Category: Weekly Ezine Archives

01. Will Build Back Better Deliver?
02. Taxing Billionaires Is a Good Start
03. Could America Lose a Great Power War to China?
04. Charlottesville Trial Sets Out to Prove Words Can Hurt
05. Great Veterans Day Show: Ret. Brig. Gen. Peter Zwack
06. Prepare for a Bad Flu Season
08. Does Faking It Until You Make It Work?
07. Your Fresh-Smelling Laundry May Be Making You Sick
09. Dead Parents Haunting You? Exorcise Childhood Trauma, for Good
10. Everything You Wanted to Know about Frozen Embryos but Were Afraid to Ask
11. Why is the U.S. C-Section Rate So High?
12. Drink Your Way to Increased Immunity
13. Is It Time for a Life-Changing Pilgrimage?
14. Go from Crises to Calm in 30 Seconds or Less
15. His Simple Instrumental Song Has Changed Millions of Lives

1.==> Will Build Back Better Deliver?

Democratic lawmakers are scrambling to forge an agreement on President Biden’s Build Back Better plan to address the country’s pressing human and climate change needs. Chuck Collins and Sarah Anderson can discuss the social investments in the deal, including universal pre-K, expanded child tax credits, paid leave, and Medicare expansion, which have the potential to be the most consequential for workers, children, and seniors since the 1930s. They can also talk about the proposed tax on billionaires gaining momentum as one of the key options to pay for these vital public investments. Chuck Collins directs the Program on Inequality and the Common Good and co-edits Inequality.org at the Institute for Policy Studies. The author of “The Wealth Hoarders,” Collins made headlines this year for his work tracking the explosion of billionaire pandemic wealth. Sarah Anderson directs the Global Economy Project and co-edits Inequality.org at the Institute for Policy Studies. Anderson and Collins have just published an analysis of the billionaire tax in play on Capitol Hill. Contact Olivia Alperstein at olivia@ips-dc.org or Robert Alvarez at robert@ips-dc.org

2. ==> Taxing Billionaires Is a Good Start

Edward McCaffery says the Billionaires’ Tax Plan being floated in the Senate is an excellent first step in getting the wealthiest Americans to pay something, after a century of nothingness. He says the move isn’t some strange new beast or a “wealth tax,” potentially liable to Constitutional challenge. “The plan, however complex it may end up being in its many devilish details, rests on a surprisingly simple idea: that billionaires should pay tax on their incomes, just like tens of millions of working Americans do every year. That’s hardly radical stuff.” McCaffery would prefer a progressive spending tax, which would tax all Americans when they spend, not when they work, save, give or die. “But the morality of the moment comes down to simple math: Something is better than nothing,” he says. “A century is a long time to wait for the wealthiest persons in the history of the world to pay something to their home country.” Edward McCaffery is a professor of law, economics and political science at the University of Southern California. He is the author of “Fair Not Flat: How to Make the Tax System Better and Simpler” and founder of the People’s Tax Page. Contact him at (213) 740-2567; emccaffery@law.usc.edu

3. ==> Could America Lose a Great Power War to China?

For the first time since the Cold War, American officials are warning that the United States could lose a great power war, specifically to China. Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby says the U.S. can’t rely on its military to overwhelm an opponent, as in previous generations. He believes the country must make choices —deciding where to focus and where not to, what to do and what not to. And that failing to adopt the right strategy will result in crisis — and very possibly war and even defeat. Colby argues that with the return of great power competition, the United States will be required to reorient its defense thinking on a scale not seen since the Cold War — or risk military loss, with enormous costs to Americans’ real and concrete interests. Eldridge Colby served as the lead architect of the 2018 National Defense Strategy and is co-founder and principal of The Marathon Initiative. His new book is “The Strategy of Denial: American Defense in an Age of Great Power Conflict.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com or Briana Caywood at (703) 646-5188 (office)

4. ==> Charlottesville Trial Sets Out to Prove Words Can Hurt

A historic civil trial is underway in the federal lawsuit against the organizers of the 2017 “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. The case aims to hold two dozen leaders of white supremacist and extremist groups accountable for conspiring to commit violence at that rally. Cynthia Miller-Idriss says this type of legal action, spearheaded by the nonprofit Integrity First for America, is unusual and historic in multiple ways. “As the trial gets underway, we can expect many more impacts to come — including the potential to firmly establish the dangerous ways that coded racist and cloaked speech can threaten individuals and incite violence. Hiding hate in a meme, a joke or an innuendo doesn’t create the plausible deniability that white supremacists hoped for. On the contrary: When coded speech demonstrably incites violence, the perpetrators of that violence must be held accountable.” Cynthia Miller-Idriss is a professor in the School of Public Affairs and the School of Education at American University, where she directs the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab. Her most recent book is “Hate in the Homeland: The New Global Far Right.” Arrange interviews through the American University Communication office at (202) 885-5950; cynthia@american.edu

5. ==> Great Veterans Day Show: Ret. Brig. Gen. Peter Zwack

What will happen now that the U.S. has physically departed Afghanistan? How will major nations including the United States, Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan, India, and Turkey continue to grapple with serious Afghan-related challenges that extend beyond its borders? Ret. Brig. Gen. Peter Zwack, who served as the director of the Joint Intelligence and Operations Center in Afghanistan from 2008-2009, can discuss the forces at play in that country and the brutal history of the region while providing insight into the Afghani people and culture. Zwack’s new book, “Afghanistan Kabul Kurier,” provides an eyewitness account of the complexities of Afghanistan through a series of letters he wrote while serving as a U.S. top military intelligence officer on the ground during a particularly tumultuous period. He spent more than 34 years of U.S. military service in senior command and staff positions in Afghanistan, Germany, Kosovo, South Korea, and Moscow. He currently serves as a Wilson Center Global Fellow within the Kennan Institute and frequently discusses national security and leadership issues in the media. Contact Terri Beavers at (434) 979-7438; BG.PBZ.r@gmail.com

6. ==> Prepare for a Bad Flu Season

The CDC and American Medical Association are both warning the public about the dangerous flu season that lies just ahead, a hazard that many people, focused on COVID-19, may be underestimating. Each year, some 45 million people will come down with the flu, which is one of the top ten causes of death. That’s why everyone needs to hear the cautionary tale of Charles (Charlie) Gardner, who in 2011 came “this close” to losing his life from flu complications at age 56, the same age his great-great-grandfather was when the flu claimed his life. As a result of flu that turned into pneumonia contracted while he was on vacation, Charlie suffered 13 strokes, organ failure, and a six-week coma. His son and daughter were present when they pulled the plug on him. Yet Charlie survived. Not only with a great story that serves as a reminder to get your flu shot but also one with miracles, a near-death experience, and appreciating the life you have even if it isn’t the one you expected. Charlie tells his inspiring story in his book “Always Remember This Moment.” Contact him at (650) 995-5626; charlesgardner@rtirguests.com

7. ==> Does Faking It Until You Make It Work?

Americans are good at projecting confidence when they lack it. We’re often told to “act as if” we already have the things we need to make our dreams come true and the rest will follow. But does faking it until you make it work? According to workplace specialist Marc A. Pitman, pushing down that inner voice that tells you that you doubt yourself is a poor idea. Unlike faking it until you make it, Marc says you need to do the inner work so you can eventually trust your gut and become your best self. He’ll offer some guidance on how to do that. Marc has a master’s degree in organizational leadership and 30 years of studying leadership to his credit. He’s been featured in “Real Simple” and “SUCCESS,” and on NBC, and Fox News. Marc is the author of seven books, the latest of which is “The Surprising Gift of Doubt: Use Uncertainty to Become the Exceptional Leader You Are Meant to Be.” Contact Marc Pitman at (317) 751-1610 (SC); mpitman@rtirguests.com

8. ==> Your Fresh-Smelling Laundry May Be Making You Sick

Your laundry may smell like a mountain breeze or fresh meadow after washing. But those seemingly delightful aromas may be as deadly as cigarettes. “Many household products contain fragrance,” says product expert Zorica Denton. “They may contain anywhere from 100 to 1,000 chemicals. But they don’t have to be listed due to trade secret policies.” Zorica should know. She developed asthma, a gastric ulcer and other debilitating health problems as a result of working as a perfume model, and almost died. Invite her on your show and learn how to tell what’s really in household products and what consumers should steer away from. Zorica Denton founded the natural personal care products company Zorica of Malibu. She’s also the author of an upcoming book about toxic chemicals in products. Contact her at (213) 616-7904; Zdenton@rtirguests.com

9. ==> Dead Parents Haunting You? Exorcise Childhood Trauma, for Good

Adults may continue to experience the effects of a toxic parent long after that parent is dead, without even realizing it. “This may manifest as an ongoing pattern of unhealthy romantic relationships, dead-end jobs and debilitating low self-esteem,” says Arnoux Goran. His horrific childhood led Arnoux to create the “7 Steps to Reprogramming Yourself” program, which has helped countless people to overcome their childhood trauma to achieve lasting health, wealth and happiness. He is the author of three upcoming books including “The 5 Secrets of Ending Drama in Relationships,” and an online workshop. Contact Arnoux at (878) 203-8231; agoran@rtirguests.com

10. ==> Everything You Wanted to Know about Frozen Embryos but Were Afraid to Ask

How long does it take to defrost a frozen embryo? (Answer: as little as 30 seconds!) Why would someone choose frozen embryo adoption over IVF or standard adoption? (Answer: Frozen embryo adoption can be cheaper and more likely to “take.”) How many years can an embryo be frozen yet viable? (Answer: up to 27, and the number might actually be higher.) Let Nate Birt answer the questions you were afraid to ask (or didn’t know you wanted to ask) about the newest form of adoption. For example, are all frozen embryos screened for genetic issues? How costly is it to adopt this way? What is involved? Contact Nate Birt at (417) 221-9045; Nbirt@rtirguests.com

11. ==> Why is the U.S. C-Section Rate So High?

In the United States, C-sections are performed more than any other surgery and account for about 34% of all deliveries. While sometimes needed to save the lives of mothers and their babies, the risk of complications can be higher than with vaginal births. When Dr. Alan Lindemann was in his OB/GYN residency 40 years ago, the C-section rate at his hospital was about 11%. What’s happened? Dr. Lindemann can answer your questions about why this rate is so high and reveal ways mothers can avoid unnecessary surgery. He has produced a video course for women on how to navigate through their pregnancy safely and is completing the book “Pregnancy Your Way.” Contact Alan Lindemann, M.D., at (701) 399-9556; ALindemann@rtirguests.com

12. ==> Drink Your Way to Increased Immunity

The Brits do it. So do little old ladies. But is tea something that belongs in your cupboard and cup if you want to boost your immunity to flu and viruses, and feel and look your best? Listen to nutritional expert Tilak Silva and learn why you should never overlook tea when it comes to building immunity from disease and other health-zapping dangers. The inventor of CilanTea, Tilak will teach your audience how to literally drink their way to greater strength, healthier skin, more energy, fewer illnesses, and better sleep. Oh, and Tilak will also tell you what beverages are best avoided because they may depress immune systems. Ask him: What’s the best way to take advantage of tea’s benefits? What are the best times of day to drink tea? What foods go best with a cup, and what should you not pair with tea? Contact TIlak Silva at (310) 483-2785, tsilva@rtirguests.com

13. ==> Is It Time for a Life-Changing Pilgrimage?

Need help deciding on how to spend the next decades of your life? You might want to do what Cathay Reta did. After finding herself a widow at 64, Cathay took a 37-day pilgrimage to Camino de Santiago in Spain where the apostle Saint James the Great is reportedly buried. In doing so she realized that she already knew what she wanted to do but needed the courage and commitment to do it. Let Cathay describe how she went from a sense of loss to a sense of power. Cathay worked for nearly 40 years in adult literacy and shared a ministry with her husband. She is the author of “Keep Walking, Your Heart Will Catch Up: A Camino de Santiago Journey.” Ask her: Why walk so far, can’t you accomplish the same thing by meditating? What are the top three lessons you learned? Contact Cathay Reta at (626) 788-7877; cathay@cathayreta.com

14. ==> Go from Crises to Calm in 30 Seconds or Less

Even in the best of times, living with anxiety is a way of life for many people. How can someone go from an anxious state to one of peace in a matter of seconds? Interview Reiki Master and energy work expert Rhonda Harris-Choudhry to find out. Rhonda will talk about ways to use self-healing energy work she calls “Feel Good Reiki” to help people calm down so they can focus on improving their lives. Ask her: What are the connections between anxiety and adrenaline addiction? How can people identify the source of their anxiety? How can people stay calm and focused throughout the day? Rhonda is the author of “You Are Not Broken: How to Retrain Your Brain, Clean Up Your Energy and Use Emotional Shapeshifting to Raise Your Vibration and Manifest Your Desires.” Contact Rhonda Harris-Choudhry at (505) 239-7729; azjua7@gmail.com

15. ==> His Simple Instrumental Song Has Changed Millions of Lives

Dave Combs has written 120 songs and recorded 15 albums, and his music has been heard by millions around the world. But one song in particular, with a simple melody and no lyrics, has become an international standard, inspiring more than 50,000 written notes from adoring fans. On your show, Combs will reveal the tragic event behind “Rachel’s Song” and the woman for whom it’s named. You’ll also learn why the song has meant so much to so many and hear real stories of how the piece has affected people’s lives. It also changed Combs’ life. At the time he came up with his signature song, Combs was a traveling consultant for AT&T and it took him three years to move the music forward. Dave Combs’ new book is “Touched By the Music: How the Story and Music of Rachel’s Song Can Change Your Life.” Combs has been featured in the “Winston-Salem Journal,” “Spectrum News,” “Guideposts” and other media outlets. “Rachel’s Song” can be heard on Spotify, Pandora, iTunes, iHeart, YouTube and Amazon. Contact Dave Combs at (336) 655-8320; dave@combsmusic.com

01. Best Haunted Attractions: Nightmares, Screams and Laughs
02. No Pumpkin? How about a Halloween Pineapple?
03. How to Carve a Pumpkin Like a Pro
04. Candy or Cash? Financial Fun for Trick-Or-Treaters
05. Scary Stories: Top 10 Terrifying Tales
06. Squash the ‘Squid Game’ Costumes
07. How to Handle the Halloween Haul
08. When Kids See Spirits
09. Bracing for Extreme Weather: The Enormous Price Tag Grows
10. Do Shy People Make Good Leaders?
11. What No One Tells You about Critical Race Theory
12. Behind the Increase in Post-COVID Homeschooling
13. 10 Things You Need to Know about Alzheimer’s Before It Strikes Your Family
14. The Surprising Truth about Bipolar Disease
15. Comics Expert: The History of American Comics

1. ==> Best Haunted Attractions: Nightmares, Screams and Laughs

What makes something a great haunted attraction? Ask Amber Arnett-Bequeaith, aka the Queen of Haunts. She says the most critical attribute is scariness. “If we can get nightmares, we really did our job. Although the true measure of success is screams and laughter.” Amber annually ranks the best mega-haunts around the country and says there’s likely a scary attraction within driving distance, no matter where you live. She’ll run down her best-of list from the Bates Motel in Philadelphia to Netherworld in Atlanta and Nightmare on 13th in Salt Lake City and can also talk about the trend of people creating haunted houses as a hobby, offering limited public viewings via word-of-mouth. She can even share tips on how to create horror décor at home! Amber Arnett-Bequeaith was born into the haunt industry. Her mother and grandmother created The Edge of Hell Haunted House 47 years ago. Today, Amber’s company, Full Moon Productions, operates three commercial haunts and a ghost tour in Kansas City, Missouri. Contact her at (913) 406-7833

2. ==> No Pumpkin? How about a Halloween Pineapple?

It might seem weird to suggest you replace your gourds with tropical fruit, but in some parts of the country pumpkins are scarce and prices are pretty steep so the Dole Food company thinks this may be the year their annual Pineapple-O’-Lantern campaign really takes off. The company created the initiative to promote the nutrition and convenience benefits of the pineapple to help Halloween lovers without a pumpkin to carve. “For years we’ve been encouraging fruit-loving families to try something new by carving a pineapple at Halloween and are now expanding our efforts in light of any possible pumpkin scarcity,” says Melanie Marcus, RD, M.A. Dole’s nutrition and health communications manager. “Of course, pineapples have an important nutritional profile and are so much easier to prepare and enjoy than pumpkins since you don’t have to cook them.” According to Marcus, the fruit is low in fat and sodium and high in vitamin C and antioxidants – making it the perfect sweet treat after a night of trick-or-treating. Ask about free, downloadable pineapple Jack-O’-Lantern carving templates and fall recipes. Contact Bob Ochsner or Gemma Stewart at (714) 694-7190

3. ==> How to Carve a Pumpkin Like a Pro

If you’ve gotten your hands on a pumpkin this year, you don’t want to ruin it (or wind up in the ER with a nasty injury.) Safely tap into your inner artist when you grab your gourd and up your game with some expert tips, starting with what shape of pumpkin is best. Don’t be afraid to get one that’s more visually interesting or even misshaped as long as it doesn’t have any soft spots, according to Masterpiece Pumpkins’ Gene Granata, who has been expertly carving pumpkins for more than 20 years. He’ll share hacks that will simplify the job like cutting open the bottom instead of the top around the stem. “When you pull that plug out, a lot of the seeds and stringy stuff comes out with it. Half your job of cleaning out the pumpkin is already done,” he says. Gene Granata custom carves pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns, and designs carving patterns and stencils. He specializes in camera-ready pumpkins for movie and theater props, homes, businesses, and weddings. Contact him at (949) 874-4503; gene@masterpiecepumpkins.com

4.==> Candy or Cash? Financial Fun for Trick-Or-Treaters

A group of financial educators is urging parents, families, neighbors and local businesses to make Halloween a little sweeter this year — and a whole lot healthier — by exchanging cash for candy and teaching money management and savings lessons in the process. “Getting involved in the Cash for Candy campaign is a great way to strengthen both the physical and financial well-being of the youngest members of your community,” says Vince Shorb, CEO of the National Financial Educators Council. “None of us need as much candy as our kids can collect on Halloween night, but we could all use a reminder of money-saving tips.” Shorb will share simple, hands-on tools to use the holiday as a teachable financial education moment and to reduce the amount of sweet treats kids consume after trick-or-treating. Get a free, downloadable guide for parents, treat-givers, and organizations with simple financial literacy activities to help kids learn about money and find out about the Cash for Candy Toss Contest. Contact Trevor Stoll at (702) 620-3059; 320991@email4pr.com

5. ==> Scary Stories: Top 10 Terrifying Tales

Want to talk scary books? Invite Mary Oves to share the “Top Ten Scariest Novels Ever Written” and hear why it’s so hard to write literature that goes bump in the night. Oves, an English professor and Halloween fanatic, devours (no pun intended) scary novels. She also loves Halloween lore and grew up hearing haunted tales and watching documentaries about the Jersey Devil. To this day, she keeps a wary eye out for the Jersey Devil and his wayward mother while on weekend hikes! If you’re in the New Jersey area, ask her about the story and where to go to try and spot him, and see where he grew up! Oves’ writing has appeared in the “New York Times,” “Philadelphia Inquirer,” the Erma Bombeck Humor website and many other publications. She teaches English at Stockton University and is the author of “The Chrysalis Collective.” Contact Mary Oves at (609) 408-8762; maryoveschrysaliscollective@gmail.com

6. ==> Squash the ‘Squid Game’ Costumes

“’Squid Game’ has become the new addiction — and it is not all fun and games!” according to Dr. Carole Lieberman, a forensic psychiatrist and former head of the National Coalition on TV Violence. She says, “The violence is strangely sanitized and sadistic at the same time, and it mesmerizes viewers like a grotesque car accident, where we can’t look away.” Dr. Lieberman says society is already on edge and extremely vulnerable to becoming violent. “The popularity of this show, especially so close to Halloween, will make it the costume of choice for many kids. This is dangerous because it shows kids that their parents validate the violence, and — just like with any costume — the wearer naturally acts out like the character they are dressed up to be.” Carole Lieberman, M.D., M.P.H., is a board-certified psychiatrist who has testified before Congress three times about the impact of media violence. She hosts a radio show and podcast and is the author of several books. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; ryan@goldmanmccormick.com

7. ==> How to Handle the Halloween Haul

Trick or Treat! A lot of parents are thinking about Halloween costumes and safety, but another concern is the battle that ensues once the trick-or-treating is over and parents want to bring some semblance of balance to their kids’ candy intake. Rebecah Freeling says the struggle is real: “All that candy is NOT good for kids, it causes kids with bad behavior to behave even worse, and it can be a real problem for parents.” A family coach with exceedingly practical and creative problem-solving tips, Rebecah will share ways parents can get control over the situation using effective and outside-the-box solutions. Ask her about the Halloween Fairy! Rebecah Freeling, the owner of Wits End Parenting, specializes in kids with problem behaviors. In addition to working with individual families, she also consults with schools and speaks about parenting issues. Rebecah is the author of “Your Rules Are Dumb: How to Maintain Your Parental Authority While Creating a Partnership With Your Spirited Child.” Contact her at (510) 619-5920; witsendparenting@gmail.com

8. ==> When Kids See Spirits

For most kids, Halloween is all fun and games and pretend, but what about children who see real spirits in the world? Alicia McBride saw her first memorable spirit apparition at 12 years old. Invite her on your show to discuss her experiences as a child and how she learned to overcome the fear associated with seeing ghosts and sharing the details of her encounters with other people. She’ll openly talk about going through a spiritual awakening and communicating with spirits, living and deceased. Alicia McBride is the author of the international best-seller “I Feel Too Much: A How-to Guide for the Beginner Empath.” Contact her at healinglightempath@gmail.com

9. ==> Bracing for Extreme Weather: The Enormous Price Tag Grows

Severe weather is headed for much of the country this week as we batten down the hatches once again. According to a new report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Centers for Environmental Information, 2021 is likely to be one of the costliest years ever for the U.S. thanks to weather disasters. The report listed 18 separate weather and climate disasters that have cost us at least $1 billion. Among those increasing disasters have been wildfires that at the moment are burning in California, Montana, Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Available to talk about the impact increased wildfires are having on the country and ways we can be better prepared to fight them is Jim Moseley, whose company, Sun FireDefense, has developed technology whose widespread use could save property and lives. Jim will discuss how new technology can protect homes, why the western U.S. and Canada are so prone to damaging wildfires and ways new technologies can protect wildlife, the environment and communities at risk. Contact James Moseley at (818) 486-4662; jmoseley@rtirguests.com

10. ==> Do Shy People Make Good Leaders?

Must good leaders be loud and confident? Or can someone quiet, calm, and introverted be good at inspiring others? Reserved people are often misunderstood in the American workplace, observes workplace specialist Marc A. Pitman. He can talk about why it’s a mistake to assume that quiet people are less ambitious or charismatic and although the way they lead may look different it can be very effective. He can discuss the difference between reserved people and active people who tend to be loud and don’t always think before they speak and how both types can understand each other more. Marc has a master’s degree in organizational leadership and 30 years of studying leadership to his credit. He’s been featured in “Real Simple” and “SUCCESS,” and on NBC, and Fox News. Marc is the author of seven books, the latest of which is “The Surprising Gift of Doubt: Use Uncertainty to Become the Exceptional Leader You Are Meant to Be.” Contact Marc Pitman at (317) 751-1610 (SC); mpitman@rtirguests.com

11. ==> What No One Tells You about Critical Race Theory

One of the most talked-about topics today is critical race theory and removing it from the classroom. But what is this theory and is it really being taught in classrooms? Moreover, should children learn about slavery and racism in school? Talk about these issues with Patrick (Pat) Bishop, the white author of “A Class Divided: A Story About Racism,” the first in a “Kids Empathy” series he wrote with his wife and 8-year-old daughter meant to prompt discussions between adults and children. Pat says that according to a recent study, 90% of parents admit that they rarely talk to their kids about race. He says such discussions are needed more than ever. Ask him: Should Black history be taught in schools? Who was Jane Elliot and how did she inspire you? Does learning about past racial inequalities throughout history make white children feel guilty? Contact Pat Bishop at (405) 999-2686; patbishop100@yahoo.com

12. ==> Behind the Increase in Post-COVID Homeschooling

The U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey showed a substantial increase in homeschooling during COVID-19. Is this increase here to stay and which ethnic groups are leading the charge? Interview Linda Karimo to school your audience on the latest on homeschooling. Ask her: Is homeschooling legal in all states? Can a parent start homeschooling before kindergarten? How is it different from unschooling? Is homeschooling popular with Black families? Are most homeschooled children well-prepared for college? An educator and children’s book author, Linda is currently offering a 2021 International Post-COVID Child Education Summit for parents and a free PDF playbook with advice from the 40 expert participants. The Summit covers a wide range of childhood education topics including mental health. Contact Linda Karimo at (914) 944-1474: Lkarimo@rtirguests.com

13. ==> 10 Things You Need to Know about Alzheimer’s Before It Strikes Your Family

Many people regard Alzheimer’s as a disease of the old. But did you know that people as young as 30 can get it? Or that it can strike when least expected, forcing fairly young spouses into the role of caregiver with young children at home? Discover what you should know about this memory-robbing disease when you interview Carlen Maddux, a former reporter who chronicled his family’s 17-year Alzheimer’s journey in “A Path Revealed.” His wife, Martha, was just past her 50th birthday when diagnosed. Your audience will hear about the signs and symptoms of this unforgiving condition, along with coping skills and lifestyle improvements that could help many families. Highly articulate, Carlen has done dozens of interviews about this moving topic. Ask him: How are people blindsided by the first signs of early-onset Alzheimer’s? Is the disease ever mistaken for something else? Will this be the new boomer pandemic? Who might be especially susceptible? What treatments are available to enhance health and quality of life? What does caregiving involve? Contact Carlen Maddux at (727) 351-8321; CMaddux@rtirguests.com

14. ==> The Surprising Truth about Bipolar Disease

Invite Diana Grippo on your show to engage listeners with her story of battling back from debilitating aspects of bipolar disease, explaining why it is difficult to think your way out of a depression but you can often act your way out of one. Her gritty yet inspiring story will touch on what it was like to be homeless in San Francisco’s legendary Tenderloin area, why she is certain she would have a police record if she were Black, and how it is possible to be a highly functioning employee with a bipolar diagnosis. She’ll also share the three-pronged approach she recommends for people who are depressed. Diana is a former high school English teacher and the author of “Bipolar Chronicles: From Crazed to Content.” Contact her at (650) 417-1242; dianagrippo@gmail.com

15. ==> Comics Expert: The History of American Comics

From cartoons to comic strips and graphic novels, invite acclaimed author and Columbia University professor Jeremy Dauber to discuss comics and their century-long hold on the American imagination. Listeners will hear about the unlikely heroes (and villains) of comics history, from the golden age of newspaper comic strips and the first hero boom that brought us Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and hundreds of others to the grim and gritty fallen heroes of the 1990s and the graphic novel’s brilliant rise. Dauber says we can understand how America sees itself through whose stories comics tell. His new book, “American Comics: A History,” chronicles the last 150 years of American history through the lens of its comic strips, political cartoons, superheroes, graphic novels, and more. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703)-646-5137 or (703) 400-1099 (cell) or Brittany Odoms, publicity assistant at (703) 646-5188 (office).

01. Is Wall Street Trying to Take Over Nature?
02. Still Wearing Cloth Masks? Why it’s Time to Upgrade
03. ‘King Richard’- How the Williams Family Started a Tennis Revolution
04. Great Halloween Music: AXS TV’s ‘The Top Ten Revealed’
05. This Halloween Discover Why Spirits Aren’t Scary
06. Interview a Soul Rescuer for Halloween
07. Undertaker’s Daughter Shares Messages from the Dead
08. Do a Show on Growing Up with Ghosts—and Their Stories
09. Wanna Be a Witch? There’s a School for That
10. Kids Eat 3 Pounds of Sugar on Halloween
11. Parenting: How Volunteering Helps Build Teens’ Resilience
12. Is Your Child’s Classroom Safe?
13. Her Secret for Conquering Breast Cancer Twice
14. 5 Secrets to Happiness Only Southerners Know
15. The Complicated Financial Life of Frank Lloyd Wright

1. => Is Wall Street Trying to Take Over Nature?

Last month, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) announced it had developed a new asset class and accompanying listing vehicle meant “to preserve and restore the natural assets that ultimately underpin the ability for there to be life on Earth.” These Natural Asset Companies (NACs) will not only allow ecosystems to become final assets, but the rights to “ecosystem services,” or the benefits people receive from nature as well. Economist Randall Wray says, “It is unsurprising, inevitable, and even appropriate that Wall Street would now financialize the rights to the ecosystem services produced on a given chunk of land. Next up, financialization of access to sunlight, the source of all life.” He adds, “Capitalism has always been celebrated for its presumed efficiency. In fact, it is supremely inefficient. It survives only because it is the greatest system ever developed for exploitation of man and nature. It pushes costs off to the environment, ‘other’ people, families, governments, and our ‘future.’ It is ever on the lookout for new frontiers of exploitation. And in that quest, human survival is at risk.” Randall Wray is senior scholar at the Levy Economics Institute and professor of economics at Bard College. Wray’s books include “A Great Leap Forward: Heterodox Economic Policy for the 21st Century,” “Macroeconomics,” “Why Minsky Matters” and “Modern Money Theory.” Contact Wray at wray@levy.org

2. ==> Still Wearing Cloth Masks? Why it’s Time to Upgrade

You may have accumulated a stack of very stylish facemasks but are they actually protecting you? Assuming they fit properly, cloth masks can do a decent job removing most of the droplets people generate from talking, breathing, coughing or sneezing, says Yang Wang, an assistant professor at the Missouri University of Science and Technology who runs the Particle Measurement & Technology Laboratory. But, Wang says, you’ll be significantly more protected by wearing a higher caliber of disposable mask. Your strongest option is the KN95 mask, which is commonly made in China and filters up to 95% of particles in the air. If you can’t find KN95s, go with surgical masks made from a non-woven plastic material called polypropylene. The material is capable of holding an electric charge, which can attract, intercept and remove foreign particles that might otherwise slip through the cracks of a cloth mask, Wang says. You also need to pay attention to how your mask fits. It should have a metal bridge to mold over your nose, lie flat across your cheeks and cover your nose down to your chin without gaps along the sides. Contact Yang Wang at (573) 341-4420; yangwang@mst.edu

3.==> ‘King Richard’- How the Williams Family Started a Tennis Revolution

Perhaps you’ve seen the trailers for the upcoming movie “King Richard,” starring Will Smith as the father of Serena and Venus Williams. The highly anticipated film chronicles the sisters’ amazing journey of overcoming the odds to become tennis royalty, in large part due to the guidance and skill of their sometimes-controversial father. Sportswriter Cecil Harris has interviewed all three and can share his insights on the family, the athletes and the history of race in tennis. Hear the story of how Richard Williams decided his daughters would be tennis champions before they were even born and wrote a 78-page plan to coach them when they were four years old, and why he referred to them as his “Ghetto Cinderellas.” Cecil Harris is the author of “Different Strokes: Serena, Venus, and the Unfinished Black Tennis Revolution.” Contact him at (914) 643-7622; CecilHarris2008@gmail.com

4. ==> Great Halloween Music: AXS TV’s ‘The Top Ten Revealed’

We associate Halloween with spooky movies and creepy costumes but what about music? This Halloween, AXS TV airs a marathon featuring a mix of musical tricks and treats including “Songs About The Devil,” “Rockin’ Ghoulish Songs,” “End Of The World Songs,” and more, with commentary from Paul Stanley, Jack Osbourne, AJ McLean, and Macy Gray. The daylong extravaganza culminates with the season-opener of “The Top Ten Revealed.” The first episode of the humorous musical countdown show looks back at killer “Murder Songs,” including a selection of morbid masterworks like “I Shot The Sheriff.” Executive director and host Katie Daryl can talk about this season’s guests including Black Eyed Peas hitmaker Taboo, reality star and daughter of rocker John Mellencamp, Teddi Mellencamp, and Alice Cooper axe-slayer Nita Strauss. Get the inside scoop on upcoming episodes including “Bands You Can Eat,” “Self-Loathing Songs,” “Holiday Musts,” and more. AXS TV’s Halloween marathon begins at 2 p.m. on October 31. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com or Briana Caywood at (703) 646-5188 (office)

5. ==> This Halloween Discover Why Spirits Aren’t Scary

Halloween conjures up thoughts of scary ghosts that haunt the living, but what if you discovered that we could have meaningful connections with those who have passed on? TV host and award-winning author Maryann Ridini Spencer says that our lost loved ones are always with us. She asserts that our loved ones live on and we can get guidance from them by paying attention to energy, synchronicity and prayer. 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. ==> Interview a Soul Rescuer for Halloween

Jean Keegan Daly can talk about extraordinary experiences she had rescuing the souls of people who had died but were stuck between our world and their spiritual home. This soul rescuer helped a young couple who died in the Vietnam War reunite in death and cross over, a six-year-old boy who lived in 1841 and died after falling into a silo or grain bin and a 1950s’-era mother, father and two-year-old disoriented after the auto accident that killed them. Jean can describe the clarity she experienced during each of these rescues including how she was able to intuit names and other details she would have no way of knowing. She can also talk about the expanded consciousness technique she utilized that made her feel like she was flying. Ask her: Does a time warp exist between this life and the next? How has having these experiences impacted her life? Jean’s experiences were unrelated to her career as a retired hospice nurse. She shares them in her memoir, “Reflections of a Seasoned Soul.” Jean has appeared on local television and taught at community colleges and hospitals. Reach her at (609) 912-3778; Jkeegandaly@rtirguests.com

7. ==> Undertaker’s Daughter Shares Messages from the Dead

While growing up in a Midwestern funeral home where her dad was an undertaker, Margo Lenmark learned about the mysteries surrounding death. “People are always taking in ‘prana,’ or life force,” she says. “Exactly six months before we die, we start letting go of our life force. If we could know that exact moment we start letting go, we would know the moment we are going to die.” She adds, “There are veils that hide things in the physical world that are no longer there when the body dies. That’s why it’s natural that when someone dies, you realize just how much they mean to you.” She can provide fascinating answers to the age-old questions: What really happens after we die? Is death really the end of life? Margo can also delve into other mystifying questions, with astonishing insight. She is the author of “Light in the Mourning: Memoirs of an Undertaker’s Daughter,” which has received glowing reviews from prominent authors and spiritual leaders including Deepak Chopra. Contact Margo at (828) 260-0873, MLenmark@rtirguests.com

8. ==> Do a Show on Growing Up with Ghosts—and Their Stories

What’s it like growing up in family homes surrounded by ghosts and their stories? Interview Ivan Obolensky and find out! Ivan’s rich personal history includes his grandfather, Serge Obolensky, the famed “Prince of New York,” and his grandmother Alice (of Astor fame), who died holding an Egyptian book of the dead on her chest. Convinced that people lived on after death, Ivan says she proved it by scaring off governesses and attracting a large number of black cats that kept returning to her home on 61st Street in New York City even after extermination was tried. The family home was finally exorcised. His grandfather had ghost stories of his own to tell including one about a captain, recovering from TB in the Crimea, who appeared to his mother and a butler at the family country home many miles away — and then vanished before their eyes! They learned later that he had died shortly before he visited them. Ivan Obolensky is the author of “Eye of the Moon,” and “Shadow of the Son.” Contact him at (818) 495-8731; IObolensky@rtirguests.com

9. ==> Wanna Be a Witch? There’s a School for That

It’s pretty common to think of witches this time of year, they’re everywhere we look! But have you ever wondered about or felt that you were part of that tribe? Julie Wilder says you are — if you want to be. The creator of the White Witch Academy can talk about the many different types of witches, how to create spells for yourself and others, and ways to improve your life with magic. She’ll discuss the myths and misconceptions about witchcraft and magic and share 13 powerful white magic spells to manifest your deepest desires and connect with your intuition. Listeners can also download a witch starter kit with free printables, meditations and tools. Julie Wilder created the White Witch Academy as a resource for anyone looking to learn simple, secular witchcraft. She’s the author of numerous books including “The White Witch Academy” textbook series. Contact her at contact@whitewitchacademy.com; @whitewitchacademy

10. ==> Kids Eat 3 Cups of Sugar on Halloween

According to some experts, the average child will eat about three cups of sugar on Halloween. That equals roughly 384 grams of sugar — almost 16 times the maximum daily recommendation of 25 grams suggested by the American Heart Association. Invite registered dietician, chef, and nutritionist Nicolette Pace to answer your questions about sugar, kids and health. Ask her: How unhealthy is Halloween candy for children and how can one night of indulgence impact their health? What are some healthy Halloween snacks that are viable alternatives to candy? What are some of the short-and long-term health effects of consuming sugar (for both children and adults)? Nicolette Pace MS, RDN, CDE, CBC, CDN, CFCS, FAND, has appeared on CBS, ABC, NBC, and Fox News and in the “New York Times,” “Seventeen,” “Fitness,” “Men’s Journal,” “More,” and other publications and media. She is the founder of NutriSource Inc., which provides education, counseling and nutrition services in the New York City area. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; ryan@goldmanmccormick.com

11. ==> Parenting: How Volunteering Helps Build Teens’ Resilience

Most parents want to raise empathetic, altruistic people, but there are other compelling reasons to encourage tweens and teens to lean into volunteerism and activism — particularly during this elongated pandemic, when so many of them feel powerless. “It’s that whole ‘do I matter?’ thing,” says Ken Ginsberg, M.D., an adolescent medicine specialist, director of The Center for Parent and Teen Communication and author of “Building Resilience in Children and Teens.” “When kids contribute to the world, they know they matter, and knowing they matter is one of the most protective factors. It builds their self-esteem and furthers their motivation,” Ginsburg says. “When you help an elderly woman with her groceries or help someone learn to read, you get surrounded by ‘thank yous’ instead of condemnation. Especially for teenagers who get so many negative messages, being immersed in gratitude really builds a person’s self-worth.” Kenneth Ginsburg, M.D., M.S. Ed., is a pediatrician at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and a professor of pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Contact him at kgprograms@aol.com

12. ==> Is Your Child’s Classroom Safe?

Our schools and classrooms are not safe for children, says Dr. Roxie, a renowned clinician, leader, and pioneer in health psychology. Masking, social distancing, contact tracing, constant hand washing and Plexiglas barriers have made children afraid of other people and their surrounding environment, she explains. “These measures have also convinced children that the world is a dangerous place and, in some cases, that they themselves are dangerous. As a result, children are experiencing fear, anxiety, depression and loneliness like never before. Mental health issues and pediatric suicides are at an all-time high,” she points out. Invite Dr. Roxie on your program to hear why she believes what we are doing to children today is unacceptable and why we can’t trust the government and bureaucrats to make decisions on our children’s behalf. Ask her what is driving the 21st-century anxiety epidemic? What can parents do to make children feel safer? How can we separate fear from facts? Dr. Roxie trained at Harvard and the Jung Institute. She has a series of guided imagery relaxation audios for children that use music, nature sounds and her own soothing voice to teach children how to relax. Contact Dr. Roxanne at (617) 755-4490; dr.roxanne@gmail.com

13. ==> Her Secret for Conquering Breast Cancer Twice

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Carol Edmonston will share a powerful creative tool that helped her through two bouts with breast cancer … doodling! A breast cancer diagnosis is always stressful but with added pandemic stress it is arguably more important than ever to offer your audience tools for coping that are simple, fun and portable. Known as the Doodle Lady™, she can explain the five biggest benefits of doodling, share the 3 Rs of doodling, and how anyone can learn how to embrace the unpredictability of life with pen and paper. Carol Edmonston is an inspirational speaker and the author of several books including “The Healing Power of Doodling: Mindfulness Therapy to Deal with Stress, Fear & Life Challenges.” Her story has been featured in “The New York Times,” “Forbes Health,” “The International Journal of Healing & Caring” and “The Chicken Soup for Breast Cancer Survivor’s Soul.” Contact Carol at (714) 609-4654; info@TheDoodleLady.com

14. == > 5 Secrets to Happiness Only Southerners Know

As many Yankees may have noticed, Southern folks have a unique, laid-back charm, colorful ways of expressing themselves and a deep love of humor. According to former Miss America contestant, best-selling author and humorist Jane Jenkins Herlong, y’all could learn how to be happier by emulating our Southern kinfolks. “Southerners remember their heritage and all that makes us unique and curious to others,” says the native of South Carolina. “We hold on to our traditions like we grip moon pies.” Jane is the award-winning author of numerous books including the upcoming “Sweet Tea Secrets from the Deep Fried South,” and has recorded music CDs and personal growth and comedy DVDs. As a humorist, her comedy is featured on Sirius XM 97. Contact Jane at (803) 599-2941; JHerlong@rtirguests.com

15. ==> The Complicated Financial Life of Frank Lloyd Wright

Dozens of books have been written about architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture, aesthetic, and various design achievements, but no one has looked at his business practices — until now. Invite Peter Alexander to open the books on the architectural genius and share surprising details about his financial life. Hear fascinated facts about Wright’s spending habits, the luxury items he collected over his lifetime, and why, despite his professional success, he suffered financial instability. The author of “Insufficient Funds: The Financial Life of Frank Lloyd Wright,” spent 12 years researching the book and can share stories from Wright’s grandchildren, neighbors, former apprentices and others. Contact Peter Alexander at (618) 559-5308; peter.alexander.1010@gmail.com

01. Interview Ret. Brig. Gen. Peter Zwack
02. Insider Reveals What Really Goes on at the FDA
03. ‘Squid Game’ for Halloween? Psychiatrist Says, ‘No!’
04. Great Gourds: Expert Pumpkin Carving Tips
05. The Teal Pumpkin Project
06. The Enormous Price Tag of Weather Disasters
07. Why the ‘Great Resignation’ Phenomenon Continues
08. Your Laundry Detergent May Be as Bad for You as Smoking
09. Vaccine Passports Are an Assault on Freedom
10. His Simple Instrumental Song Has Changed Millions of Lives
11. Beyond Money: What Makes for a Satisfying Retirement?
12. Dead Parents Haunting You? Exorcise Childhood Trauma, for Good
13. Can You Drink Your Way to Increased Immunity?
14. Go from Crises to Calm in 30 Seconds or Less
15. Trendiest Post-COVID Cosmetic Procedures

1.==> Interview Ret. Brig. Gen. Peter Zwack

What will happen now that the U.S. has physically departed Afghanistan? How will major nations including the United States, Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan, India, and Turkey continue to grapple with serious Afghan-related challenges that extend beyond its borders? Ret. Brig. Gen. Peter Zwack, who served as the director of the Joint Intelligence and Operations Center in Afghanistan from 2008-2009, can discuss the forces at play in that country and the brutal history of the region while providing insight into the Afghani people beyond the usual clichés. Zwack’s new book, “Afghanistan Kabul Kurier,” provides an eyewitness account of the complexities of Afghanistan through a series of letters he wrote while serving as a U.S. top military intelligence officer on the ground during a particularly tumultuous period. He spent more than 34 years of U.S. military service in senior command and staff positions in Afghanistan, Germany, Kosovo, South Korea, and Moscow. He currently serves as a Wilson Center Global Fellow within the Kennan Institute and frequently discusses national security and leadership issues in the media. Contact Terri Beavers at (434) 979-7438; BG.PBZ.r@gmail.com

2. ==> Insider Reveals What Really Goes on at the FDA

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates more than $1 trillion worth of consumer goods each year and is responsible for protecting public health by ensuring Americans’ food, drugs and medical devices are safe and effective. But a former director says most people would be surprised by what goes on behind closed doors of the agency. Richard Williams, Ph.D., is the author of “Fixing Food: An FDA Insider Unravels the Myths and the Solutions.” Invite him on your show to talk about the health and safety of our food supply. You’ll learn why one out of every six Americans gets food poisoning every year, and why two-thirds of us are overweight or obese. Also, why by 2030, despite FDA’s nutrition labeling, one out of every two Americans is expected to be obese! Dr. Williams can also discuss new tools coming from private entrepreneurs that will help consumers eat more safely and healthier. Richard Williams, Ph.D., served as the director for social science with the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition at the Food and Drug Administration from 1980 to 2007. He then served as vice president for policy research at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com or Briana Caywood at (703) 646-5188 (office)

3. ==> ‘Squid Game’ for Halloween? Psychiatrist Says, ‘No!’

“’Squid Game’ has become the new addiction — and it is not all fun and games!” according to Dr. Carole Lieberman, a forensic psychiatrist and former head of the National Coalition on TV Violence. She says, “The violence is strangely sanitized and sadistic at the same time, and it mesmerizes viewers like a grotesque car accident, where we can’t look away.” Dr. Lieberman says society is already on edge and extremely vulnerable to becoming violent. “The popularity of this show, especially so close to Halloween, will make it the costume of choice for many kids. This is dangerous because it shows kids that their parents validate the violence, and — just like with any costume — the wearer naturally acts out like the character they are dressed up to be.” Carole Lieberman, M.D., M.P.H., is a board-certified psychiatrist who has testified before Congress three times about the impact of media violence. She hosts a radio show and podcast and is the author of several books. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; ryan@goldmanmccormick.com

4.==> Great Gourds: Expert Pumpkin Carving Tips

Have you been inspired by Halloween pumpkin carving shows and feel that this could be the year that your inner artist will emerge? Grab your gourd and up your game with some expert tips, starting with what shape of pumpkin is best. Don’t be afraid to get one that’s more visually interesting or even misshaped as long as it doesn’t have any soft spots, according to Masterpiece Pumpkins’ Gene Granata, who has been expertly carving pumpkins for more than 20 years. He’ll share hacks that will simplify the job like cutting open the bottom instead of the top around the stem. “When you pull that plug out, a lot of the seeds and stringy stuff comes out with it. Half your job of cleaning out the pumpkin is already done,” he says. Gene Granata custom carves pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns, and designs carving patterns and stencils. He specializes in camera-ready pumpkins for movie and theater props, homes, businesses, and weddings. Contact him at (949) 874-4503; gene@masterpiecepumpkins.com

5. ==> The Teal Pumpkin Project

Approximately one in 13 children in the U.S. has a potentially life-threatening food allergy. Since many Halloween treats contain nuts, soy and other possible allergens that make trick-or-treating downright dangerous for them, The Teal Pumpkin Project is trying to make the holiday safer and more inclusive. Food allergy advocates are encouraging people to put a teal pumpkin on their doorsteps to signify non-food treats are available that are safe for all trick-or-treaters, like glow sticks or small toys, in addition to candy. The Teal Pumpkin Project was launched in 2012 by a local food allergy group in Tennessee and was expanded by FARE, the world’s leading non-governmental organization engaged in food allergy advocacy and the largest private funder of food allergy research. FARE president and CEO Lisa Gable says, “The number of children with food allergies has risen dramatically over the past 20 years. This simple act brings the community together to ensure a safe and inclusive Halloween for all trick-or-treaters.” Help get the word out in your community and learn where to find educational information and an interactive online map to help locate participants in your area. For more information and interviews, contact Lisa Gable at (703) 485-6551; media@foodallergy.org

6. ==> The Enormous Price Tag of Weather Disasters

According to a new report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Centers for Environmental Information, 2021 is likely to be one of the costliest years ever for the U.S. thanks to weather disasters. The report listed 18 separate weather and climate disasters that have cost us at least $1 billion. Among those increasing disasters have been wildfires that at the moment are burning in California, Montana, Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Available to talk about the impact increased wildfires are having on the country and ways we can be better prepared to fight them is Jim Moseley, whose company, Sun FireDefense, has developed technology whose widespread use could save property and lives. Jim will discuss how new technology can protect homes, why the western U.S. and Canada are so prone to damaging wildfires and ways new technologies can protect wildlife, the environment and communities at risk. Contact James Moseley at (818) 486-4662; jmoseley@rtirguests.com

7. ==> Why the Great Resignation’ Phenomenon Continues

Thanks to the pandemic, more of us had time to think about our values and what we like and don’t like about our jobs. That soul searching has led to some refusing to go back to work or seeking new opportunities. But, as workplace specialist Marc A. Pitman will tell you, not everyone knows the best way to make these changes. Invite Marc to explain why having a side hustle is more important than ever today and even why having one can make you a more effective employee. He can talk about the steps to take to determine what type of moonlighting is best for you, how to value your time, and eventually, how to resign well. Ask him what does it mean to resign well? Why do moonlighters make good employees? How can you identify what you do well? Marc has a master’s degree in organizational leadership and 30 years of studying leadership to his credit. He’s been featured in “Real Simple” and “SUCCESS,” and on NBC, and Fox News. Marc is the author of seven books including his latest, “The Surprising Gift of Doubt: Use Uncertainty to Become the Exceptional Leader You Are Meant to Be.” Contact Marc Pitman at (317) 751-1610; mpitman@rtirguests.com

8. ==> Your Laundry Detergent May Be as Bad for You as Smoking

Your laundry may smell like a mountain breeze or fresh meadow after washing. But those seemingly delightful aromas may be as deadly as cigarettes. “Many household products contain fragrance,” says product expert Zorica Denton. “They may contain anywhere from 100 to 1,000 chemicals. But they don’t have to be listed due to trade secret policies.” Zorica should know. She developed asthma, a gastric ulcer and other debilitating health problems as a result of working as a perfume model, and almost died. Invite her on your show and learn how to tell what’s really in household products and what consumers should steer away from. Zorica Denton founded the natural personal care products company Zorica of Malibu. She’s also the author of an upcoming book about toxic chemicals in products. Contact her at (213) 616-7904; Zdenton@rtirguests.com

9. ==> Vaccine Passports Are an Assault on Freedom

Why should you need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination when you eat out? Attend a concert? Travel? Stay in a hotel? Are these so-called vaccine passports truly about the public good or are they just a form of government control? Find out what your listeners think when you interview Tamara Lashchyk. She worries that what’s happening in New York City, where passports are now required, will spread across the country. She says, “A two-tiered society is emerging and those who simply want to exercise their right to medical choice are being smeared as ‘others.’ This is how the Nazis successfully executed their heinous plan. By vilifying and dehumanizing, they fostered a culture where neighbors turned on one another. Irresistible social pressure is now pervasive, as our own president actually blames the unvaccinated for perpetuating the pandemic.” Ask her: Why are so many Americans blindingly trusting corporations and governments that have repeatedly lied to us? How is COVID propaganda brainwashing us? Who stands to gain the most from a vaccine mandate? Who will be held accountable if you sustain a vaccine injury? Tamara Lashchyk has been interviewed by the BBC and featured in Huffington Post and co-hosts “The Bo Peep Podcast.” A career coach, author, and former Wall Street executive, she recently ran for the New York State Assembly. Contact her at (848) 373-3543; TLashchyk@rtirguests.com

10. ==> His Simple Instrumental Song Has Changed Millions of Lives

Dave Combs has written 120 songs and recorded 15 albums, and his music has been heard by millions around the world. But one song in particular, with a simple melody and no lyrics, has become an international standard, inspiring more than 50,000 written notes from adoring fans. On your show, Combs will reveal the tragic event behind “Rachel’s Song” and the woman for whom it’s named. You’ll also learn why the song has meant so much to so many and hear real stories of how the piece has affected people’s lives. It also changed Combs’ life. At the time he came up with his signature song, Combs was a traveling consultant for AT&T and it took him three years to move the music forward. Dave Combs’ new book is “Touched By the Music: How the Story and Music of Rachel’s Song Can Change Your Life.” Combs has been featured in the “Winston-Salem Journal,” “Spectrum News,” “Guideposts” and other media outlets. “Rachel’s Song” can be heard on Spotify, Pandora, iTunes, iHeart, YouTube and Amazon. Contact Dave Combs at (336) 655-8320; dave@combsmusic.com

11. ==> Beyond Money: What Makes for a Satisfying Retirement?

When people plan for retirement, they focus on the money. And while that is important, it isn’t everything, says Gary Sirak, who has spent 40 years as a financial advisor and is president of Sirak Financial Services in Canton, Ohio. So how do you figure out what you need to make your retirement years terrific? Gary can offer listeners resources and tools for deciding what you want to do with all that time you will have to fill. He’ll illustrate his points with stories of the good, the bad, and the really bad side of retirement he has witnessed through helping his clients. Gary is the author of “How to Retire and Not Die.” Ask him: Why isn’t retirement all about the money? Why are the 3Ps: Passion, Purpose and a Plan so important? What is a retirement mentor and why do you need one? Contact Gary Sirak at (330) 705-3820; garys@sirakfinancial.com

12. ==> Dead Parents Haunting You? Exorcise Childhood Trauma, for Good

Adults may continue to experience the effects of a toxic parent long after that parent is dead, without even realizing it. “This may manifest as an ongoing pattern of unhealthy romantic relationships, dead-end jobs and debilitating low self-esteem,” says Arnoux Goran. His horrific childhood led Arnoux to create the “7 Steps to Reprogramming Yourself” program, which has helped countless people to overcome their childhood trauma to achieve lasting health, wealth and happiness. He is the author of three upcoming books including “The 5 Secrets of Ending Drama in Relationships,” and an online workshop. Contact Arnoux at (878) 203-8231; agoran@rtirguests.com

13. ==> Can You Drink Your Way to Increased Immunity?

The Brits do it. So do little old ladies. But is tea something that belongs in your cupboard and your cup if you want to boost your immunity to flu and viruses, and feel and look your best? Listen to nutritional expert Tilak Silva and learn why you should never overlook tea when it comes to building immunity from disease and other health-zapping dangers. The inventor of CilanTea, Tilak will teach your audience how to literally drink their way to greater strength, healthier skin, more energy, fewer illnesses, and better sleep. Oh, and Tilak will also tell you what beverages are best avoided because they may depress immune systems. Ask him: What’s the best way to take advantage of tea’s benefits? What are the best times of day to drink tea? What foods go best with a cup, and what should you not pair with tea? Contact TIlak Silva at (310) 483-2785, tsilva@rtirguests.com

14. ==> Go from Crises to Calm in 30 Seconds or Less

Even in the best of times, living with anxiety is a way of life for many people. How can someone go from an anxious state to one of peace in a matter of seconds? Interview Reiki Master and energy work expert Rhonda Harris-Choudhry to find out. Rhonda will talk about ways to use self-healing energy work she calls “Feel Good Reiki” to help people calm down so they can focus on improving their lives. Ask her: What are the connections between anxiety and adrenaline addiction? How can people identify the source of their anxiety? How can people stay calm and focused throughout the day? Rhonda is the author of “You Are Not Broken: How to Retrain Your Brain, Clean Up Your Energy and Use Emotional Shapeshifting to Raise Your Vibration and Manifest Your Desires.” Contact Rhonda Harris-Choudhry at (505) 239-7729; azjua7@gmail.com

15. ==> Trendiest Post-COVID Cosmetic Procedures

Having been given the green light to resume elective surgery in late 2020, plastic surgeons have found themselves managing waiting lists that stretch for months, even years. For Vasileios Vasilakis, M.D., it’s no surprise that demand for cosmetic procedures is on the rise again, especially now that more Americans are fully vaccinated. “With COVID-19 cases dropping each day, many are confidently approaching the procedures they’ve always wanted to have done,” Dr. Vasilakis says. He says the most requested procedures have been liposuction and breast augmentation along with facial procedures involving fillers and injectables. “The fact that people are now going mask-less is definitely motivating this new demand,” Dr. Vasilakis points out. “Aside from these injectables, we’re also receiving many inquiries about surgical lip lifts because they want to show off their new looks without a mask.” A surgeon at Memorial Plastic Surgery in Texas, Dr. Vasilakis specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast, face, nose, and body. Contact Dr. Vasilakis or Dr. Patrick Hsu at (713) 633-4411; @memorialplasticsurgery

01. U.S. or China: Who’s the Aggressor?
02. Captain Kirk’s Karmic Mission
03. Pump: Fascinating History of the Heart
04. America’s Best Haunted Attractions
05. What Type of Witch Are You?
06. How to Handle the Halloween Haul
07. How the Williams Family Started a Tennis Revolution
08. Who’s Responsible for the 20-Year Fiasco in Afghanistan?
09. Behind the Increase in Post-COVID Homeschooling
10. Psychedelics Are Going Mainstream
11. What Nobody Tells You about Critical Race Theory
12. Should We Incentivize Helping the Homeless?
13. Everything You Wanted to Know about Frozen Embryos but Were Afraid to Ask
14. Mask vs Mask-Free: Understanding the Debate
15. Anime’s Growing Global Popularity

1.==> U.S. or China: Who’s the Aggressor?

Taiwan has become a focal point for tensions between the U.S. and China with some in the U.S. calling for a commitment to defend the island against Chinese attack. But according to historian James Bradley, “The business of China is business. The business of America is war. Will the U.S. make a business-like deal with China over Taiwan? Or will the U.S. insist upon the Taiwan question being settled as a matter of war? It’s not China that’s aggressive — it’s the U.S. government that invades Iraq and Afghanistan and puts a fleet on China’s doorstep.” Bradley lives in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty region, producing the “Untold Pacific” podcast about the American experience in Asia. Recent episodes include “China Rising,” and “U.S. Military: ‘War with China Inevitable.’” He is author of several books on U.S. policy in the Pacific and Asia, including “Flags of Our Fathers” and “The China Mirage: The Hidden History of American Disaster in Asia.” Contact him at james@jamesbradley.com

2. ==> Captain Kirk’s Karmic Mission

Iconic actor William Shatner, who played Captain James Kirk on “Star Trek” in the late 1960s, has become the oldest person to leave the confines of Earth and gaze out into what has been called “the final frontier.” An avid “Star Trek” fan, physicist Don Lincoln was thrilled to watch the actor’s launch this week. “I would not classify Shatner’s trip as an innovative technical achievement. After all, Blue Origin has successfully launched people into space before. But there is no question that sending Capt. Kirk into space is great showmanship.” He says, “Shatner is an actor and not an engineer, nor an entrepreneur. He has never contributed directly to space exploration, but he was part of an influential science fiction dynasty that continues to motivate and excite young people to look to the stars and dream. I expect that flights like this one will change a child’s life and maybe 50 years hence, humanity will be closer to realizing the dream represented by “Star Trek.” Don Lincoln is a senior scientist at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. He is the author of several science books for general audiences, including “The Theory of Everything: The Quest to Explain All Reality.” Contact him at (630) 840-5218; lincoln@fnal.gov

3. ==> Pump: Fascinating History of the Heart

For centuries, humans have been fascinated by the heart. Aristotle believed it was the seat of consciousness; the Tin Man from “The Wizard of Oz” mused about how his life would change if only he had one; and poets and musicians from Shakespeare to Tom Petty to Stevie Nicks have written countless words about hearts being cold, broken, and lonely. Now, American Museum of Natural History zoologist Bill Schutt turns his attention to this vital organ. Invite the author of “Pump: A Natural History of the Heart,” to explore the mysteries and wonders of the literal heartbeat of life on Earth. He’ll trace humanity’s cardiac fascination from the ancient Greeks and Egyptians, who believed that the heart contains the soul, all the way up to modern-day laboratories, where scientists use animal hearts and even plants as the basis for many of today’s cutting-edge therapies. Hear about the strange science behind the giraffe’s circulatory system, the natural blood antifreeze that allows Antarctic icefish to survive and experiments showing the direct relationship between bereavement and Takotsubo syndrome, better known as “broken heart syndrome.” Bill Schutt is a vertebrate zoologist and author of five nonfiction and fiction books, including the “New York Times” Editor’s Choice, “Cannibalism: A Perfectly Natural History.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com or Briana Caywood at (703) 646-5188 (office)

4.==> America’s Best Haunted Attractions

What makes something a great haunted attraction? Ask Amber Arnett-Bequeaith, aka the Queen of Haunts. She says the most critical attribute is scariness, “If we can get nightmares, we really did our job. Although the true measure of success is screams and laughter.” Amber annually ranks the best mega-haunts around the country and says there’s likely a scary attraction within driving distance, no matter where you live. She’ll run down her best-of list from the Bates Motel in Philadelphia to Netherworld in Atlanta and Nightmare on 13th in Salt Lake City and can also talk about the trend of people creating haunted houses as a hobby, offering limited public viewings via word-of-mouth. She can even share tips on how to create horror décor at home! Amber Arnett-Bequeaith was born into the haunt industry. Her mother and grandmother created Edge of Hell Haunted House 47 years ago. Today, Amber’s company, Full Moon Productions, operates three commercial haunts and a ghost tour in Kansas City, Missouri. Contact her at (913) 406-7833

5. ==> What Type of Witch are You?

It’s pretty common to think of witches this time of year, they’re everywhere we look! But have you ever wondered or felt that you were part of that tribe? Julie Wilder says you are — if you want to be. The creator of the White Witch Academy can talk about the many different types of witches, how to create spells for yourself and others, and ways to improve your life with magic. She’ll discuss the myths and misconceptions about witchcraft and magic and share 13 powerful white magic spells to manifest your deepest desires and connect with your intuition. Listeners can also download a witch starter kit with free printables, meditations and tools. Julie Wilder created the White Witch Academy as a resource for anyone looking to learn simple, secular witchcraft. She’s the author of numerous books including “The White Witch Academy” textbook series. Contact her at contact@whitewitchacademy.com; @whitewitchacademy

6. ==> How to Handle the Halloween Haul

Trick or Treat! A lot of parents are thinking about Halloween costumes and safety, but another concern for many parents is the battle that ensues once the trick-or-treating is over and parents want to bring some semblance of balance to their kids’ candy intake. Rebecah Freeling says the struggle is real: “All that candy is NOT good for kids, it causes kids with bad behavior to behave even worse, and it can be a real problem for parents.” A family coach with exceedingly practical and creative problem-solving tips, Rebecah’s will share ways parents can get control over the situation using effective and outside-the-box solutions. Ask her about the Halloween Fairy! Rebecah Freeling, the owner of Wits End Parenting, specializes in kids with problem behaviors. In addition to working with individual families, she also consults with schools and speaks about parenting issues. Rebecah is the author of “Your Rules Are Dumb: How to Maintain Your Parental Authority While Creating a Partnership With Your Spirited Child.” Contact her at (510) 619-5920; witsendparenting@gmail.com

7. ==> How the Williams Family Started a Tennis Revolution

Perhaps you’ve seen the trailers for the upcoming movie “King Richard,” starring Will Smith as the father of Serena and Venus Williams. The highly anticipated film chronicles the sisters’ amazing journey of overcoming the odds to become tennis royalty, in large part due to the guidance and skill of their sometimes-controversial father. Sportswriter Cecil Harris has interviewed all three and can share his insights on the family, the athletes and the history of race in tennis. Hear the story of how Richard Williams decided his daughters would be tennis champions before they were even born and wrote a 78-page plan to coach them when they were four years old, and why he referred to them as his “Ghetto Cinderellas.” Cecil Harris is the author of “Different Strokes: Serena, Venus, and the Unfinished Black Tennis Revolution.” Contact him at (914) 643-7622; CecilHarris2008@gmail.com

8. ==> Who’s Responsible for the 20-Year Fiasco in Afghanistan?

President Biden has garnered the bulk of the blame for the huge failure of our recent Afghanistan withdrawal and much of it is well-deserved, but author Terry Jastrow believes there is plenty of blame to go around. After the tumultuous tenure of Donald Trump, Americans of both political parties seem to regard President George W. Bush in relatively warm terms. But Jastrow says we need to reexamine far more closely the Bush presidency in the wake of Afghanistan. In Jastrow’s new novel, “The Trial of George W. Bush,” President Bush is whisked off a golf course in Scotland and brought to The Hague International Criminal Court in the Netherlands to stand trial for war crimes. Though a fictitious scenario, Jastrow believes there is a very compelling case to be made for Bush’s prosecution. Terry Jastrow is a television producer, director, screenwriter, playwright and actor (as well as husband to Oscar-nominated actress Anne Archer). Contact Anthony Pomes at (516) 535-2010, ext. 105; (631) 875-6075 (cell); sq1marketing@aol.com or apomes@squareonepublishers.com

9. ==> Behind the Increase in Post-COVID Homeschooling

The U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey showed a substantial increase in homeschooling during COVID-19. Is this increase here to stay and which ethnic groups are leading the charge? Interview Linda Karimo to school your audience on the latest on homeschooling. Ask her: Is homeschooling legal in all states? Can a parent start homeschooling before kindergarten? How is it different from unschooling? Is homeschooling popular with Black families? Are most homeschooled children well-prepared for college? An educator and children’s book author, Linda is currently offering a 2021 International Post-COVID Child Education Summit for parents and a free PDF playbook with advice from the 40 expert participants. The Summit covers a wide range of childhood education topics including mental health. Contact Linda Karimo at (914) 944-1474: Lkarimo@rtirguests.com

10. ==> Psychedelics Are Going Mainstream

If the word “psychedelic” makes you think of Woodstock, the 1960s, and people dropping out of society, you are behind the times. While still prohibited by law, some once-considered “bad boys” of the drug culture (LSD, Psilocybin, MDMA), are now being seriously studied by science and found to be not only completely non-addictive, but more effective in the relief of anxiety, addiction, and depression than any known or traditional treatment. Sparrow Hart can discuss both the incredible promise of psychedelics as well as potential pitfalls for their misuse in an addictive and distraction-seeking culture. 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 “The Vision Quest and Letters to the River: A Guide to a Dream Worth Living.” Contact him at (801) 516-0740; SHart@rtirguests.com

11. ==> What No One Tells You about Critical Race Theory

One of the most talked-about topics today is critical race theory and removing it from the classroom. But what is this theory and is it really being taught in classrooms? Moreover, should children learn about slavery and racism in school? Talk about these issues with Patrick (Pat) Bishop, the white author of “A Class Divided: A Story About Racism,” the first in a “Kids Empathy” series he wrote with his wife and 8-year-old daughter meant to prompt discussions between adults and children. Pat says that according to a recent study, 90% of parents admit that they rarely talk to their kids about race. He says such discussions are needed more than ever. Ask him: Should Black history be taught in schools? Who was Jane Elliot and how did she inspire you? Does learning about past racial inequalities throughout history make white children feel guilty? Contact Pat Bishop at (405) 999-2686;
patbishop100@yahoo.com

12. ==> Should We Incentivize Helping the Homeless?

It won’t be long until the holiday season when thoughts traditionally
turn to helping the homeless. Let homelessness expert and documentarian Glen Dunzweiler bring some fresh inspiration to listeners who want to help but don’t know where to start. Glen says although no one should get rich helping the homeless, no one should become poor doing so either; he says we need are incentives for those who want to lend a hand to people without a support system. Glen, whose TEDx talk on the topic has garnered more than 105,000 views, will explain his concept of small business homelessness, getting over the fear of making contact with the homeless and what happens afterward, ways neighborhood watches could be turned into neighborhood help and more. Dunzweiler is an independent filmmaker, former college professor and author of two books including “A Degree In Homelessness?” He also hosts the YouTube series “Difficult Questions with Glen Dunzweiler.” His documentary, yHomeless, can be seen on Amazon Prime. Contact him at (702) 703-2219;
GDunzweiler@rtirguests.com

13. ==> Everything You Wanted to Know about Frozen Embryos but Were Afraid to Ask

How long does it take to defrost a frozen embryo? (Answer: as little as 30 seconds!) Why would someone choose frozen embryo adoption over IVF or standard adoption? (Answer: Frozen embryo adoption can be cheaper and more likely to “take.”) How many years can an embryo be frozen yet viable? (Answer: up to 27, and the number might actually be higher.) Let Nate Birt answer the questions you were afraid to ask (or didn’t know you wanted to ask) about the newest form of adoption. For example, are all frozen embryos screened for genetic issues? How costly is it to adopt this way? What is involved? Nate is the author of “Frozen, But Not Forgotten: An Adoptive Dad’s Step-by-Step Guide to Embryo Adoption” whose toddler daughter was adopted as a frozen embryo. Contact Nate Birt at (417) 221-9045; Nbirt@rtirguests.com

14. ==> Mask vs Mask-Free: Understanding the Debate

Has wearing a mask been a blessing or a curse? Has it provided a way for people to find more privacy, solitude, and protection, or has it been an excuse to get out of family functions, office parties, or even the dating scene? Psychotherapist Elke Scholz has extensively researched the mask vs. maskless controversy from the medical and emotional points of view and will explain how the past year of mask-wearing has profoundly impacted our relationships and careers. An expert on social anxiety, Elke can offer valuable insights to help people comfortably return to the job site, the theater, stadiums, schools, places of worship, airplanes, and meetings, no matter where they stand on the issue. She also offers anti-anxiety and pro-wellness kits for employees, at-risk youth and seniors. A therapist for over 35 years, Elke Scholz is the author of “Anxiety Warrior Vol. One” and “Vol. Two.” Contact her at (705) 710-4315; escholz@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Anime’s Growing Global Popularity

Anime has been a part of collective popular culture since the 1970s when it reached TV markets around the world, but the Japanese cartoons have exploded in popularity since then. Once just for niche audiences, anime has gone mainstream, influencing some of Hollywood’s biggest hits. The “Wall Street Journal” reports that 100 million households watched at least one anime title on Netflix in 2020, a 50% increase over the year before. Pop culture guru Lauren Moore, host and producer for the anime website Funimation.com, can discuss what’s behind the recent boom in anime among U.S. audiences. She can also recommend some anime titles listeners can check out, including horror anime titles in time for Halloween, whether you’re new to the anime world or a diehard fan. Contact John Angelo at john@premieretv.com

01. Ret. Brig. Gen. Talks Taliban, Afghanistan and the Future
02. A Scary Energy Winter is Coming
03. Insider: What Really Goes On at the FDA?
04. Will Banks Squash USPS Plan Again?
05. Halloween Spending to Hit Record High
06. Trendiest Post-COVID Cosmetic Procedures
07. What’s Behind the Increase in Post-COVID Homeschooling?
08. Everything You Wanted to Know about Frozen Embryos but Were Afraid to Ask
09. Ignore This and You May Put Your Children’s Lives at Risk
10. Mask vs Mask-Free: Understanding the Debate
11. Why is the U.S. C-Section Rate So High?
12. Drink Your Way to Increased Immunity
13. Is Your Kid Ready for the High Costs of Higher Learning?
14. Successful Lawyer Proves Anyone Can Overcome Extreme Adversity
15. She Helps Stuck Souls Cross Over to the Other Side

1.==> Ret. Brig. General Talks Taliban, Afghanistan and the Future

What will happen now that the U.S. has physically departed Afghanistan? How will major nations including the United States, Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan, India, and Turkey continue to grapple with serious Afghan-related challenges that extend beyond its borders? Ret. Brig. Gen. Peter Zwack, who served as the Director of the Joint Intelligence and Operations Center in Afghanistan from 2008-2009, can discuss the forces at play in that country and the brutal history of the region while providing the region’s forces at play insight into the people beyond the usual clichés. Zwack’s new book, “Afghanistan Kabul Kurier,” provides an eyewitness account of the complexities of Afghanistan through a series of letters he wrote while serving as a U.S. top military intelligence officer on the ground during a particularly tumultuous period. He spent more than 34 years of U.S. military service in senior command and staff positions in Afghanistan, Germany, Kosovo, South Korea, and Moscow. He currently serves as a Wilson Center Global Fellow within the Kennan Institute and frequently appears to discuss national security and leadership issues in the media. Contact Terri Beavers at (434) 979-7438; BG.PBZ.r@gmail.com

2. ==> A Scary Energy Winter is Coming

Thomas Friedman believes this could be the worst energy winter since 1973. He says that the tectonic geopolitical plates that hold up the world economy are shifting. “Several forces are coming together that could make Vladimir Putin the king of Europe, enable Iran to thumb its nose at America and build an atomic bomb, and disrupt European power markets enough that the upcoming U.N. climate conference in Glasgow could suffer blackouts owing to too little clean energy.” He explains the cause as a good-news-bad-news situation. “The good news is that every major economy has signed onto reducing its carbon footprint by phasing out dirtier fuels like coal to heat homes and to power industries. The bad news is that most nations are doing it in totally uncoordinated ways, from the top down, and before the market has produced sufficient clean renewables like wind, solar and hydro.” Thomas L. Friedman is an internationally renowned author, reporter, and columnist. He’s the recipient of three Pulitzer Prizes and the author of seven best-selling books, among them “From Beirut to Jerusalem” and “The World Is Flat.” To book Friedman, contact FSG Publicity at fsg.publicity@fsgbooks.com

3. ==> Insider: What Really Goes On at the FDA?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates more than $1 trillion worth of consumer goods each year and is responsible for protecting public health by ensuring Americans’ food, drugs and medical devices are safe and effective. But a former director says most people would be surprised by what goes on behind closed doors of the agency. Richard Williams, Ph.D., is the author of “Fixing Food: An FDA Insider Unravels the Myths and the Solutions.” Invite him on your show to talk about the health and safety of our food supply. You’ll learn why one out of every six Americans get food poisoning every year, and why two-thirds of us are overweight or obese and why, by 2030, despite FDA’s nutrition labeling, one out of every two Americans is expected to be obese! Dr. Williams can also discuss new tools coming from private entrepreneurs that will help consumers eat more safely and healthier. Richard Williams, Ph.D., served as the director for social science with the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition at the Food and Drug Administration from 1980 to 2007. He then served as vice president for policy research at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com or Briana Caywood at (703) 646-5188 (office)

4. ==> Will Banks Squash USPS Plan Again?

The U.S. Postal Service has quietly begun offering a handful of new or expanded financial services in four cities, a potential first step toward a return to postal banking, which advocates say could help rescue the agency’s finances and assist millions of people who have limited or no access to the banking system. Historian Christopher Shaw says, “It’s a case of market failure where the banking industry is not interested in serving these people because they’re not profitable enough and where the Postal Service, because it is a government service, can step in and help with that market failure and ensure those services are available.” He says, “Many other nations use postal banking, and in the twentieth century the United States did too. My research reveals that in the 1960s the banking lobby killed postal banking, opening the door for the millions of unbanked who currently pay high fees for basic financial services.” Shaw’s latest book, “First Class: The U.S. Postal Service, Democracy, and the Corporate Threat,” will be released in November. Contact him at christophershaw.ca@gmail.com; @chris_w_shaw

5. ==> Halloween Spending to Hit Record High

Consumer spending on Halloween-related items is expected to reach an all-time high of $10.14 billion this year, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey. “Americans plan to spend more than ever to make this Halloween a memorable one,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay says. The survey finds that 65% of Americans plan to celebrate the holiday, with the average consumer spending about $100 on candy, costumes, decorations and greeting cards, and those with kids spending twice as much as those without. And what costumes are people buying? Superheroes and princesses top the list for kids, while adults are embracing traditional Halloween favorites like ghosts, witches and vampires. And Shay says interest in pet costumes remains high, with one in five intending to dress their pet up for Halloween this year. The National Retail Federation is the world’s largest retail trade association. Contact Danielle Inman at (855) 637-7737; press@nrf.com

6. ==> Trendiest Post-COVID Cosmetic Procedures

Having been given the green light to resume elective surgery in late 2020, plastic surgeons have found themselves managing waiting lists that stretch for months, even years. For Vasileios Vasilakis, M.D., it’s no surprise that demand for cosmetic procedures is on the rise again, especially now that more Americans are fully vaccinated. “With COVID-19 cases dropping each day, many are confidently approaching the procedures they’ve always wanted to have done,” Dr. Vasilakis says. He says the most requested procedures have been liposuction and breast augmentation along with facial procedures involving fillers and injectables. “The fact that people are now going mask-less is definitely motivating this new demand,” Dr. Vasilakis points out. “Aside from these injectables, we’re also receiving many inquiries about surgical lip lifts because they want to show off their new looks without a mask.” A surgeon at Memorial Plastic Surgery in Texas, Dr. Vasilakis specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast, face, nose, and body. Contact Dr. Vasilakis or Dr. Patrick Hsu at (713) 633-4411; @memorialplasticsurgery

7. ==> What’s Behind the Increase in Post-COVID Homeschooling?

The U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey showed a substantial increase in homeschooling during COVID-19. Is this increase here to stay and which ethnic groups are leading the charge? Interview Linda Karimo to school your audience on the latest on homeschooling. Ask her: Is homeschooling legal in all states? Can a parent start homeschooling before kindergarten? How is it different from unschooling? Is homeschooling popular with Black families? Are most homeschooled children well-prepared for college? An educator and children’s book author, Linda is currently offering a 2021 International Post-COVID Child Education Summit for parents and a free PDF playbook with advice from the 40 expert participants. The Summit covers a wide range of childhood education topics including mental health. Contact Linda Karimo at (914) 944-1474: Lkarimo@rtirguests.com

8. ==> Everything You Wanted to Know about Frozen Embryos but Were Afraid to Ask

How long does it take to defrost a frozen embryo? (Answer: as little as 30 seconds!) Why would someone choose frozen embryo adoption over IVF or standard adoption? (Answer: Frozen embryo adoption can be cheaper and more likely to “take.”) How many years can an embryo be frozen yet viable? (Answer: up to 27, and the number might actually be higher.) Let Nate Birt answer the questions you were afraid to ask (or didn’t know you wanted to ask) about the newest form of adoption. For example, are all frozen embryos screened for genetic issues? How costly is it to adopt this way? What is involved? Nate is the author of “Frozen, But Not Forgotten: An Adoptive Dad’s Step-by- Step Guide to Embryo Adoption” whose toddler daughter was adopted as a frozen embryo. Contact Nate Birt at (417) 221-9045; Nbirt@rtirguests.com

9. ==> Ignore This and You May Put Your Children’s Lives at Risk

When it comes to health, people often think it’s all up to their doctors. Not so, warns Anne McAwley-LeDuc, a retired nurse practitioner (APRN), who says patients have an important role in their own medical team, a role they often shirk out of lack of awareness. Often overlooked, she’ll say, are the patient’s duties for keeping full and accurate records of medical histories, doctor visits, procedures, treatments, medications, vaccinations and more. Parents are responsible for doing so for their children and teens too. In an interview, she can share where and how you should keep and maintain those essential medical records, and the role that COVID-19 has played in making this task more important than ever. Contact Anne McAwley-LeDuc at (860) 300-1603; AMcAwley@rtirguests.com

10. ==> Mask vs Mask-Free: Understanding the Debate

Has wearing a mask been a blessing or a curse? Has it provided a way for people to find more privacy, solitude, and protection, or has it been an excuse to get out of family functions, office parties, or even the dating scene? Psychotherapist Elke Scholz has extensively researched the mask vs. maskless controversy from the medical and emotional points of view and will explain how the past year of mask-wearing has profoundly impacted our relationships and careers. An expert on social anxiety, Elke can offer valuable insights to help people comfortably return to the jobsite, the theater, stadiums, schools, places of worship, airplanes, and meetings, no matter where they stand on the issue. She also offers anti-anxiety and pro-wellness kits for employees, at-risk youth and seniors. A therapist for over 35 years, Elke Scholz is the author of “Anxiety Warrior Vol. One” and “Vol. Two.” Contact her at (705) 710-4315; escholz@rtirguests.com

11. ==> Why is the U.S. C-Section Rate So High?

In the United States, c-sections are performed more than any other surgery and account for about 34% of all deliveries. While sometimes needed to save the lives of mothers and their babies, the risk of complications can be higher than with vaginal births. When Dr. Alan Lindemann was in his OB/GYN residency 40 years ago, the c-section rate at his hospital was about 11%. What’s happened? Dr. Lindemann can answer your questions about why this rate is so high and reveal ways mothers can avoid unnecessary surgery. He has produced a video course for women on how to navigate through their pregnancy safely and is completing the book “Pregnancy Your Way.” Contact Alan Lindemann, M.D., at (701) 399-9556; ALindemann@rtirguests.com

12. ==> Drink Your Way to Increased Immunity

The Brits do it. So do little old ladies. But is tea something that belongs in your cupboard and in your cup if you want to boost your immunity to flu and viruses, and feel and look your best? Listen to nutritional expert Tilak Silva and learn why you should never overlook tea when it comes to building immunity from disease and other health-zapping dangers. The inventor of CilanTea, Tilak will teach your audience how to literally drink their way to greater strength, healthier skin, more energy, fewer illnesses, and better sleep. Oh, and Tilak will also tell you what beverages are best avoided because they may depress immune systems. Ask him: What’s the best way to take advantage of tea’s benefits? What are the best times of day to drink tea? What foods go best with a cup, and what should you not pair with tea? Contact TIlak Silva at (310) 483-2785, tsilva@rtirguests.com

13. ==> Is Your Kid Ready for the High Costs of Higher Learning?

Are the parents in your audience tired of nagging their kids to study to get better grades? If so, Pete Andersen, Ph.D., an Amazon best-selling author of “The 3 Secret Skills of Top Performers,” a father of six college graduates, and a former principal and school superintendent, is on hand to give the success secrets they need to raise go-getters instead of excuse-makers. Dr. Pete will explain the need for an early discussion of the costs of college, the family sacrifices that may be needed and why higher education is an investment not to be wasted. He can also share why top students set low positive goals, and parents should wear college sweatshirts and discuss shared expectations. Ask him how can you teach your student to hold themselves accountable and demonstrate serious learning behaviors? What are top-performing students doing that your kids aren’t doing? How can parents raise positive expectations for future success in their children? Contact Dr. Pete Andersen at (858) 886-9820 (text); drpete@The3SecretSkillsofTopPerformers.com

14. ==> Successful Lawyer Proves Anyone Can Overcome Extreme Adversity

Talk to Francine Tone, and you’ll be surprised that her life turned out so successful and positive, after facing so much adversity. Today she is an accomplished attorney, author, speaker and devoted mother. But things didn’t look that way in her youth. After loss and abandonment as a child, she was molested by her adoptive father while just a little girl. She contemplated suicide nightly as a teen. She suffered a near-fatal car accident, went through a troubling divorce, got cancer and then dealt with a traumatic injury to her only son. So many times she was tempted to give up. But she did not. And she is prepared to tell others how they, too, can overcome difficulties and get their lives in order despite the worst of the worst happening. Today she says she is the luckiest girl in the world — especially as she surfs overhead waves on the North Shore of Hawaii. Among Francine’s successful projects is “What Every Good Lawyer Wants You to Know,” a best-selling book that helps laymen navigate the law. Contact her at (531) 208-1297; FTone@rtirguests.com

15. ==> She Helps Stuck Souls Cross Over to the Other Side

Jean Keegan Daly can talk about extraordinary experiences she had rescuing the souls of people who had died but were stuck between our world and their spiritual home. This soul rescuer helped a young couple who died in the Vietnam War reunite in death and cross over, a six-year-old boy who lived in 1841 and died after falling into a silo or grain bin and a 1950s’-era mother, father and two-year-old disoriented after the auto accident that killed them. Jean can describe the clarity she experienced during each of these rescues including how she was able to intuit names and other details she would have no way of knowing. She can also talk about the expanded consciousness technique she utilized that made her feel like she was flying. Ask her: Does a time warp exist between this life and the next? How has having these experiences impacted her life? Jean’s experiences were unrelated to her career as a retired hospice nurse. She shares them in her memoir, “Reflections of a Seasoned Soul.” Jean has appeared on local television and taught at community colleges and hospitals. Reach her at (609) 912-3778; Jkeegandaly@rtirguests.com

01. Pandora Papers: U.S. Now a Billionaire Tax Haven
02. The New American Dream: Mobility & Skills vs Homes & Degrees
03. Britney Spears Isn’t Free Yet
04. Exposing What Black Children Endure
05. How to Communicate with the Other Side
06. How to Exorcise Childhood Trauma, for Good
07. Masks, Mandates and More: What about Kids’ Rights?
08. Her Secret for Conquering Breast Cancer Twice
09. Feed Your Body to Heal the Planet
10. The Biggest Pain Myths Most People Believe
11. How the Medical Community Failed Us during COVID
12. Alzheimer’s at 30, 40, or 50? What to Look for, How to Cope
13. From Living on the Streets to a Job with Apple
14. Your Inner Secret Weapon for Overcoming These Challenging Times
15. 5 Secrets to Happiness Only Southerners Know

1.==> Pandora Papers: U.S. Now a Billionaire Tax Haven

Released on Sunday and based on 11.9 million leaked files, the Pandora Papers exposes a shadow financial system that benefits the world’s most rich and powerful allowing billionaires to hide their massive wealth and avoid taxes. It reveals, for instance, that “South Dakota now rivals opaque jurisdictions in Europe and the Caribbean in financial secrecy.” Chuck Collins, author of “The Wealth Hoarders: How Billionaires Pay Millions to Hide Trillions,” says it’s time for U.S. lawmakers to shut down the hidden wealth system that allows for such aggressive tax avoidance and the sequestering of wealth. Collins, who just wrote the piece “Why Billionaires Love to Park Their Wealth in Places Like South Dakota” for Salon and is co-editor of Inequality.org at the Institute for Policy Studies, says, “The U.S. has become the weak link in stopping global crime and wealth hiding. States like South Dakota and Delaware have morphed their laws to attract billions, sometimes illicitly obtained, from around the world. We in the U.S. should be embarrassed that we’ve become a magnet for kleptocratic funds.” Collins has briefed members of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) on the “wealth hiding” systems in the U.S. ICIJ’s Pandora Papers is a collaboration of 600 journalists from 150 media outlets. Contact Chuck Collins at chuck@ips-dc.org or Olivia Alperstein at Olivia@ips-dc.org

2. ==> The New American Dream: Mobility & Skills vs Homes & Degrees

As climate change tips toward full-blown crisis, economies collapse, governments destabilize, and technology disrupts, we’re entering a new age of mass migrations — one that will scatter both the dispossessed and the well-off. Which areas will people abandon and where will they resettle? Which countries will accept or reject them? As today’s world population, which includes four billion restless youth, votes with their feet, what map of human geography will emerge? Renowned globalization scholar Parag Khanna will provide an illuminating and authoritative vision of the next phase of human civilization — one that is both mobile and sustainable. He’ll explain why people will move to where the resources are and how technologies will flow to the people who need them, returning us to our nomadic roots while building more secure habitats. Parag Khanna is the founder and managing partner of FutureMap, a global strategic advisory firm that works with far-sighted governments and companies. His new book is “Move: The Forces Uprooting Us.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com or Briana Caywood at (703) 646-5188 (office)

3. ==> Britney Spears Isn’t Free Yet

Britney Spears had a big week after her major legal victory suspended her father, Jamie Spears, from presiding over her conservatorship. After the court ruling, many were left with the impression that Britney was finally “free.” Not so, says family law attorney and former clinical psychologist David Glass, who was at the hearing at the courthouse. “The conservatorship over the popstar’s estate may have been decided, but not the conservatorship over her person.” Glass can explain why Spears still isn’t really free, what issues are still pending before the court, and whether Britney will likely enjoy full freedom anytime soon. A family law attorney and former psychologist, Glass is a regular on-air legal analyst for “Good Morning America” and ABC’s Live News streaming platform. He’s appeared on numerous radio shows and podcasts and in publications including Yahoo! News.com, Foxnews.com, “Variety” and “People” magazine. Contact Cherie Kerr at (714) 550-9900; Cherie@kerrpr-execuprov.com or Shannon Dugger at (303) 619-3949; Shannon@Kerrpr-execuprov.com

4. ==> Exposing What Black Children Endure

Kristin Henning spent more than two decades defending Black children prosecuted for offenses like “horseplay” on the Metro, throwing snowballs at a passing police car and playing catch with a teacher’s hat. She’s seen kids as young as 9 and 10 handcuffed, and counseled countless teens living in persistent anxiety that police will stop, search and interrogate them as they simply take a walk with friends or go for a bike ride. “We live in a society that is uniquely afraid of Black children,” says Henning, who served as a public defender in Washington, D.C., before joining the Georgetown Law faculty in 2001. Now the director of Georgetown’s Juvenile Justice Clinic and Initiative, she’ll talk about the ways our society criminalizes Black adolescence and highlight the traumatic effects of policing on Black children. Listeners will hear about dehumanizing practices like shackling, tracing the roots of current school-based policing to civil rights protests, not Columbine. Henning’s new book is “The Rage of Innocence: How America Criminalizes Black Youth.” Contact her at (202) 662-9592; hennink@law.georgetown.edu

5. ==> How to Communicate with the Other Side

Have you ever felt that a departed loved one was trying to communicate with you? Or that someone was watching you? You’re hardly alone and not losing your marbles. Amanda Hainline says spirits try to communicate with us all the time and will share five signs that one is reaching out to you. Learn the dos and don’ts of dealing with the spirit realm and get tips on how to open up the channels and your intuition to communicate safely with the other side. Hainline has been communicating with spirits for 15 years and will share stories from her work with clients, and tips on how to deal with this phenomenon. Amanda Hainline is an intuitive healer, channel, medium and author. Contact her at (512) 461-9020 (text); Info@amandahainline.com

6. ==> How to Exorcise Childhood Trauma, for Good

Adults may continue to experience the effects of a toxic parent long after said parent is dead, without even realizing it. “This may manifest as an ongoing pattern of unhealthy romantic relationships, dead-end jobs and debilitating low self-esteem,” says Arnoux Goran. His horrific childhood led Arnoux to create the “7 Steps to Reprogramming Yourself” program, which has helped countless people to overcome their childhood trauma to achieve lasting health, wealth and happiness. He is the author of three upcoming books including “The 5 Secrets of Ending Drama in Relationships,” and the online workshop found at www.TotalHealthMasteryClassroom.com. Contact Arnoux at (878) 203-8231; agoran@rtirguests.com

7. ==> Masks, Mandates and More: What about Kids’ Rights?

America is deeply divided right now. Politics have crept into all areas of society from science to education as we fight everything from how to end the pandemic to global warming and social issues. But amid the yelling and calls for individual freedoms, there is one group of citizens being forgotten; the powerless children who are affected now and who stand to inherit the consequences of today’s warring adults. Social change and human rights expert Yvonne Vising, Ph.D., will explain the child rights movement and discuss current events, the growing number of young activists, and why it may be time to lower the voting age. Hear ways to teach kids the difference between what’s right and what’s alt-right, why migrant and unaccompanied youth are our hope for the future, and how parents and the community can help and hurt traumatized kids. Yvonne Vissing, Ph.D., is a pediatric and community sociologist and children’s human rights expert. A professor and founding director of the Center for Childhood and Youth Studies at Salem State University. Dr. Vissing is the author of more than 13 books. Contact her at (978) 542-6144; yvissing@gmail.com

8. ==> Her Secret for Conquering Breast Cancer Twice

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Carol Edmonston will share a powerful creative tool that helped her through two bouts with breast cancer… Doodling! A breast cancer diagnosis is always stressful but with added pandemic stress it is arguably more important than ever to offer your audience tools for coping that are simple, fun and portable. Known as the Doodle Lady™, she can explain the five biggest benefits of doodling, share the 3 Rs of doodling and how anyone can learn how to embrace the unpredictability of life with pen and paper. Carol Edmonston is an inspirational speaker and author of several books including “The Healing Power of Doodling: Mindfulness Therapy to Deal with Stress, Fear & Life Challenges.” Her story has been featured in “The New York Times”, “Forbes Health,” “The International Journal of Healing & Caring” and “The Chicken Soup for Breast Cancer Survivor’s Soul.” Contact Carol at (714) 609.4654; info@TheDoodleLady.com

9. ==> Feed Your Body to Heal the Planet

It seems clear to many that governments and environmentalists alone can’t solve the planet’s deteriorating condition, but Jimena Yanez Soto says there are simple changes we can make as individuals that can make a difference, starting with what we put in our mouths. She says, “We cannot keep waiting for others to change our planet’s destiny. It’s time to heed the warnings about the kind of future we are leaving for our children, to take them seriously and do everything within reach to reverse the deterioration from where we stand.” Yáñez Soto spent more than 20 years as one of the heads of an environmental fund in Mexico before having an epiphany that led her to dedicate the next ten years to the study of nutrition. She’ll outline the small incremental steps listeners can take to improve their health and help save the planet, shatter the nutritional myths we were taught as children, and explain how the food industry works to keep us addicted to their products. Jimena Yanez Soto is the author of “Healthy Planet, Healthy You,” which was originally published in Spanish and contains 16 original plant-based recipes from internationally acclaimed chef Natalie Delgado. Contact her at (720) 277-8617; xiyaso@gmail.com

10. ==> The Biggest Pain Myths Most People Believe

Who wouldn’t want to learn how to put suffering on hold? Trevor Campbell, M.D., says, “When you understand what pain is, you can work around it.” Let Dr. Campbell tell you things about pain management that most doctors don’t even know because the topic isn’t covered well in medical school! You’ll learn why you shouldn’t fight pain, that what hurts isn’t necessarily harmful, and ways our thoughts can be our greatest handicap. Ask him: Why is the treatment of chronic pain so often ineffective? How can people’s thoughts affect their health? Dr. Campbell is a family physician who has worked in multidisciplinary pain management and opioids reduction programs and has served as s medical director for a leading pain management provider in Western Canada. He graduated from the University of Cape Town and has a delightful South African accent. Dr. Campbell’s book, hailed as a great read by “Inc.” Magazine, is “The Language of Pain: Fast Forward Your Recovery to Stop Hurting.” Contact Trevor Campbell at (250) 217-7832; tcampbell@rtirguests.com

11. ==> How the Medical Community Failed Us during COVID

Don’t blame the unvaccinated for our current COVID crisis, says Dr. Annalee Kitay. Dr. Kitay believes that instead of blindly giving out vaccines, doctors should show people how to boost their own immune systems. She’ll tell your audience what their doctors won’t, letting them know what they can do to enhance their innate healing powers. Dr. Annalee Kitay has been in private practice for 30 years and trained in alternative protocols that aid the body in its own natural recovery. She is a Certified Practitioner of Neural Organization Technique and teaches the hands-on protocol to other doctors. A frequent guest on talk shows, she does not pull any punches. Ask her why does she say the medical model failed us again? What is the hidden agenda she worries about? Why does she say COVID vaccines are a form of Russian roulette? Contact Dr. Annalee Kitay, D.C., at (561) 462-4733; akitay@rtirguests.com

12. ==> Alzheimer’s at 30, 40, or 50? What to Look for, How to Cope

Did you know that people as young as 30 can have Alzheimer’s, the memory-robbing disease we think only affects older people? Would you recognize the warning signs besides forgetfulness? Carlen Maddux’s active wife was just days past her fiftieth birthday when she was diagnosed with the fatal disease with no cure. They were blindsided, but your audience doesn’t have to be. Carlen, a former reporter, will share his family’s 17-year coping journey with your audience that included becoming his wife’s caregiver while deep in his career and caring for young children. Highly articulate, he has done dozens of interviews about this moving topic. Carlen is the author of “A Path Revealed.” Contact him at (727) 351-8321; CMaddux@rtirguests.com

13. == > From Living on the Streets to a Job with Apple

Feeling down or discouraged by pandemic life? Diana Grippo has an inspiring life story to lift your spirits as she shares her journey from living homeless on the streets of San Francisco’s Tenderloin to her present job in marketing and sales for one of the country’s most coveted employers: Apple. She’ll share how tough street life was — the assaults and encounters with police and why she believes if she were Black, she would have a police record — and how she learned to deal with the bipolar disease that has dominated her life for 34 years. She’ll reveal the three things she did to cope with the mania and depression that come with the disease, explain why it is hard for people to recognize their own mania, and will serve as a compassionate resource for families coping with this prevalent mental health issue. Diana is the author of “Bipolar Chronicles: From Crazed to Content.” Contact her at (650) 417-1242; dianagrippo@gmail.com

14. ==> Your Inner Secret Weapon for Overcoming These Challenging Times

Amidst the ongoing chaos in the world, many of us are feeling more anxious and uncertain about the future than ever. Best-selling author and intuition expert Kim Chestney says that turning to your inner guidance is the best way to reclaim your personal power. “With so much confusion in the world, it is getting harder to be sure of our path forward,” she says. “But there is a part of you that can see from a higher perspective.” Kim is the author of the book “Radical Intuition: A Revolutionary Guide to Using Your Inner Power” and the founder of IntuitionLab. Contact Kim at (412) 214-9502; KChestney@rtirguests.com

15. ==> 5 Secrets to Happiness Only Southerners Know

As many Yankees may have noticed, Southern folks have a unique, laid-back charm, colorful ways of expressing themselves and a deep love of humor. According to former Miss America contestant, best-selling author and humorist Jane Jenkins Herlong, y’all could learn how to be happier by emulating our Southern kinfolks. “Southerners remember their heritage and all that makes us unique and curious to others,” says the native of South Carolina. “We hold on to our traditions like we grip moon pies.” Jane is the award-winning author of numerous books including the upcoming “Sweet Tea Secrets from the Deep-Fried South,” and has recorded music CDs and personal growth and comedy DVDs. As a humorist, her comedy is featured on Sirius XM 97. Contact Jane at (803) 599-2941; JHerlong@rtirguests.com

01. The Myth of Private Equity
02. USPS to Get Even S-L-O-W-E-R
03. Could This Simple Law Unite the Country?
04. Extinct? The Death of the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker
05. Wise Guys Help Boys Battle Bullying
06. What’s Really Behind the ‘Great Resignation’ Phenomenon?
07. Are Americans Selfish? Independence vs Common Good
08. Time to Address Racism in the Wine Industry
09. Gotcha: Big Fat Myths about Pain Even Doctors Believe
10. The Truth about Black Women and Infertility
11. Is Your Kid Ready for the High Costs of Higher Learning?
12. How This Retired Hospice Nurse Knows There is an Afterlife
13. The Biggest Myths about Happiness
14. Make the Second Half of Your Life the BEST Half
15. Who Knew? Fascinating Facts about NYC

1.==> The Myth of Private Equity

Jeffrey Hooke pulls back the curtain on one of the most controversial areas of finance – private equity. Once an obscure niche of the investment world, private equity has grown into a large and powerful force, having consequences for a wide range of industries and financial markets. Hooke will discuss private equity’s negative effects on Wall Street and corporate America and expose how it has avoided scrutiny. A former private equity executive and investment banker with deep knowledge of the industry, Hooke unravels the exaggerations the industry spins to its customers and the business media and can discuss how, even as the ruthlessness of some funds has made private equity a poster child for the harms of unfettered capitalism, many aspects of the industry remain hidden from the normal bounds of accountability. Jeffrey Hooke is a senior lecturer in finance at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. His latest book is “The Myth of Private Equity: An Inside Look at Wall Street’s Transformative Investments.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com or Briana Caywood at (703) 646-5188 (office)

2. ==> USPS to Get Even S-L-O-W-E-R

If you’re already a dissatisfied postal customer, you may not be happy to hear that the United States Postal Service (USPS) plans to slow down the delivery of some mail beginning Friday. The move is part of a 10-year plan to cut costs and provide more reliable service, but author and historian Christopher Shaw says, “With the Postal Service facing a number of financial challenges — notably the unique burden of massively pre-funding its retirees’ health benefits — reducing service will only discourage use of the U.S. Mail, which is not a formula for long-term financial health and stability.” Shaw will discuss the current fight over the future of the U.S. Postal Service, arguing that current attacks have implications that go beyond the future of mail service, and will have grave consequences for American democracy if they are not stopped. Christopher Shaw is the author of several books about the post office including the upcoming “First Class: The U.S. Postal Service, Democracy, and the Corporate Threat.” Contact him at christophershaw.ca@gmail.com; @chris_w_shaw

3. ==> Could this Simple Law Unite the Country?

Masks, vaccines, mandates, toxic politics and fiercely held beliefs about how to course correct the culture and keep ourselves safe and our liberties intact are tearing us apart at the seams. Author and pastor Tony Scott says there is an irrefutable law, sewn into the very fabric of the universe that can solve — once and for all — the divisiveness we’re experiencing. Tony will touch on something critical that supersedes all of the other proposed “solutions” to our problems. He’ll explain the Law of Oneness, ancient wisdom that no Republican or Democrat, no Instagram influencer or celebrity has dreamt up … and that can’t be denied. Listeners will learn why the law is the world’s greatest principle of building relationships and how it can be applied everywhere —marriage, relationships, friendships, businesses, professionals, teams and more. A minister and radio/TV host, Tony Scott is the author of numerous books including his latest, “One Plus One Equals One,” which he wrote with his late wife ShirleyAnn. Contact Jason Jones at jason@jonesliterary.com or Mark Breta at assistantpublicist@jonesliterary.com

4. ==> Extinct? The Death of the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed taking 23 animals and plants off the endangered species list because none can be found in the wild. The species pushed over the brink include ten types of birds and bats found only on Pacific islands, as well as eight types of freshwater mussels that once inhabited riverbeds from Illinois to Georgia. The list also includes the ivory-billed woodpecker. “The fact that this bird is so critically endangered has been true since the 1890s, and it’s fundamentally a consequence of the fact that we cut down every last trace of the virgin forest of the Southeastern U.S.,” says John W. Fitzpatrick, director emeritus of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. “We took all that away.” He’ll discuss the longtime fascination with the woodpecker, the importance of designating and protecting endangered species, and why he won’t give up hope on the woodpecker’s survival. “I’m not ready to call it extinct,” he says. “It’s been looking bad, but it’s been looking bad for 60 years.” John W. Fitzpatrick stepped down as executive director of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in July after more than 25 years. He is currently involved in a variety of research projects at the lab. Contact him at (607) 254-2410; jwf7@cornell.edu

5. ==> Wise Guys Help Boys Battle Bullying

October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. Educate and raise awareness of bullying and cyberbullying when you invite Rodney Absher on your show to talk about an innovative program that tackles the toxic masculinity behind bullies’ behavior. He says, “In today’s culture, boys feel the need to fit within the strict definitions of manhood, and some boys who do not act in lockstep with that definition tend to be the targets of bullying.” Absher, an educator in the award-winning holistic Wise Guys program, helps boys understand healthy masculinity and empowers them to be their own men. He’ll explain how the program works by giving young men a chance to meet in a safe and comfortable environment and talk about things like healthy relationships, sexual decision-making, and fatherhood. The Wise Guys program is run by The Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, a nonprofit organization that helps at-risk infants, children, youth, and families. Contact Dillard Spring at (800) 632-1400; dspring@chsnc.org

6. ==> What’s Really Behind the ‘Great Resignation’ Phenomenon?

Thanks to the pandemic, more of us had time to think about our values and what we like and don’t like about our jobs. That soul searching has led to some refusing to go back to work or seeking new opportunities. But, as workplace specialist Marc A. Pitman will tell you, not everyone knows the best way to make these changes. Invite Marc to explain why having a side hustle is more important than ever today and even why having one can make you a more effective employee. He can talk about the steps to take to determine what type of moonlighting is best for you, how to value your time, and eventually, how to resign well. Ask him what does it mean to resign well? Why do moonlighters make good employees? How can you identify what you do well? Marc has a master’s degree in organizational leadership and 30 years of studying leadership to his credit. He’s been featured in “Real Simple” and “SUCCESS,” and on NBC, and Fox News. Marc is the author of seven books including his latest, “The Surprising Gift of Doubt: Use Uncertainty to Become the Exceptional Leader You Are Meant to Be.” Contact Marc Pitman at (317) 751-1610; mpitman@rtirguests.com

7. ==> Are Americans Selfish? Independence vs Common Good

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

8. ==> 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 author 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 “50 Ways to Love Wine More,” “A Beer Drinker’s Guide to Knowing and Enjoying Fine Wine,” and the eBooks “The 15-Minute Guide to Red Wine” and The 15-Minute Guide to White Wine.” Contact Jim Laughren at (954) 317-9623; JLaughren@rtirguests.com

9. ==> Gotcha: Big Fat Myths about Pain Even Doctors Believe

Who wouldn’t want to learn how to put suffering on hold? Trevor Campbell, M.D., says, “When you understand what pain is, you can work around it.” Let Dr. Campbell tell you things about pain management that most doctors don’t even know because the topic isn’t covered well in medical school! You’ll learn why you shouldn’t fight pain, that what hurts isn’t necessarily harmful, and ways our thoughts can be our greatest handicap. Ask him why is the treatment of chronic pain often ineffective? How can people’s thoughts affect their health? Dr. Campbell is a family physician who has worked in multidisciplinary pain management and opioids reduction programs and has served as s medical director for a leading pain management provider in Western Canada. He graduated from the University of Cape Town and has a delightful South African accent. Dr. Campbell’s book, hailed as a great read by “Inc.” Magazine, is “The Language of Pain: Fast Forward Your Recovery to Stop Hurting.” Contact Trevor Campbell at (250) 217-7832; tcampbell@rtirguests.com

10. ==> The Truth about Black Women and Infertility

It took almost 20 years for Frances Jones to heal the damage that being infertile had caused her and to put feelings of unworthiness behind her. She hopes to prevent other women, particularly women of color like herself, from viewing themselves as “damaged goods” because they cannot conceive and bear children. “Many people facing infertility battle with low self-esteem and feelings of unworthiness. There are so many negative feelings including guilt, anger, resentment and blame as a result of fertility challenges,” Jones says. In her new book, “Overcoming the Emotional Stigmas of Infertility,” she discusses what fertile people don’t understand about those who are not, why her desire to conceive never went away despite having two adopted sons and a stepdaughter, and why we need to change the dialogue society has about fertility problems. Frances Jones co-authored the national and international best-seller “Girl on Fire! Fireproof” and is an executive channel producer for the TV network Women Wins. She appeared on TV on Fox Soul’s “The Tammi Mac Late Show” to discuss Black women and infertility. Contact her at (855) 738-5345; frances@heartdesirescoaching.com

11. ==> Is Your Kid Ready for the High Costs of Higher Learning?

Are the parents in your audience tired of nagging their kids to study to get better grades? If so, Pete Andersen, Ph.D., an Amazon best-selling author of “The 3 Secret Skills of Top Performers,” a father of six college graduates, and a former principal and school superintendent, is on hand to give the success secrets they need to raise go-getters instead of excuse-makers. Dr. Pete will explain the need for an early discussion of the costs of college, the family sacrifices that may be needed and why higher education is an investment not to be wasted. He can also share why top students set low positive goals, and parents should wear college sweatshirts and discuss shared expectations. Ask him how can you teach your student to hold themselves accountable and demonstrate serious learning behaviors? What are top-performing students doing that your kids aren’t doing? How can parents raise positive expectations for future success in their children? Contact Dr. Pete Andersen at (858) 886-9820 (text); drpete@The3SecretSkillsofTopPerformers.com

12. ==> How This Retired Hospice Nurse Knows There is an Afterlife

As someone who has been with many patients as they faced the end of their lives, retired hospice nurse Jean Keegan Daly knows that some people wonder, worry, or feel afraid about an afterlife. The incidents she has witnessed coupled with her own profound near-death experience have led her to conclude that there truly is life after death, angels are real, and departed loved ones are still paying attention to our lives. Invite Jean on your program to hear some of her amazing stories including the one about 9-year-old Diane who, after her death, appeared to and spoke to Jean. Ask Jean: What lessons did her first hospice patient teach her? What encounters did she have with angels? Why does she believe that all of us have a soul and a purpose for what we are supposed to do in this life? Jean has written her memoir, “Reflections of a Seasoned Soul,” which reveals her journey to understanding life here and beyond. She has appeared on local television and taught at community colleges, organizations, and hospitals. Contact Jean Keegan Daly at (609) 912-3778; Jkeegandaly@rtirguests.com

13. ==> The Biggest Myths about Happiness

You might be surprised to learn that despite a history of childhood sexual assault, institutional racism, domestic violence, divorce and single parenting, Trish Ahjel Roberts is a happiness expert. “One of the most common misconceptions about happiness is that it’s based on your situation,” she explains. Roberts, founder of Mind-Blowing Happiness LLC and Black Vegan Life™, can explain how your listeners can experience mind-blowing happiness no matter what’s going on in their world or the world at large. The self-actualization coach says, “The trick is learning to find joy even when things aren’t going your way. That could be when the job, home, or relationship isn’t working out. For the country, that could be when we are experiencing trauma as a nation or not living up to our own ideals as Americans.” While Roberts’ business is focused on personal development, she has a diverse background including finance, economics, yoga and Buddhism. She is an MBA, certified life coach, and yoga and meditation instructor. Contact her at (917) 887-3689; hello@trishahjelroberts.com

14. ==> Make the Second Half of Your Life the BEST Half

As we age, some things deteriorate, and many aspects of life can get harder. However, it’s also true that plenty of things get better. That’s the message of Joe Swinger, 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 to learn what you should focus on (besides money) as you approach and dive into retirement years. Ask him: What helps aging boomers recreate themselves, make a difference, and stay relevant — especially during challenging years like 2021? What skills and qualities (in addition to awareness, maturity, experience and motivation) can bring new opportunities and satisfaction in the second half of life? How can people love and appreciate life at every age? Contact Joe Swinger at (385) 425-6705; joeswinger@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Who Knew? Fascinating Facts about NYC

Ever wonder what lays beneath the high-rise buildings of New York? Or the city’s role in finalizing and celebrating the Constitution? Did you know that New York was the first U.S. capital? Sasha Vosk can share fascinating facts about New York and discuss the role the city has played in the country from colonial times until today, for its cultural and financial influence and its popularity as a tourist destination. Vosk’s new book, “400 Years of New York History: A Pictorial Guide: Book 1: New York as New Amsterdam in the 1600s,” takes readers back in time to experience the sights of New York City’s past using photorealism, a technique that combines photography, 3-D modeling and painting. Sasha Vosk is a Brooklyn-based writer, director, and muralist who immigrated to New York 40 years ago from Russia. He has also been a stand-up comic, an Emmy-award-winning film producer (“Billy Crystal: A Midnight Train to Moscow”), Russian cultural festival promoter, and a producer of the Moscow Circus’ worldwide tours. He is a New York history buff and has more than 30 years’ experience using photorealism in illustration and mural work. Contact Sasha Vosk at (347) 225-2574; author@VoskTimeTravelGuide.com

01. Report: CIA Plotted to Assassinate WikiLeak’s Assange
02. What You Need to Know about Britney’s Conservatorship
03. Is a Metaverse Possible?
04. Whoomp! Here He Is!
05. Emmy-winning Producer: ‘The Trial of George W. Bush’
06. Opioid Dynasty: Inside the Sackler Family
07. Surprising Ways Your Money Supports Modern-Day Slavery
08. Important Show on Kids’ Sports and Concussions
09. Taking Back Health and Education for Our Kids’ Sake
10. International Expert Shares World-Class Brand Strategy
11. 60 Years Later: 1st White Graduate of All-Black College
12. Let’s Talk about Teacher Portrayals in the Media
13. Your Inner Secret Weapon for Overcoming These Challenging Times
14. How to Negotiate Anything
15. How NASA Research Can Help Fight Fires

1. ==> Report: CIA Plotted to Assassinate WikiLeak’s Assange

Yahoo! News just published the in-depth report “Kidnapping, Assassination and a London Shoot-Out: Inside the CIA’s Secret War Plans against WikiLeaks.” Journalist Kevin Gosztola has extensively covered legal proceedings against Assange and says the report confirms the CIA’s plot to destroy WikiLeaks went up to the highest levels. “CIA director Mike Pompeo was obsessed with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. He had the CIA label WikiLeaks as a ‘hostile entity.’ He proposed kidnapping Assange and considered putting him on a rendition flight to the United States.” Gosztola claims the Justice Department was fearful of the CIA’s plans to kidnap or even kill Assange. But rather than go to Congress or leak certain details to the press, they decided it was best to indict Assange so the CIA would no longer be able to mount aggressive operations in the shadows. Kevin Gosztola is the managing editor of the press organization Shadowproof. Contact him at kevin@shadowproof.com, @kgosztola

2. ==> What You Need to Know about Britney’s Conservatorship

After a years-long battle, Britney Spears’ conservatorship may be altered or even come to an end soon. On Wednesday, a judge will hear arguments on whether to terminate the arrangement that has largely controlled the 39-year-old singer’s life since 2008. The hearing comes just days after the release of the documentary “Controlling Britney Spears,” which contains shocking, new allegations about Britney’s treatment including bugging her home and phone. Attorney David Glass will explain the two parts of Britney’s conservatorship (financial and personal), the role her father Jamie has played, and the points each side is likely to argue in court. A family law attorney and former psychologist, Glass is a regular on-air legal analyst for “Good Morning America” and ABC’s Live News streaming platform. He’s appeared on numerous radio shows and podcasts and in publications including Yahoo! News.com, Foxnews.com, “Variety” and “People” magazine. Contact Cherie Kerr at (714) 550-9900; Cherie@kerrpr-execuprov.com or Shannon Dugger at (303) 619-3949; Shannon@Kerrpr-execuprov.com

3.==> Is a Metaverse Possible?

For decades, experts from many fields—psychologists, economists, advertising and marketing executives—failed to register the power of narrative. Scientists thought stories were frivolous. Economists were knee-deep in theory. Marketers just wanted to cut to the sales pitch. Yet stories, not reasoning, are the key to persuasion. Frank Rose offers a practical guide to “narrative thinking,” and why it matters in a world that’s defined and increasingly governed by data. He’ll explain how to see the world in a story to be told that prompts an emotional response or reaction from the audience. He says leading brands and top entertainment professionals already understand the vast potential of storytelling and can discuss the success behind brands like Dollar Shave Club, MailChimp. Warby Parker and entertainment franchises like “The Walking Dead” and “Pulp Fiction.” Ask him: Is the Metaverse a dystopian nightmare or the future that Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg predicts it will be? A former contributing editor at “Wired” and contributing writer at “Fortune,” Frank Rose now teaches global business executives as faculty director of Columbia University’s Strategic Storytelling seminar and heads the Digital Dozen awards program at Columbia’s Digital Storytelling Lab. His latest book is “The Sea We Swim In: How Stories Work in a Data-Driven World.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com or Briana Caywood at (703) 646-5188 (office)

4. ==> Whoomp! Here He Is!

DC Glenn is half of the ‘90s hip hop duo Tag Team that made the song “Whoomp! (There It Is)” and is currently featured in the popular Geico Commercial “Scoop! (There It Is).” A veteran of the music industry, DC can discuss what’s it’s like to have one of the biggest songs in recorded music and the tragedy of not being prepared for success and signing a terrible contract. He’s full of great stories, experiences and poignant advice. DC is well-versed in SEO, PR, marketing, social media, fashion photography and motivational speaking. He’s also an actor and voice artist with the People Store Agency in Atlanta. Contact DC Glenn at (470) 381-8370; dcglenn@tagteambackagain.com

5. ==> Emmy-Winning Producer: ‘The Trial of George W. Bush’

You may have seen stories about former president George W. Bush painting portraits these days but seven-time Emmy award-winning
producer/director Terry Jastrow views Bush as a criminal, not an artist. “The decision to attack Iraq,” says Jastrow, “made back in 2002 by then-President Bush, was and remains a war crime. And we, the people, cannot afford to forget that fact.” Jastrow’s new novel, “The Trial of George W. Bush,” imagines a scenario wherein President Bush is kidnapped off a golf course in Scotland and transferred to The Hague in the Netherlands to stand trial at the International Criminal Court. Invite Jastrow on your show to discuss whether his work of fiction could happen and why Americans should review the factual record of what George W. Bush said and did to cause the Iraq War. Terry Jastrow is a television producer, director, screenwriter, playwright and actor (as well as husband to Oscar-nominated actress Anne Archer, who is also available to talk alongside her husband on this topic.) Contact Anthony Pomes at (516) 535-2010, ext. 105; (631) 875-6075 (cell); sq1marketing@aol.com or apomes@squareonepublishers.com

6. ==> Opioid Dynasty: Inside the Sackler Family

A federal bankruptcy judge recently approved a sweeping, potentially $10 billion plan submitted by OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma to settle a mountain of lawsuits over its role in the opioid crisis that has killed a half-million Americans over the past two decades. Under the settlement reached with creditors including individual victims and thousands of state and local governments, the Sackler family will give up ownership of the company and contribute $4.5 billion but will be freed from any future lawsuits over opioids. The crisis crushed the reputation of the Sackler family, major philanthropists whose name was once emblazoned on the walls of museums and universities around the world. But even with the settlement, family members who have owned the company will still be worth billions. Patrick Radden Keefe says the family has used its money and influence to play the system like a harp. He is a staff writer at The New Yorker and the author of several books including the “New York Times” best-seller “Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty.” Contact him at patrick@patrickraddenkeefe.com or @praddenkeefe or Michael Goldsmith at mgoldsmith@penguinrandomhouse.com

7. ==> Surprising Ways Your Money Supports Modern-Day Slavery

From the coffee that is harvested by Black child slaves in Africa to the clothes that are created by modern-day slave labor in India and other parts of the world, The Red Movement increases awareness about how our purchasing power is supporting companies who use slave labor and child labor every day. Attorney, activist and founder of The Red Movement Shadan Kapri says billions of people are completely in the dark about how their hard-earned money is supporting modern-day slavery and its proliferation around the world. She’ll reveal the surprising number of items in your home that are harvested or put together by slave and forced labor and why slavery is more prevalent now than in any time in history —and why #BLM isn’t talking about it. Shadan Kapri (pronounced Shadawn Capri) has been recognized nationally and internationally for her work in law and human rights. Her book is “The Red Movement: Social and Environmental Justice in the 21st Century.” Contact her at (509) 720-0278); ShadanKapri@icloud.com

8. ==> Important Show on Kids’ Sports and Concussions

School is back in session, fall sports teams are back on the field, and student athletes are once again at risk for concussions. 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.” 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

9. ==> Taking Back Health and Education for Our Kids’ Sake

Our schools and classrooms are not safe for children, says Dr. Roxie, a renowned clinician, leader, and pioneer in health psychology. Masking, social distancing, contact tracing, constant handwashing and Plexiglas barriers have made children afraid of other people and their surrounding environment, she explains. “These measures have also convinced children that the world is a dangerous place, and in some cases, that they themselves are dangerous. As a result, children are experiencing fear, anxiety, depression and loneliness like never before. Mental health issues and pediatric suicides are at an all-time high, she points out. Invite Dr. Roxie on your program to hear why she believes what we are doing to children today is unacceptable and why we can’t trust the government and bureaucrats to make decisions on our children’s behalf. Ask her: What’s driving the 21st-century anxiety epidemic? What can parents do to make children feel safer? How can we separate fear from facts? Dr. Roxie trained at Harvard and the Jung Institute. She has a series of guided imagery relaxation audios for children that use music, nature sounds and her own soothing voice to teach children how to relax. Contact Dr. Roxie at (617) 755-4490; dr.roxanne@gmail.com

10. ==> International Expert Shares World-Class Brand Strategy

To grow and expand businesses — particularly in current times — requires mastering the nuances of brand diversification. What is it and how do you make the most of its potential? Raj Girn, an internationally celebrated brand authority, can provide the essential information your listeners need to level up their businesses, make the most of their skillsets, and discover what makes them happiest and where the best opportunities for expansion are. Raj has worked with executives at L’Oréal Paris, Estée Lauder, Johnnie Walker, Cîroc, Sheraton and Fairmont Hotels and people like Priyanka Chopra, Hannah Simone, Robin Sharma and Freida Pinto. A media celebrity in Canada who has been featured in “The Wall Street Journal” and “Globe and Mail,” and on FOX and CBS, Raj is a regular contributor to Entrepreneuer.com, ThriveGlobal.com and Medium.com and an internationally best-selling author whose blog attracts 500,000 unique monthly visitors. Contact Raj Girn at (647) 490-3158; Rgirn@rtirguests.com

11. ==> 60 Years Later: 1st White Graduate of All-Black College

When Fred Engh enrolled at the all-Black Maryland State College in 1961, his intention wasn’t to break any racial barriers or make any headlines. He simply wanted a better life for himself and his family as an accredited teacher. What he learned from attending the college, and becoming the first white graduate, was something he hadn’t expected. His new memoir, “Matchsticks: An Education in Black & White,” is the story of how he discovered his calling in life. Fred and his nonprofit organization, NAYS —the National Association for Youth Sports — have positively affected the lives of millions of children throughout the country for decades. From baseball to soccer to golf, his mission is to let children choose to play the sport they love — no matter where they live or how well they play. Contact Anthony Pomes at (516) 535-2010, ext. 105; (631) 875-6075 (cell); sq1marketing@aol.com or apomes@squareonepublishers.com

12. ==> Let’s Talk about Teacher Portrayals in the Media

In the Netflix mini-series “The Chair,” Sandra Oh’s character Ji-Yoon, the English chair of a prestigious university, impatiently corrects the dean’s grammar as he issues a diatribe about a charged situation. As an English professor who has been correcting grammar for 35-plus years, Mary Oves says numerous female teachers and professors have been inaccurately portrayed in the media through the decades. From TV’s “Room 222” to the movie “Teachers” with Nick Nolte and a streaking Jobeth Williams, to Cameron Diaz in “Bad Teacher,” with her feet up on the desk, to Van Halen’s “Hot for Teacher” to Sandra Oh’s character, Oves can discuss how relevant and accurate these portrayals are using her own unique brand of humor. Oves’ writing has appeared in the “New York Times,” “Philadelphia Inquirer,” the Erma Bombeck Humor website and many other publications. She teaches English at Stockton University and is the author of “The Chrysalis Collective.” Contact Mary Oves at (609) 408-8762; maryoveschrysaliscollective@gmail.com

13. ==> Your Inner Secret Weapon for Overcoming These Challenging Times

Amidst the ongoing chaos in the world, many of us are feeling more anxious and uncertain about the future than ever. Best-selling author and intuition expert Kim Chestney says that turning to your inner guidance is the best way to reclaim your personal power. “With so much confusion in the world, it is getting harder to be sure of our path forward,” she says. “But there is a part of you that can see from a higher perspective.” Kim is the author of the book “Radical Intuition: A Revolutionary Guide to Using Your Inner Power” and the founder of IntuitionLab. Contact Kim at (412) 214-9502; KChestney@rtirguests.com

14. ==> How to Negotiate Anything

Whether you’re talking to a potential boss about salary, trying to buy a new home or attempting to get your kids to pick up their dirty clothes, being a good negotiator is a skill that comes in handy in many areas of life. Business negotiation strategist Christine McKay will reveal the truth about successful negotiations, explain how to deal with difficult people, and why you should stop trying to win your negotiations. She says, “Negotiation isn’t about winning. It’s a conversation about a relationship, and you can’t ‘win’ a relationship.” Listeners will learn what toddlers can teach us about successful negotiations, how to negotiate with teenagers, and ways to get more of what you want out of every negotiation. Christine McKay holds a Harvard MBA and is the CEO/founder of Venn Negotiation. She’s the author of “Why Not Ask: A Conversation about Getting More.” Contact her at (310) 567-6169; cmckay@vennnegotiation.com or Jennifer Horspool at (949) 933.4300; Jennifer@engagementpr.com

15. ==> How NASA Research Can Help Fight Fires

What connection could NASA have to fighting the wildfires that have increasingly plagued the drought-prone world? Find out from James Moseley, who will share how NASA research — which has already given the world memory foam, Tang and Dustbusters — has also had and will continue to have a major impact on firefighting. Using material found in high-temperature fire blankets designed to ease the re-entry of the Space Shuttles, Jim’s company, Sun FireDefense, has developed technology whose widespread use could save property and lives this wildfire season. Jim will discuss: How can this new technology protect homes? Why are the western U.S. and Canada so prone to damaging wildfires? How can new technologies protect wildlife, the environment and communities in wildfire areas? Contact James Moseley at (818) 486-4662; jmoseley@rtirguests.com