Community Connections – Michel Oulton

 

Intro:

On my Community Connections project, I have interviewed Michel Oulton. He first started off as a professional MC entertainer for corporate events and weddings. Some of Mike’s other businesses include being a  Screenwriter, Wedding Entertainer, and DJ! He has had plenty of experience being an entertainer with being booked for more than 700 different events. Now Mike is a professional podcaster and has been at it for the past 3 years with his friend Arif Ali also known as Alite. I chose to interview Mike because I find that we have a lot in common. Other than us my interest in being a podcaster I also like how when he is passionate about something he puts his all into it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michel’s 6 Questions:

1) Can you explain your roles and responsibilities with your current position?

To this, he says “Well, we embarked on a journey to make a podcast that people like. We knew that at first if you are serious and passionate, you have to do it for simply the love of podcasting. You can not come out and be a super professional without trial and error. You have to learn the game and find your lane. We are coming to our third year and now we have figured out how to make money. Took us 3 years but we are ready to make this a business. I got my start as a professional MC and entertainer at corporate events and weddings. I’ve done over 700 events. That prepared me to be on a mic and talk either making people laugh or think. On the podcast, I am the comedy relief. Arif is the serious one lol. We are a good team because we complement each other’s point of view.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2) Why are you passionate about your job or role?

He states “I love to talk and I love to make people laugh. I suffered a lot of trauma as a child. Was taken from my home at a young age due to abuse. Because of those early years, I am an empath. I feel a room when I walk… I know what the vibe is and I adapt to it. This makes me a good host. I can sense how my guests feel and know when to change the subject. Reading people and being aware of your surroundings is the secret to becoming a successful host or podcast host.”

 

 

 

 

3) What obstacles have you faced to get you where you are today?

He answered “We had to get over feelings of self-doubt and insecurities that stem from childhood years. Both Arif and I have had childhoods where our parents weren’t supportive. It’s what fuels you to be successful. I had to get over a crazy life. I spent 15 years of my life in prison, so I started late in life. I had to get over the thoughts and feelings of getting older and going against younger podcasts. Social media is tough to get into because of all the time required to get attention, so I had to learn film and editing skills to create content to get noticed faster. But it’s all in your head. You sometimes tell yourself that you can not do something, but you have to overcome those thoughts and push through. There is always a chance to be successful no. Matter how old you are. Your opportunities only die when you do.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4) What advice would you pass on to someone interested in what you are doing?

He said “I would tell them to find something that they are passionate about and stay with it Talk about things you know or love. I would tell them to watch other pros and study the experts of the past. Read books on human nature, negotiating, and interviewing. Those three subjects will make you an educated person ready to ask tough questions and give informed answers.”

 

 

 

 

5) How was your process becoming a professional podcaster?

Mike says “The process is very long lol. There are 3.5 million podcasts out there. What makes you think you’re going to be a pro, make. money and find success? Seriously … it’s a dream that only comes true if you work your butt off. You need to give up partying, hanging out, and watching TV … you have to write and read and talk to random strangers. Don’t be shy. Talk to people and ask them questions that are profound and not surface. It’s a long process that requires you to grow with every year that passes. You have to be open to criticism and be willing to be vulnerable. Nobody cares about surface s— … money, clothes cars, stuff … real talk, admitting faults, being real is way more valuable than having a crap.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6) He answers with “I have a few businesses. I am a screenwriter, wedding entertainer, and DJ. You should never limit yourself and say that one thing is enough. If you can, step out and take chances in life. Start a business, volunteer, do a podcast … you only have one life … 80 years maybe more … why put yourself in a box and stay put? Take a chance and do as much as you can”

 

 

 

 

Outro:

Having the chance to interview Mike has taught me to never stop fighting and working for what and where I want to get to in life, not just academically, or financially, but also mentally. One thing I will take away from this interview and will never forget is when Mike said “Your opportunities die when you do“. That really stuck with me and made me think about how many opportunities we have especially in Canada. When you find something you love put your all into it and you WILL succeed.

 

Michel Oulton’s Social Medias:

Facebook- Mike acdj vancouver oulton

Instagram – therealmikeoulton