10 years

Usually, I write these newsletters on Sunday evening as a sort of weekly journal. Then, the next day, I will read it over, fix the text and send it out.

However, this one took me over a week as I thought about what to write.

On one hand, I don’t want to sound too sentimental; on the other, I don’t want to take away from the impact.

So here it is.

Just over 10 years ago, I quit my dream job at a movie studio (due to the disillusionment with the industry and a death in my family, which hit me hard).

I knew I needed a change, and as I was looking where to turn, there was an ad from Australia.

A guy needed help with his true crime podcast and wanted someone with knowledge of sound production.

I didn’t know what a podcast was, but out of curiosity, I answered the call.

This week, it’s been 10 years since our Anonymous Host, aka Casey, published the first episode of Casefile.

I joined episode 6 or 7 and have been with him since then.

Through lows and highs, we tried to make a business and a job out of this strange project. And because there was no roadmap, we had to make it up as we went along.

Ten years is a long time.

Ten years at one job is a very long time. Especially in the current climate.

But doing something for 10 years and with each one being not less, but more excited is very unusual.

But instead of platitudes and saying how much I love the work, I wanted to list how one person and his decision can affect so many people.

First of all, being part of this project reignited my love for music and creativity, which was knocked out of me at my last job.

Over the years, we have released 25 shows with hundreds of episodes. Some, like Casefile, are still going, and others were limited series.

Being in charge of production and music meant I composed hundreds of hours of music, mixed thousands of tracks, and expressed myself artistically in ways I never expected.

Culminating in getting my Master’s in composition last year.

My appreciation of art is now deeper than ever and growing each year.

The control over my time meant that I could be there for my family when they needed help and not worry about asking for a day off.

Yes, working from home has its challenges, but the pros vastly outweigh any complaints.

The money meant that I could enjoy what I love the most - live music, theatre, events, and performances like ballet.

It meant that I could help my loved ones with finances and go on holidays or to events together.

Or by giving them work on various projects, so they can get new skills, earn some cash, while they figure out their next steps.

Most of all, it inspired me to try things on my own. It showed me that it is possible to make a living doing something creative and fulfilling. It’s hard; most projects won’t work, but it’s possible.

Writing a book, composing an album, growing a YouTube channel.

These things don’t scare me anymore; they seem normal.

And I believe that by showing what is possible, by proxy, I too inspired other people around me to take chances. To travel, to try new things. To express themselves.

And that’s just around me, my little circle.

All of the people who worked with us over the years have been a part of it, too.

Families of victims, journalists, police officers, authors, writers, editors, and researchers.

And of course, millions of people who tune in to listen to our shows regularly.

All of it because one person decided to express his creativity 10 years ago and publish it online.

No agenda, no business plan, no expectations.

Just gave it a go.

If that’s not inspiring, then I don’t know what is.

Thank you, Casey.

P.S.

I wish us another 10 exciting years of working together, on whatever fate throws at us. I could not have asked for a more skilled and talented group of people to work with.

It is a privilege.

WORK

Casefile/Podcasting

We are kicking off 2026 with a re-record of our earliest episodes! Starting with the first case ever released. Completely re-recorded and done up to the current production standards.

YouTube

I really like the video we published last week, but it’s a niche subject, so unfortunately, it wasn’t picked up by the algorithm.

BOOKS

Wiedźmin by Andrzej Sapkowski

There are eight or nine books in the series. I am currently finishing the 2nd book of the Witcher stories, and after that, the main Geralt/Ciri saga begins. Perfect for my long flight this week.

I also decided to incorporate more Polish books into my reading habits. For years, I stuck to English authors, and with that comes certain bias. So I will be mixing it up from now on, and The Witcher (Wiedźmin) is the perfect start to 2026.

LIVE

The Classic Rock Show

The first ‘gig’ of the year was an evening full of classic rock songs performed by very skilled musicians. Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Ozzy and many others. It was perfectly put together and fun, but…

Because the audience was on the older side, it was a seated gig, and so it was a strange vibe of being at a rock concert and yet sitting down and trying to be polite to other members of the audience. And even though the singer said there were no rules, I don’t think security heard him, as they quickly ushered everyone back to their seats when they tried to move.

MOVIES/TV

You S5

After finishing Stranger Things, we jumped on the last season of You. And like with other Netflix series, it’s just a little bit stretched out. The novelty wears off, and the later seasons are vague repeats of what worked in the first one. Putting it all aside, it’s still a good, comfort watch. And fun. It doesn’t need to be more than that.

That’s it for now. Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you (hopefully!) next week!

Mike

https://mikemigas.com/

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