Send us a text In the latest episode of O-D-D-P-O-D, hosts MarcJay and Pod Rashid sit down with the talented producer from Louisville, Southside Mike. His journey from a challenging high school experience to becoming a recognized name in the industry is not only inspiring but also a testament to resilience and determination. Section 1: Early Life and Education Southside Mike, whose real name is Michael Cox, opens up about his tumultuous high school years. He attended Butler High School but faced significant challenges, including being expelled just three months before graduation. "They pulled me into the office and everything, bro, without my parents," he recalls. This pivotal moment could have derailed his future, but Mike's determination kept him pushing forward. After his expulsion, he enrolled in Jefferson County Public Schools but quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit. "I said, man, fuck this shit. I wasn't even about to, you know, just say, fuck school," he admits. Thankfully, his parents supported him through the struggle, enrolling him in Job Corps, where he learned valuable skills, despite facing setbacks there as well. Eventually, Mike found his way to Liberty High School, where he finally completed his diploma. "I got my diploma from Liberty though," he states. His journey highlights the importance of perseverance, as he overcame numerous obstacles to achieve his educational goals. Section 2: The Importance of Education and Lifelong Learning During the conversation, Mike emphasizes the value of education beyond traditional schooling. "I feel like everybody should try to learn as much as possible," he advises, sharing his commitment to continuous learning. He encourages others to seek knowledge every day, stating, "Just, you know, every day try to learn something new." This sentiment resonates deeply in today’s fast-paced world, where skills and knowledge can provide a competitive edge. He believes that education should not only be confined to a classroom but should be a lifelong pursuit, adapting and evolving as one progresses through life. Section 3: Building a Brand and Community Support As Mike discusses his journey into the music and production industry, he reflects on the importance of branding and community support. He shares his experiences launching merchandise, stating, "It's so much shit like a nigga got to do because you know, I'm branding myself." The outpouring of support from his community has played a significant role in his success. "People just want to support you, and I got so much support out here, bruh. It's crazy," he says. This connection with his audience not only fuels his motivation but also highlights the impact of community in individual success. Mike's approach to branding is not just about selling products; it’s about creating a sense of belonging and connection with his fans. He expresses gratitude for the support he has received, noting that it has surpassed his expectations, as some of his merchandise sold out within a day. Conclusion: Key Takeaways The journey of Southside Mike is a powerful reminder that resilience and determination can lead to success, even in the face of adversity. His story illustrates the importance of education, lifelong learning, and the value of community support in achieving one’s goals. Tags: Southside Mike, O-D-D-P-O-D, podcast, education, resilience, community support, br Thank you for the love. Feel free to follow and support for more. https://www.instagram.com/marcjay0fnr/ https://www.instagram.com/what_a_shiddy_guy/ https://www.instagram.com/therealoddcast/ https://bigandlazy.buzzsprout.com/ https://bigandlazy.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bigandlazypod/
