Podcast Summary: Mick Unplugged

Episode: Jonathan Capehart: Lessons in Truth, Connection, and Self-Belief

Date: August 14, 2025
Host: Mick Hunt
Guest: Jonathan Capehart

Overview

In this inspiring episode of Mick Unplugged, host Mick Hunt sits down with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, author, and MSNBC commentator Jonathan Capehart. The conversation explores Capehart’s journey in journalism, the importance of discovering and living your “because” (a purpose deeper than your “why”), the lessons learned through adversity, and the transformative power of truth, connection, and self-belief. The episode also delves into Capehart’s new memoir Yet Here I Am: Lessons from a Black Man’s Search for Home, personal anecdotes, and the tools that drive authentic storytelling.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Discovering and Living Your “Because”

• Purpose Beyond “Why”
  • Mick kicks off by aligning the podcast’s core—living from your “because”—with Capehart’s career.
  • Jonathan’s ‘Because’:
    • “I think my because is about getting at the truth. I’m still that naive kid who was taught right from wrong, good from bad, truth versus lies. And I still believe that… the lies should be exposed, the bad should be exposed, but so should the good." (02:35)

2. The Art of Connection in Storytelling

• Authentic Curiosity
  • Capehart identifies curiosity as the foundation of his interviewing style.
  • “At the root of that connection… is curiosity. You have to be, in these jobs, curious about the other person.”—Jonathan (06:05)
  • He describes being attuned to emotional cues during interviews—watching for a quivering voice or glistening eyes to dive deeper into the conversation's real heart. (06:52)
• Making Interviews About the Guest
  • Mick reflects on learning from Capehart to center guests in conversations, not himself.
  • “No one wants to hear Mick talk for 30, 45 minutes. Right. It has to be about the guests.” (08:29)

3. Embracing Self-Belief & Affirmation

• Personal Turning Point
  • Capehart recounts a pivotal, vulnerable moment during a career low when he finally affirmed his talent aloud:
    • “I am damn good at what I do… The moment I said that out loud to myself… is when everything changed.” (09:56)
  • He details the positive ripple effect that belief had on his career trajectory—higher confidence, more opportunities, and an authentic presence.
• The Power of Mantras and Uplifting Art
  • Drawing strength from Lena Horne’s “Believe in Yourself” (from The Wiz) and Diana Ross’s “Home”, Capehart shares how these songs anchor him in difficult times.
  • “If you don’t believe in yourself, you’re not going to be able to do anything. Or as RuPaul says, if you can’t love yourself, how in the hell are you going to love somebody else?” (14:08)

4. On Writing Yet Here I Am

• Catalyst for the Book
  • Writing began as an emotional outlet during the turmoil of the Trump administration and a reflection on his upbringing between North and South.
  • Encouraged by friends (Tamron Hall, April Ryan, Joy Reid) to keep writing, Capehart modeled his memoir on the honest, vulnerable approaches of Katherine Graham and Charles Blow. (15:38–18:05)
• Honesty & Vulnerability
  • “I needed to be open and honest and raw about my failures and shortcomings as I was about… my triumphs. But it's the failures and shortcomings where all the big lessons come in.” (18:05)
  • The book aims to fill in the “holes” left by public perception, offering a complete, humanizing self-portrait.

5. Overcoming Labels and Low Expectations

• Schooling and IQ Tests
  • Capehart reveals being mistakenly labeled with a “low IQ” due to standardized tests, despite outstanding coursework—a form of institutional bias common in his experience and echoed by Michelle Obama and Valerie Jarrett.
  • “Society labels us, meaning African Americans and certainly black men and boys, before we even have a chance to even know who we are.” (22:41)
  • He credits his mother for intervening to keep him on a college prep path and reflects on how labels can limit potential unless challenged.

6. Life Lessons from New York

• “New York is like an M&M”
  • “It’s hard on the outside, soft on the inside.” (27:43)
  • New York’s intimidating exterior acts as a filter, but those willing to engage find community, connection, and comfort within the city’s small neighborhoods and social circles.
  • Contrasts New York’s culture of identity with Washington DC’s focus on professional status.
  • “In New York, I still have friends… I know they go someplace to work, but I don't know exactly what they do because our friendship is based on… shared interests.” (30:10)

7. The “High School” of Washington, D.C.

• “Washington is a giant high school filled with the smartest, most aggressive people you have ever met. This is every college class president, varsity sports player—all these folks. This is where they come.” (31:59–33:35)

8. Dream Encounters

• With Whom Would Capehart Spend a Day?
  • Without hesitation:
    • “The first person that popped into my head was Michelle Obama… what I would love to do is the two of us go to lunch, wherever she wants to go… and just sit and talk.” (34:10)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Affirmation:
  • “The moment I said that out loud to myself in the privacy of my own shower is when everything changed.” —Jonathan Capehart (09:56)
• On Self-Belief:
  • “If you don’t believe in yourself, you’re not going to be able to do anything. Or as RuPaul says, if you can’t love yourself, how in the hell are you going to love somebody else?” —Jonathan Capehart (14:08)
• On Connection:
  • “At the root of that connection you’re talking about is curiosity.” —Jonathan Capehart (06:05)
• On Labels in Education:
  • “Society labels us… before we even have a chance to even know who we are.” —Jonathan Capehart (22:41)
• On NYC:
  • “New York is like an M&M. It’s hard on the outside, soft on the inside.” —Jonathan Capehart (27:43)
• On D.C.:
  • “This is a giant high school filled with the smartest, most aggressive people you have ever met.” —Jonathan Capehart (31:59)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• Jonathan’s “Because”: (02:35–04:06)
• Curiosity and Connection: (06:05–08:29)
• Self-Belief and Affirmation: (09:56–14:08)
• Writing the Memoir: (15:38–18:05)
• On Educational Labels: (22:41–27:03)
• New York Insights: (27:43–31:59)
• Washington, D.C. Parallels: (31:59–33:35)
• Dream Encounter with Michelle Obama: (34:10–34:49)

Where to Find Jonathan Capehart and His Book

• Book: Yet Here I Am: Lessons from a Black Man’s Search for Home (available at local bookstores, or ask your bookstore to order)
• Social:
  • Instagram / Threads: @capehartj
  • “Don’t go to Twitter—it’s no fun” (35:33)

Closing Tone & Message

The episode is an open, heartfelt exploration of what drives great storytelling, the resilience required to transcend labels and setbacks, and the necessity of self-belief—delivered with warmth, honesty, and camaraderie. Capehart and Hunt both reinforce that knowing and living your “because” is not just transformative for individuals but creates ripples of connection and meaning in the broader world.

Memorable Takeaway:
"Your because is your superpower. Go unleash it." — Mick Hunt (36:25)