In high school Mike started a sketch comedy group called "The Sickies." He went to Georgetown University where he won "The Funniest Man on Campus" contest. This earned him the chance to perform at the D.C. Improv, where he worked in the ticket window, developed an act, and dreamed of becoming a nationally headlining comedian. Then he went to New York City and went on The Late Show with David Letterman. This led to a string of television appearances that made him a comedian.