7/8/2025 RTIR Newsletter:


01. Texas Catastrophe: How Flash Flooding Kills So Fast
02. Faith Leaders Decry Trump and GOP’s ‘Mass Betrayal’
03. Lessons From ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs
04. Expert on Netanyahu, Trump and Gaza Ceasefire
05.True Crime: How Two Men Fought Honduran Gangs and Won
06. Job Cuts Slow but Y-T-D Layoffs at 5-Year High
07. Work From Home and Turn Passion into Profit This Summer
08. How the For-Profit Healthcare Industry is Killing Us All
09. It’s Wedding Season: Financial Advice for Newlyweds
10. The Biggest Myths About Caring for Aging Parents
11. The Truth About Raising Resilient Kids
12. How to Unplug and Reconnect With Your Kids This Summer
13. Can Forgiveness Really Stop Pain and Restore Peace Overnight?
14. Change Your Life 30 Seconds at a Time
15. Time Travel This Summer— Into Your Past Lives


1. ==> Texas Catastrophe: How Flash Flooding Kills So Fast

The death toll in Texas now tops 100 after catastrophic flooding over the July 4th weekend and includes 27 campers and counselors at a Christian girls’ summer camp. Flood expert Hatim Sharif, a hydrologist and civil engineer at the University of Texas at San Antonio, can explain what makes this part of the country, known as Flash Flood Alley, so dangerous. He says the steep terrain, shallow rocky soils, and rapid water run-off create conditions where creeks and rivers can rise dramatically in minutes. During the weekend floods, the Guadalupe River rose over 20 feet in just 90 minutes near the summer camp. Sharif can explain why the region gets such strong downpours and discuss what can be done to improve flash flood safety. Contact Hatim Sharif at (210) 458-6478; hatim.sharif@utsa.edu

2. ==> Faith Leaders Decry GOP’s ‘Mass Betrayal’

Bishop Dwayne Royster has been a powerful moral voice against President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” joining other faith leaders in calling it a “mass betrayal — a sacrifice of the vulnerable on the altar of greed.” Now that the measure has passed, the executive director of Faith in Action says, “Make no mistake: This budget does not just ‘cut costs.’ It kills. Speaking plainly, there will be children who go hungry, men and women who die for want of Medicaid. There will be elders whose final days are spent in needless pain, denied the dignity of medicine.” He also invokes scripture, warning lawmakers that “What you have done to the least of these, you have done to me”—a reference to Jesus’ words in Matthew 25. Royster says the passage will now lead to hunger, suffering, and death among the poor, sick, and immigrant communities. Contact Zack Cohen at (404) 821-0572; zcohen@westendstrategy.com

3. ==> Lessons From ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs

Financial market reactions to President Donald Trump’s so-called ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs on April 2 and their subsequent ninety-day pause have raised questions among policymakers and economists about some fundamental macroeconomic assumptions; specifically, will the dollar continue as the world’s reserve currency, and can Treasury bonds provide reliable portfolio diversification going forward? While it’s too soon to have definitive answers to those questions, investor and macro-economic researcher Rebecca Patterson says ‘Liberation Day’ and its immediate aftermath offer useful lessons. “One important lesson from the last ninety days is that U.S. market exceptionalism should not be assumed,” she says. “The initial market reaction to the aggressive global tariffs was more reminiscent of responses seen in destabilized emerging economies rather than in the United States.” She can discuss the strength of the US dollar, why gold prices are up, and what she sees coming in the near future. Rebecca Patterson is a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). Contact her at (917) 846-8565; rpatterson@cfr.org or CFR media relations at communications@cfr.org

4. ==> Expert on Netanyahu, Trump and Gaza Ceasefire

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Donald Trump on Monday. The trip is Netanyahu’s third visit to the White House since Trump returned to office in January, and it comes after the United States inserted itself into Israel’s war against Iran by attacking Iranian nuclear sites. After brokering a ceasefire between the two countries, Trump has signaled that he’s turning his attention to bringing a close to the fighting between Israel and Hamas. Middle East expert and historian Asaf Romirowsky is available for interviews. The executive director of Scholars for Peace in the Middle East 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)

5. ==> True Crime: How Two Men Fought Honduran Gangs and Won

In the face of gang violence, broken justice systems, and government collapse, who protects the most vulnerable? Journalist Ross Halperin tells the remarkable true story of two men—a U.S. sociologist and a Honduran educator—who launched a covert justice initiative in one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Central America. What makes their story different? It wasn’t funded by the government. It wasn’t led by foreign NGOs. It was rooted in faith-based conviction and community trust—and it worked. Halperin’s new book, “Bear Witness: A Crusade for Justice in a Violent Land,” reveals how these leaders brought murderers to justice, protected victims, and restored hope in a place where crime once reigned. Ask him: Why do community-led justice efforts often succeed where governments fall short? What do deported immigrants face when returning to regions abandoned by the state? How are grassroots efforts rewriting the script on public safety? Ross Halperin started reporting this story in 2018 and has since spent much of his time in Honduras. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 400-1099 (cell); johanna@jrbpr.biz; johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 980-2705

6. ==> Job Cuts Slow but Y-T-D Layoffs at 5-Year High

According to a new report from global outplacement and business and executive coaching firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, there’s a smidgeon of good news about U.S. job cuts. “The bulk of companies cited economic conditions last month. We saw some DOGE activity and have tracked over 2,000 jobs directly attributed to tariffs this year, but for the most part it was a quiet June,” says Andrew Challenger, senior vice president and labor expert for the company. Year-to-date layoffs, however, remain at a five-year high. Challenger can discuss which industries are seeing the biggest cuts and what areas of the country are hardest hit. He’ll also reveal where the jobs are right now, and where they’ll be growth in the future. Contact Colleen Madden Blumenfeld at (312) 422-5074 (office); (314) 807-1568 (cell) or colleenmadden@challengergray.com

7. ==> Work From Home and Turn Passion into Profit This Summer

This summer, millions of moms are looking for flexible ways to earn extra income while balancing family time and Roy Martin is here to help them do just that. As the founder of the Women’s Income Potential (WIP) empowerment movement, Roy is on a mission to help moms launch successful work-from-home businesses with practical tools, expert tips and motivating stories. Ask him about women who have shaped the work-from-home movement, smart income strategies for today’s moms, how to turn everyday skills into profitable home businesses, and how to balance wellness while growing a business from home. Roy’s WIP initiative includes a soon-to-launch website, guidebook and digital training. Contact Roy Martin at (629) 265-0570; rmartin@rtirguests.com

Looking for more career-related topics and guests? Keep an eye out for our special RTIR Ezine, The World of Work, this Friday, July 11th

8. ==> How the For-Profit Healthcare Industry is Killing Us All

Our for-profit healthcare system exploits and harms patients and their caregivers. Nurses are not only overworked and burned out: 18% of them die by suicide. Experienced nurse and educator Kathy Allan knows all about these systemic ills and can discuss solutions that effectively address a healthcare system run amuck in the quest for profits. The founder of Gutsy Nurses, an organization dedicated to restoring the ethical practice of nursing as well as the sacred trust patients place in their caregivers, Allan is the perfect guest to give an insider’s perspective on what’s wrong and how to fix it. She knows there is a solution for the increase in patient deaths due to preventable medical errors, and a solution for the increase in workplace violence against doctors and nurses. Contact Kathy Allan at (619) 932-5206; Kallan@rtirguests.com

9. ==> It’s Wedding Season: Financial Advice for Newlyweds

It’s wedding season and millions of couples are tying the knot and sharing their lives—and finances. From how to divvy up the bills to the best way to clean up debt, Monique Gagne has great advice for newly married and about-to-be-betrothed couples. Invite “the Money Mom,” to share her top money tips to better manage your finances as a young person in today’s unpredictable economy. Her common sense advice is a must in a culture that encourages us to buy now and pay later. She’ll debunk common money myths and invite your audience to rethink their financial strategy with proven, transformative advice. Learn how to understand your spending habits and smart techniques to break free from debt, including how to embrace a 30-day plan. With a rich IT and fashion design background, and over two decades as a mortgage agent and financial coach, Monique has empowered thousands to reclaim their economic freedom. She is the author and creator of “The Power of Financial Happiness,” and the bestseller, “Who Took My Money?” Contact her at (343) 644-3121; mgagne@rtirguests.com

10. ==> The Biggest Myths About Caring for Aging Parents

Let’s say you’re preparing for a performance review at work, need to attend your kid’s soccer game later this afternoon, and the phone rings: your mom has just fallen in the shower, or your dad’s had a stroke. Would you know what to do, which questions to ask, and who to call? Certified Senior Advisor® and Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist® Debbie C. Miller has all the answers. The author of “Doing the Right Thing: Simple Solutions, Essential Tips, & Helpful Resources for Assisting Aging Loved Ones,” Miller brings over 30 years of experience guiding families through the emotional and logistical maze of senior care, providing a step-by-step approach to making confident decisions. Ask her: What are some pervasive myths about elder care? What are the biggest mistakes families make when trying to care for aging loved ones? Contact Debbie Miller at (703) 844-4074; dmiller@rtirguests.com

11. ==> The Truth About Raising Resilient Kids

Today’s kids have more stressors and fear triggers than ever, including constant exposure to social and other media, bullying, intense pressure to excel at everything, and more. In addition, modern society often sends the message that today’s kids are fragile. According to Jack Gindi, that is our biggest mistake. “Real resilience isn’t built by avoiding pain or by force and struggle,” he says. “It’s built by teaching kids how to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and grace.” This conviction 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. Jack can discuss how his own troubled childhood—which included molestation—and his experiences as a father of four and grandfather of six led him to create this program. He can also share details about how to enable today’s kids to become more resilient. Contact Jack Gindi at (719) 751-8807; jgindi@rtirguests.com

12. ==> How to Unplug and Reconnect With Your Kids This Summer

Summer is a golden opportunity to reconnect with your kids—but only if you’re intentional. Parenting expert Richard Ramos, author of “Parents on a Mission,” says this is the perfect season to reset the family dynamic, reduce screen time, and rebuild influence. His proven “Home Field Advantage” strategy helps parents strengthen trust, open communication, and create a family culture that lasts beyond summer. Whether you’re navigating teen pushback, stepfamily challenges, or the grip of social media, Richard delivers real-world solutions that have helped thousands of families thrive. He’ll discuss ways to implement a family social media detox and how it can help everyone, and how to use the summer months to reconnect with your kids. Contact Richard Ramos at (805) 456-1407; rramos@rtirguests.com

13. ==> Can Forgiveness Really Stop Pain and Restore Peace Overnight?

Beatty Carmichael, author of “The Prayer of Freedom,” reveals how unforgiveness is often the hidden root behind relationship conflicts, chronic pain, migraines, and emo¬tional challenges. Working with recovering addicts who experienced extreme abuse, Beatty developed a simple process to help: 3 steps to forgive anyone for anything— even those who are unforgivable. Beatty has helped hundreds of people find relief from pain, restore relationships, and experience peace. Many see changes immediately—pain disappearing, stress releasing, and calm replacing years of frustration. Ask him: What are some of the hidden costs of unforgiveness that most people don’t realize? How does forgiveness lead to physical healing? Contact Beatty Carmichael at (205) 635-4824; Bcarmichael@rtirguests.com

14. ==> Change Your Life 30 Seconds at a Time

Whether you are overwhelmed, underachieving or just struggling to fit it all in, Gerald Robison will show you how to transform your life in the most unexpected way—one 30-second time block at a time! His simple but powerful time management secrets will help maximize every moment. His approach isn’t about finding more time—it’s about making the most of the time we already have. He’ll share his proven tips for turning life’s micro-moments into big wins! Ask him: What’s the craziest thing you’ve managed to do in just 30 seconds? How can micromanaging our time actually give us more freedom? Gerald Robison is the author of “30 Seconds That Can Change Your Life.” Contact him at (904) 867-2449; Grobison@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Time Travel This Summer— Into Your Past Lives

Ready for a summer of true self-discovery? Alla Kaluzhny— spiritual psychologist, certified oracle cards reader, licensed therapist, certified hypnotherapist and award-winning author—invites your audience to explore the soul’s journey across lifetimes. While most guests talk about past lives, Alla remembers her own—and shares them in vivid, emotional detail. She reveals how who we were before shapes who we are now— our relationships, fears, patterns and choices. She’ll share unforgettable stories from past incarnations, explain how past-life patterns impact your present and answer questions about karmic relationships, déjà vu and destiny. She’ll even offer a live mini past-life reading to the host or a listener. Alla Kaluzhny’s past-life memoir “Turning the Pages” won a silver medal in the 2024 International Book Awards. Contact her at (213) 459-3509; akaluzhny@rtirguests.com