The Long Road

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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-based" PE program is complete crap. I also cover overuse injuries in single-sport youth athletes playing travel team sports. I also go over playground design and playground equipment and how under the cloak of safety--playgrounds have been largely ruined. The real problem is not that the masses are not listening--it's that the people in control want us to be stupified so we pay attention to shit that does NOT matter.Here's a brief book review on PE philosophy from 1969. Enjoy.Source: "The Curriculum in Physical Education" by Carl E. Willgoose, Ed.D., Boston University (1969)

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 JonesEpisode #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 TharpThis 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 a cool 12-pack of Tennessee Red cedar pencils! They are great pencils and make unique gifts. Reference: Musgrave Pencil Company HistoryPhoto by Ron Jones

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 "MANually 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, how to tie their shoes, or how to read an analogue clock.Stinger Credit: @mattbradfordmusic

the playground is deserted/ no buses passthe 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 John Steinbeck (1962)

"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.Book Reference: "Travels with Charley: In Search of America" by John Steinbeck (1962)Music Credit: "Line of Fire" by Stanley Jay Tucker

"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 SteinbeckHere'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 SteinbeckAmerican 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 his life when he knew he had terminal heart disease. Here's a short book share review on American restlessness and possibly why we are such a restless culture.Here's a nice review by "Listening to America" and Clay Jenkinson on Steinbeck's "Travels with Charlie" and his 1960 GMC Pick-Up at the National Steinbeck Center.

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 JonesMusic: @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: @mattbradfordmusicPhoto 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 

"KEEP OTHERS IN SUSPENDED TERROR: CULTIVATE AN AIR OF UNPREDICTABILITY" (LAW 17)Some inquiring commentary on recent events that just don't make sense...they throw major red flags as anomalies...let's discuss. Reference: "The 48 Laws of Power" by Robert Greene (1998)Music @mattbradfordmusic 

A quick educational review of Law 16: "USE ABSENCE TO INCREASE RESPECT AND HONOR" and Law 19: "KNOW WHO YOU ARE DEALING WITH--DO NOT OFFEND THE WRONG PERSON"...enjoy your weekend. Reference: "THE 48 LAWS OF POWER" by Robert Greene (1998)Music: @mattbradfordmusic Photo: "Mini Solo" by Ron Jones

My cell phone has been broken a month now...it's been an interesting psychological experience worth discussing. Here are a few insights and observations as millions SCREAM into the black hole of nothingness...

I had an interesting conversation with one of my 4th-grade boys about bar dips and cat poop smelling rooms...it's worth a listen. Hopefully, people will be enlightened about the dangers of video gaming...Music Credit: @mattbradfordmusic

A quick follow-up to London's peaceful demonstration last weekend. Great job Mates! Quite inspiring. A few comments across the pond and for the Yanks here in the States. Carry on!Photo: By War Office official photographer, Major W. G. Horton. Churchill waving the Victory sign to the crowd in Whitehall on the day he broadcast to the nation that the war with Germany had been won, 8 May 1945. This photograph H 41849 comes from the collections of the Imperial War Museums., Public Domain, (Wikipedia)Music: "God Save the Queen"

"It's great that we can connect and communicate with people instantly and for free, but this hyperconnection may be damaging to the mental health of young people." -Lukianoff & HaidtToday is September 13th, 2025--a critical day for our mates in England who gather for the UTK-Unite the Kingdom peaceful protests. Some thoughts on the excessive "hyperconnectivity" in relation to the processing speed of the human brain and how it might impact us here in the US. All the best UTK! Carry on.Reference: "THE CODDLING OF THE AMERICAN MIND" by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt (2018)Photo by Ron Jones

I warned you. Be careful of the Charlie Kirk narrative the first 24-48 hours. Here we go--we got the "guy" as in singular. It is impossible to know this after a few hours. Let's go over some interesting points about what was missing and what was there that did not add up...the whole "solo actor" BS needs a rapid curtain call as in dropping down on the whole story.Photo: RJ @ Ozzfest/Black Sabbath

Something is really wrong about the Charlie Kirk killing...and it's beyond just that he should not have been killed. I smell a rat--or a total rat infestation in the multiple levels of corruption at play in the drama house.Music: "Star Spangled Banner" by Stanley Jay Tucker

A brief book review of the 2018 book by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt entitled, "THE CODDLING OF THE AMERICAN MIND: HOW GOOD INTENTIONS AND BAD IDEAS ARE SETTING UP A GENERATION FOR FAILURE."I go over key points cited for creating witch hunts and read over a few of the book reviews by people from various social and political standings. It's a challenging read but an important one for our current times, and it has a lot to do with Charlie Kirk's mission to speak openly on American colleges and universities.Photo: RJ @ "The Last Bookstore" in DTLA

"Mass movements can rise and spread without belief in a God, but never without belief in a devil." -Eric Hoffer, "The True Believer"I have a few comments about the murder of conservative journalist Charlie Kirk a few hours ago...plus some historic perspectives and a few book recommendations to help you figure it out.References:"The True Believer" By Eric Hoffer (1951)"WHEN VIOLENCE IS THE ANSWER" By Tim Larkin (2017)"THE CODDLING OF THE AMERICAN MIND" By Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt (2018)

I've been teaching a "pre-archery" lesson this week in order for my students to start learning how to both SEE line and FEEL line. Understanding body alignment is an important part of establishing physical literacy, so hang out a while, and let's go back in time to justify the lesson while also talking mechanics. Enjoy!"Find Your Center" (Parent Message Video)"Find Your Center" (Tutorial VideoPhoto by Ron Jones "Sage @ OK Corral Studio"Music @mattbradfordmusic

Virtually no one is talking about what is happening in the UK with England right now...PAY ATTENTION! September 13th in England will be a learning opportunity for the rest of the "pseudo-free world."Want more? I recommend Tousi TV and Paul Thorpe on YouTube. These mates are on top of daily developments and at the street level with real people.Photo: "RJ in Spain"Music @ mattbradfordmusic

After decades in health and fitness, in both corporate and educational settings, nearly everyone I have ever worked with has some sort of issue with their walking gait. There is almost always an imbalance or biomechanical issue that is often not even realized by the person I am seeing. Here on some thoughts "again" on the importance of a gliding gait that saves you energy throughout the days and decades.Watch my "Gliding Gait" walking video for more information.Photo Credit: New Hampshire Female ROTC Walk, Life Magazine (1942)Music Credit @mattbradfordmusic

As of 9.3.25, it looks like the National Guard will likely be sent into Chicago to deal with the out-of-control violence plaguing the streets and communities, but will it really make a difference? What does history say? What is the history of gang violence in Chicago? History has some real wisdom here. Hang on while I skim the surface on short-term and long-term solutions plus some Chicago-specific history too.Listen to my previous episode III on "The History of Juvenile Delinquency in Chicago"Photo Credit: Ron JonesMusic Credit @mattbradfordmusic

We often think of "HARD LABOR" in current American culture as a punishment sentence for bad behavior; however, the task of undertaking hard physical labor would actually decrease the amount of bad behavior. Here are a few thoughts on getting dirty, sweating, and using your whole body to build something instead of burning stuff down.Photo Credit: "Trail Building" by Ron Jones*Music Credit: @mattbradfordmusic

Some inspiring citations from my 1914 reference on the values of speaking the truth and not running with the herd.Reference: "PEP: Poise-Efficiency-Peace; A Book of Hows Not Whys For Physical and Mental Efficiency" by Col. WM. C. Hunter (1914)*Music Credit: @mattbradfordmusic

I don't know why it took me so long to realize this, but it occured to me that many of the far left liberals who come after me in social media were "AI Arguing" meaning just cutting and pasting AI-generated verbiage into comment boxes...or "paraphrasing" (i.e. plagarizing). I refuse to argue with AI idiots who are propagandized by the far left technocrats. This whole machine first philosophy is FATALLY flawed. Music Credit: @mattbradfordmusic

It's amazing how much improvement you can gain with strength with just a few "proper" reps in a few days or weeks. Today's episode is about bar dips and strength gains, so hit the bar! Get your dips on mates!*Music by Matt Bradford

A somber show today after yet another school shooting in the States...and some reflections as someone who works daily with 8-10 year old children.*Music by Matt Bradford

Here's a quick read and commentary from 1937 on "Natural Activities" of man in terms of fundamental movements plus citations on artificial exercises and a really good section on how to begin your day based upon the history of physiology. Source: "EXERCISE and HEALTH" by Jesse Feiring Williams, A.B., M.D. (1937)*Music by Matt Bradford

I thought we were over this madness about decreasing recess in elementary schools--but apparently not. This episode digs into a recent school district in Kansas that decreased recess to focus more on STEM subjects "inside" the building. Why?!Source: "10-minute recess? It's a reality for students at one Sedgwick County school this year" by Lindsay Smith (The Wichita Eagle; August 14, 2025)Photo: Central Park Playground (1942)*Music by Matt Bradford

Here's a nice story about a conversation I had with one of my 5th-grade boys about his ACTIVE 78 year old grandfather. Enjoy!RJ's PE RULES:PAY ATTENTION!Be ACTIVE.Know YOUR Body.*Music by Matt Bradford

With all this hoopla on the reformation of the President's Council to help youth fitness, sports, etc., I decided to explore the original Executive Order 10673 signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956. I discovered a few good talking points.Learn more about the Kraus-Weber Test for Postural Fitness *Music by Matt Bradford

Adding to yesterday's episode on the stupidity of the new "fitness challenge" by Pete and Bobby...what about the girls? 100 Push-Ups and 50 Pull-Ups for little girls too? It's insanity...AND, it's child abuse.*Music by Matt Bradford*Photo by Ron Jones