I wrote this post back in the summer of 2023. Michael’s talk has FINALLY gone live — as an Editor’s Pick no less — and so it’s my privilege to share this here:
Since the day I met him, Michael has always embodied confidence and compassion. His determination to seek justice on behalf of our community has guided him through an impressive prosecution career over the years. His expertise is recognized and sought after throughout the country.
But it’s been his lived experience that led him to delivering a TED talk this past Saturday at the Ellie Caulkins Theatre in Denver.
After he pitched his big idea to the team at TEDxMileHigh back in 2020, he simply went back to work—running his office and successfully prosecuting one of the biggest cold cases in Weld County’s history.
So when the email came through in April that they were ready to have him share his experience with the world, he accepted. In the last few months I have watched him write, rewrite, meet, receive coaching, rehearse, cuss, cuss some more, practice more times than he can count, and bring together everything 25 years in criminal justice has taught him.
As the lights of the ornate theatre dimmed and the emcee introduced The Weld County District Attorney, Michael strode out, took his place on that iconic red dot, and began.
Look, it’s not just because I’m biased—he absolutely crushed it. Delivered in every way possible. His vulnerability and empathy shown through in a way that is certain to spark conversations about how criminal justice professionals can better support their own mental health.
Mike closed the event as the final speaker with a standing ovation. And there has never been a partner prouder than I still am as I sit here trying to find the words for this post. I am in awe of his courage and just love him dearly.
Plenty of you have asked how you can see his talk if you missed it this weekend. The final video will be made available on TEDx in the next couple of months.
I hope you love it as much as we did. We also learned we’re the first “TEDxMileHigh couple” so I guess we’ll add that to our resumes. And a brief parting FYI—The same guy worried about being able to memorize his script was also quoting a Man vs. Food episode last week. Do with this information what you will.
Love you, Michael
