From Mat to Manuscript: Mick Betancourt on Wrestling, Writing & Reacher | Ep. 353
In Episode 353 of Airey Bros Radio, we’re joined by Mick Betancourt — writer, executive producer of Amazon’s Reacher, stand-up comic, and proud former wrestler. From a tough upbringing on Chicago’s West Side to breaking through as a Hollywood storyteller, Mick’s journey is a masterclass in grit, grace, and getting back up.This episode is packed with raw storytelling, powerful mindset shifts, and behind-the-scenes gems for wrestlers, writers, and working-class dreamers alike.🎯
Topics covered:
0:00 – Intro: Why Mick’s story matters to wrestlers & creatives
2:00 – Meet Mick Betancourt: Writer, comic, wrestler
4:00 – From Chicago streets to TV studios
6:00 – Quitting wrestling & coming back stronger
13:00 – Facing Joe Williams + feral 152 lbs redemption
19:00 – Skateboarders, surfers & misunderstood athletes
23:00 – What “Day 67” really looks like
28:00 – Improv, Second City, and writing rituals
35:00 – From stand-up to Hollywood TV rooms
41:00 – Launching a Substack & telling real stories
50:00 – Creative blocks, writer relationships & working-class fire
57:00 – Advice to kids on the verge of quitting wrestling
1:02:00 – Morning rituals, sobriety & spiritual practices
1:04:00 – Mick’s book recs: Carver, Joyce, Stoner
1:06:00 – Cozy Shack rice pudding & death row meals
1:09:00 – Final thoughts + what keeps Mick going
Mick Betancourt Substack
Topics covered:
- Wrestling regrets & redemption
- The “Day 67” mindset and creative resilience
- Writing for Reacher, SVU, Chicago Fire, and The Purge
- Mick’s Substack & the power of working-class stories
- Comedy bombs, Second City, and stand-up war stories
- Why skateboarding builds elite athletes and creatives
- Daily routines, sobriety, and staying aligned
0:00 – Intro: Why Mick’s story matters to wrestlers & creatives
2:00 – Meet Mick Betancourt: Writer, comic, wrestler
4:00 – From Chicago streets to TV studios
6:00 – Quitting wrestling & coming back stronger
13:00 – Facing Joe Williams + feral 152 lbs redemption
19:00 – Skateboarders, surfers & misunderstood athletes
23:00 – What “Day 67” really looks like
28:00 – Improv, Second City, and writing rituals
35:00 – From stand-up to Hollywood TV rooms
41:00 – Launching a Substack & telling real stories
50:00 – Creative blocks, writer relationships & working-class fire
57:00 – Advice to kids on the verge of quitting wrestling
1:02:00 – Morning rituals, sobriety & spiritual practices
1:04:00 – Mick’s book recs: Carver, Joyce, Stoner
1:06:00 – Cozy Shack rice pudding & death row meals
1:09:00 – Final thoughts + what keeps Mick going
Mick Betancourt Substack
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