Podcast Summary: Mick Unplugged

Episode: Building Mindset Muscle with Elan Gelfand

Date: October 6, 2025
Host: Mick Hunt
Guest: Elan Gelfand

Overview

In this energizing and insightful episode of Mick Unplugged, host Mick Hunt sits down with Elan Gelfand, the vibrant 20-year-old host of the podcast Abundant Thinking. The conversation centers on building a “mindset muscle”, the power of discovering one’s own “Because” (personal purpose), and the attitude and disciplines that fuel meaningful and modern leadership. From deeply personal motivations to practical advice for both young adults and parents, Elan and Mick unpack what it means to lead with purpose, embrace consistent growth, and create impact both individually and within organizations.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Discovering Your “Because”

• Elan’s Motivation:
  Elan shares the story of how watching his mother’s struggle after his parents' divorce inspired his relentless drive.

  “I want to make sure my mom never has to go through that again... I think a lot of my life revolves around the idea that I want to make sure my mom... I can be the person there for them to be able to get them out of financial burden.” (Elan, 02:10)

• The Power of Obligation:
  Elan emphasizes that although he has "zero proof" his efforts will succeed, he feels obligated to keep pushing for his family.

  “Although I have no evidence that this thing will work out, I think it’s my obligation to help my mom.” (Elan, 03:38)

• Mick’s Reflection:
  Mick relates, admitting that at 20 he also didn’t have it all figured out, and encourages Elan to celebrate small victories.

  “You don’t have to have the thing figured out because you are doing much more at 20 than I was.” (Mick, 05:31)

2. Abundant Thinking: The Mindset Framework

• Why Mindset?
  Elan recounts his path through various hustles and “get rich quick” schemes before realizing he wanted to do something offering long-term meaning. He recognized the key role mindset plays—even more than skill—drawing on lessons from 13 years of soccer.

  “You can have so much experience in a field, but if your mindset isn’t good enough, it’s going to be hard for you to thrive.” (Elan, 10:25)

• Learning from Others:
  Podcasting offers Elan a chance to gather wisdom directly from high-performers.

  “I always value wisdom from people. I mean, every single time my grandpa would sit me down, he taught me something, my dad... I was always listening.” (Elan, 09:00)

• Mindset vs. Skill:
  Elan argues a strong mindset can compensate for low skill, opening opportunities for growth.

3. Consistency as a Discipline

• Setting a Contract:
  Elan committed to two years of weekly podcasting, non-negotiable, to give himself a real shot at mastery and growth.

  “When I first started my podcast, I set a contract with myself: I’m going to do this for two years... Non-negotiable. And then only after two years can I decide if it’s for me or not.” (Elan, 15:32)

• Mentor Wisdom:

  “Consistency creates discipline and discipline is what makes you successful, right? Especially over the long term.” (Elan, 15:20)

• Mick’s Admiration:
  Mick highlights Elan’s consistency as a reason for his growing success and unique mindset at a young age.

4. Advice for Parents of Teens and Young Adults

• Encourage Exploration:
  Elan urges parents to provide freedom for their kids to discover their passions, not just push traditional paths.
• Creating Pressure with Purpose:
  He discusses how “pressure is a privilege” (crediting Dr. Haley Perla) and that some external pressure can help fuel discovery and growth.

  “For the parents... I think it’s allowing them freedom to discover themselves. And... creating a situation where you feel a little bit pressured to do the thing.” (Elan, 18:20)

• Key Conversation Starters:
  • "What’s the thing that kind of makes you excited to get up?" (21:35)
  • "How can you do that, even on a small scale?"

5. Modern Employee Perspectives

• Shifting Values:
  Mick and Elan discuss how today’s young professionals care less about traditional benefits and more about culture, clarity, and leadership style.

  “I don’t think a 401k or a pension is in your top three questions when you’re looking at employment, right?” (Mick, 23:50)

• Team Culture & Being Heard:
  Elan highlights the importance of team environment, clear goals, and opportunities for growth for Gen Z employees.

6. Modern Leadership

• Mick’s Principles for Great Leaders:
  • “Be present proactively” (not just having an open-door policy)

  “If your presence doesn’t make a difference, your absence won’t either.” (Mick, 27:51)

  • “Understand your data, but let it tell you the real story.”
  • “Hire for values, not just skills or resume.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Elan:

  “People give up on themselves faster than I give up on them.” (21:45) “Pressure is a privilege.” (Attributed to Dr. Haley Perla, 18:48) “The people that go out and look for the answers end up finding them.” (Elan's biggest lesson, 30:51)

• Mick:

  “If your presence doesn’t make a difference, your absence won’t either.” (27:51) “Celebrate these small victories because you are doing it.” (05:27)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Elan’s “Because” Story – 02:10–05:00
• Abundant Thinking & Mindset over Skill – 08:00–12:00
• Consistency and the Two-Year Contract – 14:55–16:50
• Advice for Parents & Teens: Pressure and Purpose – 17:35–22:00
• Questions to Spark Parent-Child Conversation – 21:13–22:51
• Modern Employee Mindset – 23:13–26:34
• Leadership Lessons from Mick – 26:55–29:07
• Quick Five (Fun Questions) – 29:09–32:00

Recommendations & Resources

• Elan’s Favorite Morning Routine:

  “Waking up early, going for a run, cold shower, reading 10 pages a day.” (Elan, 29:56)

• Book Recommendation:
  • “Meditations by Marcus Aurelius.” (30:29)
• Top Podcasts (Elan's Picks):
  1. Modern Wisdom (Chris Williamson)
  2. Real AF
  3. The Game (Alex Hormozi)
• Where to Follow Elan:
  Instagram: @elan.gelfand
  Podcast: Abundant Thinking (available on all major platforms)

Closing Inspiration

Both host and guest share a deep commitment to helping others discover their “Because,” using mindset and consistent action as their core tools. Listeners are encouraged to take ownership of their journey, celebrate progress, and create environments where purpose and impact thrive.

“Remember your ‘Because’ is your superpower. Go unleash it.” – Mick (32:43)

For more, follow Mick Hunt at mchuntofficial.com and connect with Elan Gelfand on social or via the Abundant Thinking podcast.