Episodes

  • Mick Unplugged Trailer

    Mick Unplugged Trailer
    Jul 27 2025
    Everyone talks about why. But the truth is—leaders don’t rise because of their why… they rise because of their BECAUSE. This trailer kicks off a new chapter of Mick Unplugged—where we go deeper than inspiration and get to the fire that actually fuels people. I asked high performers, visionaries, and difference-makers one question:“What’s your BECAUSE?” What you’ll hear is not polished. It’s not packaged. It’s the real reason they refused to quit. If you’ve been coasting on purpose statements and catchy quotes, this will wake you up. This isn’t self-help. This is self-honor. Press play. Then ask yourself:What’s your BECAUSE? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    3 mins
  • Damon West: Transforming Rock Bottom into Maximum Impact

    Damon West: Transforming Rock Bottom into Maximum Impact
    Jul 28 2025
    Damon West is an inspiring keynote speaker, bestselling author, and a living testament to the power of transformation and redemption. Once sentenced to 65 years in a Texas prison for his role in a meth-fueled crime ring, Damon emerged from incarceration with a message of hope, changing lives from corporate boardrooms to NFL locker rooms. Renowned for his gripping “Coffee Bean” story—a lesson he learned from a fellow inmate—Damon’s journey from maximum security to maximum impact has helped countless individuals break free from their challenges and become catalysts for positive change. He now travels the world empowering others to take ownership of their actions, overcome adversity, and inspire those around them. Takeaways: Redemption is possible for everyone: Damon’s story is living proof that no matter how far you fall, it’s never too late to change your life and make a positive impact. Your power lies within: The “Coffee Bean” message teaches that we each have the power to transform our environments—not by being changed by them, but by changing them from the inside out. Keep going and don’t give up: Whether you’re facing life’s obstacles or chasing your dreams, Damon’s journey reminds us that perseverance in the face of adversity often brings us closer to breakthrough moments than we realize. Sound Bites: “I put myself in the situation I was in where I had my back against the wall and the pressure was so high on me and I had to figure it out.” “Addiction doesn’t care who you are or where you come from. Addiction does not discriminate, because addiction doesn’t carewho you are, where you come from, who your parents are.” “If you ever shut yourself off to people because of their differences… you could miss some of the most important lessons and some of the best friendships in this life.” Quote by Mick: “You don’t have to win, but you doggone for sure better fight” Connect & Discover Damon: Website: https://damonwest.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/damonjosephwest X: https://x.com/damonwest7 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBAEWdaKcRRLLhRRmyyOfJg Project: Coffee Bean Cares Program Book: Six Dimes and a Nickel 🔥 Ready to Unleash Your Inner Game-Changer? 🔥 Mick Hunt’s brand-new 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 youwith 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: 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://www.mickhuntofficial.com Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mick-unplugged/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    57 mins
  • Ken Rusk: Unlocking Success Without a Suit

    Ken Rusk: Unlocking Success Without a Suit
    Jul 24 2025
    Ken Rusk is a blue collar entrepreneur, bestselling author of "Blue Collar Cash," and a passionate advocate for purpose-driven living. Starting his career digging ditches at 15, Ken transformed his hands-on work ethic into a multi-million dollar business, demonstrating that success doesn’t require a suit and tie. With a mission to reshape America’s views on blue collar success and financial freedom, Ken mentors others in visualizing their goals, building wealth, and finding comfort, peace, and freedom—both in life and at work. His approach is grounded, visionary, and deeply committed to helping others climb their own mountain of success. Takeaways: Visualizing Success Is Essential: Ken emphasizes the transformative power of clear, detailed visualization for personal and professional goals. Translating dreams into vivid images and actionable plans is a crucial first step to actually making them happen. Blue Collar Work Can Be a Path to Wealth and Fulfillment: Ken breaks the myth that blue collar jobs are less fulfilling or financially rewarding than white collar roles. In fact, blue collar careers often bring more control, satisfaction, and opportunity. Giving Back Multiplies Success: Both Ken and Mick highlight the importance of generosity—not just financially, but with time and effort. Giving back, Ken believes, not only helps others, but often leads to more blessings and satisfaction in your own life. Sound Bites: "The more you give, the more you are blessed with. And I don't know why that is, but it just is." "If you keep saying, 'I've never done this before, but if I did,' you start to imagine the process—and pretty soon, you’ve already built the skyscraper in your mind." "When you can get your corporate goals aligned with people's personal dreams, that’s where the synergy happens. That’s when you really start to move your company forward." Quote from Mick: "If you want to build a winning culture, you better celebrate a win. I don’t care how small or big it is." Connect & Discover Ken: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenruskofficial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-rusk-2656a7175 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KenRuskOfficial Website: https://www.kenrusk.com Book: Blue Collar Cash: Love Your Work, Secure Your Future, and Find Happiness for Life **The first 20 people to message Mick “Blue Collar” on Instagram or LinkedIn will receive a copy of the book** 🔥 Ready to Unleash Your Inner Game-Changer? 🔥 Mick Hunt’s brand-new 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: 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://www.mickhuntofficial.com Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mick-unplugged/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    36 mins
  • Darryl Stickel: Unpacking Trust as a Leadership Superpower

    Darryl Stickel: Unpacking Trust as a Leadership Superpower
    Jul 21 2025
    What happens when uncertainty meets vulnerability? According to Dr. Darryl Stickel, that intersection creates trust—or destroys it. As today's uncertain world pushes people toward self-protection, leaders face unprecedented challenges in building the trust necessary for high-performing teams. Dr. Stickel brings a uniquely powerful perspective to this conversation, drawing from personal adversity that shaped his understanding of human vulnerability. After suffering a traumatic hockey injury that left him with cognitive challenges at 17, and facing progressive vision loss from a hereditary condition, he developed extraordinary empathy that would later inform his groundbreaking work. His doctoral research at Duke University on building trust in hostile environments established him as what host Mick calls "the architect of trust." The insights shared in this episode go far beyond theory. Dr. Stickel breaks down his practical framework where "trust equals uncertainty times vulnerability," explaining why our current environment makes trust-building especially challenging—and critical. With 70% of employees disengaged and what he describes as a "broken social contract" between organizations and workers, trust has become the new currency of leadership. Most provocatively, Dr. Stickel reveals that "95% of people believe they're more trustworthy than average," highlighting the dangerous blind spots that prevent leaders from recognizing trust deficits. He offers immediate, actionable approaches to measuring and building trust through conversations around benevolence, integrity, and ability, with special attention to the unique challenges of remote work environments. Whether you're managing a team, building a business, or simply trying to strengthen personal relationships, this episode provides a masterclass in the mechanics of trust—complete with the tools to start rebuilding it today. After all, as Dr. Stickel reminds us, trust is a skill we can all develop with practice. Connect & Discover Darryl: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darryl-stickel-phd/?originalSubdomain=ca Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darryl.stickel/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq1dQmEjT5a0T8xy3B2YRKw Website: https://www.trustunlimited.com/about/ Podcast: https://imperfectcafe.buzzsprout.com/ Book: Building Trust: Exceptional Leadership in an Uncertain World FOLLOW MICK ON:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickunplugged/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MickUnpluggedPodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/Website: https://www.mickhuntofficial.com Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mick-unplugged/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    47 mins
  • Empowerment Through Action: Marc Morial's Strategies for Community Transformation

    Empowerment Through Action: Marc Morial's Strategies for Community Transformation
    Jul 17 2025
    Marc Morial sits at the rare intersection of politics, activism, and business – a civil rights titan whose journey from transformative New Orleans mayor to National Urban League CEO offers profound lessons in leadership and community building. The foundation of Morial's remarkable career began in childhood, watching his parents' civil rights work from the sidelines. What began as "childcare" – tagging along to NAACP meetings and voter registration drives – became the classroom where he absorbed leadership from community giants. This early immersion shaped his lifelong commitment to economic justice and equality of opportunity. As New Orleans mayor, Morial tackled seemingly insurmountable challenges with innovative approaches. Faced with record crime rates, he refused to choose between enforcement and prevention, instead rebuilding the police department while simultaneously creating unprecedented youth programming – summer camps, job programs, and initiatives specifically for girls who had been overlooked by previous administrations. His "Gumbo Coalition" administration championed inclusivity, featuring record numbers of women and the first Asian American and LGBTQ cabinet members in city history. When Morial arrived at the National Urban League, he found an organization proud of its history but "operating in the past tense." Through visionary leadership, he's expanded the organization fivefold, broadening its portfolio to include workforce development, housing assistance, entrepreneurship programs, and strengthened advocacy work – all while building powerful coalitions with other civil rights organizations. Today, Morial warns of an unprecedented assault on civil rights progress and urges listeners not to succumb to complacency or despair. "In the short run, you hear noise but don't feel the damage. In the long run, the noise will subside, but the damage will be done," he cautions. His call to action is clear: defend fundamental American principles by getting involved, using your voice, and mentoring the next generation. Ready to be part of the solution? Visit NUL.org to join advocacy efforts or find a local affiliate in your community. Connect & Discover Marc: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcmorial/?hl=en X: https://x.com/marcmorial?lang=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-morial-59b05130/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcmorial/ FOLLOW MICK ON:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickunplugged/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MickUnpluggedPodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/Website:https://www.mickhuntofficial.com Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mick-unplugged/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    44 mins
  • Mario Armstrong: Why You Can't Stand Out by Standing Still

    Mario Armstrong: Why You Can't Stand Out by Standing Still
    Jul 14 2025
    "You can't stand out and stand still at the same time," declares Emmy award-winning disruptor Mario Armstrong in this riveting conversation with Mick. As the self-proclaimed "blueprint" for Mick's journey, Mario unpacks the mindset shifts and actionable strategies that transformed him from a local Baltimore media personality to a nationally recognized figure. The conversation dives deep into what Mario calls "vulnerability as currency" – the counterintuitive power of authentic sharing in professional settings. He doesn't just theorize; he demonstrates this principle by discussing his current struggle writing his first book after years of false starts. This vulnerability, Mario explains, isn't a marketing tactic but a genuine approach that attracts the right audience to your work. One of the most powerful insights emerges when Mick introduces the concept that "transparency is the new currency" and even "transparency is the new 401k" for modern leadership. Today's employees, particularly younger generations, care less about traditional benefits and more about knowing what their leaders personally stand for. Mario explores how transparent leadership builds trust in ways traditional corporate approaches simply cannot. The conversation shifts to practical strategies with Mario's brilliant "11-minute framework" – a method for making consistent progress on daunting goals by focusing on what you can accomplish in just 11 minutes. Combined with his practice of celebrating "three wins" weekly (now daily), this system creates momentum that builds confidence through visible progress. "Every 11 minutes informs the next 11 minutes," Mario explains, creating a compounding effect that transforms small actions into significant achievements. Perhaps most valuable for aspiring influencers is Mario's counterintuitive advice to dominate locally before attempting to go national. His step-by-step breakdown of how to leverage local television stations – an underutilized platform – reveals a pathway to credibility that many overlook in their rush to build digital audiences. This strategy provided the foundation for his eventual national success. Throughout this magnetic conversation, Mario emphasizes that success isn't about making one big bet on yourself but rather consistently investing in small actions that prove your potential. For anyone feeling stuck between comfort and calling, this episode provides both the inspiration and practical framework to start moving forward – 11 minutes at a time. Connect & Discover Mario: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marioarmstrong/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marioarmstrong/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NeverSettleNetwork Website: https://www.marioarmstrong.com/ FOLLOW MICK ON:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickunplugged/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MickUnpluggedPodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/Website: https://www.mickhuntofficial.com Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mick-unplugged/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    43 mins
  • Matthew Kohut: Why Your Open Door Policy Isn't Enough

    Matthew Kohut: Why Your Open Door Policy Isn't Enough
    Jul 10 2025
    What makes some leaders magnetic while others struggle to connect? On this riveting episode of Mick Unplugged, communication expert Matt Kohut reveals the surprising secret shared by presidential candidates, Fortune 500 CEOs, and influential speakers he's coached: they're exceptional listeners first, compelling speakers second. Matt breaks down his powerful framework of "strength and warmth" that defines effective leadership communication. Strength—the capability to get things done through competence and assertiveness—must be balanced with warmth—the ability to show you understand others' needs and emotions. Every leader naturally leans toward one quality, but mastering both creates an unbeatable leadership presence. Through practical examples, Matt demonstrates how finding the right balance for your specific context can transform your leadership impact. The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Matt discusses his new book "Speaking Out," exploring when and how corporate leaders should address political and social issues—a modern leadership challenge unheard of in previous generations. He provides a thoughtful framework for navigating these potentially treacherous waters, grounding decisions in organizational values while considering both internal and external stakeholders. Matt and Mick challenge outdated leadership clichés, dismantling the "open door policy" myth (truly present leaders don't need to announce their accessibility) and warning against using complex language that creates distance rather than connection. The most powerful insight? Informal conversations—whether over coffee, meals, or breaks—create the authentic connections that drive organizational success, yet many leaders fail to prioritize these critical moments. Whether you're leading a team of five or five thousand, this conversation delivers actionable strategies to transform how you communicate during chaos, build trust through genuine listening, and speak with the perfect balance of strength and warmth that today's leadership demands. Connect & Discover Matthew: Website: https://www.matthewkohut.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kohut-00b64b4/ X: https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FMatthew_Kohut Substack: https://matthewkohut.substack.com/ Book: Speaking Out: The New Rules of Business Leadership Communication FOLLOW MICK ON: 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://www.mickhuntofficial.com Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mick-unplugged/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 mins
  • David Meltzer: Unleashing Your Reality Beyond Imagination

    David Meltzer: Unleashing Your Reality Beyond Imagination
    Jul 7 2025
    Ever wondered what separates truly exceptional achievers from everyone else? David Meltzer reveals the answer in this powerful conversation about creating a life so extraordinary that your reality surpasses other people's imagination. Meltzer, who has built and lost multi-millions while leading iconic sports agencies, shares his deeply personal philosophy on happiness—a natural state we interfere with through misinterpreted meanings and limited self-images. Through vivid storytelling and vulnerable admissions about his own failures, he offers a refreshing framework for finding joy in everything you do, even the activities you don't particularly enjoy. The discussion takes a fascinating turn when Meltzer declares himself "Repeat Man," embracing the superpower of being "annoyingly consistent" in spreading honest, life-changing messages. This self-awareness becomes a masterclass in authenticity as he explains why 10% of people will love you no matter what you do, while another 10% will hate you regardless—a liberating truth that frees you to live at your essence without fear of judgment. Perhaps most valuable is Meltzer's mathematical formula for creating what others call "luck": attention plus intention equals coincidences. By combining focused awareness with consistent, intentional action, you create the conditions for seemingly magical opportunities to appear in your life. This isn't wishful thinking but a practical system anyone can implement immediately. Whether you're building a business, developing as a public speaker, or simply seeking more fulfillment, this episode delivers actionable wisdom from someone who's navigated both spectacular successes and humbling failures. Listen now to discover how expanding your skills, knowledge, and desires can transform your life into one that surpasses even your own imagination. Connect & Discover David: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmeltzer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidmeltzer11/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmeltzer2/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCflt1OopRWIApMOjVgZyJ6Q TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidmeltzer Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/office-hours-with-david-meltzer/id1678157057 Website: https://dmeltzer.com/ Book: Game-Time Decision Making Book: Connected to Goodness: Manifest Everything You Desire In Business FOLLOW MICK ON: 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://www.mickhuntofficial.com Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mick-unplugged/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    39 mins