3/20/2025 RTIR Newsletter: Israel Support Drops, Inside the Silicon Valley Mindset, Cicada Season is Here


01. Americans’ Support of Israel at Record Low
02. When the Silicon Valley Mindset Comes to Washington
03. Is Gun Violence a Public Health Issue?
04. Why Firing ‘Low Performers’ is Bad for Business
05. Get Ready for Cicada Season!
06. Gold and Silver: The Greatest Bull Market Has Begun
07. How to Escape the Corporate Grind and Take Control of Your Life
08. The Shocking Truth about Modern Nursing
09. Parents Are Losing Influence Over Their Kids—How to Get It Back
10. How to Bully-Proof Your Kids
11. Interview a Pain Expert: What Works, What Doesn’t
12. Shine Brighter: Tips to Harness Your Natural Charisma
13. Common Misconceptions About Muslim Women
14. Pastor Takes on the Mainstream Media's Lies about President Trump
15. How Art Can Help You Find Your Purpose


1. ==> Americans’ Support of Israel at Record Low

Fewer than half of Americans sympathize more with Israelis than with Palestinians, according to a new Gallup poll, the lowest figure for Israelis since at least 2001. The poll, recently published, found that 46 percent of respondents sympathize more with Israelis while 33% sympathize more with Palestinians. Middle East expert Asaf Romirowsky can discuss why he disagrees with the poll. Ask him: What role did the October 2023 Hamas attack and subsequent conflict play in changing attitudes? What are the implications of this drop in support for Israel, particularly in U.S. politics? Asaf Romirowsky, Ph.D., is the executive director of Scholars for Peace in the Middle East. Trained as a Middle East historian he holds a PhD in Middle East and Mediterranean Studies from King’s College London, UK and has published widely on various aspects of the Arab-Israeli conflict and American foreign policy in the Middle East, as well as on Israeli and Zionist history. Romirowsky is co-author of “Religion, Politics, and the Origins of Palestine Refugee Relief.” Contact Mark Goldman at (516) 639-0988 (call/text); markgoldman73@gmail.com

2. ==> When the Silicon Valley Mindset Comes to Washington

University of Washington historian Margaret O’Mara, the author of “The Code: Silicon Valley and the Remaking of America,” says there’s an attitude, a worldview and a fundamental set of principles that guide the tech industry and its progeny, and she sees those beliefs very much in evidence at Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. “Elon’s sort of taking what he did to Twitter (an initial step was firing 80% of the workforce) and attempting to port it over to the federal government,” O’Mara says. But the government “is not a small-to medium-sized, unprofitable social media company. And the jury is still out on whether that was an effective way to manage Twitter.” She’ll explain what “tech optimism” is, what’s behind the drive to move quickly and scale rapidly, and the transactional bromance between President Trump and Musk. Contact Melinda Chacon at (408) 577-2255; chacon@jointventure.org

3. ==> Is Gun Violence a Public Health Issue?

The White House recently removed an advisory on gun violence as a public health issue from the US Department of Health and Human Services’ website. The move was made to comply with Donald Trump’s executive order to protect second amendment rights, but Daniel Semanza, a firearm violence researcher with Rutgers University, says talking about gun violence through a public health lens is meant to “bring the heat down” about the deeply politicized issue. He says the removal “feels like an unnecessary and mean-spirited way to politicize something that people have actively been trying to bring people together on. The vernacular of gun violence as a public health issue that has shaped in the last five to 10 years of research and advocacy is under direct threat,” he says. “This is a clear example of this administration pulling the wool over people’s eyes and being disingenuous about the things that harm people who are most vulnerable.” Contact Daniel Semanza at daniel.semenza@rutgers.edu

4. ==> Why Firing ‘Low Performers’ is Bad for Business

Mark Zuckerberg cut more than 4,000 jobs last month saying it was an effort to purge low performers and make sure the best people were in their jobs. The issue of bosses trying to raise employee performance is nothing new, but does cracking down on low performers actually work? Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and professor of management at the Warton School says decades of rigorous research have demonstrated that aggressive efforts to “raise the bar” on performance tend to backfire with remarkable consistency. “In the short run, you might be creating some heightened performance standards and accountability. In the long run, you may be shooting your organization in the foot.” He says making employees fear for their jobs is very shortsighted and eventually leads to less creativity and innovation, a greater number of high performers leaving, and lower profits. Adam Grant serves as the chief work-life expert at Glassdoor. Contact him at adam@adamgrant.net

5. ==> Get Ready for Cicada Season!

It’s that time of year again: A new brood of cicadas is preparing to emerge. This spring, Brood XIV is set to make itself known in 13 U.S. states, though Kentucky and Tennessee are expected to experience the brunt of it. Gene Kritsky, the founder of Cicada Safari, a group that crowdsources and reviews data on cicadas, says the insects will likely start to emerge in mid-late April, or after a “good rain.” The cicadas, which are initially burrowed underground, emerge once soil temperatures reach 64 to 65 degrees, he says. How long will they stick around? “It takes about two full weeks for the great bulk of the cicadas to come out,” he says. “Once they start coming out at a specific location, that starts the clock. You’ll have cicadas at that location for the next six weeks.” Kritsky can answer all your cicada questions. Cicada Safari was created by Kritsky working with the Center for IT Engagement at Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati. Contact Gene Kritsky, Ph.D., M.S. at (513) 244-4401; gene.kritsky@msj.edu (put Press in the subject line)

6. ==> Gold and Silver: The Greatest Bull Market Has Begun

With gold and silver experiencing heightened volatility, traders and investors are looking for expert insights to navigate the market with confidence. Jordan Roy-Byrne, CMT, MFTA, founder of “The Daily Gold,” is a leading analyst specializing in technical and macro analysis of precious metals. His data-driven approach helps traders identify key breakout levels, trend reversals, and market cycles before they unfold. He’ll discuss where the metals are headed next and key levels to watch, how traders can capitalize on short-term swings, and how to use past patterns to forecast future moves. Jordan is also the author of “Gold & Silver: The Greatest Bull Market Has Begun.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at johanna@jrbpr.biz or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705 or Reigan Wright at (703) 646-5138

7. ==> How to Escape the Corporate Grind and Take Control of Your Life

Many of your listeners feel stuck in dead end jobs but are unsure how to break free. They’re tired of having to be in the office all day long, having neither enough time for family nor money to do the things they enjoy. They’re looking to the future and not seeing where they want to be financially. Greg Mohr, franchise expert and bestselling author of “Real Freedom,” can help. A self-described "corporate refugee," Greg knows it's never too late to step off the corporate treadmill and onto a path of economic self-sufficiency. Greg is an engaging, media-savvy guest who has appeared on 120+ podcasts. He’ll deliver real, actionable advice, share success stories, and reveal common mistakes aspiring entrepreneurs make—all while keeping audiences hooked. Contact Greg Mohr at (361) 204-5470; gmohr@rtirguests.com

8. ==> The Shocking Truth about Modern Nursing

Nurse Kathy Allan happened to look out the window of the hospital where she worked one day and saw a new mother and her infant being discharged – by a cleaning lady dressed in scrubs. The problem was, only nurses should wear scrubs and only nurses can discharge patients. When Allan began asking questions, the hospital administration threatened her job. “I knew then that the fix was in and the con was on,” Allan says. Invite her on your show and hear why she says our for-profit healthcare system betrays patients and abuses caregivers. Hear how nurses are overworked, exhausted, and are almost 20% more likely to die by suicide. As a 60-year nurse veteran, Allan not only knows all about these systemic ills, she can also discuss solutions which effectively address burnout and exhaustion, improve workplace relationships and professional boundaries, and strengthen policies that reduce the risk of medical errors. She is the founder of Gutsy Nurses, an organization dedicated to restoring the ethical practice of nursing. Contact Kathy Allan at (619) 932-5206; Kallan@rtirguests.com

9. ==> Parents Are Losing Influence Over Their Kids—How to Get It Back

Why are parents losing the battle for their children’s attention and trust? Parenting expert Richard R. Ramos tackles this urgent issue in his book “Parents on a Mission,” revealing how to reclaim influence in an era where social media dominates teens’ lives and parental rights are being challenged in schools. Ramos has helped thousands of parents nationwide strengthen family bonds and prevent negative lifestyles like gangs and violence. His revolutionary “Home Field Advantage” strategy equips parents with tools to connect deeply with their kids and navigate today’s challenges with confidence. Book Ramos for your podcast, TV or radio show to inspire your audience with proven strategies that prioritize parenting over the outdated “it takes a village” mindset. Contact Richard Ramos at (805) 456-1407; rramos@rtirguests.com

10. ==> How to Bully-Proof Your Kids

With social media use at an all-time high, combined with the tense political climate, kids are being bullied in record numbers. The effects can range from severe anxiety and depression to suicide. Such was the tragic case when 11-year-old Jocelynn Rojo took her own life after being bullied by classmates regarding her family’s immigration status. Jack Gindi claims that we need to teach our kids to be resilient in the face of such abuse. "Real resilience isn't built by avoiding pain or by force and struggle," he says. "It's built by teaching them how to navigate life's challenges with confidence and grace." This led him to found the I Believe in Me program, which provides kids and parents with practical tools for building self-esteem, managing emotions, and setting achievable goals. Contact Jack Gindi at (719) 751-8807; jgindi@rtirguests.com

11. ==> Interview a Pain Expert: What Works, What Doesn’t

Vita Oyler is no stranger to debilitating pain. When she was a young, highly athletic woman, she accidentally stepped on a rock, after which she developed reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), a severe malfunction of the nervous and immune systems. This led to decades of excruciating pain and, ultimately, the amputation of her foot and part of her leg. But not only did she manage to survive this, she learned how to thrive and live a full, rewarding life. She can share how she managed to stay positive and live a productive life following years of severe pain, and practical skills for people living with pain. Vita is a rehabilitation counselor and doctoral candidate at San Diego State University. She is the author of “Got Pain? Now What?” Contact her at (209) 255-2962; Voyler@rtirguests.com

12. ==> Shine Brighter: Tips to Harness Your Natural Charisma

Success in today’s distraction-rich environment isn’t just about working hard—it’s about standing out. Malia Rogers, author of “Magnetic Allure,” will teach listeners how to harness their natural charisma to forge authentic connections that open doors. Malia will reveal nine proven traits that make people magnetic and share timely strategies to overcome self-doubt and rejection and help reset your charisma and attract new opportunities. Whether it’s launching a side gig, advancing in a career or cultivating meaningful relationships, Malia’s insights are designed to help you succeed. Ask her: Who is the most charismatic person you’ve ever met, and what made them stand out? Contact Malia Rogers at (208) 923-8366; mrogers@rtirguests.com

13. ==> Common Misconceptions About Muslim Women

Invite Daisy Khan, author, women’s advocate, and social activist, to discuss topics central to peace over war, women’s rights in both America and Afghanistan, and much more. She’ll shed light on everything from Islamophobia to reproductive rights and female leadership. Her work is not just about women’s rights—it’s an urgent call to understand how the weaponization of religion disproportionately impacts women. It is a plea for a robust discussion to change the world’s current trajectory. Ask Daisy: What does the Qur’an say about sexual harassment? What is the Muslim view of the Roe v. Wade abortion debate? How can the transformative powers of female leaders be harnessed to solve our biggest social problems? Contact Daisy Khan at (212) 362 2242; daisy@wisemuslimwomen.org

14. ==> Pastor Takes on the Mainstream Media's Lies about President Trump

The mainstream media have repeatedly portrayed President Trump as a pathological liar and conman. But author and Christian pastor Frank Tull claims that the media are lying about his lies. "The Democrats and liberal media said Trump was lying when he claimed that the border was not secure and that millions of migrants were just entering our country," he says. "This turned out to be true. That's just one example among many." He can share, in his opinion, why the liberal media portray President Trump as a liar. He is the author of "Christians Must Vote," as well as the co-founder and senior pastor at the World Church in Texas. Contact Frank Tull at (469) 609-1385; ftull@rtirguests.com

15. ==> How Art Can Help You Find Your Purpose

Is art intended to be more than a wall decoration or enjoyable activity, or can it be used to light the path to wholeness? According to author and artist Lynette Watkins, "Art matters because it is a reflection of ourselves. It shows us who we are, and what we value. Using art as a communication tool can gently propel us in the discovery and expression of our innermost feelings leading us to a soul encounter. We were born on purpose for a purpose. Even looking at art can help us to find that purpose, activate our own creativity, and set us on a path of healing.” Lynette is an acclaimed artist, professor of art, writer, musician, and author of "Can It Be That Some Chains Are Mere Shadows? A Visual Journey From Darkness To Light." Contact Lynette Watkins at (575) 454-4635; lwatkins@rtirguests.com





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