Mick Unplugged

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...

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...

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...

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 Mook...

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. ...

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...

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...

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 the...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 shar...

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...

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...

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 fo...

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...

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 conf...

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 Hunt, André shares how his parents and his Bessemer, Alabamacommunity taught him to move with integrity, care for his gifts, and stay shoulder to shoulder with thepeople who helped him flourish. He opens up about the teacher who made him feel truly seen, theresponsibility he feels to create opportunities for emerging voices, and why...

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...

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<...

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...

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...

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</p...

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<...

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...

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 entr...

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<...

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...

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 brands seek c...

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 for Building Wealth — a modernized, judgment-free playbook for anyone who's tired of the old advice that doesn't work anymo...

Rickey Smiley is a nationally beloved stand-up comedian, award-winning syndicated radio host, television personality, bestselling author, and one of the most authentic voices in entertainment today. Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Rickey first captured America’s attention through his legendary prank phone calls and breakout performances on BET’s Comic View before building a media empire that includes The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, heard in over 70 cities nationwide. A two-time Marconi Award winner, Rickey has starred in multiple television series and specials, including his critically acclaimed Hulu comedy special Foolish. Beyond the laughs, Rickey is a devoted father, gran...

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 Commissioner’s Ambassador, traveling to over 60 countries across six continents to grow the game globally. He is also the owner of Cu...

Aneesh Raman is LinkedIn’s Chief Economic Opportunity Officer, where he works with leaders across societies and sectors to shape the global response to the historic changes hitting work. A former CNN war correspondent and presidential speechwriter for Barack Obama, Aneesh has spent his career at the intersection of storytelling, economic policy, and human potential. He previously served as Senior Advisor on economic strategy to the State of California and led economic impact initiatives at Facebook. Alongside LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky, Aneesh co-authored the groundbreaking book “Open to Work: How to Get Ahead in the Age of AI,” a practi...

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-Innovation and Customer Engagement at Microsoft, Jason brings a rare blend of practitioner experience and thought leadership to the art and science of scaling breakthrou...

Alanna Taylor is a visionary leader and strategic architect who has spent three decades transforming bold ideas into fundable realities. With a staggering 60% plus grant win rate and over a million dollars raised annually for her clients, she is a nationally respected expert in program design, funding, and sustainable growth for mission-driven organizations. As the founder of Granted Success, Inc., Alanna specializes in grant writing, fractional executive director services, and her signature Grant-Ready Elevation Audit—a powerful diagnostic tool that evaluates a nonprofit’s win-ability across internal operations, messaging, digital footprint, and fundraising strategy. Her work is deeply rooted in e...

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, and the driving force behind Health Optimization Medicine and Practice (HOMe HOPe), a nonprofit that trains doctors worldwide to optimize for health...

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 with fresh material and an unwavering dedication to his craft, proving that genuine connection and humor are timeless.Takeaways:<...

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, Indistractable, and the upcoming Beyond Belief, Nir delivers the kind of substance that makes you stop, think, and actually do the work.<...

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 Power of Storytelling in Finance: Housel emphasizes that effective financial communication lies in compelling stories, making concepts memorable and relatable, far beyond the dry memorization...

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 elevating Black foodways on the global stage.Takeaways:Leaving a Place Better Than You Found It: His "why" is...

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 triumphs and personal challenges, demonstrating how faith, integrity, and a commitment to impact have shaped her legacy far beyond the track....

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, mindset, and unwavering commitment, proving that true power comes from within.Takeaways:The Art of Intentionality: Every endeavor, whether in business, mentorship, or p...

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 comedy clubs, and he consistently uses his platform to uplift and mentor emerging talent, proving that true legendary status is built on both performance and generous leadership....

Practice Makes Permanent: Transforming Leaders with Dr. Anthony RandallDr. Anthony Randall isn't just a leader; he's a seismic force in personal and organizational transformation. An international award-winning author, combat veteran, West Point graduate, and martial arts master with black belts in three disciplines, Dr. Randall redefines excellence. As the President and Founder of Vanguard XXI, he masterfully coaches leaders across Fortune 100/500 companies, U.S. military special operations, Major League Baseball, and more, inspiring them to align passion, purpose, and precision. He's a visionary dedicated to restoring civility, fostering anti-fragility, and championing a "more...

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, but meant to inspire a revolution in wealth management.Takeaways:Your Story is Never Just for...

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 profound insights.Takeaways:Unseen Vulnerabilities: Human trafficking exploits innate human needs for love and self-esteem, making adolescents particularly susceptible to manipulation by predators who expertly identify these...

Annika Sorenstam is not just a golf legend but a visionary whose dedication shaped the game and whose philanthropic spirit, through the ANNIKA Foundation, is redefining excellence for the next generation of leaders in sports and beyond, offering a treasure trove of wisdom cultivated through years of unparalleled achievement.Takeaways:The Power of Preparation and Confidence: Annika emphasizes that thorough preparation is the antidote to shyness and nervousness, acting as a profound source of confidence that allows her to perform at her best and represent herself and her partners with excellence.<...

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:The True Meaning of Forgiveness: Forgiveness is not primarily about absolving others, but a deeply...