RockneCAST

My friend Kevin recommended C.S. Lewis' book, The Abolition of Man . I read it and was surprised by what I found. This episode is the first of a three part series on this book. We'll cover what Lewis means by "men without chests", Star Trek, Ron DeSantis, and the Taoist conception of the way. Lewis' embrace of Eastern philosophy resonates with my study and desire to merge the...

Why isn't breathwork a more central part of Christian practice? This is my attempt to answer that question. It most certainly should be brought from the periphery to the center of sacred Christian practice. Breath is life. Breathwork animates the soul, connects us to the Divine, and aligns our spirit to serve His holy purpose. In this episode, I explore this question with Genesis 2:7, John 20:19-2...

This is the second episode on three part series on three words: light, water, and breath. These are three words that I never connected to Christianity. They are now central to why I go and why you should too. Experience the river of life by going to church. We cover two verses on water John 4:14 and John 7:37-38. I also offer a suggestion to Lutherans. We need to start sprinkling water like Cathol...

In this episode, we explore Light of all Lights, a beacon amidst the Darkness. This is an attempt to answer the why question. Genesis 1:3-4 Matthew 5:15-16 (my favorite) John 9:5 John 8:12 Use your gifts and let your light shine. Read about the physical and mental health benefits of light in Circadian Code by Dr. Satchin Panda.

Have you ever tried Christian mantras? You should. Feel and experience, the Light every single day. In this episode, I explore Philippians 4:13's powerful verse, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." I learned about this verse through Norman Vincent Peale's book, "The Power of Positive Thinking." Though he didn't call them "mantras", Pea...

In this episode, you'll learn why mindless repetitive tasks that serve others are not mindless. They are key to superpowers within and avoiding the destruction arising not activating those powers. You'll learn about the powerful benefits that result from mind, body, and spirit. Some of your best insights may come while picking up sticks, cleaning the bathroom, chopping wood, or picking up...

In this episode, I'll discuss fire and ice, primal forces in creation and within you. We'll discuss the work of Carl Jung, Jesus' concept of baptizing with fire, ice hiking, two texts from Malachi and Matthew, and the health influences Dr. Peter Attia and Wim Hof.

Just turned 50! I share three books from dude's at 50, reinterpret a scene from Dead Poet's and offer a Bible verse. Carpe Diem!

This episode explores the power of subtracting unnecessary: things, time expenditures, financial transactions, food, and toxic people. It's all within your control and its free!! "If you seek tranquility, do what's essential, what the logos of a social being required and in the requisite way, which brings a double satisfaction: to do less, better." Aurelius

In this episode, I explore the virtues of dogmatic dualism. Yes, I get some things are nuanced, but the vast majority of things are not: good/evil, right/wrong, black/white, yes/no, masculine/feminine; light/dark. I am not against nuance per se, but only as long as we don't forget the essential core truths that right 90% of the time. Yes, this episode, is a celebration of your conservative unc...

In this episode, I review Jimmy Buffett's book "A Pirate Looks at 50" , a book that covers a three week tour of Caribbean that he took for his 50th birthday. I share what I learned and didn't learn from the late great Jimmy Buffett.

Happy MLK Day! in this episode, Martin Luther King Jr's famous Letter from the Birmingham Jail and his critique of white moderates and this quote from that letter: "I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro's great stumbling block in his stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen's Counciler or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate, who is more devo...

While shopping Wal-Mart, I recently listened to a podcast with Victor Frankl's grandson, Alexander Vesely. He discussed his Frankl's book Man's Search for Meaning, one of the greatest books of the 20th century. In response to a question about Frankl's most favorite quote, Vesely identified a frequent question that everyone asked his grandfather, "What is the meaning of life?&q...

Just watched Tony Robbins on Patrick Ben David's podcast and this episode covers three life changing and essential principles that Tony discussed with PBD. Get out the pen, write it down, and apply it!!

This episode covers three life changing sentences from Marcus Aurelius. Well being in three simple steps.

I am doing dry January. In this episode, I explain why going dry for at least a month is so important. I share my own experience with chronic, unhealthy alcohol use, cover the benefits, offer some tips, and if there is such a thing as healthy use.

First episode of 2025! I watched NFL Quarterback Aaron Rogers' documentary (Enigma) over the Christmas break and I wanted to respond to Aaron Rogers critique of Christianity. You're always welcome to return back to the light Aaron Rogers!! I'll discuss John 1:1-14. Show Notes 00:00 - Introduction to Aaron Rodgers and Christianity 01:29 - Aaron Rodgers' Background and Critique of Christianity 05:06...

I admit it. I didn't like this book . Is it ok to say that on today's college campus? This episode explores that question and the need to have authentic conversations on race in the United States. Show Notes 00:00 - Introduction to Ta-Nehisi Coates' Work 02:53 - Personal Journey to Discovering the Book 06:12 - The Genesis and Background of the Book 09:05 - Critique of the Book's Themes and Message...

Summary In this episode, Rockne Cole discusses the influential work of Nassim Taleb, particularly focusing on his book 'Anti-Fragile'. He explores Taleb's unique perspective as the 'unphilosopher of reality', emphasizing the importance of skepticism towards grand theories and the value of practical experience over academic knowledge. Key concepts such as iatrogenics and doxastic commitment are int...

Overview In this episode of the Rocking Cast, Rockne Cole introduces the concept of Stoic Fridays, focusing on the principles of Stoicism and its impact on personal responsibility and joy. He discusses key passages from Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, emphasizing the importance of focusing on what one can control, embracing obstacles, and finding joy in human actions. The conversation also critiques...

Summary In this episode, Rockne Cole reviews the movie about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, exploring his life, theology, and the significance of his sacrifices during the Nazi regime. He discusses his initial reluctance to see the film, the powerful impact of its trailer, and the importance of supporting positive film projects. The conversation delves into Bonhoeffer's theological insights, particularly th...

Overview In this episode of the Rockne Cast, Rockne Cole explores the profound lessons from Randy Pausch's book, 'The Last Lecture,' and his viral YouTube lecture. He draws parallels between Pausch and Ulysses S. Grant, emphasizing themes of resilience, optimism, and the importance of leaving a legacy. The conversation delves into stoicism, the concept of memento mori, and the power of gratitude,...

Summary In this episode, Rockne Cole delves into the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy, exploring whether it was the act of a lone gunman, Sirhan Sirhan, or if a larger conspiracy was at play. He discusses the distinction between conspiracy theories and conspiracy inferences, presenting evidence that suggests CIA involvement in the assassination. The conversation covers the events of June 5, 1968...

Just finished reading the War of 1812: The Battle for Prairie Du Chien by Mary Antoine . Loved this book! Summary This episode delves into the War of 1812 in Wisconsin, focusing on the Battle of Prairie du Chien and its historical significance. The Rockne discusses key figures such as Tecumseh, William Clark, and Zebulon Pike, and explores the background of the Upper Midwest leading up to the war....

Summary In this episode, Rockne Cole delves into the autobiography of Chief Blackhaw k, exploring its significance as a primary source of Native American history. He discusses the unique perspective it offers on the Blackhawk War, the life of the Sauk people, and the cultural practices of the time. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding indigenous narratives and the impact of...