? What are the red flags women should watch out for? Contact Goran at (878) 203-8231; AGoran@rtirguests.com

7. ==> Why Aren’t We Blaming China for COVID-19?

One year into the pandemic there are still many unanswered questions: Was COVID-19 unleashed on the world on purpose? Was it a bioweapon that got away from its Chinese creators? Why hasn’t there been an investigation to get to the bottom of this? Tamara Lashchyk and Jacqueline Toboroff host the “The Bo Peep Podcast” which probes the answers to questions that we are afraid to ask; they would like to debate how we got here on your program and why we need to hold China accountable for its infiltration of U.S. politics and institutions. Lashchyk has been interviewed by the BBC and featured in Huffington Post. A career coach, author, and former Wall Street executive, she recently ran for the New York State Assembly. Toboroff is a candidate for New York City Council (D1) and a parent and life-long resident of Manhattan. Contact Tamara Lashchyk at (848) 373-3543; TLashchyk@rtirguests.com

8. ==> Are Americans Too Independent for Their Own Good?

Glen Dunzweiler is an independent filmmaker, former college professor, and author who specializes in raising and debating difficult questions. For example, are Americans more inclined to fight each other than to fight the COVID-19 virus? Is the rugged independence the U.S. is known for a handicap when it comes to getting people to buy into doing what is best for the common good? How can we deal with the deeply ingrained pushback we have for authority? Just as he does with his new YouTube series, “Difficult Questions with Glen Dunzweiler,” Glen will engage your audience in a thoughtful discussion on ways to use “good old American innovation” to turn COVID mania into something good. Contact Glen at (702) 703-2219; GDunzweiler@rtirguests.com

9. ==> She Was Accused of Being an American Spy If She Didn’t Marry

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

10. ==> Novelist and TV Host: How to Create Instant Calm

Invite award-winning TV and movie screenwriter/producer, novelist, lifestyle journalist, and the host of PBS-TV’s “Simply Delicious Living,” Maryann Ridini Spencer to reveal her body-mind-spirit secrets to create instant calm, maintain balance, and find joy in this sometimes stress-filled world. She’ll share tips for creating instant calm, discuss the importance of keeping a positive mental outlook and explain what “living Aloha” means and how that contributes to creating calm. The author of the award-winning Kate Grace Mystery books, Maryann’s work has appeared on Hallmark Hall of Fame (CBS-TV), the Hallmark Channel, CNN, USA, SyFy, Showtime, and many other outlets. Contact her at (818) 492-9135; mspencer@rtirguests.com

11. ==> Do a Funny Show on Caring for Aging Parents

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

12. ==> Broke and Homeless to Working and Traveling in a 39-Ft. Luxury RV

Try not to be jealous of Tim Winders; just be inspired by his 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, making money 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 and just published his first novel, “A Time To Act.” Tim and his wife have enjoyed the nomadic lifestyle in New Zealand, Australia and across North America. Contact Tim Winders at (404) 846-4639; winders@rtirguests.com; available as a last-minute guest

13. ==> Moving On: 3 Ways to Put Last Year Behind You

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. Although most people were glad to see last year end, they still need some help to deal 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 all we have been through and how forgiveness, acceptance and gratitude can help us put things in perspective. She is a certified grief expert, ordained Unity Minister, and licensed spiritual educator whose younger son was murdered. She is also the author of “Unraveling Grief: A Mother’s Spiritual Journey of Healing and Discovery.” Contact Rev. Meghan Smith Brooks at (816) 844-6783; mbrooks@rtirguests.com

14. ==> Advantages Doubters Have that Self-Confident People Miss

In our culture, self-confidence is lauded as a virtue. So what happens when doubt creeps in? Does that mean you’re broken? Or could you have an advantage others lack? Invite leadership expert Marc A. Pitman to reveal why doubt can be a surprising gift that forces leaders to look inward to gain special insight. You’ll learn how words in your head can sabotage your efforts and why people who experience doubt are some of the strongest leaders. Pittman’s new book, “The Surprising Gift of Doubt,” provides a framework for leaders to move past feeling like a fraud and manage teams more effectively. Contact him at (317) 751-1610 (SC); mpitman@rtirguests.com

15. ==> What Really Happens When We Die?

With so many people mourning COVID-19 victims, many wonder if we go to an afterlife after we take our last breath. While growing up in a Midwestern funeral home where her dad was an undertaker, Margo Lenmark learned the truth. “People send messages in death that are very clear,” she says. “Death is not the end. I have gotten messages from dead people that have helped me to live a better life.” She shares her fascinating experiences and insights in her book “Light in the Mourning: Memoirs of an Undertaker’s Daughter. “The book has received glowing reviews from a number of prominent authors and spiritual leaders including Deepak Chopra. Contact Margo Lenmark at (828) 260-0873, MLenmark@rtirguests.com

01. Do Inauguration Speeches Matter?
02. Cure for the Inauguration Blues
03. What We Can Learn from 2020’s Leadership Failures
04. Presidential Peculiarities and White House Weirdness
05. Get Out the Dog Treats: Presidential Pooches Return
06. The Nursing Shortage is Here … What Can We Do about It?
07. How National Service Could Heal Our Country
08. Before You File a Lawsuit: What You Could Lose by Winning
09. How to Survive When Shots Erupt
10. How to Have a Pleasant Conversation with Anyone
11. Be Stress-Free in Just Minutes a Day
12. Put Your Boots Away and Get Out Your Flip-Flops
13. A Near-Death Experience You Won’t Forget
14. Like the Stork Personified – ‘What I Learned from 6,000 Deliveries!’
15. Why a Safe Life is Dangerous

1.==> Do Inauguration Speeches Matter?

Joe Biden has given many speeches in his career, but yesterday’s national address just two weeks after a violent riot at the Capitol, may likely be remembered as his most important. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are praising President Biden’s inauguration speech and its theme of national unity. Political commentator Mitchell Weiss can discuss Biden’s choice to focus on a positive message and call for healing and unity, what Americans wanted from the speech (and whether they got it), and how other presidents have addressed the nation amid uncertain times and crises. Weiss, a Harvard Business School professor and former chief of staff to Boston’s Mayor Thomas Menino, is the author of “We the Possibility: Harnessing Public Entrepreneurship to Solve Our Most Urgent Problems.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com

2. ==> Cure for the Inauguration Blues

Whether you’re a Republican or Democrat, you may be feeling a bit uneasy about the change in administration this week. Carole Lieberman, M.D., M.P.H., explains, “If you voted for Joe Biden, you may be wondering why you’re not more ecstatic that Inauguration Day is finally here. Your guy won, so why aren’t you thrilled? If you voted for Donald Trump, you may tell yourself that it’s natural you’re disappointed, but you know that it’s more than just that the other guy won.” Dr. Lieberman will share seven symptoms of Inauguration Day Blues that Republicans and Democrats alike may be feeling including anti-climactic letdown, confusion, and even embarrassment. She’ll also discuss ways to battle the blues and other mental health issues plaguing Americans right now. Dr. Carole Lieberman is a media pro who has appeared on Oprah, NBC’s “Today” show, “Good Morning America,” CNN, Fox News and many other outlets. She also hosts her own radio show/podcast. Trained at NYU-Bellevue and Anna Freud’s London Clinic, she has served on the clinical faculty of UCLA’s Neuropsychiatric Institute for years and is the author of many books. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; Ryan@goldmanmccormick.com

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

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

4.==> Presidential Peculiarities and White House Weirdness

Did you know James Monroe used to enjoy swimming nude in the Potomac River? Or that doctors once held a press conference to announce Dwight Eisenhower moved his bowels? Or that Calvin Coolidge often conferred with a raccoon? Or that First Lady Florence Harding gave press interviews in her negligee? Or that George H.W. Bush took showers with his dog? Author Hal Marcovitz can talk about the many strange stories that have been circulating around the White House since John and Abigail Adams occupied the Executive Mansion, including some very odd stories about the last occupant. Marcovitz, a longtime journalist, is the author of the novel “Painting the White House,” which tells the story of an ordinary house painter who finds himself at the center of White House intrigues and misadventures. Contact him at (267) 718-6807; hmarcovitz@rtirguests.com

5. ==> Get Out the Dog Treats: Presidential Pooches Return

Pets will once again be playing on the White House lawn now that the Biden family has moved in with their two German shepherds. 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

6. ==> The Nursing Shortage is Here … What Can We Do about It?

Thanks in no small degree to the pandemic, burnout, and an older workforce, rural areas and small hospitals are scrambling for nurses with some ERs operating with fewer nurses than they should. 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, Nancy 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. ==> How National Service Could Heal Our Country

As the Biden administration takes shape, David Scheffer says an emphasis on voluntary national service, namely young adults volunteering for national service at home, abroad, or in the military in exchange for tuition waivers for higher education, could be a powerful beginning. “If Biden’s goal of healing the nation is to have real meaning, then a good place to start with liberals, conservatives and centrists is national and international service grounded in an incentivized program of work in exchange for tuition for college and vocational training,” says Scheffer. “National service requires working together and sharing experiences among a diverse group of American high school graduates drawn from a broad political spectrum. The lessons learned — cooperation, understanding varied points of view and achieving a common goal — will build a stronger American body politic and society. Its time has come in this deeply fractured nation.” David Scheffer is a visiting senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and clinical professor emeritus and director emeritus of the Center for International Human Rights at Northwestern University Law School. He served as the first United States Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues, during President Bill Clinton’s second term in office. Contact him at dscheffer@cfr.org

8. ==> Before You File a Lawsuit: What You Could Lose by Winning

Talk about initiating a lawsuit and most people think: Hefty settlement! Getting justice! (Or retribution.) Healing and starting over. But legal trouble is stressful and expensive, and lawsuits can last years, taking more out of you than you gain. So warns attorney Francine Tone, who’s been educating the public for years about getting the right legal help, asking prudent questions, making wise decisions, and proceeding with caution as legal challenges unfold. Invite her to explore realities about suing and being sued, myths and truths about the law, and how even winning lawsuits can jeopardize your business, marriage or health. Francine is the author of “What Every Good Lawyer Wants You to Know.” Contact Francine Tone at (531) 208-1297; FTone@rtirguests.com

9. ==> How to Survive When Shots Erupt

Would you know what to do if you were in a situation where someone started shooting? Whether you’re walking on the street, working at your job 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

10. ==> How to Have a Pleasant Conversation with Anyone

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 when the nation is bitterly divided and we’re suffering through a 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

11. ==> Be Stress-Free in Just Minutes a Day

Stress is a silent killer. 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

12. ==> Put Your Boots Away and Get Out Your Flip-Flops

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. ==> 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. ==> Like the Stork Personified – ‘What I Learned from 6,000 Deliveries!’

Many people experience the birth of a few children in their lifetimes. But Alan Lindemann, M.D., has been involved in 6,000 births throughout his career and has the stories to tell about them. He’s seen just about everything possible when it comes to childbirth including the birth of quadruplets. Dr. Lindemann is sure to be a favorite guest for anyone interested in pregnancy and childbirth, including expectant parents and the just-plain curious. He is a former clinical instructor and associate clinical professor at the University of North Dakota’s medical school. Among the topics he can address are: is there a COVID baby boom? Or, conversely, have couples been more birth-control minded as hospitals become COVID hotspots? Contact Alan Lindemann, M.D., at (701) 399-9556; ALindemann@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Why a Safe Life is Dangerous

In our current uncertain world many people gravitate toward safety in their lives, but 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 safety 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, adventures 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