May 28, 2020

01. This Could End Political Gridlock
02. COVID: History will Judge U.S. Harshly
03. Fishermen: White House Exploiting COVID to Privatize Ocean
04. What the Future of Work Will Look Like
05. Need a Reason to Smile? One’s Coming This Sunday 🙂
06. Tigers Love Bubble Baths … More Than Murder
07. Weddings in the Age of Coronavirus
08. How to Stay Close to Children You Can’t See in Person
09. From Viruses to Migraines and Beyond – Self-Healing Secrets
10. 5 Tips for Anyone Considering a Career Change
11. Gun Sales are Soaring – Safety and Self-Defense Tips
12. What Your Insurance Company Doesn’t Want You to Know
13. Fibro Lady Delivers You Pain-Free Living
14. This Sugar Witch Could Save Your Life
15. Use a Pencil, Crayon or Pen to Battle Anxiety

1. ==> This Could End Political Gridlock

Americans blame political dysfunction – federal, state, and local – for limiting and even holding back America’s competitiveness and our ability to strengthen the U.S. economy. But how do we break the partisan gridlock that threatens to unravel our democracy? The founder of The Institute for Political Innovation, Katherine Gehl, will share key areas of nonpartisan change, political innovation, and action that could improve America’s political system and ability to compete globally. She’ll explain how we can re-engineer our “elections machinery” by replacing single candidate voting, eliminate partisan control of House and Senate rules and processes, and end our current duopoly political process to force Democrats and Republicans to operate under the potential threat from competitors. Katherine M. Gehl is former CEO of Wisconsin’s Gehl Foods and the originator of Politics Industry Theory. She and Harvard economist Michael Porter are the authors of “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

2. ==> COVID: History will Judge U.S. Harshly

John Barry, the author of a bestselling book about the 1918 pandemic, says the U.S.’s handling of the coronavirus outbreak will be remembered as “incomprehensively incoherent.” The historian and author of “The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History,” will share lessons we can learn from that chapter in our history and explain why he gives Donald Trump’s handling of the crisis a 3.5 on a scale of 1-to-10. He’ll discuss the role that fear played in the 1918 pandemic, why it is known as the Spanish Flu even though it didn’t originate there, and how the virus swept through the country in waves, with the second one being the most deadly. John Barry is a professor at the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. He recently wrote “Containing the coronavirus hasn’t worked. What do we do now?” for the New York Times. Contact Tulane University’s Faith Dawson at dawson@tulane.edu; (504) 247-1432 or Bari Bronston at bbronst@tulane.edu; (504) 314-7444

3. ==> Fishermen: White House Exploiting COVID to Privatize Ocean

Making a living from fishing was already difficult before the COVID-19 pandemic. Independent and small fishing operators rely on restaurants for up to 85% of their business so when lockdown measures began and restaurants shuttered, thousands of small fishing businesses faced bankruptcy. When President Trump announced a rollback on commercial regulations earlier this month many hoped it would bring relief, instead the order essentially opens federal waters to private companies farming fish in giant pens. “Aquaculture” is touted as an emerging industry, but environmentalists say the farms not only displace local fishermen, they disrupt the natural ecosystem, create pollution and could break the foundational links in food chains from the Gulf to Africa. “This is the nightmare scenario: Having all these factory fish farms offshore that are going to be breeding disease and causing pollution,” says Rosanna Marie Neill, policy counsel at the Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance, a group that advocates for fishermen. “That’s the last thing we need right now when we’re going through a pandemic.” Contact Neill at rosanna@namanet.org

4. ==> What the Future of Work Will Look Like

The world of work will never be the same. The coronavirus has fundamentally changed every aspect of business — from our commute to our work environment to how we interact with our colleagues. Invite Alexander Alonso to share the many ways COVID-19 is reshaping and reinventing the workplace. Alonso, chief knowledge officer for the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), says telework is here to stay for many businesses. Others, he says, will be scrapping open concepts and shared spaces in favor of closed cubicles and offices. From daily temperature screenings to personal protective equipment, Alonso says HR and business departments must now collaborate; instead of showing an organization is recession-proof, an organization must now prove it is “pandemic proof.” Contact Cooper Nye at (703) 535-6447; Cooper.nye@shrm.org

5. ==> Need a Reason to Smile? One’s Coming this Sunday 🙂

The country could be forgiven if its citizens didn’t feel like smiling much these days; after all, people are sick and dying from a mysterious contagious disease and are prohibited from getting too close to each other, and unemployment is at record levels. Yet it is because we find ourselves in this dire situation that it is more important than ever to smile at one another — even from six-feet apart — says Barry Shore, who is known as The Ambassador of Joy. Shore will be celebrating National Smile Day on May 31 and wants everyone else to join him by starting the day with a big smile on their faces. Certainly, if there is anyone who knows how to smile through adversity it is Shore, a successful serial entrepreneur with three patents who in 2004 became a quadriplegic overnight from a rare disease. During the 16 years that followed, Shore has pushed himself to regain much of his functioning even as he inspires other people to see the joy in their lives. Shore can also talk about his Keep Smiling Movement which he co-founded with well-known celebrity photographer Ken Rochon. Barry hosts “The Joy of Living” podcast and is the founder of the JOY of Living Institute. He has been featured on CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox and in O Magazine, Forbes, Daily Herald, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, MarketWatch and more. Contact him at (310) 770-4685; barry@barryshore.com

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

With its tales of big cats and murder, “Tiger King” became one of the most talked-about shows streaming on Netflix during the coronavirus lockdown. 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. ==> Weddings in the Age of Coronavirus

Couples spend months or even years planning their big day, but the coronavirus has put the kibosh on many upcoming ceremonies and events. What’s a couple to do? Invite wedding and event planner Lynne Goldberg to discuss how COVID has changed the wedding business and how couples are coping. She says some couples are postponing their event while others are going with a scaled-down virtual version. And others have canceled altogether. Goldberg can share tips for dealing with vendors, what to do with decorations and food and even how to notify your guests. Lynne Goldberg is the president of Boca Entertainment, a full-service wedding and event planning company that specializes in theme entertainment. She has appeared on reality TV and her work and commentary have been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, Huffington Post and Wall Street Journal. Contact her at (561) 212-6024; Lynneggoldberg@gmail.com

8. ==> How to Stay Close to Children You Can’t See in Person 

Aunts, uncles, grandparents, and other people have found themselves cut off from small children whom they would be able to see were it not for the pandemic. Phone calls and Zoom sessions are helpful but can still leave a void, says Laurie Marshall, a longtime educator and grandparent to 2-year-old Oliver who lives in a different state. That is why Laurie created a special book for Oliver to remind him of the experiences they have already shared until they can see each other again and as a permanent keepsake. “Now is the time to be creative,” she says, “for sanity’s sake and to model resourcefulness to children.” Laurie can explain how she quickly and inexpensively put together “The Adventures of Oliver the Penguin,” using a cutout of Oliver’s face superimposed on a penguin and then took photos of the cutout all over her home and added some short descriptive sentences. She says anyone can do something similar even if they think they aren’t creative and can share resources for having your book printed. Contact Laurie Marshall at (415) 360-3304; lmarshall@rtirguests.com

9. ==> From Viruses to Migraines and Beyond – Self-Healing Secrets

Countless people in your audience 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

10. ==> 5 Tips for Anyone Considering a Career Change

You’ve heard that the average person will change careers five to seven times in their lifetime and that millennials are even more likely to do so. Some people will need to switch due to changing market conditions, while others will merely want to do something different. Geraldine Hogan can offer tips for anyone who wants 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

11. ==> Gun Sales are Soaring – Safety and Self-Defense Tips

Gun sales have surged during the pandemic, with an estimated 1.9 million more guns sold in March and April than during the same period last year. Some people buying guns are old-hands worried that supplies might dry up, but 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

12. ==> What Your Insurance Company Doesn’t Want You to Know

Most people buy insurance from a friendly agent for a specific purpose and time frame. But did you know that 90% of all policies end up lapsing before maturity? Or that when you don’t need your policy any longer you could sell it for cash? Chances are you have no idea about the hidden cash value of your policy or that you are paying more than you should be for the policy you have. Interview David Kottler, the Insurance Doctor™, about these and other secrets insurance companies don’t want you to know! He can explain what you need to ask to figure out exactly what your policy is worth. David is the author of “The Best Kept Secret in Your Insurance Policy,” which details everything people need to know to get the most value out of their insurance policies. Contact David Kottler at (216) 532-1221; DKottler@rtirguests.com

13. ==> 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.

14. ==> 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 This Sugar Witch Could Save Your Life 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, and 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

15. ==> Use a Pencil, Crayon or Pen to Battle Anxiety

Most people today are feeling some degree of overwhelm as daily routines remain suspended and we work on our own versions of the new normal. 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

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

May 21, 2020

01. Great Memorial Day Show: Black Hawk Down Legend
02. Trump’s Incendiary Language and Lone-Wolf Whistle Violence
03. Good News: Lawmakers Move to Protect Your Internet Rights
04. Stimulus Was Supposed to Protect Jobs — We Now Have Record Unemployment
05. Who Buys a Home During a Pandemic?
06. Lessons from First ER Doc to Die of COVID-19
07. The Pandemic is About to Test Rural America
08. Are We Running Out of Food?
09. Homeschooling Tips Parents Need Right Now
10. May is Mental Health Month: Coping During the Coronavirus
11. How the Pandemic Will Continue to Impact Your Health Once It’s Over
12. 5 Reasons to Go Consignment This Spring
13. Have Cabin Fever? Try Virtual Wine Tastings!
14. Interview a Real-Life ‘Death Whisperer’
15. May 31st is National Smile Day! Go Ahead and Grin

1.==> Great Memorial Day Show: ‘Black Hawk Down’ Legend

As we remember those who gave their lives in service to
our country this Memorial Day, consider a show with
Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Tom Satterly. Depicted in
the 2001 Oscar-winning film, “Black Hawk Down,”
Satterly led hundreds of critical military campaigns,
including Operation Red Dawn, which led to the capture
of Saddam Hussein. For 20-plus years a member of Delta
Force — the most elite and secretive special operations
force in all the U.S. military — he was the recipient
of 64 medals, including five Bronze Stars and two for
Valorous Acts. But the military hero says when he
finally got back home, he struggled to reclaim a life.
He and his wife, Jen, have spent many years in
counseling and therapy battling complex PTSD and are
now not only serving veterans, but first responders in
light of the COVID crisis. As millions of people begin
to emerge from their shelter in place orders and
advance back into what’s left of their dreams, careers,
plans, etc., Tom can share the most important steps in
assessing the damage, prioritizing recovery and moving
forward. Tom Satterly details his and other veterans’
desperate attempts to overcome PTSD, addiction and
other mental health issues in his book “All Secure: A
Delta Force Operator’s Fight to Survive on the
Battlefield and the Homefront.” Contact Jason Jones at
jason@jonesliterary.com

2. ==> Trump’s Incendiary Language and Lone-Wolf
Whistle Violence

For some Americans, President Trump’s language is
incendiary garbage. But does it actually elicit acts of
violence? While nobody would label Trump a gifted
orator, what he says has power and renowned
communication expert Helio Fred Garcia says his
dangerous rhetoric has motivated lone wolves to commit
violence. Invite the author of “Words On Fire: The
Power of Incendiary Language and How to Confront It” to
discuss the language President Trump uses that
conditions an audience to accept, condone, and commit
violence against a targeted group, rival, or critic and
the history of such rhetoric. He’ll explain ‘”one-wolf
whistle violence” — a term he coined to describe
rhetoric that provokes violence on the model of “dog
whistle” politics, where politicians use coded language
that conveys benign meaning to most people, but a
different meaning to members of a certain group or
followers of a certain ideology. Learn the playbook of
12 forms of communication that typically precede acts
of mass violence and how civic leaders and engaged
citizens can hold leaders accountable to prevent such
harm. Helio Fred Garcia is president of the crisis
management firm Logos Consulting Group and is on the
adjunct faculties of New York University and Columbia
University. He is a senior fellow at the Institute of
Corporate Communication at Communication University of
China and a contract lecturer at the Defense
Information School and at the Wharton School,
University of Pennsylvania. Garcia’s previous books
include “The Agony of Decision: Mental Readiness and
Leadership in a Crisis” and “The Power of
Communication: Skills to Build Trust, Inspire Loyalty,
and Lead Effectively.” Contact Johanna Ramos Boyer at
(703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell);
johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 646-5188

3. ==> Good News: Lawmakers Move to Protect Your
Internet Rights

Amid all the pandemic news you may have missed last
week’s congressional action to protect Americans’
privacy. Sean VItka, senior policy counsel at Demand
Progress, says the issue involved amendments to the USA
Patriot Act to address FISA surveillance. Vitka can
discuss the two amendments, why they are needed and why
10 Democrats sided with Attorney General Bill Barr and
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and voted
against protecting internet browsing and search
histories with a warrant. He says, “No committee of
jurisdiction marked up or passed the underlying
legislation. Instead, through a backroom deal between
Adam Schiff and Jim Jordan, leadership rammed the USA
FREEDOM Reauthorization Act through the House without
any chance to fix the glaring problems in the
underlying bill.” He adds, “The Lee-Leahy amendment
ensures an independent voice has access to and can
raise issues with FISA surveillance targeting religious
groups, political groups, and the media. The underlying
bill remains broken, but adoption of the Lee-Leahy
amendment represents a privacy victory well beyond what
many believed to be possible.” Demand Progress is an
online grassroots activist group that lobbies to change
policies related to the internet, censorship, civil
rights, freedom of speech, government reform and civil
liberties. The U.S. political action committee serves
as a progressive public advocate for issues and
decisions that impact the public. Contact Sean Vitka at
sean@demandprogress.org or @demandprogress

4.==> Stimulus Was Supposed to Protect Jobs — We Now
Have Record Unemployment

As lawmakers wrangle with details of a third stimulus
package to help the tanked economy, many, including
political scientist Thomas Ferguson, say we need a new,
more thoughtful strategy to move the country forward
and through the coronavirus crisis. He says, “We all
know that the U.S. response to COVID-19 has lagged far
behind other countries. But now a real trap is closing.
The public premise of the government stimulus programs
was that they would be needed only for a short period
and channeling aid to businesses would enable them to
retain workers on their payrolls. So vast sums were
handed out while the Federal Reserve intervened
massively in financial markets. But now unemployment is
soaring, in a country whose health insurance system is
keyed to the workplace. Small businesses are collapsing
and plainly never got much aid. Workers are also
dropping out of the workforce in enormous numbers while
a major health and safety crisis rages. Government
policy has got to address these issues before it’s too
late. It can’t simply grant blanket immunity to
businesses for the sake of a hasty, premature
reopening. A major recalibration of policy is in
order.” Thomas Ferguson is professor emeritus,
University of Massachusetts Boston and the author of
many books and articles on politics and economics,
often within a historical perspective. Contact him at
thomas.ferguson@umb.edu

5. ==> Who Buys a Home During a Pandemic?

Before the COVID-19 pandemic started, “For Sale” signs
started sprouting up in neighborhoods across the
country, but the virus has brought the real estate
industry to a screeching halt, like many other
businesses. Now that the country is starting to open up
again, will the market rebound? Real estate attorney
Ira Kaufman says according to one survey, up to 80% of
potential home buyers say they’ve postponed or stopped
their search altogether, citing employment concerns and
the inability to visit properties in person. Invite him
to discuss the current real estate market, what buyers
and sellers need to know right now, and whether the
pandemic has changed what buyers are looking for in a
home. Ira Kaufman is a New York-based real estate
attorney with 25 years of experience in leases,
purchase/sales, financing, and development. Contact
Mark Goldman at (516) 639-0988; markgoldman73@gmail.com

6. ==> Lessons from First ER Doc to Die of COVID-19

On March 26 Renae Baker was working as a Lyft driver
when she picked up Dr. Frank Gabrin after his shift at
East Orange Hospital in New Jersey. Five days later he
was dead from COVID-19, becoming the first ER doctor in
the country to die from the virus. Baker says they
talked the entire 35-minute ride to his home in New
York City and some of what they discussed may have
saved her own life in the following days. Dr. Gabrin
developed his first symptoms later that morning. Baker
developed hers shortly after and has since recovered.
She will reveal what Dr. Gabrin told her about life
inside the ER during this pandemic, the surprising
thing he and other doctors were seeing at the moment of
COVID-19 deaths, and why he thought this could be an
important spiritual moment in our history. Baker says
they discussed everything from morale among health-care
workers to what happened when nurses got sick and how
doctors were being treated by hospital administrators.
Renae Baker is an author and speaker who has managed a
professional caroling company for decades. She has been
featured on Fox News and many more media outlets.
Contact her at (917) 509-9022; ismileny@gmail.com

7. ==> 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

8. ==> 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

9. ==> Homeschooling Tips Parents Need Right Now

With schools closed, many parents are now their
children’s primary educators, a role for which they are
largely unprepared. Laurie Marshall, a career educator
and author of “Beating the Odds Now” and other books,
says parents can be highly effective at exposing their
children to the rich world around them by paying
attention to two questions whose answers will be
different for each of their children. What brings that
child joy? What fascinates them? Bring Laurie on your
program to hear creative ways parents can be memorable
homeschool teachers by zeroing in on who their child
is. Marshall is a project-based learning and arts
integration specialist who has worked with underserved
youth for over 30 years. Her partners include FEMA and
Project Drawdown, the World’s Leading Resource for
Climate Solutions. She has trained over 6,000 teachers
in project-based learning and facilitated 125 nature-
based murals with over 25,000 people in schools,
nonprofits, and government agencies. Contact Laurie at
(415) 360-3304; lmarshall@rtirguests.com

10. ==> May is Mental Health Month: Coping During the
Coronavirus

According to the World Health Organization, one in
every four people suffers from mental health problems.
The coronavirus can significantly affect mental health
for everyone, but especially for those with mental
illness. Both the anxiety of contracting the disease as
well as the increase in loneliness and isolation can
worsen and trigger symptoms. Even those who don’t have
diagnosed disorders are experiencing sadness, anxiety,
loneliness, stress, and frustration like never before.
Invite psychotherapist Dr. Donna Marks to discuss how
to take this current crisis, when we feel the most
vulnerable, and learn to be as mentally healthy as
possible. “Mental health means balancing thoughts and
feelings, social and alone time, and having the
maturity to make good decisions even when we don’t feel
like it. We don’t have control over the virus, but we
do have control over how we react to external events,”
she says. “Mental health is the choice to work through
feelings and express them in productive ways. Pent-up
emotions can turn into anxiety, anger, depression, and
even suicidal states of mind. It’s also a choice to be
aware of thoughts and to act on the empowering messages
rather than self-destructive ones.” Dr. Donna Marks is
the author of two books: “Exit the Maze – One
Addiction, One Cause, One Cure,” and “Learn, Grow,
Forgive – A Path to Spiritual Success.” A consultant,
educator, public speaker, and instructor of A Course in
Miracles, she has served as an addiction counselor for
more than 30 years. Contact her at (561) 436-9360;
drdonnamarks@gmail.com

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

12. ==> 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

13. ==> Have Cabin Fever? Try Virtual Wine Tastings!

Being stuck at home in lockdown doesn’t mean all of the
activities you enjoy have to stop. Wineries have
enabled customers to continue to explore new wines with
online wine tastings. Andy Hyman is a tour guide in the
Napa and Sonoma wine country who has shared his passion
for wine with thousands of people from around the
world. Invite him to share information about wine clubs
and online wine tastings so you can get your friends
together for this fun activity. His book, “Snob-Free
Wine Tasting Companion: Wine Smart in a Day,” reveals
how to get the most out of a wine-tasting experience,
how wine is made, and general knowledge about wine.
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;
andyhyman@rtirguests.com

14. ==> 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

15. ==> May 31 is National Smile Day! Go Ahead and Grin

The country could be forgiven if its citizens didn’t
feel like smiling much these days; after all, people
are sick and dying from a mysterious contagious disease
and are prohibited from getting too close to each
other, and unemployment is at record levels. Yet it is
because we find ourselves in this dire situation that
it is more important than ever to smile at one another
— even from six-feet apart — says Barry Shore, who is
known as The Ambassador of Joy. Shore will be
celebrating National Smile Day on May 31 and wants
everyone else to join him by starting the day with a
big smile on their faces. Certainly, if there is anyone
who knows how to smile through adversity it is Shore, a
successful serial entrepreneur with three patents who
in 2004 became a quadriplegic overnight from a rare
disease. During the 16 years that followed, Shore has
pushed himself to regain much of his functioning even
as he inspires other people to see the joy in their
lives. Shore can also talk about his Keep Smiling
Movement which he co-founded with well-known celebrity
photographer Ken Rochon. Barry hosts “The Joy of
Living” podcast and is the founder of the JOY of Living
Institute. He’s been featured on CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox and
in O Magazine, Forbes, Daily Herald, Pittsburgh Post-
Gazette, MarketWatch and more. Contact him at (310)
770-4685; barry@barryshore.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

May 19, 2020

01. Lessons from First ER Doc to Die of COVID-19
02. ‘Kung Fu’ Cast Member on New Film & TV Series
03. Former NYT Reporter: Media & Governors Trying to Scare Public
04. Doc Says It’s Too Late for Contract Tracing
05. Basics of the Payroll Protection Program Explained
06. How Parents Can Ensure Their Children Earn a Living Wage
07. Changing Careers Now: Tips from a Pro
08. The Simple Daily Ritual That Saves Lives
09. 5 Ways to Find Clarity and Confidence in Pandemic Times
10. 5 Realistic Tips for Coping with Pandemic Overload
11. From Viruses to Migraines and Beyond – Self-Healing Secrets
12. The Real Reason You Do Stuff Knowing It’s Bad for You
13. How to Raise Boys to Respect Women in the ‘Me Too’ Age
14. We All Need a Little Self-Love Right Now
15. Why 50 Isn’t the New 30 … It’s Way Better

1.==> Lessons from First ER Doc to Die of COVID-19

On March 26th Renae Baker was working as a Lyft driver
when she picked up Dr. Frank Gabrin after his shift at
East Orange Hospital in New Jersey. Five days later he
was dead from COVID-19, becoming the first ER doctor in
the country to die from the virus. Baker says they
talked the entire 35-minute ride to his home in New
York City and some of what they discussed may have
saved her own life in the following days. Dr. Gabrin
developed his first symptoms later that morning. Baker
developed hers shortly after and has since recovered.
She will reveal what Dr. Gabrin told her about life
inside the ER during this pandemic, the surprising
thing he and other doctors were seeing at the moment of
COVID-19 deaths, and why he thought this could be an
important spiritual moment in our history. Baker says
they discussed everything from morale among health-care
workers to what happened when nurses got sick and how
doctors were being treated by hospital administrators.
Renae Baker is an author and speaker who has managed a
professional caroling company for decades. She has been
featured on Fox News and many more media outlets.
Contact her at (917) 509-9022; ismileny@gmail.com

2. ==> ‘Kung Fu’ Cast Member on New Film & TV Series

You may have read the recent announcements in The
Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Deadline, The Wrap, etc.,
that the “Kung Fu” Movie is in the works! Universal has
optioned the 1970s martial arts western television show
and is developing it as a big-screen property with
director David Leitch. In addition, “Hobbs & Shaw”
filmmakers will also produce the adaptation of the ’70s
TV series over at Warner Bros. Radames Pera, who played
Caine “Grasshopper” throughout the series, is the only
remaining cast member alive. Invite him on your show to
discuss the series which ran from 1972 to 1975 and
starred David Carradine as a monk who came to the
American West in search of his half-brother. Kung Fu
gained a cult following and injected the phrase “young
grasshopper” into the pop culture lexicon via
flashbacks to Caine’s training as a teenager. Pera also
had a recurring role on “Little House on the Prairie”
and appeared on “The Six Million Dollar Man,” “The
Waltons,” “Hawaii Five-O” and other TV shows. Radames
Pera is available via Skype or phone from France, where
he took his family when the COVID pandemic began.
Contact Harlan Boll at hboll@rtirguests.com

3. == > Former NYT Reporter: Media & Governors Trying
to Scare Public

Former New York Times reporter and author Alex Berenson
is taking a lot of heat for recent tweets and comments
about the coronavirus lockdowns. Berenson says he’s
been overwhelmed by emails. Some of them bash his view
that the pandemic shouldn’t be feared, but he says most
come from people who are sick of feeling mocked and
told they’re stupid for their sincere beliefs about the
dangers of the lockdowns. Berenson says the truth is in
data, facts and science. “The hysterics have been
wrong. They know it, whether they admit it or not.
Except for the most at-risk populations – who should be
the focus of our protective efforts – #COVID looks to
be a minor risk. And with every day that goes by, every
state and country that reopens without catastrophe, the
lockdowns appear more insane,” he says. “So, the media
(and the lockdown governors) are stretching further and
further to try to scare people – the recent pediatric
stuff being only the grossest example.” Alex Berenson
is a former New York Times reporter and the author of
“Tell Your Children: The Truth about Marijuana, Mental
Illness and Violence.” Contact him at
alexberensonauthor@gmail.com or
SSPublicity@simonandschuster.com

4.==> Doc Says It’s Too Late for Contract Tracing

Hoover Institution senior fellow Dr. Scott Atlas says
that using contact tracing as a prerequisite for
reopening U.S. cities forced into lockdown by the
coronavirus pandemic is “simply illogical.” “Contact
tracing is an important tool for public health
pandemics, but not now,” Atlas explains, “not in this
stage when millions and millions of people already have
the virus.” Atlas says, “It’s sort of a completely
illogical use of this very important tool. Contact
tracing is useful when a new pandemic starts very early
in a very focused small group like it did in South
Korea at the beginning of all this.” Contact tracing
has been a significant talking point in the debate
surrounding the reopening of many U.S. states, but
Atlas — the former neuroradiology chief at Stanford
Medical Center — called that debate “another example
of what’s happening in this whole narrative,” where
proposed actions are not proven effective by data.”
Atlas is the David and Joan Traitel Senior Fellow of
the Hoover Institution and a member of Hoover
Institution’s Working Group on Health Care Policy. The
Hoover Institution is an American public policy think
tank and research institution located at Stanford
University. Contact Dr. Scott Atlas at
swatlas@stanford.edu

5. ==> Basics of the Payroll Protection Program
Explained

Small business owners trying to take advantage of the
Payroll Protection Program (PPP) can find the process
and rules confusing. Invite L.A. tax attorney Dennis
Brager to discuss the Small Business Association’s
guidelines for forgiveness and the seven most important
rules. “The SBA has laid out its guidelines, but after
reviewing their Forgiveness Application, there may be
questions remaining,” explains Brager. “I’ve taken the
initiative of breaking down some of the highlights in
their document in an effort to help those who have been
granted assistance to understand the rules for paying
back the money.” Brager says the rules are changing
literally daily, and he suggests borrowers check
frequently for changes to the PPP forgiveness
guidelines since they are likely to shift frequently.
Dennis Brager is a California State Bar Certified Tax
Specialist, and a former senior trial attorney for the
Internal Revenue Service’s Office of Chief Counsel. He
has appeared on ABC Television’s “Good Morning
America,” “Fox Business News,” “TV One Access,” “KFWB
Money 101,” and KABC’s “The Larry Elder Show.” Contact
Cherie Kerr at cherie@kerrpr-execuprov.com; (714)
271-2140

6. ==> 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 student’s 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

7. ==> 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

8. == > The Simple Daily Ritual That Saves Lives

It is something that anyone can do. It is free. It
doesn’t require special equipment. Even children can do
it. It can be done at work, in bed, on the floor or in
a chair. And it can be lifesaving. It is the daily
ritual that could save your life, yet most people do
not practice it. John Sambalino can explain how you can
make meditation the daily ritual that helps improve
your health, relationships, job performance and mood,
and how he has even used meditation to help prison
inmates avoid future crimes. John will also discuss how
its calmness reduces stress, helps you deal with
deadlines, leads to better sleep, and even boosts
memory. He is the author of “Is God in That Bottle Cap?
A Search for Truth.” Ask him: Why do so many
celebrities practice meditation? How has meditation
helped people face the coronavirus epidemic? What are
some common myths that keep people from trying
meditation? Contact John Sambalino at (856) 245-5062;
jsambalino@rtirguests.com

9. ==> 5 Ways to Find Clarity and Confidence in
Pandemic Times

Life during the coronavirus pandemic has brought with
it accelerated change; jobs have been lost, hours have
been cut, relatives and neighbors have sickened and
died, and comfortable routines involving socializing,
entertainment, religious attendance and even grocery
shopping have been upended. And while no one ever knows
the future, for many it appears confusing, fuzzy and
scary but at the same time, it presents an opportunity
to regroup and focus on the next steps. Cindy Cipriani
offers tools for navigating through this unprecedented
period when life feels like it is spinning out of
control using her 5C solution. You’ll learn how your
hand can help you make wise choices in a moment of
chaos, three steps for gaining greater clarity in
deciding what you want and need and ways making
commitments can help you move from stuck to unstuck.
Cipriani will explain how to use the 5Cs in a range of
circumstances from adapting a business to breaking free
from domestic violence. Cindy Cipriani is an award-
winning business owner, keynote speaker, author and
clarity coach. The founder of the Clear Path Institute,
she helps individuals and families create healthy
relationships and trains business and sales teams to be
more successful. Her latest book is “The 5C Solution:
Discover Clarity & Confidence in Times of Change.”
Contact her at (856) 534-7070; cindycip1@gmail.com

10. ==> 5 Realistic Tips for Coping with Pandemic
Overload

More than two months into the COVID-19 pandemic people
are starting to get antsy for a return to normalcy.
Rami Odeh (Oh-DAY), an author, certified exercise
physiologist, personal trainer and corporate presenter,
has found that his corporate clients are now seeking
his advice on coping strategies they can offer their
employees to lessen information overload and feelings
of isolation. Odeh, who is also an on- and off-road
marathoner, says, “Surviving in the age of COVID-19 is
akin to running a marathon … and there are five daily
steps you can take to train for living in pandemic
times.” Odeh’s suggestions include reading the news
instead of watching it, focusing on what’s going on in
the moment instead of worrying about the future, and
spending time on things you can control like your
health and wellness. He’ll also discuss the benefits of
soaking in a little sunshine sans sunscreen and ways to
keep active, no matter what your schedule or
circumstance. Odeh is the author of the three-volume
series “Quiet The Noise.” Contact him at (770)
773-6970; rami@quietthenoisebook.com

11. ==> 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

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. ==> 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

14. ==> We All Need a Little Self-Love Right Now

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. ==> 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

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

May 14, 2020

01. Why We Need to Save the United States Postal Service
02. Avoid These Places to Protect Yourself from COVID-19
03. Can You Collect Unemployment if You Refuse to Go Back to Work?
04. Lessons on Isolation and Humanity in a Family’s Letters from Hiding
05. National Smile Day! You Know You Need it!
06. How to Help Kids and Teens Cope with COVID-19
07. Discover Why Everyone Is Getting on Your Nerves
08. M.D. Shares 7 Essential Tools to Survive the Pandemic
09. How Marketing Will Change Thanks to COVID-19
10. The Millennial’s Guide to Being a Better Boss
11. Have Cabin Fever? Try Virtual Wine Tastings!
12. More Time on Devices Means More Eye Strain
13. Grieving in Isolation: How Hypnosis Can Help
14. Face Life After Coronavirus by Making Just 2 Choices
15. When Exes Fight Over a Frozen Embryo

1.==> Why We Need to Save the United States Postal Service

House Democrats have included money for the U.S. Postal
Service in the latest $3 trillion stimulus package, but
it’s unclear whether the Senate will act on the
measure. Critics of the USPS say it’s a failing
business, but others, like Richard John, say it was
never meant to be a business. “The Founders intended
the Postal Service to be a pillar of the republic,
binding together millions of Americans, urban and
rural, for the common good. It therefore always had
congressional oversight limiting what management can do
to make a profit. Rather than being mismanaged, the
Postal Service is — and has long been — one of
America’s great successes,” says John, author of
“Spreading the News: The American Postal System from
Franklin to Morse.” Instead of privatizing it, he says
we should take inspiration from the Founders and re-
envision its mission for the 21st century. Some of his
suggestions include expanding the Postal Service to
include high-tech “last mile” capabilities,
reestablishing a low-cost consumer banking system, a
popular service the Postal Service maintained for much
of the 20th century, and rolling out low-cost municipal
broadband. “Rural electrification transformed vast
swaths of the hinterland; might not rural Postal
Services be configured as hubs for the digital economy
of tomorrow?” he asks. In the closer future, John
reminds us the Postal Service will play a crucial role
in ensuring trustworthy mail balloting, a major issue
in the age of COVID-19. Richard John recently wrote the
piece “The Founders never intended the U.S. Postal
Service to be managed like a business” for the
Washington Post. Contact him at rrj2115@columbia.edu

2. ==> Avoid These Places to Protect Yourself from
COVID-19

As people start heading back out into a world where the
coronavirus lurks invisibly, many wonder where they can
safely roam. Where are you most at danger of
contracting COVID-19? The supermarket? The subway? What
about in an office? University of Massachusetts
Dartmouth biology professor Erin Bromage says five main
sources account for 90 percent of all transmission: the
home, workplace, public transportation, social
gatherings and restaurants. So, what makes those places
dangerous? Bromage says they are all enclosed places
with poor air circulation. He says if you find yourself
in a spot that makes you feel uncomfortable, spend as
little time as you can there, or walk away, preferably
outside. He says people should be particularly aware of
the noise level where they go. Studies have found that
when someone speaks loudly, more virus gets into the
air and it travels farther, making noisy, crowded spots
particularly dangerous right now. Contact Erin Bromage
at erin.bromage@umassd.edu or (508) 999-8218

3. ==> Can You Collect Unemployment if You Refuse to Go
Back to Work?

More than 33 million Americans are out-of-work as a
result of the coronavirus-induced lockdown throughout
the nation, but even as states begin to ease stay-at-
home measures and allow businesses to open up, some
workers remain hesitant to return to their jobs. Some
are worried about on-the-job safety issues or have a
vulnerable family member at home. Others, like some in
the service industry, can make more money on
unemployment right now. According to the Department of
Labor, a general fear of virus exposure is not a valid
reason to not return to work or quit your job and
obtain unemployment benefits. Workplace attorney
Jonathan Bell can discuss the issues involved and what
your listeners’ options and rights are. Jonathan Bell
is a labor and employment attorney and the founder of
Bell Law Group, PLLC in New York City. Contact Mark
Goldman at (516) 639-0988 (call/text);
mark@goldmanmccormick.com

4.==> Lessons on Isolation and Humanity in a Family’s
Letters from Hiding

For an interesting perspective on our pandemic
predicament where millions of people are isolating and
in fear for their lives, invite Daphne Geismar on your
show and hear what her family’s experience hiding in a
church attic for two years during the Holocaust can
teach us about isolation and humanity. Geismar says an
extraordinary cache of letters and documents from her
family’s ordeal reveals experiences of isolation, fear
and uncertainty that, although incomparable, have
particular resonance today. “While the experiences of
my family, and the others who were persecuted across
German-occupied Europe, are unparalleled, their fears
and struggles nonetheless anticipate aspects of our
lives amid the global pandemic. They also provide a
moral compass and reference point for understanding the
suffering in this moment,” she says. Daphne Geismar is
a teacher, researcher, and book designer. She is the
author of “Invisible Years: A Family’s Collected
Account of Separation and Survival during the Holocaust
in the Netherlands.” Contact Lissa Warren at (617)
233-2853 (cell); LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com or
@Lissa_Warren

5. ==> National Smile Day! You Know You Need it!

The country could be forgiven if its citizens didn’t
feel like smiling much these days; after all, people
are sick and dying from a mysterious contagious disease
and are prohibited from getting too close to each
other, and unemployment is at record levels. Yet it is
because we find ourselves in this dire situation that
it is more important than ever to smile at one another
— even from six-feet apart — says Barry Shore, who is
known as The Ambassador of Joy. Shore will be
celebrating National Smile Day on May 31 and wants
everyone else to join him by starting the day with a
big smile on their faces. Certainly, if there is anyone
who knows how to smile through adversity it is Shore, a
successful serial entrepreneur with three patents who
in 2004 became a quadriplegic overnight from a rare
disease. During the 16 years that followed, Shore has
pushed himself to regain much of his functioning even
as he inspires other people to see the joy in their
lives. Shore can also talk about his Keep Smiling
Movement which he co-founded with well-known celebrity
photographer Ken Rochon. Barry hosts “The Joy of
Living” podcast and is founder of the JOY of Living
Institute. He’s been featured on CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox and
in O Magazine, Forbes, Daily Herald, Pittsburgh Post-
Gazette, MarketWatch and more. Contact him at (310)
770-4685; barry@barryshore.com

6. ==> How to Help Kids and Teens Cope with COVID-19

The COVID-19 crisis is causing a rise in mental health
issues for adults, but teens are also suffering.
Instead of experiencing formative coming-of-age moments
like prom and graduation, some young people find
themselves grappling with issues like anxiety,
substance abuse and eating disorders. And for those who
already have mental health issues or special needs, the
pandemic is bringing new challenges to treatment.
Jenney Wilder is the founder of AllKindsOfTherapy.com,
an online resource that helps families research,
compare and evaluate various treatment programs
available for children and teens. A former therapy
consultant, Jenney has visited and evaluated hundreds
of programs and can offer advice to parents of children
and teens who may be struggling with stress, anxiety or
other mental health issues due to COVID-19.
AllKindsofTherapy.com is an independent, comprehensive
directory that compares treatment options. Contact John
Angelo at john@premieretv.com

7. ==> Discover Why Everyone Is Getting on Your Nerves

People’s differences can create stress at the best of
times. Living in lockdown, these stresses can explode.
Leadership expert Marc A. Pitman can tell you why
people act the way they do. Using an easy-to-understand
system, he can provide insight into why your team,
staff, or family may be harder to live with right now.
He can explain the different ways people react to
stress and how to help you get through the pandemic and
come out even stronger than before. His forthcoming
book, ” The Surprising Gift of Doubt,” provides a
framework for people to move past feeling like a fraud
and manage teams more effectively. Contact Marc Pitman
at (317) 751-1610; mpitman@rtirguests.com

8. ==> 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

9. ==> 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

10. ==> The Millennial’s Guide to Being a Better 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

11. ==> Have Cabin Fever? Try Virtual Wine Tastings!

Being stuck at home in lockdown doesn’t mean all the
activities you enjoy have to stop. Wineries have
enabled customers to continue to explore new wines with
online wine tastings. Andy Hyman is a tour guide in the
Napa and Sonoma wine country who has shared his passion
for wine with thousands of people from around the
world. Invite him to share information about wine clubs
and online wine tastings so you can get your friends
together for this fun activity. His book, “Snob-Free
Wine Tasting Companion: Wine Smart in a Day,” reveals
how to get the most out of a wine-tasting experience,
how wine is made, and general knowledge about wine.
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;
andyhyman@rtirguests.com

12. ==> 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

13. ==> Grieving in Isolation: How Hypnosis Can Help
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 her 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

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 him at (730) 572-1322; rracosky@rtirguests.com

15. ==> 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

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

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

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