Michael was there for the moments—traveling with Brad Roulier and Shawn Sabo of Manufactured Superstars, experiencing the highs of nightlife, and watching the dance music industry evolve from the inside. In this episode, he talks about those experiences, the wild stories from the road, and how they shaped his perspective. From nights at Beta to festivals around the world, he shares how those moments influenced the brands and restaurants he’s built today.

He gets into what it was like being around Manufactured Superstars during their rise, the craziness of the touring lifestyle, and the behind-the-scenes moments that never made it to the stage. There are stories from their time in Vegas, Miami, and international shows, plus insight into how those experiences shaped his approach to business. From nightlife to hospitality, it’s all connected in ways he didn’t see at the time but make perfect sense now.

That path led him to launch Bao Brewhouse, one of Denver’s most well-known modern Asian dining spots, and expand into the restaurant and hospitality industry. His time spent in the nightlife and music world gave him a unique understanding of what makes an experience memorable, and that perspective carried over into his approach to food, service, and atmosphere. He talks about the transition from being in clubs to running restaurants, the lessons that carried over, and how he built something that reflects the energy and culture he grew up around.

Superstar Diaries is all about the stories that shaped dance music, nightlife, and the people behind it. Hosted by Brad Roulier and Shawn Sabo of Manufactured Superstars, the podcast dives into the culture, the industry, and the wild moments that come with it.

00:00 Introduction to Superstar Diaries Podcast

00:18 Introducing Michael Swift

01:19 Tour Memories and Adventures

03:23 Unforgettable Nights in Miami

05:41 Meeting Through Basketball

09:11 Beta Nightclub Experiences

15:39 Creating Bao: The Concept and Inspiration

29:23 Signature Moves and Ice Cube Antics

29:45 Tour Memories and Go-Go Dancing

32:12 Meeting My Wife in the Music Industry

36:37 Celebrating the Nuggets' Championship

39:26 Planning and Hosting Epic Parties

44:08 The Magic of Liquid Nitrogen at Beta

47:15 The Origins of Manufactured Superstars

54:33 Creating Memorable DJ Sets

59:15 Unique Approaches to Audience Engagement

59:41 The Evolution of Production in Live Shows

01:01:00 Creating Memorable Experiences in Restaurants

01:01:41 The Importance of Paying It Forward

01:02:18 Personal and Professional Goals for the Year

01:04:48 The Dumpling Machine and Restaurant Ventures

01:07:32 The Asian Toilet Experience

01:13:58 Memorable Moments in the Music Industry

01:23:27 Reflections and Future Plans