August 13, 2020
1. Historian: Best and Worst Presidential Cabinets
02. Is Trump Trying to Defund Social Security?
03. Veteran Educator (and Charlotte Rae’s Son) on Back-to-School
04. Appalachian Trail: Time for an End-of-Summer Road Trip?
05. Let’s Talk about Netflix’s ‘Indian Matchmaker’
06. How to Have a ‘Champagne Wedding’ on a ‘Beer Budget’
07. Homeschooling Tips Parents Need Right Now
08. Gut Punch: Stress is Wreaking Havoc on Kids’ Stomachs
09. 2020 is a Tough Year — How a New Mindset Can Save You Now and Later
10. How Anxiety is Making Today’s New Normal Worse
11. Take the ‘Before You Get Out of Bed’ Challenge
12. No More Naked Audiences When You are the Speaker
13. This Guest Gives 1,300+ Tips on Making Meaning
14. Can You Drink Your Way to Increased Immunity?
15. Why a Too Safe Life is Dangerous
1.==> Historian: Best and Worst Presidential Cabinets
During his final debate with Senator Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden vowed, “If I’m elected president my Cabinet, my administration will look like the country.” Historian Lindsay Chervinsky says choosing Kamala Harris as a running mate is an important first step toward representing the diversity of the Democratic Party and the country. Invite the author of “The Cabinet: George Washington and the Creation of an American Institution” to discuss how past presidents can offer Biden a helpful road map for creating a successful Cabinet, should he win the election in November. “Whomever Biden appoints, he should pursue a Cabinet that has two qualities in common with those appointed by Obama, FDR, Lincoln, and Washington,” says Chervinsky. “First, Biden should appoint nominees with different perspectives. Successful presidents have enhanced their decision-making when their closest advisers have challenged their positions. Second, he should request the advice of his advisors, even when the conversations are uncomfortable, or the recommended actions are difficult.” She’ll discuss Lincoln’s “team of rivals,” how FDR charted a new Cabinet path, and which president had the worst collection of secretaries. Lindsay M. Chervinsky is a scholar in residence at the Institute for Thomas Paine Studies at Iona College. Contact her at drlindsaychervinsky@gmail.com; @lmchervinsky
2. ==> Is Trump Trying to Defund Social Security?
President Donald Trump’s executive order to defer payroll taxes has fueled concerns that he is attempting to defund Social Security and Medicare. Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, says the order, which seeks to defer Social Security contributions, is bad enough. But his promise to “terminate” FICA contributions if he is re-elected is a full-on declaration of war against current and future Social Security beneficiaries. “Social Security is the foundation of everyone’s retirement security. At a time when pensions are vanishing and 401(k)s have proven inadequate, Trump’s plan to eliminate Social Security’s revenue stream would destroy the one source of retirement income that people can count on. Moreover, Social Security is often the only disability insurance and life insurance that working families have. If reelected, Trump plans to destroy those benefits as well.” Altman notes that Trump in the past has repeatedly said he was the only Republican candidate who didn’t want to cut Social Security. Nancy Altman is author of “The Battle for Social Security” and “The Truth About Social Security: Exploding Five Destructive Myths.” Contact Linda Benesch at lbenesch@socialsecurityworks.org; @ssworks
3. ==> Veteran Educator (and Charlotte Rae’s Son) on Back-to-School
Considering his mother, Charlotte Rae, was arguably the quintessential TV educator as Mrs. Garrett on the hit series “The Facts Of Life,” it seems fitting that Larry Strauss pursued education as his career. The 30-year veteran inner-city high school teacher has worked with at-risk teens and first-generation college-bound students from distressed communities. An education writer and columnist, Larry can discuss the current debate about reopening schools, what type of distance learning works and what doesn’t, and what is happening with our most at-risk students during this time. Larry Strauss is a columnist for USA Today and has written for the Huffington Post and The Guardian. He is the author of more than a dozen books including “Students First and Other Lies.” Contact Harlan Boll at hboll@rtirguests.com
4.==> Appalachian Trail: Time for an End-of-Summer Road Trip?
The Appalachian mountain range covers an area of 205,000 square miles and is home to more than 25 million Americans. Yet the special culture of the region is quite different from the image commonly conveyed by the media. With families looking to vacation safely this summer, Nancy Brown Diggs says the region is a great option and just a car ride away for many. Consider this: Appalachia encompasses all of West Virginia, parts of Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Mississippi, Maryland and even a small part of western New York State. Diggs, a scholar and author of “In Search of Appalachia,” can share great stories and suggestions for visitors this summer, from historic spots to natural wonders and more. Hear about former coal mine tours, a rock ledge overhang thought to be the earliest site of human habitation in North America, and the largest space museum in the country. Contact Johanna Ramos Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell); johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 646-5188
5. ==> Let’s Talk about Netflix’s ‘Indian Matchmaker’
Netflix’s popular new docu-series “Indian Matchmaker” has a lot of people talking. In the show, a matchmaker guides clients in the U.S. and India through the arranged marriage process. Despite being entertaining, the program is controversial. Raj Girn wants to encourage your listeners to watch the show because of the inequalities it exposes. Raj, who was once in an unsuccessful arranged marriage, can talk about why she finds “Indian Matchmaking” horrifying for its depiction of the rampant prejudice that exists in the Indian community which she says is akin to systemic racism experienced in the Black community. She can also talk about ways the show relates to her own disastrous arranged marriage as she sheds light on what for most Americans is a foreign culture. Raj is a well-known media personality in Canada and a serial media entrepreneur who has worked in many communication-intensive industries with thought leaders, celebrities, and multinational corporations. Contact her at (647) 490-3158; Rgirn@rtirguests.com
6. ==> How to Have a ‘Champagne Wedding’ on a ‘Beer Budget’
With peer pressure placing undue emphasis on wedding spending and the desire to have all the beautiful elements we see at celebrity weddings, it can be difficult to imagine having a beautiful wedding on a beer budget. Lynne Goldberg and Aviva Samuels, luxury wedding planners with over 20 years of experience, will share their planning secrets on how to “drink champagne while paying for beer” at your wedding and feel good about it. This DIY wedding dream team will give specific tips for stretching wedding dollars. Learn the right way to ask for discounts, what’s worth spending money on and what’s not, and so much more. Lynne Goldberg and Aviva Samuels, who create unforgettable weddings in the U.S. and worldwide for celebrity and luxury clients, have created a new, affordable course called “Learn to I Do” for DIY couples. Goldberg and Samuels have been featured in the New York Times, Brides Magazine, the Washington Post, Martha Stewart, and Modern Luxury Bride. Contact Lynne Goldberg at (561) 212-6024 or Aviva Samuels at (561) 213-5501; info@learntoido.com
7. ==> Homeschooling Tips Parents Need Right Now
With many schools continuing remote learning this fall, many parents will again become 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
8. ==> Gut Punch: Stress is Wreaking Havoc on Kids’ Stomachs
Stress is the main trigger for irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal pain, and digestive issues in children, adolescents, and adults. These problems occur in 14% of children, 35% of adolescents, and 15% of adults and lead to absenteeism in school and the workplace. There are no medications that are helpful for these problems. And this makes the problem vexing to both parents and patients. For a look at why that number is so high and what patients and parents can do, interview Stanford-trained pediatrician Jeff Lazarus, M.D. He has developed the “Controlling Your Gut Feelings” program using a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, medical hypnosis, and motivational interviewing techniques to assist young patients and adults. Ask him: How serious are gastrointestinal problems in children? What are typical symptoms? Is diet ever a culprit? Will these problems persist for life? What can you do to help your child? Contact Dr. Lazarus at (216) 202-3112; jlazarusmd@rtirguests.com
9. ==> 2020 is a Tough Year — How a New Mindset Can Save You Now and Later
Sad to say, societal problems are on the rise. To prevail and build a better present and future, even as we face political upheaval and diseases attacking us, we must change. So says Reverend Arthur Mackey, a prolific author, focused researcher, respected pastor and sought-after media guest. He’ll show your audience how to develop a mindset that makes positive change possible and saves lives in the process. Mackey is the author of “Overcoming the Spirit of Depression.” He’ll inspire audiences as he explores on-air everything from family and workplace influences to health/social services, faith-based resources and education programs worth knowing. Ask him: Why is it never too late to change or improve your surroundings, relationships, mood and ideals? What are the four most effective ways to change your mindset, minus the stress? Does healing always require medicine? What’s the role of prayer for navigating a happier, healthier lifestyle? Contact Reverend Arthur Mackey at (516) 219-8392; AMackey@rtirguests.com
10. ==> How Anxiety is Making Today’s New Normal Worse
What’s contributing to a nationwide spike in anxiety? Take your pick: a contentious presidential election, a deadly pandemic, debilitating unemployment, an education system in chaos, financial upheaval, and the inability to travel, socialize or run businesses. No wonder your audience needs the advice of anxiety warrior Elke Scholz. Bring this outspoken psychotherapist on your show to help people navigate one of the toughest times in modern memory. Elke has written two “Anxiety Warrior” books and has operated a private therapy practice for 35 years. You’ll hear who is suffering most during this difficult year and how to recognize anxiety triggers along with her favorite anti-anxiety and pro-wellness measures. Contact Elke Scholz at (705) 710-4315; escholz@rtirguests.com
11. ==> Take the ‘Before You Get Out of Bed’ Challenge
Do this one little thing before you get out of bed each day, and you will experience more joy, confidence and productivity. It only takes 2-3 minutes and has been proven to help people dramatically shift their lives. It’s not mediation, visualizing or goal setting. Cathleen Lamberton, a coach and emotional fitness trainer, gives this powerful challenge to her clients and it has revolutionized their lives. Invite her on your show and learn how writing ten things you’re grateful for before your feet even hit the floor can make a huge difference in your life. She’ll explain what else you can do each morning, for ten days, to completely shift your perspective and your feelings, and share tips and tools to help anyone experiencing sudden and unexpected loss. Cathleen will explain why her simple exercise is so powerful (especially during this challenging year), offering specific examples of how it’s transformed people from all walks of life, from a woman in a miserable marriage to a veteran suffering from PTSD. Cathleen’s new book is “Shattered Together.” Contact Cathleen Lamberton at (802) 613-0678; clamberton@rtirguests.com
12. ==> No More Naked Audiences When You are the Speaker
When speaking in front of a group, whether in-person or virtually on-screen, you need to get over your nerves and apprehension. First of all — you do NOT need to imagine your audience naked! That old chestnut never works. You’ll want your presentation, confidence and message to wow everyone instead. So says communications and leadership expert Jill Jaysen, who will reveal how we’ve been taught all wrong when it comes to public speaking and reveal five myths that threaten your speaking prowess! You’ll learn why gimmicks like practicing in the mirror and videotaping yourself create mediocre speakers at best. Contact Jill Jaysen at (203) 442-9301; jjaysen@rtirguests.com
13. ==> This Guest Gives 1,300+ Tips on Making Meaning
Invite writer and professor Bob Lichtenbert, Ph.D., on-air for an unforgettable interview. His latest book includes over 1,300 pieces of advice on how to make more meaning (defined as “impact for good”) in one’s life and especially in other’s lives. Isn’t this a great goal for anyone to be happier? Bob will reveal how his information applies the greatest idea of making meaning in our daily lives and how he makes his advice accessible to the typical person. Learn how and why he started “collecting” tips on index cards almost 40 years ago. His “tips” introduce the new field he calls “meaningology.” You’ll hear some of his favorites: connect to something larger than yourself (other people, helpful social causes, God) and know the absolute laws of logic to determine the soundness of all thinking. This is especially meaningful during COVID-19 and quarantines! Contact Bob at (773) 819-9184; BLichtenbert@rtirguests.com
14. ==> Can You Drink Your Way to Increased Immunity?
Since the coronavirus outbreak began, everyone has been talking about immunity. How can your body be healthier to ward-off disease? Can we be wiser in what we eat and drink? What’s the best natural way to bring about strength, energy, healthier skin and ultimately longer life? For the answers, listen to Tilak Sikva, an expert in nutrition and health research and the inventor of CilanTea. Ask her: What makes cilantro an unexpected health food? What’s the best way to take advantage of its benefits? Which commonly imbibed beverages decrease immunity? Contact TIlak Silva at (310) 483-2785, tsilva@rtirguests.com
15. ==> 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