Chris Roberts and Rockne O'Leary talk about how fluency in math, music, and software all start with mastering the basics, then building patience, intuition, and abstract thinking on top of that. They also dig into how AI can be a powerful tool for learning and productivity, but only if students first develop the ability to think for themselves. Chris shares why he believes pencil and paper still matter in the early development years, how screens and constant stimulation can weaken attention and delayed gratification, and why his mission is to make math fluency fun, accessible, and free for students and teachers.

Key topics

• Chris Roberts explains the common thread across music education, math education, and software development: fluency in a language, whether musical, mathematical, or technical.
• He argues that mastering the basics first is not a shortcut, but the foundation for intuition, confidence, and higher-level thinking.
• Chris describes his framework for performance preparation from How to Make First Chair, including patience, overlearning, and a three-month runway for auditions or performances.
• The conversation compares math fluency to football practice, where repetitive drills build automaticity before players can execute in real game conditions.
• Chris says AI should be used as a tool, not a crutch, and warns that students need strong fundamentals to judge, guide, and correct what AI produces.
• Rockne shares how AI helps him read difficult texts and understand them more deeply, which leads into a discussion of responsible use versus dependency.
• Chris says early education should still emphasize pencil and paper, handwriting, and books, especially through about fourth or fifth grade, before too much screen-based learning takes over.
• They discuss how constant screen stimulation, social media, and short-form content can reduce patience, attention span, and the ability to sit still and think.
• Chris describes classroom changes he observed, including Chromebook distractions, students bypassing restrictions, and the challenge of reaching both multilingual students and remedial learners.
• He explains his mission to improve multiplication fluency through fun, browser-based tools, including a daily puzzle and a multiplication bee style challenge.

Key frameworks:

• Fluency first, abstraction second
• Master the basics before expecting intuition
• Use AI as a tool, not a crutch
• Delayed gratification builds better thinkers
• Fun and repetition can coexist in serious learning

Notable quotes:

• "There is no shortcut. You have to learn and be patient and let yourself learn this over time."
• "To get to that higher level abstract thinking, this other stuff has to be automatic."
• "The more kids that are fluent in math, they're gonna be better thinkers and be able to handle AI instead of be controlled by it."

Action items

• Practice math fluency daily, even in short sessions.
• Keep pencil and paper in the learning process as long as possible in early grades.
• Use AI to explain, check, or extend understanding, not to replace thinking.
• Create more opportunities for delayed gratification through books, puzzles, games, and hands-on work.
• Make learning fun enough that students want to return to it consistently.

The Vertigo Centre:

www.thevertigocentre.com

Rockne O'Leary:

www.rockoleary.com

10% off Momentous use code: RockneO'Leary

Chris Roberts: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clr550/

https://whattimeswhat.com/

https://classicmathgames.com/

https://howtomakefirstchair.com/

This episode is a solo reflection on a simple but overlooked principle: getting the job, relationship, house, or opportunity is not the finish line. Rockne O’Leary argues that the benefits only show up when you fully commit, then keep showing up after the excitement fades.He connects the idea to his own life updates, including his wife Jess’s pregnancy, selling his house, a new strength and conditioning role at Garnet Valley, and the changing rhythm of his men’s group. From there, he breaks down how commitment, preparation, and self-trust work in relationships, money, career, coaching, and personal growth.

Key topics

• The hardest part is often not getting the thing, but handling what comes after
• Being chosen feels good, but it is only the start, not the finish line
• Full commitment means no plan B, no exit plan, and no one foot out the door
• Relationships require vulnerability before intimacy or real partnership can exist
• Money works the same way as compound interest - the benefit comes from not touching it
• Career and business upside gets diluted when you keep other options warm
• Half-committing to coaching or training usually leads to half the results
• Holding his house for years showed the payoff of consistent maintenance and patience
• The culture of goals and hustle often ignores the day after the win
• Self-trust is built through evidence, not just mindset, and that evidence comes from follow-through

The Vertigo Centre: 

www.thevertigocentre.com

Momentous: 

10% off use code: RockneO'Leary

Contact:

www.rockoleary.com

email: [email protected]

In this episode of You Can’t Fool You, Rockne O’Leary sits down with Emily Roper to explore how early physical development, pregnancy, birth, and parenting shape a child’s emotional, neurological, and social development. Emily explains how her work as a neurodevelopmental delay therapist and midwife’s assistant overlaps, and why supporting moms during pregnancy and postpartum can have lifelong effects on children.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why early physical development has a major impact on brain function later in life
• How pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences can influence a baby’s stress response and development
• The difference between normal anxiety and more clinically significant patterns
• Why attachment in the first months of life matters so much
• How dads can support moms and strengthen family relationships after birth
• What toddlers are really doing when they test limits, melt down, or ignore directions
• Why rough-and-tumble play is important for kids’ development

Key Topics Covered:

Emily’s Path Into Development WorkEmily shares how she “fell into” this field after seeing major changes in her cousin through early development therapy, then experiencing her own anxiety and trichotillomania improvement through the same approach.The Body-Mind ConnectionA big part of Emily’s work focuses on the body’s early reflexes, stress responses, and how those patterns can influence emotional regulation and anxiety later in life.Pregnancy Shapes Baby’s BaselineEmily explains how a baby learns from the mother’s environment in pregnancy — including stress, nutrition, and physical activity — and how that can influence the baby’s nervous system after birth.Recovery After BirthShe breaks down the importance of rest, nutrition, sleep, and realistic expectations in postpartum recovery, emphasizing that healing is deeply individual and often takes much longer than people expect.Attachment and the First Six MonthsEmily discusses secure attachment, why it matters for lifelong mental health, and how responsive caregiving helps babies learn that the world is safe and people are reliable.Parenting ToddlersThe conversation closes with practical parenting insights: how to set limits, mirror emotions, avoid taking behavior personally, and guide children toward regulation without shaming their feelings.

Notable Takeaways:

• Babies and toddlers need both boundaries and emotional attunement.
• Behavior is not the same as emotion; all emotions are valid, but not all behaviors are.
• Physical play, movement, and appropriate risk-taking are essential for healthy development.
• A strong support system during pregnancy and postpartum can strengthen the entire family.

Guest Info

Emily Roper
Podcast: The Early Roots Podcast
Website: www.earlyrootstherapy.com/meet-emily

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by The Vertigo Center — helping you find balance when the world won’t stop spinning.
Visit: www.thevertigocentre.com

Rockne O'Leary:

www.rockoleary.com

10% off Momentous – Code RockneO'Leary

If you enjoyed this episode

If this conversation helped you understand child development, parenting, or postpartum recovery in a new way, share it with a parent, parent-to-be, or anyone supporting young families.

Rockne O'Leary sits down with Mark Steiner, founder of GigSalad, to talk through a career that moved from movies to talent booking to entrepreneurship. Mark shares how adoption, late ADHD diagnosis, and years of storytelling shaped the way he sees identity, purpose, and the choices that define a life.In this episode, they explore the difference between the story you tell yourself and the life you actually want to build. They also dig into presence, masculinity, creativity, and why Mark believes it is never too late to start again.

Key topics

• Mark Steiner shares his path from South Jersey to New York City, where he spent 10 years in the movie business before moving into talent booking and eventually founding GigSalad.
• He explains how movies gave him an early escape and how, as a child, he often felt like he was “playing a character” long before he understood why.
• Mark talks about being adopted at birth, learning to reframe that experience from rejection to being chosen, and how therapy helped rewrite the script he had been living by.
• Rockne introduces the idea of the character arc, using Tommy Shelby from Peaky Blinders as a model for becoming someone through the journey, not skipping to the end result.
• They discuss the “story I’m telling myself” and how people often protect limiting beliefs because they feel familiar, even when they are painful.
• Mark reflects on an ADHD diagnosis he received in his late 50s, and how it helped him understand masking, shifting, and the different versions of himself he had been carrying.
• He shares how riding his bike to work and making small changes sparked a childlike sense of freedom and reminded him he is still becoming.
• Mark explains how GigSalad came from noticing two sides of the market - entertainers looking for work and event planners looking for talent - and building a platform to connect them.
• He describes the creative reset he had after his youngest child left for college, when he realized he needed to create again, not just consume experiences.
• Mark also talks about his newer projects, including a Mount Rushmore inspired social gaming app and another startup centered on tattoo storytelling.
• Rockne and Mark spend time on purpose, presence, and the idea that success is not arrival but ongoing growth.
• They close by discussing men’s groups, community, and the value of being around people who want honest conversation without turning everything into performance or therapy-speak.

Action items

• Reflect on the story you keep telling yourself and ask whether it is actually true.
• Notice where you may be clinging to a familiar identity that no longer serves you.
• Create something small this week, even if it is just a first step.
• Stay present in the work, the family, and the relationships you already have instead of waiting for an imagined arrival.

Mark Steiner: 

https://www.gigsalad.com/

IG: @gigsalad

Rockne O'Leary

10% off Momentous Code: RockneO'Leary

The Vertigo Centre: 

www.thevertigocentre.com

In this episode, Rockne O'Leary hosts Kirk Driver to explore essential principles of leadership, how to motivate yourself and others, and why clarity in values and standards matter. Kirk shares his extensive experience from law enforcement and military backgrounds, emphasizing practical strategies for applying leadership in everyday life.

Key Topics:

• The fundamental definition of leadership: motivating others intrinsically versus extrinsically
• The importance of painting a compelling 'why' to inspire self-motivation for lasting change
• Building your moral compass as the foundation of effective leadership and decision-making
• How setting clear standards and consistent enforcement shape organizational integrity
• The significance of communication—ensuring everyone understands and can recite expectations
• Inside-out motivation: aligning personal values with behavior to foster genuine leadership
• The concept of Zero Gray Leadership: removing ambiguity and establishing accountability
• The power of pausing before reacting—practical advice for everyday interactions to uphold your values
• Leadership beyond titles: influencing through example and attitude, regardless of position
• The influence of sports, organizations, and community in teaching leadership skills

Resources & Links:

Kirk Driver: 

Website: https://zerogray.com/

The Vertigo Centre: 

Website: https://www.thevertigocentre.com

Rockne O'Leary:

Momentous: 10% discount code: RockneO'Leary

In this episode, Rockne O’Leary sits down with Colin Masterson to talk about the winding path from athlete to accountant to strength coach, and the lessons that come from betting on yourself. Colin shares how leaving a stable accounting job to pursue coaching changed his life, what he learned from working long hours in strength and conditioning, and why he ultimately chose a career that felt more aligned with who he is.

The conversation digs into identity after sports, confidence, failure, and the pressure young athletes feel to follow a “standard” path. Rockne and Colin also compare their own experiences as college quarterbacks, the challenge of changing positions, and the value of sticking with a process even when it feels uncomfortable.

They also discuss youth sports, rec leagues, recruiting, and why kids should focus on playing where they can actually grow and compete. Colin shares how he now works as a coach in New York City, coaches both in person and online, and is in the process of opening his first boutique fitness studio.

Key topics covered

• Leaving accounting to become a strength coach
• Building confidence through failure and repetition
• Identity after football and life after athletics
• Why waiting your turn still matters
• The problems with youth sports pressure and over-specialization
• Building a business and personal brand
• The next chapter: coaching, entrepreneurship, and family

Memorable takeaways

• “Chasing edges” means constantly challenging yourself and growing.
• Confidence often comes from doing the work before you feel ready.
• Sports teach life skills that go far beyond winning and losing.
• It’s better to go where you’ll play and develop than chase status.
• Your identity should expand beyond one role, title, or season of life.

About Colin Masterson
Colin Masterson is a coach in the New York City area who works both in person and online helping clients build muscle, lose fat, improve performance, and train for races. He is also working to open his first boutique fitness studio while continuing to grow his personal brand online.

Colin Masterson:

YouTube:@ColinMasterson1

IG: @colinmasterson_

https://colinmasterson-fitforlife.lpages.co/fit-for-life-pu/

YouTube:@ColinMasterson1

IG: @colinmasterson_

Pocono Maple Water

Website: https://www.poconomaplewater.com/

IG: @poconomaplewater

ROCKNE:

Momentous 10% off Code: RockneO'Leary

The Vertigo Centre:

www.thevertigocentre.com 

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of maple water—an ancient, natural hydration source with modern health benefits. Nicole from Pocono Maple Water reveals how this heritage beverage can improve your health, from better hydration to supporting immune function, all while emphasizing sustainability and transparency.

Key Topics:

• The history and natural origins of maple water, used by Native Americans for centuries
• How maple water differs from other bottled waters and its minimal sugar content (2%) 
• The health benefits of maple water, including vitamins, minerals, and immune-boosting properties
• The environmental and purity aspects—how it's filtered naturally by the tree and free from additives
• Challenges and processes involved in tapping 22,000 to 25,000 trees within a 6-week season
• The importance of knowing what's in your water—pollutants, plastics, and toxins
• The seasonal production window and geographic factors influencing maple water harvest 
• The packaging debate: glass vs tetra packs vs aluminum cans, and the microplastic concern
• How to incorporate maple water into daily routines, from hydration to skin and hair benefits
• The farm experience: retreats, yoga, eco-tours, and educational opportunities to reconnect with nature
• The rising awareness of water's quality, sourcing, and the movement towards local, transparent products 
• The future visions: expanding offerings, water seminars, and sustainably growing the farm 

Connect with Nicole and Pocono Maple Water:

Website: https://www.poconomaplewater.com/

IG: @poconomaplewater

ROCKNE: 

Momentous 10% off Code: RockneO'Leary

The Vertigo Centre:

www.thevertigocentre.com

Additional notes:
This episode underscores the importance of scrutinizing what we drink, promoting local and sustainable options. Whether you're into health, environment, or just curious about what goes into your bottled water, there are insightful takeaways on transparency, seasonal sourcing, and the value of reconnecting with nature through farm visits and educational retreats. Plus, a glimpse into the demanding yet rewarding life of tapping maple trees—an industry rooted in tradition but evolving for the modern eco-conscious consumer.

Summary
In this episode, Rockne O'Leary and Faye B Casell discuss the complexities of dyslexia, its identification, and the challenges faced by children with learning disabilities. Faye shares her journey as a dyslexia therapist, emphasizing the need for effective teaching methods and the importance of understanding the neurodiversity of dyslexia. The conversation also touches on the differences between dyslexia and ADHD, and the systemic issues in educational curricula that hinder effective reading instruction. In this conversation, Faye B Casell and Rockne O'Leary discuss the critical role of reading in early education, the challenges faced by children, especially those with dyslexia, and the impact of grades on self-esteem. They explore the importance of engaging children in reading through topics that interest them and the need for accessible resources. The discussion also touches on the influence of technology and short-form content on learning and the education system's shortcomings in addressing these issues.

Takeaways

• Dyslexia is a neurodiversity that affects reading and processing.
• Many children with dyslexia struggle to receive necessary services.
• Reading is a complex skill that involves code breaking.
• Identifying dyslexia can occur as early as age five.
• The three cueing method in schools is ineffective for teaching reading.
• A significant percentage of students are not proficient readers.
• Curriculum issues persist in teaching methods for reading.
• Faye's personal experience drives her passion for dyslexia therapy.
• Children with dyslexia often work much harder to read than their peers.
• Effective reading instruction requires understanding individual learning needs. Reading is essential for learning and personal development.
• Engagement in reading is crucial; children should read what interests them.
• Grades can negatively impact self-esteem and motivation.
• Dyslexia affects many children, yet only a fraction receive help.
• The education system often fails to identify and support struggling readers.
• Structured literacy benefits all students, not just those with dyslexia.
• Parents often face challenges in securing appropriate resources for their children.
• Short-form content can distract and hinder deep learning.
• It's important to balance technology use with traditional learning methods.
• Every child can learn to read with the right support and resources.

Sound Bites

00:00 "Dyslexia is a neurodiversity."

05:03 "Reading is essentially code breaking."

12:31 "Teaching against the science of reading."

20:08 "The three cueing method is not effective."

22:12 "It's hard to pull it back in."

30:38 "Kids with dyslexia try five times harder."

35:48 "Reading is a currency, it opens doors."

38:20 "You have to learn how to break the code."

39:14 "You can find something that interests them."

55:01 "Reading doesn't come as easily for you."

58:40 "Kids are online early, it's a reality."

59:09 "You have to balance technology access."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background on Dyslexia

02:28 Understanding Dyslexia: Definition and Characteristics

06:41 Identifying Dyslexia: Signs and Symptoms

10:27 The Science of Reading: Teaching Methods and Challenges

19:10 Curriculum Issues: The Three Cueing Method

24:29 Personal Journey: Passion for Dyslexia Therapy

27:14 ADHD vs. Dyslexia: Understanding the Differences

32:00 The Importance of Reading in Early Education

39:02 Engagement and Interest in Reading

45:01 The Impact of Grades on Self-Esteem

50:57 Dyslexia and the Education System

56:57 Creating Accessible Reading Resources

59:55 The Influence of Short-Form Content on Learning

Faye Cassel:

IG: homereadingcoach

https://homereadingcoach.com/

ROCKNE:

10% off Momentous Code - RockneO'Leary

The Vertigo Centre:

www.thevertigocentre.com

In this episode we explore the nuanced interplay of masculinity and femininity, how they manifest in relationships, and what modern men and women are missing today. Katie O'Connor offers insights rooted in embodied movement, connection, and self-awareness that challenge conventional stereotypes and invite a deeper understanding of authentic energy.

In this episode:

• The core principle of connection as a foundation for healthy relationships
• The energetic principles behind masculinity and femininity, and how they can be understood beyond stereotypes
• What a truly balanced masculine and feminine interaction looks like in everyday life
• How archetypes influence perceptions of masculinity and femininity
• The importance of surrender and boundaries, and their role in healthy partnership
• The role of the feminine oracle and intuitive sight in relational dynamics
• Common pitfalls modern women fall into through victimization or neglect of their creational power
• The challenges men face today, including distraction, passivity, and a lack of challenge
• How physicality, exercise, and challenge are vital to masculine health and evolution
• The importance of showing up, even imperfectly, in relationships and life
• The hero's journey of men and women: proving worth versus simply recognizing it
• Practical steps for men to find their strength and purpose through challenge and movement 
• How social media and external symbols shape contemporary masculinity
• The significance of spiritual and devout pursuits in humbling and balancing energy

Katie O'Connor:

Substack: @katieloconnor

Instagram: @katieloconnor

The Vertigo Centre:

www.thevertigocentre.com

15% off Momentus use Code: RockneO'Leary

www.livemomentous.com/

Pocono Maple Water 

Summary
In this conversation, Rockne O'Leary and Justin Goodman discuss the importance of mental health awareness, the mission of Project 55, and the distinction between mental health and mental illness. They explore the signs of mental health struggles, the significance of community support, and share personal stories of resilience and recovery. Justin shares his own journey through mental health challenges and emphasizes the need for active listening and intervention in crisis situations. In this conversation, Justin Goodman and Rockne O'Leary delve into the complexities of mental health, particularly focusing on crisis situations, the unique challenges faced by men, and the impact of social media on young males. They discuss the importance of community and connection in mental health, emphasizing the need for support systems and resources like the 988 hotline. Goodman shares insights on how to approach mental health issues, the significance of open conversations, and practical steps to foster emotional well-being.

Takeaways
Project 55 provides tools and training for mental health support.
Mental health is about everyday functioning and wellness.
Active listening is crucial in supporting someone in crisis.
Many people struggle with mental health at some point in life.
Community and relationships are vital for mental health.
Recognizing changes in behavior can indicate mental health issues.
It's important to have deep relationships for support.
People can take agency in their mental health journey.
Consistency in mental health practices is key to recovery.
Training and resources can empower individuals to help others. Understanding where a person is in a crisis is crucial.
Men often struggle with mental health due to lack of community.
Social media can negatively impact young men's mental health.
Community support is essential for mental well-being.
The 988 hotline is a vital resource for those in crisis.
Men are less likely to report mental health issues honestly.
Building connections can help reduce feelings of isolation.
Engaging in physical activity can significantly improve mental health.
Creating groups for men can foster better emotional support.
Open conversations about struggles can inspire others.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Project 55 and Mental Health Awareness

02:59 Understanding Mental Health vs. Mental Illness

06:00 Recognizing Signs of Mental Health Struggles

09:01 The Importance of Community and Relationships

12:00 Personal Journey and Overcoming Adversity

17:58 Stories of Resilience and Support in Mental Health

26:41 Understanding Crisis Situations

32:53 The Male Perspective on Mental Health

38:15 The Impact of Social Media on Young Men

44:18 Community and Connection in Mental Health

46:24 Practical Steps for Improvement

Justin Goodman:

https://project55.org/

Dial 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

The Vertigo Centre:

www.thevertigocentre.com

Momentus:

15% off use code: RockneO'Leary

https://www.livemomentous.com/

Pocono Maple Water: 

https://www.poconomaplewater.com/