Podcasts · Education · Business

Mick Unplugged

Mick Hunt

300 episodes

Everybody talks about your WHY. Mick Hunt goes deeper.

More about the show

Mick Unplugged is the leadership and personal growth podcast built on one idea: your BECAUSE is the purpose underneath your purpose, and it is the most powerful force you own. Hosted by Mick Hunt, USA Today bestselling author and the voice of Modern Leadership, every episode sits across from a high performer, founder, athlete, or culture-shaper and asks the one question they cannot fake an answer to. What is your BECAUSE?

Past guests include Shark Tank stars Daymond John and Kevin O'Leary, entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk, motivational legend Les Brown, Chef Robert Irvine, comedians Rickey Smiley and Earthquake, NFL Hall of Famer Jared Allen, hospitality mogul David Grutman, and World Series champion Jeremy Guthrie. No scripts. No surface-level fluff. Just the real fire behind why they refused to quit.

If you are a leader, an entrepreneur, or someone who is done coasting on motivational quotes, this is your show. You will walk away every week with mindset shifts, leadership strategy, and the kind of straight talk that actually moves you forward.

New episodes drop weekly. Follow Mick Unplugged on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube so you never miss one.

Your BECAUSE is your Superpower. Go Unleash It.

Episodes page 1 of 6

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

    · 49 min · Episode 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 episode of…

  2. Chef André Rush: Strength Through Service

    · 49 min · Episode 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 the…

  3. Adam Zeitsiff: Building Stronger Kids and Better Leaders

    · 45 min · Episode 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 can carry…

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

    · 43 min · Episode 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 how his…

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

    · 49 min · Episode 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…

  6. Dixon Dedman: The Man Behind The Bottle

    · 53 min · Episode 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…

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

    · 1 h 02 min · Episode 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 the…

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

    · 40 min · Episode 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 experiences in…

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

    · 33 min · Episode 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 family,…

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

    · 37 min · Episode 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 with…

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

    · 52 min · Episode 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 in 2010…

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

    · 43 min · Episode 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, Mick…

  13. Darryl Strawberry: Another Life

    · 38 min · Episode 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, the cost…

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

    · 47 min · Episode 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 life. The…

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

    · 51 min · Episode 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 "you…

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

    · 44 min · Episode 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,…

  17. Giada DeLaurentiis: The Secret Ingredient is Joy

    · 37 min · Episode 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, restaurateur, and…

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

    · 55 min · Episode 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 problem…

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

    · 53 min · Episode 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 Nicholas…

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

    · 38 min · Episode 279

    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,…

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

    · 43 min · Episode 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 propelled her…

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

    · 55 min · Episode 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 conversations to…

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

    · 42 min · Episode 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, the…

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

    · 51 min · Episode 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 drives…

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

    · 40 min · Episode 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 episode…

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

    · 48 min · Episode 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…

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

    · 42 min · Episode 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…

  28. Fearless Leadership: Gridiron to Greatness with Jared Allen

    · 41 min · Episode 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 Pro Bowl…

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

    · 34 min · Episode 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 is key…

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

    · 59 min · Episode 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…

  31. Stop Being Forgettable: The Secret to Lasting Impact with Jefrë

    · 45 min · Episode 268

    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…

  32. Stop Following Your Parents' Money Rules with Haley Sacks

    · 29 min · Episode 267

    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…

  33. How to Keep Going When Life Breaks You with Rickey Smiley

    · 56 min · Episode 266

    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…

  34. Unstoppable Spirit: World Series to World Traveler with Jeremy Guthrie

    · 39 min · Episode 265

    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…

  35. AI Won’t Replace You Unless You Let It with Aneesh Raman

    · 36 min · Episode 264

    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…

  36. You’re Solving the Wrong Problem: Scaling Genius with Jason Wild

    · 35 min · Episode 263

    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…

  37. Stop Chasing Grants and Start Winning Them with Alanna Taylor

    · 23 min · Episode 262

    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…

  38. Redefining Peak Health with Boomer Anderson

    · 33 min · Episode 261

    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…

  39. Beyond the Punchline: Mastering Business & Life from Bruce Bruce

    · 30 min · Episode 260

    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…

  40. Master Your Focus with Nir Eyal

    · 44 min · Episode 259

    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…

  41. Why You’ll Never Feel Rich with Morgan Housel

    · 37 min · Episode 258

    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…

  42. Taste of Success: Intentional Living from Kwame Onwuachi

    · 28 min · Episode 257

    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…

  43. Run Your Own Race: Olympian Allyson Felix Redefines Winning

    · 28 min · Episode 256

    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…

  44. Prove Yourself Right: The Art of Intentional Growth from Ron "Boss" Everline

    · 38 min · Episode 255

    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…

  45. Comedy to Coaching: The Impact of a Legend with Earthquake

    · 35 min · Episode 254

    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…

  46. Practice Makes Permanent: Transforming Leaders with Dr. Anthony Randall

    · 40 min · Episode 253

    Practice Makes Permanent: Transforming Leaders with Dr. Anthony Randall Dr. Anthony Randall isn't just a leader; he's a seismic force in personal and organizational transformation. An international award-winning…

  47. Uncover Money's Truths: The Unspoken Rules of Wealth from Jade Warshaw

    · 37 min · Episode 252

    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…

  48. Protect & Serve: From Counterterrorism to Anti-Trafficking with Jeff Tiegs

    · 54 min · Episode 251

    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…

  49. Unlocking Peak Potential: Wisdom from Annika Sorenstam

    · 35 min · Episode 250

    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…

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