On today’s Tola Talks, Rich discusses various topics including: 1) the overwhelming nature of Cyber Monday shopping, 2) the achievements of women’s volleyball teams including his favorites, Nebraska and Purdue, and 3) the importance of autism advocacy as spearheaded by figurehead and Hollywood royalty, Jenny McCarthy.
The conversation also touches on body positivity with a special shout-out to Ariana Grande with her loving reminder to all, plus Rich’s personal journey to sobriety for the past 18 years. The show also discusses the evolving landscape of office work, listing the Top 10 Cities for Remove Work in America, and concludes with a recap of key points and encouragement for listeners to pursue personal change in their life.
Watch now and discover: → Jenny McCarthy’s advocacy for autism awareness is commendable. → Ariana Grande’s loving reminder about Body Shaming in the media – a significant issue. → Personal journeys, like Rich Tola’s 18 year sobriety, can inspire others. → These Top 10 American cities with good quality of life are ideal for remote workers. → It’s essential to focus on personal health and well-being.
On today’s Tola Talks, Rich interviews best selling author, teacher and Founder of Smart Classroom Management, Michael Linsin. The conversation delves into the challenges teachers face in managing classroom behavior, emphasizing the need for a cohesive approach to classroom management strategies. It also highlights how disparate methods can lead to confusion and exacerbate misbehavior, advocating for a unified methodology for effective teaching. Most importantly is for teachers with bad apple students experiencing challenging – and sometimes overwhelming – classrooms, to not despair: knowledge is the key.
So get informed and create your Dream class today!
Watch now and discover: → Why teachers often struggle with bad classroom behaviors and how to change them. → Understanding student behavior is the key to effective classroom management. → Effective classroom management requires consistency in strategies. → Misbehavior can worsen with conflicting approaches to classroom management. → Professional development – and knowledge – can support teachers in this area.
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.
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.
Today on Tola Talks – Live we’re talking about AI actor Tilly Norwood and the uproar she’s causing in Hollywood, the 2009 sci-fi classic, Star Trek, RIP shout-outs to Jane Goodall and Tom Petty, fitness tips for folks like me with major back problems, some talk about the US government shutdown, plus the Autistic kids in my new book, The Sub: Tales of an Inner-City Teacher.
Thanks for tuning in everyone…and get your workout in! Peace – R
This time around it’s all LIVE, so hope you can join us on YouTube or LinkedIn or X (formerly Twitter) or Twitch. For today’s Episode #191 we kept it short and sweet while discussing my new book, The Sub: Tales of an Inner-City Teacher, plus some excellent teachings from the Chinese philosopher and humanitarian, Confucius.
Have an awesome day and as always, get your workout in! Peace – R
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.
While driving home from the park today, I was listening to a few economists talk about the current University of Michigan survey measuring consumer sentiment and economic conditions. Basically, it tells us how Americans feel about the economy both today and tomorrow, or more specifically, one year from now.
I’m sure this comes as no surprise, but the overall feelings were bad.
As bad as they were in the 1970’s no less, when inflation was at 13%, unemployment was at 10%, and you had to wait an hour at the pumps to fill up your tank with gas. No kidding, and I know it well because I grew up in the 70’s and specifically remember really long lines in a station wagon with no air conditioning. Albeit, today those inflation and unemployment numbers are much better, to say the least, as mortgage rates just inched below 7% – a good sign for both consumers and the housing market.
The thing is, back when times were much tougher for families and the economy was in a much deeper hole, pervasive feelings of doom and gloom were never rampant like they are today. At least it seems that way when everywhere you turn there’s suffering, death and destruction, not to mention consistent talk about an unavoidable recession (which I disagree). In a viral world with instant connectivity, spreading anything – including bad feelings – is as easy as getting AI to write you a paper. The polar opposite of the groovy, non-viral 70’s. Plus, with Led Zeppelin on the radio and Disco on the rise, life was always about working hard, staying hopeful, living free, and most importantly, living in the moment.
And since every one of us is dealing with our own adversity du jour – mine includes three herniated discs that have annihilated my yoga practice – you gotta stay positive and know that things will get better. And believe that collectively, we can change this sentiment from bad to good.
And we will.
The funny thing is, when I grew tired of listening to those chatty economists talk about our nation’s lousy survey scores, I turned the radio dial a few clicks to the left and what do you think comes on? I Want Your Love, by Chic circa 1978. Talk about a fun and happy and positive song that compels you to sing along forever! I was 15 when that Disco classic came out, and had just started taking lessons at the nearby Arthur Murray Dance Studio..with every other kid in the neighborhood.
So change your negative thoughts everyone, and help me change the consumer sentiment. No doubt I believe change is coming – as it did with the go-go 80’s right after John Travolta lit up the floor in that iconic gem, Saturday Night Fever (1979). Speaking of lighting up the floor, with two measly weeks to go before we leave this rather “bad” 2023 behind us, take heed from yours truly – and get your workout in. Dancing included!
Have an amazing Holiday and even happier New Year! Peace – R
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
