Q&A With Lakewood’s Most-Clicked Comedian

Mike Polk never planned to get millions of page views on YouTube for his hilarious videos — and he didn't set out to do them to get rich.

Mostly, he produces the videos to amuse himself.

His latest, video “I’m a Stupid Cat” hauled in nearly five million views.

In three weeks.

(Be warned: The videos all contain language that may be offensive to some)

The guy who brought us the Hastily Made Cleveland Tourism Video (parts one and two) keeps himself busy. He’s got an advertising gig that allows him to work from his Lakewood home. He’s also the co-founder of Last Call Cleveland sketch comedy group.

Polk, a Youngstown native and nine-year resident of Lakewood, took a moment to talk about his successes and the plans for the future. 

What was it about the “Stupid Cat” video that resonated so much with people?

It’s one of those things I made in my room in no time. I just got the cat — I’m trying to teach myself how to love. My friend said “that’s going to be huge.” I didn’t think it would be. He said “stupid people who like look at cat videos are going to like it. And then smart people who know you’re making fun of cat videos are going to like it. And it’s going to hit both of those demographics.” I am paraphrasing, of course. But he was right ... You never know what’s going to connect with people.

Can’t you make money from these videos?

I will do a video once in a while that blows up. Then I’ll do a video where 27 people watch it. I am fine with that. I could have made a little money off ... Do I want ads all over this thing or not? If I was a little more broke, then I probably would have. I don’t care enough to junk it up.

You’ve gotten a lot of flack for your videos. What’s up with that?

I don’t begrudge people. I think the negativity is hilarious. Some people just don’t get it. When people say ”I like a good joke as much as the next person,” they don’t really like a good joke as much as the next person.

What do you love about Lakewood? 

It’s my speed. The whole Cleveland area is my speed. The family aspect helps. I like being around them. I know it’s cliché, but I like the people here. Lakewood’s a good city. I don’t know where I’ll end up, but I will stay here as long as I can.

What’s next?

I don’t have a mapped out plan. What’s next is something else will happen at some point, and someone will ask me what’s next. I don’t have an end goal. I wish I have more of a life plan, but I really don’t.