On today’s 200th episode of Tola Talks, we share the Top 10 Lessons Learned from Women’s Volleyball, emphasizing the importance of positivity, teamwork, focus, and resilience. We also discuss the highlights of how these principles can be applied not only in sports but also in everyday life, encouraging everyone to celebrate the small victories in life and to always learn from your defeats – all the while maintaining a commitment to good sportsmanship. We also dive into the 1987 romantic drama, Dirty Dancing, one of my favorites, starring the late (and great) Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey.
The Sub: Tales of an Inner-City Teacher
Hey everyone! If you’re concerned about everything that’s wrong with our inner-city public schools – as you should be – then check-out my latest book, The Sub: Tales of an Inner-City Teacher. (click to view on Amazon)
Based upon my real life experiences as a K-12 substitute teacher, The Sub gives you an outsider’s view inside America’s troubled educational system.
An historical fiction novel that’s based upon true encounters, The Sub shines a much-needed light on the challenges facing our beleaguered (and burnt out) inner-city educators. There’s everything from lockdowns and school shootings, to Autistic children with a penchant for changing lives, to fighting 5th graders and discourteous kids dropping F-bombs, to Middle School girls with their own school-specific gang. Not to mention a sweet and sexy romance that’s fit for a Hallmark movie! Most of all, is our insightful protagonist’s (Eddie Cruz) ability to address all the brokenness with concrete solutions to fix them.
A must read for all High School students and K-12 educators everywhere!
3-Star Review for Skateboard Bandits
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
Behind the Scenes – Zen Diaries: The Lockdown
Awesome time filming our award-winning short film, Zen Diaries: The Lockdown, with such an amazing cast & crew! Starring Rich Tola, Kayla Moore, Jonny Haug, Romi Valenti, Anita Davenport, Jennifer Cheung and A.P. Moses.
Have an awesome day everyone, and hope to see you on the mat. Peace – R
“Skate like a bat outta hell”
Hey everyone, we just released Skateboard Bandits on YouTube and Vimeo.
It’s a 12 minute 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. We filmed all 18 scenes in one day, throughout the streets of LA.
Looking forward to releasing my next short narrative, Zen Diaries: The Lockdown, coming this November.
Peace – R
Skateboard Bandits – Coming Soon!
Hey everyone, I just completed my first scripted narrative short, Skateboard Bandits, soon to be released in September.
It’s a 12 minute character-driven thriller about a band of skateboarders who take revenge into their own hands – the second time around – and risk life and limb to rob a bank.
Super excited to finish another film project on-time and on-budget. It took 90 days and cost $1000 from start to finish. For my next production, I look forward to releasing a “Boulevard Zen” short film spin-off, exactly ten years since the 2009 premiere of my first film.
For more information please contact me at: info@twostrikehitter.com
Have an awesome day and always remember…get your workout in! Peace – R
Thanks for the memories…and free movies SAG!
It’s always a treat to witness great movie-making with Hollywood’s biggest stars, not to mention getting to nominate your favorite actors and ensemble casts for the 25th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards.
It’s an even bigger treat to participate in live Q&A’s with these bold & beautiful demigods. For such insightful talks I’d like to thank my union for the complimentary screenings and receptions they’ve awarded me the past few months where I’ve met Margot Robbie, Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper, Keira Knightley, Amy Adams, Christian Bale, Tyler Perry, Ryan Reynolds, Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy, Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, Hugh Jackman, Alfred Molina and Sebastian. Well, perhaps I didn’t meet these masterful entertainers but for sure I’ve heard their thoughts and felt their passion for their craft.
Kudos SAG-AFTRA…it was an honor to be a member of the Screen Actors Guild Awards Nominating Committee. I look forward to seeing my “outstanding” choices take home the gold!
Have an awesome holiday everyone, and get your workout in! Peace – R
Tola Talks with Recording Artist & Entrepreneur, Moses Stone
Another great show with the multi-talented recording artist and entrepreneur, Moses Stone. We’re talking all things music and movies this week including the new Star Wars: The Last Jedi, plus listening to two original songs from this charismatic rapper.
It’s also the final Tola Talks of 201 7, so we’re highlighting the best of the best including If I Were President and thank you shout-outs to my celebrity guests. Not to mention some timeless fitness & Tola Yoga tips for 2018, and of course, the Get Your Shit Together Award.
Thanks again everyone, for tuning in these past few months…it’s been a blast!
Stay tuned for the next generation of Tola Talks to be announced on my website www.RichTola.com and my socials: @richtola
Happy Holidays…and may the force be with you! Peace – R
Tola Talks with DJ Rebekka Starr and MC Freddy Figs
We’re talking all things Movies & Music today with my special guests, DJ Rebekka Starr and MC Freddy Figs. Starting with their favorite genre of Hip-Hop, we discuss the history of music from the early 1970’s to today’s wildly popular Electronica (EDM) and the Top 10 DJs that rule the raves.
On a beautiful sunny day in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, Tola also Talks about movies that spotlight “The Valley” including We Are Your Friends (Zac Efron) and Elektra Luxx (Carla Gugino), plus what this infamous basin is really know for: strip malls, sushi restaurants in strip malls, and of course, porn stars. We also pay tribute to the King of Hip-Hop, Eminem, and the late Adult Film Actress, August Ames, an unfortunate victim of cyberbullying. Thanks for tuning-in everyone! Peace – R
Tola Talks with Singer/Songwriter, Cooper Phillip
Always a great time having Cooper Phillip in the studio…she’s rocks it in person and on the radio! Learn how she seeks balance, comfort and happiness amidst the ever-so ripply waters of the music business, plus find out more about her journey from Russia to Hollywood that began seven years ago.
For all you Halloween lovers, we also talk about Vatican sanctioned exorcisms, the highest grossing film in history with 10 Academy Award nominations , The Exorcist, and of course, my most delightful “10 Most Frightful Pickup Lines”.
Not to mention we play three amazing songs from the multi-talented singer-songwriter including her new hit single, Party By Myself. Listen now: