Story & Lesson Highlights with Michele Miles Gardiner

Michele Miles Gardiner shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Michele , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Like many people, my family and I have experienced a lot in the last five years. What’s kept us sane—humor. A recent story of mine won a 2025 Writer’s Digest humor prize. Being able to laugh in the chaos has become my superpower.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I write nonfiction stories with my twisted view of the world. I try not to take life too seriously. My first true story collection, “Craving Normal,” was published in 2019. I recently finished my second book, “How to Stay Broke and Influence Nobody.” One of the stories in this upcoming book won a 2025 Writer’s Digest humor prize.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
In 2020, my husband, Ian, nearly died from a stroke. This is why I find humor to be a powerful part of my life.

Ian and I have been together for nearly 38 years. He’s one of the funniest people I know. But even he couldn’t find anything humorous about almost dying and needing to learn to walk again… at first.

The two of us were a sobbing mess for months. But it all got so morose we couldn’t help laughing at ourselves—the way he barked at me to “Go! Go! Go!” as I struggled to push him up a ramp, had me cranky enough to say, “You better learn to walk so I can toss this wheelchair over a cliff.”

Okay, so we didn’t laugh immediately. We cried a lot. But months later, those horrific experiences got us laughing so hard I rolled on the floor, nearly in tears from laughing. Man, those laughs were cathartic

Once we could laugh, we knew we’d make it. He wouldn’t report me to the authorities for violent threats (I’m joking), and I wouldn’t roll him down hills into traffic (again, I would NEVER).

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
To appreciate simple moments.

Crying while Ian was rushed off in an ambulance, the two of us separated for a month—due to 2020 hospital protocols—getting jumpy when my phone rings—never knowing if the news will be scary or hopeful… those moments were emotionally exhausting.

In the following years, our calendar has been filled with medical and physical therapy appointments. Those, too, began fading away. In the last year, we’ve gotten our life back. Well, except for January 2025, when our nerves became fried from month-long alerts due to the horrific LA fires.

Sadly, know many people who lost homes and communities. Exhausted and emotional, I sobbed a lot that month. We fled one too-close-for-comfort fire. The scariest part: My phone’s GPS sent us off into a desolate canyon where we lost phone service. Not knowing where we were or how to get out was terrifying. Fortunately, we found our way, stayed the night in Ojai, and were fortunate to return to the safety of our unburned West San Fernando Valley home. The next day, I went out and got local and state maps.

All our terrifying experiences have changed how I look at life. Pre-2020 me would get bored without my calendar filled with exciting trips, concerts, parties… now? I’m the happiest, enjoying coffee with Ian on a quiet day at home.

The only trips we’ve made are to visit our out-of-town families. Family and close friends take on a whole new comfort and importance, after so many life-altering experiences.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
My husband, Ian.

Even before his stroke, I admired him. He’s hilarious. Ian makes me laugh from the moment he wakes up. I love his spirit and upbeat attitude. If there’s a problem, he’ll assure me, “We’ll figure it out.” He’s right. We always have.

I love that he’s never worked a regular job. As a teenager, he began playing bass professionally with many bands. He toured for ten years, from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s, with Burton Cummings of The Guess Who. Ian didn’t like being away from his son, Adam, so he stopped touring and began songwriting, producing/engineering music, and started his own audio design business.

So when he encourages me to take chances, like writing my books, his support means everything to me.

After nearly dying from that hemorrhagic (brain bleed) stroke, Ian’s upbeat mindset was the factor that made his recovery possible. Even when he couldn’t walk, nurses and physical therapists assured me, “With his attitude, he’ll make it.”

Even when Ian was in pain and unable to walk or use the left side of his body, he said again and again, “Things could be worse. We’re lucky. We have a second chance.”

He’s the one who kept ME hopeful.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
As dark as things may get, I focus on the light.

While the world may seem chaotic, I choose to find peace and comfort.

During the fires, I volunteered to help get supplies for fire victims. Now? I work every Sunday at Kindred Spirits Care Farm in Chatsworth in the San Fernando Valley. There, animals live in serenity after being rescued from bad situations (neglect, laboratory experiments, fires, etc.) It’s called a “care farm” because interacting with these gentle souls offers solace to our human souls, as well. It’s therapeutic. Kindred Spirits Care Farm animals give comfort to people with special needs, PTSD, really, anyone who needs peace.

I write stories to give people a bit of joy and a few laughs, I hope.

As I have written in my introduction for my upcoming book, “How to Stay Broke and Influence Nobody” —

Welcome to my true story collection. While attempting to be a functioning adult in Los Angeles, I’ve made some questionable life choices you may learn from.

I hope my life experiences might inspire you to do that thing you’ve been wanting to do. Hey, if I can make a fool of myself and survive, you’ll be okay! You may get some enjoyment from my misery. It’s fine. I’m elated to have these experiences behind me. As I’ve said, “If I’ve done it, it can’t be right.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://michelemilesgardiner.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/michele_writes
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MicheleMilesGardiner/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@michelemilesgardiner4522
• Other: My first book, “Craving Normal,” is available here: https://a.co/d/iME0I8Z

  On Substack, I will be publishing stories about our experiences with stroke and how we found joy and humor.

  If anyone would like to read those or other random thoughts: https://michelemilesgardinerwriter.substack.com

Image Credits
Image of me with Bill the Goat at Kindred Spirits Care Farm

Photo Credit: Rachel Raimist, docent/Documentary Film Director