Rising Stars: Meet Mike Deestro

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Deestro. 

Hi Mike, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I work as the head writer of The Bobby Bones Show, executive producer of the Bobby Cast and Nashville Podcast Network…and the host of Movie Mike’s Movie Podcast. I started as an intern on the Bobby Bones Show back in 2010 when it was still a Top 40 Radio show in Austin, TX — long before the move to Nashville. I messaged Bobby Bones on Myspace asking him for advice on starting my own podcast. He offered me a chance to come to sit in on the radio show and observe how they do things to take that knowledge back and apply it to my podcast. After that, I fell in love with the idea of being an intern for the show. I got interviewed and landed the internship where I worked my way up to being the head intern after showing up every single day before all the other interns. It led to my first job as a board operator and then affiliate producer for the Bobby Bones Show in Austin after they moved to Nashville in 2013. One day I got a call from Bobby saying he finally had a spot open for me. I graduated college, packed up all my things, and moved to Nashville all in one week. I started as a phone screener and Bobby’s assistant before landing the position as a producer. I got here by taking every opportunity that was thrown at me. Even if I didn’t know how to do it. I figured it out. We started the Bobby Cast with some random equipment we found in Bobby’s spare bedroom and figured it out as we went along and now have over 20 million downloads. I started writing comedy on the side and then one weekend was out on the road selling merchandise for Bobby and one of the openers (Carly Pearce) wasn’t able to make that show…so I ended up doing 10 minutes of standup comedy for a sold-out crowd. All because I took that opportunity. It all goes back to showing up and doing your best. When I was an intern…there were others who were far better than I was…but no one could outwork me. That had got me to where I am today. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I’ve been rejected for so many jobs before having the one I do now. Even though I work in radio and podcasts…I’m a relatively quiet guy. So, to most people doing the hiring for on-air and producer positions…I wasn’t the first choice. So, it’s been a big obstacle to learning how to work in a very extroverted field as an introvert, aside from professionally, I’ve struggled personally with my health and was overweight for most of my life. I had tried to lose weight and get healthy and failed many times before…but one day decided I’d had enough. I got the chance to meet my comedy idol Adam Corolla and even though it was amazing…I hated the way I looked in the photo and didn’t even want to post it on Instagram. I decided it was time to take a chance realizing I was almost 300 pounds. I started eating right and exercising here and there. What started as walking turned into jogging and then into running. I was able to lose 100 pounds in 1 year just by changing my diet and exercising. That’s it! I ended up losing another 20 pounds for a total of 120 and have been able to keep it off for more than 8 years now. I still run 20-25 miles per week and even ran my first marathon in 2017. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My primary job is the head writer for the Bobby Bones Show. My role is all of the creativity that goes into the show. I write segment ideas for each member of the show, and games, and find ways to make the show as entertaining as it can be for our listeners. I also write questions to be used during artist/celebrity interviews to help Bobby find an angle for every guest. I also work a lot behind the scenes with Bobby one-on-one with all aspects that go into the radio and podcast form of our show. I have an occasional on-air role where I’m known as the movie guy who does reviews. I also write scripts for our other shows that include the Country Top 30, Women of iHeart Country, and the Bobby Bones Night Show that air on our 150+ affiliates. 

I also have a lot of side jobs that include: 

Executive producer for the Bobby Cast: I book each weekly guest. Do artist prep which includes research and writing questions to be used during. the interview. I’m there each week to make sure all goes smoothly with audio and video recording. I do all of the graphic work for socials. 

Executive producer for the Nashville Podcast Network: I manage and oversee the 10 podcasts on our roster. This includes audio editing. production, promotion, and talent management. I also work with advertisers and make sure each show has the proper commercial recorded and running daily. I also work with Bobby to scout out new talent and launch a new podcast on the roster. 

Host of Movie Mike’s Movie Podcast: I do a weekly movie podcast where I interview actors and directors such as Sean Astin, Chris Columbus, and Michael Pena. Each week, I cover a different movie topic or theme along with spoiler-free movie reviews and news on all the latest movies. 

Comedy Writer: As another part-time job, I write comedy for any event or show that Bobby Bones has to perform at. I write jokes for his stand-up tours, Opry Sets, award shows, standup, and corporate events. 

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
I’m inspired a lot through TikTok now. It’s been my best source of creative learning tips and tricks from people in my field or trying to accomplish things like I am. I love how you can find exactly what you are looking for and how your feed is curated just for you. 

A Very Punchable Face by Colin Jost was the latest book that inspired me. He has a career that I envy as a comedy writer. After I read it, I strived to make my writing even better to have even a fraction of his success. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-movie-mikes-movie-podcast-53761269/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikedeestro
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikedeestro
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikedeestro

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