Rebuilding Rob

  • Rob Ranks: Star Trek Starfleet Academy, season 1

    Rob Ranks: Star Trek Starfleet Academy, season 1

    Is Star Trek: Starfleet Academy actually good? After the season 1 finale, Rob ranks every episode from the “least great” to the “absolute best.” From the mystery of the 32nd-century Klingons in “Vox in Excelso” to the return of Sylvia Tilly, see where your favorite episodes landed in this definitive…

  • Enough (A Rumination On Money, Family, And Late Night Drives).

    Enough (A Rumination On Money, Family, And Late Night Drives).

    What does it actually mean to have ‘enough’ money? Reflecting on a shoestring road trip from Detroit to Madison, I explore the difference between being ‘filthy rich’ and simply having the peace of mind to show up for your family without the weight of financial worry.

  • Rob Reviews: Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, episode 10 “Rubincon”

    Rob Reviews: Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, episode 10 “Rubincon”

    Does Alex Kurtzman stick the landing? Dive into our beat-for-beat review of the Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Season 1 finale, “Rubincon.” We break down the shocking revelations about Ake’s past, Paul Giamatti’s powerhouse performance, and that long-awaited fleet arrival. Plus, a final grade for the season!

  • The Silent Boundary & The Science of Sleep

    The Silent Boundary & The Science of Sleep

    When the world is loud, how do you find the quiet? For the “Sleepless Knight,” falling asleep is the final stage of decompressing from the day. By leaning into intentional exhaustion, choosing “Option C,” and utilizing tools like a CPAP and binaural beats, I’m finally learning how to shut out…

  • Episode 5: The Hum is now LIVE!

    Episode 5: The Hum is now LIVE!

    11 years of loss. 14 years of grit. Episode 5 of the podcast explores “The Hum” of the rebuild, the 100% Policy, and why moving slowly is still moving forward.

  • The Daily Calibration: Strength Without the Scream

    The Daily Calibration: Strength Without the Scream

    Discover why the hardest part of being “mellow” is knowing when to push back. Explore a journey from a “Detroit yeller” to finding true strength in gentleness.

  • The Autonomy and the Hum

    The Autonomy and the Hum

    Exploring the balance between absolute autonomy and the quiet ‘hum’ of living alone in the Post X2 era. From the 3:00 AM gym trips to navigating the ‘Kid Hangover,’ this reflection dives into the intentional rebuilding of a life and the comfort found in the silence.

  • Why the Small Screen is Winning

    Why the Small Screen is Winning

    Comparing the current state of Star Trek, Star Wars, and the MCU: Why TV series offer better character development than the 120-minute blockbuster. Exploring the “diminishing returns” of Hollywood sequels and why, at 52, I find more value in a well-paced TV arc than the latest superhero spectacle

  • The Paradox of “Not Caring”

    The Paradox of “Not Caring”

    What happens when you stop pretending you don’t care? From the Are We Dating the Same Guy (AWDTSG) Facebook group drama to the quiet realization that a relationship has run its course, this post explores the psychology of indifference. Discover why Option C isn’t about winning—it’s about the moment you…

  • A Letter to the Boy Who Wanted Mars

    A Letter to the Boy Who Wanted Mars

    What would your 10-year-old self think of the man you’ve become? In this raw “Letter to Self,” I’m reconciling the 1970s dreams of NASA space colonies with the 2026 reality of being a teacher, a writer, and a father. From the “Dad Armor” we wear for our children to the…