Michael Bartz's Photo

Verified Profile

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Accepting Guests

  • 100% response rate
  • Last login about 5 hours ago

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Overview

  • 60 references 50 Confirmed & Positive
  • Fluent in English; learning Spanish
  • 36, Male
  • Member since 2015
  • Podcast producer/Actor
  • Diploma in Acting (RSA)
  • From Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
  • Profile 100% complete

About Me

Things I love: having great conversations, creative work, and spending time in the mountains. My partner Sara and I lived on a farm in an off-grid tiny house, which I built myself, but we have now moved back to Lethbridge (new home photos coming). In 2020 I left the 9-5 to pursue creative endeavours full-time. It's been three years and I'm happily living the artist life. I've had so many opportunities arise that I would otherwise not have had. This includes the In Over My Head podcast (www.inovermyheadpodcast.com), which explores themes around living sustainably in a changing climate. Sara and I love biking, hiking, and good coffee. We'd be happy to show you around Lethbridge or just have a quiet evening at home.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

My experience with couch surfing so far has been nothing short of amazing. All the people I've met have been genuine and welcoming. I saw couchsurfing as a way to stay somewhere different and meet people, but I wasn't prepared for how the experience would so enrich my travels.

I've met people from all walks of life, each with a story to share, and wisdom to impart. As a surfer, I love that for a brief period of time I can step into someones life and get a snapshot how they experience the world.

All too often we take our world view for granted, and Couchsurfing exposes us to others in an intimate way, giving us a broader perspective. Each time I left my hosts, I was filled with a sense of gratitude for the time we spent together, as well as a sense of loss for having to leave them. The great thing about the digital age, is that we can stay in touch and even meet up again.

It's our similarities that connect us, and if both parties put in the effort Couchsurfing is not only a great way to make new friends, but also to create a global community of tolerance and acceptance. We are the most genuine version of ourselves when we are in our own environment and bringing a stranger into our home. Practicing true hospitality is an art that has largely been lost in our fear based, individualistic society. Through this site, we can change that.

For all these reasons, hosting surfers has become an integral part of my life, and I can't wait to plan my next adventure around Couchsurfing!

Interests

Hiking
Biking
Building/Designing things
Mountains
Film

  • books
  • traveling
  • cycling
  • hiking

Music, Movies, and Books

We love CKUA, an Alberta-based radio station that celebrates arts and culture. You'll hear artists and songs there that you would otherwise never hear. It's always great.

Any well-made film that tells a compelling story, or is made in a unique way is something I'll sit down to watch.

I'm enjoying books by Sam Harris, Steven Pinker, and others that explore the big ideas of life.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I built my own off-grid home.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'd love to talk about life and purpose, meaning, and why we're on this earth. My podcast is about sustainability, so I'm always happy to chat about that.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm pretty handy and could help you with any building project you might have. I like cooking and am happy to help in the kitchen.

Otherwise, I would be happy to sit and have an open conversation about life, and the world as you and I see it, each through the lens of our own experiences. Preferably over good food and drink.

Countries I’ve Visited

Dominican Republic, England, France, Ireland, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada

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