Be a Warrior! on Tola Talks – Ep #222

In this conversation, Rich Tola reflects on the past year, discusses the importance of reading and education, and shares insights on upcoming movies for 2026. He emphasizes the warrior mindset and life lessons drawn from films like ‘Peaceful Warrior’ and ‘Lost in Translation’, as well as gives his review of the new Timothee Chalamet film, ‘Marty Supreme’. Tola also encourages listeners to make good choices as they enter the new year.

Watch now and discover: → It’s time to refocus, recenter and wipe the slate clean for the New Year. → Reading books is crucial for child development – children with access to books complete 3 more years education than those who don’t (have access to books). → The warrior mindset is about peaceful positivity and accountability for your actions. → Make good choices and make it about the journey, not the destination → Movies can provide valuable life lessons, while 2026 is set to be a great year for movies!

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How to slow down time! on Tola Talks – Ep #221

In this conversation, Rich Tola reflects on the importance of slowing down time, especially as the year comes to a close. He discusses personal accomplishments, the psychology of time perception, and how experiences of awe can enhance our sense of time. Tola emphasizes the significance of mindfulness and setting intentions for the new year, sharing his personal goals for health and well-being.

Watch now and discover: → Take time to reflect on your accomplishments. → Setting intentions for the new year can guide personal growth. → Physical and psychological well-being are interconnected. → A varied life filled with unique experiences can stretch our perception of time. → Experiencing awe can help slow down our perception of time, while Mindfulness is the key to enjoying the present moment.

Is Year-Round School Better for Everyone? on Tola Talks – Ep #220

In this episode of Tola Talks, Rich Tola reflects on the holiday season, shares a movie review of ‘The Housemaid’, and discusses the pros and cons of year-round schooling. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and the potential benefits of a year-round school system while also addressing the challenges it may present.

Watch now and discover: → Rich reflects on his holiday food hangover and weight goals, while celebrating his 30th livestream show. → Audience ratings for ‘The Housemaid’ were mixed, with a B grade from moviegoers. → Amanda Seyfried’s performance in ‘The Housemaid’ was highlighted as a standout, while Sydney Sweeney’s love scene is worth it for all her admiring fans – young and old. → Year-round schooling may be costlier, but could also reduce learning loss for students. → Rich believes that year-round schooling will lead to better learning outcomes and should be implemented, just like the 10% of schools nationwide that already subscribe to a year-round plan.

Top 7 Foods that Age your Brain on Tola Talks – Ep #217

In today’s Tola Talks, Rich Tola explores various themes including health, fitness, and nutrition, while also reflecting on current events and providing a movie review. He discusses the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, particularly as one ages, and shares insights on the worst foods that can negatively impact brain health. Additionally, he reviews the new film, ‘Dust Bunny’, starring Mads Mikkelsen and Sophia Sloan, offering his thoughts on its entertainment value and suitability for audiences.

Watch now and discover: → Rich discusses the significance of food choices on brain health as one ages. → He highlights seven specific foods that can age the brain and suggests avoiding them. → He reflects on current events, including social issues and volleyball highlights. → He reviews the movie ‘Dust Bunny’, sharing both positive and critical perspectives. → Rich encourages listeners to engage with the content and share their thoughts.

How to Get a Job Teaching Group Fitness Classes on Tola Talks – Ep #214

On today’s Tola Talks, Rich shares his insights on how to secure a job teaching group fitness classes, drawing from over 15 years of experience in the fitness industry. The discussion covers the importance of certification (fitness & CPR), creating a compelling resume, and the necessity of proactive job searching through direct outreach to gyms and fitness studios. Tola emphasizes the value of networking and persistence in the job search process, encouraging listeners to stay motivated and keep trying until they succeed. And you will succeed, if you follow his advice.

Watch now and discover: → Getting a job in group fitness requires certification (including CPR). → Create a professional resume with a positive photo, and dress appropriately when applying for jobs. → Persistence is key; keep applying until you succeed. → Substituting classes can lead to permanent positions. → Visit gyms and studios in person to apply, and follow up with managers via email after submitting your resume in-person.

How to Play Volleyball & Coach’s Interview on Tola Talks – Ep #213

On today’s Tola Talks, Rich dives deep into the world of volleyball, discussing its history, skills, and the importance of commitment in the sport. Joined by expert coach Brad DiRupo, they explore various aspects of volleyball, including serving strategies, player positions, and the significance of teamwork and dedication.

The conversation also touches on injury prevention and conditioning, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to excel in volleyball. DiRupo also discusses the critical roles of setters and liberos, emphasizing the importance of communication, teamwork, and player development. He shares insights on recruiting players for college, the significance of height in certain positions, and the year-round commitment required to excel in the sport. The discussion also touches on the positivity and support within teams, the dynamics of substitutions and rotations, and the growth of volleyball as a competitive sport.

Watch now and discover: → Volleyball began 130 years ago as a less stressful alternative to basketball. → Volleyball became an Olympic sport for both men and women in 1964. → Key skills in volleyball include serving, passing, setting, attacking, blocking, and digging. The setter is crucial, akin to a quarterback and arguably the most important position on the court. → Commitment from players, coaches, and parents is crucial for success. → Injury prevention, particularly for knees and ankles, is essential in volleyball.

Breaking Free from Bad Habits on Tola Talks – Ep #212

On today’s Tola Talks, Rich discusses the concept of bad habits and the 10 best ways to quit them. Rich also compares the concept of bad habits to the works of pioneering economists, Adam Smith and Milton Friedman, and compares them to bad habits in two distinct ways: 1) individuals are driven by self-interest and thus, self-enjoyment, and 2) there’s no such thing as a free lunch.

Rich also emphasizes the importance of desire, self-discipline, perseverance, fortitude and belief in oneself, as the foundation for quitting bad habits. He explores their psychological impact and offers practical strategies for quitting them, including the significance of support systems, positive thinking, and self-correction in the journey towards embracing healthier, good habits, over bad ones.

Watch now and discover: → Bad habits can be changed with desire and discipline, while understanding their nature is crucial. → It’s important to embrace the struggle of change. → Support from friends and family is essential in overcoming bad habits, as is positive thinking. → Recognizing the euphoria from bad habits helps in understanding them. → Self-correction is key to maintaining good habits while overcoming bad habits.

Caregivers, Gettysburg Address & Gym Etiquette on Tola Talks – Ep #207

In this episode of Tola Talks, I reflect on the legacy of First Lady Rosalynn Carter (RIP) and the importance of caregiving, plus the historical significance of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address (read by me). I also share some practical tips – and pet peeves – about proper gym etiquette, emphasizing respect and consideration for others in shared spaces.

Watch now and discover: → There are only four kinds of people in the world: caregivers. → Caregiving is a tough job, but it’s essential work. → Abraham Lincoln faced multiple failures before becoming president. → The Gettysburg Address is a pivotal moment in American history. → Proper gym etiquette enhances the experience for everyone, so treat it like an operating room, while your daily fitness program is important for overall well-being…so just do it!

50 Rules of Badassery on Tola Talks – Ep #206

Today Tola Talks about my 50 Rules of Badassery while exploring the themes of personal growth and how to stay positive, the transformative power of hypnotherapy, and the journey of overcoming addiction. The discussion emphasizes the belief that the universe supports individuals in their quest for self-improvement and highlights the importance of commitment and support in the recovery process.

Watch now and discover: → Transformation is a continuous process, not a one-time event. → Embracing change is essential for personal development. → The journey of self-improvement is unique for everyone. → Personal growth often requires facing and overcoming challenges. → The universe is conspiring for your highest good in every area of your life.

Top 7 Dumbbell Exercises – Ep 17 – Tola Talks Texas

Today we’re talking about the best exercises anyone can do from head-to-toe using only dumbbells. And since the news is rather depressing this Wednesday when it comes to current events including President Biden’s approval rating and paltry school lunches, not to mention murder rates we haven’t seen since the 1990’s and homelessness and inflation on the rise, let’s focus on an easy and affordable daily fitness program that positively affects your 7 body parts: abs, shoulders, back, chest, triceps, biceps and legs. Plus three more steps to everlasting youth from my book, as well as some encouraging price moves from our beloved – and sometimes unbeloved – cryptocurrencies on Robinhood. Have an awesome day everyone…and get your workout in!