Mick Unplugged

Welcome back to another compelling episode of Mick Unplugged. Today, we have the honor and privilege of hosting an exceptional guest, Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans, a decorated U.S. veteran with over 27 years of service. Known for her incredible resilience and inspiring journey, Sergeant Major Evans has transformed the trauma and challenges she faced in combat into a powerful mission of hope and advocacy for veterans. In this episode, we dive deep into her story of overcoming life-altering injuries, finding purpose beyond adversity, and her unwavering commitment to giving back. From her military career to her work as a motivational speaker and leader of Team Unbroken, Sergeant Major Evans' insights on resilience, grit, and living a life in service of others will leave you inspired and motivated. So sit back, relax, and get ready to be moved by the extraordinary tale of Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans.Takeaways Acknowledge and process pain and trauma before moving forward Embrace failure as a stepping stone to success Form a supportive community and help others Live a life without regrets and pursue your purpose Sound Bites "I had a couple of days of the whimy and a little bit of a pity party" "I'm not gonna let what happened to me define who I am" "Failure is not the end of the story. Failure is just another chapter in the book" Connect and Discover: ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another exciting episode of "Mick Unplugged!" In this episode, our host Mick Hunt dives into a heartfelt and inspiring conversation with Samara Beth, an accomplished presenter, advanced director, and now the creator of her own brand, Samara Beth and Company. Samara's journey is one of resilience and adaptability, as she shares her experiences of navigating significant life changes, including frequent career transitions, relocations, and personal struggles such as her divorce after 22 years of marriage.Tune in as Samara recounts her harrowing experience during the 9/11 attacks from her unique perspective in New York City's event industry. Through compelling anecdotes and timeless advice, she reveals how these moments shaped her outlook on life and business.Together, Mick and Samara discuss change management, the challenges faced by businesses, and the importance of defining personal and business brands while staying flexible in a dynamic economy. Samara also offers invaluable tips for aspiring entrepreneurs, gives insights into her successful ventures, and shares special offers for listeners, including a six-week retreat and exclusive coaching courses.Join us for an episode filled with powerful stories, actionable advice, and the inspiring journey of a woman who has turned adversity into a platform for helping others. Takeaways Samara's journey from the media industry to entrepreneurship was influenced by her family background and personal experiences. Dealing with change is a crucial skill for entrepreneurs and business leaders. Samara's personal challenges, such as her son's autism diagnosis, have shaped her perspective and drive. Significant events like 9/11 have a profound impact on individuals and communities. The 9/11 attacks had a profound impact on Samara Beth's life and business, teaching her the importance of resilience and cherishing every moment. Building a brand requires knowing your target audience, evolving with the market, and being flexible in your approach. Separate your personal brand from your business brand, and focus on building a brand that aligns with your purpose and passion. Sound Bites "You're one of the people that I admire the most." "It's in the blood, but why did it take me 40 some years to figure that out is beyond me." "Change management is what a lot of people, whether you're an entrepreneur, a solopreneur, a business leader, you have to deal with."  You kind of have to be part of whatever environment you're in and figure out what's your purpose, what's your why, what's your passion." "Well, you need to know who your audience is. That's key. And I do want to let people know because I've had multiple companies and I've moved businesses and stuff. And I said it a little bit earlier, your audiences are going to change." Top Questions Samara Beth Answers: Career Transitions: Samara Beth has had multiple career transitions due to personal and economic circumstances. What specific challenges did she face, and how did she overcome them? Resilience and Adaptability: How did Samara Beth’s experiences during the 2008 economic downturn and Hurricane Ike shape her approach to resilience and adaptability in her career? 9/11 Experience: Samara shared a poignant story about her experiences during the 9/11 attacks. How did this event impact her personally and professionally, and what lessons did she take away from that day? Change Management: Mick Hunt emphasized the importance of dealing with change in business and personal life. What are some effective strategies for managing change that were discussed in the episode? Brand Building: What are the three key components to building a brand that Samara highlighted? How can these components be practically applied by emerging entrepreneurs? Connect and Discover: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/samarahurley Instagram: instagram.com/samarabethandco Facebook: facebook.com/samarabethandcompany Website: samarabethandco.com Youtube: @SamaraBethandCo Special Event: https://milliondollarweekend.club/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to another compelling episode of "Mick Unplugged!" Today, we're diving deep into the world of athletic training and personal growth with none other than the renowned coach, Phil Daru. Phil brings a wealth of knowledge from his extensive career working with elite athletes and shares his personalized approach to coaching, emphasizing the need to understand athletes' limitations and tailor programs to their unique characteristics.Tune in as Phil outlines key strategies for building strength and speed, and offers insights for retired athletes looking to regain their mental motivation. We'll also explore his journey from athlete to coach, the inspiration behind opening his own fitness facility, and his philosophy on leadership and teamwork.Phil Daru also discusses the value of outdoor play for children, the importance of leadership by example, and shares exclusive details on his social media presence, YouTube channel, and upcoming mentorship and certification programs. Join us for an episode filled with inspiration, practical advice, and a deep dive into the mind of a coach who believes in pushing limits and achieving greatness. Let's get unplugged!Takeaways Push yourself beyond the breaking point to achieve improvement and growth. Engage in introspection and understand your weaknesses to become a better person. Spending time outdoors and participating in physical activities can lead to personal growth and development. Coaching is about creating a connection with athletes and finding ways to push them to succeed. In training, focus on progressive overload, stress management, and building resilience. Sound Bites"I've always pushed myself beyond the breaking point or at least as far as I possibly could without breaking points to figure out what's the best way to get the job done.""You always have to find out exactly who you are and... improving daily through constant action.""People just want to be pushed in the right direction and they want to achieve great things and they need a guide to do that."Top 5 Questions Phil Answers Strength Development: Phil Daru emphasizes progressive overload, constant stress on the body, and resilience through consistent training. How can these principles be applied in contexts outside of sports, such as in personal or professional development? Speed Training: In the episode, Phil discusses training methodologies to improve speed. What are some potential challenges of incorporating sprint-based training into an athlete's regimen, and how might these be overcome? Mental Motivation for Retired Athletes: How can activities that provide a sense of accomplishment, like jiu jitsu, help retired athletes regain their mental motivation? Can this approach be adapted for people not involved in sports? Role of Outdoor Play for Children: Both Mick and Phil advocate for outdoor play. In modern urban settings, what are some strategies to encourage children to engage more with nature and physical activities outside? Leadership in Coaching: What qualities do you think make an effective leader in the context of sports coaching? How can these qualities translate to leadership roles outside of sports? Connect and Discover:https://darustrong.com/https://www.instagram.com/darustrong/twitter.com/BamBamDFPwww.youtube.com/@PhilDaruStrong ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another exciting episode of Mick Unplugged! Today, we've got a special treat for you as we sit down with Tim Calise, a remarkable entrepreneur, finance expert, and tech innovator. Tim takes us through his incredible journey from the world of investment management to making waves in the fitness and technology industries. In this episode, he'll share the highs and lows of business expansion, the crucial role of self-awareness, and the magic of learning through experiences. Tim provides invaluable advice on building a successful business, including the importance of connecting with potential customers, refining products, and crafting a unique market position.He also dives deep into strategies for driving growth and customer retention, emphasizing the pivotal role of pricing and perceived value, especially in the service industry. With specific advice for businesses of various revenue levels and actionable insights, Tim equips entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive.Takeaways Solving problems is key to success in entrepreneurship. It's important to identify problems that people aren't thinking about or businesses don't foresee. Innovation and technology provide opportunities to increase output, reach, and value creation in business. To drive growth, businesses can focus on selling to more people, selling more frequently, or raising prices. Service businesses should have multiple price points to cater to different types of customers and increase revenue. Understanding customer behavior patterns and addressing their needs and desires is crucial for business success. Aspiring entrepreneurs should make offers before building products and not take business decisions personally. Sound Bites "You have to solve problems because that's what people appreciate." "One of the greatest values is we can compress decades into days." "I truly consider you a thought leader in many spaces." Top 5 Questions Tim answer's in this episode: Transition Challenges: What were the main challenges Tim faced when transitioning from investment management to the fitness and technology industry, and how did he overcome them? Self-Reflection: How does Tim Calise suggest business owners use self-awareness and self-reflection to navigate challenges and setbacks in their business journeys? Customer Engagement: Why does Tim strongly advocate for speaking to potential customers before creating a product? What are the core benefits of this approach? Growth Strategies: According to Tim, what are the key strategies a business should implement to drive growth, and how do these strategies differ based on a company's revenue level? Service Industry Advice: What specific advice does Tim give to business owners in the service industry to maximize growth and revenue, and why does he stress the importance of pricing control? Connect & Discover:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tcaliseInstagram: instagram.com/tim.caliseFacebook: facebook.com/timcaliseWebsite: timcalise.comPodcast: Leveling the Field ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this insightful episode, Mick Hunt sits down with Dr. Benjamin Ritter to explore the critical aspects of leadership, career fulfillment, and personal development. Dr. Ritter shares his expertise on creating fulfilling work environments and empowering individuals to take control of their careers. They discuss the importance of confidence, the dangers of workplace negativity, and the value of immersive learning for leadership development. Dr. Ritter also introduces his upcoming book, which provides practical tips for living fearlessly and achieving professional success.Dr. Benjamin Ritter's Background: Expert in organizational leadership with a passion for personal development. Dedicated his career to helping individuals find purpose and achieve their professional goals. The author of the upcoming book focused on living fearlessly and achieving career fulfillment. Defining Moments: Dr. Ritter discusses his personal journey from professional dissatisfaction to becoming a leadership coach, driven by the desire to help others avoid the same pitfalls. The decision to write his book distills years of insights into actionable tips for living fearlessly and confidently. Discussion Topics: The importance of organizational leadership and how it impacts company efficiency and employee satisfaction. The alarming statistic is that 64% of people feel unfulfilled at work, and what it means for businesses. Common challenges individuals face in their careers, such as lack of confidence and the prevalence of negativity, and how to overcome them. Building confidence in leadership and the necessity of taking pride in one’s work. The toxic effects of negativity in the workplace and the responsibility of leaders to champion positivity. Dr. Ritter's approach to personal development emphasizes the need for immersive learning and proactive career management. Key Quotes: "If you are working at a company, about half to three-fourths of the people you meet are waiting for a better opportunity." "Negativity is infectious. It becomes the billboard people drive by daily on the way to work." "You have to act as if you've already been promoted. Don't wait for permission." Next Steps: Explore: Connect with Dr. Ritter on LinkedIn and visit Live for Yourself Consulting to learn more about his work and upcoming book. Reflect: Consider how you can take pride in your work and proactively manage your career. Engage: Share your thoughts on this episode and how you plan to apply Dr. Ritter’s insights using #MickUnplugged. Connect & Discover: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drbenjaminritter-leadershipdevelopment Instagram: Instagram.com/drbenjaminritter Website: www.liveforyourselfconsulting.com Podcast: The Executive                  Live Fearlessly Youtube: @DrBenjaminRitter Book: Becoming Fearless ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this inspiring episode, Mick Hunt sits down with Ricky Sapp to explore his journey from a small town in South Carolina to the NFL and, ultimately, to his current role as a motivational speaker and philanthropist. Ricky discusses the importance of hard work, mentorship, and healthy competition, drawing from his experiences on and off the field. He shares how his passion for helping others led to the creation of the Ricky Sapp Foundation and how his motto, "Dream Big, Live Big," influences his life and work. Ricky also emphasizes the need for love and compassion in today's world, especially in teaching the next generation.Ricky Sapp's Background: Grew up in Bamberg, South Carolina, with a passion for football ignited by early experiences and community support. He became a high school All-American, Clemson University star and 5th-round NFL draft pick. Transitioned from a successful football career to becoming a motivational speaker and philanthropist. Defining Moments: Ricky shares how his work ethic, instilled by watching his parents, shaped his approach to life and sports. He discusses the critical role of healthy competition and how it can be a force for positive growth. His transition to motivational speaking was influenced by a chance invitation to speak at a high school, which led to his current passion for inspiring others. Discussion Topics: The influence of his upbringing on his work ethic and dreams, including the pivotal moment of seeing South Carolina State Bulldog Stadium. His relationship with Gaines Adams exemplifies the importance of mentorship during his time at Clemson. The role of competition and how it drives personal and professional growth. His journey into motivational speaking began unexpectedly after his NFL career. The Ricky Sapp Foundation's creation and goals focus on giving back to the community, especially children. His motto, "Dream Big, Live Big," guides his daily life and how others can adopt this mindset. Key Quotes: "If I got air in my lungs and breathing, I can do something big." "Whatever you are passionate about, you have to chase it. Your passion will lead you to your purpose." "We need love. Love would heal this world. I truly believe that." Next Steps: Explore: Learn more about Ricky Sapp and his work by visiting the Ricky Sapp Foundation and following him on social media. Reflect: Consider how you can apply the principles of hard work, mentorship, and competition in your own life. Engage: Support Ricky's foundation and contribute to the community initiatives he leads. Connect & Discover: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rickynsapp Instagram: instagram.com/rsappfoundation/?hl=en Website: www.therickysappfoundation.com Youtube: @TheDancingMotivationalSpeaker ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this insightful episode, Mick Hunt interviews Gina Bianchini, the founder and CEO of Mighty Networks. Gina shares her journey from growing up in a close-knit community in Silicon Valley to becoming a leader in digital community building. She discusses the powerful impact of communities, the role of technology in connecting people, and the deeper motivations behind her work. Gina also offers practical advice for creators looking to build thriving communities, emphasizing the importance of simplicity, connection, and starting without hesitation. The conversation provides a deep dive into the principles that make Mighty Networks unique and the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.Gina Bianchini's Background: Gina, a pioneer in the digital age, has empowered creators and businesses to build engaging and vibrant communities through Mighty Networks. She went from growing up in a tight-knit community in Cupertino, California, to becoming a leader in digital community building. Her work is deeply motivated by the deep personal motivations of her father, who is a community builder in his own right. Defining Moments: Gina shares the personal story of her father's impact on her life and how his untimely death motivated her to carry forward his legacy of community building on a larger scale. The realization that creating thriving communities isn't just about content but about connecting people in meaningful ways. Discussion Topics: The importance of community and its decisive role in connecting people with shared interests, passions, and values. Gina's "because" is her deeper purpose behind building Mighty Networks and her dedication to fostering meaningful connections through technology. The concept of network effects and how they can be leveraged to create thriving, valuable communities. Here are some common pitfalls for community hosts, such as the complexity trap and overloading with content, and how to avoid them. The challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of working smart, and the necessity of starting even when conditions aren't perfect. Key Quotes: "The deepest and best relationships that we can build in this world come through shared interests, shared passion, shared belief systems, shared values." "Just start. No excuses. No justifications. No waiting for the next thing. Just start." "When you put people at the center and use software to introduce them to each other, you create something precious." Next Steps: Explore: Discover more about Gina Bianchini and her work by visiting Mighty Networks. Reflect: Consider how building a community could enhance your personal or professional life and take the first step towards making it happen. Engage: If you're a community host or thinking of becoming one, focus on creating connections between members and keeping your community simple and engaging. Connect & Discover:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ginabianchiniInstagram: instagram.com/gbianchiniWebsite: mightynetworks.comBook: Purpose: Design a Community & Change Your Life-A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Purpose and Making It Matter ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Justin McClure's Background: A former lifestyle of addiction and womanizing. Transition to sobriety and the positive changes it brought to his life. His journey from a tumultuous past to becoming a loving husband, father, and successful influencer. Defining Moments: Justin’s realization and acceptance of his need to change led to his current path of inspiring others. Discussion Topics: The importance of self-love and recognizing one's potential. Challenges faced during the journey to sobriety, including changing environments and seeking therapy. The significance of maintaining sobriety and staying committed to personal growth. The viral moment catapulted the McClure family to fame and how it was managed. Key Quotes: "I love myself. It’s a great place to say, I love who I am." "People, places, things. You cannot change your life without changing those things." "Ask yourself, 'and then what?' Play the tape forward to avoid making poor decisions." Next Steps:  Explore: Learn more about Justin McClure and his inspirational journey by visiting his Instagram and checking out his book, "Daily Sober." Reflect: Consider how self-love, patience, and consistent effort can be applied to your own life. Engage: Share your thoughts on Justin’s story and your journey using #MickUnplugged. Connect & Discover: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/justinkmcclure Instagram: instagram.com/jkmcclure                    instagram.com/daily_sober Facebook: facebook.com/evolution.bellcurve Website: dailysober.coach Youtube: @MightyMcClures Book: Daily Sober: 365 Daily Lessons to Break Habits and Addictions ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging episode, Mick Hunt converses with Shawn Anthony about the critical role of branding in personal and professional growth. Shawn delves into his early experiences in nightlife promotion and how they shaped his understanding of branding and marketing. He emphasizes the importance of a consistent and recognizable brand identity, sharing anecdotes from his journey, such as his experience with Target and the evolution of Pod Pro Max. Shawn also highlights the importance of knowing your "because," the driving force behind your actions, and how it can lead to greater success and fulfillment.Shawn Anthony's Background: Shawn shares his journey from nightlife promoter to a successful entrepreneur and podcasting expert. Defining Moments: Shawn discusses key moments in his career, including the development of Pod Pro Max and his impactful interviews with industry leaders. Discussion Topics: The evolution of branding and its significance in today's digital age. Shawn's strategies for creating impactful personal brands. The importance of understanding your "because" and how it drives personal and professional success. Key Quotes: "Without branding, nobody knows who you are." "Make a lasting impact with everything you do." "Your 'because' is your superpower. Go unleash it." Next Steps: Explore: Discover more about Sean Anthony's work and Pro Max by visiting podpromax.com. Reflect: Think about your "because" and how it fuels your personal and professional goals. Engage: Share how this discussion on branding and personal development impacts your views on social media and business practices using #MickUnplugged. Connect & Discover: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shawnranthony Instagram: instagram.com/shawnranthony_ Website: schoolsovernowwhat.com Podcast: Schools Over Now What ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Mick Hunt talks with Greg Wasserman about the power of networking and building lasting relationships in the business world. Greg shares insights on the importance of genuine interactions over transactional connections, his approach to sales and partnerships, and his journey influenced by his family's history and professional experiences.Greg Wasserman's Background: With over 15 years in advertising, sales, and partnerships, Greg emphasizes the importance of relationships and connectivity in personal and professional growth.Defining Moments: Greg discusses the influence of his upbringing and family history, mainly being a grandchild of Holocaust survivors, on his value system and career ethics. Discussion Topics: The significance of relationships and conversations in shaping one's career path. Greg's personal and professional philosophy is that "Life is about time and relationships," and how this motto has guided his interactions and success. The impact of meaningful connections in the media industry and how these relationships have facilitated various opportunities. Key Quotes: "You never know where one conversation will take you today. So have that conversation, see where it goes in the future." "My relationships are it; how do I come here and go? Yes, I'm trying to sell you a widget, but no, I am selling you myself." Next Steps: Connect: Follow Greg Wasserman on LinkedIn to engage with his content and insights. Reflect: Consider how your relationships influence your career and personal growth. Engage: Use # MickUnplugged to share how this episode has inspired you to focus on relationships in your professional life. Connect & Discover: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gregwasserman Website: castmagic.io ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices