Podcast Summary: Mick Unplugged

Episode: Gary Vee: Reveals How Interest Media Is Changing the Game
Host: Mick Hunt
Guest: Gary Vaynerchuk (Gary Vee)
Date: August 25, 2025

Episode Overview

In this engaging episode, Mick Hunt sits down with Gary Vee, serial entrepreneur and cultural commentator, to explore the transformation of social media into “interest media” and what that means for business owners, content creators, and modern leaders. In true Mick Unplugged fashion, the conversation dives deep, traversing authenticity, hustle culture, intent, community, and the evolution of digital influence. Gary pulls back the curtain on his own “because”—the why behind his massive generosity online—and shares actionable advice on navigating today’s algorithm-driven content landscape. Both host and guest keep it raw, honest, and practical, challenging listeners to find their own superpower and become the niche.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Power of Purpose and Intent

• Mick shares his gratitude for Gary’s personal guidance on running his podcast with intention, not as a hobby.

  • Notable Quote:
    • “If you’re gonna do a podcast, do it with purpose and do it like a business... Run it like a freaking business or don’t do it at all.” — Gary Vee (01:13)

• Gary’s “Because”:

  • He describes being “full,” crediting his humble immigrant upbringing, strong parenting, and the diversity of his early life for shaping his worldview and generosity.
  • Notable Quote:
    • “When you’re full, you’re not really eating everyone’s food... you’re handing out food. You know, that’s the real answer.” (03:13)
  • Sharing knowledge comes from “being already good” and not from a place of need for validation or material success.
  • Intent is at the center of Gary’s content—he gives away high-value insights with no strings attached.
  • "I’m going to give y’all everything. I got the shit I can charge unlimited amounts of money for it." (09:12)

2. Consistency, Authenticity, and the “Inconvenient Truth”

• Staying True Despite Trends & Criticism:

  • Gary discusses refusing to cave to pressure from peers (e.g., billionaires questioning his “trash talk” garage sale videos).
  • He remains rooted in personally lived experience and never chases trends for clout.
  • Notable Quote:
    • "My best work is done when y’all don’t see me." (07:42)
  • Consistency: He chalks up his “inconvenient truth” reputation to having unwavering intent and living what he preaches both on and off camera.

• Being the Brand & the Niche:

  • Gary dispels the myth that niches have to be external—“the only niche you have is you.” (15:59)
  • Notable Quote:
    • “The more you’re you... and I mean all the way you... the more success you’ll have.” (14:50)

3. Social Media’s Evolution: Welcome to the Age of Interest Media

[Major Segment: 18:50–23:33]

• Shift from Social Media to Interest Media:

  • Gary breaks down how the algorithm-driven era has fundamentally altered content discovery:
    • “There’s nothing social about anything you’re doing on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter... It’s interest.” (18:50)
  • While social aspects remain (engagement, comments), content now finds viewers by shared interests, not follower count.
  • Notable Quote:
    • “Followers are diminishing in your guaranteed to get views and awareness. The content now is finding their audience.” (19:21)

• Actionable Advice:

  • Create content that authentically reflects your passions—even “random,” niche interests (spades, blueberries, etc.), because now those pieces can find millions who share them.
  • Failure to engage directly with your community (e.g., replying to every comment) is a missed opportunity for growth.
  • The biggest growth comes from posting unique, genuine interests, consistently. The “algorithm” will reward you by placing your content with relevant audiences.

4. Mindset: Accountability & Entitlement

[Major Segment: 24:13–29:17]

• Cultural Commentary on Entitlement:

  • Both Mick and Gary express concern over increased entitlement and a “soft” work ethic.
    • Notable Quote:
      • “Our great grandmothers would be rolling in their goddamn graves... We got soft and that’s what empires do.” (25:11)

• Living Within Your Means & “Pointing Thumbs” Instead of Fingers:

  • Gary rails against blaming circumstances or others for personal struggles; urges radical accountability.
    • “Why are we blaming everyone? Everyone’s pointing fucking fingers. Why don’t you point thumbs at yourself?” (28:52)
  • Too much comparison, consumerism, and negativity is stalling growth and happiness.

• Simple Fixes:

  • Cut down on consuming negative energy—whether from news, social platforms, or even toxic family.
  • “If you don’t like where you’re at, you can move. You can change.” (29:47)

5. Winning, Jealousy, and Compassion Toward Haters

[Major Segment: 33:08–35:14]

• Reactions to Success:
  • When you begin to win, the people around you reveal their true colors—supporters and detractors alike.
  • Instead of resenting “haters,” Gary suggests understanding their pain and, if possible, helping lift them up.
    • Notable Quote:
      • “Let me tell you something about the people that boo you. They’re just hurt... Just remember... feel sad for them and be the bigger person.” (33:35)

6. VeeFriends, Collecting, and New Media Frontiers

[Major Segment: 35:14–39:10]

• Gary lays out his vision for VeeFriends, his intellectual property/collectible brand, positioning it as the next Marvel or Pokémon.
• He encourages listeners, especially collectors or parents, to check out VeeFriends.com, emphasizing both entertainment and positive messaging for kids.
• He highlights the rise of collectibles as the next big cultural “pillar” alongside sports, music, and fashion.
• Live Social Shopping (e.g., Whatnot) and digital collectibles are transformative areas for community-building and business—something he’s “doing, not just talking about.”

Notable Quotes & Timestamp Highlights

| Timestamp | Speaker | Memorable Quote | |-------------|---------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:13 | Gary | “If you’re gonna do a podcast, do it with purpose and do it like a business... Run it like a freaking business or don’t do it at all.” | | 03:13 | Gary | “When you’re full, you’re not really eating everyone's food... you’re handing out food. That’s the real answer.” | | 09:12 | Gary | “I’m going to give y’all everything. I got the shit I can charge unlimited amounts of money for it.” | | 14:50 | Gary | “The more you’re you... and I mean all the way you... the more success you’ll have.” | | 15:59 | Gary | “The only niche you have is you.” | | 18:50 | Mick | “There’s nothing social about anything you’re doing on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter... It’s interest.” | | 19:21 | Gary | “Followers are diminishing in your guaranteed to get views and awareness. The content now is finding their audience.” | | 25:11 | Gary | “Our grandmas would be rolling in their goddamn graves... We got soft and that’s what empires do.” | | 28:52 | Gary | “Everyone's pointing fucking fingers. Why don’t you point thumbs at yourself?” | | 33:35 | Gary | “Let me tell you something about the people that boo you. They’re just hurt... feel sad for them and be the bigger person.” |

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Purpose and Beginning: 00:00–07:41
• Authenticity and Consistency: 07:41–18:50
• Interest Media Explored: 18:50–23:33
• Work Ethic, Entitlement & Accountability: 23:33–29:17
• Energy, Negativity, and Winning: 29:17–35:14
• VeeFriends, Collectibles, and Business Expansion: 35:14–39:10

Conclusion

This episode embodies the core messages of both Gary Vee and Modern Leadership: authenticity as the only real “niche,” relentless generosity, and a shift from algorithm-chasing toward genuine, interest-driven communication. “Interest Media” is the future—so show up as yourself, share your passions, answer your comments, and focus on real value, not surface metrics. Cut out negativity, own your circumstances, and when you start winning, do it with grace.

Last Word:
“Your because is your superpower. Go unleash it.” — Mick Hunt (39:33)