Mick Unplugged

Confidence Comes Last: Nick Koumalatsos on Leadership, Purpose & 8-Figure Brands

What happens when the uniform comes off but the mission is far from over? In this episode of Mick Unplugged, Mick Hunt sits down with Marine Raider veteran, entrepreneur, author, and leadership strategist Nicholas Koumalatsos for a direct conversation about purpose, identity, leadership, confidence, fatherhood, and building businesses that create real impact. Nicholas shares how childhood scarcity shaped his “because,” why military leadership does not automatically translate to every part of civilian life, and what it took to rebuild his identity after service. He also explains the formula he lives by, commitment plus courage creates confidence and challenges the online leadership industry to show its receipts. The conversation moves from the hard truths of veteran transition to the origin and extraordinary growth of Johnny Slicks, Nicholas’s work through The Agoge, and the ideas behind Excommunicated Warrior and Reclaiming the Man Within. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN • Why confidence is the result, not the prerequisite of taking action • How commitment creates the courage required to move forward • Why leadership must be adapted to the person, environment, and mission • What veterans often lose when the uniform and built-in mission disappear • How Nicholas turned an unexpected moment into the foundation of Johnny Slicks • Why defining “done” and reverse-engineering phase lines improves execution • How presence, fatherhood, and legacy reshape the meaning of success CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 01:13 - Nicholas’s “because” and the roots of his mission 04:44 - Learning leadership in the Marine Corps 05:24 - Why military leadership can be one-dimensional 10:22 - The Unplugged Truth: the uniform is gone, but the mission isn’t over 11:29 - The biggest myth about leadership 18:16 - Hot Takes 19:12 - Why confidence comes last 21:50 - Commitment + courage = confidence 22:32 - AI, online gurus, and showing the receipts 25:08 - Partnership, family, and building a legacy 28:50 - Who are you uniquely qualified to help? 30:32 - The Room: the moment that launched Johnny Slicks 33:42 - Scaling from no structure to eight figures 36:01 - Johnny Slicks 36:31 - Excommunicated Warrior 39:43 - What if your next chapter is your best chapter? 42:35 - Reclaiming the Man Within 44:09 - The Unplugged Five 44:55 - Define “done” and reverse-engineer the mission 45:47 - Fatherhood and being present 47:56 - The one-word legacy answer 49:05 - Closing Connect & Discover Nick: Website: nickkoumalatsos.com Facebook: @NickKoumalatsos82 Instagram: @nickkoumalatsos LinkedIn: @nick-koumalatsos X: @NickKoumalatsos YouTube: @NickKoumalatsos82 Website: johnnyslicks.com Book: Excommunicated Warrior: The 7 Stages of Transition Book: Reclaiming the Man Within FOLLOW MICK ON: Spotify: MickUnplugged Instagram: @mickunplugged Facebook: @mickunplugged YouTube: @MickUnpluggedPodcast LinkedIn: @mickhunt Website: MickHuntOfficial.com Website: howtobeagoodleader.com Website: Leadloudseries.com Apple: MickUnplugged

Called to Act: André Holland on Purpose, Community, and Creating Room for Others

André Holland has built an acclaimed career through performances in Moonlight, Selma, The Knick, HighFlying Bird, and more—but his deepest calling reaches far beyond the screen.In this conversation with Mick Hunt, André shares how his parents and his Bessemer, Alabamacommunity taught him to move with integrity, care for his gifts, and stay shoulder to shoulder with thepeople who helped him flourish. He opens up about the teacher who made him feel truly seen, theresponsibility he feels to create opportunities for emerging voices, and why commitment is the word hehopes will define his life.André also discusses They Fight, his preparation as a character actor, Harper Road, and the HollandProject’s restoration of Bessemer’s historic Lincoln Theatre.This is a conversation about calling, craft, second chances, community, and planting trees whose fruitmay belong to the next generation.WHAT YOU’LL LEARN• Why André describes storytelling and service as a calling• How his parents and Alabama roots shaped his civic responsibility• Why opportunity—not a lack of talent—often separates people from their potential• The NYU classroom moment that changed André’s view of his own stories• How he approaches character work with research, vulnerability, and faith• Why They Fight resonated with him as a story of mentorship and second chances• How the Holland Project and Harper Road are creating room for new voices• Why “committed” is the word André wants attached to his legacyLISTENER OFFER / FEATURED PROMOTIONWatch They Fight on Hulu: https://www.hulu.com/movie/they-fight-a1bba82e-2550-4ffc-81df-b973b9c85339Discover the Holland Project and Lincoln Theatre restoration:https://www.birminghamtimes.com/2024/10/renovating-bessemers-lincoln-theatre-andre-hollands-next-act/CHAPTERSTiming is grounded in the supplied transcript. Reconfirm against the final uploaded master aftercorrecting the intro-name issue.• 00:00 — Welcome to Mick Unplugged• 01:44 — André’s Because: answering the call• 04:25 — Family, faith, and growing up in Alabama• 06:19 — Bessemer, opportunity, and giving back• 07:44 — The Unplugged Truth: becoming a symbol of hope• 12:58 — They Fight, second chances, and the craft of acting• 18:48 — The Room: the teacher who truly saw André• 23:11 — Creating rooms through the Holland Project and Harper Road• 29:18 — The Unplugged Five• 32:20 — Supporting André’s work and closing thoughtsConnect & Discover André Holland:Instagram: @andrehollandX: @AndreHolland_The Holland Project — Historic Lincoln Theatre: alabamalincoln.comLincoln Theatre on Instagram: @bamalincolnSupport the Restoration (Donate): Give to the Lincoln TheatreWatch They Fight on Hulu: hulu.com/movie/they-fightFOLLOW MICK ON:Spotify: MickUnpluggedInstagram: @mickunplugged Facebook: @mickunpluggedYouTube: @MickUnpluggedPodcast LinkedIn: @mickhunt Website: MickHuntOfficial.comWebsite: howtobeagoodleader.comWebsite: Leadloudseries.comApple: MickUnpluggedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Unfiltered Truth: Comedy's Power with Leslie Jones

Don't apologize for who you are... because you were made that way for a reason.Comedian Leslie Jones, renowned for her groundbreaking work on Saturday Night Live, shares how embracing her authentic self propelled her career. This episode delivers valuable insights on personal branding and navigating the entertainment industry with conviction.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN- 3 key mindsets for creative success- Why Hollywood resilience is essential- 5 strategies for maintaining authenticity- How comedy connects 2 different worlds- Building a personal brand foundationQUOTES THAT HIT"You have to stay true to who you are, because that’s what makes you unique." - Leslie Jones"The biggest lesson SNL taught me was how to trust my own voice." - Leslie Jones"Failure isn't the end, it's just a different way to get where you need to be." - Leslie JonesCHAPTERS00:00 Leslie Jones' Path to SNL07:15 The Art of Stand-Up Comedy15:30 Authenticity in Entertainment22:45 Navigating Hollywood Challenges30:00 Leslie's Creative Process38:10 The FCKRY Podcast Journey45:00 Future Vision for Black Women52:00 Leslie Shares Closing ThoughtsQUESTIONS THIS EPISODE ANSWERSQ: How does Leslie Jones maintain authenticity in her career?A: Leslie Jones emphasizes staying true to herself by not apologizing for her unique perspective and embracing the qualities that set her apart, believing this authenticity is what resonates with audiences.Q: What key lesson did Leslie Jones learn from Saturday Night Live?A: She learned the importance of trusting her own voice and comedic instincts, which allowed her to develop and deliver material that truly reflected her personality and experiences.Q: Why is resilience crucial for success in the entertainment industry?A: Leslie Jones explains that resilience is vital because the industry involves numerous rejections and setbacks, and the ability to persist through these challenges is what ultimately leads to breakthroughs and sustained success.Connect & Discover Leslie Jones:Facebook: @LesdogggInstagram: @lesdoggggWebsite: justleslie.comX: @LesdogggYouTube: @lesdoggggTikTok: @lesdogggggBook: Leslie F*cking JonesFOLLOW MICK ON:Spotify: MickUnpluggedInstagram: @mickunplugged Facebook: @mickunpluggedYouTube: @MickUnpluggedPodcast LinkedIn: @mickhunt Website: MickHuntOfficial.comWebsite: howtobeagoodleader.comWebsite: Leadloudseries.comApple: MickUnplugged#MickUnplugged #Leadership #Podcast #LeslieJonesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why Not Swing Big: Unlocking Your Undeniable Potential with Kwame Christian

Because the best things in life are on the other side of difficult conversations.Mick Hunt welcomes Kwame Christian, CEO of the American Negotiation Institute, who reveals how to approach difficult conversations to change your business and life. This episode will equip you with a new negotiation framework.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN- The 3 Core Skills for better negotiation- How to avoid the "why" question trap- Building the "undeniable" personal brand- Why the entire sales process is negotiation- The power of Compassionate Curiosity frameworkQUOTES THAT HIT"Because the best things in life are on the other side of difficult conversations." - Kwame Christian"There's a big difference between being liked and being respected. Those are not the same thing." - Kwame Christian"My goal isn't to be good, my goal isn't to be recognized, my goal is to be undeniable." - Kwame Christian"The harder we push, the harder they push back." - Kwame ChristianCHAPTERS00:00 Welcome Kwame Christian to Mick Unplugged02:18 Kwame Christian's Life Purpose: "Because"04:54 Overcoming People-Pleasing With Mentorship10:02 Why Avoiding "Why" Questions Improves Conversations13:55 The Importance of Deep Knowledge and Credentials19:48 Empathy and Humility in Negotiation24:10 Convincing Others By Empowering Self-Persuasion31:39 Compassionate Curiosity Negotiation Framework35:23 The Origin of Kwame Christian's Negotiation Journey37:46 Big Swings Only: New Podcast Announcement43:27 Rapid Fire: Cooking, Loyalty, and InspirationQUESTIONS THIS EPISODE ANSWERSQ: How does a leader improve their negotiation skills?A: You need to recognize that negotiation requires three core skills: becoming a better listener, asking better questions, and managing your own and others' emotions.Q: Why should leaders avoid asking "why" questions in difficult conversations?A: The word "why" is often associated with judgment and criticism, triggering defensive responses and preventing open communication. Instead, use "what" or "how" questions to gather information.Q: What is the compassionate curiosity framework in negotiation?A: The compassionate curiosity framework has three steps: acknowledge and validate emotions, ask open-ended questions with compassion, and engage in joint problem-solving.Connect & Discover Kwame:Instagram: @kwamenegotiatesPodcast: Negotiate AnythingWebsite: kwamechristian.comLinkedIn: @kwamechristianX: @KwameNegotiatesTikTok: @kwamenegotiatesYouTube: @TheKwameChristianBook: Finding Confidence in ConflictFOLLOW MICK ON:Spotify: MickUnpluggedInstagram: @mickunplugged Facebook: @mickunpluggedYouTube: @MickUnpluggedPodcast LinkedIn: @mickhunt Website: MickHuntOfficial.comWebsite: howtobeagoodleader.comWebsite: Leadloudseries.comApple: MickUnpluggedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Greatness Isn’t Accidental: Intentional Living with Sanya Richards-Ross

FIRE LINE: "Being great was not just going to happen because I was extremely talented."Sanya Richards-Ross, an Olympic Gold medalist and track and field icon, shares her leadership insights on intentionality, the 400-meter race strategy, and her impactful work with mothers. This episode will equip business leaders with actionable frameworks for sustained excellence.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN- 3 "Because Statements" for daily drive- Sanya Richards-Ross' 4 Ps strategy for success- Impact of early mentorship on an athlete- Balancing physical and mental discipline- Why "MommiNation Gives" supports black momsQUOTES THAT HIT"No, baby. Do you really want to be great?" - Sanya Richards-Ross"I want to always see myself beyond being a track and field athlete." - Sanya Richards-Ross"You're impacting the life of a family." - Sanya Richards-RossCHAPTERS00:00 Defining Sanya's Three Becausals03:06 Early Beginnings of "Because I Can"07:30 Unplugged Truth about 400m Dominance19:00 Intentionality Beyond Track and Field22:07 The Vision for Beyond the Curve24:15 Dad's Car Conversation: The Greatness Room31:10 Mission of Mommy Nation Gives34:58 Unplugged Five Rapid FireQUESTIONS THIS EPISODE ANSWERSQ: What was Sanya Richards-Ross's strategy for winning the 400-meter race?A: Sanya Richards-Ross utilized the "four P's" strategy: Push, Pace, Position, and Poise, along with a silent "Pray" for the final hundred meters, which she also applies to life.Q: How did Sanya Richards-Ross prepare for her career transition after track and field?A: Sanya Richards-Ross was intentional about her transition for two years before retirement, thinking about how her athletic skills would serve her next, leading her to pursuits in television, writing, and family.Q: What is the main goal of Sanya Richards-Ross's nonprofit, MommiNation Gives?A: MommiNation Gives supports Black moms on their motherhood journey, helping homeless mothers and families affected by the black maternal mortality crisis by providing resources and community.Connect & Discover Sanya Richards-Ross:Website: sanyarichardsross.comFoundation: MommiNation.comInstagram: @sanyarichirossFacebook: @sanyarichardsYouTube: @sani400TikTok: @sanyarichirossFOLLOW MICK ON:Spotify: MickUnpluggedInstagram: @mickunplugged Facebook: @mickunpluggedYouTube: @MickUnpluggedPodcast LinkedIn: @mickhunt Website: MickHuntOfficial.comWebsite: howtobeagoodleader.comWebsite: Leadloudseries.comApple: MickUnpluggedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.