August 27, 2026

Faith Over Fear: Governor Wes Moore on Service, Patriotism & Moral Leadership

Discussion about service, patriotism, faith, leadership, technology, and the responsibility to leave no one behind. Governor Moore explains why "service saved me," beginning with the mentors, teachers, coaches, ministers, aunties, and uncles who saw his potential before he could see it himself. He reflects on losing his father at age three, wearing handcuffs by eleven, being sent to military school, and eventually discovering that leadership is not about individual achievement. It is about lifting as we climb. The conversation then turns to the meaning of American patriotism. Governor Moore draws a sharp distinction between patriotism and nationalism, arguing that faith, not fear, is the foundation of a more perfect union. He and Mick also discuss Maryland's public-safety progress, service-year opportunities, apprenticeships, cannabis pardons, energy affordability, AI, data-center accountability, and why technological progress must include guardrails and public trust. IN THIS EPISODE 00:00 Mick’s most important conversation 02:05 Governor Moore’s “Because”: service saved me 04:39 Running away from military school 06:37 The Unplugged Truth: a speech that moved Mick’s family 08:41 Faith, fear, patriotism, and nationalism 13:22 God’s grace and moral leadership 15:21 Hot Takes: Maryland’s progress through collaboration 20:49 Energy affordability, AI, and data-center guardrails 28:55 The Room: you belong because the room needs you 33:11 The Unplugged Five and a legacy of compassion FEATURED SPEECH Watch Governor Wes Moore's July 4, 2026 address, "The Work of Patriotism": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfLQy82IsWo Read the official transcript: https://governor.maryland.gov/news/speeches/work-patriotism Connect & Discover Governor Wes Moore: Website: theofficeofgovernorwesmoore.com LinkedIn: @iamwesmoore X: @iamwesmoore Facebook: @iamwesmoore Instagram: @iamwesmoore FOLLOW MICK ON: Spotify: MickUnplugged Instagram: @mickunplugged Facebook: @mickunpluggedYouTube: @MickUnpluggedPodcast LinkedIn: @mickhunt Website: MickHuntOfficial.com Website: howtobeagoodleader.com Website: Leadloudseries.com Apple: MickUnplugged

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About this Show

Mick Unplugged

Everybody talks about your WHY. Mick Hunt goes deeper. Mick Unplugged is the leadership and personal growth podcast built on one idea: your BECAUSE is the purpose underneath your purpose, and it is the most powerful force you own. Hosted by Mick Hunt, USA Today bestselling author and the voice of Modern Leadership, every episode sits across from a high performer, founder, athlete, or culture-shaper and asks the one question they cannot fake an answer to. What is your BECAUSE? Past guests include Shark Tank stars Daymond John and Kevin O'Leary, entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk, motivational legend Les Brown, Chef Robert Irvine, comedians Rickey Smiley and Earthquake, NFL Hall of Famer Jared Allen, hospitality mogul David Grutman, and World Series champion Jeremy Guthrie. No scripts. No surface-level fluff. Just the real fire behind why they refused to quit. If you are a leader, an entrepreneur, or someone who is done coasting on motivational quotes, this is your show. You will walk away every week with mindset shifts, leadership strategy, and the kind of straight talk that actually moves you forward. New episodes drop weekly. Follow Mick Unplugged on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube so you never miss one. Your BECAUSE is your Superpower. Go Unleash It.