This is the first part of a series exploring the history of juvenile delinquency in America from the mid-1800s into the early 1900s...big ideas on how to solve current problems are found in the history books...if you know where to look.*Source: "The Dangerous Classes of New York, & Twenty Years' work among them" by Charles Loring Brace (1872)

Something threw off my chi today, so I needed to modify my daily 30 minutes of physical activity to make it softer to accomodate my lower energy level...a "scaling force" concept out of combatives but applied in a much different setting or way...I hope sharing it helps you. Take care. Keep moving.

Here are some added comments to my weekly article for our local newspaper. This week, I'm talking about the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024 which has been full of violence and challenges. I expand into some fitness tips on "how to walk well with a Gliding Gait." If you want more on walking well, check out my YouTube video link below on "Gliding Gait" tips."Gliding Gait" Tutorial Video by Ron Jones*Photo Credit: "RJ & Sword in NorCal" by Doug Orchard

Here's a simple New Year's challenge for you that I used in corporate for years with a high degree of success. NO money is required. NO membership is required. I've shared the plan for free on this episode and the free handout link is below for more information. Make it happen. See y'all in 2024...30X30 Challenge Handouts & Information: (FREE)https://theleanberets.com/approved-resources/30x30-challenge/Photo Credit: Ron Jones

Some amazing "Cowboy Wisdom" can get one re-centered in today's insane world where traditions and culture are being thrown to the wind.*Source: "A Trail of Memories: The Quotations of Louis L'Amour (1988)

Some historical reflections on America's consumption-by-design society and how our chasing temperal happiness...just leads to misery. "En-JOY" the holidays my friends.

As a California native with a family that arrived in California in the late 1800s, I have some real-world comments on the lies being told by CA Governor Gavin Newsom last night on the Fox News debate. I'm reporting what I saw with my own eyes living in CA and how what Newsom is telling you is NOT true.If you want America to fail like California--back Newsom along with his far-left Democratic agenda.

Some tech talk about teaching cross-lateral patterns with light SandBells and how this factors into teaching young children an economy of movement as well as physical literacy needed to create an energy reserve at the end of the day.View my SandBell "Tea Cup" Instructional Video

"Take the time to look." -Georgia O'KeefeIt's been written that music is the space between notes. If you take this into life itself, the sweet spot is often in times of reflection...or starting at fire...a few thoughts on spaces and sweet spots today...I hope it helps you.Here's a video I made about my small porch project in SoCal too:"Livable Spaces for Mental Health"

I've been busy this week and also turning 64...here are a few learnings and reflections. Cheers.

I finally got back out on the forest trail for a run today...here are a few comments about my experience and running longevity in general. Enjoy!

Here's another share from 1940 about the critical role of K-12 education in teaching our children what it takes through health and PE in order to protect and preserve America. NO ONE is currently prioritizing mandatory daily physical education in our K-12 schools across America, meaning, we are NOT ready.Source: "The Role of Health and Physical Education in National Defense" by Leslie W. Irwin, PhD, Director of Health and Physical Education, The Laboratory Schools, The University of Chicago (Journal of Health and Physical Education, September 1940, Volume XI, NO. 7)Graphic: "Physical Fitness Through Physical Education for the Victory Corps" by US Federal Security Agency and US Department of Education (1942)

When people are frustrated, they react in aggression. The levels of aggression can vary with the amount of frustration. Ideally, we are taught how to channel our frustrations into appropriate physical and cathartic manifestations of aggression, but if you are not physically literate and lack the actual physical skills to be aggressive without hurting your body--what do you do? The pressure builds up until you explode. This is another reason to have proper physical education in K-12 schools so our youth can go out a vent a little bit in a positive way.Yesterday, I went out again to "vent" my global frustrations over the current chaos and violence and spent all afternoon chopping out and building my new trail system on my own property. Here are a few comments on my reference book source and its application. Think about it--then take some appropriate action before the frustration kills you...or you kill someone else.Reference: "Frustration and Aggression" by Dollard, Doob, Mowrer, and Sears (1939)Photo Credit: Ron Jones

"The social life of people reflects their morale and conditions their morale."-National Preparedness Committee (1940)In September of 1940, America was on the verge of a world war again. Plans were published to get ready before Americans were called to duty because the vitality and overall fitness of our youth do not occur overnight, but rather, over YEARS of proper training."A Plan for National Preparedness" was published in September 1940 by the Journal of Health and Physical Education. This plan was recommended by the National Preparedness Committee through the American Association of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (AAHPER). The plan was written by Allen Ireland, MD (State Director, New Jersey), Hiram Jones (President, AAHPER), Jay B. Nash (Physical Education Professor, New York University), and Jesse Williams, MD (Chairman, Columbia University).If you are overwhelmed about what to do and where to begin...here you go. History speaks again. If you want to know what is missing in current American education--this show will provide real action points. *Reference: "A Plan for National Preparedness: Through Health, Physical Education, and Recreation in Schools and Camps" A Plan Recommended by the National Preparedness Committee of the American Association for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation authored by Allen G. Ireland, MD, Hiram A. Jones, Jay B. Nash, and Jesse Feiring Williams, MD published in September 1940 Journal of Health and Physical Education (Volume XI, NO. 7)*Graphic: "Physical Fitness Through Physical Education for the Victory Corps" by US Federal Security Agency and US Department of Education (1942)

Finally back in the saddle after migrating my show onto my own account now that the Golden State Network has disbanded. Here are a few updates on my show and social media changes. Thank you to those who wrote or called to check on me--I appreciate you.

"Life in its lowest terms is a matter of passing the time." -Randolf Bourne (1916)Randolf Bourne (1886-1918) was one of the "young radicals" during the WWI era. He was classically educated and an insider to the intelligentsia. He was critical of American involvement in WWI and cited, "war is the health of the state" regarding the financial connections to creating wars and elongating wars. Today's episode focuses on a short essay he wrote in 1916 entitled, "Education as Life" and about how American education is missing creativity and the art of living through intelligent use of leisure time and proper educational philosophy.*Source: "War and the Intellectuals: Collected Essays, 1915-1919" by Randolf Bourne, Edited by Carl Resek (1964)*Photo Credit: 1957-Sussex Avenue School Classroom (Newark Public Library)

My master's thesis was on "Mental Skills Training for Youth Sport Coaches, Athletes, and Parents." I share this to help adults help children have the best developmental experience possible. Youth sports was a positive influence on my life as an adult, and as a youth sports coach, I know the kids really need positive team experiences that build sportsmanship, citizenship, discipline, character, and all while having fun and finding deeper joy too. Here are the top five performance interventions that everyone should know. Enjoy!

"...the play impulse is too irrepressible to be denied." -Jane AddamsChicago has a long history of industry and immigration--it also has a long history of gang violence going back to the mid-1800s. Jane Addams was a very prominent person in Chicago who operated the Hull House for inner-city youth. She basically helped these inner-city children to learn through classical education and the arts in order to replace their tendencies to join street gangs and get into illicit activities. Addams wrote "The Spirit of Youth and the City Streets" in 1930 after decades of success at the Hull House, so this book is full of street-wise wisdom some of which I share on this show.How do we begin to correct the inner-city madness and out-of-control crime in American cities? Listen to the show and find out. :)*References: Hull House History; Jane Addams*Poster Graphic: WPA Federal Art Project (1934)

A few comments about the deep joy of being the very first X-Country coach for some of my new 3rd grade distance runners this summer. The psychology is very important plus monitoring them for safety in the heat and exertion areas too. I hope they reflect back someday on their early running days and smile. :)

Are we doing more harm than good with American youth sports? Many programs are actually doing more harm. Our kids would literally be better off NOT playing organized sports the way some of these programs are being conducted. Here are some facts on psychological research and history regarding youth sports that should be helpful.*Photo Credit: Richard Olsen Negatives, Box 001, Image 0007-CA Women Beach Volleyball

Hands are critically important for brain development--but the use of large muscle activities that involve legs, arms, shoulders, etc. are also mandatory for the development of young children--including health and wholesome living! Here's an interesting view of the debate between large vs. small muscles in schools and recreation.*Source: "Recreation and the Total Personality: An analysis of goals and methods for enriching recreation's contribution to wholesome living" by S.R. Slavson (1946)*Photo by Ron Jones

A collection of personal and national topics this episode from coaching youth XC to Jason Aldean's song controversy and back to post-WWII history of leisure, re-creation, and democracy.Reference: "Recreation and the Total Personality" by S.R. Slavson (1946)

*Language warning on this show! We are being told that the US munitions supply is so low that it can take up to 18 years to replenish some of it. I'm calling BS and citing the real America as evidence. At the beginning of WWII, America went from no ammunition industry after WWI to creating the "Arsenal of Democracy" that not only supplied US forces in WWII but also supplied the allies. Let's get into the deeper reasons why we are being told it takes years to make ammunition.*Correction! The author of Arsenal of Democracy is "Donald" Nelson--not David Nelson. Sources: "Arsenal of Democracy: The Story of American War Production" by Donald M. Nelson (1946); "US scrambles to increase weapons production after Biden let military info slip on TV" (Fox News, July 16, 2023)Audio: "Star Spangled Banner" courtesy of Stanley Jay Tucker

As promised, here is my summary and overview of the American College of Sports Medicine keynote presentation I did this past June in Denver, CO. It was a great experience with an interesting backstory to how I got there and what I observed. It's a long road...keep traveling and keep learning.

There is something "new" trending with our young people called "Bed Rotting." It's where our youth stay in bed for days on end looping on Netflix or TikTok videos, etc. It's actually nothing new although the modern tech in bed is new. In the late 1800s, a neuropsychic condition developed--people tried to cure it with more bed rest--it backfired. People then realized what people needed to heal themselves mentally was NOT more bed rest but less bed rest and more PHYSICAL work! Here's a look back so you can move forward--better with more whole-body integration and well-being.Sources: "Bed Rotting is Self-Care" (Fox News, July 9, 2023); "Muscular Christianity: Manhood and Sports in Protestant America, 1880-1920" by Clifford Putney (2001).

There was a very famous questionnaire commissioned by the Saturday Evening Post in the late 1950s to seek "The Secrets of Long Life." Gallop Poll conducted the study and put together a 24-page 221-question survey on diet, health, birthplace, climate, and heredity. The subjects were all 95 or older. Here's a summary of foods, fluid intake, tobacco use, health, body size, physical activity, religion, family, and heredity. The results are staggering when you consider what is going on today. History speaks...what is missing today?Sources: "The Hot Life of Man and Beast" by D.B. Dill (1985). The first of three Saturday Evening Post articles on "The Secrets of Long Life" was published on August 15, 1959.

We have a masculinity crisis in America! Guess what? It's nothing new because we have had many masculinity crises in modern history. In today's show, I read you three of my newspaper articles that are all related to the Muscular Christianity movement and this problem of having men who are overly feminized. Weekly, I write a community health article for our local rural newspaper, so some of these articles are worth reading to you on my show. I'll start sharing some and giving you some extra context clues so we can expand a bit. Enjoy the show. I hope you find some inspiration and get some ideas from history. Take care of each other.References: "Muscular Christianity: Manhood and Sports in Protestant America: 1880-1920" by Clifford Putney (2001); "Manual of Activities for the Girls of America: The Book of the Camp Fire Girls" (1920); "Governing Bodies: American Politics and the Shaping of the Modern Physique" by Rachel Louise Moran (2018)

There is a story about Abe Lincoln who said if he had hours to cut down a tree--he would spend a lot of time sharpening his axe. It got me thinking about the lack of proper sharpening in my life from working "too much" and NOT resting enough. Here I share some self-criticism in hopes to help some of you not make the same mistakes so you can improve the quality and production of your lives.

I heard something on the radio that reminded me of this very important concept I learned decades ago relating to the final act of decay as our bodies prepare to die...the "compression" of morbidity. Learning about this really changed my perspective and opened my eyes to seeing the world differently. I hope it helps you too.*Photo Credit: "Cankles" by Ron Jones

Following the Crash of 1929 and into the Great Depression of the 1930s, the US Government began involvement with "prehabilitation camps" that sought to make the American males fitter following WWI. Spinning around this movement was the Civilian Conservation Corps program--the CCC. Men could sign up for the CCC for one full year and get room, board, plenty of good food (which was hard to find in the 1930s), and make a small wage while they learned manual skills they could use to get a job after their service year. The government was involved in building their morale, character, and financial independence "through the physical bodies" of the men. Through this process, they eliminated the "feminine dependence" upon the state such as standing in the soup lines and getting free handouts. What the men really needed was WORK and work SKILLS. Here's a quick share about this fascinating era of American history and fitness.Reference: "Governing Bodies: American Politics and the Shaping of the Modern Physique" by Rachel Louise Moran (2018)Graphic Credit: Works Progress Administration, Federal Art Project; Albert M. Bender, designer

The Climate Communists now want to outlaw wood-fired pizzas in NYC. Forget the ban on flames--let's fire it up on this show! (Note language disclaimer this episode)Yet more! Russia in the news, real stories from Kalifornia when they banned surfing and skating (your pizzas are next in line on the firing squad NY), deportation camps in South America videos and reports coming out now about the US behind "sending" hundreds of thousands into the US illegally, and of course...the real overall goal for the US. Brace yourselves.

Here are some latest updates on the US state of military UNreadiness. I go over current rejection rates and injury issues within the first few months of training with Army recruits. Points made on the history of PE and quality of movement focus from "classical PE training" vs. current physical "illiteracy" with our 18-29-year-olds.*Sources:"Study finds out-of-shape recruits cost Army millions as branch battles recruiting crisis" (Fox News, Published April 14, 2023)"Army announces creation of Future Soldier Preparatory Course" (US Army Public Affairs, July 26, 2022)"Chicken Fat" song

Here are some current updates on the savage storm that hit the Tulsa area around 12:30 AM this last Sunday. The OK Corral did well despite branches and limbs being flung all over our property. We never lost power, but up to 200,000 in the Tulsa area lost power, and some will not get power until this Saturday afternoon with the heat index climbing to 90-95 degrees tomorrow. Preparation came to mind for this show. What did I do? What can you do? Are you prepared physically to handle an intense situation? Mentally? Gas, water, food, medications, clothing, and more! Do what you can, and take care. *Photo by Ron Jones

"In developing knowledge men must collaborate with their ancestors." -Walter LippmanIn 1940, Walter Lippman delivered the following speech entitled, "The State of Education in this Troubled Age: A Sweeping Indictment of Modern Schools and Colleges" at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science at the University of Pennsylvania. Lippman was one of his era's greatest minds and one of America's top journalists and authors. He won two Pulitzer Prizes and was also part of the establishment of modern social psychology and propaganda along with Edward Bernays. His speech has startling warnings regarding the dangers of throwing out cultural traditions which leave us sailing without a rudder in a stormy sea of life trying to figure out how to re-invent the wheel--it does not have to be this way. Correct the course!*Source: https://www.ibiblio.org/pha/policy/1940/1940-12-29b.html*Photo by Ron Jones

"The very success of previous civilizations has always proved to be the cause of their downfall." -George Barton CuttenOn December 26, 1940, George Barton Cutten, President of Colgate University, delivered his speech, "Democracy is not a Gratuity; It is a Conquest" at America's Town Meeting of the Air in Miami, Florida. Here's the speech with a few context clues added. Think about it.*Source: https://www.ibiblio.org/pha/policy/1940/1940-12-26a.html*Photo by Ron Jones

Here is another share of a segment of public relations history, social psychology, and propaganda. This idea of "diversity" to get away from a totalitarian "monolithic unity of group think" started in the early 1960s. The idea was to get away from controlled media by government overreach, yet that punted ball was returned right into our own end zone!*Source: "PR!: A Social History of Spin" by Stuart Ewen (1996)

Sometimes in life, you hit a situation that requires a full STOP. Your original plans or existing thoughts fly out the window. Yesterday afternoon marked the beginning of a full stop for me...and many others in my community.

Back in the mid-1990s, I was in a really hard place where I was going to college part-time but could not yet afford to go full-time. This time was absolutely agonizing and miserable because I was SO READY to move forward but was still stuck in a hard place for a while--then I took one small action to mark this important moment along my life's timeline that still motivates me today to keep going for life-long learning and improvement. Could it be something so simple as a discarded object you find in the dirt that motivates you to change and not give up? It just might.

Most of what is on the news is actually created for the purpose of controlling people. Sound like a conspiracy theory? Think again because this admission came from the father of modern propaganda and public relations Edward Bernays who was voted as one of the most influential people of the 20th Century. Here are a few shares on how most news is indeed "created" and what is being done behind the scenes to manipulate people through their emotions. *Source: "PR! A Social History of Social Spin" by Stuart Ewen (1996)

I noticed an advertisement on the back of my magazine for some new shoes by Skechers. The catch lines were, "No Bending Over. No Touching Shoes." I get why they are making and marketing these shoes--Americans do not move well especially as they age, but where does this philosophy of living end? The promotion of rigidity and being LESS mobile does not sound like a good idea! Here are some quick thoughts on what I have learned about seniors and mobility over the decades.

I've been building this trail behind my lake house--ALL by hand with a pick axe, shovels, blade axe, and two plastic buckets to carry dirt, gravel, and rocks back and forth. Here's how I feel about it and what we can all learn from VERY HARD manual labor.

History often repeats--good or bad. We decide--but "how we decide" is quite orchestrated by the elitists. Here's a share straight out of the Nazi propaganda playbook using cutting-edge social psychology science and the "art" of rhetorical control of the masses...the same methods are being implemented NOW to engineer public consent and opinion. *Source: "NATIONAL SOCIALISM: BASIC PRINCIPLES, THEIR APPLICATION BY THE NAZI PARTY'S FOREIGN ORGANIZATION, AND THE USE OF GERMANS ABROAD FOR NAZI AIMS" Prepared in the Special Unit Of THE Division of European Affairs by Raymond E. Murphy, Francis B. Stevens, Howard Trivers, and Joseph M. Roland. Published 1943 by United States Government Printing Office.*Audio: "Police State" courtesy of Stanley Jay Tucker*Graphic: US National Security Agency Poster (Circa 1950-1970)

At a recent high school graduation I attended, the principal concluded his grad speech with these wise words, "Get off your phones; live your lives." I thought this was brilliant; however, as he stated above, I noticed many surrounding me ON THEIR PHONES having completely unrelated conversations, watching videos, playing video games, etc. Some of the kids attending had iPads and full-cover headsets, so they we completely tuned out of the speeches and zoned out on stupid video games. It's frightening--and dangerous.

My esteemed colleague "Ms. B" just retired after 37 years of classroom teaching. I grew quite fond of Ms. B, and we developed a wonderful appreciation for each other and her students this past year. Here are a few moments of sharing from the front lines of education. Thanks Ms. B...I'll always remember you. :)

I just wrapped up a full year of teaching at the rural Oklahoma school where I taught 3rd-5th grade physical education. What I learned about love, family, community, and relationships is worth a whole segment today. I love my kids, and they love me back. I hope you enjoy the sharing and find some value in the Native Cherokee philosophy of "wrapping them" with love and care.

1917 was a pivotal year for propaganda and social psychology. The emerging science and understanding of how to control mass thought were used to talk Americans into supporting WWI in Europe. Some of those who opposed this orchestrated "national" effort--were arrested and imprisoned. Sound familiar?*Reference: "PR! A Social History of Spin" by Stuart Ewen (1996)*Graphic: US National Security Agency Poster (Circa 1950-1970)

Narcan, the opioid reversal drug, is now being distributed at music shows in America. We have reached a new low in culture and lack of health. Narcan has also been approved as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug now too, yes, it's that bad. Here are some reflections from a veteran rocker who has attended some of THE biggest rock shows in history and for decades...and no one ever died.*Source: "Narcan at music festivals? (USA Today, 4.24.23)

I've been looking in the wrong place for a "human dictator" who is going to emerge to restore order to the growing chaos and anarchy. I realized this morning after more deep reading on the history of social psychology and modern propaganda, the modern dictator to fear is the digital dictator that brings the modern "tyranny of technology."*Reference: "PR! A Social History of Spin" by Stuart Ewen (1996)*Graphic: "Demon Rage Beast" by DARKVINE