Life 2.0

Listen Within

Intuition is defined as: "the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning." Well, I don't know about the "immediately" part when it comes to my own life, because I usually need a few spiritual 2X4's upside my ego, but learning to "go within, so you don't have to go without" is a critical part of the human performance system-that so often goes unused. Add to that, the importance of having an "external hard-drive" or platform you can store all the stuff you don't need, so it doesn't drag you off into the landfill of life, and it's another episodic adventure in common sense for uncommon times.

Celebrating LaVilla!

In 1967, Salvatore Canale ventured out from the small town of Altavilla Milicia in Sicily and embarked on a journey to Chicago with his wife, son, and daughter. Salvatore dreamed of bringing a piece of his background to Chicago and sharing it with others. In 1972, he opened a small carry-out establishment in Chicago and called it La Villa.

Salvatore took pride in his pizza and enjoyed entertaining the neighborhood kids by flipping pizza dough in the window. After outgrowing the original location, in 1976, Salvatore relocated the business to its current location.​

50 years since its original opening, La Villa has expanded from a small carry-out window, to an iconic nationally known restaurant! Salvatore passed away in 2018,  but his recipes and success live on through his daughter Christina and family, who have continued offering customers authentic Italian food and are celebrating one-half century in business!

On Being Human

Two months of production work on "John Denver Remembered: The Man & His Music" has me looking at my own life, in the 25 years since John passed away. What are the gains and losses? Then, a trip to the antique auto auction becomes a reminder of who decides what the value of something is, and to wrap up, I give JD the last word (literally) with rare audio from "On Being Human" a talk he gave in 1980. 

John Denver Remembered: The Man & His Music

25 years after his death, on October 12th, 1997- John Denver still remains a formidable presence in the world, as his music and humanitarian efforts live on in the lives of millions of people. This tribute is filled with music and memories, songs and stories from Annie Denver and Ron Deutschendorf, Hall of Fame musicians John Oates and Richie Furay, country star John Berry and conductor Richard Kaufman. Add in some great moments from Bill Kurtis, Jim Horn, David Stoddard, Ron Lemire and Renee Armand, as well as thoughts from fans and friends around the world and you have a wonderful remembrance of one of the world's most beloved entertainers. This is a special 3 hour "Director's Cut" version of the radio program that aired on October 9th, 2022. 

Conversations with Bob

In 2017, my longtime friend and colleague, the world renowned speaker and author, Steve Rizzo, sent  me a rough draft of a book idea he had (or more aptly put had him) called "Conversations with Bob." The book was formed out of some of the lowest points in Steve's life, and its riveting, impactful and profound. It's the story of Bernie, who is a down in the dumps, life did me wrong guy, who finds himself asking questions of Bob, who just happens to be God. A must listen, and read from Steve Rizzo. 

Fletcher Street Memories

It's a pretty rare thing, to have a friendship that goes back to my early years on Fletcher Street. Rarer still, that even though there's been a half-century (or more) that has gone by, since my first, best buddy Garry and I spent time playing GJ Joe, baseball in the lumberyard or being at the the helm of "Seaview" (his back porch) that we found each other again, and the memories flooded back like a wave. Time is an illusion, when it comes to the fact that a couple of guys in their 60s, are magically transported back to being boys-and instantly become younger-just by having breakfast.

Wisdom of Wayne Dyer

When I received a request for copies of my books this past week, it had me thinking about the many teachers I have had in my life. In particular, my friend the late, great Dr. Wayne Dyer, who passed along some great reminders about seeing the world, and your life, from higher ground.

Fish or Politics?

So, what does the senate race in Pennsylvania between Dr. Oz and John Fetterman, have to do with a Betta Fish? Well...you'll have to listen to find out. Bottom line is that one way or another, we're all funding our own fears, and contributing to the division and chaos, whether we like or...or not.

STRETCH IT!

One of the great truths of life, is that you are gonna be stretched in ways that are often uncomfortable, but can also produce incredible results if you are aware of them. Sometimes, we need someone to take us past our comfort level with an imposed stretch, one that we cannot achieve on our own. That's exactly what happened when I took a free session to be strapped down on a table, and have my muscles pushed and pulled in ways they never had been before. 

Lessons of the Game

I played 18 seasons of football, and the lessons of the game, have far outlived my three point stance. But, you don't need to play the game, to apply the fundamentals that contribute to a winning effort in life. 

The helmet in the corner of my studio under glass, signed by HOF Packer Jerry Kramer inscribed with "Passion, Persistence, Commitment and Discipline" are reminders of the foundational pieces of a successful effort-no matter what the outcome of the game is.

"The only way you really lose, is if you quit on yourself"-a message delivered to me by my high school coach nearly 50 years ago, is all important today.

Don't need to strap on a helmet to understand the importance of that concept.