Mick Unplugged

The journey from NFL superstar to Hollywood actor isn't one many can successfully navigate, but Vernon Davis makes it look effortless. This raw conversation with the Super Bowl champion reveals the mindset that's enabled him to excel across multiple fields. "When I understood how important it was to be selfless and do things for the sake of the team, then I became a better not just a better player, but a better person overall because that shifted over to life," Vernon shares early in our discussion. This philosophy has guided his remarkable transformation from elite tight end to accomplished actor with over 30 credits to his name. What separates Vernon from others attempting similar career pivots is his unwavering commitment to mastery. He describes sneaking away from football practice to attend acting classes at the same theater where Danny Glover trained. Now, five years into working with a dedicated acting coach twice weekly, he's seeing the results of that consistency: "If I'm where I'm at right now, imagine what I'm gonna be at in 10 years." This echoes his football approach, where he was famously the last player off the practice field for 14 straight seasons. Perhaps most valuable is Vernon's wisdom about evaluating opportunities. Rather than focusing on products or concepts, he examines the people involved: "People can make or break you. I don't look at the business or the product—I look at the people who I'm working with." This insight saved him countless headaches, as demonstrated by his grandmother's remarkable ability to spot a dishonest financial advisor who later stole $500,000 from him. Throughout our conversation, Vernon's legacy emerges clearly—a man determined to lead by example in everything he does. Whether catching game-winning touchdowns, starring alongside Morgan Freeman, or building businesses, he approaches each endeavor with the same dedication to excellence. Subscribe now to hear more conversations with extraordinary achievers who've mastered the art of reinvention and purposeful living. Share your thoughts with us at hello@mickunplugged.com! Connect and Discover Vernon: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vernondavis85/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vernondavis85/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/vernondavis X: https://x.com/VernonDavis85? Book: Playing Ball: Life Lessons from My Journey to the Super Bowl and Beyond 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

Robert J. O'Neill, the Navy SEAL who took out Osama Bin Laden, brings raw truth and battle-tested wisdom to this riveting conversation about what separates elite performers from everyone else. "Stress is a choice," O'Neill states with conviction, describing it as "a bag of bricks you pick up." Drawing from over 400 combat missions, including the most famous raid in modern military history, he reveals how elite operators manage fear and make split-second decisions when lives hang in the balance. The most powerful moment comes when O'Neill recounts saying goodbye to his three-year-old daughter before departing for the Bin Laden mission. Not understanding the gravity of the situation, she packed her Hello Kitty suitcase and left it by the door, asking him to take her on vacation when he returned. These deeply human moments remind us that behind every warrior's face is a person with profound personal connections. From his accidental journey into the SEALs (he didn't even know how to swim) to the mental techniques that helped him survive the world's most brutal military training, O'Neill shares actionable wisdom applicable far beyond the battlefield. His philosophy – "Don't quit today, quit tomorrow" – offers a powerful framework for tackling seemingly impossible challenges by breaking them into manageable pieces. O'Neill's insights on leadership resonate whether you're leading a team into combat or through a difficult project: "Panic is contagious, but calm is even more contagious." His emphasis on mastering fundamentals, communicating clearly, and staying present are lessons distilled from life-or-death situations but remarkably relevant to everyday challenges. Subscribe now to hear more unfiltered conversations with extraordinary performers who've tested themselves at the highest levels. These aren't just war stories – they're masterclasses in mental toughness, leadership, and finding purpose in the most demanding circumstances imaginable. Connect & Discover Robert: Website: http://www.robertjoneill.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mchooyah Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RJORobertJONeill Books: The Operator Book: The Way Forward: Master Life's Toughest Battles and Create Your Lasting Legacy 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

What makes billionaires different isn't just their bank accounts—it's their mindset. Christopher Kai has met over 100 billionaires throughout his career, and he's discovered they share a fundamental belief: they see themselves as no different from anyone else who has created something significant. From shoveling snow as a seven-year-old in Queens to delivering keynotes on global stages across five countries, Kai's journey exemplifies how authentic storytelling can transform your life and career. As founder of Gifted Professional Speakers and advisor to Fortune 500 companies, his philosophy is refreshingly simple: "Your story is a gift to the world." The fascinating science behind Kai's approach comes from Stanford University research showing leaders who tell great stories are 22 times more memorable than those who don't. This isn't just academic theory—Kai has proven it works in corporate boardrooms, on luxury yachts with billionaires, and even in Saudi Arabia where cultural barriers might otherwise prevent meaningful connection. For those struggling with public speaking anxiety, Kai offers both compassion and practical wisdom. He reveals the evolutionary reasons behind our fear and shares his own journey from pacing nervously before presentations to commanding stages worldwide. His "Three C's of Explosive Success"—connections, credibility, and communication—provide a framework for anyone looking to amplify their voice and impact. Ready to transform your story into your superpower? This conversation will show you why, as Michelangelo said, "The challenge most of us have is not that we aim too high and miss it; we aim too low and reach it." Subscribe now and learn how to aim higher with your voice, your story, and your purpose. Connect & Discover Christopher: Website: https://christopherkai.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherkai/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christopherkaidom/ X: https://x.com/christopherkai_ YouTube: @ChristopherKai. Book: Story-Based Leadership (coming soon) Book: Work: The 4 Pillars of Productivity (coming soon) Book: Big Game Hunting 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

Ruth Mulligan demolishes the myth of the "natural speaker" in this conversation that will transform how you think about communication. A TEDx veteran and master storyteller, Ruth reveals why everyone develops speaking habits—and how to ensure yours serve rather than sabotage you. At the heart of Ruth's approach is a profound belief that "everyone has a voice and everyone has a story." The challenge? Most people need guidance to make their voice heard effectively. Drawing from her new book "The Motivated Speaker," Ruth introduces the concept of "shaded habits"—those small, annoying speech patterns we all have that become major liabilities when illuminated on bigger stages. Whether it's filler words, failing to read the room, or speaking too quickly, these habits can derail your message when it matters most. Ruth's practical frameworks revolutionize how we structure presentations. She recommends thinking of your content like a family tree—with a main message (the grandparent) that branches into three key points (children), each supporting up to three additional points (grandchildren). This hierarchy brings clarity while preventing information overload. Perhaps most counterintuitively, she insists we start with points before stories, ensuring our narratives serve our message rather than wander aimlessly. The six principles from her book offer a comprehensive view of speaking: it's habitual, embodied, comes in many genres, is social, fleeting, and messy. Each provides actionable insights, particularly the emphasis on listening to recordings of yourself—uncomfortable yet transformational. As Ruth notes, "one minute of listening to yourself puts you in the audience," creating the perspective shift needed for improvement. Whether you're delivering boardroom presentations, pitching clients, or simply communicating more effectively with colleagues, Ruth's approach offers a blueprint for becoming the speaker you've always wanted to be. As she reminds us, everyone can improve with practice and the right guidance. Ready to transform your speaking? This conversation is your first step. Connect & Discover Ruth: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthmilligan/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthmilligan/?hl=en Website: https://www.articulationinc.com/ Book: The Motivated Speaker 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

What happens when two of America's most fearless voices on race come together for an unfiltered conversation? In this powerful episode, host Mick sits down with Emmy and Peabody-winning storyteller W. Kamau Bell and education equity architect Glenn Singleton to explore what drives their decades-long commitment to racial justice. The conversation dives deep into what Bell calls "the Black baton" – the generational responsibility passed down through families to make life better for those who come after. "When my grandparents handed the black baton to my parents, it was lighter than when they got it," Bell explains, describing his mission to ensure it doesn't become heavier during his lifetime. Singleton echoes this sentiment, sharing that his work stems from recognizing that his generation has "more than we've ever had" and feeling responsible to continue the progress. Both men offer practical wisdom about having these crucial conversations. Singleton breaks down his groundbreaking "Beyond Diversity" framework, celebrating its 30th anniversary, which begins with the fundamental question: "What impact does race have on my life?" Bell shares how he navigates these discussions with his three daughters, emphasizing that even his seven-year-old understands political realities in age-appropriate ways. "Justice is sometimes a thing you see that authority will tell you not to see," he explains, highlighting how he empowers his children to recognize injustice. Perhaps most valuable is their guidance for those hesitant to engage in race conversations for fear of saying something wrong. Bell suggests examining your social circle – are you surrounded by people who will lovingly "call you in" when you misspeak? Singleton adds that understanding the "paramount importance of racial justice" in American society is the starting point, followed by recognizing that "race is a symbol of power" with whiteness at the top of the hierarchy. Whether you're a parent trying to have these conversations with your children, a professional navigating workplace dynamics, or simply someone committed to building a more equitable society, this episode offers both inspiration and practical approaches to moving beyond comfort into the spaces where real change happens. Connect & Discover W. Kamau & Glenn: W. Kamau: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wkamaubell/ Website: https://www.wkamaubell.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wkamaubellofficial/ Substack: @wkamaubell Book: The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell Glenn: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courageousdove444/ Website: https://courageousconversation.com/ Book: Courageous Conversations About Race 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

Michael Tubbs is a trailblazing leader who made history as Stockton, California’s youngest and first Black mayor. Renowned for his bold approach to public policy and his pivotal role championing universal basic income, Michael rose from humble beginnings—shaped by poverty, an incarcerated father, and personal tragedies—to become a national voice for change and equity in American cities. A Stanford graduate, Tubbs has transformed adversity into action, focusing on making stories like his less rare by reshaping government to serve everyone and igniting opportunity in underserved communities. Today, he continues his mission running for California’s lieutenant governor and leading initiatives to end poverty and drive policy innovation nationwide. Takeaways: Grassroots Change Starts Local: Michael emphasizes that impactful change often begins at the local level, where community members can partner with government and step into leadership roles without years of experience—just a willingness to listen, learn, and serve. Adversity Can Drive Purpose: Tubbs’ journey from growing up with significant challenges in Stockton to leading his hometown is a testament to the power of channeling personal hardship into a broader mission of service, showing that lived experience, combined with competence and discipline, fuels meaningful leadership. Innovation and Policy Are Accessible: Michael dispels the myth that policy innovation is limited to experts—encouraging young leaders and business owners to engage with their local governments, uncover opportunities like government contracts or community collaborations, and believe that anyone invested can make a difference. Sound Bites: “If you have a heart to serve, a willingness to listen and to read, you are above 99% of folks in local office and you should be a part of the ecosystem. You don't just have to complain. You could do something about it.” – Michael Tubbs “People were finally coming to look to us for solutions and not just for problems.” – Michael Tubbs “Passion without competence is irrelevant. You have to marry that passion with some knowledge… or else you may make a bad problem worse.” – Michael Tubbs Quote by Mick: Dominate your hometown or wherever it is you live, dominate there." Connect & Discover Michael: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaeldtubbs Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StocktonTubbs YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC21utOIFQ8Wgw77WxMxzZKw Website: https://mtubbs.com/ Website: https://endpovertyinca.org/   FOLLOW MICK ON:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickunplugged/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mickunplugged  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/Website: https://www.mickhuntofficial.com                                                                                   Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mick-unplugged/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Terrell Suggs, affectionately known as “T-Sizzle,” is a legendary NFL linebacker, Super Bowl champion, and Defensive Player of the Year whose relentless play and leadership have defined a generation of Baltimore Ravens football. Growing up in the competitive football environment of Minnesota before starring at Arizona State, Suggs translated his early drive into a pro career marked by grit, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence both on and off the field. Now retired, Suggs devotes himself to fatherhood, taking as much pride in supporting his children as he did anchoring one of the NFL’s most feared defenses. Takeaways: Fatherhood Comes First: Despite his on-field achievements, Terrell emphasizes that his true “because” is his children, striving to be an even better dad than he was a football player. Leadership Is Learned and Passed On: Suggs credits mentors like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed for shaping his leadership style, highlighting the importance of learning from and supporting your team. Resilience and Self-Reflection: Success, whether on the field or in life, requires self-checking, owning one’s actions, and playing chess—always thinking a few moves ahead.  Sound Bites: "We're not just professional athletes—we're fathers first." "A leader would never ask someone to do what he wouldn't do himself." "If you want an autograph, get theirs—I'm just Dad now."   Quote by Mick: "If Suggs lined up beside you, you were getting it all. If he was in the huddle, no questions asked, you getting everything."   Connect & Discover Terrell:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terrellsuggs/ X: https://x.com/untouchablejay4 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untouchablejay55/   FOLLOW MICK ON:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickunplugged/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mickunplugged  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/Website: https://www.mickhuntofficial.com                                                                                   Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mick-unplugged/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Daniel Kang is the co-founder of Flobo, a fintech company focused on democratizing financial access for creators and entrepreneurs. With a compelling personal journey from a low-income immigrant family to a leader in the venture capital and fintech spaces, Daniel’s mission is rooted in making opportunities fairly accessible to all. He's also the author of The Super Upside Factor, which explores how individuals can apply venture capital’s asymmetric investing principles to accelerate personal and professional growth. Daniel is known for his innovative thinking, resilience, and commitment to leveraging technology and finance to create positive societal impact. Takeaways: Asymmetric Betting for Everyday Life: Daniel breaks down how venture capital's methods—betting big on outlier wins while managing risk—can be adapted by individuals to create outsized professional and personal results. Start Small, Stay Consistent: Success comes from executing simple principles with unwavering consistency, rather than seeking shortcuts. Daniel’s own story—winning scholarships, writing a book, and building a fintech—emphasizes starting where you are and building up momentum daily. Impact Over Mediocrity: Daniel’s drive stems from a fear of mediocrity and a strong desire to scale positive impact using technology, smart positioning, and persistent effort, rather than just working harder.  Sound Bites: "Budget for a 90% failure rate—success is about surviving long enough for luck to catch up." "Every bet should be positioned for outsized, 100x outcomes—even if you only win 10% of the time, your wins will outpace the losses." "Don’t fall into ‘intellectual obesity’—the real difference is made by executing a few simple principles, not by endlessly searching for shortcuts." Quote by Mick: "Sometimes you just got to get started with what you’re doing and understand that it’s a journey. The truth of the matter is, in almost everything we do in life, it takes time."    Connect & Discover Daniel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsdankang/ X: https://x.com/itsdankang?lang=en Website: https://itsdankang.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsdankang Book: The Super Upside Factor   FOLLOW MICK ON:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickunplugged/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mickunplugged  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/Website: https://www.mickhuntofficial.com                                                                                   Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mick-unplugged/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mohamed “Mo” Massaquoi is a former NFL wide receiver best known for his time with the Cleveland Browns and a standout collegiate career at the University of Georgia. After a life-changing ATV accident in 2017 that resulted in the loss of his left hand, Mo’s story became one of resilience, transformation, and purpose. With a master’s in Industrial Organizational Psychology from UGA and executive development at Harvard Business School, Mo now leads as a consultant and coach, helping individuals and organizations navigate transition, and unlock their highest potential. His journey is a testament to the power of perspective, community, and relentless personal growth. Key Takeaways: Resilience Through Adversity: Mo’s journey illustrates how adversity, like his 2017 accident, can lead to profound self-discovery and transformation when faced with courage and a strong support system. Purpose Built on Service: Mo’s “because” is rooted in helping others through transition—recognizing that everyone faces challenges and that real strength is found in community, self-exploration, and service to others. Leadership Isn’t Lonely—It’s Collaborative: Mo emphasizes that leadership becomes isolating only when you refuse to let others in. The right team and open communication are essential to thriving as a leader or in any major life change.  Sound Bites: “There is no individual hero… There’s a ton of people that are putting inputs in to kind of help you.” “Go within yourself—things that people are interested in may be the key to unlocking their gift.” “Leadership isn’t lonely, it’s isolated, because there’s a ton of people going through the same thing… you’re just not allowing other people to help.”  Quote by Mick: “The game of sport is a business. And so now you go from being a player to having to think like a business person because you become a business yourself at that point in time as well.”   Connect & Discover Mo: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ironmassaquoi/?hl=en Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohamedmassaquoi/ Website: https://www.thevessol.com/ Website: Players for Good FOLLOW MICK ON:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickunplugged/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mickunplugged  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/Website: https://www.mickhuntofficial.com                                                              Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mick-unplugged/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

George Mumford is a highly sought-after mindfulness and performance coach, renowned for his transformative work with elite athletes—including legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. As the author of "Unlocked" and "The Mindful Athlete: Secrets to Pure Performance," George blends wisdom, curiosity, compassion, and selfless service to unlock the divine spark in every human being. With a captivating personal story that spans addiction recovery, close friendships with icons such as Julius Erving (Dr. J), and decades of coaching at the championship level, George’s teachings have changed countless lives both on and off the court.  Takeaways Pure Performance Is About Presence: The highest level of achievement, or "pure performance," is found when you perform an activity solely for the love and authenticity of the moment—expressing your true self rather than focusing on external outcomes. Unlocking Potential Requires Letting Go: Growth and progress come from giving yourself permission to make mistakes, learning from them, and then letting them go so you can move forward—true freedom comes from self-acceptance and self-regulation. Leadership Is Empowerment: Great leaders, like Michael Jordan after working with George, learn to meet people where they are, inspire them to grow, and give others a meaningful say in the mission, shifting from control to collective ownership.  Sound Bites “Elite performers are unlocked by their hunger for growth—the willingness to embrace discomfort and uncertainty is what propels them to the next level.” “Creating space between stimulus and response is the heart of emotional intelligence; it unlocks the freedom to choose your attitude and actions.” “You don’t need to be perfect to make progress—mistakes are just feedback. The key is to make the next play and stay present.” Quote from Mick: “Unlocked has changed my life. It’s literally a book that I reference at least three to four times a week... we have unlocked sessions where we talk through things as a group and as a team—because what one person is struggling with is probably something someone else is going through.” Connect & Discover George: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/george.mumford/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-mumford/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=george%20mumford Website: https://georgemumford.com/ Book: Unlocked: Embrace Your Greatness, Find the Flow, Discover Success   FOLLOW MICK ON:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickunplugged/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mickunplugged  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/Website: https://www.mickhuntofficial.com                                                              Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mick-unplugged/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices