The Long Road

I don't know how many decades I need to talk about things so important while being ignored, but here we go again...I also don't know how many hundreds of books I have in my personal library at this point with amazing introductions and chapter sections that basically highlight the way out of the darkness of total destruction looming ahead in our immediate future. Bluntly, I criticize how a "sport-b...

Not the most pleasant topic today but a worthy rational requirement if you want to see what history has to say about where we ARE headed. Source: "The Gathering Storm" by Winston S. Churchill (1948) Photo: Ron Jones Episode #406

A quick storm update and fun story about fixing my broken snow shovel...but is it really just a "stupid" shovel repair job or more? *Photo by Ron Jones

We are in the thick of a major storm here in Oklahoma that is racing across over 40 states creating havoc and fridid temperatures. A lot went into my storm preparation and how I think about getting ready, so I'll share my insights and updates along with how I made this another teachable moment for my PE students this week too. Stay safe, and stay warm too!

You might have noticed, or maybe not, but we are being flooded now with fake as in fake AI imagery, stories, music, etc., etc. When people cannot trust anyone or anything or find any resemblance of truth--they go crazy. Is this part of the planned psyops? *@mattbradfordmusic

I don't always have New Year's Resolutions, but I have one this year..."to care less." Here's what I mean by that...

I had an opportunity to witness something really beautiful with one of my 3rd-grade girls during PE. I wanted the class to move freely with some music while I played my bucket drums for a dynamic warm-up. It's worth telling the story--maybe it will inspire you too? Enjoy. Photo: "RJ @ Huntington Beach Sunset"

"You can only generate ideas when you put pencil to paper, brush to canvas... when you actually do something physical." -Twyla Tharp This is episode #400 for The Long Road! I wanted to do a special show for #400, so I'm profiling the family-owned Musgrave Pencil Company in Shelbyville, TN. It's an amazing story of American grit, creativity, and a legacy of quality workmanship.  Consider picking up...

In yet another valiant effort to increase and inspire improved literacy, I share some wonderful reflections of the Giant Redwood trees in California courtesy of California native and esteemed author John Steinbeck. Book Reference:  "Travels with Charley: In Search of America" by John Steinbeck (1962)

This episode is about depression and how to " MAN ually reset" yourself so you don't need medication, counseling, or a suicide vest. I'm primarily speaking to the men today, but there is value for all. On the mechanical side, some trade tech talk today on firewood, sheds, gravel, and building with railroad ties and how this is in stark contrast to children today who don't even know left vs. right,...

the playground is deserted/ no buses pass the street smells heavy of broken glass "Tombstone Blues Original Transcript" by Bob Dylan (1965) I was at the Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa yesterday. What a massive archive collection of so many "physical" holdings. Here are some deep thoughts on the value of physical and paper items as opposed to the current emphasis upon digital.

"The Mojave is a big desert and a frightening one. It's as though nature tested a man for endurance and constancy to prove whether he was good enough to get to California." I miss the California desert. Here's a nice capture of California heat from Steinbeck's 1962 travelogue, "Travels with Charley," as he rolled through the Mojave. Book Reference:  "Travels with Charley: In Search of America" by...

"You can't defend a nation with a board of directors." Another share from John Steinbeck's travelogue "Travels with Charley." Where are real men today? Steinbeck recorded the quote above from an elderly gentleman of French persuasion during his 1960 travels across the USA, and we are still asking the question in 2025...where are the REAL men, and no, they are not on the board of directors of 7-11....

"I see too many men delay their exits with a sickly, slow reluctance to leave the stage. It's bad theatre as well as bad living." -John Steinbeck Here's another wonderful book review share from John Steinbeck on how men should live dangerously and prioritize the "quality" of life or a few more years of quantity. *Reference: "Travels with Charley: In Search for America" by John Steinbeck (1962)

Some reflections on the retirement of Marjorie Taylor Greene and how it might relate to circling the wagons...and bracing for impact too. "Star Spangled Banner" solo by Stanley Jay Tucker

Here's a true story of my observation living recently at an American grocery store...I painfully realized that I was literally starting at THE END (of America). History. Look back. Learn. Move forward. Lyrics: "The End" by The Doors (1967)

I turned 66 this week. I used my age as a teachable moment with my PE kids....some behind-the-scenes facts on teaching "REAL PE" with the classical and historical philosophy driving my instruction. Keep moving--no matter what the age. Photo: RJ @ Towsley Canyon Santa Clarita, CA

Some deep thoughts and ponderence of the demise of America...due to lack of welfare benefits... oh the shame! Are we literally creating intentional chaos? I also share some poems and personal thoughts I have written over the years...reflect, feel, go outside. Do what you can amigos.   Photo: RJ self-portrait in Spain

A street view on the pending civil unrest (maybe) starting on November 1st from a lack of government funding due to the endless arguing by our American politicians...which very well might be planned all along... Photo by Ron Jones

"[Americans] spend their hours and money on the couch searching for a soul...If I wanted to destroy a nation, I would give it too much and I would have it on its knees, miserable, greedy and sick." -John Steinbeck American author and California native John Steinbeck wrote an amazing book towards the end of his life, "Travels with Charley in Search of America." He wrote the book towards the end of...

Some personal reflections on attending a martial arts workshop this past weekend with martial arts legend Guro Dan Insanto. What I learned was far beyond stick, dagger, and self-defense. Enjoy! Photo by Ron Jones Music: @mattbradfordmusic

There are things going on this week that just do NOT feel right. Here are a few more comments on questioning the narrative and not buying into the current propaganda. Music: @mattbradfordmusic Photo by Ron Jones

It suddenly dawned on me this morning that these ridiculous battles in Washington DC and throughout the country are much like the 1970s disco hit, "Kung Fu Fighting." Join me in some brief humor about adults acting like children...while the real power players laugh at all of us. Lyrics Credit: "Kung Fu Fighting" by Carl Douglas (1974) Music: @mattbradfordmusic

"Gaga Ball" is a popular game for kids today. It's often played at church or school playgrounds. After a few days of exploring Gaga Ball, I finally came up with the most simplified game rules and a few theories on the origins of the game. This show will be helpful for homeschoolers or people working with youth. Enjoy...Ga...Ga...BALL! Gaga Ball: History & Rules Handout @mattbradfordmusic

Another situational awareness episode on my recent observations while shopping at Costco this week...PAY ATTENTION!!! *Music: @mattbradfordmusic