05/12/20 RTIR Newsletter: Rural America and the Pandemic, Industry of Politics, Combating Disease Dread

May 12, 2020

01. The Pandemic is About to Test Rural America
02. Are We Running Out of Food?
03. The Dangers of Reimagining Education after the Pandemic
04. The Industry of Politics: Is it Possible to Break Partisan Gridlock?
05. 5 Reasons to Go Consignment This Spring
06. Tigers Love Bubble Baths … More Than Murder
07. Your Smartphone, Bathroom Scale and Other Ways to Teach Kids Math at Home
08. How the Pandemic Will Continue to Impact Your Health Once It’s Over
09. Why Churches Are More Important Than Ever During COVID-19
10. The Most Important Trait You Have for Surviving the Pandemic
11. 5 Easy Ways to Combat Eco-Anxiety and Disease Dread
12. The Real Reason You Do Stuff Knowing It’s Bad for You
13. Interview a Real-Life ‘Death Whisperer’
14. Become an Author While Sheltering in Place
15. How to Be an Astrologer: Everything You Need to Know

1. ==> 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

2. ==> 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

3. == > The Dangers of Reimagining Education after the
Pandemic

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has tapped a second
billionaire to “reinvent” education in New York State
after the pandemic. Cuomo reportedly sees distance
learning as “the wave of the future,” and has enlisted
Bill Gates and Eric Schmidt of Google as his advisers.
Diane Ravitch, a historian of education at New York
University, says it’s a huge mistake. “Parents want to
return to work, students want to see their teachers and
their friends, and they want to return to their
activities and sports. Teachers want to see their
students. No one but Cuomo—and probably Bill Gates and
Eric Schmidt—wants remote learning to become
permanent.” She adds, “Why doesn’t Gov. Cuomo listen to
parents and teachers and students, who will tell him to
reinvent schools by fully funding them? They want
smaller class sizes, well-maintained facilities,
experienced teachers, a well-stocked library with a
librarian, programs in the arts, a nurse and social
worker and guidance counselor in every school.” Diane
Ravitch is the author of several books including “Reign
of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and
the Danger to America’s Public Schools.” Contact her at
gardendr@gmail.com; @DianeRavitch

4. ==> The Industry of Politics: Is it Possible to
Break Partisan Gridlock?

No one would argue that today’s political climate
doesn’t serve us very well as Americans. Discuss the
industry of politics and how political innovation can
break partisan gridlock with Harvard economist Michael
Porter and former CEO Katherine Gehl. The pair can
discuss key areas of nonpartisan change, political
innovation, and action that could improve America’s
political system and ability to compete globally. From
improving how we hold elections to changing legislative
rules and ending the current duopoly of political
parties, Porter and Gehl say Democrats and Republicans
need to operate under a potential threat from
competitors. Katherine M. Gehl was president and CEO of
Gehl Foods, a $250 million, high-tech food
manufacturing company in Wisconsin. She’s a business
leader, writer, speaker, and political innovation
activist. Michael E. Porter is the Bishop William
Lawrence University Professor at Harvard Business
School and the author of 19 books. Together they’ve
written “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

5. ==> 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

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

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

7. ==> Your Smartphone, Bathroom Scale and Other Ways
to Teach Kids Math at Home

Many parents now face the scary reality that they are
in charge of their kid’s education for the rest of the
school year. Is it possible to enjoy this time and feel
confident that your children won’t fall behind?
“Absolutely!” says educator and school administrator
Lee Jenkins. According to Lee, it’s easier than you
think to create a fun, creative learning environment at
home … using many of the same principles he teaches to
teachers and administrators in schools. Lee will share
simple strategies like why your child should draw a
picture before they write a story, why you should just
spell a word for a child when they ask, how your
smartphone, your bathroom scale and a measuring cup are
all it takes to teach some math, and why you should
never use a red pen when editing your child’s work (and
what to use instead). Lee Jenkins is the author of “How
to Create a Perfect School,” with a foreword by Jack
Canfield. He has been an educator and administrator in
public schools and universities. Contact Lee Jenkins at
(484) 306-8784; LJenkins@rtirguests.com

8. ==> 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 is using Neural
Organization Technique, a proven noninvasive approach
to help people with everything from immune issues and
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

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

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

11. ==> 5 Easy Ways to Combat Eco-Anxiety and Disease
Dread

It’s impossible to ignore the climate crisis with
headlines focusing on the increase in carbon dioxide
emissions, warming of the oceans and climate disasters.
While we want to be aware of environmental issues, it
is not uncommon for these events — and contagious
disease outbreaks — to trigger anxiety, helplessness,
sadness, and fear for future generations. Registered
psychotherapist Elke Scholz can explore on-air such
topical questions as what is the cost of eco-anxieties
and health worries on our well-being? How is all this
affecting today’s youth? Why should listeners pay
attention to such topics? Elke will recommend five tips
to alleviate stress while acknowledging your
discomfort; including, how to recognize where the
anxiety is coming from and how to make safer, greener
choices. Elke has two books on anxiety, “Anxiety
Warrior Vol. One and Vol. Two.” She also offers anti-
anxiety and pro-wellness kits for employees, at-risk
youth and seniors. For over 35 years, Elke has run a
private therapy practice. Contact Elke Scholz at (705)
710-4315; escholz@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. ==> 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

14. ==> Become an Author While Sheltering in Place

You’ve wanted to write a book for years but never found
the time. Now that you’re sheltering in place at home,
this is the perfect time to begin writing. Author Andy
Hyman can tell your audience how to get started and
stay on track to complete their first book. He says
that by scheduling time every day, you can finally get
your book going. Invite him to reveal how to overcome
distractions and competing priorities, and even how to
get writing done when your kids are home and how to get
feedback on your manuscript.  His book, Snob-Free Wine
Tasting Companion, reveals how to get the most out of a
wine-tasting experience, how to match foods with
specific wines, and how wine is made. 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 (CA); andyhyman@rtirguests.com

15. ==> How to Be an Astrologer: Everything You Need to
Know

Why go to an astrologer when you can be an astrologer?
From horoscopes to compatibility breakdowns, astrology
is everywhere. But how do you figure out what it all
means? And how can it help you better understand
yourself and the world around you? Invite astrologer
Constance Stellas on your show to share relatable
advice to anyone interested in learning more about
astrology, getting to know themselves through the
zodiac, and providing accurate readings for others. She
can also do the astrological charts of your show host
and crew, revealing their personalities, life’s
purpose, and future! Constance Stellas has appeared on
several New York TV morning shows and national radio
programs. Constance is the astrologer for Huffington
Post and a regular contributor to Thrive Global. She is
also the author of several books including “How to Be
an Astrologer: Everything You Need to Interpret
Anyone’s Birth Chart for a Complete, Accurate, and
Revealing Astrological Reading.” Contact Ryan McCormick
at (516) 901-1103; (919) 377-1200 or
ryan@goldmanmccormick.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

5/5/20 RTIR Newsletter: Transforming Mother’s Day, Famous Firings, Abusers in Quarantine

May 5, 2020

01. Who Loses if Post Office Goes Bankrupt?
02. Netflix Doc: The Jenny Jones Show Murder
03. Officer Clemmons, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Policeman Pal
04. Mommy Rapper – Clean Rap Songs for Everyone
05. Would the U.S. Be Better off If Mothers Ran It?
06. Why Moms Hate Mother’s Day
07. Transforming Mother’s Day
08. This Guest Proves It Doesn’t Take Biology to Make a Mother
09. It’s National Nurses Week
10. Your Child is Better Off Now That You’re His Teacher
11. What Do These Famous Firings Have in Common?
12. M.D. Shares 7 Essential Tools to Survive the Pandemic
13. When You’re Quarantined with Your Abuser
14. Can a Pencil Help You Build Connection in the Time of Coronavirus?
15. You Think You’ve Got Cabin Fever?

1. ==> Who Loses if Post Office Goes Bankrupt?

The future of the U.S. Postal Service is up in the air, as President Donald Trump continues to starve the institution of financial assistance. Who would suffer most if the USPS went bankrupt? According to a new report: “A USPS shutdown would be devastating for the entire country, but especially for the rural communities that rely most on a public service with a universal mandate to serve every address, no matter how remote.” Coauthors Sarah Anderson and Scott Klinger find that “the 15 most rural U.S. states would face heavy blows to jobs, revenue, mail and package deliveries, and voting rights.” Sarah Anderson directs the Global Economy Project of the Institute for Policy Studies and is a co-editor of Inequality.org. Scott Klinger is a senior equitable development specialist at Jobs with Justice and an associate fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies. Contact Anderson at sarah@ips-dc.org; @ips_dc or Klinger at scottklinger@earthlink.net

2.==> Netflix Doc: The Jenny Jones Show Murder

A new Netflix documentary, “Trial by Media,” features the case of Jonathon Schmitz. Schmitz killed Scott Amedure three days after the two men appeared in a 1995 episode of The Jenny Jones Show entitled Same-Sex Secret Crushes. Visibly shaken and embarrassed on camera, Schmitz stated that he was heterosexual and nervously laughed off the remarks. Schmitz was convicted of second-degree murder and served 22 years before being released in 2017. Dr. Carole Lieberman, who testified on behalf of Jonathan Schmitz during his trial, is available for interviews. Dr. Lieberman has letters and phone calls from Schmitz, taped interviews with those involved, and other information from the trial. Carole Lieberman, M.D., M.P.H., is a board-certified psychiatrist and a bestselling author. She has appeared on Oprah, the Today show, Good Morning America, CNN, Fox News, HLN, Entertainment Tonight, ABC, CBS, NBC and many more media outlets. Contact Mark Goldman at (516) 639-0988 (call/text); mark@goldmanmccormick.com

3. ==> Officer Clemmons, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Policeman Pal

The world knows Dr. François Clemmons as Mr. Rogers’ friend Officer Clemmons on the award-winning children’s TV show Mister Rogers. He made history as the first African American actor to have a recurring role on a children’s television program. His new memoir “Officer Clemmons” details his incredible life story, beginning with his early years in Alabama and Ohio, marked by family trauma and loss, through his studies as a music major at Oberlin College, where he began to investigate and embrace his homosexuality, to a chance encounter with Fred Rogers that changed the whole course of both men’s lives, leading to a deep, spiritual friendship and mentorship spanning nearly 40 years. Invite him on your show to discuss Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, his friendship with Rogers, and how a new world opened up for him, but also required him to make painful choices and sacrifices. Contact Megan Fishmann at megan.fishmann@counterpointpress.com

4. ==> Mommy Rapper – Clean Rap Songs for Everyone

At a time when moms are being pushed to work from home, homeschool their kids and keep the family afloat, one Sacramento, California, mom is making rap music a family experience. Invite internet sensation Mommy Rapper on your show for a fun segment that may leave your listeners feeling a little differently about rappers and rap music. Mommy Rapper writes, records and produces clean rap songs rated E for Everyone. Her mission began back in 2012 when she realized she couldn’t play commercial rap music in front of her four daughters without explicit lyrics and demeaning messages. Since then she’s been creating commercial rap music that uplifts and inspires women, mothers and girls. She says people in positions of fame and popularity have a social and moral responsibility to be role models that inspire and uplift children. Her latest CD is “Clean Rap Songs.” Contact Kellie DeMarco at (916) 747-3231; kellie@kelliedemarco.com

5. ==> 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

6. ==> Why Moms Hate Mother’s Day

Don’t bother sending cards, flowers, or gift cards for Mother’s Day this year. Mothers everywhere are so stressed-out, tired and anxious they don’t want to celebrate! So, don’t spend money you don’t have to buy stuff she doesn’t want, or make promises you know you can’t keep. Get ready for a fun and informative show as Ivy Ge, Pharm.D., shares the three things a mother really wants. A pharmacy specialist and professor, Dr. Ge is a multi-genre author who writes books that empower women to pursue self-growth outside the role of caregivers. Her latest books include “The Art of Good Enough: The Working Mom’s Guilt-Free Guide to Thriving While Being Perfectly Imperfect” and “Life Transformational Journal.” Contact Dr. Ivy Ge at (415) 326-3655; Contact.Ivy.Ge@gmail.com

7. ==> Transforming Mother’s Day

Remember past Mother’s Days when you could take Mom out for dinner or buy her flowers? This year, many people will grieve for Mother’s Day as it used to be while others will be riddled with unhappy thoughts of mothers who are no longer living or present, babies who were never conceived, or mothers who were abusive or absent. When you invite the Rev. Meghan Smith Brooks on your program there will be an opportunity to transform the holiday into a time for releasing, renewing, replenishing, and relaxing. Meghan, who recently conducted a workshop on this topic, can share ways grief, pain, and loss offer a gift for healing and transformation and ways people can realize the power they have to choose how they want to live. Meghan is an expert on coping with grief whose 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

8. ==> 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

9. ==> It’s National Nurses Week

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

10. ==> Your Child is Better Off Now That You’re His Teacher

Many parents now face the scary reality that they are in charge of their kid’s education for the rest of the school year. Is it possible to enjoy this time and feel confident that your children won’t fall behind? “Absolutely!” says educator and school administrator Lee Jenkins. According to Lee, it’s easier than you think to create a fun, creative learning environment at home … using many of the same principles he teaches to teachers and administrators in schools. Lee will share simple strategies like why your child should draw a picture before they write a story, why you should just spell a word for a child when they ask, how your smartphone, your bathroom scale and a measuring cup are all it takes to teach some math, and why you should never use a red pen when editing your child’s work (and what to use instead). Lee Jenkins is the author of “How to Create a Perfect School,” with a foreword by Jack Canfield. He has been an educator and administrator in public schools and universities. Contact Lee Jenkins at (484) 306-8784; LJenkins@rtirguests.com

11. ==> What Do These Famous Firings Have in Common?

What is the difference between Harry Truman firing Gen. Douglas MacArthur, Barack Obama firing Gen. Stanley McChrystal, and the Former Acting Secretary of the Navy firing Capt. Brett Crozier? As Steven Mays will explain, all were widely respected leaders in their service and all believed in their view of how to achieve the nation’s goals. All three looked out for the troops in their charge and all spoke the truth. Ultimately, each failed to support their commander in chief, resulting in their firings. With Capt. Crozier’s potential reinstatement to the U.S.S. Roosevelt, now is the perfect time to explore the difference between civilian and military leadership and why Mays says that while civilian command over the military is crucial, civilian direction of every aspect within the military is a disaster waiting to happen. He says, “The rules for behavior are different from running a restaurant or a bank or a plumbing service. It is unwise to expect the leaders in the combat arms to act in the same manner as other jobs in all aspects of their performance.” Mays says whatever the Navy decides 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.”  He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis who served on nuclear submarines. Contact him at (703) 552-5672; smays@rtirguests.com

12. ==> 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

13. ==> When You’re Quarantined with Your Abuser

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, abuse has increased 30% since social distancing began in the U.S. Dr. Dellia Evans says survivors are reporting increased distress and anxiety. “They feel even more isolated from support and social connections, and that they have no escape. With finances becoming limited, their partners are taking it out on them with control and manipulation. Some abusers are threatening victims if they try to leave. Others are threatening victims that they will throw them out to get exposed to COVID-19.” Dr. Evans knows the issues associated with abusive relationships only too well having been married to a man who abused her for nearly 20 years. The author of “Heart Vision: How to See Your Path Forward When You’re in a Dark Place” and the companion “Heart Vision Journal” will discuss the dynamics of abusive relationships, how to get to the other side of the fears and anxieties of a destructive marriage and share a quiz to see if you are in a toxic relationship. Dr. Dellia Evans is a certified laser vision correction surgeon and optometrist. Contact her at (844) 798-9898; visible@drdellia.com

14. ==> Can a Pencil Help You Build Connection in the Time of Coronavirus?

Bored with reading, streaming and playing video games? Running out of things to say to your family members and fellow social distancers? If you want to do something fun that builds connection all it may take is a few minutes of your time, a piece of paper and a pen or a pencil. According to Lynn Matsuoka, considered the best living reportage artist, the way to draw someone to you is to draw them on paper! In an interview that works just as well for radio as television, Lynn will explain a simple technique anyone can employ, even the most artistically impaired, fearful and untalented individuals, to do quick drawings that will build connection and admiration. And while she is at it, Lynn can tell stories of what it was like to take her own drawing skills behind the scenes of such varied venues as TV shows, concerts, sumo wrestling in Japan and the Watergate hearings. For 40 years, Lynn has gotten paid to be a fly on the wall, recording behind the scenes activities in quick drawings and all the while heightening her skills of observation. A great, one-of-a-kind interview, Lynn is a media favorite. Reach her at (808) 479-5966; artist@hamptonsartist.com 

15. ==> You Think You’ve Got Cabin Fever?

By now, many of your listeners are feeling stir-crazy after being cooped up at home waiting out the pandemic. Imagine if home was a 39-foot RV. And you shared it with your spouse! Tim Winders and his wife have been riding out the COVID storm and social distancing from the world in the RV they’ve named Theo. He is so persuasive that his adult son also works and lives in his own RV. Tim can also talk about his inspiring life journey: he went from owning seven-figure businesses and over 100 properties to bankruptcy, homelessness and having $100 in his bank account before rebounding to his current, more intentional lifestyle. Contact Tim Winders at (404) 846-4639; twinders@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

04/23/20 RTIR Newsletter: Israel’s Crisis Coalition, Addiction and COVID, When Positive Thinking Doesn’t Work

April 23, 2020

01. Earth as Community, Not Commodity
02. Earth Day 2020: Cleaner Air But at What Cost?
03. Trump Using Pandemic to Rollback Pollution Rules
04. What to Expect from Israel’s Crisis Coalition
05. Baseball Digest Features Women in MLB Uniforms
06. 4 Ways to Make Extra Money If You’ve Lost Your Job
07. M.D. Shares 7 Essential Resources for Surviving the Pandemic
08. Let’s Talk about Being Pregnant in a Pandemic
09. How COVID-19 Is Ramping Up Addiction
10. Can a Pencil Help You Build Connection in the Time of Coronavirus?
11. What Will Happen When We Run Out of Nurses?
12. Could Sloppy Record-Keeping Cost You Your Life?
13. National Tell a Story Day is April 27
14. Don’t Toss Out These 5 Keepsakes for Your Kids
15. What Happens When Exes Fight Over a Frozen Embryo?
16. How to Have Fun with the Fear of Uncertainty
17. Amp Up Your Inner Fountain of Youth
18. When You Can’t Go Out, Go Inward
19. Positive Thinking Doesn’t Always Work
20. Can Doing Push-ups Save Your Life?

1.==> Earth as Community, Not Commodity

The coronavirus pandemic has forced the 50th anniversary of Earth Day to go virtual this year and conservation biologist Dr. Curt Meine says this is not altogether unfortunate. “The coronavirus pandemic is giving us pause to reflect on the trails we have taken over the last five decades. It provides a chance to look inside our own stories and consider how we have come to understand our interconnected world and our place within it.” Meine will discuss conservationist Aldo Leopold and his “land ethic” philosophy that involves seeing land not as a commodity, but as a community to be treated with love and respect. “That ethic concerns all lands, from the most remote wild places to working farmlands to the most urban cityscapes. It embraces the waters and oceans. It calls for us to get real and take action to counter the accelerating effects of climate change while we still can.” Dr. Curt Meine is one of the country’s leading conservation biologists. He serves as a senior fellow for the Center for Humans and Nature and the Aldo Leopold Foundation. Contact him at curtmeine@gmail.com

2. ==> Earth Day 2020: Cleaner Air But at What Cost?

As communities across the globe deal with the coronavirus, we’re seeing the Earth with new eyes as pollution clears. The satellite images are stunning: Skies in formerly smoggy cities are suddenly brighter and the dirty waterways in Venice are blue again. But Nicolas Loris of the Heritage Foundation says that while these environmental benefits sound encouraging, they come at a cost. “Many people would gladly trade the ability to earn a living, and the opportunity to take care of family members, for the amount of pollution we reduced over the past few weeks. If anything, it should serve as a reminder that the environmental byproducts we produce when we travel to work or to visit our families over the holidays—and still breathe fresh air—is worth it.” Nicolas Loris is an economist who focuses on energy, environmental and regulatory issues at the Heritage Foundation. Contact him at (202) 675-1761; heritagepress@heritage.org

3. ==> Trump Using Pandemic to Rollback Pollution Rules

The Washington Post reports that the Trump administration is using the coronavirus pandemic as a pretext to launch a sweeping effort to repeal or suspend regulatory safeguards. Robert Weissman, president of the consumer advocacy group Public Citizen, says, “The Trump deregulatory scheme will do nothing to get money back into the pockets of consumers, workers and small business owners, or to put people back to work. It is an evidence-free, ideological and corporate-driven illusion that public health regulations will hold up the economic recovery from the pandemic.” He adds, “The shameless exploitation of the coronavirus crisis to advance a precooked agenda to let corporations pollute our air and water, rip off consumers, endanger workers and trample on civil rights will leave the nation economically weaker and will worsen public health.” Robert Weissman is a public interest advocate and activist, as well as an expert on corporate and government accountability. Public Citizen is a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization. Contact Angela Bradbery at (202) 588-7741; (202) 503-6768 or abradbery@citizen.org or Mike Stankiewicz at (202) 588-7779; mstankiewicz@citizen.org

4. ==> What to Expect from Israel’s Crisis Coalition

Former defense chief Benny Gantz ran to unseat Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and now he’s joining his government. How did this happen? Philip Gordon will explain the pact between Netanyahu and his top political rival, how it will prolong the embattled prime minister’s political career, and likely reinforce Israel’s nationalistic direction. Ask him: What does this new government mean for Netanyahu’s upcoming trial and his political future? How might this new government affect Israeli policy toward the Palestinians and the Trump administration’s peace plan? Philip Gordon is the Mary and David Boies senior fellow in U.S. foreign policy at the Council on Foreign Relations. He was special assistant to the president and White House coordinator for the Middle East, North Africa, and the Gulf Region from 2013 to 2015. Contact Christopher Brodsky at cbrodsky@cfr.org

5. ==> Baseball Digest Features Women in MLB Uniforms

For the first time in the 79-year history of Baseball Digest, a woman in a major-league uniform will appear on the cover this May. Editor in chief Rick Cerrone says the cover actually features two women — Alyssa Nakken (San Francisco Giants) and Rachel Balkovec (New York Yankees) — both of whom earned coaching positions with their respective organizations this year. Invite Cerrone on your show to talk about the groundbreaking issue or anything baseball-related! Contact Mark Goldman at (516) 639-0988 (call/text); mark@goldmanmccormick.com

6. ==> 4 Ways to Make Extra Money If You’ve Lost Your Job

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 

7. ==> M.D. Shares 7 Essential Resources for Surviving 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

8. ==> Let’s Talk about Being Pregnant in a Pandemic

Being pregnant and giving birth are tough enough, but when the world’s in the middle of a pandemic, the experience can be terrifying and traumatic. Alan Lindemann, M.D., a long-time OB/GYN, can discuss what mothers-to-be need to know about giving birth during the coronavirus crisis including how to stay healthy, what you should know about the hospital where you plan to give birth, and what to consider if you’re contemplating a home birth. Dr. Lindemann has delivered more than 6,000 babies (including many multiple births, even quads) during his decades-long career. Contact Dr. Lindemann at (701) 543-6182; dhaugen@rtirguests.com

9. ==> How COVID-19 Is Ramping Up Addiction

We’ve all been told to stay at home to avoid spreading the coronavirus, but psychotherapist and addiction counselor Donna Marks warns that what we do in that alone-time may be deadlier than the virus. She says the current coronavirus crisis is ramping up addiction and that the stress of unemployment, the fears of death, and closed-down recovery meetings, significantly increase addiction relapse. Dr. Marks says Americans have significantly upped their food and alcohol consumption during this period of forced isolation. Hear why addiction is far more deadly than the current virus and, in fact, increases the lethality rate. She’ll discuss the role of fear in addiction, share tips and strategies to make healthy sober choices, and ways to support a loved one struggling with addiction during this difficult time. Dr. Donna Marks has been in private practice for more than 30 years. She helps clients break unwanted patterns of behavior by combining psychoanalysis and spirituality. She’s the author of “Exit the Maze – One Addiction, One Cause, One Cure.” Contact her at (561) 436-9360; drdonnamarks@gmail.com

10. ==> Can a Pencil Help You Build Connection in the Time of Coronavirus?

Bored with reading, streaming and playing video games? Running out of things to say to your family members and fellow social distancers? If you want to do something fun that builds connection all it may take is a few minutes of your time, a piece of paper and a pen or a pencil. According to Lynn Matsuoka, considered the best living reportage artist, the way to draw someone to you is to draw them on paper! In an interview that works just as well for radio as television, Lynn will explain a simple technique anyone can employ, even the most artistically impaired, fearful and untalented individuals to do quick drawings that will build connection and admiration. And while she is at it, Lynn can tell stories of what it was like to take her own drawing skills behind the scenes of such varied venues as TV shows, concerts, sumo wrestling in Japan and the Watergate hearings. For 40 years, Lynn has gotten paid to be a fly on the wall, recording behind the scenes activities in quick drawings and all the while heightening her skills of observation. A great, one of a kind interview, Lynn is a media favorite. Reach her at (808) 479-5966; artist@hamptonsartist.com 

11. ==> What Will Happen When We Run Out of Nurses?

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

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

In the middle of a pandemic, keeping your own medical records in order is more important than ever. In a medical emergency, anyone can be rattled enough to forget important details, finding themselves unable to answer physicians’ important questions about their health or that of a loved one. Anne McAwley-LeDuc, a retired nurse practitioner (APRN), learned this the hard way after her husband fell down the stairs and showed signs of paralysis. At the hospital, physicians sought answers about his medical history but she couldn’t answer vital questions. McAwley-LeDuc wants to help others — especially ordinary folks with no medical background — advocate for themselves and their loved ones for better and safer health care. She’ll discuss the role patients play in reducing medical errors, ways disorganized medical records can be deadly, and why so few patients keep good medical records or grasp the need to do so. Anne McAwley-LeDuc developed the “Personal Health Organizer” to keep essential medical information in one place and provide a snapshot of your health history. Contact her at (860) 642-1786; a.mcawley.leduc@charter.net

13. ==> National Tell a Story Day is April 27

National Tell a Story Day is usually celebrated with events at libraries and bookstores where families gather to be entertained. This year, of course, is different, but Jean Alfieri thinks it’s a great opportunity for a more personal celebration in which family members swap their own stories. She says being stuck at home can have its advantages; there is time to reflect and connect. “It’s important, especially in uncertain times like these, to look back on and remember the good times of our lives – the adventures, special people, favorite places, funny moments, and so much more that make up our cherished memories,” Alfieri says.  Alfieri’s new book “Blessed to be Me” provides writing prompts that guide people to recalling their best, worst and weirdest of days, along with how each shaped who they are today. A veteran of local TV news programs, Jean Alfieri is a former human resource and organizational development executive and the author of the “Zuggy the Rescue Pug” children’s books. Contact her at (602) 397-1344; Jean@BlessedtobeMe.com

14. ==> Don’t Toss Out These 5 Keepsakes for Your Kids

Nowadays many people try to make their home look sleek and minimalistic. But our homes still need elements of history and personality to come alive. So, think twice before issuing a blanket refusal when offered keepsakes from downsizing parents and grandparents, advises lifestyle journalist Suzanne Wexler. Let Suzanne tell you which five keepsakes you should never toss out. Suzanne will also share her hilarious story of what happened when she unexpectedly had a truckload of antiques from her late grandparents’ home show up at her new house. Suzanne is published in the Huffington Post, National Post, Bust.com and her work has been syndicated throughout Canada. She’s been quoted in Reader’s Digest, 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

15. ==> What Happens 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

16. ==> 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

17. ==> Amp Up Your Inner Fountain of Youth

It’s spring, a time of rejuvenation for the world and you. It’s also time to pick up simple tips from Diana Ruiz that can turn your inner fountain of youth on high. Diana is a wellness and stress relief coach who approaches health from a mind, body, and water perspective. She’ll share her favorite health hacks — including what to eat, think and feel — to help you to feel better and look younger. She can answer such questions as what is the single most powerful thing you can do to supercharge your body’s natural rejuvenation? And what is the mind, body, and water connection?  Diana is the author of “Healing Your Life with Water: How to Use Your Mind Body and Water Connection to Awaken Your Inner Fountain of Youth.” She can offer your audience a free download that complements the show’s subject matter. Contact her at (360) 550-9436; DRuiz@rtirguests.com

18. ==> When You Can’t Go Out, Go Inward

The whole world is stuck at home. We’re being told to isolate but if we stay inside on the couch glued to our computers, TVs and phones, stuffing junk food into our mouths as we mindlessly try to numb out the anxiety of our desperate aloneness, a spiral downward is inevitable. Yoga and meditation expert Dashama Gordon says an alternative is to use this “alone time” to focus on self-improvement. She’ll explain how listeners can stay peaceful and feel more connected and view this uncomfortable time as an incredible opportunity for personal growth and change. Featured on ABC, NBC, CBS and OWN and in the Wall Street Journal, Vogue, Cosmo plus many other publications, Dashama is the go-to expert to share wisdom, practical advice, tips and secrets to feel happier, healthier and more harmony in life, especially during challenging times. She is the founder of Pranashama Yoga Institute and the author of 5 books including “Journey to Joyful.” Contact Dashama Gordon at (808) 283-2646; dashama@dashama.com

19. ==> Positive Thinking Doesn’t Always Work

The law of attraction became popular by promoting the idea that positive thinking can solve all of our problems, but does it really work that way? Invite author Baisakhi Saha to share why too much positive thinking may actually become more detrimental than beneficial for us. Her forthcoming book, “Life is Abracadabra: 21 Magical Stories from My Travels Across the Globe That Will Make You Look at Life with New Eyes,” reveals how to harness the magic of life. Saha has been featured by Canal America TV New York, Prime 24 TV New York, National TV India, JUS Punjabi TV NY, Goge Africa TV, and many other TV, radio, digital, and print media outlets internationally. Contact her at bsaha@rtirguests.com or Skype: Baisakhi

20. ==> Can Doing Push-ups Save Your Life?

Can it be true that push-ups — the same exercise you learned in gym class — have more to offer your listeners than you might imagine? With research-based upper-body fitness expert Kristen Carter as your guide, you’ll learn why this free exercise could likely save your life and, surprisingly, is a more accurate way to assess cardiovascular health than the usual treadmill test. Ask her what is the significance of the Harvard study of male firefighters? Does muscle strength correlate with lower mortality? Kristen is a Certified Precision Nutrition Coach with a master’s degree in exercise physiology. She 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.” Contact her at (267) 930-2547; kacarter@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

04/21/20 RTIR Newsletter: Coronoavirus PTSD, Combating Disease Dread, Fears vs Facts

April 21, 2020

01. The Best Way to Reopen the U.S.
02. Global Pandemic Leadership: China vs the U.S.
03. How Ecuador Descended Into COVID Chaos
04. The Lincoln Conspiracy You’ve Never Heard About
05. 50th Anniversary of Earth Day: The Singing Tree Lady
06. When You’re Quarantined with Your Abuser
07. Life After COVID-19: What You’ll Need to Do
08. Your Child is Better Off Now That You’re His Teacher
09. How to Doodle Your Coronavirus PTSD Away
10. Self-Love for Surviving Isolation
11. How to Have Fun with the Fear of Uncertainty
12. Hypnotist Uses Zoom to Send Healing During Coronavirus
13. The Most Important Trait You Have for Surviving a Pandemic
14. 5 Easy Ways to Combat Eco-Anxiety and Disease Dread
15. Don’t Worry, Be Healthy: Balancing Fears with Facts
16. Stuck at Home? Time to Write a Book
17. Everyone Needs a Coach: How to Have One on Any Budget
18. ‘What I Learned about Fear after Facing Cancer Three Times’
19. How to Raise Boys to Respect Women in the ‘Me Too’ Age
20. ‘Benji’ Creator: The Real Story 50 Years Later

1. ==> The Best Way to Reopen the U.S.

A team of Harvard economists, social scientists,
lawyers and philosophers published a white paper last
week outlining the best way to reopen the country. The
group says there’s an available policy pathway that
would cost no more than we’re already planning to
spend, with much better effect and linked to a clear
timetable for the end of aggressive social distancing.
Invite Dr. Daniele Allen to discuss two real options
that combine a public health strategy and an economic
strategy. The first paradigm involves repeated orders
to “shelter in place” — a rotation of roughly two
months under quarantine, one month out, for 12 to 18
months. To support this, the economy is “frozen,” much
as Denmark is doing now. The second paradigm, “mobilize
and transition,” treats the potential collapse of our
health infrastructure as a major national security
threat. With the coronavirus as the enemy, this
involves a single, upfront period of aggressive social
distancing of approximately three months, to reduce
transmission of the disease; simultaneously, the
government aggressively builds an infrastructure for
fighting and surviving the pandemic — investing in the
production of testing capacity and test administration,
personal protective equipment, and tools for case
identification and contact tracing. Dr. Daniele Allen,
director of the Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics at
Harvard University and a member of the panel, can
explain why the second strategy is the best way to get
the country moving again. Contact Cherise Fields at
(617) 495-9646; cherisefields@fas.harvard.edu

2. == > Global Pandemic Leadership: China vs U.S.

As COVID-19 continues to ravage the world, a secondary
debate over the longer-term implications of the
pandemic for global leadership has surfaced. Elizabeth
Economy of the Council on Foreign Relations says
neither China nor the U.S. is rising to the occasion.
She says rather than acknowledge culpability for the
initial spread of the virus, and then, with grace, lead
the world in donations of personal protection equipment
(PPE), the Chinese government has attempted to offload
responsibility with spurious theories about the virus
originating in Italy or dropped in Wuhan by the U.S.
army. Here in the U.S., Economy says President Trump
has done no better after wasting weeks with his
determination to ignore both the seriousness of the
virus and the need to provide a strategy for responding
to the threat. She says, “The only question that
remains now is whether China or the United States will
rise to the occasion in the aftermath of the crisis to
demonstrate another quality of great leadership: an
ability to learn, adapt, and do better. Unfortunately,
the character of the current leadership in both
Washington and Beijing means there is little chance of
this.” Elizabeth Economy is director for Asia studies
at the Council on Foreign Relations and a distinguished
visiting fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover
Institution. She is an acclaimed author and expert on
Chinese domestic and foreign policy. Contact her at
(212) 434-9641; eeconomy@cfr.org

3. ==> How Ecuador Descended into COVID Chaos

In the last few days and weeks, media outlets around
the world have been publishing shocking stories and
images of the COVID-19 crisis in Ecuador. Invite
Guillaume Long, a senior policy analyst at the Center
for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR), to explain how
the country descended into COVID-19 chaos. He says,
“Scenes of corpses abandoned in the streets of
Guayaquil, Ecuador’s second-largest city, have shaken
audiences in Latin America and beyond. Statistics, even
the highly untrustworthy official ones, have confirmed
the dire picture of a fast accelerating crisis.” He
adds, “Government ministers and diplomatic
representatives abroad were told to give interviews
denouncing it all as ‘fake news.’” Prior to joining
CEPR, Guillaume held several cabinet positions in the
government of Ecuador, including minister of foreign
affairs, minister of culture, and minister of knowledge
and human talent. Most recently, he served as Ecuador’s
permanent representative to the United Nations in
Geneva. Contact Dan Beeton at beeton@cepr.net or
@ceprdc

4. ==> 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

5. ==> Fun Show for 50th Anniversary of Earth Day: The
Singing Tree Lady

Laurie Marshall is a two-for-one guest who can help you
celebrate Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day (April 24)
in a year in which environmental holidays are more
important than ever. Laurie is capable of discussing
everything from fascinating facts about trees (did you
know that tree-like structures show up in lungs,
brains, arteries, and rivers or that trees communicate
with each other?) to how to talk to kids about the
overwhelming issues of the pandemic and climate change
by involving them in finding solutions. Laurie is a
cutting-edge educator whose many books include “Beating
the Odds Now” and “Singing Trees: A Growing Forest.”
Known as The Tree Lady, Laurie is a project-based
learning and arts integration specialist who has worked
with underserved youth for over 30 years. Her partners
include FEMA and Project Drawdown, the World’s Leading
Resource for Climate Solutions. She has trained over
6,000 teachers in project-based learning and
facilitated 125 nature-based murals with over 25,000
people in schools, nonprofits, and government agencies.
Contact Laurie Marshall at (415) 360-3304;
lmarshall@rtirguests.com

6. ==> When You’re Quarantined with Your Abuser

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic
Violence, abuse has increased 30% since social
distancing began in the U.S. Dr. Dellia Evans says
survivors are reporting increased distress and anxiety.
“They feel even more isolated from support and social
connections, and that they have no escape. With
finances becoming limited, their partners are taking it
out on them with control and manipulation. Some abusers
are threatening victims if they try to leave. Others
are threatening victims that they will throw them out
to get exposed to COVID-19.” Dr. Evans knows the issues
associated with abusive relationships only too well
having been married to a man who abused her for nearly
20 years. The author of “Heart Vision: How to See Your
Path Forward When You’re in a Dark Place” and the
companion “Heart Vision Journal” will discuss the
dynamics of abusive relationships, how to get to the
other side of the fears and anxieties of a destructive
marriage and share a quiz to see if you are in a toxic
relationship. Dr. Dellia Evans is a certified laser
vision correction surgeon and optometrist. Contact her
at (844) 798-9898; visible@drdellia.com

7. ==> Life After COVID-19: What You’ll Need to Do

Yes, the day is coming when the pandemic will be behind
us. But, according to Dr. Annalee Kitay, before we even
have the chance to let out that big sigh of relief we
should be aware of this truth: “A great number of
people’s immune systems will be in a compromised
state,” she says. And, she adds, even people who look
healthy will still need to boost their immune systems.
Invite Dr. Kitay to explain why this is so and offer
some tips on what to eat and what supplements to take
to get back to where you were before you knew what
COVID-19 was. Dr. Kitay can also talk about the brain’s
role in immune function as well as share information
about the Neural Organization Technique that she
practices and trains physicians in. Neural Organization
Technique is one of health care’s best-kept secrets.
She is one of fewer than 50 practitioners in the U.S.,
who are using the revolutionary proven natural
technique to help people with everything from
concussions to learning disabilities and low-back pain.
Dr. Kitay did several guest spots with the late Dr.
(Robert) Atkins. Contact Dr. Kitay at (561) 462-4733;
akitay@rtirguests.com

8. ==> Your Child is Better Off Now That You’re His
Teacher

Many parents are facing the scary reality that they
will be in charge of their kid’s education for the rest
of the school year. Is it possible to enjoy this time
and feel confident that your children won’t fall
behind? “Absolutely!” says educator and school
administrator Lee Jenkins. According to Lee, it’s
easier than you think to create a fun, creative
learning environment at home … using many of the same
principles he teaches to teachers and administrators in
schools. Lee will share simple strategies like why your
child should draw a picture before they write a story,
why you should just spell a word for a child when they
ask, how your smartphone, your bathroom scale and a
measuring cup are all it takes to teach some math, and
why you should never use a red pen when editing your
child’s work (and what to use instead). Lee Jenkins is
the author of How to Create a Perfect School, with a
foreword by Jack Canfield. He has been an educator and
administrator in public schools and universities.
Contact Lee Jenkins at (484) 306-8784;
LJenkins@rtirguests.com

9. ==> 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;
carol.edmonston@gmail.com

10. ==> Self-Love for Surviving Isolation

Social distancing may help slow the spread of the
coronavirus, but it’s 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 front lines, 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

11. ==> 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

12. ==> Hypnotist Uses Zoom to Send Healing During
Coronavirus

Life as we used to know it bears little resemblance to
what we are experiencing today as the coronavirus
pandemic upends everything from work to childcare to
celebrations, death and human contact. To counteract
the negativity coming at us at warp speed — whether we
listen to the news or not — the world needs more
positive thoughts and healing vibrations and that is
exactly what Mary Beth Battaglia is sending out with
her twice-daily Zoom sessions. “I’m using Zoom to
conquer feelings of doom, you might say,” Battaglia
observes. She’ll explain how the sessions connect
people throughout the world and reinforce that we are
all in this together. “People share what their
quarantine is like, where to get groceries and what
helps them stay calm,” she says. Invite this New
Jersey-based hypnosis and sound practitioner on your
show and learn ways to distance yourself from
negativity and fear, clear your mind of unwanted
thoughts and use affirmations to stay positive.
Battaglia has appeared on Fox News and offers hypnosis
tips on the program Conversations with Joan.
“Transformation Through Hypnosis: Relax, Clear Your
Mind & Step Into Your Power,” is her new book. Contact
Mary Beth Battaglia at (833) 732-2333;
marybethpeace@gmail.com

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

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

14. ==> 5 Easy Ways to Combat Eco-Anxiety and Disease
Dread

It’s impossible to ignore the climate crisis with
headlines focusing on the increase in carbon dioxide
emissions, warming of the oceans and climate disasters.
While we want to be aware of environmental issues, it
is not uncommon for these events — and contagious
disease outbreaks — to trigger anxiety, helplessness,
sadness, and fear for future generations. Registered
psychotherapist Elke Scholz can explore on-air such
topical questions as what is the cost of eco-anxieties
and health worries on our well-being? How is all this
affecting today’s youth? Why should listeners pay
attention to such topics? Elke will recommend five tips
to alleviate stress while acknowledging your
discomfort; including, how to recognize where the
anxiety is coming from and how to make safer, greener
choices. Elke has two books on anxiety, “Anxiety
Warrior Vol. One and Vol. Two.” She also offers anti-
anxiety and pro-wellness kits for employees, at-risk
youth and seniors. For over 35 years, Elke has run a
private therapy practice. Contact Elke Scholz at (705)
710-4315; escholz@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Don’t Worry, Be Healthy: Balancing Fears with
Facts

Erasing stress is not only critical to success but also
critical to our survival, says Janet McKee, a former
Fortune 500 executive who nearly died from massive
stress and burnout. But how can we erase stress in the
midst of a pandemic? McKee knows. Allow her to explain
how to balance fear with facts to reach a place of calm
acceptance, how to maintain positive energy to get your
power back amid the chaos and to self-regulate the news
you take in. She’ll also share four ways to build a
strong immune system and even discuss the good that is
coming out of the epidemic. Janet McKee, MBA, CHPC,
CHHC, is a High-Performance™ success coach, wellness
expert, and CEO of SanaView. She is the author of the
No. 1 bestseller “Stressless Success: The Surprising
Secrets to a Life of Passion, Purpose, and Prosperity.”
Contact her at (724) 417-6695; janet@janetmckee

16. ==> Stuck at Home? Time to Write a Book

An estimated 80 to 90% of Americans would like to write
a book someday. Most of them let their dream die
without ever acting upon it. Let Fabi Preslar,
president of custom publishing house SPARK Publications
and an author herself, explain why this pandemic might
be the right time to finally get started. She’ll reveal
five powerful reasons to write your book today
including the importance of letting others learn from
your hero’s journey. She can also answer such questions
as what’s the biggest roadblock to getting a successful
book written? And, book publishing isn’t what it used
to be, what does a new author need to know? Articulate,
smart and honest, Fabi (Fay-Bee) is the author of
“Fabulous F Words of Business Ownership: Redefining
Choice Words to Fuel Your Small Business” and winner of
Charlotte Business Journal’s 2018 First-Generation
Family Business of the Year Award. Contact Fabi at
(704) 291-3566; FPreslar@rtirguests.com

17. ==> Everyone Needs a Coach: How to Have One on Any
Budget

Think you don’t need a coach to help navigate your
challenging career and reach your goals? Think again!
Then interview Dr. Sarah Brown, a sought-after coach
and trainer who’s helped thousands define and pursue
success based on their unique interests, strengths and
needs. She’ll help listeners understand the critical
role coaches play and describe how anyone can turn a
friend, colleague, or mentor into that much-needed
role. People can even learn to coach themselves! Dr.
Brown will share her 5-step KTS Success Factor™ Model
and must-know secrets, including finally clarifying
exactly what you want … getting started even without
all the answers (and without going bankrupt!) …
whether it’s wise to give-up one’s current job first
… remedies for lackluster performances … and
special advice for entrepreneurial businesses. Contact
Sarah Brown at (302) 274-0624; SBrown@rtirguests.com

18. ==> ‘What I Learned about Fear after Facing Cancer
Three Times’

Kipp Harris knows what he’s talking about when he
explores myths and truths about living with fear —
especially when it involves health hurdles. He has
faced cancer three times. Your audience will want to
hear Kipp’s inspiring story of what he learned from
facing cancer multiple times including the importance
of living fully, recognizing the many lives we touch
every day and even finding joy during chemotherapy. His
upcoming book is “Improbable Joy: A 3-Time Cancer
Survivor’s Journey to Finding Joy in Unexpected
Places.” Ask him: What epiphany did he have in Spain?
What was the first thing he did after he learned that
his cancer returned? What lessons did he learn that
could apply to coronavirus fears? Contact Kipp Harris
at (701) 638-4051; Kharris@rtirguests.com

19. ==> 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

20. ==> ‘Benji’ Creator: The Real Story 50 Years Later

Joe Camp created “Benji,” one of the most famous dog
movies of all time, but Camp was rejected by every
major studio in 1974 so he produced the film himself.
When it came time for distribution, he was rejected
again so he distributed it himself. Against all odds,
“Benji” became a summer blockbuster and Camp went on to
become a successful independent filmmaker. Now a
Tennessee farmer and author, Camp tells the story of
not only how “Benji” was brought to life, but how he
was brought to life. He says he didn’t realize until
decades later that every rejection had to happen just
as it did for people to see “Benji” — and for him to
see God and the purpose in it all. With millions of
events, ceremonies, opportunities, and dreams now on
hold indefinitely or possibly lost, Camp encourages
people to trust that a bigger story is being written.
Joe Camp’s new book is “God Only Knows.” Contact Jason
Jones at jason@jonesliterary.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

04/16/20 RTIR Newsletter: Mail-In Ballots, Boosting Your Immune System, Self Healing Secrets

April 16, 2020

01. Trump Blames WHO for Pandemic
02. We May Be Social Distancing Until 2022
03. Women Leaders Better at Handling Pandemic
04. Risky Voting: Mail-In Ballots Are the Only Safe Option
05. Uncoupling After COVID: How the Virus Is Changing Divorce
06. Interview the Singing Tree Lady for Earth Day or Arbor Day
07. Hypnotist Uses Zoom to Send Healing During Coronavirus
08. Face Life After Coronavirus by Making Just 2 Choices
09. How to Create Structure and Purpose in a Pandemic
10. Gun Sales Surge as Coronavirus Spreads
11. This Silent Disease Puts You at Risk for COVID Complications
12. How to Boost Your Immune System
13. Changing Careers Now: Tips from a Pro
14. Book This Guest If You’ve Ever Crammed for a Test!
15. Don’t Toss Out These 5 Keepsakes for Your Kids
16. When You Can’t Go Out, Go Inward
17. From Viruses to Migraines and Beyond – Self-Healing Secrets
18. How to Become Supernatural
19. Lady Rancher Helps Women Over 40 Wrangle Their Best Lives
20. ‘Little House’ Cast Reunites for Fans Online

1.==> Trump Blames WHO for Pandemic

President Donald Trump stunned world leaders and health
experts on Tuesday when he announced he was halting
funding to the World Health Organization (WHO) in the
middle of the global coronavirus pandemic. Trump
accuses the organization of mismanaging the spread of
the novel coronavirus and of not acting quickly enough
to investigate the virus when it first emerged in
China. But Thomas J. Bollyky says it’s not WHO’s fault
that Trump didn’t prepare for the pandemic. Thomas J.
Bollyky is director of the global health program and
senior fellow for global health, economics, and
development at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR).
He is also an adjunct professor of law at Georgetown
University. Bollyky is the author of “Plagues and the
Paradox of Progress: Why the World Is Getting Healthier
in Worrisome Ways” and the founder and managing editor
of Think Global Health, an online magazine that
examines the ways health shapes economies, societies,
and everyday lives around the world. Contact him at
(202) 509-8517; tbollyky@cfr.org

2. ==> We May Be Social Distancing Until 2022

This may be the new normal for quite a while. The U.S.
may have to endure social distancing measures — such
as stay-at-home orders and school closures — until
2022 unless critical care capacity is increased
substantially or a treatment or vaccine becomes
available. That news comes from researchers at the
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health who published
their findings in the journal Science on Tuesday. Their
findings directly contradict research being touted by
the White House that suggests the pandemic may stop
this summer. “If intermittent distancing is the
approach that’s chosen, it may be necessary to do it
for several years, which is obviously a very long
time,” says Dr. Marc Lipsitch, an author on the study
and an epidemiology professor at the Harvard School of
Public Health. The report also predicts the virus will
come roaring back fairly quickly once restrictions are
lifted and that a resurgence in contagion could be
possible as late as 2024. Contact Dr. Marc Lipsitch at
(617) 432-4559; mlipsit@hsph.harvard.edu

3. ==> Women Leaders Better at Handling Pandemic

Germany, New Zealand and Taiwan have all received
accolades for their impressive handling of the
coronavirus pandemic. They’re scattered across the
globe: one is in the heart of Europe, one is in Asia
and the other is in the South Pacific. But they have
one thing in common: they’re all led by women. Leta
Hong Fincher says the success of these and other women-
led governments in dealing with a global pandemic is
all the more noteworthy, given that women make up less
than 7% of world leaders. “These countries — all
multi-party democracies with high levels of public
trust in their governments — have contained the
pandemic through early, scientific intervention,” says
Leta. She says it’s long past time to recognize that
the world is in dire need of more women leaders and
equal representation of women at all levels of
politics. “At the very least,” she adds, “The
disproportionate number of women leaders succeeding in
controlling this pandemic — so far — should show us
that gender equality is critical to global public
health and international security.” Leta Hong Fincher
is the author of “Betraying Big Brother: The Feminist
Awakening in China” and “Leftover Women: The Resurgence
of Gender Inequality in China.” Contact her at
letahong@gmail.com; @LetaHong

4.==> Risky Voting: Mail-In Ballots Are the Only Safe
Option

Many believe mail-in voting is the best way to ensure
that the November 2020 election can proceed safely
despite the coronavirus pandemic. President Donald
Trump has made it clear he intends to stymie any large-
scale vote-by-mail efforts, but Noah Feldman says it’s
the only realistic option for holding an election
during a pandemic. “No one should have to risk his or
her life to go to the polls,” he says. “If states
either constrain absentee voting or lack the resources
to enable it to function effectively, the consequences
for our democracy could be disastrous.” Feldman says
enabling a free and fair vote even under pandemic
conditions should be the very epitome of a nonpartisan
objective and points to another time in history when
Americans cast their ballots, during the Civil War.
“It’s time for responsible Republicans to stand up and
say that there is no other choice but mail-in voting.
In the spirit of 1864, we must hold the election by any
means necessary.” Noah Feldman is a Bloomberg Opinion
columnist and host of the podcast Deep Background. He
is a professor of law at Harvard University and was a
clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter. Among
his books is “The Three Lives of James Madison: Genius,
Partisan, President.” Contact Shannon Whalen-Lipko at
(617) 495-4620; swhalen@law.harvard.edu

5. ==> Uncoupling After COVID: How the Virus Is
Changing Divorce

Divorce attorney Jacqueline Newman expects a big jump
in divorce rates after couples have been home
quarantined together during the coronavirus epidemic.
“Stress is not good for even the healthiest of
marriages, but it can be what pushes a marriage on the
brink right over the edge. The notion of being trapped
in a house (and in some cases a small apartment) with a
spouse who was annoying to you when you only saw him or
her for a few hours a day can definitely be
distressing,” according to Newman. For couples already
in the process of ending their marriage, Newman says a
lot has changed, from custody issues to financial
implications. Not to mention a huge backlog of cases
waiting for the court system to reopen. Jacqueline
Newman is a managing partner at Berkman Bottger Newman
& Schein LLP, a matrimonial law firm in Manhattan. The
author of “The New Rules of Divorce,” Newman has
appeared on various TV and radio shows and has been
quoted in numerous publications. Contact Ryan McCormick
at (516) 901-1103; (919) 377-1200

6. ==> Interview the Singing Tree Lady for Earth Day or
Arbor Day

Laurie Marshall is a two-for-one guest who can help you
celebrate Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day (April 24)
in a year in which environmental holidays are more
important than ever. Laurie is capable of discussing
everything from fascinating facts about trees (did you
know that tree-like structures show up in lungs,
brains, arteries, and rivers or that trees communicate
with each other?) to how to talk to kids about the
overwhelming issues of the pandemic and climate change
by involving them in finding solutions. Laurie is a
cutting-edge educator whose many books include “Beating
the Odds Now” and “Singing Trees: A Growing Forest.”
Known as The Tree Lady, Laurie is a project-based
learning and arts integration specialist who has worked
with underserved youth for over 30 years. Her partners
include FEMA and Project Drawdown, the World’s Leading
Resource for Climate Solutions. She has trained over
6,000 teachers in project-based learning and
facilitated 125 nature-based murals with over 25,000
people in schools, nonprofits, and government agencies.
Contact Laurie Marshall at (415) 360-3304;
lmarshall@rtirguests.com

7. ==> Hypnotist Uses Zoom to Send Healing During
Coronavirus

Life as we used to know it bears little resemblance to
what we are experiencing today as the coronavirus
pandemic upends everything from work to childcare to
celebrations, death and human contact. To counteract
the negativity coming at us at warp speed — whether we
listen to the news or not — the world needs more
positive thoughts and healing vibrations and that is
exactly what Mary Beth Battaglia is sending out with
her twice-daily Zoom sessions. “I’m using Zoom to
conquer feelings of doom, you might say,” Battaglia
observes. She’ll explain how the sessions connect
people throughout the world and reinforce that we are
all in this together. “People share what their
quarantine is like, where to get groceries and what
helps them stay calm,” she says. Invite this NJ-based
hypnosis and sound practitioner on your show and learn
ways to distance yourself from negativity and fear,
clear your mind of unwanted thoughts and use
affirmations to stay positive. Battaglia has appeared
on Fox News and offers hypnosis tips on her show
Conversations with Joan. “Transformation Through
Hypnosis: Relax, Clear Your Mind & Step Into Your
Power,” is her new book. Contact Mary Beth Battaglia at
(833) 732-2333; marybethpeace@gmail.com

8. ==> 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

9. ==> 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

10. ==> Gun Sales Surge as Coronavirus Spreads

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

11. ==> 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

12. ==> How to Boost Your Immune System

No one wants to get sick, especially in the middle of a
pandemic. But frankly, most of us don’t think about
revving up our immune system until news about the
consequences of not doing so reach a fevered pitch.
Angela Andalcio-Holtz, author of “Beyond Your Numbers,
Connect the Pieces to a Path of Amazing Health,” says
we need to change that attitude. Invite her on your
show to discuss lifestyle habits that nurture your
brain and body, fun ways to move more to raise your
immunity at a time when gyms are closed and planned
activities have been curtailed, and a lab test that can
indicate what supplements and foods you need to
maximize your unique health. You’ll learn what to look
for on food labels and how to make recipes that heal.
Angela Andalcio-Holtz is a clinical medical
technologist and health coach. Contact her at (630)
329-1095; myuniquepathway@yahoo.com

13. ==> 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

14. ==> Book This Guest If You’ve Ever Crammed for a
Test!

Have you ever crammed for a test? How about your kids?
Chances are the answer is yes. But did you know that
cramming almost never leads to learning? It’s true!
Most students cram to get that “A” on Friday … but they
have forgotten vital information by Monday. The “Cram
Plan” just doesn’t work long-term. Interview Lee
Jenkins, educator, administrator and author of “How to
Create a Perfect School,” so he can explain how a
“perfect school” is possible when we take away the
cramming game that teachers and students play.
According to Lee, it’s easier than you think to solve
the educational dilemma in this country by getting rid
of cramming, once and for all. Lee Jenkins has been an
educator and administrator both in public schools and
universities. Contact him at (484) 306-8784;
LJenkins@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Don’t Toss Out These 5 Keepsakes for Your Kids

Nowadays many people try to make their home look sleek
and minimalistic. But our homes still need elements of
history and personality to come alive. So, think twice
before issuing a blanket refusal when offered keepsakes
from downsizing parents and grandparents, advises
lifestyle journalist Suzanne Wexler. Let Suzanne tell
you which five keepsakes you should never toss out.
Suzanne will also share her hilarious story of what
happened when she unexpectedly had a truckload of
antiques from her late grandparents’ home show up at
her new house. Suzanne is published in the Huffington
Post, National Post, Bust.com and her work has been
syndicated throughout Canada. She’s been quoted in
Reader’s Digest, 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

16. ==> When You Can’t Go Out, Go Inward

The whole world is stuck at home. We’re being told to
isolate but if we stay inside on the couch glued to our
computers, TVs and phones, stuffing junk food into our
mouths as we mindlessly try to numb out the anxiety of
our desperate aloneness, a spiral downward is
inevitable. Yoga and meditation expert Dashama Gordon
says an alternative is to use this “alone time” to
focus on self-improvement. She’ll explain how listeners
can stay peaceful and feel more connected and view this
uncomfortable time as an incredible opportunity for
personal growth and change. Featured on ABC, NBC, CBS
and OWN and in the Wall Street Journal, Vogue, Cosmo
and many other publications, Dashama is the go-to
expert to share wisdom, practical advice, tips and
secrets to feeling happier, healthier and more
harmonious, especially during challenging times. She is
the founder of Pranashama Yoga Institute and the author
of five books including “Journey to Joyful.” Contact
Dashama Gordon at (808) 283-2646; dashama@dashama.com

17. ==> 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

18. ==> How to Become Supernatural

The supernatural isn’t just the stuff of sci-fi movies.
According to Kim Chestney, we all possess these powers.
“A popular theme in our culture today is the cognitive
evolution of humanity — how the expansion of our
consciousness can give us the ability to know the
unknowable and experience the impossible,” she says.
Kim will share the simple yet powerful ways that you
can tap into your superpower and radically change your
life. The founder of IntuitionLab, Kim is the author of
“The Psychic Workshop” and the upcoming “Radical
Intuition: A Revolutionary Guide to Your Inner Power.”
Contact her at (412) 214-9502; KChestney@rtirguests.com

19. ==> Lady Rancher Helps Women Over 40 Wrangle Their
Best Lives

Like many women over 40, Sandra Matheson found herself
at a daunting crossroads. She was divorced, unable to
continue her career as a veterinarian due to work-
related chemical sensitivities and stuck with a money-
losing farm. But she managed to turn lemons into
lemonade by rebuilding her farm, which became a
metaphor for her life. “Just as a farmer grows crops,
you can make the choice to grow your dreams after 40,”
she says. “The main focus has to be on silencing your
inner critic.” Sandra is a co-host of New Cowgirl
Camps, which teach women about farming and ranching,
each June and August in Cheney, Wash. She is also the
author of the upcoming book “Thrive After 40 ? How to
Seize the Life of Your Dreams!” Contact Sandra at (360)
325-4221; smatheson@rtirguests.com

20. ==> ‘Little House’ Cast Reunites for Fans Online

Just like everyone else, Alison Arngrim is social
distancing because of the coronavirus pandemic. With no
work, and stuck at home, the actress who played Nellie
Oleson on “Little House on the Prairie” decided she
needed to do something. “I decided to read ALL the
Little House books, the complete works of Laura Ingalls
Wilder, all NINE books,” she says. “I knew it would
make me feel better, but then I thought, why keep it to
myself? I decided to read the books in order, LIVE on
Facebook, a chapter or two at a time, every single day
… while wearing a bonnet!” The response from friends
and fans has been overwhelming with people posting
pictures of themselves in bonnets reading the books.
Many tell her how much they enjoy it and how calming
and reassuring the words of Laura Ingalls Wilder are at
a time like this. Dean Butler, who played Almanzo
Wilder, has already joined her and several cast members
will also appear in the coming weeks. Alison Arngrim is
an author, activist, and stand-up comedian. She
currently serves as the president, national
spokesperson, and founding board member of The National
Association to Protect Children. Contact Harlan Boll at
(626) 296-3757; harlan@bhbpr.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

04/14/20 RTIR Newsletter: Life after COVID, Asking for Money, Taking God Seriously

April 14, 2020

01. What Workers Need from Their Companies Right Now
02. Economist on COVID: Young People ‘Going to Get Squashed’
03. The Main Street Bail-Out We Really Need
04. ‘Benji’ Creator: The Real Story 50 Years Later
05. Life After COVID-19: What You’ll Need to Do
06. What Day is It? How to Create Structure and Purpose in a Pandemic
07. Suddenly Working from Home? Tips to Stay Productive
08. Finding Happiness in the Time of Coronavirus
09. How to Thrive Under Continual Stress
10. Adrenaline, Cortisol and the Coronavirus
11. What Will Happen When We Run Out of Nurses?
12. Great for Earth Day: The Surprising Solution to Climate Change
13. Is Your Boss Crossing the Line? (And How to Recognize Fraud)
14. What Workplace Piracy Costs Us
15. How to Ask for Money When You Hate to
16. Draw Closer to Your Pets, Spouse and Fellow Shut-ins
17. This Sugar Witch Could Save Your Life
18. 3 Words a Parent Never Wants to Hear
19. How to Take God Seriously
20. Psychedelics: What’s Behind Their Rise in Popularity?

1.==> What Workers Need from Their Companies Right Now

Faced with long hours and health concerns, workers on
the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic are starting
to reach a breaking point. Millions of American workers
are already in the unemployment abyss, but for those
still working, or who might return to work, Rosabeth
Moss Kanter says business leaders should take note.
“How a company handles the people it lets go is noticed
by employees, as well as by customers and partners. And
a failure to prioritize worker concerns could cause a
further deterioration in trust in the business while
also prolonging the crisis by neglecting the health of
families and the economy.” The Harvard Business School
professor says business leaders should address four
priorities: physical, financial, emotional and
community health. She says, “The COVID-19 crisis should
be a wakeup call for compassionate attention to worker
needs. Business leaders need to heed the call, or risk
facing resentment and its consequences when the economy
opens again.” Contact Rosabeth Moss Kanter at (617)
495-6053; @RosabethKanter

2. ==> Economist on COVID: Young People ‘Going to Get
Squashed’

Economist and economic historian Peter Temin says the
COVID-19 pandemic has revealed a lot about America’s
“dual economy” model that features a split of two
separate sectors where people’s lives are vastly
different. Temin says the affluent sector makes up
about 20% of the population where people have stable
lives and good jobs, and an increasingly separate low-
wage sector, roughly 80%, where people struggle to get
by and find fewer and fewer ways to improve their lot.
Temin will explain what the COVID-19 pandemic reveals
about this system and which groups of citizens are most
economically at risk. “Kids who are working in the gig
economy are going to get squashed down with fewer and
fewer opportunities. Young people are very vulnerable,
especially those who have not been able to find a
steady job and get ahead.” He’ll also discuss who loses
when more students are taught online, and how we bridge
the gap between the two segments of American society.
Peter Temin is professor emeritus of economics at MIT
and author of “The Vanishing Middle Class.” Contact him
at (617) 253-3126; ptemin@mit.edu

3. ==> The Main Street Bail-Out We Really Need

Congress has been tasked with doing “whatever it takes”
to rescue corporations and the stock market but the
individuals, local governments and small businesses
suffering the devastating consequences of the shutdown
have essentially been left out of the bail-out,
according to Ellen Brown of the Public Banking
Institute. But she says relief for all is possible if
the central bank is run as a true public utility. “The
same sort of Treasury-owned Special Purpose Vehicle
(SPV) set up in the CARES Act to bail out businesses
and financial institutions can be used to bail out the
people and states. The systems are already in place to
issue relief funds immediately by direct deposit, and
this can be done for as long as needed.” Invite Brown
to discuss four immediate actions that will prevent a
financial catastrophe in our communities and set them
up for future fiscal health. From getting money in
people’s hands and into the economy, to debt relief and
helping states secure funding, Brown will explain how
public banks can help reboot the economy. Brown is
founder and chair of the Public Banking Institute,
which recently released an open letter to Congress: “A
‘Critical-Care’ Bailout for Main Street in the Face of
COVID-19 — How Public Banks Can Reboot the Real
Economy.” Contact her at
ellen@publicbankinginstitute.org, @ellenhbrown or Walt
McRee at walt@publicbankinginstitute.org,
@PublicBanksNow

4. ==> ‘Benji’ Creator: The Real Story 50 Years Later

Joe Camp created “Benji,” one of the most famous dog
movies of all time, but Camp was rejected by every
major studio in 1974 so he produced the film himself.
When it came time for distribution, he was rejected
again so he distributed it himself. Against all odds,
“Benji” became a summer blockbuster and Camp went on to
become a successful independent filmmaker. Now a
Tennessee farmer and author, Camp tells the story of
not only how “Benji” was brought to life, but how he
was brought to life. He says he didn’t realize until
decades later that every rejection had to happen just
as it did for people to see”’Benji” — and for him to
see God and the purpose in it all. With millions of
events, ceremonies, opportunities, and dreams now on
hold indefinitely or possibly lost, Camp encourages
people to trust that a bigger story is being written.
Joe Camp’s new book is “God Only Knows.” Contact Jason
Jones at jason@jonesliterary.com

5. ==> Life After COVID-19: What You’ll Need to Do

Yes, the day is coming when the pandemic will be behind
us. But, according to Dr. Annalee Kitay, before we even
have the chance to let out that big sigh of relief we
should be aware of this truth: “A great number of
people’s immune systems will be in a compromised
state,” she says. And, she adds, even people who look
healthy will still need to boost their immune systems.
Invite Dr. Kitay to explain why this is so and offer
some tips on what to eat and what supplements to take
to get back to where you were before you knew what
COVID-19 was. Dr. Kitay can also talk about the brain’s
role in immune function as well as share information
about the Neural Organization Technique that she
practices and trains physicians in. Neural Organization
Technique is one of health care’s best-kept secrets.
She is one of fewer than 50 practitioners in the U.S.,
who are using the revolutionary proven natural
technique to help people with everything from
concussions to learning disabilities and low-back pain.
Dr. Kitay did several guest spots with the late Dr.
(Robert) Atkins. Contact Dr. Kitay at (561) 462-4733;
akitay@rtirguests.com

6. ==> What Day is It? 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

7. ==> Suddenly Working from Home? Tips to Stay
Productive

Millions of Americans suddenly find themselves working
from home. Whether you are setting up shop at the
kitchen table or sequestering yourself in your bedroom,
this new way of doing business can take some getting
used to. Invite Sharon Fenster to share six strategies
to help get through this time and work at home
effectively. From setting a clear workday schedule to
creating a proper work environment, listeners will
learn how to make the best of this new working reality
and ways to keep a positive mindset and make the best
use of their workday. She says, “Interruptions are
tempting because of the social isolation we all feel
right now but try to compartmentalize your feelings and
keep work time separate from social time. It’s
important to stay in touch with friends and family, so
schedule those video and voice calls like FaceTime,
Zoom, or the good old-fashioned phone, during breaks
from work and other downtimes in your work schedule.” A
former president of the Public Relations Society of
America New York (PRSA – NY), Sharon is president of
Fenster Communications. Contact her at (914) 391-0275;
sharonfenster@gmail.com

8. ==> Finding Happiness in the Time of Coronavirus

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

9. ==> How to Thrive Under Continual Stress

We know that when we suffer from continual stress,
choices seem limited and thereby decrease our
effectiveness. Behavioral scientists have a name for
this psychological reaction: learned helplessness.
Stress expert Marvin Marshall says it’s important to
acknowledge (and not ignore) how the brain changes when
under continual stress. “You can accomplish this by
realizing that regardless of the situation, stimulus,
or urge, a person always has a choice as to the
response. You can also develop the habit of redirecting
negative self-talk. Learning to act reflectively
(rather than reflexively) can prevent learned
helplessness that inevitably increases stress and
reduces effectiveness.” Marvin Marshall is an author,
educator and professional speaker. His “Without Stress”
series of books explains how to reduce stress in daily
life, work and relationships. Contact him at (714)
220-1882; Marv@MarvinMarshall.com

10. ==> Adrenaline, Cortisol and the Coronavirus

This is a stressful time and many people are feeling
anxious. But that’s the worst thing for our bodies
right now, according to Michael Platt, M.D. He’ll
explain how both stress and anxiety cause our bodies to
release a hormone called cortisol that impairs the
immune system, the main defense we have against the
coronavirus. “The primary cause of stress and anxiety
is excess adrenaline,” says Dr. Platt. Invite him on
your show to discuss his simple, unique approach to
lowering adrenaline. He says, “By providing the brain
with the two nutrients it requires, and using a 5%
progesterone cream that can be obtained without a
prescription, levels of excess adrenaline can be
lowered in less than 24 hours.” He’ll reveal other
surprising ways adrenaline affects the body, from
weight gain and insomnia to fibromyalgia and road rage.
Dr. Michael Platt is board-certified in internal
medicine and his practice specializes in wellness and
bioidentical hormones. A frequent media guest, Dr.
Platt is the author of several books including
“Adrenaline Dominance.” Contact him at (760) 836-3232;
meplatt2@gmail.com

11. ==> What Will Happen When We Run Out of Nurses?

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

12. ==> Great for Earth Day: The Surprising Solution to
Climate Change

With a climate denier in the White House who may win
re-election, a neutered Environmental Protection
Agency, rising temperatures, melting ice caps,
wildfires, and other weird weather, a growing number of
millennials and other people are suffering from climate
anxiety — the fear that Earth will become
uninhabitable. That’s why an interview with Sankarshan
Das could not be timelier, especially with Earth Day
coming up on April 22nd. This expert can offer his
revolutionary perspective on how by cleaning up the
pollution within ourselves we can clean up all the
pollution in the world. He’ll explain why being anxious
can lead to greater happiness, comparing anxiety to a
dashboard warning light requiring our immediate
attention. He can also share how he has managed to have
zero anxiety in the past 50 years. Sankarshan Das is a
spiritual master with disciples all over the world and
is the author of the upcoming book “Conquer Your Mind
and Deliver the World: Empowering You to Awaken Your
Divine Consciousness and Create Global Happiness.” He
is also a singer-songwriter who once appeared onstage
between Jefferson Airplane and the Grateful Dead. His
song, “The Peace Formula,” has been praised by Barack
Obama. Contact him at (512) 643-6740;
sbridge@rtirguests.com

13. ==> Is Your Boss Crossing the Line? (How to
Recognize Fraud)

What does it really mean to be ethical in business and
life? Would you know fraud if you saw it at work or in
yourself? Interview John Smith – an ordinary guy who
unwittingly got caught up in the 1980s S&L crisis and
found out the hard way that you don’t have to commit a
crime to be convicted of one. “Most people are unaware
of what fraud actually is, so it’s overlooked, and
people remain unaware of illegal activity around them.
We all need to know exactly what fraud is, how it
happens, why it happens, and how to avoid it!” says
John. John Smith shares his gripping story and the
consequences of ethical and unethical behavior in his
book, “Embracing the Abyss,” which chronicles his
becoming part of a fraud scandal and how he eventually
received a presidential pardon. Contact John Smith at
(214) 216-2199; JSmith@rtirguests.com

14. ==> What Workplace Piracy Costs Us

Are your employees trustworthy? Or do they have sticky
fingers? They could be merely pilfering pencils or
other “won’t be missed” office supplies, but even minor
stealing affects profits and ultimately the economy.
So, who will help stop workplace crooks when they
upgrade their crimes to appropriating electronics,
clutching cash (like embezzling nuns who snatched
school funds for Vegas gambling) or cooking books for
personal gain? You, that’s who — by interviewing
profitability master Ruth King, author of “50 Ways
Employees and Vendors Steal from You” and the book
series “The Ugly Truth about Cash.” Ruth will reveal
how managers can corral crooks at work. She’ll explore
myths and truths about brazen cyber-stealing …
thwarting employee bandits’ stash-and-grab techniques
… recognizing temptation at the office … steps for
establishing a thief-proof workplace … and much more.
Ruth’s insights have already saved many businesses and
millions of dollars in profits. Contact her at (770)
615-2056; RKing@rtirguests.com

15. ==> How to Ask for Money When You Hate To

We all must ask for money at some point, even in a
recession, whether it’s for the PTA, kids’ sports
leagues, our local house of worship, or our favorite
charity. How can we do this without making our friends
feeling awkward or put on the spot? Leadership and
fundraising expert Marc A. Pitman gets it, and he’s
developed a simple strategy for helping anyone to ask
for money. This formula has successfully helped
volunteers on three continents raise the money they
need. He can tell your audience how to ask people for
money even when it feels uncomfortable and what can
help you raise money more effectively. His book, “Ask
Without Fear! A Simple Guide to Connecting Donors with
What Matters to Them Most,” explains how to build
authentic relationships with donors and help them
connect with your cause, plus the seven most common
fundraising mistakes and how to avoid them. Contact
Marc Pitman at (317) 751-1610; mpitman@rtirguests.com

16. ==> Draw Closer to Your Pets, Spouse and Fellow
Shut-ins

Bored with reading, streaming and playing video games?
Running out of things to say to your family members and
fellow social distancers? If you want to do something
fun that builds connection all it may take is a few
minutes of your time, a piece of paper and a pen or a
pencil. According to Lynn Matsuoka, considered the best
living reportage artist, the way to draw someone to you
is to draw them on paper! In an interview that works
just as well for radio as television, Lynn will explain
a simple technique anyone can employ, even the most
artistically impaired, fearful and untalented
individuals to do quick drawings that will build
connection and admiration. And while she is at it, Lynn
can tell stories of what it was like to take her own
drawing skills behind the scenes of such varied venues
as TV shows, concerts, sumo wrestling in Japan and the
Watergate hearings. For 40 years, Lynn has gotten paid
to be a fly on the wall, recording behind the scenes
activities in quick drawings and all the while
heightening her skills of observation. A great, one of
a kind interview, Lynn is a media favorite. Reach her
at (808) 479-5966; artist@hamptonsartist.com

17. ==>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
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,
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

18. == > 3 Words a Parent Never Wants to Hear

Rare. Incurable. Fatal. They are the worst words a
parent can hear about their child’s health. Have you
heard of Batten disease? It’s a rare group of genetic
nervous system disorders (like “Parkinson’s on
steroids”) that worsen over time, with children
experiencing progressive problems involving vision,
balance, muscle movement, intellectual skills, dementia
and seizures. Learn more by interviewing researcher and
author Amy Proebstel, who is helping to bring awareness
to the disease. You’ll learn why children get the
disease, what the first symptoms are and the prognosis
for those affected. Amy is the author of “The Rift in
Our Reality,” a touching story of a real-life ten-year-
old girl with the disease. A portion of book sales will
support Haley’s Foundation, the nonprofit named for the
girl. Contact Amy Proebstel at (503) 877-1119;
aproebstel@rtirguests.com

19. ==> How to Take God Seriously

Camilo Graza is sure to be one of the most fascinating
guests you’ll ever have. Graza is a man of science with
great knowledge of the heavens. He balances science and
faith as both an aerospace engineer and a lay preacher
who says it’s the smartest people who believe. Ask him:
Why are prayers and worship so important? Why is faith
alone not enough for salvation? How do you get to
heaven? Graza’s book “Passport to Heavenly Eternal
Life” has helped countless people take God seriously
and cherish life more. Graza will take questions and
discuss surprising biblical teachings for the 21st
century, exploring the creation of the universe and our
amazing earthly home. Contact Camilo Graza at (626)
341-1886; CGraza@rtirguests.com

20. ==> Psychedelics: What’s Behind their Rise in
Popularity?

If the word “psychedelic” makes you think of Woodstock,
the 1960s, and people dropping out of society, you are
behind the times. While still prohibited by law, some
once-considered “bad boys” of the drug culture (LSD,
Psilocybin, MDMA), are now being seriously studied by
science and found to be not-only completely non-
addictive, but more effective in the relief of anxiety,
addiction and depression than any known or traditional
treatment. Sparrow Hart can discuss both the incredible
promise of psychedelics as well as potential pitfalls
for their misuse in an addictive and distraction-
seeking culture. A Stanford University graduate, Hart
has spent his life studying the variety of ways to
alter and change consciousness. His varied career
includes a brief stint working in a slaughterhouse,
adventures in the Amazon, and over 30 years of leading
workshops on shamanism, conscious dreaming and vision
quests in nature. His latest book is “Letters to the
River: A Guide to a Dream Worth Living.” Contact him at
(801) 516-0740; SHart@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

4/9/20 RTIR Newsletter: Bye, Bye Bernie, Facts About Corona, Frozen Embryos

April 9, 2020

01. Bye, Bye, Bernie
02. Debi Mazar on Recovering from COVID and New Series
03. MIT Expert Warns Colleges to Stay Shut Through 2020
04. Passover and Easter: Can Religion Help Us Cope with COVID?
05. Interview the Singing Tree Lady for Earth Day or Arbor Day
06. 50 Years Ago, the Announcement That Shook the World
07. Fun Way to Get Closer to Your Pets, Spouse and Fellow Shut-ins
08. Outsmart Your Brain: How to Make Healthy Choices When You Crave Comfort
09. Could Sloppy Record-Keeping Cost You Your Life?
10. Don’t Worry, Be Healthy: Balancing Fears with Facts
11. Make Positive Changes and Choices During Negative Times
12. Don’t Toss Out These 5 Keepsakes for Your Kids
13. Changing Careers Now: Tips from a Pro
14. What Happens When Exes Fight Over a Frozen Embryo?
15. Why 50 Isn’t the New 30 … It’s Way Better
16. Social Distancing is a Great Time to Write a Book!
17. Should You Hang Up on Doctor Google?
18. Fibro Lady Delivers You Pain-Free Living
19. Get off Social Media and Get Outside!
20. How to Make Your Own Mask

1.==> Bye, Bye, Bernie

Senator Bernie Sanders ended his presidential campaign
on Wednesday, clearing Joe Biden’s path to the
Democratic nomination and a showdown with President
Donald Trump in November. Discuss Sanders’ candidacy
with political commentator and talk show host Arnie
Arnesen. She says Sanders appealed to those in America
who are currently hurting. “He has moved the entire
agenda of the Democratic Party not to the left, but to
where the essence and soul of the party has
historically been. About workers, about justice, about
investment in infrastructure, about health care as a
right and an environment that sustains us and does not
serve the interests of corporate success and America’s
failure. The New Dems under Bill Clinton moved the
party into the arms of Wall Street and had more in
common with a moderate Republican party that no longer
exists in America.” In addition to her daily talk show
The Attitude, Arnesen is a frequent political
commentator in Boston and New England radio and has
appeared on CNN and other major media. She served for
eight years as a member of the New Hampshire House of
Representatives and ran for governor of the state in
1992. Contact her at nharnie@gmail.com; @pchowder

2. ==> Debi Mazar on Recovering from COVID and New
Series

Two bits of good news from Debi Mazar: She’s feeling
much better and recovering from the coronavirus AND
she’s got a fun, new TV series premiering May 5. Mazar
tested positive for COVID-19 in late March and says
she’s almost symptom-free, but it was tough going for a
while. For fans looking to escape as they self-isolate
at home, her new series Arde Madrid: Burn Madrid Burn
is about to start. Set in the swinging ‘60s of Spain,
the critically acclaimed dramedy is loosely based on
actress and Hollywood star Ava Gardner’s move to Madrid
to flee her husband Frank Sinatra, Metro Goldwyn Mayer,
and the paparazzi. It’s shot in black and white and
captures the Dolce Vita lifestyle as seen through the
imagined life of Gardner, played by Debi Mazar speaking
Spanish, along with a Spanish cast featuring Paco Leon
and Inma Cuesta. (Don’t worry, there are subtitles!)
The series premieres May 5 on MHz Network, a streaming
service featuring a library of international television
mysteries, dramas, comedies and documentaries subtitled
in English. Contact Kelly Hargraves at
khargraves@mhznetworks.org or kellyhargraves@gmail.com

3. ==> MIT Expert Warns Colleges To Stay Shut Through
2020

Many experts are worried about a second surge in the
coronavirus this fall. Especially vulnerable, would be
college towns where the population swells as summer
ends. MIT professor Dr. Richard Lawson says Boston’s
150,000 students would be better off not returning to
campus in the fall and taking a ”gap period” instead.
Without a plan to self-quarantine when they return from
around the world in August, Dr. Larson envisions “this
could become a huge infection-seeding event, creating a
major second wave of infections here.” He proposes
creating a “gap period” of four to five months instead
of coming back to campus. “These would be organized,
vetted and managed by the students’ home universities
or colleges. Have the students work for society, in
safe ways but in ways that help bring us all back to
normality. I bet that such four- or five-month
experiences would be very positive game-changers for
many students,” Larson says. Richard Larson is co-
director of the MIT Operations Research Center. For
much of his career, Dr. Larson’s primary area of
research was in the area of urban systems, and
especially on the effectiveness and efficiency of urban
emergency services. Contact him at (617) 253-3604;
rclarson@mit.edu

4. ==> Passover and Easter: Can Religion Help Us Cope
with COVID?

Jews are observing Passover and Christians are
approaching their holiest day of the year on Sunday,
but there will be no big seders or family gatherings
this year. Synagogues and churches are closed, and
people are being told to stay apart just when we’re
feeling the need to be closer to our loved ones.
Discuss the role of religion and spirituality in mental
health with clinical forensic psychologist Dr. John
Huber. He’ll discuss studies that show the benefits of
believing and how having a strong sense of “oneness”
leads to greater life satisfaction. Ask him: What are
some of the ways that a belief in God or any form of
religion/spirituality can impact someone’s mental
health? Do you think people who believe they’re
protected by God, the Universe or something bigger than
themselves are less susceptible to succumbing to fears
related to the coronavirus? For those who aren’t
religious, what are some ways to mentally endure
COVID-19? Dr. John Huber is chairman of the nonprofit
organization Mainstream Mental Health. He has appeared
on hundreds of radio shows, dozens of TV programs and
hosts his own show, Mainstream Mental Health Radio.
Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; (919)
377-1200; ryan@goldmanmccormick.com

5. ==> Interview the Singing Tree Lady for Earth Day or
Arbor Day

Laurie Marshall is a two-for-one guest who can help you
celebrate Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day (April 24)
in a year in which environmental holidays are more
important than ever. Laurie is capable of discussing
everything from fascinating facts about trees (did you
know that tree-like structures show up in lungs,
brains, arteries, and rivers or that trees communicate
with each other?) to how to talk to kids about the
overwhelming issues of the pandemic and climate change
by involving them in finding solutions. Laurie is a
cutting-edge educator whose many books include “Beating
the Odds Now” and “Singing Trees: A Growing Forest.”
Known as The Tree Lady, Laurie is a project-based
learning and arts integration specialist who has worked
with underserved youth for over 30 years. Her partners
include FEMA and Project Drawdown, the World’s Leading
Resource for Climate Solutions. She has trained over
6,000 teachers in project-based learning and
facilitated 125 nature-based murals with over 25,000
people in schools, nonprofits, and government agencies.
Contact Laurie Marshall at (415) 360-3304;
lmarshall@rtirguests.com

6. ==> 50 Years Ago, the Announcement That Shook the
World

On April 10, 1970, Paul McCartney made it official. He
was leaving the Beatles and the group’s eight-year run
of creating the soundtrack of a generation was over.
While the individual members would go on to create many
top hits of their own — “Maybe I’m Amazed,” “Jet,”
“Imagine, “Starting Over,” “My Sweet Lord, “Give Me
Love,” “You’re Sixteen,” and “Photograph” for example —
few would have predicted just how influential the
Beatles would continue to be 50 years later when their
“White Album” made it into the Billboard Top 10 — a
half-century after its release! The Fab Four wrote this
album while on retreat in Rishikesh, India, with
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, founder of Transcendental
Meditation (TM). From baby boomers to millennials, the
Beatles remain a favorite. Susan Shumsky is a rare
insider who spent 22 years in the ashrams and six years
on the personal staff of Maharishi. She can entertain
your audience with stunning, fascinating, unknown facts
and meanings of songs you’ve grown up with. Her Ben
Franklin Book Award-winning tell-all memoir, “Maharishi
& Me: Seeking Enlightenment with the Beatles’ Guru,”
reveals hidden information about Maharishi’s influence
on the Beatles. Susan Shumsky has 17 books in print and
has proven to be an enthralling guest during more than
1,100 media appearances. Contact Susan Shumsky at (917)
336-7184; SShumsky@rtirguests.com

7. ==> Fun Way to Get Closer to Your Pets, Spouse and
Fellow Shut-ins

Bored with reading, streaming and playing video games?
Running out of things to say to your family members and
fellow social distancers? If you want to do something
fun that builds connection all it may take is a few
minutes of your time, a piece of paper and a pen or a
pencil. According to Lynn Matsuoka, considered the best
living reportage artist, the way to draw someone to you
is to draw them on paper! In an interview that works
just as well for radio as television, Lynn will explain
a simple technique anyone can employ, even the most
artistically impaired, fearful and untalented
individuals to do quick drawings that will build
connection and admiration. And while she is at it, Lynn
can tell stories of what it was like to take her own
drawing skills behind the scenes of such varied venues
as TV shows, concerts, sumo wrestling in Japan and the
Watergate hearings. For 40 years, Lynn has gotten paid
to be a fly on the wall, recording behind the scenes
activities in quick drawings and all the while
heightening her skills of observation. A great, one of
a kind interview, Lynn is a media favorite. Reach her
at (808) 479-5966; artist@hamptonsartist.com

8. ==> Outsmart Your Brain: How to Make Healthy Choices
When You Crave Comfort

Millions of Americans are stuck at home, gyms are
closed and we’re not only more sedentary, but we’re
also stressed and depressed. We’re eating foods we
think will give us comfort, but many times they are not
the healthiest choices. Invite Ed Dodge, M.D., to share
ways to keep a positive mindset and how that can make
all the difference to your success in maintaining a
healthy eating regime. He’ll tell your audience which
wholesome foods can help you feel full so you stay on
track and share four types of processed foods that
contribute to the development of life-threatening
chronic diseases. Dr. Dodge’s latest book, “Family: A
Family Doc’s Memoir of Life in Africa and the U.S.,”
shares his journey from his childhood in the wilds of
Africa, where he enjoyed exotic fruits and ate antelope
and buffalo, to experiencing culture shock as a teen
returning to the U.S. After becoming a physician, he
returned to Africa to work and later to volunteer. As
host of Healthy Living Radio, Dr. Dodge has interviewed
groundbreaking leaders in medicine and he has been
honored by the Johns Hopkins University Center for a
Livable Future. Contact Dr. Ed Dodge at (484) 259-9887;
edodge@rtirguests.com

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

In the middle of a pandemic, keeping your own medical
records in order is more important than ever. In a
medical emergency, anyone can be rattled enough to
forget important details, finding themselves unable to
answer physicians’ important questions about their
health or that of a loved one. Anne McAwley-LeDuc, a
retired nurse practitioner (APRN), learned this the
hard way after her husband fell down the stairs and
showed signs of paralysis. At the hospital, physicians
sought answers about his medical history but she
couldn’t answer vital questions. McAwley-LeDuc wants to
help others — especially ordinary folks with no medical
background — advocate for themselves and their loved
ones for better and safer health care. She’ll discuss
the role patients play in reducing medical errors, ways
disorganized medical records can be deadly, and why so
few patients keep good medical records or grasp the
need to do so. Anne McAwley-LeDuc developed the
“Personal Health Organizer” to keep essential medical
information in one place and provide a snapshot of your
health history. Contact her at (860) 642-1786;
a.mcawley.leduc@charter.net

10. ==> Don’t Worry, Be Healthy: Balancing Fears with
Facts

Erasing stress is not only critical to success but also
critical to our survival, says Janet McKee, a former
Fortune 500 executive who nearly died from massive
stress and burnout. But how can we erase stress in the
midst of a pandemic? McKee knows. Allow her to explain
how to balance fear with facts to reach a place of calm
acceptance, how to maintain positive energy to get your
power back amid the chaos and to self-regulate the news
you take in. She’ll also share four ways to build a
strong immune system and even discuss the good that is
coming out of the epidemic. Janet McKee, MBA, CHPC,
CHHC, is a High-Performance™ success coach, wellness
expert, and CEO of SanaView. She is the author of the
No. 1 bestseller “Stressless Success: The Surprising
Secrets to a Life of Passion, Purpose, and Prosperity.”
Contact her at (724) 417-6695; janet@janetmckee

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

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

12. ==> Don’t Toss Out These 5 Keepsakes for Your Kids

Nowadays many people try to make their home look sleek
and minimalistic. But our homes still need elements of
history and personality to come alive. So, think twice
before issuing a blanket refusal when offered keepsakes
from downsizing parents and grandparents, advises
lifestyle journalist Suzanne Wexler. Let Suzanne tell
you which five keepsakes you should never toss out.
Suzanne will also share her hilarious story of what
happened when she unexpectedly had a truckload of
antiques from her late grandparents’ home show up at
her new house. Suzanne is published in the Huffington
Post, National Post, Bust.com and her work has been
syndicated throughout Canada. She’s been quoted in
Reader’s Digest, 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. ==> 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

14. ==> What Happens 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

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

16. ==> Social Distancing is a Great Time to Write a
Book!

You’ve wanted to write a book for years but never found
the time. Now that you’re sheltering in place at home,
this is the perfect time to begin writing. Author Andy
Hyman can tell your audience how to get started and
stay on track to complete their first book. He says
that by scheduling time every day, you can finally get
your book going. Invite him to reveal how to overcome
distractions and competing priorities, and even how to
get writing done when your kids are home and how to get
feedback on your manuscript. His book, “Snob Free Wine
Tasting Companion,” reveals how to get the most out of
a wine tasting experience, how to match foods with
specific wines, and how wine is made. 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 (CA); andyhyman@rtirguests.com

17. ==> Should You Hang Up on Doctor Google?

Every minute 70,000 health-related questions are asked
on Google, according to the search engine itself.
That’s one billion questions a day! But is this a good
thing? Not so much, says Trevor Campbell, M.D., who
points out that the worst scenarios of any condition
tend to draw the most interest. “It makes people
depressed, ruminative and can destroy hope,” he says,
adding that the resulting hypervigilance actually
worsens the lot of people who suffer from chronic pain,
his area of expertise. Dr. Campbell can also talk about
the ways technology brings its own stressors and what
the antidotes are for avoiding drama in cyberspace. Ask
him: How is technology robbing us of our leisure time?
How can we limit its reach this spring? Dr. Campbell is
a family physician who studied medicine at the
University of Cape Town, South Africa, before
immigrating to Canada. His new book is “The Language of
Pain: Fast Forward Your Recovery to Stop Hurting.”
Contact Trevor Campbell at (250) 217-7832;
tcampbell@rtirguests.com

18. ==> 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.

19. ==> Get off Social Media and Get Outside!

Feeling low on energy? Need a spring in your step or a
new attitude? Put down the iPad or remote and get
outside for a quick perk up that can make you feel
better. Invite award-winning screenwriter, author,
TV/film producer, journalist, and TV host Maryann
Ridini Spencer to reveal why simply getting outdoors
and surrounding yourself with nature can improve your
mood and your health. She can tell your audience how it
also helps with your focus and creativity. Maryann is
the author of the award-winning novel “Lady in the
Window” and the new Amazon bestseller, “The Paradise
Table.” Her work has appeared on Hallmark Hall of Fame
(CBS-TV), the Hallmark Channel, CNN, USA, Syfy,
Showtime, PBS, and many others. Contact Maryann Ridini
Spencer at (818) 884-0104; recprinfo@gmail.com

20. ==> How to Make Your Own Mask

Research scientist Jeremy Howard argued in a Washington
Post article last week that “we should all wear masks —
store-bought or homemade — whenever we’re out in
public.” He pointed to findings in dozens of scientific
papers that indicate even the most basic of masks can
be an effective tool in reducing virus transmission.
The article went viral sparking a nationwide grassroots
movement in the U.S. and created enough buzz that
within days the CDC changed its guidance and now
recommends all Americans wear masks in public. “Masks
are the closest thing we have right now to this kind of
imperfect vaccine,” he says. Howard founded the social
media campaign #Masks4All which encourages people to
make their own face masks at home so that medical
workers have access to personal protective equipment.
Patterns, instructions and information can be found
online at masks4all.co. Jeremy Howard is a
distinguished research scientist at the University of
San Francisco, founding researcher at fast.ai and a
member of the World Economic Forum’s Global AI Council.
Contact him at media@masks4all.co