Michael Buckley was one of the world’s first famous Youtubers. Adored by many for his pop culture entertainment show, “What the Buck,” he was hand-selected to be one of the first YouTube partners in 2007.
After many years of online success, Michael Buckley has recently moved on from the world of YouTube to pursue his passion for life coaching – making the world a better place one client at a time. We caught up with Buckley recently to discuss his journey to self-discovery, how his life has changed since YouTube, and how he finds ways to be kind.
Hi Michael! In 2017, you made a huge shift in your life and career. You stopped drinking, published a book, moved cross-country, and much more. What was it that awakened the part of yourself that decided to practice self-care? Was there a single moment where you thought “You know what? That’s it. I’m going to be kinder to myself?”
I think I have mostly always been pretty good at being kind to myself. Honestly, I stopped drinking that year so that was more of the reason. I think I was just being too kind to myself with external things like alcohol sometimes! HA! Once I stopped drinking my life just became a lot clearer and making big decisions just came easier!
Being a life coach doesn’t feel hard. It feels fun, fulfilling and deeply invigorating! I am high as a kite at the end of the day versus when I was a YouTube personality, where I was often bored or frantic or directionless – so that was harder and more exhausting! I think the first thing I share with clients is “You are the problem and you are the solution,” because if you are not the solution you are kinda screwed.
If you were still on YouTube today, do you think your content would have shifted? Many online creators struggle with their lived experience vs. their online life. What viewers see (especially from years ago) is such a tiny sliver of who you are. Since leaving your YouTube channel, has this lack of dissonance helped you feel lighter/more true to yourself?
Hmmmm. The “What the Buck Show ” was definitely me in character! A hyped up, opinionated version of myself. If I made content today, I am sure I would just be very relaxed about it and I would just focus on how I could add value to the world versus how can I monetize this. I really fell into it early so I am glad I had 10 years and I am glad to be outside of that world now. I am so grateful for my time on YouTube. Every moment was such a gift in my development and growth as a human being!
We at Be Kind & Co. believe that being intentionally kind each day can change the way we live. During this crazy time, has a friend helped you out in a way that touched you, or that you feel is worth sharing?
I have a friend who has known me for 20+ years and she is the type who checks on me with the message of “I know you are fine. You seem amazing but I want you to know if that is not the case or you ever need something, I am here.” So she is someone who goes out of their way to make sure their happy and fun and seemingly well friend is in fact doing fine. I appreciate that.
Is there any act of kindness you’ve done recently that filled you with joy?
I have been very generous with my time and money this year! I have an acts of kindness journal where I keep a list of kind acts. Lots of sending money to folks who I know need it but also sharing time with people remotely and staying connected in unique ways. I am always looking for ways I can be kind with myself and the world around me.
Is there anything that’s been lifting your mood lately and keeping you positive? Books, music, TV shows, activities?
I am in constant prayer and self talk! That solves everything! Also – I have been taking lots of online courses. I have been exercising using Les Mills on Demand. I journal daily. I read the Bible. I loved The Queen’s Gambit and am obsessed with Ted Lasso! The most mood-elevating show I have seen in years! I have updated my wardrobe including socks and underwear to only things I love! Oh and I have grown a mustache! Fun!
