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Mike Henry
Mike Henry
00:54

Mike Henry

Austin Slam Poetry

Austin, TX USA

"I found quickly this world of poetry and performing: this is it; this is my juice. This is what drives me."

Career Roadmap

Mike's work combines: Art, Writing, and Being Creative

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Day In The Life

Slam Poet

I create taste-making live events and build vibrant local music scenes in Austin, Texas and downtown Las Vegas.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Creative Writing

    Oklahoma City University

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life has been direct

  • 1.

    After school, he did what he says a lot of people do: tried odd jobs, thought about grad school, played music with his friends.

  • 2.

    Had an interest in writing and poetry, but had never found a community where he could pursue it until he moved to Austin.

  • 3.

    Decided he'd sit back and watch open mic performances for a year to learn the craft.

  • 4.

    Says the first time he took the leap and performed, it probably wasn't great: "the angels might not have sang."

  • 5.

    But after that first performance, he knew he'd found his "juice," the thing that would drive him.

  • 6.

    Dedicated himself to building a career and a life where he could support himself with his art.

  • 7.

    Says his parents didn't understand his craft; to them, his slam poetry was like "speaking martian."

  • 8.

    But even that added fuel to his drive; he was determined to get to a place where he'd be happy and his family would be proud of him.