Stavvy's World Podcast - Episode #140: Mike Mitchell

Release Date: August 4, 2025

In Episode #140 of Stavvy's World, host Stavros Halkias welcomes comedian, actor, and fellow podcaster Mike Mitchell for an engaging and candid conversation that delves deep into personal experiences, career insights, and the challenges of adulthood. This episode offers a blend of humor, heartfelt stories, and relatable discussions, making it a must-listen even for those unfamiliar with the podcast.

Introduction and Shared Background

The episode kicks off with Stavros introducing Mike Mitchell, highlighting their shared backgrounds in podcasting and acting. Both hosts express mutual admiration for each other's work, setting a friendly and open tone for the conversation.

Stavros Halkias (01:37):
"Mike is the man. You're a great podcaster. Like most podcasters. It's a huge bailout."

Mike Mitchell (01:42):
"Yes."

Navigating the Intersection of Podcasting and Acting

Stav and Mike discuss the complexities of balancing podcasting with acting careers. They touch upon the stereotypes and misunderstandings surrounding podcasters and actors, emphasizing their diverse experiences in the entertainment industry.

Stavros Halkias (02:00):
"You have an actual acting career. You've been in some good stuff. You're a good actor."

Mike Mitchell (02:04):
"That's kind of you to say you're a good actor. So, I mean, I like having the label of podcasters does suck. It's brutal for you."

Personal Struggles with Weight and Health

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the challenges of maintaining weight and health, especially amidst demanding careers. Both hosts share their personal battles with weight gain, sleep apnea, and the social stigma attached to being overweight.

Stavros Halkias (06:32):
"So I was about to go on a three-month tour earlier this year and I had been losing a little weight on my own and I was like, fuck it, let me like get, you know, and I didn't have a doctor at the time..."

Mike Mitchell (04:27):
"He was right. Made us all live tards. It lived us all out."

Reflections on High School and Early Adulthood

Both Stavros and Mike delve into their high school experiences, discussing issues like acne, social anxiety, and early relationships. They reminisce about their attempts to connect with peers and the awkward moments that shaped their teenage years.

Stavros Halkias (17:07):
"And then I go on her thing. I see like just pictures of her with a different guy and I'm like. And then I just like am tearing up and be like, ha ha, me neither."

Mike Mitchell (11:10):
"You know, it's funny. I was like a beautiful blonde little boy."

Career Choices and Parental Expectations

The discussion shifts to their career paths, highlighting the tension between pursuing passions like comedy and meeting parental expectations. Mike shares his journey from computer science to entertainment, while Stavros reflects on his decision to embrace stand-up comedy despite familial pressures.

Mike Mitchell (50:11):
"I mean, I went into computer science because I like, liked AOL. They wrote code on the board and I was like..."

Stavros Halkias (56:25):
"But it's interesting because I never, as a guy I think me and my dad are weirdly, in a. In a up way."

Building Relationships and Overcoming Social Challenges

The hosts openly discuss their struggles with forming and maintaining romantic relationships, especially in the context of their weight and public personas. They explore themes of self-acceptance, societal expectations, and the journey towards self-confidence.

Stavros Halkias (35:19):
"You like, I'm trying to have a good time, obviously, and I like hanging out. Don't get me wrong."

Mike Mitchell (35:28):
"Yeah. I'm happy if I see everyone."

Listener Calls and Advice Segments

The latter part of the episode features interactive segments where listeners call in with personal dilemmas, seeking advice from Stavros and Mike.

Balancing Professionalism and Personal Boundaries

One caller, a 24-year-old bartender, shares her predicament of managing a customer who wants to marry her. Stavros and Mike provide thoughtful guidance on maintaining professional boundaries while addressing the complexities of such relationships.

Caller (74:05):
"So what do I do? Do I contact the airline or do I just like go just."

Stavros Halkias (95:28):
"But I don't know, dude. At the end of the day I don't know that it's that necessary."

Dealing with Social Media Interactions with Future In-Laws

Another listener seeks advice on handling a future father-in-law's persistent comments on social media. Stavros and Mike emphasize the importance of communication and setting boundaries through one's partner.

Caller (99:20):
"So my fiance's dad just got an Instagram and I wouldn't have added him if it weren't for the fact that he brought it up on the phone."

Stavros Halkias (101:11):
"But I think ultimately this is harmless."

Handling Harassment from Teens at the Gym

A third caller expresses frustration over being bullied by teenagers at the gym. The hosts discuss strategies for de-escalation, maintaining composure, and deciding when to seek assistance.

Caller (116:00):
"How do I get these little shits back, bro."

Stavros Halkias (124:58):
"You just can't. There's not. Nothing good comes from putting snitch energy."

Final Reflections and Closing Remarks

In the closing segments, Stavros and Mike reflect on societal issues like inequality, the impact of capitalism, and the future of entertainment. They express hopes for an indie revolution in filmmaking and lament the challenges faced by creatives in the current landscape.

Stavros Halkias (94:05):
"I really don't have empathy for the super rich because they are ruining people's lives for ego reasons or because they've..."

Mike Mitchell (96:50):
"Yeah, but you're right, it is too. It's. It's a sad on either end. It's like..."

The episode concludes with light-hearted banter and a tease for future content, maintaining the camaraderie that defines Stavvy's World.

Key Takeaways:

• Personal Growth: Both hosts emphasize the importance of self-acceptance and overcoming societal pressures related to weight and career choices.

• Navigating Relationships: Open discussions on balancing professional roles with personal relationships provide listeners with relatable insights.

• Listener Engagement: Interactive segments offer practical advice on everyday challenges, fostering a sense of community among listeners.

• Societal Commentary: Reflections on broader issues like inequality and the entertainment industry's landscape offer depth beyond personal anecdotes.

Notable Quotes:

• Stavros Halkias (06:32):
  "Every time I go on tour, I just gain 20 pounds minimum."

• Mike Mitchell (17:07):
  "We were making out, like, in a little cove that I knew about, and it was an office nobody used."

• Stavros Halkias (35:19):
  "You have to decide. We're going to try and destroy the other fat guys."

This episode of Stavvy's World showcases the authentic and humorous dynamic between Stavros Halkias and Mike Mitchell, offering listeners a blend of laughter, empathy, and thoughtful discourse on life's myriad challenges.