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

Hi Mike, how do you think about risk?
You can’t be afraid to go first. When it comes to doing something you really want to do, but no one around you has given you an example to follow as to how you’re “supposed” to do it–don’t let that stop you.

Be that person that goes first and paves the way for others. After I made the decision to go all in on writing (quitting my job, going to college, only taking work that was in writing…), I didn’t have anyone around me that did it before me.  I didn’t even know what kind of writer I wanted to be, I just knew I wanted to be in that space professionally. I was paralyzed for a bit because I knew that I’d pretty much be on my own as I started out on this risky journey that could very easily have me fall flat on my face in front of everybody. But I convinced myself and gave myself permission to just “try”. I had to convince myself to be okay with the fact that when taking risks, making mistakes is inevitable, and failure is acceptable as long as you don’t let it stop you. Embrace falling flat on your face every now and again and over time, your risk will pay off.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Writing, designing, performing… you name it.

During the daytime I have the privilege of working as the lead writer for an incredible nonprofit working on creative ways to get the word out about the incredible volunteer opportunities this org provides people who want to pour good back into the world towards those hit hardest by natural disasters. In the evenings and on the weekends I write essays and short stories I sometimes perform, but it’s been a while since I’ve done any performances of the essays I’ve written this year. My evenings are also filled with the finishing touches of a book I had the opportunity to write alongside some friends that is releasing at the end of this year! I would say that’s a pretty solid snapshot of what keeps me busy professionally.

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.
Monday: Hit Malibu and have a late lunch at V’s, right on the PCH and a short stroll from the pier. Vibe out at the beach after a couple rounds of pinot grigio and watch the sun to go down. Wednesday: Roll to Topanga and get a hike in at the Backbone Trail. Hit it early so you can get a parking spot–that lot is hella tiny. Afterwards, roll north up Topanga Canyon a bit to Cricca’s for the best Italian sandwiches you’ve ever had. For real. Friday: Get breakfast at Solar de Cahuenga, and be sure to ask for a Spanish Coffee. After finishing up, hike it out to Runyon Canyon for an incredible view of pretty much all of LA at the top.. If you can stay in the area and get cleaned up, put your name in for a reservation at Mama’s Shelter, and as you wait, raise a glass at one of my fave watering holes: the Elbow Room. Saturday Around sundown, make your way down to Santa Monica and hit up Onyx, the bar atop the Shangri La Hotel for a look at the coastline from a rooftop bar. Def a less crowded spot the earlier you get there. After a few sips, roll down the street to The Bungalow if you’re looking for a party scene, and to Bodega for a chilled out wine scene. Hit Bar Chloe for a nightcap before officially calling it a night and a beautiful week in LA.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to give a plug to Team Rubicon, a nonprofit org that’s all about giving veterans a restored sense of purpose as they help others through disaster response work; “The Portal”, my new book coming out in December; and to my family & friends, who I have the beautiful privilege of learning from and enjoying life with each and every day.

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemwashington/

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