7 Questions with Mike Geeter

Comedian Spotlight

By Lynda Wheatley | Oct. 2, 2021

This week, the newly renovated 4,000-square-foot Grand Traverse Events Center will raise its curtain on the much-anticipated Traverse City Comedy Club. The first comedian to sweat under the 150-seat theater’s spotlight? Well, after local comedian and the night’s MC Marti Johnson heats up the crowd, of course … Mike Geeter.

The handsome and trustworthy face of not just a few local Flagstar Bank campaigns, Geeter is an Ivy League dropout and community college graduate from Pontiac, Michigan, who has worked with heavy hitter laugh-getters like Kevin Hart, Hannibal Burress, Natasha Leggero, and more. He’s also appeared on the Fox Television/Hulu comedy showcase “Laughs” and the Detroit episode of “Kevin Hart Presents: Hart Of The City 2” on Comedy Central.

Northern Express caught up with the multi-talented model/actor/comedian shortly after he was in Traverse City filming a commercial for a company he’s not sure he can name “until my check clears. But,” he hints, “I was climbing in and out of a truck like a madman, so buy lots of the product if you see me.” 

Northern Express: Tell us a little about yourself.

Mike Geeter: I grew up in my beloved hometown of Pontiac, Michigan. My mother and father had 14 kids. I’m number six. My father had three other children, bringing the total to 17. Why? Because he wasn’t a quitter. That’s a lot of people, but it was an interesting household, hard to grab attention — or a seat on the couch.  

Express: When did you know you wanted to be a comedian? 

Geeter: I was an extremely shy kid, but I was a smart kid. I figured out at a young age that everyone loved to laugh, so if I could get them to laugh at my jokes, I could make friends fast. It worked. 

Express: I read you grew up pretty poor yet were a great student and voracious learner but felt you weren’t accepted by either your black or white peers — how did that success and struggle play into the trajectory of your life and your career? 

Geeter: Like the old saying goes, ‘Comedy comes from tragedy.’ And though I didn’t see my lack of acceptance as a tragedy, comedy allowed me to show people I’m not unlike them. We share commonality through what makes us laugh: jokes, movies, and so on. Only music and comedy can bring people together in such a way.

Express: You’ve worked with some great comedians. Is there a particular event or moment with one of them that you’ll never forget?

Geeter: I’ll never ever forget how cool Kevin Hart was to us. He didn’t make any of us feel like he was better than we were. He was genuine and wanted to help elevate our careers. 

Express: What should TC audiences expect from your shows?

Geeter: My brand of humor is relationship-driven. I talk about my kids, friends, failed marriages, dating — everyday things. Because of this, I’ve built a following from 18 to 80. It’s always a treat to have a college-aged kid tell me how much they loved my show right after their grandparents recite a joke I did that they probably couldn’t say in church. 

Express: The top three comedy albums or taped live shows no one should live their life without hearing at least once?  

Geeter: I would say Dave Chappelle’s shows, live or taped, have been the best and worst of times for me. As a fan, I loved them. As a comedian, I’m too busy studying him to enjoy him. But definitely watch Stick and Stones.

I love Chris Rock’s Bigger and Blacker, as well — but same problem. 

I love Kathleen Madigan, too. The way she dissects her relationship with her parents is precision comedy. 

Express: What might surprise people to know about the life of a comedian?

Geeter: It’s better than being a musical star — just doesn’t pay as well until you blow up, so help me become what I was born to be … filthy rich! Also, we’re also better kissers, smell nicer, and are loved by everyone, including ex-wives! It’s science. Look it up.

See comedian Mike Geeter, live, at 7:30pm Oct. 8 or 7pm Oct. 9 at the Traverse City Comedy Club debut at the Grand Traverse Event Center at 738 S. Garfield Ave. in Traverse City. Buy tickets, $15–$25, at www.traversecitycomedyclub.com.

Get More Geeter
Want to hear more? Geeter’s newly released comedy album, “The Charm Offensive,” is available on all digital platforms.