Michael grew up in Louisiana, where he spent most of his time reading or walking in the woods, and later worked in New Mexico as a trekking guide. Since 2004 he has instructed on college study abroad programs in North India and Nepal, and when not teaching or leading travel groups, he volunteers with earthquake recovery and environmental projects. He currently resides in Kathmandu with his wife and her family, but manages to visit his cultural home roots back in New Orleans each spring.