Category: Uncategorized

  • Bracing for the Next Round of Economic News

    The U.S. economy is facing one of its most uncertain moments ever as the deadly coronavirus remains a constant threat. According to Pew Research, people are growing more pessimistic about how America’s leaders have handled the virus and the nation’s ability to contain it, which only digs a deeper hole for the economy. Given the current situation, all eyes will be on the next monthly jobs report due in a few weeks. Economic/Federal Reserve expert Danielle DiMartino Booth is available for a limited number of interviews on Friday, September 4 to discuss the numbers released that morning, whether they’re accurate, and what they say about the U.S. employment situation. Danielle DiMartino Booth is a frequent contributor to Fox Business News, CNBC, Bloomberg Television & BNN Bloomberg, Yahoo Finance, The Street, and CNN Money. She is CEO and chief strategist for Quill Intelligence LLC (QI), a research and analytics firm that produces and distributes the economic newsletters The Daily Feather and The Weekly Quill. Prior to QI, DiMartino Booth spent nine years at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com

  • 08/06/20 RTIR Newsletter: Back to School?, Small Weddings, Binary Thinking

    August 6, 2020

    01. How to Save the Post Office
    02. The Battle Over Back to School – Even Parents Can’t Agree
    03. Award-Winning Journalist – Who Gets Into College and Why?
    04. 3 Life-Saving Strategies (from MDs) to Survive the Pandemic
    05. 10 Years Later: What Happened to the ‘Giving Pledge’?
    06. Why Small Weddings Make Cents
    07. Should You Trust HR? Why Most of Us Don’t
    08. Is It Time to Sell Your Life Insurance Policy?
    09. Why Frozen Embryos are a Hot Topic
    10. The Real Reason Bono Wears Sunglasses Inside
    11. It Works for Your Computer – Start Using Binary Thinking!
    12. What’s Really Wrong with Conversations in America?
    13. How to Stay Close to Children You Can’t See in Person
    14. Sweet Summer Activities for Young Kids
    15. Get Me Out of Here! Why RV Use Is Soaring

    1.==> How to Save the Post Office

    There may be no institution more American than the United States Postal Service, which traces its roots to 1775, when Benjamin Franklin was named the first postmaster general by the Continental Congress. And yet today, in 2020, its finances are imperiled, and its status has been threatened by the 45th president, who in April declared, “The Postal Service is a joke.” Critics of the USPS say it’s a failing business, but others, like Richard John, say it was never meant to be a business. “The Founders intended the Postal Service to be a pillar of the republic, binding together millions of Americans, urban and rural, for the common good. It therefore always had congressional oversight limiting what management can do to make a profit. Rather than being mismanaged, the Postal Service is — and has long been — one of America’s great successes,” says John, author of “Spreading the News: The American Postal System from Franklin to Morse.” Instead of privatizing it, he says we should take inspiration from the Founders and re-envision its mission for the 21st century. Some of his suggestions include expanding the Postal Service to include high-tech “last mile” capabilities, reestablishing a low-cost consumer banking system (a popular service the Postal Service maintained for much of the 20th century), and rolling out low-cost municipal broadband. “Rural electrification transformed vast swaths of the hinterland; might not rural Postal Services be configured as hubs for the digital economy of tomorrow?” he asks. In the closer future, John reminds us the Postal Service will play a crucial role in ensuring trustworthy mail balloting, a major issue in the age of COVID-19. Richard John recently wrote the piece “The Founders never intended the U.S. Postal Service to be managed like a business” for the Washington Post. Contact him at rrj2115@columbia.edu

    2. ==> The Battle Over Back to School – Even Parents Can’t Agree

    Family law attorney Steve Mindel is no stranger to parents and their disputes over their children’s schooling. He’s used to heated battles over where the kids should attend school; but today it’s IF they should attend school — the one they went to prior to COVID-19. “With fluctuating guidelines coming from federal, state, and city governmental offices, many parents are divided as to whether children should school at home or be allowed to go to the physical campus they attended prior to the pandemic,” he says. “Some married parents are seeking divorce over disagreements on schooling and divorced parents are going to war with one another!” Mindel can provide pointers and solutions for solving the “where to go school” crisis. He can also explain parental rights and what court actions to pursue, should a parent need the court’s intervention. Steve Mindel is managing partner at the law firm Feinberg, Mindel, Brandt and Klein in Los Angeles. He has appeared on Good Morning America, Today, Inside Edition, and many other TV and radio programs and has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and other publications. Contact Cherie Kerr at (714) 550-9900; (714) 271-2140 or cherie@kerrpr-execuprov.com

    3. ==> Award-Winning Journalist – Who Gets Into College and Why?

    Invite higher education journalist and New York Times bestselling author Jeffrey Selingo on your show and give your listeners a revealing look from inside the admissions office — one that identifies surprising strategies that will aid in the college search and open the door to the fascinating world of college admissions. Selingo spent parts of 2018 and 2019 embedded at three different universities to get an inside look at the admissions process: the University of Washington; Davidson College; and Emory University. He was trying to answer the central question millions of college-bound kids and their parents ask themselves every year: who gets in, and why? The answer, it turns out, is surprising, and a lot more to do with the college or university’s needs than with what’s best for students. He’ll explore our current winner-take-all culture of success that has parents doing anything to win acceptance, and why part of the reason this is so fraught for parents is that they don’t want to take the chance that their children will end up on the wrong side of the economic divide. Jeffrey Selingo has reported on higher education for more than two decades. His writing has appeared in the Washington Post, the New York Times, The Atlantic, and the Wall Street Journal. His books include “There Is Life After College,” “College (Un)Bound” and his latest, “Who Gets In and Why.” Contact Johanna Ramos Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell); johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 646-5188

    4.==> 3 Life-Saving Strategies (from MDs) to Survive the Pandemic

    COVID-19 isn’t going anywhere (in fact it just spiked globally!) and not all doctors believe a vaccine will save us all. So, how can you survive as we move forward? Don’t fear the virus, fight it and thrive through it with these strategies. Interview Reena Jadhav, HealthierPodcast.com host, Harvard MBA, tech entrepreneur-turned-health evangelist on the critical strategies to thrive through COVID-19. Jadhav will discuss on-air what the most brilliant doctors are saying, including the five most critical supplements, why you should focus on reversing underlying health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure, and how to ensure you’re not a casualty of a cytokine storm (hint: calm the heck down!) She’ll also share what one doctor says is the most important thing you should ask for if you end up in hospital fighting for your life. Contact Reena Jadhav at (650) 309-1005; rjadhav@rtirguests.com

    5. ==> 10 Years Later: What Happened to the ‘Giving Pledge’?

    Ten years ago, this week, more than three dozen billionaires joined Bill Gates and Warren Buffett and pledged to give at least half of their fortunes to charity. What has happened over the past decade? Invite Chuck Collins, author of the report “Gilded Giving 2020: How Wealth Inequality Distorts Philanthropy and Imperils Democracy,” to discuss the issue of philanthropy and how giving to charity has become a taxpayer-subsidized extension of private wealth, power, and influence for the richest 0.1 percent. “Private philanthropy has always been a form of power for wealthy donors. But as wealth inequality has exploded in recent decades, it has concentrated that private power in even fewer hands — and all subsidized by private taxpayers.” Collins will explain why top-heavy philanthropy poses considerable risks to “the independence of the nonprofit sector, the integrity of the tax system, and to democracy itself” and why the 2017 tax cut and COVID-19 pandemic will worsen this drift toward inequality in philanthropy. Chuck Collins is director of the Program on Inequality and the Common Good at the Institute for Policy Studies. Contact him at chuck@ips-dc.org or Bob Keener at bobk@ips-dc.org

    6. ==> Why Small Weddings Make Cents

    COVID-19 has changed the way people get married and is likely to continue to do so as the pandemic wanes. Small weddings are required for anyone getting married now, but will they remain popular from now on? Veteran wedding planners and media guests Lynne Goldberg and Aviva Samuels say the lingering effects of the economic slowdown will mean that many couples will need to keep their wedding budget down while others will embrace the idea of smaller luxurious weddings. This DIY wedding dream team will discuss the advantages small weddings offer as well as how couples can save thousands of dollars planning small weddings. Luxury planners Lynne Goldberg and Aviva Samuels have over 20 years’ experience creating unforgettable weddings in the U.S. and worldwide for celebrity and luxury clients. Goldberg and Samuels saw a need to help the DIY client and have a new, affordable course called “Learn to I Do.” They have been featured in publications such as the New York Times, Brides Magazine, the Washington Post, Martha Stewart, and Modern Luxury Bride. Contact Lynne Goldberg at (561) 212 -6024 or Aviva Samuels at (561) 213-5501; info@learntoido.com

    7. ==> Should You Trust HR? Why Most of Us Don’t

    During the pandemic, many people are missing day to day contact with their coworkers and clients. But few would say they miss dealing with their company’s Human Resources Department. The Human Resources Department is one of the most hated in any company; they may take ages to get back to you, give you incorrect information, play favorites, or, worse, sweep sexual harassment, racial inequality or bullying complaints under the rug. Dr. Mildred Peyton, who has a doctorate in human and social services and a master’s degree in counseling psychology, can talk about ways HR can be an asset rather than a drag. Ask her: What are the five signs of an unhealthy workplace? What strategies can companies use to increase employee engagement and productivity? She is president, and founder of Peyton Consulting, LLC, which helps companies reduce productivity concerns and increase profits through consulting and training programs. Dr. Peyton has been featured in the New York Times, on Sirius Radio and News Channel 8, among others. Contact Dr. Mildred Peyton at (240) 558-6287; mpeyton@rtirguests.com

    8. ==> Is It Time to Sell Your Life Insurance Policy?

    Did you know that because of COVID-19 many life insurance carriers have been forced to dramatically raise their costs while lowering benefits? This affects everyone’s life insurance policies and makes one thing certain — every policy needs a review. “Life settlements, a way to sell an existing policy, are a smart financial option for many,” says David Kottler, the Life Insurance Doctor™. “Life settlements are something to be aware of, as 90% of policies lapse before maturity, which is a huge loss to consumers!” David can explain what you need to ask to figure out what your policy is worth. David is the author of “The Best-Kept Secret in Your Insurance Policy.” Contact David Kottler at (216) 532-1221; DKottler@rtirguests.com

    9. ==> Why Frozen Embryos are a Hot Topic

    Recent news stories have explored the issue of frozen embryos caught in the crossfire of couples who have uncoupled. Fertilized during happier times, these embryos may remain in limbo forever and rack up storage fees if the couples cannot agree on their future. Or, as Nate Birt advises, the couple can agree to let the frozen embryo be adopted by someone else, a possibility they may not have considered. Learn more when you interview Nate, whose daughter began life as another couple’s frozen embryo. Nate is the author of “Frozen, But Not Forgotten: An Adoptive Dad’s Step-by-Step Guide to Embryo Adoption.” Ask him: What are some of the controversies that surround frozen embryos? Are fertilized embryos people or property? How costly is it to adopt such an embryo? Contact Nate Birt at (417) 221-9045; Nbirt@rtirguests.com

    10. ==> The Real Reason Bono Wears Sunglasses Inside

    As a celebrity, Bono can afford to be quirky and wearing sunglasses indoors certainly seems odd. But Bono isn’t doing it to make a statement. It’s because his eyes are sensitive to light due to glaucoma, a problem he shares with more than three million Americans including vision educator Linda Odubayo Thompson. While Bono has had this sneaky disease for 20 years, Linda has had it for 33 and she can tell you that glaucoma can strike anywhere from infancy to old age and the best defense is to have yearly eye exams. Linda can educate your listeners on what glaucoma is, what its symptoms are, who is most at risk and how it can be treated. Linda has done substantial research on glaucoma and has undergone most of the known treatments to slow its progression. Linda’s sister also has the disease as did their mother, whose story Linda tells in “I Know My Way Memoir: Always Remember to Color the Sky Blue.” Contact Linda at (914) 229-9184; lthompson@rtirguests.com

    11. ==> It Works for Your Computer – Start Using Binary Thinking!

    We make thousands of decisions, moves and actions every day. And it’s time we start thinking like a computer! That’s the message of Rico Racosky, who advocates “binary thinking” and using his “Just 2 Choices” philosophy. Known as America’s New Story Guy, Rico will motivate everyone in your audience to appreciate and utilize the on-off, yes-no, stop-go of binary thinking that works so well in computing and artificial intelligence. Rico — author of “Just2Choices” — will reveal how we have the power to make choices (with two options at a time) to simplify, amplify, rectify and identify success at work or in relationships, health and even academia. He’ll answer: How do so many people sabotage themselves by not using the Just 2 Choices model? How does this uncomplicated binary thinking advice help create better habits? What’s the history of Just 2 Choices? Ask about his free downloads. Contact Rico Racosky at (730) 572-1322; rracosky@rtirguests.com

    12. ==> What’s Really Wrong with Conversations in America?

    When was the last time you had a decent conversation? Particularly with someone who doesn’t think as you do. Today we find ourselves in an overly connected society that ironically experiences very little real connection between individuals. Why? “Much of this can be laid at the doorstep of technology that reinforces our desire for speed and availability over true connection – individual to individual, face to face,” says Ivan Obolensky. Deterioration in the art of communication can be seen across kitchen tables as well as across the country in race relations, political debates and late-night pundits. Interview Ivan to find out what your audience needs to know now to create meaningful conversations. We can start by being curious and interested instead of being interesting and learning what to avoid at all costs — (don’t commit “assumicide!”) Obolensky 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

    13. ==> How to Stay Close to Children You Can’t See in Person

    Aunts, uncles, grandparents, and other people have found themselves cut off from small children whom they would be able to see were it not for the pandemic. Phone calls and Zoom sessions are helpful but can still leave a void, says Laurie Marshall, a longtime educator and grandparent to 2-year-old Oliver who lives in a different state. That is why Laurie created a special book for Oliver to remind him of the experiences they have already shared until they can see each other again and as a permanent keepsake. “Now is the time to be creative,” she says, “for sanity’s sake and to model resourcefulness to children.” Laurie can explain how she quickly and inexpensively put together “The Adventures of Oliver the Penguin,” using a cutout of Oliver’s face superimposed on a penguin and then took photos of the cutout all over her home and added some short descriptive sentences. She says anyone can do something similar even if they think they aren’t creative and can share resources for having your book printed. Contact Laurie Marshall at (415) 360-3304; lmarshall@rtirguests.com

    14. ==> Sweet Summer Activities for Young Kids

    Even with COVID-19, the summer is slipping away fast. But it’s not too late to make fun memories with young children. Jean Alfieri, author of “Zuggy the Rescue Pug,” can offer inexpensive ways to do that while sheltering in place. With the start of school (in whatever form it may take) just weeks away, Jean suggests parents and children try these activities: practice their best Harry Potter British accents by picking an exciting or funny scene from a new or favorite book and acting it out. Write their own rules and create a new card game that uses them. Be journalists for a day by creating a list of questions and interviewing a favorite grown-up about what it was like when they were a child. Go on safari by discovering five facts about their favorite zoo animals, then share the facts with grandparents and other adults via FaceTime or Zoom. Jean is a veteran of human resources and organizational development in both small and large companies who left the corporate world to pursue more personal projects. Contact Jean at (602) 397-1344; procoachjean@gmail.com

    15. ==> Get Me Out of Here! Why RV Use Is Soaring

    Many Americans, stuck at home for months now amid the COVID-19 crisis, are eying safe ways to travel this summer and interest in RVs is soaring. Dealers across the country report a surge in demand, with manufacturers struggling to keep up production. RVs don’t come cheap; a new one will set you back anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000, but you can rent one for a few days or weeks and try it out. For those with quarantine fatigue who don’t feel comfortable traveling by air or staying in a hotel right now, it may sound like a great alternative, but is it for you? Tim Winders and his wife are living the life many people dream of as they roll down the highway in the 39-foot RV they named Theo that serves as their home AND office. Tim can answer questions about living AND working in such small quarters, the benefits and drawbacks of having a home on wheels, and how RV living has changed during the pandemic. He’ll also explain how he came to live this more intentional lifestyle. He is so persuasive that his adult son also works and lives in his own RV. Tim has over 25 years’ experience as a coach for business owners, executives, and leaders. He also hosts the SeekGoCreate podcast and is finishing his first novel. He and his wife have enjoyed the nomadic lifestyle in New Zealand, Australia and all across North America. Contact him at (310) 388-3854; twinders@rtirguests.com. Ask about last-minute availability

  • 08/4/20 RTIR Newsletter: USPS Problems, Career Switching Tips, Smokers and COVID

    August 4, 2020

    01. Is Trump Causing USPS Problems on Purpose?
    02. Step Up! Tech Giants Need to Stop Online Hate Speech
    03. Say What? How Language Can Heal or Sow Division
    04. The Apple Fire: Is There a Better Way to Fight Wildfires?
    05. What He Learned from 100 First Dates in One Year
    06. Considering a Career Switch Now? 5 Tips
    07. Masking the Problem or Saving Your Life?
    08. What Happens After You Survive Coronavirus?
    09. Top Addiction Doc: The Pandemic is Turning Us into Addicts!
    10. Why We Need to Stop Saying ‘People of Color’
    11. Are Parents Legally Responsible for Kids Who Bully?
    12. How to Be the Change We Need Right Now
    13. More Smokers Quitting Amid COVID Fears
    14. What You Don’t Know about Your Brain and Health
    15. Competitive Virtual Races: A Creative COVID Runaround

    1. ==> Is Trump Causing USPS Problems on Purpose?

    A watchdog organization is calling for an investigation and hearings amid concerns about mail-in ballot voter suppression tactics by the Trump administration through the United States Postal Service. “Recent actions” taken by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, who was appointed by Donald Trump in May, “will delay prioritizing mail delivery,” which threatens voting by mail, warns executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington Noah Bookbinder in a letter to Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.). Johnson is the chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. CREW’s letter, which was also signed by Common Cause Wisconsin, also urges the committee to hold additional oversight hearings and investigate DHS’s decision to deploy heavily armed federal agents to American cities to quell political protests over the objection of local elected officials. Those actions have prompted concerns from local elected officials that the Trump administration’s actions using DHS agents could be used to intimidate voters across the country in the upcoming election. Contact Jenna Grande at jgrande@citizensforethics.org or Jordan Libowitz at jlibowitz@citizensforethics.org

    2. ==> Step Up! Tech Giants Need to Stop Online Hate Speech

    Google, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon and other tech giants have revolutionized our lives for the better in many ways and raked in billions of dollars in profits in the process. But Rabbi Abraham Cooper says they have also allowed the internet to become an important tool used by racists, anti-Semites, terrorists and other purveyors of hatred and violence. He says, “It is irresponsible for Big Tech companies to say they are simply common carriers that transmit information the way telephone companies transmit calls. The tech companies have an obligation to set and follow rules setting limitations on what can be said on their platforms so they can degrade the online marketing efforts of purveyors or racism, anti-Semitism, and bigotry in all its ugly forms.” Rabbi Cooper says we cringe when we see images of neo-Nazis and white supremacists, but when these groups use the internet to spread lies and hatred, they draw far less attention from most Americans even though they actually have greater impact in cyberspace in poisoning impressionable minds and infecting them with hatred. Rabbi Abraham Cooper is associate dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, a global human rights organization researching the Holocaust and hate in a historic and contemporary context. His editorials appear in the New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, USA Today and many other publications. Contact him at (310) 553-9036; pressinquiries@wiesenthal.com

    3. ==> Say What? How Language Can Heal or Sow Division

    As the November elections get closer, the rhetoric gets louder, but Helio Fred Garcia says it’s the difference in each candidate’s communication style that makes the difference in what we hear. Analyzing the voices of our elected officials, Garcia will discuss 12 forms of communication strategies that leaders use — both positive and negative — to achieve their goals. From U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasia Cortez to Rep. Ted Yoho and President Donald Trump, he’ll explain how specific patterns in language are repeated, how dehumanization can and has occurred, and how to hold leaders accountable. Garcia can discuss Trump’s current strategy to delay the election, militarize police and create fake threats and how Ocasia Cortez has employed the late John Lewis’ communication strategy. Helio Fred Garcia is a coach, counselor, teacher, writer, and speaker whose clients include some of the largest and best-known companies and organizations in the world. He is an adjunct professor of management at the New York University Stern School of Business executive MBA program, NYU and Columbia University. He is the author of “Words on Fire: The Power of Incendiary Language and How to Confront It.” Contact Johanna Ramos Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell); johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 646-5188

    4. ==> The Apple Fire: Is There a Better Way to Fight Wildfires?

    A raging wildfire in Southern California forced thousands of people to evacuate the area over the weekend. The Apple Fire began Friday and has grown to more than 25,000 acres. As of Monday, there were 29 hand-crews, nine helicopters, 260 engines, 11 dozers and 48 water tenders working to distinguish the massive flames. Invite wildfire expert James Moseley on your show to discuss the way we battle these wildfires and why they cause such widespread damage. Moseley can share what factors lead to wildfires and whether climate change is entirely to blame. You’ll learn why we may see new wildfire dangers in many states as well as how we can better protect firefighters and save lives. Moseley is the CEO of Sun FireDefense, a company that offers advanced fire defense and home wildfire protection products. Contact James Moseley at (818) 486-4662; jmoseley@rtirguests.com

    5. ==> What He Learned from 100 First Dates in One Year

    Every time you go on a date you learn something but imagine how much you could learn if you went on 100 first dates in just one year! That’s what author, speaker, and personal transformation expert Arnoux Goran did in his quest to learn what women really want and what makes relationships work. He can reveal what he discovered and the techniques to help you find your perfect match. Invite him to share what red flags to look for on a first date, what really impresses women, and how you can make sure you get a second date. 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 HowToAttractYourSoulmate.com. Goran has been featured on radio and television nationwide. Contact him at (878) 203-8231; AGoran@rtirguests.com

    6. ==> Considering a Career Switch Now? 5 Tips

    With millions of Americans out of work and others in professions that no longer serve them, your listeners will appreciate the advice of Geraldine Hogan. Hogan has helped thousands of educators, business professionals and entrepreneurs explore new challenges and can offer tips for anyone who wants to apply their skills in a new direction. Learn three simple, life-changing questions to ask before making any career move, whether salary should guide your decision, and how to overcome obstacles, hesitation and fear of the unknown. Geraldine, a former educator, attorney and judge, can talk about her own career journey as well. She’s the author of “Career Moves for Teachers and Other Professionals: Strategies for a Successful Job Change.” Contact Geraldine Hogan at (305) 902-3869; ghogan@rtirguests.com

    7. ==> Masking the Problem or Saving Your Life?

    With the reopening of businesses, the return to public spaces, and the resurgence in coronavirus cases, the issue over wearing masks has become a red or blue political litmus test. People seem to be politically entrenched more than they are focused on their health and the safety of others. What can your audience learn from an American in Paris, France, who survived the 55 days of lockdown? What is her advice for navigating the thorny mask question while at work and while at play? Nita Wiggins worked 21 years on U.S. television, she now teaches journalism, and she’s the author of “Civil Rights Baby: My Story of Race, Sports, and Breaking Barriers in American Journalism.” Contact Nita Wiggins at NWiggins@rtirguests.com

    8. ==> What Happens After You Survive Coronavirus?

    The coronavirus has killed hundreds of thousands around the world but there are even more people who have gotten the virus and survived, some after being awfully close to death. How do you get your mojo back after such an experience when you’re in shock and others shy away from being near you out of fear? Invite Dr. Allen Lycka, who had a near-death experience himself, to discuss strategies to develop self-compassion, and ways to teach other people it’s okay to be near you. Dr. Lycka was a world-leading cosmetic dermatologist and surgeon at the top of his game when in 2003 he was crushed by a misdiagnosis of ALS. He is now dedicated to sharing what he learned through his life-changing experience to help others. Dr. Lycka and Harriett Tinker, who also had a near-death experience, have written “The Secrets of Living a Fantastic Life: Two Survivors Reveal the 13 Golden Pearls They’ve Discovered.” On your show, Dr. Lycka will reveal what the “golden pearls” are and how to implement them in your own life. Dr. Allen Lycka is a speaker, life-changing coach and author. Contact him at (587) 525-5561; Allen@DrAllenLycka.com

    9. ==> Top Addiction Doc: The Pandemic is Turning Us into Addicts!

    Recent studies have indicated an alarming trend of dramatically increased alcohol and drug consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Addiction is a disease of isolation, which COVID-19 is only making worse,” says addiction treatment specialist and author Isaac Alexis, M.D. “Mental illness and substance abuse, which occur simultaneously, are worsening with social distancing.” Dr. Isaac can share how to avoid the pitfalls of addiction during these alarmingly stressful times. He completed an internship in trauma surgery at Cornell University at New York Hospital of Queens and served as medical director at the Department of Justice, among other distinguished roles. He is the author of “Life and Death behind the Brick and Razor-Code Red Diamond” and the upcoming “The Seductive Pink Crystal.” Contact Dr. Isaac Alexis at (315) 935-6348; IAlexis@rtirguests.com.

    10. ==> Why We Need to Stop Saying ‘People of Color’

    One of the issues the Black Lives Matter movement addresses is how skin color plays a role in how people are treated by police and society in general. According to author, speaker, and retired neurosurgeon Sylvanus Ayeni, society needs to stop focusing on skin color as a way to define a person. He says the phrases “black and brown people,” “white people,” and “people of color” should be removed from our vocabulary. Why? Because skin color is just the shade of a protective superficial covering and that inside, we’re all the same. Invite him to discuss why skin color has nothing to do with the spirit and soul of an individual and why “color coding of human beings is fundamentally flawed.” Dr. Ayeni was born and raised in Nigeria and is the president of Pan Africa Children Advocacy Watch, Inc. His latest book, “Rescue Thyself: Change in Sub-Saharan Africa Must Come from Within,” has been described as “a thoughtful, provocative, fascinating, literate, and controversial examination of the poorest region on earth,” by NPR’s Nina Totenberg. Contact him at (301) 812-4579; SAyeni@rtirguests.com

    11. ==> Are Parents Legally Responsible for Kids Who Bully? This Guest Proved They Are, 40 Years Ago

    School may not be in session but there are bullies everywhere, especially online. Experts vary on what causes bullying, but whether society, social media or something else is to blame, aren’t parents ultimately responsible for their child’s bad behavior? When entertainment industry veteran Mark Simon was a teen, he was terrorized by a group of boys who brutally bullied and physically attacked him and his family. “Attacked!” is the story of how he fought back in court and became the first person in the country to successfully use a law holding parents legally responsible for the violent actions of their kids. Ask him: Why haven’t more parents been taken to court for their kids’ bullying? What advice do you have for those who are bullied? A writer, story artist and producer/director for live-action and animation, Simon has done over 100 radio and TV interviews. Contact him at (321) 217-1254; msimon@rtirguests.com

    12. ==> How to Be the Change We Need Right Now

    The worst global pandemic in a century. Economic chaos that echoes the Great Depression. Worldwide protests due to police brutality against minorities. How do we survive and even thrive in these perilous times? “To be the change this world needs right now, we have to live our truth,” says best-selling author and intuition expert Kim Chestney. “Intuition is the key to that truth; it shows us who we really are and what we stand for in this world.” Kim can discuss how being true to oneself is the greatest form of rebellion and the only way to bring about positive change in the world. Kim 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. Her new book “Radical Intuition: A Revolutionary Guide for Using Your Inner Power” will be released on November 3. Contact her at (412) 214-9502; KChestney@rtirguests.com

    13. ==> More Smokers Quitting Amid COVID Fears

    According to researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, smoking doubles the progression of COVID-19. That sobering statistic is among the reasons more people are willing to give up cigarettes and vaping — or at least trying to quit — than before the pandemic. “One of the best things you can do for your health is to quit smoking,” says Certified Clinical Hypnosis Practitioner Mary Beth Battaglia. “Anyone can quit on their own, but it is challenging because with cigarettes you are breaking a habit and an addiction to nicotine. Hypnosis helps you be mindful in understanding why you are smoking. Nicotine can create an urge but oftentimes it is stress and boredom that become the triggers for a cigarette.” Battaglia will discuss how hypnosis works to help smokers quit and share tips to successfully extinguish the habit for good. Mary Beth Battaglia offers online sessions for clients across the country. She is the author of “Transformation Through Hypnosis: Relax, Clear Your Mind & Step Into Your Power.” Contact her at (201) 477-0265; marybethpeace@gmail.com

    14. ==> What You Don’t Know about Your Brain and Health

    For a fascinating show, interview Dr. Annalee Kitay about the role your brain plays in keeping you healthy; comparing the brain to a generator, she’ll explain how we are all electrical beings who sometimes need to have our circuits reopened or unscrambled to reorganize our nervous system. Dr. Kitay is one of the top practitioners of The Neural Organization Technique in the U.S. and teaches the hands-on technique to other doctors; her own health has been greatly improved by using the technique that can treat low-back pain, concussions, strokes, allergies and more. Dr. Kitay did a radio show with the late Dr. (Robert) Atkins. Ask her: How does the technique work? Why did you volunteer to try it yourself years ago? Can you share some success stories? Contact Dr. Kitay at (561) 462-4733; akitay@rtirguests.com

    15. ==> Competitive Virtual Races: A Creative COVID Runaround

    As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the way we do just about everything has changed. For those who love to run, there’s still the open road, but with many traditional races canceled, competitive runners are looking for ways to compete and stay connected to the sport. Rami Odeh (Oh-DAY), an author, certified exercise physiologist, personal trainer and corporate presenter, can explain what a virtual race is and how it can help fill the void. “I was initially against the idea, but I decided to try one and it was actually incredibly fun — in a vastly different way. You get the benefit of solo time on the roads or trails combined with the accountability and motivation of being ‘around’ other runners.” As an amateur triathlete, obstacle course racer and trail runner, he has completed over 300 running races, obstacle course races, and multisport events since 1992. Odeh is the author of the three-volume series “Quiet The Noise.” Contact him at (770) 773-6970; rami@quietthenoisebook.com

    Don’t see any guests or topics for your show? Search through past RTIR Newsletters and find hundreds of show ideas and possible guests at www.rtironline.com

  • 07/30/20 RTIR Newsletter: Hiroshima 75 Years Later, RVs Across America, Sunglass Myths

    July 30, 2020

    01. 75 Years Later: The Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
    02. How to Recognize Propaganda
    03. Kodak Stock Looking Good? Don’t Buy It!
    04. The Story of America’s 20th-Century Middle Class
    05. Get Me Out of Here! Why RV Use Is Soaring
    06. Can America’s Broken Higher Education System Be Fixed?
    07. What the ‘War on Drugs’ Can Teach Us about Fighting COVID
    08. Why Our Leaders Keep Disappointing Us
    09. Get Ready for Contactless Horas and Tarantellas!
    10. 6 Biggest Myths about Sunglasses
    11. Sweet Summer Activities for Young Kids
    12. ‘What I Learned from Living through a Parent’s Worst Nightmare’
    13. What Really Happens When We Die?
    14. How to Reduce Stress and Be More Productive
    15. How Your Hobby Could Save Your Life

    1.==> 75 Years Later: The Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

    On August 6 and 9, 1945, the United States detonated two nuclear weapons over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The bombings killed between 129,000 and 226,000 people, most of whom were civilians, and to this day remain the only uses of nuclear weapons in armed conflict. We offer several analysts and historians available for comment:
    Peter Kuznick is professor of history and director of the Nuclear Studies Institute at American University. He is the co-author (with Akira Kimura) of “Rethinking the Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Japanese and American Perspectives,” and co-author (with Oliver Stone) of “The Untold History of the United States,” and author “The Decision to Risk the Future: Harry Truman, the Atomic Bomb and the Apocalyptic Narrative.” Contact him at pkuznick@aol.com

    Gar Alperovitz is the author of “Atomic Diplomacy: Hiroshima and Potsdam” and “The Decision to Use the Atomic Bomb.” He is currently a principal of The Democracy Collaborative, an independent research institution in Washington, D.C. He was formerly a fellow of Kings College Cambridge, the Institute of Politics at Harvard, and Lionel Bauman Professor of Political Economy at the University of Maryland. Contact him at garalper@gmail.com

    Martin Sherwin is a professor of history at George Mason University and the author of several books including “A World Destroyed: Hiroshima and Its Legacies,” and the upcoming “Gambling with Armageddon: Nuclear Roulette from Hiroshima to the Cuban Missile Crisis.” Contact him at martysherwin@.com

    2. ==> How to Recognize Propaganda

    We’re all influenced by propaganda every day, especially in an election year. 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: What are some of the 50 techniques explored in the game and which could help us in an election year? How did propaganda get a bad reputation during the Cold War? Why do you take a neutral attitude toward propaganda? 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

    3. ==> Kodak Stock Looking Good? Don’t Buy It!

    Kodak stock has popped a whopping 575% between July 17 and pre-market trade on July 29. That’s because of news this week that the photography pioneer is borrowing money from the government to manufacture ingredients for generic drugs such as the malaria treatment hydroxychloroquine. Should you buy the stock today? Peter Cohan will explain three reasons why you shouldn’t. He’ll discuss the company’s financial performance and prospects, why the demand for generic malaria drug ingredients may be weak, along with the company’s long history of poor management. Peter Cohan runs his own management consulting and venture capital firm. He’s been a media/tech stock analyst for CNBC, Forbes and other outlets for more than 20 years and teaches business strategy and entrepreneurship at Babson College. Cohan is the author of more than a dozen books. Contact him at (508) 460-9348; (508) 361-3805 (cell); peter@petercohan.com

    4.==> The Story of America’s 20th-Century Middle Class

    In the midst of a years-long debate about the state of today’s middle class, David Stebenne discusses the history of America’s 20th-century middle class: the policies that supported its growth in the first half of the century, the transformation it wrought on society, and the social, political, and economic forces of the 1960s that brought this period of expansion to an end. Learn how the American middle class began its ascent in the 1930s, with the progressive economic policies of the era — the New Deal, greater business and finance regulation, increased taxation — intended to bring an end to the Great Depression. Stebenne will explain how the military draft and GI Bill of World War II helped many Americans join the expanding middle class in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s so that by the 1960s the middle class was a potent political and cultural force. By the late 1960s however, social movements erupted in public protest, political policy changed, and the economy stagnated, and the middle class began to shrink, bringing attention to exactly who middle-class prosperity benefited. Where decades of growth had built wealth and power for white men and their families, women, people of color, and other marginalized groups were often left out. David Stebenne is a professor at Ohio State University and has written about New Deal liberalism, conservative thinking from the 1940s through the ‘60s, and suburbia. His new book is “Promised Land: How the Rise of the Middle Class Transformed America, 1929 – 1968.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; Jboyer@rtirguests.com

    5. ==> Get Me Out of Here! Why RV Use Is Soaring

    Many Americans, stuck at home for months now amid the COVID crisis, are eying safe ways to travel this summer and interest in RVs is soaring. Dealers across the country report a surge in demand, with manufacturers struggling to keep up production. RVs don’t come cheap; a new one will set you back anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000, but you can rent one for a few days or weeks and try it out. For those with quarantine fatigue who don’t feel comfortable traveling by air or staying in a hotel right now, it may sound like a great alternative, but is it for you? Tim Winders and his wife are living the life many people dream of as they roll down the highway in the 39-foot RV they named Theo that serves as their home AND office. Tim can answer questions about living AND working in such small quarters, the benefits and drawbacks of having a home on wheels, and how RV living has changed during the pandemic. He’ll also explain how he came to live this more intentional lifestyle. He is so persuasive that his adult son also works and lives in his own RV. Tim has over 25 years’ experience as a coach for business owners, executives, and leaders. He also hosts the SeekGoCreate podcast and is finishing his first novel. He and his wife have enjoyed the nomadic lifestyle in New Zealand, Australia and all across North America. Contact him at (310) 388-3854; twinders@rtirguests.com. Ask about last-minute availability

    6.==> Can America’s Broken Higher Education System be Fixed?

    As the pandemic continues to impact all facets of American life it’s a great time to talk about the failures of the U.S.’s higher education system and how they might be fixed. This issue is much larger than the much talked about one of whether institutions of higher learning should offer classes online or in-person and former college professor Glen Dunzweiler wants to have that discussion now. Glen says, “This virus is an opportunity for instructors and students to redefine what school is and how learning is achieved. I hope that our harsh realities on health complications and the sale of incomplete products (online classes) will inspire more to forge a thoughtful path but unfortunately, the reluctance for change, and the need for institutions to continue to make income will make the school experience limp along as people try to regain the glory of the university mythos.” Glen will explain why a traditional college education does not lead to a secure future for most students, why trade schools and work experience can be a better option and ways students can monetize their skills once they graduate. Glen is a former college professor, a documentarian, and the author of two books. His latest is “A Degree In Homelessness? Entrepreneurial Skills For Students.” Contact Glen at (702) 703-2219; GDunzweiler@rtirguests.com

    7. ==> What the ‘War on Drugs’ Can Teach Us about Fighting COVID

    Addiction is a serious health issue in the U.S., but government policies attempting to minimize drug use, addiction and overdose have resulted in over a trillion dollars in U.S. taxpayer money spent to “buy” the highest addiction rates, the highest overdose rates, and the highest incarceration rates in the world. Attorney Colleen Cowles notes that the government’s response to COVID-19 has many similarities to drug policy. Can lessons learned from failed drug policy help to avoid repeating history as pandemic policies are designed and enforced? Invite attorney Colleen Cowles, author of the book “War On Us: How the War on Drugs and Myths About Addiction Have Created a War on All of Us,” to discuss drug policy, its correlation to pandemic policy, and opportunities to use history to design rational responses to life-threatening health emergencies. Contact Colleen at (715) 828-0293; Colleen@WarOnUs.com

    8. ==> Why Our Leaders Keep Disappointing Us

    Have you ever wondered why the world’s leaders continue to let people down? Why chaos seems to be increasing? Or what happened to the age of peace, love, and understanding promised in the 1960s? If so, you’ll want to interview Sankarshan Das, a spiritual master who says, “Sadly, most of our leaders are not real leaders because they are unwilling to sacrifice everything for the common good.” Despite that, he says the knowledge exists to bring in a new era of unparalleled peace and prosperity to every town, village, city, and hamlet all over the world. Sankarshan Das is the author of the upcoming book “Conquer Your Mind and Deliver the World: Empowering You to Awaken Your Divine Consciousness and Create Global Happiness.” He is also a singer-songwriter who once appeared onstage between Jefferson Airplane and the Grateful Dead. His song, “The Peace Formula,” has been praised by Barack Obama. Contact him at (512) 643-6740; sdas@rtirguests.com

    9. ==> Get Ready for Contactless Horas and Tarantellas!

    Even in a pandemic people are still getting married and celebrating milestones, albeit with adjustments. Veteran event planner Lynne Goldberg can talk about what some of those changes are. For a fascinating interview, find out how brides and grooms are keeping their guests safe on the dance floor (would you believe touchless horas and tarantellas?), what a social distance concierge is, how to creatively serve food and drinks now, and what to write on an invitation to put guests at ease. Lynne Goldberg is the founder of Ms. Wedding Planner and Boca Entertainment; she has been in the business for two decades. Contact her at (561) 212-6024; Lynneggoldberg@gmail.com

    10. ==> 6 Biggest Myths About Sunglasses

    Wearing the right sunglasses is the best defense against short- and long-term eye damage from ultraviolet rays, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. Surprisingly, many people have no idea how to choose the right shades to keep them safe. Vision educator Linda Odubayo Thompson will share the six biggest sunglass myths that could endanger your eyesight. Ask her: what two numbers should you look for on prospective sunglasses? Will polarized lenses that look cool keep out damaging UV rays? What style of sunglasses would be your best bet? Should children wear sunglasses? Do you need sunglasses on cloudy days? Linda knows not to take her vision for granted; she has suffered from glaucoma for more than 30 years. Contact her at lthompson@rtirguests.com

    11. ==> Sweet Summer Activities for Young Kids

    Even with COVID-19, the summer is slipping away fast. But it’s not too late to make fun memories with young children. Jean Alfieri, author of “Zuggy the Rescue Pug,” can offer inexpensive ways to do that while sheltering in place. With the start of school (in whatever form it may take) just weeks away, Jean suggests parents and children try these activities: practice their best Harry Potter British accents by picking an exciting or funny scene from a new or favorite book and acting it out. Write their own rules and create a new card game that uses them. Be journalists for a day by creating a list of questions and interviewing a favorite grown-up about what it was like when they were a child. Go on safari by discovering five facts about their favorite zoo animals, then share the facts with grandparents and other adults via FaceTime or Zoom. Jean is a veteran of human resources and organizational development in both small and large companies who left the corporate world to pursue more personal projects. Contact Jean at (602) 397-1344; procoachjean@gmail.com

    12. ==> ‘What I Learned from Living through a Parent’s Worst Nightmare’

    No one wants to go through what Meghan Smith Brooks did. She not only lost her younger son, Justin, but had to cope with the knowledge that the 29-year-old father was murdered and experience the slowly moving justice system. Yet however horrible Meghan’s experience was, the ordained Unity Minister, licensed spiritual educator and certified grief coach has gained insights she wants to share with others who have lost loved ones to the pandemic and for other reasons. She is the author of the new book “Unraveling Grief: A Mother’s Spiritual Journey of Healing and Discovery.” Ask her: Why isn’t grief something to get over? Why must you feel to heal? Does it ever go away? Contact Rev. Meghan Smith Brooks at (816) 844-6783; mbrooks@rtirguests.com

    13. ==> 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 prominent authors and spiritual leaders including Deepak Chopra. Contact Margo at (828) 260-0873; MLenmark@rtirguests.com

    14. ==> How to Reduce Stress and Be More Productive

    Today our lives are overrun by stress. Stress affects our personal relationships and work lives. It negatively impacts us. Invite stress reduction and meditation expert Adam Weber to share his meditation method for relaxing and calming your mind anywhere, at any time of the day, even at work. He says that in only three to five minutes you can decompress and build a meditation practice that fits into your busy schedule. Weber is the author of “From Stress to Profit: How Meditation Helps the Corporate Warrior Survive, Thrive, and Profit in Our Stress-Filled World” and the forthcoming book “I Will Teach You to Meditate,” which reveals simple ways to start meditating. He is also the creator of the highly acclaimed online training program Easy to Meditate. He’ll answer all your meditation questions including: Is it hard to start meditating? Can you really relax your mind in a stressful place? Contact Adam Weber at (917) 779-8177; aweber@rtirguests.com

    15. ==> How Your Hobby Could Save Your Life

    Having a hobby or two is good advice for living a happier life. But did you know that it could also be lifesaving? This is particularly true for recent empty nesters, according to award-winning author Mary K. Savarese, whose 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, how anxiety can become your best friend and even how to find a new hobby (that could turn into a new career) that’s best for you. Mary has appeared in local publications and has been featured on Mindalia TV and an NBC affiliate. Her latest book is “Tigers Love Bubble Baths & Obsession Perfume, (who knew!).” Contact Mary at (860) 550-3344; maryksavarese@gmail.com

  • 7/23/20 RTIR Newsletter: Authoritarian Troops, Fighting Wildfires, Marketing During Covid

    July 23, 2020

    01. Federal Troops: Authoritarian Performance?
    02. What Would Happen If Trump Rejects Defeat?
    03. U.S.’s Half-Hearted Reopening is a Psychological Morass
    04. Unexpected Ways to Make Extra Money Right Now
    05. Interview the Host of PBS’ ‘Simply Delicious Living’
    06. Why We Think People are Lying When They’re Not
    07. Marketing Tips for a COVID World
    08. Tired of Quarantining? Book This Guest Now
    09. How to Reinvent Your Life after COVID-19
    10. Building Confidence is Key to Solving Inequality
    11. As Wildfires Rage: Is There a Better Way to Fight Them?
    12. Why More Women are Saying No to Motherhood
    13. How a New Hobby Could Save Your Life
    14. Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Facing Cancer with Joy
    15. How to Go with the Flow in the Middle of a Pandemic

    1.==> Federal Troops: Authoritarian Performance?

    Federal troops dressed in camouflage began arresting protestors in Portland, Oregon, last weekend and now President Trump says he’ll send more Homeland Security forces to other cities experiencing surges in violence. Journalist and historian Anne Applebaum calls the use of federal force in Portland “performative authoritarianism.” The goal, in part, is to generate TV pictures for pro-Trump shows like “Fox & Friends,” she says. “This is being done partly for the photographs. This is a way of messaging — that ‘we’re in charge, we’re doing something, we’re restraining these forces of violence.’ And that’s designed to appeal to a certain kind of voter who wants to see this control put onto contemporary events.” Ann Applebaum won the Pulitzer Prize in 2004 for “Gulag: A History.” She currently writes for The Atlantic and is a senior fellow of the Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University. Her new book is “Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism.” Contact Helen Tobin at htobin@theatlantic.com

    2. ==> What Would Happen If Trump Rejects Defeat?

    Just this week, when asked if he would commit to recognizing the outcome of the November election, the president refused to answer. How would Donald Trump react to an election defeat, especially a narrow one? Legal scholar Lawrence Douglas, author of “Will He Go? Trump and the Looming Election Meltdown in 2020,” envisions three possible scenarios based on historical precedent, where Trump would continue to consider himself president. Douglas says, “The best we can expect from President Donald Trump after an election defeat is self-pitying, peevish submission.” The worst case in Douglas’s scenarios would be a close or contested election that leads to a constitutional implosion and an explosion of violence. “This would represent a greater disaster for America than an outright victory by Trump,” he says. Lawrence Douglas is a legal scholar and professor at Amherst College. He is the author of seven books and two novels. His commentary and essays have appeared in Harper’s, The New York Times, the Washington Post and other publications. Contact him at (413) 542-7926; lrdouglas@amherst.edu

    3. ==> U.S.’s Half-Hearted Reopening is a Psychological Morass

    Reopening is a mess. As some states ease restrictions, Americans have been flocking to bars, returning to casinos and going to political rallies, many without masks. Why? Tess Wilkinson-Ryan, who studies the psychology of decision-making, says the lack of leadership on the issue means that people are now being asked to decide for themselves what chances they should take. She says, “Without clear rules, people must now engage in some of the most frustrating and confounding cost-benefit analyses of their life. If a business is open but you would be a fool to visit it, that is a failure of leadership. America’s half-hearted reopening is a psychological morass, a setup for defeat that will be easy to blame on irresponsible individuals while culpable institutions evade scrutiny.” Tess Wilkinson-Ryan is a professor of law and psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. Contact her at twilkins@law.upenn.edu or (215) 898-9216

    4.==> Unexpected Ways to Make Extra Money Right Now

    Many of your listeners have lost jobs — or taken salary and hours cuts — in recent months. With so many people unemployed and bills mounting up, there’s a lot of folks out there who want to know how they can make some extra money now. Patricia Davis, author of “Going Broke Is No Joke,” can provide some fresh ideas. She’ll talk about ways to bring in extra bucks by doing things like selling your cellphone images, agreeing to test websites and products, and selling your opinions to focus groups.  Patricia will also caution your audience about scammers and share ways to spot bogus job opportunities. She’ll also offer tips on what household goods can be sold for needed cash without being missed. An experienced guest, Patricia Davis holds an MBA from Stanford, a master’s degree in personal financial planning from Golden Gate University and a certificate from Georgetown University’s Stonier Graduate School of Banking and Finance. Contact her at (301) 517-6304; pdavis@rtirguests.com

    5. ==> Interview the 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

    6. ==> Why We Think People are Lying When They’re Not

    The truth seems to be in short supply these days. But is it? “Most people accuse whoever is on the opposite side of a political debate with lying or dishonesty when an honest evaluation of the situation is that they disagree with their opinion about something,” says author and leadership expert Steven Mays. Mays can talk about why we toss around labels like “racist,” “tyrant,” “Nazi” and “Snowflake,” as a way of disavowing other people’s experiences and opinions and why poor leadership leads to catastrophic unintended consequences like riots and pandemics. 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. ==> Marketing Tips for a COVID World

    How can our economy, the business world and everyone’s personal finances bounce back from the damage inflicted by the coronavirus and worldwide quarantining? What will motivate sellers and buyers in this new era? How will customers feel safe? What about getting the attention of customers, whether virtually or at a brick-and-mortar location? How important are first impressions, targeting the ideal customer, and communication styles? What motivates people to buy, and even have brand loyalty? And finally, how does one sell and deliver? Explore the answers and discover how to market and sell successfully (even in the tough months post-quarantine), when you interview marketing expert Steve McChesney. While sharing selling secrets that boost prospects and profits, Steve will also help buyers navigate the marketplace, so everyone is happier. Steve McChesney is the author of “Rearranging Change: How You Market to an Ever-Changing World” and a skilled copywriter and promoter. His ‘Rearranging Change Podcast’ is available on all major channels. Contact McChesney at (321) 414-2147; smcchesney@rtirguests.com

    8. ==> Tired of Quarantining? Book This Guest Now

    The country — and the world — has been in various stages of lockdowns and quarantines for months now and everyone is frazzled, irritable and itching to get out and get back to their old lives. But health officials say the pandemic isn’t over just yet, and to quell the spread we’ll need to keep up our guard and continue to be socially distant for the foreseeable future. We’re afraid, we’re frustrated and we’re feeling helpless. Nikki Nardizzi has been here before. After a double kidney and pancreas transplant in 2010, she was put on a three-month quarantine due to the anti-rejection medication that left her immune system extremely weak. Nikki experienced the same emotions we’re all facing now and says that experience has given her a different perspective and understanding of what’s currently going on. She’ll explain how she’s been approaching quarantine this time around, what she’s doing differently, and why. Listeners who are struggling with anxiety and fear will appreciate her perspective and suggestions for maintaining their sanity through these trying times. Nikki Nardizzi is the author of “BADASS grATTITUDE.” Contact her at (646) 872-9090; nbn@nikkinardizzi.com

    9. ==> How to Reinvent Your Life after COVID-19

    The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in life-altering changes for many. Following a midlife divorce, ending her career as a veterinarian due to health issues and saving her family farm from financial ruin, Sandra Matheson has had to reinvent herself repeatedly. She can share how to survive this latest crisis. “Many people have been pushed to the limits of their social and financial comfort,” she says. “But discomfort has an upside. It helps us to make different choices, examine what is important to us, become more resilient and to grow.” Sandra is the author of the upcoming book “Thrive After 40 ? How to Seize the Life of Your Dreams!” Contact Sandra at (360) 325-4221; smatheson@rtirguests.com

    10. ==> Building Confidence is Key to Solving Inequality

    Inequality issues in the U.S., once hidden, have been inescapably in public view lately. As we address them as a nation and as individuals, we need to keep in mind the role that confidence plays in leveling the playing field, says media veteran Raj Girn, head of the new Open Chest Confidence Academy. As an Asian immigrant, she grew up in England amid a lot of racial prejudice. “We do not place enough importance into building confidence, which is why the world is full of so much power inequality,” she says. Raj is also an expert on turning insecurities and other challenges into success stories. She can also discuss whether confidence can be taught, what the four “isms” are that people are pushing back against and her own challenges to success story. Raj is a well-known media personality in Canada and the subject of a feature-length documentary for Omni TV. She is a serial media entrepreneur who has worked in many communication-intensive industries with thought leaders, celebrities, and multinational corporations. Contact Raj Girn at (647) 490-3158; Rgirn@rtirguests.com

    11. ==> As Wildfires Rage: Is There a Better Way to Fight Them?

    Western states have seen an increase in large fires in recent years, sometimes with devastating losses of human life and massive economic damages. With dozens of blazes underway across western states, it’s time to invite wildfire expert James Moseley on your show to discuss the way we battle these wildfires and why they cause such widespread damage. Moseley can share what factors lead to wildfires and whether climate change is entirely to blame. You’ll learn why we may see new wildfire dangers in many states as well as how we can better protect firefighters and save lives. Moseley is the CEO of Sun FireDefense, a company that offers advanced fire defense and home wildfire protection products. Contact James Moseley at (818) 486-4662; jmoseley@rtirguests.com

    12. ==> Why More Women Are Saying No to Motherhood

    In 2018, the U.S. had the lowest number of births in 32 years, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Increasingly, women are delaying childbirth into their late 30s or 40s. But a significant number are deciding they simply don’t want motherhood —despite the blowback they often receive from friends and loved ones. Single and happily childless, Tamara Lashchyk, a business consultant, career coach, bestselling author, and former Wall Street executive, says despite all the progress women have made toward equality, they still face intense pressure to marry and raise a family. She says, “I could literally tell my family I’d cured cancer and the conversation would still end with, ‘But are you dating anyone?’” Tamara is the author of “Lose the Gum: A Survivor’s Guide for Women on Wall Street.” Contact her at (848) 373-3543; TLashchyk@rtirguests.com

    13. ==> How a New Hobby Could Save Your Life

    Having a hobby or two is good advice for living a happier life. But did you know that it could also be lifesaving? This is particularly true for recent empty nesters, according to award-winning author Mary K. Savarese, whose 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, how anxiety can become your best friend 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 and has been featured on Mindalia TV and an NBC affiliate. Her latest book is “Tigers Love Bubble Baths & Obsession Perfume, (who knew!).” Contact Mary at (860) 550-3344; maryksavarese@gmail.com

    14. ==> Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Facing Cancer With Joy

    Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has announced she is again being treated for cancer. It’s the fourth cancer fight for the 87-year old, but she’s got no plans to retire. Ginsberg has been working through the pandemic while undergoing chemotherapy, which she says is yielding positive results, so she’ll continue. Kipp Harris can relate to Ginsburg’s attitude and her struggles, himself battling cancer three times. Listeners will be inspired by his story. Hear how his cancer experiences taught him the importance of living fully, recognizing the many lives we touch each day, and even finding joy during chemotherapy. His upcoming book is “Improbable Joy: A 3-Time Cancer Survivor’s Journey to Finding Joy in Unexpected Places.” Contact Kipp Harris at (701) 638-4051; Kharris@rtirguests.com

    15. ==> How to Go with the Flow in the Middle of a Pandemic

    With all that is going on in the world today, it’s no wonder so many people are fighting depression and anxiety. Invite clinical therapist Faust Ruggiero to share a simple way to become more objective, less emotional, and reach a more focused, peaceful place in life. Ruggiero calls it the Process Way of Life and says it helps you prioritize practical intellect over emotion and can be applied to any life situation. “Human beings are a product of nature. As such, we are governed by natural rules. These are called processes: deliberate and natural actions or steps that must be performed so that we can live in tune with our own natural flow,” Ruggiero says. During his tenure as the President of the Community Psychological Center in Bangor, Pennsylvania, Faust Ruggiero developed the Process Way of Life counseling program, and has adapted it into the book “The Fix Yourself Handbook.” Contact Claire Downing at (281) 333-3507; news@ascotmedianews.com

  • 7/7/20 RTIR Newsletter: Science and Rock ‘n’ Roll, Anxiety and the New Normal, God, Trump and the 2020 Election

    July 7, 2020

    01. Trump-Connected Lobbyists Reap Windfall in COVID-19 Aid
    02. Epstein and Maxwell: ‘One Nation Under Blackmail’
    03. Will Putin Be President for Life?
    04. Award-Winning Musician on God, Science and Rock ’n’ Roll
    05. The Latest Post-Pandemic Wedding Trends and Tips
    06. Surprising Ways to Lower Your Risk of Getting COVID-19
    07. How to Help Teens Navigate Social Distancing Stress
    08. Anxiety is Making Today’s New Normal Worse
    09. Is the Answer to a Less Chaotic World Right in Front of Us?
    10. Why We Need to Stop Saying ‘People of Color’
    11. How Deciding to Walk Every Day Can Backfire
    12. Learn Why 50 Isn’t the New 30 … It’s Way Better
    13. ‘Blue’s Clues and You’ Actor Josh Dela Cruz
    14. 5 Simple Tools for Stressed-Out Parents
    15. Will God Make Sure That Trump Wins the 2020 Election?

    1.==> Trump-Connected Lobbyists Reap Windfall in COVID-19 Aid

    As the nation hunkered down to survive the coronavirus
    this spring, members of Washington, D.C.’s lobbying
    industry started getting busy. Federal lobbying
    expenditures in the first quarter of 2020 roughly
    equaled the all-time record for a single quarter, and
    according to a new report by the consumer watchdog
    group Public Citizen, the crisis offered an especially
    lucrative opportunity for those who enjoy close ties to
    President Donald Trump and his administration. The most
    tangible benefits that the clients of Trump-connected
    lobbyists received are grants and low-interest loans
    from the federal government. “The swamp is alive and
    well in Washington, D.C.,” says Mike Tanglis, one of
    the report’s authors. “These (lobbying) booms that
    these people are having, you can really attribute them
    to their connection to Trump.” Tanglis will discuss the
    report’s many findings, including 40 lobbyists with
    ties to Trump who helped clients secure more than $10
    billion in federal coronavirus aid, including five
    former administration officials whose work potentially
    violates Trump’s own ethics policy. Public Citizen is a
    nonprofit consumer advocacy organization. Mike Tanglis
    is a research director in the Congress Watch division.
    Contact him at (202) 454-5183; @michaeltanglis or Mike
    Stankiewicz at (202) 588-7779; mstankiewicz@citizen.org

    2. ==> Epstein and Maxwell: ‘One Nation Under Blackmail’

    Whitney Webb, the author of an upcoming book about the
    Jeffrey Epstein scandal, has an interesting perspective
    on the recent indictment of Epstein associate Ghislaine
    Maxwell. After the arrest, the “One Nation Under
    Blackmail” author tweeted: “They waited until after
    Bill Barr fired (United States attorney for the
    Southern District of New York Geoffrey) Berman” and
    “They reportedly arrested her (in New Hampshire),
    they’ve known where she is this whole time, waited till
    now. Why now?” She also noted that the indictment
    against Maxwell is “for only three victims — (from)
    1994 to 1997 — and the indictment states that Maxwell
    was involved in their sexual abuse directly (in terms
    of the sex acts themselves) but NOT charged for that.”
    Webb says, “A main goal of the Epstein-Maxwell
    operation was to blackmail prominent individuals and
    it’s important to mention that it was state-sponsored
    and involved compromising politicians (and) individuals
    so they would be supportive of policies pursued by that
    state. Sexual blackmail by intelligence has a long
    history, in the U.S. and elsewhere, and Epstein and
    Maxwell were merely using that same playbook (on a
    grand scale) for the benefit of their sponsors.” Webb
    also authored “Mega Group, Maxwells and Mossad: The Spy
    Story at the Heart of the Jeffrey Epstein Scandal,”
    which examines the role of Epstein’s main financial
    patron for decades, billionaire Leslie Wexner. Whitney
    Webb currently writes for The Last American Vagabond.
    She has previously written for MintPress News and Ben
    Swann’s Truth In Media. Her work has appeared on Global
    Research, the Ron Paul Institute and 21st Century Wire.
    Contact her at wwebbmpn@protonmail.com or @_whitneywebb

    3. ==> Will Putin Be President for Life?

    Not long ago, many Russian observers said Vladimir
    Putin was bored with being president. Now he seems to
    want to rule forever. What changed? Stephen
    Sestanovich, an expert on Russia, says a leading theory
    is that Putin doubts he would be safe in retirement: a
    new leader might seize his wealth or put him on trial.
    Sestanovich can explain the recent Russian referendum
    vote, a sweeping package of more than 200
    constitutional amendments, the most important of which
    exempts Putin from term limits and potentially allows
    him to rule until 2036. He’ll explain what that means
    for Putin, Russia and the rest of the world. Stephen
    Sestanovich is the George F. Kennan senior fellow for
    Russian and Eurasian studies at the Council on Foreign
    Relations and the Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis
    professor of international diplomacy at Columbia
    University’s School of International and Public
    Affairs. He is the author of “Maximalist: America in
    the World from Truman to Obama.” Contact him at (202)
    509-8454; ssestanovich@cfr.org

    4. == > Award-Winning Musician on God, Science and Rock ’n’ Roll

    Dennis Marcellino is truly a Renaissance man. A former
    member of many top bands including The Tokens (The Lion
    Sleeps Tonight), Sly & The Family Stone, The Elvin
    Bishop Group and more, Dennis’ musical biography reads
    like a Who’s Who of multi-talented relatives and
    showbiz awards. But interview this musician, vocalist,
    composer and arranger and you’ll quickly learn that his
    real passion involves something even more
    inspirational; sharing scientific proof that God
    exists, and Genesis is literally true. Dennis
    Marcellino has an extensive history in the music
    business. He has recorded more than a dozen albums,
    scored and composed several songs for films, and is the
    author of numerous political and inspirational books
    including “THE PROOF that God Exists and the Bible is
    True.” Contact Dennis Marcellino at
    Dennis@PeaceAndClarity.com

    5. ==> The Latest Post-Pandemic Wedding Trends and Tips

    When everyone is afraid to leave their homes without a
    mask and hugging is frowned upon, planning a fairytale
    wedding can seem daunting. Luxury wedding and event
    planner Lynne Goldberg says couples can still have
    fabulous events even as they meet new planning and
    etiquette challenges and shares the latest trends and
    tips for doing so. Goldberg, the founder of Ms. Wedding
    Planner and Boca Entertainment who appeared on the TV
    show Party Mamas, can answer such questions as how can
    couples ensure their wedding will be fabulous even with
    social distancing? With small weddings trending, what
    can couples do to give theirs a big impact? What
    changes should there be on the dance floor? Is it still
    OK to have a wedding cake? Goldberg’s clients include
    celebrities, politicians, socialites, and sports
    figures. Her work and commentary have been featured in
    such publications as the New York Times, Washington
    Post and the Wall Street Journal. Contact her at (561)
    212-6024, Lynneggoldberg@gmail.com

    6. ==> Surprising Ways to Lower Your Risk of Getting COVID-19

    Things are opening up around the country after months
    of stay-at-home restrictions, but COVID-19 is still out
    there and it’s spreading in many areas. How can you
    protect yourself when things like social distancing
    either aren’t possible or aren’t being observed by
    others? Invite author, surgeon, and pain expert Dr.
    David Hanscom to share concrete steps you can take to
    decrease your chances of becoming ill. He’ll also
    explain why lowering your feelings of anxiety or threat
    are critical to maintaining good health and how people
    with chronic stress die seven years earlier. Learn how
    your family can be harming your health and why
    insecurity about your income and financial situation
    can cause harmful inflammation that increases your risk
    of deadly illness. Dr. Hanscom’s book, “Back in
    Control,” reveals the latest developments in
    neuroscience research and his own personal history with
    pain. He’s been featured on Dr. Oz, NPR, CBS, ABC and
    Fox as well as in Men’s Health, Psychology Today, and
    many other media outlets. Contact Dr. Hanscom at (206)
    890-1892; dnhanscom@gmail.com

    7. ==> How to Help Teens Navigate Social Distancing Stress

    Isolation caused by social distancing has been
    difficult for most of us. But according to Steven Hall,
    M.D., this has been especially hard on teens.
    “Interacting with their peers is very important to
    teenagers,” he says. “This is a normal stage of
    development. The COVID-19 lockdowns and quarantines are
    interfering with that and may be creating some
    especially powerful feelings in teens.” Trained in
    traditional Western medicine, Dr. Steven combines
    alternative, integrative medicine into his practice to
    simultaneously treat patients’ bodies, minds and
    spirits. He can share simple yet powerful advice to
    help your teen get through these challenging times. He
    is the author of “The 7 Tools of Healing: Unlock Your
    Inner Wisdom and Live the Life Your Soul Desires.”
    Contact him at (425) 531-3684, shall@rtirguests.com

    8. ==> Anxiety is Making Today’s New Normal Worse

    The contentious presidential election, a pandemic,
    debilitating unemployment, an education system in
    chaos, financial upheaval, and the inability to travel,
    socialize and run businesses are all contributing to a
    spike in anxiety. No wonder your audience needs the
    advice of anxiety warrior Elke Scholz. Bring this
    outspoken psychotherapist on your show to help people
    navigate one of the toughest years in modern memory.
    Elke has written two “Anxiety Warrior” volumes and
    operated a private therapy practice for 35 years.
    She’ll reveal who is suffering most during this
    difficult year and how to recognize anxiety triggers.
    She’ll also recommend pro-wellness and anti-anxiety
    measures to nourish a healthy mental attitude. Contact
    Elke Scholz at (705) 710-4315; escholz@rtirguests.com

    9. ==> Is the Answer to a Less Chaotic World Right in Front of Us?

    Have you ever wondered why the world’s leaders continue
    to let people down? Why chaos seems to be increasing?
    Or what happened to the age of peace, love, and
    understanding promised in the 1960s? If so, you’ll want
    to interview Sankarshan Das, a spiritual master who
    says, “Sadly, most of our leaders are not real leaders
    because they are unwilling to sacrifice everything for
    the common good.” Despite that, he says the knowledge
    exists to bring in a new era of unparalleled peace and
    prosperity to every town, village, city, and hamlet all
    over the world. Sankarshan Das is the author of the
    upcoming book “Conquer Your Mind and Deliver the World:
    Empowering You to Awaken Your Divine Consciousness and
    Create Global Happiness.” He is also a singer-
    songwriter who once appeared onstage between Jefferson
    Airplane and the Grateful Dead. His song, “The Peace
    Formula,” has been praised by Barack Obama. Contact him
    at (512) 643-6740; sbridge@rtirguests.com

    10. ==> Why We Need to Stop Saying ‘People of Color’

    One of the issues the Black Lives Matter movement
    addresses is how skin color plays a role in how people
    are treated by police and society in general. According
    to author, speaker, and retired neurosurgeon Sylvanus
    Ayeni, society needs to stop focusing on skin color as
    a way to define a person. He says the phrases “black
    and brown people,” “white people,” and “people of
    color” should be removed from our vocabulary. Why?
    Because skin color is just the shade of a protective
    superficial covering and that inside, we’re all the
    same. Invite him to discuss why skin color has nothing
    to do with the spirit and soul of an individual and why
    “color coding of human beings is fundamentally flawed.”
    Dr. Ayeni was born and raised in Nigeria and is the
    president of Pan Africa Children Advocacy Watch, Inc.
    His latest book, “Rescue Thyself: Change in Sub-Saharan
    Africa Must Come from Within,” has been described as “a
    thoughtful, provocative, fascinating, literate, and
    controversial examination of the poorest region on
    earth,” by NPR’s Nina Totenberg. Contact him at (301)
    812-4579; SAyeni@rtirguests.com

    11. ==> How Deciding to Walk Every Day Can Backfire

    Taking a walk every day seems like a great idea. How
    could it possibly backfire? Interview exercise
    physiologist and certified nutrition coach Kristen
    Carter to find out. Kristen will talk about ways vowing
    to take more walks, joining a gym, buying home exercise
    equipment, and signing up for exercise classes can end
    up fizzling, possibly making a person feel like a
    failure for the umpteenth time. Kristen is the author
    of “Lose Weight? Exercise More? I Don’t Think So!  What
    to do when your doctor tells you to make changes for
    your health.” Ask her: What makes developing an
    exercise habit so elusive, even with the best of
    intentions? How can the right preparation and mindset
    make all the difference? Contact Kristen Carter at
    (267) 930-2547; kacarter@rtirguests.com

    12. ==> Learn Why 50 Isn’t the New 30 … It’s Way Better

    As we age, we may not realize that things should get
    better. With awareness, maturity, experience and
    motivation going for us, the second half of life offers
    extraordinary opportunities and satisfaction. That’s
    the message of Joe Swinger, a speaker, author and talk-
    show guest who specializes in helping adults in midlife
    enjoy the VIP life — one marked by greater vibrancy,
    impact and purpose. Joe is the creator of the Silver
    Linings Network, which he established to encourage
    happiness, success and emotional health in midlife and
    later years. Invite him on your show and learn what you
    should be focusing on (besides money!) as you approach
    and dive into retirement. He’ll share ideas for aging
    boomers who want to make a difference, recreate
    themselves and stay relevant, and explore ways to love
    and embrace aspects of every age. Contact Joe Swinger
    at (801) 865-7748: joeswinger@RTIRguests.com

    13. ==> ‘Blue’s Clues and You’ Actor Josh Dela Cruz

    When the original “Blue’s Clues” premiered in 1996, it
    became one of the most popular kids’ shows of all time,
    creating a more interactive way for young viewers to
    watch TV. Now, Josh Dela Cruz is the host of
    Nickelodeon’s successful new spinoff series, “Blue’s
    Clues and You.” Josh, a New Jersey native who was
    inspired by the original series to become an actor, can
    discuss what’s coming up on “Blue’s Clues &
    You”—including a special music-themed episode with
    celebrity guest stars — why Blue remains an enduring
    character in kids’ TV, and what parents and young
    viewers and can learn from the show.  For interviews,
    contact John Angelo at john@premieretv.com

    14. ==> 5 Simple Tools for Stressed-Out Parents

    Parenting is never easy but being quarantined with
    children while being unemployed or on the pandemic
    frontline are making it even harder. Families will
    welcome the creative suggestions of educator Laurie
    Marshall, suggestions that will help everyone get along
    better and safely blow off stress. She’ll share why
    parents and kids should put paper bags over their heads
    to convey emotions such as anger and silliness, why
    families should make a practice of singing and dancing
    together, and how taking three deep breaths when they
    feel out of control can center parents and interrupt
    impulsive behavior that can lead to harming family
    members. Marshall is a bullying prevention expert and
    the author of multiple books. She has trained over
    6,000 teachers in project-based learning and
    facilitated 125 bully-prevention, nature-based murals
    with over 25,000 people in schools, nonprofits, and
    government agencies (NASA, FEMA, U.S. Botanical
    Gardens). Contact Laurie at (415) 360-3304;
    lmarshall@rtirguests.com

    15. ==> Will God Make Sure That Trump Wins the 2020 Election?

    Even a famous Politico story contends that millions of
    Americans believe God wanted Donald Trump to become
    president. But is a second term in God’s plan?
    Interview Patric Rutherford, Ph.D., who agrees that a
    Trump White House was God’s permissive will. But find
    out why he says God may not want Trump to serve two
    terms. Originally from Jamaica, Dr. Rutherford has
    studied politics, faith and human nature for decades.
    He’s the author of the critically acclaimed book “God
    and President Trump Plus the Rest of Us.” Ask him: Why
    did many deeply committed Christians have no qualms
    about electing a seemingly godless man? What does the
    anti-Trump contingent get right and wrong? Why didn’t
    he vote for Trump? How would God grade Trump’s first
    term in office? Contact Patric Rutherford at (786)
    201-6638; patricrutherford@gmail.com

  • 07/02/20 RTIR Newsletter: Russian Bounty Hunting, Blessings of Covid, Stimulus Stupidity

    July 2, 2020

    01. Trump’s July 4th Scandal: Russian Bounty Hunting
    02. The Story of WWII’s Flying Tigers
    03. A Win for Weinstein Victims
    04. Masking the Problem or Saving Your Life?
    05. July is Bound to Be a Wiener!
    06. Quarantine Fatigue is Real: How to Overcome It
    07. Surprising Blessings of COVID-19
    08. Life After COVID-19: What You’ll Need to Do
    09. Work from Anywhere is Here to Stay
    10. Stimulus Stupidity and Tax Blunders! Blame the IRS!
    11. Leadership Expert Shares the Secret Skill Missing from Most Businesses
    12. Think You’re Concussion Proof? (You’ve Probably Had One and Didn’t Know!)
    13. How Parents Can Ensure Their Children Earn a Living Wage
    14. The Real Reason Americans Can’t Hear One Another
    15. A Show for Big Boys: Cranes, Snakes and Sewage

    1.==> Trump’s July 4th Scandal: Russian Bounty Hunting

    The Trump administration’s latest scandal involves Russian bounty hunting in Afghanistan. Moscow was reportedly giving Taliban and other terrorists bounties for killing U.S., UK and other NATO soldiers. But Stephen Blank, Ph.D. says the real scandal is the revelation that the intelligence community briefed the president and the White House in March about the bounty hunting, and since then, nothing has been done to punish Russia. “It’s evident that the national security policy process (and perhaps others) is now quite broken and will be for the duration of the Trump administration,” says Blank. “Our adversaries have long known this. Therefore, they are now exploiting this administration’s seemingly congenital ineptitude, ignorance and inability to recognize or speak the truth to attack our soldiers, our allies, our interests and our values globally.” Stephen Blank, Ph.D., is a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. He is a former professor of Russian National Security Studies and National Security Affairs at the Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College. He is also a former MacArthur fellow at the U.S. Army War College. Blank is an independent consultant focused on the geopolitics and geostrategy of the former Soviet Union, Russia and Eurasia. Contact Michelle Reece at (215) 732-3774, ext. 109; mreece@fpri.org

    2. ==> The Story of WWII’s Flying Tigers

    Listeners may recall images of the shark-face nose art on the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, but they may not know the story behind the pilots who flew the iconic planes. Invite Samuel Kleiner to share the story of 300 American pilots who were secretly recruited to defend the nation’s desperate Chinese allies before Pearl Harbor and ended up on the front lines of the war against the Japanese in the Pacific. You’ll hear fascinating details of the mission, including how the group traveled to Burma in the fall of 1941 under false identities and trained with legendary general Claire Chennault with the idea that they would be supporting Chiang Kai-shek’s China in its battle with Japan. They were consequently in place when Pearl Harbor was bombed and the Flying Tigers began their first flights 12 days later, helping to keep the Japanese occupied as U.S. troops were built up. Samuel Kleiner is the author of “The Flying Tigers: The Untold Story of the American Pilots Who Waged a Secret War Against Japan.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com

    3. ==> A Win for Weinstein Victims

    A number of women who were sexually abused and harassed by convicted rapist Harvey Weinstein while working for his production company are set to receive part of a $19 million payout. The payout is part of a deal brokered by the New York state attorney general’s office in its class action lawsuit against The Weinstein Company. Invite labor and employment attorney Jonathan Bell to discuss the agreement. In addition to the payout, the AG’s office says the agreement will wipe out any confidentiality or non-disclosure agreements Weinstein’s victims signed with the company or any of its former reps. The deal still needs to be approved by the district court presiding over the case. Jonathan Bell is the founder of Bell Law Group, specializing in discrimination, wage Issues, sexual abuse and harassment and other work/employment issues. Contact Mark Goldman at (516) 639-0988; mark@goldmanmccormick.com

    4.==> Masking the Problem or Saving Your Life?

    With the reopening of businesses, the return to public spaces, and the resurgence in coronavirus cases, the issue over wearing masks has become a red or blue political litmus test. People seem to be politically entrenched more than they are focused on their health and the safety of others. What can your audience learn from an American in Paris, France, who survived the 55 days of lockdown? What is her advice for navigating the thorny mask question while at work and while at play? Nita Wiggins worked 21 years on U.S. television, she now teaches journalism, and she’s the author of “Civil Rights Baby: My Story of Race, Sports, and Breaking Barriers in American Journalism.” Contact Nita Wiggins at NWiggins@rtirguests.com

    5. ==> July is Bound to Be a Wiener!

    Whether one enjoys a frankfurter, frank, wiener, weenie, Coney, red hot or hot dog, July is bound to be a delicious month. This month marks National Hot Dog Month, a full thirty-one days that celebrate one of America’s most iconic foods. Hot dogs are part of American culture, summer celebrations, travel and grilling traditions. They are synonymous with our nation’s independence as Americans are expected to eat 150 million hot dogs on July 4 alone. “Let me be frank. In a time when things feel uncertain, we can be sure of at least one thing,” says National Hot Dog & Sausage Council (NHDSC) Hot Dog Top Dog Eric Mittenthal. “Hot dogs make people happy and make us feel less socially distant, whether we are sitting six feet apart or meeting virtually.” Invite Eric on your show and discuss everything and anything about hot dogs including the biggest myths, fascinating trivia, and more. Hear the history of hotdogs and sausages, how they’re made and even a guide to hotdog etiquette. Throughout the rest of the summer and beyond, the NHDSC will highlight recipes on its social media channels using the hashtag #WienerWednesday and feature the best consumer-created recipes. Eric Mittenthal is president of the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council. Contact him at (202) 587-4238; (404) 808-8396 (cell) or emittenthal@meatinstitute.org

    6. ==> Quarantine Fatigue is Real: How to Overcome It

    If you’ve found you’re not washing your hands as often or you’re making trips outside more frequently, you’re not alone. Behavioral scientists call the phenomenon “caution fatigue” and say your brain is to blame. At first, our brain’s alarm system goes off and we’re on alert, but as time goes by our brains adjust the perception of alarm to reduce stress and we begin to relax our safety rules even though the threat remains. Experts say caution fatigue can also be the result of cognitive challenges. “Almost all of America is being confronted with an ambiguous, complex problem-solving situation,” says Eric Zillmer, a professor of neuropsychology at Drexel University. “We’ve never been through anything like this, so it’s ambiguous.” Zillmer will discuss ways to overcome quarantine fatigue, how to turn safety practices into habits by setting up visual cues like putting a face mask on a table by the door to remind you to put it on before you leave, and ways to mitigate information overload to develop a balanced viewpoint. Eric Zillmer Psy.D., is the Carl R. Pacifico Professor of Neuropsychology at Drexel University. Contact him at zillmer@drexel.edu; (215) 895-1977.

    7. ==> Surprising Blessings of COVID-19

    Despite the misery COVID-19 times have wrought, we need to keep in mind that they have also been responsible for some positive even miraculous things. Let Susan Shumsky brighten your listeners’ days as she shares the good things that occurred that we never would have imagined. New-found respect for teachers and the role they play in shaping young lives, an enhanced appreciation for the elderly whose absence from our lives is palpable, and a worldwide burst in creative expression are just some of what Susan will talk about. She’ll also touch on why the pandemic is forcing us to be more introverted (and that’s good) and to re-evaluate our priorities and why she says the world is now operating on a higher vibrational level. Susan Shumsky has 17 books in print and has proven to be an enthralling guest during more than 1,200 media appearances. Contact Susan Shumsky at (917) 336-7184; SShumsky@rtirguests.com

    8. ==> Life After COVID-19: What You’ll Need to Do

    Yes, the day is coming when the pandemic will be behind us. But, according to Dr. Annalee Kitay, before we even have the chance to let out that big sigh of relief we should be aware of this truth: “A great number of people’s immune systems will be in a compromised state,” she says. And, she adds, even people who look healthy will still need to boost their immune systems. Invite Dr. Kitay to explain why this is so and offer some tips on what to eat and what supplements to take to get back to where you were before you knew what COVID-19 was. Dr. Kitay can also talk about the brain’s role in immune function as well as share information about the Neural Organization Technique that she practices and trains physicians in. Neural Organization Technique is one of health care’s best-kept secrets. She is one of fewer than 50 practitioners in the U.S., who are using the revolutionary proven natural technique to help people with everything from concussions to learning disabilities and low-back pain. Dr. Kitay did several guest spots with the late Dr. (Robert) Atkins. Contact Dr. Kitay at (561) 462-4733; akitay@rtirguests.com

    9. ==> Work from Anywhere is Here to Stay

    Going back to work in an office is scary — and in most cases unnecessary. Work from home — or really work from anywhere — is here to stay for a huge number of former cubicle inhabitants. Companies have realized there’s no need to spend an average of $18,200 to house a worker in a corporate office anymore. For workers, the genie is out of the bottle and they have finally adjusted to remote work and are loving it — or will when they can start living a social life after work! Invite Diane Huth, the Accidental Career Coach, to discuss the post-pandemic workplace, what types of jobs can be done remotely, and how workers can hone their skills and communication practices to participate fully in remote work — so they can enjoy being untethered from the corporate office forever. Diane Huth is the author of two bestselling career guides and the creator of the Secrets to Land Your Dream Job online masterclass. Contact her at (210) 601-7852; DianeHuth@DianeHuth.com

    10. ==> Stimulus Stupidity and Tax Blunders! Blame the IRS!

    It’s bad enough that the IRS creates so much waste and chaos during tax season. This year our tax “non-experts” will be doing it until July. Plus, they have already been messing up the stimulus packages. So says former Internal Revenue Service tax agent Richard Green, who will shock audiences with the IRS stupidity he has observed firsthand. With the IRS responsible for sending out stimulus money, did you realize that thousands of foreigners have been sent $1,200 checks while countless deserving U.S. citizens are still awaiting their money? And the IRS, using outdated technology and data, is still sending double and even triple checks to individuals. Will such mistaken payments ever be recouped? Will the right people ever get their money? Find out more when you interview Green while COVID-19-related controversies are at their peak. Green, author of “Agents of Deceit,” is ready to offer his expert advice on whether we can fix these issues. Contact Richard Green at (909) 570-1509; rgreen@rtirguests.com

    11. ==> Leadership Expert Shares the Secret Skill Missing from Most Businesses

    If leadership coach and expert Tim Winders had only one message to share right now — and he has many — it would be that businesses and organizations need to inject more love in their day-to-day operations to reduce racism, sexism, divisiveness, turnover, and productivity problems. Invite Winders, who has over 25 years’ experience as a coach for business owners, executives, and leaders, to share ways employers can utilize kindness and skillful communication to motivate employees to do better and increase the bottom line. Encouraging individuals and corporations to act out of love is one of the themes of Winders’ debut novel, “A Time To Act,” which tells the story of Cooper Travis, an executive who contemplates ending his life after personal failures and business problems that could potentially send him to jail; as the story unfolds, the executive learns three acts to gain clarity that can be useful and bring peace to anyone. Especially in the chaotic world that we live in today. Winders, who along with his wife, lives and works in a large RV while traveling around the country, survived several business failures before finding a better path in life. He hosts the “SeekGoCreate” podcast. Contact him at (404) 846-4639; twinders@rtirguests.com. Ask about last-minute availability.

    12. ==> Think You’re Concussion Proof? (You’ve Probably Had One and Didn’t Know!)

    Is it possible to have a concussion and have no idea? “Absolutely!” says Paul Wand, M.D. “Sometimes symptoms relating to the concussion don’t show up until months or years later! And about 20% of people who actually do go to the Emergency Room for CT or MRI scans are told they are perfectly fine … when they aren’t.” This summer, as COVID-19 restrictions loosen up around the country, people are more eager than ever to get out and get going!  Which means more outdoor activities, leading to more concussion-related accidents. Interview Dr. Wand, a neurologist, to learn how your child, or you for that matter, could have a concussion and have no idea. Dr. Wand, who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of concussions, will explain his unique protocol that enables doctors to do both faster and easier. Paul Wand, M.D., PA, has been a medical doctor for 35 years. He’s the author of “The Concussion Cure: Three Proven Methods to Heal Your Brain.” Contact him at (954) 743-5380; PWand@rtirguests.com

    13. ==> How Parents Can Ensure Their Children Earn a Living Wage

    Right now, college students are hunkered down at home taking online classes, most likely until the fall. But as former college professor Glen Dunzweiler will tell you, a return to “normal” is not going to cut it because the way things have been done does not lead to a secure future for most student’s post-graduation. Invite Glen to discuss ways educators, parents and others who care about the next generation have to teach every college student about entrepreneurship so they can hold their future in their own hands and earn a living wage. He’ll share why all students need an exit strategy and a clear idea of how they intend to monetize their skills once they graduate. Glen is a former college professor, a documentarian and the author of two books. His latest is “A Degree In Homelessness? Entrepreneurial Skills For Students.” Contact Glen Dunzweiler at (702) 703-2219; GDunzweiler@rtirguests.com

    14. ==> The Real Reason Americans Can’t Hear One Another

    When’s the last time you had a decent conversation? Particularly with someone who doesn’t think as you do. Today we find ourselves in an overly connected society that ironically experiences very little real connection between individuals. Why? “Much of this can be laid at the doorstep of technology that reinforces our desire for speed and availability over true connection – individual to individual, face to face,” says Ivan Obolensky. Deterioration in the art of communication can be seen across kitchen tables as well as across the country in race relations, political debates and late-night pundits. Interview Ivan to find out what your audience needs to know now to create meaningful conversations. We can start by being curious and interested instead of being interesting and learning what to avoid at all costs — (don’t commit “assumicide!”) Obolensky 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

    15. ==> A Show for Big Boys: Cranes, Snakes and Sewage

    Most of us love to watch new buildings going up. There’s something about the whole process and the cranes, earthmovers, and daredevil nature of scaffold climbing that appeals on a primal level. Particularly, to boys. That same fascination is likely to extend behind-the-scenes to the unusual things that actually happen on construction sites; particularly when matched with the storytelling skills of 40-year construction professional Charles (Charlie) Garner. He’ll entertain your audience with true stories from his career that began right after high school and literally started off with a bang. Ask him: Why was it necessary for you to kill six poisonous snakes a day in the swamps of Louisiana? What happened to the worker who fell into a tank of raw sewage? What strange incident occurred on the first day of your first job? Charlie is a senior project manager for a large construction company in Atlanta and is a civil engineer who has worked in heavy construction for 40 years. His memoir “I Got This” contains amazing adventure stories from his life and career. Contact Charlie at (650) 995-5626; charlesgardner@rtirguests.com

  • 06/23/20 RTIR Newsletter: Racism in the Wine Industry, Pandemic Stress, Teens and Social Distancing

    June 23, 2020

    01. Amidst Record-Breaking Unemployment, Some are Thriving
    02. Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalists Profiled in New Vietnam Doc
    03. ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ Actor Caz Anvar
    04. Actor Nathalie Kelley on Cancellation of ‘The Baker and The Beauty’
    05. Where are All the Minority Journalists? Racial Bias in Journalism
    06. From ‘Snowflake’ to ‘Nazi’ and ‘Racist’ – How Generalizing Isolates Us
    07. Time to Address Racism in the Wine Industry
    08. Another Reason to Protect Yourself from UV Rays This Summer
    09. How to Help Teens Navigate Social Distancing Stress
    10. Love: Is That Really The Secret Most Leaders Are Missing?
    11. How We Can Be the Change We Need Right Now?
    12. What Jesus, Moses, Buddha and Muhammad Did That You Can Do Too
    13. Fitness and Nutrition Pro Says Motivation is Overrated!
    14. How to Deal with Pandemic Stress Better
    15. Time for a Short, Safe, Summer Road Trip?

    1. ==> Amidst Record-Breaking Unemployment, Some are Thriving

    Three months after the viral outbreak shut down
    businesses across the country, U.S. employers are still
    shedding jobs at a heavy rate, a trend that points to a
    slow and prolonged recovery from the recession. But
    there’s one group of people in America who are making
    more money than ever. U.S. billionaires saw their
    wealth “increase by 20 percent, or $584 billion,
    roughly since the beginning of the pandemic, as 45.5
    million Americans lost their jobs and the economy
    cratered,” according to a new report by Americans for
    Tax Fairness (ATF) and the Institute for Policy Studies
    — Program on Inequality. The report also finds the top
    five billionaires — Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, Mark
    Zuckerberg, Warren Buffett and Larry Ellison — saw
    their wealth grow by a total of $101.7 billion, or 26
    percent. Chuck Collins, co-author of the study
    “Billionaire Bonanza 2020: Wealth Windfalls, Tumbling
    Taxes, and Pandemic Profiteers,” can explain the
    findings, including the addition of 29 new billionaires
    since March. “The last thing U.S. society needs is more
    economic and racial polarization,” says Collins. “The
    surge in billionaire wealth and pandemic profiteering
    undermines the unity and solidarity that the American
    people will require to recover and grow together, not
    pull further apart.” Chuck Collins is program director
    at the Institute for Policy Studies, a progressive
    multi-issue think tank. Contact him at chuck@ips-dc.org
    or Bob Keener at bobk@ips-dc.org

    2. ==> Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalists Profiled in New Vietnam Doc

    “Dateline-Saigon” tells the inspiring story of a small
    group of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists — David
    Halberstam, Neil Sheehan, Malcolm Browne, Peter Arnett,
    and the photojournalist Horst Faas — reporting on the
    Vietnam War. The film follows the group’s fight to
    report the truth, which was vastly different than the
    rosy version put forth by the White House during the
    early years of the war … all as the American
    government sought to discredit them. Director Tom
    Herman can discuss the parallels between that turbulent
    time in America and today, and the role of journalists
    in serving society and shaping history. Narrated by Sam
    Waterson, the film is set for on-demand and DVD release
    July 14. Herman was a co-producer of the Emmy-award
    winning feature film “Live from Baghdad” starring
    Michael Keaton and Helena Bonham-Carter. Before that,
    Herman was a freelance producer for CNN as well as a
    correspondent for National Public Radio. When he’s in
    between films, Herman practices law in Boston. Contact
    Kelly Hargraves at Kelly.Hargraves@firstrunfeatures.com

    3. ==> ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ Actor Caz Anvar

    If you’ve been watching a lot of Amazon Prime while
    social distancing you may recognize Caz Anvar as pilot
    Alex Kamal from the network’s popular series “The
    Expanse.” He also plays the love interest of Viola
    Davis’ alter-ego, Annalise Keating on this season’s
    “How To Get Away With Murder” on ABC, and there’s buzz
    around Hollywood that he may take home Emmys for BOTH
    shows! Invite Anvar to talk about shooting two shows at
    the same time, what it was like playing opposite Davis
    in the highly acclaimed ABC series, and why he thinks
    his Amazon show has become a fan favorite. Contact
    Monique Moss at (310) 858-8230; monique@integrated-
    pr.com

    4. ==> Actor Nathalie Kelley on Cancellation of ‘The Baker and the Beauty’

    Fans of ABC’s “The Baker and The Beauty” are lobbying
    hard and petitioning the network after it abruptly
    canceled the show last week. The series about a hard-
    working Cuban American family with strong values and
    love for one another in the face of adversity won the
    hearts of Latin and non-Latin viewers from Miami to
    Melbourne. It also garnered critical praise, especially
    for its positive portrayal of LGBTQ communities and
    immigrant families. Nathalie Kelley, who plays Noa
    Hamilton on the show, says “At a time when minorities
    are marching in the streets demanding visibility, the
    decision to cancel the show is a setback for diverse
    and inclusive representation on television. I remain
    hopeful that another platform will welcome the
    opportunity to send the right message to our
    communities that our stories do matter and deserve to
    be told.” Fans are circulating an online petition
    asking ABC to reconsider the cancellation. Ask Kelley
    about the petition and why she believes fans feel so
    connected to the show. Contact Jeff Gulko at (617)
    304-7339; jeff@thegulkogroup.com

    5. ==> Where are All the Minority Journalists? Racial Bias in Journalism

    One issue being raised during the coverage of the Black
    Lives Matter protests is where are the minority
    journalists? During many discussions about “systemic
    racism,” people of color are missing from the anchor
    chair and the plum journalism jobs. How similar is
    discrimination in hiring journalists of color to the
    incendiary situation on the streets? Thirty years ago,
    cub reporter Nita Wiggins won the RTNDF Michele Clark
    Fellowship, given annually to a success-bound, up-and-
    coming. minority journalist. What does Wiggins say
    about equal opportunity in the media? What is the
    career reality for people of color? She’s the author of
    “Civil Rights Baby: My Story of Race, Sports, and
    Breaking Barriers in American Journalism.” Contact Nita
    Wiggins at NWiggins@rtirguests.com

    6. ==> From ‘Snowflake’ to ‘Nazi’ and ‘Racist’ – How Generalizing Isolates Us

    The truth seems to be in short supply these days. But
    is it? “Most people accuse whoever is on the opposite
    side of a political debate with lying or dishonesty
    when an honest evaluation of the situation is that they
    disagree with their opinion about something,” says
    author and leadership expert Steven Mays. Mays can talk
    about why we toss around labels like “racist,”
    “tyrant,” “Nazi” and “Snowflake,” as a way of
    disavowing other people’s experiences and opinions and
    why poor leadership leads to catastrophic unintended
    consequences like riots and pandemics. 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. ==> Time to Address Racism in the Wine Industry

    People of color have long been shut out of the wine
    industry. Even today, a black or brown face at a wine
    tasting or wine seminar is an uncommon sight. Yet wine
    has been part of the total human condition across
    cultures and races for thousands of years. Join writer
    Jim Laughren, CWE, for an honest assessment of the
    current situation and some thoughts on how we can all
    take a stand to turn the tide toward greater
    inclusiveness. Jim is the author of two popular wine
    books, “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

    8. ==> Another Reason to Protect Yourself from UV Rays This Summer

    True or False: You can be born with cataracts. They are
    the most common cause of vision loss in people over 40.
    There is no way to protect yourself from getting them.
    Black people and Hispanics are more likely to get them
    than white people. The average age for cataract surgery
    is 60. Find out which of these statements are true when
    you interview vision educator Linda Odubayo Thompson
    for Cataract Awareness Month in June. Learn how to
    protect yourself this summer and why you just might
    want to wear better sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
    as you spend time outdoors as well as gain information
    on symptoms, diagnosis, surgeries and more. Linda knows
    not to take her vision for granted; she has suffered
    from glaucoma for more than 30 years. Contact Linda at
    (914) 229-9184; lthompson@rtirguests.com

    9. ==> How to Help Teens Navigate Social Distancing Stress

    Isolation caused by social distancing has been
    difficult for most of us. But according to Steven Hall,
    M.D., this has been especially hard on teens.
    “Interacting with their peers is very important to
    teenagers,” he says. “This is a normal stage of
    development. The COVID-19 lockdown and quarantine is
    interfering with that, and may be creating some
    especially powerful feelings in teens.” Trained in
    traditional Western medicine, Dr. Steven combines
    alternative, integrative medicine into his practice to
    simultaneously treat patients’ bodies, minds and
    spirits. He can share simple yet powerful advice to
    help your teen get through these challenging times. He
    is the author of “The 7 Tools of Healing: Unlock Your
    Inner Wisdom and Live the Life Your Soul Desires.”
    Contact him at (425) 531-3684, shall@rtirguests.com

    10. ==> Love: Is That Really The Secret Most Leaders Are Missing?

    If leadership coach and expert Tim Winders had only one
    message to share right now — and he has many — it would
    be that businesses and organizations need to inject
    more love in their day-to-day operations to reduce
    racism, sexism, divisiveness, turnover, and
    productivity problems. Invite Winders, who has over 25
    years’ experience as a coach for business owners,
    executives, and leaders, to share ways employers can
    utilize kindness and skillful communication to motivate
    employees to do better and increase the bottom line.
    Encouraging individuals and corporations to act out of
    love is one of the themes of Winders’ debut novel, “A
    Time To Act,” which tells the story of Cooper Travis,
    an executive who contemplates ending his life after
    personal failures and business problems that could
    potentially send him to jail; as the story unfolds, the
    executive learns three acts to gain clarity that can be
    useful and bring peace to anyone. Especially in the
    chaotic world that we live in today. Winders, who along
    with his wife, lives and works in a large RV while
    traveling around the country, survived several business
    failures before finding a better path in life. He hosts
    the “SeekGoCreate” podcast. Contact him at (404)
    846-4639; twinders@rtirguests.com. Ask about last-
    minute availability

    11. ==> How We Can Be the Change We Need Right Now

    The worst global pandemic in a century. Economic chaos
    that echoes the Great Depression. Worldwide protests
    due to police brutality against minorities. How do we
    survive and even thrive in these perilous times? “To be
    the change this world needs right now, we have to live
    our truth,” says best-selling author and intuition
    expert Kim Chestney. “Intuition is the key to that
    truth; it shows us who we really are and what we stand
    for in this world.” Kim can discuss how being true to
    oneself is the greatest form of rebellion, and the only
    way to bring about positive change in the world. Kim 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. Her new book “Radical Intuition:
    A Revolutionary Guide for Using Your Inner Power” will
    be released on November 3. Contact her at (412)
    214-9502; KChestney@rtirguests.com

    12. ==> What Jesus, Moses, Buddha and Muhammad Did That You Can Do Too

    Many world religions have had their core concepts
    shaped by individuals that undertook one unusual
    practice — a practice still available today. Can you
    guess what it is? At a time when differences between
    religious groups seem so wide, interview Sparrow Hart
    to learn the impactful, life-changing events that link
    these spiritual leaders together. Sparrow’s varied
    career includes being a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of
    Stanford, a brief stint working in a slaughterhouse,
    adventures in the Amazon, and over 30 years of leading
    workshops on shamanism, conscious dreaming, 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 him at (801) 516-0740;
    SHart@rtirguests.com

    13. ==> Fitness and Nutrition Pro Says Motivation is Overrated!

    Stop beating yourself up for not losing weight and
    exercising more. Or for deciding that you will always
    be someone who doesn’t feel like getting off the couch.
    Motivation is overrated, says exercise physiologist and
    certified nutrition coach Kristen Carter. “It is not
    something that you either have or you don’t. And, it
    doesn’t mean you have some sort of moral failing if you
    can’t find it!” Kristen explains that motivation comes
    in four varieties, each with their own unique solutions
    to make them work for you. She is the author of “Lose
    Weight? Exercise More? I Don’t Think So! What to do
    when your doctor tells you to make changes for your
    health.” Ask her: What are the four varieties? What
    simple solutions can you offer people who want to
    change a few behaviors for healthier ones? Contact
    Kristen Carter at (267) 930-2547;
    kacarter@rtirguests.com

    14. ==> How to Deal with Pandemic Stress Better

    People’s differences can create stress at the best of
    times. Living in lockdown, these stresses can explode.
    Leadership expert Marc A. Pitman can tell you why
    people act the way they do. Using an easy-to-understand
    system, he can provide insight into why your team,
    staff, or family may be harder to live with right now.
    He can explain the different ways people react to
    stress and how to help you get through the pandemic and
    come out even stronger than before. His forthcoming
    book, “The Surprising Gift of Doubt,” provides a
    framework for people to move past feeling like a fraud
    and manage teams more effectively. Contact Marc Pitman
    at (317) 751-1610; mpitman@rtirguests.com

    15. ==> Time for a Short, Safe, Summer Road Trip?

    The Appalachian mountain range covers an area of
    205,000 square miles and is home to more than 25
    million Americans. Yet, the special culture of the
    region is quite different from the image commonly
    conveyed by the media. With families looking to
    vacation safely this summer, Nancy Brown Diggs says the
    region is a great option and just a car ride away for
    many. Consider this: Appalachia encompasses all of West
    Virginia, parts of Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama,
    Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio,
    Pennsylvania, Virginia, Mississippi, Maryland and even
    a small part of western New York State! Diggs, a
    scholar and author of “In Search of Appalachia,” can
    share great stories and suggestions for visitors this
    summer, from historic spots to natural wonders and
    more. Hear about former coal mine tours, a rock ledge
    overhang thought to be the earliest site of human
    habitation in North America, and the largest space
    museum in the country. Contact Johanna Ramos Boyer at
    (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell);
    johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 646-5188

     

  • 06/16/20 RTIR Newsletter: – Summer Road Trips, Celebrating Dads, Defunding the Police

    June 16, 2020

    01. SCOTUS: Civil Rights Law Protects LGBTQ Workers Too
    02. Community Control vs. Defunding the Police
    03. New Environmental Disaster: Arctic Diesel Leak
    04. Summer Road Trip: Appalachia’s Unexpected History and Beauty
    05. How Fathers Can Reconnect with Sons
    06. Celebrate Single Dads This Father’s Day
    07. Why We Think People are Lying When They’re Not
    08. Love: Is That Really The Secret Most Leaders Are Missing?
    09. He’s Proof: You Don’t Have to Be Guilty of a Crime to Be Convicted!
    10. Think You’re Concussion Proof? (You’ve Probably Had One and Didn’t Know!)
    11. The Real Reason Americans Can’t Hear One Another
    12. Toast to Your Health as States Open Up After Lockdown
    13. Why Netflix’s ‘Dead to Me’ Resonates
    14. Talk to This Expert If You Think You Are Weird
    15. Why Popeye Didn’t Get Cataracts

    1. ==> SCOTUS: Civil Rights Law Protects LGBTQ Workers Too

    Winnie Stachelberg of the Center for American Progress
    calls yesterday’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling a watershed
    moment for fairness and equality, particularly after
    President Trump’s recent rollback of nondiscrimination
    protections for LGBTQ people in health care, education,
    and access to safe shelter. Stachelberg says, “This
    ruling will allow millions of people to work with the
    respect, dignity, and increased job security that they
    deserve. The work is far from over, though. We need
    Congress to catch up to the Supreme Court by passing
    the Equality Act to ensure that all individuals receive
    the full measure of equality guaranteed to them under
    the Constitution.” Winnie Stachelberg is executive vice
    president for external affairs at the Center for
    American Progress, an independent nonpartisan policy
    institute. Contact Adam Peck at
    apeck@americanprogress.org

    2. ==> Community Control vs. Defunding the Police

    Authors of the upcoming book “Community Control Over
    Police” write that it is “undeniable that policing in
    the U.S. is out of control and outrageously overfunded.
    Since 1977 crime has continued to fall, but police
    budgets have almost tripled to a staggering $115
    billion per year.” But, they argue, “Defunding the
    police will not abolish the police. Far from purging
    classism, racism and patriarchy from its ranks,
    defunding the police is likely to bring them back in
    their purest form and with a vengeance.” Max Rameau and
    Netfa Freeman note that historically, “the shift from
    private security to public utility created the
    contradiction that allowed civil rights organizations
    to fight for equal protection under the law, public
    transparency and other reforms.” Rameau is a Haitian-
    born Pan-African author and organizer with Pan-African
    Community Action. Netfa Freeman is on the Coordinating
    Committee of the Black Alliance for Peace and an
    organizer in Pan-African Community Action. They
    recently wrote the piece “Community Control vs.
    Defunding the Police: A Critical Analysis” which was
    published by Black Agenda Report. Contact Rameau at
    afrimax@niainteractive.com or Freeman at netfa@ips-
    dc.org; @Netfafree

    3. ==> New Environmental Disaster: Arctic Diesel Leak

    Things must be bad if Russian President Vladimir Putin,
    who doesn’t have a strong environmental track record,
    has declared a state of emergency in the Arctic. A 5-
    million-gallon diesel fuel spill from a power station
    storage tank poses a deadly threat to the region’s
    people, plants, and animals. Christopher Reddy, an oil
    spill expert and scientist at Woods Hole Oceanographic
    Institution, can explain the unique dangers in the
    Arctic and why the spill is a warning of a precarious
    future that we are unprepared for. You’ll learn the
    difference between a diesel fuel spill and a crude oil
    spill and why the location of a spill is so important.
    Hear about a 1969 diesel spill in Buzzards Bay,
    Massachusetts, in bays that are similar to those found
    along the Arctic coastline. Reddy says residents still
    refer to the “Silent Autumn” that followed for the lack
    of birdlife in the area that season. It took up to five
    years for marsh grasses to grow back, and 50 years
    later, grasses, crabs, and mussels in the area still
    show detrimental impacts from the spill. Reddy expects
    more spills in the Arctic and says strategies and
    policies are desperately needed to prepare effective
    responses before the next disaster happens. Contact
    Christopher Reddy at (508) 289-2316; creddy@whoi.edu

    4.==> Summer Road Trip: Appalachia’s Unexpected History
    and Beauty

    The Appalachian mountain range covers an area of
    205,000 square miles and is home to more than 25
    million Americans. Yet, the special culture of the
    region is quite different from the image commonly
    conveyed by the media. With families looking to
    vacation safely this summer, Nancy Brown Diggs says the
    region is a great option and just a car ride away for
    many. Consider this: Appalachia encompasses all of West
    Virginia, parts of Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama,
    Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio,
    Pennsylvania, Virginia, Mississippi, Maryland and even
    a small part of western New York State! Diggs, a
    scholar and author of “In Search of Appalachia,” can
    share great stories and suggestions for visitors this
    summer, from historic spots to natural wonders and
    more. Hear about former coal mine tours, a rock ledge
    overhang thought to be the earliest site of human
    habitation in North America, and the largest space
    museum in the country. Contact Johanna Ramos Boyer at
    (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell);
    johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 646-5188

    5. ==> How Fathers Can Reconnect with Sons

    This Father’s Day many fathers and sons will not be
    able to see each other due to social distancing. But
    hiding behind the pandemic is another epidemic
    afflicting men and boys — an invisible wound
    experienced by males who have been abandoned by their
    fathers; one that frequently manifests itself in anger,
    violence, depression, and suicide. Sandy D. Kirk,
    Ph.D., has 20 years of experience helping teens and
    young adults heal from their father-wounds. Dr. Sandy
    says, “No pain on earth crushes a boy more deeply than
    being abandoned by his father.” She points out,
    “Studies show that 63 percent of suicides among teens
    are from fatherless boys and 82 percent of the boys who
    shot up schools were fatherless. This is a problem of
    epidemic proportions, and it explains why our broken
    boys are so angry.” Dr. Sandy will reveal five powerful
    steps to help fathers mend their broken sons, why one
    of the greatest messages a son can receive from his dad
    is “Son, you have become a real man!” and how asking a
    son’s forgiveness and telling him your own father-wound
    story can open his heart and restore mutual respect.
    Dr. Sandy hosted her own radio show, has been a
    contributing editor for Good News Magazine and has been
    a guest on radio and TV programs. Her latest book is
    “Reaching Your Son’s Heart: A Heartwarming Story of
    Healing for Fathers and Sons.” Contact her at (251)
    979-9068; drsandy.aam@gmail.com

    6. ==> Celebrate Single Dads this Father’s Day

    Although moms head most single-parent households, dads
    play an equally important role when it comes to raising
    boys to be decent men. “There is a ‘dad deficit’ in
    modern society,” says Pastor Eric Hawthorne, a divorced
    father of two young boys. “That’s why it’s crucial that
    boys have father figures who can be role models who
    teach them how to treat women with respect, manage
    money, set and achieve goals and be responsible, so
    that they can grow up to be productive adults.” Eric is
    the second-generation pastor of Daystar Deliverance
    Ministries in Richardson, Texas, and the author of the
    upcoming book “Are You Ready For Marriage?” Contact
    Eric at (214) 225-0769; EHawthorne@rtirguests.com

    7. ==> Why We Think People are Lying When They’re Not

    The truth seems to be in short supply these days. But
    is it? “Most people accuse whoever is on the opposite
    side of a political debate with lying or dishonesty
    when an honest evaluation of the situation is that they
    disagree with their opinion about something,” says
    author and leadership expert Steven Mays. Mays can talk
    about why we toss around labels like “racist,”
    “tyrant,” “Nazi” and “Snowflake,” as a way of
    disavowing other people’s experiences and opinions and
    why poor leadership leads to catastrophic unintended
    consequences like riots and pandemics. 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

    8. ==> Love: Is That Really The Secret Most Leaders Are
    Missing?

    If leadership coach and expert Tim Winders had only one
    message to share right now — and he has many — it would
    be that businesses and organizations need to inject
    more love in their day-to-day operations to reduce
    racism, sexism, divisiveness, turnover, and
    productivity problems. Invite Winders, who has over 25
    years’ experience as a coach for business owners,
    executives, and leaders, to share ways employers can
    utilize kindness and skillful communication to motivate
    employees to do better and increase the bottom line.
    Encouraging individuals and corporations to act out of
    love is one of the themes of Winders’ debut novel, “A
    Time To Act,” which tells the story of Cooper Travis,
    an executive who contemplates ending his life after
    personal failures and business problems that could
    potentially send him to jail; as the story unfolds, the
    executive learns three acts to gain clarity that can be
    useful and bring peace to anyone. Especially in the
    chaotic world that we live in today. Winders, who along
    with his wife, lives and works in a large RV while
    traveling around the country, survived several business
    failures before finding a better path in life. He hosts
    the “SeekGoCreate” podcast. Contact him at (404)
    846-4639; twinders@rtirguests.com Ask about last-minute
    availability.

    9. ==> He’s Proof: You Don’t Have to Be Guilty of a
    Crime to Be Convicted!

    The old adage “you’re innocent until proven guilty” is
    not necessarily true – especially in today’s crazy
    cancel culture – where people, usually celebrities, are
    called out and boycotted for actions they might have
    done. In the eyes of society, they are guilty. Period.
    Interview John Smith – an ordinary guy who unwittingly
    got caught up in the 1980’s S&L crisis and found out
    the hard way that you don’t have to commit a crime to
    be convicted of one. His message: If it can happen to
    him it can happen to you. John will tell your audience
    what he had to go through to finally get his
    Presidential Pardon, what General Flynn must be going
    through, and what you need to know about the abuse of
    Federal power… including the FBI. John Smith is an
    author and a professional speaker who shares his
    gripping story and the consequences of ethical and
    unethical behavior. His book “Embracing the Abyss”
    chronicles his amazing true story of unknowingly
    becoming a part of a fraud scandal and finally
    receiving a presidential pardon. Contact John Smith at
    (214) 216-2199; JSmith@rtirguests.com

    10. ==> Think You’re Concussion Proof? (You’ve Probably
    Had One and Didn’t Know!)

    Is it possible to have a concussion and have no idea?
    “Absolutely!” says Paul Wand, M.D. “Sometimes symptoms
    relating to the concussion don’t show up until months
    or years later! And about 20% of people who actually do
    go to the Emergency Room for CT or MRI scans are told
    they are perfectly fine … when they aren’t.” This
    summer, as COVID-19 restrictions loosen up around the
    country, people are more eager than ever to get out and
    get going!  Which means more outdoor activities,
    leading to more concussion-related accidents. Interview
    Dr. Wand, a neurologist, to learn how your child, or
    you for that matter, could have a concussion and have
    no idea. Dr. Wand, who specializes in the diagnosis and
    treatment of concussions, will explain his unique
    protocol that enables doctors to do both faster and
    easier. Paul Wand, M.D., PA, has been a medical doctor
    for 35 years. He’s the author of “The Concussion Cure:
    Three Proven Methods to Heal Your Brain.” Contact him
    at (954) 743-5380; PWand@rtirguests.com

    11. ==> The Real Reason Americans Can’t Hear One
    Another

    When’s the last time you had a decent conversation?
    Particularly with someone who doesn’t think as you do.
    Today we find ourselves in an overly connected society
    that ironically experiences very little real connection
    between individuals. Why? “Much of this can be laid at
    the doorstep of technology that reinforces our desire
    for speed and availability over true connection –
    individual to individual, face to face,” says Ivan
    Obolensky. Deterioration in the art of communication
    can be seen across kitchen tables as well as across the
    country in race relations, political debates and late-
    night pundits. Interview Ivan to find out what your
    audience needs to know now to create meaningful
    conversations. We can start by being curious and
    interested instead of being interesting and learning
    what to avoid at all costs (don’t commit “assumicide”).
    Obolensky 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

    12. ==> Toast to Your Health as States Open Up After
    Lockdown

    States are in various stages of opening up and people
    have begun going to restaurants again. What better way
    to celebrate your first night out in months than to
    share a great bottle of wine and make a toast to good
    health and good friends? To help you select the perfect
    wine, invite Andy Hyman, a tour guide in the Napa and
    Sonoma wine country who has shared his passion for wine
    with thousands of people from around the world. He can
    reveal what you need to know about how much to spend,
    how to get the most for your money, and how to ensure
    you buy a wine that you’ll really enjoy. His book,
    “Snob-Free Wine Tasting Companion: Wine Smart in a
    Day,” reveals how to get the most out of a wine-tasting
    experience, how wine is made, and general knowledge
    about wine. Hyman has been featured by Sonoma Magazine,
    the Marin Independent Journal, Napa Valley Register,
    North Bay BIZ magazine, and other radio and print
    outlets nationwide. Contact him at (415) 767-1441;
    andyhyman@rtirguests.com

    13. ==> Why Netflix’s ‘Dead to Me’ Resonates

    The critically acclaimed “Dead to Me,” in its second
    season on Netflix, is well-acted and full of plot
    twists. Both comedy and drama, the show starring
    Christine Applegate, Linda Cardellini and James Marsden
    is unusual in that it openly depicts characters
    experiencing grief — the hit-and-run death of a spouse
    and multiple miscarriages — and attending grief support
    meetings. So why are we frequently unwilling to talk
    about these important topics? And does talking about
    them really help? Get some answers from Rev. Meghan
    Smith Brooks, an ordained Unity Minister, licensed
    spiritual educator, and certified grief coach whose
    younger son was murdered. She is the author of the new
    book “Unraveling Grief: A Mother’s Spiritual Journey of
    Healing and Discovery.” Contact her at (816) 844-6783;
    mbrooks@rtirguests.com

    14. ==> Talk to This Expert If You Think You Are Weird

    Elana Davidson works with weird people. People who
    wonder what’s wrong with them because they feel so
    different than everybody else. People for whom the
    usual advice on being happy does not work. People like
    herself. Elana has good news for those who struggle
    with emotions and experiences they don’t understand.
    “They may be incredibly empathic and not screwed up,”
    she says. Ask her:  How can you tell if you’re
    empathic? How does being empathic affect your mental
    health? What tools can you offer to help? Elana is
    giving away copies of her book, “Finding Your Own
    Happy: The Soul-Searchers Guide to Peace and Happiness
    in Everyday Life,” published by Morgan James. Contact
    her at (413) 225-4758; elanadavidson@rtirguests.com

    15. ==> Why Popeye Didn’t Get Cataracts

    True or False: You can be born with cataracts. They are
    the most common cause of vision loss in people over 40.
    There is no way to protect yourself from getting them.
    Black people and Hispanics are more likely to get them
    than white people. The average age for cataract surgery
    is 60. Find out which of these statements are true when
    you interview vision educator Linda Odubayo Thompson
    for Cataract Awareness Month in June. Learn how to
    protect yourself this summer and why you just might
    want to wear better sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
    as you spend time outdoors as well as gain information
    on symptoms, diagnosis, surgeries and more. Linda knows
    not to take her vision for granted; she has suffered
    from glaucoma for more than 30 years. Contact Linda at
    (914) 229-9184; lthompson@rtirguests.com

    Don’t see any guests or topics for your show? Search
    through past RTIR Newsletters and find hundreds of show
    ideas and possible guests at www.rtironline.com

  • 06/11/20 RTIR Newsletter: Dismantling the Middle Class, Quarantine Fatigue, Stimulus Stupidity

    01. Pulitzer-Prize Winner: Washington and Wall Street are Dismantling the Middle Class
    02. Why is America So Angry, and What Can We Do About it?
    03. Donald Trump: The World’s Weakest Strongman
    04. Quarantine Fatigue is Real: How to Overcome It
    05. What Dad Needs: Some Serious Self-Love
    06. Missing Dad on Father’s Day? The Undertaker’s Daughter Reveals He’s Not Really Gone
    07. Why a Too-Safe Life is Dangerous
    08. Work from Anywhere is Here to Stay
    09. Stimulus Stupidity and Tax Blunders! Blame the IRS!
    10. How a 17-Year-Old Learning Disabled Boy Suddenly Learned to Read
    11. Another Reason to Protect Yourself from UV Rays This Summer
    12. How Deciding to Walk Every Day Can Backfire
    13. The Real Reason You Do Stuff You Know is Bad for You
    14. Face Life After Coronavirus by Making Just 2 Choices
    15. Lessons from First ER Doc to Die of COVID-19

    1. ==> Pulitzer-Prize Winner: Washington and Wall Street are Dismantling the Middle Class

    Long before COVID-19 ravaged the economy, millions of
    middle-class Americans were struggling with another
    crisis — stagnant earnings, unaffordable health care
    and the prospect of an impoverished retirement.
    Pulitzer-Prize winning reporter James B. Steele says
    this is no accident. Invite him on your show to share
    human stories and authoritative, statistical findings
    that illustrate how specific actions by Washington and
    Wall Street are systematically dismantling the middle
    class. He’ll discuss how government policies have
    created the most unequal society in America in 100
    years, why the wealth gap is widening and why more and
    more Americans are trapped at the bottom, unable to
    provide basic necessities for their families. Listeners
    will hear the real reasons why the percentage of
    Americans in the middle class is smaller today than at
    any time in more than half a century. James B. Steele
    and Donald L. Barlett are co-authors of the newly
    updated and expanded New York Times #1 bestseller
    “America: What Went Wrong? The Crisis Deepens.” Barlett
    and Steele are the nation’s most honored investigative
    reporting team. Their work has received two Pulitzer
    Prizes, two National Magazine Awards and upwards of 50
    other national journalism awards. They began working
    together at The Philadelphia Inquirer, and their
    writing has appeared in Time, Vanity Fair, the New York
    Times and the Washington Post. The American Journalism
    Review has called them “almost certainly the best team
    in the history of investigative journalism.” Contact
    Johanna Ramos Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099
    (cell); johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703)
    646-5188

    2. ==> Why is America So Angry, and What Can We Do About it?

    Here in the U.S., a level of rage has arisen over the
    brutal treatment and death of George Floyd that
    intensifies the cauldron of anger already boiling in
    African American communities. Now, many people from all
    aspects of our society are finally “getting” the deep
    realities of discrimination and brutal treatment
    minorities, especially young black men, have endured at
    the hands of rogue cops using their power and position
    wrongly. Myke Merrill, (D-Minn.) says terror, rage and
    exhaustion are not bad emotions, in and of themselves,
    but are responses to how an individual, or a society,
    perceives what is happening. Ask the author of “Why Do
    People Act That Way? (And What Can I Do About It?)”:
    What can be done about cultural foundations that run
    hundreds of years deep? Especially when no one seems to
    know exactly what courses of action might bring about
    the desired changes? Dr. Myke will engage your audience
    in the first clear step: finding the language to talk
    and listen effectively about these strong emotions. The
    author of 22 books, Dr. Myke was a panelist on the
    national television show Ask the Pastor for 18 years.
    Contact him at inquiries@drmyke.com or (585) 615-6383

    3. ==> Donald Trump: The World’s Weakest Strongman

    As recent protests over the police killing of George
    Floyd grew, President Donald Trump belittled governors
    for not cracking down on demonstrators hard enough.
    Trump suggested calling in the military to help clear
    cities of protesters and enlisted the National Guard to
    disperse demonstrators in D.C. by throwing tear gas
    into the peaceful crowd. But Stephen M. Walt says
    Trump’s use of violence and division isn’t a signal of
    his authority — it’s a sign of his desperation. He
    says, “Indeed, Trump has every reason to want the level
    of violence to get worse, both to distract us from his
    other failures and to convince Americans that they are
    facing a massive threat to public order and that any
    and all measures are justified. It really is mind-
    boggling: For the first time in U.S. history, an
    American president may genuinely believe that openly
    encouraging violence and disorder at home could benefit
    him politically. Not even Richard Nixon went quite that
    far.” Walt says while current protests are rightly
    focused on racial inequality, they are also a
    manifestation of mass political anger at a political
    and economic elite that in recent years has done a
    better job of enriching itself than addressing broader
    social needs and is rarely held accountable. Stephen M.
    Walt is the Robert and Renee Belfer professor of
    international relations at Harvard University. Contact
    him at (617) 495-5712; stephen_walt@hks.harvard.edu or
    Leah Marshall at (617) 496-2737;
    leah_knowles@hks.harvard.edu

    4. ==> Quarantine Fatigue is Real: How to Overcome It

    If you’ve found you’re not washing your hands as often
    or you’re making trips outside more frequently, you’re
    not alone. Behavioral scientists call the phenomenon
    “caution fatigue” and say your brain is to blame. At
    first, our brain’s alarm system goes off and we’re on
    alert, but as time goes by our brains adjust the
    perception of alarm to reduce stress and we begin to
    relax our safety rules even though the threat remains.
    Experts say caution fatigue can also be the result of
    cognitive challenges. “Almost all of America is being
    confronted with an ambiguous, complex problem-solving
    situation,” says Eric Zillmer, a professor of
    neuropsychology at Drexel University. “We’ve never been
    through anything like this, so it’s ambiguous.” Zillmer
    will discuss ways to overcome quarantine fatigue, how
    to turn safety practices into habits by setting up
    visual cues like putting a face mask on a table by the
    door to remind you to put it on before you leave, and
    ways to mitigate information overload to develop a
    balanced viewpoint. Eric Zillmer Psy.D., is the Carl R.
    Pacifico Professor of Neuropsychology at Drexel
    University. Contact him at zillmer@drexel.edu; (215)
    895.1977

    5. ==> What Dad Needs: Some Serious Self-Love

    Mention the concept of self-love and guys will snicker,
    their juvenile sense of humor trying to deflect their
    discomfort at the idea that loving yourself is in any
    way masculine. “Most men have been raised to push their
    emotions down and those who are sensitive are told to
    “man up” and “grow a pair.” It’s not surprising men
    don’t embrace the idea of self-love,” says personal
    growth expert and author Joffre McClung. “Women are
    much more open to the concept, but men may actually
    need it more.” McClung will share five easy things dads
    can do to start or deepen their personal growth
    journey, which she says everyone in the family should
    support. “From opening up to their emotions to
    separating their worth from their jobs, when men love
    and support themselves they have more empathy and
    compassion, which ripples outward into society.” Joffre
    McClung has appeared on numerous radio and TV programs
    including CBS TV-Austin Texas, Hay House Radio and The
    Joe Franklin Show. A former media producer, independent
    filmmaker, and author, Joffre’s latest book is “The
    Heart of the Matter.” Contact her at (917) 994-0225;
    JMcClung@rtirguests.com

    6. ==> Missing Dad on Father’s Day? The Undertaker’s
    Daughter Reveals He’s Not Really Gone

    Father’s Day is an exceedingly difficult time for those
    who have lost their dads. But undertaker’s daughter
    Margo Lenmark offers comfort. While growing up in a
    Midwestern funeral home where her dad was an
    undertaker, Margo learned a lot about life from her
    dad, before and after he passed away. “I can share
    fascinating experiences of growing up around death and
    dead people, and the messages I received from them,”
    she says. “I have a lot to say about death and gifts
    people give when they die.” Margo can reveal her
    journeys to the Other Side, experiences she had in
    dreams and the important messages she received about
    life from the deceased. She is the author of “Light in
    the Mourning: Memoirs of an Undertaker’s Daughter,”
    which has received glowing reviews from Deepak Chopra
    and others. Contact Margo at MLenmark@rtirguests.com;
    (484) 928-7824

    7. ==> Why a Too-Safe Life is Dangerous

    Everyone wants to feel safe especially when a virulent
    virus makes its way around the world. But safety has a
    downside we don’t always think about … it can actually
    be dangerous, says author and adventurer Sparrow Hart.
    Invite him on your program to discuss why “safety-ism”
    — valuing safety above everything else — runs counter
    to both scientific research and ancient wisdom. You’ll
    learn why safety is antithetical to passion and growth
    and toxic to a life of adventure and meaning. 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 him at (801) 516-0740;
    SHart@rtirguests.com

    8. ==> Work from Anywhere is Here to Stay

    Going back to work in an office is scary — and in most
    cases unnecessary. Work from home — or really work from
    anywhere — is here to stay for a huge number of former
    cubicle inhabitants. Companies have realized there’s no
    need to spend an average of $18,200 to house a worker
    in a corporate office anymore. For workers, the genie
    is out of the bottle and they have finally adjusted to
    remote work and are loving it — or will when they can
    start living a social life after work! Invite Diane
    Huth, the Accidental Career Coach, to discuss the post-
    pandemic workplace, what types of jobs can be done
    remotely, and how workers can hone their skills and
    communication practices to participate fully in remote
    work — so they can enjoy being untethered from the
    corporate office forever. Diane Huth is the author of
    two bestselling career guides and the creator of the
    Secrets to Land Your Dream Job online masterclass.
    Contact her at (210) 601-7852; DianeHuth@DianeHuth.com

    9. ==> Stimulus Stupidity and Tax Blunders! Blame the
    IRS!

    It’s bad enough that the IRS creates so much waste and
    chaos during tax season. This year our tax “non-
    experts” will be doing it until July. Plus, they have
    already been messing up the stimulus packages. So says
    former Internal Revenue Service tax agent Richard
    Green, who will shock audiences with the IRS stupidity
    he has observed firsthand. With the IRS responsible for
    sending out stimulus money, did you realize that
    thousands of foreigners have been sent $1,200 checks
    while countless deserving U.S. citizens are still
    awaiting their money? And the IRS, using outdated
    technology and data, is still sending double and even
    triple checks to individuals. Will such mistaken
    payments ever be recouped? Will the right people ever
    get their money? Find out more when you interview Green
    while COVID-19-related controversies are at their peak.
    Green, author of “Agents of Deceit,” is ready to offer
    his expert advice on whether we can fix these issues.
    Contact Richard Green at (909) 570-1509;
    rgreen@rtirguests.com

    10. ==> How a 17-Year-Old Learning Disabled Boy
    Suddenly Learned to Read

    A 17-year-old boy who could not read was able to do so
    after a few sessions with Dr. Annalee Kitay, one of
    fewer than 50 U.S. practitioners using a hands-on,
    little known protocol called The Neural Organization
    Technique. Coincidence? Miracle? Fluke? Amazing
    science? You’ll decide when you interview Dr. Kitay for
    Learning Disabilities Awareness Week, June 15 to 21.
    Like that young man, 10 percent of children in the U.S.
    or about 7 million U.S. schoolchildren have learning
    disabilities that greatly impact their lives and that
    of their parents. Invite Dr. Kitay on your program to
    explain the protocol in layman’s terms and share other
    success stories. The technique she uses can also help
    people with immune issues, concussions, low back pain,
    and more. By spreading awareness of the technique to
    the general public, Dr. Kitay also hopes to motivate
    more doctors to seek training. Dr. Kitay has researched
    with Kessler Institute and also practiced with the late
    Dr. (Robert) Atkins at his Center for Complementary
    Medicine in New York City. Contact Dr. Kitay at (561)
    462-4733; akitay@rtirguests.com

    11. ==> Another Reason to Protect Yourself from UV Rays
    This Summer

    True or False: You can be born with cataracts. They are
    the most common cause of vision loss in people over 40.
    There is no way to protect yourself from getting them.
    Black people and Hispanics are more likely to get them
    than white people. The average age for cataract surgery
    is 60. Find out which of these statements are true when
    you interview vision educator Linda Odubayo Thompson
    for Cataract Awareness Month in June. Learn how to
    protect yourself this summer and why you just might
    want to wear better sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
    as you spend time outdoors as well as gain information
    on symptoms, diagnosis, surgeries and more. Linda knows
    not to take her vision for granted; she has suffered
    from glaucoma for more than 30 years. Contact Linda at
    (914) 229-9184; lthompson@rtirguests.com

    12. ==> How Deciding to Walk Every Day Can Backfire

    Taking a walk every day seems like a great idea. How
    could it possibly backfire? Interview exercise
    physiologist and certified nutrition coach Kristen
    Carter to find out. Kristen will talk about ways vowing
    to take more walks, joining a gym, buying home exercise
    equipment, and signing up for exercise classes can end
    up fizzling, possibly making a person feel like a
    failure for the umpteenth time. Kristen is the author
    of “Lose Weight? Exercise More? I Don’t Think So!
    What to do when your doctor tells you to make changes
    for your health Ask her: What makes developing an
    exercise habit so elusive, even with the best of
    intentions? How can the right preparation and mindset
    make all the difference? Contact Kristen Carter at
    (267) 930-2547; kacarter@rtirguests.com

    13. ==> The Real Reason You Do Stuff You Know is Bad
    for You

    We do things we shouldn’t … from eating too much fast
    food to smoking cigarettes and dating unsuitable
    people. We know these things are wrong for us, but we
    do them anyway, often not knowing why. Elana Davidson
    is a happiness and mental health coach who can tell you
    how to figure out why your subconscious is getting in
    your way and how to talk it down. Elana’s professional
    training spans decades of exploration and study in the
    fields of consciousness, psychology, personal
    development and kinesiology. Elana will tell your
    audience members how they can get a free copy of her
    book, “Finding Your Own Happy: The Soul-Searchers Guide
    to Peace and Happiness in Everyday Life,” published by
    Morgan James. Contact Elana at (413) 225-4758;
    elanadavidson@rtirguests.com

    14. ==> Face Life after Coronavirus by Making Just 2
    Choices

    All things in life — our challenges, decisions, and
    efforts — Involve making “Just 2 Choices.” Do we answer
    yes or no? Do we move ahead or stay put? Do we like or
    dislike something? Even as the pandemic forces many
    changes on society, we can still be empowered and even
    comforted by this binary concept. That’s the message of
    radio host Rico Racosky, author of the bestselling book
    “Just 2 Choices,” who will help your listeners navigate
    today’s new reality. Whether he’s talking about moving
    your life from uncertainty to clarity (When will it be
    safe to go out? Will our jobs ever be the same?) or
    replacing doubt with peace of mind (believing that
    we’ll return to the familiar, the fun and the free)
    rests with two options to choose from. Known as
    America’s “New Story Guy,” Rico can also help listeners
    obtain his free downloads that promote clear thinking.
    Contact Rico at (730) 572-1322; rracosky@rtirguests.com

    15. ==> Lessons from First ER Doc to Die of COVID-19

    On March 26 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 this 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 for decades. She has been
    featured on Fox News and many more media outlets.
    Contact her at (917) 509-9022; ismileny@gmail.com

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