Meet Michael Jenney | Creative Writer & Pop Culture Examiner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Jenney and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have been enthralled with the entertainment industry since I was in elementary school. My room was covered in movie posters, ticket stubs, album covers and all things pop culture until I left for college in 2003. I even wrote movie reviews in a journal, kept the stub and planned on being a movie critic when I grew up, which I wrote in my journal on March 17, 1998, after seeing and reviewing Big Daddy with Adam Sandler. I feel like you are born with the creative gene, whether it be writing, acting, sales, etc. Yes, one can pursue more education and learn from others, but I believe I was born with a talented gift; you either have it or not. I never pursued my dreams proactively due to the fact that I was in and out of heavy drinking for fifteen years. That prevented me from truly going after my desires of being an actor and screenwriter. Now, I am well over a year sober and I am ready to exhibit my writing and talents on a massive platform. I want to tell my story to a wider audience, so I can help those who are currently fighting for their lives, thinking that there is no way out. There is, trust me. I have been writing a book for about ten years now about my life growing up in Plano, Texas, while giving my audience a glimmer of hope by sharing the life-threatening, wild, but impactful experiences I had throughout most of my adult life. I took many breaks from writing when my depression and boozy phases were intact, as I have writer’s block when under the influence or if I am struggling mentally, which honestly went hand in hand with my alcohol consumption. Music and movies are in my blood; I would be an idiot not to showcase what I do on my Instagram page on a larger scale. At the end of the day, aside from the recognition I do crave, all I want to do is help people across the world by vulnerably telling my story, with no edits, completely raw and delightfully entertaining.

I would love the opportunity to help others by sharing my past struggles and eye-opening, frightening experiences. I would greatly appreciate the platform and outlet to get me more exposure, while helping people who struggle with mental illness and or addiction. I know some people in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles who have suffered or have similar issues. In my opinion, they are some of the most intelligent, talented and successful people in the world, i.e. a lot of folks in Hollywood.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a natural and all my art comes from the heart. I have an undeniable passion for movies, writing, pop culture, music to the Nth degree and I cannot see myself doing anything else but that, except for my current job in real estate. Even this job is giving me more tools and experience to further my desire to help people and also be in the entertainment industry.

I am most proud that I share my life with strangers on the Internet, while holding nothing back and being an open book. I have nothing to hide and if my blogs, posts, stories about my sobriety and dark times can help even just one person, that makes me smile and want to keep going after what I know is destined for me. I do not care about anybody else’s thoughts or views on me, because I know who I am and what I want, which is more than most can say, confidently.

I got here through living the life that God dealt me. I have overcome many obstacles in my life, far different and in some cases worse than the average Joe. Trial and error, job transitions and all things I have to work on daily to keep myself sane, sober and healthy, is essential if I want to make something happen in the entertainment industry or to be successful in whatever endeavors I pursue. I want the world to see how gifted I am. Personality wise, writing, charisma, my passion to help people and share the horrors I went through. I came back from shitty, terrible situations and people need to know that with willpower and a desire to change for yourself, no one else, is 100% attainable.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
It would be so much fun. I would take Erika to Summit County first, so Breckenridge, Frisco and Silverthorne where my parents own a condo and rent out to people. I would get a weekend that was not booked and we would stay there from Friday – Sunday. We ski, go out on Main Street and see my bros who work at RMU (Rocky Mountain Underground) and get some great steak from a local restaurant. After spending the weekend in Breck, we would go back to my place in Denver and unwind. Monday, we go to all the coolest bars and kava bars and make a little bar crawl out of it. Some favorites when I was out drinking are:

Regular Bars:
Forget Me Not
Cherry Creek Grill
The Golden Mill
Joyride Brewing Company
Buddies
Culinary Dropout
Jackson’s Sports Bar
Moxy Denver Cherry Creek
Players Pub Broadway
North

Kava Bars:
Mile High Kava
The Root
Colorado Mountain Kava

Throughout the week, I will take her to a football, baseball or basketball game downtown, whichever season she came in.
Also, the hikes up in Golden, Colorado and Boulder, especially Chautauqua are worth checking out, especially both of us being active and love being outside.

We would stay a night and hang out in Boulder. We would go to Bohemian Biergarten, Avante and SALT, to name a few.

The weekend she leaves, we would hang out at my place and watch movies, snacks, etc. and take the time to catch up with no audience. Yes, I am okay going out to regular bars, it does not bother me one bit, which is kind of rare. I never craved it or desired alcohol per say, it was just when I started, I could not stop.

Thank you so much to Voyage Denver for allowing me to share some bits of my story. I see myself speaking to all people of all walks of life on a stage, sharing my life and going into detail with the harrowing experiences I had, in the future. I would love to share the positives in my life and the lessons I have learned that have made me who I am today. While I have had many unfortunate experiences in my life, I try to always stay positive and keep pushing forward. A huge lesson I have learned growing up is that no one is going to take care of you and you have to put in the effort to achieve anything you desire. At the end of the day, even with your circle of friends and significant others in your life, healing, improving and being the best version of yourself comes within.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Gosh, if I was ever accepting an award, there would be a laundry list of people I would thank, whether they were good people and influential in my movie of a life, or pieces of shit naysayers and liars who have used, abused and hurt me emotionally, physically and mentally, just to be in the picture, per say. Everyone who has entered my life, whether I liked it or not, have aided me to where I am now. I learn from every circumstance and use that to my advantage for my present and future self. I have big dreams and can finally pursue them now that I am sober, happy and healthy. Cutting toxic people out of my life has made my life more peaceful and stress free, which I have wanted for at least a decade.

I like my life and am a genuinely happy guy who wants everyone to be at peace, to stay safe and do what they love. The drama, jealousy and annoyances that come with being well-known, attractive and smart, often creates the “I am better than everyone” mentality that certain individuals assume that I actually think like that. The fucked-up shit I have encountered in my life and coming out stronger on the other end has and does antagonize some people who have been in my life for a chapter or ten. I have a strong presence, am very self-aware, highly intuitive and I am not afraid anymore to shine even when it irritates the demons surrounding me.

Have I messed up and hurt people? Of course, and I am not shy to admit and I am not perfect. I tell it like it is, respectfully and always apologize when I am in the wrong. Even if I am not, which is typical, I say sorry to avoid the awkwardness and downright disgusting behavior from people who literally make random stories up about me, thinking it will ruin my reputation. If anything, buddy (s), it always works out in my favor as my true and supportive friends in my circle can smell that bullshit from a mile away. It saddens me that there are people in the world who completely fabricate situations, making us look terrible, when the reality is that person is “coocoo for cocoa puffs” and reflects who they are as a human being. I am a writer, I could easily do the same, but I write what I know, the truth, even if it shocks or makes one feel a certain way. I have been called the male Megyn Kelly, with a Jessica Simpson, funny touch. I have catered to people who aren’t my friends, but pretended like they were and I’ve lowered myself down to their levels too many times by hanging out with piranha’s who just wanted to see me destroy my life and suck the life out of me. I wear my heart on my sleeve and am unapologetically vulnerable by nature, so I am extra cautious now about who comes into my life. What others feel about me isn’t really my problem or business, you know? I just pray they can find some stability, happiness and worry about their own fucking lives. I am just doing the best that I can and taking care of myself for the first time in years. It’s not selfish, it’s vital to anyone’s life.

I can be sometimes too smart for my own good, sporadically struggling at the minute details of a job or not able to name the 23rd President of the United States, right out the bat. It’s impressive that people can speak other languages, talk about historic events like it happened yesterday and belt out random facts, but I am not a bookworm. I am a writer and hardly like to read as it is. I don’t believe that people who have five hundred degrees, merits or can randomly name a figure or solve an elaborate equation are the smartest people in the world. Sure, you are smart in things that don’t really matter in your own life, but the shit I have been through, the creative gift I was born with, helping people through my artistry and just “getting it” as we used to say growing up in Plano, Texas, all come together that has given me a new outlook on life and who I want to be in it. I was raised by my two amazing parents, Peter and Terri Jenney. I am a pleasant person to be around, to work with and I feel I am every talent scout, director and any agents wet dream. I must throw some humor in this interview, especially being a Pisces and a creator. Some will read this and think I am a cocky douchebag, but the people who really know and love me, and vice-versa, know that’s my self-awareness and that I am poking fun at myself, and to be honest are the only people whose opinions matter to me. I am down to earth and sometimes that is confusing to others how that can be. I have a heart of gold that’s been bruised, so forgive me for speaking confidently about myself and recognizing the efforts I must possess in order to get to the next level in life. For the record, most artists and creatives are the nicest people on the planet, but have a low tolerance for anything that disrupts our happy, often frustrating and misunderstood world. I don’t take myself too seriously and I am just having fun for once in my life, pursuing and networking with other artists. While I like to share good things that happen in my life, I have learned it’s best to keep shit private until it happens. Instagram has been an excellent platform to showcase my writing, unique takes on the entertainment industry and turn my page basically into a magazine of Michael Jenney’s life. I don’t say that to be self-serving and to boast myself, I am more assertive now and know my value and what I bring to the table. Also, I have cut out toxic people in my “circle” and have no room for negative energy in my life ever again. I just want to be heard and recognized for my attributes, inspiring story and how dedicated I am to helping others who are or have been in similar situations as me.

So, to conclude, my shoutouts would go to my parents, my sister Paige Jenney Balsamo, all of the Plano and Dallas, Texas communities, the Dallas “boys” and the “girls” I grew up with or met there from 1990-2013. I would thank Ilya Willis, who came into my life about six months ago and is literally the brother I never had. Such an amazing friend, support system and “gets” what I want to do and how I want to live. Jen “Shock,” my no BS gal sister from another mister, for always keeping it real, putting me in check and absolutely has my best interests at heart. She wants me to succeed and has offered to help get me into the best shape of my life, especially mentally. I love you, Jen.

I would like to thank every boss, manager and company I have ever worked for. Even though I disliked a lot of the jobs I worked at as they were not remotely close to demonstrating my true talents, I took away things from every experience, whether personally and or professionally.

Brooke Huddleston – childhood, family friend – Probably the most accepting, real and “call me on my shit” type friend I have ever had. I appreciate you continuing to stay in my corner and reminding me how great of a guy I am when I’m sober.

Dawn Alexander – the best boss I have ever had, and she is my boss currently. Thank you for being flexible, understanding and allowing me to be myself while learning the ropes of the real estate | title industry.

Nijah McKnight – hilarious, raw and a real girlfriend who is always in my corner. We understand each other and can speak without saying anything sometimes. You make me laugh daily and I love you.

Curtis Casper – Thank you for always being there for me and getting 100% what is happening with me and the dreams I have. You have been the most consistent friend I have had in the year that we have known each other and I appreciate you so much brother. I enjoy just being around you, even if we are not talking the entire time while I do my blogs, you play games and show me amusing videos. I can be myself around you more than most of my male friends have ever made me feel.

Danielle ‘Dani” Gilbert – lofting days in high school, softball, growing up together, your wedding, my disastrous days – you were always there for me, kept it so real with me, still does and the go to person I go to still for advice, help, to vent or just be. I love and miss you so much!

Mimi Conner – Thank you Mimi for giving me a chance to run your marketing and events, when I attempted sobriety for the first time in 2013. It was scary being single after being with Michael (yeah, that is my ex-boyfriend’s name, too) for five years. Thank you for showing me there is hope and you can always “make it a great day!”

Grammy Miller – My mother’s momma. Thank you for saying since day 1 to keep writing and write what I know. I believe I am doing it, seriously and for real this time. Hope to see you soon in New Jersey.

Jack Montgomery – Even though we just became friends during the latter part of 2024, you have been so easy to talk to and I appreciate our love for the arts and your funny, actor like faces. If you were on my team, we would definitely be together, ha. Love you buddy.

Golden Kava Lounge – My first ever experience at a kava bar, an establishment that did not serve alcohol. I was a bar fly during my drinking days, so to have a safe space to get that bar feeling, play pool, listen to music and meet some of the best people I had met in quite some time, is priceless. I will always credit the Golden Kava Lounge in Golden, Colorado for helping me get through the first couple months of an alcohol free life, supporting my sobriety, acknowledging my talents and my genuine heart. Bronson, Luke, Jack and Sophia, I love y’all!

Dillon Barnhart – I am so glad we met in the kava community and I thank you for getting my foot in the door with First Integrity Title Company. I didn’t know what I was getting into and I can proudly say now, I absolutely love my job, the culture and people I work with. So, thank you so much man!

Leah Smith – You are the sweetest, most caring and loveable person I have met. Thank you for always acknowledging my talents and support how direct I am, knowing what I am aspiring to be. Your an angel in my life and I am grateful for you.

Mile High Kava – The entire team of kavatenders I have gotten to know on a deeper level at this inclusive, supportive and fun establishment; they are Bobby, Aaron, Lorelei, Scotty and Tiller. You guys create such a welcoming space and have always made me feel loved and heard. You guys are incredible, as well as the rest of the team and all those who I have made friendships with. Lexi and Candler, I am so glad we connected. You are great people and sure know how to cook! Check out Candler’s Cooking on Instagram.

Jessica Simpson – People always say I am the male Jessica with my comments, despite being a smart person. Her mom follows me on Instagram, too as they grew up for some of their early years in Richardson, Texas, which is next door to Plano. If I can follow in your footsteps and become a billionaire by the time I am 50 like you did (well, you were younger than that) with people thinking you were dumb, then I am all in for the challenge of being discreetly intelligent, ha.

This is just who I thought of in the past 45 minutes of writing this as I know they are so many more.

Website: https://wordpress.com/home/livewells7.wordpress.com

Instagram: michael_jenney

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-jenney-38b829287/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.jenney.12

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=xmR3WMTFBPWEAI6ubNRM0Q

Other: Google Reviewer, top 20%

https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/116910461049744538834/reviews/@39.7458218,-105.130892,11z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m3!8m2!3m1!1e1?hl=en-US&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDEwNy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

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