When did you first start getting interested in poker?
I was a dealer at Sam’s Town in 1996, then quit to become a professional poker player.
When was it that you became a professional poker player?
1996
If you could do anything else besides play poker what would you be doing?
I’ve been asked that so many times and I have no idea…I can’t even imagine myself doing anything else.
Overall how many bracelets do you have from the WSOP?
2, one in NL Holdem and one in Omaha 8 or better
Do you remember your first big win? If so when was it and where was it?
In 1997 Omaha 8 or better championship at WSOP where I got 127 thousand, second to Scotty.
How many WPT cashes do you have in total?
about 13
How many WSOP cashes do you have in total?
23
How did you earn your nickname “The Mouth”?
By talking real loud they called me LoudMouth Mike but I hated it so they changed it to The Mouth.
How much is your overall winnings?
over 6 million
You have a show on Cardplayer. com called “The Mouthpiece”. What do you talk about on the show?
I take calls for a half hour, answering any poker questions or just talking to fans, then spend a half hour talking about whats going on in poker, my hand of the week which is usually a bad beat, and whatever else is going on in life that week. Check it out every Thursday.
Who has been your biggest rivalry been with over the years?
Probably with Phil Helmuth
If you could give amateur players any advice what would it be?
Play patient and play tight. Don’t ever risk more than 5 percent of your bankroll at a time.
What’s your best finish at the WSOP?
6th in the main event 2001.
What’s your best finish at the WPT?
2nd at the Bellagio Cup 2007
You appeared on the WSOP video game. How did you feel about being part of the game?
I haven’t actually seen it yet, I think it was a good thing to be a part of that, but the fact that we got paid so little for something that big shows how stupid poker players really are.
First off when did you realize that you wanted to be a writer? Before that what did you want to do, if anything?
I’ve always wanted to be a writer from the moment I could write, period. Friends would look to me to create wild stories to share on the playground, and I’ve been doing so ever since – although my playground has expanded.
What’s your favorite genre to write? How many stories have you written in that genre?
I like to write paranormal and dark fantasy. Practically everything I write falls under that category, so… somewhere around 50 stories/projects.
How many comic books have you written and what have they been about?
Demons of Mercy is my current comic series, and it follows assassin Mercy as she unwittingly becomes involved in an apocalypse on Earth.
However, I do have many more comics coming soon, including a graphic novel anthology for the Horror Writers Association. Much more on these projects as I can release the details.
When you came up with the back story for Lara Croft, did you think it was going to get as big as it did?
I had absolutely no idea! But it was really exciting to do, and I’m so glad people enjoyed it as much as they did.
I see that you’ve come out with a new comic book series that’s also becoming a video game on the Xbox called ‘Demons of Mercy’. Can you tell us a bit about the comic and the video game? Have any hints to give to those who are gamers?
The game and comic follow the same storyline regarding the apocalypse. There’s so much more to it, but that’s all I can say about it now. 
One really cool aspect of doing both at the same time is the fact that the comic and video game work together. So, in the comic, readers may find codes and hints to unlock certain aspects of the game.
You’ve published one novel, so far, called Daniel’s Veil. Can you tell us a bit about the book and your experience writing it?
Daniel’s Veil follows two men leading completely separate lives. Together, they discover a gateway to the afterlife. Working on this book was an amazing experience, and people still talk to me about how the novel helped them through the loss of a loved one. I find that very moving.
I also have several more books on the way, including The Order of Souls trilogy.
If you could be anything besides a writer, what would you be and why?
I would probably be a forensic pathologist, because the dead don’t speak much.
You have an ongoing blog that really reaches out to fans. It talks about where you’re going to be, how you’re feeling and more. How does it feel to be able to share your thoughts and feelings with your fans?
I enjoy it. I like to give back to aspiring writers when I can. And people message me all the time about how the blog helps them achieve their goals.
From reading the responses to your blogs, I’ve seen that you have an adoring fan base. How does it feel to have so many people who love your work and appreciate what you do?
Thanks! And what can you say about that, other than it’s wonderful! I feel incredibly fortunate to have so many readers, viewers, players, and fans. I also feel that it’s my obligation to do the best work I can for each and every one of you!
Are there any upcoming projects that you would like to talk about? Maybe give us a sneak peek at what we have to look forward to?
I have two more comic series projects, more games, and some film work as well! Though I can’t share the details yet…
What is your favorite character that you’ve created? Why?
I’m not sure! I enjoy so many different aspects of the characters; Mercy’s hot temper and fighting skills, Celeste’s growth and evolution, Katherine’s innocence and innocence lost, Daniel’s belief in love despite everything… It would be incredibly hard to choose, because each one is so unique. But they’re all pieces of me.
You own several websites. How do you maintain all of them?
By checking on them every day and looking for updates… I also leave some to rot.
What are the names of the websites you own?
Well, I own quote a few, the main one being jackuulempire.com which contains links to the rest.
I understand that you help people with writing reviews and also help with other writing services. Could you list what you offer here and your prices?
Well, yes it is true that I do writing for content, and I do so at about 0.025 cents a word right now, however as I build a customer base I plan to raise rates until I can actually live off of it.
You also have a blog, where you write in depth articles. How do you come up with the articles you write?
I am insane.
You started www.mafia-station.com what made you come up with the idea of a forum-based mafia style game?
Well, I saw what was already out there, and then I created MSRP I, the first game, in 2005. After that, it of course closed and I brought my advancements to the big game of the time called MafiaRPG. Later on when that site was sold to an irresponsible owner, and ended up in the hands of the dark lord, I created MSRP II out of protest, and further advanced the methods. I eventually bought MRPG for myself to own, and from that I further modified and evolved the way the game worked. I then sold that site because of a fiscal crunch I was in at the time. Later on that site died, and was permanently shut down. Thus I re-founded Mafia Station Role Play as the third incarnation, using everything I had learned, and to date I have created the most efficient game thus far. MSRP III is the next generation of the genre also because it uses PHPBB 3, and has rules that are drastically shorter than its predecessors, while remaining just as detailed and competent. You can see the site at http://mafia-station.com. I am still working on adding parts to it and creating a better site by incorporating a community run news page, where they can report on their own happenings, and also a wiki will soon be up and running.
Right now you are selling a few websites, from what I understand. How much are they going for and if someone wanted to buy them could they change the name of the url? What services would you offer them after selling the site?
I cant change the URL, as that is what I am selling. The site, and the domain. I have made several sites that I slaved over, and ended up coming out with nothing. However they have gotten higher up in the rankings because I did some link building, and one of them is a four character domain name (cy13) which was for the biggest game I had planned, and became the biggest failure and time investment ever. I want to recoup at least the hosting and domain costs, so someone could get both the WastelandsRPG site and the Cy13 site for 100 bucks - and I’d throw in some un-used domain names too.
You’re a train collector. What first attracted you to buy model trains? How many pieces do you have as far as trains?
I got my first model HO scale train when I was three. It imprinted on me. I used to watch trains every day at the track with my Grandmother and Grandfather too.
What other businesses-like things do you own? Do you hire people to help you with writing articles/reviews/etc?
Used to own a writing service. Became a hassle to manage, and the old saying goes - if you want it done right, do it yourself.
If you could do anything in the world (as far as a career) what would it be? Why?
World Dictator. Because I want to change it and make it fit my image of a good world.
If there’s one thing you would like people to know about you, what would it be?
They should submit to me and give me their full support an loyalty to a world takeover. Because in the end they get free beer.
In total, how many websites have you owned in your lifetime? What were they based on?
Between 10 and 20. Many different things really. I just kinda wanted to do everything and got in over my head on a few - which is why I have some domain names for sale too :p
You may know Zach Selwyn from ESPN’s ‘Dream Job’ or G4’s ‘Attack of the Show’. If you don’t know him, or if you do, here are some things that you may not know.
What inspired you to become a musician?
Other musicians, 1960’s and 70’s influences, acoustic guitars by campfire, cannabis and the fact that a lot of musicians had hot girlfriends…
Your music is unique. How did you come up with that type of style?
I was freestyle-rapping for beers in college and playing guitar for the love of country-rock music in-between… One day i decided to combine rap and country and do some original songs - my band Zachariah was born around 2000 - and we recorded some tunes on home Protools equipment but it wasnt until 2002 that we moved to a big studio and recorded GHOST SIGNS - -
If you could play/sing any other type of music what would it be?
I wish I could play real bad-ass bluegrass and pedal steel guitar
How long have you been playing guitar?
Since about 1993 - when I was 18
How long have you been singing?
My first public appearance was in 5th grade at the talent show - I was a rapping surfer kid in a band named BERMUDA BUMS - I got that taste of performance in my mouth and never wanted to look back…
Which do you like best? Singing or playing the guitar?
Im a better singer than a guitar player, but I cant do either one real well without the other…
What motivates you to continue what you’re doing?
I just have a passion for performance and music and making people FEEL something - be it laughter, sadness or utter freedom, I’m addicted to the pulse of what comes from an audience - I guess its hard to explain, but anyone else who does what I do for a living will understand!
What’s your favorite song that you play?
It seems to change every day! Right now it’s a new one called “Pass the Hours” but just last week it was “Telluride” (From 2007’s ALCOHOLIDAY)
What’s your favorite song, period?
Eeeek. Another impossible question. I think, over the years, the number one song that has been on my top lists has to be “Fountain of Sorrow” by Jackson Browne. (1974 - Late for the Sky) “I Burn for You” (live - Bring on the Night) by Sting is another song that has been with me since I was about 10.
Who are some of your favorite bands/artists?
Jackson Browne, Bob Dylan, Eagles, Gram Parsons, Willie Nelson, Waylon, Kristofferson, Cash, Rolling Stones, Beatles, Ryan Adams, Beastie Boys, Ramblin Jack, Bob Dylan, Townes Van Zandt, Jayhawks, Wilco, RUN DMC, Bonnie Raitt, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Little Feat, Byrds, and Neil motha fucking YOUNG.
If you could bring one thing/person with you on a desert island, what would it be?
My wife and son.
Is a new album in the works?
YES! We have a new cd were preparing to release featuring 11 tracks that were recorded for films and performed on ATTACK of the SHOW - so we are gonna get these tracks out before the next CD - It’ll feature I Wanna be a Lawnmower,” “Stargate, Atlantis” and a buncy little childrens ditty called “Chubby Cheeks.”
Dead and Breakfast is one of my favorite movies. How did you feel playing a role in the movie? Have you played any other roles in any other movies?
Ha - yes, actually and thanks! I have been acting professionally since 1997 - you can check my credits at IMDB.com - Im most excited about a film I did called LOWER LEARNING coming out in 2008…
Your skits on G4 are hilarious. How do you come up with the skits? Do you write them yourself? What’s your favorite skit?
YES! I write them myself, and my brother Jesse has directed most of them - I have a back catalogue from years of sketch comedy in L.A. that I dip into for the show - Unless I need to write something specific like “Porno Fireplace” with Ron Jeremy. My favorite has to be Porno Fireplace, but I will always love Crosby Stills Nash and Usher and Awire Cologne!
What was your favorite part about being on ESPN’s Dream Job?
The experience was incredible and it opened a lot of doors for me! I loved talking about sports all day, although in the back of my head, it was probably the great people I met during and after the show. Other contestants, fans and persons with similar interests as mine!
Don’t know who RENFUE is? Well they’re a band out of a small city called Santa Clarita Valley. They have a great style. Check them out here
The bands name, RENFUE, where did it come from?
Renfue was just something that popped in my head one day. It actually started out with a slightly different spelling- “Renfew,” (which is the proper pronunciation) but after some collaboration with the band we went with Renfue. I guess it turns out its a surname though.
How long has the band been together?
The skeleton of the band began taking shape in September 2006, although it wouldn’t be until a year from then that things got serious Renfue did begin in 06′. Early development of the band was a lot of pre-production instrumental tracks recorded in Robs bedroom, burned on a disc and then given to Yvonne who at the time lived in Sacramento.
How would you guys describe your music?
I think our music is something a lot of people can connect with. There is a good balance, its mature in its immaturity i guess you could say.
Name some of your biggest influences.
Its hard to say each member has such different influences that they derive inspiration from.
If you could join any record label which would it be and why?
Thats hard to say. Its mainly what is the best offer that suites us the most. In our personal lives and touring, recording, merch and what not. Be it be indie or major.
What’s your favorite song to perform?
I think we would agree that “I’ve said too much” is a fun one, its a bit heavy so its always a pleasure.
Do you have any EP’s, singles or albums out? If so where can people buy them from?
We have a 4 track self titled EP out, easiest way to get it is on iTunes.
It seems that you’re a pretty popular band and you guys are based out of a small city. Do you have a lot of loyal fans?
Well i wouldn’t say popular! Haha I wish we were at that level. But yes we are from a smaller city called Santa Clarita in Southern California. Its an awesome town with a great music scene thats still on the under ground. And we do have very loyal fans that are always there to back us up and support us. Not to mention we have tons of loyal fans all over the world that support us. Our fan page is run by a girl in Australia.
I know you guys have recently had a fan site put up by a fan. Are you flattered? Are there a lot of people on the fan site?
Yes we are absolutely grateful for that and her names Lisha and shes been so awesome to us! We also have other sites run by fans on websites like Live Journal, Facebook, Myspace etc.. Its so new and awesome to us we will appreciate it for ever!
What band(s) would you most like to tour with?
There is so many we can list its hard to say, but a few we would love to tour with would probably be Thrice, Lydia, Brand new, Vedera, etc…any of those would be amazing.
If you could meet any artist(s) who would it/they be?
Well that also is another question mixed between all of our members. Thrice is a huge influence to all of us so that would definitely be one.
How many songs have you guys written? On average, how many songs do you perform at a show?
We have written about 15 some odd songs. Some are still just ideas, some are on the back burner at the moment. We are looking forward to getting some time to complete them. On average we play about 6 songs live. It all depends on our time slot, set up time and other random stuff that happens before we start.
What band do you like playing with most?
Well we always love playing with our good friends Set To Stun. They have been close friends of ours for a while now, Great guys. And we love and respect all kinds of music, So we love playing with ever band we get a chance too 
Though you may not know Jeff Meacham, he’s around. He has an online talk show that focuses around wrestling news and wrestlers. If you’re a wrestling fan he’s the one to go to for news and for information. Jeff has been a long time friend. Check out Talk Wrestling here.
When did you get interested in wrestling?
- I first started watching wrestling in 1990. The interest began after a fellow student at the after school club I attended brought in a Lex Luger action figure. Even though the Luger figure was WCW-made, I originally began watching the then-WWF (now known as WWE). I didn’t start watching WCW until 1994.
Who is your favorite wrestler ever?
- Who was a wrestling fan during the ’80s and ’90s and wasn’t a fan of Hulk Hogan, huh? He was the reason I got interested in the WWF and not WCW, and was the VERY reason I started actively watching WCW in 1994, as that was when he signed with the WWF’s main rival. Even when he turned heel in 1996, I was one of the few people I know who didn’t stop being a Hulkamaniac. Even today, with all of his sporadic apperances, he’s still my favorite of all-time.
What is the name of your online talk show? What made you want to start your talk show? Was there any certain wrestler that made you want to start it or was it just something you thought of one day?
- The name of my current show is Talk Wrestling with Jeff Meacham, but this is the third online show I’ve been a part of in the last 5 and a half years. In the summer of 2002, I was approached by the webmaster of theMAYHEM.com (now NoDQ.com) - who I had done several live event reports for - about doing an online audio show with his best friend at the time. The original show was called Xtreme Mayhem and ran from October 2002 until February 2004. After a 7-month hiatus (because we were burnt out on doing a show for a while), we returned in September 2004 with the spinoff video show, Xtreme Mayhem Video (commonly shortened to XMV), which ran for an additional two years, until June 2006. During the last few months of XMV’s run, I started doing a second audio show with my girlfriend entitled Ringside Insanity, which was named by said girlfriend. That show ran for just a few weeks and briefly spunoff its own video show as well, but by Spring 2007, I was done doing Internet showss … or so I thought. In late-May of last year, the NoDQ webmaster and I got together and decided to launch a show exclusively for me to answer various questions from the wrestling fans, similar to the show “Talk Sex,” which is where the name Talk Wrestling came from! Since the shows launch in June 2007, I’ve discussed anything and everything pertaining to wrestling. On episodes 14-16, I brought in the first guest on the show, Rob Van Dam.
How many interviews have you done and who have they been with?
- I don’t have the exact count on the number of interviews I’ve done, but I do know I’ve interviewed over 70 different personalities over the last 5 and a half years (I’ve interviewed some people more than once). They are as follows: A.J. Styles, Alan Funk (formerly Kwee-Wee in WCW), Angel (from XPW), Babi Slymm (SoCal wrestler), Bo Cooper (SoCal wrestler), Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, Brian “Crush” Adams, Bryan Alvarez from the Wrestling Observer, Buff Bagwell, Chris Harris, Chris Hero (SoCal wrestler), Chris Sabin, Chris Yandek (Sports-Entertainmetn Journalist), Christopher Daniels, Colt Cabana, Daffney, Dan “The Beast” Severn, D’Lo Brown, Dusty Rhodes, Elix Skipper, Frankie Kazarian, Gary Yap (SoCal promoter), “Mean” Gene Okerlund, Goldylocks (formerly of TNA), GQ Money (from XPW), Harley Race, Hawk from Tough Enough 2, the Human Tornado (SoCal wrestler), the Iron Sheik, Jamie Noble, James Mitchell, James Storm, Jayden Kane (SoCal wrestler), Jeff Jarrett, Jerry Lynn, Jerry Tuite (The Wall in WCW), Jimmy Hart, Joanie “Chyna” Laurer, Jonah from Tough Enough III, Kaos (from XPW), Kid Kash, Lash Leroux, Michelle Deighton (former wrestler who competed on Cycle 4 of America’s Next Top Model), Mike Awesome, Mike Sanders, Mike Tenay, Missy Hyatt, Petey Williams, Randy Savage, Rob Van Dam, Ron Killings, Sakoda, Samoa Joe, Sean Waltman, Shane Douglas, Sid Vicious, SoCal Val, Sonny Siaki, Supreme, Taylor Matheny from Tough Enough I, Terry Funk, The Sandman, The Stro (formerly the Maestro in WCW), Trinity, Trish Stratus, Veronica Caine (from XPW), and Vince Russo
Give a brief explanation of wrestling and its changes since the early days for those people who aren’t wrestling fans or those who aren’t too into wrestling.
- Well, even since the early days, and I’m going back to the turn of the 20th century here, wrestling has always been a form of entertainment. The difference since the very early 1990s is that it’s now openly referred to as “sports-entertainment” and no longer presented as an actual competitive sport. Since the WWF’s admission of the “fake” aspect of it, the terms “work” and “shoot” have become prevalant in the business, with “work” referring to something that was pre-determined in a match and “shoot” meaning something that was real. Regardless of the pre-determined nature of the industry or the matches presented, the participants are very real and are often portrayed as characters that are merely offshoots of who they really are, such as Stone Cold Steve Austin being depicted as a beer-drinking, truck-driving, finger-giving redneck from south Texas.
If you were a wrestler, what would your name be and why? What would your theme song be? Would you have a manager or a tag team partner?
- Well, I actually am involved in a company based in Southern California as a manager, which is what I’ve wanted to know for so long. I never had any aspirations to actually step in the ring, but if I did, I’d use my real name because I’ve never been a fan of the overly-gimmicky names. I’d have a hard rock theme song (nothing set in stone, just something cool) and would not be a tag wrestler or have a manager; I like to do things on my own.
Which wrestler’s theme song do you like most?
- Of all the themes ever used, I’d have to go with the ones used by former WWE and ECW Champion Rob Van Dam. In ECW, he used “Walk” by Pantera (later recorded by Kilgore for the ECW CD). When he moved to WWE, he used “One of a Kind” by Breaking Point. Both of his songs rock!
What’s your favorite finisher?
- Again, gotta go with Rob Van Dam and his 5-Star Frog Splash
What is your favorite PPV ever? Why?
- Hmmmm, that’s a toughy. I may have to answer that one after this year’s WrestleMania, because I will be attending! Of the ones I’ve already seen, I’d have to go with WrestleMania VII, strictly because it was the first PPV I ever saw.
Have you ever attempted to wrestle?
- Nope. As I said, I currently manage, but have never attempted to step through the ropes as a competitor.
What do you think of the whole ‘Money’ Mayweather vs. Big Show angle?
- Personally, I think it’s a sad use of the returning Big Show. Everyone reading this knows there is NO WAY Mayweather is gonna lose a fight - staged or not - heading into his big rematch with De La Hoya in September, and that leads to the Big Show having yet another loss at WrestleMania. Since debuting in WWE in 1999, Big Show has one exactly ONE match on the company’s grandest stage, that being a tag win with Kane as his partner over Chris Masters and Carlito back in 2006. The whole angle is ridiculous.
What’s your favorite angle in wrestling history?
- WOW! What a toughy! I’d probably have to go with the original introduction of the New World Order (commonly shortened to nWo) in WCW. From the introductions of Scott Hall and Kevin Nash to the formation with Hollywood Hogan at Bash at the Beach ‘96 to the continuing “membership drive” in 1996 and 1997, every part of that angle was done so well. Unfortunately, the same angle led to the downfall of WCW in the end, as it was WAY overdone.
How many wrestling events have you been to?
- Oh boy. I’m gonna break this down for you …
WWF/WWE events: 18 since 1991
TNA events: 1 in 2004 (pay-per-view at that!)
WCW events: 1 in 1994
California independent events: 49 since 2003!