Mike reflects on the dangers of domestic terrorism targeting electrical infrastructure, explaining the vulnerability of power substations. Pivoting to the subject of addiction and recovery, he describes his father's sobriety as a source of inspiration. revealing his ambition to launch a transformative camping retreat that would aim to subtly guide participants through healing experiences to aid in overcoming undesired addictions.

In this "After Dark" episode during the wee morning hours before sunrise, Mike reflects on his Asian/Caucasian heritage, his childhood love of board games, and the irony of digital data persistence. He speaks frankly about the financial pressures he's facing, delivering a prayer regarding rent and groceries.

Mike expresses admiration to his father for his incredible feat of willpower in sustaining over 20 years of sobriety. He contrasts his earlier "rockstar life" of heavy drug use with the disciplined, clean lifestyle he maintained while raising a son, highlighting that he quit everything — from heroin to cigarettes — cold turkey without the help of medication or patches.

Having reach his wit's end, Mike vents some of his burnout and profound frustration, brooding in the cruel irony of facing imminent eviction, following his unsuccessful efforts to help house and support others through his nonprofit Crimson Rouge Studios. He defends his altruistic initiatives, reflecting candidly on the emotional and financial toll of trying to spark something in the face of community indifference, seeing it as a symptom of a systemic ill of pettiness and lack of gratitude nationally.

Mike expresses his deep concern for the political shift in his home state of Ohio, attributing it partly to demographic changes linked to the shale gas boom and an exodus of college-bound graduates away to coastal cities.

Mike shares his thoughts on the declining state of American society, emphasizing the loss of humility and genuine understanding in online and real-life conversations.

Mike also expresses his deep concern for the political shift in his home state of Ohio, attributing it partly to demographic changes linked to the shale gas boom and an exodus of college-bound graduates away to coastal cities.

Mike hosts a special Thanksgiving episode on a rainy afternoon, reflecting on the stagnation of technology. Discussing Louisiana's geography, he notes the relatively recent connection of the state's north and south with Interstate 49.

Mike fumbles around with setting up his computer's audio in order to livestream his performance on WANDA, while being pestered by a persistent fly in the room. He then shifts to preparing for karaoke night at the nearby "Bottoms Up" Queer bar.

It's a Sunday morning in Alexandria, as Mike prepares to head out for a walk with WANDA to brunch. Along the way, he stumbles to find his keys and phone, but discovers some forgotten chocolate ice cream in his messy kitchen.

Mike takes WANDA for a nighttime stroll on a quiet Saturday night, greeting his neighbors before traversing the empty vastness of the Alexandria Mall parking lot. During the walk, he ponders the beauty of silence, the importance of self-honesty, and the value of 360-degree awareness in everyday life.

Two years after the 2020 West Coast wildfires, Mike recounts the traumatic events he faced mere months after moving to Portland, Oregon. Bearing such emotional weight has been a lonely journey, as I was reminded while trying to share this with loved ones who would find themselves overwhelmed.

With the onset of autumn, Mike shares his observations of daily life in Louisiana, particularly the local weather and distinct infrastructure around him. He notes a curious lack of gutters on the surrounding houses and reflects on the risks of living inland during hurricane season.

Mike vents his disillusionment with modern society and personal frustrations, particularly "smart" technology, the polarization of American politics, the struggles of operating a nascent nonprofit, and his spiritual frustrations with the manipulative tendencies of traditional Christian dogma. Throughout the episode, he seeks a form of digital escapism and catharsis, processing his feelings of exhaustion and disappointment through the course of this chaotic rant.

Mike discusses his progress on a couple home improvement projects in the works - including a home security and control system for his smart devices, and a home audio bluetooth network in development.

Struggling on a disorganized Sunday evening, Mike prepares to pick up groceries and is helped by his neighbor Tracy, who comes by to assist with installing a lock on his back door.

Mike prepares to embark on a grocery run in Alexandria to take advantage of several deals at Albertsons. Maintaining his commitment to car-free living, he describes the challenges pedestrians often encounter in suburban areas, including the reliability of local transit service and lack of sidewalks, crosswalks, and other pedestrian infrastructure.

Mike enjoys a rainy afternoon in Alexandria on the Crimson House patio.

Mike shares his morning routine getting ready for work, including his daily tradition of the playing the national anthem, as a way to wake up and reflect on his fondness for the country despite current political frustrations. Over a quick cup of coffee, he touches on current events and some of his latest Louisiana observations before heading out the door for work.

Mike enjoys a blissful Sunday morning and expresses gratitude for a wonderful date last night that helped heal his recent traumas of surviving abuse and homelessness.

We are almost always our worst enemy. We tend to obsess over our imperfections and shortcomings, and we tend to overhype the accolades of others.

To those growing up in small towns or otherwise overshadowed places, know that even the most glamorous and affluent places in America are filled with people wanting to leave.