Insurance Agency

What happens when people create alternate versions of themselves and release them into the wild?

Visit thisamericanlife.org/lifepartners to sign up for our premium subscription.

• Prologue: Host Ira Glass talks about a recent experience being interviewed and the realization that he was being asked about another version of himself. (4 minutes)
• Act One: Reporter Evan Ratliff creates an AI version of himself and then sets it loose on the world. This story was adapted from Evan's podcast, Shell Game. (43 minutes)
• Act Two: Emmanuel Dzotsi explores the phenomenon of people lying on first dates to project a better version of themselves. Plus, he gets into a very personal example from his own life. (8 minutes)

Transcripts are available at thisamericanlife.org

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Elan Gelfand is a 20-year-old podcast host, mindset enthusiast, and the driving force behind the "Abundant Thinking" podcast. Inspired by his mother's resilience through challenging times, Elan channels his passion for learning, personal development, and financial independence into creating environments where wisdom from all walks of life is shared. Despite his young age, he’s already amassed over 100 episodes focused on turning ordinary mindsets into extraordinary breakthroughs, tapping into deep conversations with high-achieving individuals to uncover the mindset frameworks behind success. With a relentless optimism and a commitment to consistency, Elan brings fresh perspectives on growth, pressure, and carving out one’s purpose.

 Takeaways:

• Purpose is Personal and Evolving: Elan’s story demonstrates that finding your “why” often comes from personal hardship and a desire to support others—particularly family. Staying connected to this purpose provides the resilience needed to weather challenges.
• Consistency Breeds Progress: Both Elan and Mick stress that success isn’t about quick wins but steady action. Setting contracts with yourself and sticking to long-term goals helps turn vision into reality—even when immediate results aren’t visible.
• Learning is a Superpower: Elan’s journey shows the importance of being curious, seeking wisdom from others, and constantly asking questions. Whether in leadership or personal growth, learning from experience and from mentors is key.

Sound Bites:

“I think that I am able to dictate the results of my life... although I have zero proof, it’s my obligation to help my mom.” – Elan Gelfand

“Consistency creates discipline, and discipline is what makes you successful. Right? Especially over the long term.” – Elan Gelfand

“If your presence doesn’t make a difference, your absence won’t either.”  – Mick Hunt

Connect & Discover Elan:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elan.gelfand/reels/

Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/1lekQaJQnRGImBbsV9K6tA

Apple Podcasts Link: @AbundantThinking

🔥 Ready to Unleash Your Inner Game-Changer? 🔥

Mick Hunt’s brand-new book, How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One: The Blueprint for Modern Leadership, is here to light a fire under your ambition and arm you with the real-talk strategies that only Mick delivers.

👉 Grab your copy now and level up your life → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million 

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: MickUnplugged

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickunplugged/  

YouTube:  @MickUnpluggedPodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/

Website:  MickHuntOfficial.com

Apple: MickUnplugged

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Travis Chappell is a powerhouse in the podcasting world, known for his relentless energy and mastery of connection. From humble beginnings knocking on doors to building business empires, Travis has carved a niche by transforming real relationships into real revenue. As the voice behind "Travis Makes Friends" and "Travis Makes Money," he has sat down with billionaires, celebrities, and industry leaders, always focused on the power of authentic networking. With a deep sense of purpose shaped by his role as a father, Travis now dedicates himself to helping others leverage content, connection, and podcasting to accelerate both personal and business growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Authenticity Wins: Travis emphasizes that genuine connections—rooted in honesty and vulnerability—are the foundation of meaningful relationships and future success.

• Invest in Yourself: Real breakthroughs don't happen by accident; investing time and resources into personal development, masterminds, and networking is vital to shortcut your growth.

• Your Network Is Your Net Worth: Strategic relationships with people who have accomplished what you aspire to achieve are key accelerators for business and brand growth.

 Sound Bites:

"I want the difference between superhero dad and real dad, in my kids’ eyes, to be really, really small."

"If you’re putting on this position or posturing yourself as somebody who doesn’t need help, then people can’t help you. Real recognizes real."

"If you want something you’ve never had, you need to get around people who already have it or are actively chasing it."

Connect & Discover Travis:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell/?hl=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0ex2Vz6Jj9cTSiHy7KTICA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/traviscchappell/

Website: https://travischappell.com/about/

🔥 Ready to Unleash Your Inner Game-Changer? 🔥

Mick Hunt’s brand-new book, How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One: The Blueprint for Modern Leadership, is here to light a fire under your ambition and arm you with the real-talk strategies that only Mick delivers. 

👉 Grab your copy now and level up your life → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million 

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: MickUnplugged

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickunplugged/  

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MickUnpluggedPodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/

Website:  https://mickhuntofficial.com/

Apple: MickUnplugged

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Marlissa Hudson is a celebrated soprano who has graced the stage of Carnegie Hall, yet her talents extend far beyond music. A proud Duke University graduate, Marlissa has established herself as a dynamic consultant and transformative fundraiser, known for her expertise in unlocking access to resources for Black and Brown communities. As co-founder of English Hudson, she has doubled organization budgets, exceeded fundraising goals, and broken down barriers in traditionally exclusive spaces. Driven by a profound sense of purpose and gratitude for those who paved her way, Marlissa uses her voice—on stage and in the boardroom—to champion inclusivity, courage, and lasting change.

Takeaways

• Purpose Beyond Surface: Marlissa’s journey shows that finding your “because”—a purpose deeper than just a “why”—can anchor your leadership, refuel you through challenges, and enable you to stand as a shoulder for others to climb higher.

• The Power of Simplicity and Courage: Being productive isn’t about busyness; it’s about simplifying priorities, setting strong boundaries, and having the courage to engage authentically, even in difficult conversations.

• Access and Impact in Fundraising: True fundraising success is not just about hitting numbers—it’s about opening doors for those historically left out and ensuring that money raised directly translates into meaningful, community-driven change.

 Sound Bites

“If not you, then who? I know I was designed for this, but the deeper because of it all is because people poured into me at so many points in my life when I had neither earned it nor deserved it.”

“Busyness is one of the biggest things people use. I can’t be prepared for this meeting because I’m so busy… But if you want to really make a dent, you have to be authentic and vulnerable.”

“The money is the vehicle. It is not the purpose.

Connect & Discover Marlissa:

Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/marlissahudson/?hl=en

Website: English Hudson Consulting

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marlissahudson/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/100063699940555/about/?_rdr

Album: Lust

🔥 Ready to Unleash Your Inner Game-Changer? 🔥

Mick Hunt’s brand-new book, How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One: The Blueprint for Modern Leadership, is here to light a fire under your ambition and arm you with the real-talk strategies that only Mick delivers.

👉 Grab your copy now and level up your life → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: MickUnplugged

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickunplugged/  

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MickUnpluggedPodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/

Website:  https://mickhuntofficial.com/

Apple: MickUnplugged

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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bryan and Shannon Miles are visionary entrepreneurs, servant leaders, and the dynamic husband-wife team behind Belay, a groundbreaking virtual assistant and bookkeeping company. After climbing out of $80,000 in debt and leveraging their faith and work ethic, they built Belay into a nine-figure success, redefining how remote work and leadership can thrive in a digital age. Following their transformative exit, Bryan and Shannon launched Owner, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting and equipping business owners with resources, community, and guidance for both personal and professional growth. Deeply rooted in servant leadership and faith, their journey is one of resilience, growth, and a passion for empowering other entrepreneurs to build not just successful businesses, but meaningful legacies.

Takeaways:

• Servant Leadership as a Foundation: Bryan and Shannon stress that true leadership is about serving others and building a legacy that extends beyond personal gain—99% of a leader’s actions should benefit those around them.

• Culture Is Key for Remote Success: Company culture is built on shared vision and trust, not physical offices or perks. Belay’s all-remote team succeeded by fostering deep trust, clear expectations, and magnetic vision.

• The Messy Middle Matters Most: While many focus on the start-up or exit phases, Shannon and Bryan highlight the importance of the “messy middle”—the growth period that shapes leaders personally and professionally, often requiring daily adaptation and self-discovery.

Sound Bytes:

“Culture isn’t about a fancy office or a Friday pizza party. It’s about a shared vision that everyone moves toward together.”

“We didn’t just want to build a successful business; we wanted to create the type of company we’d always dreamed of working for.”

“The breakthroughs don’t just come at the beginning or the end—they happen in the messy middle where you have to grow as a leader.”

Connect & Discover Bryan and Shannon:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryanandshannon/?hl=en

Website: https://belaysolutions.com/blog/one-next-step-018-bryan-shannon-miles/

Website: https://www.o-nr.org/

 https://onr.kit.com/thebusinessownersjourneyresource 

Website: https://miles.ag/about/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-miles-milesag/

Book: Virtual Culture: The Way We Work Doesn't Work Anymore

🔥 Ready to Unleash Your Inner Game-Changer? 🔥

Mick Hunt’s brand-new book, How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One: The Blueprint for Modern Leadership, is here to light a fire under your ambition and arm you with the real-talk strategies that only Mick delivers.

👉 Grab your copy now and level up your life → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: MickUnplugged

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickunplugged/  

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MickUnpluggedPodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/

Website:  https://mickhuntofficial.com/

Apple: MickUnplugged

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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sunny Bonnell is the trailblazing co-founder of Motto, renowned author of "Rare Breed," and a keynote speaker making waves by championing bold, unconventional leadership. As one of the rare women leaders in the creative industry and a true rebel with a cause, Sunny's mission is to help individuals, teams, and iconic brands unlock their ultimate potential. Driven by a passion for igniting vision and possibility in others, she has ignited transformation for leaders at companies like Google, Microsoft, and the Minnesota Vikings, all while inspiring others to embrace the very traits that make them stand out.

Takeaways:

• Visionary Leadership Isn’t Optional – Sunny stresses that true progress and agility come from visionary leadership that gets clearly communicated and embedded at every level of an organization, not just in the C-suite.

• Embrace Your “Rare Breed” Traits – The characteristics we’re often told to tone down—rebelliousness, audacity, emotion—can actually be flipped into an unstoppable force when harnessed thoughtfully.

• Mission, Vision, and Values Require Simplicity and Action – Misalignment happens when company values are complicated. Codify and tie core beliefs to clear actions so your team can rally around a shared mission and truly perform.

Sound Bites:

“You have to succeed because of who you are, not despite who you are.”

“Vision without action is just a daydream. You need both visionaries and stabilizers for the boat to go anywhere.”

“If you’re not looking for big things, I’m not the person for you. We do big things.”

Connect & Discover Sunny:

LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/sunnybonnell

Instagram:  Instagram.com/sunnybonnell

Website:  www.sunnybonnell.com

Website: www.wearemotto.com 

Website: VisionCamp

Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/rarebreedtv 

Book:  Rare Breed: A Guide to Success for the Defiant, Dangerous, and Different

🔥 Ready to Unleash Your Inner Game-Changer? 🔥

Mick Hunt’s brand-new book, How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One: The Blueprint for Modern Leadership, is here to light a fire under your ambition and arm you with the real-talk strategies that only Mick delivers.

👉 Grab your copy now and level up your life → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: MickUnplugged

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickunplugged/  

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MickUnpluggedPodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/

Website:  https://mickhuntofficial.com/

Apple: MickUnplugged

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sonja Keeve is a powerhouse in the podcasting world, renowned for her passionate advocacy and the creation of safe spaces for everyday women to share their transformative stories. After experiencing multiple corporate layoffs and being told to "dim her light," Sonja found her true calling as the host of "Inspiring Nations." Her mission is personal—carving out room for voices that are too often unheard, and empowering women to speak up and step into their greatness. Drawing from her own challenges and triumphs, Sonja has built a global platform that not only inspires and heals but also sparks new beginnings, leadership, and connection across communities.

Key Takeaways:

• Know Your Purpose: Before starting a podcast, get clear on your "why." Identify your goal—whether it’s to build community, connect with others, or monetize your knowledge—so your show has true direction and impact.

• Tell Your Story with Confidence: Sharing your authentic story, no matter how ordinary it may seem, has the power to inspire, heal, and create ripple effects in your community and beyond. Vulnerability and authenticity build real connections with listeners.

• Monetize What You Already Have: The easiest way to start monetizing your podcast is by leveraging existing products, services, or expertise. See your podcast as your own advertising channel to promote your offerings organically.

 Sound Bites:

"If you were your younger self on the other side of that mirror, what would you want to know to take the next step?"

"Podcasting is this intimate connection where your voice taps into someone’s soul."

"Your life is your story—if you don’t share it, what might happen for the person who needs to hear it?

Connect & Discover Sonja:

Website: https://sonjakeeve.com/

Book: Beyond the Mic: The Game Changing Guide to Podcasting

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonjakeeve/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonjakeeve/

Podcast: Inspiring Nations with Sonja Keeve

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sonjakeeve

🔥 Ready to Unleash Your Inner Game-Changer? 🔥

Mick Hunt’s brand-new book, How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One: The Blueprint for Modern Leadership, is here to light a fire under your ambition and arm you with the real-talk strategies that only Mick delivers.

👉 Grab your copy now and level up your life → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: MickUnplugged

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickunplugged/  

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MickUnpluggedPodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/

Website:  https://mickhuntofficial.com/

Apple: MickUnplugged

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jeremy Stalnecker is a Marine Corps veteran, pastor, and the CEO of the Mighty Oaks Foundation—a nonprofit dedicated to helping America’s military warriors and their families overcome the unseen wounds of combat, such as PTSD. Drawing on his own challenges transitioning home after Iraq, Jeremy has made it his mission to offer faith-based hope, healing, and leadership to veterans, first responders, and their loved ones. His experience in both combat leadership and ministry uniquely positions him as a transformative voice for resilience, character, and servant leadership.

Takeaways:

●       Healing unseen wounds takes community and purpose: Jeremy credits his journey of healing from trauma to having the right support network and a strong sense of faith, which now fuels his responsibility to help others walking a similar path.

●       Leadership is about being, not just doing: Effective leadership is rooted in character and presence—not just tactics or positional authority. True leaders leverage their resources and opportunities to help others grow and succeed.

●       Resilience in a changing world requires clarity: With an overload of information and rapidly evolving challenges, leaders must be grounded in their purpose and values to navigate uncertainty and positively impact those around them.

Sound Bites:

“So many people are carrying traumas and brokenness within them that goes undealt with... if you don't address these, eventually it will have a very damaging effect on you.”

“My job as a leader is not to get you to do what I want you to do. It's to leverage everything I have at my disposal to make you better than you would be without me.”

“When those things pop up in front of us, we have to decide, am I going to stay where I am and die, or am I going to march?”

Connect & Discover Jeremy:

Website: https://www.jeremystalnecker.com/

Website: https://www.mightyoaks.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeremystalneckerofficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremystalnecker/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JeremyStalnecker

Podcast: March or Die

Books:

Offensive Faith

March or Die

Leadership By Design

🔥 Ready to Unleash Your Inner Game-Changer? 🔥

Mick Hunt’s brand-new book, How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One: The Blueprint for Modern Leadership, is here to light a fire under your ambition and arm you with the real-talk strategies that only Mick delivers.

👉 Grab your copy now and level up your life → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million 

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: MickUnplugged

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickunplugged/   YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MickUnpluggedPodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/ Website:  https://mickhuntofficial.com/

Apple: MickUnplugged

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gary Vaynerchuk—known to millions as “Gary Vee”—is a serial entrepreneur, visionary business leader, and globally recognized voice on marketing, personal branding, and living life with authenticity. From his humble beginnings as a Soviet Union immigrant hustling at garage sales to building multiple successful businesses and amassing a massive online following, Gary has become the “inconvenient truth” in the world of self-improvement and entrepreneurship. Renowned for his candor, empathy, and relentless consistency, Gary has inspired generations with his actionable wisdom on gratitude, accountability, and the true intent behind success. On this episode, he joins Mick Hunt to dive deep into interest media, personal brand building, and uncovering the purpose that fuels his unstoppable drive.

Takeaways

• Intent Matters More Than Tactics: Gary emphasizes that true impact comes from a genuine desire to serve your audience, not from chasing likes or followers for personal gain. Authentic intent can be felt by your audience and sets you apart from the crowd.

• Interest Media Over Social Media: The way people interact with digital platforms has shifted—platforms are now more about sharing interests and connecting over passions than about purely social connections. Creators should lean into authenticity and share what makes them unique to attract the right audience.

• Accountability and Gratitude Are Superpowers: Blaming others or circumstances doesn’t lead to growth—taking responsibility for your actions, being grateful for what you have, and minimizing negative influences can supercharge personal and professional progress.

Sound Bites

“I’m more proud of the compliments and the words of affirmation than any material thing I’ve gotten from my success.”

“If you want to make real impact, run it like a business or don’t do it at all.”

“You are the brand. The more you’re you—all the way you—the more you’ll win.”

Connect & Discover Gary:

Website: https://garyvaynerchuk.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garyvee/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyvaynerchuk/

X: https://x.com/garyvee

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/garyvee

VeeFriends: https://veefriends.com/

Books:

Day Trading Attention

Twelve and A Half

Crush It!

Crushing It!

#AskGaryVee

🔥 Ready to Unleash Your Inner Game-Changer? 🔥

Mick Hunt’s brand-new book, How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One: The Blueprint for Modern Leadership, is here to light a fire under your ambition and arm you with the real-talk strategies that only Mick delivers.

👉 Grab your copy now and level up your life → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: MickUnplugged

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickunplugged/

 YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MickUnpluggedPodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/

Website:  https://mickhuntofficial.com/

Apple: MickUnplugged

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Matt Iseman is an Emmy-winning comedian, TV host, and medical doctor best known as the beloved host of American Ninja Warrior. A cancer survivor and rheumatoid arthritis warrior, Matt uses both his medical background and comedic chops to inspire resilience and hope in others. He’s a passionate advocate for the Arthritis Foundation, raising awareness and funds as a public voice for those impacted by chronic illness. Matt’s dynamic career spans stand-up comedy, television, and philanthropy, making him a true champion for transformation and relentless growth.

Takeaways:

• Community is Healing: Matt credits finding connection with others experiencing rheumatoid arthritis as a crucial turning point, emphasizing the power of shared experience and support when living with chronic illness.

• Laughter Matters: Comedy provided Matt not just with a career, but with a coping mechanism that helped him manage both the physical and emotional pain of RA, proving that laughter truly is healing.

• Leading with Humility: Through his journey on Celebrity Apprentice and his friendship with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Matt learned that true leadership comes from building others up, not boosting your own ego.

Sound Bites:

“Even if it’s a bad answer, even if it’s cancer, even if it’s a chronic disease… at least you know what you’re up against.”

“When you’re laughing, you’re not thinking about the pain, you’re not thinking about the sadness.”

“When you didn’t make it about your ego… when I sought for collaboration, I found that was how I managed a lot of the egos.”

Connect & Discover Matt:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattiseman/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mattiseman/

Website: https://mattiseman.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/mattisemanlive

🔥 Ready to Unleash Your Inner Game-Changer? 🔥

Mick Hunt’s brand-new book, How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One: The Blueprint for Modern Leadership, is here to light a fire under your ambition and arm you with the real-talk strategies that only Mick delivers.

👉 Grab your copy now and level up your life → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: MickUnplugged

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickunplugged/  

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MickUnpluggedPodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/

Website:  https://mickhuntofficial.com/

Apple: MickUnplugged

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Everyone talks about why.
But the truth is—leaders don’t rise because of their why… they rise because of their BECAUSE.

This trailer kicks off a new chapter of Mick Unplugged—where we go deeper than inspiration and get to the fire that actually fuels people.
I asked high performers, visionaries, and difference-makers one question:
“What’s your BECAUSE?”

What you’ll hear is not polished.
It’s not packaged.
It’s the real reason they refused to quit.

If you’ve been coasting on purpose statements and catchy quotes, this will wake you up.

This isn’t self-help. This is self-honor.

Press play. Then ask yourself:
What’s your BECAUSE?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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"You can't stand out and stand still at the same time," declares Emmy award-winning disruptor Mario Armstrong in this riveting conversation with Mick. As the self-proclaimed "blueprint" for Mick's journey, Mario unpacks the mindset shifts and actionable strategies that transformed him from a local Baltimore media personality to a nationally recognized figure.

The conversation dives deep into what Mario calls "vulnerability as currency" – the counterintuitive power of authentic sharing in professional settings. He doesn't just theorize; he demonstrates this principle by discussing his current struggle writing his first book after years of false starts. This vulnerability, Mario explains, isn't a marketing tactic but a genuine approach that attracts the right audience to your work.

One of the most powerful insights emerges when Mick introduces the concept that "transparency is the new currency" and even "transparency is the new 401k" for modern leadership. Today's employees, particularly younger generations, care less about traditional benefits and more about knowing what their leaders personally stand for. Mario explores how transparent leadership builds trust in ways traditional corporate approaches simply cannot.

The conversation shifts to practical strategies with Mario's brilliant "11-minute framework" – a method for making consistent progress on daunting goals by focusing on what you can accomplish in just 11 minutes. Combined with his practice of celebrating "three wins" weekly (now daily), this system creates momentum that builds confidence through visible progress. "Every 11 minutes informs the next 11 minutes," Mario explains, creating a compounding effect that transforms small actions into significant achievements.

Perhaps most valuable for aspiring influencers is Mario's counterintuitive advice to dominate locally before attempting to go national. His step-by-step breakdown of how to leverage local television stations – an underutilized platform – reveals a pathway to credibility that many overlook in their rush to build digital audiences. This strategy provided the foundation for his eventual national success.

Throughout this magnetic conversation, Mario emphasizes that success isn't about making one big bet on yourself but rather consistently investing in small actions that prove your potential. For anyone feeling stuck between comfort and calling, this episode provides both the inspiration and practical framework to start moving forward – 11 minutes at a time.

Connect & Discover Mario:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marioarmstrong/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marioarmstrong/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NeverSettleNetwork

Website: https://www.marioarmstrong.com/

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/

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What makes some leaders magnetic while others struggle to connect? On this riveting episode of Mick Unplugged, communication expert Matt Kohut reveals the surprising secret shared by presidential candidates, Fortune 500 CEOs, and influential speakers he's coached: they're exceptional listeners first, compelling speakers second.

Matt breaks down his powerful framework of "strength and warmth" that defines effective leadership communication. Strength—the capability to get things done through competence and assertiveness—must be balanced with warmth—the ability to show you understand others' needs and emotions. Every leader naturally leans toward one quality, but mastering both creates an unbeatable leadership presence. Through practical examples, Matt demonstrates how finding the right balance for your specific context can transform your leadership impact.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Matt discusses his new book "Speaking Out," exploring when and how corporate leaders should address political and social issues—a modern leadership challenge unheard of in previous generations. He provides a thoughtful framework for navigating these potentially treacherous waters, grounding decisions in organizational values while considering both internal and external stakeholders.

Matt and Mick challenge outdated leadership clichés, dismantling the "open door policy" myth (truly present leaders don't need to announce their accessibility) and warning against using complex language that creates distance rather than connection. The most powerful insight? Informal conversations—whether over coffee, meals, or breaks—create the authentic connections that drive organizational success, yet many leaders fail to prioritize these critical moments.

Whether you're leading a team of five or five thousand, this conversation delivers actionable strategies to transform how you communicate during chaos, build trust through genuine listening, and speak with the perfect balance of strength and warmth that today's leadership demands.

Connect & Discover Matthew:

Website: https://www.matthewkohut.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kohut-00b64b4/

X: https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FMatthew_Kohut

Substack: https://matthewkohut.substack.com/

Book: Speaking Out: The New Rules of Business Leadership Communication

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Ever wondered what separates truly exceptional achievers from everyone else? David Meltzer reveals the answer in this powerful conversation about creating a life so extraordinary that your reality surpasses other people's imagination.

Meltzer, who has built and lost multi-millions while leading iconic sports agencies, shares his deeply personal philosophy on happiness—a natural state we interfere with through misinterpreted meanings and limited self-images. Through vivid storytelling and vulnerable admissions about his own failures, he offers a refreshing framework for finding joy in everything you do, even the activities you don't particularly enjoy.

The discussion takes a fascinating turn when Meltzer declares himself "Repeat Man," embracing the superpower of being "annoyingly consistent" in spreading honest, life-changing messages. This self-awareness becomes a masterclass in authenticity as he explains why 10% of people will love you no matter what you do, while another 10% will hate you regardless—a liberating truth that frees you to live at your essence without fear of judgment.

Perhaps most valuable is Meltzer's mathematical formula for creating what others call "luck": attention plus intention equals coincidences. By combining focused awareness with consistent, intentional action, you create the conditions for seemingly magical opportunities to appear in your life. This isn't wishful thinking but a practical system anyone can implement immediately.

Whether you're building a business, developing as a public speaker, or simply seeking more fulfillment, this episode delivers actionable wisdom from someone who's navigated both spectacular successes and humbling failures. Listen now to discover how expanding your skills, knowledge, and desires can transform your life into one that surpasses even your own imagination.

Connect & Discover David:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmeltzer/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidmeltzer11/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmeltzer2/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCflt1OopRWIApMOjVgZyJ6Q

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidmeltzer

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/office-hours-with-david-meltzer/id1678157057

Website: https://dmeltzer.com/

Book: Game-Time Decision Making

Book: Connected to Goodness: Manifest Everything You Desire In Business

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/

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Website: https://www.mickhuntofficial.com

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mick-unplugged/

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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.