Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Otule.

Hi Michael, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I knew I wanted to start a Podcast or a YouTube channel. I just didn’t know how I wanted to go about it. I could have easily recorded myself in the gym or recorded daily vlogs, but I wanted to do something different. I follow athletes who are at the top of their game when it comes to making relatable content for everyone. Now, I know what you are going to say. “It doesn’t matter what others are doing, as long as you are doing honest work, people will follow” or my favorite, “You most likely will reach people these top athletes aren’t.” Sure! I hear you, but that wasn’t flying with me. I also thought to myself, yes, I love going to the gym and competing in bodybuilding shows, however, I can do so much more than just that, I didn’t want to be placed in just one box. Sounds inspirational, right? Add on my anxiety, shyness, and constant effort to be in the background. How can I showcase my multiple talents while being in the background, Podcasting was the next best thing. Now that I have what I want to do, what am I going to talk about? I didn’t want to be another fitness podcast, so I had to think of a way to keep people intrigued while displaying my multiple talents and being true to myself. Recently, I became an advocate for Mental Health, especially amongst queer African American men. We don’t see a lot of men coming on air and being honest and open about what they are going through. When creating this podcast I want to do away with hyper-masculinity thoughts, do away with what people may think of me, and do away with the thought of vulnerability being a weakness. I knew I wanted to see that change, so why not be that change, That’s how Renaissance-Bodybuilder was born. With each season I plan to keep evolving. The first season was audio only which helped me build my confidence to come up with topics to speak on. With the second season, I was able to incorporate Youtube videos. In my third season, I plan to have special guests talking about their own experiences.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Honestly, I started with a large following on social media already so getting people to listen and share has been more rewarding than a challenge. What has been challenging is not reverting back to the sheltered person I used to be with every follow, like, or share of my podcast. I realize I am putting myself out there and being vulnerable with my stories. Sometimes I feel like I am saying too much, however, I tell myself that if this helps one person realize the power they have over their own life then, I have accomplished my mission.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Funny enough. When people see me they automatically think I am a trainer and ask about my rates. I am not a trainer. I am a Sr. Business Analyst working for a mid-size tech firm in software development. I have been doing this for 10+ years and love what I do. I, eventually, want to start developing software using code. So what sets me apart is that I don’t want to be placed in a box that only has expertise in one field. I want to become a true Renaissance man.

What’s next?
I am currently on a journey of self-love, self-discovery, and self-care. Any plans I have at the moment revolve around finding new hobbies, going on solo explorations, and even taking myself on dates, whether I meet people on these dates or not.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/Otulefitness
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/MikeOtule
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/MOtule
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKWxYMPi2Nc7VnWX5bFLeRw

Image Credits
The first two are from Elvis Piedra photography, and the last two (standing on the box and covering my face) Riaotherworld Photography