Mick Unplugged

Dr. Jay Phipps, a serial entrepreneur and pharmacist, leads the Freedom from Fear Tour, dedicated to helping others conquer their fears. He discusses how fear can be a bridge to success if faced head-on. Jay also shares the power of visualization, explaining how it reprograms the brain to enhance confidence. He emphasizes creating a positive company culture to counteract fear and suggests practical steps for entrepreneurs to take fearless actions. With his infectious optimism, Jay inspires listeners to transform fear into motivation.

Ravinder Taylor is a renowned brain training expert, author, and personal development coach who champions self-empowerment through science-based mind training techniques. Drawing from her own experiences growing up in England and overcoming insecurities, Ravinder has dedicated her career to helping others realize their true potential. Her latest book, Mind Training: The Science of Self Empowerment, distills insights from over 200 independent research studies and offers practical tools for cultivating positive change. Ravinder’s approach blends research-backed evidence with actionable tips, from diaphragmatic breathing and smiling to innovative subliminal programs, making her guidance accessible and transformative for audiences everywhere.  Takeaways: You are capable of more than you think—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally—and self-belief is the foundation for growth. Simple, science-backed habits like genuine smiling and diaphragmatic breathing can immediately influence your mood, health, and longevity. Our subconscious beliefs often hold us back, but tools like subliminal messaging and intentional self-talk can help rewire those patterns for empowerment. Sound Bites: “There’s always something good you can learn from even the toughest situations.” “A Duchenne smile, that big, genuine smile, can literally add years to your life.” “When you don’t believe in yourself, you put a cap on everything you can possibly achieve.” Connect & Discover Ravinder: Website:  https://www.ravindertaylor.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RavinderKTaylor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ravindertaylor/ Book: Mind Training:the Science of Self Empowerment 🔥 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: Spotify: MickUnplugged 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://mickhuntofficial.com/ Apple: MickUnplugged Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gary Linnen is the dedicated CEO of Peer Forward, a nonprofit organization transforming the college journey for young people by harnessing the power of positive peer influence. Growing up in Spanish Harlem during challenging times, Gary’s life was changed by educational opportunities that showed him firsthand how crucial support and guidance can be. After forging lifelong connections and earning a degree from Cornell, Gary traded a corporate career for his calling—empowering youth to reach their potential. Under his leadership, Peer Forward has helped nearly 700,000 students across the U.S. and internationally, not just get to college but thrive, using innovative peer-led models that foster both self-belief and academic achievement. Key Takeaways: Peer influence is often more impactful for teens than parental advice, making peer-led support a powerful force in college access and success. Foundational life skills—like knowing personal information, managing applications, and understanding financial aid—are just as crucial as academic prep for students transitioning to college. Creating a culture of affirmation, support, and fit helps students not only get into college but stay and succeed, as alumni returning to give back is a testament to Peer Forward’s lasting impact.  Sound Bites: "A 17-year-old is more inclined to listen to another 17-year-old—positive peer pressure makes all the difference." "We ask, ‘Why should you show up? Why is it important for you to know that you’re worthy?’ That’s where transformation starts." "It’s about small wins—the power to help one person in your community and share that potential goes a long way." Connect & Discover Gary: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glinnen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zebyjlm Website: https://www.peerforward.org/ X: https://x.com/garylinnen00 🔥 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: Spotify: MickUnplugged 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://mickhuntofficial.com/ Apple: MickUnplugged Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sade Lythcott is the CEO of the National Black Theater in New York City, carrying forward her mother Dr. Barbara Ann Teer’s powerful legacy as founder of the institution in 1968. As a passionate advocate for Black artistry and storytelling, Sade has guided NBT through transformative times—including the COVID-19 pandemic and a major capital redevelopment project—while championing a holistic approach to theater production. Her leadership centers on honoring the dreams of her ancestors and creating spaces where Black voices, culture, and community thrive. Sade is dedicated to reimagining what theater can be, ensuring NBT remains a vibrant, innovative, and welcoming home for Black creatives, histories, and futures.  Key Takeaways: Honoring Legacy While Innovating: Sade Lythcott centers her leadership around fulfilling her mother’s vision and the ancestral legacy of the National Black Theater, while pioneering new models like holistic producing and immersive storytelling experiences for the future. Holistic Producing: NBT’s unique approach to theater, known as holistic producing, weaves together best-in-class artistic production with community engagement and social impact, ensuring every show supports both storytelling and civic dialogue. Building for the Future: The upcoming redevelopment of NBT’s Harlem home represents both a physical and symbolic return "home" for Black theater artists. With new performance venues and residential spaces opening in 2027, the project is designed to be a lasting ecosystem where creatives can live, work, and serve. Sound Bites: "Never pray for strength, because you only get strength through struggle. Instead, I pray for grace and clarity." "Holistic producing is best-in-class productions, dramaturgy, and community building—it’s about making you sit a little longer in the story and having real conversations together." "When we cut that ribbon, it will be a testament—black artistry and storytelling will finally have a home, a monument to black excellence grown from generations of dreams." Connect & Discover Sade: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sade1111/?hl=en Website: https://nationalblacktheatre.org/ 🔥 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: Spotify: MickUnplugged 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://mickhuntofficial.com/ Apple: MickUnplugged Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mayor Karen Bass is the 43rd Mayor of Los Angeles, a dedicated public servant whose career has been defined by her relentless fight for social justice, equity, and community empowerment. Growing up in Los Angeles during the Civil Rights era, Bass was inspired from a young age to advocate for those without a voice. Before entering public office, she founded Community Coalition in 1990, responding to the crack cocaine epidemic and advocating for criminal justice reform. As mayor, Bass has made historic strides in reducing crime, addressing homelessness, and uniting Los Angeles under inclusive, compassionate leadership, all while confronting and overcoming national scrutiny and federal challenges with courage and clarity.  Takeaways Leadership Rooted in Justice: Mayor Bass’s motivation has always been about fighting for justice and equity, shaped by her upbringing during the Civil Rights movement and personal experiences in Los Angeles. She leads with a focus on ensuring the city’s wealth and opportunities are accessible to everyone. Action in Crisis and Unity: From declaring a state of emergency on homelessness her first day in office to calling out misinformation in the media, Mayor Bass leads decisively and transparently, uniting diverse communities and refusing to let past mistakes repeat themselves. Truth Over Media Narratives: Throughout heightened media scrutiny and federal intervention, Mayor Bass consistently prioritizes honest communication, directly addressing misconceptions and ensuring the people of Los Angeles—and beyond—hear the real story from their city’s leader.  Sound Bites “We have so much wealth and opportunity in the city, and for a segment of the city to not be able to access that, it’s the same problem of injustice in the world of plenty.” “It was most important that we address the crisis that was facing Los Angeles. …I declared the city to be in a state of emergency.” “You can do that now and it can be carried as news, whereas in the past it wouldn’t even be carried because it was so absurd. So I think it’s been very important that I constantly am out communicating what is real and essentially painting the picture of this is Los Angeles.” Connect & Discover Mayor Bass: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayorofla/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MayorOfLA/ Website:https://mayor.lacity.gov/ YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@mayorofla 🔥 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: Spotify: MickUnplugged 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://mickhuntofficial.com/ Apple: MickUnplugged Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Ebert is the founder and CEO of Crash Champions, the powerhouse behind one of America’s largest collision repair networks. From humble beginnings—starting with a single shop in 1999 and no college degree—Matt has relentlessly built Crash Champions into a $3 billion giant, now boasting over 600 locations nationwide and nearly 11,000 team members. Rooted in blue-collar values and fueled by a passion for people, Matt is recognized not only for his entrepreneurial drive but also for cultivating a strong, unified culture across his organization. Known for his transparency, integrity, and ambition, Matt continues to champion growth, innovation, and opportunity in the collision repair industry. Takeaways: Growth Requires Letting Go: To scale a business beyond its beginnings, founders must be willing to relinquish some control, bring in partners, and focus on building systems and processes that ensure consistency at every level. People-First Leadership: Building a world-class culture isn’t about slogans—it’s about genuinely putting people first, championing both employees and customers, and creating environments where everyone can thrive and grow. Stay Ahead or Fall Behind: With rapid changes in the auto industry and technology, constant learning and adaptability are non-negotiable. Businesses that don’t pay attention to market shifts and evolving customer needs risk becoming obsolete. Sound Bytes: “I didn’t come from money, so I needed capital to grow. The only way to do that is being willing to let investors partner with me.” “Great culture doesn’t have to speak—it’s shown in the team and what you have.” “It’s not what you imagined it to be 20 years ago… there’s an abundance of opportunity for people because there’s so much new to learn in these cars.” Connect & Discover Matt: Website: https://crashchampions.com/company/team/matt-ebert Website: https://mattebert.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-ebert-7169a5180/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattebertcc/?hl=en 🔥 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: Spotify: MickUnplugged 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://mickhuntofficial.com/ Apple: MickUnplugged Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bryan and Shannon Miles are visionary entrepreneurs, servant leaders, and the dynamic husband-wife team behind Belay, a groundbreaking virtual assistant and bookkeeping company. After climbing out of $80,000 in debt and leveraging their faith and work ethic, they built Belay into a nine-figure success, redefining how remote work and leadership can thrive in a digital age. Following their transformative exit, Bryan and Shannon launched Owner, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting and equipping business owners with resources, community, and guidance for both personal and professional growth. Deeply rooted in servant leadership and faith, their journey is one of resilience, growth, and a passion for empowering other entrepreneurs to build not just successful businesses, but meaningful legacies. Takeaways: Servant Leadership as a Foundation: Bryan and Shannon stress that true leadership is about serving others and building a legacy that extends beyond personal gain—99% of a leader’s actions should benefit those around them. Culture Is Key for Remote Success: Company culture is built on shared vision and trust, not physical offices or perks. Belay’s all-remote team succeeded by fostering deep trust, clear expectations, and magnetic vision. The Messy Middle Matters Most: While many focus on the start-up or exit phases, Shannon and Bryan highlight the importance of the “messy middle”—the growth period that shapes leaders personally and professionally, often requiring daily adaptation and self-discovery. Sound Bytes: “Culture isn’t about a fancy office or a Friday pizza party. It’s about a shared vision that everyone moves toward together.” “We didn’t just want to build a successful business; we wanted to create the type of company we’d always dreamed of working for.” “The breakthroughs don’t just come at the beginning or the end—they happen in the messy middle where you have to grow as a leader.” Connect & Discover Bryan and Shannon: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryanandshannon/?hl=en Website: https://belaysolutions.com/blog/one-next-step-018-bryan-shannon-miles/ Website: https://www.o-nr.org/  https://onr.kit.com/thebusinessownersjourneyresource  Website: https://miles.ag/about/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-miles-milesag/ Book: Virtual Culture: The Way We Work Doesn't Work Anymore 🔥 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: Spotify: MickUnplugged 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://mickhuntofficial.com/ Apple: MickUnplugged Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pasha Palanker is a decorated U.S. Army veteran, speaker, and passionate advocate for mental health in the veteran community. Honored with the Bronze Star for Valor, Pasha’s extraordinary journey includes surviving a suicide bomber attack during combat and overcoming the invisible wounds that followed. After navigating his own battles with anger, identity loss, and post-traumatic struggles, Pasha found purpose in helping others climb out of darkness. Now, he shares his story nationwide, impacting thousands by speaking authentically about resilience, mental wellness, and living a life of meaning beyond military service.  Takeaways: Healing Begins with Presence and Support: Sometimes the greatest help for someone struggling is not advice, but simply being there with love and understanding. It Takes Strength to Seek Help: Reaching out for support, whether through a psych ward visit or therapy, is a true display of courage—not weakness. Rewriting Purpose After Service: Transitioning from military life often means finding new purpose and challenges—embracing new missions, new hobbies, and a fresh sense of identity is crucial for a successful and fulfilling post-service life.  Sound Bites: “You don’t have to be Superman, Superwoman 24/7. It’s okay to not be okay and to seek help for that.” “I had to go so deep inside of myself and learn about myself in order to come out, and now I’m genuinely curious about other people and how to connect.” “You can’t hold onto the life that’s behind you—find something new and meaningful to challenge yourself with after the uniform comes off. Connect & Discover Pasha: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pashapalanker/?hl=en Website: https://www.pashapalanker.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pasha-palanker-89141a13a/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pashapalankerpublic/ Speaking: Liberty Speaks 🔥 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: Spotify: MickUnplugged 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://mickhuntofficial.com/ Apple: MickUnplugged Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julie Zhuo is the former VP of Product Design at Facebook, where she rose from intern to executive as the company scaled into a global powerhouse. Renowned for her human-centered approach to leadership, Julie is the co-founder of Sundial, a startup that leverages data and AI to help companies make better decisions. She’s also the bestselling author of "The Making of a Manager," an essential guide for new managers navigating the changing landscape of leadership. Julie is passionate about building thoughtful cultures, empowering people, and tackling big, meaningful problems with teams she loves. Takeaways: Managers (and Leaders) Aren’t Born, They’re Made: Julie stresses that effective management is a skill that can be learned and developed—what matters most is a desire for growth, self-awareness, and the willingness to focus on team outcomes rather than just individual output. The Power of Culture and Removing Toxins: Julie highlights the importance of a healthy team culture and the danger of tolerating toxic behaviors—even from high performers—because doing so stifles the potential of the whole group. AI Is Redefining Leadership: As AI and automation increasingly handle outputs, the value of managers will be in guiding teams through change, reinforcing core human values, and focusing on outcomes that matter most. Sound Bites: “The most important thing is to put people first, because nobody can do anything amazing on their own.” “Feedback is a gift—being direct, open, and supportive is what drives growth in a team.” “The one thing you should never tolerate on your team is the asshole; their presence will always limit your culture and your people.” Connect & Discover Julie: Website: https://www.juliezhuo.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joulee/?hl=en X: https://x.com/joulee?lang=en Substack: https://substack.com/@joulee?utm_source=global-search Book: The Making of a Manager: What to Do When Everyone Looks at You 🔥 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: Spotify: MickUnplugged 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://mickhuntofficial.com/ Apple: MickUnplugged Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stacey Abrams is a renowned political leader, lawyer, author, and advocate for equity and justice. Known for her relentless work supporting voting rights and addressing poverty and inequality, Stacey is also an acclaimed writer of legal thrillers, including her latest work, Coded Justice, which explores the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI in the legal system. With roots in the Deep South, Abrams credits her family and upbringing for inspiring her commitment to social change and her ability to translate complex issues into relatable action. Beyond politics and books, she is a powerful speaker and founder of several organizations advocating for inclusion and systemic reform. Takeaways: Power is Borrowed, Not Owned: Stacey discusses the idea that positions of authority are ultimately “borrowed power,” and true impact comes from influence, not titles. AI & Justice: Her novel Coded Justice highlights both the potential and the danger of integrating AI in the legal system, urging that technology must always operate within ethical guardrails. Leadership is Responsibility, Not Permission: Abrams emphasizes that leadership means taking responsibility and acting even without formal authority—championing the idea of being a “professional troublemaker” for good. Sound Bites: “Poverty is immoral. It is economically inefficient, and it is solvable… For me, it is a call to action.” – Stacey Abrams “You don’t have to be given the authority to act, to have the responsibility of action. And that’s leadership.” – Stacey Abrams “AI is a tool that can be used to build or a tool that can be used to destroy, but it’s just a tool. It’s up to the humans who are wielding it.” – Stacey Abrams Connect & Discover Stacey: Website: https://www.staceyabrams.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staceyabrams Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StaceyAbramsGA# YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPjnB2FdBAvJp2fKOGzJHww X: https://x.com/staceyabrams Book: Coded Justice: A Thriller 🔥 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: Spotify: MickUnplugged 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://mickhuntofficial.com/ Apple: MickUnplugged Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices