January 9, 2025, rang in the first episode of Loose Endz with Mikey, aka me. Meet Shanice, a Canadian lover and trucker from the West. Immediately, I recognized she was sitting in the driver's seat of a semi-truck. Instant connectivity with me, as life on the road as a long-haul truck driver can be demanding. You know, dealing with the four-wheelers and vehicles with the cherry tops.
Shanice shared with us some really funny moments she has experienced in truck and rest stops that were similar to my experiences, and we can laugh at sharing those stories because 'we have been there, done that'—bringing the viewing audience in on the stories.
The most impactful moment was when Shanice shared her struggles during COVID-19 as a female trucker on the road, having closed up rest areas, restaurants and washrooms. Nowhere to go to the bathroom, have running water to self-clean / shower and more. As a trucker, this is vital for personal hygiene.
While I think about what our struggles were staying at home, I never considered the impact of a trucker still on the road during this time frame when Canada was practically locked down, but products, in her case, fuel, still needed to be transported. While I had empathy for the transportation sector and didn't bitch about the time delays on online shipments or stores not being stocked promptly, I hadn't ever considered the life of a trucker itself. I felt embarrassed for never considering that. Out of sight, out of mind.
Watch as the interview unfolds.
Interview
Show Format
This show is designed for everyday crocheters just like you. Too many talk shows and online shows feature 'celebrity' or 'elite' people. So the question came to Mikey, "What about you?"
Many don't need a book, website or video platform to be the difference. Each of us has our daily struggles but, more so, meaningful triumphs, even just to a handful of people. This is where we relate to everyday people, as there are far more of us.
Mikey, aka me, is pretty laid back in having conversations with others having reliability. Like many people, we are not coming from old money and are trying to make our way through the best we can.
The interviews are focused on crochet, and where the conversation goes is up to the guest and pure curiosity because here's the thing:
Mikey doesn't know who he is interviewing ahead of time and is given no notes. The guests are being vetted by his friend Karen to ensure software connectivity and learn more about the guest. The only thing Mikey is shown is the name of the person. From there, the conversation can zig and zag. Find the joy and the moments that can hit come, aka relatable.
Be A Guest
Heather Campbell says
What an amazing ideal. It was alot of fun watching. I have been crocheting 30 1/2 years. My Love started with Red Heart yarn. A friend of mine, Jennifer taught me to crochet because I wanted her to make me an afghan, because I was pregnant with my daughter. So I learned and been crocheting since. I found Mikey a few years later on YouTube and been following him since. Love your teachings and your team , greatful for you Mikey.