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Our Only Hope
My appreciation for Star Wars has shifted significantly over the years, moving from Luke Skywalker to the complex, tragic, and resilient Obi-Wan Kenobi. If the galaxy needed a new leader, would a “failed” Jedi be the right person for the job? I discuss why Obi-Wan’s humility and commitment to the…
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Rob Reviews: Masters of the Universe (2026)
Masters of the Universe (2026) is a nostalgic, candy-colored love letter to the 1980s that manages to bridge the gap between classic toy-line charm and modern blockbuster sensibilities. From Idris Elba’s standout performance as Man-At-Arms to a surprisingly sinister Skeletor, this review dives into whether the film is a true…
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Waiting to Swim: Unlearning the Ghost Rules of My Childhood
We grow up accepting the “rules” handed down to us—like waiting an hour to swim after eating—without ever questioning their origin. But building an empire starts with auditing your own mind. In today’s post, I explore how I’ve moved past the irrational fears and “ghost rules” of my childhood to…
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Rob Reflects: The Audacity of Choosing Third Gear
Is the ‘checklist’ for happiness a trap? After a divorce in his 50s, Rob reflects on the “kid hangover,” the folly of societal expectations, and finding wholeness through a new philosophy: The Third Gear. Discover why the best relationships aren’t 50-50, but 100-100, and how to stop chasing the puzzle…
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My journey through text, page, and track
How do we become who we are? From the idealism of Dead Poets Society to the uncompromising discipline of Malcolm X and the raw, cathartic power of Metallica’s “One,” I’m looking back at the three pieces of media that didn’t just entertain me—they shifted my perspective and helped build the…
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Rob Reads: The Audacity of Choosing Yourself
Is ‘solomaxxing’ just a trend, or a survival strategy? In this edition of Rob Reads, I explore why more people are choosing to be intentionally single—and why reclaiming your autonomy is the ultimate act of self-preservation in a complex world. Join me as we break down the reality of the…
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The “Option C” Version of Of Mice and Men
What if the “American Dream” didn’t have to end in tragedy? As an English teacher, I’ve spent years analyzing Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, but today, I’m exploring the version of the story I wish existed—where George and Lennie choose “Option C” and finally find their way to that farm.
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The Architecture of Language: What My Students Taught Me About My Own Tongue
“Ever wonder why we learn more about English grammar when studying a second language? A reflection on the mechanics of speech, ‘The Little Prince,’ and teaching.”
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The Balance of Stillness and Action: Advice for the Next Generation
What is the best advice to give someone younger than you? It requires balancing the art of slowing down to appreciate life with the audacity to act. Drawing on timeless wisdom from the Aeneid to Ferris Bueller, I explore how presence and boldness work together to eliminate the paralysis of…
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The Art of Not Blinking: Why Ukraine’s Fight is My Own
Why does the Ukrainian struggle inspire me? From a TV actor to a wartime president, here is how Zelenskyy’s audacity reshaped my perspective on perseverance.