Category: Pop Culture

  • Interview the First Illiterate NBA Player to Get a Master’s Degree

    Dean Tolson was functionally illiterate when he joined the Seattle Sonics in the 1970s. He was the all-time rebounder at the University of Arkansas, but that didn’t prepare him for life after four years in the NBA. Tolson believes his greatest achievement was earning a master’s degree magna cum laude and now devotes his life to reach at-risk youth and adults about the power of education. His book, “Power Forward,” is about his experiences on the court and in the classroom. Contact Dean Tolson at (253) 884-8934; dtolson@rtirguests.com

  • What’s a Numerology Blueprint and What is Yours?

    For anyone feeling like they’re at a crossroads, unsure of their next career move or just seeking clarity, Suzan Owens might offer some unique assistance. A skilled numerologist, she can quickly reveal key aspects of anyone’s numerology blueprint, answering two essential questions: What am I really good at? and What does my future hold? Whether you’re seeking advice about your career, relationships, or personal growth, Suzan will share a fresh perspective that can guide you toward your fullest potential. “Numerology helps us look beyond the surface, uncovering our deeper purpose and strengths,” Suzan explains. “It aligns us with who we truly are.” Suzan is the author of “Wisdom of Numerology.” Contact her at (509) 315-6515; Sowens@rtirguests.com

  • Are Presidential Inaugurations All Glamour and Glitz? This Guest Shares an Insider’s View  

    During her decades long career as a flight attendant, Tania Anderson has met celebrities ranging from Bono to Elizabeth Taylor and Nelson Mandela and has flown into war zones across the globe. But one of her biggest honors was attending the inauguration of George W. Bush. “President Bush, Sr. gave me two tickets,” she reveals. “The evening was genteel, decorous, and posh, mirroring the well-bred Bush family. Lionel Hampton, the multi-talented jazz bandleader, provided the perfect ambiance as his music mirrored the values of the day. The best caterers in town provided the food. It was quite an experience!” Tania can share many other details about this historic event.  She is the author of the memoir “On Butterflies’ Wings: An Anthology of International Escapades,” and the upcoming “Synchronicity — the Escapades Continue.” Contact Tania Anderson at (213) 513-6099; tanderson@rtirguests.com

  • Interview a Middle-Aged Mom With 1M YouTube Subscribers

    Most people associate YouTube with cool music, comedy, and how-to videos, as it’s primarily considered a bastion of young trendsetters. But author and English language educator Jennifer Lebedev is living proof that you don’t have to be a 20-something hipster to become a YouTube star. “I reached one million subscribers on the channel when I was nearing 50,” she says. “I believe it’s important to step outside your comfort zone, especially in mid-life.” She ‘ll share her definition of success that has helped her find balance and happiness. Ask her: How can someone reach 1 million subscribers? How do you define success? Jennifer is a long-time educator and author of “Being a YouTuber: One Creator’s Bumpy Road to 1M Subscribers.” Contact Jennifer Lebedev at (617) 668-1804; jlebedev@rtirguests.com

  • Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama, U2: This Flight Attendant Who Has Met Them All

    During her nearly 40-year career as a flight attendant, Tania Anderson met everyone from Elizabeth Taylor and the mega rock band U2 to the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa, Britain’s Prince Philip, and five U.S. presidents! One of the most memorable people she met was South African President Nelson Mandela. “He was absolutely radiant,” she recalls. “I made my way up to the dais where he was speaking and yelled, ‘God Bless you, President Mandela!’ He leaned down and vigorously shook my hand.” She also established a side gig in show biz, working as an extra on the popular TV show “West Wing,” and in several scenes in the hit Steven Spielberg film “Catch Me If You Can.” She is the author of the memoir “On Butterflies’ Wings: An Anthology of International Escapades,” and the upcoming “Synchronicity — the Escapades Continue.” Contact Tania Anderson at (213) 513-6099; tanderson@rtirguests.com

  • Great Show for College Football Fans!

    College football is in full swing and it’s a great time to book Rich Cacioppe. The author of “Black Knights and Fighting Irish” will share the surprising story about the importance of college football in our country during World War II, and the lengths colleges went to preserve this American institution and keep morale high. West Point graduate, retired Army lieutenant colonel, and Vietnam veteran Rich Cacioppe gives your audience an in-depth look at college football in the crucial 1940s, as well as the unique cultural aspects that surrounded this tumultuous time. An experienced media guest, Rich gives the answers to fascinating questions like: Why was the 1946 Army-Notre Dame game considered “The Game of the Century?” What was the shocking connection between Notre Dame and a 1951 cheating scandal at West Point? How does WWII’s impact on college football make today’s unprecedented Transfer Portal issue seem benign by comparison? Contact Rich Cacioppe at (239) 420-7460; rcacioppe@rtirguests.com

  • With 1M YouTube Viewers, Middle-Aged Mom Proves You Can Do Social Media at Any Age

    Most people associate YouTube with cool music, comedy, and how-to videos, as it’s primarily considered a bastion of young trendsetters. But author and English language educator Jennifer Lebedev is living proof that you don’t have to be a 20-something hipster to become a YouTube star. “I reached the 1 million subscriber mark on the channel when I was nearing 50,” she says. “I believe it’s important to step outside your comfort zone, especially in mid-life.” She can share how mid-lifers can successfully set and attain personal and professional goals, despite their hectic lives. Jennifer is a long-time educator and author of “Being a YouTuber: One Creator’s Bumpy Road to 1M Subscribers.” Contact Jennifer Lebedev at (617) 668-1804; jlebedev@rtirguests.com

  • Overcome With Post-Election Emotions?

    A majority of Americans were stressed before Election Day, and now post-election, emotions are still running high for many across the country. Experts say Americans with varying political views may be overcome with emotion in the wake of the election results, from pride and optimism to disappointment, frustration and even fear. For many, these strong emotions reflect the heightened stakes of what has been called one of the most important elections in U.S. history, as people contemplate what the results mean for their values, communities and hopes for the future. Psychiatrist Melvyn Lurie can help explain why people take it so personally when their candidate doesn’t win. The author of “The Biology of Politics” says more is going on than you realize. He’ll discuss the many hidden drives that are a fundamental part of our nature and help your audience learn how to discuss and debate politics (or anything) with family and friends without resorting to anger, rage or name-calling. Dr. Lurie is an honors graduate of Harvard Medical School. He has practiced and taught medical students at Harvard and Tufts, has served as an expert witness, managed political campaigns and once even ran for political office. Contact him at (617) 510-8474; mlurie@post.Harvard.edu

  • Beyond ‘Dirty Dancing’ – Was Patrick Swayze a Hero?

    Most people know Patrick Swayze from the movies “Dirty Dancing” “Ghost” and “Road House.” They are aware that he often played heroes on screen but few know that he was a real-life hero too. Interview Sue Tabashnik, author of “Patrick Swayze: The Dreamer,” to share the many reasons he was and continues to be an inspiration to many, more than 20 years after his death. As she will explain, Patrick was one of the first celebrities to talk about battling pancreatic cancer. He advocated for more funding for research for better early detection and new treatment for pancreatic cancer, and by example showed more openness about discussing the cancer’s impact on lives. Ask her: What was it like to meet Patrick four times? Why do you consider him a hero? How can Patrick’s life be an inspiration to all of us? What can you tell us about his advocacy for dance, conservation, and traditional values? Contact Sue Tabashnik at (248) 617-0505; stabashnik@rtirguests.com

  • Interview Former NFL Player about Overcoming Obstacles

    Back in the late 1980s, Keith Davis was living the dream: signed to play professional football for the New York Giants until a knee injury abruptly ended his career but led to a new one. Davis, who has appeared on ESPN and ABC and in USA Today, and Sports Illustrated, has overcome tremendous obstacles. The former NFL linebacker, Rose Bowl champion, and USC graduate surmounted reading difficulties to obtain a degree in business finance and before that, the loss of his father to drug addiction and suicide and a mother who suffered from addiction and abusive relationships. Davis uses all of his life experiences to inspire others to rise above their challenging circumstances. Ask him: How can people make a U-turn in their lives? How were you able to stay away from substance abuse? Contact Peggi Merkey at (281) 346-9528; pmerkey@rtirguests.com