We are indeed living in very strange times. Quarantined, sequestered, isolated, whatever you want to call, it's been a challenge just to keep one's sanity the last few months -- let alone avoiding a nasty, unpredictable virus. So as we do the best we can to gain some semblance of control in our lives while the experts hastily work to crush this bug, how do we find a digital balance and mindfulness during this very strange time? It's so easy to get sucked in and not come out.

Author, inventor, and filmmaker Michael Stusser joins us on the show to share his thoughts on how to essentially maintain during this time. It's an effort for sure and Michael, in his very unique way, tells us what to expect and how to manage one's digital life whether its social media obsession, endless news feeds, YouTube wormholes, etc. He says you can't go too far either way whether it's a techno-gorge or permanently hopping off the grid. Somewhere in the middle is healthy -- especially during a pandemic lockdown.

Definitely one of our more thought-provoking discussions this year on a very timely topic that we're all experiencing in some form or fashion right now. Much of this discussion is based on Michael's award-winning "Sleeping with Siri" documentary film he produced a few years ago that received tons of press including an interview with TV news personality Katie Couric. Check it out and let us know your thoughts.

As we currently play a very serious game of whack-a-mole trying to douse numerous coronavirus spikes nationwide, thousands and thousands of businesses are doing their darndest to re-open and get on with the business of earning a living. To say the least, it is a precarious process for most -- including credit unions.

To get a backstage look at what goes on with re-opening a credit union, we invited Ocean Financial Federal Credit Union President/CEO Joe Tedesco on the show. Being in the New York City area (Long Island), Joe has seen the worst of this pandemic and what it can do to communities bringing them to virtual standstills personally, professionally, and financially. It's crushing.

But, thankfully, that time has passed in New York, and they have commenced with the very careful and painstaking process of opening businesses throughout the area. Joe shares his credit union's plans, contingency plans, timing of re-opening, adjustments to nearby spikes, remote workers, office space, clear communication, safety steps, and more -- along with a bit of advice, as well.

An incredible, up-close look at what one credit union is doing to get back to business, while being extremely safety conscious for its staff and members. It's a high wire act of balancing business vs. safety. Check it out and let us know your thoughts -- and how you are re-opening, as well.

According to WOCCU Worldwide Foundation Executive Director Mike Reuter, the COVID-19 crisis has further exposed the major disparity between credit unions that offer digital financial services and those that do not. As a result, digital services are no longer a convenience—they’re a health necessity today. This is the primary reason for the Foundation launching “Everyone Deserves Digital” campaign.

Mike provides all the details of this global campaign, along with who is the campaign is targeting, goals of this campaign, and how credit unions can get involved.

Mike also shares other Worldwide Foundation initiatives (Project Storm Break) and projects. Check it out and let us know your thoughts.

Just about every physical conference has transformed into a virtual event this year due to obvious reasons (a.k.a. COVID-19). But I must say many of these virtual events are very well done: fast-paced, interactive, engaging, etc.

Well, Cornerstone Credit Union League is throwing its hat into the ring of virtual conferences with "ELEVATE," ELEVATE, which takes place each afternoon September 1-3, 2020, is literally three conferences boiled into one virtual event: Young Professionals, Inclusion, and the Leadership Summit.

To get all the details, we invited Cornerstone Credit Union League Experiences & Events Vice President Tamra Gaines on how exactly will their virtual format work -- especially their Virtual Expo. We also discussed conference topics to be discussed, who can attend, what can attendees expect, and much, much more.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts.

CUNA Deputy Chief Advocacy Officer for Policy Analysis & Chief Economist Mike Schenk provides latest outlook on US economy, detailing data on unprecedented savings growth, fastest loan growth in two years, loan-to-share growth decreasing again, and capital-to-asset ration growth down again, as well. Check it out and let us know your thoughts.