

Mick Unplugged
Realm
"Mick Unplugged" is a transformative podcast that challenges listeners to move beyond the conventional 'Why' and embrace the empowering realm of 'Because.' Hosted by Mick Hunt, the voice of Modern Leadership, this podcast is designed for leaders, doers, and anyone aspiring to create meaningful impact in both their personal and professional lives. Each episode delves into the principles of Modern Leadership, focusing on discovering your 'Because'—your core driving force—and how it can turn dreams into reality and aspirations into actionable steps. With practical advice, real-life stories, and forward-thinking insights, you’ll learn to make your 'Because' a daily focus, fueling your journey toward success and fulfillment. Whether you’re looking to deepen your motivation, set meaningful goals, or apply modern leadership theories to overcome challenges, "Mick Unplugged" provides the tools, strategies, and insights to guide your path. Subscribe now and start transforming your life with purpose and modern leadership principles.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 28, 2024 • 28min
Tandy Weems | - Lesson Learned By Being a A Trailblazer in Hip-Hop - Mick Unplugged [Ep 7]
Mick Hunt engages in a profound conversation with Tandy Weems, a pivotal figure in hip-hop. They delve into the roots and evolution of hip-hop, its cultural significance, and the importance of staying true to its essence. Tandy emphasizes the need for reeducation about the true nature of hip-hop beyond just music. She discusses her role in shaping the industry and her initiative to start the World Hip Hop Awards to honor authentic hip-hop talent globally.The episode is filled with insights on maintaining integrity and excellence in an ever-changing industry.Tandy Weems' Background: Over 25 years in the industry, worked with icons like Notorious B.I.G., Wu-Tang, Mary J. Blige, Method Man, Redman, and Mike Tyson.Defining Moments: Tandy Weems shares her journey in the hip-hop world and her experiences working with major artists.Discussion Topics:
The essence and culture of hip hop.
Importance of authenticity and knowledge in hip hop.
The negative impact of commercialization on hip-hop culture.
Tandy Weems' vision for the World Hip Hop Awards.
Strategies for maintaining relevance and authenticity in the industry.
Key Quotes:
"Hip hop is not just a music genre. It's a culture."
"We created a worldwide billion-dollar industry without a dime."
"The most important element of hip hop is knowledge."
"If your music or your art doesn't possess knowledge, it's not hip hop."
Next Steps:
Visit: World Hip Hop Awards for more information.
Support: Help fund the World Hip Hop Awards and promote authentic hip hop culture.
Engage: Share and discuss the episode using #MickUnplugged and #AuthenticHipHop.
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 26, 2024 • 31min
Bonus Episode 1 | Unyielding Spirit: Merril Hoge's Journey of Resilience - Mick Unplugged
In a deeply personal and inspiring episode, Mick Hunt converses with Merril Hoge about the power of perseverance, the impact of mentorship, and the essence of resilience. Merril's journey from a determined NFL player to a motivational speaker offers valuable lessons in facing life's hurdles with a proactive and positive mindset.Merril Hodge's Background: Notable for his tenacity on the football field and his courageous battle off it, Merril shares his life's challenges and triumphs.Defining Moments: Merril discusses the importance of mental preparation and visualization in his success, both in sports and life challenges.Discussion Topics:
The impact of mentors on Merril's life and career highlights his admiration for Walter Payton.
Merrill's approach to overcoming adversity emphasizes preparation, mindset, and resilience.
He transitioned from an NFL player to a motivational speaker, sharing his philosophy of "finding a way" in life.
Key Quotes:
"Being prepared is your responsibility. It's a combination of an opportunity."
"People always remember how you made them feel. That's the relationship point."
Next Steps:
Learn More: Visit Merrilhoge.com to explore Merril's work, book him for speaking engagements, and find inspirational resources.
Reflect: Consider how Merril's approach to challenges can apply to your life. What steps can you take today to "find a way" through your obstacles?
Engage: Share your stories of resilience and how you've been inspired by Merril's journey using #MickUnplugged.
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 21, 2024 • 31min
Steve Gavatorta | Embracing Adversity and The Summer From Hell - Mick Unplugged [Ep 6]
Mick Hunt delves into a deep and enlightening discussion with Steve Gavatorta about overcoming adversity and personal growth. They explore Steve's profound insights from his book and his personal journey, highlighting the significance of facing challenges head-on and learning from them.The conversation emphasizes the importance of preparation, resilience, and the right mindset in turning adversities into opportunities for success.Steve Gavatorta's Background: Owner of Steve Gavatorta Group, providing custom personal and professional development programs. Former corporate leader with over 20 years of experience in sales, leadership, and training.Defining Moments: Steve shares his personal "Summer from Hell" experience, illustrating how adversity shaped his character and career.Discussion Topics:
The transformative power of adversity.
The journey from panic to calm during personal crises.
Importance of learning, growth, and evolution from adversity.
Techniques for rational thinking and problem-solving in challenging situations.
The role of training and development in personal and professional success.
Key Quotes
"Adversity is an opportunity to grow, transform, and evolve."
"If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life."
"It's not just about what happens to us, but how we respond to it."
Next Steps:
Explore: Visit Steve Gavatorta's Website for more resources and information.
Read: Check out Steve's book "In the Defense of Adversity" for in-depth insights.
Engage: Share your thoughts on the episode using #MickUnplugged and #EmbraceAdversity.
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 14, 2024 • 26min
Marques Ogden | The Power of Resilience and Moving Forward in Life - Mick Unplugged [Ep 5]
Mick Hunt engages with Marcus Ogden in a deeply inspiring conversation about overcoming adversity and the power of resilience. Marcus discusses his journey from the NFL to facing significant personal and financial challenges. He emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset, perseverance, and the ability to adapt and overcome adversity.The episode is filled with powerful insights and strategies for anyone facing life's challenges and looking to rebuild and move forward.Marcus Ogden's Background: Former NFL player, transitioned to a successful career in public speaking and personal coaching.Defining Moments: Marcus shares his personal story of hitting rock bottom and how he rebuilt his life and career.Discussion Topics:
The transition from professional sports to life challenges.
Overcoming financial struggles and personal setbacks.
The importance of resilience, perseverance, and a positive mindset.
Strategies for rebuilding life and career post-NFL.
Learning from failures and turning them into successes.
Key Quotes:
"If you want to overcome obstacles, master these three things: resiliency, perseverance, and mindset shift."
"Visualize what you want and take action towards it."
"Building relationships plus building trust equals loyalty."
Next Steps:
Explore: Visit Marcus Ogden's Website for more motivational resources.
Listen: Check out Marcus's podcast "Get Authentic with Marcus Ogden."
Engage: Share your thoughts on the episode using #MickUnplugged and #PowerOfResilience.
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 7, 2024 • 24min
Kenny Anderson | Championing Through Life an Inspiring Journey - Mick Unplugged [Ep 4]
Mick Hunt engages with Kenny Anderson in an inspiring dialogue exploring Kenny's journey from a basketball prodigy to a guiding figure for young athletes. They delve into Kenny's life philosophies, the significance of hard work, mentorship, and the relentless pursuit of excellence both on and off the court. Kenny shares his experiences and lessons learned, providing valuable insights for anyone striving to make a meaningful impact in their field.Defining Moments: Kenny reflects on pivotal moments in his career and personal life, offering insights into overcoming adversity and staying grounded.Key Quotes:
"Basketball is easy. Life is hard."
"I wanted to take care of my mother, so I had to work extremely hard."
"You have to work on your craft. If you're serious... you have to be more committed."
Discussion Topics:
Kenny's early love for basketball and achievements in high school and college.
Transitioning from the NBA to coaching and mentoring.
The impact of his mother and mentors on his life and career.
Overcoming personal and financial struggles through resilience and humility.
Kenny's approach to coaching, emphasizing hard work, commitment, and personal growth.
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 29, 2024 • 27min
Les Brown | Understanding the Mick Factor and How Average is Over! - Mick Unplugged [Ep 3]
Mick Hunt and Les Brown engage in a powerful discussion about personal growth, mentorship, and achieving greatness. Les imparts wisdom on the importance of self-investment, overcoming adversity, and the essential role of mentors. He stresses the need to be more than average and to strive for excellence in all endeavors.The episode is a treasure trove of motivational insights and strategies for listeners seeking to elevate their lives and careers.Les Brown's Impact: Les Brown, a mentor to Mick, is celebrated as one of the greatest motivational speakers.Defining Moments: Les shares impactful stories and lessons from his life, emphasizing the power of belief and action.Discussion Topics:
The transformative power of "the Mick factor."
Les Brown's insights on overcoming adversity and empowering others.
The significance of finding one's purpose and investing in oneself.
Strategies for transcending average and achieving greatness.
The role of mentorship in personal and professional development.
Key Quotes:
"In life, you don't get what you want; you get what you are."
"Mentorship is crucial for seeing what you can't see by yourself."
"Commit yourself to greatness and demand more of yourself than anyone else can imagine."
Next Steps:
Visit: Les Brown's Website for more motivational resources.
Engage: Share your reflections on the episode using #MickUnplugged and #BeyondAverage.
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 22, 2024 • 16min
Unleashing Your Superpower: Transforming 'Because' into Action – Mick Unplugged [Ep 2]
Mick begins with a personal anecdote, drawing us into the world of self-discovery. He speaks of a time when he realized that identifying one's 'because' is not merely about goal-setting but igniting a deep-seated passion and purpose within. He shares his experiences of introspection, the challenges of evaluating his social circle, and the power of solitude and journaling in uncovering his true mission.As the story progresses, Mick highlights the significance of celebrating small victories. He narrates tales of individuals who transformed their lives by acknowledging every minor success, emphasizing that each small win is a crucial brushstroke in the larger canvas of life.The narrative turns towards daily living, where Mick illustrates how embedding one's core purpose into every aspect of life can lead to profound changes. He shares practical examples of using one's 'because' as a filter for decision-making and the importance of nightly reflections to stay aligned with long-term aspirations.Mick then guides us through tracking progress and reflecting on the journey. Through vivid storytelling, he depicts how documenting every step, whether through a journal or an app, helps recognize the transformation within and learn from both victories and setbacks.The climax of the episode is about adaptability and resilience. Mick shares stories of individuals who embraced change, pivoted strategies, and learned from every situation, highlighting the importance of a growth mindset and flexibility in pursuing one's 'because'.Key Points to Remember:
Discover Your 'Because': Go beyond goals to find your true passion and purpose.
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge every small achievement as a step towards your larger goal.
Live Your Purpose Daily: Integrate your core purpose into every decision and action.
Track and Reflect: Document your journey and learn from successes and failures.
Be Adaptable: Embrace change and maintain a growth mindset to navigate life's challenges.
As the episode draws to a close, Mick leaves us with a powerful message: our 'because' is our superpower, and by unleashing it, we can transform our lives and impact the world around us. He encourages listeners to step out not just as dreamers but as doers, architects of their own future, and champions of their own story.Stay tuned for more empowering stories and insights on Mick Unplugged, where every episode is a step towards unlocking your true potential. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 17, 2024 • 19min
Unleashing the Power of Because: Transforming Purpose into Action - Mick Unplugged [EP 1]
Once upon a time, in the realm of podcasts, there emerged a show that sought to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. This show was "Mick Unplugged," hosted by the charismatic Mick Hunt. In its inaugural episode, Mick embarked on a journey to explore a concept that transcended the well-known 'Why' and delved into the powerful realm of 'Because.'Mick began by challenging his listeners to move beyond the philosophy of 'Start with Why,' introduced by Simon Sinek. He proposed a deeper exploration into the essence of 'Because,' which he described as the driving force that turns dreams into reality. This concept was not just about understanding one's motivations but about activating them into tangible actions.Throughout the episode, Mick engaged his audience – the dreamers, the leaders, and those yearning to leave their mark on the world. He discussed how 'Because' is more than a motivator; it's the relentless energy that propels one towards their goals. He emphasized that while 'Why' can point to the peak of the mountain, 'Because' is the force that drives one to climb it.Mick shared personal stories and real-life examples to illustrate the power of 'Because.' He spoke of Sarah, a young entrepreneur whose 'Because' transformed her from a dreamer into a doer, leading her to create a multimillion-dollar business. He talked about Alex, a sales professional whose 'Because' was to build a future for his kids, driving him to become the top salesperson in his company. Mick also opened up about his journey, revealing how a promise made to his mother at a young age became his 'Because,' shaping his life and career.As the episode neared its end, Mick offered practical steps for his listeners to embrace their 'Because':
Reflect on past victories and struggles to identify your 'Because.'
Make 'Because' a visible and daily habit.
Seek opportunities that resonate with your 'Because' for a fulfilling life.
Share your 'Because' for accountability and inspiration.
Mick concluded the episode with empowering words, urging his audience to embrace and unleash their 'Because.' He reminded them that their 'Because' is not just a part of their story but their legacy, a superpower waiting to be unleashed.Key Points:
'Because' transcends 'Why' by turning motivation into action.
Personal stories and examples highlight the transformative power of 'Because.'
Practical steps include reflection, visibility, opportunity seeking, and sharing.
Embracing 'Because' leads to a purpose-driven life and legacy.
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.