Aries Spears Talks Cancel Culture, Comedy Evolution, and Staying True to Himself
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.
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34:06
Dave Asprey: The Art of Biohacking, Sleep Mastery, and Lasting Leadership
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.
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46:32
Chef Andre Rush: Cooking, Combat, and Cause- A Passion for Helping Veterans and Youth
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.
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46:42
Heather Mitts Feeley: Embracing the Gold Medal Mindset for Success in Life and Leadership
Heather Mitts Feeley is a three-time Olympic gold medalist and former U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team defender, celebrated for her relentless grit, tenacity, and leadership both on and off the field. A University of Florida alum, Heather helped build their soccer program from the ground up and became a national champion. After retiring from soccer, she transformed her athlete’s mindset into motivational speaking and advocacy, inspiring business leaders and championing equity in sports. Today, Heather balances her passion for empowering others with her most cherished role: being a present and loving mom to her three children. Takeaways: Mindset Matters Everywhere: The ‘gold medal mindset’ isn’t just for athletes; Heather shares how the principles of resilience, goal setting, and controlling what you can translate seamlessly into business and life. Surround Yourself with the Right People: Heather emphasizes the importance of curating your inner circle, noting that the company you keep can fuel—or hinder—your growth and dreams. Adversity Builds Strength: From career-altering injuries to personal loss, Heather’s journey reveals that hardship can sharpen your toughness, shape your character, and lead to your greatest moments of triumph. Sound Bites: “You retire from the sport; you don’t retire from being an athlete. The dog mentality is still there.” “We are the sum of the five people that we spend the most time with. That blows my mind, because at one point in my life, my five weren’t great, but now they are amazing.” “Giving yourself permission to imagine a positive outcome—dreaming—doesn’t stop when you grow up, it’s something we need all our lives.” Mick’s Quote: “A great leader knows their team better than their team knows themselves. Meaning you know how they think, you know the right positions to put them in, and you set them up for success by knowing them better than they know themselves.” Connect & Discover Heather: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-mitts-1b50a18/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hmitts2/?hl=en 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.
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34:12
Austin Hatch: From Tragedy to Triumph with Grit, Faith, and an Unstoppable Purpose
Austin Hatch is the embodiment of resilience and relentless growth. Surviving not one, but two tragic plane crashes that claimed the lives of his immediate family members, Austin defied the odds and went on to earn a Division 1 basketball scholarship at the University of Michigan. Guided by unwavering faith, a steadfast commitment to his family, and a mindset forged in adversity, Austin now shares his journey and his "GRIT" framework as a sought-after motivational speaker. Honoring those he lost, Austin is dedicated to helping others thrive in the face of adversity and to leaving people and places better than he found them. Takeaways: Purpose is Everything: Austin emphasizes the importance of having a “because” that’s bigger than yourself—his family is his deeper purpose and what keeps him moving forward even during life’s toughest moments. GRIT is a Daily Discipline: Success over the long term is built on daily decisions to show up with growth, resilience, integrity, and a team-first mentality. Austin’s GRIT framework turns adversity into opportunity. Gratitude and Action Go Hand-in-Hand: Practicing gratitude is a conscious choice that can’t coexist with negativity. Pairing this mindset with urgent, intentional action creates real, lasting impact. Sound Bites: “If it’s just for us, we’ll probably throw in the towel, give up. But if we remember that greater purpose, that why...we’ll always be willing to do what it takes to overcome.” “It’s impossible to be truly grateful and very negative at the same time. Those two emotions can’t coexist.” “You may not be the best on the team, but you can be your best for the team.” Quote by Mick: “If you’re not getting better, you’re falling way behind, right?” Connect & Discover Austin: Website: https://austin-hatch.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-hatch-530727a6/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austin.j.hatch/ 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.
"Mick Unplugged" is a transformative podcast that challenges listeners to move beyond the conventional 'Why' and embrace the empowering realm of 'Because.' Hosted by Mick Hunt, the voice of Modern Leadership, this podcast is designed for leaders, doers, and anyone aspiring to create meaningful impact in both their personal and professional lives.
Each episode delves into the principles of Modern Leadership, focusing on discovering your 'Because'—your core driving force—and how it can turn dreams into reality and aspirations into actionable steps. With practical advice, real-life stories, and forward-thinking insights, you’ll learn to make your 'Because' a daily focus, fueling your journey toward success and fulfillment.
Whether you’re looking to deepen your motivation, set meaningful goals, or apply modern leadership theories to overcome challenges, "Mick Unplugged" provides the tools, strategies, and insights to guide your path. Subscribe now and start transforming your life with purpose and modern leadership principles.
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