Mick Unplugged

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

Aries Spears is a legendary comedian and impressionist who has been commanding the stage since the age of 14. Known for his breakout work on MAD TV and his savage crowd work, Aries has become renowned for his edgy, unfiltered takes and ability to reinvent his set with every performance. With a career spanning over 36 years, Aries draws inspiration from greats like Eddie Murphy, prides himself on quick wit and improvisational skills, and never shies away from exposing the raw realities of the comedy world. In addition to standup, he hosts the popular podcast "Spears and Steinberg," where he continues to push boundaries and spotlight real, unvarnished perspectives on entertainment and life. Takeaways: Resilience is Essential: Aries details the mental and emotional challenges of comedy, emphasizing that the business can "beat your spirit up," but staying in the game means believing in yourself, even when support from loved ones is lacking. Mastering Your Craft Means Versatility: Aries likens standup to being an all-star quarterback—you must have the material (playbook), but true greatness comes from the ability to improvise crowd work, proving you can win no matter what the audience throws at you. Legacy Is in the Eyes of the Fans: Despite feeling he hasn’t fully “arrived,” Aries acknowledges that comedians often become benchmarks for new generations, and sometimes strangers (fans) provide more validation and appreciation than family or the industry.  Sound Bites: “If you’re going to be a complete comedian, you need to have all the facets of your game on point... there were no weaknesses in Mike [Michael Jordan].” “Hollywood is like an uncle that molested you but put you through college.” (quoting Chris Rock) “I never cut my comedy cocaine. I’ve always kept it 100% Bolivia Yayo... there’s nothing better than having that laugh you feel like you’re not supposed to have.” Quote by Mick: “You are to [my kids] what a Pryor and a Redd Foxx were to me… Everybody can’t go to where you and I were from a database of history and comedy. So you are that benchmark to a lot of people, bro.” Connect & Discover Aries: Website: https://ariesspears.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/ariesspears/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ariesspears/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Z6Tbjk4AesZwwGggZC7qQ   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

Dave Asprey is widely known as “the OG of biohacking”—a visionary entrepreneur, best-selling author, and pioneer who sparked a global movement focused on upgrading human potential. From transforming coffee into a performance-enhancing tool to turning aging into a choice, Asprey has dedicated his life to uncovering the systems and protocols that optimize health, performance, and longevity. Once a successful Silicon Valley computer hacker with a personal health crisis, Dave used his relentless curiosity—and scientific rigor—to create a revolution now valued at $63 billion worldwide. His latest book, Heavily Meditated, delivers a blueprint for mastering mental and emotional resilience to unlock true human potential. Takeaways: You Cannot Hack What You Can't Track: Dave emphasizes the importance of measuring your recovery and performance—using tools like sleep trackers—so you can make meaningful improvements to your health and productivity. Darkness is a Powerful Bio-hack: Simply sleeping in complete darkness—with blackout curtains and no light leaks—can significantly improve sleep quality, boost cognitive function, and reduce risk of depression and aging-related decline. Energetic Peace is Key for Leaders: True leadership and personal growth come from “choosing peace, no matter what.” When you master your emotional state and triggers, you lead your team and yourself with more clarity, resilience, and authentic power. Sound Bites: “Now, you can hack it because you can track it. You cannot hack what you can't track.” “One of the cheapest biohacks of all that improves leadership and performance and longevity in aging is darkness.” “If anything on earth can trigger me, it’s in charge, not me—and that is a very high standard for living.” Quote by Mick: “I feel like sometimes our soul needs to know that we are worthy of the praise that we're getting. And so I want you to know, man, like, you are worthy of all of this praise, brother.” Connect & Discover Dave: Website: https://daveasprey.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Daveaspreyofficial/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dave.asprey/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@daveaspreyofficial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DaveAspreyBPR LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asprey/ Podcast: The Human Upgrade Book: Heavily Meditated   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

Chef Andre Rush is an esteemed White House chef, U.S. Army combat veteran, and passionate mental health advocate. Known for his viral 22 push-ups a day campaign spotlighting veteran suicide awareness, Chef Rush combines military discipline with culinary artistry and a heart for service. Having turned adversity into purpose, he’s been recognized with countless accolades—from the Veterans Hall of Fame induction to national honors for suicide prevention. His life’s mission transcends the kitchen, inspiring millions to keep going, never give up, and support one another—whether in the military, through tragedy, or in everyday life.   Takeaways: Purpose Through Service: Chef Rush emphasizes that his drive comes from having “no choice” but to serve—turning pain and loss into a relentless mission to uplift others and raise mental health awareness. The Power of Checking In: Both the host and Chef Rush highlight the importance of simply reaching out, reminding listeners that small gestures—like a text or a call—can mean everything to someone struggling. Redefining Strength: Chef Rush’s story proves that true strength isn’t just physical; it’s found in resilience, perseverance, and being vulnerable enough to seek help and lift others up.   Sound Bites: “Keep going. Never give up. You can do anything.” “Instead of saying survivor’s remorse, it’s survivor’s strive—it’s a remembrance to remind everyone that life is short.” “You don’t have to be the person going through it to help. You can be the person that checks in.”   Mick’s Quote: “If your heart is beating, you have more to give, you have more to do.”   Connect & Discover Heather: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realchefrush/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChefRush TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chefrush Website: https://chefrush.com/ Book: Call Me Chef, Dammit! A Veteran’s Journey from the Rural South to the White House   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/ Mick's New Book: How to be a Good Leader When You've Never Had One- https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-to-be-a-good-leader-when-youve-never-had-one-mick-hunt/1146931848?ean=9781394357956See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices