Public Speaking Presentations 

Drawing from what I’ve learned and experienced as a therapist, and in my own life, I’ve developed these informative, provocative, and entertaining presentations to help people open their minds around what is possible, and create meaningful change for themselves.

Each of these talks is designed for one-hour, with additional time available (if desired) after each presentation for questions and further exploration of the themes and materials discussed.  Talks can be shortened upon request. 

“Mike has a funny way of presenting concepts you think you have a grasp on, but then you have to think about a bit more, in a different way.”   –  Kim Carr

“I’d never been forced to really look at myself, and what I believe, in this way. Mike has a way of delving into things where he makes it easy to engage and digest. And he had me laughing throughout.” – Scott Parker

The Open-Mindedness Challenge 

This presentation helps people explore their own levels of open-mindedness – how it may expand and improve, or limit and detract from, all aspects of daily living.  How open-minded am I?  How capable am I at looking at myself honestly, with humility?  Am I a know-it-all?  What’s my role in relationship challenges? Would being more open-minded help me in my job or career? Is it possible there are ways for me to be a better partner, parent, employee?  Am I interested in making my world Bigger and Better? 

This presentation also delves into pseudoscience and spirituality, exploring the relationship between the rational and the inexplicable. How open am I to things I can’t explain? Am I open to having new experiences that may challenge my own thinking and beliefs, and provide me with new experiences? Am I missing out on potential resources that cannot be ‘proven’ scientifically? 

Hero’s Journey – a Therapist’s Take on Change

This presentation is an entertaining and often humorous look at the process of change, or lack of change, in people’s lives. Do I even need to change?  What’s my track record – do I even know how to go about it?  How do the stages of change apply to me?  What are things I can do to actually create meaningful change in my life?  Am I willing to be uncomfortable?  Am I ready to answer that feeling I’ve had inside myself telling me something needs to change?  In what ways do I stop myself?  

Exploring those things that people do who actually succeed in creating change for themselves is a central part of this talk. 

Me & My Phone: Gracefully Navigating the Digital World

In this presentation Mike invites the audience to get honest in the exploration of their own relationship with their phone and screens; looking at the Pros and Cons, the reality of what phones and the digital world can do for us, and ways they may be holding us back from being the best versions of ourselves. Mike honestly, and comedically, shares his own relationship with his phone and introduces his own theory and approach to finding balance between the phone and non-phone world. Phones are not going away, and along with A.I., present people with the challenge of reaping the benefits of the digital world without losing connection with themselves, community, and the natural world. You will leave this presentation with increased awareness and ability to evaluate how to move through the digital world in the best way possible for yourself.