Mick Unplugged

Latest Episodes:

Why Humans Matter in the Age of AI with Dara Ladjevardian Jan 03, 2026

Show notes

Dara Ladjevardian is the innovative founder behind Delphi, the human-centric AI platform that's transforming how mentorship and knowledge are shared in the digital age. Growing up as the child of Iranian immigrants in Houston, Dara was deeply influenced by the resilience and work ethic of his family, particularly his grandfather—a prominent business leader who rebuilt his life from scratch in the US. After creating and selling his first AI startup in eight months, Dara was inspired by the desire to preserve and access his grandfather’s wisdom, ultimately leading him to build Delphi. Today, Dara is on a mission to empower individuals and businesses to scale their influence and legacy through personalized, ethical AI that puts people first.

Takeaways

Human-first AI Matters: Delphi is purpose-built to empower people, not replace them. Dara’s journey is rooted in making mentorship and wisdom scalable, while allowing users to own their data and curate their digital minds.
Legacy and Connection: Dara’s motivation began with wanting to preserve the lived experience of his grandfather. Delphi enables business leaders and entrepreneurs to capture, share, and pass down knowledge for generations.
Embracing Vulnerability: Dara encourages leaders to put themselves out there and leverage digital tools to grow their influence with authenticity—because real connection comes from sharing who you are and what you value.

Sound Bytes

“We’re not automating humans; we’re putting AI and power in the hands of humans.”

“As AI continues to improve, that authenticity, that realness of a human is going to be that much more attractive.”

“You should not be afraid to put yourself out there... it’s okay to start putting yourself out there.”

Connect & Discover Dara:

Website: delphi.ai/dara

LinkedIn: @dara-ladjevardian

Instagram: @daraladje

X: @daraladje

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Breaking Walls: Raheel Siddiqui's Journey to Unstoppable Jan 02, 2026

Show notes

Raheel Siddiqui is a dynamic speaker, coach, and podcast host who embodies resilience and the power of personal transformation. Having lost over 200 pounds on his journey from being overweight and bullied to becoming a beacon of inspiration, Raheel uses his story to empower others to break through barriers—whether those walls are physical, mental, or emotional. Fueled by the memory and lessons of his late father and driven by a passion to help others rise from rock bottom, Raheel now shares his insights via his own Wall Breaker 200 podcast, TEDx stages, and coaching sessions. He brings unmatched energy to every room and is dedicated to helping people discover strength they never knew they had.

Takeaways:

Admitting You Have a Problem Is the First Step: Transformation begins with accountability and the willingness to recognize and confront your struggles head-on.
The Journey Is Just as Important as the Results: Progress requires focusing on the process—commit to the work and trust that the results will follow, in any area of life.
Ask for Help and Build Your Support System: Whether it’s joining a team or reaching out for guidance, surrounding yourself with people who care can be the catalyst for real change.

Sound Bytes:

“Any wall in your life is truly meant to be broken, man. You can get off of the mat. You can be heavyweight champion of the world.”

“The old Raheel didn’t have the Raheel right now, and the old Raheel needed the guy that I am now.”

“There’s nothing more heartbreaking than to see your parents crying over you, feeling that pain over you. So I said, okay, sure, I promise. So we drove off, we drove home, and the journey begun.”

Connect & Discover Raheel:

Instagram: @raheelwallbreaker200

Facebook: @raheel.twopointzero

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Fans First: How Jesse Cole Turned Baseball Into An Experience Jan 01, 2026

Show notes

Jesse Cole, famously known as the man in the yellow tux, is a master of reinvention, joy, and building unforgettable fan experiences. As the owner of the Savannah Bananas, Jesse has transformed a struggling baseball club into a global phenomenon by shattering norms and prioritizing fun above all else. Driven by a deep belief in bringing people together and creating moments of joy, he’s become a leading business thinker, author, and inspiring mentor dedicated to showing leaders how to turn customers into raving fans. With innovation at his core, Jesse's contagious energy and commitment to doing the remarkable make him a blueprint for entrepreneurs and changemakers everywhere.

Takeaways:

Normal gets normal results — Jesse preaches that following industry standards only yields average outcomes; it's bold, memorable actions that set you apart and drive remarkable success.
Micro-reinvention matters — You don’t need to overhaul everything at once; continuous, small innovations across touchpoints can reshape experiences and build superfans.
Lead with gratitude and values — Companies that embody gratitude and consistently put their “fans” (internally and externally) first, even at a cost, build stronger, more loyal communities.

Sound Bytes:

“No one gets excited about normal. They get excited about memorable.”

“The only way you can be great is if you’re willing to get through the messy to get to the great.”

“If you do what everyone else is going to do, you’re going to get the same results as everyone else.”

Connect & Discover with Jesse:

Website: Find Your Yellow Tux

Website: thesavannahbananas

LinkedIn: YellowTuxJesse

Instagram: @YellowTuxJesse

X: @YellowTuxJesse

YouTube: @yellowtuxjesse

Book: Find Your Yellow Tux

Fans First

Banana Ball

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Who’s In Your Circle? Steve Smith on Mentorship Dec 31, 2025

Show notes

Steve Smith is a legendary former NFL wide receiver, celebrated for his tenacity, intelligence, and relentless drive both on and off the field. From humble beginnings as a “poor black kid who was unsubsidized,” Steve carved out an extraordinary football career with a no-“plan B” mindset, earning admiration as a future Hall of Famer and an inspirational community leader. Post-retirement, Steve has channeled that same passion into business, media, and philanthropy—especially his work in mental health with Behavioral Health Urgent Care (BHUCK). Known for his authenticity, leadership, and fiercely competitive spirit, Steve continues to impact lives by leading with purpose, candor, and heart.

Takeaways:

Relentless Focus on Plan A: Steve Smith’s story is rooted in his “no plan B” determination—putting everything into football to change the trajectory for his family, and later carrying that same intensity and commitment into business and philanthropy.
Mentorship and Learning: Steve highlights how mentorship allowed him to take the “elevator,” learning from the successes and failures of others to accelerate growth and avoid common setbacks.
Emotional Intelligence and Growth: Steve openly discusses improving his emotional intelligence, especially in learning to pause before reacting, reflect on his feelings, and balance his directness with empathy—crucial lessons for both life and leadership.

Sound Bytes:

“If I couldn’t catch a football, I wouldn’t have got my foot in the door. But understanding my intelligence and my willingness to learn keeps me in the door.” –Steve Smith
“Just because they are receiving assistance doesn’t mean you lessen their respect of who they are as a human being.” –Steve Smith
“How I can critique but not criticize... and give guys the benefit of the doubt. However, if the film tells enough of the story, I can’t give you what you didn’t earn.” –Steve Smith

Connect & Discover Steve:

Instagram: @stevesmithsr89

YouTube: @89show

YouTube: @ironedoutw89

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The Mindset That Makes You Unstoppable with Ed McCaffrey Dec 30, 2025

Show notes

Ed McCaffrey is a three-time Super Bowl champion and Stanford Cardinal legend who’s just as celebrated for his work off the field as he is for his NFL career. Known for his humility and quiet strength during his playing days, Ed has since become renowned for his philanthropy, founding and running football camps for athletes with Down syndrome and children from military families. He now leads McCaffrey Brands, delivering premium food products and healthy snacks nationwide, all while remaining committed to using his platform to make a positive impact. Whether inspiring the next generation or creating “the best mustard in the world,” Ed exemplifies the all-American values of teamwork, leadership, and giving back.

Takeaways:

Ed McCaffrey values teamwork and using his platform to uplift others, whether through his philanthropic work, business endeavors, or family legacy.
Building McCaffrey Brands was rooted in the desire to bring joy and flavor to everyday life, drawing on lessons from athletics and partnership, and driven by a commitment to quality and purpose.
True fulfillment comes from investing in people, building strong teams, and always focusing on providing real value—on the field, in business, and in the community.

Sound Bytes:

“You don’t do it to have people hear about it, but it certainly feels fulfilling to me and to Lisa and to our boys who feel that it’s important to give back.” — Ed McCaffrey

“Everything we do is to help bring new, creative, premium products to market that make people’s food taste better, that provides them value.” — Ed McCaffrey

“Hopefully, people remember me as a good husband, a good father, and someone who cared about other people.” — Ed McCaffrey

Connect & Discover Ed:

Instagram: @edmccaffrey87

X: @87ed

Website: edmccaffrey.com

Website: mccaffreybrands.com

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What Happens When You Stop Playing Small with Dr. Martin Lemelle Jr. Dec 29, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Martin Lemelle Jr. is a third-generation “Gramlinitian” and a visionary leader at Grambling State University, where he is reshaping tradition to empower tomorrow’s leaders. With a background that spans financial strategy, transformational leadership, and impactful service, Dr. Lemelle’s mission is to create generational change through education—especially for underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students. From serving as student government president to thriving in corporate America and returning to uplift his alma mater, he is deeply committed to harnessing the legacy and innovative spirit of HBCUs to ensure students graduate not only ready for the workforce, but prepared to make a global impact.

Takeaways:

Generational Impact is Key: Dr. Lemelle’s “because” centers on creating real, generational change for sustainable communities, focusing on the economic empowerment of students and families through higher education.
Leadership Differentiates Success: Involvement in student government and extracurricular leadership roles are essential, not just technical skills—leadership, collaboration, and communication are what set students apart and open doors.
Pivoting and Integrative Learning are Essential: Today’s success is about merging technology, data, and traditional education while having the agility to pivot and anticipate needs, both for students at Grambling and for leaders everywhere.

Sound Bytes:

“We are commissioned to create generational impact and change for sustainable communities.”

“Gone are the days of this single disciplinary focus. We have to be both—and: humans with technology.”

“Having that tank full of good faith and will and love and trust… those elements will help you navigate any challenge.”

Connect & Discover Dr Martin:

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/martinlemelle/?hl=en

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinlemelle/

X: https://x.com/martinlemelle?lang=en

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Power and Purpose: Congressman Jim Clyburn Talks Legacy Dec 27, 2025

Show notes

Congressman Jim Clyburn is a legendary statesman whose influence spans from advising presidents to serving as a beacon of change and unity in American politics. Representing South Carolina, he is not only a champion of justice and progress but has also shaped the course of history with his powerful endorsements and unyielding voice. With deep roots in the civil rights movement and a life devoted to public service, Congressman Clyburn’s impact resonates across generations—especially inspiring young leaders and change-makers to envision what’s possible through mentorship, storytelling, and unwavering purpose.

Takeaways:

Legacy and Representation: Congressman Clyburn’s new book, The First Eight, uncovers the overlooked history of the eight African Americans who served in Congress from South Carolina before him, proving the power of representation and the importance of knowing one’s history.
Mentorship by Example: Though Clyburn didn’t personally know his forerunners, their stories and those of his own father provided mentorship from afar—showing that guidance and inspiration often transcend direct relationships.
Power of Storytelling: Clyburn emphasizes the importance of learning outside traditional education, absorbing wisdom from lived experiences, and communicating with passion and inclusivity—skills he encourages the next generation to develop for real impact.

Sound Bytes:

“No, before I was first, there were eight.”

“Robert Smalls is the most consequential South Carolinian, bar none.”

“There’s a certain amount of education that you gotta get outside of the books.”

Connect & Discover Jim:

Instagram: @clyburnsc06

Facebook: @ClyburnforCongress

X: @RepJamesClyburn

YouTube: @RepJamesClyburn

Website: Congressman James E. Clyburn

Book: The First Eight: A Personal History of the Pioneering Black Congressmen Who Shaped a Nation

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Disconnect to Reconnect: Lessons from Marlow Campbell Dec 25, 2025

Show notes

Marlow Campbell is a dynamic leader, coach, and entrepreneur whose journey began on the soccer fields of Raleigh, North Carolina. A former collegiate soccer star at NC State and the first North Carolina homegrown athlete to receive a full scholarship from legendary coach George Tarantini, Marlow's life is a testament to building relationships, embracing diversity, and leading by example. With a background spanning athletics, business, and mentorship, Marlow brings a deep passion for fostering growth in others—whether as a CEO, coach, or father. His philosophy centers on reflection, supporting others in discovering their own purpose, and spreading positivity wherever he goes.

Takeaways:

The Power of Disconnecting: Taking time to step back and reflect is essential for personal growth, leadership, and maintaining strong relationships—whether it’s a quiet nap, quality family moments, or a simple hour of solitude.
Sports as a Life Teacher: Participation in sports helps cultivate teamwork, resilience, and leadership skills. The lessons learned on the field—the wins, losses, and challenges—translate directly to business and life success.
The Role of Support and Mentorship: True leadership is measured not just by personal achievements, but by the ability to uplift others, share wisdom, and connect people across communities and backgrounds.

Sound Bytes:

"Disconnecting is a way for you to reflect and truly analyze what's going on in order to make improvement in your world, in your life." – Marlow Campbell

"You’re building on your experiences—taking time away is a way to just mentally take notes and say, okay, this is where I've been, this is where I'm going." – Marlow Campbell

"Sport teaches you how to work with others. If you don't know how to work with others, you may struggle." – MarlowCampbell

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Transform Anxiety into Creative Fuel: Insights from Josh Pais Dec 22, 2025

Show notes

Josh Pais is an acclaimed Hollywood actor recognized for his dynamic performances alongside icons like Scorsese, Denzel, and Jennifer Aniston. Beyond his storied film career, Josh is the creator of the Committed Impulse method—a revolutionary approach empowering leaders and creatives to overcome fear, access their full presence, and perform at their peak. Drawing on insights from the worlds of acting and neuroscience, Josh helps people break free from mental roadblocks and ignite their aliveness, whether in the boardroom or on stage. He’s also the author of Lose Your Mind: The Path to Creative Invincibility, distilling his life’s work into practical exercises and guidance for anyone seeking greater authenticity and creative freedom.

Takeaways:

Transforming Fear into Fuel: Josh believes that nervousness, anxiety, and fear are natural human sensations and advocates for embracing them rather than suppressing them. By feeling these emotions fully, they can become creative or professional fuel rather than obstacles.
Presence is Key: Through techniques like his “I’m back” exercise, Josh empowers people to break free from self-critical mental chatter and anchor themselves in the present moment, opening up greater creativity and impact in their work and life.
Vulnerability as Power: Rather than viewing vulnerability or emotional intensity as a weakness, Josh asserts that welcoming every sensation—especially during high-stakes moments—creates genuine connection and power.

Sound Bytes:

“When actors step into the unknown and create in that moment, that’s what engages an audience.”

“Feel the charge, it’s not good or bad—it’s just energy. Use it as fuel for whatever you’re doing.”

“You have to be a little crazy to go into this and, you know, the thing with rejection is feel it like a bee sting, then clear the slate and be open for what’s next.”

Connect & Discover Josh:

Instagram: @joshpais

Facebook: @CommittedImpulse

X: @JoshPais

Website: Committed Impulse

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Cracking Helmets, Commanding Screens: Isaac Keys Unplugged Dec 18, 2025

Show notes

Isaac Keys is a dynamic force whose journey spans from cracking helmets in the NFL to lighting up TV screens as Diamond Sampson on “Power Book IV: Force.” A two-time All-American and Morehouse Hall of Famer, Isaac embodies relentless ambition and personal reinvention. Beyond his achievements as an athlete and actor, he now steps into the role of author with his new book, "The Grind Don’t Stop, It Just Changes," sharing powerful lessons in resilience, personal growth, and the importance of evolving your circle as your ambitions rise. A passionate advocate for mental health and men’s emotional vulnerability, Isaac’s story is as inspiring as it is relatable.

Takeaways:

Embrace Change and Growth: Isaac’s journey is all about pivoting with purpose, showing that real progress happens when you’re not afraid to completely change directions, not just adjust your route.
The Power of Your Circle: As you evolve, so should your circle—the people around you can either lift you higher or hold you back, making it crucial to surround yourself with those who genuinely support your vision.
Vulnerability is Strength: Both Isaac and Mick Hunt stress that celebrating wins and being open about struggles—especially as Black men—isn’t weakness but a vital part of well-being and success.

Sound Bites:

“The grind don’t stop—it just changes. You never truly stop working, you just shift what you’re hustling for.” — Isaac Keys

“Sometimes adjusting isn’t enough. There are moments in life when you need to just change, because life is adjusting with you.” — Mick Hunt

“When you try to let go of your past, some people want to hold on because your past benefits them—those are the people you can’t be around.” — Isaac Keys

Connect & Discover Isaac:

Instagram: @isaackeys

LinkedIn: @isaac-keys

X: @isaackeys

Facebook: @isaackeys

Website: IsaacKeys.com

Book: The Grind Don't Stop

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