Spira
early years
Weighing in at 250 pounds Professor Spira—Micheal Goecke—was a varsity offensive lineman for his high school American football team.
“…a normal meal could consist of two chili cheese footlong hotdogs, five root beers, popcorn, and a cheeseburger at our neighborhood Root Beer Stand.”
Spira's excessive eating was not only accepted, it gave him social status.Despite this, Spira craved to have control over his weight.This desire would find fulfillment through his passion for music.After finishing high school, Spira continued his academic journey at the prestigious:University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of MusicIn the realm of academics, Spira thrived.Socially, he embraced the experiences of college life, both legal and otherwise.Unfortunately, his health took a downward turn.He continued to consume the same extreme meals he once ate as an active varsity athlete, but now, there was a crucial difference:He no longer engaged in regular exercise.
“I practiced my trombone for 8-12 hours a day. I ate huge meals and then practiced for hours, only taking breaks to smoke and eat candy bars or Doritos.”
At 19 years old Spira weighed 300 pounds, had diagnosed sleep apnea, and lived a life plagued with chronic ailments.
“I had chronic migraine headaches, arthritis, bad allergies, frequent nose bleeds, painful hemorrhoids, and yearly bouts of bronchitis.”
Spira was determined to regain control over both his weight and his health.He knew about various diet trends and tried a few, but they left him unimpressed and unsuccessful.Spira began to exercise regularly and experimented with different health and diet supplements.Eventually, feeling discouraged, he reverted to his habit of daily overeating, believing that his fate was sealed, and he would meet his end when the time came