September 16, 2025 • 62 mins
Meet Michael J. Wistock: The Executive by Day, Rockstar by Night
What does it take to thrive in two drastically different worlds—corporate boardrooms and rock stages—while still managing to keep your feet on the ground (and your heart full)? My guest, Michael J. Wistock, is the definition of a modern renaissance man who proves that passion and professionalism don’t have to live in separate lanes.
By title, Michael holds a high-powered position in the corporate world as Senior Vice President of Global Sales in the telecom space. His work takes him around the globe, navigating strategic partnerships, closing multimillion-dollar deals, and leading teams in high-stakes environments. But what truly sets Michael apart is that once the blazer comes off, the mic comes on.
That’s right—Michael is also the frontman and creative heartbeat behind The Sunset Riot, a rock band that blends gritty soul, explosive guitar riffs, and raw emotion into a sound that stays with you long after the lights go down. Whether it’s writing lyrics in hotel rooms between meetings or flying straight from a client dinner to a soundcheck, Michael juggles it all with a rare kind of grace and grit.
And just when you think his plate couldn’t get any fuller—he recently stepped into another lifelong role: husband. Michael is newly married to the beautiful Red, his partner, muse, and biggest supporter. Her influence is woven into much of his music and decision-making, offering him both grounding and inspiration in equal measure.
It’s not just about balance for Michael—it’s about integration. He doesn’t compartmentalize his life; he blends it. Each role fuels the other. His corporate mindset brings structure and drive to the band, while the creative spark from music adds color and emotional depth to his business strategies.
In our conversation, we dive into how Michael manages the constant travel, the secret to switching gears between boardrooms and backstage, and how love, music, and leadership all play into his ever-evolving journey. Trust me—you don’t want to miss this one.
What does it take to thrive in two drastically different worlds—corporate boardrooms and rock stages—while still managing to keep your feet on the ground (and your heart full)? My guest, Michael J. Wistock, is the definition of a modern renaissance man who proves that passion and professionalism don’t have to live in separate lanes.
By title, Michael holds a high-powered position in the corporate world as Senior Vice President of Global Sales in the telecom space. His work takes him around the globe, navigating strategic partnerships, closing multimillion-dollar deals, and leading teams in high-stakes environments. But what truly sets Michael apart is that once the blazer comes off, the mic comes on.
That’s right—Michael is also the frontman and creative heartbeat behind The Sunset Riot, a rock band that blends gritty soul, explosive guitar riffs, and raw emotion into a sound that stays with you long after the lights go down. Whether it’s writing lyrics in hotel rooms between meetings or flying straight from a client dinner to a soundcheck, Michael juggles it all with a rare kind of grace and grit.
And just when you think his plate couldn’t get any fuller—he recently stepped into another lifelong role: husband. Michael is newly married to the beautiful Red, his partner, muse, and biggest supporter. Her influence is woven into much of his music and decision-making, offering him both grounding and inspiration in equal measure.
It’s not just about balance for Michael—it’s about integration. He doesn’t compartmentalize his life; he blends it. Each role fuels the other. His corporate mindset brings structure and drive to the band, while the creative spark from music adds color and emotional depth to his business strategies.
In our conversation, we dive into how Michael manages the constant travel, the secret to switching gears between boardrooms and backstage, and how love, music, and leadership all play into his ever-evolving journey. Trust me—you don’t want to miss this one.
Mark as Played
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!