Joe Rogan’s $250 Million Deal, Firing Squads & How to Lose the Spare Tire | Tola Talks – Ep 351

Joe Rogan just signed a new multi-year Spotify deal reportedly worth $250 million! On this Friday edition of Tola Talks, I dive into the biggest stories of the day, from celebrity podcast success and capital punishment, to losing that pesky spare tire and the future of public education.

🎙️ WHAT’S COOKING TODAY?

🔥 Joe Rogan’s $250 Million Deal — What makes The Joe Rogan Experience so successful? I discuss Rogan’s massive new deal, his incredible audience, and the importance of maintaining creative freedom.

⚖️ Capital Punishment & the Firing Squad — I share my personal perspective on the death penalty, drawing on a heartbreaking family tragedy and discussing the difficult questions surrounding justice, accountability, and consequences.

💪 How to Lose That Pesky Spare Tire — Want to manage your weight and stay accountable? I share practical advice inspired by a conversation at the gym, including his philosophy of daily weigh-ins, staying within a 5-pound weight range, making smarter food choices, and replacing traditional bread with protein bread. These ideas connect to Step 3 of my book, How to Drink from the Fountain of Youth: 30 Steps to Everlasting Youth — Love the Scale!

📚 Public Education, AI & the Future of Work — I examine reported math and reading proficiency figures for Indianapolis Public Schools students and explores the role of artificial intelligence, the importance of education, and opportunities in skilled trades and blue-collar careers.

Have an awesome day and amazing weekend everyone…and get your workout in! Peace – R

What Does Success Really Mean? | Tola Talks – Ep 350

What does success really mean? Is success about money, fame, status, and the freedom to say “F you” to the world? Or is it something deeper?

In this special Sunday edition of Tola Talks, I reflect on a conversation with a 23-year-old guy at the gym, another conversation with an older, wealthy man, and the very different ways they define success. This is also my 350th Tola Talks episode over 12 years—and it got me thinking about what really matters as we get older.

For me, success comes down to three things: Mind. Body. Spirit.

A clear and developed mind.
A strong and healthy body.
An evolved and loving spirit.

Money can make life easier. Fame can feel good. Status can open doors. But when you reach the end of your life, are those really the things you’ll wish you had more of?

I’ll share why I believe discipline, health, learning, kindness, presence, and doing the right thing are ultimately a better measure of success than the size of your bank account.

And for the younger people watching: you don’t get there overnight. You get there one workout, one decision, and one day at a time.

89 days left in the year. How many workouts are you going to get in?

My answer: 89.

Get your workout in. Stay present. Keep your mind sharp. Keep your body strong. Keep your spirit evolving. Have an awesome day everyone…and get your workout in! Peace – R

Capital Punishment: When Justice Meets Personal Tragedy | Tola Talks – Ep 349

Do you believe in capital punishment? And if so, which method would you choose—lethal injection, electrocution, or firing squad?

On today’s Tola Talks, I share my personal position on the death penalty and explain how a devastating family tragedy shaped the way I think about murder, justice, punishment, and accountability. I also discuss the recent case of Christa Pike, whose execution attempt in Tennessee drew renewed attention to the debate over lethal injection and the death penalty. This isn’t just a discussion about politics or statistics. It’s about what happens when an issue becomes personal—and how our own experiences can shape what we believe.

Plus, I cover my ABC’s: All-body workout, Blissful sleep, and Colorful diet, and finish with my three Tola Takeaways:

1) Respect your ABC’s every day.

2) Pick up the phone and call someone—don’t just text.

3) Be open-minded and respect that others may see things differently.

Have an awesome weekend everyone…and get your workout in! Peace – R

Anything’s Possible: Just Start | Tola Talks – Ep 346

Anything’s Possible — but you have to start.

A 9-year-old solving a Rubik’s Cube in 2.76 seconds. A 78-year-old becoming a Fortnite streamer. Calvin Harris performing for 1.6 million people. And a kid practicing basketball for hours until he became a legend.

What do all of these stories have in common?

Anything’s possible.

In today’s Tola Talks, I discuss the power of dreaming, taking action, practicing every day, and celebrating the small victories along the way.

I also talk about the ABC’s — All-body workout, Blissful sleep, and Colorful diet — and why building a strong foundation can help you create the life you want. Plus, I share my own 20-year journey toward filmmaking, from taking my first acting class in New York to writing scripts and making three films.

The message is simple: don’t wait for the perfect moment. Start. Keep going. Learn through trial and error. And don’t stop believing that something bigger is possible.

Have an awesome day everyone…and get your workout in! Peace – R

Peace, Bitcoin & the George Lucas Museum | Tola Talks – Ep 344

Today’s Tola Talks is all about our International Day of Peace, Bitcoin heading to the moon, and the opening of George Lucas’s incredible Museum of Narrative Art in LA.

As always, I wrap it up with my three simple takeaways: exercise your body, spread goodwill, and stay open-minded. Have an awesome day everyone…and get your workout in!

Peace. Progress. Purpose. Let’s go! 🚀

Weapons in Space, AI & Rising Rates: What’s Cooking? Tola Talks – Ep #342

On today’s Tola Talks, I discuss current issues like weapons in space, AI, the Clarity Act and crypto, and economic policies, blending humor with insights on technology, health, and community.

Key Takeaways

  • AI is already smarter than us in accessing information.
  • Weapons in space pose significant risks and ethical questions.
  • Crypto markets need clarity and regulation to thrive.
  • Interest rate hikes are likely to continue to combat inflation.
  • Healthy lifestyle choices are crucial for longevity, as seen in Japan.
  • Community engagement and open-mindedness are vital for societal progress.

Have an awesome day everyone…and get your workout in! Peace – R

9/11: I Was There — 25 Years Later on Tola Talks – Ep 340

This episode of Tola Talks reflects on the significance of 9/11 with my personal memories, emphasizing staying present and resilient in the face of tragedy and change.

Remembering 9/11

On a crystal-clear morning in New York City, I was preparing for a busy day at work. The excitement of launching my first mailing, the Tola Report, was palpable. Little did I know how that day would alter my life forever. I was on the 39th floor of my office on 39th & Madison – about 1 mile away – just as the first plane struck the World Trade Center. The chaos that ensued was surreal.

Thanks for watching and have an awesome day everyone…and get your workout in!

Peace – R

10 Benefits of Aging That Make Getting Older Better, Not Worse on Tola Talks – Ep 339

Aging is often viewed through a negative lens, but today I flip that narrative by highlighting the 10 Benefits of Aging.

On today’s Tola Talks, I share insights from an article by Mike Donghia of Epoch Health, emphasizing the dual nature of these benefits, providing both the good and bad news for each. Plus, check-out the Top 5 best and worst cars that hold their value after 5 years.

10 Benefits of Aging

1) Greater Perspective and Experience
2) Increased Emotional Stability
3) More Appreciation for Relationships
4) Less Greed for Material Wealth
5) Strong Sense of Self
6) Freedom to Say No
7) More Focus on the Present
8) Free Time to Volunteer
9) Freedom to Say Yes
10) Respect for Your Daily Foundations – the ABC’s

Have an awesome Tuesday everyone…and get your workout in! Peace – R

No More Wars? Bitcoin to $100K? My 90-Day Predictions | Tola Talks – Ep 338

As we step into September 2026, the landscape keeps shifting in our world. On today’s Tola Talks, I lay out the following 5 predictions that could reshape our lives in the next 90 days, alongside some crucial lifestyle tips that keep our bodies and minds sharp.

  1. End of the Iran conflict: This conflict will be resolved soon.
  2. Resolution in Ukraine: Russia will find a way out of the war with Ukraine.
  3. Bitcoin’s Rise: Bitcoin will hit $100,000 again.
  4. Flat Interest Rates: The Federal Reserve is unlikely to raise rates in the coming months.
  5. Lower Gas Prices: Expect gas prices to drop below $3.80 a gallon nationally.

Have an awesome Friday everyone…and get your workout in! Peace – R

Blood Moon, Bitcoin, and the AI Job Shake-Up on Tola Talks – Ep 335

On today’s Tola Talks, I share insights on health, the blood moon, AI’s impact on jobs, and investment tips, emphasizing adaptability and staying present.

Key Takeaways:
1) Blood moon and lunar eclipse details
2) Bill Gates’ views on AI and job automation
3) The concept of robot tax and human reserved jobs
4) Rich Tola’s fitness and health routines
5) The impact of AI on everyday life and work
6) Bitcoin investment insights and market outlook

Have an awesome Thursday everyone…and get your workout in! Peace – R