Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
LA Only Crushed Some Of My Dreams, So That Makes This A Success Story
(Photo by Chava Sanchez/ LAist)
()
I always knew I wanted to do something creative with my life, but I started to think that life was something that other people get to live.
Still, I tried. I tried hard.
I tried to get a job in entertainment -- any job in entertainment -- but was passed over for every single job and internship. I worked my way up in community radio, but never landed that DJ gig I was aiming for. I even tried to become a pastor, but that didn't pan out either (when a crucial piece of paperwork didn't arrive on time, I took it as a sign I was meant to do something else).
I was living in Seattle -- I loved the city, but I started to feel like it wasn't the place I could accomplish what I wanted. I got sick of feeling that hope slip out of my grasp, so I threw myself into applying to jobs in Los Angeles. I felt a draw to this city's creative possibilities.
Support for LAist comes from
After months of applying, I finally landed a full-time gig working at KPCC.
I MADE IT.
Mike declaring VICTORY over his friends. (Courtesy Mike Roe)
()
Except not really at all. At least, not at first.
Those first few months were rough. Didn't have friends rough. Living in a hostel rough. Getting pizza stolen literally out of my hands rough.
I started at the bottom, but being at KPCC let me start exploring my new L.A. home. I found friends who shared that same drive to express what's deep inside.
One of those friends invited me to audit the improv class he taught, and that class got me hooked on comedy.
Support for LAist comes from
Mike doing sketch comedy at the Pack Theater. (Courtesy Mike Roe)
()
Yes, I know that feeling an explosive joy caused by improv makes that version of me an L.A. twentysomething stereotype. But it was exciting, because my dream life suddenly didn't feel so far away -- and being on stage, surrounded by other excited comedy nerds and making something up on the spot, made me feel like the lightning storm of ideas in my brain finally had an outlet.
I started doing improv and sketch comedy at local theaters. One of the first big sketch shows I helped write even got the blessing of the ultimate Hollywood character actor: Stephen Tobolowsky (aka the guy from Groundhog Day, from Memento, from One Day At A Time, from everything), after we wrote an insane show based on his films.
We worked for months fine-tuning it, rehearsing, making videos, and then to see my words and ideas up on stage finally alive, with a crowd that cared and liked what I was putting out there, made me feel like anything was possible.
Validation y'all. Get yours.
Mike with his wife Kristiana, enjoying a Superman/Wonder Woman comic together. (Kyle Crocker, courtesy Mike Roe)
()
I started to pour myself into writing. I met another creative person who I completely clicked with -- and she ended up becoming my wife. We started writing TV drama scripts together, and if you don't think that's romantic, I can't help you.
Support for LAist comes from
Meanwhile, I worked my way up at KPCC, covering everything from fires to weather to shootings. In between, I was having conversations with creative people, which has always been my favorite part of the job.
Covering pop-ups for your joy. (Mike Roe/LAist)
()
When KPCC bought LAist, I jumped at the chance to lead our arts and entertainment coverage. So far, I've reported on everything from how creative people get where they are to the award-winning (?!) story behind 30 Rock's Werewolf Bar Mitzvah.
Now I don't just get to live that life I fought for -- I get to bring attention to others trying to make it out here too.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist