Matthew discusses the importance of stopping to think about the meaning of Memorial Day and shares his own story of losing a fellow Marine.

Jodi discusses the events in her life that lead her to becoming a fitness and nutrition coach.

Jodi Watkins spent almost 14 years active duty military in the Air Force as an aircraft mechanic. She made the decision to join the AF Reserves to finish out her career as a Medical Lab Tech and follow her true passion – helping others get healthy and fit.

Jodi has a podcast called Breaking Barriers Now and a book called Reclaim Your Life (2020). I no longer limit myself because I have done enough of that in the past. It’s through the turmoil we come out as champions. All we have to do is keep putting one foot in front of the other each and every day. It’s not perfect, but it is necessary.

“While my true passion is empowering women to be their best selves, I work with anyone who is fun and enjoys collecting what I have to offer. We must work as a team and I will do everything in my power to ensure your success through the wisdom and words given to me by the Holy Spirit. Are you ready to go on this journey with me? All I ask is that you come with an open-mind and willingness to be forthcoming. We will conquer your obstacles together and you will receive tools you can share with friends and family to use for the rest of your lives. It’s all about teamwork and believing in possibilities. It’s time to step out of your comfort zone and stop limiting yourself. We all are on this journey together. Let’s walk it together and be at peace knowing the Lord will provide all our needs.”

https://www.2bepicfn.com/

David M. Salkin, Author of Battle Scars, discusses the book and the brave military men behind the stories that inspired it.

Matthew and David discuss how civilians reading this book can gain a better understanding of the struggles of veterans returning home. “Battle Scars is an incredible story of brothers in arms and the bonds formed in combat. The struggles that are faced by combat veterans returning from war are real and nothing I’ve read brings that story to life like Battle Scars.

This is a must read!” LTCOL T. Kevin White “TK” 150th Special Operations Wing

David M. Salkin is the author of fourteen published thrillers in various genres, including military espionage, crime, horror, science-fiction, action-adventure and mystery. With a writing style reminiscent of the late, great Michael Crichton, Salkin’s work keeps his readers turning pages into the late hours. His books have received Gold and Bronze medals in the Stars & Flags book awards, and David has appeared as a guest speaker all over the country, including three times as a panelist at Thrillerfest in NYC. David has also written two screenplays, and continues to work on getting those produced. David served as an elected official in Freehold Township, NJ for twenty-five years in various roles including Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Township Committeeman and Police Commissioner. He was inducted into the NJ Elected officials Hall of Fame in 2019. Dave is a 1988 graduate of Rutgers College with a BA in English Literature. When not working or writing, David prefers to be Scuba diving or traveling. He’s a Master Diver and “fish geek”, as well as a pretty good chef and wine aficionado.

Tracy tells her jaw dropping story of her life and how her faith played a significant role in her healing and sharing hope with others.

We've all been through something in our lives, "Dirt" we don't want others to know about or may be ashamed of. It's time to stop fearing what others think and start embracing what we've lived through! Tracy shares her story of hope to others. Despite all the obstacles and terrifying events she has experienced in life, Tracy uses her positive spirit and faith to show others there is always a better tomorrow. Don't miss her gut-wrenching tale of what life threw at her and how her faith allowed her to stay positive, heal wounds, and spread hope to others. My name is Tracy Bible Raulerson. I'm a mother, wife, veteran, executive, and the founder of Share Your Dirt. I'm also a recovered drug addict, rape and domestic violence survivor, but I was able to rise above my circumstances using my strong faith. Find Tracy at her website https://shareyourdirt.com/ and on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TBRGoGators

Matthew, Tina Marie, and Nyota discuss the upcoming Entrepreneurs Unite Virtual Business Summit and what they will be speaking. Both speakers have topics that focus on your business mindset.

Matthew, Ryan and Joshua discuss the upcoming Enterpreneurs Unite Virtual Business Summit and how businesses can make the most out this time of isolation.

Entrepreneurs Unite Live Conference at https://www.facebook.com/convenecommunities/ May 4-6 every day from 10:00AM EST until about 3:00PMEST

Ryan C. Lowe - Wednesday May 6th at 1:00PM EST “Increase Your Productivity Through Positivity” In this content filled and lighthearted keynote, Ryan will share principles from his popular and successful book entitled “Get off Your Attitude.” This engaging keynote is one that the audience will be able to identify with and his simple strategies will be actionable immediately. Ryan will provide techniques that will show the way to becoming a professional optimist They will understand that their positive attitude will drive their behavior and habits that will dictate their success, their team member’s success and the success of their organization.

Joshua M. Evans - May 5th at 2:00PM EST “The Story Means Money – Crafting a Narrative that Builds Your Business ” Stop. Stop talking about what your company is and stop talking about what it does. You are failing to meet one of the most primal needs of your customers and clients. If you can find a way to tap into this With social media management applications, google analytics, targeted ads, and remote workplace productivity tools entering the entrepreneurial world has never been easier, but it also means that competition has never been so fierce. Currently, to become an entrepreneur the cost of entry is zero.

Jason Deel and Dr. Kim Bynum joing Matthew Currin to discuss their upcoming presentations at the Entrepreneurs Unite Virtual Business Summit live on Facebook May 4-6. They discuss how businesses are pivoting during this time including how a tire shop helped a dry cleaning company. 

12:00PM EST Dr. Kim Bynum

Dr. Kim Bynum embodies equal proportions IQ and EQ, leadership, decorated military service and tough mom love. In her 21-year career as a Naval officer, Dr Bynum has managed tough situations in hostile work environments. From detaining pirates to overseeing weapons control teams aboard Navy warships, Dr Bynum has made navigating difficult situations her strong suit.

She holistically assesses situations, diagnoses issues, then fearlessly de-escalates conflict and redirects teams to chart a different course in calmer waters. Her secret weapon: emotional intelligence. In her second career as a conflict resolution consultant, she mixes her own formula of leadership approaches with motivational behavior assessment, personal experience and high emotional intelligence, leading to team productivity and personal best.

2:00PM Jason Deel

Founder of JD’s Realty & Auction of Clinton, TN, is from Haysi VA. He grew up collecting as a child and continued his collection while serving 20 years in the U.S. Army. As a young man Jason was destined to serve in the U.S. Army as a leader and officer. Jason served in six combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan in the Army as an Infantry Officer.

Jason earned his M.B.A. from the George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology from Webster University while attending Command & General Staff College. Jason most recently served as the 4th Brigade 3rd Infantry Division Deputy Commander.

After retirement Jason & Natalie knew they wanted to continue to help people solve problems. Jason has continued to further his education by attending the National Auctioneers designation for Accredited Auctioneer of Real Estate, the Auction Marketing Management, Graduate Personal Property Appraiser Course and the covenant Certified Auctioneers Institute course at Indiana University.

Jason & Natalie have been married for six year and live in Knoxville TN. They have two children Maleah & Jacob.

Matthew Currin had the pleasure of interviewing Tom Leveen, an award winning Author of 9 novels primarily in the horror and young-adult fiction genres. Tom describes himself as an ‘escape artist’ and his work transcends a myriad of platforms, genres and mediums. His passion for writing and art more broadly began at a very young age. He wrote his first novel in the 8th grade and proceeded to start his own theater production from scratch.

Tom speaks to the lasting impact that nearly 15 years spent as an actor, writer and producer of theater had on his writing. For example, many authors struggle with crafting compelling dialogue, but Tom’s skills were sharpened by his experiences in the world of theater – after all, that’s all there is on the stage. Those experiences have fueled his passion for writing novels in recent years, and serves as a fundamental testament to why he encourages others to experience different works of art. According to Tom, the ‘coolest gig’ he ever had was when he had the chance to write for the comic book series, SPAWN, where he developed a new villian for the series that can still be found in subsequent publications.

In addition to writing his own, Tom also has developed a passion for helping others learn to tell their stories. He’s spent the past several years teaching writing classes and seminars, and has served as a guest speaker at conferences for writers and teachers on countless occasions. He advises young aspiring writers to ensure they take time to experience different things in life. He preaches the importance of getting out there to explore the world through adventures as opposed to staying in your comfort zone. Tom is gearing up to offer online writing courses in the near future, where he’ll help aspiring novelists and other artists learn to tell their own stories.

Trigger warning: PTSD and service related suicide discussion.

In the latest Episode of Convene Connections, Marc Cavelli and Matthew Currin introduce Joint Task Force 22 to Zero to the Convene Communities platform. 

The inception of this organization resulted directly from Marc’s own experiences and his desire to share his story for the betterment of others just like him. After a 14 year career in the US Army, he (like countless others) was forced to transition into the civilian world. What followed was an extremely difficult uphill battle to find normalcy in a reality without the ‘security blanket’ that the military provided. That battle nearly cost him his life. What started out as a one-time 22 mile hump to raise awareness, ultimately spawned a liberating non-profit organization. 

Today, Joint Task Force 22 to Zero unites current and former members of the US Armed Forces, Law Enforcement and First Responders to educate them on the impacts of PTSD and service related suicide. Their mission is to empower those in need to seek assistance in order to conquer these challenges and improve their quality of life - and in some cases, to preserve it.

The Vision of JTF 22 to Zero is to build and sustain a culture that neutralizes the stigma of behavioral health challenges and eliminates the incidences of service related suicide among a unified Military, Law Enforcement and Safety Services community. On average, 22 members of this community commit suicide per day in the United States - JTF 22 to Zero seeks to take that number to zero. 

JTF 22 to Zero is a confidential ear and voice for those in crisis, and a conduit to professional resources. They do their work via social media and one on one encounters. JTF participates in, and hosts events intended to raise awareness of behavioral health challenges, and offer an outlet to those who choose to open up for help. Many people have been in that dark place and found a means to turn away from it.  Additionally, many service members have been impacted by the tragic reality of suicide. Marc, his affiliates and other current and former service members feel compelled to act. At JTF 22 to Zero, their most important message is that it takes more courage to seek help than to continually internalize and suppress those feelings of depression, guilt, and self loathing. REMEMBER, you never walk alone. Here at Convene Communities, we provide a confidential outlet for those who may not trust the system, and recognize the desire to maintain confidentiality .They empower others to seek assistance and/or take action.

In the latest episode of the Convene Connections Podcast, Nicole Justice and Matthew Currin discuss her publication’s arrival to Convene Communities. Before becoming what is now a multimedia platform, Lifestyles Health and Wealth was a print magazine publication that was created nearly two years ago in the great state of Louisiana.

Their vision is to help people, organizations and communities find their passion and purpose in life through sharing knowledge and experiences around all things Lifestyles, Health and Wealth. The publication is all about communal education, growth and finding purpose through exploring, what Nicole calls, the ‘Seven Pillars’: arts and entertainment, business, education, family, government and media. The God given vision for this platform came through prayer and time spent as a youth minister after Nicole took a step back from the Hospice space, where she worked prior to starting the Lifestyles Health and Wealth Magazine.

After publishing 8 successful issues and hosting 7 “new concept events”, the financial demands and the growing migration from print to digital media has driven Nicole to develop a new strategy where she’ll reconvene her publication on Convene Communities. Nicole and her Lifestyle’s partners will continue to share their vision through publishing articles and content, but they’ll also be launching an exciting new podcast: Podcasts for Purpose. With this new strategy in mind, Nicole envisions bringing people of all walks of life from across the country together, allowing them to share their experiences and wisdom with others, while also giving them the opportunity to monetize their content through the Convene platform.

She views Louisiana as just a starting point for her platform’s growth and hopes to bring Lifestyle’s to readers and listeners from all 50 states very quickly.

Join her community at https://lifestyles.convenecommunities.com/register/713