Time Flies

Well here I am again. Wondering how months have flown by without even an attempt to post a blog. How in the world do people keep up with social media… like juggle multiple platforms like a pro, blog, work and find time to have a social life and oh yes, the ever important self-care?

So, I am going to give this blog another shot. Why torture myself, you ask? I could just say, why not? Because I have a tendancy to be an over-achiever or so I am told. The truth, I used to write all of the time and I have a project in mind, so I need to dust off the cobwebs.

No way, I am telling you about this new project because it is a totally for me project. I may or may not share if and when I complete it. We will just have to see how it goes and then how I feel about it in the end. Support would be appreciated…even though you don’t know the project you can still send support that I am just me and pull off something outside of the box and crazy. You know, being my own brand of happy, crazy and entertaining.

So what to brief you on and how, with so many months and miles between us. Hmmm, so let’s go with opportunities that came out of no where, goals I set and achieved and tease you with the fact that I have a major announcement coming soon. The “act” has already come to fruition and it includes more than just me and makes the community service, teacher, and person who doesn’t take NO for an answer so unbelievable proud and happy. Surprised…not at all because I believe that everything can be accomplished if enough effort and heart are put into it. And we did and will continue to do so. Intrigued…I hope so because it is something beyond my wildest imagination. That says a lot!

Those opportunities I mentioned, came in the form of being the subject matter expert (criminologist, victimologist…) on multiple shows and a bunch of episodes for new shows on Oxygen. Mark of a Killer, Charmed to Death and a new show previewing in January are under my belt. Guess what, I liked. No, I loved it. It is something I never imagined doing. I get to bring attention to my school (Indian River State College), get my students to engage in their criminal justice studies, and made a bunch of amazing contacts and friends along the way. A lot of those have spoken with, been interviewed by, offered jobs to and given lectures to my students. That is the best part of the whole thing.

I spoke again this year at CrimeCon, and was joined by my podcast co-host PCubed (Pierre.) We are joined each year by more students and alumni. Watching them network, while I do the same is so much fun. How does the saying go, “It is amazing what you can accomplish when you don’t care who gets the credit?” We encourage them and then watch them fly. That is the teacher in both me and Pierre - making an impression on others so that they believe in themselves and reach for the stars. And that is where they belong.

If you wondering why I haven’t mentioned the podcast that is because I have a “day job” as well. As a criminal justice professor, it has been a crazy ride, with ups and downs, changes and challenges thanks to Covid and quite a few other forces to deal with. But fear not, P’s eye rolling will be returning soon and I have researched myself up one side and down the other to bring you new cases, entertain you as well, annoy PCubed which is always a favorite and most importantly bring the victims to life as they are who we should truly focus on.

Hmmmm, so much to do still tonight, so off I run. I hope you are glad to hear from me and get back on track following me and encouraging me to continue trying new things and reach for my own stars.

Glad to be back!

Dr. M

COVID has slowed me down enough....back to work

So many things have happened within our county this past year ~ No socializing, some people couldn’t/can’t go to work, businesses have been lost and so on and so on……. I count myself amongst the most lucky that I have not gotten sick and have been able to work the entire time.

It has changed my life in selfish ways. I am used to being super busy and am not happy unless I am in the middle of a dozen or more things. There have been no seminars, no travel, no face to face True Crime and a Glass of Wine events, and very few of us, any of us, have celebrated a major holiday in the manner we are accustomed.

Well, I am done with that since it looks like this pandemic may be around a bit longer. I am back to writing which will make some publisher very happy. Our podcast is about to take on an entirely new and extremely in depth new season…. new episode with updates happens this Monday. Film studios are opening back up so I have just completed six episodes for a new show and am in negotiations with a producer on a special event. ALL WILL BE DONE SAFELY AND SOCIALLY DISTANCED AS EACH LOCATION REQUIRES!

Now my REAL job….that college professor thing that I do and love more than anything. Well, I am going to shake that up too. Our Administration has given me the green light to dream big….and then go bigger! That even terrifies myself….lol The Institute for Cold Case Investigations is back up and running and working on some promising leads. The students are engaged and learning more and more about how criminal justice works in the REAL world NOT just in the classroom. That is how my ENTIRE department feels about teaching and I couldn’t ask for a better team to be a part of.

As I have not written and updated you in forever, I could go on and on but instead I think I will try to be more diligent in keeping you current and leave you intrigued for now.

Hope you are all staying safe, be well and don’t forget to enjoy life!

Dr. M

One Insane Week

This has been one of the weirdest, most enlightening, fun yet challenging weeks, I think I have ever experienced in my life. First last Friday evening, (9-11-) I ran into a man that I speak to almost weekly when I go out to dinner. I knew he was a firefighter who worked the Towers on 9-11. He told me some very passionate, sad and heroic tales. Well this past Friday he came in and he looked really tired and I asked him what was up. I was not prepared for him to tell me that he had just gotten back home from NYC, where he had attended THE 9-11 Memorial Tribute. I was shocked and wasn’t sure what to say to this hero before me that I have known as “just a regular” guy. So, I hugged him. Said I was sorry for what he went through and then thanked him. What a humbling experience.

I managed to make it in time to see the sun rise TWICE this week. I used to make it much more often but somehow I let everyday life get so busy that I have missed out on this most precious gift of the start of the day. I have; however, made it to the second most amazing part to the start of the workday. I get to hear revelry and see the raising of colors. I consider this an honor and wish more people had this opportunity.

The most exciting thing, a podcast I did was released this week. The pilot episode of Anything You Say, turned out to the point I was very very happy with. I also received an email from the Executive Producer who forwarded and email from the investigators of the Chris Watts case and thanked me for my analyzation and interpretation of their behavior. They may reach out to me and I hope they do. I want to thank them for validating me and what I do…..my first thought? How can I get them to Zoom with my Spring Semester students for Criminal Investigations….lol Always thinking…..love my professor job and the tweaks I can bring to it that add to my students’ educational experience.

Went out for date night last night and realized that I would rather be locked up, on my own with a prison full of inmates than hang out with a couple of girls. Geez, now they can reek much more havoc than inmates. You may be able to wear that dress but aren’t you a little old for it?!?! LOL like seriously?!? At first I was hurt. Then I was annoyed, followed by mad and then I found it funny. Jealousy doesn’t look good on anyone.

ICCI, my cold case institute made a lot of progress this week. I am beyond excited with them.

This was one roller coaster of a week and I am looking forward to the next one.

Dr. M

Heading Back to Class Tomorrow

So today is my last and ONLY day I have available to squeeze in everything that I haven’t been able to do to get ready for going back to teaching. Laugh away but the students aren’t the only ones who need clothes, supplies, and a million other things….like an attitude adjustment as a result of being home (even though I taught the whole time) for FIVE months.

As I am typing this I am watching the Discovery Channel because it is Shark Week. This may not be one of my brighter ideas since a friend and I are free diving with sharks in less than two weeks. I updated my Will/Trust and Living Will and Power of Attorney…. not that I am worried or anything. Let’s just say I am starting this school year off SUPER prepared!

I am teaching both face to face as well as online. I can’t wait because I am going to have so much fun relating criminal justice to the real world…outside of the box. So if you haven’t side up for one of my classes yet…. you are sooo going to miss out!!!!

By the way we dropped a new episode of our #MurderandMysterieswithMassnick yesterday. This will be a very fun and interesting season as we are using stories of our listeners as well. So get caught up. Email on the FB webpage your story and who knows you may get a call from me or PCubed to record and episode.

So much going on that my head is spinning but I am super excited to get started. Let’s jump in together….I have missed everyone!

Dr. M