"Mick Unplugged" is a transformative podcast that challenges listeners to move beyond the conventional 'Why' and embrace the empowering realm of 'Because.' Hosted by Mick Hunt, the voice of Modern Leadership, this podcast is designed for leaders, doers, and anyone aspiring to create meaningful impact in both their personal and professional lives. Each episode delves into the principles of Modern Leadership, focusing on discovering your 'Because'—your core driving force—and how it can turn dreams into reality and aspirations into actionable steps. With practical advice, real-life stories, and forward-thinking insights, you’ll learn to make your 'Because' a daily focus, fueling your journey toward success and fulfillment. Whether you’re looking to deepen your motivation, set meaningful goals, or apply modern leadership theories to overcome challenges, "Mick Unplugged" provides the tools, strategies, and insights to guide your path. Subscribe now and start transforming your life with purpose and modern leadership principles.
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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 principl...
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 hosp...
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 ...
The story will keep you there. This Mick Unplugged episode features JEFRË, a Public Artist and Creative Director. He explores how pivotal life experiences and a singular vision shaped his career, leading him to create monumental public art around the globe. Discover JEFRË’s journey from urban designer to iconic artist. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN - JEFRË's journey after a 35-year-old heart attack - How to become a brand-collaborating artist - The significance behind "Victor" in the Philippines - Why brand...
Haley Sacks — better known as Mrs. Dow Jones — is the financial educator helping millions of people stop being weird about money and start building real wealth. Named Creator of the Year by Adweek, featured on Fortune's 40 Under 40, and dubbed by The Wall Street Journal as “the financial guru millennials listen to,” Haley has built a movement around making personal finance feel less like punishment and more like power. She's also the author of the brand-new book Future Rich Person: The New Rules...
In this deeply personal episode, Rickey Smiley opens up about how his background and faith shaped his authentic approach to life and parenting, advocating for traditional discipline and giving kids what you had. He courageously details his journey through unimaginable grief, including the loss of his eldest son, and the challenge of performing publicly while heartbroken. Rickey and host Mick Hunt powerfully discuss the necessity for men to overcome ego, seek therapy, and embrace vulnerability for healing, as chronicled in Rickey's impactful memoir, "Sideshow."
Jeremy Guthrie is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who commanded the mound for over a decade with the Cleveland Indians, Baltimore Orioles, Colorado Rockies, and Kansas City Royals. A Stanford graduate and former BYU standout, Jeremy was an American League Rookie of the Year candidate in 2007, represented Team USA in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, and started Games 3 and 7 of the 2014 World Series before earning a World Series ring in 2015. Off the field, Jeremy serves as an MLB Commissi...
This episode features Aneesh Raman, LinkedIn's Chief Economic Opportunity Officer, who delves into the profound impact of AI on the global workforce. He encourages listeners to overcome the fatalism surrounding AI, framing it as an opportunity for individuals to redefine their jobs by leveraging unique human strengths like critical thinking and connection. Drawing from his book "Open to Work," Raman provides a practical framework ("Three Buckets") for integrating AI, ensuring people can bet on themselves and build human-centric work systems that foster economic opportunity and freedom.
Jason Wild is a globally recognized innovation strategist and co-author of the groundbreaking book “Genius at Scale: How Great Leaders Drive Innovation,” written alongside Dr. Linda A. Hill of Harvard Business School and Emily Tedards. A former child actor turned business leader, Jason has shaped innovation strategy for some of the world’s most iconic brands—including Microsoft, Salesforce, and IBM—while advising CEOs across six continents. As the former Global Vice President of CEO Co-Innovatio...
Alanna Taylor, a visionary leader with a 60%+ grant win rate, shares critical strategies for nonprofits, especially empowering Black women executive directors. She emphasizes strategic founder positioning, the discipline of saying no to misaligned grants, and developing multiple, unrestricted revenue streams beyond traditional grants for true organizational sustainability.
Boomer Anderson is not your typical health guru—he’s a former investment banker turned health optimization pioneer who got the wake-up call of a lifetime when he was diagnosed with cardiovascular disease at just 30 years old. Instead of accepting the standard “take a pill and come back in ten years” approach, Boomer went all-in on understanding what true health actually means. Today he’s the CEO of Troscriptions, building science-backed solutions for stress, sleep, focus, and immune function, an...
Bruce Bruce is an entertainment legend, a master of comedic timing whose sharp wit and improvisational brilliance have captivated audiences for decades across stand-up, television, and film. With a new Netflix special "I Ain't Playing" that has audiences roaring from start to finish, he redefines longevity and authenticity in the comedy game, building a career on delivering big laughs infused with relatable human insights. A true "goat" of comedy, Bruce Bruce consistently draws sold-out crowds w...
Nir Eyal is not just an author; he’s a behavioral architect, a master decoder of the invisible forces that drive human action and inaction. A former Stanford Graduate School of Business lecturer who co-founded and sold tech companies before transitioning into writing and teaching, Nir’s brilliance lies in his rare ability to bridge psychology, technology, and business into frameworks that fundamentally change how leaders think, operate, and perform. With bestselling books like Hooked, Indistract...
Morgan Housel is not just an author; he's a financial philosopher, an alchemist of understanding who transforms complex financial concepts into relatable human narratives. With a staggering 11 million books sold worldwide and translations into over 60 languages, Morgan's brilliance lies in his unique ability to unpack the intricate dance between human behavior and financial success, offering unparalleled insights that resonate deeply with business leaders and entrepreneurs alike. Takeaways: The ...
Chef Kwame Onwuachi is a revolutionary culinary artist, an award-winning author, and a visionary restaurateur who is boldly redefining the landscape of modern American cuisine with a global perspective rooted in his Nigerian, Caribbean, and Creole heritage. From launching a catering company from the trunk of his car to earning a James Beard Award and opening nationally celebrated restaurants like Tatiana and the upcoming Maroon, Kwame is an unstoppable force constantly pushing boundaries and ele...
Allyson Felix, a name synonymous with unparalleled achievement and groundbreaking advocacy, joins Mick Unplugged to share her remarkable journey. From shattering Olympic records and redefining what it means to be a champion athlete to becoming a fierce advocate for maternal rights and an innovative entrepreneur with her brand, Saysh, Allyson's story is one of unwavering resilience, profound purpose, and inspiring leadership. She delves into the core values that have guided her through athletic t...
Ron "Boss" Everline is not just a trainer; he's a true titan of transformation, a visionary whose profound impact sweeps across elite performance and entrepreneurial mastery. Forging an empire born of unwavering discipline and a relentless pursuit of excellence, he has become a beacon of inspiration, pushing countless individuals—from celebrity clients to everyday aspirants—to unlock their ultimate potential. His philosophy transcends physical training, encapsulating a holistic approach to life,...
Earthquake, born Nathaniel Stroman, is a phenomenal force in comedy and entertainment, commanding stages worldwide for almost three decades with his sharp wit and profound storytelling. A multi-talented artist, his critically acclaimed Netflix special "Chappelle's Home Team - Earthquake: Legendary" solidified his status as a comedic icon, earning accolades from the New York Times. Beyond the spotlight, Earthquake exemplifies entrepreneurial vision, having successfully owned and operated multiple...
Dr. Anthony Randall, a combat veteran and leadership expert, shares his philosophy that "practice makes permanent" through disciplined excellence. He introduces the concept of anti-fragility over resilience, illustrating how challenges can make individuals and organizations stronger. Randall also outlines his "Five Vowels of Leadership" (Assess, Enlist, Observe, Utilize) to cultivate high-character, autonomous leaders, highlighting Vanguard XXI's work in diverse sectors and his passion for restoring civility.
Jade Warshaw is not just a financial expert; she's a force of nature revolutionizing how we understand and interact with our money. As the brilliant mind behind the game-changing book "What Nobody Tells You About Money," Jade demystifies the path to financial freedom with unmatched insight, realness, and a powerful commitment to transforming lives. Her journey from personal financial struggle to empowering countless others speaks to a profound belief that our stories are never just for ourselves...
Jeff Tiegs is a remarkable force, a true luminary whose career spans 25 years of relentless service in counterterrorism and elite special operations, transitioning his unparalleled skills and unwavering dedication to combating sex trafficking with Skull Games. He's reshaping industries, unlocking groundbreaking strategies, and igniting the spirit of progress in the technological landscape, all while inspiring individuals to step into their heroic potential through compelling storytelling and pro...
Golf legend Annika Sorenstam discusses her journey, emphasizing the critical role of preparation in building confidence and managing pressure, even for a shy individual. She highlights the mission of the ANNIKA Foundation, which empowers young women through golf, offering life lessons and opportunities. Annika also shares her perspective on balancing technology in a distracted world and finding purpose beyond professional competition, revealing her dedication to inspiring the next generation.
Iyanla Vanzant is a force of nature, a spiritual luminary whose profound wisdom and unwavering truth have ignited a revolution of healing and self-discovery in countless lives. With the depth of an ancient sage and the directness of a loving guide, she empowers individuals to shed the burdens of their past, reclaim their authentic power, and embark on a transformative journey towards emotional wellness and spiritual liberation. Her insights don't just touch the soul; they ignite it. Takeaways: T...
World Series champion Jason Heyward discusses his "why" – a purpose rooted in family, dedication, and community impact. He shares insights on balancing a high-profile career with personal life, the power of presence, and crucial decision-making. The episode deeply explores his Chicago-based Jason Heyward Baseball Academy, highlighting its role in providing safe spaces and opportunities for inner-city youth, driven by education and sport.
CZ Lopez is a true force of nature, a visionary leader whose career spans groundbreaking work alongside culinary titan Robert Irvine and a dedicated mentorship transforming the lives of veterans. From humble beginnings that led him to find his purpose as an Air Force para-rescueman, CZ's journey of resilience, humility, and unwavering commitment has shaped him into an extraordinary voice in leadership, inspiring countless individuals to embrace accountability, proactively take charge, and make e...
Kym Whitley is an unmissable force, a comedic genius who lights up every screen and stage she graces, balancing a thriving career, the intricate journey of personal transformation, and the deeply personal mission of motherhood. She's not just breaking stigmas; she's building bridges of understanding, inspiring millions with her candor, courage, and hilarious authenticity, making her a truly unforgettable voice for change and joy. Takeaways: Finding Your "Because": Your deepest purpose is often i...
Bill Gurley is a titan of Silicon Valley, a visionary investor who has shaped the landscape of modern business with game-changing insights and investments in companies like Uber and Zillow. As a general partner at Benchmark, Gurley’s track record is undeniable, but it's his passion for unlocking human potential, articulated in his new book "Runnin' Down a Dream: How to Thrive in a Career You Actually Love," that truly sets him apart. Through his popular blog "Above the Crowd" and social media, h...
From electrifying NFL fields to rewriting his own narrative with resilience, wisdom, and unapologetic truth, Adam "Pacman" Jones is more than an athlete—he's a force of nature. A dynamic leader who inspires redemption, responsibility, and real talk, Pacman brings his signature "go get it" mentality to every aspect of his life, proving that with unwavering dedication and a commitment to authenticity, you can redefine your legacy and empower those around you. Get ready to be inspired by a man who ...
Todd Rose is a visionary leader and brilliant mind reshaping our understanding of human potential and the future of leadership. From overcoming academic struggles to achieving a GED and multiple Harvard degrees, his journey is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of meaningful impact. With profound insights into individuality, success, and the power of authenticity, Todd challenges conventional thinking, inspiring us to embrace our unique "jaggedness" and build a world where true potential ...
David Bach, author of The Automatic Millionaire, shares his profound purpose: to free people financially so they can connect with their higher calling. He discusses the power of paying yourself first, illustrating how ordinary people can build wealth through automatic savings and early investing, even for children. The episode also explores the philosophy of 'living rich now,' emphasizing gratitude and life's simple blessings over monetary figures.
