Category: Weekly Ezine Archives

01. Americans Blame Trump’s Actions for His COVID Infection
02. Wildfire Survivor – Living Thru Fire Season
03. Celebrate John Lennon’s 80th Birthday, Oct. 9
04. You’ve Been Booed! Better than Trick or Treating
05. A Near-Death Experience You Won’t Forget
06. Do a Show about Growing Up with Ghosts … and their Stories
07. What Your Favorite TV Commercials Can Teach You
08. October: The Eyes Have It!
09. This Neurologist Could Solve Football’s Concussion Problem
10. How the Law of Unintended Consequences Shapes Our Lives
11. Help for Homeschooling Gifted Students
12. Save 2 Lives by Adopting a Shelter Dog
13. Former Paraplegic on Disabilities Employment Awareness Month
14. A Snapshot of Modern Society and Sexual Assault
15. ‘The Great Realization’— Easing Kids’ COVID Fears Worldwide

1.==> Americans Blame Trump’s Actions for His COVID Infection

According to a new Yahoo News/YouGov Poll, a majority of registered voters think President Donald Trump could have avoided contracting COVID-19 if he had been following public health guidelines like social distancing and wearing a face mask. The poll, conducted October 2–3, finds three in five registered voters think the president underestimated the risks of the virus (59% vs 21%) that has killed more than 209,000 Americans. Psychiatrist Dr. Carol Lieberman can discuss how Americans view Trump’s illness, what his motorcade hospital spin says about his current state of mind, and what the president means when he says “I get it now” about the virus (and whether he really does!). Carole Lieberman, M.D., M.P.H., is a board-certified psychiatrist, forensic psychiatrist/expert witness and author. She has appeared on “Oprah,” the “Today” show, “Good Morning America,” CNN and other media outlets and hosts two podcasts. Her latest book is “Lions and Tigers and Terrorists, Oh My! How to Protect Your Child in a Time of Terror.” Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; (919) 377-1200 or ryan@goldmanmccormick.com

2. ==> Wildfire Survivor – Living Thru Fire Season

The Swall Meadows area of California’s Eastern Sierra Nevada region has long been the home to dry, arid land and wildfires. This year is no exception. Writer Kendra Atleework lives in the small town of Bishop, which is surrounded by fires and last week had the worst air quality in the country. Invite the author to discuss what it’s like living in 100-degree heat with windows closed and no air-conditioning, how the situation has become the new normal in the West, and why Americans should care about the increasing drought conditions in California and the impact on U.S. agricultural markets. Atleework’s new book, “Miracle Country: A Memoir,” is the story of a family’s loss — the loss of her mother at 16 — as it parallels her growing understanding of the losses experienced by her community and home as a result of years of drought and wildfires. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com

3. ==> Celebrate John Lennon’s 80th Birthday, Oct. 9

It’s hard to “Imagine” what John Lennon would be like as an 80-year-old. After all, he was only 40 when he was murdered by Mark David Chapman outside Lennon’s Manhattan apartment house 40 years ago. Whether Lennon would have been cranky or inspiring as a senior and what he might have to say about current events, we’ll never know. But there’s still plenty to talk about Lennon — namely his enduring legacy in what seems like a lifetime after his death. From baby boomers to millennials, Lennon and the Beatles remain a favorite. So why not devote a show on his birthday on Oct. 9? For proof of the Fab Four’s appeal, look no further than the Beatles’ “White Album,” which made it into the Billboard Top 10 – 50 years after its release. The Fab Four wrote this album while on retreat in Rishikesh, India, with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, founder of Transcendental Meditation (TM). Susan Shumsky is that rare insider who spent 22 years in the ashrams and six years on the personal staff of Maharishi. Her tell-all memoir, “Maharishi & Me: Seeking Enlightenment with the Beatles’ Guru,” which has received 13 prestigious book awards, reveals hidden information about Maharishi’s influence on the Beatles. Susan Shumsky has 18 books in print and has proven to be an enthralling guest during more than 1,200 media appearances. Contact her at (917) 336-7184; SShumsky@rtirguests.com

4.==> You’ve Been Booed! Better than Trick or Treating

As the Center for Disease Control warns against traditional trick-or-treating, families wonder what a socially distant Halloween will look like this year. Grocery retailer Meijer believes “Boo Bags” may be the go-to way to celebrate the season. “Boo Bags” come from the “You’ve Been Booed” Halloween trend increasing in neighborhoods in recent years. What’s that? It’s when families fill bags with a variety of Halloween goodies and leave them at neighbors’ or friends’ doors with a sign saying they’ve been “booed” and must now pass a ghostly surprise on to someone else. According to Meijer’s Shawn Sinicrope, “What makes this such a fun way to celebrate the holiday is that it teaches kids about the joys of giving on a holiday that focuses so much on receiving. It also allows families to enjoy many of the elements of traditional trick-or-treating — the joys of wandering the neighborhood together as a family — while still respecting social-distancing guidelines.” He’ll share how to get involved, where to find free printables and other fun ideas for safely celebrating the holiday. Contact Christina Fecher at christina.fecher@meijer.com; (616) 735-7968 or (616) 249-6334

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

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

6. ==> Do a Show about 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, the famed “Prince of New York,” and his grandmother Alice (of the famed Astor family) who died holding an “Egyptian Book of the Dead” on her chest. Convinced that people lived on after death, 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. Alice’s husband, Serge, had ghost stories of his own to tell including one of a captain reportedly recovering from TB in the Crimea appearing to Serge’s mother and a butler at the family country home many miles away … and then vanishing before their eyes! They learned later the soldier had died before his appearance. Ivan Obolensky is a true Renaissance man in his own right and the author of “Eye of the Moon.” Contact Ivan at (818) 495-8731; IObolensky@rtirguests.com

7. ==> What Your Favorite TV Commercials Can Teach You

Everybody loves Super Bowl commercials, but the truth is that brands and companies do their best to entertain us with commercials throughout the year, commercials that can pack some powerful lessons. Let marketing professional Steve McChesney unpack those lessons as he shares why the best commercials don’t try to sell us anything. He’ll reveal some of his favorite examples of “brilliant” ads (ask him about Barbie and Nike) and discuss yours, giving you a glimpse into the minds that came up with such winners as Mayhem for Allstate and Flo for Progressive. A former stunt man and actor, Steve McChesney has been on CBS, ABC, NBC and other large media outlets. His new book is “Rearranging Change: How You Market to an Ever-Changing World” and his podcast with the same name is available on all major channels. He is available as a last-minute guest. Contact Steve McChesney at (321) 414-2147; smcchesney@rtirguests.com

8. ==> October: The Eyes Have It!

You may think of October as the time the leaves start to fall, the air cools and Halloween works its magic. But in many ways, October is all about the eyes as we celebrate Vision Awareness Month, World Sight Day (Oct. 8) and Eye Injury Prevention Month. That’s why this month is the perfect time to have vision educator Linda Odubayo Thompson on your program to talk about ways all adults can protect their vision. An excellent guest, she can share the six biggest myths that could endanger your eyesight, why you need sunglasses on cloudy days, and what you need to know about cataracts and glaucoma. Linda knows not to take her vision for granted; she has suffered from glaucoma for more than 30 years. Contact her at (914) 944-1474; lthompson@rtirguests.com

9. ==> This Neurologist Could Solve Football’s Concussion Problem

NFL, college and high school football are under attack. All because of the high risk of concussions and the resulting health consequences. But what if there was a way to make concussions a thing of the past? Or at least a way to diagnose and treat traumatic brain injuries (TBI’s) more easily and quickly? Interview Dr. Paul Wand to hear about the “Wand Protocol” that could do all that and more. He along with other private practitioners has created ways to diagnosis and treat concussions which if put into place could save the NFL, as well as other sports where concussions happen on a regular basis. Paul Wand, M.D., P.A., has been a medical doctor for 35 years specializing in the field of Neurology and is the author of “The Concussion Cure: 3 Proven Methods to Heal Your Brain.” Contact Dr. Wand at (954) 743-5380; PWand@rtirguests.com

10. ==> How the Law of Unintended Consequences Shapes Our Lives

You’ve heard of the law of gravity, the laws of electricity and magnetism and general relativity. Each has an enormous impact on life in the universe. But Steve Mays has discovered what may be an even more powerful law — the law of unintended consequences, which he likes to think of as “a law created by God to let us silly humans know that we are not quite as smart and clever as we think we are.” On your show, Steve can look at ways unintended consequences played out in the past and continue to do so today. For example, he says Watergate was an unintended consequence of Nixon’s paranoia. Impeachment, loss of law license, thousands of dollars in settlements, and loss of control of the House and Senate were Clinton’s unintended consequences from his association with Monica. The more unintended consequences that occur as a result of a leader’s actions and the more significant they are, the clearer the signal that the leader is in trouble, Steve says. No one can completely avoid unintended consequences because none of us is that good. Ask him what leaders can do instead. Mays is the author of “Power of 3 Leadership, Lessons in Leadership.” A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis who served on nuclear submarines, he was a mathematician, electrical engineer and nuclear engineer who worked in private industry and at the Nuclear Regulation Commission. Contact Steven Mays at (703) 552-5672; smays@rtirguests.com

11. ==> Help for Homeschooling Gifted Students

How do you keep your homeschooled, gifted student interested in learning? Marilyn Wickstrom, a long-time educator, can share activities and information to help parents struggling to be their kids’ teachers. From field trips and treasure hunts to making and selling products, service projects and more, Wickstrom’s tips will keep all kids engaged, especially gifted ones, and help parents looking for ways to keep learning fun and interesting. Marilyn Wickstrom has been a teacher for more than 27 years and has been nominated for Teacher of the Year. She is the author of “A Gift is for Giving.” Contact her at (727) 771-7426; mrw228@gmail.com

12. ==> Save 2 Lives by Adopting a Shelter Dog

Most of us do not get the opportunity to save a life. But as children’s author Jean Alfieri will tell you, this month all of us can save at least two lives by adopting a shelter dog. She’ll point out that not only do you save the life of the pet you are about to adopt but you also make it possible for the shelter to have space for another pet. In addition, Jean will argue that you just might be saving your own life as having a dog can lower stress, decrease loneliness and depression, and improve your heart health. October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month so no time like the present and Jean is donating this month’s sales from her upcoming release “Zuggy the Rescue Pug — Adoption Day” to her local Humane Society. Alfieri is an avid proponent of adoption for all dogs: pure breeds, mixed breeds, young or “vintage” (her preference) who need a “fur-ever” home. During the last 15 years, she has cared for ten senior rescue dogs. Contact Jean Alfieri at (602) 397-1344; ZuggythePug@gmail.com

13. ==> Former Paraplegic Reveals Why National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month is a Time to Be Inspired

More than 55 percent of Americans between the ages of 16 and 64 who have disabilities hold down jobs, according to government figures from last year. The role that these 18.5 million people play in American businesses and the challenges they face as they do so deserve to be honored in October, for National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month, says Barry Shore, a former paraplegic and an advocate for the disabled. A successful serial entrepreneur, in 2004 Barry became a quadriplegic overnight from a rare disease. Today he’s known as the Ambassador of Joy, and although it still takes him ten minutes to get out of bed each morning, Shore has pushed himself to regain some of his functioning and inspires other people to see the disabled as individuals capable of contributing much and with greater empathy because of the limitations they face and surmount. Shore is the host of the weekly radio show-podcast “The Joy of Living.” He is the founder of the JOY of Living Institute and has been featured on CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox and in O Magazine, Forbes and many other publications. Contact him at (310) 770-4685; barry@barryshore.com

14. ==> A Snapshot of Modern Society and Sexual Assault

“Look the Other Way” is a passion project between native Michigan screenwriters Michael Mohan Joshua and Patrick Foley. Over the years, Joshua has kept editing the story into what it is today, a snapshot of modern society. With daily news of sexual assault prevalent throughout society, Joshua says, “No longer can we as a global community look the other way. Through education and communication, citizens can change the norms of ‘bad behavior.’” Michael Mohan Joshua has written several other works of fiction and poetry including “Life of a Photographer,” “Walking and Thinking in Manhattan,” “Rambling and Other Thoughts: A Collection of Modern Poetry” and “With Nobody,” Joshua’s debut screenplay which was produced into a feature film. Contact Michael Joshua at (616) 821-6520; entropy20010@aol.com

15. ==> ‘The Great Realization’— Easing Kids’ COVID Fears Worldwide

Millions of people around the globe have viewed Tomos Roberts’ touching video in which he reads his heartfelt poem “The Great Realization.” The hopeful tale for a post-COVID world became a viral sensation viewed tens of millions of times; covered by major media outlets from London’s Daily Mail to the Washington Post; and praised by celebrities including Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore and Khloé Kardashian. Tomos, a poet/filmmaker based in London, wrote the poem to provide comfort to his younger brother and sister, both 7, amidst the pandemic, and in the video, he reads it to them as a bedtime story. Invite Tomos Roberts to discuss the worldwide reaction to “The Great Realization” (which continues to inspire thousands every day), his hopes for a post-COVID 19 world, and his belief that “hindsight is 2020.” “The Great Realization” is now a beautifully illustrated children’s book to help ease kids’ anxiety about coronavirus. Contact John Angelo at john@premieretv.com

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

01. Why Tuesday’s Debate Went Terribly Wrong
02. Proud Boys Heard Trump’s Whistle
03. Just the Facts, Please
04. America’s Deadly Divorce from Science
05. Former Stuntman Takes You Behind the Scenes
06. Can We Eliminate Racism in the U.S.?
07. Flood Your Family (and Community) with Kindness
08. What Happens in Vegas … No Longer Stays There
09. This ‘Sugar Witch’ Takes the Sugar Out of Halloween
10. She Conquered Breast Cancer Twice by Doing This Simple Thing
11. 4 Clever Ways to Make Extra Cash
12. How to Come Back from a 70% Revenue Drop
13. What He Learned from 100 First Dates in One Year
14. Does Mother Nature Have It in for Us?
15. Make Positive Changes and Choices During Negative Times

1. ==> Why Tuesday’s Debate Went Terribly Wrong

“That was the worst debate in the history of presidential debating. And I’m including primary debates. Nothing else comes close,” says Todd Graham, a debate coach at Southern Illinois University. “Unfortunately, (Chris) Wallace decided to be invisible in his primary job here, as leader of a worthwhile debate. Like a bad parent, he was absent when needed and overbearing when it was too late.” Graham gives an F to Wallace and another to President Trump, for his boorish, bombastic babbling. Joe Biden, he gives a barely passing grade of C. “The election of the United States president is serious business. It was not treated that way last night. There were no winners in that nonsense. Only losers. Us.” Todd Graham’s debate teams have won five national championships. Contact him at (618) 453-5090; tgraham@siu.edu

2. ==> Proud Boys Heard Trump’s Whistle

Members of the violent hate group known as the Proud Boys celebrated after a callout from President Donald Trump in Tuesday’s presidential debate. Before the night was over, Proud Boys were already sharing the group’s logo with Trump’s words “stand back” and “stand by” written on it. Political communications expert Helio Fred Garcia isn’t surprised. He says Trump is desperate and ratcheting up the intensity and frequency of his rhetoric before the upcoming election. “He demonizes groups and rivals. He glorifies white supremacists. And he invents an existential threat that requires an armed response. He did so before the 2016 election; he did so before the 2018 mid-term, with fatal consequences. And he’s doing it now.” In “Words on Fire: The Power of Incendiary Language and How to Confront It” Garcia predicts the patterns being used by President Trump to inspire and encourage violence. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com

3. ==> Just the Facts, Please

Tired of listening to politicians and officials spinning numbers, making things up and downright lying? What does the data say about COVID-19 and the economy? How many Americans are living without health insurance? How often do police use excessive force in arrests? USAFacts’ “Change the Story” campaign demonstrates how decisions grounded in real data can allow Americans to make informed choices. The nonpartisan civic initiative provides a data-driven portrait of the population, government’s finances, and government’s impact on society. According to Steve Ballmer, founder of USAFacts and former CEO of Microsoft, “As we head into the election, our nation’s citizens are looking to inform their vote based on the facts.” USAFacts presents metrics on all U.S. governments, from federal records to a growing collection of state and county data, including coronavirus data. It provides vital spending, revenue, demographic, and performance information as a free public service and commits to maintaining and expanding their available data in the future. Contact Lisa Conquergood at lisac@usafacts.org; (425) 332-4196

4. ==> America’s Deadly Divorce from Science

Harvard University professor Naomi Oreskes believes the social contract between science and American society is broken beyond repair. “The unfortunate reality is that our elected government is increasingly populated with many men and women who do not merely ignore scientific facts, they appear to despise them and the people who produce them. They see science as something that stands in the way of their political goals, and therefore must be pushed out of the way.” The author of “Why Trust Science?” says the solution isn’t a call for more science or the restoration of “scientific integrity,” whatever that is. She says, “As scientific conclusions become more indisputable, the machinations of those who are threatened by it become more outrageous. There comes a point when maybe one simply has to accept that the dream has died, and it is time for a new one.” Naomi Oreskes is professor of the history of science at Harvard University and the author of nearly 200 books, scholarly papers, and articles. Her opinion pieces have appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post and other major publications. Contact her at oreskes@fas.harvard.edu

5. ==> Former Stuntman Takes You Behind the Scenes

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

6. ==> Can We Eliminate Racism in the U.S.?

When it comes to race, most of us exist in a bubble. Too often we associate with people like ourselves, limiting our ability to identify with those who are different. Nadia Al-Samarrie is the exception. As the child of an American Catholic mother and an Iraqi Moslem diplomat father, she has lived in Iraq and Iran, and in California, where she went to high school. She experienced racial and cultural tensions for being American in the Middle East and in Iran for being an Iraqi and the racial crossfire between the white and Black communities in the U.S. She sees herself and others as spirits defined not by their ethnic background but by their unique life experiences. A conversation with Nadia will make the world seem smaller and more universal. She says, “We need to remember that tolerance unites us. We need to see and accept people as they are, understanding that no matter how different they may appear, they all want to feel safe, loved, and accepted.” Ask her how we can eliminate racism in the U.S. Nadia is the author of the new memoir, “From Bagdad to Berkeley: A Woman’s Affair.” As an author and diabetes expert, she has been featured on ABC, NBC, CBS, and other major cable networks. Contact her at (415) 741-3545; nalsamarrie@rtirguests.com

7. ==> Flood Your Family (and Community) with Kindness

With the COVID pandemic and the long-term pain of racial injustice recently boiling to a head, educator and creative activist Laurie Marshall shares practical ways that parents can flood their families and communities with kindness. She’ll discuss creating a family story that captures your family’s values. In addition, she will share small daily practices, fun family projects, ways of turning daily chores into games that help your children (and you) be kinder, and ideas for being in service to your community in kindness. Marshall is a project-based learning and arts integration specialist who has worked with underserved youth for over 30 years. Her partners include FEMA and Project Drawdown, the World’s Leading Resource for Climate Solutions. She has trained over 6,000 teachers in project-based learning and facilitated 125 nature-based murals with over 25,000 people in schools, nonprofits, and government agencies. Contact Laurie Marshall at (415) 360-3304; lmarshall@rtirguests.com

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

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

9. ==> This ‘Sugar Witch’ Takes the Sugar Out of Halloween

Trick or Treating may be different this year due to COVID, but candy is still likely to play a starring role for most families. Yet too much sugar depresses immune systems and leads to empty calories and weight gain. But a good witch can save the day. Marsha Allen — known as The Sugar Witch — will help families celebrate the Halloween season sweetly without overdoing the sugar. Ask Marsha how to quell sugar cravings and even overcome sugar addiction and how to replace traditional Halloween candies with healthier treats children will love. She can also help people identify the hidden sugars hiding in everyday foods. Marsha hosts “Sugar Addicts” on Crown City News TV. She is the author of “Spoiled Rotten on a Diet: Gluten, Sugar & Dairy-Free Made Simple.” Contact Marsha at (902) 906-5231; MAllen@rtirguests.com

10. ==> She Conquered Breast Cancer Twice by Doing This Simple Thing

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Carol Edmonston can share the one thing she did that helped her through two bouts with breast cancer. Doodling! A breast cancer diagnosis is always stressful but this year when the entire U.S. population is under stress, it is arguably more important than ever to offer your audience tools for coping that are simple, repeatable, free, and fun. Carol can talk about the 3 R’s of doodling and how to use doodling to cope with unexpected challenging times, prevent meltdowns, and achieve inner calm for pennies a day; she can also explain the five guiding principles for disarming fear when you find yourself on a life detour. An inspirational speaker known as The Doodle Lady™, Carol Edmonston is committed to weaving a connection between mind, body, and spirit through the creativity of doodling. She’s the author of several books including “The Healing Power Of Doodling: Mindfulness Therapy To Deal With Stress, Fear & Life Challenges.” Her story appears in “Chicken Soup for the Breast Cancer Survivor’s Soul” and has been profiled in The New York Times among other publications. Contact her at (714) 609-4654; carol.edmonston@gmail.com

11. ==> 4 Clever Ways to Make Extra Cash

Millions of Americans have lost jobs or taken pay cuts since the pandemic began six months ago. With so many people unemployed and bills mounting up, people are anxious to hear about ways they can make money now and in the future. Patricia Davis, author of “Going Broke Is No Joke!,” wants to help with fresh ideas. She’ll talk to your listeners about ways to bring in extra bucks by doing things like selling their cellphone images, agreeing to test websites and products, selling unused gift cards, and selling their opinions to focus groups. Davis can also prepare your audience to spot scammers trying to tempt them with bogus job opportunities and offer tips on what household goods could be sold for needed cash without being missed. An experienced guest, Davis holds degrees from Howard University, Stanford, and Golden Gate University, and a Diploma of Graduation from Georgetown University’s Stonier Graduate School of Banking and Finance. Contact Patricia Davis at (301) 517-6304; pdavis@rtirguests.com

12. ==> How to Come Back from a 70% Revenue Drop

Because of the pandemic, the bottom has fallen out of many businesses, affecting not only their owners but also the employees who work for them who have been furloughed or had their hours cut. What are some specific things small businesses can do to recover? Rami Odeh (Oh-DAY) has answers culled from his experience bringing his personal training company back from a 70% drop in revenue that resulted from the 2008 recession. Invite Rami on your show to hear about the big risk he took that started his company’s return to healthy profitability and the importance of seeking help when you need it. The lessons Rami learned along the way are valuable to every business owner whether on the way up, the way down, plateaued, or trying to build a saleable business. Rami is an author, certified exercise physiologist, personal trainer and corporate presenter with dual master’s degrees in industrial psychology and exercise physiology. Rami is the author of the three-volume series “Quiet The Noise.” Contact him at (770) 773-6970; rami@quietthenoisebook.com

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

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

14. ==> Does Mother Nature Have It in for Us?

Pandemic. Wildfire. Tornado. Earthquake. Hurricane. Tsunami. When it comes to inspiring fear, Mother Nature can sure dish it out. No one knows that better than Sana Brauner, who nearly died in a tsunami that came out of nowhere, claiming her mother and young daughter. In the 16 years since then, Sana has learned a lot about facing sudden, unexpected events and the fear they engender and can share lessons we need as we face the continued disruption of our lives from COVID-19. She can inspire audience members to see the future and create the life they need to get there. She is the author of “The Borrowed Daughter.” Contact Sana Brauner at s.brauner@ihr-einkauf.at Skype: sanabr

15. ==> Make Positive Changes and Choices During Negative Times

Remember when you used to dread rush-hour traffic, thought how sweet it would be to stay home instead of going to work, or dreamed about taking a sick day? Times have changed. Now many of us wish we didn’t have to stay at home and long to have more choices. But as former radio host and award-winning author Rico Racosky will tell you, we all have the power to change our life stories and form new habits even during the most trying times. Known as the New Story Guy, Rico can share his “Just 2 Choices” concept with your listeners. In addition to his work in radio, this upbeat guest is a keynote speaker and thought leader on overcoming personal and work-related obstacles. Ask about his free downloads for clear thinking. Contact Rico at (730) 572-1322; rracosky@rtirguests

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

01. Amy Coney Barrett Is an Inspired Choice
02. The GOP/Catholic Supreme Court Pipeline
03. Ringling Elephants Get New Home
04. Celebrate John Lennon’s 80th Birthday, Oct. 9
05. Eat this to Beat COVID-19 Stress
06. Survey: Millennials, the Least Tolerant Generation
07. From ‘Snowflake’ to ‘Nazi’ and ‘Racist’ – How Generalizing Isolates Us
08. Avoid the Costliest Mistakes People Make with Medicare
09. Help Teens Navigate the New Normal
10. She Conquered Breast Cancer Twice by Doing This Simple Thing
11. How to Make Your Own Happy … During Pandemic Times
12. Be Inspired: National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month
13. Why Everyone Is Getting on Your Nerves
14. Fibromyalgia Awareness — Interview this Expert
15. Teen Entrepreneur Recruiting Election Workers

1. ==> Amy Coney Barrett Is an Inspired Choice

President Trump’s selection of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to be the next associate justice of the Supreme Court comes as no surprise. And Carrie Campbell Severino says it shouldn’t be. “She is an inspired choice, one who combines impeccable character with exceptional qualifications.” Severino says Barrett is also a role model for and a mentor to young women, but she says, “Sadly, in the weeks ahead, I do not hold much hope that Democratic senators will describe Judge Barrett in the glowing terms of those across the political spectrum who actually know her.” Carrie Campbell Severino is the President of the Judicial Crisis Network and a member of the Federalist Society. An expert on the confirmation process, Severino has been extensively quoted in the media and regularly appears on television, including MSNBC, FOX, CNN, C-SPAN and ABC’s This Week. Contact her at (202) 467-4999; info@judicialnetwork.com

2. ==> The GOP/Catholic Supreme Court Pipeline

President Donald Trump’s nomination of Amy Coney Barrett continues the GOP’s streak of selecting Catholic jurists for the Supreme Court and underscores the impact of the alliance between conservative Catholics and evangelical Protestants, which has transformed the Republican coalition. The Republican tilt toward Catholics over evangelicals “has to do, in really simple terms, with supply and demand,” says Joshua Wilson, a political scientist at the University of Denver and co-author with Amanda Hollis-Brusky of “Separate But Faithful,” an upcoming book on conservative Christians in the legal world. “You don’t have a robust pool of evangelical Protestant lawyers and judges, whereas you do have a robust pool of conservative Catholic judges and lawyers and academics.” While Notre Dame prides itself on its identity as a legal farm team for the right, Wilson says, for Regent and Liberty Universities, “I think it would be impossible … in the foreseeable future for a graduate of one of those schools to be appointed to the Supreme Court. It’s too much of a leap.” Contact Joshua Wilson at (303) 871-2280; joshua.c.wilson@du.edu

3.==> Ringling Elephants Get New Home

The elephants from Ringling Brothers’ now-defunct circus have finally found a suitable home in Florida, thanks to Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter and his wife Kimbra. They will be relocated to the Walters’ 2500-acre conservation area. Chris DeRose is founder of the animal rights group Last Chance for Animals (LCA), the organization that led the charge that closed down Ringling Brothers’ animal acts. Invite him on your show to discuss the end of Ringling, what happened to the other animals in the circus, and what his group is focusing on now. Last Chance for Animals is an international, non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating animal exploitation through education, investigations, legislation, and media attention. Contact Kevin Mercuri at (212) 901-6914, ext. 701; (617) 593-1421 (cell) or kevin@propheta.com

4. ==> You Say It’s His 80th Birthday … John Lennon’s Legacy Lives on
Celebrate John Lennon’s 80th Birthday, Oct. 9

It’s hard to “Imagine” what John Lennon would be like as an 80-year-old. After all, he was only 40 when he was murdered by Mark David Chapman outside Lennon’s Manhattan apartment house 40 years ago. Whether Lennon would have been cranky or inspiring as a senior and what he might have to say about current events, we’ll never know. But there’s still plenty to talk about Lennon — namely his enduring legacy in what seems like a lifetime after his death. From baby boomers to millennials, Lennon and the Beatles remain a favorite. So why not devote a show on his birthday on Oct. 9? For proof of the Fab Four’s appeal, look no further than the Beatles’ “White Album,” which made it into the Billboard Top 10 – 50 years after its release. The Fab Four wrote this album while on retreat in Rishikesh, India, with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, founder of Transcendental Meditation (TM). Susan Shumsky is that rare insider who spent 22 years in the ashrams and six years on the personal staff of Maharishi. Her tell-all memoir, Maharishi & Me: Seeking Enlightenment with the Beatles’ Guru, which has received 13 prestigious book awards, reveals hidden information about Maharishi’s influence on the Beatles. Susan Shumsky has 18 books in print and has proven to be an enthralling guest during more than 1,200 media appearances. Contact her at (917) 336-7184; SShumsky@rtirguests.com

5. ==> Eat this to Beat COVID-19 Stress

As the U.S. continues to struggle with the effects of COVID-19, experts warn of a growing mental health crisis. Invite Uma Naidoo, M.D., a nutritional psychiatrist, to discuss how certain foods can help manage a broad range of emotional challenges, like anxiety, anger, depression and insomnia. Dr. Naidoo says, “When people have chronic stress, their gut microbiome gets out of whack and inflammation sets in. This leads to inflammation in their brain.” You’ll learn the connection between trans-fat, anger and aggression, why snacking on hummus before bed can help you fall asleep faster, and how spices like turmeric and pepper can help reduce inflammation and increase serotonin. Dr. Naidoo is director of the Nutritional & Lifestyle Psychiatry clinic at Boston’s Massachusetts General Hospital. She’s also a professional chef and serves on the faculty at Harvard Medical School. She’s the author of “This Is Your Brain on Food: An Indispensable Guide to the Surprising Foods that Fight Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and More.” Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853 (cell); lissawarrenpr@gmail.com

6. ==> Survey: Millennials, the Least Tolerant Generation

Their elders have been complaining for years about millennials. Now, research proves that this younger generation does indeed view the world — and their place in it — in a much, much different way than previous generations. A new report from the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University identified three specific categories in which the millennial generation differs most drastically from that of their forefathers —respect for others; interest in faith; and enthusiasm for America. Interestingly, it was also found that millennials were the least tolerant generation of those surveyed. Dr. George Barna, who has been researching both faith trends and generational differences for more than four decades, found the study’s results “profoundly disturbing.” “The significantly divergent worldview perspectives and applications of the four generations we studied suggests a nation that is at war with itself to adopt new values, lifestyles and a new identity,” says Barna, director of research at the CRC. “There is a war for worldview dominance taking place in America.” The findings were extracted from the Cultural Research Center’s “American Worldview Inventory” and based on a combination of beliefs and behaviors that distinguished the perspective of millennials from that of older adults. Contact Jason Jones at jason@jonesliterary.com

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

The truth seems to be in short supply these days. But is it? “Most people accuse whoever is on the opposite side of a political debate with lying or dishonesty when an honest evaluation of the situation is that they disagree with their opinion about something,” says author and leadership expert Steven Mays. Mays can talk about why we toss around labels like “racist,” “tyrant,” “Nazi” and “Snowflake,” as a way of disavowing other people’s experiences and opinions and why poor leadership leads to catastrophic unintended consequences like riots and pandemics. Mays is the author of “Power of 3 Leadership, Lessons in Leadership.” A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis who served on nuclear submarines, he was a mathematician, electrical engineer, and nuclear engineer who worked in private industry and at the Nuclear Regulation Commission. Contact him at (703) 552-5672; smays@rtirguests.com

8. ==> Avoid the Costliest Mistakes People Make with Medicare

Every day, some 10,000 people enroll in Medicare, the federal government’s health insurance program for people 65 and over. And as they do so, thousands of baby boomers are making mistakes that can result in expensive penalties, hours of hassle, and even some unforeseen problems that can haunt them for the rest of their lives. Through her company, Boomer Benefits, Danielle Kunkle Roberts has helped more than 50,000 people make sense of Medicare and has seen what can go wrong in this confusing, complicated insurance program. The author of “10 Costly Medicare Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make” will help your listeners as she exposes the most common pitfalls new Medicare beneficiaries unwittingly make and shares how to expertly avoid them. Danielle Kunkle Roberts is the co-founder of Boomer Benefits, which was named the 2019 Health Insurance Advisory Firm of the Year. Contact her at (817) 249-8600; kmundfrom@boomerbenefits.com

9. ==> Help Teens Navigate the New Normal

School is back in session but for millions of teens, there are still no lunches with friends, after-school sports or clubs. Isolation caused by social distancing has been difficult for most of us. But according to Steven Hall, M.D., this has been especially hard on teens. “Interacting with their peers is very important to teenagers,” he says. “This is a normal stage of development. COVID-19 is interfering with that and may be creating some especially powerful feelings in teens.” Trained in traditional Western medicine, Dr. Steven combines alternative, integrative medicine into his practice to simultaneously treat patients’ bodies, minds and spirits. He can share simple yet powerful advice to help your teen get through these challenging times. He is the author of “The 7 Tools of Healing: Unlock Your Inner Wisdom and Live the Life Your Soul Desires.” Contact him at (425) 531-3684, shall@rtirguests.com

10. ==> She Conquered Breast Cancer Twice by Doing This Simple Thing

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Carol Edmonston can share the one thing she did that helped her through two bouts with breast cancer. Doodling! A breast cancer diagnosis is always stressful but this year when the entire U.S. population is under stress, it is arguably more important than ever to offer your audience tools for coping that are simple, repeatable, free, and fun. Carol can talk about the 3 R’s of doodling and how to use doodling to cope with unexpected challenging times, prevent meltdowns, and achieve inner calm for pennies a day; she can also explain the five guiding principles for disarming fear when you find yourself on a life detour. An inspirational speaker known as The Doodle Lady™, Carol Edmonston is committed to weaving a connection between mind, body, and spirit through the creativity of doodling. She’s the author of several books including “The Healing Power Of Doodling: Mindfulness Therapy To Deal With Stress, Fear & Life Challenges.” Her story appears in “Chicken Soup for the Breast Cancer Survivor’s Soul” and has been profiled in The New York Times among other publications. Contact her at (714) 609-4654; carol.edmonston@gmail.com

11. ==> How to Make Your Own Happy … During Pandemic Times

It’s hard to remember a time when life was as hard as it is now for so many people. And being happy may seem to be taking a backseat to keeping your head above water. But happiness and mental health coach Elana Davidson says you can start your journey to happiness now even if you have tried hard and failed at it before. That pretty much describes Elana’s own journey despite decades of exploration and study in the fields of consciousness, psychology, personal development and kinesiology. For anyone who has wondered why other people are happier than they are or what is wrong with them, Elana can be the perfect balm. She’s the author of the book, “Finding Your Own Happy: The Soul-Searchers Guide to Peace and Happiness in Everyday Life,” published by Morgan James, which she is making available to your audience for free. Contact Elana at (413) 225-4758; elanadavidson@rtirguests.com

12. ==> Former Paraplegic Reveals Why National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month is a Time to Be Inspired

More than 55 percent of Americans between the ages of 16 and 64 who have disabilities hold down jobs, according to government figures from last year. The role that these 18.5 million people play in American businesses and the challenges they face as they do so deserve to be honored in October, for National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month, says Barry Shore, a former paraplegic and an advocate for the disabled. A successful serial entrepreneur, in 2004 Barry became a quadriplegic overnight from a rare disease. Today he’s known as the Ambassador of Joy, and although it still takes him ten minutes to get out of bed each morning, Shore has pushed himself to regain some of his functioning and inspires other people to see the disabled as individuals capable of contributing much and with greater empathy because of the limitations they face and surmount. Shore is host of the weekly radio show-podcast “The Joy of Living.” He is the founder of the JOY of Living Institute and has been featured on CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox and in O Magazine, Forbes and many other publications. Contact him at (310) 770-4685; barry@barryshore.com

13. ==> Why Everyone Is Getting on Your Nerves

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

14. ==> Fibromyalgia Awareness — Interview this Expert

Leah McCullough, affectionately known as The Fibro Lady, appreciates that she no longer deals with life-impacting pain, fatigue and depression. Now an international wellness speaker and author, she’s on a mission to help other pain sufferers cope, manage, and even recover from fibromyalgia. Invite this informative and vivacious speaker to discuss secrets to an upbeat mood, boundless energy, achieving a great night’s sleep, and also timely topics such as the coronavirus pandemic’s effects on chronic pain patients, as well as medical cannabis. Leah is the author of “Freedom from Fibromyalgia: 7 Steps to Complete Recovery and Eat to Energize.” Her free online program is “How to Reduce and Even Eliminate Fibromyalgia Pain.” Contact Leah at (859) 279-0413; LMcCullough@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Teen Entrepreneur Recruiting Election Workers

Election officials across the country are facing a shortage of poll workers this year. Traditionally, most poll workers are older Americans, but they’re also among the most vulnerable to COVID-19 complications. Plus, early voting means the need for poll workers is even greater than usual. Rent A Teenager is now volunteering their services to recruit teenagers to fill the void. Founder Mason Greenstein, a high school senior at Horace Greeley High School in Westchester County, New York, says, “I’m very excited to do my part to help recruit poll workers so that our older, vulnerable residents can stay home and be safe. These are challenging times. We must all do our part.” The eligibility requirements, time commitments and pay vary depending on where you live. Typical tasks include setting up and preparing the polling location. Mason Greenstein started Rent A Teenager in 2017 when he was in ninth grade. Typical jobs available through Rent A Teenage include sports coaching, tutoring, babysitting, dog walking and yardwork. Contact Robert Greenstein at (917) 750-2771; Mason@RentATeenager.com

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

01. Legal Expert on Post-RBG Supreme Court
02. Nat Geo DOCU: Inside a Migrant Caravan
03. Survey: Millennials, the Least Tolerant Generation
04. ‘The Great Realization’— Easing Kids’ COVID Fears Worldwide
05. Teen Entrepreneur Recruiting Election Workers
06. Gun Violence is On the Rise: How to Protect Yourself
07. How the Law of Unintended Consequences Shapes Our Lives
08. Need Cash? It Could Be Time to Sell Your Life Insurance
09. What You Could Lose by Winning a Lawsuit
10. Why Small Weddings Make Cents
11. COVID’s Agonizing Effect on Chronic Pain
12. Sloppy Record-Keeping Could Cost You Your Life
13. How to Deal with Pandemic Stress Better
14. He’s Bringing Back the Art of the Pleasant Chat
15. Are Grandparents More Important Than Ever?

1. ==> Legal Expert on Post-RBG Supreme Court

As the country mourns the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, invite Loyola Law professor and legal expert Stan Goldman to discuss Ginsburg’s legacy, who may take her place on the bench, and what that means for cases coming before the High Court. Stan Goldman has worked as a legal correspondent and analyst for CNBC, CBS, King World and Fox News and was a special correspondent for the New York Daily News. Goldman is also the son of an Auschwitz survivor and the founding director for the Study of Law on Genocide. His new historical memoir is “Left to the Mercy of a Rude Stream: The Bargain That Broke Adolf Hitler and Saved My Mother.” Contact Harlan Boll at hboll@rtirguests.com

2. ==> Nat Geo DOCU: Inside a Migrant Caravan

Nat Geo’s new documentary “Blood on the Wall” takes viewers to Central America, as a caravan of migrants seeking a better life heads north to the United States, while narco-traffickers — part of the cause for the caravan — move drugs and money back and forth across the same border. The film, from Academy Award-nominated director Sebastian Junger and Emmy-winning producer Nick Quested, explores the depths of corruption plaguing Mexico and Central America and the policies of the past that have made it impossible for everyday people to find justice. Shot in the same journalistic style as their other films, “Hell on Earth: The Fall of Syria and the Rise of ISIS,” “Korengal,” and the Oscar-nominated “Restrepo,” the documentary highlights the humanity of the migrants and shows how politics, the drug trade, violence, and the desire for safety result in unbelievable anguish happening in plain sight. Producer Nick Quested is available for interviews. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com

3. ==> Survey: Millennials, the Least Tolerant Generation

Their elders have been complaining for years about millennials. Now, research proves that this younger generation does indeed view the world — and their place in it — in a much, much different way than previous generations. A new report from the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University identified three specific categories in which the millennial generation differs most drastically from that of their forefathers —respect for others; interest in faith; and enthusiasm for America. Interestingly, it was also found that millennials were the least tolerant generation of those surveyed. Dr. George Barna, who has been researching both faith trends and generational differences for more than four decades, found the study’s results “profoundly disturbing.” “The significantly divergent worldview perspectives and applications of the four generations we studied suggests a nation that is at war with itself to adopt new values, lifestyles and a new identity,” says Barna, director of research at the CRC. “There is a war for worldview dominance taking place in America.” The findings were extracted from the Cultural Research Center’s “American Worldview Inventory” and based on a combination of beliefs and behaviors that distinguished the perspective of millennials from that of older adults. Contact Jason Jones at jason@jonesliterary.com

4. ==> ‘The Great Realization’— Easing Kids’ COVID Fears Worldwide

Millions of people around the globe have viewed Tomos Roberts’ touching video in which he reads his heartfelt poem “The Great Realization.” The hopeful tale for a post-COVID world became a viral sensation viewed tens of millions of times; covered by major media outlets from London’s Daily Mail to the Washington Post; and praised by celebrities including Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore and Khloé Kardashian. Tomos, a poet/filmmaker based in London, wrote the poem to provide comfort to his younger brother and sister, both 7, amidst the pandemic, and in the video, he reads it to them as a bedtime story. Invite Tomos Roberts to discuss the worldwide reaction to “The Great Realization” (which continues to inspire thousands every day), his hopes for a post-COVID 19 world, and his belief that “hindsight is 2020.” “The Great Realization” is now a beautifully illustrated children’s book to help ease kids’ anxiety about coronavirus. Contact John Angelo at john@premieretv.com

5. ==> Teen Entrepreneur Recruiting Election Workers

Election officials across the country are facing a shortage of poll workers this year. Traditionally, most poll workers are older Americans, but they’re also among the most vulnerable to COVID-19 complications. Plus, early voting means the need for poll workers is even greater than usual. Rent A Teenager is now volunteering their services to recruit teenagers to fill the void. Founder Mason Greenstein, a high school senior at Horace Greeley High School in Westchester County, New York, says, “I’m very excited to do my part to help recruit poll workers so that our older, vulnerable residents can stay home and be safe. These are challenging times. We must all do our part.” The eligibility requirements, time commitments and pay vary depending on where you live. Typical tasks include setting up and preparing the polling location. Mason Greenstein started Rent A Teenager in 2017 when he was in ninth grade. Typical jobs available through Rent A Teenage include sports coaching, tutoring, babysitting, dog walking and yardwork. Contact Robert Greenstein at (917) 750-2771; Mason@RentATeenager.com

6. ==> Gun Violence is On the Rise: How to Protect Yourself

Gun violence is on the rise in cities across the country. How can we protect ourselves and loved ones from becoming unintended victims of the violence? What should you do if you find yourself in an active shooter situation? Explore the vital answers with personal protection specialist Allen Banks, developer of Active Shooter Prevention and Workplace Violence Prevention Training, plus special programs for schools and other locations. Ask him: How should people observe, react, find safety, shield others, or fight back during an active shooting incident? Which survival tips work best in different settings? Allen Banks is CEO of Proactive Protection Agency. Contact him at (661) 417-0786; abanks@rtirguests.com

7. ==> How the Law of Unintended Consequences Shapes Our Lives

You’ve heard of the law of gravity, the laws of electricity and magnetism and general relativity. Each has an enormous impact on life in the universe. But Steve Mays has discovered what may be an even more powerful law — the law of unintended consequences, which he likes to think of as “a law created by God to let us silly humans know that we are not quite as smart and clever as we think we are.” On your show, Steve can look at ways unintended consequences played out in the past and continue to do so today. For example, he says Watergate was an unintended consequence of Nixon’s paranoia. Impeachment, loss of law license, thousands of dollars in settlements, and loss of control of the House and Senate were Clinton’s unintended consequences from his association with Monica. The more unintended consequences that occur as a result of a leader’s actions and the more significant they are, the clearer the signal that the leader is in trouble, Steve says. No one can completely avoid unintended consequences because none of us is that good. Ask him what leaders can do instead. Mays is the author of “Power of 3 Leadership, Lessons in Leadership.” A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis who served on nuclear submarines, he was a mathematician, electrical engineer and nuclear engineer who worked in private industry and at the Nuclear Regulation Commission. Contact Steven Mays at (703) 552-5672; smays@rtirguests.com

8. ==> Need Cash? It Could Be Time to Sell Your Life Insurance

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

9. ==> What You Could Lose by Winning a Lawsuit

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

10. ==> Why Small Weddings Make Cents

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

11. ==> COVID’s Agonizing Effect on Chronic Pain

At least a quarter of your audience suffers from chronic pain, with their agony worsened by changes in health care that were associated with COVID-19. That’s one issue family physician Trevor Campbell, M.D., can address but there’s one that is even more important: even before the pandemic, he says treatments for chronic pain have relied too much on temporary measures like medications and injection therapies that are easily billable for doctors while neglecting the essential and affordable missing piece in chronic pain, the psycho-social elements that reverse its causes and triggers. For many listeners and their families, this could be a game-changing interview. Trevor studied medicine at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, before immigrating to Canada. His new book is “The Language of Pain: Fast Forward Your Recovery to Stop Hurting.” Contact Trevor Campbell at (250) 217-7832; tcampbell@rtirguests.com

12. ==> Sloppy Record-Keeping Could Cost You Your Life

In the middle of the coronavirus crisis, keeping your own medical records in order is more important than ever. In a medical emergency, anyone can be rattled enough to forget important details, finding themselves unable to answer physicians’ important questions about their health or that of a loved one. Anne McAwley-LeDuc, a retired nurse practitioner APRN), learned this the hard way after her husband fell down the stairs and showed signs of paralysis. At the hospital, physicians sought answers about his medical history, but she couldn’t answer vital questions. McAwley-LeDuc wants to help others — especially ordinary folks with no medical background — advocate for themselves and their loved ones for better and safer health care. She’ll discuss the role patients play in reducing medical errors, ways disorganized medical records can be deadly, and why so few patients keep good medical records or grasp the need to do so. Anne McAwley-LeDuc developed the “Personal Health Organizer” to keep essential medical information in one place and provide a snapshot of your health history. Contact her at (860) 300-1603; AMcAwley@rtirguests.com

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

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

14. ==> He’s Bringing Back the Art of the Pleasant Chat

When is the last time you had a conversation that didn’t end up feeling like a negotiation, or worse a fight? “It’s probably been a while since a simple conversation was just that,” says Ivan Obolensky. “It’s become nearly impossible not to talk about emotionally charged topics … because that’s all we’ve got!” Interview Ivan about the art of conversation during COVID-19. He will show your audience how to set better boundaries around who they are talking to and what they are talking about, so that simple conversations don’t feel like negotiations that need to be won. Ask him about the four N’s of negotiating that can help conversations become a win-win! Ivan is an author and Renaissance man. His novel “Eye of the Moon” won Best First Book (Fiction) in the IndieReader Discovery Awards. Contact Ivan Obolensky at (818) 495-8731; IObolensky@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Are Grandparents More Important Than Ever?

The role grandparents play in children’s lives is evolving and as many as 2.7 million grandparents have assumed the responsibility of raising their grandchildren. Honor this special bond by interviewing Oliver Akamnonu, M.D., who can discuss why he and his wife left their high-powered careers to help their daughter and new grandchild and why today’s grandparents often go beyond offering financial support, childcare and parental advice to make a difference in their family’s lives? Dr. Akamnonu has authored 18 books including one with his wife, “Little Baby Lydia, Grandma, Grandpa and Student Mom: Saga of Family Role Reversal and the New Times.” Contact Dr. Oliver Akamnonu at (413) 206-6753; oakamnonu@rtirguests.com

01. RIP Notorious RBG
02. Who is Amy Coney Barrett?
03. Monuments, Memory and the Legacy of White Supremacy
04. How to Get Your Family and Friends to Vote
05. What Happens in Vegas … No Longer Stays There
06. Does ‘Meeting the Beatles in India’ Tell the Whole Story?
07. 5 Economic Trends That Will Impact Your Future
08. Time to Switch Careers? 3 Questions to Ask
09. Surviving Uncertain Times: Use This Trait
10. Yes, This Sugar Witch Could Save Your Life
11. Surviving Childbirth — Don’t Be a Maternal Mortality Statistic
12. Interview the Luckiest Man Alive
13. Does Life Really Get Better As You Age?
14. Bad Trips to Good Medicine: Psychedelics Go Mainstream
15. The Poop on Tracking COVID-19 at College

1.==> RIP Notorious RBG

Fatima Goss Graves, president and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center, says, “Our country has lost a fearless champion of justice, a pillar of the law, and a bearer of its conscience. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s passing is cause for us to pause and honor the unparalleled mark she has left on this country. From co-founding the ACLU’s Women’s Rights Project, to bringing the first case striking down a law that discriminated against women, to building the case that defined the standard for sex discrimination cases, Ginsburg was a visionary who revolutionized the gender equality movement – and the law – long before becoming a Supreme Court justice.” Graves believes it’s outrageous to consider filling Ginsburg’s seat until the next president and congress are installed. “While our country continues to move through the pandemic, an economic crisis, and addressing its racist past and present, we deserve a Court that builds the solid ground for our rights – not a slippery slope. We deserve a justice who understands the reality of the lives of people across the country. Justice Ginsburg’s legacy deserves better. Our country deserves better.” Begun in 1972, The National Women’s Law Center fights for gender justice in the courts, public policy, and society. Contact Gillian Branstetter at (202) 588-5180; gbranstetter@nwlc.org

2. ==> Who is Amy Coney Barrett?

Amy Coney Barrett, a federal appellate court judge, has emerged as one of the front-runners to fill the seat left vacant by Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death. Invite American human rights lawyer Francis Boyle to discuss Barrett and why conservatives believe she has the perfect combination of attributes for the High Court. Barrett is a member of the Federalist Society, a group widely acknowledged as being remarkably influential in shaping the federal judiciary, and of which Boyle has been a longtime critic. Since the Kavanaugh nomination, Boyle has advocated that when the Democrats obtain control of the presidency and both houses of Congress, they should increase the number of members of the Supreme Court, an idea that has recently gained wider attention. Boyle was the lawyer for the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the war and genocide against them before the International Court of Justice. He won two World Court Orders protecting 40,000 raped women of Bosnia. Contact Francis Boyle at fboyle@illinois.edu

3. ==> Monuments, Memory and the Legacy of White Supremacy

One of the main targets for recent protests and activists around the country has been the Confederate monuments that still stand in many major cities from Birmingham to Richmond to New Orleans. Invite Connor Towne O’ Neill, a producer on the NPR podcast White Lies, (a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize), to take a deep dive into American history and the still-raging battles throughout the South. He’ll discuss how we got from Appomattox to Charlottesville and where we could be headed next. Visiting memorials to Confederate general Nathan Bedford Forrest, a slave trader and officer who became the first Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan, O’Neill talked with men and women who believe they are protecting their heritage and those who have a different view of the man’s poisonous history. Connor Towne O’Neill is the author of “Down Along with that Devil’s Bones: A Reckoning with Monuments, Memory and the Legacy of White Supremacy.” His writing has appeared in New York magazine, Vulture, Slate, RBMA, and the Village Voice. He also teaches at Auburn University and with the Alabama Prison Arts + Education Project. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com

4.==> How to Get Your Family and Friends to Vote

Americans have a disappointing rate of voter participation with just 56% of voting-age citizens casting ballots in the 2016 presidential election. Why don’t people vote and how can you persuade them to do so? Kevin Lanning, a psychology and data science professor at Florida Atlantic University, says many people don’t feel like the candidates or parties represent them and they don’t feel a connection. He’ll discuss ways to encourage others to vote, like sharing your own plans, offering to help them vote, and appealing to their sense of civic duty. “We vote because we cherish our identity as Americans. We vote out of a sense of duty and responsibility,” says Lanning. “We vote because voting feels good, because it makes us feel that we are part of something bigger – a community, a movement, a country, a democracy. Voting is an act of hope and trust, and to feel hopeful and trusting is a good thing.” Contact Kevin Lanning at (561) 594-1018; lanning@fau.edu

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

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

6. ==> Does ‘Meeting the Beatles in India’ Tell the Whole Story?

With the release of the filmmaker Paul Saltzman’s new documentary, “Meeting The Beatles in India,” now is the time to meet Susan Shumsky, who spent 22 years in the ashrams and six years on the personal staff of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of Transcendental Meditation (TM). This multi-award-winning author exposes the complete, uncensored, unapologetic, behind-the-scenes story of the Beatles in India. Susan’s fascinating version of events digs deeper to unearth much more than Saltzman’s film. Produced by David Lynch (founder of the TM-based David Lynch Foundation), the film paints TM as the hero. In contrast, Susan, a rare insider, spills stunning, behind-the-curtain secrets about what it was really like at the ashram, and how Maharishi influenced the Beatles and their song lyrics. She has participated in more than 1,200 interviews including for the Sunday Express of London, L.A. Times, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, GQ, Woman’s World, and Fox News with Alan Colmes. Susan has 18 books in print in English, 36 foreign editions, and has won 40 prestigious book awards. Reach her at (917) 992-5175; divinerev@aol.com

7. ==> 5 Economic Trends That Will Impact Your Future

Do you know what the five biggest economic trends are that will impact your listeners’ lives? And do you have any idea of the challenges and opportunities they represent and how you can capitalize on them? You will after you interview Certified Financial Planner Lorri Craig. In one or more segments, depending on how deep a dive you wish to take, Lorri can detail the significant economic impacts of COVID-19, lower interest rates, climate change, the U.S.’s declining global power, and baby boomer’s inability to retire. Lorri has a master’s degree in finance and is a subject matter expert for the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. She offers an Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) investment platform on her website for socially conscious investors who want to make a positive impact on the world. Contact Lorri Craig at (484) 453-1742; LCraig@rtirguests.com

8. ==> Time to Switch Careers? 3 Questions to Ask

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

9. ==> Surviving Uncertain Times: Use This Trait

The relentless coronavirus continues to spread throughout communities as the country struggles to deal with it. Racial unrest is fueling nationwide protests, and the upcoming national election is looking to be anything but a smooth process. Is it any wonder that everything around us seems precarious? Kim Chestney says most people are experiencing one overriding, debilitating emotion. “Fear is the biggest enemy in times of uncertainty,” says Chestney. “Now, more than ever, the most important thing we can do is to reconnect with our inner power.” Let her tell you how as she explores the role intuition can play in navigating stressful times. She’ll teach you how to cut through the stress, the BS and fake news, to get back to your center by tuning in to your inner truth. Chestney is an international best-selling author and the founder of IntuitionLab. Her new book “Radical Intuition: A Revolutionary Guide to Your Inner Power” releases this fall from New World Library. Contact her at (412) 214-9502; KChestney@rtirguests.com

10. ==> Yes, This Sugar Witch Could Save Your Life

How much sugar have you been eating and drinking? Especially during the nerve-wracking COVID-19 pandemic? For most people, the answer is “too much” including hidden sugars they don’t even know about. These are the folks who need the good kind of witch — Sugar Witch Marsha Allen — to avoid the harmful effects of sugar overwhelm such as obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Marsha will explain how her program can help anyone live a sweeter and longer life without sugar addiction. She’ll discuss how to recognize and avoid surprisingly super-sweet foods, while embracing healthier snacks and treats, preventing cravings that send you onto the sugar highway, keeping kids from demanding sweets, avoiding sugary overload during difficult times, and more. A sought-after speaker, Marsha is known for hosting “Sugar Addicts” on Crown City News TV. She authored “Spoiled Rotten on a Diet: Gluten, Sugar & Dairy Free Made Simple.” Contact Marsha Allen at (902) 906-5231; MAllen@rtirguests.com

11. ==> Surviving Childbirth — Don’t Be a Maternal Mortality Statistic

It’s the 21st century. That means women can breeze through childbirth and be healthy to raise their children, right? Sadly, maternal deaths have been increasing despite advanced obstetrical care. Find out why, and what expectant parents and medical personnel should know, when you interview Alan Lindemann, M.D. He has delivered well over 6,000 babies (including many multiple births, even quads) during his decades-long career, without losing a mom. Dr. Lindemann will discuss the trouble with “maternity deserts” where women live hours away from where they’ll deliver, plus illnesses affecting healthy birthing, how the pandemic is affecting new mothers, and more. He’s a former clinical instructor and associate clinical professor at the University of North Dakota’s medical school who is introducing an online course to saving moms and babies. Contact Alan Lindemann, M.D., at (701) 543-6182; ALindemann@rtirguests.com

12. ==> Interview the Luckiest Man Alive

By any stretch of the imagination, Charles Gardner is a lucky man. He’s been on overtime for nine years so far after having survived a six-week coma, 13 strokes, major organ failure, a near-death experience and his family’s pulling the plug on him. All of those circumstances occurred as a result of one awful bout with the flu. But everything happens for a reason, and Charlie is certain that his purpose includes telling other people about the miracles he has experienced and serving as an example of how to appreciate the life you have even if it isn’t the one you expected. Charlie tells his inspiring story in his book “Always Remember This Moment.” Ask him: What happened during his near-death experience? What were some of the miracles he experienced? How did his daughter’s love bring him back from the dead? Contact Charles Gardner at (650) 995-5626; charlesgardner@rtirguests.com

13. ==> Does Life Really Get Better As You Age?

As we age, we may not realize that things should be getting better! With awareness, maturity, experience and motivation going for us, the second half of life offers extraordinary opportunities and satisfaction. That’s the message of Joe Swinger, a speaker, author and talk-show guest who specializes in helping adults in midlife enjoy the VIP life —one marked by greater vibrancy, impact and purpose. Joe is the creator of the Silver Linings Network, which he established to encourage happiness, success and emotional health in midlife and later years. Invite him on your show and learn what you should focus on (besides money!) as you approach and dive into retirement and how aging boomers can make a difference, recreate themselves and stay relevant. He’ll also inspire and remind you to love and appreciate life at every age. Contact Joe Swinger at (385) 425-6705: joeswinger@rtirguests.com

14. ==> Bad Trips to Good Medicine: Psychedelics Go 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 is available for interview on this timely topic, having studied the variety of ways to alter and change consciousness for decades. He 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 “Letters to the River: A Guide to a Dream Worth Living.” Contact Sparrow Hart at (801) 516-0740; SHart@rtirguests.com

15. ==> The Poop on Tracking COVID-19 at College

Colleges across the country are scrambling, trying to figure out how to detect and contain the coronavirus on campus. At the University of Arizona, they’re taking an interesting approach that appears to have prevented a COVID outbreak. Every morning, around the time the majority of students take a shower or relieve themselves after a night’s sleep, a member of the university’s wastewater testing team gathers a sample from the sewer, according to Ian Pepper, director of the Water and Energy Sustainable Technology Center at Arizona. Days before signs of illness, people shed the virus in their waste, so finding COVID in the wastewater can provide “seven precious days for intervention,” Pepper says. When traces of COVID were found in the wastewater the first week of school, the university tested all 311 of the building’s residents and employees. Two asymptomatic students were detected and quarantined, preventing a larger outbreak. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sewage testing is intended to complement, rather than replace, conventional coronavirus testing. Dr. Ian Pepper is an environmental microbiologist. Contact him at (520) 626-2322; ipepper@ag.arizona.edu

01. Why are Trump Supporters So Loyal?
02. America’s Deadly Divorce from Science
03. The Poop on Tracking COVID-19 at College
04. Comedian Michael Ian Black on Raising Better Men
05. Interview the Host of PBS’ ‘Simply Delicious Living’
06. Out of Work? Need Cash? 4 Ways to Make Extra Money
07. Is It Time to Sell Your Life Insurance Policy?
08. Can We Get Past Racial, Religious, and Cultural Differences?
09. Are State School Tests Racist?
10. 7-in-10 Americans are Math-Phobic
11. How to Flood Your Family (and Community) with Kindness
12. The Most Important Trait You Have for Surviving the Pandemic
13. Fibromyalgia Awareness — Interview this Expert
14. Why Women Should Submit and Obey Their Husbands
15. Good News for Wine Lovers, Courtesy of COVID-19?

1. ==> Why are Trump Supporters So Loyal?

Donald Trump’s presidency has been marked by disruption and turmoil, but his support has remained remarkably stable. How can that be? Political observers believe American voters are shifting away from transitory measures of performance like traditional metrics of peace and prosperity, and toward bedrock attitudes about demographic, cultural and economic change. “That is certainly what gives Trump a floor: By stoking those cultural war fires you are going to win over a certain share of the electorate that has this more racist and sexist and xenophobic views,” says Brian Schaffner, a Tufts University political scientist who has extensively studied the correlation between political preferences and cultural attitudes. “When your identity and view of (the nation’s) identity overlaps with your partisan identity so much, it’s hard to ever consider shifting sides,” Schaffner says. Some political observers believe that stability, paradoxically, points to years of polarization and rising turbulence in American politics and life. Brian Schaffner is co-author of several books including “Campaign Finance and Political Polarization: When Purists Prevail.” Contact him at (617) 627-3467; brian.schaffner@tufts.edu

2. ==> America’s Deadly Divorce from Science

Harvard University professor Naomi Oreskes believes that the social contract between science and American society is broken beyond repair. “The unfortunate reality is that our elected government is increasingly populated with many men and women who do not merely ignore scientific facts, they appear to despise them and the people who produce them. They see science as something that stands in the way of their political goals, and therefore must be pushed out of the way.” The author of “Why Trust Science?” says the solution isn’t a call for more science or the restoration of “scientific integrity,” whatever that is. She says, “As scientific conclusions become more indisputable, the machinations of those who are threatened by it become more outrageous. There comes a point when maybe one simply has to accept that the dream has died and it is time for a new one.” Naomi Oreskes is professor of the History of Science at Harvard University and the author of nearly 200 books, scholarly papers, and articles. Her opinion pieces have appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post and other major publications. Contact her at oreskes@fas.harvard.edu

3. ==> The Poop on Tracking COVID-19 at College

Colleges across the country are scrambling, trying to figure out how to detect and contain the coronavirus on campus. At the University of Arizona, they’re taking an interesting approach that appears to have prevented a COVID outbreak. Every morning, around the time the majority of students take a shower or relieve themselves after a night’s sleep, a member of the university’s wastewater testing team gathers a sample from the sewer, according to Ian Pepper, director of the Water and Energy Sustainable Technology Center at Arizona. Days before signs of illness, people shed the virus in their waste, so finding COVID in the wastewater can provide “seven precious days for intervention,” Pepper says. When traces of COVID were found in the wastewater the first week of school, the university tested all 311 of the building’s residents and employees. Two asymptomatic students were detected and quarantined, preventing a larger outbreak. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sewage testing is intended to complement, rather than replace, conventional coronavirus testing. Dr. Ian Pepper is an environmental microbiologist. Contact him at (520) 626-2322; ipepper@ag.arizona.edu

4.==> Comedian Michael Ian Black on Raising Better Men

Michael Ian Black is many things: actor, comedian, screenwriter, award-winning children’s book author, essayist, memoirist, and podcaster. He is also a man and the father of a boy on the cusp of manhood himself. In his new book, “A Better Man: A (Mostly Serious) Letter to My Son,” Black offers a thoughtful and personal appraisal of the complicated meaning of masculinity in our times. Written in the form of a letter to his son as he gets ready to leave for college, the book is based on both personal experience and thoughtful observation of the rapid changes taking place in society. Black also shares stories of his complicated relationship with his own father, who died when he was a child, and his upbringing in an often-contentious lesbian household. Invite Black on your show to discuss coming-of-age in a time when boys were routinely told to “act like a man,” with no direction on how to do so — or even what those words meant; why we need to challenge the outdated assumptions our society continues to impose on boys about their place in the world; and how boys of the rising generation can navigate that change to become more evolved men. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com

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

As the host of PBS-TV’s “Simply Delicious Living,” Maryann Ridini Spencer inspires her viewers to live their bliss and best life every day. Invite her to share her top mood-boosting solutions, simple strategies to get happier and healthier, and how to find balance in your life both personally and professionally. She can also share her top five tips for simply delicious living and how gratefulness can lead to happiness. She is a TV/film producer, screenwriter, and the author of the award-winning Kate Grace Mystery books, “Lady in the Window” and “The Paradise Table.” Her work has appeared on “Hallmark Hall of Fame” (CBS-TV), the Hallmark Channel, CNN, USA, SyFy, Showtime and many other outlets. Contact Maryann Ridini Spencer at (818) 492-9135; mspencer@rtirguests.com

6. ==> Out of Work? Need Cash? 4 Ways to Make Extra Money

Millions of Americans have lost jobs or taken pay cuts since the pandemic began six months ago. With so many people unemployed and bills mounting up, people are anxious to hear about ways they can make money now and in the future. Patricia Davis, author of “Going Broke Is No Joke!,” wants to help with fresh ideas. She’ll talk to your listeners about ways to bring in extra bucks by doing things like selling their cellphone images, agreeing to test websites and products, selling unused gift cards, and selling their opinions to focus groups. Davis can also prepare your audience to spot scammers trying to tempt them with bogus job opportunities and offer tips on what household goods could be sold for needed cash without being missed. An experienced guest, Davis holds degrees from Howard University, Stanford, and Golden Gate University, and a Diploma of Graduation from Georgetown University’s Stonier Graduate School of Banking and Finance. Contact Patricia Davis at (301) 517-6304; pdavis@rtirguests.com

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

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

8. ==> Can We Get Past Racial, Religious, and Cultural Differences?

When it comes to race, religion, politics and cultural identity most of us exist in a bubble. Too often we associate with people like ourselves, limiting our ability to identify with those who are different. Nadia Al-Samarrie is the exception. As the child of an American Catholic mother and an Iraqi Moslem diplomat father, she has lived in Iraq and Iran, and in California, where she went to high school. She’s witnessed and experienced racial and cultural tension throughout much of her life: as an American in the Middle East, being an Iraqi in Iran, and in the racial crossfire between white and Black communities here in the U.S. She sees herself and others as spirits defined not by their ethnic background, but by their unique life experiences. A conversation with Nadia will make the world seem smaller and more universal. She says, “We need to remember that tolerance unites us. We need to see and accept people as they are, understanding that no matter how different they may appear, they all want to feel safe, loved, and accepted.” Nadia’s new memoir is “From Bagdad to Berkeley: A Woman’s Affair.” An author and diabetes expert, she has been featured on ABC, NBC, CBS, and other major cable networks. Contact her at (415) 741-3545; nalsamarrie@rtirguests.com

9. ==> Are State School Tests Racist?

Standardized testing is far worse than a necessary evil; the way the test data is interpreted can also harm the impoverished minority schools that most need encouragement. So says Lee Jenkins, a longtime educator, and administrator in public schools and universities. “Data from the tests is used to rank schools and school districts and label them. So, no matter what minority impoverished schools achieve, they will almost always be labeled as ‘failures’ because it is and always has been a ranking system. We survived this spring (because of the pandemic) without these damaging tests. Now is the time to devise a new system that encourages everyone.” Jenkins is the author of the just-released book, “How to Create a Perfect School,” which contains a foreword by Jack Canfield. He can talk about a better way to gather data to create more perfect schools. Contact Jenkins at (484) 306-8784; LJenkins@rtirguests.com

10. ==> 7-in-10 Americans are Math-Phobic

Many people wish they were better at math and look back at their math education with anything but fondness. Why are so many of us math-phobic? Why do we rely so much on calculators and try to let someone else be the one to figure out the restaurant bill? How can we feel more math-comfortable? Interview Teruni Lamberg, Ph.D., who knows all about the fear of math and the challenges educators face in teaching the subject. She says there’s a better way for more people to appreciate the beauty, simplicity and life-long necessity of math. Author of the new book “Work Smarter, Not Harder: A Framework for Math Teaching and Learning,” Dr. Lamberg can talk about ways to improve the teaching of mathematics and the way students absorb it. She’s ready to prove on-air how much fun math can be. Ask her: What do most people dread about math? Why is it never too late for students and adults to embrace math? Contact Teruni Lamberg at (775) 451-3086; TLamberg@rtirguests.com

11. ==> How to Flood Your Family (and Community) with Kindness

With the COVID pandemic and the long-term pain of racial injustice recently boiling to a head, educator and creative activist Laurie Marshall shares practical ways that parents can flood their families and communities with kindness. She’ll discuss creating a family story that captures your family’s values. In addition, she will share small daily practices, fun family projects, ways of turning daily chores into games that help your children (and you) be kinder, and ideas for being in service to your community in kindness. Marshall is a project-based learning and arts integration specialist who has worked with underserved youth for over 30 years. Her partners include FEMA and Project Drawdown, the World’s Leading Resource for Climate Solutions. She has trained over 6,000 teachers in project-based learning and facilitated 125 nature-based murals with over 25,000 people in schools, nonprofits, and government agencies. Contact Laurie Marshall at (415) 360-3304; lmarshall@rtirguests.com

12. ==> The Most Important Trait You Have for Surviving the Pandemic

As the world is rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic, most people are experiencing one overriding, debilitating emotion. Fear is the biggest enemy in times of uncertainty, says Kim Chestney. “Now, more than ever, the most important thing we can do is to reconnect with our inner power.” Let Kim tell you how as she explores the role intuition can play in navigating stressful times. She’ll teach you how to cut through the stress, the BS and fake news, to get back to your center by tuning in to your inner truth. Kim is an international best-selling author and the founder of IntuitionLab. Her new book “Radical Intuition: A Revolutionary Guide to Your Inner Power” releases in the fall from New World Library. Contact her at (412) 214-9502; KChestney@rtirguests.com

13. ==> Fibromyalgia Awareness — Interview this Expert

Leah McCullough, affectionately known as The Fibro Lady, appreciates that she no longer deals with life-impacting pain, fatigue and depression. Now an international wellness speaker and author, she’s on a mission to help other pain sufferers cope, manage, and even recover from fibromyalgia. Invite this informative and vivacious speaker to discuss secrets to an upbeat mood, boundless energy, achieving a great night’s sleep, and also timely topics such as the coronavirus pandemic’s effects on chronic pain patients, as well as medical cannabis. Leah is the author of “Freedom from Fibromyalgia: 7 Steps to Complete Recovery and Eat to Energize.” Her free online program is “How to Reduce and Even Eliminate Fibromyalgia Pain.” Contact Leah at (859) 279-0413; LMcCullough@rtirguests.com

14. ==> Why Women Should Submit and Obey Their Husbands

Although it might seem counterintuitive and downright sexist in this modern age, Pastor Eric Hawthorne believes that women should be deferential to their spouses to divorce-proof their marriages. “Even if the wife makes more money than her husband, it’s important to look up to the man to be the leader of the family,” he says. He claims that feminism may be one of the leading causes of divorce, and embracing traditional roles in a marriage can improve the health of a spousal relationship. Eric is the second-generation pastor of Daystar Deliverance Ministries in Richardson, Texas, and the author of the upcoming book, “Are You Ready For Marriage?” Contact Eric at (214) 225- 0769; EHawthorne@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Good News for Wine Lovers, Courtesy of COVID-19

COVID-19 has devastated the restaurant business and closed down a major market for many wineries. But is there a slice of silver in this cumulus of darkness? Something good, possibly, for the average wine consumer? It seems so, as many wineries now have far too much inventory and are taking extreme measures to unload it. Jim Laughren, CWE, will show your listeners how to take advantage of the situation and create a win-win outcome for all concerned. You’ll hear about the extreme measures winegrowers are now taking, how COVID-19 will impact next year’s wines, and where consumers can find the best wine bargains. Jim Laughren is the author of “50 Ways to Love Wine More” and “A Beer Drinker’s Guide to Knowing and Enjoying Fine Wine.” Contact him at (954) 884-8539; JLaughren@rtirguests.com

01. Wildfires + Plastic Pipes = Water Contamination
02. Why Wildfires are So Destructive
03. Brace for these 4 Trends
04. New Documentary Goes Inside a Migrant Caravan
05. Emmy Awards are Sunday: Do a Show on TV Legend Lucille Ball
06. Does ‘Meeting the Beatles in India’ Tell the Whole Story?
07. Are Frozen Embryos People or Property?
08. How to Survive an Active Shooter Situation
09. What You Could Lose by Winning a Lawsuit
10. Tax Resolution Expert Shares COVID Tax Advice and More
11. Tools for Stressed-Out Homeschooling Parents
12. 5 Realistic Tips for Coping with Pandemic Overload
13. What I Learned by Facing What Most People Fear
14. Will We Run Out of Nurses?
15. How Your Disorganization Could Actually Kill You

1. ==> Wildfires + Plastic Pipes = Water Contamination

Environmentalist Michael Dorsey warns that the devastating wildfires plaguing California and other areas may be creating another problem: water contamination from melted plastic pipes. “Across the United States, melted PVC piping destroyed by intense fires has long threatened communities by exposing groundwater supplies to a litany of carcinogens and poisons, from benzene to toluene and much more.” He adds, “It could take months to determine the full scope of the damage, but one thing is certain: People returning home after evacuating may very well find themselves without certified clean, fresh water to drink. The 2018 Camp fire, which similarly melted plastic pipes in Paradise, California, forced residents there to rebuild their entire water distribution system due to widespread contamination by toxic chemicals like benzene.” Michael Dorsey sits on the board of the Center for Environmental Health in Oakland, California. He is a global affiliate of the Gund Institute for Environment at the University of Vermont. Contact him at mkdorsey@aya.yale.edu

2. ==> Why Wildfires are So Destructive

More than 85 major fires are burning up and down the West Coast, from northern Washington to Southern California and have killed at least 17 people in three states. The fires have caused unprecedented damage in Washington and Oregon and exacerbated what has already become California’s biggest wildfire season ever. Invite wildfire expert James Moseley on your show to discuss the way we battle these wildfires and why they cause such widespread damage. Moseley can share what factors lead to wildfires and whether climate change is entirely to blame. You’ll learn why we may see new wildfire dangers in many states as well as how we can better protect firefighters and save lives. Moseley is the CEO of Sun FireDefense, a company that offers advanced fire defense and home wildfire protection products. Contact James Moseley at (818) 486-4662; jmoseley@rtirguests.com

3. ==> Brace for these 4 Trends

Gerald Celente, publisher of Trends Journal, has a 30-plus year track record of accurate and timely trend forecasting. Invite him on your show to hear four trends he sees ahead for Americans. Discuss his prediction of a market super-meltdown tied to the debt market and when he believes that will happen, whether Americans will embrace a COVID-19 vaccine once it’s approved, and why mental health issues will cripple the nation, dwarfing the physical damage done by the coronavirus. Celente developed the Globalnomic® methodology to identify, track, forecast and manage trends. Unencumbered by political dogma, rigid ideology or conventional wisdom, Celente observes and analyzes the current events forming future trends for what they are — not for the way he wants them to be. He has been featured on Oprah, all of the major network/cable morning shows and the nightly news and in newspapers worldwide. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; (919) 377-1200 or ryan@goldmanmccormick.com

4. ==> New Documentary Goes Inside a Migrant Caravan

Nat Geo’s new documentary “Blood on the Wall” takes viewers to Central America, as a caravan of migrants seeking a better life heads north to the United States, while narco-traffickers — part of the cause for the caravan — move drugs and money back and forth across the same border. The film, from Academy Award-nominated director Sebastian Junger and Emmy-winning producer Nick Quested, explores the depths of corruption plaguing Mexico and Central America and the policies of the past that have made it impossible for everyday people to find justice. Shot in the same journalistic style as their other films, “Hell on Earth: The Fall of Syria and the Rise of ISIS,” “Korengal,” and the Oscar-nominated “Restrepo,” the documentary highlights the humanity of the migrants and shows how politics, the drug trade, violence, and the desire for safety result in unbelievable anguish happening in plain sight. Producer Nick Quested is available for interviews. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com

5. ==> Emmy Awards are Sunday: Do a Show on TV Legend Lucille Ball

It won’t be at the glamourous Hollywood event we’re used to, but the show will go on this Sunday as the Emmy Awards go virtual. In anticipation of TV’s big night, celebrate the life and career of Lucille Ball, who for years was the most Emmy-garlanded woman, winning six and being nominated (if you count lifetime awards) a whopping 15 times! Her last Emmy award was given posthumously in 1989. Darin Strauss, author of “The Queen of Tuesday: A Lucille Ball Story,” will share fascinating facts about Lucy and how she transformed the TV industry and became the world’s first female media mogul — all while suspected of being a communist and navigating the public outcry over her interracial marriage to Cuban co-star Desi Arnaz. Strauss is the author of several books. His latest, “The Queen of Tuesday,” is a blend of history, fiction and memoir that imagines his grandfather having an affair with Lucille Ball — whom his grandfather actually did meet at a ceremony held by Donald Trump’s father, Fred Trump, in 1966. Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853; LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com

6. ==> Does ‘Meeting the Beatles in India’ Tell the Whole Story?

With the release of the filmmaker Paul Saltzman’s new documentary, “Meeting The Beatles in India,” now is the time to meet Susan Shumsky, who spent 22 years in the ashrams and six years on the personal staff of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of Transcendental Meditation (TM). This multi-award-winning author exposes the complete, uncensored, unapologetic, behind-the-scenes story of the Beatles in India. Susan’s fascinating version of events digs deeper to unearth much more than Saltzman’s film. Produced by David Lynch (founder of the TM-based David Lynch Foundation), the film paints TM as the hero. In contrast, Susan, a rare insider, spills stunning, behind-the-curtain secrets about what it was really like at the ashram, and how Maharishi influenced the Beatles and their song lyrics. She has participated in more than 1,200 interviews including for the Sunday Express of London, L.A. Times, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, GQ, Woman’s World, and Fox News with Alan Colmes. Susan has 18 books in print in English, 36 foreign editions, and has won 40 prestigious book awards. Reach her at (917) 992-5175; divinerev@aol.com

7. ==> Are Frozen Embryos People or Property?

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

8. ==> How to Survive an Active Shooter Situation

Gun violence is on the rise in cities across the country. In Chicago, ten people were killed and 43 injured in gun-related incidents this past weekend. Baltimore reported more than 40 shootings last week with dozens killed. How can we protect ourselves and loved ones from becoming unintended victims of the violence? What should you do if you find yourself in an active shooter situation? Explore the answers with personal protection specialist Allen Banks, developer of Active Shooter Prevention and Workplace Violence Prevention Training, plus special programs for schools and other locations. Ask him: How should people observe, react, find safety, shield others, or fight back during an active shooting incident? Which survival tips work best in different settings? Allen Banks is CEO of Proactive Protection Agency. Contact him at (661) 417-0786; abanks@rtirguests.com

9. ==> What You Could Lose by Winning a Lawsuit

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

10. ==> Tax Resolution Expert Shares COVID Tax Advice and More

Even before the pandemic, there were more than 14 million taxpayers who ended up in the collection division of the Internal Revenue Service. Now with COVID-19 affecting just about every taxpayer, both personal and business, there are likely to be many more Americans facing the wrath of the IRS. David Bradley, a CPA specializing in IRS tax resolution, says the IRS is the most brutal collection agency in the world so it’s important to know your rights. Bradley will explain the rules the IRS must abide by when conducting an audit or inquiry, share tips for interacting with IRS agents and answer questions on everything from personal tax issues to small business ones. David Bradley, CPA, has represented hundreds of clients with the IRS negotiating offers for discounted settlement, audit defense, abatement of penalties, filing multi-year delinquent returns, removal of wage garnishments, bank levy’s, payroll tax problems, and release of tax liens. Contact him at (214) 710-1255; dcb@cpafirmdallas.com

11. ==> Tools for Stressed-Out Homeschooling Parents

Parenting is never easy, but families have been stuck together for months now and things have gone a little haywire in many homes. September usually brings relief with kids going back to school, but this year many students are sitting at the kitchen table instead of a desk in a classroom. How can we keep on keeping on without completely losing it? Families will welcome the creative suggestions of educator Laurie Marshall, suggestions that will help everyone get along better and safely blow off stress. She’ll share why parents and kids should put paper bags over their heads to convey emotions such as anger and silliness, why families should make a practice of singing and dancing together, and how taking three deep breaths when they feel out of control can center parents and interrupt impulsive behavior that can lead to harming family members. Marshall is a bullying prevention expert and the author of multiple books. She has trained over 6,000 teachers in project-based learning and facilitated 125 bully-prevention, nature-based murals with over 25,000 people in schools, nonprofits, and government agencies (NASA, FEMA, U.S. Botanical Gardens). Contact Laurie Marshall at (415) 360-3304; lmarshall@rtirguests.com

12. ==> 5 Realistic Tips for Coping with Pandemic Overload

More than six months into the COVID-19 pandemic people are starting to get antsy for a return to normalcy. Rami Odeh (Oh-DAY), an author, certified exercise physiologist, personal trainer and corporate presenter, has found that his corporate clients are now seeking his advice on coping strategies they can offer their employees to lessen information overload and feelings of isolation. Odeh, who is also an on- and off-road marathoner, says, “Surviving in the age of COVID-19 is akin to running a marathon … and there are five daily steps you can take to train for living in pandemic times.” Odeh’s suggestions include reading the news instead of watching it, focusing on what’s going on in the moment instead of worrying about the future, and spending time on things you can control like your health and wellness. He’ll also discuss the benefits of soaking in a little sunshine sans sunscreen and ways to keep active, no matter what your schedule or circumstance. Odeh is the author of the three-volume series “Quiet The Noise.” Contact him at (770) 773-6970; rami@quietthenoisebook.com

13. ==> What I Learned by Facing What Most People Fear

Pandemic. Wildfire. Tornado. Earthquake. Hurricane. Tsunami. When it comes to inspiring fear, Mother Nature can sure dish it out. No one knows that better than Sana Brauner, who nearly died in a tsunami that came out of nowhere, claiming her mother and young daughter. In the 16 years since then, Sana has learned a lot about facing sudden, unexpected events and the fear they engender and can share lessons we need as we face the continued disruption of our lives from COVID-19. She can inspire audience members to see the future and create the life they need to get there. She is the author of “The Borrowed Daughter.” Contact Sana Brauner at s.brauner@ihr-einkauf.at Skype: sanabr

14. ==> Will We Run Out of Nurses?

Right now, we need nurses more than ever, but what kind of career can you expect in the profession? What should you know as you enter nursing school, graduate, become registered, and begin a nursing career? What will it take to keep you on the job? How can we all help prevent nursing shortages since the aging population needs such professionals more than ever? You’ll want to explore this timely topic and the nursing experience with all its implications by interviewing Nancy Congleton. In addition to offering solutions to help today’s nurses and ultimately everyone they serve, she will reveal the unexpected realities of the nursing profession, five relationship dynamics that nurses face, legal issues, and the concerns everyone should have when nurses feel so unprepared and overworked that they leave. An outspoken registered nurse known as Nurse Nancy, Nancy Covington has worked in the NICU, ER and case management. She’s the author of “Autopsy of the NP: Dissecting the Nursing Profession Piece By Piece.” Contact Nancy Congleton at (918) 992-4616; NCongleton@rtirguests.com

15. ==> How Your Disorganization Could Actually Kill You

In the middle of the coronavirus crisis, keeping your own medical records in order is more important than ever. In a medical emergency, anyone can be rattled enough to forget important details, finding themselves unable to answer physicians’ important questions about their health or that of a loved one. Anne McAwley-LeDuc, a retired nurse practitioner APRN), learned this the hard way after her husband fell down the stairs and showed signs of paralysis. At the hospital, physicians sought answers about his medical history, but she couldn’t answer vital questions. McAwley-LeDuc wants to help others — especially ordinary folks with no medical background — advocate for themselves and their loved ones for better and safer health care. She’ll discuss the role patients play in reducing medical errors, ways disorganized medical records can be deadly, and why so few patients keep good medical records or grasp the need to do so. Anne McAwley-LeDuc developed the “Personal Health Organizer” to keep essential medical information in one place and provide a snapshot of your health history. Contact her at (860) 300-1603; AMcAwley@rtirguests.com

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

01. Comedian Michael Ian Black on Raising Better Men
02. ‘Little House’ Star finds Virtual Fans Off the Prairie
03. 9/11: Put Politics Aside and Do Good Deeds
04. Is Wall Street Eyeing the USPS?
05. Time to Move Out of the City? Americans Seek Safe Havens
06. National Grandparents Day is Sunday
07. Help Teens Navigate the New Normal
08. Ways Parents Can Make This School Year a Success
09. How the Law of Unintended Consequences Shapes Our Lives
10. Award-Winning Musician on God, Science and Rock ’n’ Roll
11. Why Everyone Is Getting on Your Nerves
12. How a New Hobby Could Save Your Life
13. This Guest Gives 1,300+ Tips on Making Meaning
14. Why a Too Safe Life is Dangerous
15. Can You Drink Your Way to Increased Immunity?

1.==> Comedian Michael Ian Black on Raising Better Men

Michael Ian Black is many things: actor, comedian, screenwriter, award-winning children’s book author, essayist, memoirist, podcaster. He is also a man, and the father of a boy on the cusp of manhood himself. In his new book, “A Better Man: A (Mostly Serious) Letter to My Son,” Black offers a thoughtful and personal appraisal of the complicated meaning of masculinity in our times. Written in the form of a letter to his son as he gets ready to leave for college, the book is based on both personal experience and thoughtful observation of the rapid changes taking place in society. Black also shares stories of his complicated relationship with his own father, who died when he was a child, and his upbringing in an often-contentious lesbian household. Invite Black on your show to discuss coming-of-age in a time when boys were routinely told to “act like a man,” with no direction on how to do so—or even what those words meant; why we need to challenge the outdated assumptions our society continues to impose on boys about their place in the world; and how boys of the rising generation can navigate that change to become more evolved men. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com

2. ==> ‘Little House’ Star finds Virtual Fans Off the Prairie

While much of Hollywood and the entertainment industry has found themselves without work or creative outlets during the COVID crisis, there are those who embraced the situation and reinvented themselves to meet the circumstances. At a time when people across the country have been social distancing because of the coronavirus pandemic, Alison Arngrim, has been very social, albeit virtually. You may remember Alison as the bonnet-wearing, nasty Nellie Oleson from the 70s TV classic “Little House on the Prairie.” In the early days of the pandemic, Alison started reading the Little House book series live on Facebook and quickly drew an enthusiastic and loyal audience as she added special virtual guests to participate in the daily readings. Now, as the entertainment industry starts to slowly reopen, Arngrim has several new projects in the works. She’ll start shooting the musically-driven family feature “Twice Upon a Song” in Utah later this month and she now has her own radio show! In addition to acting, Alison Arngrim is a bestselling author, activist, and stand-up comedian. She currently serves as president, national spokesperson, and founding board member of The National Association to Protect Children. Contact Harlan Boll at hboll@rtirguests.com

3. ==> 9/11: Put Politics Aside and Do Good Deeds

This Friday marks the 19th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In keeping with a tradition begun in 2004, numerous leaders of the 9/11 community have sent letters to the Trump and Biden campaigns requesting that each voluntarily suspend political campaign activities, social media, and advertising this Friday, in favor of solemn expressions of service and remembrance. “On this one day, we ask President Trump and Vice President Biden to honor those lost, and those who rose in service, by setting aside their political differences for the moment and focusing instead on the solemn nature of the day and the opportunity that they and we all have to make a difference for those in need,” says Jay Winuk, cofounder of the nonprofit 9/11 Day. Given the current pandemic, the group is providing creative, virtual ways for Americans to participate in what is now known as the National Day of Service and Remembrance. The 911Day.org website features good deeds that can all be done virtually and include supporting frontline workers, voting access, COVID-19 response, supporting struggling local restaurants, promoting diversity and more. Jay Winuk and David Paine started the nonprofit 9/11 Day after Winuk’s brother Glenn, a lawyer, volunteer firefighter and EMT, died in the 2001 terrorist attack at the World Trade Center in New York City. Contact Emily Walsh or Omar Renta at 9/11day@sunshinesachs.com

4.==> Is Wall Street Eyeing the USPS?

Apart from politically motivated attacks on the Postal Service before the election, Porter McConnell says there’s another malevolent force at work on this important institution: Wall Street. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy is reportedly in talks with JPMorgan Chase, the largest bank in the United States, on an exclusive contract to put that private bank’s branches inside post offices. She says, “JPMorgan and DeJoy are trying to head off rising support for what is known as ‘postal banking’ — a plan to revive the post office as a place where people can go to get low-cost, non-predatory banking services.” McConnell says we should treat the U.S. Postal Service as a service, not a business, and certainly not a plaything of Wall Street. She suggests the Post Office become a local hub for services, as in other countries. “They already provide money orders and manage passport applications. What if they could provide everything from basic bank accounts to remittances to fishing licenses? We could join our OECD peers, and indeed most nations around the globe, in using the over 30,000 post offices around the country to provide the bricks-and-mortar infrastructure needed to serve every community in the digital age.” Porter McConnell is Take on Wall Street campaign director at Americans for Financial Reform. Contact Carter Dougherty at carter@ourfinancialsecurity.org; @RealBankReform

5. ==> Time to Move Out of the City? Americans Seek Safe Havens

Big cities around the country are experiencing a mass exodus. In just three months, New York City has seen more than 400,000 residents relocate to smaller towns, and every other major city is seeing similar urban flight. Meantime, Realtors in rural areas are reporting a surge in people buying houses sight unseen! Marjorie Wildcraft says it’s becoming clear to more and more people that working remotely, as well as never-ending coronavirus waves and a host of other threats, are here to stay, and it’s time for a permanent move to a safer location. But where? What are the most important things to consider in choosing a new place to live? What are the biggest mistakes people make? Wildcraft can answer all those questions and share how to quickly find a community you’ll love that also has the resiliency that’s essential in these challenging times. Listeners will learn seven shortcuts to finding the perfect safe haven, specific elements any property you purchase needs to have today, and the “gas tank” rule. National Geographic featured Marjory Wildcraft as an expert in off-the-grid living. She’s hosted the Mother Earth News Online Homesteading Summit and is the founder of the Grow Network, an online community of 450,000 people devoted to stopping the destruction of the Earth via homegrown food. Contact Shay Jackson at media@marjorywildcraft.com or (312) 971-7214

6. ==> National Grandparents Day: Are Grandparents More Important Than Ever?

This Sunday, September 13th, is National Grandparents Day, a time for us to celebrate the special gifts grandparents bring to our lives and those of our children. Perhaps it is more important to celebrate this holiday this year during the pandemic when seeing grandparents face-to-face may be not be possible. The role grandparents play in children’s lives is evolving and as many as 2.7 million grandparents have assumed the responsibility of raising their grandchildren. This year, why not honor this special bond by interviewing Oliver Akamnonu, M.D., who can discuss why he and his wife left their high-powered careers to help their daughter and new grandchild and why today’s grandparents often go beyond offering financial support, childcare and parental advice to make a difference in their family’s lives? Dr. Akamnonu has authored 18 books including one with his wife, “Little Baby Lydia, Grandma, Grandpa and Student Mom: Saga of Family Role Reversal and the New Times.” Contact Dr. Oliver Akamnonu at (413) 206-6753; oakamnonu@rtirguests.com

7. ==> Help Teens Navigate the New Normal

School is back in session but for millions of teens, there are still no lunches with friends, after-school sports or clubs. Isolation caused by social distancing has been difficult for most of us. But according to Steven Hall, M.D., this has been especially hard on teens. “Interacting with their peers is very important to teenagers,” he says. “This is a normal stage of development. COVID-19 is interfering with that and may be creating some especially powerful feelings in teens.” Trained in traditional Western medicine, Dr. Steven combines alternative, integrative medicine into his practice to simultaneously treat patients’ bodies, minds and spirits. He can share simple yet powerful advice to help your teen get through these challenging times. He is the author of “The 7 Tools of Healing: Unlock Your Inner Wisdom and Live the Life Your Soul Desires.” Contact him at (425) 531-3684, shall@rtirguests.com

8. ==> Ways Parents Can Make This School Year a Success

We all hoped social distancing and wearing face masks would be over by the time kids went back to school. But COVID-19 is far from over. How can parents who had no intention of (or experience) being home-school teachers make the most of this year? Jean Alfieri, author of “Zuggy the Rescue Pug,” can offer six ways to make this school term a success. With many schools requiring both in-person and at-home learning, Jean suggests parents follow these steps: Stay positive. Your kids will likely embrace your attitude so let them know this is unusual but okay. Make it fun; get outside and enjoy a lesson under a tree while the weather is still nice. Use your resources; there are plenty if you know where to look. Plan your day; a regular routine and a posted agenda are good for kids and grown-ups. Don’t forget the arts; many schools have cut out art and music classes, but they are important to a child’s creative brain. Allow yourself some grace; you’re doing a great job! Jean is a veteran of organizational development in both small and large companies who left the corporate world to pursue more personal projects. Contact her at (602) 397-1344; ZuggythePug@gmail.com

9. ==> How the Law of Unintended Consequences Shapes Our Lives

You’ve heard of the law of gravity, the laws of electricity and magnetism and general relativity. Each has an enormous impact on life in the universe. But Steve Mays has discovered what may be an even more powerful law — the law of unintended consequences, which he likes to think of as “a law created by God to let us silly humans know that we are not quite as smart and clever as we think we are.” On your show, Steve can look at ways unintended consequences played out in the past and continue to do so today. For example, he says Watergate was an unintended consequence of Richard Nixon’s paranoia. Impeachment, loss of law license, thousands of dollars in settlements, and loss of control of the House and Senate were Bill Clinton’s unintended consequences from his association with Monica Lewinsky. The more unintended consequences that occur as a result of a leader’s actions and the more significant they are, the clearer the signal that the leader is in trouble, Steve says. No one can completely avoid unintended consequences because none of us is that good. Ask him what leaders can do instead. Mays is the author of “Power of 3 Leadership, Lessons in Leadership.” A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis who served on nuclear submarines, he was a mathematician, electrical engineer and nuclear engineer who worked in private industry and at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Contact Steven Mays at (703) 552-5672; smays@rtirguests.com

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

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

11. ==> Why Everyone Is Getting on Your Nerves

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

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

Having a hobby or two is good advice for living a happier life. But did you know that it could also be lifesaving? This is particularly true for recent empty nesters, according to award-winning author Mary K. Savarese, whose own hobby — writing books — came after her last child left home and she overcame significant anxiety about her new family dynamic. Mary can talk about why it is important to find yourself, how anxiety can become your best friend and even how to find a new hobby (that could turn into a career) that’s best for you. Mary has appeared in local publications and has been featured on Mindalia TV, NBC affiliate and iHeartRadio. Her latest book is “Tigers Love Bubble Baths & Obsession Perfume, (who knew!).” Contact Mary at (860) 550-3344; maryksavarese@gmail.co

13. == > This Guest Gives 1,300+ Tips on Making Meaning

Invite writer and Professor Bob Lichtenbert, Ph.D., on-air for an unforgettable interview. His latest book includes over 1,300 pieces of advice on how to make more meaning (defined as “impact for good”) in one’s life and especially in other’s lives. Isn’t it a great goal for anyone, to be happier? Bob will reveal how his information applies the greatest idea of making meaning in our daily lives and how he makes his advice accessible to the typical person. Learn how and why he started “collecting” tips on index cards almost 40 years ago. His “tips” introduce the new field he calls “meaningology.” You’ll hear some of his favorites: connect to something larger than yourself (other people, helpful social causes, God) and know the absolute laws of logic to determine the soundness of all thinking. This is especially meaningful during COVID-19! Contact Bob at (773) 819-9184; BLichtenbert@rtirguests.com

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

Everyone wants to feel safe, especially when a virulent virus makes its way around the world. But safety has a downside we don’t always think about … it can actually be dangerous, says author and adventurer Sparrow Hart. Invite him on your program to discuss why “safety-ism” — valuing safety above everything else — runs counter to both scientific research and ancient wisdom. You’ll learn why safety is antithetical to passion and growth, and toxic to a life of adventure and meaning. Sparrow’s varied career includes being a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Stanford University, a brief stint working in a slaughterhouse, adventures in the Amazon jungle, and over 30 years of leading workshops on shamanism, the heroic journey, and vision quests in nature. He is the author of several books including “Letters to the River: A Guide to a Dream Worth Living.” Contact him at (801) 516-0740; SHart@rtirguests.com

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

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

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