Teachers…Don’t Quit with Nancy Dibble on Tola Talks – Ep #204

In this engaging conversation, Tola Talks with Nancy Dibble and discusses the challenges and rewards of teaching K-12 students, the importance of understanding how the brain learns, and the need for a more engaging curriculum. They explore Nancy’s personal experiences in education, the lifelong impact of teachers on their students, and the significance of resilience in the teaching profession. Nancy also shares insights from her book, ‘Wait, Don’t Quit,’ aimed at encouraging overworked and burnt-out teachers to hang in there and most importantly, persevere in their vital roles. The discussion also touches on Nancy’s passion for breeding horses and the joys of teaching.

In this episode, you’ll learn: → Creating a stimulating classroom environment is essential. → Teachers have a profound impact on their students’ lives, while staying resilience is key. → Engaging students through hands-on learning is crucial. → Curriculum should be adaptable to real-life applications. → Teachers should be recognized and valued for their work.

Consumer Doubt & Trust with Ed Winslow on Tola Talks #202

In this episode of Tola Talks, I engage in a lively conversation with my long time friend, Ed Winslow, founder and CEO of Proofstacking.ai. We discuss the importance of visibility in business and the need for self-awareness and personal growth. Ed shares his journey in real estate, the concept of proof stacking, and how storytelling can transform marketing efforts.

Our conversation also highlights the challenges and opportunities in today’s competitive landscape, emphasizing the significance of creating success stories to establish credibility and generate leads. In this engaging episode, Ed and I explore the significance of storytelling in marketing, the importance of overcoming consumer doubt, and the power of success stories in building trust. We discuss the concept of proof stacking and how micro stories can create a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences.

A must watch for all business owners and especially real estate brokers!

Words are Powerful & Meaningless on Tola Talks – Ep #201

In today’s episode, we talk about the recent elections in NJ, VA and New York City, emphasizing the importance of local governance and the need for cleanliness and safety in urban areas. I also discuss yesterday’s Gallup poll revealing public fears about safety and walking a mile at night, share personal experiences from various cities I’ve lived in over the past 40 years, plus highlight the significance of words in communication. I also delve into insights from my book, The Sub: Tales of an Inner-City Teacher, addressing challenges in America’s broken educational system and the need for accountability in schools. I conclude with a call for politicians to stand behind their words and make meaningful changes.

And for everyone who says they workout, do what you say today and get your workout in! Peace – R

Top 10 Lessons Learned from Women’s Volleyball on Tola Talks – Ep #200

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.

‘Major League’ Review & Hollywood Woes on Tola Talks – Ep #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

Kindness, Domestic Violence & Forgiveness on Tola Talks – Ep #197

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

Transgender Conversion Therapy on Tola Talks – Ep #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!

Enough is Enough on Tola Talks – Ep #194

In this episode of Tola Talks, we discuss the theme of ‘enough’ in various contexts, including media confidence, the US government shutdown, the Gaza war, plus societal standards. We also highlight the recent Gallup poll titled, “Media Trust Falls Again”, that details how trust and confidence in mass media has declined to a low of 28% (down from 72% in the late 1970’s).

And of course there’s some inspiring talk about the commitment to fitness (and of course my favorite, weightlifting), personal motivation, and the importance of adhering to a daily fitness program. I also reflect on personal heroes like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Joe Dodd, including cool movie nostalgia (Pumping Iron, The Italian Job, The Breakfast Club) as well as encouraging everyone to maintain a positive outlook and to stay active.

Finally, there’s some fun talk about me binging on the 1997 series, Law and Order, plus the 12 Hollywood myths that are totally fake. Check it out and Subscribe to watch us LIVE! Peace – R

Baby Boomers Beware on Tola Talks – Ep #193

In this episode of Tola Talks, we discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by baby boomers, emphasizing the importance of purpose in life. We also explore health concerns, particularly strokes, and share the Top 10 preventive measures. There’s also a quick movie review of the 1997 thriller ‘Con Air’ starring Nicholas Cage, plus a shout-out celebration of Taylor Swift’s new 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, highlighting the impact her of music across generations – especially the Elementary School kids I taught.

Thanks for tuning in, and as always, get your workout in! Peace – R

AI Actors are Here to Stay on Tola Talks – Ep #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