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.
Movie Review and Hollywood Woes on Tola Talks # 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
Transgender Conversion Therapy on Tola Talks # 195
In this episode of Tola Talks, Happy Friday was always an adventure in Kindergarten when I taught during COVID. I also pay tribute to Christopher Reeve and MLK, Jackson Browne and the Hoover Dam (Happy Birthday to both), plus I discuss the important issues surrounding transgender rights and conversion therapy. The conversation is filled with insights, humor, and heartfelt memories, making it a rich listening experience. Thanks for tuning in!
AI Actors are Here to Stay on Tola Talks # 192
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
Tribute to a Local Legend..my Dad
For those who knew my father, he was a man like no one else. I guess you could say my own uniqueness, and passion, and desire to go my own way was just like my Dad’s. RIP to a local legend who was arguably the best barber in the world – and best hitting instructor! Below please find his obituary and Celebration of Life event this Sunday.
FRANCIS “RICHIE” TOLA (click HERE to visit the Obituary)
Francis “Richie” Tola (1938-2024) passed away peacefully after a long battle with cancer on Monday, October 28th. Born on July 7, 1938, he was 86 years young. For those who knew him, Richie was the greatest guy who had passion in everything he did. Born and raised in Trenton, NJ, he was a legendary barber for nearly 68 years beginning in 1957, one year after graduating from Trenton Central High School and serving in the National Guard. He was also a motivational mentor and hitting instructor to scores of kids and adolescents who ever played the game of baseball. He was revered for helping anyone and everyone who wanted it. The beloved “Richie the Barber” was also a terrific storyteller as well as an infinite source of knowledge, recounting true tales about the Mafia, baseball, Sicily (his home country), movies and anything medical related. As one longtime friend and customer tells it, “before there was Google, there was Richie.” He is survived by his wife, Rose Mary, son and daughter-in-law, Sam and Pam Tola, son Richard, daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Patrick Tuffy, four grandchildren, Matthew and Samantha Tola, and Riley and McGwire Tuffy, brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Carolyn Tola, his four nieces, and pre-deceased sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Joseph Pallotti. Per his wishes, there will be no funeral services. There will, however, be a Celebration of Life held in his honor on November 10th from 4-6pm, in the main batting cage at Nottingham Little League. In remembrance of Richie’s life and love, the family requests any donations be made to “Nottingham Little League”, P.O. Box 2521, Hamilton, NJ 08690. Thank you for being his friend, patron or baseball player he influenced throughout his wonderful life.
Thanks for your enduring impact on the world Dad, and with love and light, I’ll see you on the other side. RIP – R
A Decade to Remember
Since my childhood summers playing baseball at Nottingham Little League, I’ve been taught that the best hitters always perform in the late innings. So finish strong everyone, and have a happy and safe holiday season!
I also hope this decade has been as good to you as it has me, as this marks my most amazing one yet beginning with my film, Boulevard Zen. Exactly 10 years ago this week we premiered at the Silent Movie Theater in Hollywood. Thanks to everyone who supported me, i.e., watched or read or listened to any of my creations since the film. And a special thanks for taking my Tola Yoga classes.
No doubt I’ve built an awesome foundation in developing and producing original content as well as successfully crossing the finish line – on time and on budget – more than 15 times. Not to mention teaching my modern-day fitness style of yoga to more than 20,000 students throughout the US.
Looking forward to the next 10. Peace – R
Rich Tola productions this decade:
Holidays are Made for Workouts…Really!
Happy Holidays everyone!
That means more time spent running around as well as more time spent lounging around the house, mostly before and after meals, right?
Wrong…because the holidays are a great time NOT to lounge around doing nothing but to instead, get your workout in. Whether it be the extra cardio – yes, zipping around the mall counts – or making use of that “lounging” time by hitting your gym or local community center for a quick 20 minute workout, just do it. That’s right, it’s easier to get your workout in during the holidays because who really wants you standing around the kitchen or taking up space in the living room hours before the meal. That’s how I look at it, squeeze every workout or group class or Tola Yoga class into your schedule, no matter where you are, and make that time all about maintaining your strong body – clear mind. No doubt good health always triumphs over bad. So make it good.
And if you need a little inspiration for some additional get up and go…or if you really need to Get Your Sh#! Together then watch my two films, Skateboard Bandits and Zen Diaries: The Lockdown. Sometimes we all could use a swift kick in the butt from badass attorney turned yoga master, Bobby D’Angelo.
Have an awesome Thanksgiving everyone, and get your workout in! Peace – R
Thanks for the memories…and free movies SAG!
It’s always a treat to witness great movie-making with Hollywood’s biggest stars, not to mention getting to nominate your favorite actors and ensemble casts for the 25th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards.
It’s an even bigger treat to participate in live Q&A’s with these bold & beautiful demigods. For such insightful talks I’d like to thank my union for the complimentary screenings and receptions they’ve awarded me the past few months where I’ve met Margot Robbie, Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper, Keira Knightley, Amy Adams, Christian Bale, Tyler Perry, Ryan Reynolds, Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy, Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, Hugh Jackman, Alfred Molina and Sebastian. Well, perhaps I didn’t meet these masterful entertainers but for sure I’ve heard their thoughts and felt their passion for their craft.
Kudos SAG-AFTRA…it was an honor to be a member of the Screen Actors Guild Awards Nominating Committee. I look forward to seeing my “outstanding” choices take home the gold!
Have an awesome holiday everyone, and get your workout in! Peace – R
Welcome to Wherever You Are
Hope you’re awesome everyone, and in case you were wondering, this isn’t a tribute to the music of Bon Jovi or INXS.
On the contrary, it’s more like a welcome home post after spending the past five months traversing the U.S. in search of the Holy Grail, much like a modern-day Indiana Jones. Well, not exactly, but I’ve definitely been a modern day cowboy cruising the countryside since I left my beloved Los Angeles in June.
Why, you might ask? Because I love to explore new lands while checking out the fitness and yoga scenes – not to mention the music and entertainment and comedy club scenes – of America’s largest and most popular cities.
And on this particular leg of the adventure I’ve traveled to Austin, Dallas, Denver, and most recently, the lovely beaches of Santa Barbara (picture)
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For those of you who have been following my life’s colorful journey since I moved to Hollywood in 2007, I’ve now lived in 11 major cities over the past 11 years.
The good news is I’ve also walked over a thousand miles and met tons of cool locals that made my sojourn an especially enjoyable experience. No doubt traveling to other cities is something I definitely recommend to anyone who has the time and vigor to do it. Notice I didn’t say money, because if you fly solo like I do, you really don’t need that much to explore. Just a pair of comfortable walking shoes and a lightweight backpack. Oh, and don’t forget an open-minded attitude that comes with a big fat smile on your face…because that ALWAYS helps.
So pack your bags and enjoy your journey wherever it takes you this holiday season, and have an amazing Halloween!
Peace – R
Tola Talks with Recording Artist & Entrepreneur, Moses Stone
Another great show with the multi-talented recording artist and entrepreneur, Moses Stone. We’re talking all things music and movies this week including the new Star Wars: The Last Jedi, plus listening to two original songs from this charismatic rapper.
It’s also the final Tola Talks of 201 7, so we’re highlighting the best of the best including If I Were President and thank you shout-outs to my celebrity guests. Not to mention some timeless fitness & Tola Yoga tips for 2018, and of course, the Get Your Shit Together Award.
Thanks again everyone, for tuning in these past few months…it’s been a blast!
Stay tuned for the next generation of Tola Talks to be announced on my website www.RichTola.com and my socials: @richtola
Happy Holidays…and may the force be with you! Peace – R