September 3, 2026

Kier Gaines: Why Healing Starts With the Truth You Keep Avoiding

Mick sits down with licensed therapist, mental health advocate and author Kier Gaines for a direct conversation about emotional honesty, uncomfortable truths and the courage to begin. Kier explains why saying "you hurt my feelings" can be an act of strength, especially for men who have been conditioned to hide emotion. He and Mick unpack avoidance, awareness, curiosity, boundaries, professional value and why credentials still matter in a culture that often rewards visibility over expertise. Kier also shares the barber shop conversation that helped him recognize his mind as a valuable tool for change. He explains why his book, It All Starts When You Do, rejects shallow positivity and invites readers into the real work of self-healing. This conversation is honest, practical and deeply human. It is about telling the truth, protecting what matters and taking the first step before you feel completely ready. IN THIS EPISODE • Why emotional honesty is a form of authority, not weakness • How to move beyond surface-level wellness • Why awareness and curiosity are the first two steps toward change • The connection between boundaries, business and self-respect • Why credentials create accountability, safety and protection • How attention and notoriety can weaken integrity • The barber shop conversation that changed Kier's view of his work • Why "walking away from what does not serve you" can become avoidance • The meaning of an authentic and consistent legacy MICK'S BOOK OFFER As discussed in the episode, the first 20 people who message Mick with the words "I'm starting" will receive a copy of It All Starts When You Do, purchased by Mick. Available while the offer remains open and supplies last. CHAPTERS 00:00 The Attention Economy and Integrity 00:24 Meet Kier Gaines 01:00 Saying "You Hurt My Feelings" 04:46 The Because: Because Why Not? 07:01 Why Surface-Level Wellness Is Not Enough 10:14 It All Starts When You Do 14:12 Two Ways to Start Healing 18:15 Boundaries, Business and the Cost of Free 23:53 Hot Takes: Credentials, Safety and Anti-Intellectualism 34:13 The Room: A Barber Shop Conversation That Changed Everything 37:43 The Book, the Podcast and Mick's Offer 40:15 The Unplugged Five 44:03 Legacy, Authenticity and Kept Promises 46:00 Closing Connect & Discover Kier: Instagram: @kiergaines Instagram: @learnedthehardwaypod LinkedIn: @kiergaines Podcast: Learned the Hard Way with Kier Gaines Facebook: @kiergaines TikTok: @kiergaines Book: It All Starts When You Do Threads: @kiergaines 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.