Mike Alvear's Urge & Merge

Black Belt Dad blogger John Kiely considers himself a parent, a writer, and a martial arts black belt – in that order. His social commentary, essays, and feature writing focus on relationships and family issues, travel, health and fitness, education, and anything that strikes an emotional chord with readers. He lives in Atlanta with his two school-age kids. For more than 25 years, Kiely has travelled the world as a writer and editor, serving as a journalist for CNN, features editor of the magazine of American Airlines, and editor-in-chief of Orlando magazine and Boating World magazine. He has written for Travel & Leisure, The Miami Herald, Men’s Journal, and many other publications. Kiely spent several years as a field producer/reporter and assignment editor for CNN in Argentina and at CNN headquarters in Atlanta. Prior to working for CNN he was awarded a grant to participate as an exchange journalist at La Nacion daily newspaper in Buenos Aires. A graduate of the University of Florida, Kiely started his career as a photojournalist and staff writer at the student-run Independent Florida Alligator daily newspaper in Gainesville. After graduation, he became the editor of Gainesville magazine before enrolling in the University of Florida Master’s program in Anthropology/Latin American Studies. As a result of living in Spain and Argentina, he speaks Spanish fluently. Kiely presently serves as the features editor for the Georgia Online News Service (GONSO). He also writes for print, broadcast, and online media, and provides consulting services and hands-on writing, editing, and coaching for corporate communications clients. In his free time, Kiely travels with his kids and blogs about family life at Black Belt Dad.com. As a black belt in karate, he enjoys teaching adults and children for Cuong Nhu Martial Arts, an international non-profit organization.