Today we’re talking about the cancel culture (aka the call-out culture) as a modern form of ostracism and why it should be rebooted, or more specifically, treated individually on a case-by-case basis. And kudos to the new employment website, redballoon.work, for their efforts to value freedom of expression and go beyond the cancel culture where employees are free to work without fear of being on the wrong side of their employer’s politics. No doubt Americans are in need of a higher functioning democracy with less censorship and less judgement upon others for their personal choices, not to mention the need for everyone to embrace Love the Five Y’s – Step 22 of my book, How to Drink from the Fountain of Youth. Plus get ready for a long Crypto Winter – or not if you ask me – although there are plenty of reasons why Bitcoin is poised for a precipitous decline.
Homage to MLK – Ep 15 – Tola Talks Texas
Today we’re paying tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It’s a national holiday in the United States and time to honor a great man who stood for never ending equality and justice for all. MLK was also the youngest man to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, and a civil rights leader who inspired a nation with his “I Have a Dream” speech in front of 250,000 people gathered around the Lincoln Memorial during their peaceful march upon our nation’s capitol. We’re also talking about the Wolf Moon, a full moon that illuminates to its fullest tonight at 6:48p EST. Plus more fitness tips and inspiration as well as three more steps to everlasting youth from my book, How to Drink from the Fountain of Youth. Have an awesome holiday everyone…and get your workout in!
Goodbye California…Hello Texas
When I told my buddy I wasn’t vaccinated and was never getting the jab, he said, “Then it’s either Texas or Florida if you want to lead a normal life.”
Normal life, as in freely or being allowed by law, including going to the gym, nail salon, movie theatre, shopping mall or any bar or restaurant in the city. Talk about a quintessential What-The-Fcuk. I mean, one of our nation’s greatest Presidents and spokesperson for democracy, Thomas Jefferson, would roll over in his grave with such “tyranny over the mind of man” exhibited by today’s government officials.
Because in my book the COVID mandates of Los Angeles are not only ridiculous and unjust, they’re also a form of tyranny or “arbitrary or unrestrained exercise of power”, as defined by the dictionary. Most importantly, these mandates prevent me from living a so-called normal life, which includes working out every single day plus walking 10+ miles a day since COVID began. Not to mention I’m at my ideal weight with less than 10% body fat, a blood pressure of 110 over 60, plus a great bill of health from my doctor. Oh yeah, I’ll be 59 in March and I’ve never taken a daily pill in my entire life – medicine or supplement. And don’t forget I wrote the book on How to Drink from the Fountain of Youth: 30 Steps to Everlasting Youth. So why do I need to inject myself with something that isn’t necessary? Forgettaboutit.
So there you have it California, you leave me no choice but to leave you after 15 glorious years. Albeit, it’s more like you kicked me out after 15 hard-working and dream chasing years.
Here I come Texas, with my new horsepower and anything is possible attitude. And no worries to anyone who thinks like I do and remains committed to living a fearless and vaccine-free life, all the while treating your most valuable asset, aka your Temple, with the utmost respect.
Happy Veterans Day everyone…and get your workout in! Peace – R
PS – new live stream podcast Coming Soon
Fountain of Youth Wins The Firebird Book Award
EIGHTY FOUR AUTHORS AWARDED THE FIREBIRD BOOK AWARD
April 2021 – Speak Up Talk Radio announced the winners of 2021’s first quarter FIREBIRD BOOK AWARDS contest. Eighty four winners were announced in 98 categories.
One of the winning entries was from California author Rich Tola whose book titled How to Drink from the Fountain of Youth: 30 Steps to Everlasting Youth, won in the Aging and Mind/Body/Spirit categories.
Authors and publishers from around the world submitted their work to the Firebird Book Awards. A panel of 12 judges within the writing and publishing space then read every book and independently scored each entry according to a set of standardized criteria that evaluates the quality of the writing as well as production aspects. Only entries with the highest of scores are awarded the coveted Firebird.
Patricia J. Rullo, founder of the Firebird Book Awards, says, “This quarter’s entries were a joy to read and speak to the talent out there. At Speak Up Talk Radio, our mission is to offer radio interviews and podcasting services to help authors expand their reach. In addition to additional prizes, our winners have the opportunity to be interviewed and aired on iHeart Radio, Pandora, as well as 50 additional online venues, giving them new ways to speak up and share their work.”
Pat adds, “We’ve included a charitable component to our awards by making all entry fees tax-deductible to the author. In return, we personally make and send handmade fun and whimsical pillowcases to women and children in homeless shelters via Enchanted Makeovers, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. All entry fees fund this project. In this way, authors can get notoriety for their work while doing good for others. It’s been such a rewarding venture for everyone.”
The Firebird Book Awards run quarterly contests so authors can receive recognition on a timely basis. Authors from all genres, mainstream, independent, and self-published are welcome. Additional winning authors and titles as well as entry information is available at https://www.speakuptalkradio.com
How to Drink from the Fountain of Youth is available in paperback and eBook (English & Chinese) plus the Audiobook narrated by Rich. For information visit www.richtola.com
12 years of teaching…rock on Tola Yoga!
Today marks my 12th year anniversary teaching yoga. For that I am blessed.
In honor of all my amazing students and teachers who continue to inspire me each and every class – more than 2,500 of them – here’s a short Tola Yoga sequence you can do anytime, anywhere.
Thanks for tuning in everyone, and get your workout in. Peace – R
Greetings from Dallas!
Like a moth to a flame, I’ve been drawn to Dallas.
I’m not sure if it’s the richness of early American history dating back to its original settlement as a good trading post in 1839, or the plethora of diverse and interesting neighborhoods like Uptown, Deep Ellum, Bishop Arts District, Downtown, Lower Greenville or the M Streets (where I landed). Or perhaps it’s that cosmopolitan feel along with that “smell the roses” Texan mindset.
Regardless of whatever “it” is, Dallas certainly has me thinking I’ll be here for the rest of the summer. Not that America’s #1 city to live, aka Austin, wasn’t a cool place to explore for a couple of months, not to mention the wonderful staff and yoga students at Castle Hill Fitness who loved Tola Yoga ..thanks everyone, especially Reesa, Autumn, Amy and Kat!
There’s just something about the Big D that reminds me of my Philadelphia roots and tickles my fancy in less than a week.
Have an awesome day everyone, and get your workout in! Peace – R
Why do you workout so much?
This morning as I was beginning my dips, the custodian who I see everyday in the gym asks, “Why do you workout so much?” So I gave him the short answer:
“Because it keeps me looking and feeling 20 years younger.” No doubt.
Have a wonderful Mother’s Day everyone! Peace – R
Lustrate your Cinco de Mayo with Tola Yoga
This Sunday, May 6th, no doubt you’ll be ready for a lustrating Tola Yoga class…that is to say, if you partied too hard on Cinco de Mayo.
So come quell that hangover with a great yoga workout, and don’t forget your bathing suit for the poolside festivities before and after class.
$10 class this Sunday from 2 – 3p in DTLA at 111 W. 7th Street – 90014
Any questions? Email me anytime at [email protected]. Peace – R
Tola Talks with Actress/Producer, Troy Titus-Adams
Good things come in threes, so this week Tola Talks is all about celebrating three very special 10 year anniversaries.
The first, a decade of friendship with my lovely co-host, Actress/Producer Troy Titus-Adams. Second, it’s our 10th show since returning to LA Talk Radio – the second time around. And third, it’s my 10 year anniversary of sobriety. That’s right, an amazing decade of hangover-free mornings…not to mention more than $50,000 worth of savings!
There’s also some sober talk about going the mile, i.e., adding an extra 10% to your exercise regime, allowing transgender individuals in the military, plus one of my favorite leadership books by best selling author Dr. John C. Maxwell, Talent is Never Enough.
Have an awesome week everyone, and remember to get your workout in!
Peace – R
Tola Yoga Night has been a blast!
Hope you can make tonight’s pre-holiday Tola Yoga class at The Reef (11th Fl). It’s gonna be a killer, plus it’s gonna be my last class at that day/time in 2017. It’s been a blast, with special thanks to everyone at Maker City LA for all their support and for providing such a beautiful space to practice yoga. And to all my students who braved the DTLA city streets at rush hour ♥ See you tonight at 6:15p. Peace – R
The Reef | 1933 S Broadway, 90007 | Validated Parking | Donation Class