Where were you on September 11, 2001?

In this special bonus episode of Chat 62, veterans reflect on where they were as the events of September 11 unfolded—and how that day influenced their lives, their military service, and the course of a generation.

These are their personal recollections of a day we must never forget.

General Inquiries: chat62podcast@gmail.com

Episode 68 – Jessica Rollins – Part Three

In Part Three of our conversation with Navy veteran Jessica Rollins, the story takes a deeper turn.

Jessica opens up about some of the challenges she faced during the later years of her military service, the impact those experiences had on her life after the Navy, and the difficult road toward healing and recovery. She also discusses her transition into law enforcement, the importance of mental health, and the lessons she learned while rebuilding her life and rediscovering her purpose.

This episode contains discussions involving PTSD, military sexual trauma, and mental health struggles. Listener discretion is advised.

Follow Jessica on TikTok: @maybejessr

Get a hold of us at our general email: ⁠chat62podcast@gmail.com⁠

In Part Two of our conversation with Navy veteran Jessica Rollins, Jessica moves beyond training and into life in the fleet.

From her time at VRC-30 and HSM-41 to meeting her future husband, deployment experiences, and the friendships that left a lasting impact on her life, Jessica reflects on the moments that helped shape her identity as a sailor and as a person. Along the way, she shares stories of leadership, sacrifice, family, and finding confidence in herself and her abilities.

Jessica's story continues with honesty, humor, and the perspective that only comes from lived experience.

Follow Jessica on TikTok: @maybejessr

Get a hold of us at our general email: chat62podcast@gmail.com

In Episode 66 of Chat 62, Erik sits down with Navy veteran Jessica Rollins to begin her story.

Jessica shares what life was like growing up in a military family, the challenges she faced during her childhood, and the path that ultimately led her to enlist in the United States Navy at just 17 years old. From her experiences at Great Lakes Boot Camp to her time in A School, Jessica reflects on the lessons, leadership, and early experiences that shaped the beginning of her military journey.

This is the first chapter in a four-part conversation that explores service, resilience, family, law enforcement, recovery, and finding purpose after the uniform.

Follow Jessica on TikTok: @maybejessr

General Email: chat62podcast@gmail.com

What happens after the uniform comes off?

In the conclusion of Mike Francis' story, we discuss purpose, persistence, entrepreneurship, mental health, and building a life after military service. Mike shares the lessons that continue to guide him today through Tales from the Corps, the Shakker networking platform, and his mission to help veterans stay connected and moving forward.

Thank you to Mike Francis for sharing his story with the Chat 62 community.

Follow Mike Francis and Tales from the Corps for more veteran stories and conversations. Be sure to check out the Shakker app and see what Mike and his team are building for veterans and professionals alike.

If you'd like to contact Chat 62, reach out to us at our general email: ⁠⁠chat62podcast@gmail.com⁠⁠

Leadership. Responsibility. Loss. Growth.

In Part Three, Mike Francis reflects on the realities of deployment, leading Marines, and carrying responsibility during some of the most demanding moments of his military career. We also discuss mental health, staying connected after service, and why silence can be one of a veteran's greatest challenges.

Follow Mike Francis and Tales from the Corps for more veteran stories and conversations. Be sure to check out the Shakker app and connect with a growing community of veterans and professionals.

If you'd like to contact Chat 62, reach out to us at our general email: ⁠chat62podcast@gmail.com⁠

The title has been earned. Now the real work begins.

In Part Two, Mike Francis shares his time at the School of Infantry, joining 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, and his first deployment experiences. From the Fleet Marine Force to Afghanistan, Mike reflects on brotherhood, preparation, and the lessons learned alongside fellow Marines.

Follow Mike Francis and Tales from the Corps for more veteran stories and conversations. Be sure to check out the Shakker app, connecting veterans, entrepreneurs, and professionals through authentic networking.

If you'd like to contact Chat 62, reach out to us at our general email: chat62podcast@gmail.com

Before the deployments. Before the podcast. Before the Shakker app.

In Part One of Mike Francis' story, we go back to the beginning—his early influences, the mentors who shaped him, the decision to become a Marine, and the experiences that led him to earn the title.

This is the foundation of a journey that would eventually lead from the Marine Corps to entrepreneurship, veteran advocacy, and storytelling.

Follow Mike Francis and Tales from the Corps for more veteran stories and conversations. Be sure to check out the Shakker app, a networking platform built with authentic connections and veterans in mind.

General Email: chat62podcast@gmail.com