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.
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38:43
Adora Crystal Evans: From Self-Development to Media Powerhouse and Visionary Leader
Adora Crystal Evans is a visionary media powerhouse, executive producer, and host who is redefining collaboration and empowerment for women in entrepreneurship. As the mastermind behind the Diva Network and host of Dining Divas Texas and Destination Divas TV, Adora champions financial, spiritual, emotional, and physical sovereignty for women—always in partnership with supportive men. With over 20 years in the self-development and media industries, including roles with Napoleon Hill Institute and key events alongside legends like Les Brown, Adora's story is all about strategic alliances, elevating women, and building authentic, joy-centered connections that lead to quantum leaps in personal and professional growth. Takeaways: Strategic alliances and authentic relationships collapse time: Adora reveals the power of forging just a handful of deep, meaningful connections to fast-track growth, both personally and professionally. Empowering women through collaboration, not isolation: Her journey is rooted in elevating women—financially, spiritually, and personally—within supportive networks that also include men as key allies. Leadership evolution comes from service and community: Adora’s leadership philosophy has evolved from individual achievement to amplifying the voices and visions of others, especially as the Diva Network expands to global impact, notably throughout Africa. Sound Bites: “You only need one to four major connections that can really collapse time.” “Mentorship isn’t just what you’re told—it's what you catch from how your mentors show up in the world.” “Being a connected person is about genuinely seeing people—whether you’re in the boardroom or at the grocery store.” Quote by Mick: “As leaders… we’re not teaching people the right thing. And so I personally believe as leaders and also I think for you too, with women, like really mentoring this next generation.” Connect & Discover Adora: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adorasgroove/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adora-evans/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adoracrystalevans/ Website: https://adoracrystal.com/ Book: Majestic Money: The 30-Day Femme Manifesting Game 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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46:58
Sabina Nawaz: Why Pressure, Not Power, Shapes Effective Leadership
Sabina Nawaz is a powerhouse executive coach and leadership strategist who has helped leaders from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups transform their mindsets and unlock their leadership potential. With over 25 years of experience—including a pivotal management role at Microsoft—Sabina blends emotional intelligence with practical tools to help leaders manage pressure, communicate authentically, and embrace continuous growth. As an author and sought-after speaker, her candid insights encourage leaders to move beyond comfort zones, embrace vulnerability, and create a positive, lasting impact on their teams and organizations. Takeaways: Authenticity is Multifaceted: Sabina emphasizes that authenticity isn’t singular—leaders need to adapt to their circumstances and roles, using authenticity as a guide for growth rather than an excuse to avoid change. Pressure and Power Dynamics Matter: She explains that it’s not just power, but pressure, that often corrupts behavior in leaders. Managing both is essential, and pressure can either define or refine leadership, depending on how it’s handled. Communication and Vulnerability Win Trust: The most effective leaders are those who communicate clearly, align their words and body language, and aren’t afraid to express vulnerability. This builds stronger connections and lifelong loyalty among teams. Sound Bites: “Pressure doesn’t have to define you. It can refine you—just like pressure builds diamonds.” “Authenticity, when used as an excuse for not changing, actually prevents growth. We have multiple authentic selves, depending on our roles.” “If you’re a leader, arrange your face before you walk into that meeting. Your resting face carries more weight than you think.” Quote by Mick: "I tell leaders, if there’s one habit that you can have today, it’s presence. And presence for your team is going to mean something different for all the individuals that you lead or that you manage. And you got to understand how to be present for them." Connect & Discover Sabina: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabinanawaz/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabinacoaching/ Website: https://sabinanawaz.com/ Book: You’re The Boss: Become the Manager You Want to Be 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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