Today we’re having some fun with the Top 10 Phobias that have millions of Americans shaking in their boots. Because fear of anything including the number 13 is usually a bad thing that controls your mind, body and spirit. Especially in these fear-mongering Coronavirus times, everyone should – and must – face their fears head-on. Regardless of their origins, whether Biblical or pre-Christian or Babylonian times, phobias are real so we’re counting them down. Including two rather innocuous ones I just made up: Gymophobia and Yogaphobia. Fear of working out and fear of doing yoga…both of which you should never fear if you want to Drink from the Fountain of Youth. Like I do.
Getting ready for Monday talking Tola Talks w/ Sam & Wren
Had a great time on LATalkRadio’s “Sam in the Morning” show this past Wednesday with Sam & Wren. You can isten to the show below by clicking the play button…I’m introduced at 11:07mins.
Thanks again Sam & Wren…it was fun talking Hollywood, pumpkin patches, Wall Street and the Oct 2nd re-launch of Tola Talks. Peace – R
The Power of One
Never underestimate the power of your thoughts, and without question, never ever underestimate The Power of One.
For the third time in 20 years I’m reading Bryce Courtenay’s , The Power of One. An amazing tale of a young boy’s travels and heartfelt metamorphosis – not to mention his spiritual influence on everyone he meets – that’s “part Charles Dickens, part Horatio Alger”, as described by the Raleigh News & Observer. More specifically, this magical journey filled with heartache and pure elation inspires anyone really listening to its deep-rooted message…to always listen to yourself and believe in the power of one: one idea, one heart, one mind, one plan, one determination.
Before I leave you with a paragraph from the novel that rings true no matter what your occupation or calling, take time to reflect on 2016 and set your thoughts on an even better 2017! Mine was quite amazing, with several milestones that set the course for my one idea:
- Created my unique style of Tola Yoga after 10 years of teaching 2k classes & 25k students,
- Produced the original Reality TV series pilot, YogaStyles of RICH and the Almost Famous,
- Celebrated 50 years of fitness – 40 years of weightlifting plus over 10 years of Yoga,
- Celebrated 10 years as an Entertainer/Producer and Yoga Teacher (and Yogatainer),
- Lived in three amazing cities: Chicago, Las Vegas and Seattle (love it here!)
And whatever your goals are for the New Year, remember to respect yourself with a daily fitness program. And just like young Peekay says, dare your courage to follow your thoughts:
“The power of one is above all things the power to believe in yourself, often well beyond any latent ability you may have previously demonstrated. The mind is the athlete; the body is simply the means it uses to run faster or longer, jump higher, shoot straighter, kick better, swim harder, hit further, or box better. Hoppie’s dictum to me, “First with the head and then with the heart,” was more than simply mixing brains with guts. It meant thinking well beyond the powers of normal concentration and then daring your courage to follow your thoughts.”
Have a safe and Happy New Year everyone! Peace – R
Hosting Another Comedy Showcase at Two Hearted Queen
Join us this Saturday, August 6th from 6-8pm at Two Hearted Queen for another great Standup showcase with super funny comedians Trevor Gertonson, Julia Brown, Andrew Burcastro, Stuart Scotten, Erik Scott and Chris Trani. Get there early & enjoy the soulful sounds of Allegra Malone!
Hosting St Paddy’s Day Showcase on March 19th (5:30-7p)
Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone!
I’m hosting another Stand-up comedy showcase at Two Hearted Queen this Saturday, March 19th from 5:30-7p. Come join the fun and laugh your butts off with 6 of Chicago’s best up-and-coming comedians giving you their best 10 minutes. Gonna be a blast…hope to see you there!
Treat Yourself to Hilarious Standup Comedy & Live Music!
Bring your Valentine this Saturday and check-out some of the best talent Chicago has to offer!
Tola Talks – First Three Weeks
Hot, current and definitely on the edge, Tola Talks is broadcasting live on the radio this Tuesday from 4-6pm (ET) on Hamilton-Radio.com (Channel 2). So tune-in and treat yourself to my “21st Century Talk for a No-Bullshit World”, not to mention some really cool and inspiring conversation with an assortment of celebrity guests…here’s our guest list for the first 3 weeks:
January 5th – Actress Troy Titus-Adams and Chef Lizette, Founder/Host of The Chef Network
January 12th – Comedians Lynne Roberts & Lauren Huffman and Fitness Guru Mandee Miller
January 19th – Recording Artist/Producer Moses Stone and Dancer/Yoga Teacher Jen Wycykal
Plus, I’ll be taking listener calls throughout the show, so feel free to give us a shout! Peace – R
Hosting/StandUp – Last Comedy Showcase of 2015
Treat yourself to my last hosting and Stand-up gig of the year, the Ain’t Jokin’ Wit Chu Comedy Showcase, tomorrow night (December 29th) at Abram Gale Lounge in Chicago, starting at 8pm.
Excellent line-up with two super funny comedians from our 12 Ladies of Christmas Holiday Show at Two Hearted Queen, my friends Danette Mark & Bridget Clymore. Gonna be a blast!
And if we don’t see you there, have an amazing New Year everyone…and feel free to drop-in my Yoga class on New Year’s Day at Wicker Park Athletic Club from 10:30-11:30am. Peace – R
Teaching Life Lessons is What it’s All About
Kudos to everyone who packed the house in support of our 12 Ladies of Christmas Holiday Show at Chicago’s Two Hearted Queen, and thank you to the very funny and very talented performers who donated their time and energy to make it an awesome event!
As your host/producer who always appreciates the opportunity to impact the lives of youngsters – as well as anyone else who’s open to it – the best part of the night took place right before our raffle drawing, while teaching young Nathan the proper way to shake hands.
Like the ancient proverb says: give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. So take heed and rid yourself of that dead fish handshake!
And don’t forget your daily workout. Peace – R
12 Ladies of Christmas Holiday Show Tomorrow Night!
We’re gonna rock the house tomorrow night with these Royally talented women of comedy! If you’re anywhere near Chicago, bring your family for some awesome Stand-up, Storytelling and cool Christmas Caroling. Not to mention a fine solo performance from Violinist Emma Smoler!
Saturday, December 12th from 5-7pm at Two Hearted Queen. Hope to see you there – R
