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Culture, Society & Lifestyle Family & Parenting Lifestyle Living U.S

Caris Snider, Author of Anxiety Elephants, Advocates Mental Health Awareness with Groundbreaking Book Series

Anxiety is often likened to an elephant in the room affecting millions of people worldwide and what many don’t know is that it is the number one mental health struggle across all age groups. From teenagers grappling with the issues of adolescence to adults juggling the overwhelming demands of modern life, people often feel alone as they wrestle to manage the symptoms and challenges of anxiety.

Caris Snider is an anxiety advocate, speaker, and author of the groundbreaking series of books, Anxiety Elephants, that provides a roadmap for understanding the complexities and burdens of dealing with the symptoms of this common mental battle. Drawing from her own struggles with anxiety, she shares, “When I first started dealing with symptoms, it felt like I had an elephant on my chest. I also thought I was all alone and, as a person of faith, I didn’t think I was supposed to have these problems. When I found a way through the darkness, I wanted to share what I discovered to help others dealing with anxiety and that led me to write my first book, a 10-Day Devotional on stomping out Anxiety Elephants.”

Snider’s first book was so well received that she saw a need to create a series on the topic that would help moms, children, and teens through their daily struggles and shared some of the coping techniques for confronting their fears while also embracing a future filled with promise.

The beginning to understanding how to conquer anxiety is awareness. “Some people don’t even realize that they’re experiencing signs of anxiety,” according to Caris. “Symptoms have many forms and can include having a rapid heart rate, feeling breathless, having sleepless nights, being overly emotional to the point of bursting into tears, or even being afraid that something really bad will happen. I want you to know that you have the power to take back control and that’s why I’ve written this series of books.”

One of the features that makes the Anxiety Elephants book series unique is that Caris Snider has included action steps for readers to take in each book to help them conquer the problem. Here are three things she suggests to do when someone is experiencing symptoms.

1.    Deep Breathing Helps Calm the Anxiety.  Caris says that, “When fear grips you, take a moment to pause and engage in a deep breathing exercise. This simple practice helps shift your focus from the emotional part of our brain to the thinking part,” and provides a soothing effect similar to a massage for the mind.

2.    Focus on Gratitude. When anxiety hits, think about good things to activate positive emotion. “Cultivating a mindset of gratitude helps reframe your perspective and fosters a sense of positivity even in the midst of anxiety,” Caris shares. It sounds simple, but it can be a game changer.

3.    Dump the Negativity from the Brain. For anyone struggling with anxious thoughts, Caris has a brain dump exercise. “Take post-it notes and jot down negative thoughts, then tear them up and discard them. Then, you want to replace these negative thoughts with positive truths. You may want to keep post-its handy, like in the car, so you can write them down whenever you have anxious thoughts.” This exercise helps rewire the brain to almost physically let go of anxious thoughts by tearing them up and then take control of the mind and emotions replacing negative ideas with positive ones.

With a degree in Child Development, Caris Snider is a Speaker, Anxiety Advocate, and Author, who is on a mission to confront the number one mental health struggle with her transformative Anxiety Elephants book series. This includes the best-selling children’s book, There’s An Elephant on My Chest that she uses as an ice-breaker and tool to engage with children and teens when speaking at schools to share her practical solutions on how to shrink those “elephants” as well as ways on how to talk through anxiety with trusted adults.

Beyond school settings, Caris is dedicated to making a lasting impact and speaks at community groups and women’s conferences to give insight and support for moms struggling with anxiety or helping them understand how to help their children navigate it. She loves connecting with parents on Instagram and directly through her website since she is committed to help moms, children, and teens find freedom from fear in the fight against anxiety.

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Hospitality Lifestyle Living Travel U.S

Months After the Lahaina Fires, Visitors Respectfully Return to the Island as Maui Tourism Recovers

In August 2023, historic Lahaina in West Maui was devastated by a fire that destroyed the town. It left residents with unimaginable grief over the loss of lives, homes, and livelihoods where local jobs, local businesses, and the entire community rely on tourism. Maui is known for its incredible beauty found nowhere else in the world and as the island officially began welcoming visitors back in early November, Mike White, who managed two prestigious hotels on Maui for over 35 years and is a Member of the Board of Directors for the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, shared how the people of Maui are doing in the midst of recovery.

White, who was interviewed by AM Northwest at the Maui Ocean Center, said, “As you can imagine, the people of Maui are hurting. And everyone is navigating it differently. It is going to take some time to process, heal, and focus on rebuilding their lives. But our people are resilient, hard-working, and have a lot of aloha toward each other and will get through this just fine.” He added, “But it is important to realize that 85% of the jobs on Maui are either fully or partially dependent on tourism. So the return of visitors to Maui is critical to our recovery.”

Although, Lahaina remains closed to the public out of respect for the community and as debris removal and clean up efforts have started, many people do not realize it is just a small pocket of West Maui and most accommodations have reopened except for Lahaina Town proper. The vast majority of Maui was unaffected, untouched, and has remained open including Kahului, Wailuku, Kīhei, Wailea, Upcountry, and Hānaare that have been welcoming travelers.

Since so many people are looking for ways to support Maui, Mike White has some suggestions, “If you already love Maui, then we’d love to welcome you back and if you’ve never visited before, then it’s time you did and experience hiking through rainforests, walking on mountaintops, and tasting delicious local produce at a roadside farm stand. Here at the Maui Ocean Center, you can learn about Hawai‘i’s marine life including conservation initiatives aimed to protect our oceans. Supporting these local spots is the most generous way you can help Maui residents and businesses right now.”

Hawai’i Tourism Authority (HTA) wants visitors to come and enjoy all Maui has to offer and also wants them to know that they can compassionately express the aloha spirit in several ways. First, they ask for sensitivity for residents still healing from the Lahaina event and that visitors refrain from asking what they’ve been through since even a well-meaning question may be difficult for some still navigating what happened. Second, there are still areas that are closed to the public so they appreciate that visitors respect these closures. Finally, the HTA expresses mahalo for understanding and anyone wanting to visit the island or find out more about how to be a part of the Maui recovery can go to GoHawaii.com/Maui.

 

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Culture, Society & Lifestyle Family & Parenting Lifestyle Living U.S

Dr. RJ Jackson, Teen Life Coach, Shares His Secrets on How to Motivate an Unmotivated Teenager

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The teen years can certainly be difficult and over 80% of teenagers struggle with confidence and motivation that often results in having few close friends and a lack of drive to achieve their goals. Dr. RJ Jackson (Dr. RJ) is on a mission to not only help teenagers tackle some of their toughest challenges, but also create a bridge that allows parents and teens to communicate effectively.

According to Dr. RJ, the two biggest problems teens face are confidence and motivation. He explains, “Most parents believe that this is caused by social media, but this has actually been a problem for teens long before social media existed. For example, if your child is shy and maybe has a resistance to try new things, it’s most likely a confidence issue. Or if your child procrastinates and you have to force them to do things, it’s most likely an issue with motivation.”

Parents and teachers may think that this is typical or normal behavior for a teen and that willpower is the answer to get their child to do their chores or homework, but as Dr. RJ shared on a recent interview with We Are Austin, willpower doesn’t work. “Willpower doesn’t work because what we’re asking a child to do is to overcome something that is painful. You see, all humans are wired the same – they want to avoid pain and pursue pleasure,” he says. “For example, you have a child who hates school and homework so that’s in the pain category and then you’re expecting this child to do something they don’t like. And when they do the thing they don’t enjoy, it brings more pain. This is why willpower will never work and will never be sustainable.” 

Dr. RJ Jackson says that the number one way he has found to flip the switch for an unmotivated teen is conditioning. He takes the two categories of pain and pleasure and helps the child decide how to sort it effectively, “For example, when we have a child who wants to make friends, but all the things required to make new friends include meeting new people and trying new things that is in their pain category, they naturally won’t do it. Conditioning is when we take those activities that cause pain and show them how to move them into their pleasure category so they’ll naturally re-condition their mind and that’s how we flip the switch.”

As a leading authority in teen development, Dr. RJ Jackson has coached over 10,000 teens in the past decade and is dedicated to helping teenagers maximize their full potential. In his book, Parenting Happy Teens: It’s An Inside Job, he helps parents understand the reasons why teenagers make self-destructive choices, experience so much stress, worry, and unhappiness, and he shares how they can overcome these challenges. He loves connecting with parents and teens on Instagram and directly through his website since he is committed to making a lasting impact on the next generation. 

 

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Books & Literature Family & Parenting Lifestyle Religion U.S

Author Marsha Gray Hill Shares How to Turn Grief into Guidance in a Post-Pandemic World

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No one has escaped the events of the last four years unscarred when the world felt like it was upside down. Marsha Gray Hill is no exception when she, like so many people around the world, lost a parent in the midst of the global pandemic. As she tried to process her grief, she directed her emotions into writing a book, Grief and Grit(s), designed to help others who not only suffered loss during the pandemic, but also wants them to know they are not alone.

“It was so important for me to write this book about my mama, Adaline Gray, that I lost during the pandemic. She wasn’t just a number but an extraordinary woman who lived an extraordinary life,” Marsha shares. “Losing a mom at any age is naturally difficult, but it was very traumatizing for me since she wasn’t allowed to die with dignity which everyone deserves. If we don’t talk about what happened to my mama and so many others, we’re going to miss out on everything we can learn from it and that’s why I wrote this book.”

In Grief and Grit(s), Marsha writes about the challenges she experienced when she unexpectedly found herself in the position of being a caregiver for her mother when she developed dementia and the assisted living apartment that was her residence was no longer an option. Marsha eventually had to hire someone to care for her mom when she could not longer do it on her own and then when the pandemic hit, it made it worse, “Our parents take care of us growing up and it never occurred to me that I’d end up taking care of my mama when she developed dementia and became like a child,” she says. “It was a challenge to find home care workers who were not only caring and trustworthy, but also compassionate for someone with dementia.”

When Marsha Gray Hill was recently interviewed on Tampa Bay’s Morning Blend, she shared these three guidelines for anyone who finds themselves in a similar care giving role like she did.

1. It is important to get support and not go it alone. It’s so easy to get burned out so don’t be afraid to reach out to others, like family or friends, that may be able to help.

2. Make sure to research home care providers and options. When it’s not possible to care for a parent directly, it’s important to research the best facilities or home care providers that are the best fit. And when working with an agency, be mindful that sometimes they’ll say they’re sending their best person when they may just be sending whoever is available.

3. Install a camera to remotely monitor that proper care is being provided. “One of the best things I did was install a camera so that I could remotely check in on my mom and see if she was getting proper care. We do this with children and nanny cams, to protect them so it’s natural to do this for the elderly who can’t speak for themselves,” Marsha shared. She also added that it’s important to let care givers know about the camera and she felt it helped them be more accountable.

Shocked by society’s neglect of the elderly, particularly evident during the pandemic, Marsha is on a mission to elevate awareness and dignity for seniors and through her book, Grief and Grit(s), she offers invaluable insights to help others navigate the complexities of grief and caregiving. She connects with readers on Instagram to share her ongoing journey. Her book is distributed by Simon & Schuster and available through her website at MarshaGrayHill.com, online outlets and at book stores across the country. 

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Lifestyle Services Society & Culture Technology U.S

The Smartphone App, Adult Real ID, is a Game Changer to Ensure Safe Encounters when Meeting Online Strangers in the Real World

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In a world where the internet connects people from all walks of life, ensuring safety when meeting strangers has become a vital concern. The digital world, while a hotbed of opportunities, also harbors various lurking dangers including identity thieves, cyber criminals, and predators who create fake online personas to deceive others (known as catfishing). Catfishing is alarmingly common and can have devastating consequences including the threat of kidnapping and human trafficking for those lured into these schemes.

To address these alarming risks, Thomas Kopec and Jay Kanetkar, the co-founders of Adult Real ID, have developed this groundbreaking smartphone app that is revolutionizing the way individuals interact and meet strangers online. Recognizing these dangerous threats, Kanetkar, a former FBI agent, was inspired to take action. “In the FBI, I saw first-hand the risk that online predators pose to both children and adults. That’s why I knew I had to do something to address the threat,” he explains.

Adult Real ID is designed to keep users safe when meeting online connections and strangers. The app goes beyond mere identity verification. Kopec adds, “Our app keeps you safe when meeting strangers. It prioritizes user safety during face-to-face meetings, provides secure meeting arrangements, and offers emergency assistance features to foster a safer digital landscape for everyone.”

This innovative platform offers four key features that sets it apart in the world of online safety and secure meetings.

1. Connects with Verified Users. Adult Real ID allows users to connect with others by entering their badge numbers, a unique feature designed to identify and verify individuals. By connecting with verified users, the app significantly reduces the risk of encountering fake profiles or falling victim to catfish relationships. This feature serves as a crucial layer of security, providing users with peace of mind when interacting with new acquaintances.

2. Add Events and Meet with Verified People. Creating and attending events using the app is a powerful way to build trust and security within a community or platform. Event attendees have all undergone a rigorous four-step verification process, including inputting personal information, setting up profiles, uploading essential documents, and verifying their mobile phone numbers. Kopec says, “We created a more secure meeting experience and knew it was essential to go beyond identity verification and prioritized user safety during face-to-face meetings because it serves as an added layer of protection, ensuring that friends or family members are aware of the meeting arrangements and can intervene if necessary.”

3. Safety Image Feature. To enhance safety during in-person meetings, Adult Real ID has a Safety Image feature. When scheduling an event, members can select a safe image and after the event concludes, both members must log in within twenty-four hours and choose the same image to verify their safe return. This feature provides a tangible way to confirm the safety of both parties involved.

4. Warning Image Feature. In situations where safety is compromised, the app offers the Warning Image feature. If either party selects the warning image instead of the safe image, an immediate alert is triggered, notifying the app’s safety team who will alert law enforcement immediately. Both members receive two emails and text messages urging them to close out the event. Failure to do so prompts the app’s safety team to contact the user and, if necessary, their emergency contact, ensuring swift action in emergencies.

Already in use on high-profile college campuses across the country, the app has gained over 100,000 users. It has become an indispensable layer of security for students and anyone concerned about safety when meeting strangers, whether on the Internet or in real-life encounters. The app offers subscription plans starting as low as $3.00 per month, making it accessible to a broad audience.

In a world where online interactions are an integral part of daily life, Adult Real ID emerges as a beacon of safety, offering a robust tool to ensure the well-being of individuals as they navigate the digital landscape. This innovative app sets a new standard for responsible online connections, empowering users to interact with confidence, peace of mind, and, ultimately, changing the game in the realm of online meetings and encounters.

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Books & Literature Business Marketing & Sales Media & Communications U.S

Marianne Schwab, Former National Talk Show Producer, Reveals Five Blunders Non-Fiction Book Authors Should Avoid that Kill TV Interview Success

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Each year, over four million new titles emerge for non-fiction personal and business development books and increased access to self-publishing means thousands of them are written by high-level entrepreneurs and business professionals. These books have the power to impact lives, share valuable insights, and establish the authors as thought leaders, but a big challenge occurs on how do they rise above the noise to reach a target audience to promote the book on TV talk shows that can lead to not only becoming a recognized expert, but ultimately increase sales. 

The problem with promoting a non-fiction book is cutting through the clutter with thousands of authors who are also seeking limited interview spots on talk shows. Marianne Schwab is a former national network TV Talk Show Producer who has a deep understanding of what media decision makers look for when booking authors as guests and recently revealed her list of five blunders to avoid that can kill the results of securing interviews.

1. Focusing Solely on Self-Promotion. While promoting a book is essential, solely focusing on self-promotion is a common mistake. TV talk shows, and also podcast producers, are primarily focused on delivering value to their audience. If the pitch is solely about the book and how great it is, it will come across as self-serving. Marianne suggests, “You need to focus on one or two problems that you solve as a professional and refer to in the book. When I book an author or work with one to secure talk show interviews, I like to look at the table of contents and pick out of the best bits that I know viewers are going latch on to. By framing your pitch around the audience’s needs, you’ll be seen as a valuable guest rather than a self-promoter. I want to book an expert who has great problem solving tips and having written a book establishes their credibility.”

2. Creating a Media Alert that Simply Announces a New Book. It may seem logical to create a headline and media alert that is a new book announcement, but unless a book author is already a recognized expert or celebrity, this will not set them apart from a stack of pitches on a producer’s desk. The media alert should have a hook that grabs the producer in a way they can use it to grab viewer interest to tune in to their show or click on the interview when it’s uploaded to their website. According to Marianne, “The media alert headline should set up a problem that reading your book solves. For example, if you’re a real estate professional, the headline might be ‘Three Mistakes New Home Buyers Make that Cost Them Thousands.’ Your book may cover more, but a TV interview segment generally only has three to four minutes.”

3. Neglecting Audience Relevance. One of the most common mistakes authors make is failing to consider the relevance of their book to the show’s audience. It is a waste of time to send out hundreds of pitches to every talk show or podcast without understanding who the audience is for program. “Before reaching out to producers, take the time to research their content thoroughly. Understand their target demographic, the topics they typically cover, and the issues their audience cares about. Your pitch should clearly demonstrate how your book aligns with their audience’s interests and concerns,” Marianne says. “Your media alert should make it clear that your book offers valuable insights that their viewers or listeners will find compelling and beneficial.”

4. Lack of Personalization & Professionalism. Producers receive countless pitches daily and generic emails stand out for all the wrong reasons. To make an impact, personalize the pitch. “Definitely address the producer by name and even mention specific episodes or topics from their show that you enjoyed or found relevant, and explain why you believe your topic would benefit their viewers. This can be really helpful if the show regularly features chefs and cookbooks in the kitchen with a tasty recipe or local entrepreneurs sharing news you can use for viewers,” and Marianne adds, “I love being creative to help authors turn what would otherwise be a boring new book segment into a memorable TV interview or demo that promotes their book in a subtle way.” Building a professional and respectful relationship with producers can lead to long-term opportunities and positive referrals within the industry.

5. Overlooking Podcasts. Authors should not just focus on local TV Talk Shows to promote their book, but podcasts are often overlooked as a great opportunity to reach deep into a target audience. Many podcasts have very dedicated listeners, especially in the entrepreneur niche, and they can reach a target audience with laser focus. They don’t have to have a huge audience to make an impact especially since so many use cross platforms like YouTube, Rumble, and more to broadcast their episodes.

By avoiding these five blunders and approaching producers with a thoughtful, audience-centered pitch, it’ll be a win-win for everyone involved and the success rate of securing interviews will dramatically increase.

Marianne Schwab has worked as a talk show producer in New York and Los Angeles and is currently the Executive Producer of CMP Media Cafe. She works with professionals, high level entrepreneurs, and book authors to help them fast track their success in becoming a recognized expert in the media. Through personalized media coaching and guidance, she helps clients navigate the intricate world of media appearances. She shares broadcast public relations tips on Instagram and has created an online training that shares her insider secrets to promoting a business on TV talk shows with details for the types of experts producers love to book as guests.

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Family & Parenting Lifestyle Services Technology U.S

Adult Real ID Reveals Four Vital Campus Safety Tips for Students Heading to College This Fall

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As students prepare to head off to college it can be exciting and stressful for both parents and kids. There are a lot of things to consider from dorm assignments to navigating the campus. In fact, one of the biggest concerns parents have as their child heads off to college revolve around safety since college comes with a new-found freedom for students who are meeting new friends and classmates. However, there is an unfortunate dangerous side with this new collegiate community since not everyone is who they say they are and it’s often discovered too late. 

Thomas Kopec, a Co-Founder for the smartphone app, Adult Real ID, understands the danger all too well, “My son’s friend, Taylor Behl, was just seventeen when she was starting a new life as a freshman at Virginia Commonwealth University and disappeared two weeks later. Taylor had met a 38-year-old photographer named Ben Fawley when she was visiting the campus and had no idea he had nefarious intentions. One night, she left her dormitory room at VCU, got into her car with Fawley, and she was never seen alive again. Her body was discovered over 75 miles away from campus one month later. This is just one reason why safety for students is personal for me and why I wanted to create an app like Adult Real ID.”

Kopec’s business partner is a former FBI agent, Jay Kanetkar, and the smartphone app is designed to keep users safe when meeting online connections and strangers. He says, “As an FBI agent, I saw first-hand the risk that online predators pose to both children and adults. That’s why I knew I had to do something to address the threat.”

Kopec and Kanetkar have some vital campus safety tips for students heading to college this fall.

1. Get to know neighbors in the dorm or in off-campus housing. Living alone or away from home for the first time can be overwhelming and becoming friendly with neighbors can create a sense of community and support while looking out for each other.

2. Share class schedules with roommates and parents. Students are encouraged to disclose their class timetables to roommates and parents so that they are able to detect anomalies or discrepancies, should they arise.

3. Stay aware of surroundings and avoid walking alone at night. Students should remain mindful of their environments, especially when they find themselves alone. It is crucial to avoid distractions including being absorbed in texting or talking on the phone when walking to and from the car, class, or coffee shop. Criminals often target people who appear distracted or confused. Also, whenever possible, travel with a friend or a group, especially after dark.

4. Communicate whereabouts to roommates and family. Students are advised to inform their roommates or trusted acquaintances of their intended destinations and anticipated return times—whether they are heading to the library, class, gym, or to meet up with dates or friends. By doing so, these acquaintances can remain aware of their schedules and respond if returns are delayed or if they need to check on their well-being.

“One of the advantages of Adult Real ID is that it allows users to add an event that includes who they are meeting and facilitates the incorporation of verified acquaintances who have successfully undergone a verification process,” according to Kanetkar. “Events can be monitored and tracked until the successful return from the event through the app’s Meeting Tracker. The goal of this feature is to prevent abductions or possible violence.” This approach fosters secure interactions by connecting with other validated users, thereby mitigating the risk of counterfeit profiles and deceptive relationships.

A number of college campuses have already added the app as a new layer of security for their students according to Kopec, “Several universities including Princeton, Texas A & M, and Rutgers have seen the value of Adult Real ID and have secured app subscriptions for every student returning to college this school year to help them stay safe on and off campus.”

Everyone concerned about safety when meeting strangers masquerading as ‘friends’ on the Internet or even in real life meetings needs a powerful tool that ensures their well-being. Adult Real ID sets a new standard for responsible online connections and users can get a subscription for as low as $3.00 per month. The app goes beyond identity verification by prioritizing user safety during face-to-face meetings, secure meeting arrangements, emergency assistance features, and fostering a safer digital landscape for everyone.

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Business Marketing & Sales Media & Communications Professional Services U.S

Marianne Schwab, Former TV Talk Show Producer, Unveils Blueprint on How Entrepreneurs Can Stop Being the Best Kept Secret in Their Industry Using Public Relations

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In the ever-evolving landscape of business and entrepreneurship, standing out from the crowd is crucial for achieving success and credibility. Unfortunately, many professionals often find themselves struggling with being the best-kept secret in their industry and do not understand how to overcome it. One solution is harnessing the power of a public relations strategy that can be a game-changer for high-level entrepreneurs, book authors, and professionals when media visibility shines a light on their exceptional talents. 

Marianne Schwab, a former national network TV talk show producer understands this dilemma all too well. According to Marianne, “The problem with being the best-kept secret lies in the missed opportunities and untapped potential that could transform their careers and businesses if only the world knew about them. Despite holding invaluable solutions to pressing problems, they essentially remain hidden from potential clients, depriving the world of their much-needed expertise.” She has a five-point blueprint to break free from obscurity using the power of public relations.

1. Build a Robust Online Presence. In the digital age, having a robust online presence is non-negotiable for anyone seeking media exposure. From social media platforms to professional websites, experts must establish a consistent and compelling digital footprint. Sharing valuable industry insights and trends can showcase expertise and draw the attention of producers seeking knowledgeable guests.

2. Craft an Irresistible Story That Connects. Media producers are on the hunt for stories that captivate their audiences, and by presenting an authentic narrative, experts can establish an emotional connection with viewers. The first step to shedding the “best-kept secret” status is to craft an irresistible and compelling story. Marianne suggests, “It’s important that you focus on personal anecdotes and real-life examples that illustrate your journey and make the story memorable. These should be relevant and relatable stories that evoke emotions and can resonate deeply with audiences, fostering a genuine connection that goes beyond mere self-promotion. Knowing how to share your story in a way that captivates viewers and makes an imprint in their lives and is an invaluable tool that can help you break free from obscurity.”

3. Write Media Alerts that Grab Attention. Journalists and producers rarely come knocking on someone’s door for an interview and a one-size-fits-all approach does not work in the world of getting the attention of media decision makers. Crafting a winning pitch requires research to study the outlet’s previous interviews and audience demographics to tailor the pitch accordingly. Marianne Schwab recommends that, “This starts with crafting your expertise into a media hook or headline that sounds more like a tease for an upcoming TV segment than it does a boring press release headline. Once you have the hook, the one page media alert should align with that and give more details about your story without giving everything away. For example, if you’re an fashion stylist, your hook could be something like the three biggest mistakes women make when buying a bathing suit. You can list the mistakes, but the solutions are for when you get the media producer engaged. You might also share one visual example of the wrong bathing suit and pair that with the a photo of a dramatically more flattering option.”

4. Forge Relationships with Media Outlets. Building relationships is the lifeblood of public relations. The path to being discovered requires active outreach to media outlets and journalists. Marianne says, “Experts should start with local media since they’ll be more open to featuring a local business or expert and this is an excellent way to start getting visibility in your city. If you’ve never done a public relations outreach before, it can be a daunting task and you may chose to hire a publicist or agency to get started but be careful. Not all agencies will get you results so chose wisely. It breaks my heart when clients come to me after they’ve been burned and wasted budget that didn’t yield media exposure.”

5. Leverage Media Exposure. Credibility is the cornerstone of media success and leveraging features on reputable talk shows and in media outlets can bolster an expert’s reputation that instill trust in their brand or business. High-level entrepreneurs, book authors, and professionals should display media logos of where they’ve been featured on their website and social media platforms and also include videos of their past on-camera interviews. Marianne notes that, “Cultivating social proof through media appearances creates a snowball effect. As more interviews are secured, media outlets take notice, further amplifying an expert’s visibility and stature. Media coverage serves as a testament to your authority as an expert that will attract more opportunities, and even potential clients.”

By using this five-point blueprint, professionals and high level entrepreneurs can not only leave the shadows behind and break free from obscurity, but gain credibility that overpowers their competition.

Marianne Schwab has worked as a talk show producer in New York and Los Angeles and is currently the Executive Producer of CMP Media Cafe. She possesses a deep understanding of what the media looks for in expert interviews and works with professionals, high level entrepreneurs, and book authors to help them fast track their success. Through personalized media coaching and guidance, she helps clients refine their message, enhance their on-camera presence, and navigate the intricate world of media appearances. She shares broadcast public relations tips on Instagram and has created an online training that shares her insider secrets to promoting a business on TV talk shows with details for the types of experts producers love to book as guests.

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Family & Parenting Lifestyle Society & Culture Technology U.S

Adult Real ID Could Be The Solution to Three Dangerous Mistakes Made When Meeting Online Connections in Person

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In today’s digital age, meeting new people online has become an everyday experience that can be a way to make new friends, business associates, and network with people who have similar interests. However, there is an unfortunate dangerous side when people trust strangers they’ve met in the virtual world since not everyone is who they say they are. 

The issue goes beyond social media as the film, Sound of Freedom, brings to light. In the movie, a talent scout convinces a father that his two children could have a career in modeling and invites them to an audition that appears legitimate with a printed brochure and auditions held in a corporate business setting. However, the story turns dark when the father of the children returns to find an empty room and his two kids missing. 

This sounds just like a movie plot except Sound of Freedom is based on the true story about a former DHS operative, Tim Ballard, portrayed by actor Jim Caveziel, who has made it his life mission to rescue kidnapped children sold into a nightmare no parent wants for their children.

Just like in the movie, social media users also fall victim to imposters who have created false profiles for fraudulent or deceptive purposes. Thomas Kopec and Jay Kanetkar are the Co-Founders of a revolutionary phone application, Adult Real ID, designed to keep users safe when meeting online connections. 

Katetkar says, “As an FBI agent, I saw first-hand the risk that online predators pose to both children and adults. That’s why I knew I had to do something to address the threat, especially when meeting strangers face-to-face.” In fact, Kopec and Kanetkar warn that there are three dangerous mistakes people make when meeting online connections in person.

Mistake #1 – Not verifying that an online profile is a real person before meeting them. This is a concern for adults and students who may be trusting of the person especially if they’ve developed an online relationship by exchanging private messages and texts. Verifying doesn’t simply mean that the person looks like their profile photo since they can create fake profiles with their photo (or someone else’s) and facilitate deception for the purpose of exploitation.

Kanetkar says, “One of the key features of Adult Real ID requires users to verify their identity to meet with other verified users to reduce the risk of fake profiles or catfish relationships. This significantly serves as a formidable deterrent for individuals with malicious intent.”

Mistake #2 – Not meeting an online connection in a safe and public location. It’s not just enough to meet online connections in a public location, but there are other factors to keep in person meetings protected. Kopec recommends, “It’s important to share your meeting details, including the date, time, and location, with trusted family, friends, and contacts, and we made that easy to do with the app. We knew it was essential to go beyond identity verification and we have prioritized user safety during face-to-face meetings because it serves as an added layer of protection, ensuring that friends or family members are aware of the meeting arrangements and can intervene if necessary, thus preventing potential abduction attempts.”

Mistake #3 – Not having an emergency plan if caught in a dangerous situation. It’s vital to have a predetermined action plan on how to respond to critical situations that may arise during in-person meetings. According to Kopec, “The app is designed so that you use a meeting tracker to confirm the meeting has come to a safe conclusion. That means that the meeting must be closed out with a prerequisite chosen image. Users also select a pre-chosen duress image, alerting Adult Real ID‘s safety team to alert authorities if they’re in danger.” 

Everyone concerned about safety when meeting strangers masquerading as ‘friends’ on the Internet needs a powerful tool that ensures their well-being. Adult Real ID sets a new standard for responsible online connections and users can get a subscription for as low as $3.00 per month. The app goes beyond identity verification by prioritizing user safety during face-to-face meetings, secure meeting arrangements, emergency assistance features, and fostering a safer digital landscape for everyone.

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Marianne Schwab, a Former Talk Show Producer, Unlocks Five Powerful Strategies on How to Become an In-Demand Media Expert

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In today’s media landscape, being recognized as a leading expert can open doors to exciting opportunities and increase trust and credibility with current and potential clients. Professionals and high level entrepreneurs often wonder what it takes to secure coveted guest spots on talk shows that can not just elevate their reputation, but also provide one of the best ways to promote their book, product, or service, but they don’t know how to go about it.

According to Marianne Schwab, a former national network TV talk show producer, there are five essential strategies that can help establish credibility and become a sought-after media expert that captures the attention of talk show producers.

1. Master in Field of Expertise: Producers are looking for experts in all sorts of industries including health, fitness, beauty, and business, just to name a few.  Depending on the topic of the featured segment, years of experience and relevant degrees may be required as well. Marianne Schwab emphasizes the importance of expertise, “As a talk show producer, I looked for experts who possessed credible experience and demonstrated a high level of knowledge in their field. Being an expert goes beyond having a title — it’s about sharing your expertise in a way that provides valuable content to a show that is worth teasing to viewers. For example, think about how your segment might be promoted like, ‘Coming Up Next…Find out how to solve the biggest legal problem most people don’t know could bankrupt them.’ Your expertise should be tease-worthy.”

2. Establish an Online Presence: Talk show producers are looking for experts with a strong online presence. Creating a professional website that showcases expertise, services, and products is crucial and should include an engaging biography and testimonials to establish credibility. “A well-designed website with valuable content and active social media accounts can be a powerful tool for attracting the attention of talk show producers. Your online presence should reflect your expertise and demonstrate the value you can bring to their viewers.”

3. Craft a Problem-Solving Message: To stand out among the vast pool of experts, it is essential to craft a compelling message that addresses a common problem. Drawing from expertise, identify specific challenges with unique solutions or perspectives. “Talk show producers are always on the lookout for guests who can provide practical solutions to real-life problems. You need to craft a message that resonates with viewers that showcases how your expertise can transform their lives and offer actionable takeaways. This info must also be condensed into a three-and-a-half to five minute talk show segment format,” according to Marianne.

4. Start with Local Media: Local talk shows often have a more accessible booking process and are actively seeking experts from the community. While aspiring for national talk show appearances is tempting, beginning locally by offering expertise and insights with producers of local programs is a key strategy to building media relationships and gaining valuable experience. Marianne emphasizes, “Local talk shows provide an ideal platform to hone media skills, gain exposure, and develop a compelling on-air presence. Use these opportunities to showcase your expertise and build a solid foundation for future media appearances.”

5. Leverage Media Success: As media appearances accumulate and credibility as an expert is established, leveraging success becomes crucial in securing more opportunities. Updating the website and media kit to include previous talk show appearances, highlighting positive feedback and testimonials from hosts, viewers, and clients, and actively sharing media appearances on social media and professional networks contribute to becoming a go-to expert in the field. 

“You should consistently promote your media appearances across various platforms and use them as powerful endorsements of your expertise. It is common for producers of other shows to want to replicate an interview in their local market because they liked the expert and the topic they watched on another show,” Marianne advises. “Also, as you gain credibility in media, you can leverage this to not only charge more for your services which ultimately will increase your revenue, but instantly gain trust from new clients visiting your website when they see you’ve been featured in media.”

By using these simple strategies, professionals and high level entrepreneurs can not only become a sought-after media expert that talk show producers can’t resist booking, but gain credibility that overpowers the competition.

Marianne Schwab has worked as a talk show producer in New York and Los Angeles and is currently the Executive Producer of CMP Media Cafe. She possesses a deep understanding of what talk show producers look for in expert guests and works with professionals, high level entrepreneurs, and book authors to help them fast track their success in becoming a media expert. Through personalized media coaching and guidance, she helps clients refine their message, enhance their on-camera presence, and navigate the intricate world of media appearances. She shares broadcast public relations tips on Instagram and has created an online training that shares her insider secrets to promoting a business on TV talk shows with details for the types of experts producers love to book as guests.