BUILT FROM CHAOS GOES TO LA
Author. Podcast host. Now a featured voice at the LA Times Festival of Books.
April 15–19, 2026 · Los Angeles, CA
Michael Tandoi didn't start in the literary world. He built a multi-million dollar paving business from absolute nothing on the streets of Rochester, NY. But his story—one of brutal addiction, incarceration, and an unwavering road back to God—demanded to be told. That story became The Man I Was Destined to Be.
Taking the stage at the LA Times Festival of Books isn't just another appearance. As a featured author with his own named booth at one of the largest and most prestigious book festivals in the United States, this moment represents a massive leap in mainstream literary credibility and national exposure.
It's a full-circle moment. From taking photos at the official "Books on Spotify" installation—the very platform where the Built From Chaos podcast lives and thrives—to engaging with readers who resonate with his unfiltered truth.
This trip signals the future of Built From Chaos. It's no longer just a podcast or a local success story. It is a rapidly growing media brand, proving that no matter how far you fall, the rebuild can take you to stages you never imagined.
Live from LA
Raw moments from the trip — straight from Michael's lens. No filters. Just the energy of a kid from Rochester standing on one of the biggest literary stages in the country.
Inside the Trip
Moments in Motion
Swipe through the trip — booth, crowds, and the Spotify moment.
The same festival that featured Larry David, Lionel Richie, Susan Lucci, and Jamie Garth.Michael Tandoi was there — with his own author booth and his story to tell.
The Man I Was Destined to Be
Addiction, Incarceration, and the Road Back to God — Michael's raw and unfiltered story of hitting rock bottom and rebuilding everything.
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