On today’s Tola Talks, discover key insights on short but effective workouts and the importance of sleep, plus a Mother’s Day poem on the Friday before Mom’s special day.
Have a great weekend everyone…and get your workout in! Peace – R
Social Media as Harmful as Cigarettes or Opioids on Tola Talks – Ep #264
Rich discusses the impact of social media addiction, legal rulings, societal issues, and health tips, offering insights and practical advice for a healthier, more connected life. With a Happy Birthday shout-out to Diana Ross, and movie talk of the 2006 comedy, Idiocracy.
Watch now and discover: → Facebook and YouTube liable for harm caused by their addictive platforms → Why we should take Kharg Island and have Peace Thru Partnership → Having Buns of Steel are crucial for maintaining stability and balance as we age → New Jersey law prohibiting police officers from wearing masks → America should take heed from Ireland…a idphone-free town for kids.
The Future of Malls and Gen Z Shopping Habits on Tola Talks – Ep #253
Rich discusses current events, social trends, and personal insights, emphasizing the importance of community, health, and responsible parenting.
Watch now and discover: → Malls and Gen Z shopping trends → Sleep, diet, and health insights → Single women and real estate ownership → Millennial men and testosterone decline → School policies on gender transition and parental rights.
Ode to My Mother on Tola Talks – Ep #252
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.
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.
How to Beat Depression + Movie Review on Tola Talks – Ep #225
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.
RIP to the sweetest Mom ever..mine!
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!!
Working out with “Belle of the Ball”
Or shall I say, Belle of the Gym. Let me explain:
The other day I saw this elderly woman working out in the gym and I thought to myself, wow, this woman really knows what she’s doing and she’s definitely a regular. It was the third time I had seen her this week.
I was definitely curious, so I introduced myself and asked Belle a few questions. Because when a fitness dude like me who’s worked-out or practiced Yoga every single day for the past 40 years (that’s no bullshit), sees a fitness dudette who’s well into her 70’s, well, I’m impressed.
Check it out. Belle has osteoporosis and says she knows the importance of lifting weights to stay strong so she works out three times a week. Yes, three times a week, every week.
And it shows.
When I asked if she ever misses a workout, she said, “Sometimes I slip and slide around a little bit with my days, but I always go three times a week. I have to.” Belle also said her body is not what it used to be so sometimes she feels it the next day. Similar to my own Mom who goes to the gym every week and has done so for the past 30 years, her body often feels it the next day too.
But no worries, because you gotta keep going. Your strength and youth depends on it.
So take if from Belle and “have fun with it!” And even though my Tola Yoga workouts may be too intense for her (I agreed), Belle says “mix it up with different exercises like the machines, treadmill or these bikes that let you ride through the parks of San Francisco (her favorite).”
Kudos to you Belle and everyone else getting your workout groove on every week!
Happy Mother’s Day everyone 🙂 Peace – R
Tola Talks Relationships w/ Expert Jennifer Gaynor-Yaker
Tola Talks all things Dating with guest co-host and Relationship Expert, Jennifer Gaynor-Yaker. On Top 10 Tuesdays, Rich also talks about the FBI posing as The Seattle Times to catch a suspect, windowless planes making air travel more cost-effective, National Chocolate Day, YouTube launching a paid subscription service, plus the Get Your S#!T Together Award to a single Mom who left her infant children alone in her 100 degree car to attend a job interview.
Watch weekdays on youtube.com/tolatalks.
Happy Birthday Mom
My mother turned 70 today and she looks amazing! What’s her secret? Well, about 31 years ago when I joined my first gym she was this 39 year-old mother of three who never worked out. One year later – at the ripe age of 40 and after much cajoling on my part – she joined a health club and never looked back. Thirty years later she’s been working out 4-5 times a week – and it shows because she doesn’t look a day over 60. Kudos to your workouts and your healthy lifestyle Mom! So for anyone not currently on a daily fitness program, let’s get you started with Workout #15. And I’ll see you next time – R