Category: Weekly Ezine Archives

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

    June 16, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    5. ==> How Fathers Can Reconnect with Sons

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    When’s the last time you had a decent conversation?
    Particularly with someone who doesn’t think as you do.
    Today we find ourselves in an overly connected society
    that ironically experiences very little real connection
    between individuals. Why? “Much of this can be laid at
    the doorstep of technology that reinforces our desire
    for speed and availability over true connection –
    individual to individual, face to face,” says Ivan
    Obolensky. Deterioration in the art of communication
    can be seen across kitchen tables as well as across the
    country in race relations, political debates and late-
    night pundits. Interview Ivan to find out what your
    audience needs to know now to create meaningful
    conversations. We can start by being curious and
    interested instead of being interesting and learning
    what to avoid at all costs (don’t commit “assumicide”).
    Obolensky is an author and Renaissance man. His novel
    “Eye of the Moon” won “Best First Book (Fiction)” in
    the IndieReader Discovery Awards. Contact Ivan
    Obolensky at (818) 495-8731; IObolensky@rtirguests.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    On March 26 Renae Baker was working as a Lyft driver
    when she picked up Dr. Frank Gabrin after his shift at
    East Orange Hospital in New Jersey. Five days later he
    was dead from COVID-19, becoming the first ER doctor in
    the country to die from the virus. Baker says they
    talked the entire 35-minute ride to his home in New
    York City and some of what they discussed may have
    saved her own life in the following days. Dr. Gabrin
    developed his first symptoms later that morning. Baker
    developed hers shortly after and has since recovered.
    She will reveal what Dr. Gabrin told her about life
    inside the ER during this pandemic, the surprising
    thing he and other doctors were seeing at the moment of
    COVID-19 deaths, and why he thought this could be an
    important spiritual moment in our history. Baker says
    they discussed everything from morale among health-care
    workers to what happened when nurses got sick and how
    doctors were being treated by hospital administrators.
    Renae Baker is an author and speaker who has managed a
    professional caroling company for decades. She has been
    featured on Fox News and many more media outlets.
    Contact her at (917) 509-9022; ismileny@gmail.com

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

  • 06/02/20 RTIR Newsletter: Violence at Rallies, Covid and Sobriety, Clarity in a Pandemic

    June 2, 2020

    1. Are Extremists Inciting Violence at Rallies? White Nationalists or Antifa?
    2. Vicarious Racism: Just Watching Hurts
    3. ACLU Creates App to Help People Record Police Misconduct
    4. George Floyd’s Murder: Are We Ready to Listen?
    5. How White Parents Can Talk to Their Kids about Racism
    6. Trump’s Incendiary Language and Lone-Wolf Whistle Violence
    7. ‘Why I Forgave My Son’s Murderers’
    8. Reality TV Addiction Expert on COVID and Sobriety
    9. The Simple Daily Ritual That Saves Lives
    10. Homeschooling Tips Parents Need Right Now
    11. How Parents Can Ensure Their Children Earn a Living Wage
    12. 5 Ways to Find Clarity and Confidence in Pandemic Times
    13. World-Famous Natural Healer’s Secrets Using Ingredients in Your Kitchen
    14. 5 Realistic Tips for Coping with Pandemic Overload
    15. ‘Kung Fu’ Cast Member on New Film and TV Series

    1.==> Are Extremists Inciting Violence at Rallies? White Nationalists or Antifa?

    As demonstrations over George Floyd’s death spread
    across the country, many peaceful protests are turning
    violent. Some say extremists are behind the mayhem, but
    which ones? Some point to white nationalists but
    others, like President Trump, blame a group called
    Antifa. Short for anti-fascists, Antifa’s roots can be
    traced to Nazi Germany and Anti-Fascist Action, a
    militant group founded in the 1980s in the United
    Kingdom. “Modern-day Antifa members have become more
    active in making themselves known at public rallies and
    within the progressive movement,” says Brian Levin,
    director of the Center for the Study of Hate and
    Extremism at California State University, San
    Bernardino. “What they’re trying to do now is not only
    become prominent through violence at these high-profile
    rallies, but also to reach out through small meetings
    and through social networking to cultivate
    disenfranchised progressives who heretofore were
    peaceful.” Levin says Antifa activists feel the need to
    partake in violence because “they believe that elites
    are controlling the government and the media. So, they
    need to make a statement head-on against the people who
    they regard as racist.” Brian Levin is a criminologist
    and civil rights attorney who specializes in analysis
    of hate crime, terrorism and legal issues. He has
    appeared on every network and cable television evening
    news broadcast and various network magazine shows on
    the subjects of civil rights, criminal law, and
    extremism. Contact him at (909) 537-7711;
    Blevin8@aol.com

    1. ==> Vicarious Racism: Just Watching Hurts

    Watching the unsettling video of George Floyd crying
    out for his mother while gasping for air is disturbing,
    to say the least. So are the scenes from violent
    protests around the country. Witnessing acts of racism
    can produce fear, anger and outrage, but even those who
    don’t take to the streets can experience significant
    emotional distress. Experts call it “vicarious racism”
    and say you can witness it in person or via video,
    radio or social media. And you don’t have to be the
    victim to be harmed. “I think of it as like a
    secondhand racism, similar to secondhand smoke,” says
    Chicago pediatrician Dr. Nia Heard-Garris, who chairs
    the minority health, equity and inclusion committee of
    the American Academy of Pediatrics. “Some people think
    only black and brown folks who see themselves as
    potential victims will identify and experience health
    impacts,” Heard-Garris says. “But we have data that
    shows despite color, if a person is exposed to racism,
    it hurts them too. It really actually hurts all of us.”
    Heard-Garris studies the impact of vicarious racism on
    health, especially children’s health. She says
    observing racism in the media or hearing about it from
    friends may transmit trauma to children as they imagine
    their parents, siblings or even themselves in place of
    the target. “The biggest kind of health impacts are the
    behavioral health issues,” Heard-Garris says. “Some
    kids will show aggression and other negative behaviors.
    Others will go within and be socially withdrawn, be
    distant from others and not seek help when they really
    need it.” Contact Jon Yates at (847) 491-4892;
    jon.yates@northwestern.edu

    1. ==> ACLU Creates App to Help People Record Police
      Misconduct

    The American Civil Liberties Union is encouraging
    protesters and others to use the group’s Mobile Justice
    app to document their interactions with police in case
    the situation escalates. Marcus Benigno, a spokesperson
    for the ACLU in Southern California, says it could come
    in handy during ongoing protests over police
    misconduct. “There is no doubt that moments like these
    highlight the importance of the app,” Benigno says.
    “Without a video of the unfortunate and tragic
    incident, we probably wouldn’t even know George Floyd’s
    name.” The ACLU first released the Mobile Justice app
    in 2015. Videos are automatically uploaded to the
    organization’s server to ensure they are saved even if
    a phone is seized or destroyed. The American Civil
    Liberties Union (ACLU) is a nonprofit organization
    founded in 1920 “to defend and preserve the individual
    rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this
    country by the Constitution and laws of the United
    States.” Contact Marcus Benigno at (213) 977-5252;
    communications@aclusocal.org

    4.==> George Floyd’s Murder: Are We Ready to Listen?

    In Minneapolis, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and
    other cities protestors have been taking to the streets
    to ensure that George Floyd’s death is not forgotten.
    Floyd, an unarmed and handcuffed black man who died on
    a Minneapolis street under the knee of a white police
    officer, is the latest in an unending string of people
    who were dehumanized and attacked for being black. As
    anger and emotions run high across the country,
    interview black journalist Nita Wiggins who says the
    only way to turn down the heat is to Listen to Others
    as we would have them listen to us. She’ll talk about
    ways to accomplish that. An experienced interviewer and
    professor of journalism, Nita is the author of “Civil
    Rights Baby,” a book in which she describes the harm
    she suffered when she was not heard on the job. Contact
    her at nita@nitawiggins.com

    1. ==> How White Parents Can Talk to Their Kids about
      Racism

    As protests and riots continue across the country in
    the wake of George Floyd’s death, parents across the
    country are figuring out how to talk to their children
    about the protests and about fighting racism. For
    African American families, the discussions are likely
    nothing new, but in white families, particularly those
    who have tried to bring up children to be “colorblind,”
    it can be particularly difficult. For white parents who
    may not feel confident speaking with their children
    about race, or who may not feel as if they have all the
    answers, this can be an opportunity to learn with your
    children, according to Margaret Hagerman, a sociologist
    and the author of “White Kids: Growing Up With
    Privilege in a Racially Divided America.” “In order to
    understand the present, we have to understand the past,
    and it might mean that you don’t know all the answers
    and you don’t feel confident even talking about this
    with your children. But that means that you could do
    some work to learn the answers to these questions,” she
    says. “You can take the time to read up on this and
    this could be something even that you do with your
    children.” Margaret A. Hagerman teaches sociology at
    Mississippi State University She studies racial
    socialization, or how kids learn about racism, racial
    inequality, and racial privilege in the context of
    their everyday lives. Contact Haberman at
    mah1125@msstate.edu; @maggiehagerman

    1. ==> Trump’s Incendiary Language and Lone-Wolf
      Whistle Violence

    For some Americans, President Trump’s language is
    incendiary garbage. But does it actually elicit acts of
    violence? While nobody would label Trump a gifted
    orator, what he says has power and renowned
    communication expert Helio Fred Garcia says his
    dangerous rhetoric has motivated lone wolves to commit
    violence. Invite the author of “Words On Fire: The
    Power of Incendiary Language and How to Confront It” to
    discuss the language President Trump uses that
    conditions an audience to accept, condone, and commit
    violence against a targeted group, rival, or critic and
    the history of such rhetoric. He’ll explain “lone-wolf
    whistle violence” — a term he coined to describe
    rhetoric that provokes violence on the model of “dog
    whistle” politics, where politicians use coded language
    that conveys benign meaning to most people, but a
    different meaning to members of a certain group or
    followers of a certain ideology. Learn the playbook of
    12 forms of communication that typically precede acts
    of mass violence and how civic leaders and engaged
    citizens can hold leaders accountable to prevent such
    harm. Helio Fred Garcia is president of the crisis
    management firm Logos Consulting Group and is on the
    adjunct faculties of New York University and Columbia
    University. He is a senior fellow at the Institute of
    Corporate Communication at Communication University of
    China and a contract lecturer at the Defense
    Information School and at the Wharton School,
    University of Pennsylvania. Garcia’s previous books
    include “The Agony of Decision: Mental Readiness and
    Leadership in a Crisis” and “The Power of
    Communication: Skills to Build Trust, Inspire Loyalty,
    and Lead Effectively.” Contact Johanna Ramos Boyer at
    (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell);
    johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 646-5188

    1. ==> ‘Why I Forgave My Son’s Murderers’

    In May it was seven years since Rev. Meghan Smith
    Brooks lost her 29-year-old younger son. Justin’s body
    was found in a river, wrapped in chains and weighed
    down by a cinder block. Justin, the father of a five-
    year-old, had been shot three times. It would take 18
    months for two arrests to be made. Interview Meghan to
    find out how she coped with the tragedy and why she was
    able to forgive her son’s murderers. She can talk about
    whether grief ever goes away and why forgiveness is so
    important to moving forward as well as share tips other
    people can use who are currently grieving. Meghan is an
    ordained Unity Minister and certified grief coach. She
    is the author of the upcoming book “Unraveling Grief: A
    Mother’s Spiritual Journey After Losing Her Son.” She
    was the keynote speaker at Missouri’s event
    commemorating National Crime Victim Awareness Week in
    April. Contact Meghan Smith Brooks at (816) 844-6783;
    mbrooks@rtirguests.com

    1. ==> Reality TV Addiction Expert on COVID and
      Sobriety

    COVID-19 has caused numerous physical and mental health
    issues and is creating special problems for addicts
    trying to maintain sobriety during the pandemic. Even
    though she’s 14 years sober, Jennifer Gimenez
    recognizes the impact of isolation and stress from the
    global health crisis as she works through her own
    sobriety. Listeners will recognize Jennifer, a former
    supermodel, from the VH1 reality television series
    “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew” and as the sober living
    house manager on the spinoff, “Sober House.” She also
    appeared on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” and
    in the film “Blow.” Invite Jennifer on your show to
    share her story of sobriety during the coronavirus
    crisis and create greater awareness about treatment
    options and resources for addicts and those touched by
    addiction. Jennifer Gimenez is regularly featured as an
    addiction and recovery expert on numerous television
    networks and social media platforms. Contact Clarissa
    Ford at (646) 843-1828; cford@5wpr.com

    1. ==> The Simple Daily Ritual That Saves Lives

    It is something that anyone can do. It is free. It
    doesn’t require special equipment. Even children can do
    it. It can be done at work, in bed, on the floor or in
    a chair. And it can be lifesaving. It is the daily
    ritual that could save your life, yet most people do
    not practice it. John Sambalino can explain how you can
    make meditation the daily ritual that helps improve
    your health, relationships, job performance and mood,
    and how he has even used meditation to help prison
    inmates avoid future crimes. John will also discuss how
    its calmness reduces stress, helps you deal with
    deadlines, leads to better sleep, and even boosts
    memory. He is the author of “Is God in That Bottle Cap?
    A Search for Truth.” Ask him: Why do so many
    celebrities practice meditation? How has meditation
    helped people face the coronavirus epidemic? What are
    some common myths that keep people from trying
    meditation? Contact John Sambalino at (856) 245-5062;
    jsambalino@rtirguests.com

    1. ==> Homeschooling Tips Parents Need Right Now

    With schools closed, many parents are now their
    children’s primary educators, a role for which they are
    largely unprepared. Laurie Marshall, a career educator
    and author of “Beating the Odds Now” and other books,
    says parents can be highly effective at exposing their
    children to the rich world around them by paying
    attention to two questions whose answers will be
    different for each of their children. What brings that
    child joy? What fascinates them? Bring Laurie on your
    program to hear creative ways parents can be memorable
    homeschool teachers by zeroing in on who their child
    is. 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 Marshall
    at (415) 360-3304; lmarshall@rtirguests.com

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

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

    1. ==> 5 Ways to Find Clarity and Confidence in
      Pandemic Times

    Life during the coronavirus pandemic has brought with
    it accelerated change; jobs have been lost, hours have
    been cut, relatives and neighbors have sickened and
    died, and comfortable routines involving socializing,
    entertainment, religious attendance and even grocery
    shopping have been upended. And while no one ever knows
    the future, for many it appears confusing, fuzzy and
    scary but at the same time, it presents an opportunity
    to regroup and focus on the next steps. Cindy Cipriani
    offers tools for navigating through this unprecedented
    period when life feels like it is spinning out of
    control using her 5C solution. You’ll learn how your
    hand can help you make wise choices in a moment of
    chaos, three steps for gaining greater clarity in
    deciding what you want and need and ways making
    commitments can help you move from stuck to unstuck.
    Cipriani will explain how to use the 5Cs in a range of
    circumstances from adapting a business to breaking free
    from domestic violence. Cindy Cipriani is an award-
    winning business owner, keynote speaker, author and
    clarity coach. The founder of the Clear Path Institute,
    she helps individuals and families create healthy
    relationships and trains business and sales teams to be
    more successful. Her latest book is “The 5C Solution:
    Discover Clarity & Confidence in Times of Change.”
    Contact her at (856) 534-7070; cindycip1@gmail.com

    1. ==> World-Famous Natural Healer’s Secrets Using
      Ingredients in Your Kitchen

    Before Clint Rogers, Ph.D. spent a decade traveling the
    world with the legendary Indian master healer Dr.
    Pankaj Naram, the university researcher was a skeptic
    when it came to alternative medicine. But after
    witnessing Dr. Naram in action and watching him cure
    Dr. Clint’s father, the researcher’s attitude changed.
    Dr. Naram, who counted among his patients the Dalai
    Lama, Mother Teresa, and Nelson Mandela as well as many
    ordinary people, passed away on Feb. 19. Sharing Dr.
    Naram’s wisdom with people all over the world is Dr.
    Clint’s priority and “Ancient Secrets of a Master
    Healer: A Western Skeptic, An Eastern Master, and
    Life’s Greatest Secrets” is his new book. On your show,
    he’ll discuss how to boost your immune system with
    things already in your home, instantly reduce anxiety
    and release stress, and reduce blood pressure to normal
    in minutes. Listeners will learn ways to ease arthritis
    and joint pain with food, improve memory and focus by
    pressing certain points on the body and achieve healthy
    and lasting weight loss. Clint G. Rogers, Ph.D., is a
    university researcher whose TEDx talk on Dr. Naram has
    been viewed by millions. Dr. Clint designed and taught
    with Dr. Naram a university certification course in
    Berlin, Germany, for doctors. Contact him at (914)
    215-4792; DrClint@MyAncientSecrets.com

    1. ==> 5 Realistic Tips for Coping with Pandemic
      Overload

    More than two 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

    1. ==> ‘Kung Fu’ Cast Member on New Film & TV Series

    You may have read the recent announcements in The
    Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Deadline, The Wrap, etc.,
    that the “Kung Fu” Movie is in the works! Universal has
    optioned the 1970s martial arts western television show
    and is developing it as a big-screen property with
    director David Leitch. In addition, “Hobbs & Shaw”
    filmmakers will also produce the adaptation of the ’70s
    TV series over at Warner Bros. Radames Pera, who played
    Caine “Grasshopper” throughout the series, is the only
    remaining cast member alive. Invite him on your show to
    discuss the series which ran from 1972 to 1975 and
    starred David Carradine as a monk who came to the
    American West in search of his half-brother. Kung Fu
    gained a cult following and injected the phrase “young
    grasshopper” into the pop culture lexicon via
    flashbacks to Caine’s training as a teenager. Pera also
    had a recurring role on “Little House on the Prairie”
    and appeared on “The Six Million Dollar Man,” “The
    Waltons,” “Hawaii Five-O” and other TV shows. Radames
    Pera is available via Skype or phone from France, where
    he took his family when the COVID pandemic began.
    Contact Harlan Boll at hboll@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

  • 05/28/20 RTIR Newsletter: Political Gridlock, Self-Healing Success, Insurance Company Secrets

    May 28, 2020

    01. This Could End Political Gridlock
    02. COVID: History will Judge U.S. Harshly
    03. Fishermen: White House Exploiting COVID to Privatize Ocean
    04. What the Future of Work Will Look Like
    05. Need a Reason to Smile? One’s Coming This Sunday 🙂
    06. Tigers Love Bubble Baths … More Than Murder
    07. Weddings in the Age of Coronavirus
    08. How to Stay Close to Children You Can’t See in Person
    09. From Viruses to Migraines and Beyond – Self-Healing Secrets
    10. 5 Tips for Anyone Considering a Career Change
    11. Gun Sales are Soaring – Safety and Self-Defense Tips
    12. What Your Insurance Company Doesn’t Want You to Know
    13. Fibro Lady Delivers You Pain-Free Living
    14. This Sugar Witch Could Save Your Life
    15. Use a Pencil, Crayon or Pen to Battle Anxiety

    1. ==> This Could End Political Gridlock

    Americans blame political dysfunction – federal, state, and local – for limiting and even holding back America’s competitiveness and our ability to strengthen the U.S. economy. But how do we break the partisan gridlock that threatens to unravel our democracy? The founder of The Institute for Political Innovation, Katherine Gehl, will share key areas of nonpartisan change, political innovation, and action that could improve America’s political system and ability to compete globally. She’ll explain how we can re-engineer our “elections machinery” by replacing single candidate voting, eliminate partisan control of House and Senate rules and processes, and end our current duopoly political process to force Democrats and Republicans to operate under the potential threat from competitors. Katherine M. Gehl is former CEO of Wisconsin’s Gehl Foods and the originator of Politics Industry Theory. She and Harvard economist Michael Porter are the authors of “The Politics Industry: How Political Innovation Can Break Partisan Gridlock and Save Our Democracy.” Contact Johanna Ramos Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell); johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 646-5188

    2. ==> COVID: History will Judge U.S. Harshly

    John Barry, the author of a bestselling book about the 1918 pandemic, says the U.S.’s handling of the coronavirus outbreak will be remembered as “incomprehensively incoherent.” The historian and author of “The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History,” will share lessons we can learn from that chapter in our history and explain why he gives Donald Trump’s handling of the crisis a 3.5 on a scale of 1-to-10. He’ll discuss the role that fear played in the 1918 pandemic, why it is known as the Spanish Flu even though it didn’t originate there, and how the virus swept through the country in waves, with the second one being the most deadly. John Barry is a professor at the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. He recently wrote “Containing the coronavirus hasn’t worked. What do we do now?” for the New York Times. Contact Tulane University’s Faith Dawson at dawson@tulane.edu; (504) 247-1432 or Bari Bronston at bbronst@tulane.edu; (504) 314-7444

    3. ==> Fishermen: White House Exploiting COVID to Privatize Ocean

    Making a living from fishing was already difficult before the COVID-19 pandemic. Independent and small fishing operators rely on restaurants for up to 85% of their business so when lockdown measures began and restaurants shuttered, thousands of small fishing businesses faced bankruptcy. When President Trump announced a rollback on commercial regulations earlier this month many hoped it would bring relief, instead the order essentially opens federal waters to private companies farming fish in giant pens. “Aquaculture” is touted as an emerging industry, but environmentalists say the farms not only displace local fishermen, they disrupt the natural ecosystem, create pollution and could break the foundational links in food chains from the Gulf to Africa. “This is the nightmare scenario: Having all these factory fish farms offshore that are going to be breeding disease and causing pollution,” says Rosanna Marie Neill, policy counsel at the Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance, a group that advocates for fishermen. “That’s the last thing we need right now when we’re going through a pandemic.” Contact Neill at rosanna@namanet.org

    4. ==> What the Future of Work Will Look Like

    The world of work will never be the same. The coronavirus has fundamentally changed every aspect of business — from our commute to our work environment to how we interact with our colleagues. Invite Alexander Alonso to share the many ways COVID-19 is reshaping and reinventing the workplace. Alonso, chief knowledge officer for the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), says telework is here to stay for many businesses. Others, he says, will be scrapping open concepts and shared spaces in favor of closed cubicles and offices. From daily temperature screenings to personal protective equipment, Alonso says HR and business departments must now collaborate; instead of showing an organization is recession-proof, an organization must now prove it is “pandemic proof.” Contact Cooper Nye at (703) 535-6447; Cooper.nye@shrm.org

    5. ==> Need a Reason to Smile? One’s Coming this Sunday 🙂

    The country could be forgiven if its citizens didn’t feel like smiling much these days; after all, people are sick and dying from a mysterious contagious disease and are prohibited from getting too close to each other, and unemployment is at record levels. Yet it is because we find ourselves in this dire situation that it is more important than ever to smile at one another — even from six-feet apart — says Barry Shore, who is known as The Ambassador of Joy. Shore will be celebrating National Smile Day on May 31 and wants everyone else to join him by starting the day with a big smile on their faces. Certainly, if there is anyone who knows how to smile through adversity it is Shore, a successful serial entrepreneur with three patents who in 2004 became a quadriplegic overnight from a rare disease. During the 16 years that followed, Shore has pushed himself to regain much of his functioning even as he inspires other people to see the joy in their lives. Shore can also talk about his Keep Smiling Movement which he co-founded with well-known celebrity photographer Ken Rochon. Barry hosts “The Joy of Living” podcast and is the founder of the JOY of Living Institute. He has been featured on CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox and in O Magazine, Forbes, Daily Herald, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, MarketWatch and more. Contact him at (310) 770-4685; barry@barryshore.com

    6. ==> Tigers Love Bubble Baths … More Than Murder

    With its tales of big cats and murder, “Tiger King” became one of the most talked-about shows streaming on Netflix during the coronavirus lockdown. Suddenly, tigers are hot! But, as award-winning author Mary K. Savarese will tell you, tigers have a softer, cooler side: they love bubble baths and lapping up Obsession perfume like a cocktail. Mary will explain that tigers are the only big cats that like water. They are also lazy and known to sleep away the day but will sit in a tub with bubbles forever. Mary can also talk about ways your audience can help the reserves that care for big cats and save their lives. It was at one such reserve that Mary, a mystery romance writer, got the idea for her latest book, “Tigers Love Bubble Baths & Obsession Perfume.” That happened when she witnessed a 600-pound Siberian Tiger jump into a galvanized tank filled with bubble baths. Contact Mary at (860) 550-3344; maryksavarese@gmail.com

    7. ==> Weddings in the Age of Coronavirus

    Couples spend months or even years planning their big day, but the coronavirus has put the kibosh on many upcoming ceremonies and events. What’s a couple to do? Invite wedding and event planner Lynne Goldberg to discuss how COVID has changed the wedding business and how couples are coping. She says some couples are postponing their event while others are going with a scaled-down virtual version. And others have canceled altogether. Goldberg can share tips for dealing with vendors, what to do with decorations and food and even how to notify your guests. Lynne Goldberg is the president of Boca Entertainment, a full-service wedding and event planning company that specializes in theme entertainment. She has appeared on reality TV and her work and commentary have been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, Huffington Post and Wall Street Journal. Contact her at (561) 212-6024; Lynneggoldberg@gmail.com

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

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

    9. ==> From Viruses to Migraines and Beyond – Self-Healing Secrets

    Countless people in your audience are dealing with diseases and health challenges they never expected, and which hit them seemingly out of the blue. What do you do when such life-impacting issues strike with little warning? First, you can feel confident and empowered that we humans have innate abilities to begin self-healing and strengthening. So says acclaimed physician and speaker Nelie Johnson, M.D., initiator of the forum It’s Time to Heal, which offers an integrative approach to treating illness. Invite this outspoken expert on-air to hear her advice for health and longer life. Learn why self-healing is so powerful and necessary, what kind of messages we receive from our bodies and the link between emotions and disease. Dr. Johnson’s latest book is “The Healing Message of Illness.” Contact Dr. Nelie Johnson at (604) 334-3853; njohnson@rtirguests.com

    10. ==> 5 Tips for Anyone Considering a Career Change

    You’ve heard that the average person will change careers five to seven times in their lifetime and that millennials are even more likely to do so. Some people will need to switch due to changing market conditions, while others will merely want to do something different. Geraldine Hogan can offer tips for anyone who wants to apply their skills in a new direction. She has already helped thousands of educators, business professionals and entrepreneurs explore new opportunities. She can talk about her own career journey as well. Learn three simple, life-changing questions to ask before making any career move, whether salary should guide your decision, and how to overcome obstacles, hesitation and fear of the unknown. Geraldine is a former educator, attorney and judge and 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

    11. ==> Gun Sales are Soaring – Safety and Self-Defense Tips

    Gun sales have surged during the pandemic, with an estimated 1.9 million more guns sold in March and April than during the same period last year. Some people buying guns are old-hands worried that supplies might dry up, but many of these buyers are first-timers. Invite Chris Bird to educate your audience about gun safety and self-defense. A sought-after expert on gun rights and personal protection, Chris can answer: Why are gun sales skyrocketing? Do we really need guns more than ever? Why are methods of observation as important as one’s weapon? With 30-plus years of firearm safety experience, Chris Bird is the author of several books including “Surviving a Mass Killer Rampage,” “The Concealed Handgun Manual” and “Thank God I Had a Gun!” Have your listeners call in during the interview with their gun questions. Contact Chris Bird at (210) 686-4440; cbird@rtirguests.com

    12. ==> What Your Insurance Company Doesn’t Want You to Know

    Most people buy insurance from a friendly agent for a specific purpose and time frame. But did you know that 90% of all policies end up lapsing before maturity? Or that when you don’t need your policy any longer you could sell it for cash? Chances are you have no idea about the hidden cash value of your policy or that you are paying more than you should be for the policy you have. Interview David Kottler, the Insurance Doctor™, about these and other secrets insurance companies don’t want you to know! He can explain what you need to ask to figure out exactly what your policy is worth. David is the author of “The Best Kept Secret in Your Insurance Policy,” which details everything people need to know to get the most value out of their insurance policies. Contact David Kottler at (216) 532-1221; DKottler@rtirguests.com

    13. ==> Fibro Lady Delivers You Pain-Free Living

    Every morning Leah McCullough appreciates that she no longer deals with life-impacting pain, fatigue and accompanying depression. But as the sought-after Fibro Lady, so named because she overcame intense fibromyalgia that pained her for decades, she’s on a mission to help other pain sufferers do the same. Invite this informative expert on-air to discuss secrets to upbeat mood and boundless energy as you recover. Leah is the author of “Freedom from Fibromyalgia: 7 Steps to Complete Recovery” and “Eat to Energize.” She also offers the online program Fibro Pain is a Pain (And What You Can Do About It.) Contact her at (859) 279-0413; LMcCullough@rtirguests.com.

    14. ==> This Sugar Witch Could Save Your Life

    How much sugar have you been eating and drinking? For most people, the answer is “too much” and includes hidden sugars they don’t even know about. These are the This Sugar Witch Could Save Your Life 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, embrace healthier snacks and treats, and prevent cravings that send you onto the sugar highway, keep kids from demanding sweets and more. Marsha is the host of Sugar Addicts on Crown City News TV. She is the author of “Spoiled Rotten on a Diet: Gluten, Sugar & Dairy Free Made Simple.” Contact her at (902) 906-5231; MAllen@rtirguests.com

    15. ==> Use a Pencil, Crayon or Pen to Battle Anxiety

    Most people today are feeling some degree of overwhelm as daily routines remain suspended and we work on our own versions of the new normal. But, according to Carol Edmonston, aka The Doodle Lady, there is a unique, simple and creative way to deal with this intense stress: take some paper, a pencil or pen and … doodle! The niece of the late cartoonist and children’s book author Syd Hoff, who wrote “Danny and the Dinosaur” and “Sammy the Seal,” among others, Edmonston says doodling is a fun form of mindfulness which allows our spirits to rest, recover and regroup. Edmonston, who attributes overcoming breast cancer twice to what she calls her doodling therapy, has just released the pioneering new book “The Healing Power Of Doodling: Mindfulness Therapy To Deal With Stress, Fear & Life Challenges.” Contact her at (714) 609-4654; carol.edmonston@gmail.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

  • 05/21/20 RTIR Newsletter: Black Hawk Down Legend, Mental Health Month, Food Shortages

    May 21, 2020

    01. Great Memorial Day Show: Black Hawk Down Legend
    02. Trump’s Incendiary Language and Lone-Wolf Whistle Violence
    03. Good News: Lawmakers Move to Protect Your Internet Rights
    04. Stimulus Was Supposed to Protect Jobs — We Now Have Record Unemployment
    05. Who Buys a Home During a Pandemic?
    06. Lessons from First ER Doc to Die of COVID-19
    07. The Pandemic is About to Test Rural America
    08. Are We Running Out of Food?
    09. Homeschooling Tips Parents Need Right Now
    10. May is Mental Health Month: Coping During the Coronavirus
    11. How the Pandemic Will Continue to Impact Your Health Once It’s Over
    12. 5 Reasons to Go Consignment This Spring
    13. Have Cabin Fever? Try Virtual Wine Tastings!
    14. Interview a Real-Life ‘Death Whisperer’
    15. May 31st is National Smile Day! Go Ahead and Grin

    1.==> Great Memorial Day Show: ‘Black Hawk Down’ Legend

    As we remember those who gave their lives in service to
    our country this Memorial Day, consider a show with
    Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Tom Satterly. Depicted in
    the 2001 Oscar-winning film, “Black Hawk Down,”
    Satterly led hundreds of critical military campaigns,
    including Operation Red Dawn, which led to the capture
    of Saddam Hussein. For 20-plus years a member of Delta
    Force — the most elite and secretive special operations
    force in all the U.S. military — he was the recipient
    of 64 medals, including five Bronze Stars and two for
    Valorous Acts. But the military hero says when he
    finally got back home, he struggled to reclaim a life.
    He and his wife, Jen, have spent many years in
    counseling and therapy battling complex PTSD and are
    now not only serving veterans, but first responders in
    light of the COVID crisis. As millions of people begin
    to emerge from their shelter in place orders and
    advance back into what’s left of their dreams, careers,
    plans, etc., Tom can share the most important steps in
    assessing the damage, prioritizing recovery and moving
    forward. Tom Satterly details his and other veterans’
    desperate attempts to overcome PTSD, addiction and
    other mental health issues in his book “All Secure: A
    Delta Force Operator’s Fight to Survive on the
    Battlefield and the Homefront.” Contact Jason Jones at
    jason@jonesliterary.com

    2. ==> Trump’s Incendiary Language and Lone-Wolf
    Whistle Violence

    For some Americans, President Trump’s language is
    incendiary garbage. But does it actually elicit acts of
    violence? While nobody would label Trump a gifted
    orator, what he says has power and renowned
    communication expert Helio Fred Garcia says his
    dangerous rhetoric has motivated lone wolves to commit
    violence. Invite the author of “Words On Fire: The
    Power of Incendiary Language and How to Confront It” to
    discuss the language President Trump uses that
    conditions an audience to accept, condone, and commit
    violence against a targeted group, rival, or critic and
    the history of such rhetoric. He’ll explain ‘”one-wolf
    whistle violence” — a term he coined to describe
    rhetoric that provokes violence on the model of “dog
    whistle” politics, where politicians use coded language
    that conveys benign meaning to most people, but a
    different meaning to members of a certain group or
    followers of a certain ideology. Learn the playbook of
    12 forms of communication that typically precede acts
    of mass violence and how civic leaders and engaged
    citizens can hold leaders accountable to prevent such
    harm. Helio Fred Garcia is president of the crisis
    management firm Logos Consulting Group and is on the
    adjunct faculties of New York University and Columbia
    University. He is a senior fellow at the Institute of
    Corporate Communication at Communication University of
    China and a contract lecturer at the Defense
    Information School and at the Wharton School,
    University of Pennsylvania. Garcia’s previous books
    include “The Agony of Decision: Mental Readiness and
    Leadership in a Crisis” and “The Power of
    Communication: Skills to Build Trust, Inspire Loyalty,
    and Lead Effectively.” Contact Johanna Ramos Boyer at
    (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell);
    johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 646-5188

    3. ==> Good News: Lawmakers Move to Protect Your
    Internet Rights

    Amid all the pandemic news you may have missed last
    week’s congressional action to protect Americans’
    privacy. Sean VItka, senior policy counsel at Demand
    Progress, says the issue involved amendments to the USA
    Patriot Act to address FISA surveillance. Vitka can
    discuss the two amendments, why they are needed and why
    10 Democrats sided with Attorney General Bill Barr and
    Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and voted
    against protecting internet browsing and search
    histories with a warrant. He says, “No committee of
    jurisdiction marked up or passed the underlying
    legislation. Instead, through a backroom deal between
    Adam Schiff and Jim Jordan, leadership rammed the USA
    FREEDOM Reauthorization Act through the House without
    any chance to fix the glaring problems in the
    underlying bill.” He adds, “The Lee-Leahy amendment
    ensures an independent voice has access to and can
    raise issues with FISA surveillance targeting religious
    groups, political groups, and the media. The underlying
    bill remains broken, but adoption of the Lee-Leahy
    amendment represents a privacy victory well beyond what
    many believed to be possible.” Demand Progress is an
    online grassroots activist group that lobbies to change
    policies related to the internet, censorship, civil
    rights, freedom of speech, government reform and civil
    liberties. The U.S. political action committee serves
    as a progressive public advocate for issues and
    decisions that impact the public. Contact Sean Vitka at
    sean@demandprogress.org or @demandprogress

    4.==> Stimulus Was Supposed to Protect Jobs — We Now
    Have Record Unemployment

    As lawmakers wrangle with details of a third stimulus
    package to help the tanked economy, many, including
    political scientist Thomas Ferguson, say we need a new,
    more thoughtful strategy to move the country forward
    and through the coronavirus crisis. He says, “We all
    know that the U.S. response to COVID-19 has lagged far
    behind other countries. But now a real trap is closing.
    The public premise of the government stimulus programs
    was that they would be needed only for a short period
    and channeling aid to businesses would enable them to
    retain workers on their payrolls. So vast sums were
    handed out while the Federal Reserve intervened
    massively in financial markets. But now unemployment is
    soaring, in a country whose health insurance system is
    keyed to the workplace. Small businesses are collapsing
    and plainly never got much aid. Workers are also
    dropping out of the workforce in enormous numbers while
    a major health and safety crisis rages. Government
    policy has got to address these issues before it’s too
    late. It can’t simply grant blanket immunity to
    businesses for the sake of a hasty, premature
    reopening. A major recalibration of policy is in
    order.” Thomas Ferguson is professor emeritus,
    University of Massachusetts Boston and the author of
    many books and articles on politics and economics,
    often within a historical perspective. Contact him at
    thomas.ferguson@umb.edu

    5. ==> Who Buys a Home During a Pandemic?

    Before the COVID-19 pandemic started, “For Sale” signs
    started sprouting up in neighborhoods across the
    country, but the virus has brought the real estate
    industry to a screeching halt, like many other
    businesses. Now that the country is starting to open up
    again, will the market rebound? Real estate attorney
    Ira Kaufman says according to one survey, up to 80% of
    potential home buyers say they’ve postponed or stopped
    their search altogether, citing employment concerns and
    the inability to visit properties in person. Invite him
    to discuss the current real estate market, what buyers
    and sellers need to know right now, and whether the
    pandemic has changed what buyers are looking for in a
    home. Ira Kaufman is a New York-based real estate
    attorney with 25 years of experience in leases,
    purchase/sales, financing, and development. Contact
    Mark Goldman at (516) 639-0988; markgoldman73@gmail.com

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

    On March 26 Renae Baker was working as a Lyft driver
    when she picked up Dr. Frank Gabrin after his shift at
    East Orange Hospital in New Jersey. Five days later he
    was dead from COVID-19, becoming the first ER doctor in
    the country to die from the virus. Baker says they
    talked the entire 35-minute ride to his home in New
    York City and some of what they discussed may have
    saved her own life in the following days. Dr. Gabrin
    developed his first symptoms later that morning. Baker
    developed hers shortly after and has since recovered.
    She will reveal what Dr. Gabrin told her about life
    inside the ER during this pandemic, the surprising
    thing he and other doctors were seeing at the moment of
    COVID-19 deaths, and why he thought this could be an
    important spiritual moment in our history. Baker says
    they discussed everything from morale among health-care
    workers to what happened when nurses got sick and how
    doctors were being treated by hospital administrators.
    Renae Baker is an author and speaker who has managed a
    professional caroling company for decades. She has been
    featured on Fox News and many more media outlets.
    Contact her at (917) 509-9022; ismileny@gmail.com

    7. ==> The Pandemic is About to Test Rural America

    Since the novel coronavirus arrived in the United
    States, it has ravaged mainly urban communities and
    until very recently, rural America was mostly spared.
    Epidemiologist Tara Smith says with their communities
    still relatively undisturbed, it is little wonder that
    so many rural dwellers remain skeptical of the virus’s
    potential to upend their lives, but she warns the
    pandemic has only just begun in rural America. Smith
    explains how the virus will be slower moving and less
    dramatic but will linger in the South and Midwest,
    areas that have seen more than 120 hospital closures in
    the past decade, leaving them woefully underprepared
    for the epidemic. “The loss of hospitals often means
    the loss of the medical providers these institutions
    employed, leaving fewer health professionals to treat
    rural residents, who tend to be in worse health overall
    than their urban counterparts.” Tara C. Smith is a
    professor of epidemiology at Kent State University in
    Ohio. Her research focuses on disease transmission in
    rural populations. Contact her at tsmit176@kent.edu;
    (330) 672-3946 or @aetiology

    8. ==> Are We Running Out of Food?

    Grocery stores don’t look the same as they did a few
    months ago. Besides one-way aisles, plexiglass barriers
    and required mask-wearing, shoppers who venture out
    after weeks of social distancing may likely find poorly
    stocked shelves and shortages of basic goods. Invite
    Maria Concepcion Powell, CEO and president of the U.S-
    Women Grocers Association, to discuss what’s happening
    with our supply chain and whether we should be worried
    about a food shortage. She’ll discuss why millions of
    Americans were going hungry before the coronavirus
    crisis and offer insight into the role today’s business
    and political leaders should play in reshaping our
    post-COVID economy so that it serves everyone,
    including the most vulnerable. The U.S.-Women Grocers
    of America represents female grocers and other women
    affiliated with the independent food industry. Maria
    Concepcion Powell has over 40 years’ experience in the
    food and pharmaceutical industries. Contact her at
    (732) 875-6511 or uswga.corporation@gmail.com

    9. ==> Homeschooling Tips Parents Need Right Now

    With schools closed, many parents are now their
    children’s primary educators, a role for which they are
    largely unprepared. Laurie Marshall, a career educator
    and author of “Beating the Odds Now” and other books,
    says parents can be highly effective at exposing their
    children to the rich world around them by paying
    attention to two questions whose answers will be
    different for each of their children. What brings that
    child joy? What fascinates them? Bring Laurie on your
    program to hear creative ways parents can be memorable
    homeschool teachers by zeroing in on who their child
    is. 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 at
    (415) 360-3304; lmarshall@rtirguests.com

    10. ==> May is Mental Health Month: Coping During the
    Coronavirus

    According to the World Health Organization, one in
    every four people suffers from mental health problems.
    The coronavirus can significantly affect mental health
    for everyone, but especially for those with mental
    illness. Both the anxiety of contracting the disease as
    well as the increase in loneliness and isolation can
    worsen and trigger symptoms. Even those who don’t have
    diagnosed disorders are experiencing sadness, anxiety,
    loneliness, stress, and frustration like never before.
    Invite psychotherapist Dr. Donna Marks to discuss how
    to take this current crisis, when we feel the most
    vulnerable, and learn to be as mentally healthy as
    possible. “Mental health means balancing thoughts and
    feelings, social and alone time, and having the
    maturity to make good decisions even when we don’t feel
    like it. We don’t have control over the virus, but we
    do have control over how we react to external events,”
    she says. “Mental health is the choice to work through
    feelings and express them in productive ways. Pent-up
    emotions can turn into anxiety, anger, depression, and
    even suicidal states of mind. It’s also a choice to be
    aware of thoughts and to act on the empowering messages
    rather than self-destructive ones.” Dr. Donna Marks is
    the author of two books: “Exit the Maze – One
    Addiction, One Cause, One Cure,” and “Learn, Grow,
    Forgive – A Path to Spiritual Success.” A consultant,
    educator, public speaker, and instructor of A Course in
    Miracles, she has served as an addiction counselor for
    more than 30 years. Contact her at (561) 436-9360;
    drdonnamarks@gmail.com

    11. ==> How the Pandemic Will Continue to Impact Your
    Health Once It’s Over

    COVID-19 has been a game-changer especially when it
    comes to public health. What are some of the likely
    aftereffects your listeners should be aware of? Dr.
    Annalee Kitay has already found that a great number of
    people’s immune systems are compromised from the scare
    of this pandemic. She adds, “People may appear healthy
    on the outside but due to the incredible stress of this
    pandemic, some will need to boost their immune system.”
    Dr. Kitay will talk about our body’s systems and the
    important communication role the brain plays with those
    systems in immune function. She will share information
    about the revolutionary protocol she practices and also
    trains physicians in. This protocol is one of health
    care’s best-kept secrets. She is one of fewer than 50
    practitioners in the U.S., who are using Neural
    Organization Technique, a proven noninvasive approach
    to help people with everything from immune issues,
    concussions to learning disabilities and low-back pain.
    Dr. Kitay has done research with Kessler Institute and
    also practiced with the late Dr. (Robert) Atkins at his
    Center for Complementary Medicine in New York City.
    Contact Dr. Kitay at (561) 462-4733;
    akitay@rtirguests.com

    12. ==> 5 Reasons to Go Consignment This Spring

    Whether your audience members are buyers, sellers or
    just interested in emerging trends, a story on the
    booming clothing consignment business is sure to please
    when lifestyle journalist Suzanne Wexler is your expert
    (she was recently quoted in Reader’s Digest on this
    topic). Suzanne will explain how gently used luxury
    men’s and women’s clothing became an online super trend
    and why Instagram enthusiasts were leading the charge.
    Suzanne will offer five reasons why you should start
    choosing consignment this spring and will even let your
    listeners know how they can select clothes in their
    closet for consignment vs. donation, which they can
    drop off once social distancing ends. This show idea
    works on multiple levels: it’s timely, it’s green and
    it’s a way to make money on clothing people no longer
    wear while they remain stuck at home. Suzanne is
    published in the Huffington Post, National Post,
    Bust.com and her work has been syndicated throughout
    Canada. She’s been quoted in Goodhousekeeping.com, and
    Prevention magazine and provided commentary on CTV
    National and Virgin Radio; she has been on more than
    200 radio stations in the U.S. and Canada. Contact her
    at (514) 704-0029; suzannawexler@hotmail.com

    13. ==> Have Cabin Fever? Try Virtual Wine Tastings!

    Being stuck at home in lockdown doesn’t mean all of the
    activities you enjoy have to stop. Wineries have
    enabled customers to continue to explore new wines with
    online wine tastings. Andy Hyman is a tour guide in the
    Napa and Sonoma wine country who has shared his passion
    for wine with thousands of people from around the
    world. Invite him to share information about wine clubs
    and online wine tastings so you can get your friends
    together for this fun activity. His book, “Snob-Free
    Wine Tasting Companion: Wine Smart in a Day,” reveals
    how to get the most out of a wine-tasting experience,
    how wine is made, and general knowledge about wine.
    Hyman has been featured by Sonoma Magazine, the Marin
    Independent Journal, Napa Valley Register, North Bay
    BIZ magazine, and other radio and print outlets
    nationwide. Contact him at (415) 767-1441;
    andyhyman@rtirguests.com

    14. ==> Interview a Real-Life ‘Death Whisperer’

    While growing up in a Midwestern funeral home where her
    dad was an undertaker, Margo Lenmark learned how to
    communicate with the deceased. As a result, she
    received many valuable lessons about living one’s best
    life. “I’ve been called a ‘death whisperer’ because
    death speaks to me in many ways,” she says. “People who
    have passed over have given me important messages about
    life that pertain to everyone. Naturally, as each
    person is unique, his or her message is unique. But all
    are universal, important and relevant.” Margo is the
    author of the critically acclaimed book “Light in the
    Mourning: Memoirs of an Undertaker’s Daughter.” The
    book has received glowing reviews from a number of
    prominent authors and spiritual leaders, including
    Deepak Chopra. Contact Margo at (484) 928-7824;
    MLenmark@rtirguests.com

    15. ==> May 31 is National Smile Day! Go Ahead and Grin

    The country could be forgiven if its citizens didn’t
    feel like smiling much these days; after all, people
    are sick and dying from a mysterious contagious disease
    and are prohibited from getting too close to each
    other, and unemployment is at record levels. Yet it is
    because we find ourselves in this dire situation that
    it is more important than ever to smile at one another
    — even from six-feet apart — says Barry Shore, who is
    known as The Ambassador of Joy. Shore will be
    celebrating National Smile Day on May 31 and wants
    everyone else to join him by starting the day with a
    big smile on their faces. Certainly, if there is anyone
    who knows how to smile through adversity it is Shore, a
    successful serial entrepreneur with three patents who
    in 2004 became a quadriplegic overnight from a rare
    disease. During the 16 years that followed, Shore has
    pushed himself to regain much of his functioning even
    as he inspires other people to see the joy in their
    lives. Shore can also talk about his Keep Smiling
    Movement which he co-founded with well-known celebrity
    photographer Ken Rochon. Barry hosts “The Joy of
    Living” podcast and is the founder of the JOY of Living
    Institute. He’s been featured on CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox and
    in O Magazine, Forbes, Daily Herald, Pittsburgh Post-
    Gazette, MarketWatch and more. Contact him at (310)
    770-4685; barry@barryshore.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

  • 05/19/20 RTIR Newsletter: Media Scare Tactics, Confidence in a Pandemic, Respecting Women

    May 19, 2020

    01. Lessons from First ER Doc to Die of COVID-19
    02. ‘Kung Fu’ Cast Member on New Film & TV Series
    03. Former NYT Reporter: Media & Governors Trying to Scare Public
    04. Doc Says It’s Too Late for Contract Tracing
    05. Basics of the Payroll Protection Program Explained
    06. How Parents Can Ensure Their Children Earn a Living Wage
    07. Changing Careers Now: Tips from a Pro
    08. The Simple Daily Ritual That Saves Lives
    09. 5 Ways to Find Clarity and Confidence in Pandemic Times
    10. 5 Realistic Tips for Coping with Pandemic Overload
    11. From Viruses to Migraines and Beyond – Self-Healing Secrets
    12. The Real Reason You Do Stuff Knowing It’s Bad for You
    13. How to Raise Boys to Respect Women in the ‘Me Too’ Age
    14. We All Need a Little Self-Love Right Now
    15. Why 50 Isn’t the New 30 … It’s Way Better

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

    On March 26th Renae Baker was working as a Lyft driver
    when she picked up Dr. Frank Gabrin after his shift at
    East Orange Hospital in New Jersey. Five days later he
    was dead from COVID-19, becoming the first ER doctor in
    the country to die from the virus. Baker says they
    talked the entire 35-minute ride to his home in New
    York City and some of what they discussed may have
    saved her own life in the following days. Dr. Gabrin
    developed his first symptoms later that morning. Baker
    developed hers shortly after and has since recovered.
    She will reveal what Dr. Gabrin told her about life
    inside the ER during this pandemic, the surprising
    thing he and other doctors were seeing at the moment of
    COVID-19 deaths, and why he thought this could be an
    important spiritual moment in our history. Baker says
    they discussed everything from morale among health-care
    workers to what happened when nurses got sick and how
    doctors were being treated by hospital administrators.
    Renae Baker is an author and speaker who has managed a
    professional caroling company for decades. She has been
    featured on Fox News and many more media outlets.
    Contact her at (917) 509-9022; ismileny@gmail.com

    2. ==> ‘Kung Fu’ Cast Member on New Film & TV Series

    You may have read the recent announcements in The
    Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Deadline, The Wrap, etc.,
    that the “Kung Fu” Movie is in the works! Universal has
    optioned the 1970s martial arts western television show
    and is developing it as a big-screen property with
    director David Leitch. In addition, “Hobbs & Shaw”
    filmmakers will also produce the adaptation of the ’70s
    TV series over at Warner Bros. Radames Pera, who played
    Caine “Grasshopper” throughout the series, is the only
    remaining cast member alive. Invite him on your show to
    discuss the series which ran from 1972 to 1975 and
    starred David Carradine as a monk who came to the
    American West in search of his half-brother. Kung Fu
    gained a cult following and injected the phrase “young
    grasshopper” into the pop culture lexicon via
    flashbacks to Caine’s training as a teenager. Pera also
    had a recurring role on “Little House on the Prairie”
    and appeared on “The Six Million Dollar Man,” “The
    Waltons,” “Hawaii Five-O” and other TV shows. Radames
    Pera is available via Skype or phone from France, where
    he took his family when the COVID pandemic began.
    Contact Harlan Boll at hboll@rtirguests.com

    3. == > Former NYT Reporter: Media & Governors Trying
    to Scare Public

    Former New York Times reporter and author Alex Berenson
    is taking a lot of heat for recent tweets and comments
    about the coronavirus lockdowns. Berenson says he’s
    been overwhelmed by emails. Some of them bash his view
    that the pandemic shouldn’t be feared, but he says most
    come from people who are sick of feeling mocked and
    told they’re stupid for their sincere beliefs about the
    dangers of the lockdowns. Berenson says the truth is in
    data, facts and science. “The hysterics have been
    wrong. They know it, whether they admit it or not.
    Except for the most at-risk populations – who should be
    the focus of our protective efforts – #COVID looks to
    be a minor risk. And with every day that goes by, every
    state and country that reopens without catastrophe, the
    lockdowns appear more insane,” he says. “So, the media
    (and the lockdown governors) are stretching further and
    further to try to scare people – the recent pediatric
    stuff being only the grossest example.” Alex Berenson
    is a former New York Times reporter and the author of
    “Tell Your Children: The Truth about Marijuana, Mental
    Illness and Violence.” Contact him at
    alexberensonauthor@gmail.com or
    SSPublicity@simonandschuster.com

    4.==> Doc Says It’s Too Late for Contract Tracing

    Hoover Institution senior fellow Dr. Scott Atlas says
    that using contact tracing as a prerequisite for
    reopening U.S. cities forced into lockdown by the
    coronavirus pandemic is “simply illogical.” “Contact
    tracing is an important tool for public health
    pandemics, but not now,” Atlas explains, “not in this
    stage when millions and millions of people already have
    the virus.” Atlas says, “It’s sort of a completely
    illogical use of this very important tool. Contact
    tracing is useful when a new pandemic starts very early
    in a very focused small group like it did in South
    Korea at the beginning of all this.” Contact tracing
    has been a significant talking point in the debate
    surrounding the reopening of many U.S. states, but
    Atlas — the former neuroradiology chief at Stanford
    Medical Center — called that debate “another example
    of what’s happening in this whole narrative,” where
    proposed actions are not proven effective by data.”
    Atlas is the David and Joan Traitel Senior Fellow of
    the Hoover Institution and a member of Hoover
    Institution’s Working Group on Health Care Policy. The
    Hoover Institution is an American public policy think
    tank and research institution located at Stanford
    University. Contact Dr. Scott Atlas at
    swatlas@stanford.edu

    5. ==> Basics of the Payroll Protection Program
    Explained

    Small business owners trying to take advantage of the
    Payroll Protection Program (PPP) can find the process
    and rules confusing. Invite L.A. tax attorney Dennis
    Brager to discuss the Small Business Association’s
    guidelines for forgiveness and the seven most important
    rules. “The SBA has laid out its guidelines, but after
    reviewing their Forgiveness Application, there may be
    questions remaining,” explains Brager. “I’ve taken the
    initiative of breaking down some of the highlights in
    their document in an effort to help those who have been
    granted assistance to understand the rules for paying
    back the money.” Brager says the rules are changing
    literally daily, and he suggests borrowers check
    frequently for changes to the PPP forgiveness
    guidelines since they are likely to shift frequently.
    Dennis Brager is a California State Bar Certified Tax
    Specialist, and a former senior trial attorney for the
    Internal Revenue Service’s Office of Chief Counsel. He
    has appeared on ABC Television’s “Good Morning
    America,” “Fox Business News,” “TV One Access,” “KFWB
    Money 101,” and KABC’s “The Larry Elder Show.” Contact
    Cherie Kerr at cherie@kerrpr-execuprov.com; (714)
    271-2140

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

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

    7. ==> Changing Careers Now: Tips from a Pro

    Millions of Americans are now out of work. Some won’t
    have a job to return to after the pandemic, while
    others may find their previous career no longer serves
    their needs. Geraldine Hogan will offer tips for anyone
    who wants — or needs — to apply their skills in a new
    direction. She has already helped thousands of
    educators; business professionals and entrepreneurs
    explore new opportunities. She can talk about her own
    career journey as well. Learn three simple, life-
    changing questions to ask before making any career
    move, whether salary should guide your decision, and
    how to overcome obstacles, hesitation and fear of the
    unknown. Geraldine is a former educator, attorney and
    judge and 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

    8. == > The Simple Daily Ritual That Saves Lives

    It is something that anyone can do. It is free. It
    doesn’t require special equipment. Even children can do
    it. It can be done at work, in bed, on the floor or in
    a chair. And it can be lifesaving. It is the daily
    ritual that could save your life, yet most people do
    not practice it. John Sambalino can explain how you can
    make meditation the daily ritual that helps improve
    your health, relationships, job performance and mood,
    and how he has even used meditation to help prison
    inmates avoid future crimes. John will also discuss how
    its calmness reduces stress, helps you deal with
    deadlines, leads to better sleep, and even boosts
    memory. He is the author of “Is God in That Bottle Cap?
    A Search for Truth.” Ask him: Why do so many
    celebrities practice meditation? How has meditation
    helped people face the coronavirus epidemic? What are
    some common myths that keep people from trying
    meditation? Contact John Sambalino at (856) 245-5062;
    jsambalino@rtirguests.com

    9. ==> 5 Ways to Find Clarity and Confidence in
    Pandemic Times

    Life during the coronavirus pandemic has brought with
    it accelerated change; jobs have been lost, hours have
    been cut, relatives and neighbors have sickened and
    died, and comfortable routines involving socializing,
    entertainment, religious attendance and even grocery
    shopping have been upended. And while no one ever knows
    the future, for many it appears confusing, fuzzy and
    scary but at the same time, it presents an opportunity
    to regroup and focus on the next steps. Cindy Cipriani
    offers tools for navigating through this unprecedented
    period when life feels like it is spinning out of
    control using her 5C solution. You’ll learn how your
    hand can help you make wise choices in a moment of
    chaos, three steps for gaining greater clarity in
    deciding what you want and need and ways making
    commitments can help you move from stuck to unstuck.
    Cipriani will explain how to use the 5Cs in a range of
    circumstances from adapting a business to breaking free
    from domestic violence. Cindy Cipriani is an award-
    winning business owner, keynote speaker, author and
    clarity coach. The founder of the Clear Path Institute,
    she helps individuals and families create healthy
    relationships and trains business and sales teams to be
    more successful. Her latest book is “The 5C Solution:
    Discover Clarity & Confidence in Times of Change.”
    Contact her at (856) 534-7070; cindycip1@gmail.com

    10. ==> 5 Realistic Tips for Coping with Pandemic
    Overload

    More than two 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

    11. ==> From Viruses to Migraines and Beyond – Self-
    Healing Secrets

    Countless people in your audience (and studio) are
    dealing with diseases and health challenges they never
    expected, and which hit them seemingly out of the blue.
    What do you do when such life-impacting issues strike
    with little warning? First, you can feel confident and
    empowered that we humans have innate abilities to begin
    self-healing and strengthening. So says acclaimed
    physician and speaker Nelie Johnson, M.D., initiator of
    the forum It’s Time to Heal, which offers an
    integrative approach to treating illness. Invite this
    outspoken expert on-air to hear her advice for health
    and longer life. Learn why self-healing is so powerful
    and necessary, what kind of messages we receive from
    our bodies and the link between emotions and disease.
    Dr. Johnson’s latest book is “The Healing Message of
    Illness.” Contact Dr. Nelie Johnson at (604) 334-3853;
    njohnson@rtirguests.com

    12. ==> The Real Reason You Do Stuff Knowing It’s Bad
    for You

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

    13. ==> How to Raise Boys to Respect Women in the ‘Me
    Too’ Age

    As a single dad of two young boys, Pastor Eric
    Hawthorne is especially aware of the pressures young
    males face to be “one of the boys” when it comes to how
    they treat girls. “That’s why it’s crucial for boys to
    have dads and other strong male role models who set
    examples about how to respect women,” he says. Pastor
    Eric can share tips for how to raise boys to be
    gentlemen in this complex modern age. He 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

    14. ==> We All Need a Little Self-Love Right Now

    Social distancing may help slow the spread of the
    coronavirus, but it has left many people feeling
    isolated and lonely. We crave the comfort of friends
    and family during difficult times, yet we can’t embrace
    them right now, which can be distressing and
    disorienting. “It’s hard to stay grounded when the
    world seems to be spinning out of control,” says Joffre
    McClung. “That’s why it’s more important than ever to
    be kind to yourself and practice habits that support
    you and promote a positive outlook.” Whether you’re an
    essential worker on the frontlines, holed up with kids
    and a spouse, or you’re quarantined alone, Joffre can
    share tips to practice self-love during this pandemic.
    Learn ways to incorporate meditation into your daily
    life, how to get to know yourself better, and why
    having fun and experiencing joy should be considered
    life-sustaining needs right now. Joffre McClung has
    appeared on numerous radio and TV programs. She’s a
    former media producer, independent filmmaker, and the
    author of “The Heart of the Matter.” Contact Joffre
    McClung at (917) 994-0225; JMcClung@rtirguests.com

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

    As we get older, we may not realize that things should
    get better. With awareness, maturity, experience, and
    motivation going for us, the second half of life offers
    extraordinary opportunities and satisfaction. That’s
    the message of Joe Swinger, who specializes in helping
    adults in midlife enjoy the VIP life — one marked by
    greater vibrancy, impact and purpose. He’ll discuss
    what you should focus on (besides money) as you
    approach and dive into retirement and offer ideas for
    aging boomers who want to make a difference, recreate
    and stay relevant. Joe created the Silver Linings
    Network to encourage happiness, success and emotional
    health in midlife and later years. Contact Joe Swinger
    at (801) 865-7748: joeswinger@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

  • 5/14/20 RTIR Newsletter: Saving the Post Office, National Smile Day, Grieving in Isolation

    May 14, 2020

    01. Why We Need to Save the United States Postal Service
    02. Avoid These Places to Protect Yourself from COVID-19
    03. Can You Collect Unemployment if You Refuse to Go Back to Work?
    04. Lessons on Isolation and Humanity in a Family’s Letters from Hiding
    05. National Smile Day! You Know You Need it!
    06. How to Help Kids and Teens Cope with COVID-19
    07. Discover Why Everyone Is Getting on Your Nerves
    08. M.D. Shares 7 Essential Tools to Survive the Pandemic
    09. How Marketing Will Change Thanks to COVID-19
    10. The Millennial’s Guide to Being a Better Boss
    11. Have Cabin Fever? Try Virtual Wine Tastings!
    12. More Time on Devices Means More Eye Strain
    13. Grieving in Isolation: How Hypnosis Can Help
    14. Face Life After Coronavirus by Making Just 2 Choices
    15. When Exes Fight Over a Frozen Embryo

    1.==> Why We Need to Save the United States Postal Service

    House Democrats have included money for the U.S. Postal
    Service in the latest $3 trillion stimulus package, but
    it’s unclear whether the Senate will act on the
    measure. Critics of the USPS say it’s a failing
    business, but others, like Richard John, say it was
    never meant to be a business. “The Founders intended
    the Postal Service to be a pillar of the republic,
    binding together millions of Americans, urban and
    rural, for the common good. It therefore always had
    congressional oversight limiting what management can do
    to make a profit. Rather than being mismanaged, the
    Postal Service is — and has long been — one of
    America’s great successes,” says John, author of
    “Spreading the News: The American Postal System from
    Franklin to Morse.” Instead of privatizing it, he says
    we should take inspiration from the Founders and re-
    envision its mission for the 21st century. Some of his
    suggestions include expanding the Postal Service to
    include high-tech “last mile” capabilities,
    reestablishing a low-cost consumer banking system, a
    popular service the Postal Service maintained for much
    of the 20th century, and rolling out low-cost municipal
    broadband. “Rural electrification transformed vast
    swaths of the hinterland; might not rural Postal
    Services be configured as hubs for the digital economy
    of tomorrow?” he asks. In the closer future, John
    reminds us the Postal Service will play a crucial role
    in ensuring trustworthy mail balloting, a major issue
    in the age of COVID-19. Richard John recently wrote the
    piece “The Founders never intended the U.S. Postal
    Service to be managed like a business” for the
    Washington Post. Contact him at rrj2115@columbia.edu

    2. ==> Avoid These Places to Protect Yourself from
    COVID-19

    As people start heading back out into a world where the
    coronavirus lurks invisibly, many wonder where they can
    safely roam. Where are you most at danger of
    contracting COVID-19? The supermarket? The subway? What
    about in an office? University of Massachusetts
    Dartmouth biology professor Erin Bromage says five main
    sources account for 90 percent of all transmission: the
    home, workplace, public transportation, social
    gatherings and restaurants. So, what makes those places
    dangerous? Bromage says they are all enclosed places
    with poor air circulation. He says if you find yourself
    in a spot that makes you feel uncomfortable, spend as
    little time as you can there, or walk away, preferably
    outside. He says people should be particularly aware of
    the noise level where they go. Studies have found that
    when someone speaks loudly, more virus gets into the
    air and it travels farther, making noisy, crowded spots
    particularly dangerous right now. Contact Erin Bromage
    at erin.bromage@umassd.edu or (508) 999-8218

    3. ==> Can You Collect Unemployment if You Refuse to Go
    Back to Work?

    More than 33 million Americans are out-of-work as a
    result of the coronavirus-induced lockdown throughout
    the nation, but even as states begin to ease stay-at-
    home measures and allow businesses to open up, some
    workers remain hesitant to return to their jobs. Some
    are worried about on-the-job safety issues or have a
    vulnerable family member at home. Others, like some in
    the service industry, can make more money on
    unemployment right now. According to the Department of
    Labor, a general fear of virus exposure is not a valid
    reason to not return to work or quit your job and
    obtain unemployment benefits. Workplace attorney
    Jonathan Bell can discuss the issues involved and what
    your listeners’ options and rights are. Jonathan Bell
    is a labor and employment attorney and the founder of
    Bell Law Group, PLLC in New York City. Contact Mark
    Goldman at (516) 639-0988 (call/text);
    mark@goldmanmccormick.com

    4.==> Lessons on Isolation and Humanity in a Family’s
    Letters from Hiding

    For an interesting perspective on our pandemic
    predicament where millions of people are isolating and
    in fear for their lives, invite Daphne Geismar on your
    show and hear what her family’s experience hiding in a
    church attic for two years during the Holocaust can
    teach us about isolation and humanity. Geismar says an
    extraordinary cache of letters and documents from her
    family’s ordeal reveals experiences of isolation, fear
    and uncertainty that, although incomparable, have
    particular resonance today. “While the experiences of
    my family, and the others who were persecuted across
    German-occupied Europe, are unparalleled, their fears
    and struggles nonetheless anticipate aspects of our
    lives amid the global pandemic. They also provide a
    moral compass and reference point for understanding the
    suffering in this moment,” she says. Daphne Geismar is
    a teacher, researcher, and book designer. She is the
    author of “Invisible Years: A Family’s Collected
    Account of Separation and Survival during the Holocaust
    in the Netherlands.” Contact Lissa Warren at (617)
    233-2853 (cell); LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com or
    @Lissa_Warren

    5. ==> National Smile Day! You Know You Need it!

    The country could be forgiven if its citizens didn’t
    feel like smiling much these days; after all, people
    are sick and dying from a mysterious contagious disease
    and are prohibited from getting too close to each
    other, and unemployment is at record levels. Yet it is
    because we find ourselves in this dire situation that
    it is more important than ever to smile at one another
    — even from six-feet apart — says Barry Shore, who is
    known as The Ambassador of Joy. Shore will be
    celebrating National Smile Day on May 31 and wants
    everyone else to join him by starting the day with a
    big smile on their faces. Certainly, if there is anyone
    who knows how to smile through adversity it is Shore, a
    successful serial entrepreneur with three patents who
    in 2004 became a quadriplegic overnight from a rare
    disease. During the 16 years that followed, Shore has
    pushed himself to regain much of his functioning even
    as he inspires other people to see the joy in their
    lives. Shore can also talk about his Keep Smiling
    Movement which he co-founded with well-known celebrity
    photographer Ken Rochon. Barry hosts “The Joy of
    Living” podcast and is founder of the JOY of Living
    Institute. He’s been featured on CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox and
    in O Magazine, Forbes, Daily Herald, Pittsburgh Post-
    Gazette, MarketWatch and more. Contact him at (310)
    770-4685; barry@barryshore.com

    6. ==> How to Help Kids and Teens Cope with COVID-19

    The COVID-19 crisis is causing a rise in mental health
    issues for adults, but teens are also suffering.
    Instead of experiencing formative coming-of-age moments
    like prom and graduation, some young people find
    themselves grappling with issues like anxiety,
    substance abuse and eating disorders. And for those who
    already have mental health issues or special needs, the
    pandemic is bringing new challenges to treatment.
    Jenney Wilder is the founder of AllKindsOfTherapy.com,
    an online resource that helps families research,
    compare and evaluate various treatment programs
    available for children and teens. A former therapy
    consultant, Jenney has visited and evaluated hundreds
    of programs and can offer advice to parents of children
    and teens who may be struggling with stress, anxiety or
    other mental health issues due to COVID-19.
    AllKindsofTherapy.com is an independent, comprehensive
    directory that compares treatment options. Contact John
    Angelo at john@premieretv.com

    7. ==> Discover Why Everyone Is Getting on Your Nerves

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

    8. ==> M.D. Shares 7 Essential Tools to Survive the
    Pandemic

    Are the “what-ifs” of the current COVID-19 pandemic
    driving you crazy? Steven Hall, M.D., can share the
    keys to physically and mentally surviving these scary
    times. “When life becomes uncertain, it’s easy to
    become undone,” he says. “With everything that is going
    on in the world right now, it’s understandable how our
    emotions get the better of us.” Dr. Steven can guide
    audiences through seven simple yet powerful tools that
    can keep them safe, sane, and resilient, even in the
    most difficult times. He has been practicing family
    medicine since 1985. He is the co-creator of the online
    class Fostering Resilience in Uncertain Times and the
    author of “The 7 Tools of Healing: Unlock Your Inner
    Wisdom and Live the Life Your Soul Desires.” Contact
    Dr. Steven at (425) 531-3684; shall@rtirguests.com

    9. ==> How Marketing Will Change Thanks to COVID-19

    Selling, buying, advertising, seeking or offering
    deals. All these aspects of marketing are dynamic and
    prone to rapid change. No wonder the effects of
    COVID-19 are so powerful in today’s marketing arena.
    Learn more from Steve McChesney, best-selling author of
    “Rearranging Change: How You Market to an Ever-Changing
    World.” He’ll explore with your audience his wide
    knowledge of marketing facts and fallacies. Among the
    many topics he can discuss are: how COVID-19 isolation
    is changing our buying and selling habits; why Amazon
    is a behemoth that cannot be ignored; and whether
    America’s baby boomers have been replaced as the
    generation with the most buying power. McChesney will
    also explain how and why marketers should sell people
    what they want but give them what they need.
    McChesney’s new Rearranging Change Podcast is now
    available on all major channels. Contact him at (321)
    414-2147; smcchesney@rtirguests.com

    10. ==> The Millennial’s Guide to Being a Better Boss

    Today’s millennials are 20-40 years old and are already
    half of the country’s workforce. Many millennials are
    ready to become managers and leaders within their
    fields. But in many cases, they will be taking that
    step without anyone having told them what to expect and
    how to be successful, notes Jennifer P. Wisdom, Ph.D.,
    a clinical psychologist and consultant who spent two
    decades working with students at Columbia University
    and George Washington University. Invite her on your
    show to share tips on preparing to become a manager or
    leader, how to hire and mentor strong staffers, ways to
    deal with challenging staff members, and how to handle
    social media at work. Jennifer P. Wisdom, Ph.D., MPH,
    is the author of “Millennials’ Guide to Management and
    Leadership,” and “Millennials’ Guide to Work.” Her
    diverse career includes a stint in the U.S. military,
    working with nonprofit health-care organizations, and
    teaching in higher education. Contact her at (503)
    484-5679; jennifer@leadwithwisdom.com

    11. ==> Have Cabin Fever? Try Virtual Wine Tastings!

    Being stuck at home in lockdown doesn’t mean all the
    activities you enjoy have to stop. Wineries have
    enabled customers to continue to explore new wines with
    online wine tastings. Andy Hyman is a tour guide in the
    Napa and Sonoma wine country who has shared his passion
    for wine with thousands of people from around the
    world. Invite him to share information about wine clubs
    and online wine tastings so you can get your friends
    together for this fun activity. His book, “Snob-Free
    Wine Tasting Companion: Wine Smart in a Day,” reveals
    how to get the most out of a wine-tasting experience,
    how wine is made, and general knowledge about wine.
    Hyman has been featured by Sonoma Magazine, the Marin
    Independent Journal, Napa Valley Register, North Bay
    BIZ magazine, and other radio and print outlets
    nationwide. Contact him at (415) 767-1441;
    andyhyman@rtirguests.com

    12. ==> More Time on Devices Means More Eye Strain

    From cellphones to tablets to TV screens and laptops,
    more of us are spending additional hours staring at
    screens, risking eye strain, and worse. How can we
    protect our vision now to avoid problems later? In the
    blink of an eye, get the answer from vision educator
    Linda Odubayo Thompson. Just in time for Healthy Vision
    Month in May, she can talk about everything from
    artificial tears to resting your eyes, to cutting down
    on screen time and when to see an eye doctor. She can
    also debunk five misguided myths about eyesight. As the
    child of visually impaired parents, Linda knows not to
    take her vision for granted; she has suffered from
    glaucoma for more than 30 years. Contact Linda at (914)
    229-9184; lthompson@rtirguests.com

    13. ==> Grieving in Isolation: How Hypnosis Can Help
    Help

    Grief is never an easy process, but when you add the
    coronavirus and not being allowed to be with your loved
    one as they pass, loss has been brought to an entirely
    new level. Traditional funerals, wakes and shivas add
    comfort and surround you with support but they’re now
    off-limits too, leaving mourners feeling totally alone
    and on their own. Mary Beth Battaglia, a hypnosis and
    sound practitioner, will share hypnosis techniques that
    can help with the grieving process and explain how the
    relaxed hypnotic state helps release sadness, loss,
    pain and guilt. She’ll also reveal how hypnosis helped
    her heal and move forward after her own personal
    losses. Mary Beth Battaglia has appeared on Fox News
    and offers hypnosis tips on her show Conversations with
    Joan. She is the author of “Transformation Through
    Hypnosis: Relax, Clear Your Mind And Step Into Your
    Power.” Contact her at (201) 477-0265;
    marybethpeace@gmail.com

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

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

    15. ==> When Exes Fight Over a Frozen Embryo

    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

    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

  • 05/7/20 RTIR Newsletter: COVID and Marketing, Mail-In Voting, Self Love and Isolation

    May 7, 2020

    01. Trump, Stop Comparing Yourself to Lincoln!
    02. Reopening America: ‘Like Creating a Peeing Section in a Pool’
    03. Will COVID-19 Create New Social Policies?
    04. Mail-In Voting, Election Disinformation and Voter Confidence
    05. The Giant Killer: The Smallest Man to Serve in the U.S. Military
    06. This Doctor Challenges Moms to Just Say ‘No’ on Mother’s Day!
    07. Would the U.S. Be Better off If Mothers Ran It?
    08. Here’s How Marketing Will Change Thanks to COVID-19
    09. What No One Tells Millennials about Being a Boss
    10. How Parents Can Ensure Their Children Earn a Living Wage
    11. No Job? Broke? 4 Ways to Make Extra Money
    12. Make Your Own Happy During Pandemic Times
    13. Are You Suffering from ‘Corona-grief’?
    14. Self-Love for Surviving Social Isolation
    15. Weird Things That Happened on Construction Sites

    1.==> Trump, Stop Comparing Yourself to Lincoln!

    At a recent town hall event held at the Lincoln
    Memorial, President Donald Trump said the press treats
    him even worse than Abraham Lincoln. According to Brad
    Meltzer, history proves otherwise. He says Lincoln had
    his issues with the press but his character was
    demonstrated in his response to vitriol from his
    rivals. “He was humble, self-deprecating, and gracious
    to those who attacked him. He didn’t insult his
    opponents; he embraced them. He insisted he was
    president for all Americans, even at a time of
    division,” says Meltzer. His new book, “The Lincoln
    Conspiracy,” tells the story of a southern, secret pro-
    slavery group that planned to kill Lincoln on his way
    to the capital to take the oath of office. Meltzer will
    explain how Lincoln ultimately evaded the assassins and
    arrived safely in Washington, D.C., and why the
    Charleston Mercury newspaper called him cowardly and
    undignified for running from his own killers. Meltzer
    is the host of the History Channel shows Brad Meltzer’s
    Decoded and Brad Meltzer’s Lost History. He is the
    author of a dozen books. Contact John Angelo at
    john@premieretv.com

    2. ==> Reopening America: ‘Like Creating a Peeing
    Section in a Pool’

    More than half of the United States has started
    reopening, including many states that haven’t met White
    House guidelines on when to do so. According to the
    guidelines for “Opening Up America Again,” states
    should wait to reopen until they have a downward
    trajectory of positive cases in a 14-day period or a
    “downward trajectory of positive tests as a percent of
    total tests within a 14-day period.” It would be smart
    for states to meet those guidelines first, says
    infectious disease expert Dr. Carlos del Rio, a
    professor of medicine and global health at Emory
    University. Otherwise, they risk a second wave of
    increased infections and deaths that could overwhelm
    hospitals. Even states that stick to their stay-at-home
    orders can be affected by neighboring states that lift
    their restrictions. “It’s like having a peeing section
    in a swimming pool,” del Rio says. “All the time, we’re
    crossing state lines.” He also warns that it will be
    several weeks before we know the effect of reopening
    because it takes time for individuals to infect others
    and for them to display symptoms. Carlos del Rio, M.D.,
    is chair of the Department of Global Health and a
    professor of epidemiology at the Rollins School of
    Public Health and Professor of Medicine in the Division
    of Infectious Diseases at Emory University School of
    Medicine in Atlanta. Contact him at (404) 727-1557;
    cdelrio@emory.edu

    3. ==> Will COVID-19 Create New Social Policies?

    The Great Depression of the 1930s led to President
    Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal, which created some of
    the United States’ most important public insurance
    programs including Social Security and unemployment
    insurance. Will the coronavirus crisis lead to
    similarly lasting advances in U.S. social policy? Lane
    Kenworthy says it’s unlikely. “The main reason crises
    don’t produce lasting change in social policy seems to
    be that people quickly forget or turn their attention
    elsewhere, so their beliefs and preferences snap back
    to where they were before the emergency,” explains
    Kenworthy. “In addition, economic downturns cause some
    people to worry about their own financial well-being
    rather than the welfare of others.” Kenworthy says
    historically, when public social programs have been
    enlarged for good, it tends to happen via the ballot
    box: progressive parties in government, not crises,
    make lasting social policy. He says if the pandemic
    does push us closer to social democracy, it will be
    because it boosts the electoral fortunes of the
    political party currently out of power, which happens
    to be one that’s already inclined to expand the social
    safety net. Lane Kenworthy is a professor of sociology
    at the University of California, San Diego. He is the
    author of “Social Democratic Capitalism.” Contact him
    at (858) 860-6124; lkenworthy@ucsd.edu or
    lane.kenworthy@gmail.com

    4.==> Mail-In Voting, Election Disinformation and Voter
    Confidence

    Even before the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic arrived in
    the United States, close observers of American
    democracy worried about the public’s faith and
    confidence in the results of the upcoming November 2020
    U.S. elections. Last week a team of election law, media
    and technology experts led by University of California,
    Irvine, professor Richard Hasen, released a list of 14
    recommendations to ensure a fair election this fall.
    “The American election system is under tremendous
    stress, and if nothing is done we face a potential
    political crisis on top of the health and economic
    crises brought on by COVID-19,” Hasen says. He’ll
    explain the group’s specific recommendations to ensure
    election integrity, voter access and the public’s
    confidence in the system. A key recommendation is that
    the media educate the public about how election counts
    may take longer than past years and vote margins may
    change during the count as election officials process
    large numbers of mail ballots, especially in key
    battleground states such as Pennsylvania and Michigan.
    Richard Hasen is the author of “Election Meltdown.”
    Contact Mojgan Sherkat at (949) 824-7937;
    msherkat@law.uci.edu

    5. ==> The Giant Killer: The Smallest Man to Serve in
    the U.S. Military

    Miami police officer David Yuzuk befriended Richard
    Flaherty when Flaherty was living on the streets. After
    15 years of friendship, Flaherty finally confessed,
    “It’s time I tell you who I really am.” Only ten days
    later Flaherty was killed in a mysterious hit and run.
    Invite Yuzuk to share the incredible true story of the
    smallest man to ever serve in the U.S. military —
    Green Beret Captain Richard J. Flaherty. “My three-year
    journey of discovery dragged me down the rabbit hole of
    CIA conspiracies and the hunt for stolen classified
    weapons — stretching from the bloody jungles of Vietnam
    to the dangerous streets of Iraq and Venezuela,” Yuzuk
    says. “He told me not to look into his undercover work,
    but I promised Richard before he was killed that I
    would get his story out to the world and my soul won’t
    rest until I do. He did good things, he did bad things,
    but his story needs to be told.” David Yuzuk made the
    award-winning documentary “The Giant Killer” in 2018.
    He and his son Neil have written a companion book with
    new facts and details. Contact Johanna Ramos Boyer at
    (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell);
    johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 646-5188

    6. ==> This Doctor Challenges Moms to Just Say ‘No’ on
    Mother’s Day!

    Cooking, laundry, child-care, chauffeuring. Every day
    of the year, mothers put their families’ needs ahead of
    their own. It is only on Mother’s Day, May 10, that
    women are given permission to think of themselves first
    yet they still struggle to do so. Let Dr. Saundra
    Dalton-Smith explain why she is encouraging mothers to
    just say no to their crammed to-do lists. She’ll offer
    suggestions for what women can do to get the seven
    types of rest they need so they can hold the family
    together without burning themselves out. Dr. Saundra’s
    advice and expertise have been featured in Woman’s Day
    and Prevention magazines. She is the author of “Sacred
    Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore
    Your Sanity.” Contact Saundra at (256) 240-0564;
    Sdalton@rtirguests.com

    7. ==> Would the U.S. Be Better off If Mothers Ran It?

    Mother’s Day is a time to honor the women who hold our
    world together. But it can also serve as a reminder
    that the same qualities moms use — empathy,
    collaboration, reason, and fact-gathering to name but a
    few — could also be put to greater use in running the
    country. From the boardroom to the White House, women
    will continue to make their mark just as they are doing
    around the world (i.e. think New Zealand Prime Minister
    Jacinda Ardern and German Chancellor Angela Merkel,
    both of whom have been praised for their country’s
    handling of the coronavirus). Lorri Craig is a
    Certified Financial Planner, developer of the Wake the
    Warrior Woman platform and author of an upcoming book
    on how to shape a culture that embraces more creative,
    collaborative, and receptive feminine energy that
    benefits both women and men. Bring her on-air to
    discuss what the country is likely to gain
    economically, socially, and militarily by harnessing
    the power of mothers. Contact her at (484) 453-1742;
    LCraig@rtirguests.com

    8. ==> Here’s How Marketing Will Change Thanks to
    COVID-19

    Selling, buying, advertising, seeking or offering
    deals. All these aspects of marketing are dynamic and
    prone to rapid change. No wonder the effects of
    COVID-19 are so powerful in today’s marketing arena.
    Learn more from Steve McChesney, best-selling author of
    “Rearranging Change: How You Market to an Ever-Changing
    World.” He’ll explore with your audience his wide
    knowledge of marketing facts and fallacies. Among the
    many topics he can discuss are: how COVID-19 isolation
    is changing our buying and selling habits; why Amazon
    is a behemoth that cannot be ignored; and whether
    America’s baby boomers have been replaced as the
    generation with the most buying power. McChesney will
    also explain how and why marketers should sell people
    what they want but give them what they need.
    McChesney’s new Rearranging Change Podcast is now
    available on all major channels. Contact him at (321)
    414-2147; smcchesney@rtirguests.com

    9. ==> What No One Tells Millennials about Being a Boss

    Today’s millennials are 20-40 years old and are already
    half of the country’s workforce. Many millennials are
    ready to become managers and leaders within their
    fields. But in many cases, they will be taking that
    step without anyone having told them what to expect and
    how to be successful, notes Jennifer P. Wisdom, Ph.D.,
    a clinical psychologist and consultant who spent two
    decades working with students at Columbia University
    and George Washington University. Invite her on your
    show to share tips on preparing to become a manager or
    leader, how to hire and mentor strong staffers, ways to
    deal with challenging staff members, and how to handle
    social media at work. Jennifer P. Wisdom, Ph.D., MPH,
    is the author of “Millennials’ Guide to Management and
    Leadership,” and “Millennials’ Guide to Work.” Her
    diverse career includes a stint in the U.S. military,
    working with nonprofit health-care organizations, and
    teaching in higher education. Contact her at (503)
    484-5679; jennifer@leadwithwisdom.com

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

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

    11. ==> No Job? Broke? 4 Ways to Make Extra Money

    Many of your listeners have lost jobs — or taken
    salary and hours cuts — as a result of COVID-19
    measures. With so many people unemployed and bills
    mounting up, people are anxious to hear about ways they
    can make money now and continue to do so once stay-at-
    home restrictions are lifted. Patricia Davis, author of
    “Going Broke Is No Joke,” wants to help with fresh
    ideas. She’ll talk about ways to bring in extra bucks
    by doing things like selling their cellphone images,
    agreeing to test websites and products, and selling
    their opinions to focus groups. Patricia can also
    prepare your audience for spotting 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, she holds
    an MBA from Stanford, a master’s degree in personal
    financial planning from Golden Gate University and a
    certificate from Georgetown University’s Stonier
    Graduate School of Banking and Finance. Contact her at
    (301) 517-6304; pdavis@rtirguests.com

    12. ==> 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 eBook, “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

    13. ==> Are You Suffering from ‘Corona-grief’?

    Missing your old life and the people who used to
    populate it? Saddened by the growing list of people who
    have passed away from COVID-19? Unable to help those
    who mourn grieve properly because of social distancing?
    Unsure what life will be like once the pandemic is
    over? If you are, you are probably suffering from
    “corona-grief,” says Rev. Meghan Smith Brooks, an
    expert on recognizing and moving through all types of
    loss. Rev. Meghan will explain why a willingness to
    feel the pain is required to heal as is permitting
    yourself to reach out for support and to be gentle with
    yourself. Rev. Meghan can also share some of the tools
    that helped her after her son was murdered seven years
    ago this May. She is an ordained Unity Minister and
    certified grief coach. She is the author of the
    upcoming book “Unraveling Grief: A Mother’s Spiritual
    Journey After Losing Her Son.”  Contact Meghan at (816)
    844-6783; mbrooks@rtirguests.com

    14. ==> Self-Love for Surviving Social Isolation

    Social distancing may help slow the spread of the
    coronavirus, but it has left many people feeling
    isolated and lonely. We crave the comfort of friends
    and family during difficult times, yet we can’t embrace
    them right now, which can be distressing and
    disorienting. “It’s hard to stay grounded when the
    world seems to be spinning out of control,” says Joffre
    McClung. “That’s why it’s more important than ever to
    be kind to yourself and practice habits that support
    you and promote a positive outlook.” Whether you’re an
    essential worker on the frontlines, holed up with kids
    and a spouse, or you’re quarantined alone, Joffre can
    share tips to practice self-love during this pandemic.
    Learn ways to incorporate meditation into your daily
    life, how to get to know yourself better, and why
    having fun and experiencing joy should be considered
    life-sustaining needs right now. Joffre McClung has
    appeared on numerous radio and TV programs. She’s a
    former media producer, independent filmmaker, and the
    author of “The Heart of the Matter.” Contact Joffre
    McClung at (917) 994-0225; JMcClung@rtirguests.com

    15. ==> Weird Things That Happened on Construction
    Sites

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

    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

  • 04/30/20 RTIR Newsletter: Military Flyovers, Gun Sales, Structure in a Pandemic

    April 30, 2020

    01. Look Up, America! Military Flyovers Raise Spirits
    02. Pandemic Profiteering: Billionaires Getting Rich Off Virus
    03. How to Adapt to Radically-Transformed Business Environment
    04. All-Star Virtual Collaboration: That’s What Friends are For
    05. Here’s a Fun Show for ‘Tiger King’ Fans
    06. Why Navy Capt. Brett Crozier Should Not Get His Ship Back
    07. How to Make Money in the Middle of a Pandemic
    08. Schools are Closing Early: This Guest Says That’s OK
    09. Why are Gun Sales Surging?
    10. Grieving in Isolation: How Hypnosis Can Help
    11. More Time on Devices Means More Eye Strain
    12. While You’re Stuck at Home: Learn to Take Better Care of Yourself
    13. How to Create Structure and Purpose in a Pandemic
    14. This Silent Disease Puts You at Risk for COVID Complications
    15. The Lincoln Conspiracy You’ve Never Heard About

    1.==> Look Up, America! Military Flyovers Raise Spirits

    A formation of U.S. Navy Blue Angels and U.S. Air Force
    Thunderbirds honored first responders on the frontlines
    of the coronavirus pandemic by flying over multiple
    U.S. cities Tuesday. The mission was one of many multi-
    city flyovers both demonstration teams will conduct in
    the next two weeks in areas of the country hit hardest
    by the coronavirus. The military is calling the
    collaborative salute “America Strong.” John Foley, a
    former lead solo pilot of the Blue Angels, says, “This
    is an important mission because awe is a powerful human
    experience that unlocks a transformative state of mind.
    I remember the feeling of hope, inspiration and
    excitement that a flyover can bring to the crowds
    below. Amid the current crisis, the team is standing
    down from their normal show schedule, but they have
    found a way to share their ‘purpose larger than self’
    with a country in need.” John is a Sloan Fellow at
    Stanford School of Business, a leadership keynote
    speaker, gratitude guru and an expert in high-
    performance teams. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516)
    901-1103; (919) 377-1200; ryan@goldmanmccormick.com

    2. ==> Pandemic Profiteering: Billionaires Getting Rich
    Off Virus

    According to a new study, billionaires are getting even
    richer from the coronavirus pandemic. The report,
    “Billionaire Bonanza 2020: Wealth Windfalls, Tumbling
    Taxes, and Pandemic Profiteers,” finds that between
    January 1 and April 10, 34 billionaires increased their
    wealth by tens of millions of dollars and eight have
    seen their net worth surge by over $1 billion. Chuck
    Collins of the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS) and
    co-author of the report says no one has benefited as
    handsomely as Jeff Bezos of Amazon, who has seen his
    wealth skyrocket by $25 billion since January 1 as
    homebound customers lean heavily on online shopping,
    grocery delivery and streaming. “This wealth surge for
    one individual — greater than the entire GDP of
    Honduras — is unprecedented in the history of modern
    markets,” says Collins. The report concludes that
    without ambitious public policies aimed at reversing
    inequality, the pandemic recovery will supercharge our
    existing inequalities of income, wealth and
    opportunity. IPS is a progressive think tank dedicated
    to building a more equitable, ecologically sustainable,
    and peaceful society. Contact Chuck Collins at
    chuck@ips-dc.org or Bob Keener at bobk@ips-dc.org

    3. ==> How to Adapt to Radically-Transformed Business
    Environment

    The entrepreneur behind the globe-spanning translation
    company TransPerfect, Liz Elting, says the business
    environment you remember back in January is dead.
    Invite her on your show to discuss how business is
    changing and how to adapt, both during and after the
    pandemic. Elting is planning for a radically-
    transformed business environment that will include:
    shorter supply lines and increased domestic
    manufacturing, the end of the “just-in-time” economy,
    and the return of the labor movement as critical parts
    of the economy return to work – with employees who
    understand just how critical they are. Elting,
    currently CEO of the Elizabeth Elting Foundation, has
    also launched the Halo campaign, a multimillion-dollar
    charitable initiative created to support comprehensive
    pandemic relief efforts including funding for research,
    frontline health-care workers, public health resources,
    and direct support to the country’s most vulnerable and
    underserved communities. Contact Magdalene Visaggio at
    magdalene@erichopr.com

    4. ==> All-Star Virtual Collaboration: That’s What
    Friends are For

    Host and pop culture commentator Jawn Murray has
    assembled an all-star list of R&B, gospel and jazz
    singers for an inspiring virtual collaboration remaking
    the classic Dionne Warwick & Friends’ song, “That’s
    What Friends Are For.” Murray says, “I had a vision to
    create a movement that would inspire people during this
    time, remind them of the importance of friendship and
    connection, and just be a blessing as we live through a
    moment in history where people are yearning for hope.”
    Twenty-four singers are featured on the collaboration
    including Yolanda Adams, Ruben Studdard, Michelle
    Williams, Coko of SWV, Syleena Johnson, Major, Shirley
    Murdock, CeCe Peniston, Angie Stone and Jeremiah Abiah.
    Jawn Murray arranged and produced the video with
    producer/musician Phil Walker. The Washington, D.C.-
    based Murray is available for interviews to talk about
    this endeavor, the importance of finding unique ways to
    connect with friends, and ways to hone your creativity
    during this time. Jawn Murray has hosted specials for
    Travel Channel, NFL Network and EPIX and was an on-air
    personality on the nationally syndicated Tom Joyner
    Morning Show. Contact Simone Smalls at
    simone@strategicheights.com

    5.==> Here’s a Fun Show for ‘Tiger King’ Fans

    With its tales of big cats and murder, “Tiger King” is
    one of the most talked-about shows streaming on
    Netflix. Suddenly, tigers are hot! But, as award-
    winning author Mary K. Savarese will tell you, tigers
    have a softer, cooler side: they love bubble baths and
    lapping up Obsession perfume like a cocktail. Mary will
    explain that tigers are the only big cats that like
    water. They are also lazy and known to sleep away the
    day but will sit in a tub with bubbles forever. Mary
    can also talk about ways your audience can help the
    reserves that care for big cats and save their lives.
    It was at one such reserve that Mary, a mystery romance
    writer, got the idea for her latest book, “Tigers Love
    Bubble Baths & Obsession Perfume.” That happened when
    she witnessed a 600-pound Siberian Tiger jump into a
    galvanized tank filled with bubble baths. Contact Mary
    at (860) 550-3344; maryksavarese@gmail.com

    6. ==> Why Navy Capt. Brett Crozier Should Not Get His
    Ship Back

    The Navy seems poised to decide the fate of Capt. Brett
    Crozier, former captain of the U.S.S. Roosevelt, who
    was removed from the ship’s command by the former
    acting secretary of the navy after a letter he wrote
    about his coronavirus threatened ship was leaked to the
    press. While your audience is sure to have an opinion
    on Crozier’s actions, Steven Mays, a graduate of the
    U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis who served on nuclear
    submarines and is now a business leadership expert, has
    the knowledge to make them see all the issues involved.
    Invite Mays on your show to discuss ways the rules
    differ for military leadership vs. civilian, what
    Crozier’s firing has in common with those of Douglas
    McArthur and Stanley McChrystal and why whatever
    decision the Navy makes regarding Capt. Crozier is sure
    to send shock waves throughout the service. Mays is the
    author of “The Power of 3, Lessons in Leadership.”
    Contact him at (703) 552-5672; smays@rtirguests.com

    7. ==> How to Make Money in the Middle of a Pandemic
    (and Afterward)

    Many of your listeners have lost jobs — or taken
    salary and hours cuts — as a result of COVID-19
    measures. With so many people unemployed and bills
    mounting up, people are anxious to hear about ways they
    can make money now and continue to do so once stay-at-
    home restrictions are lifted. Patricia Davis, author of
    “Going Broke Is No Joke,” wants to help with fresh
    ideas. She’ll talk about ways to bring in extra bucks
    by doing things like selling their cellphone images,
    agreeing to test websites and products, and selling
    their opinions to focus groups. Patricia can also
    prepare your audience for spotting scammers trying to
    temp them with bogus job opportunities and offer tips
    on what household goods could be sold for needed cash
    without being missed. An experienced guest, she holds
    an MBA from Stanford, a master’s degree in personal
    financial planning from Golden Gate University and a
    certificate from Georgetown University’s Stonier
    Graduate School of Banking and Finance. Contact her at
    (301) 517-6304; pdavis@rtirguests.com

    8. ==> Schools are Closing Early: This Guest Says
    That’s OK

    Some school districts are giving up on remote learning
    and ending the academic year early, after concluding it
    was too cumbersome for teachers, students and parents.
    The pandemic set the entire world into a tailspin,
    including education. Millions of children have been
    home-schooled for weeks now and parents and educators
    are concerned with how the disruptions will affect
    their children’s academic progress. “What we fail to
    realize is that children are learning invaluable life
    skills right now that will likely be more relevant and
    impactful for them than some of the academic lapses
    they may be experiencing,” says Peggy D. Sideratos, a
    former teacher and author of “The Light Giver and Other
    Stories to Raise Emotionally Healthy Children.” From
    learning how to budget to recognizing the difference
    between wants and needs, Peggy will discuss eight
    invaluable life lessons kids are learning while in
    quarantine. An elementary school teacher for more than
    a dozen years in New York City, Peggy D. Sideratos
    studied social-emotional learning and character
    development at Rutgers University. Contact her at (917)
    715-8788 or peggy@thelightgiverstories.com

    9. ==> Why are Gun Sales Surging?

    The coronavirus has a lot of people scared,
    particularly residents in states where the virus is
    gaining the most ground. While some people buying guns
    are old-hands worried that supplies might dry up, many
    of these buyers are first-timers. Invite Chris Bird to
    educate your audience about gun safety and self-
    defense. A sought-after expert on gun rights and
    personal protection, Chris can answer: Why are gun
    sales skyrocketing? Do we really need guns more than
    ever? Why are methods of observation as important as
    one’s weapon? With 30-plus years of firearm safety
    experience, Chris Bird is the author of several books
    including “Surviving a Mass Killer Rampage,” “The
    Concealed Handgun Manual” and “Thank God I Had a Gun!”
    Have your listeners call in during the interview with
    their gun questions. Contact Chris Bird at (210)
    686-4440; cbird@rtirguests.com

    10. ==> Grieving in Isolation: How Hypnosis Can Help

    Grief is never an easy process, but when you add the
    coronavirus and not being allowed to be with your loved
    one as they pass, loss has been brought to an entirely
    new level. Traditional funerals, wakes and shivas add
    comfort and surround you with support but they’re now
    off-limits too, leaving mourners feeling totally alone
    and on their own. Mary Beth Battaglia, a hypnosis and
    sound practitioner, will share hypnosis techniques that
    can help with the grieving process and explain how the
    relaxed hypnotic state helps release sadness, loss,
    pain and guilt. She’ll also reveal how hypnosis helped
    her heal and move forward after her own personal
    losses. Mary Beth Battaglia has appeared on Fox News
    and offers hypnosis tips on the show Conversations with
    Joan. She is the author of “Transformation Through
    Hypnosis: Relax, Clear Your Mind And Step Into Your
    Power.” Contact her at (201) 477-0265;
    marybethpeace@gmail.com

    11. ==> More Time on Devices Means More Eye Strain

    From cellphones to tablets to TV screens and laptops,
    more of us are spending additional hours staring at
    screens, risking eye strain, and worse. How can we
    protect our vision now to avoid problems later? In the
    blink of an eye, get the answer from vision educator
    Linda Odubayo Thompson. Just in time for Healthy Vision
    Month in May, she can talk about everything from
    artificial tears to resting your eyes, to cutting down
    on screen time and when to see an eye doctor. She can
    also debunk five misguided myths about eyesight. As the
    child of visually impaired parents, Linda knows not to
    take her vision for granted; she has suffered from
    glaucoma for more than 30 years. Contact Linda at (914)
    229-9184; lthompson@rtirguests.com

    12. ==> While You’re Stuck at Home: Learn to Take
    Better Care of Yourself

    As a nation, we have been sheltering in place for more
    than a month, waiting out the coronavirus pandemic. As
    individuals, we have been using that time to read,
    think, and self-improve when we aren’t curled up on the
    couch eating snack foods. With no real end in sight,
    physical therapist Laura Di Franco says there’s no
    better time to learn ways to take better care of
    yourself. DiFranco can discuss more than two dozen
    healing modalities listeners can learn to use at home
    including essential oils, energy healing, sound
    healing, trigger-point release, breathwork, stress
    relief, intuition, myofascial release and
    consciousness. She says, “One thing I know for sure is
    there are as many ways to heal as there are people on
    the planet. Each person needs a unique blend or
    combination of tools.” Laura Di Franco is one of 25
    healing professionals to share advice in the new book,
    “The Ultimate Guide to Self-Healing Techniques.”
    Contact her at (703) 915-3653; bewarriorlove@gmail.com

    13. ==> How to Create Structure and Purpose in a
    Pandemic

    There is a heaviness that seems to have descended on us
    as we wait out the storm of COVID-19. Millions of us
    are staying home and finding ourselves without a
    schedule or a place to go. We can get up any time we
    want (assuming we don’t have pets or little children
    clamoring for our attention) and in addition to lack of
    income, many of us are feeling lethargic. Bary Fleet, a
    retired minister and psychologist, says one of the best
    things we can do for ourselves is to create a
    structure. “The night before, make a plan for the next
    day. Get up at the same time each day; eat at scheduled
    times, and perhaps most importantly, set goals for
    yourself. Identify a project to tackle. Giving
    ourselves structure and purpose on a daily basis is
    critical in these uncertain times to avoid depression
    and lethargy.” Bary Fleet is the author of “Move into
    Your Magnificence: 101 Invitations to a Life of Passion
    and Joy.” Contact him at (410) 301-8240;
    Bary@DrBaryFleet.com

    14. ==> This Silent Disease Puts You at Risk for COVID
    Complications

    You have probably heard that people with certain health
    conditions are more likely to fare poorly if they
    contract coronavirus. But did you know that among those
    diseases is one that many people do not even know they
    have? It’s true; more than 7 million people don’t know
    they have diabetes out of the 30 million adults who
    have the condition. That is why it is more important
    than ever to educate the public about diabetes and how
    to manage it with the expert guidance of Nadia Al-
    Samarrie, a leading patient advocate in the diabetes
    community. Nadia is editor-in-chief of Diabetes Health,
    a 400,000-circulation magazine used in hospitals,
    diabetes classes and doctors’ offices as an educational
    resource for patients, and her AskNadia column is
    ranked No. 1 by Google as her DiabetesHealth.com
    website. Nadia is also the author of “Sugar Happy: Your
    Diabetes Health Guide in Achieving Your Best Blood
    Sugars” and “Letting Go of Your Diabetes Complication
    Fears.” She has been featured on ABC, NBC, CBS, and
    other major cable networks. Contact her at (415)
    741-3545; nalsamarrie@rtirguests.com

    15. ==> The Lincoln Conspiracy You’ve Never Heard About

    Invite Brad Meltzer of the History Channel on your show
    for a fascinating discussion about a secret society
    that plotted to kill Abraham Lincoln right after he was
    elected. Meltzer will share the real-life story that
    few people know. You’ll learn about the work of a famed
    detective and one of the first female private
    detectives in America and how strong leadership during
    a time when the nation was divided by the Civil War
    helped thwart the plot and unite a nation — drawing
    parallels to the divisions that exist in the U.S.
    today. Meltzer is the host of the History Channel shows
    “Brad Meltzer’s Decoded” and “Brad Meltzer’s Lost
    History.” Meltzer is the author of a dozen books
    including his latest, “The Lincoln Conspiracy.” 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

  • 04/28/20 RTIR Newsleter: COVID-19 Relief, Relationships During Quarantine, Driverless Cars

    April 28, 2020

    01. Celebrities Launch #AllAmericans COVID-19 Relief
    02. Reopening America: Don’t Discriminate Against Uninfected
    03. Creative Ways to Survive the Broken Supply Chain
    04. The Teacher is In: Scholastic Help for Parents
    05. Famous TV Moms on the Roles That Made Them Household Names
    06. This Guest Proves It Doesn’t Take Biology to Make a Mother
    07. Why Mothers Matter More Than Ever This Mother’s Day
    08. How a Timer, a Calendar, and a Trash Can Will Help Your Relationship During Quarantine
    09. Why Churches Are More Important Than Ever During COVID-19
    10. How to Doodle Your Coronavirus PTSD Away
    11. Driverless Cars Are Coming: How They’ll Change the World
    12. Fun Show: Weird Things That Happened on Construction Sites
    13. Infodemic Is Doing a Number on People’s Eyes
    14. Face Life After Coronavirus by Making Just 2 Choices
    15. How to Have Fun with the Fear of Uncertainty

    1.==> Celebrities Launch #AllAmericans COVID-19 Relief

    Some of the biggest names across entertainment, sports,
    politics, music and art have come together to drive
    COVID-19 relief for some of the hardest-hit
    marginalized communities. Andrew Yang, Dave Chappelle,
    Megan Rapinoe and dozens of celebrity leaders have
    partnered for The All Americans Movement, a cross-
    cultural campaign unifying all Americans to stand
    together in support of marginalized communities most
    affected by COVID-19. In a statement launching the
    movement organizers say: “More than ever, we need to
    come together—not out of fear, but out of fellowship;
    not out of misplaced nationalism, but out of
    recognition of shared struggle and common bonds; not
    just to survive this crisis, but to help make our
    nation more like what we aspire it to be.” Driven by
    nearly 100 volunteer partnerships between independent
    businesses, nonprofit organizations, and multicultural
    leaders, businesses are selling #AllAmericans-inspired
    products whose proceeds will go towards medical relief,
    combatting racism, and economic stimulus. Nonprofit
    organizations are working to provide resources and
    funds to empower marginalized communities and
    multicultural leaders are launching a social media
    campaign to demonstrate that We Are #AllAmericans. To
    book an interview with a spokesperson and find out more
    about the movement, contact publicity@allamericans.us

    2. ==> Reopening America: Don’t Discriminate Against
    Uninfected

    Could barring people who were never sick from returning
    to work and school perversely incentivize getting
    COVID-19? That’s the question David Scheffer poses as
    the U.S. grapples with reopening the country. Scheffer
    says, “Even in the best of scenarios, a vaccine would
    not be ready until well into 2021—if not longer. So the
    question we need to grapple with now is how to
    reintegrate the hundreds of millions of people who are
    complying with the shelter orders and continue to test
    negative for COVID-19.” He says people should not be
    punished for having followed the rules by remaining at
    home and out of work and that the dilemma is even
    further worsened if the criterion required for “back to
    work” or “back to school” is a certification of
    immunity based upon antibody testing. He says planners
    should labor under the assumption that the uninfected
    need to have a pathway back into an open society. He
    adds, “Whatever is devised, it should address
    pragmatically the fate of the uninfected so that they
    have hope of not only surviving, but also working and
    being educated again as a vaccine is being developed
    for widespread use.” David Scheffer is the Mayer
    Brown/Robert A. Helman professor of law and the former
    director of the Center for International Human Rights.
    Contact him at (312) 503-2224; d-
    scheffer@law.northwestern.edu

    3. ==> Creative Ways to Survive the Broken Supply Chain

    Meat suppliers are warning chicken and beef may soon be
    in short supply as they close their processing plants
    because employees are coming down with the coronavirus.
    It’s just the latest kink in our supply chain. Kim
    Green, owner of a food co-op in Colorado, saw firsthand
    how our food supply was compromised weeks before the
    COVID-19 lockdowns were implemented. Wholesale
    suppliers were out of normal goods they never run out
    of. Not just toilet paper, but life-giving goods like
    medicinal herbs, supplements and everyday things our
    bodies need to survive. Invite Kim on your show and
    learn creative ways to circumnavigate the supply chain.
    Hear how to grow an indoor garden in an apartment,
    become self-sufficient even as a city dweller, make
    your own fertilizer from fish scraps, save and preserve
    foods and grow your own medicinal herbs along with
    which ones you must have in your medicine cabinet. Kim
    Green is founder of The Wellness Way (R)Evolution, a
    comprehensive program to educate people about holistic
    practices that are in danger of being forgotten. The
    longtime host of her own wellness and inspirational
    radio show, Kim is also the author of several e-Books
    including “Old Time Ways & Little-Known Remedies.”
    Contact her at (719) 231-5715; kimmgreen2@msn.com

    4.==> The Teacher is In: Scholastic Help for Parents

    School is shut for millions of kids and parents are now
    responsible for teaching their children. For many, it’s
    a daunting experience, but Lauren Tarshis, editor-in-
    chief of Scholastic Classroom Magazines says help is
    available, for free. Scholastic designed the Learn at
    Home program to support teachers and parents by
    providing them with rich stories and meaningful
    projects to keep kids academically active. Tarshis
    says, “Our hope is that even though daily routines are
    being disrupted and students may not have valuable time
    in school with their educators, together we can support
    meaningful learning at home while it is necessary.” The
    program provides approximately three hours of learning
    opportunities per day from preschool through the high
    school level. Activities include writing and research
    projects based on nonfiction articles and stories,
    virtual field trips, reading and geography challenges,
    and more. Accessible on all devices, including
    smartphones, and with no sign-up required, the
    activities are flexible and use writing materials
    students have readily available at home—no printing
    required. Editors have also launched a collection of
    kid-friendly resources for learning about coronavirus.
    Scholastic is a global children’s publishing,
    education, and media company. Contact Anne Sparkman at
    (212) 343-6657; asparkman@scholastic.com

    5. ==> Famous TV Moms on the Roles That Made Them
    Household Names

    Hollywood mothers: The term brings to mind images
    ranging from Mrs. Brady to Mommy Dearest. If you are of
    a certain age you probably grew up with a roster of
    potentially perfect TV matriarchs with last names like
    Brady, Partridge, Cleaver, Walton, Ingalls and
    Cunningham. Interview your favorite TV moms about their
    lives on-screen and off, what it’s like to play a
    beloved mom, and how those motherly roles affected
    their careers. Marion Ross (Happy Days), Michael
    Learned (The Waltons), Karen Grassle (Little House on
    the Prairie), Ilene Graff (Mr. Belvedere) and Dee
    Wallace (The New Lasse and ET: The Extraterrestrial)
    are all available for interview. Contact Harlan Boll at
    hboll@rtirguests.com

    6. ==> This Guest Proves It Doesn’t Take Biology to
    Make a Mother

    Just in time for Mother’s Day, May 10, Mikki Shepard
    can deliver a feel-good show on the joys of
    nontraditional motherhood experienced by women who
    choose to be mothers to children and babies with whom
    they do not share DNA. Mikki, who adopted her son CJ as
    an infant and is the author of “In a Heartbeat: The
    Miracle of a Family That Was Meant to Be,” can talk
    about the challenges and opportunities of adoption and
    bust the myths that prevent more couples and birth
    mothers from choosing it. She can also share the
    amazing story of coincidences and serendipity that led
    her to adopt CJ and the lesson her stepfather taught
    her about what it means to be a family that changed her
    life. A Realtor by profession, “In a Heartbeat” is her
    first book. Contact Mikki at (938) 222-4650;
    mshepard@rtirguests.com

    7. ==> Why Mothers Matter More Than Ever This Mother’s
    Day

    At a time when many people will not be able to give
    their mothers an in-person hug or kiss, invite
    parenting expert Emily Slingluff on your program to
    reveal the four huge ways mothers matter in their
    children’s lives—perhaps more than ever. She can also
    answer such questions as are mothers more important
    than fathers? Do children suffer when their mother does
    not stay at home with them full time? What role do
    mothers play in reducing hate? Emily has been writing
    about the importance of mothers for 30 years. She was
    named Fulltime Homemaker of the Year for the State of
    Virginia by Phyllis Schlafly and Eagle Forum shortly
    after her first book came out. Her newest book is
    “Choosing Happiness.” She is a graduate of Sweet Briar
    College with a degree in government and economics and
    was an assistant editor at The Virginia-Pilot. Contact
    her at (757) 800-0246; eslingluff@rtirguests.com

    8. ==> How a Timer, a Calendar, and a Trash Can Will
    Help Your Relationship During Quarantine
    You’re feeling trapped, anxious, and lonely at home,
    next to your partner who is equally mad and sad. What
    if you could prevent your relationship from going bad
    to ugly during quarantine? What if you could win back
    the love and passion that bought you together in the
    first place? Discover how three simple things (a timer,
    a calendar and a trash can) can boost your relationship
    in this fun and informative show with Ivy Ge, Ph.D., a
    multi-genre author. Dr. Ge’s books empower women to
    pursue self-growth outside the role of caregivers. “The
    Art of Good Enough: The Working Mom’s Guilt-Free Guide
    to Thriving While Being Perfectly Imperfect” and “Life
    Transformational Journal” are her latest books. Contact
    Dr. Ivy Ge at (415) 326-3655; Contact.Ivy.Ge@gmail.com

    9. ==> Why Churches Are More Important Than Ever During
    COVID-19

    Like many other businesses and institutions, the
    COVID-19 pandemic social distancing mandate has
    presented great challenges for houses of worship that
    are dedicated to helping the most vulnerable among us.
    “When the motto of the day becomes, ‘Stay at home and
    save a life,’ we become insular,” says Rev. Raleigh
    Sadler. Raleigh can share safe, creative ways to
    identify and aid the most vulnerable without putting
    others and ourselves at risk. He’ll explain how we can
    safely help local nonprofits working with vulnerable
    populations, how to stay connected via video chats
    through Zoom or FaceTime, how to aid elderly neighbors,
    and more. Raleigh is founder of the human trafficking
    awareness group Let My People Go, and author of
    “Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.” Contact
    Raleigh at (917) 341-6758; RSadler@rtirguests.com

    10. ==> How to Doodle Your Coronavirus PTSD Away

    Most people today are feeling some degree of overwhelm
    as daily routines are suspended and social distancing
    becomes the norm. But, according to Carol Edmonston,
    aka The Doodle Lady, there is a unique, simple and
    creative way to deal with this intense stress: take
    some paper, a pencil or pen and … doodle! The niece
    of the late cartoonist and children’s book author Syd
    Hoff, who wrote “Danny and the Dinosaur” and “Sammy the
    Seal,” among others, Edmonston says doodling is a fun
    form of mindfulness which allows our spirits to rest,
    recover and regroup. Edmonston, who attributes
    overcoming breast cancer twice to what she calls her
    doodling therapy, has just released the pioneering new
    book “The Healing Power Of Doodling: Mindfulness
    Therapy To Deal With Stress, Fear & Life Challenges.”
    Contact her at (714) 609-4654; info@TheDoodleLady.com

    11. ==> Driverless Cars Are Coming: How They’ll Change
    the World

    For decades we have tried to build a car that will
    drive itself, but what will happen when self-driving
    technology impacts buses, bikes, delivery vans, and
    even buildings? Invite urban planner Anthony Townsend
    to provide a new look at the near-future integration of
    autonomous vehicles into society—where technology will
    not only transform life behind the wheel but
    revolutionize industry and infrastructure. Townsend
    will explain how our cities and towns will change as we
    embrace new ways to get around. You’ll hear how
    autonomous vehicles will deliver goods and transport
    people, making the future as much about moving stuff as
    it is about moving us. He’ll also discuss concerns
    about mobility monopolies and privatization of “the
    curb.” Townsend’s new book is “Ghost Road: Beyond the
    Driverless Car.” Contact Johanna Ramos Boyer at (703)
    646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell); johanna@jrbcomm.com or
    Erin Bolden at (703) 646-5188

    12. ==> Fun Show: Weird Things That Happened on
    Construction Sites

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

    13. ==> Infodemic Is Doing a Number on People’s Eyes

    From cellphones to tablets to TV screens and laptops,
    more of us are spending additional hours staring at
    screens, risking eye strain, and worse. How can we
    protect our vision now to avoid problems later? In the
    blink of an eye, get the answer from vision educator
    Linda Odubayo Thompson. Just in time for Healthy Vision
    Month in May, she can talk about everything from
    artificial tears to resting your eyes, to cutting down
    on screen time and when to see an eye doctor. She can
    also debunk five misguided myths about eyesight. As the
    child of visually impaired parents, Linda knows not to
    take her vision for granted; she has suffered from
    glaucoma for more than 30 years. Contact Linda at (914)
    229-9184; lthompson@rtirguests.com

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

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

    15. ==> How to Have Fun with the Fear of Uncertainty

    According to Laura Di Franco, we can either choose to
    accept the gifts we’ve been given during this pandemic
    or we can choose to suffer. She’ll explain how to have
    fun with the fear of uncertainty and why she thinks
    that’s the key to our success right now. Invite her on
    your show and learn how to cultivate pandemic
    positivity and see the possibilities in the future. She
    says, “When the whole world is in crisis together, the
    people of the world will finally understand what
    matters, and everything else will fall away. That’s
    what I think has happened, and is still happening, as a
    result of putting ‘normal’ on hold to survive. It’s a
    grand awakening, re-prioritizing, and fine-tuning of
    our life’s purpose.” Laura Di Franco, MPT, is a
    holistic physical therapist, owner of Brave Healer
    Productions, and the author of many books including the
    upcoming “The Ultimate Guide to Self-Healing
    Techniques: 25 Home Practices & Tools for Peak Holistic
    Health and Wellness.” Contact her at (703) 915-3653;
    bewarriorlove@gmail.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