We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michael Warrick a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Michael, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

The biggest risk I took was launching the GeekedT brand. I’ve been an avid reader of comics and a viewer of media such as television and film. I enjoy learning about the history and highlighting the best parts of my community (LGBTQ+), and I like listening to how other creatives develop their work.

My birthday twin, Zoria, once randomly helped me come up with a name for the GeekedT brand, and now it was my turn to decide if I wanted to follow through with it. I was working full-time at a car parts warehouse, trying to make ends meet. I had just flunked my sophomore year of college and thought I didn’t have enough time in the day to commit to the project. I wasn’t fully immersed in these communities, hence my brand’s term “gay and geeky”–and I didn’t know the first thing about interviewing someone. I felt like starting the blog and podcast would expose my shortcomings to the world. But I took that risk and started moving the pieces on the board to make it happen.

I did a photoshoot, set up a cute site, made the first few posts, interviewed some of my friends, and learned Adobe After Effects to make promo videos. Those promo videos are some of my best promo work, haha. Then came release day: July 6th, 2018. That risk drew the attention and engagement of 300 people that day, and my podcast had more listeners than I expected (I thought it would be 1). I grew the brand from there.

I took a brief break from the podcast in 2019 until I met my best friend and co-host, Kavon! I was so determined to handle everything myself and didn’t want to ask for help because I believed it was my sole responsibility. However, bringing Kavon onto the podcast not only improved its quality but also strengthened our friendship in ways that are still evident today. We supported each other more than usual because we shared the podcast. Going out to parties after recording episodes or just hanging out also brought us closer. GeekedT Podcast is, and will always be, our adopted baby!

My biggest risk to date was reviving the blog after a two-year hiatus. Bringing it back have placed me in rooms with other LGBTQ+ creatives, and it’s helping me develop my craft.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I entered the world of blogging and podcasting by being authentically myself: gay and geeky. ‘Gay and geeky’ is the term I use with my readers so they understand who’s behind the posts they engage with. I love “geeking out” whenever I read comics or play video games. I also enjoy analyzing films and TV series down to the smallest details. The way I combine my separate passions is by finding intersections that showcase BIPOC and LGBTQ+ diversity within these spaces. It doesn’t get talked about enough, so I made it my mission to bring it into the spotlight.

I’m proud of myself for starting, no matter how many times I have to start over. I take pride in the work I put out into the world. So if that means rebranding myself, then so be it. I’m proud of breaking out of my shy shell and interacting with other creators. If I didn’t do so, then my work would be the same as it was in 2018, and no one wants that. I’m proud of my co-host for taking over an episode to interview Jimir Reece Davis, the Black and queer DJ who blew up overnight. I’m proud of pushing my content out even when I’m scared. Seven years later, I still get nervous — but I won’t let that stop me. I’m proud of staying strong through the ups and downs that come with maintaining the brand. I’m proud of my brand for molding me into a better person!

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Art is vital, especially in today’s political climate. The best way for society to support artists, creatives, and thriving creative ecosystems is by showing up. These artists dedicate hours, if not days, working on their art to share with the world. Even content creators spend a lot of their free time editing videos and graphics for their audience to enjoy. Engaging with their art builds on the foundation already laid and can help us maintain a positive mindset during these challenging times. Take the time to attend art shows, watch their screenings, interact with their content on social media, and support them mentally, physically, and emotionally. Some of the best artists are the friends close to you.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is seeing how your life improves through your work. It helps establish new habits, consistently learn new things, and adapt quickly to last-minute changes. It makes overcoming challenges super easy! It also creates a new foundation for showcasing your work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://geekedt.blog
• Instagram: @jvrmainee and @geekedT
• Facebook: GeekedT
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/geekedt
• Other: @jvrmainee on TikTok and Bluesky
  @geekedt on Bluesky

Image Credits

Image photographed by Kollin Benson at the LGBTQ+ Task Force CreativiTEA Mixer. @kollinbenson_