Q: Hi Mike, first question, How did you come up with the idea for “From Orange to Orange”?

I’ve always wanted to go to New Orleans, it’s been a dream of mine for some time and one day I randomly mentioned it to Matt. He suggested we go down there for spring break and as we Google mapped the time it would take we noticed it was only an extra 9 hours to Florida. We said, “What the heck, lets just drive there too.” Then we told our friend Warren who came up with the name “From Orange to Orange.”
As soon as I heard the name it was as if a bottle rocket went off in my head. One thing led to another and here I am. It might sound cheesy but its like the show kinda found us, you know?

Q: So, what are you most looking forward to on your trip?

Probably getting to know what America really feels like. I was born and raised in Guatemala for 18 years. I mean I only came to California 2 years ago for college. I’ve never really been to a lot of the states we want to go to and I’ve heard people are way different in middle America. Funny story, when I say I’m from Central America people always ask me “so like from around Texas?” I don’t blame them I’m pretty Americanized thanks to television, and most people don’t even know where Guatemala is.

Q: How was it growing up in Guatemala?

It was great actually. I love my life in the old Guat, but to be honest I always felt like a little fish in a big pond. Wait a sec- well… you know what I mean. [laughs] It wasn’t until I got here that I realize what a freaking huge pond America was. I’m glad I grew up in Guatemala, it gave me a perspective of the world that most people here don’t have. And you know that thing they say about girls liking guys with accents? Well….yeah…I don’t think its true actually…

Q: Speaking of girls, I hear you went on a crazy quest to meet somebody?

Yes, Olivia Munn. She hosts my favorite show on TV, “Attack of the Show”. I never really expected to meet her, or never actually tried you know. I’m part of this college talk show and everyone liked the idea of me trying to meet her in a series of bits for the show. So I made a few webisodes and then she actually came down for the season finale and I got to meet her. She was so sweet, outrageous, and funny. Really everything I thought she would be. With Olivia I feel like she doesn’t hold back and she is exactly who she is on TV. She’s not afraid to be herself and it’s something I admire a lot. I hate when people think I went on a quest to date her. I’m not an idiot; I know Olivia could do way better, and I don’t need a restraining order on my record. But she will forever be the person that sparked my interest in a career in television. She rocks.

[Video of Mike meeting Olivia Munn]

Q: Final question, are you living the American Dream?

I’m sure as hell trying to. Until you see me on TV alongside Olivia Munn hosting a show from New Orleans I don’t think I will be. But Orange to Orange is close enough. [smiles]