12/16/2021 RTIR Newsletter: Inflation Fights, Virus of Change, Your First 15 Minutes

01. The Media’s War with Biden Over Inflation
02. New Study: Vaccines Cut Long-COVID Risk After Infection
03. Fun Holiday Music Show with AXS TV’s Katie Daryl
04. 30th Anniversary of Soviet Union Collapse is December 26
05. ‘Free Britney’ Exposed the Legal Guardianship Swamp
06. 2022 Will Be the Year of ‘The Great Upgrade’
07. Will 2022 Be Even Worse for Wildfires?
08. How to Immunize Yourself from the Virus of Change
09. The Epidemic of Struggling Teens
10. Grief Hits Hard Over the Holidays
11. Why Is It So Dangerous to Give Birth in America?
12. Post-Pandemic Tips to Build Your Life Back Better
13. More than Money: The Secret to Joyous Wealth
14. How the First and Last 15 Minutes of Your Day Can Change Your Life
15. Mind-Blowing Happiness for Black Women

1.==> The Media’s War with Biden Over Inflation

Economist Dean Baker says that inflation in the U.S. is clearly an issue but debates how big an issue it actually is. “After all, we have lots of problems, millions of children in poverty, a huge homeless population, parents without access to affordable childcare, among others,” he says. “But none of these other problems have gotten anywhere near the same amount of attention from the media in recent months as inflation. These pieces have often been quite openly dishonest. The nonstop hype of “inflation, inflation, inflation” unsurprisingly leads many people to believe inflation is a really big problem, even if their own finances are pretty good, because they hear all those wise reporters at CNN, NPR, the NYT and elsewhere telling them it’s a really big problem.” Baker, co-founder and senior economist with the Center for Economic and Policy Research, can explain how most households are financially better off now than before the crisis (an anomaly after a recession) and debunk myths about media-hyped stories on milk and gas prices. Contact Baker at dean.baker1@verizon.net; @DeanBaker13

2. ==> New Study: Vaccines Cut Long-COVID Risk After Infection

A new study finds that current vaccines reduce the risk of long-COVID, even when administered up to 12 weeks after a COVID diagnosis. “The reduced likelihood of long-COVID symptoms observed in our study provides a rationale for vaccination sooner rather than later,” says Dr. Richard Parker, chief medical officer at Arcadia. ”From a clinical perspective, it answers a question many doctors have been asking as to whether or not to defer vaccinating infected patients until they have recovered from the acute illness. Based on the evidence, an unvaccinated person infected with COVID would benefit from immediate vaccination much like patients with rabies and Hepatitis B benefit from those vaccines.” Arcadia, a population health management and health intelligence platform, analyzed more than one million patient records for the study which is a part of an ongoing research collaboration with the COVID-19 Patient Recovery Alliance. Contact Grace Vinton at gvinton@acmarketingpr.com

3. ==> Fun Holiday Music Show with AXS TV’s Katie Daryl

AXS TV’s popular music countdown series “The Top Ten Revealed” features fan-voted lists and an all-star roster. Executive producer and host Katie Daryl will entertain your audience as she shares hilarious moments from the show along with fun countdown facts. Joining Daryl this season is a rotating panel of entertainers including Black Eyed Peas hitmaker Taboo; reality star and daughter of rocker John Mellencamp, Teddi Mellencamp and Alice Cooper axe-slayer Nita Strauss. She’ll talk about this season’s holiday countdown along and other show themes like Boy Bands, ‘80s Movie Soundtracks and break-up songs. “The Top Ten Revealed” airs on Sunday evenings. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 646-5137 (office); (703) 400-1099 (cell) or johanna@jrbcomm.com or Briana Caywood at (703) 646-5188 (office)

4. ==> 30th Anniversary of Soviet Union Collapse is December 26

The fall of the Soviet Union 30 years ago paved the way for a brief experiment with democracy and ultimately led to the rise of Vladimir Putin. Retired Brig. Gen. Peter Zwack, who spent two years as the United States senior defense official and attaché to the Russian Federation, can share his personal, eyewitness account of this remarkable period in world history. He can also discuss the current situation with Ukraine, and whether Putin is planning an invasion or flexing his muscles. Zwack recently appeared on the international Russian-language TV network RTVI on this topic. Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Peter Zwack currently serves as a Wilson Center Global Fellow within the Kennan Institute and frequently discusses national security and leadership issues in the media. Among his books is “Swimming the Volga,” which was written as the Soviet Union neared the end of its nearly 70-year existence. Contact Terri Beavers at (434) 979-7438; BG.PBZ.r@gmail.com

5. ==> ‘Free Britney’ Exposed the Legal Guardianship Swamp

Thanks to the widely publicized Free Britney movement, legally binding adult conservatorships have begun to emerge from the shadows and Léonie Rosenstiel thinks it’s about time. Her elderly mother, a retired professor with dementia, was placed under such an arrangement, with dire results. She’ll explain how the conservator prevented her from seeing her mother for nearly three years, against her mother’s wishes and her own, and forced her mother to remain in her bed for the rest of her life after suffering a broken hip. Originally a classical violinist, Rosenstiel made a promise to her mother to expose the flaws in the guardianship system and empower other families caught in its web. She went back to school to earn a master’s degree in public health and undertook a vigorous research process before writing “Protecting Mama: Surviving the Legal Guardianship Swamp.” Léonie Rosenstiel and her work have been featured in “The New York Review of Books,” “Los Angeles Times,” “Albuquerque Journal,” “Chicago Tribune,” the “Boston Globe,” the “Cleveland Plain Dealer” and more. Contact her at (505) 317-2405; L.rosenstiel1@gmail.com

6. ==> 2022 Will Be the Year of ‘The Great Upgrade’

“The Wall Street Journal” reports that most of those quitting jobs during “The Great Resignation” are mainly non-management women, people of color and low-wage workers: America’s front-liners. Ida Byrd-Hill, CEO of Automation Workz, a cybersecurity reskilling and diversity consulting firm, says, “Thanks to the pandemic, these employees were forced to use technology to shepherd their children through virtual schooling and now they want to use their new-found tech skills to work remotely, in less abusive jobs with greater compensation, especially since the new COVID-19 variants are accelerating.” She’ll discuss ways to access cybersecurity and tech jobs without a typical college degree and why companies should begin to see workers through a more diverse lens if they want to win the current talent war. Ida Byrd-Hill is an economist, futurist, educator and author of “Invisible Talent Market.” She’s appeared on “Good Morning America” and numerous radio stations and podcasts. Contact her at (313) 483-2126; ida@autoworkz.org

7. ==> Will 2022 Be Even Worse for Wildfires?

We’ve seen the photos of gigantic trees enveloped in “fireproof” wraps to protect them from the killer flames of wildfires in forested areas of California and Canada. Will that be enough to protect some of the largest and oldest lifeforms on Earth? What about protecting communities (some already decimated by wildfire), farms, homes, pets, wild animals and human lives in 2022? As climate change imperils the planet and leads to fires and other dangers that could make millions of acres uninhabitable, your audience will want to discuss this topic with wildfire expert James Moseley. Ask him about the latest actions and technologies that can save lives and property. Ask him: What connection could NASA have to the wildfires plaguing our drought-prone world? How can new technology be successful? What should everyone know, whether living in wildfire areas or not? Contact James Moseley at (818) 486-4662; jmoseley@rtirguests.com

8. ==> How to Immunize Yourself from the Virus of Change

The past two years brought lots of changes to most people’s lives in ways that could not have been anticipated. In fact, the pace of change has been accelerating exponentially and is likely to continue doing so. That‘s why Tim Winders wants to prepare your listeners to meet future challenges by building up their immunity to “the virus of change.” Tim can offer advice on embracing change so that it doesn’t knock you off course to your hopes and dreams. Ask him what three words help build immunity to change? How can you use the concepts those words illustrate to be better prepared? How did the idea for comparing change to a virus come to you? Tim has over 25 years of experience as a strategic coach for leaders and leadership teams. He also hosts the “SeekGoCreate” podcast and has written his debut novel, “Coach: A Story of Success Redefined.” Contact Tim Winders at (404) 846-4639; winders@rtirguests.com; available as a last-minute guest

9. ==> The Epidemic of Struggling Teens

Last year was especially tough for teenagers whose lives typically include one challenge, change, and charged-up problem after another. In fact, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the proportion of mental health-related emergency room visits for adolescents jumped 31% during the pandemic. That’s why you’ll want to interview Paul Bernabei, an educator, trainer and author of the popular “Top 20” book series — including “Top 20 Teens” — who can discuss the many factors behind teens’ increasing anxiety and depression. He will explore what parents and mentors need to know as teens struggle amid the turmoil of adolescence. Ask him: What often takes the brightest teens off the path to excellence and on the road to poor behavior, disengagement in school, and even suicidal thoughts? Which conversations, activities and programs help teens enjoy life and feel hopeful? Contact Paul Bernabei at (651) 470-3827; PBernabei@rtirguests.com

10. ==> Grief Hits Hard Over the Holidays

This holiday season, many families will gather for the first time in a long while and for some, there will be fewer loved ones at the table. Whether the loss is new or old, the holiday season can be difficult for those who are grieving. Interview Meghan Smith Brooks to find out how you can manage holiday grief triggers and enjoy the reason for the season at the same time. Meghan is the author of “Unraveling Grief: A Mother’s Spiritual Journey of Healing and Discovery,” based on the murder of her adult son. A grief expert, she can offer tips and tools to move beyond surviving the impact of loss to begin thriving with meaning and purpose all year. Ask her: What can we do to manage grief, especially over the holidays? How is it possible to move forward after loss? Does the pain ever go away? Contact Meghan Smith Brooks at (816) 820-3836; unravelinggrief@gmail.com

11. ==> Why Is It So Dangerous to Give Birth in America?

It’s shocking but true: the U.S. ranks dead last among developed nations when it comes to the safety of giving birth. The birth process in America has become so dangerous because of the huge increase in interventions in U.S. hospitals. C-sections are the most common operation done here. C-section statistics have gone through the roof and are now at about 30 percent of all births. Even well-staffed and well-equipped hospitals lose mothers and babies, and the best prenatal care cannot always prevent early labor, obstetrical dangers, long hospital stays, and high-risk pregnancies. What’s happening? And how can we protect pregnant women and their babies? How can we improve the statistics? Learn more from Dr. Alan Lindemann, who delivered 6,000 babies without a single maternal mortality in 40 years. His upcoming book, “Pregnancy Your Way” and video course are designed to provide women with the tools they need to help steer their pregnancies into safe deliveries. Ask him: Why is giving birth in the U.S. so dangerous? How can C-sections be avoided? How has the pandemic impacted births? What happens when pregnant women live far away from clinics, midwives, doctors, and hospitals? Contact Alan Lindemann, M.D., at (701) 399-9556; ALindemann@rtirguests.com

12. ==> Post-Pandemic Tips to Build Your Life Back Better

The pandemic has wreaked havoc on everything from the economy to our relationships and our mental health. Families have lost loved ones, businesses and careers and been forced to make choices they never expected. For those who feel lost, stuck or unsure what to do next, Oreste D’Aversa has four steps to start creating a new life that’s even better and more prosperous than before. Oreste D’Aversa is a life and business coach, corporate trainer, minister and the author of “Life Beyond the Pandemic: A Practical New Journey Handbook,” his revolutionary step-by-step blueprint to reinvent your life and thrive in the post-pandemic world. Ask him: What one thing can make the fastest impact in getting unstuck? What’s the biggest mistake people make in defining their life’s purpose? Contact Oreste D’Aversa at (201) 949-3002; odaversa@rtirguests.com

13. == > More than Money: The Secret to Joyous Wealth

Armineh Keshishian isn’t your typical wealth coach. The wealth and wellness expert takes a holistic approach when it comes to finances, believing that a truly fulfilling life is about more than money. The author of “Joyous Wealth: 56 Secrets to Riches and Wellness,” will share ways to follow your heart and live abundantly while also making smart money choices. Her advice touches on everything from wealth creation to emotional well-being, courage, female empowerment and embracing multiculturalism. Ask her: What is “wealth consciousness”? What does it mean to live abundantly? Armineh Keshishian is the founder and CEO of Wealth & Wellness Global. She’s appeared on numerous TV, radio and podcasts in the U.S. and Canada and has been featured in “The Powerful,” “Wealth Professional” and other magazines. Her accolades include “Women of Inspiration” and “Most Influential Female Entrepreneur 2021.” Contact Armineh Keshishian at (416) 546-9961; Armineh@Arminehk.com

14. ==> How the First and Last 15 Minutes of Your Day Can Change Your Life

Did you know that you can change your life, get rid of stress, and feel more in control of your destiny in only 30 minutes a day? Interview Theo Prodromitis, the author of “The Balance Between the Hustle and the Flow: Knowing When to Make Things Happen and When to Let Them Happen,” to discover why the first and last 15 minutes of your day are the most important and how to maximize them. Theo is an award-winning entrepreneur, marketing strategist, and best-selling author of “The Success Formula” with Jack Canfield. Ask her: What does neuroscience tell us about our brain activity at the beginning and end of each day? What are the four things we should do every morning? Contact Theo Prodromitis at (813) 701-5414; tprodromitis@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Mind-Blowing Happiness for Black Women

Trish Ahjel Roberts says Black women need more support than ever before. “Black people are exhausted, and often Black women bear the burden for the entire community. We support Black men and Black children. We are the epicenter,” she says. The author of “12 Steps to Mind-Blowing Happiness” is launching a monthly book club for Black women in need of healing, spirituality and connection. Roberts got the idea for Mind-Blowing Happiness™ while studying Maslow’s needs hierarchy in business school. She says, “Freedom is the 12th step to Mind-Blowing Happiness™. Most people think freedom is an external place or situation. I teach Black women how to find freedom within themselves.” After a terrifying car accident in 2018, Roberts left her career as a financial advisor to become a self-actualization coach and happiness expert working primarily with women like her. Contact Trish Ahjel Roberts at (917) 887-3689; hello@trishahjelroberts.com

Smallpox Lessons That Put Today’s COVID Pandemic in Perspective

For a timely show in light of today’s debate about the role of vaccines in stopping COVID’s spread in the world’s poorest nations, invite Bee Bloeser to share her experiences in Africa after the CDC dispatched her husband Carl to join the global smallpox vaccination campaign in 1969. “Vaccines and Bayonets: Fighting Smallpox in Africa amid Tribalism, Terror and the Cold War,” details Bee’s time in Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea (where she was one of only two American women), including brushes with a brutal dictator and a heartbreaking humanitarian crisis unknown to the outside world. An award-winning author and engaging public speaker, Bee Bloeser has been featured on NPR’s Journeys of Discovery and NPR KCBX Radio’s show, Issues and Ideas. Ask her: What lessons from your husband’s efforts are applicable to today’s vaccine issues? Did you face resistance in Africa, and by whom? Contact Bee Bloeser at (520) 214-5971; bbloeser@rtirguests.com

Post-Pandemic Tips to Build Your Life Back Better

The pandemic has wreaked havoc on everything from the economy to our relationships and our mental health. Families have lost loved ones, businesses and careers and been forced to make choices they never expected. For those who feel lost, stuck or unsure what to do next, Oreste D’Aversa has four steps to start creating a new life that’s even better and more prosperous than before. Oreste D’Aversa is a life and business coach, corporate trainer, minister and the author of “Life Beyond the Pandemic: A Practical New Journey Handbook,” his revolutionary step-by-step blueprint to reinvent your life and thrive in the post-pandemic world. Ask him: What one thing can make the fastest impact in getting unstuck? What’s the biggest mistake people make in defining their life’s purpose? Contact Oreste D’Aversa at (201) 949-3002; odaversa@rtirguests.com

What Trump Revealed about the Mainstream Media

There’s no denying that Donald Trump has changed the landscape of American journalism. Some say he exposed a lack of ethics and objectivity in the media while others say he used the media to spread misinformation and lies. What is it about DJT that makes it impossible to look away? Is it the media’s fault? Did they create the monster they hate? Invite Dutch American journalist and media trainer Hans Izaak Kriek to share his independent, nonpolitical observations on how the mainstream media have reported on Trump — as a person and president — and how both parties and their leaders played their part in building hatred for Trump and his family. The author of “Trump’s Daily Domination of the News Media” can discuss how journalism changed with the Trump presidency and whether he or the media themselves are responsible for the moniker “fake news.” Ask him: Are Americans getting honest news from mainstream media? Are media owners pushing their own political agendas? What is so different about Trump’s relationship with the media? How can the public recognize fake news and framing? Do others besides politicians use fake news, and why? Hans Izaak Kriek is the publisher and editor-in-chief of Krieksmediaworld.com. He worked as an international political journalist for AVRO/TROS, the two largest Dutch National broadcasters. As a media trainer, he has coached and advised thousands of politicians and executives. Contact Hans Izaak Kriek at (561) 861-2974; jkriek@rtirguests.com

Exiled for Exposing Russian Mafia – True Story of a Banking Whistleblower

John Christmas worked for Parex Bank in Latvia in 2004 when he exposed widespread bank fraud to a major international audit firm and the Latvian government. He was terrorized and fled the country while the firm and the government ignored the information. It eventually led to the bank’s collapse and the 2008 Latvian financial crisis, which continues to this day. Learn how a corrupt Western taxpayer-funded development bank covered up the corruption for years while Christmas was exiled for exposing the Russian Mafia bank. The spy thriller “KGB Banker,” co-written with crime fiction author William Burton McCormick, was inspired by John Christmas’ story. Ask him: What’s become of the players you exposed? Were your allegations ever investigated? Are you still in danger? Could a similar situation happen again? Contact John Christmas at (514) 700-9015; jchristmas@rtirguests.com

Your Secret Weapon During Challenging Times

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

How the First and Last 15 Minutes of Your Day Can Change Your Life

Did you know that you can change your life, get rid of stress, and feel more in control of your destiny in only 30 minutes a day? Interview Theo Prodromitis, the author of “The Balance Between the Hustle and the Flow: Knowing When to Make Things Happen and When to Let Them Happen,” to discover why the first and last 15 minutes of your day are the most important and how to maximize them. Theo is an award-winning entrepreneur, marketing strategist, and best-selling author of “The Success Formula” with Jack Canfield. Ask her: What does neuroscience tell us about our brain activity at the beginning and end of each day?  What are the four things we should do every morning? Contact Theo Prodromitis at (813) 701-5414; tprodromitis@rtirguests.com

Interview Former NFL Player about Overcoming Obstacles

Back in the late 1980s, Keith Davis was living the dream: signed to play professional football for the New York Giants until a knee injury abruptly ended his career but led to a new one. Davis, who has appeared on ESPN and ABC and in USA Today, and Sports Illustrated, has overcome tremendous obstacles. The former NFL linebacker, Rose Bowl champion, and USC graduate surmounted reading difficulties to obtain a degree in business finance and before that, the loss of his father to drug addiction and suicide and a mother who suffered from addiction and abusive relationships. Davis uses all of his life experiences to inspire others to rise above their challenging circumstances. Ask him: How can people make a U-turn in their lives? How were you able to stay away from substance abuse? Contact Peggi Merkey at (281) 346-9528; pmerkey@rtirguests.com

Interview Former Harlem Globetrotter Melvin Adams

The Harlem Globetrotters are basketball icons who perform all over the world entertaining audiences with their hoops skills, dunks, leaps, and comedic talents, sometimes to the whistled tune of “Sweet Georgia Brown.” It takes a special brand of athleticism and joviality to be a Globetrotter and Melvin Adams was lucky enough to be a member of the team for 4 years – including one year as “Mr. Globetrotter!” Invite Adams on your show to talk about life as a Globetrotter as well as how sports saved him when his father died when he was 13, leaving the family in financial peril. Adams is now a popular inspirational speaker. Ask him: How did you manage to make the pros when you are only 5 ft. 8? How does one become a Globetrotter? What advice do you have for coping with fatherlessness? ContactPeggi Merkey at (281) 346-9528; pmerkey@rtirguests.com

Interview Hip-Hop Artist Austin Lanier

He has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in the music industry such as Quavo and Waka Flocka.  But like many other hip-hop artists, Austin Lanier overcame a lot to get where he is, from trouble with the law beginning at age six to bullying, depression, anxiety, fatherlessness, drug addiction, and the loss of friends to suicide. Yet Austin’s story of finding his purpose and helping other people find theirs as a speaker in schools is the perfect, uplifting fit for the New Year. Ask him: How has fame changed you? What are some keys to finding purpose? What role has soccer played in your life? Contact Peggi Merkey at (281) 346-9528; pmerkey@rtirguests.com