The Tax Collector (#357, 31 Mar. 2026)

In this episode, we cover the first three pages of The Heart of Buddha's Teaching by Thich Nhat Hanh, one of the greatest Buddhist monks of the last century.

I am the Tax Collector, a sinner undeserving of God's grace. Of all the parables, the parable of the tax collector and the pharisee resonates with me most. Luke 18:9-14. It directly addresses the common critique of Christians, that we go to exalt ourselves and condemn others. In fact, Jesus teaches the exact opposite. People are free to hold their own views, but they should at least acknowledge what the Word actually says.In this episode, I explore the parable of the tax collector and the pharisee; share what I learned at the New Covenant Bible Church in Cedar Rapids; and reflect on the sacrifice that Jesus made for you and me.In his death, we have life.

A blizzard hit the Big O last weekend, resulting in unintended free time. So, I watched Nobody 1 and Nobody 2. From the creator of John Wick, Nobody features Hutch, a Nobody middle aged dad, living a life of quiet desperation. But he wasn't always a model of domesticated tranquility. He had a past as a bad ass. Nobody features the reemergence is inner bad ass and how that it relates to his domesticated side.This movie got me thinking about the proper balance of wild domesticated versus domesticated wild.

The winds of fate can be unpredictable. Unexpected bad things can happen to us, resulting in misfortune for us. But even greater misfortune arises when we don't respond the way. This episode explores the discipline of perception as outlined by Ryan Holliday in the Obstacle is the Way, a modern classic on Stoicism.Our response to bad events governs the outcome almost as much, if not more, than the event itself.And Stoicism asks an even deeper question. Is there an opportunity here amidst the ruins?This episode explores all of these topics. We'll explore Marcus Aurelius, Jason Bourne, Sangfroid, and the discipline of training the mind to respond to adverse events.Share if you enjoyed the episode!!

In this episode, we discuss Kaizen, the Japanese philosophy advocating for taking tiny steps to achieve big results. We'll identify the manufacturing origins of this philosophy, outline some areas to add and subtract, and outline how to make these small changes stick. Along the way, we'll explore Aurelius and a verse from Ecclesiastes.

This is the first Stoic Friday, an ongoing series on the featuring the Stoic philosophy. In this episode, we focus on a key passage from Marcus Aurelius' Meditations. Aurelius reminds us to remove external distractions. In this episode, I explore why this simple concept is so essential to well being and to being the best version of you.

In this episode of The Rockne Cast, host Rockne Cole delves into the health perks of daily pomegranate juice consumption, sparked by Ben Greenfield's Boundless Life podcast. Greenfield, a University of Idaho exercise physiology alum and northern Idaho influencer, merges ancestral practices with science for mind-body-spirit gains.In Solosode 497, Greenfield spotlights a 2003 Israeli study on 19 carotid artery stenosis patients (70-90% narrowing): one group drank a diluted ounce of pomegranate juice daily in an 8-ounce glass, versus placebo. Cole discusses the results of that study and its limitations. This affordable, low-risk Walmart buy (Pom recommended) inspires Cole's thoughts on similar low cost or free interventions like sugar reduction and fasting.

SummaryThis episode explores the transformative power of stress and pressure, emphasizing how embracing challenges can lead to resilience, strength, and personal growth. Drawing on insights from books like 'The Obstacle is the Way' and 'Think Like a Monk,' it highlights the importance of stress as a catalyst for development.Keywordsstress, pressure, resilience, personal growth, stoicism, obstacle, transformation, mental toughnessKeyThe role of stress and pressure in personal developmentLessons from 'The Obstacle is the Way' by Ryan HolidayThe importance of stress in building resilience and strengthThe biological and philosophical basis for embracing challenges

Just finished up a 36 hour monk fast, going 36 hours without food. It is fricking awesome. I feel great!!In this episode, prepared on the 36th hour, I outline my own experience and results relating to the power of fasting to enhance the mind, the body, and the spirt.In this episode, you'll learn about the monk fast, its benefits, and how to integrate it into your life. Perfect for anyone looking to improve health and well-being through fasting.Intermittent fasting has gained popularity in recent years, but what if there's a way to elevate its benefits even further? Enter the monk fast—a powerful wellness tool that can enhance your health, boost brain function, and promote spiritual clarity. In this blog post, we'll delve into the monk fast, what it entails, its benefits, and tips for success. What is the Monk Fast?The monk fast is a form of intermittent fasting that involves abstaining from food for 36 hours. This practice is rooted in the Theravada Buddhist tradition, where fasting is seen as a means to achieve spiritual clarity and enlightenment. But beyond its spiritual significance, the monk fast offers numerous health benefits that have been validated by science.The Benefits of FastingFasting, especially the monk fast, can lead to several remarkable health benefits:Metabolic Switch: After 12 to 16 hours without food, your body begins to switch from burning glycogen (stored carbohydrates) to burning fat. This metabolic shift can help reduce body fat and promote weight loss.Increased Clarity and Focus: Many practitioners report heightened mental clarity and energy during fasting. This is attributed to the production of ketones, which serve as an alternative energy source for the brain.Cellular Repair: Fasting triggers autophagy, a process where the body cleans out damaged cells and regenerates new ones. This cellular cleanup can have protective effects against diseases, including cancer.Like any health practice, do your own research before doing any kind of fasting and of course, consult your own medical professional before changing how you eat.

For 2026, I am launching Rock for Norge - A Viking's Return Home, a project focusing on my sojourn to Iceland this summer. Together, we will be exploring the places, peoples, and myths of Iceland, the land of the Vikings and home of the Gods. I will be doing podcasts from Iceland and taking video during my journey there. I am also inviting RockneCast listeners to co-create with me on Rock for Norge. If you have been to Iceland, know the sagas, or just share a common love of Nordic Culture, reach out to me and share what you know. If you don't suck, you may even be picked to be on a RockneCast episode.