Posts

Posted on

Are Movies Getting Worse? Why Hollywood Isn’t Like the Good Old Days | Tola Talks #359

Is entertainment today better than it was back in the day?

Today on Tola Talks, I’m taking a nostalgic look at the movies that defined the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s and comparing them to Hollywood today. From classics like Rocky, Raging Bull, The Breakfast Club, Goodfellas, and The Matrix to today’s biggest blockbusters, I’m asking the question: Are movies really getting worse?

I break down six reasons why modern movies may be losing their magic, including skyrocketing budgets, sequel overload, corporate risk aversion, streaming platforms, the decline of mid-budget films, and CGI overuse. Plus, I share my love of filmmaking, discuss my own film projects, and look ahead to movies I’m excited to see.

As always, I wrap up with the Three Tola Takeaways: respect the ABC’s, pick up the phone and spread goodwill, and always be willing to accept another person’s opinion.

Have an awesome weekend everyone…and get your workout in! Peace – R

Posted on

Finish the Year Strong & Rediscover the Meaning of Respect | Tola Talks – Ep 358

Are you finishing 2026 strong or letting the days slip away?

In today’s Wednesday edition of Tola Talks, I break down how to make the most of the final 58 days of the year by staying consistent with his ABC’s of healthy living: All-body Workout, Blissful Sleep, and Colorful Diet. After bouncing back from a rough stretch, I share why small victories, daily discipline, and 15 minutes of exercise can make all the difference. It’s time to respect your New Year’s resolutions and finish the year strong!

I also explore the meaning of respect through two fascinating films, You Can See Everything, about Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos, and The Only Living Pickpocket in New York, starring John Turturro. From respecting yourself and the universe to showing care and consideration for others, I discuss the importance of honesty, kindness, community, and accepting different opinions.

Plus, birthday shout-outs to my niece and Matthew McConaughey, a recap of the blue wave election results, and the three Tola takeaways to help you live healthier, happier, and with more respect.

Tune in and make these final weeks of 2026 count…and get your workout in! Peace – R

Posted on

Cyber Attacks, The Terminator & Midterm Election Madness! | Tola Talks – Ep 357

Today, we’re talking about a massive cyberattack targeting cryptocurrency, the growing frustration with midterm election advertising and political mudslinging, and one fascinating question: Do science-fiction movies actually predict the future? Plus, with Halloween just around the corner, I share three fun Halloween facts, including America’s $4.1 billion candy spending habit!

Could the 1984 sci-fi classic The Terminator have been predicting the world we’re living in today? From artificial intelligence and cyberattacks to the future of technology, I break down why this iconic movie still feels relevant more than 40 years later. We also remember legendary actor Sir Patrick Stewart, discuss the latest economic numbers, and share some thoughts on the upcoming midterm elections.

Have an awesome day and Happy Halloween everyone…and get your workout in! Peace – R

Posted on

BloomScrolling, Robot Dogs & a Tribute to My Dad | Tola Talks – Ep 356

Are you tired of doomscrolling? It’s time to start BloomScrolling!

On today’s episode of Tola Talks, I explore this positive social media trend that encourages us to replace negativity with uplifting, educational, and inspiring content. Plus, discover the rise of robot dogs and the surprising new job of walking them for $20 an hour! I also share my thoughts on The Social Reckoning and why being intentional about what we consume online can make a difference in our mental well-being.

Today’s episode is especially personal. October 28 marks two years since I lost my father, Francis “Richie the Barber” Tola. In a heartfelt tribute, I share unforgettable childhood memories of baseball lessons, swimming competitions, a trip to the University of Pennsylvania at age 14, and the importance of representing the family. These stories celebrate a father whose passion, discipline, and belief in his son helped shape the man I have become.

Join me for a mix of technology, healthy living, life lessons, and a moving tribute to a great Dad. Rest in peace, Francis Tola. You are missed and never forgotten.

Have an awesome day everyone…and get your workout in! Peace – R

Posted on

World Series Ticket Controversy, 25 Years of the iPod & 3 Horror Classics | Tola Talks – Ep 355

Happy Friday! It’s October 23, 2026, and I’m back with another episode of Tola Talks, covering sports, technology, classic horror films, and healthy living.

⚾ World Series Ticket Controversy: Milwaukee Brewers fans are trying to cash in on their so-called timeless tickets, but are they getting the seats they expected? 🎵 25 Years of the iPod: Celebrating Steve Jobs and the device that changed how we listen to music. 👻 National Horror Movie Day: I revisit three legendary horror films — The Exorcist, Halloween, and The Shining — plus a fun pick, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.

We also check in on my ABC’s of healthy living: All-Body Workout, Blissful Sleep, and Colorful Diet. Plus, three Tola Takeaways to help you stay active, connect with your community, and respect other people’s opinions.

Have an awesome weekend everyone…and get your workout in! Peace – R

Posted on

Data Centers in Your Neighborhood: The Pros, Cons & What You Need to Know | Tola Talks – Ep 354

Are data centers good for your neighborhood—or could they cost you more than you think?

On today’s Tola Talks, I break down the pros and cons of data centers, from job creation, tax revenue, and technology investment to noise pollution, water consumption, rising electricity costs, and potential impacts on home values. If a data center is coming to your community, these are the questions you need to ask before it’s too late!

Plus, are independent voters on the rise? I also discuss the latest Gallup polling on Democrats, Republicans, and independents, including how Americans view the two major parties and whether they’re becoming too extreme. With the midterm elections approaching, where do you stand?

Have an awesome National Apple Day everyone…and get your workout in! Peace – R

Posted on

Oregon School Shooting, No Livestream Executions & 15-Minute Workouts | Tola Talks – Ep 353

A tragedy in Oregon, a hero who stepped in, and why some things should never be live-streamed. On today’s Tola Talks, I discuss school shootings, capital punishment, National Sports Day, and the importance of keeping an open mind—even when we disagree.

Plus, I share my simple strategy for fitting a workout into a busy schedule: 15 minutes a day, right at home! Learn five basic strength-training exercises, hear a personal story from my days as a substitute teacher, and discover why the ABC’s of healthy living—All-Body Workout, Blissful Sleep, and Colorful Diet—are the foundation for feeling your best.

Have an awesome day everyone…and get your workout in! Peace – R

Posted on

Bankruptcies Are Soaring, Columbus Day & The Hidden Danger in Your Bathroom! | Tola Talks – Ep 352

Bankruptcies are on the rise, Christopher Columbus’s legacy sparks debate, and toilet plume could be spreading germs throughout your bathroom!

On today’s Tola Talks, I cover personal finance, Columbus Day vs. Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and simple ways to improve bathroom hygiene. Plus, get your daily ABC’s: All-body Workout, Blissful Sleep, and Colorful Diet.

Three Tola Takeaways: Respect your ABC’s, reach out to someone, and keep an open mind!

Have an awesome day everyone…and get your workout in! Peace – R

Posted on

Joe Rogan’s $250 Million Deal, Firing Squads & How to Lose the Spare Tire | Tola Talks – Ep 351

Joe Rogan just signed a new multi-year Spotify deal reportedly worth $250 million! On this Friday edition of Tola Talks, I dive into the biggest stories of the day, from celebrity podcast success and capital punishment, to losing that pesky spare tire and the future of public education.

🎙️ WHAT’S COOKING TODAY?

🔥 Joe Rogan’s $250 Million Deal — What makes The Joe Rogan Experience so successful? I discuss Rogan’s massive new deal, his incredible audience, and the importance of maintaining creative freedom.

⚖️ Capital Punishment & the Firing Squad — I share my personal perspective on the death penalty, drawing on a heartbreaking family tragedy and discussing the difficult questions surrounding justice, accountability, and consequences.

💪 How to Lose That Pesky Spare Tire — Want to manage your weight and stay accountable? I share practical advice inspired by a conversation at the gym, including his philosophy of daily weigh-ins, staying within a 5-pound weight range, making smarter food choices, and replacing traditional bread with protein bread. These ideas connect to Step 3 of my book, How to Drink from the Fountain of Youth: 30 Steps to Everlasting Youth — Love the Scale!

📚 Public Education, AI & the Future of Work — I examine reported math and reading proficiency figures for Indianapolis Public Schools students and explores the role of artificial intelligence, the importance of education, and opportunities in skilled trades and blue-collar careers.

Have an awesome day and amazing weekend everyone…and get your workout in! Peace – R

Posted on

What Does Success Really Mean? | Tola Talks – Ep 350

What does success really mean? Is success about money, fame, status, and the freedom to say “F you” to the world? Or is it something deeper?

In this special Sunday edition of Tola Talks, I reflect on a conversation with a 23-year-old guy at the gym, another conversation with an older, wealthy man, and the very different ways they define success. This is also my 350th Tola Talks episode over 12 years—and it got me thinking about what really matters as we get older.

For me, success comes down to three things: Mind. Body. Spirit.

A clear and developed mind.
A strong and healthy body.
An evolved and loving spirit.

Money can make life easier. Fame can feel good. Status can open doors. But when you reach the end of your life, are those really the things you’ll wish you had more of?

I’ll share why I believe discipline, health, learning, kindness, presence, and doing the right thing are ultimately a better measure of success than the size of your bank account.

And for the younger people watching: you don’t get there overnight. You get there one workout, one decision, and one day at a time.

89 days left in the year. How many workouts are you going to get in?

My answer: 89.

Get your workout in. Stay present. Keep your mind sharp. Keep your body strong. Keep your spirit evolving. Have an awesome day everyone…and get your workout in! Peace – R