Everyone possesses a unique narrative, and this recounts the journey of Mike Smith, a prominent figure on WJON, a seasoned travel expert, and a valued member of the “Stump the Panel” panel. Hailing from Cottage Grove, located just south of St. Paul within the Twin Cities Metro area, Mike is the youngest among four siblings, including a sister and two brothers. While one brother gravitated towards sports and the other towards mathematics, Mike found himself drawn to neither, harboring a fervent aspiration to front a rock ‘n’ roll band as its lead singer.
During his junior high years, Mike, alongside four friends, harbored ambitions of forming a KISS cover band for a performance, yet this endeavor never materialized beyond the initial idea. In high school, his interests were primarily centered around speech classes, with little else capturing his attention. Post-graduation, he secured employment at a paper box factory, a job that not only provided financial stability but also paved the way for his exploratory travels. A pivotal trip to Europe ignited his passion for becoming a travel tour guide, setting him on a new trajectory.
In his pursuit of a career in tour guiding, Mike received encouragement to partake in “Dickens Tours” in Central England, a part-time role that he juggled alongside his full-time job. Subsequently, he made the decision to return to full-time education, enrolling at St. Cloud State University shortly after crossing paths with his life partner, Jim Grabinski, a transformative encounter that left an indelible mark on his life.
During his time at St. Cloud State, Mike seized the opportunity to travel overseas, immersing himself in the experience of residing in Alnwick, England, within the confines of a castle for a quarter. Graduating with double majors in Speech Communication and Geography, his academic pursuits aligned with his ambition of guiding tours abroad. Post-graduation, Mike and Jim were invited to conduct a travel presentation at St. Cloud State, a stepping stone to further engagements. Subsequently, they expanded their reach to include travel presentations at the Whitney Senior Center.
A decade ago, Mike and Jim made their inaugural appearance as regular guests on “It Matters with Kelly Cordes” on WJON, a collaboration that endures to this day. Furthermore, six years ago, they assumed roles as panelists on “Stump the Panel,” a position they continue to uphold with dedication and enthusiasm.