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Raff's BrainRaff's Brain #131: Hot Yoga Problems - Thick Air & Thin LogicIn this episode of Hot Yoga Problems, Rob Raffety sweats through a mystery of his own making: the case of the missing yoga mat. With the heat rising and the clock ticking, Rob invokes Sherlock Holmes and Occam’s Razor to make sense of his early-morning brain fog. It's a raw and humorous reflection on forgetfulness, habit loops, and the fine line between chaos and calm on the way to the yoga studio.Outline:Sweltering heat and the paradox of hot yoga feeling coolMorning victory turns to chaos: forgetting the yoga matTowel talk: clarifying te...2025-06-2409 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #130 - Hot Yoga Problems - Cow Face Cow Face Catastrophe! 😩🧘♂️Rob returns to the mat—and the mic—for another episode of Hot Yoga Problems, where today's challenge is Cow Face Pose: the silent destroyer of knees, hips, and egos. It's a seated pose, sure, but don't let that fool you. From anatomical impossibilities to nostalgic riffs on puppet masters and board games, this episode is a hilarious and brutally honest reflection on yoga limitations, getting older, and finding peace in failure (or at least in child’s pose).Outline (no timestamps):Audience feedback and staying on track with yoga-centric contentA reminder of the Raff’s...2025-06-1907 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #128: Hot Yoga Problems - The Crow Pose King Returns!Hot Yoga Problems returns with a vengeance as Rob Raffety reflects on a rough few weeks marked by hospital stays, caregiving stress, and a long-overdue return to the mat. In true Raff’s Brain style, he blends heartfelt updates with hilarious hot yoga humility, offering insights into physical regression, motivation, and why he thrives on in-class competition. Also: a triumphant sequence that proves Rob is still king of the crow pose. This episode is a sweaty, soulful reminder to keep showing up—even if you fall down.Outline:Quick catch-up: family health and podcast hiat...2025-06-1509 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #127: Drive & Jive - A Wild Idea for The Political Orphanage!On this Drive and Jive edition of Raff’s Brain, host Rob Raffety blends introspection, media strategy, and a healthy dose of comedic detour as he makes his way through the mountains of West Virginia. Along the way, he shares a personal pitch to longtime friend and Political Orphanage host Andrew Heaton: let Rob run a 30-day short-form content campaign using clips from Heaton’s podcast—no strings attached!This episode is part personal journey, part strategic blueprint, and 100% Raffety-style. Whether you’re a podcast veteran or just dipping your toes into content creation, this ride offers lessons...2025-06-0148 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #126: Hot Yoga Problems - RETURN of the CROW POSE KING!Hot yoga redemption! Rob Raffety returns to the mat and finds himself in the elusive zone — focused, balanced, and dominating every sequence from crow to tree pose. In this episode of Hot Yoga Problems, Rob wonders what triggered the magic: a Turkey Tom sandwich? No IPAs? Or just cosmic alignment? He reflects on how rare these peak moments are and how he might replicate them in the future. Also, a little rib grilling, some West Virginia updates, and a possible foray into online selling.Outline:Rob’s surprise victory lap in hot yogaAnatomy of a pe...2025-05-3010 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #125: WHAT'S IN THE BOX?! 90s Sports Cards, Soccer Stickers & Surprises!!This episode of Raff’s Brain taps straight into the nostalgia vein. Rob Raffety opens a “mystery box” of sports cards and stickers from the 80s and 90s, gifted by childhood friend Johan Sebastian Herring, III aka Jon Herron. Alongside baseball legends like Steve Avery, Jose Canseco, and Kirby Puckett, Rob finds a blast from his own past — Italia 90 World Cup stickers he may have collected as a kid. Part storytime, part unboxing, and all vintage vibes, this is a tribute to friendships, forgotten heroes, and the magic of cardboard collectibles.WATCH the related episode about Rob's trip to...2025-05-1926 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #124: Hot Yoga Problems - Front Row Regret - the WORST Spot in Class!In this episode of Hot Yoga Problems, Rob Raffety confronts the trials of early morning yoga, from dodging chin stands to regrettable mat placement decisions. Join Rob as he reflects on being both broken and triumphant after a 6AM class that left him physically crushed but spiritually smug. He skewers the absurdity of peak poses (we see you, camel), wrestles with inclusive yoga lingo, and explores the surprising wisdom in being the cautionary tale on the mat. Funny, real, and 100% relatable—this one's for every yogi who's ever had second thoughts mid-flow.Outline:Rob’s 6A...2025-05-1614 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #123: Hot Yoga Problems - NAME THAT RAIN! A Yogi's Guide to Sound, Space, & Strange Ideas!Rob Raffety is back from another sweaty CorePower session, and this time he’s got more questions than answers. From his mid-level yoga effort to a game-show concept called “Name That Rain,” Rob dives into the subtle social science of mat placement in hot yoga studios. What does your spot say about you? Could there be an app for that? Why are yawns so contagious? This episode is a stream-of-consciousness rollercoaster with the charm, wit, and observational weirdness only Raff’s Brain can deliver.Outline:Mediocre yoga class performance reflectionsThe music of rain: Rob’s trivia i...2025-05-1509 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #122: Riffin' with Raff feat. Prof. David Gliem, Kabuki, Japanese Woodblocks & a Life in ArtIn this episode of Riffin’ with Raff, Rob Raffety connects with art historian and educator David Gliem for a fascinating conversation about the evolution of a career, the magic of mentorship, and the joy of collecting Japanese woodblock prints. From college days in Pennsylvania to current life in the mountains of North Carolina, David recounts his journey from aspiring doctor to devoted professor—and how a single art history class reshaped everything. The episode is peppered with historical gems, personal anecdotes, and practical advice for anyone curious about art appreciation or starting their own collection. 🎧 Whether...2025-05-1440 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #120: Hot Yoga Problems - Progress NOT Perfection: Rob's Chair Yoga Moment - FULL PRACTICE FLOW!!What happens when a certified-but-rusty yoga teacher gets asked to lead a chair yoga session at the office during Mental Health Awareness Month? In this silly and heartfelt Hot Yoga Problems episode, Rob Raffety reflects on his personal yoga evolution, the sudden opportunity to lead a wellness event, and how he prepared to guide coworkers through mindful movement. The episode features a full practice run-through—awkward self-talk, forgotten backbends, and all. Whether you're a yoga novice or a workplace wellness advocate, this episode is a gentle reminder that progress matters more than perfection.Outline:Welcome & context fo...2025-05-0740 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #119: Hot Yoga Problems - YOGA Becomes Bootcamp & NACHOS are Salvation!Rob Raffety is back with another Hot Yoga Problems episode, taking you inside a brutally comedic play-by-play of his 5:30am Yoga Sculpt class. It’s 10% yoga, 90% cardio hell—and Rob’s not shy about the suffering. From claiming sacred yoga mat real estate to airing grievances on D.C. crosswalks and mourning the lack of a killer quesadilla in the capital, this episode swings between physical collapse and food cravings with classic Raffety flair. Stay for the laughs, the lunges, and the lesson in perspective.Outline:5:30am Yoga Sculpt at Clarendon: the pain and the pa...2025-05-0611 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #118: Hot Yoga Problems - Mystery Songs, Coughing Fits, and the Anti-Corpse Pose!On this episode of Raff's Brain: Hot Yoga Problems, Rob Raffety conquers the mat (mostly) and unpacks the real issues plaguing post-class peace—from mysterious yoga studio soundtracks to shavasana cough attacks. It’s an episode filled with real talk about allergy paranoia, overdiagnosis in the suburbs, and why chin stands just might defy human anatomy. Plus, Rob tests out a harmonization exercise that goes hilariously sideways. If you’ve ever driven a car into the ground, had a mid-yoga existential cough fit, or questioned whether we’ve all just gotten too allergic, this one’s for you.Outli...2025-05-0410 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #117 [PART I]: Walk & Talk - Raw Dogging a 5K & Rediscovering Creative FocusWalk & Talk makes its long-awaited return as Rob laces up and hits the streets — this time, with no music, no podcast, no distractions. That’s right, it’s a raw dog 5K. In this introspective episode, Rob explores the strange serenity of exercising without tech, vents about ambient suburban noise, and takes listeners inside a late-night backyard ramble where 30+ creative ideas were unleashed. Hear how Rob uses AI tools like Otter and ChatGPT to bring order to the chaos, and why he's finally trying a new approach to prioritize and execute his creative work.Outline (no timest...2025-05-0212 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #117 [PART II]: Walk & Talk - Voice Notes, Raw Dog Runs & Weekly Check-Ins!Rob is back on foot and on mic, continuing his reflective streak in Walk & Talk Pt. 2. He dissects how younger generations are shifting the way we communicate (spoiler: it's not email), revisits his recent AI-powered creative inventory, and reveals the three projects he's tentatively committed to. But this episode isn’t just talk — Rob lays out an accountability plan to drive actual progress on creative output, fitness, and health. If you've ever struggled to choose between 30 ideas—or just to eat better—this one will hit home.Outline (no timestamps):Mid-podcast interruption and modern mobile c...2025-05-0213 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #116: Riffin' with Raff feat. NICK TUCKER and his Epic Short Film, “Decommissioned!”Filmmaker and techno-optimist Nick Tucker joins Riffin’ with Raff to talk about Decommissioned, his ambitious new sci-fi short exploring the future of warfare, drone technology, and human connection. Rob and Nick dig into the creative process behind launching a successful Seed&Spark campaign, what it takes to bring practical effects and dystopian visions to life, and why stories like these matter in an age of rapid technological acceleration.Nick also shares behind-the-scenes tales from his work at Freethink, his popular show Hard Reset, and how speculative fiction can serve as a tool for “rapid prototyping the future.” Whethe...2025-05-0134 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #115: Hot Yoga Problems - LEFT TURN GUILT, Doppelgängers, & Other Aftermaths!!Today’s Hot Yoga Problems episode is a whirlwind of classic Raff: part therapy, part traffic survival guide, part existential crisis. After crushing a solid yoga class, Rob battles a nightmare parking garage, debates whether a nice car is worth it, and accidentally stumbles into cartoon character sightings. Plus, he teases big crossover plans for Mental Health Awareness Month, including teaching yoga again after a long hiatus. It's messy, random, funny, and 100% authentic — classic Raff’s Brain.Outline:Feeling the aftershocks of a decent yoga classHow tight is too tight in a parking garage?Should...2025-04-2914 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #114: Riffin' with Raff feat. Olivier Ballou - 3 SECRETS TO FINISHING WHAT YOU START!In this episode of Riffin’ with Raff, Rob Raffety is joined once again by graphic novelist Olivier Ballou. They dive into the realities of creative output — what it really takes to finish a project when life keeps throwing curveballs. Olivier opens up about the third and most ambitious book in his Val d'Or series, and the creative methods he uses to keep momentum: deadlines, critique groups, and professional editorial feedback.Rob reflects on his own challenges with shipping creative work and how Olivier’s approach offers a roadmap for completing passion projects. This conversation is a must-listen for any...2025-04-2513 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #113: Hot Yoga Problems - Namaste or Nah? Cereal, Soreness, & the Sun Gods!In this brutally honest installment of Hot Yoga Problems, Rob Raffety emerges from a 5:30AM class dazed, drenched, and deeply confused. Wrestling with muscle pain, mental haze, and a weird post-cereal energy crash, Rob lays out three competing theories for his sorry state — including potential sickness, a rogue long walk, and the classic "two-bowl cereal trap."From pollen denial to rooster sauce as medicine, this episode blends raw vulnerability with vintage Raffety reflections. It’s a funny, foggy, yogic journey — and one we’ve all been on in some form.📞 Raff’s Brain Hotline: 571-408-80582025-04-2406 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #112: Drive & Jive - SHEPHERDSTOWN OR BUST!!On this Drive & Jive installment of Raff's Brain, Rob takes listeners along for a candid, caffeinated drive to Shepherdstown, WV, to visit Shepherd University with his niece. This road trip turns into a full-blown stream-of-consciousness odyssey—touching on college admissions madness, Waze loyalty, West Virginia nostalgia, and creative inspiration from filmmaker Robert Rodriguez. He reflects on his missed opportunity to become a Golden Horseshoe winner and an Eagle Scout, dreams up new winery concepts, and even analyzes the proper etiquette of supermarket checkout lines. Classic Raffety—thoughtful, funny, and oddly educational.🚗 Call the Raff's Brain Hotline: 571-408-80582025-04-2253 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #111: Hot Yoga Problems - My 5:30am CorePower YOGA SCULPT NIGHTMARE / MIRACLE!In this episode of Hot Yoga Problems, Rob dives into his pre-dawn journey to a Yoga Sculpt class in Clarendon, Virginia — and all the madness that came with it. From silent coffee grinder dreams to green-light miracles on Washington Boulevard, it's a morning of small wins, big sweats, and unexpected revelations. He reflects on the challenge of categorizing hybrid workouts, makes a humble plea to tech innovators, and marvels at a consecutive streak of green lights that could make Ripley's proud. Plus, three-pound weights never felt so heavy.If you're trying to fit fitness into a chaotic sc...2025-04-2212 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #110: Hot Yoga Problems - I (Don't) Want My Baby Back (Bends)!Ever been ambushed by a yoga pose? Rob returns to the hot yoga studio and gets completely wrecked by his longtime nemesis: the dreaded baby back bend. In this episode, he channels his frustration into song (literally), serving up an improvised riff on the iconic Chili’s jingle with a side of spicy takes on yoga vulnerability, backup cameras, and the glory of pancakes for dinner.Whether you’re a yogi, a Chili’s fan (or not), or just here for the ride, you’ll laugh, cringe, and maybe even reconsider your milkshake choices. Tune in for a hot me...2025-04-1912 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #109: Hot Yoga Problems - TECHNO GNR! Sweet Child O' Mine: A Hot Yoga Crisis!!Rob’s back in Arlington and crushing the mat—but serenity is short-lived when the sounds of a boot camp next door start leaking into the studio. And not just any noise—a techno remix of Guns N’ Roses’ Sweet Child O’ Mine. In this episode of Hot Yoga Problems, Rob dives into the absurdity of cross-studio chaos, reflects on the musical majesty of GNR, and contemplates creating a tiered ranking of yoga poses from “meh” to “masochistic.” Also: an impromptu and glitchy ChatGPT conversation about episode ideas, hot yoga vibes, and how AI might be the new co-host.What You’ll...2025-04-1215 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #108: Hot Yoga Problems - Yin Yoga, Jump Rope, and the Tip Dilemma!In this episode of Raff's Brain - Hot Yoga Problems - Rob emerges from a soul-stretching Yin Yoga class and takes us on a ride - literally and metaphorically. Broadcasting from downtown Buckhannon, WV, he reflects on the deceptive difficulty of Yin Yoga, the joys and pains of rediscovering the jump rope, and the ever-evolving etiquette of tipping culture. From foot cramps in Child’s Pose to tipping for a chicken salad sandwich, Rob lays it all out with signature warmth, wit, and introspection. Come for the yoga pain, stay for the philosophical musings on preemptive vs. retrospective tips.2025-04-0913 minRaff's Brain🔥 Raff's Brain #107: Back in Ballston, Baby! Heart Openers, Partridges, and Yoga Agony!!🔥 RAFF'S BRAIN #107: HOT YOGA PROBLEMS!!Back in Ballston, Baby! Heart Openers, Partridges, and Yoga Agony!!Episode Summary:Rob’s back on the mat and back in Ballston for another deeply unhinged and wildly relatable episode of Hot Yoga Problems. After a whirlwind of travel between Virginia and West Virginia, he returns to his beloved studio only to be ambushed by The Partridge Pose — a torturous, Cirque-du-Soleil-level side plank variation that may or may not have been created by an actual bird. From upper back resistance and chakra confusion to AI-powered bird fe...2025-04-0611 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #106: RIFFIN' W RAFF feat. CODE H - WHATNOT HERE WE COME! - Flip Life Begins!!🎙️ Riffin’ with Raff feat. Code H – Flip Life, Plush Gold & WhatNot DreamsIn this very special episode of Raff’s Brain, host Rob Raffety welcomes back Code H (aka Cody Hollen) for a deep dive into the ever-growing world of online reselling, nostalgia-fueled treasure hunting, and their grand plan to dominate the Whatnot live auction space.Recorded in their beloved hometown of Buckhannon, WV, this episode captures the first step of a new venture — the Flip Life Era. Rob and Cody hit up the local Goodwill, drop $75 on random finds, and get hyped for...2025-04-0517 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #105: Cold Yoga, Warm Queso: A Buckhannon PiYo Adventure!🔥 Episode SummaryRob takes us on a road trip detour to Buckhannon, West Virginia (26201), for a small-town yoga experience that’s big on charm and full of surprises. Broadcasting straight from the parking lot of Las Trancas Mexican Restaurant, he recaps his first-ever PiYo class — a Pilates–yoga hybrid that feels more “micro-torture” than mindful flow.From the surprising serenity of this North Central WV studio to thoughts on Speedy Gonzales lunch specials, punch cards, and an upcoming puppy yoga session (!), Rob explores the unique flavor of Appalachian yoga life. It's part cultural commentary, p...2025-04-0414 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #104: Drive & Jive - A Return to the Yog Life (from the 26201)!In this solo Walk & Talk episode, Rob Raffety checks in from Buckhannon, West Virginia, reflecting on family, fitness, and the fight against father time. Unable to hit his usual hot yoga studio, Rob dusts off an old habit—the yog—and takes listeners on a meandering mental jog through memory, motivation, and movement.From running his first 10K back in law school to raw-dogging a marathon, to his days as a sweaty college mascot, this episode is part confessional, part encouragement, and totally Raff. He also previews a live Whatnot auction project and drops some Q2 energy for...2025-04-0214 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #102: Riffin' with Raff feat. Matt Brady, Epic Donut Debate! 🍩What starts with a tweet and a copy of 12½ by Gary Vaynerchuk turns into a cross-state donut taste test between two new friends: host Rob Raffety and guest Matt Brady.Matt, a self-proclaimed foodie with a culinary background and a knack for reef design, joins Rob to unpack everything from parenting late in life to Halo nostalgia, while diving deep into the local legends of Neil’s Donuts (CT) and Creamy Delicious Donuts (WV).The two compare cake vs. yeast donuts, argue over Boston Cream vs. Coconut Cream, and won...2025-03-2736 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #103: Hot Yoga Problems - YOGA ACTION in BUCKHANNON, WV!When Rob returns to his hometown of Buckhannon, WV, he discovers something unexpected: yoga is alive and well in rural America. In this off-brand (but 100% heartwarming) episode, Rob navigates small-town bulletin boards, unfamiliar classrooms, contact lens battles, and a deeply focused flow class in a former elementary school.It’s not hot yoga—it’s cold(ish), local, and surprisingly crowded. But it’s also warm in all the right ways: friendly people, intentional breath work, and an atmosphere that welcomes you in, glasses or no glasses.🧘♂️ If you've ever walked into a new yoga space and wondere...2025-03-2614 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #97: Hot Yoga Problems - Grip, Slip & Sweat Tested!In this Hot Yoga Problems episode, Rob Raffety previews an exciting (and totally unnecessary) new experiment—the Hot Yoga Towel Challenge! After years of dedication to one reliable brand, he’s throwing caution to the wind and testing an array of hot yoga towels to find the ultimate champion. Will price matter? Does texture affect performance? Will he ever master side crow? Also, Rob rants about fitness tracking, muses on free will, dodges a bunny, and prepares for a trip to West Virginia.Have an idea for what to call the towel showdown? Let Rob know!📞...2025-03-0811 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #95: Hot Yoga Problems - HEADSTANDS ACROSS AMERICA!!Rob is feeling the yoga energy today! In this episode of Hot Yoga Problems, he shares his latest class experience, where he absolutely crushed it. With an early arrival, prime mat positioning, and a friendly chat with the instructor, Rob found himself influencing the class flow—unintentionally, of course. The focus? Headstands.Turns out, his request came with a price: an immense amount of core work. But was it worth it? Absolutely. Rob reflects on his love for headstands, his top yoga poses (is this his Mount Rushmore of Yoga?), and his potential second life as...2025-03-0409 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #94: Hot Yoga Problems - 🎶 WE HAVE A THEME SONG!! 🎶🎶 Ep. 94 - Hot Yoga Problems: The Theme Song EpisodeWe did it, folks! Hot Yoga Problems officially has a theme song, thanks to a listener who took the idea and ran with it. Rob dives into the song’s creation, the power of community engagement, and why simplicity in content production is key. Plus, a Reddit experiment, a marijuana-infused rant, and motivation to start your own creative journey.In This Episode:🎵 Hot Yoga Problems theme song reveal – a country-inspired anthem!🛠 The evolution of the theme song and why production simplicity matters🤯 A su...2025-03-0119 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #92: Hot Yoga Problems - OPTIMAL FLOW - MORNING OR AFTERNOON?!Hot Yoga Problems: Morning vs. Afternoon YogaDescription:Rob is back with another sweaty saga, this time questioning the optimal time for yoga practice. Is morning yoga still king, or has the afternoon session unlocked a new level of energy? As he navigates poses (including a mysterious one-legged push-up that may or may not be called Ecopotama), deals with unexpected medical call anticipation, and gets triggered by chimes in Shavasana, Rob takes listeners on a wild ride through his latest hot yoga experience. Should he change up his yoga schedule for good...2025-02-2610 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #91: Hot Yoga Problems - YIN YOGA AGONY, SUFFERING, & REGRET!Hot Yoga Problems - The Agony of Yin YogaEpisode Summary:Rob’s back with another hot yoga struggle, and this time it’s Yin Yoga—aka Core Restore, but don’t let the name fool you. What was supposed to be a restorative session turned into a slow-burning masterclass in discomfort. As he pushes toward his goal of 20 yoga sessions in 30 days, Rob shares the mental and physical battles of holding deep, painful poses for minutes on end. Will he make it through, or will Yin Yoga break him? Listen now for an h...2025-02-2509 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #90: Hot Yoga Problems - CAT COW CHAOS & The 20-Class Yoga Gauntlet!Episode Title: Cat-Cow Chaos & The 20-Class Yoga GauntletEpisode Summary: Rob takes on an intense afternoon hot yoga class, and it’s a struggle. Unlike his usual early morning sessions, this one hits different—harder, sweatier, and way more frustrating. He breaks down his deep disdain for the cat-cow pose (why do we do this?), goes on a hilarious tangent about birds’ hollow bones (thanks, Marvel Comics), and takes a surprise phone call from his sister mid-recording. Plus, he’s on a mission: 20 yoga sessions in 30 days. Can he do it?What’s...2025-02-2308 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #89: Riffin' with Raff feat. Cody Hollen, West Virginia Roller Hockey Legend!In this nostalgic and entertaining episode of Riffin’ with Raff, Rob Raffety is joined by his childhood friend Cody Hollen (aka Code H) as they reminisce about their shared love of hockey, growing up in Buckhannon, WV, and the memories that shaped their friendship. From watching legendary Penguins games on a satellite dish to playing intense roller hockey matches with friends, they reflect on how a small-town group of kids became obsessed with a sport that wasn’t even easily accessible to them.They also discuss legendary hockey commentator Mike Lange, their admiration for Sidney Crosby, and make...2025-02-2222 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #79: Riffin' with Raff feat. Chris McElroy at SundanceRiffin' with Raff feat. Chris McElroyIn this episode of Raff's Brain: Riffin' with Raff, Rob sits down with filmmaker Chris McElroy for a conversation recorded live from Park City, Utah, during the Sundance Film Festival. Chris is an accomplished documentarian and film professional with experience in both indie projects and major Hollywood productions. They discuss his incredible journey, from working behind the scenes on the Hellboy reboot to his deep involvement in documenting the Savannah Bananas, the most entertaining team in baseball.Chris shares how his career was shaped by an internship...2025-02-0725 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #77: Walk & Talk - Sundance 2025 Recap - TL;DR MPI ROCKS!!🎙️ My First Sundance Film Festival Experience | Walk & TalkWelcome to Raff’s Brain! I’m Rob Raffety, and today I’m taking you behind the scenes of my first-ever Sundance Film Festival experience. From high-altitude struggles to groundbreaking indie films, this episode has it all!🎧 What’s in This Episode?✈️ The Journey Begins: My flight to Utah, seat strategies, and the rare joy of an empty middle seat.⛰️ Altitude Adjustment: Struggling with the thin air of Park City—seriously, why didn’t I drink more water?🏨 Lodging Luxury: Staying a...2025-02-051h 27Raff's BrainRaff's Brain #75: SUNDANCE OR BUST!SUMMARY:In this episode of Raff's Brain, join host Rob Raffety as he heads to the 2025 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, for an unforgettable week of films, workshops, and networking. Rob partners with the Moving Picture Institute (MPI), an organization blending freedom and film, to bring you exclusive content from one of the film industry's biggest stages. From behind-the-scenes insights to a rundown of the must-see Sundance lineup, this video kicks off a series of Sundance-themed adventures.What to Expect:What is the Moving Picture Institute (MPI)?Learn...2025-01-2730 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #74: Hot Yoga Problems - Sweat, Shame, and Resilience!Episode Summary:Hot yoga problems? Oh, Rob's got them. In this free-flowing episode, Rob Raffety introduces the potential for his upcoming 20-day hot yoga challenge, starting in February, with plenty of humor, introspection, and some "inverted Abbaguchi pizza roll pose" wisdom along the way. From signing up for public challenges and embracing shame as a motivator to the mental agony of Yin yoga and life lessons learned from enduring discomfort, Rob explores what it means to persevere in and out of the hot yoga studio. Come along for the ride as he commits to sweating it...2025-01-2509 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #73: Riffin' with Raff feat. Charles Blatz - HOME SWEET CLEVELAND!🎙️ Episode OverviewIn this heartwarming and hilarious episode of Raff's Brain, Rob Raffety reconnects with his old friend, Charles Blatz, for a conversation that spans nostalgia, personal growth, and the adventures of homeownership. Charles shares his journey from DC to Cleveland, detailing how he transitioned into IT, bought a historic home for a shockingly low price, and embraced a new lifestyle in the Midwest.From 1930s treasures hidden in the walls to plans for chickens in the backyard, Charles proves that the American Dream is alive and well—just a little colder in Cleveland! Rob and...2025-01-2328 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #72: Hot Yoga Problems - Late Night Nachos and the Battle Within!Description:In this hilariously relatable episode of Hot Yoga Problems on Raff's Brain, Rob dives into his most formidable yoga challenge yet: himself. Midnight nachos, sunrise acid reflux, and self-sabotage take center stage as Rob reflects on the hard truth—he might be his own worst yoga problem.From gastrointestinal distress during triangle pose to the awkward social dance of claiming your "spot" in a crowded studio, this episode serves up a mix of comedy, therapy, and insight. If you’ve ever battled poor decisions or struggled to keep mindful boundaries, this one’s for yo...2025-01-2308 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #71: Hot Yoga Problems - Breath Work Fueled by Red Vines + Snowstorm Prep!Join Rob in this fun and chaotic episode of Hot Yoga Problems, where Sunday routines meet sugary snacks and unexpected weather dilemmas. Fueled by an unofficial Red Vines sponsorship, Rob dives into the quirks of yoga schedules, diet struggles, and his undying love for a good deal at the grocery store.What to Expect:🍬 Red Vines vs. Twizzlers: Can’t we all just get along?🧘♂️ Yoga Timing Troubles: Why no 6 AM weekend classes?🍽️ Diet Drama: Can yoga really balance out processed foods?🛒 Shopping Adventures: Discount obsessions and record-breaking checkout speeds.❄️ Weather Woes: Will the sno...2025-01-2018 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #70: Hot Yoga Problem - Embracing the Unexpected Speed-Run Flow, Wrenches in the Gears!Episode Summary:In this hilariously offbeat episode of Hot Yoga Problems, Rob Raffety tackles the chaos and thrills of encountering a substitute yoga instructor 🔄. What starts as a meditation on disrupted routines evolves into a whirlwind of speed-run yoga ⏩🔥, Jazzercise nostalgia 💃, and unexpected life lessons 🌟. Through the madness, Rob discovers the ultimate truth: the real hot yoga problems aren’t on the mat—they’re in the mind 🧠✨.Episode Outline:Opening RantThe dreaded (or not-so-dreaded) substitute yoga instructor 🔄.Gears, wrenches, and busted tractors 🔧🚜.Speed Run YogaA rapid-fire hot yoga ses...2025-01-1808 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #69: Riffin' with Raff feat @GraubenLara's Big Idea: Turning Economic History into Viral Hits🎙️ Episode OverviewWelcome back to Raff’s Brain, the podcast about the things that fascinate and inspire host Rob Raffety. In this installment of Riffin’ with Raff, Rob sits down with his creative partner Grauben Lara to discuss their latest collaborative ventures in content creation.The episode dives into their exciting video project strategy, including brainstorming ideas, scripting, shooting, and promoting engaging, educational content. They also share their vision for leveraging platforms like YouTube to explore compelling topics such as economic innovation, technology, and brand stories. This episode is a masterclass in creativity, collaboration, and takin...2025-01-1716 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #68: Riffin' with Raff feat. Hoa Phan, Steelers Woes and NFL Playoff Highs!🎙️ Episode Summary:In this special, spontaneous episode of Riffin’ with Raff, Rob Raffety reconnects with old friend Hoa Phan for a lively discussion on the NFL playoffs. From unexpected losses to bold predictions, Rob and Hoa break down the NFC and AFC matchups with humor, insight, and a dose of fan frustration. Along the way, they reflect on playoff heartbreaks, incremental progress (baby steps!), and what it takes to build a championship team. Steelers fans, you’ll feel the pain. Football lovers, you’ll love the banter.💡 Episode Highlights:NFC Surprises and...2025-01-1618 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #67: Hot Yoga Problems - Resting in Gorilla Pose? Nope!🔥 Episode Summary:In this episode of Raff's Brain, Rob dives headfirst into the hilarious and relatable struggles of hot yoga, featuring a pose-by-pose breakdown of the day's challenges. Today’s main antagonist? Gorilla pose—a so-called "resting pose" that feels anything but restful. Along the way, Rob shares musings on the Apple Watch's fitness tracking quirks, societal catchphrases like "it'll buff out," and the audacity of Maryland drivers. The episode is a humorous exploration of why we keep showing up for things that make us uncomfortable, from awkward yoga poses to daily commitments. Namaste, Mo Fo’s....2025-01-1509 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #66: Walk & Talk - Fixing the Black & Gold - My Thoughts on the Pittsburgh Steelers!Welcome back to Raff's Brain! In this special Walk and Talk episode, Rob Raffety tackles a listener-requested topic: how to fix the Pittsburgh Steelers after their recent playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens. With a selfie stick in hand and his thoughts streaming, Rob delivers a heartfelt, nostalgic, and insightful ode to the Steelers, the greatest NFL franchise (in his opinion).Here’s what to expect in this episode:Episode SummaryNostalgia & Fandom Origins: Rob shares his lifelong love for the Steelers, rooted in his Pittsburgh upbringing and fueled by Su...2025-01-1435 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #65: Hot Yoga Problems - Afternoon Delight, Wide Awake, and Packed Tight!Episode Summary:Oh, the joys and quirks of hot yoga in the late afternoon! In this episode of Hot Yoga Problems, Rob Raffety takes us on a sweaty, humorous journey through his recent 4:30 PM class. Rob’s usual early-morning yoga sessions bring a mix of semi-conscious serenity and a head start to the day. But what happens when he steps into an unusually crowded, acoustically lively, and wide-awake late afternoon yoga studio? It’s a whole different vibe!From a packed room with perfectly aligned mats (thanks to a stern yogi reminder) to musings abou...2025-01-1310 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #64: Riffin' with Raff - Olivier Ballou, Val-d'Or, Graphic Novels, & Mining Town Tales!📝 Episode Summary:In this episode of Raff's Brain: Riffin’ with Raff, Rob Raffety sits down with longtime friend, creative collaborator, and multi-talented artist, Olivier Ballou. They discuss Olivier’s journey from a small mining town in northern Quebec to becoming a graphic novelist with a unique storytelling style. Olivier shares insights into his graphic novels, including Val d’Or, which chronicles the history and culture of his hometown through minimalist and striking visuals.The duo dives into the artistic process, sourcing oral histories, and balancing creative expression with community reception. Olivier also reveals what’s next: a p...2025-01-1116 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #63: Hot Yoga Problems - Winter Woes and Yoga Flows!Episode Summary:In this froggy-voiced and frosty-weathered episode of Raff's Brain, we’re diving into the rollercoaster that is wintertime hot yoga. Rob reflects on his disrupted yoga practice, the legacy of 108 sun salutations on New Year’s Day, and the trials of keeping warm and motivated in snowy conditions. With wit and humor, he laments the logistical struggles of snowy streets, glitter-clad yoga companions, and lugging unnecessary gear to class. If you’ve been snowed in, feeling lazy, or debating whether to brave the cold, this episode will remind you to show up, push yourself, and fi...2025-01-1009 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #62: Riffin' with Raff feat. Grauben Lara, FEE Economic Marvels Video Essay Contest!Episode Summary:Host Rob Raffety is joined by Grauben Lara for an inspiring discussion about their latest creative project—a video essay submission for the Foundation for Economic Education's Economic Marvels Video Essay Contest. The duo takes listeners behind the scenes of their submission, which tells the fascinating story of Kleenex, tracing its origins back to a World War I innovation.Rob and Grauben discuss the challenges of scripting, shooting, and editing with minimal resources, all while juggling holiday travel and family commitments. The episode also explores their big-picture dreams, including plans for a...2025-01-0720 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #60: Riffin' with Raff feat. Juan Ayala, Horror Screenplay Collaboration for MPI Contest!Episode Summary:Rob Raffety teams up with Juan Ayala for a thrilling creative journey into the world of horror storytelling. In this episode of Riffin' with Raff, Rob and Juan recount their serendipitous connection, their shared passion for screenwriting, and their recent collaboration on an entry for the Moving Picture Institute's Short Film Lab. From the dark allure of the "Red Room" to the challenges of crafting a compelling narrative, this episode dives deep into creativity, storytelling, and the triumph of taking a chance.Episode Outline:Welcome and Introductions:...2025-01-0617 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #59: Hot Yoga Problems - OBX SPECIAL PART THREE!Episode SummaryAs the year wraps up, Rob dives into his third hot yoga session of the week at OBX Hot Yoga in the Outer Banks. Join him for a lively discussion about the essentials of a functional yoga studio, including his hot take on mat markers, premium space reservations, and revolutionary pricing models. From the quirks of yoga mat dimensions to bold ideas for a "Raff Plan" that blends commitment and compensation, this episode is packed with laughs, insights, and yoga-fueled reflections.Whether you’re a ho...2024-12-3114 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #57: Hot Yoga Problems - OBX SPECIAL!Episode Summary:In this episode of Hot Yoga Problems, Rob Raffety shares his hot yoga experiences while vacationing in the Outer Banks (OBX), North Carolina. Rob dives into the joys and quirks of maintaining his yoga practice away from home, reflecting on the differences between studios, local culture, and the universal challenges of hot yoga. From the intense heat of OBX Hot Yoga to musings about a 31-day yoga challenge, Rob blends humor, personal anecdotes, and deep reflections to keep you entertained. Plus, he raises philosophical questions about change, agency, and the nature of tigers. Yes...2024-12-2822 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #:56 Riffin' with Raff feat. Mallory Moss Christmas Walk & Talk - Running, LAX, & MORE!🎙 Episode SummaryJoin Rob Raffety as he strolls through Knollwood, West Virginia, on Christmas Day with his favorite (and only youngest) niece, Mallory Moss. In this lively “Riffin’ with Raff” episode, the two dive into everything from Mallory’s movie theater job and New Year’s resolutions to the joys of cross-country running and the challenges of lacrosse. Packed with humor, advice, and a few side adventures (like an abundance of barking dogs), this episode offers a reflective yet entertaining holiday vibe.💡 Episode HighlightsThe Most Frequent GuestMallory earns the title of the show’s mo...2024-12-2720 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #55: Hot Yoga Problems - No DEAD WEEKS, only ACTION WEEKS!Summary:The so-called "dead week" between Christmas and New Year’s isn’t dead at all—it’s alive with opportunities! Rob dives into the challenges of staying productive and maintaining a hot yoga routine during the holiday season when schedules get thrown out of whack. From pondering the quirks of 7:15am yoga classes to considering a 31-day hot yoga challenge in January, this episode is packed with reflections, humor, and motivational gems. Rob also teases exciting plans for 2025, including expanding Raff’s Brain and spicing up his hot yoga game with new gear.Episode...2024-12-2412 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #53: Walk & Talk - Dogs, Math, Tech, Aging, Selfie Sticks, & MORE!Welcome to another episode of Raff's Brain! Today, it’s a Walk and Talk episode where Rob Raffety explores the big questions in life while pacing through his backyard. Armed with a selfie stick, some new Bose headphones (are they even working?), and an Apple Watch, Rob dives into a stream-of-consciousness adventure you won’t want to miss.Join Rob as he talks about:Conan the Dog’s Comeback Story: At 14 years old (that’s 98 in human years!), Conan just had surgery to remove a toe but is still as spry as ever. What can we l...2024-12-2131 minRaff's BrainRaff's Brain #52: Riffin' with Raff feat. Sierra Stauffer, Potbelly Lunch, Animal Rescue, & Pet Photo Biz!!In this spontaneous episode of Raff's Brain, Rob Raffety sits down with his colleague Sierra Stauffer for a delightful and inspiring conversation over lunch. Sierra shares her journey from volunteering at an animal sanctuary as a teenager to becoming a pet photographer with a mission. Her business focuses on creating affordable, professional-quality portraits for pet owners and animal rescues. From building her own photography studio out of a repurposed shed to finding creative ways to support rescues, Sierra’s story is a testament to resourcefulness, passion, and the magic of leaning into life’s unexpected opportunities.LINKS:...2024-12-1922 min