Mike (Mikey) was born to Irene & Lindy Doney in Helena, Mt. and was adopted by his grandparents Ira and Mary (Big Beaver) TalksDifferent. He grew up in Hays where he attended the Mission school where he was an Alter boy for 12 years.  He then moved to Flandreau where he attended high school.  While there he broke the record for the 440 yard dash, which still holds today.

Mike entered the Airforce in August 1963 and was honorably discharged in April 1975.  Mike was a B52 Jet aircraft mechanic & crew chief.  He is a life member of the disabled American Veteran and served in the Southeast Asia war (Vietnam).  Mike was employed with the department of veteran affairs as the Tribal veteran outreach coordinator.  Mike graduated from the Fort Belknap Community College in 1992 with his associates' degree in Human Services.  In 2018 Mike was elected to sit on the Fort Belknap Assiniboine treaty committee.

Mike loved to sing, he was taught by Grandpa Ira.  He knew songs for every ceremony.  He would sing when the sun came up, all through the day, and when the sun went down.  He was asked to sing for many dignitaries, Senators, Governors, Lieutenant Governor, Bishops, Monsignors, Priests, and many veterans and their families.  Mike loved to spend time with his grandchildren, going to Cross Country meets, Volley ball, and basketball games and wrestling tournaments cheering them all on.

Mike was preceded in death by Grandpa Ira and Mary TalksDifferent.  His late wife Mari TalksDifferent, brothers Alvin "Cubby" TalksDifferent, Clarence TalksDifferent, Bobby TalksDifferent, and Sherman TalksDifferent,  Daughters Anna TalksDifferent, Gerarda TalksDifferent, Elisha(Tiny) TalksDifferent and Petaga TalksDifferent, along with numerous other relatives.

He is survived by his daughters, Dori TalksDifferent, Tisha TalksDifferent, Ada TalksDifferent, Carrie TalksDifferent, Shelley (Monte) Jeffres, Valerie (William) Blackcrow, Kelly (Andy) Messerly, Mariel (Dwight) TalksDifferent, and adopted granddaughter Aizha TalksDifferent, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and lots of relatives.