The Bobby Bones Show: Arizona Travels & Big Braces Change For Mike D
Release Date: July 19, 2025
Host: Bobby Bones
Co-Host: Mike D

Introduction

In this episode of The Bobby Bones Show, host Bobby Bones sits down with Mike D to discuss significant changes in Mike's life, including the removal of his braces and a memorable vacation to Scottsdale, Arizona. The conversation is candid, filled with humor, and offers listeners an intimate glimpse into Mike's personal journey and preferences.

Mike D's Journey with Braces Removal

Discussing the Retainer Experience

Mike D shares his recent experience with transitioning from braces to retainers. Unlike the typical three-month nightly retainer, Mike D was instructed to wear his retainer for 22 hours a day initially, which he found exceptionally challenging.

[03:22] Mike D: "It was so hard feel the first week. I hated it because it felt like my teeth were suffocating."

He compares the sensation to sitting on a plastic-covered couch—uncomfortable and restrictive.

[04:16] Bobby Bones: "I feel like that's unheard of. Normally it's just a night for the first three months."

Adjusting to Retainers and Speech

Mike D discusses the difficulties in adjusting to the retainer, particularly how it affected his speech, causing his "S's" and teeth to sometimes get stuck.

[05:06] Mike D: "I think it's because when I did have braces, I was so aware of it that I would over enunciate and make sure I spoke clearly and through them."

Over time, Mike D has become more comfortable, though he occasionally struggles with wanting to remove the retainer momentarily.

Positive Changes After Removing Braces

Mike D highlights three major benefits since removing his braces:

1. Increased Comfort: No more poking wires or frequent trips to the orthodontist for adjustments.

   [05:35] Mike D: "Just not having them poke the inside of my mouth anymore... overall comfort is the biggest thing."

2. Dietary Freedom: The ability to enjoy crunchy foods like almonds and cashews without fear of damaging his braces.

   [06:13] Mike D: "I love almonds. I love cashews... I couldn't eat anything that was like overly crunchy."

3. Boosted Confidence: Feeling more confident in his smile, despite noticing minor imperfections now visible.

   [07:21] Mike D: "I feel more confident now just in the way that I look... my teeth aren't perfect even though they're straight."

Future Dental Work: Bridging Gaps

Mike D elaborates on his upcoming dental procedures to address gaps left from previously removed teeth. He opted for a dental bridge over implants due to its less invasive nature and quicker recovery.

[09:00] Mike D: "I'm going in next week for them to start the bridge process, which is going to be filling in the gap."

He expresses some insecurity about the noticeable gaps but is optimistic about the final outcome.

[10:37] Mike D: "I'm most insecure about the pretty noticeable fake tooth we're putting in."

Arizona Vacation Highlights

Choosing Scottsdale for Serenity

Mike D and Bobby recount their recent trip to Scottsdale, Arizona, emphasizing their preference for dry heat over humid climates.

[22:17] Mike D: "It's straight dry heat. I would do 110 there versus 90 here."

They appreciated visiting during the peak of summer to enjoy the resort's tranquility, avoiding the usual crowds.

[22:24] Mike D: "When we go out to eat, when we go to places, it's just like going in. It's kind of a ghost town."

Activities and Relaxation

The vacation itinerary included attending a Diamondbacks game, which Mike D particularly enjoyed, combining his love for baseball with relaxation.

[24:46] Mike D: "My favorite thing in the world is to have beers at a baseball game."

They also experienced a rare Arizona rainstorm, which provided a refreshing change in temperature and ambiance.

[23:16] Mike D: "On the last night we were there, there was a rainstorm... we had the best of both worlds."

Routine and Connection

Mike D emphasizes the importance of disconnecting from work and front-loading activities to maximize relaxation later in the trip.

[24:37] Mike D: "I front loaded the vacation with things to do... I'm already in relax mode."

Repeated Visits and Familiarity

The recurring visits to Scottsdale, spanning multiple years and even their honeymoon, highlight the couple's preference for familiar environments that evoke childhood memories.

[25:02] Mike D: "It starts to feel like whenever I was a kid and we'd go to Mexico every single summer... it kind of feels like doing a trip from my childhood."

Personal Quirks and Preferences

Food Preferences: Avoiding Cold Sandwiches

Mike D reveals a quirky aversion to cold sandwiches, a preference rooted in his childhood experiences.

[42:16] Mike D: "I don't like cold sandwiches... Even lunches like wraps, I throw them in the microwave."

He shares anecdotes about modifying traditional sandwiches to make them more palatable by heating them or adding ingredients like Doritos.

[42:37] Mike D: "I would take Doritos, crunch them up into two pieces of bread... that would be my sandwich."

Manifestation and Coincidences

Mike D discusses his observations of coincidences and manifestations, believing they are signs or corrections to his "timeline."

[53:01] Mike D: "When I see an ambulance go by... that's some universe thing. Correcting the timeline."

Closing Thoughts

Bobby Bones wraps up the conversation by expressing his support for Mike D's journey and upcoming dental procedures.

[16:55] Bobby Bones: "I'm very happy for you. They look awesome, and I hope the rest of it is smooth sailing."

Mike D reciprocates by encouraging listeners to follow his projects and subscribe to his podcast.

[56:20] Mike D: "You can find me on social media... listen to my podcast, Movie Mike's Movie podcast."

Key Takeaways

• Personal Growth: Mike D's transition from braces to retainers marks a significant milestone in his personal and dental journey, reflecting increased comfort and confidence.

• Travel Preferences: The couple's repeated visits to Scottsdale underscore the value of familiarity and comfort in their travel experiences.

• Unique Personal Traits: Mike D's distinctive food preferences add a relatable and humorous layer to his personality, showcasing the diversity of individual quirks.

• Interconnected Experiences: The discussion on manifestations and coincidences highlights the interplay between personal beliefs and daily experiences.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [03:22] Mike D: "It was so hard feel the first week. I hated it because it felt like my teeth were suffocating."

• [05:35] Mike D: "Just not having them poke the inside of my mouth anymore... overall comfort is the biggest thing."

• [07:21] Mike D: "I feel more confident now just in the way that I look... my teeth aren't perfect even though they're straight."

• [22:24] Mike D: "When we go out to eat, when we go to places, it's just like going in. It's kind of a ghost town."

• [25:02] Mike D: "It starts to feel like whenever I was a kid and we'd go to Mexico every single summer... it kind of feels like doing a trip from my childhood."

• [42:37] Mike D: "I would take Doritos, crunch them up into two pieces of bread... that would be my sandwich."

• [53:01] Mike D: "When I see an ambulance go by... that's some universe thing. Correcting the timeline."

Conclusion

This episode of The Bobby Bones Show offers an engaging and heartfelt conversation between Bobby Bones and Mike D, delving into personal transformations, travel experiences, and unique individual quirks. Through sharing his journey with braces and his beloved Arizona vacations, Mike D provides listeners with relatable insights and entertaining anecdotes, all while highlighting the importance of comfort, familiarity, and personal growth.