In this compelling episode of Cutting Through the Clutter, host Cyndee Woolley sits down with Erik Lavigne, founder of the podcast Two Cops One Donut (launched in 2021). With nearly two decades in law enforcement and a passion for bridging communication gaps, Erik shares why he believes genuine conversation trumps photo ops of cops petting puppies.  

In this eye-opening conversation, you'll discover: 
=> Why "copaganda" fails and how authentic storytelling builds real trust 
=> The three pillars of de-escalation: emotional intelligence, social skills, and training confidence 
=> How body cameras and real-time crime centers are changing emergency communication 
=> Breaking the echo chamber - why balanced dialogue matters more than hero worship 

From his work in law enforcement to his new multimedia venture "DTv (The Donut)," Lavigne demonstrates how authentic dialogue – not traditional PR tactics – can foster genuine understanding between law enforcement and communities. This isn't about taking sides; it's about education, perspective-sharing, and cutting through the noise to find real solutions. 

🔥 Standout Moments: Erik doesn't hold back as he critiques both sides of the police debate, explains why officers need more than academy training to handle physical confrontations, and reveals how his military background and jiu-jitsu expertise shaped his approach to community policing. 

Connect with Erik Lavigne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/two-cops-one-donut/  

Check out Two Cops One Donut website: https://twocopsonedonut.com/  

"Two Cops One Donut" Podcast: Available on all major podcast platforms (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Pandora, and more!) 

Ready to cut through the communication clutter in your community? This conversation will challenge assumptions and inspire authentic engagement. 

Real Time Crime Center Sergeant Erik Lavigne
Founder of Two Cops One Donut

Erik Lavigne is a Real Time Crime Center Sergeant and founder of "Two Cops One Donut," a podcast bridging the communication divide between first responders and their communities. Erik champions authentic dialogue over traditional PR tactics, giving voice to both law enforcement and community perspectives to foster genuine understanding. 

Erik Lavigne brings nearly two decades of law enforcement experience, from Flint, Michigan to Texas patrol cars. Starting his career in 2006, he served four years of active duty in Air Force Security Forces and continues to serve with the 802 Security Forces Squadron. 

Currently a Real Time Crime Center Sergeant in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Erik spent three years as a police academy instructor at one of the nation's largest departments. He holds a Criminal Justice bachelor's degree and dual master's in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Texas Christian University. 

As a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt, Erik advocates that all officers achieve blue belt proficiency, reflecting his holistic approach to policing by preparing officers physically, mentally, and emotionally to serve their communities effectively. 

To learn more, visit:
http://www.c2-com.com

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
http://missionmatters.com/author/Cyndee-Woolley/

Charmaine Klein, STEAM Chair, AAUW Greater Naples Branch 

In this episode of Cutting Through the Clutter, we’re joined by Charmaine Klein, the STEAM Chair for the Greater Naples Branch of AAUW, where she’s led the STEAM Girls Count program for over 28 years.  

Charmaine shares her insights on the importance of mentorship, how programs like STEAM Girls Count inspire young girls to pursue careers in STEAM, and the vital role community support plays in lifting women and girls to new heights. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leadership, empowerment, and the power of encouragement. 

Links & Resources: 
Greater Naples AAUW Main Page: https://greaternaples-fl.aauw.net/ 
Greater Naples AAUW STEAM Page: https://greaternaples-fl.aauw.net/steam/ 
YouTube Videos of Local Professional Women and College Students used as part of the program: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXCGSDJqkqqxqsj9cCEyUCw 
CCPS Video they created last year: https://www.collierschools.com/Page/19723

To learn more, visit:
http://www.c2-com.com

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
http://missionmatters.com/author/Cyndee-Woolley/

Kari Hodgson, Solid Waste Director, Collier County  

In this episode, we sit down with Kari Hodgson, a passionate leader in the solid waste industry, to discuss the importance of sustainability, recycling, and community service. 

Kari shares her journey from environmental science to a rewarding career in public service, offering valuable insights on the diverse career opportunities in solid waste management.

We dive into the growing role of technology in the industry, the need for the younger generation to get involved, and how we can all contribute to keeping our communities clean and beautiful.

If you're curious about a career in solid waste or want to learn how you can make a difference, this episode is for you!

Links & Resources:
Connect with Kari on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eekariann/
Keep Collier Beautiful: https://www.keepcollierbeautiful.com/

To learn more, visit:
http://www.c2-com.com

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
http://missionmatters.com/author/Cyndee-Woolley/

Chris Silvestri, SaaS Messaging Strategist and Conversion Copywriter, Conversion Alchemy 

In this episode of Cutting Through the Clutter, we’re joined by Chris Silvestri, the founder of Conversion Alchemy and a leading expert in B2B SaaS messaging and conversion copywriting. Chris has helped over 50 SaaS brands – like MOZ, ServiceCore, and ShortStack – refine their messaging, optimize user experiences, and achieve impressive increases in conversions.  

Chris shares insight into his process in figuring out who you are really talking to, how AI can synthesize customer behavior and feedback, how to categorize decision-making criteria and building trust through messaging, and much more.  

Tune in to Cutting Through the Clutter and get ready to optimize your messaging strategy for better engagement, conversions, and growth. Don’t forget to subscribe for more expert insights and actionable advice! 

Resources & Links: 
Connect with Chris on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/christophersilvestri 
Check out Conversion Alchemy’s website: ConversionAlchemy.net/newsletter 
Check out GrowthMentor: https://www.growthmentor.com/  

To learn more, visit:
http://www.c2-com.com

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
http://missionmatters.com/author/Cyndee-Woolley/

Heather Olson, Director of Online Teaching Learning at Florida Southwestern State College; Nathan Harper, Professor of Digital Arts, Creative Technology, and Fine Art; Lambertus Van Boekel, Professor in the Fine Arts Department

In this episode, we’re exploring the fascinating intersection of art, technology, and AI with three brilliant minds from Florida Southwestern State College: Heather Olson, Director of Online Teaching & Learning, who teaches Happiness in the Age of AI; Nathan Harper, Professor of Digital Arts and Creative Technologies, blending fine art with digital innovation; and Berry van Boekel, Fine Arts professor and artist whose work bridges visual art and cultural documentation.

Join us as we uncover how AI is shaping the creative landscape and what it means for the future of artistic expression. Tune in and cut through the clutter with us!

Links & Resources: 
Connect with Heather on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drheather-olson/
Check out FSW's website: https://www.fsw.edu/
Check out Nathan's website: https://www.nathanharperart.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYcemq3hAe5Nmbx87d6faOlGFVoJIe5JAWIaSdGZIrRI2YpYRwi5yYGXjY_aem_6Pl4iG-Toylc8i55HVbrHQ
Check out Berry's website: https://www.berryvanboekel.com/home-3

To learn more, visit:
http://www.c2-com.com

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
http://missionmatters.com/author/Cyndee-Woolley/

Karla Hartley, President and Producing Artistic Director at Stageworks Theatre; Adjunct Instructor in the Department and Theatre of Dance at the University of Tampa 

From leading Stageworks Theatre to empowering local artists, Karla Hartley is redefining the impact of theatre on community and culture.  
As the President and Producing Artistic Director of Stageworks Theatre, she’s bringing powerful stories to the stage, creating educational programs for at-risk youth, and fostering local playwrights.  
In this episode, we’ll dive into: "When The Righteous Triumph" which focuses on the Woolworth sit-ins that took place in Tampa in 1960, Hartley's goal in producing the play, the need to educate the younger generation about lesser-known but historical events, and more. 
If you’re passionate about the arts, community engagement, or leadership in the nonprofit world, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Tune in now! 
Links and Resources: 
Karla’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karla-hartley-3107b014/ 
Stageworks Theatre: https://stageworkstheatre.org/  
When The Righteous Triumph: https://www.cltampa.com/arts/do-the-right-thing-revived-play-honors-65th-anniversary-of-tampas-woolworth-sit-in-19551377  

To learn more, visit:
http://www.c2-com.com

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
http://missionmatters.com/author/Cyndee-Woolley/

Treda Moon, Founder of Maven Bookkeeping Service LLC and Bookkeeper/Accountant, Maven Bookkeeping Service LLC, a business leader with over six years of experience at the intersection of creativity and analytics through Bookkeeping and Accounting.

In this episode, we talk with Treda Moon, founder of Maven Bookkeeping Service, who shares her journey from fashion design to bookkeeping and how creative thinking helps businesses thrive.

Join us as we discuss her backstory and her love for creativity through fashion design, how she got into bookkeeping and accounting, identifying weaknesses and her mindset on improving upon them, and much more. 

Whether you’re a small business owner, interested in accounting or bookkeeping, or curious about Treda’s insights and experience, this episode is one you will not want to miss.

Tune in to hear her plans for her clients this year and some of her unique insights and experiences.

Links and Resources:
Connect with Treda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/treda-marie-moon-52aa1568/
Check out her website: https://www.mavenbookkeepingsvc.com/

To learn more, visit:
http://www.c2-com.com

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
http://missionmatters.com/author/Cyndee-Woolley/

In this episode, we sit down with Heerak Shah, an award-winning filmmaker and educator with a diverse background spanning Bollywood, independent films, and television. 

Known for his work on The Ice Man and the hit sitcom Metropark, Heerak shares his unique journey in filmmaking, offering insights into the creative process behind his most notable projects.  

We also explore his experiences teaching the next generation of filmmakers at the University of Central Florida, discussing how education and industry experience shape the future of storytelling.  

Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on navigating the world of film and television.  

Links & Resources 
Connect with Heerak on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heerakshah/ 
The Ice Man: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk8VSekcKos  
Check out Heerak's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heerakz86/videos  

Heerak Shah; Professor, Producer, Director, Editor; UCF & TV Asia; Over a decade of experience in the industry, has worked on everything from feature films and independent shots to popular TV shows and music videos, well known for his work on the award-winning short film The Ice Man, which gained recognition at nine film festivals and hit over a million views on YouTube and his versatility extends to Bollywood with the South Asian sitcom Metropark, he is also a faculty member at the University of Central Florida’s Nicholson School of Communication and Media, where he teaches film and TV production. 

To learn more, visit:
http://www.c2-com.com

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
http://missionmatters.com/author/Cyndee-Woolley/

Matt Poland, Head Coach and Sporting Director, FC Naples, Matt Poland is the Head Coach and Sporting Director of FC Naples, bringing years of experience in leadership, strategy, and player development.

Get ready for an in-depth conversation with Matt Poland, the Head Coach and Sporting Director of FC Naples! 

In this episode, we dive into what it takes to build a winning team – not just on the field, but in life. Coach Poland shares his insights on motivation and why passion and hunger are non-negotiables for success. From growing up with his dad as his coach to navigating the pressures of launching a new season, he breaks down the lessons he’s learned along the way. 

We also tackle what is really takes to develop a team that thrives under pressure. Whether you’re an aspiring coach, an athlete, or just a fan of the game, this is an episode you don’t want to miss! 

Links & Resources 
Matt’s YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=g6mkaJ69eG0 
Matt’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthew-poland-9a7749172  
Success is a Choice by Rick Pitino 
Matt’s Website: https://www.coachpoland.com/  

To learn more, visit:
http://www.c2-com.com

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
http://missionmatters.com/author/Cyndee-Woolley/

In this episode, we talk with Edgar Castro Tello, Recycling Coordinator for the City of Tampa, who is passionate about making sustainability accessible to everyone. 

Join us as we explore Edgar’s journey in environmental advocacy, creative recycling education, and the impact of digital communication on sustainability efforts. 

Whether you’re passionate about environmentalism, looking for fun recycling tips, or curious about how cities adapt to changing social media policies, this episode is packed with insights to inspire action.  

Tune in to hear how Edgar is making recycling fun, accessible, and impactful – one peanut butter jar at a time.  

Links and Resources: 

Connect with Edgar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edgarcastrotello/  

Check out the City of Tampa’s Recycling Website: https://www.tampa.gov/solid-waste/programs/recycling-and-waste-reduction  

Check out the City of Tampa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cityoftampa/  

Edgar Castro Tello
Recycling Coordinator 
City of Tampa
Edgar plays a key role in planning and executing Tampa’s recycling programs, developing outreach initiatives to promote waste reduction, and ensuring residents have the tools and knowledge to recycle correctly. 

To learn more, visit:
http://www.c2-com.com

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
http://missionmatters.com/author/Cyndee-Woolley/