I’m Still Standing
To exist is political. Mike looks back on his 3-year quest with both triumph and remorse, performing a cappella the Elton John smash hit "I'm Still Standing."
The Thankless Toil
Mike reflects on his past 3 years of relying upon the financial and emotional support of others. He emphasizes the power of gratitude, particularly in the form of handwritten thank-you notes, and reflects on others who had worked for him.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
These episodes focus on the concept of artificial intelligence (AI), exploring various facets of intelligence itself and distinguishing real from artificial intelligence. We question how intelligence is defined, debate whether it involves acquiring and retaining information, goal-oriented learning, and the ability to adapt or alter goals.
WANDA’s Legacy
Broadcasting in transit aboard a commuter bus in Columbus, Mike reflects on his relationship with WANDA, the bright musical baton that routinely accompanies his commutes throughout the city, discussing the factors that necessitated its creation in the first place - unsafe streets that expose pedestrians to motor vehicle collisions and tragic accidents - and remembering its evolution into a political creed for pedestrian safety and commuter accessibility.
Olde Towne Christmas
Mike reflects on the holidays during a walk through the Olde Towne East neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio. With WANDA out of service, he's forced to walk without his usual musical accompaniment, focusing instead on the unseasonably warm weather. Mike encourages viewers to cherish time with their families and avoid getting entangled in the stresses often associated with the season. He concludes with a heartfelt message of love and community spirit, emphasizing the importance of looking out for one's neighbors before heading off to enjoy a simple Christmas treat for himself.
Changing Face of King-Lincoln & Bronzeville
Mike takes a walk through the King-Lincoln and Bronzeville areas of Columbus on a rainy but warm December day. On his way to lunch, he reflects on the rapid changes and gentrification he’s observing in the neighborhood. Venting his frustration over a missed job opportunity with COTA, the local transit authority, he concludes with a seasonal message of resilience and love, urging viewers to focus on joy and caring for one another during the Christmas season.
Finals Week at OSU
Mike enjoys a peaceful walk through The Ohio State University campus during finals week, contrasting between his relatively stress-free leisure and the visible anxiety of students preparing for exams.
Commoners Don’t Tip
Mike bemoans the challenges of marketing WANDA and the lack of public engagement with his invention. Wishing to distinguish himself as an “artist” rather than a panhandler, he struggles to connect with onlookers, who typically express puzzlement rather than entertainment worthy of a monetary tip.
Unmet Expectations
Mike reflects on the hardships of being unhoused for 11 months, contrasting his former life as a high-earning professional with his present reality "on tour" across various cities, and lamenting the lackluster response to WANDA and the Street-SMART app he’s developed.
Changing Face of Olde Towne East
Mike strolls down Oak Street in the Olde Towne East neighborhood of Columbus, while reflecting on the changes and development throughout the neighborhood.
High Street Nostalgia
Freshly arrived in Columbus, Mike reminisces on the Short North during a stroll down High Street.
Farewell to CENLA
Mike prepares to move forward in his quest returning to Ohio, by way of Lafayette and New Orleans. He reflects on his time in the neighborhood and shares his tentative travel plans, which include a train ride from New Orleans to Cleveland.
Reflecting on Natchez
Mike reflects fondly on his past month marooned in Natchez, Mississippi, and expresses gratitude to the distant friends, recent acquaintances throughout Natchez, and even small businesses who have provided aid to Mike in the form of monetary donations, loans, and/or in-kind assistance.
Finding Home
After having the opportunity to live in seven distinct parts of North America, Mike grows weary of the nomadic transience of moving and reestablishing his social life every few years, now longing for the very thing he used to dread when in his twenties - to “settle down” in his home state of Ohio to focus on building something more everlasting and impactful for the communities and people he cares most about.
Let Go, Let God
Mike reflects on a spiritual moment he had during Sunday service at the First Assembly of God in Natchez, Mississippi.
Reflections on Houses & Home
Mike contrasts between his times of being broke/unhoused versus those of financial abundance with a roof over his head.
Mardi Gras in Natchez
While the sun sets over the Mississippi River, the town of Natchez prepares for the kickoff of their Mardi Gras festivities.
Sidewalk Cafe
Mike describes his first impressions of Natchez, Mississippi, from its downtown cafe.