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Teachers…Don’t Quit with Nancy Dibble on Tola Talks – Ep #204

In this engaging conversation, Tola Talks with Nancy Dibble and discusses the challenges and rewards of teaching K-12 students, the importance of understanding how the brain learns, and the need for a more engaging curriculum. They explore Nancy’s personal experiences in education, the lifelong impact of teachers on their students, and the significance of resilience in the teaching profession. Nancy also shares insights from her book, ‘Wait, Don’t Quit,’ aimed at encouraging overworked and burnt-out teachers to hang in there and most importantly, persevere in their vital roles. The discussion also touches on Nancy’s passion for breeding horses and the joys of teaching.

In this episode, you’ll learn: → Creating a stimulating classroom environment is essential. → Teachers have a profound impact on their students’ lives, while staying resilience is key. → Engaging students through hands-on learning is crucial. → Curriculum should be adaptable to real-life applications. → Teachers should be recognized and valued for their work.

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Give Back & Think Positive on Tola Talks – Ep #203

As we celebrate Veterans Day, today is the time to honor those who have served in the United States military, dead and alive. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on how each of us can give back to our communities. In this episode of Tola Talks, it’s all about positivity while keeping life simple and giving back to society. I also shares key aspects of my personal development book, How to Drink from the Fountain of Youth: 30 Steps to Everlasting Youth, as well as historical insights and practical steps to inspire everyone to make a positive impact in their lives. We also explore how embracing simplicity and gratitude can transform our lives and the lives of others.

As always, keep it simple and get your workout in! Peace – R

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Consumer Doubt & Trust with Ed Winslow on Tola Talks #202

In this episode of Tola Talks, I engage in a lively conversation with my long time friend, Ed Winslow, founder and CEO of Proofstacking.ai. We discuss the importance of visibility in business and the need for self-awareness and personal growth. Ed shares his journey in real estate, the concept of proof stacking, and how storytelling can transform marketing efforts.

Our conversation also highlights the challenges and opportunities in today’s competitive landscape, emphasizing the significance of creating success stories to establish credibility and generate leads. In this engaging episode, Ed and I explore the significance of storytelling in marketing, the importance of overcoming consumer doubt, and the power of success stories in building trust. We discuss the concept of proof stacking and how micro stories can create a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences.

A must watch for all business owners and especially real estate brokers!

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Words are Powerful & Meaningless on Tola Talks – Ep #201

In today’s episode, we talk about the recent elections in NJ, VA and New York City, emphasizing the importance of local governance and the need for cleanliness and safety in urban areas. I also discuss yesterday’s Gallup poll revealing public fears about safety and walking a mile at night, share personal experiences from various cities I’ve lived in over the past 40 years, plus highlight the significance of words in communication. I also delve into insights from my book, The Sub: Tales of an Inner-City Teacher, addressing challenges in America’s broken educational system and the need for accountability in schools. I conclude with a call for politicians to stand behind their words and make meaningful changes.

And for everyone who says they workout, do what you say today and get your workout in! Peace – R

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Top 10 Lessons Learned from Women’s Volleyball on Tola Talks – Ep #200

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.

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Deep Dive into Springsteen on Tola Talks – Ep #199

On today’s Tola Talks, we discuss a variety of topics including three more favorite movies from the 1980s, Halloween celebrations, and a deep dive into the life and music of Bruce Springsteen. Springsteen not only changed my life and the lives of so many other small town New Jerseyans, he was more than a rock star. To us, Bruce, aka, The Boss, was God. This episode concludes with reflections on Springsteen’s legacy and a recommendation to watch his movie ‘Deliver Me From Nowhere.’

Happy Halloween everyone…have fun and get your workout in! Peace – R

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‘Major League’ Review & Hollywood Woes on Tola Talks – Ep #198

On today’s Tola Talks, we discuss various controversies dominating the news including Russian sanctions, White House construction projects, and the Gaza cease fire, before shifting to a nostalgic celebration of Major League Baseball – the 1989 movie starring Tom Berenger and Charlie Sheen, Major League – plus a good luck shout-out to the former New York Yankee and bench coach for the Toronto Blue Jays, Don Mattingly, aka, Donnie Baseball. We also reflect on the decline of Hollywood and the impact of the 1980s on film, sharing my Top 30 movie picks from that era, highlighting their cultural significance as well as my personal memories associated with them.

Have a great day everyone, and as always, get your workout in! Peace – R

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Kindness, Domestic Violence & Forgiveness on Tola Talks – Ep #197

In yesterday’s Tola Talks, we discuss the themes of kindness, domestic violence, and self-forgiveness. The conversation begins with a reflection on kindness and its profound impact on our lives and DNA. As October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we delve into the complexities of domestic violence, its effects on individuals and families, and the importance of recognizing and addressing it. The discussion transitions into the theme of self-forgiveness, emphasizing the need to let go of blame and embrace accountability as a path to healing.

If you or anyone you know is a victim of Domestic Violence, please watch this show and share it with your friends! Peace – R

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Police Work is Hard & Officer Interview on Tola Talks – Ep #196

Today I interview my longtime friend, Guy LiMato, a retired police officer with a rich background in law enforcement and education. We discuss Guy’s journey into policing, the stress and challenges faced by officers today, and the realities of domestic violence calls. The conversation also touches on Guy’s transition into education, working with special needs children, and the importance of family dynamics in shaping behavior. We also explore the differences between policing as portrayed in the media versus real life, and delve into the roles of the National Guard and ICE in current law enforcement.

And since Guy is all too familiar with K-12 teaching – instructor’s aid for 10 years – we reflect on my new book, The Sub: Tales of an Inner-City Teacher and the challenges of classroom management and the future of education.

Thanks for tuning in, and as always, get your workout in! Peace – R