Sample: Video about the voice of the Oklahoma City Thunder, broadcaster Brian Davis.

I have produced hundreds of videos. I have 78 of them (relatively late ones – many that are NOT SBTV episodes) posted on YouTube. Below are 8 videos that have gotten over 1000 views.

All except for the first two are products I produced for The Journal Record to be aired on Oklahoma’s PBS station, OETA.

Pool is my life – 2485

Wooden knife kit – 2452

These Walls: First Presbyterian Church of Oklahoma City – 1530

It’s a Living: Matt Beckham, QuiBids Online Auction – 1408

It’s a Living: Bryan Volpenhein, OKC Boathouse Rowing Coach- 1390

It’s a Living: Brian Davis, OKC Thunder Play-By-Play Announcer – 1207

These Walls: Samuel Gordon Jewelers “Superstore” - 1102

It’s a Living: Jim Gardner, Chopper4 helicopter pilot – 1070

The Wheel of Dave

I was asked to make a 10-minute autobiographical presentation for the introductory session of a The Dolan Company‘s internal leadership fellowship called Dolan Leadership Institute. That is when I created The Wheel of Dave, a tongue-in-cheek “family heirloom passed down through the generations” (yes, I am the 5th Dave Rhea in my family).

The three spokes of the wheel that is Dave Rhea are the three elements of my life I chose that accurately describe who I am, what motivates me and how I became the person I am today.

With my two incredible boys, Campbell and Cash

Father
First, before all else, I am a father. As you can tell by this picture, there is no mother. That is because I recently went through a divorce.

One of the positive things that have come from this recent development is that it has enabled me to re-focus on being a very effective and attentive father to my two boys. The divorce has, in fact, made me a better son, brother, friend, Christian and employee. It is a strange setting for so much personal development. Then again, marriages don’t fail because of an adequately healthy environment.

So now, 50% of the time, I engage with these boys directly – 100%. I have nobody to defer to or fall back on, and I have nobody questioning my fathering style. In that regard, it is an incredibly awesome experience. Being a single father to these little guys is by far the most important thing in my life – and I enjoy my time with them more than anything.

As an aside, in DLI we were asked to give away a book that explains something about ourselves. I chose to give Wild Things: The Art of Nurturing Boys.

Multimedia journalism is one of my greatest passions

Storyteller
It is hard to narrow down how I see myself as a creative person. I am a musician, a writer, a videographer – those are what I am most creatively passionate about, in all those cases I am acting as a story teller. To creatively tell a story is one of the oldest forms of entertainment and education. So I take a bit of pride in being a good, multidimensional story teller.

Vaughan & me with Stone Temple Pilots guitarist, Dean DeLeo, at Cello Studio in Hollywood, CA.

Being a professional musician was the most fantastic voyage of my life, both physically and creatively. I had two record deals, which enabled me to tour all over North America. Luckily, most of that journey was with my brother, Vaughan. I was living every kids’ dream: I met interesting people, saw incredible things and all the while I was a there because of at least a certain level of success at being able to creatively express myself.

You can hear a great radio show about me in the music industry at http://www.jdaverhea.com/dave-on-npr-the-story/.

I have written for Blade magazine for 7 years and now I am a Field Editor.

The writer aspect of me as a story teller is the most traditional. I didn’t grow up wanting to become a journalist, I wanted to be a writer. Jack Kerouac and Hunter Thompson were my rock stars – and I saved my allowance not to buy a guitar, but to by a typewriter. I have long characterized being a writer as like a marriage. The payoff is in longevity. Work hard for a long time and you get your reward. Music is like an infidelitous fling. It’s hot and fast and exciting. It burns bright – but briefly. Luckily in my marriage metaphor – writing took me back after my music mistress failed me.

See all my videos at youtube.com/user/jdavidrhea

My “day job” is as managing editor for online products at The Journal Record, the statewide daily business-focused media company in Oklahoma City. It is owned by The Dolan Company, a fantastic company for which I am glad to work.

Video is my newest love. When I am able to find a story, shoot and edit the whole production, it is the most satisfying way to tell a story. I have produced segments for the newspaper and for our television media partners.

You can check out my YouTube channel for all my videos featuring a who’s who line-up of OKC’s finest personalities.

OKC's Memorial Marathon

Runner
Running seems to take on the form of a lifestyle, and it is not surprising to me because it takes such a time commitment. You can’t really be a successful runner by going to the gym for an hour three times a week. You have to dedicate the time and the energy. You have to change how you eat and sleep. Initially there is a lot of pain, which I previously blogged about. To be good, you have to do certain things that manifest themselves in somewhat of a lifestyle change.

The benefits are incredible. I know in my case, it has shed fat off my body – like I would have expected. But the surprising thing has been the alleviation of back pain. I spent many years touring with a band and it really did a number on my back. Then, transitioning to a career that mandates a lot of desk time, it started to be a pretty chronic problem. Since I started seriously running, my back pain has gone away.

Meditation: All throughout growing up and now having become a adult, I had all along wished I had the self discipline to meditate. I know that it would help calm my mind that is so often flying off in 100 directions. I know that the most simple act of stilling the mind is so profoundly therapeutic. Then one day on about mile 8 of my long weekend run I realized that I am meditating. Through running, I can isolate myself and go through this inane, repetitive movement – that that frees my mind.
So for these reasons, running has become part of how I identify myself.

I got this MP3 on my birthday from my friend, classical composer and all-around awesome guy, Jerod Tate.

Happy birthday Danny! You are a great man who is a blessing to all who know you. Congrats on kicking the smokes too. This will likely be the best year of you life because of that!.

.

By the way, here’s the videos I did w/ Daniel and Jarod:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

My 2012 life transition started a bit prematurely in 2011 with a divorce that was made legal about halfway through December. The separation started at the close of summer. Now that the new year has begun, I feel like I have already been building upon drastic change. Actually, it was a level of disruption like I have never experienced. Divorce is about as drastic disruption as is available in this life.

But through this winter, I have been rebuilding. Sometimes it is sitting in the dirt trying to figure out its texture; is it sticky enough to take vertical? Sometimes it’s leaning on a friend or relative’s strong shoulder. Oftentimes it is walking around my house rearranging things and taking in the feeling of being alone.

Sometimes it’s loneliness. Sometimes it’s freedom. Sometimes it hurts. Other times I dance with the exhilarating possibilities.

Throughout it all, I have been forced to take inventory and make a lot of changes. Thankfully, there are a lot of great resources in my life that/who impress upon me a desire to use this period to become what I should be. Excel at the job I love. Read. Pray. Play music. Love. Laugh. Learn. Change.

I characterize my life lately as a bouquet of turd blossoms. Out of this ridiculous situation, I have been rediscovering things that are important in life. Real things – I have been so starved for real things. But I have found a lot of them, and I have found myself in the process.

A divorce is a strange setting in which to experience so much personal growth. But of these things I am sure: I am a more focused father. I am an re-awakened Christian. I am a better relative. I am a closer friend. I am a less stressful person. That makes me proud.

So my resolution for 2012 is to not change. To me, it sounds crazy given amount of change I am experiencing. But the rate of change is already there – what I am not changing is the rate. I am already changing and it is mostly for the better. I don’t want to alter that just because today is January 1st.

The idea of a “friendly divorce” that began in the 70′s created a false perception in our society that divorce is “no big deal”. But it is a big deal. Divorce is a painful, life-altering event like a death—but without any of the support or rituals.

Also, I find myself repeating my scenario to interested parties. “Wow. I am sorry!” they say. “You seemed like you had the perfect marriage. You were the quintessential couple. WHAT HAPPENED?”

To share is at the same time cathartic and aggravating.

Cathartic: I had no idea how many other people’s marriages are so messed up! The keynote at my college commencement said that “sorrow shared is sorrow divided.” It is true.

Aggravating: I have been fighting to get to an emotional place where I can be happy again. Talking about my divorce is not part of how I become happy.

Through a series of future posts, I will try to explain where I am and what I have been going through. I can direct people here. I acknowledge that there are always two sides to every story, and this is undoubtedly my version. Instead of laying blame, I am going to try to share my feelings. Through a series of edits and drafts, I think what I eventually publish will be both an honest assessment of my feelings and a conscious effort not to be hurtful. Luckily, my divorce has been a team effort between my ex and me to not be hurtful or vindictive. As much as I loathe losing our family, I appreciate that she wasn’t mean about it. It was … as emotionless as she could make it.

Into the great wide open…

Yes. I am now single. The divorce is final.  It’s a simple and common story: I trusted a woman who told me she would love me forever. What I am learning through the process will make it all somehow worth while.

By Amanda Compton, Dolan People staff writer – Tuesday, August 2, 2011

The Journal Record staffers in Oklahoma City are getting healthy through exercise and better food choices.

Around the first of the year, the junk-filled vending machines were removed from the newspaper’s break room and replaced with Tupperware-style drawer cabinets that now hold healthier food choices such as 100-calorie snacks and fresh fruit. The break room fridge is filled with juice, flavored water, and diet soda that can be purchased on an “honor system” by dropping money into a pink piggy bank.

Journal Record Online Products Managing Editor Dave Rhea running his first half-marathon (13.1 miles) at the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon April 25, 2010.

“The honor system has been a hit!” said Journal Record Publisher Mary Mélon, who had the vending machines removed after multiple requests for healthier snacks were ignored by the vending machine company. “I haven’t heard one complaint from the staffers and, in fact, the supply has to be replenished more often than the vending machines ever had to be.”

Additionally, The Journal Record management team holds a monthly contest where participants get free pedometers to track how many steps they take at work. The staffer who takes the most steps gets a gold-plated (spray-painted) pair of running shoes to display at his workspace for the month.

Mary is very passionate about the bad health situation in her home state. “Oklahoma is ranked the very worst in so many categories including obesity, smoking, diabetes and heart disease,” explained Mary. “Promoting a healthier lifestyle starts at home and at work, which is where we spend so much of our time.”

Mélon does more than walk the walk — she also talks the talk.  On her own time, Mary does volunteer work related to improving her community and state’s health. In her workplace, not only has she improved her employees’ food choices on-site, but she also offers partial membership dues payment at the YMCA to encourage more physical exercise.

Dave pictured after the Memorial Marathon with his two boys, Cash, 3, and Campbell, 7, on April 25, 2010, in Oklahoma City, OK.

In fact, Journal Record Managing Editor of Online Products Dave Rhea and Managing Editor Ted Streuli take advantage of their YMCA memberships at least three to five days a week.

Ted used to run in his 20s and picked it up again three years ago. Dave started running in November 2008, when Ted invited him to participate in the “Santa Run.”

After running six 5K races and, by his sixth, breaking 30 minutes, Rhea said he ”was hooked and the next logical step was to do a half marathon.” In April 2009, the Oklahoma Memorial Marathon had its 10th anniversary half marathon and Rhea jumped at the chance to run in it.

“Ted and I motivate each other,” said Rhea. “You would think it would be tiresome to spend so much energy in the middle of the day, but it really energizes me the rest of the day.”

On running days, Dave packs his lunch which he says does three things: 1) It helps him save money. Rather than spending ten dollars at a deli, he eats for free at his desk; 2) His lunches are healthier than restaurant fare; and, 3) Eating from his desk allows him the time he needs on the YMCA treadmill. “My sack lunch is a time saver, a money saver and a life saver,” said Dave.

To pass the time on the treadmill, Dave said he enjoys listening to podcasts of NPR’s “Car Talk.” He says this cancels out the boredom associated with the “dreadmill.” During a race or long outside runs, however, Dave said he “kicks it up a notch” and listens to This America Life podcasts. “Ira Glass is so energizing!” he added with a laugh. (Ira Glass is an American public radio personality and host and producer of the radio and television show, This American Life.)

“It is spiritual. It’s solitary,” said Dave about running. “It relieves stress and quickens the mind. Yes, it’s physical, but on so many levels, it’s emotional and cleansing. When you can defeat that part of yourself that thinks you can’t, that is when you are pretty much addicted to running.”

For his 40th birthday in November, Dave plans to run the Tulsa Route 66 Marathon, his first full marathon. “It’s hard to imagine running 25.2 miles but, with proper training, it is not at all impossible.”

While Dave enjoys competitive running, Ted does it to stay fit. “I suppose we’re competitive on some level, but mostly I think we are glad that we both like to run and we offer each other a sense of accountability,” said Dave. “I can’t think of a better way to keep in great physical shape than running with your boss!”

I guess the great profit motive will try to get its parasitic tentacles on everything it can, including the good intentions of runners, who generally believe that races are organized around meeting the monetary needs of various charitable causes.

Obviously this is annoying to me.

However, in the same article the editors pointed out one thing that I also think is missing from running events: The fun factor. Rock ‘n Roll series of for-profit races (also on Facebook) is a popular national event that really brings the fun factor to bear – but it is not cheap!

“These races might cost more than the average marathon (the regular fee for the San Antonio race is $120), but they deliver live bands, cheerleaders, themed water stations and a postrace concert.” – Runner’s World magazine

Wow. That is crazy money! It sounds great, but I’d have to pass unless I could get someone to sponsor me (which will be the topic of a future blog post).

Racing in competitive events is a great way to motivate your training, establish personal records and meetup with like-minded enthusiasts. But there needs to be a middle point. Somewhere between boring charity races that are affordable and super-rockin’ race events that are way overpriced – that is where I want to be.

What do you think? How much is too much for an entrance fee? How much have you paid? Do you seek sponsorships or do you budget the fees?

Comments from Facebook:

Dave Rhea and Blackie Collins at the 2008 Blade show in Atlanta, Georgia.

It is a sad, day for the knife world. Knife maker, pioneer, inventor and all-around great guy Blackie Collins died today in a motorcycle accident.

Mike Manrose, vice president of the company that has long championed Blackie’s inventions and designs, Meyerco, sent out an an email today announcing the unfortunate demise of this great icon of the knife world.:

Everyone,
It is what a heavy heart that I write to tell you that Blackie Collins passed away today around noon Eastern time.

He was killed in a motorcycle accident. Jane was riding also but was not involved in the accident. She has asked that we keep her in our prayers during this very difficult time.

Please pass this along as I do not have everyone’s address. Blackie knew everyone in the knife industry and if I am forgetting someone, I apologize in advance. We are very saddened at the loss of an industry icon, a prolific designer and most of all, a friend.

I will keep you posted when we have details for services.

Sincerely,
Mike Manrose

I have had the esteemed pleasure of talking to Blackie many times over the years while writing for Blade Magazine. It is a sad day for me, as I am sure it is a sad day for a lot of other knife nuts across the world.

God bless and prayers go out to Blackie’s family.

If you want to leave comments here, I will make sure to forward them on to Mike at Meyerco.

UPDATE

Here’s some links I pulled up about Blackie and his legacy.

Blackie’s site, featuring his CCW jeans, “Toters.”

A great story about Blackie in Atlanta.com

——————————————

Replies:

Permalink Reply by Steven Van Dyke on Thursday

So sorry to hear the news!

Makes me extra glad I got to talk to him again at BLADE this year.

Permalink Reply by Philip d livolsi on Saturday

Blackie Collins was a dear friend and mentor! I will miss him terribly . He has contributions to the industry will live forever and his wisdom and passion will carry on in my  mind and soul .  He was a good friend and gave me a chance when no else would and for that he will be loved and missed until I depart this earth. If his fans could only understand how much he appreciated them and always looked forward to signing a knife or shaking a hand . He was always grateful and thankful for imput on designs from his fans and never turned down a chance to have a conversation with one of them as well. I will miss you blackie and thank you for everything you ever did for me! This is a huge loss for the knife world and I doubt we will ever see one man do so much again for this industry!

Permalink Reply by Henry Molinet 3 hours ago

As an admirer of Blackie’s work for over 20 years and a fellow bike rider, it was a privilege to have had the opporuniy to meet him and chat with him during the last couple of years at the Blade show. Blackie leaves a remarkable legacy as a creative force in the knife industry, and will be missed not only for his work, but for his exciting personality.

Click player to listen.

Originally aired on NPR, KOSU in Oklahoma. See the video version which originally aired on Oklahoma’s PBS station, OETA here.

For Sale: $10K

“How can this be a new bike?” I hear often. “You built it in 2005 … and it doesn’t look new!”

“Rat rod – practically new,” I respond. Then I launch into the story about this bike. Two main points:

1) A professional bike builder friend and I built this bike in 2005 completely from new parts out of chopper catalogs Midwest M.C. Supply and Custom Chrome. All new parts – I have all the records. Nothing on this bike was ever on another bike before this build-out.

2) Just after it was built, I moved to Florida and put it in storage.  It has never had any other owner except me, and until this week it has never had a title. That means it has not been ridden very much at all – I guarantee this chopper has less than 50 miles on it. If you popped the head covers off you’d see nothing but clean. The motor, trans, carb, belt drive, tires, brakes – everything on it – is, in terms of wear and tear, as new. Aside from a lack of surface shine, this chopper is a tip-top custom beast.

By the way, it does include a West Coast Choppers Mama Jama front fender.

Here is a video of this chopper so you can see and hear what it looks like on the road:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Major Parts:

Frame - 2005 Ultima rigid 250 frame SN# ULT4250RG00000022 $1399.95
Motor - 1999 80″ 1340 Harley Davidson Evolution SN# BKLX939388 $2817.
Carburetor - S&S Super E BT V2 93 SN#42-148 $488.65
Ignition and Coil Kit -HI-4 SN#53-422 $263.25
Transmission - 2005 Ultima “Slick Shift” 5-speed transmission SN#N18036 $1311.65
Primary - 3″ BDL belt drive 4softail SN#58-434 kit $1670
Starter – Chrome side post SN# 70-222 $279.97
Gas tank – from Tony
Oil Tank – Round flatside softtail 84-99 raw  SN#26-205 $217.08
wheels/tires -15×21 60 spoke WG 84/99 SD  36-746 $243.48 & Avon AM20 front 90/90H21 $123.76; Avon Venom 250/40HR18 rear
Fwd Controls – RPM-BT 36/99 Black SN#47-425 $622.10
Fenders - Custom 4.75 WCC Mama Jama fender SN#13170 $152.58 ; blank 10.5X15 3/4 radius rear fender SN#88182 $179.99
Seat - Corbin saddle
handle bars -Hi-Risers/wide glide bars
Fork Assembly and Legs – SN# 117-163 $607.51
Triple Trees – 5* SN#29-79 $325.15
Mirror -Cat Eye smooth head cutout  SN#46-134 $57.44
Brakes - Caliper, 4 piston chrome horse polished $292.33 / Roro t5 satin stainless 41797-00 R $78.27; Chrome master cyl $206.84
Exhaust - Big Growl 86-UP Snub Nose $224.97
Lights - Chrome  Steel 3 1/2 mini light w/ visor (x2) $39.99 ea.