Podcast Summary: Mick Unplugged

Episode: Pasha Palanker — Facing Fear, Building Strength, and Leaving a Legacy of Impact

Host: Mick Hunt (referred to as Realm, often “Mick”)
Guest: Pasha Palanker
Date: September 11, 2025

Episode Overview

This edition of "Mick Unplugged" features Pasha Palanker, decorated military veteran, mentor, and mental health advocate. The conversation traverses Pasha’s harrowing experiences in combat, the hidden struggles veterans face during and after service, and his evolving mission to help others find strength, meaning, and connection. Listeners are treated to practical insights on handling trauma, building resilience, and living with purpose, along with memorable anecdotes about friendship, leadership, and legacy.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Origin and Depth of Pasha’s “Because”

• [02:22] When asked about his “because,” Pasha credits his family but digs deeper, sharing that his core motivation was discovered through enduring and overcoming profound personal struggles.

  “I found my because through struggling, having been in very deep, dark moments all alone by myself and finding way out and then being able to help guide others out of that place. I found a lot of meaning in my life. And that has become my ‘because.’” — Pasha [02:22]

2. The Story Behind the Bronze Star for Valor

• [03:35 – 07:26] Pasha recounts the moment of heroism that earned him a Bronze Star for valor: facing a suicide bomber at point-blank range, acting through primal anger, and making a split-second decision that saved his comrades.

  “I felt this anger unlike anything I've ever experienced ... that anger drove me to pick up my rifle, lean over, and engage him straight into the vehicle.” — Pasha [05:26]

• The conversation turns poignant as Pasha explains how the same anger that saved him later became a destructive force, leading to alienation and emotional turmoil in civilian life.

3. Recognizing and Coping with Post-Service Struggles

• [08:02 – 13:32] Pasha openly details the crushing weight of guilt, anger, and loss of identity he felt when transitioning out of the military, culminating in contemplation of suicide.

  “I was at home, but I was in this room while they were out and doing ... family stuff. And I... didn't want to be around them because I was afraid of... these angry outbursts.” — Pasha [08:02]

  “The only thing that would relieve that pressure is numbing that pain through alcohol or... through some other distracting things.” — Pasha [08:23]

  He stresses that authentic love, physical presence, and non-judgmental support are what truly help people in crisis.

4. Seeking Help & Letting Go of Victimhood

• [13:32 – 16:14] Drawing from his own experience, Pasha describes the difficulty and courage needed to seek help, emphasizing the mindset shift required—from feeling like a victim to taking personal responsibility for recovery.

  “Once that happened, I stopped blaming people and I started to look for answers. I started to listen to podcasts just like yours. I started to read books, and I started to learn about what's going on inside of me.” — Pasha [13:32]

• He cites Jordan Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life and Ryan Holiday’s The Obstacle is the Way as instrumental in his self-reinvention.

5. Service After Service — Redefining Mission and Connection

• [17:44] Pasha found fulfillment in helping others naturally; by being open about his struggles, he became a beacon for fellow veterans and those in pain.

  “I never thought I would be speaking publicly about my struggles... Once I started to feel better... I could sense when somebody else is struggling and I would help a teammate... and that caused that chain reaction that... opened this whole new world to me.” — Pasha [17:44]

6. The Role of Robert Irvine & Special Events in Pasha’s Journey

• [18:52 – 24:06] Pasha details the beginnings of his relationship with celebrity chef and philanthropist Robert Irvine and the impactful community their foundation builds, often centered around shared missions and skydiving with massive American flags at events.

  “We get to jump into some high profile events honoring our nation, honoring our heroes. It was an instant moment... I find a ton of meaning in those jumps.” — Pasha [24:06]

7. Authenticity in Relationships and Leadership

• [25:20] Pasha attributes his ability to deeply connect with people to curiosity, self-examination, and empathy fostered by personal struggle.

  “I had to go so deep inside of myself and I had to learn about myself… now I’m genuinely curious about other people and how to connect to people at that level.” — Pasha [25:20]

8. Building and Training an Elite Mindset

• [26:25 – 30:09] On mental toughness and decision-making under pressure:

  “You gotta be really good at what you're doing... a ton of training beforehand and then a ton of time with yourself so that when that moment comes... it’s your instincts combined with a trust in yourself.” — Pasha [27:20]

• On fear:

  “Fear is a great motivator... Fear of letting your family down… For us, failure... sometimes it leads to a life or death situation. So that's where fear is instrumental.” — Pasha [28:41]

• On life after service:

  “You have to... find something new and meaningful and challenging in your life. You can't hold on to the life that's behind you.” — Pasha [30:09]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On seeking help:

  “It's more than okay to seek help, but, boy, it's hard. It's... one of the most difficult things that I had to do. And it takes a ton of strength. That's how you should see it—seeking help is... showing the world that you have strength to show up for yourself.” — Pasha [16:14]

• On authentic bonds:

  “I think that the bond was bourbon, and it's also authentic human to human connection with a similar passion and purpose.” — Pasha [01:38]

• On legacy:

  “That my life was meaningful. That I made a positive impact on people around me and people that I don't even know. And that through my journey, people know that even the biggest and darkest, the worst moments can be overcome.” — Pasha [36:20]

• On connecting with authentic people:

  “It's easy to be authentic with authentic people.” — Pasha [26:25]

Important Segment Timestamps

• [02:22] — Pasha’s “Because” and motivation for service
• [05:11 – 07:26] — Combat story: split-second decision and aftermath
• [08:02] — Descent into darkness and the need for support
• [13:32] — How Pasha sought help and rebuilt identity
• [17:44] — Transition from personal healing to helping others
• [18:52] — Robert Irvine Foundation partnership
• [27:20] — Mental training for clarity under pressure
• [28:41] — The role of fear in mindset
• [30:09] — Identity shift and advice for transitioning veterans
• [34:21] — Quick Five: Steak, sunsets at the beach, leadership books
• [36:20] — Pasha on his desired legacy

Quick Five (Rapid-Fire Q&A) [34:13]

1. Go-to cheat meal:

   “Probably a tomahawk steak.” — Pasha [34:21]

2. Mountains, beach, or battlefield?

   “On the beach… the sunsets at the end of the day, that’s when I’m the most present.” — Pasha [34:57]

3. Book every leader must read:

   "12 Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson. You can't lead others if you can't lead yourself.” — Pasha [35:18]

4. Mantra:

   “One step at a time… you don’t have to solve everything in one day, but you just make yourself a little bit better today than you were yesterday.” — Pasha [35:45]

5. Legacy:

   “That my life was meaningful. That I made a positive impact on people around me and people that I don’t even know. And that through my journey, people know that even the biggest and darkest, the worst moments can be overcome.” — Pasha [36:20]

Where to Find Pasha

• LinkedIn & Instagram: Pasha Palankar
• Speaker Agency: Liberty Speaks (link in show notes)

Conclusion

Pasha’s story is a powerful blend of courage, vulnerability, and service. This episode offers a rare frontline perspective on how facing fear, building inner strength, and focusing on legacy can redefine a life after trauma. The conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration, tools for resilience, or a deeper understanding of modern leadership and authentic connection.

“Remember, your ‘because’ is your superpower. Go unleash it.” — Mick Hunt [37:47]