Rich shares personal stories about his mother, historical milestones, and life lessons, blending heartfelt tribute with educational insights on innovation, history, and personal growth. Plus, a Happy Birthday shout-out to the Queen of the 90’s film and TV…Sharon Stone.
Watch now and discover: → Personal stories and tributes to Rich’s mother. → Historical milestones: invention of the telephone and the Dot-com boom. → Happy Birthday to Sharon Stone! → The importance of passion, pride, and resilience. → Rich’s poem, Ode to My Mother.
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In this conversation, Rich discusses the significant decline in birth rates in the U.S. since 2007, exploring both the pros and cons of this trend. He highlights the changing demographics of childbirth, particularly the rise in births among women in their thirties and forties. Tola also shares a personal story about Elvis Presley, reflecting on his cultural impact and a memorable encounter involving his grandmother. The conversation concludes with Tola’s three key takeaways emphasizing the importance of foundational health practices, connection, and embracing diverse perspectives.
Watch now and discover: → The decline in birth rates can reduce pressure on resources. → Less population may lead to greater opportunities for women. → Economic strain and stagnation are potential cons of declining birth rates. → Personal anecdotes can connect us to historical figures. → Elvis Presley was a culturally significant figure of the 20th century.
In this conversation, Rich reflects on the life and legacy of Jesse Owens, a legendary athlete who made history at the 1936 Olympics. He discusses Owens’ achievements, his friendship with German athlete Luz Long, and the broader themes of brotherhood and unity in the face of adversity. Tola emphasizes the importance of sportsmanship, connection, and embracing different perspectives, drawing parallels to contemporary societal issues.
Watch now and discover: → Jesse Owens was a symbol of hope and brotherhood. → His achievements at the 1936 Olympics challenged racial stereotypes. → The friendship between Jesse Owens and Luz Long transcended political boundaries. → The letter from Luz Long to Jesse Owens exemplifies deep human connection. → Rich Tola’s ode to Jesse Owens emphasizes love and acceptance.
In this conversation, Rich Tola discusses various themes surrounding superstitions, particularly the fear of Friday the 13th, and transitions into the concept of cuffing season leading up to Valentine’s Day. He explores modern relationship dynamics, including situationships, and reflects on marriage trends among youth, emphasizing the complexities of commitment in today’s dating culture.
Watch now and discover: → Superstitions can significantly impact people’s behavior and decisions. → Cuffing season refers to the trend of seeking short-term relationships during colder months. → Valentine’s Day has historical roots in ancient Roman traditions and early Christian history. → The term ‘situationship’ captures the complexity of modern romantic relationships. → Understanding the dynamics of dating today requires awareness of cultural shifts.
In this episode of Tola Talks, metaphorically speaking and with the utmost compassion, Rich Tola gives his Top 10 Reasons why we’re going To Hell in a Hand Basket. From World Peace to American Peace – or lack thereof – Tola touches upon obesity rates, reading and math proficiency scores of today’s tweens and teens, the U.S. Federal budget deficit reaching astronomical levels, the cost of living in the U.S. of more than $6500 per household, as well as the recent Gallup poll with Ethics rating of U.S. professions at record lows. Rich also gives a Movie Review of the new blockbuster by James Cameron, Avatar: Fire and Ash. He also recounts personal tragedies plus his beliefs on how immigrants today can and should become U.S. citizens.
Watch now and discover: → World Peace and American Peace has been a challenge for all earth’s citizens. → The average of a new hire in the United States is 42 years old. → The latest Gallup poll says Ethics ratings for U.S. professionals are at record lows. → Movie review of the new James Cameron blockbuster, Avatar: Fire and Ash → Why immigrants have made the U.S. should become citizens after 5 years.
In this conversation, Rich Tola discusses the importance of wellness through three main topics: the ABCs of health, the impact of exercise on mental health, and a review of Bradley Cooper’s film ‘Is This Thing On?’. He shares personal experiences, emphasizes the benefits of exercise as a natural antidepressant, and provides insights into maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The conversation concludes with a recommendation for the film, highlighting its relevance to relationships and personal growth.
Watch now and discover: → Exercise can rival antidepressants in treating depression. → Regular movement boosts mood and cognitive function. → Mental and physical health are interconnected, while exercise is often overlooked in mental health treatment. → Movies can reflect real-life struggles and provide insights. → Staying active is a lifelong commitment to health.
In this conversation, Rich Tola discusses the importance of setting resolutions for the new year, focusing on health, fitness, and family. He shares his personal resolutions, emphasizes the significance of supportive family structures, and highlights the role of love in education. Tola also provides life lessons and insights on personal growth, encouraging listeners to embrace their uniqueness and strive for improvement.
Watch now and discover: → Start the year with clear resolutions and focus on health: eat better, sleep well, workout daily. → Family stability leads to happier homes and healthier lives. → Teaching requires love and support for effective learning. → Embrace failures as learning opportunities. → Personal growth involves being true to oneself, and always make sure to be kind, curious, and courageous in life.
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
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
As many of you know, I put my life on hold three years ago so I could return home to care for my ailing parents. Both were battling cancer that had unfortunately metastasized, while my Dad was the first to leave us.
To the sweetest and kindest and most beautiful woman in the world – at least to me she was – here’s a tribute to my biggest fan – my Mom:
Rose Mary DiStefano Tola (1941-2025) passed away peacefully after a long battle with cancer on Monday, May 25, 2025. Born on March 10, 1941, she was 84 years young when she passed. For those who knew Rosie, as she was known to her beloved family and friends, she was the sweetest and nicest and prettiest yet strongest gal from North Trenton, who first appeared on American Bandstand with Dick Clark live from Philadelphia in 1957. Born and raised in Trenton, NJ, and a graduate of Trenton Central High School, she worked as a licensed beautician for several years before marrying Francis “Richie” Tola, a legendary barber and baseball mentor who recently passed away in October. Rosie also retired after 20-years of service with the Department of Education for the State of New Jersey. She was a caring and supportive wife of 65 years, as well as a mother to three wonderful children and four loving grandchildren. She is survived by the following: her son and daughter-in-law, Sam and Pam Tola, her son Richard, her daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Patrick Tuffy, her grandchildren Matthew and Samantha Tola, and Riley and McGwire Tuffy, plus numerous nieces. She is predeceased by her brother, Benedetto “Benny” DiStefano, and sister, Philamena “Phyliss” Wilson. Per her wishes, there will be a private family service only. To everyone she was blessed to have met, Rosie was a compassionate and kind soul, and above else, a proud mother and grandmother, beautiful friend, aunt, co-worker, client, patron and forever baseball and soccer fan – until recently, when she fell in love with women’s basketball. For her 84 memorable years of life, Rose Mary DiStefano Tola was a beacon of light and a wonderful listener who will surely be missed.
And here’s a picture of us a few weeks before she passed. Love you Mom!!
