In Final Get-a-Grip Episode, Co-Founder Michael Colligan Says He Did It for Money

I did not plan on watching the final episode of Get-A-Grip on Lighting. The episode, titled “Final Episode – Side 1 – Stay Dangerous,” felt like a natural ending. Michael Colligan and Greg Ehrich had their run, and I was content to let it conclude quietly.

However, an email arrived suggesting I needed to watch the episode, starting at the 12-minute mark. Reluctantly, I did.  What followed was not subtle. In fact, Michael plainly stated what motivated him all along. He said he did it for money.

Two Very Different Motivations

At EdisonReport, motivation matters. That is why this moment stood out. For more than 25 years, EdisonReport has existed to advocate for the lighting industry. That mission has remained consistent from day one. Likewise, almost all people involved in lighting media share that same purpose. They are not driven my money or clicks.  Most are personal friends, and nearly all are motivated by a genuine love of the industry.

Michael Colligan says something different.

To be clear, Get-A-Grip on Lighting did important work. The podcast broke ground. There were strong episodes, real humor, and moments of insight. It worked because of the balance between the two hosts. Michael would push. Greg would pull back. That tension gave the show its energy. 

For many years, I enjoyed the podcast, appeared occasionally as a guest, and believed they were doing solid, meaningful work. Over time, however, the tone shifted. In the final stretch, the podcasts became increasingly aggressive and, at moments, crossed into territory that felt reckless and even mean-spirited.

It is also important to say this. Your humble editor had many private conversations with Michael over the years. Michael is bright, funny, and very articulate. While we disagreed on certain issues, those disagreements were always thoughtful and informed. He is unquestionably smart, deeply knowledgeable, and he genuinely loves the lighting industry. Those qualities are real, and they should not be dismissed simply because of how the final episode explains his motivations.

Still, that episode reframes everything that came before it.

“I Made Good Money on Get a Grip on Lighting”

At around the 12-minute mark, the discussion turns directly to money.

Michael says, “… I made good money on Get a Grip on Lighting. NAILD it was a pain in the butt. It was a lot of work for not a lot of money…we used that money, buddy, to fly around the world first class and stay in the best hotels in the world, dude.”

Greg responds, “We did. We had a lot of good trips together. And you know, we learned every time we did those.”

This exchange is telling. Michael leads with money and luxury. Greg agrees, but immediately reframes the experience around learning. That contrast is not accidental. In fact, it explains much of the show’s longevity.

Michael then continues, “We ate at some of the best restaurants in Europe and America…this money that we made from Get a Grip on Lighting was pure fun money, dude. Like we did whatever we wanted…”

At this point, there is no ambiguity. Michael is not speaking figuratively. He is describing the podcast as discretionary income. If he ended there it would have been OK. 

The Freedom of a Side Hustle

Soon after, at the 14-minute mark, the conversation shifts to why the “side hustle” mattered so much.

Michael explains, “There was something about the side hustle nature of it that was very liberating. You know, if this was your full-time gig and that was the money you earned to pay for everything, if you didn’t have a lighting distribution business, that was your primary source of income. Not that this was bad money, but…if that was your primary source of income, you’re for sure going to be compromised. Easily compromised, Greg.”

Greg responds, “Oh, yeah. Yeah, you have to be…”

Here, Michael acknowledges something important. Financial dependence changes behavior. 

“We Did It for the Money…”

Later in the episode, at the 28-minute mark, Michael makes the point even more directly.  He says, “I would say we did it for the money. Mostly. No?”  I cringed upon hearing this.  Greg immediately pushes back, saying, “I would say we did it for the experience.”

That brief disagreement explains the entire arc of Get-A-Grip on Lighting. Michael chased money and reaction. Greg emphasized growth and perspective. One created headlines. The other provided balance.

Because of that balance, the podcast lasted far longer than many expected.

When the Model No Longer Worked

Toward the end of the episode, Greg reflects on change and decision-making. At the 28:39 mark, he explains the value of listening, discussion, and recognizing when something no longer works.

He says, “…if you’re not doing something right, if your business model doesn’t make sense, listen to people and change it. Make it make sense and it’ll be better for you in the long run. I promise.”

And that is exactly what happened.

The podcast ended because the model no longer made sense. More importantly, the final episode clarified something else entirely. It clarified motivation.

Michael Colligan did not stumble into success. He did not accidentally profit. By his own words, he did it for money.

That admission reframes the entire series. It does not erase the good work. It does not negate the impact. However, it does explain the tone, the direction, and ultimately, the exit.

Sometimes, the most revealing moment comes at the very end.

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