Brendan Kane is a renowned digital strategist, author, and speaker who has built a name for himself by cracking the code on attention in the fast-paced world of social media. With a track record that includes pioneering YouTube influencer campaigns, developing digital platforms for icons like Taylor Swift and Rihanna, and generating over one million followers in just 30 days, Brendan is the go-to expert for understanding storytelling and growth in the digital space. His books, including "One Million Followers," "Hook Point," and "The Guide to Going Viral," have helped thousands master the art and science of authentic, scalable content creation. Brendan’s mission is to empower individuals and brands worldwide to stand out, connect meaningfully, and transform their visions into digital success.

 Takeaways:

Storytelling Is Everything: The foundation of social media success isn’t luck or fancy equipment—it’s mastering the art of storytelling through authentic formats that fit your personality and purpose.

Start Where You Are, Master One Format: You don’t need to be a tech wizard or have celebrity status to make an impact. Focus on one content format or platform you resonate with, master it, and then consider diversifying.

Social Media Is a Scalable, Accessible Tool: Whatever your business, message, or ambition—social media gives everyone the power to reach millions, drive impact, and even build billion-dollar brands, all with the phone in your pocket.

Sound Bites:

“It’s not about going viral for the sake of virality. True digital success is about the stories that connect people to who we are and what we stand for.”

“If you can master authentic storytelling, it doesn’t matter if you’re a dentist or a rock star—you can build an audience and scale your business.”

“Success on social isn’t about the platforms you post on, but about how powerfully you tell your story and why the world should care.”

Connect & Discover Brendan:

Website: https://brendanjkane.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/brendankane

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrendanJamesKane/

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

Book: The Guide to Going Viral

Book: Hook Point

Book: One Million Followers: How I Built a Massive Social Following in 30 Days

🔥 Ready to Unleash Your Inner Game-Changer? 🔥

Mick Hunt’s brand-new book, How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One: The Blueprint for Modern Leadership, is here to light a fire under your ambition and arm you with the real-talk strategies that only Mick delivers.

👉 Grab your copy now and level up your life → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: MickUnplugged

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://mickhuntofficial.com/

Apple: MickUnplugged

Sonja Keeve is a powerhouse in the podcasting world, renowned for her passionate advocacy and the creation of safe spaces for everyday women to share their transformative stories. After experiencing multiple corporate layoffs and being told to "dim her light," Sonja found her true calling as the host of "Inspiring Nations." Her mission is personal—carving out room for voices that are too often unheard, and empowering women to speak up and step into their greatness. Drawing from her own challenges and triumphs, Sonja has built a global platform that not only inspires and heals but also sparks new beginnings, leadership, and connection across communities.

Key Takeaways:

Know Your Purpose: Before starting a podcast, get clear on your "why." Identify your goal—whether it’s to build community, connect with others, or monetize your knowledge—so your show has true direction and impact.

Tell Your Story with Confidence: Sharing your authentic story, no matter how ordinary it may seem, has the power to inspire, heal, and create ripple effects in your community and beyond. Vulnerability and authenticity build real connections with listeners.

Monetize What You Already Have: The easiest way to start monetizing your podcast is by leveraging existing products, services, or expertise. See your podcast as your own advertising channel to promote your offerings organically.

 Sound Bites:

"If you were your younger self on the other side of that mirror, what would you want to know to take the next step?"

"Podcasting is this intimate connection where your voice taps into someone’s soul."

"Your life is your story—if you don’t share it, what might happen for the person who needs to hear it?

Connect & Discover Sonja:

Website: https://sonjakeeve.com/

Book: Beyond the Mic: The Game Changing Guide to Podcasting

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonjakeeve/

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

Podcast: Inspiring Nations with Sonja Keeve

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sonjakeeve

🔥 Ready to Unleash Your Inner Game-Changer? 🔥

Mick Hunt’s brand-new book, How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One: The Blueprint for Modern Leadership, is here to light a fire under your ambition and arm you with the real-talk strategies that only Mick delivers.

👉 Grab your copy now and level up your life → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: MickUnplugged

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://mickhuntofficial.com/

Apple: MickUnplugged

Jeremy Stalnecker is a Marine Corps veteran, pastor, and the CEO of the Mighty Oaks Foundation—a nonprofit dedicated to helping America’s military warriors and their families overcome the unseen wounds of combat, such as PTSD. Drawing on his own challenges transitioning home after Iraq, Jeremy has made it his mission to offer faith-based hope, healing, and leadership to veterans, first responders, and their loved ones. His experience in both combat leadership and ministry uniquely positions him as a transformative voice for resilience, character, and servant leadership.

Takeaways:

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Sound Bites:

“So many people are carrying traumas and

“My job as a leader is not to get you to do what I want you to do. It's to leverage everything I have at my disposal to make you better than you would be without me.”

“When those things pop up in front of us, we have to decide, am I going to stay where I am and die, or am I going to march?”

Connect & Discover Jeremy:

Website: https://www.jeremystalnecker.com/

Website: https://www.mightyoaks.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeremystalneckerofficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremystalnecker/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JeremyStalnecker

Podcast: March or Die

Books:

Offensive Faith

March or Die

Leadership By Design

🔥 Ready to Unleash Your Inner Game-Changer? 🔥

Mick Hunt’s brand-new book, How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One: The Blueprint for Modern Leadership, is here to light a fire under your ambition and arm you with the real-talk strategies that only Mick delivers.

👉 Grab your copy now and level up your life → Amazon, Barnes &

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: MickUnplugged

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/

Apple: MickUnplugged

Gary Vaynerchuk—known to millions as “Gary Vee”—is a serial entrepreneur, visionary business leader, and globally recognized voice on marketing, personal branding, and living life with authenticity. From his humble beginnings as a Soviet Union immigrant hustling at garage sales to building multiple successful businesses and amassing a massive online following, Gary has become the “inconvenient truth” in the world of self-improvement and entrepreneurship. Renowned for his candor, empathy, and relentless consistency, Gary has inspired generations with his actionable wisdom on gratitude, accountability, and the true intent behind success. On this episode, he joins Mick Hunt to dive deep into interest media, personal brand building, and uncovering the purpose that fuels his unstoppable drive.

Takeaways

Intent Matters More Than Tactics: Gary emphasizes that true impact comes from a genuine desire to serve your audience, not from chasing likes or followers for personal gain. Authentic intent can be felt by your audience and sets you apart from the crowd.

Interest Media Over Social Media: The way people interact with digital platforms has shifted—platforms are now more about sharing interests and connecting over passions than about purely social connections. Creators should lean into authenticity and share what makes them unique to attract the right audience.

Accountability and Gratitude Are Superpowers: Blaming others or circumstances doesn’t lead to growth—taking responsibility for your actions, being grateful for what you have, and minimizing negative influences can supercharge personal and professional progress.

Sound Bites

“I’m more proud of the compliments and the words of affirmation than any material thing I’ve gotten from my success.”

“If you want to make real impact, run it like a business or don’t do it at all.”

“You are the brand. The more you’re you—all the way you—the more you’ll win.”

Connect & Discover Gary:

Website: https://garyvaynerchuk.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garyvee/

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

X: https://x.com/garyvee

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/garyvee

VeeFriends: https://veefriends.com/

Books:

Day Trading Attention

Twelve and A Half

Crush It!

Crushing It!

#AskGaryVee

🔥 Ready to Unleash Your Inner Game-Changer? 🔥

Mick Hunt’s brand-new book, How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One: The Blueprint for Modern Leadership, is here to light a fire under your ambition and arm you with the real-talk strategies that only Mick delivers.

👉 Grab your copy now and level up your life → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: MickUnplugged

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://mickhuntofficial.com/

Apple: MickUnplugged

Gary Forbes is a former NBA player turned entrepreneur, advocate, and mentor. Originally hailing from Brooklyn, Forbes built a storied basketball career, earning conference player of the year honors at UMass before navigating the rigors of professional sports—all while managing Type 1 diabetes. Now, as the founder of Sole Survivors, Gary is dedicated to empowering youth, particularly those facing chronic health challenges, with optimism, resilience, and the unwavering belief that setbacks are just setups for future success. He’s also a published author, devoted father, and passionate motivator, showing that grit, self-belief, and giving back can turn any obstacle into a stepping stone.

Takeaways:

Turn Challenges Into Fuel: Gary’s journey with type 1 diabetes didn’t stop his NBA dreams; it gave him an extra level of resilience and inspired him to help others facing adversity.

Stay Rooted in Optimism: Whether facing tough losses, career pivots, or daily struggles, Forbes credits his “superpower” of optimism and his unwavering childhood love for basketball as keys to ongoing growth and reinvention.

Make Your Story Count: From mentoring the next generation to creating a global platform for children with health challenges, Gary believes your name and legacy are defined by how you show up for yourself and your community.

 Sound Bites:

“Plan B all the way to Z is to make plan A work. Always have that kind of mindset and vision and just that love.”

“Your present situation is not your final destination.”

“You’re a Forbes. You’re supposed to do these things.”

Connect & Discover Gary:

Website:  https://thesolesurvivors.com/about-us/

Book Series: Sole Survivors: New Age of Heros

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-forbes-082b5b267/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garyforbes_/

🔥 Ready to Unleash Your Inner Game-Changer? 🔥

Mick Hunt’s brand-new book, How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One: The Blueprint for Modern Leadership, is here to light a fire under your ambition and arm you with the real-talk strategies that only Mick delivers.

👉 Grab your copy now and level up your life → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: MickUnplugged

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://mickhuntofficial.com/

Apple: MickUnplugged

Matt Iseman is an Emmy-winning comedian, TV host, and medical doctor best known as the beloved host of American Ninja Warrior. A cancer survivor and rheumatoid arthritis warrior, Matt uses both his medical background and comedic chops to inspire resilience and hope in others. He’s a passionate advocate for the Arthritis Foundation, raising awareness and funds as a public voice for those impacted by chronic illness. Matt’s dynamic career spans stand-up comedy, television, and philanthropy, making him a true champion for transformation and relentless growth.

Takeaways:

Community is Healing: Matt credits finding connection with others experiencing rheumatoid arthritis as a crucial turning point, emphasizing the power of shared experience and support when living with chronic illness.

Laughter Matters: Comedy provided Matt not just with a career, but with a coping mechanism that helped him manage both the physical and emotional pain of RA, proving that laughter truly is healing.

Leading with Humility: Through his journey on Celebrity Apprentice and his friendship with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Matt learned that true leadership comes from building others up, not boosting your own ego.

Sound Bites:

“Even if it’s a bad answer, even if it’s cancer, even if it’s a chronic disease… at least you know what you’re up against.”

“When you’re laughing, you’re not thinking about the pain, you’re not thinking about the sadness.”

“When you didn’t make it about your ego… when I sought for collaboration, I found that was how I managed a lot of the egos.”

Connect & Discover Matt:

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mattiseman/

Website: https://mattiseman.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/mattisemanlive

🔥 Ready to Unleash Your Inner Game-Changer? 🔥

Mick Hunt’s brand-new book, How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One: The Blueprint for Modern Leadership, is here to light a fire under your ambition and arm you with the real-talk strategies that only Mick delivers.

👉 Grab your copy now and level up your life → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: MickUnplugged

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://mickhuntofficial.com/

Apple: MickUnplugged

Mathew Knowles is a visionary entrepreneur, renowned music executive, and esteemed educator best known for his instrumental role in launching and managing the careers of Destiny's Child and Beyoncé. As a third-generation entrepreneur with a background in corporate diagnostic imaging and technology sales, Mathew's expertise spans talent development, global brand building, and health advocacy. A passionate advocate for wellness and cancer prevention—himself a male breast cancer survivor—he champions early detection and genetic awareness, while consistently empowering others with his decades of experience, adaptability, and commitment to leadership and education.

Takeaways:

The Power of Passion and Consistency: Mathew credits his enduring success to a relentless passion for his work, emphasizing that passion—paired with strong work ethic and consistency—fuels greatness and allows leaders to stay relevant across changing times and industries.

The Importance of Early Detection: Drawing from his cancer survivor journey and background in diagnostic imaging, Mathew underscores the lifesaving value of early health screenings and genetic testing, especially within communities of color, advocating for a proactive approach over a reactive one.

Brand Building Beyond the Surface: Mathew details his branding philosophy, explaining that both individuals and businesses must see themselves as brands, and that successful brands convey their value not just through words but through optics, actions, and strategic messaging.

Sound Bites:

“We are all individually as well as in our corporate careers as well as in entrepreneurship, we are a brand. The moment we walk outside the door, we're messaging to the world.”

“Passion and work ethics go together like a glove. When you live your passion, you never work—you work when you have a job.”

“Early detection is the key. For something that could take 30 minutes or two hours of your day…it can determine if you're going to be in one of those stages or if you're at risk.”

Connect & Discover Mathew:

Event Link: Touch4Life

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

Website: https://www.mathewknowles.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrmathewknowles/

🔥 Ready to Unleash Your Inner Game-Changer? 🔥

Mick Hunt’s brand-new book, How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One: The Blueprint for Modern Leadership, is here to light a fire under your ambition and arm you with the real-talk strategies that only Mick delivers.

👉 Grab your copy now and level up your life → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million 

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: MickUnplugged

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://mickhuntofficial.com/

Apple: MickUnplugged

Grant Cardone is a renowned entrepreneur, bestselling author, real estate mogul, and international speaker whose 10X philosophy has transformed lives and businesses around the world. From humble beginnings in Louisiana to building billion-dollar empires, Grant has become a global authority on sales, scaling, and unlocking human potential. Driven by a relentless pursuit to elevate his own potential and a deep desire to serve as the mentor he never had, Grant inspires millions to break free from obscurity, build powerful brands, invest strategically, and never be satisfied with “just enough.” With an unfiltered, energetic style and a heart to help others, he is redefining what’s possible in business and life.

 Takeaways:

·        Visibility is Vital: Obscurity—not being seen or recognized—is a bigger problem than rejection. For entrepreneurs, your success hinges on being known and remembered for exceptional actions.

·        Invest, Don’t Just Save: According to Grant, saving money is futile because of inflation and loss of value over time; the key is to invest aggressively and use earned income to build passive income streams.

·        Your Circle Defines Your Ceiling: The people you surround yourself with can either limit or elevate your growth—often, those closest to you won’t see your next-level potential, so seek new circles and environments that foster growth.

 Sound Bites:

“You can only spend it, waste it, or invest it. That’s it. The first two don’t work.”

“Obscurity is a much bigger problem than rejection—if you’re being rejected, at least you’re being seen.”

“Quit trying to start things from scratch. Look for businesses you can buy and scale, not just build."

Connect & Discover Grant:

Website: https://grantcardone.com/

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

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grantcardonefan/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GrantCardone

🔥 Ready to Unleash Your Inner Game-Changer? 🔥

Mick Hunt’s brand-new book, How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One: The Blueprint for Modern Leadership, is here to light a fire under your ambition and arm you with the real-talk strategies that only Mick delivers.

👉 Grab your copy now and level up your life → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: @MickUnplugged

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://mickhuntofficial.com/

Apple: @MickUnplugged

Nick Nanton is a 22-time Emmy Award-winning director, acclaimed storyteller, and the mastermind behind Impact Branding. He’s renowned for transforming ordinary lives into extraordinary legacies through the power of narrative, having worked with legends and industry icons across boardrooms, backstages, and even the bourbon world. As an entrepreneur and creative visionary, Nick has built empires on connection,

Takeaways:

·       

·       

·       

 Sound Bites:

"A brand is just a story—a great brand is a story that other people tell before you walk in the room."

"Money is the cheapest commodity in the world—it’s the unique experience and connection that make all the difference."

"Being different is better than being better. You don’t have to compete—you just have to stand out by being authentically you."

Connect & Discover Nick:

Website: https://nicknanton.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicknanton/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nicknanton?ref=ts

X: https://x.com/nicknanton1

YouTube: @nicknanton5771

🔥 Ready to Unleash Your Inner Game-Changer? 🔥

Mick Hunt’s brand-new book, How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One: The Blueprint for Modern Leadership, is here to light a fire under your ambition and arm you with the real-talk strategies that only Mick delivers.

👉 Grab your copy now and level up your life → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: MickUnplugged

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/ 

Apple: MickUnplugged

Jonathan Capehart is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, renowned opinion writer at The Washington Post, and a prominent anchor on MSNBC. With decades of experience shaping and shifting national conversations, Capehart is celebrated for his fearless pursuit of truth and authentic storytelling. As an openly gay Black man, he brings powerful perspective and empathy to every story he tells, drawing from lived experience to illuminate the complexities of identity, politics, and culture. Most recently, Capehart released his memoir, Yet Here I Am: Lessons from a Black Man's Search for Home, offering candid reflections on resilience, belonging, and the power of self-belief.

 Takeaways:

 Sound Bites:

Connect & Discover Jonathan:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capehartj/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capehart/

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@capehartj

Book: Yet Here I Am: Lessons from a Black Man's Search for Home

🔥 Ready to Unleash Your Inner Game-Changer? 🔥

Mick Hunt’s brand-new book, How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One: The Blueprint for Modern Leadership, is here to light a fire under your ambition and arm you with the real-talk strategies that only Mick delivers.

👉 Grab your copy now and level up your life → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: Mick Unplugged
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickunplugged/ 
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MickUnpluggedPodcast

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/

Website: https://www.mickhuntofficial.com 

Apple: Mick Unplugged