Laugh with...Mike Gonzalez

This week we welcome the amazing Mike Gonzalez to Laugh With Us—and trust us, this conversation is packed with insight, heart, and a beautiful perspective on humor. Mike and Steve dive into how culture shapes the way we laugh, the subtle cues we pick up from our environments, and why humor lands differently depending on our lived experiences.

They also explore the power of authenticity in high-performance spaces, unpacking how the pressure to impress others can quietly drain the joy out of both work and life. Mike shares how choosing authenticity over approval can transform relationships, performance, and even your sense of self.

Finally, the two dig into the importance of permission and “earning the right” in humor—why the best laughs come from trust, shared understanding, and genuine connection.

Mike is a community leader in youth development, outreach, and culture change. Raised in Puerto Rico and Tampa, FL, he spent 10 years guiding diverse teams and community groups toward transformational change. Mike currently serves as the Special Assistant to the General Manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates, overseeing all Spanish language translation and culture diversity training for the major league team. Mike resides in Palmetto, FL with his wife and two sons.