Mick Unplugged

• Robert J. O'Neill: Finding Purpose After the Ultimate Mission

  Robert J. O'Neill, the Navy SEAL who took out Osama Bin Laden, brings raw truth and battle-tested wisdom to this riveting conversation about what separates elite performers from everyone else."Stress is a choice," O'Neill states with conviction, describing it as "a bag of bricks you pick up." Drawing from over 400 combat missions, including the most famous raid in modern military history, he reveals how elite operators manage fear and make split-second decisions when lives hang in the balance.The most powerful moment comes when O'Neill recounts saying goodbye to his three-year-old daughter before departing for the Bin Laden mission. Not understanding the gravity of the situation, she packed her Hello Kitty suitcase and left it by the door, asking him to take her on vacation when he returned. These deeply human moments remind us that behind every warrior's face is a person with profound personal connections.From his accidental journey into the SEALs (he didn't even know how to swim) to the mental techniques that helped him survive the world's most brutal military training, O'Neill shares actionable wisdom applicable far beyond the battlefield. His philosophy – "Don't quit today, quit tomorrow" – offers a powerful framework for tackling seemingly impossible challenges by breaking them into manageable pieces.O'Neill's insights on leadership resonate whether you're leading a team into combat or through a difficult project: "Panic is contagious, but calm is even more contagious." His emphasis on mastering fundamentals, communicating clearly, and staying present are lessons distilled from life-or-death situations but remarkably relevant to everyday challenges.Subscribe now to hear more unfiltered conversations with extraordinary performers who've tested themselves at the highest levels. These aren't just war stories – they're masterclasses in mental toughness, leadership, and finding purpose in the most demanding circumstances imaginable.Connect & Discover Robert:Website:  http://www.robertjoneill.comInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mchooyahFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RJORobertJONeillBooks: The OperatorBook: The Way Forward: Master Life's Toughest Battles and Create Your Lasting LegacyFOLLOW 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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• Christopher Kai: Your Story is the Greatest Gift to the World

  What makes billionaires different isn't just their bank accounts—it's their mindset. Christopher Kai has met over 100 billionaires throughout his career, and he's discovered they share a fundamental belief: they see themselves as no different from anyone else who has created something significant.From shoveling snow as a seven-year-old in Queens to delivering keynotes on global stages across five countries, Kai's journey exemplifies how authentic storytelling can transform your life and career. As founder of Gifted Professional Speakers and advisor to Fortune 500 companies, his philosophy is refreshingly simple: "Your story is a gift to the world."The fascinating science behind Kai's approach comes from Stanford University research showing leaders who tell great stories are 22 times more memorable than those who don't. This isn't just academic theory—Kai has proven it works in corporate boardrooms, on luxury yachts with billionaires, and even in Saudi Arabia where cultural barriers might otherwise prevent meaningful connection.For those struggling with public speaking anxiety, Kai offers both compassion and practical wisdom. He reveals the evolutionary reasons behind our fear and shares his own journey from pacing nervously before presentations to commanding stages worldwide. His "Three C's of Explosive Success"—connections, credibility, and communication—provide a framework for anyone looking to amplify their voice and impact.Ready to transform your story into your superpower? This conversation will show you why, as Michelangelo said, "The challenge most of us have is not that we aim too high and miss it; we aim too low and reach it." Subscribe now and learn how to aim higher with your voice, your story, and your purpose.Connect & Discover Christopher:Website: https://christopherkai.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherkai/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christopherkaidom/X: https://x.com/christopherkai_YouTube: @ChristopherKai.Book:  Story-Based Leadership (coming soon)Book:  Work: The 4 Pillars of Productivity (coming soon)Book:  Big Game HuntingFOLLOW 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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• Ruth Milligan: Finding Your Voice: Secrets of a Master Storyteller

  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=enWebsite: https://www.articulationinc.com/Book: The Motivated SpeakerFOLLOW MICK ON: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickunplugged/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MickUnpluggedPodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhuntWebsite: https://www.mickhuntofficial.comApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mick-unplugged/

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• W. Kamau Bell & Glenn Singleton: Confronting Race: Courageous Conversations That Matter

  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: @wkamaubellBook: The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell Glenn:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courageousdove444/Website: https://courageousconversation.com/Book: Courageous Conversations About RaceEvent: Beyond Diversity 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        &am

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• Michael Tubbs: Governing with Heart, Elevating Stockton, and Fostering Inclusive Urban Progress

  In this inspiring episode of Mick Unplugged, host Mick Hunt sits down with Michael Tubbs—former mayor of Stockton, California, and a national leader in universal income—to dive deep into what it means to redefine possibility, purpose, and public service in America’s cities.Michael Tubbs shares his journey “from poverty to policy,” reflecting on being Stockton’s youngest and first Black mayor, and the driving force behind groundbreaking reforms. With trademark candor, Michael opens up about his sense of purpose:"I just feel so blessed and knowing that my story is so unlikely, that everything I've been able to do is so not what statistics or not what even wisdom would tell you is possible. So I just really feel a big responsibility to make stories like mine less rare."The conversation covers the challenges of leading his hometown, changing detrimental narratives about Stockton, and fostering innovation in government:"It was not a burden, but a real responsibility and a real focus on, like, no, this is not for some other people. It's for me. It's for my family. It's for my neighborhood. And how do we govern in a way where it also feels different?"Michael and Mick discuss the power of community engagement, the importance of collaboration between local businesses and government, and how anyone can affect change:"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 can do something about it."Tubbs delivers actionable insight for young leaders:"Do not despise small beginnings because the Lord rejoices in seeing the work. Start the work, begin the beginning of a process." and cautions, "Passion without competence is irrelevant… you have to marry that passion with some knowledge, some reading, some understanding of what it is you're trying to do. Or else you may make a bad problem worse."Hear how Michael’s bold vision, relentless drive, and authentic leadership are shaping a new model for impact and inclusion—plus, practical advice on leveraging public policy, government innovation, and local involvement for personal and professional success. Connect & Discover Michael:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaeldtubbsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/StocktonTubbsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC21utOIFQ8Wgw77WxMxzZKwWebsite: 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/@MickUnpluggedPodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhuntWebsite: https://www.mickhuntofficial.comApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mick-unplugged/

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  32:19

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