45 and Still Faking It

Alright, folks, gather ’round and let me regale you with the joyous tale of turning 45. Halfway to ninety and just as clueless as ever.

Almost 20 years ago, I packed my bags, kissed Ohio goodbye, and set out on a grand adventure that’s taken me through the dusty deserts of Nevada, the sunny chaos of California, the historical pretentiousness of Massachusetts, the not-so-gardeny parts of New Jersey, and back to California. Why? For the love of radio!

Oh, radio, you seductive bitch. You lured me in with promises of fame, fortune, and a lifestyle so glamorous it would make Hollywood blush. And for a while, it was golden. I was living the dream as an on-air personality and imaging producer, my voice bouncing off the airwaves all over the world!. Then along came Mr. New Guy, who decided he didn’t like my style. Yes an overweight douchebag with terrible style and an unbelievable lack of creativity fired me. Just like that, poof! The dream crumbled faster than a cheap taco shell.

Now I’m here in California with my wife, the kids, and a bonus kid from my wife’s previous adventure in life. Although one of my kids is still back in Ohio, probably wondering what the hell Dad is still doing living in the most expensive place in America. I wonder that too …

The thing is, I’m podcasting pretty successfully, but not successfully enough to ditch the day job. And what a day job it is. Representing the oil, fuel, and gas station industry—because nothing screams passion like convenience stores and petrol.

2 days a week in the office and 3 days a week, I’m working from home, pretending I know what I’m doing, faking it like a pro. The pay is decent, the coworkers are cool, but the passion? Nonexistent. Sales? I’d rather eat a bag of nails. But hey, it’s a job, right? And it’s depressing.

I never imagined working in an office environment or having this type of job. Never, yet here I am miserable like everyone else.

There was a time I loved my job. I loved waking up and going to work. Now I dread it.

You know what really gets me though? The older I get, the more I realize I’ve been chasing career highs instead of building real, meaningful friendships.

I miss having friends. I miss the parties, the birthdays, the pointless hangouts where we’d solve the world’s problems over a six-pack and bag of weed. Now, my birthday is a quiet affair. No big bashes, just a few texts from family and, of course, the amazing listeners of my podcast. You guys are seriously the real heroes. Please know that I appreciate you so much.

As I inch closer to 45, I’m hit with the existential question: Was it all worth it? Missing out on family events, leaving friends behind, moving from state to state for a career that’s as stable as a Jenga tower in an earthquake? I don’t know. But I do believe that everything happens for a reason, even if that reason is as clear as mud right now.

I miss radio. I miss the thrill of the live broadcast, the creative rush, the connection with listeners. But moving around the country isn’t an option anymore. The kids are in middle and high school, and uprooting them would be selfish. Responsibilities, man. They’re like that one relative who shows up uninvited and never leaves.

But there are bright spots. Watching my daughter grow, seeing my bonus son figure out who he is, building a life with my wife, and having the freedom to run my podcast my way—these are the moments that make the struggle worthwhile. I’m still doing what I love, just not on the scale I envisioned. And maybe that’s okay.

So here I am, on the brink of 45, wondering what the next chapter holds. Maybe I’ll finally find a way to make podcasting and creating events my full-time gig. Maybe I’ll stumble upon a new passion. Or maybe I’ll just keep faking and being miserable with my career until I die. Whatever happens, I know this much: getting older might suck, but it’s also an adventure. And as long as I’m still in the game, I’ll keep playing.

Here’s to 45 years of glorious confusion and the hope that the next 45 will be just as wild.

Stay safe, stay weird and remember… question everything

PS.

Don’t forget you can save 15% in the Pod Shop with promo code DAD at checkout 🤘🏼

Fresh Face, Fresh Content! The New and Improved MikeyPodcast.com

MikeyPodcast.com just got a whole lot cooler. Not only can you catch up on all the latest episodes, but you can also get your hands on some dope Mikey Merch and sign up for the Sub-Club to get exclusive content. And don’t worry, I won’t judge if you want to take a peek around and let me know what else you want to see on the site. Just don’t be too disappointed if your suggestions get ignored. Just kidding! Maybe.
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The Battle for Freedom: Republicans vs Brandon

Huh?

Step right up, folks, for the main event! It’s a battle for the ages, and it’s all about personal freedom. In one corner, we have Brandon, who just announced that his 2024 campaign will be all about “personal freedom.” In the other corner, we have the Republicans, who have been using that term for decades but are suddenly being accused of trying to take it away. Who will win? It’s anyone’s guess!

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Wait a minute, didn’t Brandon mandate vaccines and restrict travel and stuff?” Well, yeah, but that’s just his way of showing how much he loves freedom! You see, it’s all about framing.

Biden is saying that personal freedom is the most “sacred” and “fundamental” trait of America, and that he’s been focused on it for the last three years. See what I mean? Because he’s saying it, it means that he’s been doing it, and now people will believe him because people are stupid.

Sure, he’s tried to limit freedom of speech and forced progressive ideology into schools, but that’s just his way of showing how much he cares about the freedom to have abortions! On the other side of the ring, the Republicans are trying to preserve actual personal freedom by stopping vaccine mandates, censorship, and indoctrination in schools. But according to Brandon and pretty much the entire left side of the political spectrum, that’s an attack on freedom!

I know, it doesn’t make any sense. It’s like one of those funhouse mirrors that distorts everything. The sad truth is that this is all about messaging. Democrats have successfully portrayed Republican pro-freedom efforts as an attack on personal freedoms, while Republicans haven’t effectively figured out how to undo this. Because they’re old, stupid, and completely out of touch.

The fight over freedom is heating up, and it’s getting harder to keep track of who’s on what side. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

The most shocking thing about all of this is that the firing of Tucker Carlson has exposed some major ideological differences in American politics. It’s not just about left vs. right anymore, folks.

A lot of people think that Tucker getting fired was a win for the lunatic left. That’s actually not true at all. The truth is that Tucker Carlson’s views did not align perfectly with the GOP, the right, or Trump. But they were extremely popular with people.

Why did Tucker get the boot? Was it his views on Ukraine? His sexism? Or maybe it was just his religious faith that got him kicked to the curb.

Let’s not forget the $787.5 million settlement against Fox News over their election coverage and Tucker’s role in it. Yikes.

Abby Grossberg’s harassment allegations against Carlson – is anyone really surprised?

Oh, and let’s not forget about Rupert Murdoch’s thoughts on Tucker’s religious beliefs. That’s totally relevant, right?

What does Tucker Carlson think about Ukraine? And how does that relate to his Fox News departure? We’re dying to know.

Is Tucker Carlson going to join OAN or Newsmax? Tune in next time to find out!

Well, it looks like the battle to define freedom in American politics is far from over. And with newscasters getting fired left and right, it’s getting harder and harder to know who to trust. Here’s a list of fired newscasters to prove it: Tucker Carlson, Dan Rather, Keith Olbermann, Bill O’Reilly, Megyn Kelly, Charlie Rose, Matt Lauer… the list goes on. So, who do we trust? Beats us! But one thing’s for sure – it’s definitely not the news.

Sub-Club members can watch todays episode now exclusively on Spotify.

Freeloaders get the FREE audio only version tonight at midnight.

From Baby-eaters to Hookers: Uncovering the wildest news stories of the week

Are you ready to have your mind blown? This episode of the Mikey Podcast is not for the faint of heart! I’m diving into the murky waters of Jeffrey Epstein’s twisted web of connections, including links to politicians, celebrities, and even intelligence agencies. It’s weird that the world’s most infamous baby-eater had so many high-ranking officials in his back pocket. I’m uncovering the scandalous details of Epstein’s dealings with Noam Chomsky, Leon Botstein, and others who allegedly rubbed elbows with a convicted sex offender. It’s a wild ride, folks, and you won’t want to miss it!

But that’s not all, I also have more crazy news to share, including the latest viral TikTok trend, “The Flamethrower Challenge,” which is as dangerous as it sounds. I even tell a personal story about my own experience with a similar challenge, and trust me, it’s not pretty. Plus, there’s a Australian man who went on a “drunken nude rampage,” a woman who smashed a robotic “receptionist” at a hospital in China, and a hooker who allegedly stabbed her client in the most sensitive of places. If you want to keep up with the latest craziness happening around the world, then you won’t want to miss this episode. Check out episode 151 now!

The Truth About Cinco De Mayo

YO amigo! No freeloader Friday podcast today BUT I’m here to break down the truth about Cinco de Mayo. So, grab a cerveza and let’s get started.

First things first, let’s clear up a common misconception: Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day. That honor goes to September 16th. Cinco de Mayo actually commemorates the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. It’s a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, but it’s a big deal here in the good ol’ US of A.

So, why do Americans celebrate Cinco de Mayo? Well, it’s simple: we love an excuse to party! Plus, it’s a great opportunity to indulge in some delicious Mexican food and drinks. And let’s not forget about the marketing geniuses who have turned Cinco de Mayo into a major marketing opportunity for beer and taco companies. Because what better way to celebrate a historic battle than by getting drunk and eating tacos, right?

But here’s the thing, amigos. As much fun as it is to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, it’s important to remember the holiday’s roots and significance. The Battle of Puebla was a significant moment in Mexico’s history, and it’s important to honor and respect that. So, by all means, enjoy a margarita or two (or three… who’s counting?), but also take a moment to appreciate the history behind the holiday.

Listen Cinco de Mayo may have become a commercialized excuse to party and consume copious amounts of Mexican cuisine, but it’s still a holiday with a rich history and cultural significance.

So, raise a glass to the brave soldiers who fought in the Battle of Puebla, and then go ahead and indulge in all the tacos and tequila you can handle. After all, life is too short to not celebrate every chance we get. ¡Salud!

California to Fentanyl Dealers: Keep Up the Good Work!

California’s latest crazy idea? Letting drug dealers sell drugs like fentanyl. Yes, you read that right. The state has given up on the war on drugs, so they might as well let the drug dealers do their thing, right?

Assembly Republicans tried to fast-track some bills that would enhance penalties for fentanyl dealers, but it didn’t work out. Democrats in California believe in a more “smart on crime” approach that focuses on prevention and rehabilitation, but let’s be real – that’s not fixing the problem.

And speaking of problems, new data shows fentanyl-related deaths in children surged 30 times higher in 2021. Yet, a measure that would have warned fentanyl dealers they could face homicide charges was rejected.

California lawmakers can’t seem to agree on anything, but it’s the kids who are paying the price. It’s time to start asking more questions about how these drugs are getting into our communities.

Where’s Gavin “The Goof” Newsom during all this? Probably stalking Ron DeSantis’ social media.

Check out episode 153 of the podcast for more

Radio’s Ride to Hell, Hypocritical Billionaires, and Political Shenanigans

Strap in, folks! The Mikey Podcast is back with an episode that’ll make your head spin faster than a hamster on a caffeine high. I’m diving headfirst into the sad state of radio, where we’ll witness the downfall of an industry, major corporations hemorrhaging money, and a colossal failure to sell airtime and digital advertising. It’s a comedic rant that’ll leave you rolling on the floor with laughter, while simultaneously questioning the sanity of radio stations across the nation.

But hold on tight, because I’m about to expose a scandal of epic proportions. You won’t believe this, but my former radio show’s replacement shamelessly pilfered our bits. Can you imagine the audacity? They thought they could fool our audience, but you’re no fools. Tune in and discover why being genuine, authentic, and original is the golden ticket to connecting with listeners and avoiding a one-way trip to failure-ville.

Now, let’s set our sights on Audacy, the sinking ship that deserves all the mockery it gets. Get ready for an inside scoop on their impending bankruptcy and the grim future they’re facing. Oh, did I mention the accusations of sexual harassment, racism, and a toxic work environment? It’s a scandal so good you’ll find yourself cheering for their inevitable downfall.

But wait, I’m not done yet! I’ll take an unexpected detour into the bewildering world of Bill Gates, the self-proclaimed climate change savior. Brace yourself for some serious eye-rolling as I unveil his hypocrisy—flying around in a fuel-guzzling private jet while lecturing us about carbon emissions. Oh, and let’s not forget my mind-blowing t-shirt idea involving baby-eating. Trust me, you won’t find this kind of truth anywhere else.

And just when you thought I’d covered it all, I’m peeling back the curtain on the infamous Trump-Russia collusion narrative.

Remember that wild tale that had half of America fooled? Well, get ready to have your mind blown. I’ll dive into baseless claims, FBI games, and the mastermind behind it all—Hillary “don’t get suicided” Clinton. This political charade will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about our great nation.

Prepare yourselves, my friends, for a rollercoaster ride through the demise of radio, the epic downfall of Audacy, Bill Gates’ mind-boggling hypocrisy, and the truth behind political scandals.

It’s an extravaganza that will leave you simultaneously entertained, informed, and questioning the very fabric of reality.

Get ready to laugh until your stomach hurts, cringe at the absurdity, and hey, maybe even consider buying that quirky t-shirt. Don’t you dare miss this episode of The Mikey Podcast, where the truth reigns supreme.