September 3, 2020
01. Labor Day: Tipping Point for Restaurant Workers?
02. Trump’s Rhetoric is Inciting Violence
03. When You Live or Work with a COVID Rule-breaker
04. It’s Emmy Time: Do a Show on TV Legend Lucille Ball
05. Back to School: Simple Tools for Stressed-Out Parents
06. Tax Resolution Expert Shares COVID Tax Advice and More
07. Remote Working is Here to Stay: Hone Your WFH Skills
08. Quick Ways to Make Extra Cash
09. Can America’s Broken Higher Education System be Fixed?
10. How to Have a ‘Champagne Wedding’ on a ‘Beer Budget’
11. Where Boomers Want to Live Now
12. Want to Stop Attracting Losers?
13. How to Reduce Stress and be More Productive
14. ‘What I Learned from Living through a Parent’s Worst Nightmare’
15. What Really Happens When We Die?
1. ==> Labor Day: Tipping Point for Restaurant Workers?
Labor Day is Monday and many restaurant workers are increasing their organizing and their demands for ending the tipped minimum wage. Last year, the House passed a bill doing just that, but the Senate refused to consider it. Invite director Abby Ginzberg to discuss her new documentary “Waging Change” about the restaurant industry. She says, “In honor of Labor Day, we are doing a national free virtual screening of ‘Waging Change,’ which reveals a disaster hiding in plain sight — that restaurant workers in 17 states make only $2.13 an hour and have to get to minimum wage by relying on their tips. Only seven states require that workers be paid the full minimum wage plus tips. With the pandemic, the situation for tipped workers has gone from bad to horrendous as many do not qualify for unemployment due to their low wages.” Abby Ginzberg is a Peabody award-winning director, producing documentaries about race and social justice for over 30 years. She is making segments of the film available to news outlets. Contact her at abbyginzberg@gmail.com, @wagingchange
2. ==> Trump’s Rhetoric is Inciting Violence
Trying to make sense of the violence in the streets? Political communication expert Helio Fred Garcia says it was anticipated and predicted because President Trump is following a playbook. Garcia will discuss the communication strategies leaders use to condition people to accept, condone, and commit violence and Trump’s pattern of getting desperate before an election and ratcheting up his rhetoric. “He demonizes groups and rivals. He glorifies white supremacists. And he invents an existential threat that requires an armed response. He did so before the 2016 election; he did so before the 2018 mid-term, with fatal consequences. And he’s doing it now,” Garcia says. What can be done? Garcia will share techniques that citizens, journalists, and civic leaders can use to confront the incendiary rhetoric. Helio Fred Garcia teaches crisis management and communications, communication strategy and ethics at NYU and Columbia University. He is the author of “Words on Fire: The Power of Incendiary Language and How to Confront It.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com
3. ==> When You Live or Work with a COVID Rule-breaker
It’s one thing to confront a stranger passing you in the street or in a store but, what do you do when your BFF, partner, or boss is not following COVID guidelines? Dr. Carole Lieberman, a psychiatrist and public health expert, says you should examine your own feelings about masks and social distancing before confronting anyone else. Then, she says, you can adjust your feelings about others who don’t share your beliefs. “People who break the rules during COVID have different reasons for their choice. Some break the rules for political reasons, some because they don’t like wearing a mask or are tired of keeping social distancing. Some people are confused or annoyed by the contradictory advice we’ve been getting, and some are simply feeling rebellious and want to take control of their life.” She’ll share tips for discussing the issue with friends and family. When it comes to bosses, Dr. Lieberman says to try to separate what they want to do themselves from what they want you to do or not do. For coworkers she suggests letting them choose what they want to do, without impinging on your choices. And when it comes to someone flouting COVID rules in the supermarket, Dr. Lieberman says just walk away. Carole Lieberman, M.D., M.P.H. is a board-certified psychiatrist, forensic psychiatrist/expert witness and author. She has appeared on “Oprah,” the “Today” show, “Good Morning America,” CNN, “Fox News” and many other media outlets and hosts her own radio show/podcast. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; (919) 377-1200 or ryan@goldmanmccormick.com
4. ==> It’s Emmy Time: Do a Show on TV Legend Lucille Ball
It won’t be at the glamourous Hollywood event we’re used to, but this year’s Emmy Awards will be handed out later this month in some virtual or other form (details are still being worked out). In anticipation of TV’s big award night, celebrate the life and career of Lucille Ball, who for years was the most Emmy-garlanded woman, winning six and being nominated (if you count lifetime awards) a whopping 15 times! Her last Emmy award was given posthumously in 1989. Darin Strauss, author of “The Queen of Tuesday: A Lucille Ball Story,” will share fascinating facts about Lucy and how she transformed the TV industry and became the world’s first female media mogul — all while suspected of being a communist and navigating the public outcry over her interracial marriage to Cuban co-star Desi Arnaz. Strauss is the author of several books. His latest, “The Queen of Tuesday,” is a blend of history, fiction and memoir that imagines his grandfather having an affair with Lucille Ball — whom his grandfather actually did meet at a ceremony held by Donald Trump’s father, Fred Trump, in 1966. Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853; LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com
5. ==> Back to School: Simple Tools for Stressed-Out Parents
Parenting is never easy, but families have been stuck together for months now and things have gone a little haywire in many homes. September usually brings relief with kids going back to school, but this year many students are sitting at the kitchen table instead of a desk in a classroom. How can we keep on keeping on without completely losing it? Families will welcome the creative suggestions of educator Laurie Marshall, suggestions that will help everyone get along better and safely blow off stress. She’ll share why parents and kids should put paper bags over their heads to convey emotions such as anger and silliness, why families should make a practice of singing and dancing together, and how taking three deep breaths when they feel out of control can center parents and interrupt impulsive behavior that can lead to harming family members. Marshall is a bullying prevention expert and the author of multiple books. She has trained over 6,000 teachers in project-based learning and facilitated 125 bully-prevention, nature-based murals with over 25,000 people in schools, nonprofits, and government agencies (NASA, FEMA, U.S. Botanical Gardens). Contact Laurie at (415) 360-3304; lmarshall@rtirguests.com
6. ==> Tax Resolution Expert Shares COVID Tax Advice and More
Even before the pandemic, there were more than 14 million taxpayers in the collection division of the Internal Revenue Service. Now with COVID-19 affecting just about every taxpayer, both personal and business, there are likely to be many more Americans facing the wrath of the IRS. David Bradley, a CPA specializing in IRS tax resolution, says the IRS is the most brutal collection agency in the world so it’s important to know your rights. Bradley will explain the rules the IRS must abide by when conducting an audit or inquiry, share tips for interacting with IRS agents, and answer questions on everything from personal tax issues to small business ones. David Bradley, CPA, has represented hundreds of clients with the IRS negotiating offers for discounted settlement, audit defense, abatement of penalties, filing multi-year delinquent returns, removal of wage garnishments, bank levy’s, payroll tax problems, and release of tax liens. Contact him at (214) 710-1255; dcb@cpafirmdallas.com
7. ==> Remote Working Is Here to Stay: Hone Your WFH Skills
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 best-selling career guides and the creator of the Secrets to Land Your Dream Job online masterclass. Contact her at (210) 601-7852; DianeHuth@DianeHuth.com
8. ==> Quick Ways to Make Extra Cash
Many of your listeners have lost jobs — or taken salary and hours cuts — in recent months. With so many people unemployed and bills mounting up, there’s a lot of folks out there who want to know how they can make some extra money now. Patricia Davis, author of “Going Broke Is No Joke,” can provide some fresh ideas. She’ll talk about ways to bring in extra bucks by doing things like selling your cellphone images, agreeing to test websites and products, and selling your opinions to focus groups. Patricia will also caution your audience about scammers and share ways to spot bogus job opportunities. She’ll also offer tips on what household goods can be sold for needed cash without being missed. An experienced talk show guest, Patricia Davis 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
9. ==> Can America’s Broken Higher Education System be Fixed?
As the pandemic continues to impact all facets of American life it’s a great time to talk about the failures of the U.S.’s higher education system and how they might be fixed. This issue is much larger than the much talked about one of whether institutions of higher learning should offer classes online or in-person and former college professor Glen Dunzweiler wants to have that discussion now. Glen says, “This virus is an opportunity for instructors and students to redefine what school is and how learning is achieved. I hope that our harsh realities on health complications and the sale of incomplete products (online classes) will inspire more to forge a thoughtful path but unfortunately, the reluctance for change, and the need for institutions to continue to make income will make the school experience limp along as people try to regain the glory of the university mythos.” Glen will explain why a traditional college education does not lead to a secure future for most students, why trade schools and work experience can be a better option and ways students can 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 at (702) 703-2219; GDunzweiler@rtirguests.com
10. ==> 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 celebrity weddings show, 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 their weddings 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. Luxury Planners Lynne Goldberg and Aviva Samuels create unforgettable weddings in the U.S. and worldwide for celebrity and luxury clients. Goldberg and Samuels saw a need to help the DIY client and have a new, affordable course called “Plan to I Do.” They have been featured in publications such as the New York Times, Brides Magazine, the Washington Post, Martha Stewart, and Modern Luxury Bride. Contact: Lynne Goldberg, (561) 212 -6024; or Aviva Samuels, (561) 213-5501; info@plantoido.com
11. ==> Where Boomers Want to Live Now
Before the coronavirus hit, baby boomers were selling their homes in the suburbs and flocking to the city to enjoy urban life. But after months of shutdowns and quarantines, many are rethinking city living. Invite Rita Wilkins, the Downsizing Designer, to discuss where boomers are heading and what the pandemic has taught us about home design now and for the future. “COVID has caused a radical shift in the way we live, work, play and communicate in our homes. Architects and builders are now rethinking everything about home design!” says Wilkins. She’ll explain how COVID unmasked glaring design flaws in current homes and share five innovative ways designers are responding to our changing needs like incorporating clever, functional work-from-home solutions. Rita Wilkins has designed interiors throughout the country including corporate penthouses and C-suites, Supreme Court justice chambers and thousands of residential interiors. She’s been featured on WHYY, Sirius-XM and in USA Today, Delaware Today, Mainline Today and more. “Downsize Your Life: Upgrade Your Lifestyle” is her first book. Contact her at (302) 354-0972; rwilkins@designservicesltd.com
12. ==> Want to Stop Attracting Losers?
Are you tired of always being in relationships with people who are bad for you? Invite Arnoux Goran, author, speaker, and the world’s No. 1 expert on personal transformation, to reveal how you can stop attracting losers. He’ll share the real reason why we’re attracted to people who aren’t good for us and why, no matter how often we promise ourselves we’ll choose someone better next time, we end up with a loser again. Goran has the solution to stop being a “loser magnet” and to break the cycle forever so you can find your perfect match. His upcoming book, “The Answer: How to Change Your Life and Make Your Dreams Come True,” reveals how to release negative emotions permanently and truly change your life by addressing the cause of repeating patterns. Goran has been featured on radio and television nationwide. Contact him at (878) 203-8231; AGoran@rtirguests.com
13. ==> How to Reduce Stress and be More Productive
Today our lives are overrun by stress. Stress affects our personal relationships and work lives. It negatively impacts us. Invite stress reduction and meditation expert Adam Weber to share his meditation method for relaxing and calming your mind anywhere, at any time of the day, even at work. He says that in only three to five minutes you can decompress and build a meditation practice that fits into your busy schedule. Weber is the author of “From Stress to Profit: How Meditation Helps the Corporate Warrior Survive, Thrive, and Profit in Our Stress-Filled World” and the upcoming book “I Will Teach You to Meditate,” which reveals simple ways to start meditating. He is also the creator of the highly acclaimed online training program Easy to Meditate. He’ll answer all your meditation questions including Is it hard to start meditating? Can you really relax your mind in a stressful place? Contact Adam Weber at (917) 779-8177; aweber@rtirguests.com
14. ==> ‘What I Learned from Living Through a Parent’s Worst Nightmare’
No one wants to go through what Meghan Smith Brooks did. She not only lost her younger son, Justin, but had to cope with the knowledge that the 29-year-old father was murdered and experience the slowly moving justice system. Yet however horrible Meghan’s experience was, the ordained Unity Minister, licensed spiritual educator and certified grief coach has gained insights she wants to share with others who have lost loved ones to the pandemic and for other reasons. She is the author of the new book “Unraveling Grief: A Mother’s Spiritual Journey of Healing and Discovery.” Ask her: Why isn’t grief something to get over? Why must you feel to heal? Does it ever go away? Contact Rev. Meghan Smith Brooks at (816) 844-6783; mbrooks@rtirguests.com
15. ==> What Really Happens When We Die?
With so many people mourning COVID-19 victims, many wonder if we go to an afterlife after we take our last breath. While growing up in a Midwestern funeral home where her dad was an undertaker, Margo Lenmark learned the truth. “People send messages in death that are very clear,” she says. “Death is not the end. I have gotten messages from dead people that have helped me to live a better life.” She shares her fascinating experiences and insights in her book “Light in the Mourning: Memoirs of an Undertaker’s Daughter.” The book has received glowing reviews from prominent authors and spiritual leaders including Deepak Chopra. Contact Margo at (828) 260-0873; MLenmark@rtirguests.com