Michael Gershe
Speaker
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
30 years experience on stage and over 25 years experience in higher education.
Comedian and speaker, blending humor into programs
2-time TEDx Talk presenter.
Published Author – The Magic of Life: A Son’s Story of Hope after Tragedy, Grief and a Speedo.
Presented at high schools, colleges, military bases and courts as well as a frequent guest on national podcasts.
Founder/Director of The Magic of Life Foundation.
Michael Gershe is a survivor of a drunk driving crash that killed his mother and nearly himself when he was 8 weeks old. Despite breaking almost all his bones in the crash, he went on to become a collegiate swimmer, comedian, speaker, author, college educator and photographer.
Raised in Miami, Florida, he attended Ashland University on a swimming scholarship where he earned a bachelor’s degree in communications. Michael earned his Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Akron. He has been at Kent State University for nearly 25 years and is the Senior Advisor for the College of Aeronautics and Engineering where he advises the Professional Pilot major.
With close to 30 years’ experience on stage as a comedian and speaker, Michael has presented his programs at schools, colleges, military bases and two TEDx Talk presentations. The Magic of Life and his other programs combine humor along with his powerful and inspirational story.
Michael has been presenting his program for 11 years at the Stow Municipal Court for first time drunk driver offenders. He has been a guest on several national podcasts regarding grief and trauma speaking from the male’s perspective.
In 2015 he founded The Magic of Life Foundation, a non-profit organization, that helps his mission in eliminating impaired driving making communities safer and empowering people to make better choices in life.
In 2019, he published his memoir, “The Magic of Life: A Son’s Story After Tragedy, Grief and a Speedo.” One Amazon reader said, “This book will inspire any reader to be a better person! This is one of the best books I have read in a long time!” The book can be bought on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.
““Thank you for making me realize that my son needs me more than alcohol.””
““I was at your OVI class on Thursday, and your story moved me, and gave me a more positive outlook on leading a better life.””
““I was a part of the group this evening. I just wanted to thank you for your story and words. It really spoke out to me and was exactly what I needed. Thank you.””
““This book should be required reading for high school seniors and college freshmen.””
““This is one man’s story, honest, open, sad, funny, thought provoking and inspiring. But you will find pieces of yourself in these pages. Read this book. You will not regret it.””
““The Magic of Life” by Michael Gershe is a beautifully written autobiography about surviving tragedy, finding purpose, and making a difference in the lives of others. Michael is a captivating storyteller with a heartwarming sense of humor. He also uses these talents motivating people around the country to make the life-saving decision to quit drinking and driving. This was a highly worthwhile book about a courageous and inspirational human being.””
““His lessons of positive reinforcement and success is something best found through the help of others lend itself to a heartwarming, honest look at triumph over tragedy. His poignant narratives had this reader in tears in times, yet quickly brought the reader back to a safe place to say it’s okay to not be okay””