Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mike Hobday. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mike, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

In May 2002, my life took a dramatic turn when I underwent a kidney transplant at the age of 39. The wonder of medicine! However, the transplant came with a price – a lifetime of immune suppression meds to prevent rejection.
But a suppressed immune system has its risks. In October 2015, I developed Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC), a rare skin cancer affecting only 2,000 people/year in the US. Surgery removed the tumor, but there was a 30% chance of recurrence.

Fast forward to January 2017, the MCC had returned, spreading to my liver and lymph nodes. The prognosis was grim – 0% chance of survival in 5 years. I underwent surgery, chemo, radiation, and later, immunotherapy.

Immunotherapy, radiation and chemo saved my life but it all came at a cost – losing my transplanted kidney and starting dialysis in August 2017. Unable to work due to dialysis and the effects of the cancer treatments, I had to retire and go on disability. After 26 immunotherapy treatments, I developed severe side effects and had to stop.
The good news? I’m cancer-free! But radiation left my left shoulder and arm severely handicapped.

Here’s the amazing part: I’ll be 5 years cancer-free in Decembere 2024, making me eligible for another kidney transplant. And in an incredible act of kindness, a fellow deacon at my church has offered to donate a kidney to me! We’ll soon begin testing to see if he’s a match.

Regardless of the outcome, his generosity ranks among the kindest things anyone has ever done for me.

Mike, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My Story: From Memphis Roots to Podcasting

Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, I lived a quiet childhood. I attended Memphis State University (now University of Memphis), graduating in 1985 with a BS in electrical engineering (BSEE). That same year, I married Susan Titmus, whom I met working at the campus bookstore.

Our journey took us to Ft. Wayne, IN for four years, and Dallas, TX, both with GTE for four years, before returning to Memphis in 1993 with MCI. In 2009, I joined a small software company as VP of Account Management, retiring in 2017 due to health issues.
We’ve been blessed with two grown children and four amazing grandchildren.

The Tigermaniacs
I’ve forged lifelong friendships with four men, united by our love for University of Memphis sports. We support each other through life’s ups and downs. Our wives dubbed us the “Tigermaniacs.”

From Retirement to Podcasting
After retirement, I found myself with ample time. My frequent texting drove my working Tigermaniac friends crazy, prompting an intervention: “You’re bored; find something to do. Start a podcast!” And so, “Memphis Mike and Friends” was born in February, 2024.

Inspired by a friend’s obituary, which revealed amazing hidden accomplishments, our podcast’s theme emerged: sharing positive stories from Memphians from all walks of life – CEOs, ministers, athletes, politicians, and more. By year’s end, we’ll have 45 unique interviews.

Looking Forward
We are looking forward to 2025 and we will continue sharing captivating stories from our city. Tune in to “Memphis Mike and Friends” and discover the fascinating tales of Memphians of all walks of life.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

The Art of Securing Podcast Guests: Persistence Pays Off

Booking guests for the podcast can be a challenging but rewarding process. My toolkit includes email, Facebook, Messenger, LinkedIn, X, old-fashioned letters, and word of mouth. But what truly sets me apart is my persistence.

I won’t call it “hounding,” but I’ll stop just short of that. Take the story of a Super Bowl champion who calls Memphis home. Despite lacking a valid email address or social media presence, I didn’t give up.
A little detective work on the county deeds website revealed his property ownership, and subsequently, his address. I constructed a letter and sent it his way.

Weeks passed, and then, out of the blue, my cell phone rang with an unfamiliar number. Voicemail kicked in, and to my surprise, it was the Super Bowl champ himself!

We connected, had a fantastic conversation, and he even agreed to return to the show in the future. It was a victory for persistence!

In another example, I had been trying to land an interview with the former mayor of Memphis for ages, but it seemed like fate was conspiring against me. I’d spot him at Tiger basketball games, but somehow, we’d never connect. I even tried digging up his contact info on social media and other sources, but that yielded zilch. Talk about frustrating!

Fast forward to Tiger football season, and I’m at a game when the skies open up. The crowd rushes to the concourse to stay dry, and guess who’s standing right in front of me? The former mayor himself! I seized the moment, introduced myself and he was stoked about being a guest on my podcast. The encounter ended with me getting his cell number, so it’s only a matter of time before we schedule the interview!

Lessons Learned:
-Leave no stone unturned (or contact method untried!)
-Don’t underestimate the power of a personal note
-Persistence can turn skepticism into opportunity

These experiences reminds me that sometimes, going the extra mile (or sending that extra note) can make all the difference in securing amazing guests for the podcast. Never take no as an answer!

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Overcoming Podcast Burnout: Finding Support and Automation

Initially, excitement fueled my podcasting journey. However, as time passed, the demands of securing guests, editing episodes, and maintaining social media presence began to take its toll. The fun factor dwindled, and burnout loomed.

Determined to revitalize my enthusiasm, I sought out podcasting communities on various social media platforms. Joining these groups proved invaluable, introducing me to essential social media marketing tools that streamlined my workflow.

By automating social media tasks, I regained valuable time to focus on:
-Crafting engaging episodes
-Securing captivating guests
-Refining my editing skills

Thanks to these podcasting communities and marketing tools, I’ve broken through the wall and rediscovered my passion for podcasting.

Key Takeaways:
-Don’t be afraid to seek support from podcasting communities
-Automation can be a game-changer for social media management
-Outsourcing tasks can help maintain creativity and enthusiasm

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @mikehobday
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mike.hobday1
• Linkedin: Memphis Mike (Mike Hobday) and Friends
• Twitter: @mhobday
• Youtube: @JMHobday

Image Credits

All image credits belong to me. Please label each picture:

1. Memphis Mike and Friends
2. Podcast session – Mike Hobday, Scott Morton, Gene Sweatt, Mike Upchurch recording Episode 27 “Bench Racing: Memphis Drag Racing”
3. Podcast session – Mike Hobday, Greg Hall recording Episode 19 “In Depth With Darrell Greene”
4. Mike Hobday, Loren Roberts-PGA Champions Tour 4 time majors winner at TPC Southwind
5. Mike going to Tiger Football game