Spring in the Bayou State
Mike provides an update from his home in Alexandria, discussing his latest project to develop a wireless audio scheme to connect all the Bluetooth speakers in the house, before inviting us on a "virtual date" in which he divulges some personal thoughts and anecdotes in his dating life.
Let's Not Talk About Politics
Mike reflects on the global instability sparked by the invasion of Ukraine and his anxieties regarding the potential for similar conflict in Taiwan. He's concerned about American apathy and a wavering in the nation's role as a defender of democracy.
Saturday Morning Coffee Talk
Mike takes a short walk down the street, bemoaning the city’s car-centric urban design and lack of pedestrian infrastructure. He then invites viewers inside to relax to some music, offering cooking tips and pondering to himself how to better navigate the messiness of livestreaming.
Use It or Lose It
Mike laments the dearth of recycling collection services in central Louisiana, but remains determined to demonstrate its need to the powers that be.
Discord
Mike speaks to a profound sense of social disconnect he experienced while living in the Pacific Northwest, describing it as operating on a different "frequency" than that of the people there. Using the analogy of mismatched frequencies (60 Hz vs. 50 Hz) between two AC electric power systems, he recalls moments in social settings in which his contributions were seemingly ignored or overlooked, leading to a deeper awareness of his challenge trying to be sync with those around him.
Overheard in the Honors Dorm…
Mike calls out the pretentiousness and smugness of an "Honors Dorm," highlighting the irony of such collegiate labels, given the proportion of notorious partyers among the "honors" students who clearly weren't there for academic prestige. Reflecting on the various cohorts out there with prestigious-sounding names, he argues that while rewarding achievement and providing academic challenges are important, the exclusionary labels often feel unnecessary and audacious.
Such a Good Feeling
Kicking off a beautiful morning, Mike performs "It's Such a Good Feeling" from the beloved children's show Mister Roger's Neighborhood.
Package Reveal
Mike revels in the excitement of opening a package he'd forgotten that he ordered.
Relaxed Afternoon
Mike provides a casual update from in front of Crimson House Alexandria.
Gone South
Freshly arrived in rural Louisiana, Mike adjusts to his new role at CLECO, contrasting the "boots on the ground" field work he now performs with his previous experiences working moreso in an office environment. He reflects on Pride at how the Queer community has evolved recently.
Anxieties of Rural Louisiana
Mike voices his dread of moving from the vibrant city life of Portland and Columbus to the middle of Louisiana...
The Southern Route
Mike announces his upcoming relocation to Louisiana, a move he views with a mixture of trepidation and romanticized anticipation - if not a tension between his fears of Southern intolerance and his desire to embrace Southern hospitality.