Jailed in Iowa

Broadcasting from Newton, Iowa, following his release from jail, Mike discusses his struggles with manic depression and his decision to quit marijuana, which he identifies as a root cause of his recent "Twilight Zone" experiences. He is joined by his friend Jim, who drove from Ohio to pick him up.

This is Mike George coming at you live from Newton, Iowa. I’ve just been released from prison, so… woot woot!

Mike: (adjusting the camera)
If anyone wants to see my mugshot, it’s from Jasper County. I’m actually smiling in it! The police say you shouldn't, but I did. Anyway, I want to give you all the "Cliff’s Notes" version of this past month because I know things have been weird.

Basically, I’ve been detained 3 times this month due to what I’ll call weed-induced misadventures and some mental health struggles. The first was a misunderstanding at a gas station in Oregon. Then, I spent a week in a mental health institute, which was actually great — cleared my head and got some good medication. Most recently, I was arrested here in Newton for drug possession while driving back to Ohio. I was in jail for 8 days.

You can't livestream from jail, in case you were wondering! That’s why I’ve been silent. I’ve had a lot of time for reflection. I learned to play Sudoku and Chess. I even beat someone at Chess!

Jim: (joining the frame)
The whole state of Iowa smells like cow manure.

Mike: (laughing)
It really does! Jim was kind enough to drive all the way from Columbus to pick me up after my court date today.

(becoming more serious)
I want to apologize to the people I’ve hurt—my boyfriend Matthew, and my friend Leah. I’ve realized how much I’ve upended their lives while I was in this "Twilight Zone" of manic depression and smoking too much pot.

Mike:
I’m making a pledge right now: 13 December 2017 was my last day using. I’m going to stay clean for at least a year. No pot, no THC. I have my meds now, so I don't need it. I’ll keep the cigarettes for now as a "coughing mechanism," but the rest has to stop.

Jim:
We’re all going to support you, Mike.

Mike:
Thanks, Jim. We’re heading back to Columbus in the morning. I’m hoping to get my life back on track, find a job, and maybe by my 32nd birthday in March, I’ll be in a place where I can give back to all of you who have been "angels" for me this month.

Anyway, that’s the update. Happy holidays, everyone. We’ll talk to you soon as we make our way back to Ohio. God bless.