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Sometimes in life, I just happen to stumble across potential guests for the podcast at random places and times. And Podfest 2026 was just one of those times and places.
I first spoke to Michael when a gentleman at the hotel was helping adjust one of Micheal’s legs. As I passed I made a joke that it looked like he had his own NASCAR pit crew. Thank goodness Michael has a good sense of humor because I could have been cancelled right then and there. See, Micheal is a double amputee and loves doing stand up comedy.
That was why he was easy to remember when I actually had a chance for a long conversation with him.
I had stepped outside of the hotel and Michael was sitting there getting some fresh air. Because it was a Podfest we naturally just started conversations with each other. He was telling me about why he was there, about how this was not his first Podfest and that he had signed up to do the comedy night again.
Michael was there to learn more about podcasting, to promote his company DualAmp Media, LLC. and raise awareness for his podcast ‘The No Feet Survival Guide’ a podcast about how he got through health issues with humor and faith.
He asked about why I was there and what Relatively Famous was? That led to him revealing that he was a distant relative of Rocky Marciano, the Heavyweight World Champion Boxer from 1952 – 1956. I knew who Rocky was but had to Google the correct terminology for his relationship to him. Marciano was Michael’s Great Grandfather’s 1st Cousin making him Michael’s 1st Cousin Twice Removed.
For a moment I thought that could be a stretch for the Relatively Famous audience. But I discovered Micheal has a great story! So for me that is close enough.
He does tell a few family stories about Rocky that have been passed down through the generations. But obviously never met him since Marciano died in 1969.
Though Micheal didn’t follow his cousin’s path into the ring, he does have a flair for the spotlight. Not only does host his own podcast about his health (double amputee, kidney transplant and a tough bout of MRSA), he also does stand up comedy, acting and voiceover work.
It was also during my Podfest conversation with Micheal that I met another Relatively Famous guest Will Neva – Randell Morris’ nephew. Yep, a shameless plug for another episode.
Anyway, let’s give Michael a giant round of applause and welcome him to the show.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-michael-while-waiting-for-disability
https://castro.fm/podcast/3b25903c-76f5-4a7a-b057-fa5088d5ec54
https://www.facebook.com/michael.yonkura/
#amputee #duelamputee #standup #comedy #standupcomedy #rockymarciano #boxing #worldchampion