Why did you start a talk show?

This is a question I keep getting. It makes sense. But it’s also one I didn’t anticipate needing a simple answer to.

I’ll try now.

In one conversation, when asked why, I said, “In a way it’s a whole life encompassed in the show.” I could tell that wasn’t complete enough. So let me try again.

Last year I performed in Kennebunkport, Maine, what was affectionately called “A Love Letter to KPT.” Piano, storytelling, a tiny bit of acting. The show was fun. A lot of prep throughout the summer, no different than training for anything: a marathon, a play, a concert.

Not even 24 hours later I was planning a five-town New England tour in 2026.

As I started mapping out what that show could be, I knew I wanted more storytelling. I thought, let’s turn the set aka my piano into a bar scene. Bring different friends on to perform. Tap dancing. Singing. Characters. Moments.

But as I was putting together notes for the tour… I thought, why wait nine months?

At the same time, in a different lane, Ashley and I decided to raise the production quality of our personal brands working with professionals between Seattle, Arizona, and NYC. In doing so, it freed up some version of time but more than that, it freed up creative energy.

Somewhere between Kennebunkport, upping production quality, and our love of bringing people together… a spark of a talk show evolved.

Four to six episodes.

Mark Michael’s Living Room.

Airing every Thursday, February through March, on YouTube.

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think I could be good at this.

Or that it isn’t fun.

Or that it isn’t already more work piled onto more work.

Something is calling me to do this.

I love the nostalgia of 90s TV Friends, Seinfeld. Before that, TGIF — Step by Step, Family Matters. For the target demographic of this show 38 to 48 we remember all of that.

We remember Thursday nights meaning something.

In some way, I hope to connect to our generation. Not with more heady content.

But with entertainment.

Comfort.

Can a show exist in the background in perpetuity?

The way Friends reruns do.

The way old Letterman clips do.

Even the way Baywatch somehow does.

Mindless comfort. Familiar rhythm. Something you put on because it feels good.

I think we can get there with MMLivingRoom.

We’re learning in real time. Sound. Camera. Personality. Beats. Talent.

People ask how they can help.

Simple.

Watch and enjoy first.

Subscribe.

Like.

Share.

Comment.

That’s it.

Thank you for being a part of this from the beginning.