Rebuilding Rob

  • Let the Madness begin!

    Let the Madness begin!

    It’s March Madness 2026! As Kid 1 heads to the tournament with the Wisconsin Badgers, I’m breaking down my bracket, navigating family loyalty, and explaining why my heart (and my pick) still lies with the Michigan Wolverines.

  • Silent, But Not ‘Strong and Silent’

    Silent, But Not ‘Strong and Silent’

    What does it really look like when a man goes through a tough time? It isn’t always the “strong, silent” archetype we see in the movies. Sometimes, it’s just the silence. Exploring the “teacher armor,” the reality of depression, and why withdrawal is actually a form of self-preservation.

  • Episode 6: The Digital Paper Trail is LIVE!

    Episode 6: The Digital Paper Trail is LIVE!

    From a 6th-grade steno pad to a 926-day digital streak, Episode 6 of Rebuilding Rob explores the “Digital Paper Trail.” Discover how a 2012 text message from my STBX became the catalyst for a 14-year life rebuild. I don’t just write about what I think—I write to find out what…

  • The Selfishness of a Blind Eye

    The Selfishness of a Blind Eye

    Is ignoring red flags just passivity, or is it a form of selfishness? In “The Selfishness of a Blind Eye,” Rob explores why we often choose situational blindness when we want a specific outcome too badly to face the truth. From poorly planned trips to Madison to the long-term impact…

  • Rob weighs in on… The World Baseball Classic

    Rob weighs in on… The World Baseball Classic

    Tonight, St. Patrick’s Night, Team USA faces Venezuela in the 2026 WBC Final. Rob explores the origins of the Classic, the passion of the international game, and his own dreams of chasing ballparks in Japan and Cuba.

  • The Audacity of Wanting More

    The Audacity of Wanting More

    What happens when you stop apologizing for wanting more? For years, I used “I’m sorry” as a shield and a bridge, often standing in my own way to avoid conflict. In this post, I explore the shift from reflexive passivity to “Option C”—choosing yourself without the need for a breaking…

  • Reflections on a Two-Fold Weekend

    Reflections on a Two-Fold Weekend

    Reflecting on a weekend of sibling bonds, the “kid hangover,” and a significant meeting between Kid 1 and Veronica. A look at life in a non-traditional family.

  • The 36-Year Echo: A Lesson from a French Information Booth

    The 36-Year Echo: A Lesson from a French Information Booth

    A simple question asked in broken French outside a Parisian church led to a compliment that has echoed for 36 years. Discover how a brief encounter in 1990 at the Sacré-Cœur shifted a 16-year-old’s perspective on culture, connection, and the audacity of trying.

  • Driving Through the Exhaustion

    Driving Through the Exhaustion

    Protecting your family is more than just a duty; it’s a “100% Policy” that defines every choice you make. From standing your ground in a narrowing social circle to pulling a solo all-night drive from Madison to Detroit so your son can sleep, the cost of an extraordinary timeline is…

  • 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…