Turning the Tables on Local Trivia Purveyor Michael Hatfield

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Michael Hatfield — a.k.a. Hatfield, Albo, DJ Mike, Deeej, The Claw, Trivia Monkey or That Trivia Guy — is the owner and founder of MonkeyBR and host of its ever popular Let’s Get Quizzical trivia nights. Hatfield’s trivia nights have provided local Baton Rouge residents, turned trivia junkies, their weekly fix with a helping of food, competition and good times on the side.

Recently I decided to turn the tables on That Trivia Guy by asking him questions about himself, Baton Rouge, and his Feb. 28 talk at TEDxLSU 2015.

What’s one song from your deejay days that you don’t want to hear again?

The chorus goes like this, “bwok bwok, chicken chicken, bwok bwok, chicken heads, bwok bwok, chicken chicken, bwok bwok, chicken heads” and repeat four times. “Chickenhead” by Project Pat. The only song I remember I refused to play. Oh, and it’s never Nickelback.

What’s the most b.s.-sounding, true fact you know?

I’ve come across countless facts, but I’m a big fan of perspective, such as Betty White is older than sliced bread, Jack Black’s parents are both rocket scientists and butterflies are cannibals. I’m also a fan of stats, and a favorite is that if you shuffle a deck of 52 cards, it’s extremely likely that the new order has never existed in history. The number of possible variations is 68 digits long.

What attracted you to Baton Rouge and what keeps you here?

School brought me here and the small town, big city vibe kept me here. So I came for school, stayed for the city. I’ve had many friends complain that they can’t wait to get out of here because there is nothing to do. I think there is plenty to do here, and I’d like to change people’s perspective. Not every city can be New Orleans.

What connects you to Baton Rouge?

My family is from smalltownville in Ohio and I visited a lot in my childhood. So from growing up in New Orleans and spending summers and Christmases in tinytown, Ohio, Baton Rouge fits as a combination of both. Also, being a college town, there is always a constant flow of new people moving in to stay for a few years or more, so it tends to be very welcoming. I believe first impressions are very important and there are a lot more in college towns than others.

If you were to make a change in our community right now, what would it be?

Baton Rouge can be very cliquey. I never understood that. Even in high school I never understood the concept of “my friends aren’t friends with your friends so I don’t like you.” I crossed cliques in high school — being friends with the brains, the athletes, the basketcases, the princesses — but not so much the criminals. You can’t trust them.

As you’re preparing for TEDxLSU 2015, what TED talks are inspiring you?

The one that first comes to mind is Jarrett J. Krosoczka’s talk on his “Lunch Lady” graphic novel series. I have a great respect for people who appreciate the underappreciated — the people that recognize individuals who have earned our respect but often never get it.

What’s the topic you can go on for hours about without getting tired?

It’s a close race between food and film. I love food. I love film. I could just read menus or recipes from around the country and watch endless movies. That might explain why “Ratatouille” is one of my favorite films.

What’s something stupid you used to do in middle school to be “cool”?

Well, my middle school was very very small — I mean maybe about 160 kids in kindergarten through 8th grade. Most everyone was friends so there was no need or desire to be “cool”.

But in high school, one word: “denim”. At one point I had a denim jacket, a denim shirt, a denim backpack, and of course jeans. And yes, a few times I wore the whole shebang.

If you could ask a question to one of the other TEDxLSU 2015 speakers, what would you ask?

Well due to a previous question, the first that pops into mind is: Mr. [John] Besh, will you be my personal chef?

To learn more about Michael and TEDxLSU 2015, follow TEDxLSU on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Connect with Michael and her fellow speakers on Feb. 28.