Mighty Mike McGee stands as a distinctive voice in the world of spoken word poetry, weaving together humor, storytelling, and education with the threads of his rich life experiences. Born in the vibrant city of San José, California, Mike entered the world facing the challenges of Spina bifida, a neural tube defect that has undeniably shaped his life’s trajectory. This condition, far from slowing him down, has propelled him into becoming an ardent advocate for pursuing passions fervently and without delay.
McGee’s journey through the realms of poetry and performance began to gather significant momentum in the early 2000s, marked by his groundbreaking victories in the competitive poetry slam scene. In 2003, he clinched the National Poetry Slam Individual Grand Championship, a feat he complemented with the Individual World Poetry Slam Grand Championship in 2006, making him the first ever to hold both titles. These victories were not just personal triumphs but milestones that placed him firmly on the global poetry map.
Beyond the competitive stage, McGee has been a relentless traveler, sharing his unique blend of poetry and humor across the United States, Canada, and Europe. His performances, characterized by their heartfelt sincerity and infectious laughter, have spanned several hundred thousand miles since 2002. McGee’s talents have been showcased on prestigious platforms such as HBO’s Def Poetry Jam, CBC Radio and Television, and NPR’s Snap Judgment, underlining his appeal to a broad audience. His historical performance at the University of Paris, la Sorbonne, in 2005 marked him as one of the first Americans to bring spoken word to the iconic institution, further cementing his role as a pioneer in the field.
McGee’s literary contributions are encapsulated in his first collection of humor and poetry, “In Search of Midnight,” published by Write Bloody Publishing. His involvement with Poetry Center San José since 2016, including a stint on its board of directors, showcases his commitment to nurturing the poetic community in his hometown.
Appointed as the Poet Laureate of Santa Clara County for the years 2018 and 2019, McGee has not only celebrated but also significantly influenced the cultural landscape of his region. His passion for creating and curating spaces for art and expression has led him to produce, perform, and host an array of variety entertainment events throughout San José and Santa Clara County. These include the Oversocial Mofo Revue, San José Poetry Slam, Go Go Gone Show, and Live Lit Writers Open, as well as his leadership role as the San José Poetry Festival Director since 2021.
Mighty Mike McGee’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and community. His work transcends the boundaries of poetry and humor, serving as a beacon for those eager to find and follow their own paths. Through his art and his actions, McGee continues to inspire individuals to embrace their passions with urgency and joy, making an indelible mark on the world one word at a time.
VIDEO LINKS
Story on NPR’s Snap Judgment | “The Birds & The Bees & Magic“
Story on NPR Snap Judgment | “Bullies & Pants”
Poem from Button Poetry | “Who’s Counting“
Two Poems in Hamburg, Germany “Like” & “A Story of Us”
Mighty Mike McGee's Web Presents 