Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Mike Johnson

Bachelorette alum Mike Johnson opens up about his journey of self-discovery in his new book, Making the Love You Want. The debut author shares personal stories and anecdotes that he hopes will inspire readers to embrace their vulnerabilities and stand in their truth. Pop Culturalist caught up with Mike ahead of the book’s release to learn more about Making the Love You Want.

PC: You’re a speaker and author. How did you discover your voice and the message you hope to convey through your platform?
Mike: In the eleventh grade, I realized that I have to speak up for myself and my desires. I was at football practice and the coach didn’t realize my existence and only thought of me as a “prop.” I quickly realized at that very moment to make my presence and voice known. The ability to recognize my worth began at that very moment.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Mike: Watching my mother balance being a single mom, a career, going back to school, hardships in relationships, and being a mentor. The things she’s had to endure have influenced my work ethic drastically.

PC: Tell us about Making the Love You Want. What was the inspiration behind the book? How did it come to fruition?
Mike: I realized that after years of listening to loved ones and sulking in my own shortfalls that we as humans all face the same self-limiting beliefs. At that moment, I knew we all needed to have a few simple tools to help us stand up in our power. I’ve gone from starving nights to having wires placed on my head to see why I’ve acted out in certain ways to being in states of depression to being the leader in my basic training flight with the Air Force to being number one as a financial adviser to soon becoming a best-selling author. I say that because the only way it is possible for us to have continued forward momentum is to shatter self-limiting beliefs! The inspiration came from me wanting to truly see everyone that I encounter become the best version of themselves! Taking hardships and using them to grow your spirit and life. We all face difficult times—some worse than others. But funny enough, to ourselves, any hardship is the worst hardship. Let’s create a world of compassionate, driven, caring individuals.

PC: You share some incredibly personal stories in Making the Love You Want. Was it scary to be that vulnerable? How were you able to overcome those nerves?
Mike: The scariest part was having those courageous conversations with my mom, dad, grandmother, and sister. Those are the people that I look up to and don’t want to make feel bad. To the readers, I simply hope that I come across as a relatable, authentic person.

PC: You’ve said in a previous interview that this book has been one of the biggest accomplishments in your life. What did you learn about yourself as a man and writer through this process?
Mike: I’ve learned that being vulnerable and standing in your truth are signs of true strength.

PC: With the book out now, what do you hope readers take away?
Mike: That you can overcome, can endure, and will create the life you desire.

PC: What’s next for Mike Johnson?
Mike: I’m currently focused on ensuring that everyone has the chance to hear about my book, and that will encompass meeting beautiful people from all walks of life in my speaking events. Also, I’m working on a limited TV series focused around the same concepts of my book and becoming a certified relationship coach. I’m thinking of taking some time after this next year to travel to a Spanish-speaking country and take a three-month-long Spanish immersion course.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Mike: Breaking Bad.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Mike: The Best Man or Love & Basketball.

PC: Favorite book?
Mike: The Power of Your Subconscious Mind.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Mike: I’ve only been to one play in my life and that was with Connor Saeli in Dallas seeing The Nutcracker.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Mike: Jorja Smith and Amy Winehouse

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Mike: The kid isn’t even born yet! I’m only on the first ten min of my two-hour life story movie.

To keep up with Mike, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Pick up your copy of Making the Love You Want today.

Photo Credit: The Riker Brothers // Grooming: Crystal Tran // Styling: Apuje Kalu