The Long Road

It's amazing how much improvement you can gain with strength with just a few "proper" reps in a few days or weeks. Today's episode is about bar dips and strength gains, so hit the bar! Get your dips on mates!*Music by Matt Bradford

A somber show today after yet another school shooting in the States...and some reflections as someone who works daily with 8-10 year old children.*Music by Matt Bradford

Here's a quick read and commentary from 1937 on "Natural Activities" of man in terms of fundamental movements plus citations on artificial exercises and a really good section on how to begin your day based upon the history of physiology. Source: "EXERCISE and HEALTH" by Jesse Feiring Williams, A.B., M.D. (1937)*Music by Matt Bradford

I thought we were over this madness about decreasing recess in elementary schools--but apparently not. This episode digs into a recent school district in Kansas that decreased recess to focus more on STEM subjects "inside" the building. Why?!Source: "10-minute recess? It's a reality for students at one Sedgwick County school this year" by Lindsay Smith (The Wichita Eagle; August 14, 2025)Photo: Central Park Playground (1942)*Music by Matt Bradford

Here's a nice story about a conversation I had with one of my 5th-grade boys about his ACTIVE 78 year old grandfather. Enjoy!RJ's PE RULES:PAY ATTENTION!Be ACTIVE.Know YOUR Body.*Music by Matt Bradford

With all this hoopla on the reformation of the President's Council to help youth fitness, sports, etc., I decided to explore the original Executive Order 10673 signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956. I discovered a few good talking points.Learn more about the Kraus-Weber Test for Postural Fitness *Music by Matt Bradford

Adding to yesterday's episode on the stupidity of the new "fitness challenge" by Pete and Bobby...what about the girls? 100 Push-Ups and 50 Pull-Ups for little girls too? It's insanity...AND, it's child abuse.*Music by Matt Bradford*Photo by Ron Jones

The new "Pete and Bobby Challenge" is completely out of line with what American youth can and should be doing in physical fitness. 50 Pull-Ups and 100 Push-Ups in less than ten minutes?!!! What are you thinking?!!! It's outright child abuse, and yes, I back this up in the show. Please listen and start rationally thinking about what needs to be done instead of listening to irrational propaganda like 150 reps of child abuse.Reference Links:"The Motivation Factor" Documentary FilmFM 21-20 Physical Training Manual, US Dept. of War (1946)*Music courtesy of Matt Bradford

Wilding youth out of control. Anarchy and chaos. Just "Book 'em" all then throw away the keys while we put teens into prisons for adult crimes? While this can provide short-term solutions...consider the long road both to and away from 2025.*Photo by Ron Jones

Many people do not have the capacity to appreciate nice things or things that matter. Are they forever lost? Throwaways? Here are some rambling thoughts with historical context.*Photo Credit: "RJ and Vintage Discus" by Antje Anders

Some people seem to moan with every movement--even many "fitness" people? Why? How does this impact your mindset?

I had a little girl in PE yesterday who came into class in a very BAD mood...by the end of class she was smiling and laughing. Movement can really move your mood from bad to good.

This is the first week of school. I started my lessons with a short section on the "Dead Hang" which is just hanging still on a pull-up bar, but don't be fooled! There are MANY benefits to this simple gravity training exercise.Here's one of my videos on how to get kids to play on bars: "Brachiation Bar Hang Play"

Some quick updates on US events--the Texas flooding, Juneteenth shooting in Tulsa, and yet another youth gone wild shooting spree in Indiana...yes, we have a serious cultural problem.*Photo by Ron Jones

After an extended break as the world changed, I'm back and entrenched in some social media drama. I was accused of being okay with journalists being shot by rubber bullets because I did not jump onto the mob mentality bandwagon to tar, feather, and sentence the law enforcement officer who shot the female Aussie journalist at the NO KINGS Los Angeles riot. It's never just one thing! Let's break it down like we are preparing to go to court...the NO KINGS people seem to be rallying for due process, so let's see just how much they can tolerate looking at the other sides too.*Photo by Ron Jones. "NO KINGS Tulsa-Rainbow Bubbles" Copyright 2025.

Here's a little story about one of my PE girls learning self-confidence and life through a simple balance challenge. Enjoy! :)*Photo: RJ @ Rock House

Here's a short passage from 1937 on exercise cults and fads and how they related to exercise fads and gadgets and exercising to get muscles strong--or living in such a way that produces whole health and well-being.Source: "Exercise and Health" by Jesse Feiring Williams, A.B., M.D.; Professor of Physical Education, Teachers College, Columbia University; National Health Series; Edited by the National Health Council (1937).*Photo by Ron Jones

I was shocked to see a size 58 belt last week, and it made me think deeply about how this can happen to people. I have worked with many obese people in my career, and one of my favorite populations to help with health are middle-aged obese women ready to change...however, it would be so much easier if people did not completely give up on themselves and their health.Why do people completely abandon health so early in life?

Is anyone else having significant problems understanding what people are saying? Can you understand what they are attempting to write? It seems that we have a real communication breakdown from oral to written--and especially with children. Here are a few observations, some thoughts, and some interesting reading from an 1800s elementary school textbook.Reference: "McGuffey's Fourth Eclectic Reader" (Revised Edition, 1879)*Photo by Ron Jones

In a follow-up to my LA Fire and California fire history podcasts, here's an interesting look at the history and origins of "Smokey Bear" who went on to become the longest-running PSA in American history with a 96% brand recognition.Related Podcasts: Feral Fire History of California; LA FIRESReferences: SmokeyBear.com; The Aggie; NPR; Tread Magazine; American University.*Photo by Ron Jones

 1929 marked more than a stock market crash; it also marked a stern warning about the pending crash of American College Athletics if they continued to commercialize and professionalize college athletics. As usual, we did not listen. Here's what we knew in 1929 and what we should be following in 2025 to course correct, or, we can use the information as criteria to cancel sports programs altogether if they do not enhance our national life.At this point, what real cultural value do American sports programs offer for improving our nation, our culture, and the human condition?Source: "AMERICAN COLLEGE ATHLETICS" by Howard J. Savage, Staff Member, Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, and Harold W. Bentley, John T. McGovern, Dean F. Smiley, M.D.; Bulletin Number Twenty-Three (1929) *This is the full version; I used an abbreviated version for the podcast.

I lost one of my best students a couple of weeks ago who needed to relocate to a different school district. Despite her short years, she was truly a "holder of the flame" of life energy that lights a path for others to follow. In Native history, the person who held the flame for the tribe had a sacred position; I think this still exists somehow.Every once in a while, you meet someone who seems to feel a lot more and has a much deeper understanding of life--and sometimes they are just a few years old. Good luck young grasshopper...keep the light bright.*Photo by Ron Jones

"No people has ever yet done great and lasting work if its physical type was infirm and weak."Here's a great article written by Teddy Roosevelt in 1890 on the benefits of manly exercises and other outdoor activities and the ills of professional sports and professional athletes...he references ancient Rome...we have been warned. Is anyone listening?Reference: "Professionalism" in Sports by Theodore Roosevelt, The North American Review; Vol. 151, No. 405; pp. 187-191 (AUG 1890)*Photo by Ron Jones

I just watched the news coverage of the recent plane crash in Toronto. The plane flipped completely upside down upon crash landing, and one of the passengers actually took a video of herself upside down while strapped into her seat--INSTEAD OF GETTING OUT OF THE PLANE!Have we completely lost our minds through propaganda programming?*Photo by Ron Jones

In view of the numerous health problems Americans have that are related to sexual issues, I need to take a respectful and scholarly approach to discuss: sex, orgasms, and improving whole health through healthier sexual relations. Many of the topics today are taboo for some because of social beliefs or absolute embarrassment, but again, I'm sharing some insights and some of my reading research to help people understand what lies under so many health issues from weight loss to movement constrictions to mental health and more--and it's about sex--or the absence of it altogether. Take what works for you; discard what does not apply...and take care of yourself too. Here are the books I recommended at the end of the show:"Ending Female Pain: A Woman's Manual; The Ultimate Self-Help Guide for Women Suffering from Chronic Pelvic and Sexual Pain" by Isa Herrera, MSPT, CSCS (2009)"Women's Anatomy of Arousal" by Sheri Winston, CNM, RN, BSN, LMT (2017)"Tantric Intimacy" by Katrina Bos (2017)"Sandstone Seduction: Rivers and Lovers, Canyons and Friends" by Katie Lee (2004)"Maps to Ecstasy: teachings of an urban shaman" by Gabrielle Roth (1989)*"Sensual Orchids" photo by Ron Jones

Here's a fun share from American author Norman Mailer on the Hipster's relationship to sexuality and orgasm. Enjoy!*Source: "The White Negro" by Norman Mailer (1957)

Psychoanalyst Robert Linder wrote, "By nature, man is a rebel." Yet, when consumed by the myth of adjustment, and subsequent domestication, the Mass Man becomes a prisoner of conformity selling his soul to go along to get along. Here's another passage from Linder as he so eloquently explains the above social psychology.Source: "Prescription for Rebellion" by Robert Linder (1952)*Photo by Ron Jones

"A fully developed and individualized sense of self, a strong ego, is a necessity for everyone who desires freedom."Here's another passage by American psychoanalyst Robert M. Linder. The roles so many of us play at the expense of even knowing ourselves...who are we? Why are we here? What do we stand for? Are we mere actors on the stage of life going from one prostituted role to the next depending upon the immediate pet trick request?As it has long been written..."Know Thyself"Source: "Prescription for Rebellion" by Robert Linder (1952)

"You are not fragile. Engage." One of my good friends, who is a combat veteran, gave me a small green book entitled, "RULES FOR A KNIGHT." It's a book passed around with returning combat veterans and PTSD groups. The book re-enters Circa 1483 with so many great passages that I found quite profound. I highly recommend reading it...then passing it along to others too.*Source: "RULES FOR A KNIGHT" by Ethan Hawke (Cited Edition 2020)

"Adjustment is, rather, an insiduous force that has played, and plays now, a significant role in the affairs of men and their civilizations. Careless allegiance to it has had drastic consequences." -Rober Linder (1952)Another fascinating share from psychoanalyst Robert M. Linder as he explains the human psychology of expanding out towards the frontiers and edges and how the reverse patterns decay and destroy through societal decline. This is a different way to explain the "Cycles of Civilization" that are so well documented throughout time...all societies follow these predictable patterns, so if you want to know where America is going--here you go. If you don't like it, change course.Source: "Prescription for Rebellion" by Robert M. Linder (1952).

We'll get back to a straight-up PE topic today--the importance and teaching methods for learning the illusive "Hip Hinge" movement. Take an interesting trip with me while I explain some methods, cueing, and philosophy behind how and why I teach the hip hinge as we go from the technical to the tears to the triumphs!Also see: Ivan Ivanov Bulgarian Bag Demo Video *Photo by Ron Jones: Ivan Ivanov with Bulgarian Bags & The Path of Glory

Here's a rational rant about numerous ways we infantize American youth. The end result is wrapped up by "Super Bowl" rings for youth football champions. Lest we forget what history has clearly taught...that failure is mandatory for success.*Photo by Ron Jones

Another short passage from the brilliant American psychologist Robert Linder and his book, "Prescription for Rebellion." Today, Linder and Chapter V "Adjustment: Causes and Consequences." What have been the life patterns of mankind? Here's the bumper sticker version according to Linder.Source: "Prescription for Rebellion" by Robert M. Linder (1952).

"The problem that faces humankind at this moment in history is a problem in conversion." --Robert LinderHere's another brief share by American psychologist Robert M. Linder. This passage comes from his book, "Prescription for Rebellion." Consider the attributes of rebellion and non-conformity to the contribution and elevation of mankind...the arts, free thinkers, those who dared to question...and resist.Source: "Prescription for Rebellion" by Robert M. Linder (1952).*Photo by Ron Jones @ The Last Book Store, Los Angeles, CA

I made another observation while at Costco last week. This time it was a nice senior couple in front of me in line that was dressed really nice--so nice it got me thinking that they were out of step with the current times.

I've already updated my show notes from my earlier episode today entitled, "Feral Fire History of California", but many of my listeners never read the show notes. Therefore, I felt obligated to do a quick podcast update. I have referred to the total number of acres burned in California for the years 2019, 2020, and 2021, but those numbers represented the FIRE SUPPRESSION COSTS in US dollars. To see the full referenced report, see below. I'm sorry about the confusion!"California Fire History: A Visual" by the Western Fire Chiefs Association. Original date of publication November 17, 2022. My version was updated on April 24, 2024. The link above was just updated a few days ago.*"Thompson Fire" photo by Ron Jones

"Most of California is built to burn: it has fires to match its mountains." -Stephen Pyne, Fire Historian*ERROR CORRECTION: At 20:40 into the episode, I made a reading error by reporting "Cost of Fire Suppression" in CA mistakenly as the total volume of "Acres Burned." The specifics for "Costs of Suppression" in CA for the three years I mentioned were: 2019=$447 million; 2020=1.23 million; and 2021=$1.17 million. Sorry for the error. (Source: "History of California Wildfires," November 2022; Western Fire Chiefs Association)Like many, I was overwhelmed by the catastrophic fires recently in Los Angeles. I felt obligated to dive into the actual history of fires in my home state of California. While I thought I had a decent understanding of Native wisdom of forest management to clean the forest and prevent mega-fires, I quickly realized during my last couple of weeks of research that there was a lot more to understand. I hope this episode helps you to better understand the long history of California fires and how important native wisdom was to prevent the current biblical force fires by having more "good" (significantly smaller) cultural burns. "We need more burning by good fire-a lot more-while pushing for less by bad fire." -Stephen PyneIn summary, it's not a water problem; it's a fuel problem.Here are some important references I mentioned in the episode:Fire Historian, author, and Arizona State University emeritus professor Stephen Pyne's "Fire Fundamentals: A Primer on Wildland Fire for Journalists"Coalition of Prescribed Fire Councils (great source of graphics for statistical summaries per year for US fires)

I warned people years ago about a "flashpoint" in Los Angeles that would rage across SoCal like a wildfire ripping residents into anarchy and chaos beyond the Watts and Rodney King riots...the figurative and literal flashpoint has arrived. My deeper concern is that the predicted and pending anarchy and chaos in LA could be a flashpoint for the whole country. Stay aware and on alert.*Photo Credit: "Thompson Fire" by Ron Jones

*LANGUAGE DISCLAIMER!Los Angeles fires straight talk and NO BS as a Southern California native whose family moved to California in the 1890s. Enough is enough. *Photo Credit: RJ Yoga @ Huntington Beach, CA

I took a road trip to Missouri a few weeks ago because I had a consulting job for a public health department there for professional development. On this episode, I share some of my journaling thoughts and the importance of road trips and writing things down. Enjoy!*Photo Credit: "College Street Cafe Dawn" by Ron Jones

I dropped by Costco right before New Year's for a few supplies. While waiting to check out, I noticed twin boys about a year and a half old in the cart in front of me. They had NO devices and were noticing things around them...it's worth a show to discuss the positive benefits of your kids looking around at things besides a ridiculous electronic device.*Photo by Ron Jones

"You must adjust...This is the creed of the sciences that have sold themselves to the status quo..."Here's another short passage from psychoanalyst Dr. Robert Linder on what essentially is the current "Conformity Industrial Complex" and the utter insanity of the power whores beating the masses to conform...and sell their souls of humanity in the process. RESIST!*Source: "Must You Conform?" by Robert Linder (1956)

In Dr. Robert Linder's 1956 book, "Must You Conform?", Linder cites Orwell's "1984" book published in 1949 with this passage from O'Brien the Inquisitor...we have been forewarned...is anyone listening?*Source: "Must You Conform?" by Robert Linder (1956)

More from psychoanalist Dr. Robert M. Linder's 1956 book, "Must You Conform?" This passage deals with the history of "one" ruling class.*Source: "Must You Conform?" by Robert Linder (1956)

We return to psychoanalyst Dr. Robert M. Linder (1914-1956) with a passage on the "bed of despair" and how frontiers and outlets for aggression are essential for the health of societies. *Source: "Must You Conform?" by Robert Linder (1956)

It's been a while since I have shared a passage from this amazing 1914 book...here's another passage about thinking right and fighting the good fight...alone as needed...I hope it inspires you as it did for thousands of others before us.*Source: "PEP: Poise--Efficiency--Peace. A Book on Hows Not Whys For Physical and Mental Efficiency" by COL. WM. C. HUNTER (1914), pages 81-83

A short passage shared today from a fascinating book I'm still reading by psychoanalyst Dr. Robert M. Linder (1914-1956) on "abandoned solitude" and his warnings on how giving up reflective time alone negatively impacts mental health.Dr. Linder also wrote "Rebel Without a Cause: The Hypnoanalysis of a Criminal Psychopath" and "The 50 Minute-Hour: A Collection of True Psychoanalytic Tales."Source: "Must You Conform?" by Robert Linder (1956)

"Lord, keep us alive until we're dead." -WWII ParatroopersAre you more dead than alive? How do you "RE-create" your mind, body, and spirit?Photo: RJ @ Havasupai Village 

I need to set the record straight on Veterans Day. There would be NO Veterans Day without physical fitness because there would be no military to serve! Most people do not get this important connection between physical "readiness" and military service.

"You don't want to work, you want to live like a kingBut the big, bad world doesn't owe you a thing"-The EaglesSpinning off a great song by The Eagles, GET OVER IT! We have work to do to save what is left of our country. Conservatives had to "get over it" when Obama was elected and also Biden...so now it's the Democrats' turn. Get over it. Put your boots on. Get back to work...oh! You don't want to work and get "free" money? GET OVER IT.*Reference: "Get Over It" by Don Henley and Glenn Frey (1994).

Some reflective thoughts on the eve of what is likely the most important American "election" of all time. Pay attention. Best to you mates.*Photo by Ron Jones