by Rick Ruppenthal

How Hallmark Movies Reveal Insight Psychology

Hallmark Christmas movies may be predictable, but they’re accidentally brilliant teachers. This playful reflection explores how the Ladder of Inference quietly drives misunderstandings in holiday romance classics and in our own lives. A lighthearted reminder that clarity changes everything, often without effort. Read More

by Rick Ruppenthal

Understanding the Ladder of Inference in Law

A wooden ladder resting horizontally on a modern conference table with a city skyline blurred behind it, symbolizing intentional thinking and grounded decision-making

Lawyers in Suits climb the Ladder of Inference on purpose — it’s literally their job. But in real life, we climb it accidentally, and that’s where the trouble begins. This short follow-up explores why legal reasoning works in courtrooms but creates chaos in personal relationships, and how seeing the ladder helps us make clearer, wiser choices. Read More

by Rick Ruppenthal

The Ladder of Inference Creates Bad Judgements and Suits Proves It Every Episode

Cinematic image of a wooden ladder fading into clouds of thought, set in a soft office–courtroom environment reminiscent of Suits, symbolizing how assumptions create faulty conclusions

We’ve been binge-watching Suits, and it turns out the show is a masterclass in spotting the Ladder of Inference. Harvey, Louis, Mike, Donna, Gretchen — each gives us a front-row seat to how quickly we can jump to conclusions and act on assumptions. This blog explores the ladder, why we all climb it, and how to step off it with more clarity and insight. Read More

by Rick Ruppenthal

Two Rooms

A person standing in a hallway with two open doors, one leading to a dark, dramatic courtroom filled with shadows, the other to a bright, creative classroom filled with warm light, books, sketches, and open space. The person is calm, contemplative, hand lightly touching the doorway of the brighter room. Soft, cinematic lighting, gentle focus, inspirational atmosphere, subtle modern style

We often move through life as if we are stuck in a courtroom, judging ourselves and the world. Yet there is a classroom inside us too, a place for curiosity, creativity, and fresh ideas. The difference between struggle and possibility is simply noticing which room we are in. This post explores how easily we can step out of judgment and into learning. Read More

by Rick Ruppenthal

If there was One Wish

A glowing lantern resting on fresh snow with soft falling snowflakes and blurred lights in the background, creating a peaceful and hopeful winter scene.

A heartfelt holiday reflection on our shared humanity and the wish that lies beneath it all. When the noise of our thinking settles, we remember our innate kindness, strength, and wholeness. Four powerful videos help illuminate the deeper truth of who we are beneath the thought storm. Read More