Category: Tola Talks

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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!

🎧 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations:→ @tolatalks

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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.

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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.

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What is Christmas? on Tola Talks – Ep #219

In today’s Tola Talks, Rich Tola engages listeners with a discussion about the significance of Christmas, reflecting on personal memories and traditions while also addressing the importance of accountability in education. He shares insights on the history of Christmas celebrations, the evolution of traditions, and the impact of family on holiday experiences.

Watch now and discover: → Rich emphasizes the importance of accountability in schools (flashback to Ep #218) → The history of Christmas has evolved over centuries, while 88% of Americas celebrate it today. → Personal memories shape our understanding of Christmas. → Traditions vary greatly across cultures during Christmas. → The significance of family during the holiday season is paramount, while the spirit of Christmas can be revived and perpetuated through storytelling.

Merry Christmas everyone…have a safe a wonderful holiday! Peace – R

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Should Students Wear Uniforms? Tola Talks – Ep #218

In today’s Tola Talks, Rich Tola discusses various topics including the significance of the winter solstice, celebrates the achievements of the Texas A&M volleyball team, and delves into the controversial subject of school uniforms. He presents both the pros and cons of implementing uniforms in public schools, sharing personal insights and experiences from his time as a teacher. The conversation concludes with reflections on the importance of discipline and the challenges of enforcing rules in educational settings.

Watch now and discover: → Celebrating achievements in sports fosters community spirit. → School uniforms can promote equality among students, while reducing peer pressure and bullying. → Uniforms can save time in the morning for students, while also creating a cost burden for families. → Uniforms may not effectively address issues of individuality. → Enforcement of rules is crucial for the success of uniform policies.

🎧 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations: Subscribe → HERE

📘 Feature Book: The Sub: Tales of an Inner-City Teacher by Rich Tola

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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.

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What is Hanukkah? on Tola Talks – Ep #216

In today’s Tola Talks, Rich Tola reflects on the recent tragedies at Brown University and Bondi Beach in Australia, pays tribute to the tradition of Hanukkah, discusses cultural observations related to In-N-Out Burger, and shares insights from the world of sports, particularly focusing on resilience and the lessons learned from volleyball competitions.

Watch now and discover: → 5% of the year is gone, time to reflect. → Thoughts and prayers for recent tragedy victims, including Hollywood legend, Rob Reiner. → Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the temple of Jerusalem. → Adam Sandler’s Chanukah song is a cultural staple. → The best team doesn’t always win in sports.

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Top 5 Trending Slang Words on Tola Talks – Ep #215

In today’s Tola Talks, Rich discusses the top five trending slang words of 2025, exploring their meanings and cultural significance. The conversation begins with a light-hearted introduction and transitions into a detailed examination of each slang term, including ’67’, ‘girly pop’, ‘Chad’, ‘rage bait’, and the dead rose emoji. Tola also provides context and examples for each term, reflecting on their origins and usage in contemporary language. The episode concludes with a shout-out to his threo favorite women’s volleyball teams, Purdue, Indiana and Nebraska, emphasizing community and support.

Watch now and discover: → The slang ’67’ is a nonsensical expression popular among teens. → ‘Girly pop’ is an affectionate term that can refer to anyone. → ‘Chad’ has evolved from a stereotype to a more positive term. → ‘Rage bait’ refers to provocative online content designed to elicit anger. → The dead rose emoji signifies heartbreak and has gained popularity recently.

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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.

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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.