Category: Women’s Issues

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

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

  • Why We Need To Have More Compassion for Ourselves

    Author and nurse practitioner Susie Bell has been through hell and back. She was excommunicated from the Mormon Church, suffered the loss of a baby, went through a soul-wrenching divorce, was drugged, raped, and publicly harassed by a famous athlete, and struggled with substance abuse. But instead of becoming bitter and angry, she developed a keen sense of compassion for herself. “This enabled me to develop a strong sense of empathy for others,” she says. “People cannot have compassion for others until they have compassion for themselves.” She is the author of the book “A Piece of Me: Finding My Voice After Mormonism, Marriage, Medicine & Men.” Contact Susie Bell at (213) 816-3622; sbell@rtirguests.com

  • Diddy Video: Let’s Talk About Domestic Violence

    The recently-leaked video of Sean “Diddy” Combs assaulting his girlfriend is sparking discussions about domestic violence and abuse. The video garnered media attention but also serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive issue of intimate partner violence. Phoenix Rose can discuss the unseen reasons women stay with those who hurt them, what domestic violence victims have in common with their abusers, why the occurrence of domestic violence spiked drastically during the pandemic, and much more. She’ll share her personal story of escaping a violent relationship and rebuilding her life, and offer real, actionable advice for people to help themselves or their loved ones do the same. Phoenix Rose is the author of “Walking in Aloha: 5 Steps to Living Your God Potential Life,” Contact her at (808) 201-2784 or prose@rtirguests.com

  • From Mt. Everest to a Solo Expedition in Antarctica: Interview This Pioneering Female Mountain Climber

    After years of working as a top corporate executive, Siv Harstad experienced severe burnout. So she decided to climb new mountains, literally, by tackling the world’s seven summits, the highest peak on all continents, including Mt. Everest and Kilimanjaro, and the highest volcanoes on all seven continents, totaling 33 expeditions. Ironically, she used to suffer from an acute fear of heights! Her experiences became a metaphor for tackling life’s challenges, especially for women. “If I can manage to climb Mt. Everest, so many other people can do things that they have been dreaming about, especially women,” she says. “More women than men hold themselves back, due to their upbringing and societal imprints.” Contact Siv Harstad at contact@sivharstad

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

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

  • Transform Menopause from Struggle to Strength!

    Menopause doesn’t have to mean suffering, silence, or struggling alone. Lisa R. Triggs will share her transformative journey from despair to empowerment and offer effective mindset tools like meditation, affirmations, and visualization to conquer menopause symptoms and find joy. The author of “The Menopause Mindshift: How I Unleashed My Inner Queen, And You Can Too!” will inspire women looking to thrive through menopause—no doctor’s visit required. More than a self-help segment, Triggs will call on listeners to “rediscover your inner strength, embrace change, and live like the Queen you are!” Give your audience the wisdom and inspiration to transform their menopause journey by bridging the gap in menopause support and shifting how they view it! Contact Lisa R. Triggs at lisa@lern.ca

  • 5/9/2024 RTIR Newsletter: Mothers, Daughters and Women’s Rights, After-Hours Work Texts, ‘Finance Bro’ Fleece is Over

    01. For Mother’s Day: Will Our Daughters Have Fewer Rights?
    02. Student Protests May Continue
    03. Can You Ignore Your Boss’s After-Hours Text?
    04. From Rags to Riches to Rags: When You Have It All and Lose It
    05. ‘Finance Bro’ Fleece Needs and Upgrade
    06. Former Heavyweight Contender ‘Gentleman’ Gerry Cooney
    07. The 40-Year Search for a Childhood Best Friend
    08. This Guest Says He’s Got the Solution to Border Insanity
    09. Does Diversity Training Work?
    10. The Essential Skill No One Teaches Adults
    11. A Game-Changer for Choosing Cancer Therapy
    12. Magnesium Supplements Are a Hot Topic: Should You Be Taking Them?
    13. Why Every Student Deserves a Gifted Education
    14. Do Lost Loved Ones Talk to Us?
    15. Splat! Why Do Birds Fly Into Windows?

    1.==> For Mother’s Day: Will Our Daughters Have Fewer Rights?

    As Americans celebrate mothers this weekend, they may want to take a moment to reflect on the current status of women’s rights when it comes to motherhood and other areas of their lives. Dr. Shila Patel can discuss what’s at stake for our daughters and generations to come amid the landslide of blows to women’s rights that started with the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade. She believes future generations of women are at risk of losing crucial protections if we don’t turn things around now. An author and retired licensed psychiatrist who started her personal and professional life in a culture where women are typically treated as lesser than men, Shila brings a unique perspective to women’s rights and why we need to fight harder than ever to safeguard our children. Interview this expert today to discuss how the recent overturning of Harvey Weinstein’s rape conviction undermines the progress of the #MeToo movement, how the pandemic highlighted the need for women’s freedom, and much more. Contact Shila Patel at (229) 586-6190; spatel@rtirguests.com

    2. == > Student Protests May Continue

    Pro-Palestinian student protests and encampments have been front-page news this spring as universities try to deal with campus unrest unlike anything since civil rights protests decades ago. “I think it’s the biggest student movement of the 21st century in the United States so it’s very significant and it’s a reflection of how much the war is upsetting students and the idea that the United States should be more cautious with what it does with its military aid,” says Robert Cohen, a history and social studies professor at New York University who has studied student activism. He says that over the past 60-plus years, student protests have become unpopular among Americans, many of whom are culturally conservative. Cohen believes what we’ve seen over the last two weeks is historic. He says protester arrests seemed to ignite the movement and points to the Republican and Democratic National Conventions as locations where we could see more of the student-led protests. Robert Cohen’s historical scholarship focuses on politics, higher education, and social protest in 20th-century America. Contact him at (212) 998-5460; rpc6@nyu.edu

    3. ==> Can You Ignore Your Boss’s After-Hours Text?

    You’re sitting down to dinner with your family and you get a text message from work. Can you ignore it? New “right to disconnect” efforts in California and around the globe aim to give workers the option of ignoring work messages after hours. The laws are an attempt to reduce the stress and burnout that come with living and working in the age of constant connectivity. But the director of the Better Life Lab at New America, Brigid Schulte, says laws may not be the best solution to finding work-life balance, and they don’t address the issues hourly workers have with low pay, too few hours, chaotic schedules and the expectation of unlimited availability. Schulte, the author of the upcoming book, “Over Work: Transforming the Daily Grind in the Quest for a Better Life,” can discuss the health effects of work-related stress, why a positive work culture benefits employees and the bottom line, and how other countries are handling the issue. Schulte is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, formerly of the “Washington Post,” and the author of “Overwhelmed: Work, Love and Play When No One Has the Time.” Contact her at schulte@newamerica.org

    4. ==> From Rags to Riches to Rags: When You Have It All and Lose It

    We’ve all heard the stories of people hitting the lottery and then losing it all. Explore the phenomena of going from rags to riches and back again with financial advisor Ted Oakley. He will share stories of entrepreneurs, heirs, athletes, artists, lottery winners, and settlement recipients finding themselves with enough wealth to “support them and their families in perpetuity.” Then, as a result of unmanaged spending, bad investments, and investment advisors, they live the reverse American Dream and lose it all. Ask Oakley: How do people lose all of their money? What makes successful people make bad investment decisions? How do you avoid it happening to you? How much money is enough to last a lifetime? Ted Oakley, founder and managing partner of Oxbow Advisors, is the author of nine books including the upcoming “$30 Million and Broke: If You Have It, Don’t Lose It.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbpr.biz or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705

    5. ==> ‘Finance Bro’ Fleece Needs and Upgrade

    Many of today’s Wall Street businessmen have cleared their closets of the traditional three-piece suit in favor of drab fleece and athleisure pants and shoes. The “Finance Bro” look has become so ubiquitous, it’s spawned countless memes on social media. Turner Allen, a New York personal stylist, says it’s time for these guys to reinvest in their wardrobe. “They think it’s a style hack, but in reality, these look like glorified gym clothes.” Allen says the cliched outfit may be comfortable — and it may have cost a pretty penny — but it often reads as careless and sloppy. The good news is the problem is pretty easy to fix once you put the vest in the trash. By choosing fabrics that aren’t athletically inspired, like cashmere or wool, Allen says you’ll instantly look more professional. Switching to simple leather sneakers or chukka boots will do the same. Invite him to share other tips to be comfortable but polished, whether you work on Wall Street or upstairs in your home office. Turner Allen is the founder and lead stylist of Style Turner. Contact him at turnerwallen@gmail.com

    6. ==> Former Heavyweight Contender ‘Gentleman’ Gerry Cooney

    Beginning in the late 1970s, “Gentleman” Gerry Cooney’s professional boxing career was marked by exhilarating fights, exciting wins, and a powerful left hook. In 1982, Cooney fought all-time great champion Larry Holmes in one of the most memorable and anticipated title fights in boxing history. Yet Cooney’s bouts in the ring were nothing compared to the inner turmoil that he dealt with and eventually overcame. Invite Cooney on your show and hear how the former contender went from an abused childhood to becoming a two-time Golden Gloves champion, and his journey through alcoholism to sustained recovery. Cooney and addiction counselor John Grady have written “Gentleman Gerry: A Contender in the Ring, a Champion in Recovery,” an unprecedented look into the boxer’s life in and out of the ring. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103

    7. ==> The 40-Year Search for a Childhood Best Friend

    Since 1980, many civilians have died in war-torn Afghanistan, but Masuda Rahmati was determined to find her childhood best friend, whom she last saw more than 40 years ago when they were 11 years old. The two were separated when Masuda and her family fled Afghanistan before the Taliban took over and the girls never said goodbye or spoke again. Invite Masuda to share why it was so important for her to find her friend, how her famous father helped her in the search, details about their planned reunion and the different directions the two families took. You’ll also hear how Masuda drew the Taliban’s ire in 2005 when she became the first woman to represent Afghanistan in the Mrs. World International Beauty Competition. Masuda Rahmati’s upcoming book is “Almost Killed by the Taliban: How I Stood Up for the Women and Girls of Afghanistan.” A media veteran, she has been interviewed by the international media and has been recognized by Congress. Contact her at (831) 298-8335; mrahmati@rtirguests.com

    8. ==> This Guest Says He’s Got the Solution to Border Insanity

    For the third month in a row, a Gallup poll finds that Americans believe immigration is the most important issue facing the country — more important than how the government is run, the shape the economy is in, or concerns about inflation. Rodger Friedman, ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬author of “Erasing America: Broken Politics, Broken Country,” says, “Sanctuary cities, mimicking the catch and release policies of the federal government, put dangerous illegals back on city streets to murder Americans all the while the government of Joe Biden does nothing. Why on earth do liberal senators and Congress folk alike tolerate this situation?” A Florida resident, Rodger can talk about ways his state is making itself extremely unattractive to illegal immigrants in stark contrast to what sanctuary states like California, Colorado, and New York are doing; the latter provide hotel accommodations, meals, health care, spending money, cell phones and more. Find out how your listeners view the issue when you invite Rodger to discuss ways voters and individual states can combat the Biden administration’s “border insanity.” Rodger Friedman is a media-savvy expert who has earned a reputation as The Equal Opportunity Critic. He is a fiscally conservative financial professional and proud member of the Sons of the American Legion who sees America heading toward a one-party socialist future. The author of multiple books, he has extensive experience as a talk-show guest on a variety of topics. Contact Rodger Friedman at (813) 575-0862; Eocritic@protonmail.com

    9. ==> Does Diversity Training Work?

    Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives (DEI) have been in the news lately, due to the ongoing cultural biases that are permeating every aspect of life around the world. As a result, many companies and organizations are implementing diversity training to address the ways they treat marginalized groups. But does it work? Find out from author Sara Ting who says, “All humans have unconscious biases. I have a tool that takes 10 seconds or less to help cultivate a mindset to value all people and be aware of one’s unconscious bias without feelings of shame, judgment, or guilt.” Sara is a diversity and inclusion educator, speaker, consultant, and author of “Small Book with a Big Idea: 5 Minute Training to Empower You and Transform the World.” Contact Sara Ting at (508) 715-3370; Sting@rtirguests.com

    10. ==> The Essential Skill No One Teaches Adults

    Everyone faces criticism — some deserved, some totally off-base and even mean-spirited. But most of us never get any help learning how to handle criticism including the negative stuff we say to ourselves. Interview emotional intelligence and criticism management expert Detri McGhee to discuss how mastering the C-A-T system can help your listeners get something positive out of every critical comment they are exposed to. Ask her: How can adults profit from every criticism they receive? What tools are available to combat the negative and destructive effects of deserved and undeserved criticism? Detri is the president of Entrepreneurial Training and Marketing, LLC, a company that offers workshops and seminars on criticism management. Contact her at (870) 407-7523; dmcghee@rtirguests.com

    11. ==> A Game-Changer for Choosing Cancer Therapy

    Few people realize that only about 30% of late-stage cancer patients benefit from the first line of chemotherapy prescribed under the current standard of care. Nearly 70% have no objective response, which means that cancer therapy remains disproportionately hit or miss despite the truly impressive advances we have made in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Invite Chris Apfel, the founder and CEO of SageMedic, a physician-led, patient-centric cancer diagnostic testing company, to discuss a breakthrough, first-of-its-kind live cancer tissue profiling that predicts the most effective cancer therapy for any given patient. Apfel says most diagnostic testing is performed on dead cancer tissue fixed in formalin. While it can guide the oncologist in their choice of therapy by classifying the tumor, it’s insufficient in finding the best, most effective therapy for a particular tumor. Apfel says the new test can identify drug resistance, empowering the oncologist to select a therapy from more promising treatments. Ask him to discuss why cancer therapy remains hit or miss, even today, the limitations of precision medicine/genomic testing, and his initial motivation for researching cancer diagnostic approaches. Chris Apfel, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A. is a physician and clinical researcher. Contact Mara Quigley at (661) 255-8283; mara@steveallenmedia.com

    12. ==> Magnesium Supplements Are a Hot Topic: Should You Be Taking Them?

    If you follow news about health topics you have probably seen an increase in the number of media outlets discussing the benefits of magnesium. The mineral is having a moment and perhaps it’s time to bring the topic to your audience’s attention by interviewing naturopathic health practitioner Hester Ladewig. Hester can talk about the role magnesium plays in hundreds of enzyme processes, the reasons why you may be low in magnesium (taking certain common prescription drugs, for example), and ways boosting magnesium levels may be helpful if you have insomnia, migraines, chronic pain, and other common problems. She can also explain what you need to know about magnesium supplements. Hester is the author of “Strengthen Your Immune System and Boost Your Resistance to Disease” and the upcoming “12 Steps to Walk Away from Chronic Pain and Take Back Your Life.” Hester Ladewig has studied and practiced in South Africa, Germany, and Switzerland, where she was part of a team of physicians at the Paracelsus Klinik Lustmühle. Contact her at hester@embracelifewithhester.com or through Whatsapp at +27716438191

    13. ==> Why Every Student Deserves a Gifted Education

    The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights estimates that 6% of public school students are enrolled in gifted and talented programs. But what about the other 94%? Prompted by a student’s question when he was a principal, Brian Butler was confronted with honoring his true beliefs about all students having gifts, which sparked these questions: Who decides which students are gifted? What happens to children who are excluded from these programs? And why can’t the practices associated with gifted education be accessible to all, not just a select few? When Brian examined the neuroscience of how children learn, numerous studies showed that children’s brains are remarkably adaptable. In fact, current research shows that all students can excel — if educators believe they can. Invite Brian to discuss how schools and educators can cultivate a growth mindset, eliminate the harmful effects of marginalizing labels, and create an environment where every student thrives. Brian Butler is a renowned educational consultant and author of “Every Student Deserves a Gifted Education.” recently chosen as a Foreword INDIES Awards Finalist. Contact him at (571) 733-0489, bkbutler497@gmail.com

    14. ==> Do Lost Loved Ones Talk to Us?

    Have you ever dreamed about a lost loved one? Or felt the presence of those who have passed on, and experienced other seemingly inexplicable messages from the dearly departed? While it’s common to chalk this up to mere nonsense, psychic medium and author June Edward claims that this is not our imagination playing tricks on us. “You can’t see the air you breathe, but it’s there,” she says. “It’s the same with souls that have passed on. They are standing right next to you!” June can share how to communicate with departed loved ones, and how this can vastly improve our lives. She is the author of “All’s Fair in Love & Karma: 5 Steps to Relationship Mastery,” which has been endorsed by best-selling author John Gray. Contact June Edward at (508) 544-0189; jedward@rtirguests.com

    15. ==> Splat! Why Do Birds Fly Into Windows?

    Hundreds of millions of birds die annually due to window collisions but there is something we can do about it. Large-scale construction changes can have the biggest impact, but homeowners and apartment dwellers can take a few small steps to help prevent bird collisions at home. According to Dr. Christine Sheppard, applying window decals is one way to help prevent window collisions. The director of the glass collisions program at the American Bird Conservancy says that you can use any kind of decal — or anything that will stick to the window, for that matter — as long as you keep a few things in mind. Invite Sheppard to discuss how to install window decals as well as the biggest reason more birds are dying and how some cities are trying to save migrating birds from flying into skyscrapers. The American Bird Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving birds and their habitats. Sheppard is an expert on the threat of glass collisions to birds and advocates for bird-friendly glass and building design. Contact her at (914) 261-8277; csheppard@abcbirds.org or @BirdsAndGlass

  • Why Are Women Afraid to Speak Up?

    It’s no secret that women struggle to be heard. Society teaches girls to be polite and agreeable and not make a fuss, even when a situation is challenging — or just plain wrong. If your audience is looking to reclaim their power in the workplace, at home, and beyond, you need to hear from Francesca Burack. The author of “Women Are Special: 123 Reasons Why” can share advice, tips, and encouragement to help women find, own, and use their voices with confidence. Ask her: What can women do to speak up in one-sided relationships, whether it’s at work or with family? How can women approach difficult conversations in the workplace, such as asking for raises, promotions, or benefits? An author, entrepreneur, educator, and popular speaker, Francesca Burack has been featured on major networks including ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox News. Contact her at (516) 823-4003; fburack@rtirguests.com

  • Toxic Anger: It’s Not Just a Male Problem

    Heart disease is the number-one killer of women. According to clinical psychologist Dr. Karyne B. Wilner, anger is one well-known factor in women’s heart disease, along with our culture’s role in suppressing it. “Anger creates stress in the body that can lead to physical and emotional health problems,” she says. She can share body-based techniques to release anger in ways that lead to greater health overall. Karyne is the author of the upcoming book “Releasing Toxic Anger for Women: Body-Based Practices to Transform Negative Thoughts, Soothe Stress, and Stay True to Yourself.” She is a leader in the field of Core Energetics and mind/body health. Contact Dr. Karyne Wilner at (401) 305-2278; kwilner@rtirguests.com

  • Your Secret Weapon During Challenging Times

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