Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Moran.
Hi Mike, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
At age 27, I had a bit of a depressive episode. I’ve always suffered from depression but my life had been going pretty decently for a while. I had been sober for half a decade, had the right girlfriend, solid job, back in school, good relationships with friends/fam, etc. All the things a young person in recovery is supposed to be doing. But I knew in my heart I was unfulfilled. I wanted to create. Needed to. The pain of not doing what you know are called to do in life, as time slips by faster and faster, is a special kind of anguish that we don’t discuss nearly enough.
So, I kind of dropped out of the life I was living, despite the fact that it was going fairly well, and it was scary to give it all up. But I started over and devoted myself to slowly becoming the person I knew I wanted to be. I was a little embarrassed about pursuing such seemingly adolescent endeavors as I was closing in on 30, but it felt like I didn’t have much of a choice: pursue your passions or live with regret.
Why has life decided I need to be a musician, podcaster, writer, and comedian? I don’t know, but that’s what it’s given me!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life is never a smooth road! No matter who you are or what you are doing It’s a struggle for all of us. But I’ve found that the struggle is far more satisfying when the fruits of the labor are ones I’m passionate about.
Two things I’ve discovered with the world of the arts: it’s easier then I thought to become a local artist, but it’s harder then i thought to make any kind of living off of it. My solution: just have a day job I don’t hate!
I’ve been fortunate to have supportive friends who actually know how to make money, who have given me work to keep things going. Every month I think I’m going to fall short, and somehow I stay above water.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
If I’m known for anything it’s probably stand up comedy. I’ve had a tad bit of local success on and off over the years, or at least what I would consider success. I’ve performed with Michael Ian Black, Robert Klein, Creed Bratton, and a few other fairly big names. Even got to be a radio DJ for a hot minute!
Playing music is not something I’m necessarily known for but I love it. I have an original synth-pop band called The Loss, and a cover band that is a tribute to the classic days of MTV. We perform live over a screen playing the old music videos, with vintage MTV clips between. Plus, I’ve just created (with a couple of friends) the world’s only all-Mike Ramones tribute band! With members of Future Islands and CJ Ramone’s solo band.
I also write satirical humor columns for the Hard Times and am working a little with documentarian, Josh Zeman on some projects. He’s created some of my favorite documentaries: Cropsey and Killer Legends. This is one of the few non-humorous writing projects I’ve been involved in.
In addition, I’m part of a short-form improv troupe called Royal Improv Fun Foundry. We’re like Whose Line is it Anyway but weirder!
And one last thing, though it isn’t necessarily artistic, I do run a depression support group called A Support Group for Depression and Anxiety where we Eat Cereal! We have community on Facebook and weekly meetings on Thursday on Discord.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Mostly just do it. There’s no starting point. There’s no right time. It’s always the wrong time. But just get started anyway. More than anything just take the first step towards the thing you want to create, and don’t think too much about anything else.
You’ll never have enough time, money, or energy to make it all happen, but if you’re called to create, you’re just going have to do it anyway!
If you can only 5 minutes a day to your passion, than do 5 minutes. But make sure you do it everyday. Consistency is key.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mikemorancomedy.bandcamp.com/album/please-like-me
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mike_moran_comedy?igsh=MW16dGx0MDljMTFqaA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Afm7oYDPD/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/pwgA9gG79e0?si=pxyiS-3QtLU_FqWg
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17D5MVzR5b/?mibextid=wwXIfr
