I met Mike over 20 years ago while I was working at the YMCA.  He was hard to miss. This athletic, strong, muscular man with long hair came in every afternoon.  He headed straight for the free weight room.

What you also couldn’t miss was the string of young people that followed him. He was a pied piper for the teen that wanted to be strong like him.

If that was all there was to Mike, it wouldn’t make for an interesting story nor an interesting guest. The reality is, Mike is strong not only physically but he’s passionate about everything having to do with helping young people.

Mike taught high school for 25 years to students in the general education program as well as students with disabilities.  He has a keen understanding about disabilities because of his own hearing loss, that helped shape his life starting at a very young age.

He is a passionate and committed volunteer. Over the years he has earned many prestigious awards and commendations. While working with the Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters, he was awarded Big Brother of the Year not only for California but the National award as well.  This was a wonderful opportunity for Mike and these young men to meet President Bill Clinton in the Oval Office.Mike is a strong supporter of adoption and foster care and volunteers in the juvenile justice system, where he also received many awards.

With all of this background, Mike has taken what he has experienced and began to write. He has 9 published books for teens with the intent of encouraging and providing hope for kids facing real life drama and issues with exciting stories.

You will find from the moment we start speaking his passion for his life’s work is strong. It’s based on a solid educational background that prepared him to carry out his goals for making the difference in the life of a child.

You can learn more about Michael J. Bowler here: www.michaeljbowler.com and if you are interested in knowing about his books this is another excellent site www.goodreads.com/author/show/6938109.Michael_J_Bowler.

I encourage you to tune in to my Born To Talk Radio Show, Monday, August 1 from 1-2 PT on www.latalklive.com You can also listen and watch at www.ustream.tv/channel/la-talk-live. Not able to listen live? Visit my www.borntotalkradioshow.com page and click on Radio Show Archives or my Born To Talk Radio Show Facebook page for the direct link later in the afternoon.

I look forward to you joining us for this inspiring hour.

Don’t forget to check out Marsha’s Music Shuffle starting at 11 for another slice of my life!