A little about me - Q & A 

Most people want to get out of jury duty. Michael puts it on a bucket list.

Intelligence is rare, these days. To find a youtuber with an audience that are eclectic, thoughtful, intelligent and supportive is a joy!

“It’s a passion. I love it.” And guess what, you are good at it. Really good.

Will say it again - best channel on RU-vid. Once the travel ban is lifted - my son works weekends with a hot air balloon company outside of Memphis TN. You could take a ride then take the blues train from Memphis to New Orleans. Be happy to help out. Videos are inspiring.

Enjoyed this episode Mike. Starting a business endeavor of any type takes guts, conviction, persistence and sacrifice. Congrats on making it 4 years and the success you’ve attained. I think you’re very talented and a great human. 2020 has been a year unlike any other for all of us. While you have struggled off camera, you’ve provided something so many of us have needed to help us through. Thank you. Wish I could reciprocate and I’m sure many more here feel the same. Like you I’m hopeful for 2021 and among other things can travel some. But whatever it brings I wish you all the best personally and professionally. Happy New Year!

Yup, this has been a tough year, but your channel and personality have been a bright spot! The travel that you have featured is more than most of us have done this year, so it has been an amazing journey through your eyes. Your video/storytelling skills are appreciated and FUN! I don’t know where you are going next, but we want to be there with you 😁😁😁

never been so early, you're one of my quarantine discoveries, amazing videos!

I think the world of this man. He got me through some hard times when I was recovery from Covid 19 this past year and this year too.

Vancouver....love it so much. Granville Island. Kitsilano Beach. VanDusen Garden, Queen Elizabeth Park, UBC Gardens, Stanley Park....and on and on and on. So many wonderful memories, especially the people there.

Literally one of the best RU-vidrs. I'm so proud to say I'm Canadian. I teared up with how beautiful the polar bear video was! Truly breathtaking. Much love from New Brunswick Canada

Such a wholesome dude! - Looking forward to all you publish in 2021!

My son Bobby and I have been watching your channel for months now and you're one of our favourites. My son has autism and learning disabilities and you are one of his 'go-to' places when he is feeling stressed. Thankyou so much and keep doing what u r doing. You are amazing xx

You have to go completely across Canada from Vancouver to Halifax. It's totally amazing. I have done it twice and am wanting to go back to Halifax and the Bay of Fundy.

This is exactly the kind of thing I was hoping for -- to get to know you a little better. I feel as if you're the kind of guy through whose eyes we can see the world if we can't go ourselves for whatever reason. Yeah, I get the fighting-for-the-channel part, and it's not always easy. I do have a few ideas for the future as a world traveler, but I'll write you about them on Instagram. Keep plugging away, man. I'm with you.

I, for one, am so glad you took the leap to start your channel. I’ve been really enjoying your videos. I’ve especially enjoying exploring Canada with you. Thanks for taking us all along for the ride. Thanks for sharing a bit about yourself 💖

I like that there are more channels talking about Vancouver.

Thank you for helping us and definitely me through this dumb year. You are such a great person to watch and I love the true happiness you show on your trips

Happy New Year Mike! Thank you for sharing a bit of your life with us today! You always put a smile on my face when I watch your videos! It definitely has been a tough year and you have found so many ways to keep us entertained. Looking forward to what you will be doing in 2021! Keep up the good work!

Thanks for all your vids so far, I really enjoy and appreciate them. Looking forward to your content in this new year and hoping we all have a better 2021. Keep up the good work, we'll be with you wherever you are!

This was great. I've always been someone who relies on a mutual sharing of energy with people I enjoy. Consequently this year has been like being on an emotional rollercoaster - ups and downs. I found you over a year ago and now you have become a source of positivity for me. You talked about reaching certain age milestones and your expectations for that time of your life. I'm far older than you, but your relationship with your dad and others you meet makes me feel I'm welcome here. At this point in my life I realize that our time here goes by quickly and how important it is to pursue all that is important to us, take it in and celebrate. Thanks Mike.

Great retrospective of 2020+past and intro to 2021 vlog, Mike! 2020 was certainly a rollercoaster for all but you continue to have a positive attitude! Wishing you & yours a healthy and better 2021!🥳

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Very enjoyable video Michael. It was really fun to hear a little bit of the personal side of your story. The fact that you are living your dream is very inspirational to people like you that may be afraid of leaving the safety of a job/career that they may not particular like and pursuing something that they have more of a passion for. As always, I look forward to seeing where you take us next.

Thanks Mike for doing great, wholesome and fun videos. I love experiencing new adventures thru your eyes. Keep up the fantastic job that you are doing and to you, your girlfriend and your family, have a safe and Happy 2021!

Happy New Year! So glad one of your train videos showed up at a recommendation this year! It’s quickly become one of my favorite channels! Thank you for bringing us along for the ride and wishing you and your family a great 2021!!

Thanks for posting this, it's probably been a tough year for us all but your videos have been inspiring and uplifting! You've reminded me of the amazing rail trips I've taken in the last and inspired me to do more exploring, keep it up.

Great video Michael, thanks for opening up! Definitely right there with you talking about the mental health up and downs. Traveling has always been my go to for rejuvenation and not having that takes its toll. Glad that you shared you feel it too so people like us know we’re not the only ones experiencing it. The Canadian is on my bucket list as well so maybe I’ll get the lucky chance to run into you on that one!

One of the best Q and A 's yet that I have seen from anyone yet. Love the editing you did, but I would never expect anything less from you. Thank you for helping us get through this difficult year Mike. Even though it has been tough for you, you always have a big smile on your face . Wishing you and your family a very happy and healthy New Year . All the best. Cheers!

Mike, I love your channel. I started watching because of the train travel videos but I like how you branched out and have shown some really interesting places in Canada this year. Keep up the great work & I can’t wait to see what you have in store for 2021.

Just come across your videos over the last month or so. Working through the back catalogue. Love the videos. Can’t wait to see where you end up next 👌🏻

Thank you for sharing all your journeys with us. I probably wont be able to see alot of these places so I absolutely love that you do these videos! You are an outstanding young man. Happy New Year!

you’re one of our favorite discoveries of 2020, but having just come to your channel in the last few months, it was a kick seeing you with short hair! it’s cool to get to know a bit more about you, and thank you for being so candid about mental health. it’s gonna be exciting to see what happens in the coming weeks and months. stay safe and healthy!

You're absolutely right about that feeling when you turn 30. Im 31, and feeling the same pressures of what I "should" be doing, or where I "should" be. It's a good reminder to not compare, and do what feels right for you. Love your channel!

Congrats on trusting your gut; your vids are informative and uplifting and I’ve been vicariously travelling with you for a few months now. To turn your passion into a living is the cherry on top. We rode on The Ghan in Australia in 1989 - I highly recommend that along with anything else in that amazing country. And I joined my sisters on The Canadian from Edmonton to Vancouver and back not too many years ago. We live in such a beautiful country and train travel is just such a relaxed (Via Time 😉) and civilized way to see it. Looking forward to more adventures and happy 2021 to you and yours.

appreciate how sincere this is and you are!!! thank you for being vulnerable with us :)

Your gamble paid off. You shrank your ego and grew your soul! The hats look great, and we're all excited to see what 2021 brings. Peace brotha!!

Hi Mike! I live in small town Saskatchewan and recently discovered your videos! Brilliant!!! You are intelligent, articulate, and just so charmingly enjoyable. You ARE doing what you're meant to do. In this difficult time you give all of us wonderful glimpses of humanity, adventure and history...well done. You're an old soul with a compassionate vision and we're better for having you share it with us! Go with God!

Happy new year! You have been very entertaining and fun in these trying times. Thank you very much. Keep up the great work.

It's awesome that you took that risk of becoming a youtuber and I'm grateful that I can learn so much about different places through your experiences. Thanks for sharing!! Amazing content, always! And I'll for sure still be watching a year from now even if it's just about Vancouver..to you it is home, familiar, but to so many of us like myself, it's super interesting because I have never been there.

I’m so grateful for having the privilege to have my question featured in this video. Thanks for doing what you do and I acknowledge all the hard work that goes into these videos for us! 2021 is already off to a great start!

The last 10 months of 2020 have been rough but there have been rays of sunshine mixed in and discovering your channel 3 or 4 months ago is certainly a weekly bright ray for myself. So consistently positive, upbeat, informative and well done. You are a natural talent in front of the camera. Do you have an agent? if no is the answer, get one asap. One of the many cable networks out there would be crazy not to sign you up for a reality/travel type show. You heard it here first! In the meantime Michael I will keep enjoying the awesome content you put out every week. Thanks for beaming out that ray of sunshine. Happy New Year!!!!

It's sheer joy to watch your videos, Mike. What an inspiration you are to so many of us, far and wide. I envy your energy and resourcefulness! May you continue to be healthy and blessed to see your dreams unfold and to share them.

Good to know you a bit more. I'm glad to see you went through challenges and yet look at where you are now. Love your content as you make me realize a place where I grew up I didn't know much about. Your videos got us all through the semi lockdowns we had to revisit our city through your your videos. :) Keep it up.

Such an inspirational video ! ❤️ I wish you the best of everything in 2021🧡 I look forward to your new videos this year.

Happy New Year MIke! I absolutely love seeing my city through the eyes of someone else. You've highlighted a lot of things I’d like to see in my own backyard! So in a way, I hope you travel more around BC this year. We are thinking of finding some of the old Ghost Towns around BC. So much history here with the old gold and copper booms. We are anxious to get going again too, around the world, around Canada, anywhere really, but maybe it will be another year, who knows, in the meantime, lots to see on Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and further around BC. Our own trip to drive across Canada maybe delayed another year, who knows, only Covid knows!!! Stay safe, blessings to your family and looking forward to seeing what adventures you get up to in the new year. 🎉

Mike, This was really great. Thank you for sharing more of yourself and the bit with the kid in the beginning was priceless LOL. On a serious note I want to thank you for sharing your modest struggle with mental health especially during this time. Folks need to see that we all, even the best of us, struggle at times and it's ok to share that so folks know to reach out and check in. Such a powerful message. You feginately have been in my prayers since you first shared that video or two ago. I would like to share that my wife and I have struggled financially as many have during this time and once we pull out of the modest hole we are in I plan on becoming a member/supporting the channel. We have always , by modest means, tried to support others/causes. In doing so we try to find folks/orgs that have that certain something. Your videos have given me so much and helped my mental health this year. But as I have shared many, many many ( hope it hasn't gotten old LOL) While the content is great and I have a long list now of places I want to see and experience, it has been the little things I have seen you do, the integrity and thoughtfulness that I have seen that has made me a fan of the channel. A great example is your answer to what is your favorite place (?) and you mention it's more about who you are with and sharing that with others. Real meaning of life stuff that is so important especially in these times. This is why, when I'm able, I want to support your channel. I love the content and adventure but more importantly believe in you :) Much love !

You sure know how to market yourself. The great family support system you have is just blessings.

Good start to 2021, hopefully you'll be able to travel soon. I'm a train junkie so I especially love the videos when your on a train. Keep up the great work.

Cannot wait to see what you will bring in 2021. All the best. And thank you again for bringing awareness to mental health. I just ordered a hat.

So happy to discovered your channel! Your a bright spot in so many people's days. Just moved back to Van from San Francisco and can't wait to visit the lovely spots you're so fond of!

Cheers Mike for being so Candid, good things come to good people...keep being you.

Good for you!! You deserve all the success, have talent and work hard, I'm already addicted to your videos, good luck👌💕

Great content as always. As a fellow Vancouver resident the content hits home. Keep up the great work and happy new year!

Thoroughly enjoy your videos and look for them whenever I’m online. Glad you’re keeping it up!

I'm happy that he said something about Halifax because that's where I am from and live.

Hi, Just to say Happy New Year. Thank you for being open about your mental health. I think 2020 has taken quite a toll on most of us. Onwards and upwards, as the saying goes. Take good care of yourself and stay safe! 🙂

I had 12 fabulous years of adventure in and around Vancouver in my Twenties. Met my husband there and found myself. Watching your vids brings back soo many wonderful memories. Miss you Vancouver!!!!

Been watching you since around 10K subs and couldn't understand why you didn't have more. Your upbeat attitude and the whole "don't know where I am going" is so cool. Super happy many people are finding your channel as you bring the goodness into this crazy world we live in. Thanks for taking the chance on doing what you love because it brings great joy to me. Keep going and here is to a great 2021.

You are doing a great job. Your videos help me a lot, not only because I am moving to Vancouver but to go through 2020. Thank you, M. Don't give up, you're really talented and RU-vid is an amazing way to connect to people.

Amazing video to end 2020. These type of videos are part of the reasons I chose to become a member. You became personal in the Q&A on YOUR TERMS which is totally acceptable. I guess, Michael, these 2020 have been, by proxy, a journey for how we have all coped w/ 2020. Maybe it was before 2020, but your channel has created a family that becomes closer when you share yourself w/ us. That’s your risky challenge that you have succeeded mightily at.

New subscriber here. So awesome to hear the story of your start. I can completely relate as I gave up my engineering career in my mid 30s to become a baby photographer here in Vancouver. 12 years later, no regrets. When you find what you love doing there is nothing that can stop you. You find a way, even if it seems impossible. Good luck in the new year. I look forward to going through your old content and new videos this year.

You’ll do great! Your videos are great with excellent contents.You have so much to offer! So just keep on keeping on💪🏽

So happy I found your channel in 2020 and excited to see where you and all us are going next

Thanks for sharing Mike. Always one day at a time, sounds trite I know, but it really helps one to not get anxious about what's coming, or not going according to plan. I am really glad that I found your channel, I am an introvert so in some strange way I am "getting out and about" thanks in part to you. Your episodes are always fun for this old gal. Take care and stay safe, we have places to go and people to see. I don't know where you're going...but I know I want to be there with you! 😁😉

I just wanted to let you know that your videos really made a difference for me in 2020. I love the world, people, and travel. The pandemic has taken all that away (for now). Watching you live life with such kindness, adventure, and passion was the next best thing to being there. Thank you for the work you do and for the way you do it! Good Stuff!

I, too, am glad you "followed your gut," Mike or I never would've met you! You're genuine and personable; you're truly kind and polite to people and your infectious youthful idealism lights up the screen. You're a good man. God love you and keep up the GOOD work--quality all the way 😉👍👍👍

Mike, thank you for a fun year of videos. I especially enjoyed getting to know your dad through your work, who must be very proud of you. You are the kind of young person who makes those of us a decade (or three!) ahead of you hopeful for the future. We don't know where you are going next, but we know we want to tag along!

Nice video Mike. Thanks again for all you do and keeping our spirits up and going. Well we are two March babies that's cool. Happy New Year as well, can't wait to see what you have for us next.

Your content never disappoints. I’ll watch whatever you put out! Your personality is captivating. Couple that with living vicariously via your journeys and I was hooked! Many Blessings for.2021. The last year was a tough one. Doing my part to get us back to normal! Wear my mask, wash my hands, watch my distance from others! Be well!

Only just stumbled across your channel and glad we did. Smart, chirpy, entertaining and informative. Thanks from Sydney, Australia.

I'm so glad the RU-vid algorithm finally recommended your videos to me in 2020! I find your videos to be calming and inspiring. You have a great personality! Keep it up! Hopefully things will begin to open up soon for you in Canada. In the meantime, I love your Canadian tours! I love Canada so much and hope to come visit again! I have been to Toronto and Ottawa but have not been to Vancouver yet. I want to plan an epic West Coast of North America trip one day!

Hi Michael born in Toronto live now in Florida just discovered you yesterday on your trip with your dad through the train enjoyed every minute of your trip as I am crazy about trains as you are. Loved your enthusiasm watching today with your Q&A from VancouverThank you for this wonderful entertainment will be looking for a lot more.

I've been reading several of the responses on here; you have secured your place in the hearts of many and now it's 2023. You still have followers that appreciate you very much; including me. You're the good guy next door, the fascinating helper when we need to escape ~ you're Mike on Downielive. Hugs buddy.

Your channel is becoming one of my top favorites. I hope your channel will grow above 1 million.

Love your channel and love the way you kept going in 2020. I think we have all had our ups and downs this past year, but it has been great to look forward to your posts. Absolutely love your hair. I have been letting my hair grow out as well--difficult to find a barber shop that is open and I am not working anyway, so no one to impress. Keep hanging in there and all of the best for you in this new year.

Great video! It reinforced what I felt in watching all the great videos you have posted. You are right about Covid being a hard thing to get through in the mental health aspect. The support of family and friends is a major help in life. Life is meant to have ups and downs, it is when things go beyond that the troubles begin. I speak from experience as I have bipolar depression, medication has done wonders giving me a great life as a civil engineer. It is so great that you support the Wirth company, I will have to buy a hat or two from them. I did at one time have my hair down below my shoulder blades by several inches, it really wasn’t hard to take care of. I have said it in my comments, I enjoy your enthusiasm, your ability to make a viewer feel like they are right there, keep up the great work I always look forward to viewing. I, being subscribed only recently have a lot of catching up to do!

Just found your channel yesterday. You are really good at being a youtuber. I am touched how close that you and your father are. Thanks to you - Churchill Manitoba is on my bucket list now!

Congratulations on 4 years! The channel is amazing, you are amazing and I want to wish you a happy new year.

Enjoyed that very much, I'm glad you said trains (more than once) love them ridden many myself the rides are magical. Can't wait to see more.

Here's to a brighter and better 2021 stay safe and as always great video and always looking forward to the next one !!

Thanks for sharing your story, Mike. You do great work, and represent our city well. Cheers!

Beyond happy I found this channel.. Your a delight to watch and I love getting to see the beautiful places you show us. 💕💕

Finding your channel was one of the highlights of last year for me, keep up the amazing work I can’t wait to see what you do next

Thank you for helping us get through 2020. I'm one of meany with underlying conditions that has me locked down. Lock down takes a toll on all of us. You have helped with giving us mental vacations and traveling through your video's. Thanks again for all the people you entertain.

having done Via between Edmonton and Halifax. Don't forget to head east all the way to Halifax as well.

All the best for you in 2021! I thoroughly enjoy your channel! Thank you💖

I think the way you bring it, you're doing great and you'll evolve and it's very nice to see that you're being and hopefully futurewise staying yourself (who else would you be... 🙄), honoust and... that little black squirrel in the background around 11.36 in the rose garden just got my attention and I'm distracted now... 😂 Have also been binge watching the video's from the quad tandem world championship, loved the reason why and they all put a lot of effort into it, shaving off the beards was so worth it. Stay safe, stay healthy, keep enjoying what you do, 😊

Here's to those 50 upcoming videos! 🥳 Your enthusiasm is infectious, your videos are addictive, and your positivity radiates through the screen. You are an inspiration 👌

Noticed your channel last week. Great and interesting journeys! Thanks for Q&A....fun to learn more about the hosts!

Thank you Michael can’t wait to your travels begin again. I’m rather new to your channel and have really enjoyed all your trains travels I can find.

I love your passion. Watching your channel in the evening has helped dig me out of the doldrum of a cold grey winter during a pandemic. Keep up the good work!

Thanks for sharing more of your personality with us, Mike. I watched this earlier this morning (Sunday here in Melbourne) and did my usual thing of checking out the comments others posted before going to my livestream church service. Since I came back, over 800 more have viewed the clip and 75+ extra comments have come up, all of which I'm sure are positive. So much has been said in praise of your channel that it's difficult to add anything new ad lib, but here goes; Keep up the theme of not knowing where you are going but that you want us there with you. That is one very good and powerful way of putting yourself in the hands of The Almighty in whatever way you view our beautiful world. Take each day as it comes and make the most of it to the best of your ability. You have a gift of bringing joy to everything you experience and sharing it with your many followers (176K+ according to my screen). I have a number of young friends who have been very much uplifted by viewing your weekly presentations and I feel sure that somewhere, somehow in these crazy times we're experiencing, that you have actually saved a number of lives. Take great comfort in that. I'm sure I could say a lot more on this theme but I'll leave it for now. (Gotta go out to the model train club in about 15 mins.) Two things before I sign off. I simply love Christopher Lyle's comment that he didn't want to leave Melbourne. And Kojw re The Ghan. It , and The Indian Pacific, probably equates in awe with travellers as does The Canadian and The Rocky Mountaineer. A friend gave me a DVD on the slow journey of The Ghan meant to psych people up to take stock of their lives and slow down, I've got to find a spare 5 and a half hours sometime over the next few weeks to watch it all. Anyway, thanks again for this weeks clip and hope your 2021 continues to be a successful and rewarding one. Cheers from Michael downunder in Melbourne.

You are so fun to watch. Have enjoyed your vlogs and appreciate you continue to find something interesting to vlog during these limited traveling times. Keep up the great work ❤

Mike, this past year has been a very interesting year for me too. Dec 27 I had a triple bypass. I went back to work for five days then the pandemic hit. Worked at home for three weeks then got temporarily laid off. After a couple months I got to work 15 hours a week in a group home, then in October I took on a new role as a home provider for a 21 year old man who is autistic and non-verbal. How did I survive? You were part of that because I couldn't travel far. I came across your train trips and you got me hooked on DownieLive. Of course, your trip to Scotland was a bonus because I had wanted to return this year to my homeland. On top of all your trips, I did my own jaunts into the country within a two-hour radius of Medicine Hat (plus two family gatherings at Waterton). I couldn't even get to Kelowna for my mom's 93 birthday. I don't know where I am going next, but I know it will be good. Thank you for your uplifting videos. Keep at it. Mental health is so important to maintain. Attitude is key to surviving. I am now going to order a Wirth hat.

You are awesome Mike ! pleasure to watch and listen to you ! Have further fun and share it with us the viewers !

Great video Mike and well done on that career change at 30! I started subscribing just this year after seeing your trip up to Scotland pop up. Really enjoy the videos and even this year seeing more of things closer to Vancouver. All the best for 2021 and hopefully we’ll all be able to travel again soon!

I am glad to find and see your channel , were here several time this years in Vancouver by cars , can not be wrong when you able to go from Alberta traveling along the Canadian Rockies to Vancouver , like to see more video from you Mike , stay well . from Calgary .AB. Canada 🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

Well done Mike - didnt realise you only started this 4 years ago - so brave to "start again" at 30 - love your blogs- have a great 2021

This is why you’re a huge success… because you are SO real with us! Incredibly genuine, no BS and it’s truly inspiring. Also, you are not just a RU-vidr, you’re a professional world traveler and anyone who judges you for filming those experiences and making a living off of it is simply jealous 🤪🙏 Keep going! This channel is everything!!

It's such a joy watching your adventures, thanks!

So happy it's all working out for you, so awesome to see! Highly awaiting your trip to Aus, still crazy that you've never been!