Meet Michael Tableman

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Tableman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’ve come to believe that risk is the price of purpose. I will never reach the life I envision by staying in the safety of what’s familiar. I have dreams so big they border on delusion, but I’d rather risk everything chasing them than live with the weight of “what if.”

The truth is, risk terrifies me. But I’ve learned that fear is often the compass pointing exactly where I need to go. I’ve endured deep mental turmoil, walked through darkness, and come out the other side not just surviving, but certain that I’m meant for more. That pain gave me purpose. And now, I carry the belief ,call it grandiosity if you want, that I can help shift the way the world sees mental health.

Every meaningful move I’ve made has required me to step into the unknown. Taking risks has gotten me here, and I’ll continue to take the most calculated ones I can because the life I want, the impact I aim to make, will never come from playing it safe.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have always love art and been fascinated with it. All types of art, but honestly anything can be art if you create it with passion. My art was born out of survival. I didn’t set out to be a poet or a speaker or an author, I never saw my life going in this direction. Honestly I was just grasping for straws to try and stay alive. I only started writing a few years ago, but it opened a part of me I didn’t know it existed. Writing became the only place where I could be completely honest. truth. Eventually that truth turned into pages, poems, performances, and eventually a platform that has allowed me to connect with others walking through the same mental chaos I once thought I’d never escape.

What sets me apart isn’t just the art itself — it’s the intention behind it. Every word I write, every event I produce, every piece of content I put out is rooted in the belief that vulnerability is power. I don’t sugarcoat my story. I talk about my addictions, ADHD, anxiety depression, imposter syndrome, and my suicide attempt. I am not looking for sympathy or to shock people, but to remind them they’re not alone.

I’m the founder of A Mind’s Pursuit, a nonprofit reshaping how we talk about mental health through creative expression. I produce and co-host Chaos Controlled, a podcast diving into the stories behind the struggle. I’ve written My Manic Maze, a raw and different collection of poetry and survival, which now being turned into a visual album a live show and a book that really deep dives into my honest struggles. I have also created Little Mikey’s World, a children’s brand teaching empathy and self-awareness at a young age that is in the beginning stages of production.

Was it easy? Not even close, I still struggle with my mental health on the daily. I’ve had to unlearn who the world told me to be, walk away from the comfort and chaos, and rebuild from the inside out. I lost relationships. I faced rejection. I broke down more times than I can count. But every scar became part of the story. Every breakdown has lead to a new beginning.

What I want the world to know is this: I didn’t “make it out” — I made it through and I am still going. And now, everything I create is a hand reaching back into the fire for someone else.

My brand isn’t just art. It’s a movement. It’s a mirror. It’s proof that your pain can become your power — and your chaos can be controlled.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I spent a long time in LA’s nightlife scene, back when it was at its peak — I knew all the spots, all the people, all the hidden doors. But life shifts. These days, I’m introverted, I’m sober, and I’m more focused on presence than parties.

If my best friend came to visit now, I wouldn’t take them on a wild tour of clubs — I’d take them somewhere with soul. We’d start the morning with bagels from Hank’s Deli, then maybe have a deep conversation over coffee at Horror Vibes Café in NoHo — one of my favorite lowkey creative spaces in the city.

At night, you’d probably find us at The Belmont in West Hollywood. It’s my favorite spot — not just because one of my best friends owns it, but because it feels like family. It’s got that “Cheers” energy — where everybody knows your name, and the vibe is always good.

We’d hit an open mic or two — I love hearing other people’s art, their stories, their pain turned into poetry. And honestly, some of the best moments wouldn’t be out anywhere. They’d be at someone’s house, just sitting around, talking about life and laughing until it hurts.

For me, it’s never about where we are — it’s about who I’m with and the energy we bring into the space. That’s what makes LA special for me. I have met some of the most amazing humans in this city that I love so much. Life isn’t about the places you go its about the people you go with

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely, nothing I’ve built has happened in isolation. First and foremost, I want to shout out my family, friends and the people who stayed close even when I was far from myself. Their love didn’t always look perfect, but it kept me grounded when I was floating through some dark places.

I also have to recognize my partners at A Mind’s Pursuit; Sofia Monroe, Big Billy Clark, Sheela Albdi. My producer Nate Sounds and one of my best friend JP Betancur who have pushed me to speak my words. And ofcourse our incredible nonprofiti team who believe in my vision and crazy ideas before the world caught on. The bring so much to this project and none of this would grow with out them

There’s a long list of mentors, artists, and authors whose words cracked me open — but if I had to give this shoutout to something bigger than a person, I’d give it to pain. Because pain is what sharpened my purpose. It forced me to listen, to feel, to create. And it gave me a reason to keep going.

To everyone who has held space for me, challenged me, or simply reminded me that I matter — this journey is as much yours as it is mine.

Website: https://amindspursuit.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeytableman/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialChaosControlled