RockneCAST

Just read a tiny, but mighty book by Don Luis Miguel called the Four Agreements. The four agreements are simple in formulation, but powerful in application. They are:1) Be impeccable with your word2) Don't take it personally3) Don't make assumptions4) Always do your bestThese four principles are easy to state, but difficult to apply in the hurly burly of life. Many adverse outcomes flow from the failure to adhere to these principles. Following these principles provides the bedrock for personal transformation and growth.It's not only about keeping positive agreements. It's also about breaking negative agreements too, those agreements that we unwittingly make that keep holding us back. They act as a kind of albatross keeping us from being the best version of ourselves. He teaches us how, by taking little action steps to break the agreement. Actions speak louder than words. Demonstrate. Don't explicate.Loved this book!

When was the last time that you read Proverbs? I mean really read it? If you haven't read it for a while, read it. If you're going through a difficult time or need discernment, that book is waiting right there, full of life changing guidance and power.This episode focuses on Chapter 8, a call to wisdom.It will power the lighthouse of your soul.

As many RockneCast listeners know, U.S. Grant is one of my all time heroes. And it's not because of his many victories in life... Ft. Donelson, Shiloh, Vickburg, saving the Union, serving two terms as president of the United States. There are many traits that make me admire U.S. Grant, but one trait in particular stands out: his absolute iron will to keep on going no matter the odds or how difficult the obstacle. This episode is an exploration of that indomitable will to keep... on... going... no matter what. We will focus on June of 1961 when U.S. Grant sought to serve his country and faced of the most hopeless times of his life. In spite of that low, we will see how and why he transformed that low into becoming one of the most legendary figures in United States history.

This one verse may change the course of your life, no matter where you are right now.It rivals even Proverbs 13:12 for its life changing power.In this episode, I explain why...

Happy Father's Day! We're focusing on Jesus' stepdad, the carpenter named Joseph. For this episode, I will be covering Matthew 1:18-25, which describes the time between Joseph learning of Mary pregnancy until the Holy Spirit assured him that the pregnancy was divine.Have you ever considered the time period, i.e. between Joseph learning the "bad news" of Mary's pregnancy until the Holy Spirit told him the truth? What must have gone through Joseph's mind? How long did this time period last? Why did the Holy Spirit let him know before the pregnancy as opposed to after? This episode covers all of those questions. Gratitude to Joseph, the greatest step-dad of all time.

Thich Nhat Hanh is a luminous soul, the type of soul who radiates goodness and light even when his physical body is no longer present.His book, The Heart of Buddha's Teaching, is not just a book. It's a practice manual for living in good times and bad, allowing us to live in the present moment.These last couple of weeks have not been an easy one for me. At times, the pain has cut so deep that it has touched every cell in my body. But, through luminous souls like Thich, I now have to come to give thanks for the pain. It has deepened my soul, opened new pathways of understanding, and provided fuel to let my light shine.I have so much gratitude that Thich shared his powerful life force through his enlightened teaching of the Buddha.This episode covers the power of Thich Nhat Hanh to transform your suffering into peace, joy, and understanding. I'll also share a lecture of his that calmed me in the middle of the night. Finally, you will learn the health benefits of gratitude (it's not just for John Tesh) and a simple tip to begin your gratitude practice.

This episode focuses on the point of all: healing so you can be the best version of you to serve the people that you love. But to truly heal after a significant life event, healing only comes after you stop what your doing; calm yourself; rest; and finally heal.This episode also explores the why of healing; what healing shouldn't; and some practical tips on how to heal.

The power, renewal and growth that comes from resting, the final step before healing.This is the third in a four part series inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh's book The Heart of Buddha's Teaching.

This the second in a four part series on reversing the rampaging horses of our mind with techniques outlined by Zen Buddhist Monk Thich Nhat Hanh. I also identify a breathing technique to calm the mind that I learned from my man crush Andrew Huberman, cyclic sighing, both the why, and how.

Have you ever felt like you're on a runaway stagecoach? Running fast, running strong, but not really knowing where you are going. I know I certainly have except I am one of the horse, galloping hard, but not know precisely where. In situations like this, Zen Buddhist Monk Thick Nhat Hanh, advises the best thing you can do is to simply stop, preventing further mistakes while running strong and allowing space to heal.This episode explores the power of stopping from five minutes to five days to five months, depending upon your circumstance.This episode is the first in a four part series on Chapter Six of Hanh's introduction to Zen Buddhism, The Heart of Buddha's Teaching - Transforming Suffering Into Peace, Joy, and Liberation. The next three will focus on calming, resting, healing.

In this episode, we will primarily explore Robert F Kennedy's favorite poet, Aeschylus, whom he quoted in his extemporaneous encomium upon learning that Martin Luther King Jr. had been murdered by an assassin. "Even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget, falls drop by drop upon the heart until in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God."No one wants to suffer. Not a single person embraces deep emotional pain, the kind that strikes to the vibrational core of the soul. It shakes you. It rattles you. It humbles you. It can even destroy you. Unless you realize...That suffering, the very same kind that rattles us to a cellular level, also draws us nearer to the divine, opening up a channel directly to the Holy Spirit.We'll dive deep into the Aeschylus's belief that "suffering alone" is our greatest teacher, making it essential to any authentic transformation.On this path, I'll share the glory and light in suffering through Romans 5:3-5.For now, I have experienced enough "glory", but I have learned so much from this path that I am on. I hope my experience will illuminate any darkness that you may be experiencing. "Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5.

In this episode, we explore the concept of hugr. According to Neil Price, author of the viking history book Ash and Helm, it roughly translates as "soul", but it's even deeper than that. Hugr is the "absolute essence of you, free from all artifice or surface affect." It embodies personality, temperament, and character. This episode explores the importance of aligning the inner soul with the outer world. Remove the shell. Be you.

This about about diving deep into your greatest fears lying in the Shadow. Confront What You Fear. There is no other choice. Confrontation fears does not ensure a successful outcome. Avoidance of your fears guarantees failure, only resulting in a delayed manifestation of your worst fears.In this episode, we explore how Luke Skywalker obtained the power of the Force by confronting and experiencing his greatest fear. It is not one of the ways to solve your greatest challenges. It is. The Way. Only those that have confronted their Dark Side can be trusted with the power of the Force.

Wasn't going to do a podcast this morning, but came across a timely passage from Reuben Youngdahl's daily devotional for June 2. It just made a real impact on me. So I am sharing it with you...

Hey, podcast listeners! I just dove into an incredible 1987 biography on Ronald Reagan by Garry Wills, hands-down one of the best I've read about him. This isn't just a timeline of Reagan's life—it's like stepping through a time portal into his world, feeling what shaped him. Unlike most Reagan bios that zoom in on his presidency, this one focuses more on what made Reagan, well, Reagan: his boyhood, the Disciples of Christ Church, the political sparks at Eureka College, and his early broadcasting days in Des Moines. In this episode, I'm unpacking two fascinating slices of his story—his lifesaving heroics at Lowell Park on the Rock River and the Black Hawk War's role in the settlement of Dixon and Davenport, where Reagan lived. Trust me, this one's a gem!

In this episode, we'll cover the first Judgment set forth in The Creative, the first chapter in the ancient book of wisdom, the I Ching.The Judgment"The Creative works sublime success, furthering through perseverance."This episode addresses those words.The translator, Richard Wilhelm, concluded his introduction with: "May the same joy in pure wisdom be the part of those read the translation as was mine while I worked on it."The Book of Changes is just that: pure joy. Similarly, may you experience the joy in listening to this podcast as I had in producing this episode.

Just finished "The Explorer's Gene" by Alex Hutchinson. Hutchinson is a classic polymath, holding a PhD in Physics and masters in journalism. He is also an accomplishing runner and adept, having written NY Times best selling book called "Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance." The Explorer's Gene is about the power of exploring the unknown, breaking routines, and embracing the risks and rewards of exploration. In this episode, we cover how: 1. Hutchinson differs from James Clear, identifying the virtues and vices of too much routine, especially when it comes at the expense of exploration; 2. Novelty seeking;3. Nassim Taleb and small bet/big reward exploration;4. Traveling like a flaneur;5. Exploration of the unknown versus exploitation of the known.

Just had a dream about wolves. So I thought I'd do a podcast on wolves. In this episode, we explore "wolf energy" through books, legends, and Wheels of Time, the hit Amazon fantasy series.We'll also cover former NBA coach Phil Jackson, his wolf pack quote, Rudyard Kipling, and the Old Norse word for wolf.Carl Jung and Robert Bly also make an appearance.I finish with two books that I want to read Beowulf and Prose Edda.Embrace your wolf energy.

I finally finished Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. First published in 1990, it has now become a classic in the field of positive psychology. You're probably aware of the punchline of the book: flow is the Goldilocks zone between excessive stress and anxiety and boredom. It involves optimal difficulty suited to a skill set. But the book is more than the punchline. It covers flow in all aspects of life and more importantly, how to "flow". Csikszentmihalyi also identifies the perils of not being into the flow and the purpose of flow.I loved this book. I am glad that I finally read it. It should be on everyone's bookshelf. I'll probably read it again. This episode covers just two small vignettes and lessons from the Taoist scholar Chuang Tzu. Get into the flow!!

Two words, "Don't Judge". Could an entire philosophy arise from two words? This episode explores the connection between Andy Reid's success and those two words. I thought about those words after rereading Shannon Lee book about her father's philosophy in her book, Be Water, My Friend. She outlined the Parable of the Empty Cup, a story that Lee frequently used to illustrate the power of keeping an open mind and being open to the unexpected. As I read that parable, two words came to mind, "Don't Judge", a two word philosophy that Andy Reid uses to guide his approach to coaching and teaching. This episode explores the synchronistic philosophy connecting these two amazing men.

Just finished Iron John - A Book about Men by Robert Bly. It's book for men of all ages. Every man and woman should read it. Men need to read it to uncover what it means to be a man. Women need to read it to understand the men in their lives: fathers, sons, brothers, and spouses. Bly explores Deep Masculinity through legend of Iron John, a story from the Brothers Grimm. In this episode, I share how I learned about Robert Bly, and why I read it. I also share a passage on Law to Legends. This is the book that you have to read and reread. I... Absolutely... Loved... It!! Bly has left us countless and timeless pieces of wisdom and a whole host of authors to explore. This should be on every man's shelf.

Just in Chicago for a week, and I learned about the Ginger and Turmeric Latte at the Oud's Coffee House. In this episode I cover the health benefits of ginger and turmeric. I explore why antioxidants are so important and the perils of oxidative stress. Finally, I will tell you how to make a Ginger and Turmeric Lattes!

This entire episode is about "The!" , the downside of excessive simplicity. Instead, we should strive for Goldilocks Complexity, the minimal number of steps to achieve a particular result. I started thinking about this topic after reading Ben Guttman's excellent book Simply Put - Why Clear Messages Win and How to Design Them. I loved this book. It is right up there with James Clear's book Atomic Habits.But... simplicity has a downside. In this episode, I explore optimal simplicity, identify too much simplicity and too much complexity. Goldilocks Complexity.This is a quadratic formula: y=−ax2+bxIn this episode, I explore The Brutalist, Iowa Football Coach Kirk Ferentz, Bears Coach Ben Johnson, and simplicity optimization.

If you think about it, nearly our entirely education is predicated about discerning what's true and what's false. I started thinking about this with the uptick in "conspiracy theories" and their relation to the pending release of JFK, RFK and MLK files. As I have followed those stories, the question arose:Does this even really matter to me?We need to marshal our energies to focus our true/false journeys. We only have so much time, energy and resources.This episode is about an approach to focus and optimate our true/false journeys.I know it sounds boring, but for whatever reason, this question fascinates me. In fact, I think its key to become the best version of you.

Did Jeffrey Epstein die by murder or suicide? In this episode, I argue that we should use Bayesian statistics to frame the debate. Indeed, we should use this approach to frame most "conspiracy theories". Most such theories are derided as compelling storytellers weaving half truths to fit their narrative.Bayes offers a more analytical approach.1. Make an educated guess about the probability of an event occurring. The likelihood of Epstein dying by suicide.2. Identify authenticated clues that support that hypothesis.3. Assess the odds of each clue happening independently, i.e. jail cameras not working, hyoid bone being broken, both guards falling asleep.4. Then calculate odds of those happening together.5. Perform calculation and then update original probability estimate based upon the probability those clues happening.Using Bayes with a "little" help from Grok, I identify the odds of murder versus suicide.I also identify ways that you should attack this analysis and not just my use of Grok.This approach should be used more frequently as we try to resolve debates surrounding "conspiracies". I don't even really like that word. We're really trying to assess whether Event x was caused by y or z.

This episode explores the power of Donald Trump through Jungian analysis. Jung best illustrates the mysterious power of Trump.Granted I doubt Trump has ever read Jung, but he manifests the hero/lion archetype perfectly. He is our modern Aslan, the Lion King.He also trusts the power of his own instincts tapping the collective subconscious of all.

Yes! It is, but under certain circumstances it is not. This episode explores the power of the liberal arts under the right conditions and those circumstances where it would not be worth it.We'll explore differential sibling outcomes, the limitations of awareness versus applying, micro-versus macro, offering a solution versus doing it, the limitations of "practical", Robert Noyce (inventor of microchip), and the virtues of a deep dive after an exploration of multiple areas.If you have a young person exploring liberal arts, this is the episode for you.

This episodes what it means to "radiate" the light of Christ both literally and metaphorically. In the first part, we'll explore Moses' use of the veil after going to the mountain to experience God, source of all light and creator of all things. Exodus 34:29-25. Moses literally radiates so much light that he had to cover his face with a veil.In this second part, we'll discuss Paul's description of how belief in Christ lifts the veil, connecting us directly to the ultimate power of the Universe: the Creator. Lifting the veil allows us to see the unseen, both within your inner mind and outwardly as you seek your life's purpose.Whoa, totally tripping on these two verses.

In this episode, I take on the trope, "Nice Guys Finish Last". This would be something to be concerned about if it were true. I see no significant evidence of that and in fact, the overwhelming amount of evidence suggests the opposite.In episode, I first define what I mean by "nice" and I do not mean by being "nice". I then define the the opposite of being nice, the ________, and whether the traits of being a __________ are necessary for or actually impede success.To support my argument, I offer the preeminent nice guy, Super Bowl winning coach Andy Reid and his two word philosophy related to being nice. It's his agreeableness that allows him to be successful.What about Bill Belichick? That only enhances my argument and I will explain why.Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, but my argument rings true in the vast majority of cases.Finally, I offer one caveat to the power of being nice. Defendant and advance your principles. Occasionally, you got to throw down.But above all, be nice.It's the key.

Just watched three really good documentaries on James Files (admitted grassy knoll shooter), Chauncey Holt (CIA Contract worker behind knoll), and Zach Shelton (FBI agent investigating the Mob/JFK link).I don't put my thumb on the scale whether any of those documentaries are true or false as such. Rather, I argue that we'll be able to assign probability assessments to their reliability. How? By one simple metric: whether factual statements been subsequently corroborated by subsequent disclosures not available to general public.Try it out. Ask Grok or any AI to rank reliability of JFK witnesses by subsequent confirmation.Eventually, this approach will give us a confidence level approaching Biden laptop or COVID origins.

In this final episode of this three part series on Lewis' book, The Abolition of Man, I explore why Lewis cared so much about preserving the Way, the Source, the Tree of Life. Whatever you call It, the Source of all living things and values, you cut down at your own peril. The stakes are high, not only for us individually, but for our civilization.The Tree preserves our Freedom. Cutting it down, regardless of our intent, will enslave us. This book should be read, over, over, and over again because it allows us to see that battle playing out right now between the forces of Good and Evil.

In this second episode of a three part series, I explore the Way, the second chapter of C.S. Lewis' book, The Abolition of Man. Lewis argues for the acknowledgement of what he calls the Way or the Tao. He begins with a quote from Confucius, "It is upon the Trunk upon which the Gentlemen works."In this episode, I ride along with Lewis as he examines the Trunk and the importance of remembering the Trunk as we explore the branches of the Tree of Life."Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life."Proverbs 13:12

My friend Kevin recommended C.S. Lewis' book, The Abolition of Man. I read it and was surprised by what I found. This episode is the first of a three part series on this book. We'll cover what Lewis means by "men without chests", Star Trek, Ron DeSantis, and the Taoist conception of the way.Lewis' embrace of Eastern philosophy resonates with my study and desire to merge the best of the East with Western tradition.In the next episode, we'll cover the "trunk" the ultimate source of Truth in the Tree of Life.

Why isn't breathwork a more central part of Christian practice? This is my attempt to answer that question. It most certainly should be brought from the periphery to the center of sacred Christian practice.Breath is life. Breathwork animates the soul, connects us to the Divine, and aligns our spirit to serve His holy purpose.In this episode, I explore this question with Genesis 2:7, John 20:19-23, and the work of Carl Jung.We'll also briefly detour into the work of CS Lewis's book, "The Abolition of Man."Infinite gratitude to our Buddhist brother, Thich Nhat Hanh, for teaching me this ancient sacred practice.Christians should embrace breathwork to activate the mind, the body and the spirit.

This is the second episode on three part series on three words: light, water, and breath. These are three words that I never connected to Christianity. They are now central to why I go and why you should too.Experience the river of life by going to church.We cover two verses on water John 4:14 and John 7:37-38.I also offer a suggestion to Lutherans. We need to start sprinkling water like Catholics at the beginning of the service to cleanse our self for worship.Finally, I cover the last paragraph in Norman Maclean's book, "A River Runs Through It."I am inspired by waters.

In this episode, we explore Light of all Lights, a beacon amidst the Darkness. This is an attempt to answer the why question.Genesis 1:3-4Matthew 5:15-16 (my favorite)John 9:5John 8:12Use your gifts and let your light shine.Read about the physical and mental health benefits of light inCircadian Codeby Dr. Satchin Panda.

Have you ever tried Christian mantras? You should. Feel and experience, the Light every single day. In this episode, I explore Philippians 4:13's powerful verse, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." I learned about this verse through Norman Vincent Peale's book, "The Power of Positive Thinking." Though he didn't call them "mantras", Peale used them as such, repeating these verses of positivity throughout the day. Begin with this verse and try it this week!! Try it.

In this episode, you'll learn why mindless repetitive tasks that serve others are not mindless. They are key to superpowers within and avoiding the destruction arising not activating those powers. You'll learn about the powerful benefits that result from mind, body, and spirit. Some of your best insights may come while picking up sticks, cleaning the bathroom, chopping wood, or picking up trash. In this episode, you'll learn deeper truths about why Mr. Miyagi assigned a mindless repetitive tasks to the Karate Kid. It was not only to teach Karate. We'll also learn about a powerful book that I learned about while picking up sticks: Simply Put by Ben Guttmann. Finally, you will learn why activities are so important through Proverb 13:12. It's time to start chopping wood.

In this episode, I'll discuss fire and ice, primal forces in creation and within you. We'll discuss the work of Carl Jung, Jesus' concept of baptizing with fire, ice hiking, two texts from Malachi and Matthew, and the health influences Dr. Peter Attia and Wim Hof.

Just turned 50! I share three books from dude's at 50, reinterpret a scene from Dead Poet's and offer a Bible verse. Carpe Diem!

This episode explores the power of subtracting unnecessary: things, time expenditures, financial transactions, food, and toxic people. It's all within your control and its free!! "If you seek tranquility, do what's essential, what the logos of a social being required and in the requisite way, which brings a double satisfaction: to do less, better." Aurelius

In this episode, I explore the virtues of dogmatic dualism. Yes, I get some things are nuanced, but the vast majority of things are not: good/evil, right/wrong, black/white, yes/no, masculine/feminine; light/dark. I am not against nuance per se, but only as long as we don't forget the essential core truths that right 90% of the time. Yes, this episode, is a celebration of your conservative uncle, one of the most unnuanced people that that you know. He may think simplistically, but he's probably right most of the time. Trust dogmatic binary. Be skeptical of nuance before deviating from core truths. I explore this work through the work of Randy Pausch's Last Lecture, and the work of Carl Jung. I also offer an exercise from Pausch's book that will help connect you to the core dogmatic dualism that you should embrace.

In this episode, I review Jimmy Buffett's book "A Pirate Looks at 50", a book that covers a three week tour of Caribbean that he took for his 50th birthday. I share what I learned and didn't learn from the late great Jimmy Buffett.

Happy MLK Day! in this episode, Martin Luther King Jr's famous Letter from the Birmingham Jail and his critique of white moderates and this quote from that letter: "I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro's great stumbling block in his stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen's Counciler or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate, who is more devoted to "order" than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says: "I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I cannot agree with your methods of direct action"; who paternalistically believes he can set the timetable for another man's freedom; who lives by a mythical concept of time and who constantly advises the Negro to wait for a 'more convenient season.'" That quote powerfully resonated with me and provides a key reason why I can no longer identify as a Democrat. All talk without any skin the game or offering actual solutions of their own. I also explore what King would think of AOC and Trump.

While shopping Wal-Mart, I recently listened to a podcast with Victor Frankl's grandson, Alexander Vesely. He discussed his Frankl's book Man's Search for Meaning, one of the greatest books of the 20th century. In response to a question about Frankl's most favorite quote, Vesely identified a frequent question that everyone asked his grandfather, "What is the meaning of life?" In this episode, I explore Frankl's response and why it resonated so much with me. Wal-mart is a powerful incubator to answering some of life's most pressing questions.

Just watched Tony Robbins on Patrick Ben David's podcast and this episode covers three life changing and essential principles that Tony discussed with PBD. Get out the pen, write it down, and apply it!!

This episode covers three life changing sentences from Marcus Aurelius. Well being in three simple steps.

I am doing dry January. In this episode, I explain why going dry for at least a month is so important. I share my own experience with chronic, unhealthy alcohol use, cover the benefits, offer some tips, and if there is such a thing as healthy use.

First episode of 2025! I watched NFL Quarterback Aaron Rogers' documentary (Enigma) over the Christmas break and I wanted to respond to Aaron Rogers critique of Christianity. You're always welcome to return back to the light Aaron Rogers!! I'll discuss John 1:1-14. Show Notes 00:00 - Introduction to Aaron Rodgers and Christianity 01:29 - Aaron Rodgers' Background and Critique of Christianity 05:06 - Response to Aaron Rodgers' Critique 15:18 - Understanding God as Light 23:32 - The Role of Grace and Truth in Christianity 30:22 - The Importance of Community and Conversation 36:29 - Conclusion and Future Conversations

I admit it. I didn't like this book. Is it ok to say that on today's college campus? This episode explores that question and the need to have authentic conversations on race in the United States. Show Notes 00:00 - Introduction to Ta-Nehisi Coates' Work 02:53 - Personal Journey to Discovering the Book 06:12 - The Genesis and Background of the Book 09:05 - Critique of the Book's Themes and Messages 12:00 - Exploring Race Relations in America 15:12 - The Impact of Coates' Writing on Society 18:02 - The Role of Education in Race Conversations 20:49 - Personal Reflections on Race and Success 24:09 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Coates' Work

Summary In this episode, Rockne Cole discusses the influential work of Nassim Taleb, particularly focusing on his book 'Anti-Fragile'. He explores Taleb's unique perspective as the 'unphilosopher of reality', emphasizing the importance of skepticism towards grand theories and the value of practical experience over academic knowledge. Key concepts such as iatrogenics and doxastic commitment are introduced, highlighting the significance of non-intervention and authenticity in decision-making. Cole advocates for Taleb's work as essential reading for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of life and reality. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Nassim Taleb 01:29 - The Unphilosopher of Reality 06:14 - Academics vs. Practitioners 11:03 - Key Concepts: Iatrogenics and Doxastic Commitment 19:33 - The Importance of Non-Intervention 25:10 - Doxastic Commitment Explained 30:27 - Authenticity and Skin in the Game 35:41 - Conclusion and Recommendations