We recently had the chance to connect with MICHAEL MAIELLO and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning MICHAEL, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? When was the last time you felt true joy?
Nothing brings me true joy like my 7-year-old son. Being his dad is the most important role I play in my life. Every day with him is a blessing — even the little moments. Just seeing him smile or hearing him laugh reminds me what life’s really about. That’s pure joy to me.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Michael “MP” Paul, and I’m the founder and host of Live Struggle Legacy — a movement that celebrates people, their passions, and the power of perseverance. Through my podcast, I interview artists and entrepreneurs from all walks of life, sharing real stories of struggle, resilience, and triumph. We inspire others to hold onto their dreams despite adversity.
My music is an extension of that same mission — it’s how I share my own story, emotions, and lessons learned along the way. Every song is rooted in truth, reflection, and purpose, offering motivation and connection to anyone walking their own path through struggle.
Live Struggle Legacy was inspired by Timothy “Big Baby” Lewis, a talented artist and dear friend who lost his life in prison just one month before his release. His story — his talent, his light, and the dreams he never got to fulfill — has been the inspiration to our movement. This platform is built in his honor, to carry on his spirit, and to remind the world that our voices, our stories, and our gifts matter.
At its core, Live Struggle Legacy is about turning pain into purpose, struggle into strength, and passion into legacy — proving that no matter where you’ve been, your story has the power to inspire others and create change.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I spent nearly a decade in federal prison. In prison, I discovered yoga — and yoga taught me a lot about myself and the Universe. I learned that our lives are all conditions of our experiences. I learned to value the divinity in myself, to honor the divinity in others, and to understand that we all come from the same source.
In a world divided by politics and religion, I think it’s important to keep that perspective — to remember that beneath all the labels and differences, we’re all connected. That understanding became the foundation of Live Struggle Legacy — to see the light in every story, and help others find purpose and power in their own.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would say, you are worthy. You are worthy, and you are capable. For most of my life, I struggled with self-worth. I looked for role models in all the wrong places, searching for someone to show me who I could become.
It wasn’t until I was in federal prison, staring into that stainless steel mirror, that I realized the truth — I was the role model I’d been searching for all along.
I would tell my younger self: You are worthy of love. You are worthy of success. You are capable of anything you set your mind and heart toward.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
My mom. I lost her suddenly in February of this year, and she was the greatest example of character I’ve ever known. She never said a bad word about anyone. She never gossiped or entertained negativity. She brought joy wherever she went and treated everyone with kindness and respect, no matter their beliefs or background.
What I admired most was that she never let anyone else’s propaganda or opinions change the way she saw people. She lived with pure love, integrity, and grace — and I carry her spirit with me every day.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If immortality were real, what would you build?
I build legacies. I already live as if immortality were real, yet I live out each day as if it were my last on Earth. We have an expression at Live Struggle Legacy: We’re building pyramids. What I build is built to last forever. My goal is to bring that same vision out of every guest on my show—to help them see the blueprint to their own legacy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.livestrugglelegacy.com
- Instagram: @livestrugglelegacy
- Twitter: @therealmp100
- Facebook: @livestrugglelegacy
- Youtube: @livestrugglelegacy
- Soundcloud: Michael “MP” Paul
- Other: Music: Michael “MP” Paul on all streaming platforms.
Podcast: Live Struggle Legacy on all streaming platforms.
Image Credits
Angel Soto
