Saying Yes to Life: Michael Mackie’s Journey Through TV, Travel, and Storytelling

In this episode, I chat with the inimitable Michael Mackie (see his bio below), a multi-talented storyteller, Emmy-award-winning host, entertainment journalist, and travel writer. With his signature wit and humor, Michael takes us through his fascinating career, from his early days in Des Moines TV to interviewing A-list celebrities and even hosting his own PBS travel show, "Get Lost!".

We dive into:

• Michael’s hilarious and sometimes disastrous celebrity interviews, including Sarah McLachlan and Jennifer Lopez.
• His pivot from TV journalism to storytelling in advertising and travel writing.
• The art of personal branding, creating genuine connections on LinkedIn, and why authenticity is key.
• A sneak peek into his upcoming gig as a host for Norwegian Cruise Line’s Sevilla excursion.

Michael’s advice for life and career? “Just say yes.” Whether it’s showing up for opportunities or embracing the unexpected, his philosophy will inspire you to stay open to life’s twists and turns.

Don’t miss Michael’s insights on storytelling, building a personal brand, and his unfiltered anecdotes from a career filled with laughs, lessons, and a few surprises!

 

Today's episode is brought to you by ExecHQ (Website), a C-suite fractional firm providing elite executives for your business. If you’re having challenges taking your business to the next level, want to augment your leadership team, or prepare your company for increased growth, profitability, and an eventual successful exit, ExecHQ has seasoned executives from every C-suite position, ensuring a perfect fit for your needs and industry dynamics. To learn more about ExecHQ, email Jeff Pelaccio at jeff.pelaccio@exechq.com.   

Michael's bio: Michael Mackie(LinkedIn) is an Aries with a Pisces rising. (IYKYK.)​. Growing up as a proud Midwesterner, he knew he always knew he wanted to be in TV.

Or on TV.​
Or watching TV (He's not picky).

By complete accident and happenstance, Mackie began interviewing a litany of Emmy-, Academy-, and Grammy-award winners. What started as a hobby, quickly became his own unexpected claim to fame. His motto? “You name the celebrity and I’ve probably interviewed them. Twice.”​ "My parents never could comprehend how I earned my keep stringing words together for the universe to appreciate," he says. "Frankly, that makes three of us. But I feel like telling stories is what I was put on this earth to do. I was born to spend no more than five minutes in a room chatting up a celebrity and then somehow cobble brilliance together. Whether you read it or watch it—welp, that’s up to you