Salemite Mike Studer never imagined himself as an endurance athlete, especially growing up as a baseball player in the 1980s when the thought of running more than 360 feet at a time (the length of an inside-the-park home run) seemed pointless. But that is what he became and now holds the world record for the fastest underwater treadmill marathon. A Physical Therapist with a Master’s degree in Neurologic PT, Mike enjoys running, baking healthy food, puns and dad jokes. He is also a dedicated community volunteer — “I love working with the Marion Polk Food Share sorting food as a team with people from our clinic; serving at our church in drama roles; working a medical tent at local sporting events to promote healthy activities” — and will be able to add TEDx speaker to his list of accomplishments come January 4, 2020, when he speaks about the regenerative capacities of the human brain. So meet Mike, then join us for his “idea worth spreading” in January.
What was your first TED experience? I believe that it was the 1998 Aimee Mullins interview TED talk. For obvious reasons, this is relevant to my profession as a physical therapist.
Do you have a favorite TED Talk? How has it impacted your life or perspective? Personally, I am a bit of a health nut, and I very much appreciated Elizabeth Blackburn’s TED talk about the Science of Aging, specifically regarding the length and lifespan of DNA through telomeres. I modified my already strange theories on caloric intake and eating in general as a function of this talk.
What does this year’s theme “Vision” mean to you? The ability to see what others might not. We have a human spectrum of visible light, that is well-studied. However, given our individual experiences and inherent biases, we bring different perspectives on human limits. I bring a perspective that causes me to believe in my vision for greater accomplishments that what we presently achieve in people — and specifically the human brain.
What is one of your favorite childhood memories? Pitching the entire game of a little league all-star game and no-hitting the opposing team.
What do you feel most grateful for in your life? My work ethic and my wife.
How has your life been different than what you’d imagined? I never imagined myself as an endurance athlete, growing up as a baseball player in the 1980s when the thought of running more than 360 feet at a time (the length of an inside-the-park home run) seemed pointless.
What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned in life? How did you learn them? Do the right thing. Admit to yourself and others when your concept of the right thing, was wrong.
What is something unexpected that has changed about you in the last few years? Medical advancements and our own family’s experiences with chronic health conditions, including pain and the relationship to changes from the body to the brain and reverse…due to the presence of chronic pain.
Tell us something about yourself we could never tell from looking at you. I know more pointless facts than anyone really should store in their brain. Trivia about sports, music, history, etc.
What song best describes your life? “I Did It My Way,” popularized by Sinatra or “It’s a Beautiful Day,” by U2
If you could live in the setting of any book or movie, without necessarily being involved in the story, which would you choose? “A Field of Dreams” or “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”
What is the scariest thing you have ever done for fun? At about 12 years old, I confidently but ineptly saddled-up a Shetland pony and proceeded to ride it with my cousin, Fred Studer, 13, at the same time. Not long into the ride, the saddle proved to be too loose and we were soon upside down on a 5‑foot tall horse without enough ground clearance to ride upside down.
If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be? Jazz piano
What is the best gift anyone has ever given to you? Love
Would you rather have a rewind button or a pause button on your life? Rewind. I have enjoyed many moments that I would gladly relive.
Favorite book(s)? And why. Broca’s Brain by Carl Sagan — the insights into how the brain operates fascinated and continue to fascinate me.
Top 3 songs or artists? Where the Streets Have No Name, Start Me Up, Beautiful Day. U2, Rolling Stones respectively.
Go-to karaoke song? Everybody Hurts by REM
Chunky or smooth peanut butter? Chunky
TEDxSalem VII
TEDxSalem VII is an all-day event featuring talks, performances, refreshments, lunch and swag. It takes place from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020, at the Salem Convention Center. Click here for tickets. Follow us on Facebook for the most up-to-date news from our community, and check our website regularly for new information. You can also reach us at info@tedxsalem.com