Present & Purpose: Finding Balance with Jason Heyward

Podcast: Mick Unplugged
Host: Mick Hunt
Guest: Jason Heyward
Date: March 5, 2026

Overview

In this powerful episode, Mick Hunt sits down with MLB star and community leader Jason Heyward. The conversation delves into themes of presence, dedication, fatherhood, community impact, and decision-making—inside and far beyond the baseball diamond. Jason offers rich insights into balancing elite performance with intentional living, discusses his philanthropic work with youth academies, and unpacks lessons on leadership, family, and finding your core "Because." The episode wraps with rapid-fire personal questions that reveal Jason’s inspirations and priorities.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Jason’s “Because”: Fueling Purpose as a Father and Leader

[03:48 – 06:36]

• Grounded in Family: Jason shares that his purpose has shifted as he’s evolved from a 17-year-old draft pick to a father of three and committed husband.

• Quote:

  “Today…now having three kids, being married…I just think it’s very important to be an influence. You know, I was one of the very fortunate people to grow up in a household with both parents… I just want to one day be that conversation that when someone asks my kids, like, hey, what were one of the bigger influences for you? … as their tata, as their dad.” — Jason Heyward [04:30]

• Presence as a Superpower: Both Mick and Jason agree that Jason’s essence is being truly present for those around him.

  “The first couple times I got to go to a game that you played at, I got to see how you interacted… And when people watch Jason Hayward interact…that is your superpower.” — Mick Hunt [05:25]

The Art of Balancing Presence and Priorities

[08:08 – 10:37]

• Jason addresses the challenge of being present across many touchpoints—baseball, business, nonprofit, and especially family.

  “...You have to be real, real about imperfection, like that’s a part of life... Sometimes you need to sit back and let other people speak and let other people grow. Just…keep showing up, keep taking that different phone call, keep taking that different meeting… But that’s not the end all, be all... have your anchor.” — Jason Heyward [08:41–10:15]

• Practical daily structure: Anchoring the day with “must-haves” to maintain balance amid chaos.

Setting Non-Negotiables for Self-Improvement

[13:23 – 14:53]

• Both host and guest stress the value of setting non-negotiable daily actions.

  “...Everybody should at least have one non-negotiable every day that they’re working on…” — Mick Hunt [13:32] “There’s a lot of stuff that I don’t know and I will never know. But... today I want to do this and I’m not going to let anything stop me…that’s how you build your comfort.” — Jason Heyward [14:31]

Lessons in Decision-Making: The Atlanta Braves Draft Choice

[15:35 – 20:07]

• Jason describes pivotal teenage decisions—choosing baseball over basketball, ultimately turning pro instead of attending UCLA.

  • Family Influence: His parents, both Ivy League grads, gave him the space and support to make his own way.
  • Quote:

    “My parents, again say, no, it’s your choice... Respectfully, I’ve driven up and down the highway. I’ve passed Turner Field, been to some baseball games… If I’ve come this far, being drafted in the first round… I think I’m doing myself a disservice for all this time I put in to go to college.” — Jason Heyward [18:18]

• Intentionality: Each decision focused on maximizing opportunity and honoring the sacrifices invested in his journey.

Community Impact: The Jason Heyward Baseball Academy

[21:17 – 30:44]

• Origins in 2020: Motivation to launch the Academy came after seeing inner-city struggles in Chicago, especially during COVID.

• Program Impact: The Academy (within the Intentional Sports Facility) serves ~40 kids weekly; offers baseball, basketball, soccer, e-gaming, nutrition, and more.

  “Intentional Sports Facility, Jason Heyward Baseball Academy after school program for about 40 kids a week after school wise… so for them to be able to come and say, I have something to do. I have teammates I can look forward to…It’s...a very small impact in a city that is very hungry…” — Jason Heyward [24:43]

• Safe Spaces: The mission is safety, hope, and opportunity in underserved communities, where other choices are limited and risks prevalent.

• Measuring Success: Noted impact includes declining crime rates in the surrounding area.

• Ways to Help: Listeners are encouraged to donate time or money via @IntentionalSports and @JasonHeywardBaseballAcademy Instagram accounts or links provided.

  “Any little thing is awesome. Whatever someone feels like they can give is awesome because it’s going directly to kids, it’s going directly to families.” — Jason Heyward [28:31]

Rapid Fire—Getting to Know Jason

[32:09 – 36:52]

• Greatest Athlete ("GOAT") Inspiration:

  “My goat athlete, Derek Jeter, captain of the Yankees…For me…he’s kind of like the Kobe of baseball for me.” — Jason Heyward [32:20]

• Motivation Track:

  “On One Tonight by Gunna… that album, I feel like it was him having to address a lot of the tough times that he’s gone through…” — Jason Heyward [33:34]

• Favorite Ballpark:

  “Wrigley Field…a lot of firsts there…they do baseball right…in the neighborhood…people go to their jobs, the players, the fans come in and operate…the game ends, and then everyone goes back to enjoying Chicago…” — Jason Heyward [34:34]

• Game Day Meal:

  “French toast, bacon, scrambled eggs with spinach… pancakes…fruit. Before the game. That’s my vibe…” — Jason Heyward [36:03]

• One Word for His Legacy:

  “Dedicated. I want to say dedicated. That’s where I’ll leave it because that’s in order to be where I would like to continue to go… it’s dedicated.” — Jason Heyward [36:49]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Being present is a great way to put it, and I think I’ve always done my best to do that…just not taking it for granted. And so just…enjoy the friendships, enjoy the camaraderies, the ups, downs, which are a part of life.” — Jason Heyward [06:51]
• “Get comfortable with the chaos which life throws us…always gonna be something different. And lastly, just have your anchor…your structure and then you’re able to deviate from there and just flow with life.” — Jason Heyward [08:41–10:15]
• “You never know the lesson that you’re going to give someone or a small thing that matters.” — Mick Hunt [30:44]

Segment Timestamps

• [03:48] – Jason’s “because” and his evolution from prodigy to present dad
• [05:25] – Presence as a superpower
• [08:41] – Balancing priorities and presence across work, community, and family
• [13:23] – Daily structure and “must haves”
• [15:35] – Decision-making: college vs. turning pro
• [21:43] – Founding and impact of the Jason Heyward Baseball Academy
• [28:31] – How listeners can support the mission
• [32:09] – Rapid-fire Q&A (GOAT athlete, motivational music, favorite ballpark/food, one-word legacy)

Conclusion

This episode is an authentic, candid conversation about leadership both on and off the field. Jason Heyward’s journey is filled with lessons on presence, the importance of daily anchors, intentional decision-making, and giving back to the community. His reflections are relatable and actionable, offering wisdom for leaders, parents, and anyone seeking deeper purpose.

Remember:
“Your because is your superpower. Go unleash it.” — Mick Hunt [37:57]