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Mick Unplugged

Mick Hunt

Everybody talks about your WHY. Mick Hunt goes deeper.

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.

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#283
August 27 · 43 min
Faith Over Fear: Governor Wes Moore on Service, Patriotism & Moral Leadership
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
#282
August 20 · 36 min
Giada DeLaurentiis: The Secret Ingredient is Joy
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
#281
August 13 · 54 min
You're Not Burned Out - You're Bored Out: Mitch Matthews on Reigniting Your Fire
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
#280
August 6 · 53 min
Confidence Comes Last: Nick Koumalatsos on Leadership, Purpose & 8-Figure Brands
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
#279
July 30 · 38 min
Called to Act: André Holland on Purpose, Community, and Creating Room for Others
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
#278
July 23 · 42 min
Unfiltered Truth: Comedy's Power with Leslie Jones
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 connect
#277
July 16 · 54 min
Why Not Swing Big: Unlocking Your Undeniable Potential with Kwame Christian
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 pow
#276
July 9 · 41 min
Greatness Isn’t Accidental: Intentional Living with Sanya Richards-Ross
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 mentorshi
#275
July 2 · 51 min
Unleash Your Power: Integrating Life & Work with Tim Rexius
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
#274
June 25 · 39 min
Rewire Your Brain: Subconscious Blocks Removed by Brandon Epstein
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 succe
#273
June 18 · 48 min
Block the BS: Mastering Peace and Purpose with Wallo267
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 matt
#272
June 11 · 41 min
No One’s Healed: The Truth About Purpose from Jess Hilarious
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 he
#271
June 4 · 41 min
Fearless Leadership: Gridiron to Greatness with Jared Allen
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- M
#270
May 28 · 34 min
How to Take it Personal and Win in Business with David Grutman
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 hospital
#269
May 25 · 58 min
Service Above Self: A Memorial Day Tribute to the Heroes Who Defended Our Freedom
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
#268
May 21 · 44 min
Stop Being Forgettable: The Secret to Lasting Impact with Jefrë
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 see
#267
May 14 · 29 min
Stop Following Your Parents' Money Rules with Haley Sacks
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
#266
May 7 · 55 min
How to Keep Going When Life Breaks You with Rickey Smiley
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 A
#265
May 4 · 38 min
Unstoppable Spirit: World Series to World Traveler with Jeremy Guthrie
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
#264
April 30 · 36 min
AI Won’t Replace You Unless You Let It with Aneesh Raman
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 Faceb

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