Rich explores the power of weak ties, the importance of consistency in building relationships, and shares fun facts about sports, culture, and personal growth. Discover how casual connections can enhance your sense of belonging and improve life satisfaction.
Watch now and discover: → The significance of weak ties in community building → The role of consistency in strengthening relationships → Congratulations shout-out to Bill Maher → Happy Birthday shout-out to Quentin Tarantino (and myself) → Fun facts about sports, culture, and personal growth
Rich has some fun today talking about last night’s Oscars winners including Barbra Streisand’s heartfelt tribute to Robert Redford. He also talks about the Razzie Awards for the worst in cinema, fun facts of the day including March Madness and the USA Baseball team moving on to the finals in the World Baseball Classic, plus the 6 Etiquette Mistakes that’ll cost you abroad.
Watch now and discover: → Robert Redford would only play characters with a backbone. → Sorry Ice Cube for winning those Razzies…make another Barbershop or 21 Jump Street. → The odds of scoring a perfect March Madness bracket is 1 in 120 Billion. → Top 3 Jobs for Women today compared to 100 years ago. → Way to go USA Baseball…next up for the finals, hopefully Italy.
Is Friday the 13th really a harbinger of doom? Let’s dive into this and remember the lessons of the past by talking about winning the War. Plus, who’s going to win at the Academy Awards this weekend.
Watch now and discover: → Today marks six years since the world changed with the pandemic → Friday the 13th symbolizes the unpredictability of life → Rich recalls one of the most challenging days of his teaching career → The uncertainty during wartime can affect individuals and economies → Academy Awards finally acknowledge casting directors in shaping the film industry.
In this engaging conversation, Rich Tola reflects on recent achievements in sports, particularly the Olympics, and shares inspiring stories of survival from real-life castaways. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, personal growth, and the power of human spirit in overcoming challenges. Rich encourages listeners to connect with others and offers practical takeaways for navigating tough times.
Watch now and discover: → Never say never, but if you do, do it from a deserted island. → Solitude and retirement from the world is not such an insufferable state. → Don’t give up no matter what it is you’re going through. → Make a difference and really ask how somebody’s doing. → Have yourselves a kick ass day.
In this episode, Rich Tola celebrates the 50th episode of his live streaming show, discusses the significance of the Lunar New Year, and highlights a civic engagement opportunity for high schoolers. He also reviews the movie ‘Wuthering Heights’, sharing his thoughts on its themes and performances. Rich emphasizes personal growth, community connection, and the importance of historical awareness throughout the conversation.
Watch now and discover: → The year of the fire horse symbolizes energy and ambition. → Civic engagement is vital to the survival of the Republic. → Knowledge will forever govern ignorance. → Personal growth and community connection are essential. → Wuthering Heights is intense and tragic, but beautifully acted.
Hey everyone, hope your 2024 is off to a great start!
As for small victories along the way, on behalf of the very talented cast and crew of my short film, Zen Diaries: The Lockdown, we’re honored to receive a 4-Star Review from Short Films Matter. Here’s what they say:
* * * * A drama that delves into the transformative power of confronting personal weaknesses.
SYNOPSIS: Ten years after his wife was killed in a drive-by shooting gone bad, former hot-shot attorney turned yoga master, Bobby D’Angelo, is dealing with another shooter in his life. This time causing a police lockdown of his Los Angeles studio. A zenful place “where self-doubt goes to die”, but it’s also where tempers start to flare between students and strangers as Bobby vows to ‘protect his family’ while trying hard to inspire and not insult them with his tough love words of wisdom.
REVIEW: Rich Tola’s short sequel to his 2009 feature film ‘Boulevard Zen’ takes center stage during a police lockdown of his yoga studio, prompted by an external situation, yet it skillfully weaves a narrative focused on internal conflicts. The crux of the story revolves around an outsider forced to confront his realities, under the candid guidance of the brutally honest Bobby D’Angelo, portrayed by Tola himself. The ensemble cast navigates the anxieties stemming from external conflict, with A.P. Moses delivering a compelling performance as Mr. Sloan, a character grappling with weightissues and self-esteem.
Tola’s film delves deep into the theme of personal transformation, emphasizing the need to confront and overcome our weaknesses. The societal implications of these individual struggles add depth to the narrative, creating a thought-provoking ensemble piece that resonates with universal themes. The well-acted cast brings authenticity to their roles, complemented by Salvadore Sclafani’s cinematography, which adds visual richness to the storytelling. The sequel stands out as a commendable film, offering a compelling exploration of self-discovery and the potential for positive change within individuals and society at large.
FILM: 20-minute dramedy (completed from start-to-finish in less than 90 days for $2,000) starring Rich Tola, Jonny Haug, Kayla Moore, Romi Valenti, Anita Davenport, Jennifer Cheung, and A.P. Moses.
On behalf of the very talented cast and crew of my short film, Skateboard Bandits, we’re excited to receive a 3-Star Review from the industry’s leading review platform, Short Films Matter. Here’s what they say:
* * * A laid-back thriller that delves into a father and daughter’s pursuit of revenge.
SYNOPSIS: A character-driven thriller about a band of skateboarders who conspire to take revenge into their own hands – the second time around – and risk life and limb to rob a bank.
REVIEW: Vengeance, grief, and the unbreakable bond between a daughter and her charismatic widower father take center stage in Rich Tola’s low-budget thriller. With Rich Tola himself leading the cast alongside Anna Christensen and an ensemble of supporting actors, this film takes viewers on a thrilling ride through the gritty streets of Los Angeles. The narrative centers around the preparation for a bank heist. One of the standout elements of this narrative is the inclusion of skateboarding, which adds a cool and edgy vibe to the story. The skateboarding sequences are well-executed and bring an exciting energy to the film. It’s a refreshing addition that sets this movie apart from others in the genre.
While the acting prowess of Rich Tola and Anna Christensen shines through, the supporting cast falls slightly short in comparison. However, their performances don’t detract from the overall enjoyment of the film. Technically, the film is crafted to a respectable standard, considering the limited budget. Although it lacks a cinematic quality, this can be forgiven, as the engaging storyline and well-choreographed sequences make up for it. The short film manages to entertain and keep viewers on the edge of their seats throughout.
However, it must be noted that the ending leaves us wanting more, as the narrative build-up to the bank robbery delivers an anti-climax. Nevertheless, Rich Tola’s low-budget thriller delivers an entertaining experience. With its engaging storyline, impressive skateboarding sequences, and solid performances, it is a film that showcases the director’s creativity and resourcefulness. While it may lack the polish of big-budget productions, it more than makes up for it with its raw energy and bohemia.
FILM: 12-minute drama (completed from start-to-finish in 90 days for $1000) starring Rich Tola, Anna Christensen, Jonny Haug, Jasmine Sim, Anthony Lazcano, Ben Thomas and Anthony Rajanayagam.
Thanks for watching everyone..and get your workout in ! Peace – R
Hey everyone, hope your summer’s off to a great start and you’re keeping with those daily workouts.
No worries if not, just have a listen to my interview with Speak Up Talk Radio host, Pat Rullo, and get inspired to Drink from the Fountain of Youth…because ANYONE can!!
Click HEREto visit The Firebird Book Award website.
EIGHTY FOUR AUTHORS AWARDED THE FIREBIRD BOOK AWARD
April 2021 – Speak Up Talk Radio announced the winners of 2021’s first quarter FIREBIRD BOOK AWARDS contest. Eighty four winners were announced in 98 categories.
Authors and publishers from around the world submitted their work to the Firebird Book Awards. A panel of 12 judges within the writing and publishing space then read every book and independently scored each entry according to a set of standardized criteria that evaluates the quality of the writing as well as production aspects. Only entries with the highest of scores are awarded the coveted Firebird.
Patricia J. Rullo, founder of the Firebird Book Awards, says, “This quarter’s entries were a joy to read and speak to the talent out there. At Speak Up Talk Radio, our mission is to offer radio interviews and podcasting services to help authors expand their reach. In addition to additional prizes, our winners have the opportunity to be interviewed and aired on iHeart Radio, Pandora, as well as 50 additional online venues, giving them new ways to speak up and share their work.”
Pat adds, “We’ve included a charitable component to our awards by making all entry fees tax-deductible to the author. In return, we personally make and send handmade fun and whimsical pillowcases to women and children in homeless shelters via Enchanted Makeovers, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. All entry fees fund this project. In this way, authors can get notoriety for their work while doing good for others. It’s been such a rewarding venture for everyone.”
The Firebird Book Awards run quarterly contests so authors can receive recognition on a timely basis. Authors from all genres, mainstream, independent, and self-published are welcome. Additional winning authors and titles as well as entry information is available at https://www.speakuptalkradio.com
How to Drink from the Fountain of Youth is available in paperback and eBook (English & Chinese) plus the Audiobook narrated by Rich. For information visit www.richtola.com
