Welcome!

I’m Mike Marcotte, a lifelong Minnesotan, former television producer and the creator of Give Me The Mike. I launched this website in May 2017 as a place to share the people, places and experiences I love about Minnesota.

I was born in St. Paul, grew up in Blaine and have lived in Minnesota my entire life. Over the years, I’ve worked in television, public relations, nonprofit events and even as a Guinness World Records adjudicator. Along the way, I’ve developed a particular passion for the Minnesota State Fair, discovering great Minnesota businesses and creating guides that help people explore the state.

Mike Marcotte at a glance

Hometown: Blaine, Minnesota
Born: St. Paul, Minnesota
College: Gustavus Adolphus College
Website: Give Me The Mike, launched in 2017
Current role: Senior account manager at Goff Public
Previous work: Television producer and executive producer at KSTP-TV
Other experience: Guinness World Records adjudicator for seven years
Known for: Minnesota guides, State Fair coverage, Best of Minnesota surveys and the Minnesota Holiday Lights Guide
Focus: Helping people discover places, events, food and experiences across Minnesota

I grew up in Blaine, Minnesota, a suburb just north of the Twin Cities, and graduated from Centennial High School. I was a self-proclaimed ‘band geek’ in high school, playing trombone, lettering in student council, and was on the newspaper staff. I definitely wouldn’t have called myself an extrovert.

I attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota, about 90 minutes southwest of the Twin Cities, and decided college would be the place where I would “reinvent” myself. I quickly developed independence, and with that, I gained a boost of confidence. I joined student senate right away since I participated in student council in high school. Thanks to my organizational skills, I was asked to be Vice President of the Gustavus Student Senate by spring semester of my freshman year, a position I would hold for multiple administrations.

At Gustavus, I majored in elementary education. Ever since second grade, I wanted to be a teacher. During college, I went through all the motions to be a teacher, but I actually never ended up having my own classroom. Life had other plans.

Losing my parents at a young age

Like most of you, I have faced challenges along the way.

Mike Marcotte with his mom, Patricia, around 2001 — My mom, Patricia, and me around 2001.

I lost my mom, Patricia, to cancer when I was 17 and a senior in high school. She passed away three months after she was diagnosed. Pat was the kindest person I have ever known. She didn’t complain and was always willing to help. Sometimes I wonder how my life would be different if she were still here. On Mother’s Day 2020, I dedicated this article to my mom.

When I was 24, my dad had a stroke. As the oldest child in my family, I was forced to make a sudden decision; whether we keep my dad on life support or say goodbye. We weren’t aware of an established health care directive, so I had to go with my gut. He died May 1, 2011. It was an experience that ripped members of my family apart.

These were tough experiences to live through, especially as a young adult.

Living with epilepsy

Mike Marcotte undergoing a sleep study with his neurologist — Undergoing a sleep study with my neurologist.

When I was 28, I was diagnosed with epilepsy after two frightening seizures occurred while I was working. I was at a restaurant and people thought I showed up drunk. My coworker knew something was wrong so she removed me from the situation. After my condition didn’t improve, she brought me to the hospital. It was in the car, along the side of the highway, where I had my first seizure. My coworker was driving and pulled over. A nurse saw her frantically get out of the car and they both helped me until an ambulance arrived.

There was no history of epilepsy in my family, so the diagnosis came as a surprise. That quickly forced me to become more in tune with my well-being. You can read more about my journey with epilepsy here.

Every day, I keep my head up high, my attitude in check and keep moving forward. It’s what my parents would have wanted.

From teaching to Minnesota television

I received my degree in elementary education in 2008, a year that was not great for landing a job. So life took me in another direction.

After working at a nonprofit for two years after college, I spent nearly nine years as a television producer for Twin Cities Live, a lifestyle show on the ABC-TV affiliate in Minneapolis. It was a lot of fun. Every day offered something new. I produced multiple weddings, including one in Mexico. I also executed trips with viewers, including a two-week cruise of the Mediterranean, where we met the Barbary macaques of Gibraltar. You can watch that video here.

When I started at KSTP, I had no experience in television producing. But thanks to the well-rounded education I received in college, the activities I was involved with at Gustavus and the people I met, I had a solid base. I live each day with the mentality that you never know where or when your next opportunity will present itself.

Right at the beginning of the COVID pandemic, I left KSTP and took a job as an Events Manager for a nonprofit. But I couldn’t stay away from television for long. In July 2021, I rejoined KSTP-TV in a new role, creating a new lifestyle show from scratch in less than 60 days. I was the executive producer for Minnesota Live for more than four years. I also oversaw Twin Cities Live and its team for three years.

In January 2026, I joined St. Paul-based Goff Public as a senior account manager, bringing my television background into public relations, media strategy and content creation.

Mike Marcotte presenting a Guinness World Records certificate to record holder Diana Armstrong — Presenting the Guinness World Records plaque to Diana Armstrong, the record holder for the longest fingernails on a pair of hands (female).

For seven years, I worked as an adjudicator for Guinness World Records. The Minnesota Star Tribune followed me to a record attempt and wrote a feature article on me in 2019. My favorite record I witnessed is the longest fingernails on a pair of hands. I conducted this interview on the GWR YouTube channel with that record holder. You’ll see me appear after the three-minute mark.

Thanks to my career, I’ve spoken in front of crowds and often have a microphone in my hand, hence the name of this website, Give Me The Mike.

Mike Marcotte and coworkers dressed as Flintstones characters on a television set for Halloween — Halloween on set of one of the television shows I worked on.

Mike Marcotte emceeing a charity walk at Allianz Field in St. Paul — Emceeing a charity walk at the home of Minnesota United soccer team.

I’m a go, go, go kind of guy. My Google Calendar is well laid out so I maximize time.

Mike Marcotte speaking at a Minnesota Boychoir fundraiser — Speaking at a fundraiser for the Minnesota Boychoir (I was a member as a kid).

There are days I look back at what I’ve accomplished since I said goodbye to my parents. So much has changed. The boy who wanted to be a fifth grade teacher is not in a classroom. There are days I wish I could share the triumphs and challenges with Mom and Dad. Fortunately, I have an amazing network of people who cheer me on.

Mike Marcotte holding the First Decade Award from Gustavus Adolphus College in 2018 — Accepting the First Decade Award at Gustavus Adolphus College in 2018.

In 2018, my college alma mater, Gustavus, awarded me their First Decade Award, an honor given to one or two alumni from each graduating class. It was humbling to even be nominated. I graduated in a class of about 650 people, filled with incredible classmates who have accomplished amazing things. At the reception, I spoke in a hall full of alumni about how my life has really been unpredictable.

Every time I face adversity, a door has opened providing an amazing opportunity to grow.

What you’ll find on Give Me The Mike

This website is a collection of what I have experienced in life and showcases my love for Minnesota.

It’s also a home for another passion of mine: compiling survey results. Ever since I was the editor of my middle school newspaper, I have surveyed classmates, television viewers, friends and others to create lists. For some reason, I really love top five lists. I always like to know what people vote as “the best.” Today, that passion has evolved into my Best of Minnesota Guides. From the best coffee shops to the five best pizzerias, I put a call out for votes and showcase the best businesses in the North Star State. View a full roundup of my Best of Minnesota Guides here.

The Minnesota State Fair has been part of my life for decades. With the exception of 2020, when the Fair was canceled, I’ve attended every year since 1990. I have worked at the fair for over 20 years, giving me a behind-the-scenes perspective on the fairgrounds, its traditions and what makes the Great Minnesota Get-Together so special.

Today, the State Fair is one of the biggest focuses of Give Me The Mike. Each year, I share guides, food recommendations, tips and other resources to help people make the most of their visit. Click here for my State Fair coverage.

Minnesota Holiday Lights Guide from Give Me The Mike

One of my biggest annual projects is the Minnesota Holiday Lights Guide. I launched it in 2017 after realizing there weren’t many comprehensive resources showing where Minnesotans could see holiday lights. In 2026, the guide celebrates its 10th year and features hundreds of residential displays and large holiday light shows across Minnesota.

Mike Marcotte with his husband, Cody, on their wedding day in May 2026 — With my husband, Cody on our wedding day in May 2026.

What’s next

My husband, Cody, and I were married in May 2026. We love exploring, especially with his two kids.

I’m also working with writer Kate Leibfried on a book designed to help people understand what it’s really like to move to and live in Minnesota. We’re gathering stories, advice and perspectives from people around the state as we develop the book. Learn more about “The Minnesota Welcome Guide” here.

I’d love for you to connect with me on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok or fill out the contact form below to share a message.

Thank you for visiting!
-Mike

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Frequently asked questions about Mike Marcotte

Who is Mike Marcotte?
Mike Marcotte is a Minnesota content creator, public relations professional and former television producer. He created Give Me The Mike in 2017, where he publishes Minnesota guides, State Fair coverage and local recommendations.

What is Give Me The Mike?
Give Me The Mike is a Minnesota-focused website created by Mike Marcotte in 2017. It features guides to Minnesota attractions, food, events, the Minnesota State Fair, holiday lights and other local experiences.

Did Mike Marcotte work at KSTP-TV?
Yes. Marcotte spent much of his career at Hubbard Broadcasting and KSTP-TV, including serving as executive producer of Minnesota Live and overseeing the team behind Twin Cities Live.

Was Mike Marcotte a Guinness World Records adjudicator?
Yes. Marcotte worked as a Guinness World Records adjudicator for seven years, witnessing and certifying record attempts.

What is Mike Marcotte’s connection to the Minnesota State Fair?
Marcotte has attended the Minnesota State Fair every year since 1990 except 2020 and worked at the Fair for over 20 years. He regularly publishes State Fair guides and food coverage on Give Me The Mike.

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Reproduction of all content on this website, in part or whole, is prohibited without prior written consent by Give Me The Mike.

Mike Marcotte

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Give Me The Mike is a Minnesota guide to good food, local events and places worth exploring. Created by Mike Marcotte, the site shares restaurant recommendations, seasonal guides and ideas for making the most of life in Minnesota.

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