Mick Unplugged: "Who’s In Your Circle? Steve Smith on Mentorship"

Podcast: Mick Unplugged

Host: Mick Hunt

Guest: Steve Smith Sr.

Date: December 31, 2025

Overview

This episode of Mick Unplugged explores the transformative power of mentorship, emotional intelligence, and purpose-driven action with legendary NFL wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. Host Mick Hunt and Steve dive deep into personal stories, business lessons, the realities of leadership, and the impact of giving back. The conversation is candid, energetic, and rich with practical insights for anyone striving to lead a life of purpose and modern leadership.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The No Plan B Mindset (01:58–04:52)

• Steve and Mick connect over their shared "no Plan B" mentality—putting all effort into a single pursuit (for Steve, football; for Mick, changing his family's circumstances).
• Scholarships & Preparation: Steve challenges the stereotype of athletic scholarships, equating the dedication and intelligence required to academic scholarships. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adaptability to stay "in the door" beyond initial breaks.

Notable Quote:

“Yes, I am a football player... But understanding my intelligence and my willingness to learn keeps me in the door.”
—Steve Smith Sr. (03:32)

Mentorship as the Elevator (05:33–06:31)

• Mick discusses mentorship with humility, noting advice from his mentors about "taking the elevator" when possible—accepting guidance to skip pitfalls others have already experienced.
• Key Insight: Mentorship accelerates growth by helping you avoid unnecessary mistakes and learn from the journeys of others.

Notable Quote:

“When the elevator is present, take the freaking elevator sometimes. That’s what mentorship has done for me... Every lesson you don’t have to learn when somebody else can tell you what they've learned.”
—Mick Hunt (05:47)

Steve’s Venture into Business & Social Impact (06:31–10:08)

• Origin Story: Steve recounts his entry into real estate after retirement, driven by empathy for underprivileged tenants. Despite resistance from mentors and friends, he pushed forward, learning through both success and adversity.
• Business Lessons:
  • The first five years of business are risky.
  • By year ten, the sustainability and viability become clear.
  • Authenticity and empathy guide both his business and philanthropic efforts.

Notable Quote:

“Just because they are receiving assistance doesn't mean you lessen their respect of who they are as a human being.”
—Steve Smith Sr. (08:25)

Choosing Focus & Learning to Say No (10:31–15:22)

• Steve emphasizes that although he appears very active, he is highly selective, intertwining his pursuits and managing time intentionally.
• Mick shares advice he received: “No is a complete sentence.”
• Challenges: Saying no can be difficult, especially with the reputation for being tough, but it's essential for maintaining effectiveness and energy.

Notable Quotes:

“I only do a few things—and I only do those things.”
—Steve Smith Sr. (10:31)

“No is a complete sentence. You don’t have to justify it. You don’t have to feel bad about it.”
—Mick Hunt (14:50)

Competitive Drive, Emotional Intelligence, and Self-Reflection (15:59–22:46)

• Managing Team Dynamics: Steve candidly discusses how being highly driven sometimes creates friction with teammates and admits this can be wearing.
• Self-Regulation: He shares strategies for managing immediate reactions—waiting before responding to triggering emails or messages and analyzing his own emotional responses.
• Emotional Intelligence Breakdown: Mick points out that Steve intuitively practices the cornerstones of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, social skills, and empathy.

Notable Quotes:

“I've really started to take the approach—I'm a wait. Sometimes I will wait a long time... If I'm thinking about it hours later, I'm still, like, irritated—what was in there that made me feel that way? That’s what I gotta focus on.”
—Steve Smith Sr. (17:48; 19:26)

“You just broke down the pillars of emotional intelligence, man.”
—Mick Hunt (20:06)

Uniqueness, Identity, and Support Circles (22:13–23:14)

• Individual Value: Steve discusses the idea that each person is unique—there can’t be another Steve Smith Sr. just as there won’t be another Randy Moss.
• Support Systems: The importance of surrounding yourself with people you can trust, and who can walk life with you.

Notable Quotes:

“You just be who you are, man. And that’s going to be some good... and we know, dang sure, it’s going to be some bad too.”
—Steve Smith Sr. (22:46)

Technique and Adaptation in Football (28:22–30:12)

• Skill Development: Steve breaks down a lesser-known aspect of his receiver technique—the ability to disguise when the ball is coming. This was honed out of necessity to avoid physical targeting by defensive backs.
• Adaptability: Football, like leadership and business, requires annual reinvention to overcome new challenges and expectations of opponents.

Notable Quotes:

“Every year, it’s a new habit for you to break. There are things you do well, and there are things you want to cover your eyes [about]...because there are scouting reports and players who watch all your film to see what bad habits you have.”
—Steve Smith Sr. (29:57)

Honest Critique and Analyst Role (30:16–31:59)

• Balancing Critique: Steve is known for blunt honesty as an analyst but strives to critique without criticizing. He is learning to balance positive feedback with necessary realities, adapting to contemporary expectations.

Notable Quote:

“How I can critique but not criticize. And give guys the benefit of the doubt. However, if the film tells enough of the story, I can’t give you what you didn’t know.”
—Steve Smith Sr. (31:38)

Mental Health Advocacy and B HAWK (32:36–35:30)

• B HAWK Foundation: Steve explains his work with Behavioral Health Urgent Care—serving community members in need, regardless of insurance, filling a mental health crisis gap, and providing essential services and hygiene kits.
• Motivation: This work is grounded in his own experiences growing up without access to these basic services.

Notable Quote:

“We do kids from ages 4 all the way to 80... If you don’t have insurance, don’t matter. Come on in. If you do have insurance, we’ll take that too.”
—Steve Smith Sr. (34:10)

Finding Your "Because" (35:49–37:53)

• Purpose Exploration: Mick closes by asking Steve to share his “because” (the deeper reason beneath the ‘why’).
• Self-Discovery: Steve likens his current growth and clarity to getting Lasik—emerging from blurriness and seeing life with fresh clarity.
• Continuous Evolution: There is always more to discover about oneself, and each season brings new lessons and perspectives.

Notable Quote:

“I’m just learning some new elements and some new layers about me that I’ve never really approached before... I’m going in with such a new vision... The blurriness is starting to come away, and I’m starting—oh!—that’s what it looks like.”
—Steve Smith Sr. (36:58–37:34)

Memorable Moments & Quotes with Timestamps

• “Just because they are receiving assistance doesn't mean you lessen their respect of who they are as a human being.”
  —Steve Smith Sr. (08:25)
• “No is a complete sentence. You don’t have to justify it.”
  —Mick Hunt (14:50)
• “You get more bees with honey... but, man, ultimately, the best way you can do it is start to really analyze yourself.”
  —Steve Smith Sr. (17:48)
• “You just be who you are, man. And that's going to be some good... and some bad, too.”
  —Steve Smith Sr. (22:46)
• “If the film tells enough of the story, I can't give you what you didn't know.”
  —Steve Smith Sr. (31:59)
• “I’m going in with such a new vision... The blurriness is starting to come away.”
  —Steve Smith Sr. (37:23)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• No Plan B & Mentorship: 01:58–06:31
• Business, Empathy & Social Impact: 06:31–10:08
• Choosing Focus – Saying No: 10:31–15:22
• Emotional Intelligence & Self-Reflection: 15:59–22:46
• Uniqueness & Support Circles: 22:13–23:14
• Player Technique & Reinvention: 28:22–30:12
• Role as Analyst & Critique: 30:16–31:59
• B HAWK & Mental Health: 32:36–35:30
• Finding Your ‘Because’: 35:49–37:53

Takeaways

• True mentorship offers an “elevator” to the next level—take it when you can.
• Put all your energy into intentional pursuits; choose your battles and say no without guilt.
• Emotional intelligence and self-reflection are vital to growth as a leader, teammate, or entrepreneur.
• Your circle matters—surround yourself with trustworthy, honest supporters.
• Personal uniqueness is essential; authenticity trumps imitation.
• Honest evaluation and kindness can (and should) coexist.
• Giving back is most impactful when rooted in lived experience and empathy.
• Find and pursue your "because"—the deeper reason that fuels ongoing self-discovery and transformation.

For those aspiring to lead, build, and transform, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, self-awareness, and impact-driven living.