Mick Unplugged

1. Landon McKinnis: From Rejection to Shark Tank, Why He Never Quit

   22 octobre 202649 minÉpisode 298

   Landon McKinnis wanted his mom and his kids to be proud of the man he was becoming. That purpose kept him moving as he built GoNutz through rejection, grief, and the uncertainty of entrepreneurship. In this …

   Notes de l’épisode

   Landon McKinnis wanted his mom and his kids to be proud of the man he was becoming. That purpose kept him moving as he built GoNutz through rejection, grief, and the uncertainty of entrepreneurship.

   In this episode of Mick Unplugged, Landon joins me to talk about the because behind his work. He reflects on growing up in Shawnee, Kansas, facing racial discrimination, and finding his own identity. He also shares how faith helped him learn patience when things weren't happening on his timeline.

   We get into the business journey, too: the first shipment of inventory, a viral TikTok moment, slowing sales, and the Shark Tank email he initially thought was a joke. Landon explains how being prepared helped him respond to the opportunity, what it felt like to pitch the Sharks, and why listening to customers matters.

   
   

   YOU’LL HEAR

   - The family relationships behind Landon's purpose

   - How childhood experiences shaped his work ethic and sense of identity

   - The challenges that followed going viral

   - Why business records, numbers, and preparation mattered before Shark Tank

   - What customer feedback taught him about the product he was building

   - How he stays focused when competitors have bigger budgets and teams

   - A friendly Kansas City versus Carolina barbecue debate

   
   

   EPISODE CHAPTERS

   00:00 Faith, Patience, and Being Ready

   00:16 Welcome to Landon McKinnis

   01:12 The Because: Family, Purpose, and Making Them Proud

   03:47 The Unplugged Truth: Identity, Setbacks, and Faith

   09:18 The Hot Takes: Building GoNutz and the Shark Tank Journey

   33:46 The Room: The Opportunity That Changed Everything

   38:31 The Unplugged 5: Barbecue, Resourcefulness, and Running Your Own Race

   43:14 Friendship, GoNutz, and Your Because

   Put it into practice: Choose one useful step you can take with the resources you have today. Keep your attention on the work in front of you and the people you're doing it for.

   Follow Mick Unplugged for more conversations about purpose, leadership, and the because behind the work.

   
   

   Connect & Discover Landon McKinnis

   GoNutz / ORBÉ: https://thegonutz.com/

   Founder story: https://thegonutz.com/pages/orbe-story

   This conversation uses the GoNutz name. The company's current website introduces ORBÉ as its new primary brand.

   
   

   FOLLOW MICK

   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/

   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickunplugged/

   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MickUnpluggedPodcast

   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/

   Website: https://mickhuntofficial.com/

   Book: How to Be a Good Leader When You've Never Had One

   https://howtobeagoodleader.com/

   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mick-unplugged/id1731755953

   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cUp7JRzkVqunYmD2ENe4g

   Content note: Discussion of grief, racial discrimination, and personal grooming.

   #mickunplugged #landonmckinnis #gonutz #sharktank #entrepreneurship

   
   

2. Chef André Rush: Strength Through Service

   19 octobre 202649 minÉpisode 297

   This is a previously recorded conversation, returning as a Mick Unplugged re-release. References to upcoming projects reflect the time of recording. Chef André Rush's strength reaches far beyond the kitchen or …

   Notes de l’épisode

   This is a previously recorded conversation, returning as a Mick Unplugged re-release. References to upcoming projects reflect the time of recording.

   Chef André Rush's strength reaches far beyond the kitchen or the gym. In this conversation, the U.S. Army veteran, former White House chef, and mental health advocate shares the mission that keeps him serving others through grief, setbacks, and success.

   Mick and Chef Rush talk about checking in on the people you love, the stigma around asking for help, and why compassion belongs alongside discipline. Chef Rush reflects on September 11 at the Pentagon, a moment of connection at therapy, and the lessons his parents gave him about hard work and perseverance.

   The conversation also explores how cooking became his calling, the accountability required inside the White House, and the experiences behind his memoir, Call Me Chef, Dammit! It closes with four rapid-fire questions and an exchange about mentorship, gratitude, and making an impact.

   
   

   You'll Hear

   - Why a simple conversation can help people feel connected

   - Chef Rush's answer to “What is your because?”

   - How personal loss shaped his commitment to children and veterans

   - His experience of trauma and the difficulty of asking for support

   - Why encouragement, empathy, and perseverance matter

   - How military service led him toward a culinary career

   - Accountability, teamwork, and the White House kitchen

   - The story behind his memoir and four candid rapid-fire answers

   
   

   CHAPTERS

   00:00 Check on each other: the cold open

   00:20 Meet Chef André Rush

   01:19 Why reaching out matters

   03:24 Choosing service and refusing complacency

   05:33 His father's lessons on hard work

   07:19 The Because: a mission beyond yourself

   10:22 Mick on friendship, loss, and connection

   13:05 Turning remembrance into a cause

   14:13 September 11, the Pentagon, and trauma

   17:14 Asking for help and challenging stigma

   20:12 A moment of connection at therapy

   20:43 Keep going: encouragement and resilience

   24:44 How cooking became his calling

   32:17 Accountability inside the White House

   35:35 The story behind Call Me Chef, Dammit!

   40:50 Food, patience, and plans discussed in the recording

   42:24 Four rapid-fire questions

   44:40 Gratitude, mentorship, and farewell

   
   

   CONNECT & DISCOVER CHEF ANDRÉ RUSH

   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realchefrush/

   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChefRush

   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chefrush

   Website: https://chefrush.com/

   Book discussed: Call Me Chef, Dammit! A Veteran's Journey from the Rural South to the White House

   
   

   FOLLOW MICK

   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/

   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickunplugged/

   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MickUnpluggedPodcast

   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/

   TikTok: @mickunplugged: https://www.tiktok.com/@mickunplugged

   Spotify, Mick Unplugged: https://open.spotify.com/show/2cUp7JRzkVqunYmD2ENe4g

   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mick-unplugged/id1731755953

   Mick Hunt Official: https://mickhuntofficial.com/

   Buy Mick's book, How to Be a Good Leader When You've Never Had One:

   https://www.amazon.com/Good-Leader-When-Youve-Never/dp/1394357958

   Content note: Discussion of suicide loss, grief, September 11, trauma, and mental health. Contains occasional strong language.

   
   

3. Adam Zeitsiff: Building Stronger Kids and Better Leaders

   15 octobre 202645 minÉpisode 296

   What happens when business experience becomes the foundation for a more personal mission? Adam Zeitsiff joins Mick Hunt to discuss youth fitness, purpose, and the leadership lessons behind building teams that …

   Notes de l’épisode

   What happens when business experience becomes the foundation for a more personal mission? Adam Zeitsiff joins Mick Hunt to discuss youth fitness, purpose, and the leadership lessons behind building teams that can carry a mission forward.

   From technology to Gold's Gym and LA Fitness, Adam reflects on the experiences that led him to his work with the Dominique Dawes Academy. He explains why a child's gold medal moment might be learning a cartwheel, gaining confidence, or discovering the value of practice.

   The conversation also explores the shop-floor example his grandfather set, the importance of asking for help, and why hiring and listening to capable people can change a business. They close with mentorship, lessons Adam wishes he had learned earlier, and The Unplugged Five.

   
   

   YOU'LL HEAR

   - Why Adam's because is centered on creating better opportunities for children.

   - How his technology background shaped his work in the fitness industry.

   - The mission behind helping kids find their own gold medal moments.

   - What his grandfather taught him about caring for the people on your team.

   - Why entrepreneurs need to ask for help, listen, and hire strong specialists.

   - His perspective on AI, mentorship, and the legacy he wants to leave.

   
   

   EPISODE CHAPTERS

   00:00 The mission behind the work

   00:33 Meet Adam Zeitsiff

   01:34 The Because: a mission centered on children

   05:45 Schools, parents, and physical activity

   08:55 The Unplugged Truth: technology meets fitness

   11:45 Leading at Gold's Gym

   14:32 Two different fitness business models

   16:05 Hot Takes: the Dominique Dawes Academy vision

   20:43 AI and the human side of fitness

   23:17 Finding a child's gold medal moments

   25:57 The Room: a grandfather's leadership example

   27:56 Asking for help and scaling a business

   30:01 Hiring and compensating the right people

   32:58 Mentorship and growing leaders from within

   34:25 Connecting with the academy

   35:11 Leadership lessons learned the hard way

   36:46 The Unplugged Five

   40:12 Legacy and making a difference

   
   

   CONNECT & DISCOVER Adam Zeitsiff:

   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-zeitsiff/

   Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/zeitscameraaction/

   Dominique Dawes Academy: https://www.dominiquedawesgymnasticsacademy.com/

   Academy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dominique-dawes-academy/

   Academy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dawesgymnasticsacademy

   
   

   FOLLOW MICK

   Mick Hunt Official: https://mickhuntofficial.com/

   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/

   TikTok: @mickunplugged https://www.tiktok.com/@mickunplugged

   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MickUnpluggedPodcast

   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/

   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mick-unplugged/id1731755953

   Spotify: Mick Unplugged https://open.spotify.com/show/2cUp7JRzkVqunYmD2ENe4g

   Buy Mick's book: How to Be a Good Leader When You've Never Had One

   https://www.amazon.com/Good-Leader-When-Youve-Never/dp/1394357958

   Your because is your superpower. Go unleash it.

   Content note: Contains occasional strong language. Business plans and expansion discussions reflect the time of recording.

   
   

   #mickunplugged #adamzeitsiff #kidsfitness #gymnastics

   
   

4. Mookie G: Behind the Laughter, Finding Purpose and Being Yourself

   12 octobre 202643 minÉpisode 295

   What does it take to stand in front of a room and make people laugh—even when the room goes quiet? Comedian Mookie G joins Mick for a candid, funny conversation about the work behind the punchline. He shares …

   Notes de l’épisode

   What does it take to stand in front of a room and make people laugh—even when the room goes quiet?

   Comedian Mookie G joins Mick for a candid, funny conversation about the work behind the punchline. He shares how his mother recognized his gift for bringing people joy, encouraged him to take a comedy class, and helped him discover his because.

   Mookie breaks down the difference between being funny online and performing live, the challenge of developing jokes, and why an audience’s silence does not always mean a set has failed. Mick and Mookie also explore authenticity, self-love, social media, and the patience it takes to keep showing up before the right opportunity arrives.

   Along the way: Houston sports loyalty, growing up in Beaumont, moving to Atlanta, and a rapid-fire conversation about comedy, food, and the legacy Mookie wants to leave.

   Listen for the purpose beneath the laughter—and the reminder to be yourself.

   In this episode:

   • Finding a because in bringing happiness and joy to others

   • The mother who saw a comedian before he saw it himself

   • Stage fright, audience energy, and learning to trust silence

   • Developing material through recorded conversations and real-life experience

   • Hosting, featuring, and headlining: different jobs, different rhythms

   • Using social media to build visibility while staying yourself

   • Self-love, consistency, and being ready for opportunity

   • Beaumont roots, Atlanta possibility, and a funny and friendly legacy

   
   

   CHAPTERS

   00:00 Cold open: becoming comfortable with silence

   00:27 Welcome and the comedy show where Mick and Mookie met

   02:36 The Because: bringing happiness and joy

   03:29 How his mother helped him discover comedy

   04:10 Being funny online versus performing on stage

   05:36 Tough rooms and protecting your own material

   07:42 The Unplugged Truth: developing jokes

   11:04 Hosting, featuring, and headlining

   12:42 Hot Takes: getting attention and staying yourself

   14:05 Building visibility through social media

   16:40 Be yourself, self-love, and finding joy

   18:23 Houston loyalty and Beaumont roots

   22:26 Why Atlanta felt full of possibility

   23:49 The Room: the comedy class that changed his path

   25:45 Trusting silence and finding your pace

   28:45 New projects and getting booked

   29:59 Performing your best when opportunity is watching

   33:15 Where to find Mookie and the story behind the merch

   34:47 The Unplugged Five: comedy, football, and food

   38:03 The legacy he wants to leave

   39:30 Closing: your because is your superpower

   Subscribe to Mick Unplugged for conversations about the because behind the journey.

   
   

   Connect & Discover Mookie G:

   Instagram: @mookie_g_comedy

   Facebook: @mookiegcomedy

   Website: mookieg.com

                             

   FOLLOW MICK ON:

   Spotify: MickUnplugged

   Instagram: @mickunplugged 

   Facebook: @mickunpluggedYouTube:  @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

   LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

   Website:  MickHuntOfficial.com

   Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

   Website: Leadloudseries.com

   Apple: MickUnplugged

   Book: How to be A Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One

   
   

5. D.L. Hughley on Charlie's Boy and the Conversation He Never Had

   8 octobre 202649 minÉpisode 294

   D.L. Hughley wanted one more conversation with his father. He put it into Charlie's Boy. In this episode of Mick Unplugged, D.L. joins me to talk about his new memoir, the man who raised him and the parts of …

   Notes de l’épisode

   D.L. Hughley wanted one more conversation with his father. He put it into Charlie's Boy.

   In this episode of Mick Unplugged, D.L. joins me to talk about his new memoir, the man who raised him and the parts of fatherhood he understands differently now.

   We get into duty, family silence and why providing for your children can become so consuming that being present gets pushed aside. D.L. shares what he learned about Charlie after his death and why he makes a deliberate effort to let his own children know him.

   I also tell D.L. how his backstage mentorship changed the way I approached my podcast and my business. We talk about knowing the rules, owning your decisions and understanding why people keep listening.

   You'll hear:

   - The conversation behind Charlie's Boy

   - What showing up does for a father-child relationship

   - The pressure to keep working, even when it costs you time at home

   - Why finding his way into comedy also brought survivor's guilt

   - A reunion 25 years after an act of kindness

   - D.L.'s take on freedom of speech, consequences and protecting your peace

   I'm giving a copy of Charlie's Boy to the first 100 people who DM "Charlie's Boy" to @mickunplugged on Instagram.

   https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/

   
   

   CHAPTERS

   00:00 The conversation D.L. never had with his father

   00:11 Meet D.L. Hughley

   00:55 The Because: Faith, hope and connection

   04:12 The Unplugged Truth: The father behind Charlie's Boy

   07:12 Duty, love and the words fathers do not say

   10:36 Why D.L. wrote Charlie's Boy

   11:45 Hot Takes: Hurt, offense and growth

   14:30 Free speech and consequences

   16:22 Fatherhood and the trust built by showing up

   21:56 What D.L. learned about Charlie's work life

   26:03 The Room: Finding a way forward through comedy

   28:02 Survivor's guilt and appreciating your life

   29:05 An act of kindness comes back 25 years later

   32:06 The backstage advice that changed Mick's approach to media

   34:11 Mick's 100-book offer

   35:22 The Unplugged Five: What makes D.L. laugh

   36:37 The conversation America avoids

   37:45 Human connection and why people keep listening

   41:34 D.L.'s go-to drinks

   42:35 Other people's opinions and protecting your attention

   44:27 Closing conversation

   
   

   CONNECT & DISCOVER D.L. HUGHLEY

   Book: Charlie's Boy: A Memoir

   https://a.co/d/0bV9x1UZ

   Instagram: @realdlhughley

   https://www.instagram.com/realdlhughley/

   Facebook: @RealDLHughley

   https://www.facebook.com/RealDLHughley/

   YouTube: DL Hughley

   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6B_HuuSaR-IDsKuJVK0LEw

   
   

   FOLLOW MICK

   Instagram: @mickunplugged

   https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/

   Facebook: @mickunplugged

   YouTube: @MickUnpluggedPodcast

   https://www.youtube.com/@MickUnpluggedPodcast

   LinkedIn: @mickhunt

   https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/

   Website: https://mickhuntofficial.com/

   Book: How to Be a Good Leader When You've Never Had One

   https://howtobeagoodleader.com/

   Apple Podcasts: Mick Unplugged

   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mick-unplugged/id1731755953

   Spotify: Mick Unplugged

   https://open.spotify.com/show/2cUp7JRzkVqunYmD2ENe4g

   Content note: Explicit language and discussion of grief and family relationships.

   
   

6. Dixon Dedman: The Man Behind The Bottle

   5 octobre 202653 minÉpisode 293

   What makes a bottle worth remembering? For Dixon Dedman, the answer starts with the people who share it. The master blender behind 2XO joins Mick Hunt for a conversation about bourbon, hospitality, creative …

   Notes de l’épisode

   What makes a bottle worth remembering? For Dixon Dedman, the answer starts with the people who share it.

   The master blender behind 2XO joins Mick Hunt for a conversation about bourbon, hospitality, creative conviction, and the legacy he hopes to leave his children. Dixon explains how his family's hospitality roots shaped his purpose, why blending requires more than mixing percentages, and how he approaches mouthfeel, maturation, and secondary oak exposure.

   Mick also tastes Rapper's Delight during the conversation, and Dixon shares the story of a father and son celebrating a new generation with a bottle of Kentucky Owl. That moment brings the conversation back to his because: making something that becomes part of another person's meaningful experience.

   In this episode:

   •  How hospitality shaped Dixon's purpose and approach to bourbon

   • The challenge of reproducing a small sample blend at barrel scale

   • Why creative conviction matters when developing a whiskey

   • His focus on mouthfeel, viscosity, and the overall drinking experience

   • The personal connections that matter beyond awards and ratings

   • His hope that the next generation will carry the family legacy forward

   Listen for the lesson that travels beyond bourbon: exceeding expectations can turn a product or service into a moment someone remembers.

   • Chapters
   • 00:00 A moment beyond selling bottles
   • 00:40 Meet Dixon Dedman
   • 03:06 What is your because?
   • 07:30 Moments, memories, and personal connection
   • 10:07 Unplugged Truth: the craft of blending
   • 15:20 Putting a personal mark on whiskey
   • 19:27 Hot Takes: tasting Rapper's Delight
   • 22:01 Mouthfeel and the drinking experience
   • 35:00 The Room: a toast to three generations
   • 39:29 2XO and the recorded plans discussed
   • 42:20 Unplugged 5
   • 46:08 The legacy Dixon hopes to leave
   • 48:08 Closing reflections

   Follow Mick Unplugged for more conversations about purpose, leadership, and the because behind the work.

   
   

   Connect & Discover Dixon Dedman:

   Instagram: @dixon_dedman

   LinkedIn: @dixon_dedman

   X: @dixon_dedman

   Website: 2xowhiskey.com

                           

   FOLLOW MICK ON:

   Spotify: MickUnplugged

   Instagram: @mickunplugged 

   Facebook: @mickunpluggedYouTube:  @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

   LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

   Website:  MickHuntOfficial.com

   Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

   Website: Leadloudseries.com

   Apple: MickUnplugged

   Book: How to be A Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One

   #MickUnplugged #Leadership #Podcast #DixonDedman #2XOWhiskey

   
   

7. Derek Gaunt: Fight Less, Win More Through Tactical Empathy

   1 octobre 20261 h 2 minÉpisode 292

   Your next difficult conversation may not need a stronger argument. It may need a better question. In this episode of Mick Unplugged, Mick sits down with his coach, Derek Gaunt, for a personal conversation about …

   Notes de l’épisode

   Your next difficult conversation may not need a stronger argument. It may need a better question.

   In this episode of Mick Unplugged, Mick sits down with his coach, Derek Gaunt, for a personal conversation about the communication skills that changed how Mick leads, negotiates, and approaches conflict.

   Derek draws on his law-enforcement and hostage-negotiation experience to explain tactical empathy: recognizing another person's perspective without having to agree with it. He breaks down why explaining too early creates resistance, how tone affects a conversation, and why an objection can point to a concern that has not yet been spoken aloud.

   Mick shares how asking what success looked like to a client uncovered a need he had missed. Derek also discusses the practical ideas behind Fight Less, Win More, the role of curiosity, and why difficult conversations often deserve a phone call instead of another long email.

   The conversation closes with lessons on coachability, silence, trust, and staying grounded under pressure.

   In this episode

   • Why acknowledging a perspective is different from agreeing with it.

   • How listening helps uncover the information missing from your assumptions.

   • Why you should ask what success looks like before deciding what someone needs.

   • What a hostage-negotiation training exercise reveals about tone and pressure.

   • How unaddressed concerns can resurface after an agreement.

   • Why Derek encourages live conversation for sensitive back-and-forth discussions.

   • What coachability looks like when someone is already successful.

   • How silence creates space to learn.

   Takeaways

   Before your next difficult conversation, replace one assumption with a question. Listen to the answer before preparing your response.

   Follow Mick Unplugged for more conversations about the because behind how we live, lead, and grow.

   
   

   Chapters

   00:00 Meet Derek Gaunt, Mick's coach

   03:29 The Because: sharing the gift of communication

   05:25 Derek's journey in law enforcement

   11:33 The Unplugged Truth: see their perspective

   16:44 What does success look like?

   19:41 The warning signs you should not ignore

   21:45 Hot Takes: tone and pressure in negotiation

   28:09 Find the concern beneath the objection

   31:05 Why the conversation needs a phone call

   35:05 Fight Less, Win More

   39:08 The Room: a conversation that changed Derek's path

   41:30 What Derek looks for in someone he coaches

   45:05 When the skills change your personal life

   48:12 The Unplugged Five

   53:00 Silence as a negotiation tool

   54:17 Trust, training, and final lessons

   56:43 Closing

   
   

   Connect & Discover:

   Instagram: @derekmgaunt

   LinkedIn: @derek-gaunt-2943a824

   Website: The Black Swan Group

   Book: Fight Less, Win More: How Master Negotiators Influence Hearts, Minds and Deals

   Clip: 60 Seconds or She Dies            

               

   FOLLOW MICK ON:

   Spotify: MickUnplugged

   Instagram: @mickunplugged 

   Facebook: @mickunpluggedYouTube:  @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

   LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

   Website:  MickHuntOfficial.com

   Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

   Website: Leadloudseries.com

   Apple: MickUnplugged

   Book: How to be A Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One

   #MickUnplugged #Leadership #Podcast #DerekGaunt #Negotiation

   
   

8. David Pollack: Standards Over Feelings | Re-release

   28 septembre 202640 minÉpisode 291

   This Monday on Mick Unplugged, we’re revisiting Mick Hunt’s conversation with David Pollack about standards, faith, leadership, and the work behind personal growth. David shares how mentorship and his …

   Notes de l’épisode

   This Monday on Mick Unplugged, we’re revisiting Mick Hunt’s conversation with David Pollack about standards, faith, leadership, and the work behind personal growth.

   David shares how mentorship and his experiences in football shaped the way he approaches challenges, leads others, and keeps growing. Mick and David explore the “50-40-10” principle, why preparation and consistent effort matter, and what it means to hold your standards when your feelings pull you in another direction.

   Whether you’re hearing this conversation for the first time or returning for another listen, consider where you can put one of these lessons into practice this week.

   This is a re-release of a previously recorded episode.

   In this conversation:

   • Choosing standards over feelings.

   • The role of preparation and effort in the “50-40-10” philosophy.

   • Leadership built on care, influence, and understanding the people you lead.

   • How an invitation and a mentor helped shape David’s faith journey.

   • Adapting through challenges and learning from setbacks.

   Reflection: Where are you letting a temporary feeling make a decision that should be guided by a lasting standard?

   Follow Mick Unplugged for more conversations about purpose, leadership, and your because. Share this episode with someone who could use it this week.

   
   

   Connect & Discover David Pollack:

   Instagram: @davidpollack47

   Facebook: @PollackFF

   X: @davidpollack47

   YouTube: @DavidPollackCFB

   Website: davidpollack.com

   Podcast: See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack

   
   

   FOLLOW MICK ON:

   Spotify: MickUnplugged

   Instagram: @mickunplugged 

   Facebook: @mickunpluggedYouTube:  @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

   LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

   Website:  MickHuntOfficial.com

   Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

   Website: Leadloudseries.com

   Apple: MickUnplugged

   Book: How to be A Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One

   #MickUnplugged #Leadership #Podcast

   
   

9. Ms. Pat: The American Dream Money Can't Buy

   24 septembre 202633 minÉpisode 290

   What happens when you get the house, the car and the things you thought would make you happy, then realize your real dream was already at home? Ms. Pat joins Mick Hunt for a funny, candid conversation about …

   Notes de l’épisode

   What happens when you get the house, the car and the things you thought would make you happy, then realize your real dream was already at home?

   Ms. Pat joins Mick Hunt for a funny, candid conversation about family, authenticity and defining success for yourself. Discussing her memoir, Ms. American Dream, she explains why happiness has no price tag, how she prepared for Hollywood when she did not know the language, and why she thinks of fame as a job rather than an identity.

   They also explore the money lessons she wants younger generations to learn, the podcast appearances that helped open doors, and the legacy she hopes to leave: keep going and never let someone else tell you who you are.

   Explicit language. Discussion includes personal experiences with debt and credit, not individualized financial advice.

   Ms. Pat's purpose is bigger than getting a laugh. She wants people to know that their hardest experiences do not have to hold them down forever.

   In this episode:

   • The Because: laughter, survival and moving forward after difficult experiences.

   • The Unplugged Truth: why material success did not define her American dream.

   • What home, family and being Patricia mean to her.

   • Preparing for a table read through practice instead of pretending she already knew everything.

   • Why treating people well matters more to her than acting famous.

   • Hot Takes: the credit, interest-rate and saving lessons she shares with family and friends.

   • The Room: trusting her instincts about podcasts before Hollywood called. 

   • The Unplugged Five: food, Atlanta, comedy and the legacy of never giving up.

   Connect & Discover Ms Pat:

   Instagram: @comediannemspat

   Facebook: @mspatcomedy

   TikTok: @comediannemspat

   YouTube: @MsPat

   X: @MsPat

   Website: mspatcomedy.com

   Book: Ms. American Dream: A Memoir of Making It No Matter What             

                

   FOLLOW MICK ON:

   Spotify: MickUnplugged

   Instagram: @mickunplugged 

   Facebook: @mickunpluggedYouTube:  @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

   LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

   Website:  MickHuntOfficial.com

   Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

   Website: Leadloudseries.com

   Apple: MickUnplugged

   
   

10. Jesse Cole: Normal Gets Normal Results | The Fans First Playbook

    21 septembre 202637 minÉpisode 289

    Normal gets normal results. What would happen if you stopped copying your industry and started creating an experience people could not stop talking about? In this Mick Unplugged re-release, Mick Hunt sits down …

    Notes de l’épisode

    Normal gets normal results. What would happen if you stopped copying your industry and started creating an experience people could not stop talking about?

    In this Mick Unplugged re-release, Mick Hunt sits down with Jesse Cole for a practical conversation about building a fans-first business. Jesse shares how joy, memorable moments, and a willingness to try what others will not can change the way customers and employees experience your brand.

    The conversation goes beyond the show on the field. Jesse explains how his team looks for customer friction, why values matter most when they cost you something, and how storytelling keeps a growing organization aligned. He recounts a ticket-email mistake and the decision to make it right, even at what he describes as a $6 million cost to the company.

    You will also hear why failure can be treated as discovery, how gratitude helps create fans, and why great leaders keep teaching, repeating, and getting their reps in.

    If you lead a team, serve customers, or are building something of your own, this conversation will challenge you to stop settling for ordinary.

    This is a re-release of an archival conversation. References to team counts, tours, ticket demand, and projects reflect the time of recording.

    The big idea

    Being different is not the goal by itself. Creating an experience people remember, talk about, and want to share is the goal. Jesse Cole explains how he uses that distinction to lead, generate ideas, and build a fans-first culture.

    
    

     In this episode

    - Jesse's deeper purpose: bringing people together through joy.

    - Why copying the normal practices of an industry tends to produce normal results.

    - How to identify friction in everyday customer interactions, from invoices to the live experience.

    - The "you wouldn't believe" test for a memorable moment.

    - Why a company's values need to show up in decisions, not just on the wall.

    - Jesse's account of an email mistake and a costly ticket commitment.

    - How repeated stories and team recognition reinforce culture.

    - Why watching customer behavior can reveal more than asking for opinions.

    - The setbacks behind ambitious ideas and the discipline of continuing to improve.

    - Gratitude as a daily practice for leaders, employees, and customers.

    - Why great leaders teach, repeat, and practice communicating.

    
    

    Put it into practice

    Choose one ordinary interaction in your business. Find the friction. Write down three ways to make the experience more useful, surprising, or memorable. Then thank one person who has helped you build what you have.

    
    

    Chapters

    00:00 Why this conversation is a business masterclass

    00:40 Welcome to Mick Unplugged

    01:39 Jesse's because: bringing people together with joy

    03:38 Bring the energy and make moments matter

    04:23 Why normal gets normal results

    07:51 Find the friction and create memorable experiences

    09:50 Making fans-first values real

    10:13 The ticket mistake and the cost of doing right

    13:13 Storytelling and a culture that scales

    15:26 Reinvention without losing your direction

    16:19 Build the best experience and watch your fans

    18:53 The setbacks behind the show

    21:17 Inspiration, energy, and doing hard things

    22:41 Gratitude and creating fans

    24:28 Great leaders teach and get their reps in

    26:53 Creativity, speaking, and sharing the journey

    29:36 Quick questions: yellow tuxes, big moments, and lessons

    31:21 The daily creativity routine

    31:51 Jesse's message about legacy

    33:13 Your because is your superpower

    
    

    Connect & Discover Jesse Cole:

    Instagram: @yellowtuxjesse

    LinkedIn: @yellowtuxjesse

    Facebook: @jesse.cole.129

    TikTok: @yellowtuxjesse

    YouTube: @yellowtuxjesse

    Website: findyouryellowtux.com

    Savannah Bananas: thesavannahbananas.com

    Non-Profit: bananasfoster.org

    Books: Fans First

                 Banana Ball

                 Find Your Yellow Tux

    
    

    FOLLOW MICK ON:

    Spotify: MickUnplugged

    Instagram: @mickunplugged 

    Facebook: @mickunpluggedYouTube:  @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

    LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

    Website:  MickHuntOfficial.com

    Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

    Website: Leadloudseries.com

    Apple: MickUnplugged

    #mickunplugged #jessecole #thesavannahbananas #fansfirst #leadership

    
    

    
    

11. Justin Brown: I Do Not Have Followers, I Have My People

    17 septembre 202652 minÉpisode 288

    In this episode of Mick Unplugged, Justin, The Real Food Stalker, sits down with Mick Hunt and unpacks the unglamorous work behind a following that grew without a single negative review. He started Food Stalker …

    Notes de l’épisode

    In this episode of Mick Unplugged, Justin, The Real Food Stalker, sits down with Mick Hunt and unpacks the unglamorous work behind a following that grew without a single negative review. He started Food Stalker in 2010 with nothing but photos and a habit of asking waiters what the next table ordered. He did not eat on camera until 2021, when his kids told him he made food look too good not to. He paid for every meal himself long before a brand ever called.

    Mick opens up about his own start, too. When he was still a LinkedIn-only guy two and a half years ago, Justin was the first account he followed on Instagram, and watching Justin be unapologetically himself is what convinced Mick he did not have to perform to show up online.

    The conversation runs from microwave burgers to a lost footrace to a sister who brought home teriyaki wings and accidentally created a food critic. But the through line is simple and it applies far past food: you do not have to be the most talented person in the room. You have to be the one who keeps showing up.

    IN THIS EPISODE

    • Why Justin never posts food he does not like

    • How Food Stalker started in 2010 and became a camera habit in 2021

    • Why consistency beats talent in every arena

    • The phone-and-CapCut workflow behind every video

    • The three thousand dollar camera he never used

    • How the AJC writing opportunity changed the way he describes food

    • Why honesty and negativity are not the same thing

    • The sister whose leftovers built his palate

    • What brands get wrong when they buy three videos instead of a partner

    • Why he says he has people, not fans or followers

    CHAPTERS

    00:00 Introduction

    00:55 How Justin got Mick on Instagram

    03:10 The Because

    03:50 Why he only shows food he likes

    05:20 From 2010 photos to eating on camera

    06:49 The Unplugged Truth

    07:21 Consistency is everything

    09:48 Fans, followers, or your people

    09:51 The gear: phones, CapCut and one take

    13:07 Writing for the AJC

    17:40 Hot Takes

    17:57 The microwave burger debate

    21:42 The race he lost to his nephew

    27:02 The Room

    27:26 The sister who changed his taste buds

    29:55 Vegan mac and cheese

    33:03 How Mick Unplugged started

    36:48 The Unplugged Five

    43:29 What Justin wants the world to know

    46:36 Where to follow Justin

    48:05 Closing

    
    

    Connect & Discover Justin Brown:

    Instagram: @therealfoodstalker

    Facebook: @The-Real-Food-Stalker

    TikTok: @therealfoodstalker

    YouTube: @therealfoodstalker

    LinkedIn: @justintherealfoodstalker

    FOLLOW MICK ON:

    Spotify: MickUnplugged

    Instagram: @mickunplugged 

    Facebook: @mickunpluggedYouTube:  @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

    LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

    Website:  MickHuntOfficial.com

    Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

    Website: Leadloudseries.com

    Apple: MickUnplugged

    
    

    
    

12. Gary Vee: The Inconvenient Truth About Winning in the Interest Media Era

    14 septembre 202643 minÉpisode 287

    What if the problem is not your content, your reach, or the algorithm? What if the real problem is that you are trying to be social instead of becoming unmistakably yourself? In this Mick Unplugged re-release …

    Notes de l’épisode

    What if the problem is not your content, your reach, or the algorithm? What if the real problem is that you are trying to be social instead of becoming unmistakably yourself?
    In this Mick Unplugged re-release, Mick Hunt sits down with Gary Vaynerchuk, known worldwide as Gary Vee, for a direct conversation about interest media, authentic personal branding, accountability, gratitude, and the discipline required to build something that lasts.
    Gary explains why intent matters more than tactics, why audiences can sense when a creator is only trying to sell, and why the only niche no one else can copy is you. He also shares how staying close to culture helps him see shifts before they become obvious, why blaming other people keeps us stuck, and why winning should make us more compassionate, not more bitter.
    This is not a conversation about shortcuts. It is a reminder to get back in the trenches, live within your values, protect your energy, and take responsibility for the life and work you want to build.
    Note: This episode contains explicit language.

    In this episode, you will learn: - Why social platforms are increasingly organized around interests instead of existing social connections - Why genuine intent can matter more than a perfect content strategy - How staying close to culture helps Gary form original points of view - Why the only truly defensible personal-brand niche is being fully yourself - How accountability changes your relationship with money, work, and opportunity - Why limiting negative inputs can help you rebuild your energy - How to respond when people close to you struggle with your success - Why Gary believes collecting and live social shopping will keep growing

    Chapters 00:00 Interest media and the conversation ahead 00:30 Gary Vee joins Mick 02:52 Gary's deeper purpose and the power of gratitude 05:36 Consistency through cultural and political change 08:32 Why intent matters more than the transaction 10:56 Measuring 45 times before cutting once 14:29 The more you become yourself, the more you win 16:19 Personal brand, garage sales, and serving people at every level 18:21 From social media to interest media 23:05 Remote work, entitlement, and changing expectations 27:09 Money choices, humility, and personal accountability 28:56 When you need to move your feet 29:19 Protecting your energy from negative inputs 33:07 Compassion for the people who boo your success 34:46 Gary's vision for VeeFriends and collectibles 38:16 The VeeFriends quiz and closing challenge

    
    

    Connect & Discover Gary Vee:

    Instagram: @garyvee

    YouTube: @GaryVee

    TikTok: @garyvee

    Facebook: @gary

    X: @garyvee

    LinkedIn: @garyvaynerchuk

    Website: garyvaynerchul.com

    FOLLOW MICK ON:

    Spotify: MickUnplugged

    Instagram: @mickunplugged 

    Facebook: @mickunpluggedYouTube:  @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

    LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

    Website:  MickHuntOfficial.com

    Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

    Website: Leadloudseries.com

    Apple: MickUnplugged

    
    

    
    

    
    
    

    
    

13. Darryl Strawberry: Another Life

    10 septembre 202638 minÉpisode 286

    Darryl Strawberry's story is bigger than baseball. In this deeply personal episode of Mick Unplugged, Darryl opens up about the mother who raised five children alone, the pain of an absent and abusive father …

    Notes de l’épisode

    Darryl Strawberry's story is bigger than baseball.

    In this deeply personal episode of Mick Unplugged, Darryl opens up about the mother who raised five children alone, the pain of an absent and abusive father, the cost of success without healing, and the freedom he found through forgiveness.

    Darryl shares why talent and fame could not repair what was broken inside him. He reflects on addiction, consequences, discipline, ministry, marriage, and the moment he finally forgave his father at his bedside. Mick also shares how Darryl's book, Another Life, helped him process his own relationship with his late father and begin thinking differently about forgiveness and self-forgiveness.

    The conversation moves from baseball to faith, but the central lesson is universal: your past does not disqualify your purpose, and the way you start does not have to determine the way you finish.

    IN THIS EPISODE

    
    

    • Why Darryl's mother became the foundation of his resilience

    • How proving his father wrong fueled his early ambition

    • Why success exposes who you are

    • The consequences Darryl could not outrun

    • How forgiving his father gave him freedom

    • Why Tracy's boundaries helped redirect his life

    • The difference between talent, identity, and purpose

    • What Another Life reveals about healing and faith

    • Why Darryl believes it is not how you start, but how you finish

    • The legacy he wants to leave for his children

    
    

    MICK'S BOOK OFFER

    Mick is purchasing 50 copies of Darryl Strawberry's new book, Another Life, for members of the Mick Unplugged community.

    To request a copy, message Mick the words "another life" on LinkedIn or Instagram. The offer is limited to the first 50 eligible responses and is available while supplies last.

    
    

    BOOK

    Another Life: Discovering the Healing Power of Purpose on My Long Journey from Player to Preacher

    Darryl Strawberry

    https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Another-Life/Darryl-Strawberry/9781637748848

    
    

    CHAPTERS

    00:00 Introduction

    02:16 The Because

    02:54 Darryl's purpose and the mother who never quit

    07:15 Success exposes who you are

    10:07 The Unplugged Truth

    11:39 Forgiving his father

    17:38 Hot Takes

    21:11 Discipline, faith, and ministry

    24:23 The Room

    27:15 Another Life

    29:54 Mick's 50-book giveaway

    31:34 The Unplugged Five

    32:46 The legacy Darryl wants to leave

    33:17 Closing

    
    

    Connect & Discover Darryl:

    Instagram: @darrylstrawberry18

    Website: darrylstrawberry18.com

    Facebook: @therealdarrystrawberry

    Threads: @darrylstrawberry18

    Book: Another Life: Discovering the Healing Power of Purpose on My Long Journey from Player to Preacher

    Strawberry Ministries: @livingrestored

    
    

    FOLLOW MICK ON:

    Spotify: MickUnplugged

    Instagram: @mickunplugged 

    Facebook: @mickunpluggedYouTube:  @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

    LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

    Website:  MickHuntOfficial.com

    Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

    Website: Leadloudseries.com

    Apple: MickUnplugged

    
    

    #MickUnplugged #Leadership #Podcast #darrylstrawberry

    
    

    
    

14. Daymond John: Why the Best Deals Are the Ones You Walk Away From

    7 septembre 202647 minÉpisode 285

    The most powerful move in business is not always saying yes. Sometimes it is knowing when to walk away. Daymond John joins Mick Hunt for a candid conversation about the decisions that shape a business and a …

    Notes de l’épisode

    The most powerful move in business is not always saying yes. Sometimes it is knowing when to walk away.

    Daymond John joins Mick Hunt for a candid conversation about the decisions that shape a business and a life. The FUBU founder and Shark Tank investor explains why his deeper purpose is “because I should,” how mentors can save us from painful mistakes and why growing too quickly can quietly destroy what an entrepreneur worked to build.

    Daymond also opens up about his health journey after cancer and the discipline of making gradual, sustainable change. He shares how he thinks about investing through his “My Money, Homie” framework, why he supports artists without asking for anything in return and how a five-to-seven-person filter helps him decide what belongs on social media.

    This episode is a sharp, funny and personal masterclass in protecting your time, choosing the right people and refusing opportunities that no longer respect your value. Daymond’s message is clear: get narrow, go deep and keep the power to walk away.

    
    

    IN THIS EPISODE

    • Why Daymond’s deeper purpose is “because I should”

    • How dyslexia, business and cancer shaped his perspective

    • Why mentors and mistakes are the two great teachers

    • How scaling too fast can weaken a business

    • The difference between purpose-driven and return-driven investments

    • Why Daymond supports artists without asking for anything back

    • The five-to-seven-person filter behind his social media decisions

    • Why too many opportunities can become a liability

    • How walking away protects your value

    • Why a small, trusted inner circle can outperform a massive network

    
    

    CHAPTERS

    00:00 Mentors or mistakes

    01:38 Meet Daymond John

    03:38 “Because I should”

    06:04 What Daymond had to overcome

    08:13 Fasting, discipline and gradual change

    12:09 Cancer and the decision to study health

    16:44 Why mentors matter

    20:15 Don’t scale too fast

    23:50 “My Money, Homie” and smarter investing

    28:47 Supporting artists with no strings attached

    33:16 The two-year-old turkey leg debate

    35:29 Daymond’s five-to-seven-person filter

    39:34 Drowning in opportunity

    41:15 The power to walk away

    41:30 Quick Five

    43:39 Go narrow and deep

    43:53 Leadership and what Daymond is building

    46:22 Closing

    
    

    Connect with Daymond John:

    Website: daymondjohn.com

    Instagram: @thesharkdaymond

    LinkedIn: @daymondjohn

    YouTube: @TheSharkDaymond

    Facebook: @TheSharkDaymond

    
    

    FOLLOW MICK ON:

    Spotify: MickUnplugged

    Instagram: @mickunplugged 

    Facebook: @mickunpluggedYouTube:  @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

    LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

    Website:  MickHuntOfficial.com

    Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

    Website: Leadloudseries.com

    Apple: MickUnplugged

    
    

    #MickUnplugged #Leadership #Podcast #daymondjohn

    
    

15. Kier Gaines: Why Healing Starts With the Truth You Keep Avoiding

    3 septembre 202651 minÉpisode 284

    Mick sits down with licensed therapist, mental health advocate and author Kier Gaines for a direct conversation about emotional honesty, uncomfortable truths and the courage to begin. Kier explains why saying …

    Notes de l’épisode

    Mick sits down with licensed therapist, mental health advocate and author Kier Gaines for a direct conversation about emotional honesty, uncomfortable truths and the courage to begin.

    Kier explains why saying "you hurt my feelings" can be an act of strength, especially for men who have been conditioned to hide emotion. He and Mick unpack avoidance, awareness, curiosity, boundaries, professional value and why credentials still matter in a culture that often rewards visibility over expertise.

    Kier also shares the barber shop conversation that helped him recognize his mind as a valuable tool for change. He explains why his book, It All Starts When You Do, rejects shallow positivity and invites readers into the real work of self-healing.

    This conversation is honest, practical and deeply human. It is about telling the truth, protecting what matters and taking the first step before you feel completely ready.

    
    

    IN THIS EPISODE

    • Why emotional honesty is a form of authority, not weakness

    • How to move beyond surface-level wellness

    • Why awareness and curiosity are the first two steps toward change

    • The connection between boundaries, business and self-respect

    • Why credentials create accountability, safety and protection

    • How attention and notoriety can weaken integrity

    • The barber shop conversation that changed Kier's view of his work

    • Why "walking away from what does not serve you" can become avoidance

    • The meaning of an authentic and consistent legacy

    
    

    MICK'S BOOK OFFER

    As discussed in the episode, the first 20 people who message Mick with the words "I'm starting" will receive a copy of It All Starts When You Do, purchased by Mick. Available while the offer remains open and supplies last.

    
    

    CHAPTERS

    00:00 The Attention Economy and Integrity

    00:24 Meet Kier Gaines

    01:00 Saying "You Hurt My Feelings"

    04:46 The Because: Because Why Not?

    07:01 Why Surface-Level Wellness Is Not Enough

    10:14 It All Starts When You Do

    14:12 Two Ways to Start Healing

    18:15 Boundaries, Business and the Cost of Free

    23:53 Hot Takes: Credentials, Safety and Anti-Intellectualism

    34:13 The Room: A Barber Shop Conversation That Changed Everything

    37:43 The Book, the Podcast and Mick's Offer

    40:15 The Unplugged Five

    44:03 Legacy, Authenticity and Kept Promises

    46:00 Closing

    
    

    Connect & Discover Kier:

    Instagram: @kiergaines

    Instagram: @learnedthehardwaypod

    LinkedIn: @kiergaines  

    Podcast: Learned the Hard Way with Kier Gaines

    Facebook: @kiergaines

    TikTok: @kiergaines

    Book: It All Starts When You Do

    Threads: @kiergaines

    
    

    FOLLOW MICK ON:

    Spotify: MickUnplugged

    Instagram: @mickunplugged 

    Facebook: @mickunpluggedYouTube:  @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

    LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

    Website:  MickHuntOfficial.com

    Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

    Website: Leadloudseries.com

    Apple: MickUnplugged

    
    

    
    

16. Faith Over Fear: Governor Wes Moore on Service, Patriotism & Moral Leadership

    27 août 202644 minÉpisode 283

    Discussion about service, patriotism, faith, leadership, technology, and the responsibility to leave no one behind. Governor Moore explains why "service saved me," beginning with the mentors, teachers, coaches …

    Notes de l’épisode

    Discussion about service, patriotism, faith, leadership, technology, and the responsibility to leave no one behind.

    Governor Moore explains why "service saved me," beginning with the mentors, teachers, coaches, ministers, aunties, and uncles who saw his potential before he could see it himself. He reflects on losing his father at age three, wearing handcuffs by eleven, being sent to military school, and eventually discovering that leadership is not about individual achievement. It is about lifting as we climb.

    The conversation then turns to the meaning of American patriotism. Governor Moore draws a sharp distinction between patriotism and nationalism, arguing that faith, not fear, is the foundation of a more perfect union. He and Mick also discuss Maryland's public-safety progress, service-year opportunities, apprenticeships, cannabis pardons, energy affordability, AI, data-center accountability, and why technological progress must include guardrails and public trust.

    
    

    IN THIS EPISODE

    00:00 Mick’s most important conversation

    02:05 Governor Moore’s “Because”: service saved me

    04:39 Running away from military school

    06:37 The Unplugged Truth: a speech that moved Mick’s family

    08:41 Faith, fear, patriotism, and nationalism

    13:22 God’s grace and moral leadership

    15:21 Hot Takes: Maryland’s progress through collaboration

    20:49 Energy affordability, AI, and data-center guardrails

    28:55 The Room: you belong because the room needs you

    33:11 The Unplugged Five and a legacy of compassion

    
    

    FEATURED SPEECH

    Watch Governor Wes Moore's July 4, 2026 address, "The Work of Patriotism":

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfLQy82IsWo

    Read the official transcript:

    https://governor.maryland.gov/news/speeches/work-patriotism

    
    

    Connect & Discover Governor Wes Moore:

    Website: theofficeofgovernorwesmoore.com

    LinkedIn: @iamwesmoore

    X: @iamwesmoore

    Facebook: @iamwesmoore

    Instagram: @iamwesmoore

    
    

    FOLLOW MICK ON:

    Spotify: MickUnplugged

    Instagram: @mickunplugged 

    Facebook: @mickunpluggedYouTube:  @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

    LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

    Website:  MickHuntOfficial.com

    Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

    Website: Leadloudseries.com

    Apple: MickUnplugged

    
    

    
    

17. Giada DeLaurentiis: The Secret Ingredient is Joy

    20 août 202637 minÉpisode 282

    What if one of the most important ingredients in a healthy life isn’t actually on your plate? In this episode of Mick Unplugged, Mick Hunt sits down with Emmy Award-winning chef, bestselling author …

    Notes de l’épisode

    What if one of the most important ingredients in a healthy life isn’t actually on your plate?

    
    

    In this episode of Mick Unplugged, Mick Hunt sits down with Emmy Award-winning chef, bestselling author, restaurateur, and Giadzy founder Giada De Laurentiis for a joyful conversation about food, family, entrepreneurship, community, and la dolce vita.

    
    

    Giada shares how a shy young chef learned to tell stories to millions of viewers, why audience feedback transformed her into a stronger teacher, and how her desire to cut through the noise of the food industry became the foundation for Giadzy. She explains what makes high-quality Italian ingredients different, why Giadzy’s gluten-free pasta surprised even her, and how small Italian producers helped inspire a growing lifestyle marketplace.

    
    

    The conversation goes beyond cooking. Giada explains why the people at your table can affect how you experience and digest a meal, why joy and connection belong in the conversation about longevity, and how she is bringing her businesses together through her new Chicagoland restaurant, Sorella by Giada.

    
    

    WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

    • How Giada overcame shyness and learned to teach through storytelling

    • Why repetition and audience feedback are essential to becoming a great teacher

    • How Giadzy grew from a blog into a marketplace for Italian pantry products

    • What makes bronze-cut, slow-dried Italian pasta different

    • Why Giadzy’s gluten-free pasta became an unexpected breakthrough product

    • How stress, connection, and the people at your table shape the experience of food

    • Why la dolce vita is more than indulgence—it is part of health and longevity

    • How Giada is connecting her media, product, and restaurant businesses

    
    

    LISTENER OFFER / FEATURED PROMOTION

    ACTIVE LISTENER OFFER 1 — The next 20 people who DM “GIADZY” to @mickunplugged on Instagram receive a $100 Giadzy gift card.

    ACTIVE LISTENER OFFER 2 — The first 20 people who DM “SUPER ITALIAN” to @mickunplugged on Instagram receive a copy of Giada’s Super-Italian cookbook.

    
    

    CHAPTERS

    00:00 — Giada’s impact on Mick and learning to tell stories on television

    03:37 — What’s your because?

    08:49 — The Unplugged Truth: how Giada changed Mick’s relationship with pasta

    12:58 — Building Giadzy from audience feedback

    15:28 — The unexpected success of gluten-free pasta

    20:59 — Hot Takes: cauliflower rice, coconut, and food trends

    23:46 — The secret ingredient: joy, connection, and la dolce vita

    26:16 — Sorella by Giada and bringing the businesses together

    28:51 — The Unplugged Five

    31:23 — Super-Italian, Mick’s cookbook offer, and the send-off

    
    Connect & Discover Giada:

    Website: giadadelaurentiis.com

    Website: giadzy.com

    Instagram: @giadadelaurentiis

    Facebook: @giada

    X: @GDeLaurentiis

    TikTok: @giadadelaurentiis

    YouTube: @gdelaurentiis

    Cookbook: Super-Italian

    
    

    FOLLOW MICK ON:

    Spotify: MickUnplugged

    Instagram: @mickunplugged 

    Facebook: @mickunpluggedYouTube:  @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

    LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

    Website:  MickHuntOfficial.com

    Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

    Website: Leadloudseries.com

    Apple: MickUnplugged

    
    

18. You're Not Burned Out - You're Bored Out: Mitch Matthews on Reigniting Your Fire

    13 août 202655 minÉpisode 281

    What if the exhaustion you feel isn’t burnout at all? Success coach, keynote speaker, and Dream Think Do host Mitch Matthews joins Mick Hunt for a conversation about purpose, clarity, action, and the hidden …

    Notes de l’épisode

    What if the exhaustion you feel isn’t burnout at all?

    Success coach, keynote speaker, and Dream Think Do host Mitch Matthews joins Mick Hunt for a conversation about purpose, clarity, action, and the hidden problem affecting many high achievers: being “bored out.”

    Mitch shares how a bad-fit corporate promotion began extinguishing his fire, how his wife helped him recognize the work he was born to do, and how he built a coaching and speaking business that surpassed his income in just five months. He also explains why a small injection of novelty can restore energy, why dreaming bigger must be paired with experimentation, and how to move from comparison and fear toward learning and love.

    In this episode:

    • Mitch’s “Because”: loving God, loving his family, and encouraging encouragers

    • The clues that revealed his calling

    • Why action separates great from exceptional

    • Building an “authority bridge” without blowing up your life

    • The difference between burnout and being bored out

    • How 15 minutes of novelty can reignite your fire

    • Why successful people struggle to name their own dreams

    • Giving yourself permission to experiment

    • Reframing imposter syndrome as “winner’s syndrome”

    • The five-word prayer that changed how Mitch entered important rooms

    
    

    LISTENER OFFER / FEATURED PROMOTION

    FREE TRAINING — Make Time for Your Next Chapter

    Visit: https://www.mitchmatthews.com/time

    Use code: MICK

    CHAPTERS

    00:00 - Meet Mitch Matthews

    01:39 - Mitch’s “Because” and encouraging encouragers

    08:39 - The bad-fit job that extinguished his fire

    14:31 - Building an authority bridge without blowing up your life

    16:34 -Burnout vs. “bored out”

    23:13 - Dream bigger and act on it

    27:08 - Clarity, permission, and experimentation

    34:27 - The room that transformed comparison into learning

    40:54 - The Unplugged Five

    45:50 - Generosity, legacy, and Mitch’s free gift

    
    

    Connect & Discover Mitch Matthews:

    Website: mitchmatthews.com

    Free Training: mitchmatthews.com/time. Use Code MICK

    LinkedIn: @mitchmatthews

    Instagram: @mitch.matthews

    Facebook: @mitch.matthews.104

    Podcast: Dream Think Do

    
    

    FOLLOW MICK ON:

    Spotify: MickUnplugged

    Instagram: @mickunplugged 

    Facebook: @mickunplugged

    YouTube:  @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

    LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

    Website:  MickHuntOfficial.com

    Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

    Website: Leadloudseries.com

    Apple: MickUnplugged

    
    

19. Confidence Comes Last: Nick Koumalatsos on Leadership, Purpose & 8-Figure Brands

    6 août 202653 minÉpisode 280

    What happens when the uniform comes off but the mission is far from over? In this episode of Mick Unplugged, Mick Hunt sits down with Marine Raider veteran, entrepreneur, author, and leadership strategist …

    Notes de l’épisode

    What happens when the uniform comes off but the mission is far from over?

    In this episode of Mick Unplugged, Mick Hunt sits down with Marine Raider veteran, entrepreneur, author, and leadership strategist Nicholas Koumalatsos for a direct conversation about purpose, identity, leadership, confidence, fatherhood, and building businesses that create real impact.

    Nicholas shares how childhood scarcity shaped his “because,” why military leadership does not automatically translate to every part of civilian life, and what it took to rebuild his identity after service. He also explains the formula he lives by, commitment plus courage creates confidence and challenges the online leadership industry to show its receipts.

    The conversation moves from the hard truths of veteran transition to the origin and extraordinary growth of Johnny Slicks, Nicholas’s work through The Agoge, and the ideas behind Excommunicated Warrior and Reclaiming the Man Within.

    
    

    WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

    • Why confidence is the result, not the prerequisite of taking action

    • How commitment creates the courage required to move forward

    • Why leadership must be adapted to the person, environment, and mission

    • What veterans often lose when the uniform and built-in mission disappear

    • How Nicholas turned an unexpected moment into the foundation of Johnny Slicks

    • Why defining “done” and reverse-engineering phase lines improves execution

    • How presence, fatherhood, and legacy reshape the meaning of success

    
    

    CHAPTERS

    00:00 - Introduction

    01:13 - Nicholas’s “because” and the roots of his mission

    04:44 - Learning leadership in the Marine Corps

    05:24 - Why military leadership can be one-dimensional

    10:22 - The Unplugged Truth: the uniform is gone, but the mission isn’t over

    11:29 - The biggest myth about leadership

    18:16 - Hot Takes

    19:12 - Why confidence comes last

    21:50 - Commitment + courage = confidence

    22:32 - AI, online gurus, and showing the receipts

    25:08 - Partnership, family, and building a legacy

    28:50 - Who are you uniquely qualified to help?

    30:32 - The Room: the moment that launched Johnny Slicks

    33:42 - Scaling from no structure to eight figures

    36:01 - Johnny Slicks

    36:31 - Excommunicated Warrior

    39:43 - What if your next chapter is your best chapter?

    42:35 - Reclaiming the Man Within

    44:09 - The Unplugged Five

    44:55 - Define “done” and reverse-engineer the mission

    45:47 - Fatherhood and being present

    47:56 - The one-word legacy answer

    49:05 - Closing

    
    

    Connect & Discover Nick:

    Website: nickkoumalatsos.com

    Facebook: @NickKoumalatsos82

    Instagram: @nickkoumalatsos

    LinkedIn: @nick-koumalatsos

    X: @NickKoumalatsos

    YouTube: @NickKoumalatsos82

    Website: johnnyslicks.com

    Book: Excommunicated Warrior: The 7 Stages of Transition

    Book: Reclaiming the Man Within

     

    FOLLOW MICK ON:

    Spotify: MickUnplugged

    Instagram: @mickunplugged 

    Facebook: @mickunplugged

    YouTube:  @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

    LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

    Website:  MickHuntOfficial.com

    Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

    Website: Leadloudseries.com

    Apple: MickUnplugged

    
    

    
    

20. Called to Act: André Holland on Purpose, Community, and Creating Room for Others

    30 juillet 202638 minÉpisode 279

    André Holland has built an acclaimed career through performances in Moonlight, Selma, The Knick, HighFlying Bird, and more—but his deepest calling reaches far beyond the screen.In this conversation with Mick …

    Notes de l’épisode

    André Holland has built an acclaimed career through performances in Moonlight, Selma, The Knick, High

    Flying Bird, and more—but his deepest calling reaches far beyond the screen.

    In this conversation with Mick Hunt, André shares how his parents and his Bessemer, Alabama

    community taught him to move with integrity, care for his gifts, and stay shoulder to shoulder with the

    people who helped him flourish. He opens up about the teacher who made him feel truly seen, the

    responsibility he feels to create opportunities for emerging voices, and why commitment is the word he

    hopes will define his life.

    
    

    André also discusses They Fight, his preparation as a character actor, Harper Road, and the Holland

    Project’s restoration of Bessemer’s historic Lincoln Theatre.

    This is a conversation about calling, craft, second chances, community, and planting trees whose fruit

    may belong to the next generation.

    
    

    WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

    • Why André describes storytelling and service as a calling

    • How his parents and Alabama roots shaped his civic responsibility

    • Why opportunity—not a lack of talent—often separates people from their potential

    • The NYU classroom moment that changed André’s view of his own stories

    • How he approaches character work with research, vulnerability, and faith

    • Why They Fight resonated with him as a story of mentorship and second chances

    • How the Holland Project and Harper Road are creating room for new voices

    • Why “committed” is the word André wants attached to his legacy

    
    

    LISTENER OFFER / FEATURED PROMOTION

    Watch They Fight on Hulu: https://www.hulu.com/movie/they-fight-a1bba82e-2550-4ffc-81df-

    b973b9c85339

    Discover the Holland Project and Lincoln Theatre restoration:

    https://www.birminghamtimes.com/2024/10/renovating-bessemers-lincoln-theatre-andre-hollands-next-

    act/

    
    

    CHAPTERS

    Timing is grounded in the supplied transcript. Reconfirm against the final uploaded master after

    correcting the intro-name issue.

    • 00:00 — Welcome to Mick Unplugged

    • 01:44 — André’s Because: answering the call

    • 04:25 — Family, faith, and growing up in Alabama

    • 06:19 — Bessemer, opportunity, and giving back

    • 07:44 — The Unplugged Truth: becoming a symbol of hope

    • 12:58 — They Fight, second chances, and the craft of acting

    • 18:48 — The Room: the teacher who truly saw André

    • 23:11 — Creating rooms through the Holland Project and Harper Road

    • 29:18 — The Unplugged Five

    • 32:20 — Supporting André’s work and closing thoughts

    
    

    Connect & Discover André Holland:

    Instagram: @andreholland

    X: @AndreHolland_

    The Holland Project — Historic Lincoln Theatre: alabamalincoln.com

    Lincoln Theatre on Instagram: @bamalincoln

    Support the Restoration (Donate): Give to the Lincoln Theatre

    Watch They Fight on Hulu: hulu.com/movie/they-fight

    
    

    FOLLOW MICK ON:

    Spotify: MickUnplugged

    Instagram: @mickunplugged 

    Facebook: @mickunplugged

    YouTube: @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

    LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

    Website: MickHuntOfficial.com

    Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

    Website: Leadloudseries.com

    Apple: MickUnplugged

    
    

    
    

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21. Unfiltered Truth: Comedy's Power with Leslie Jones

    23 juillet 202643 minÉpisode 278

    Don't apologize for who you are... because you were made that way for a reason.Comedian Leslie Jones, renowned for her groundbreaking work on Saturday Night Live, shares how embracing her authentic self …

    Notes de l’épisode

    Don't apologize for who you are... because you were made that way for a reason.

    
    

    Comedian Leslie Jones, renowned for her groundbreaking work on Saturday Night Live, shares how embracing her authentic self propelled her career. This episode delivers valuable insights on personal branding and navigating the entertainment industry with conviction.

    
    

    WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

    - 3 key mindsets for creative success

    - Why Hollywood resilience is essential

    - 5 strategies for maintaining authenticity

    - How comedy connects 2 different worlds

    - Building a personal brand foundation

    
    

    QUOTES THAT HIT

    "You have to stay true to who you are, because that’s what makes you unique." - Leslie Jones

    "The biggest lesson SNL taught me was how to trust my own voice." - Leslie Jones

    "Failure isn't the end, it's just a different way to get where you need to be." - Leslie Jones

    
    

    CHAPTERS

    00:00 Leslie Jones' Path to SNL

    07:15 The Art of Stand-Up Comedy

    15:30 Authenticity in Entertainment

    22:45 Navigating Hollywood Challenges

    30:00 Leslie's Creative Process

    38:10 The FCKRY Podcast Journey

    45:00 Future Vision for Black Women

    52:00 Leslie Shares Closing Thoughts

    
    

    QUESTIONS THIS EPISODE ANSWERS

    Q: How does Leslie Jones maintain authenticity in her career?

    A: Leslie Jones emphasizes staying true to herself by not apologizing for her unique perspective and embracing the qualities that set her apart, believing this authenticity is what resonates with audiences.

    
    

    Q: What key lesson did Leslie Jones learn from Saturday Night Live?

    A: She learned the importance of trusting her own voice and comedic instincts, which allowed her to develop and deliver material that truly reflected her personality and experiences.

    
    

    Q: Why is resilience crucial for success in the entertainment industry?

    A: Leslie Jones explains that resilience is vital because the industry involves numerous rejections and setbacks, and the ability to persist through these challenges is what ultimately leads to breakthroughs and sustained success.

    
    

    Connect & Discover Leslie Jones:

    Facebook: @Lesdoggg

    Instagram: @lesdogggg

    Website: justleslie.com

    X: @Lesdoggg

    YouTube: @lesdogggg

    TikTok: @lesdoggggg

    Book: Leslie F*cking Jones

    
    

    FOLLOW MICK ON:

    Spotify: MickUnplugged

    Instagram: @mickunplugged 

    Facebook: @mickunplugged

    YouTube:  @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

    LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

    Website:  MickHuntOfficial.com

    Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

    Website: Leadloudseries.com

    Apple: MickUnplugged

    
    

    #MickUnplugged #Leadership #Podcast #LeslieJones

    
    

    
    

    
    

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22. Why Not Swing Big: Unlocking Your Undeniable Potential with Kwame Christian

    16 juillet 202655 minÉpisode 277

    Because the best things in life are on the other side of difficult conversations.Mick Hunt welcomes Kwame Christian, CEO of the American Negotiation Institute, who reveals how to approach difficult …

    Notes de l’épisode

    Because the best things in life are on the other side of difficult conversations.

    
    

    Mick Hunt welcomes Kwame Christian, CEO of the American Negotiation Institute, who reveals how to approach difficult conversations to change your business and life. This episode will equip you with a new negotiation framework.

    
    

    WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

    - The 3 Core Skills for better negotiation

    - How to avoid the "why" question trap

    - Building the "undeniable" personal brand

    - Why the entire sales process is negotiation

    - The power of Compassionate Curiosity framework

    
    

    QUOTES THAT HIT

    "Because the best things in life are on the other side of difficult conversations." - Kwame Christian

    "There's a big difference between being liked and being respected. Those are not the same thing." - Kwame Christian

    "My goal isn't to be good, my goal isn't to be recognized, my goal is to be undeniable." - Kwame Christian

    "The harder we push, the harder they push back." - Kwame Christian

    
    

    CHAPTERS

    00:00 Welcome Kwame Christian to Mick Unplugged

    02:18 Kwame Christian's Life Purpose: "Because"

    04:54 Overcoming People-Pleasing With Mentorship

    10:02 Why Avoiding "Why" Questions Improves Conversations

    13:55 The Importance of Deep Knowledge and Credentials

    19:48 Empathy and Humility in Negotiation

    24:10 Convincing Others By Empowering Self-Persuasion

    31:39 Compassionate Curiosity Negotiation Framework

    35:23 The Origin of Kwame Christian's Negotiation Journey

    37:46 Big Swings Only: New Podcast Announcement

    43:27 Rapid Fire: Cooking, Loyalty, and Inspiration

    
    

    QUESTIONS THIS EPISODE ANSWERS

    Q: How does a leader improve their negotiation skills?

    A: You need to recognize that negotiation requires three core skills: becoming a better listener, asking better questions, and managing your own and others' emotions.

    
    

    Q: Why should leaders avoid asking "why" questions in difficult conversations?

    A: The word "why" is often associated with judgment and criticism, triggering defensive responses and preventing open communication. Instead, use "what" or "how" questions to gather information.

    
    

    Q: What is the compassionate curiosity framework in negotiation?

    A: The compassionate curiosity framework has three steps: acknowledge and validate emotions, ask open-ended questions with compassion, and engage in joint problem-solving.

    
    

    Connect & Discover Kwame:

    Instagram: @kwamenegotiates

    Podcast: Negotiate Anything

    Website: kwamechristian.com

    LinkedIn: @kwamechristian

    X: @KwameNegotiates

    TikTok: @kwamenegotiates

    YouTube: @TheKwameChristian

    Book: Finding Confidence in Conflict

    
    

    FOLLOW MICK ON:

    Spotify: MickUnplugged

    Instagram: @mickunplugged 

    Facebook: @mickunplugged

    YouTube: @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

    LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

    Website: MickHuntOfficial.com

    Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

    Website: Leadloudseries.com

    Apple: MickUnplugged

    
    

    
    

    
    

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23. Greatness Isn’t Accidental: Intentional Living with Sanya Richards-Ross

    9 juillet 202642 minÉpisode 276

    FIRE LINE: "Being great was not just going to happen because I was extremely talented."Sanya Richards-Ross, an Olympic Gold medalist and track and field icon, shares her leadership insights on intentionality …

    Notes de l’épisode

    FIRE LINE: "Being great was not just going to happen because I was extremely talented."

    
    

    Sanya Richards-Ross, an Olympic Gold medalist and track and field icon, shares her leadership insights on intentionality, the 400-meter race strategy, and her impactful work with mothers. This episode will equip business leaders with actionable frameworks for sustained excellence.

    
    

    WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

    - 3 "Because Statements" for daily drive

    - Sanya Richards-Ross' 4 Ps strategy for success

    - Impact of early mentorship on an athlete

    - Balancing physical and mental discipline

    - Why "MommiNation Gives" supports black moms

    
    

    QUOTES THAT HIT

    "No, baby. Do you really want to be great?" - Sanya Richards-Ross

    "I want to always see myself beyond being a track and field athlete." - Sanya Richards-Ross

    "You're impacting the life of a family." - Sanya Richards-Ross

    
    

    CHAPTERS

    00:00 Defining Sanya's Three Becausals

    03:06 Early Beginnings of "Because I Can"

    07:30 Unplugged Truth about 400m Dominance

    19:00 Intentionality Beyond Track and Field

    22:07 The Vision for Beyond the Curve

    24:15 Dad's Car Conversation: The Greatness Room

    31:10 Mission of Mommy Nation Gives

    34:58 Unplugged Five Rapid Fire

    
    

    QUESTIONS THIS EPISODE ANSWERS

    Q: What was Sanya Richards-Ross's strategy for winning the 400-meter race?

    A: Sanya Richards-Ross utilized the "four P's" strategy: Push, Pace, Position, and Poise, along with a silent "Pray" for the final hundred meters, which she also applies to life.

    
    

    Q: How did Sanya Richards-Ross prepare for her career transition after track and field?

    A: Sanya Richards-Ross was intentional about her transition for two years before retirement, thinking about how her athletic skills would serve her next, leading her to pursuits in television, writing, and family.

    
    

    Q: What is the main goal of Sanya Richards-Ross's nonprofit, MommiNation Gives?

    A: MommiNation Gives supports Black moms on their motherhood journey, helping homeless mothers and families affected by the black maternal mortality crisis by providing resources and community.

    
    

    
    

    Connect & Discover Sanya Richards-Ross:

    Website: sanyarichardsross.com

    Foundation: MommiNation.com

    Instagram: @sanyarichiross

    Facebook: @sanyarichards

    YouTube: @sani400

    TikTok: @sanyarichiross

    
    

    
    

    FOLLOW MICK ON:

    Spotify: MickUnplugged

    Instagram: @mickunplugged 

    Facebook: @mickunplugged

    YouTube:  @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

    LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

    Website:  MickHuntOfficial.com

    Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

    Website: Leadloudseries.com

    Apple: MickUnplugged

    
    

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24. Unleash Your Power: Integrating Life & Work with Tim Rexius

    2 juillet 202651 minÉpisode 275

    I wouldn't have the skillset I needed had any of that happened, and I would have squandered it.In this Mick Unplugged episode, entrepreneur Tim Rexius, CEO of Rexius Nutrition, reveals how his "DAD" philosophy …

    Notes de l’épisode

    I wouldn't have the skillset I needed had any of that happened, and I would have squandered it.

    
    

    In this Mick Unplugged episode, entrepreneur Tim Rexius, CEO of Rexius Nutrition, reveals how his "DAD" philosophy drives successful business growth. Tim promises to share crucial lessons on leadership, wealth generation, and family integration in entrepreneurship.

    
    

    WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

    - Tim Rexius' "DAD" philosophy

    - Work-life integration for entrepreneurs

    - Business growth strategies

    - The value of lifelong learning

    - The benefits of creatine

    
    

    QUOTES THAT HIT

    "There is no work-life balance. That doesn't exist, it's a myth. But I've made my life my work and I've brought my kids and my family into every step of the process." - Tim Rexius

    "I was like, you know, I don't think the answer is having more employees. I think the answer is having more partners." - Tim Rexius

    "The average protein snack can take two hours to digest this popcorn six minutes." - Tim Rexius

    
    

    CHAPTERS

    00:00 Tim Rexius' "Because"

    02:12 Entrepreneurial Mindset Philosophy

    04:12 More Partners, Fewer Employees

    11:30 Tim Rexius' Business Strategy

    21:54 Rexius Nutrition Products

    25:23 Building Omaha Protein Popcorn

    39:02 A Life-Changing Room

    41:18 Rapid Fire Hot Five

    
    

    QUESTIONS THIS EPISODE ANSWERS

    Q: What is Tim Rexius's "DAD" philosophy for entrepreneurs?

    A: Tim Rexius's "DAD" philosophy stands for Discipline, Action, and Dedication, which he emphasizes are crucial for entrepreneurial success and overcoming challenges.

    
    

    Q: How did Tim Rexius develop Omaha Protein Popcorn?

    A: Tim Rexius developed Omaha Protein Popcorn by experimenting with 600 batches to create a high-quality, protein-rich snack that could appeal to children and athletes, and later adapted its marketing based on consumer feedback.

    
    

    Q: What is Tim Rexius's advice on work-life balance for entrepreneurs?

    A: Tim Rexius believes "work-life balance" is a myth, advocating instead for "work-life integration" by involving family in business endeavors and shared goals.

    
    

    
    

    Connect & Discover Tim:

    Instagram: @timothy_d_rexius

    Website: timrexius.com

    LinkedIn: @timothy-rexius

    Facebook: @tim.rexius

    YouTube: @timothydrexius

    
    

    🔥 Ready to Unleash Your Inner Game-Changer? 🔥 

    Mick Hunt’s BEST SELLING book, How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One: The Blueprint for Modern Leadership, is here to light a fire under your ambition and arm you with the real-talk strategies that only Mick delivers. 

    👉 Grab your copy now and level up your life → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million

     

     

    FOLLOW MICK ON:

    Spotify: MickUnplugged

    Instagram: @mickunplugged 

    Facebook: @mickunplugged

    YouTube:  @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

    LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

    Website:  MickHuntOfficial.com

    Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

    Website: Leadloudseries.com

    Apple: MickUnplugged

    
    

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

25. Rewire Your Brain: Subconscious Blocks Removed by Brandon Epstein

    25 juin 202640 minÉpisode 274

    To lead others, you must first master yourself, that's the ultimate success code.High-performance coach Brandon Epstein, author of "The Success Code," helps professionals unlock their peak performance. This …

    Notes de l’épisode

     To lead others, you must first master yourself, that's the ultimate success code.

    
    

    High-performance coach Brandon Epstein, author of "The Success Code," helps professionals unlock their peak performance. This episode reveals how to rewire your identity for sustained success.

    
    

    WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

    - The 3 pillars of performance identity

    - How to access flow states for peak results

    - 5 strategies for subconscious block removal

    - The role of mindset in elite achievement

    - Actionable steps to create your success code

    
    

    QUOTES THAT HIT

    "Your identity dictates your reality." - Brandon Epstein

    "Performance isn't just what you do, it's who you are." - Brandon Epstein

    "Subconscious blocks are often the invisible ceiling for success." - Brandon Epstein

    
    

    CHAPTERS

    00:00 Unlocking Brandon Epstein's Success Code

    05:15 Rewiring Identity for Peak Performance

    12:30 Accessing Flow States in Business

    20:05 Removing Subconscious Blocks Effectively

    28:40 The 3 Pillars of High Performance

    35:00 Practical Steps for Identity Shifts

    42:10 Sustained Excellence Principles

    
    

    QUESTIONS THIS EPISODE ANSWERS

    Q: What is the primary role of identity in high performance?

    A: Identity defines your capabilities and beliefs, fundamentally shaping your actions and results. If you identify as someone who achieves, you will act accordingly.

    
    

    Q: How can entrepreneurs enter a flow state consistently?

    A: Consistently entering a flow state involves optimizing your environment, having clear goals, and honing your skills to meet challenges, allowing for deep, effortless focus.

    
    

    Q: Why is it crucial to address subconscious blocks for leaders?

    A: Subconscious blocks often unknowingly limit a leader's potential by creating self-sabotaging patterns and preventing them from operating at their highest level of effectiveness.

    
    

    Connect & Discover Brandon:

    Instagram: @brandonepstein

    LinkedIn: Brandon Epstein

    Website: thebrandonepstein.com

    Book: The Success Code

    YouTube: @RewiredMethod

    
    

    
    

     🔥 Ready to Lead Different & Win Bigger? 🔥 

    How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One by Mick Hunt isn’t just a book - it’s your blueprint to set up, stand out, and lead with confidence (even if no one ever showed you how).

    
    

    Straight talk. Real Strategy. No fluff. Just the tools you need to elevate your leadership and life.

    👉 Get your copy now and start leading on your terms → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million

    
    

    FOLLOW MICK ON:

    Spotify: MickUnplugged

    Instagram: @mickunplugged 

    Facebook: @mickunplugged

    YouTube: @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

    LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

    Website: MickHuntOfficial.com

    Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

    Website: Leadloudseries.com

    Apple: MickUnplugged

    
    

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26. Block the BS: Mastering Peace and Purpose with Wallo267

    18 juin 202648 minÉpisode 273

    Winning ain't for everybody because people aren't willing to put in the work and discipline.Mick Hunt welcomes entrepreneur and content creator Wallo267 (Wallace Peeples) to discuss self-mastery, strategic …

    Notes de l’épisode

    Winning ain't for everybody because people aren't willing to put in the work and discipline.

    
    

    Mick Hunt welcomes entrepreneur and content creator Wallo267 (Wallace Peeples) to discuss self-mastery, strategic decision-making, and why peace of mind should be your ultimate goal. This episode challenges traditional notions of success and offers insights on living authentically.

    
    

    WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

    - The critical role of "no" in personal growth

    - How 5-10 "yeses" can change your life

    - Why peace of mind matters more than loyalty

    - Understanding the biggest business in the world: fear

    - The importance of auditing your inner circle

    
    

    QUOTES THAT HIT

    "I started committing crimes because I wanted to be accepted by some people that I thought was cool, that was followers themselves." - Wallo267 (Wallace Peeples)

    "Nothing supersede a good nap. That good recharge when you go to sleep." - Wallo267 (Wallace Peeples)

    "You gotta have people around that understand you're crazy and believe me you're crazy." - Wallo267 (Wallace Peeples)

    
    

    CHAPTERS

    00:00 The Push to Help

    02:06 Discovering Your Calling Later in Life

    04:33 Letting Go of Old Beliefs

    06:56 The Importance of Peace

    11:09 Health is Wealth

    15:16 Why Winning Ain't for Everybody

    19:38 Block Out the Bullshit and Fear

    21:36 Auditing Your Circle and Relationships

    28:47 No is a Complete Sentence

    32:07 The Power of a Few Key Yeses

    34:22 Yes to You, No to Them

    36:01 The Life-Changing Rooms

    41:50 Rapid Fire: Unplugged Five

    
    

    QUESTIONS THIS EPISODE ANSWERS

    Q: How does saying "no" impact one's life and personal development?

    A: Saying "no" transforms your life, even if it brings initial bickering. Establishing "no" early helps younger people, changing everything for them.

    
    

    Q: What is Wallo267's perspective on "winning ain't for everybody"?

    A: Wallo267 believes winning isn't for everyone because it requires significant discipline and work that many are unwilling to put in. Successful people often seek the "boring" monotony of consistent effort.

    
    

    Q: How can listeners connect with Wallo267's new book and community initiatives?

    A: Listeners can get Wallo267's book, "Yes to You, No to Them," through Amazon.com and other major booksellers. They can join a social media movement starting July 16th to discuss weekly passages and share what the book means to them.

    
    

    Connect & Discover Wallo267 (Wallace Peeples):

    Instagram: @wallo267

    LinkedIn: @wallce-peoples

    YouTube: @wallo267

    TikTok: @wallo267

    X: @Wallo267

    Facebook: @whereswallo

    Book: Yes to You, No to Them: The Discipline of Saying No and the Freedom that Follows

    Brand: arplnsnhotls.com

    
    

    FOLLOW MICK ON:

    Spotify: MickUnplugged

    Instagram: @mickunplugged 

    Facebook: @mickunplugged

    YouTube: @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

    LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

    Website: MickHuntOfficial.com

    Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

    Website: Leadloudseries.com

    Apple: MickUnplugged

    
    

    
    

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27. No One’s Healed: The Truth About Purpose from Jess Hilarious

    11 juin 202642 minÉpisode 272

    FIRE LINE: You're never going to be fully healed from everything, but a work in progress is what you want.Jess Hilarious, the dynamic stand-up comedian and co-host of The Breakfast Club, shares her journey of …

    Notes de l’épisode

    FIRE LINE: You're never going to be fully healed from everything, but a work in progress is what you want.

    
    

    Jess Hilarious, the dynamic stand-up comedian and co-host of The Breakfast Club, shares her journey of parenting, purpose, and professional evolution. Dive into this episode to understand how resilience defines her legacy and the raw truths behind her success.

    
    

    WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

    - 3 key reasons for Jess Hilarious's because

    - 6 months to form a bond with her son

    - 2 Baltimore venues that define her career

    - Why "dummy" is a term of endearment

    - The importance of a supportive parenting village

    
    

    QUOTES THAT HIT

    "You're never going to be fully healed from everything, but a work in progress is what you want." - Jessica "Jess Hilarious" Moore

    "Legacy is one of the most important things to ever leave behind." - Jessica "Jess Hilarious" Moore

    "Parenting is one of the hardest things. It's just the most challenging thing you could ever do. But it's complex and it's complicated, but it's beautiful." - Jessica "Jess Hilarious" Moore

    
    

    CHAPTERS

    00:00 Defining Jess Hilarious's Because

    01:03 The Shared Parenting Purpose

    03:49 Joy Over Happiness in Parenting

    06:25 Jess Hilarious's Breakdown Moment

    13:49 Fear and the Pregnancy Announcement

    22:34 No One is Fully Healed

    25:00 The Baltimore "Dummy" Hot Take

    27:19 Martin Lawrence and The Room

    
    

    QUESTIONS THIS EPISODE ANSWERS

    Q: How did Jess Hilarious connect with her son emotionally?

    A: Jess Hilarious describes a moment six months after her son's birth, picking him up while crying, when she felt a deep emotional and mental connection, realizing he was her pride and joy.

    
    

    Q: What was the pivotal moment for Jess Hilarious's stand-up career?

    A: The pivotal moment was performing at the Wells Fargo Arena in Baltimore City in 2016, opening for Martin Lawrence in front of 13,000 people, which confirmed her path in stand-up comedy.

    
    

    Q: Why is "dummy" a term of endearment in Baltimore?

    A: "Dummy" became a term of endearment in Baltimore starting around 11 years old for Jess Hilarious's generation, used among peers, and signifies a cultural bond rather than an insult.

    
    

    Connect & Discover Jess Hilarious:

    Instagram: @jesshilarious_official

    Website: jesshilariousofficial.com

    Facebook: @JessHilariousofficial

    YouTube: @jesshilariousofficial

    X: @jess_hilarious

    TikTok: @jesshilarious_official

    Book: “Till Death Do We Parent

    
    

    FOLLOW MICK ON:

    Spotify: MickUnplugged

    Instagram: @mickunplugged 

    Facebook: @mickunplugged

    YouTube:  @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

    LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

    Website:  MickHuntOfficial.com

    Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

    Website: Leadloudseries.com

    Apple: MickUnplugged

    
    

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28. Fearless Leadership: Gridiron to Greatness with Jared Allen

    4 juin 202641 minÉpisode 271

    Leadership isn’t about being the loudest; it’s about inspiring commitment through genuine connection and relentless effort.Learn leadership from NFL Hall of Famer, Jared Allen, as he shares insights from his …

    Notes de l’épisode

    Leadership isn’t about being the loudest; it’s about inspiring commitment through genuine connection and relentless effort.

    
    

    Learn leadership from NFL Hall of Famer, Jared Allen, as he shares insights from his Pro Bowl career about thriving under pressure. This episode reveals how elite athletes translate gridiron success into business and personal development.

    
    

    WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

    - The 2011 season's 22-sack mindset

    - Building a Hall of Fame career foundation

    - Jared Allen's key leadership principles

    - Mental toughness strategies for entrepreneurs

    - Honoring military families through philanthropy

    
    

    QUOTES THAT HIT

    "You have to be a little bit crazy, but you also have to be calculated." - Jared Allen

    "Leadership is not just about telling people what to do, it's about showing them and earning their trust." - Jared Allen

    "There's no substitute for hard work and understanding your competition." - Jared Allen

    
    

    CHAPTERS

    00:00 From Idaho State to NFL Legend

    07:15 The 22-Sack Season Breakdown

    14:30 Leadership Lessons from the Locker Room

    21:55 Transitioning NFL Grit to Business

    28:10 Jared Allen's Philanthropic Mission

    35:00 Sustaining Excellence Beyond the Field

    42:20 Building a Brand, Full Ryed Bourbon

    
    

    QUESTIONS THIS EPISODE ANSWERS

    Q: How did Jared Allen approach the record-breaking 2011 NFL season?

    A: Jared Allen combined relentless physical preparation with a deep understanding of his opponents' tendencies, constantly pushing for improvement even when nearing the single-season sack record.

    
    

    Q: What are Jared Allen's top leadership principles?

    A: Jared Allen emphasizes leading by example, fostering genuine relationships, and empowering teammates, believing that true leadership earns respect rather than demands it.

    
    

    Q: How does Jared Allen maintain mental toughness in his post-NFL career?

    A: Jared Allen applies the same discipline and strategic thinking he used in football to his business ventures and personal life, focusing on continuous learning and impactful contributions.

    
    

    Connect & Discover Jared:

    Instagram: @jaredallen69

    Full Ryde Bourbon: fullrydebourbon.com

    Foundation: Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors

    X / Twitter: @jaredallen69

     

     🔥 Ready to Lead Different & Win Bigger? 🔥 

    How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One by Mick Hunt isn’t just a book - it’s your blueprint to set up, stand out, and lead with confidence (even if no one ever showed you how).

    Straight talk. Real Strategy. No fluff. Just the tools you need to elevate your leadership and life.

    👉 Get your copy now and start leading on your terms → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million

    
    

    FOLLOW MICK ON:

    Spotify: MickUnplugged

    Instagram: @mickunplugged 

    Facebook: @mickunplugged

    YouTube:  @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

    LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

    Website:  MickHuntOfficial.com

    Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

    Website: Leadloudseries.com

    Apple: MickUnplugged

    
    

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

29. How to Take it Personal and Win in Business with David Grutman

    28 mai 202634 minÉpisode 270

    My wife and family are special, and I want the world to see how special they are.Entrepreneur David Grutman, co-owner of Groot Hospitality, shares how to build a lasting legacy and why nurturing relationships …

    Notes de l’épisode

    My wife and family are special, and I want the world to see how special they are.

    Entrepreneur David Grutman, co-owner of Groot Hospitality, shares how to build a lasting legacy and why nurturing relationships is key to success. He explains why focusing on intellectual property and an exit strategy, even if you never plan to sell, are critical for any business leader.

    
    

    WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

    - The critical importance of building an ecosystem around your business

    - How David Grutman uses AI in his hospitality ventures

    - Why your intellectual property and name are everything

    - The one thing David is most proud of to date

    - Why building an exit strategy for your business is crucial

    
    

    QUOTES THAT HIT

    "If I see a guest that I know that we take care of all the time doing their birthday party at another venue and not ours. I'm upset." - David Grutman

    "Don't being a gatekeeper. I hate these gatekeeper people." - David Grutman

    "You should always build a company that that's why IP is very important that you're not going to have a mess if you do exit trying to tie up all these people that are part of your IP." - David Grutman

    
    

    CHAPTERS

    00:00 Welcome David Grutman

    01:32 David's Entrepreneurial Because and Next Steps

    02:36 Groot Hospitality's Las Vegas Expansion

    04:41 Taking Things Personally in Business

    06:37 Building Your Business Ecosystem

    09:53 David Grutman's Unique Value Proposition

    15:47 The Importance of Being in the Right Rooms

    19:53 Your Name and IP are Everything

    22:22 The Exit Strategy Mindset

    25:51 Mick's Rapid Fire Five with David

    
    

    QUESTIONS THIS EPISODE ANSWERS

    Q: What does David Grutman mean by "Take It Personal"?

    A: David Grutman applies "Take It Personal" to his business, meaning he fully immerses himself in the customer experience, observing competitor venues, and ensuring his team provides the best service to keep guests loyal.

    
    

    Q: How can entrepreneurs build a strong ecosystem around their business?

    A: Entrepreneurs build a strong ecosystem by focusing on relationships and curating experiences, both within their own venues and by recommending other valuable experiences, adding value for their guests beyond their direct offerings.

    
    

    Q: Why is having an exit strategy important, even if you don't plan to sell?

    A: Having an exit strategy is important because it forces you to run your business like a public company, ensuring it is structured for sustainability, making it easier to pass on to the next generation or sell if the opportunity arises.

     

    Connect & Discover David:

    Instagram: @davidgrutman

    Groot Hospitality: groothospitality.com

    LinkedIn: David Grutman

    TikTok: @davidgrutman

    X: @DavidGrutman

    Book: Take It Personal: How to Succeed by Building Relationships and Playing the Long Game

    
    

    
    

     🔥 Ready to Lead Different & Win Bigger? 🔥 

    How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One by Mick Hunt isn’t just a book - it’s your blueprint to set up, stand out, and lead with confidence (even if no one ever showed you how).

    Straight talk. Real Strategy. No fluff. Just the tools you need to elevate your leadership and life.

    👉 Get your copy now and start leading on your terms → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million

    
    

    FOLLOW MICK ON:

    Spotify: MickUnplugged

    Instagram: @mickunplugged 

    Facebook: @mickunplugged

    YouTube:  @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

    LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

    Website:  MickHuntOfficial.com

    Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

    Website: Leadloudseries.com

    Apple: MickUnplugged

    
    

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30. Service Above Self: A Memorial Day Tribute to the Heroes Who Defended Our Freedom

    25 mai 202659 minÉpisode 269

    You don't rise to the occasion, you rise or fall to your level of preparation.This Memorial Day episode features reflections from figures like Chef Robert Irvine and Michelle Mace-Curren on military service and …

    Notes de l’épisode

    You don't rise to the occasion, you rise or fall to your level of preparation.

    
    

    This Memorial Day episode features reflections from figures like Chef Robert Irvine and Michelle Mace-Curren on military service and leadership. Delve into the deep driving forces behind dedication and self-sacrifice, exploring the critical role of preparation in overcoming impossible challenges.

    
    

    WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

    - Chef Robert Irvine's mission to help those lost

    - The reason behind a 30-year Air Force veteran's call for help

    - Why micromanaging doesn't constitute leadership

    - 4 principles for building strong, loyal teams

    - The significance of 1% of the US population serving in the military

    
    

    QUOTES THAT HIT

    "Because there are people out there that need my help." - Memorial Day 

    "If you're worried about something right now that your worry will not affect, you're wasting your energy." - Memorial Day 

    "My because is simply because we're temporary." - Memorial Day 

    
    

    CHAPTERS

    00:03 Mick Unplugged: Your Because

    00:46 Chef Irvine's Because: Helping Others

    02:12 Tough Love and Relatability

    05:48 Overcoming Impossible: Start with Chapter One

    07:29 Empathetic Leadership: Beyond Micromanagement

    10:51 Military Service: A Daughter-in-Law's Journey

    17:03 My Because: A Free Nation

    22:43 Robert J. Ono's Because: Family

    28:02 Bin Laden Raid: The 90-Minute Flight

    32:31 Preparation: Master the Basics

    33:23 CZ Lopez: Purpose and Misfortunes

    43:17 Michelle Mace-Curren: Legacy and Leadership

    
    

    QUESTIONS THIS EPISODE ANSWERS

    Q: What does Chef Robert Irvine consider his "because"?

    A: Chef Robert Irvine says his "because" is that there are people out there who need his help, and he uses his platform for the betterment of others who are less fortunate.

    
    

    Q: How does Michelle Mace-Curren define her "because" as an entrepreneur after military service?

    A: Michelle Mace-Curren finds her "because" in creating her legacy now, seeing the tangible inspiration in front of her eyes when she gives keynote speeches, and knowing that her work impacts people's lives.

    
    

    Q: Why is preparation essential for leaders, according to Robert J. Ono?

    A: Robert J. Ono emphasizes that leaders must be prepared for contingencies and master the basics, because "you don't rise to the occasion, you rise or fall to your level of preparation."

    Connect & Discover Our Memorial Day Heroes:

    Chef Robert Irvine Website: ChefIrvine.com

    Chef Robert Irvine Instagram: @chefirvine

    Robert Irvine Foundation: RobertIrvineFoundation.org

    JoAnne Bass LinkedIn: @jo-bass

    JoAnne Bass Instagram: @thejoannebass

    Rob O'Neill Website: RobONeill.com

    Rob O'Neill Instagram: @mchooyah

    CZ Lopez LinkedIn: @ramoncolonlopez

    CZ Lopez Instagram: @therealczcolonlopez

    Michelle "Mace" Curran Website: MaceCurran.com

    Michelle "Mace" Curran Instagram: @mace.curran

    
    

    
    

    Ready to Unleash Your Inner Game-Changer?

     

    Mick Hunt’s BEST SELLING book, How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One: The Blueprint for Modern Leadership, is here to light a fire under your ambition and arm you with the real-talk strategies that only Mick delivers.

     

    Grab your copy now and level up your life: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A MillionFOLLOW MICK ON:

    Spotify: MickUnplugged

    Instagram: @mickunplugged

    Facebook: @mickunplugged

    YouTube: @MickUnpluggedPodcast

    LinkedIn: @mickhunt

    Website: MickHuntOfficial.com

    Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

    
    

    
    

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Voici les 100 derniers épisodes sur 313. Les épisodes plus anciens se trouvent dans le flux du podcast.