Sometimes in living life and experiencing trauma, we forget that everything we need is inside.
Open Hearts
I know what I have. It's okay.
I know what I have. It’s okay.
My Favorite Movies of 2025 (Not Necessarily the Best Movies)
"Sometimes, all we need is someone to look us in the eye and remind us that we exist." Jon Ochiai, on his favorite movies and why.
“Sometimes, all we need is someone to look us in the eye and remind us that we exist.” Jon Ochiai, on his favorite movies and why.
Strong
Cognard Hanshi said, “You train not to kill.” That is the purpose of Aikido. That's what I train to do.
Cognard Hanshi said, “You train not to kill.” That is the purpose of Aikido. That’s what I train to do.
Protector
The Alpha isn’t the wolf who kills the most. He’s the one who best protects the pack.
The Alpha isn’t the wolf who kills the most. He’s the one who best protects the pack.
The Muse of ‘Song Sung Blue’
Song Sung Blue is about Milwaukee couple Mike Sardina and Claire Stengl, played by Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, who played in a Neil Diamond Tribute Band.
Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson in “Song Sung Blue.” Credit…Focus Features – Writer and Director Craig Brewer’s Song Sung Blue is based on the documentary by Greg Kohs about Milwaukee couple Mike Sardina and Claire Stengl, played by Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, who played in a Neil Diamond Tribute Band. Mike was the lifelong…
Vibe
It's on me. I'm responsible. That’s my vibe.
It’s on me. I’m responsible. That’s my vibe.
I Know What I Have
The only meaning in life is the meaning that we give it.
The only meaning in life is the meaning that we give it.
I’m Not Allowed
By the way, that’s the vulnerability part.
By the way, that’s the vulnerability part.
Your Nice Authentic Self
The Rock closed with a quote that he heard when he was 15 years-old and lives by, “It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.”
The Rock closed with a quote that he heard when he was 15 years-old and lives by, “It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.”
Choose Your Love Story in ‘Eternity’
Eternity is a great timeless love story—one of my favorite movies of the year. In Eternity, real love is forever.
Eternity is a great timeless love story—one of my favorite movies of the year. In Eternity, real love is forever.
Forgive
I forgave Dad for being afraid inside, for not knowing how to be a father, and for being imperfectly human. I forgive myself for being imperfectly human, too.
I forgave Dad for being afraid inside, for not knowing how to be a father, and for being imperfectly human.
Know That We Exist in ‘Rental Family’
Sometimes, all we need is someone to look us in the eye and remind us that we exist. Rental Family is one of my favorite movies of the year.
Sometimes, all we need is someone to look us in the eye and remind us that we exist. Rental Family is one of my favorite movies of the year.
The Alpha in ‘Predator: Badlands’
Predator: Badlands is surprisingly something very special. It’s one of the best movies of the year. It’s one of my favorite movies of 2025.
Predator: Badlands is surprisingly something very special. It’s one of the best movies of the year. It’s one of my favorite movies of 2025.
Can’t Make Someone Do Anything
Sensei said, “Apply the technique to yourself.” I apply nikkyo to myself. I create my distance. Make my timing.
Sensei said, “Apply the technique to yourself.” I apply nikkyo to myself. I create my distance. Make my timing.
Can We Save Ourselves in ‘Bugonia’?
Although difficult to watch in spots, Bugonia is one of my favorite movies of the year so far.
Although difficult to watch in spots, Bugonia is one of my favorite movies of the year so far.