WANDERMUST TV with Mike Green

Mike Green is a Master Certified Coach who specializes in wilderness adventures set in the Alaskan backcountry. The true story of how Mike hitchhiked across America and met his fate in every corner of the world, is the subject of his inspiring new book titled WANDERMUST (Hosel & Ferrule Books)

WANDERMUST is a captivating book that gives readers a firsthand account into the way Mike developed the skills to help CEOs, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone experiencing a high level of stress and pressure—to find their center and purpose again in nature before returning back to the world with a renewed ability to endure life’s challenges.

“Great leaders are formed in the wild.” -Mike Green

When Mike contacted me seeking guidance in publishing his book I jumped at the chance to make it happen and took a keen interest in his story, brand and style. I was eager to help launch an important book the right way and to present his charming and genteel nature (he reminds me of a kind bear) in a true light.

As an indie book publisher I knew Mike’s story had a massive audience and so far that has proven true in reviews and rankings on Amazon.com. Wandermust is the kind of book I want my imprint known for and I am grateful for the opportunity to help the world discover Mike Green because Mike Green is authentic in a world of fakes.

Which got me thinking about how his business (Mike Green Leadership) would make for a gripping and inspiring reality TV show. With the book successfully in the marketplace we started talking about low-cost ways to shoot a pilot.

Mike Green in Denali National Park, Alaska.

Reality TV Shows live and die by the charisma of their stars and the best way to sum up Mike Green is that he’s a modern American folk hero in the making. He truly is the small town boy who made his way around the world and embraced every culture with passion, curiosity and kindness while he picked up unique insights, skills and knowledge you can only acquire in person. In a data driven world, Mike’s data is the mountains he climbs and the valleys he navigates. The metaphor for some is reality for him.

Mike is also a great representative of the true American character to all who encountered him in his formative global adventure years. We live in a time when lies are told about everyone and everything, so it’s refreshing to be reminded of the simple goodness that exists in all who wander in search of their truth—and this way of living is embodied by Mike in the most positive way.

WANDERMUST is the exact opposite of INTO THE WILD. One could even call Mike Green’s book “Into The Life” because it’s packed with positivity about meeting challenges head on and not avoiding the hard work it takes to overcome them. Cynicism is no longer appealing to audiences and my belief is that Mike Green’s style will resonate because realness without an agenda is what people crave.

WANDERMUST TV one sheet

The goal was to make a pilot for “as little money as possible” and I quickly talked Mike into letting me shoot it on my iPhone 13 ProMax using cinematic mode with wireless mics to capture audio. But I could not go to Alaska when one of his clients, Dr. Kate Pate, agreed to have her time “in the bush” filmed so we needed another option.

The workaround was easy for a resourceful and well liked guy like Mike. He bought the iPhone ProMax and the wireless mics, then asked another Alaskan, Steve Opat, to join them as the cameraman. Steve is a wilderness photographer with an eye for framing and he understands cinema. I provided Mike and Steve with my wishlist of shots and hoped for the best.

Understand something—Mike got his hands on the wireless mics the same day Dr. Pate was set to arrive. In fact she brought them with her because it was only possible to get them delivered to her home in Montana in time for her trip to Alaska.

Suffice it to say, I am pleased with this 15 minute sample of what WANTERMUST TV can be. Steve Opat carried a gimble in one hand and hiked some difficult terrain and got the job done. There was no lighting but natural lighting. Sometimes the mics didn’t work out but overall you get to see what it’s like going into the Alaskan bush to experience nature and face your life challenges and overcome them in a physical setting.

When Kate’s journey was complete, Mike uploaded all footage and stills to Dropbox and then I got to work editing on the free DaVinci Resolve app, once again keeping the price of making this as low as possible.

Now you can kick back watch the indie pilot for WANDERMUST TV by clicking the link below.

Is this sample what the reality TV series will be? Sort of. We envision something like Undercover Boss except the boss is so stressed and so short-tempered that when they go to Alaska, Mike breaks them down so they can re-discover their humanity and lead again with a clear mind and a better understanding of the truths one can only discover deep in a real valley or up high on a real summit, far from the technology and distraction of chaotic culture.

If you see what I see and this is the kind of show for your network—have your people call my people.

-Michael McGruther (Publisher Hosel & Ferrule Books)