Podcast Summary: Mick Unplugged
Episode: "Why Adversity Can Be a Gift: Jordan Mendoza Breaks It Down"
Host: Mick Hunt
Guest: Jordan Mendoza
Release Date: January 12, 2026
Episode Overview
This episode of Mick Unplugged features branding expert, keynote speaker, and LinkedIn powerhouse Jordan Mendoza, whose life and new book focus on how adversity can be a transformative gift. The conversation dives deep into Mendoza’s personal journey through various forms of adversity, the lessons extracted from hardship, how to share your story to create impact, and the practical BLAZE method framework for overcoming obstacles and building success. The episode is rich with actionable insights for anyone looking to turn struggle into strength, share their story, and lead with authenticity.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Jordan’s Journey & the Power of Storytelling
- Inspiration Behind the Book (02:34)
- Growing up facing adversity, including being voted “least likely to succeed” in high school, built Jordan’s drive.
- Initial co-authored writing project gave him confidence: “Let’s see if I’ve got it in me, let’s see if there’s enough stories.” (03:13)
- He noticed a lack of stories around people overcoming adversity with positivity; his goal became to fill that gap.
- Quote: “Adversity is a gift as long as we’re willing to open it, to unwrap it, and dive into all it has to offer.” — Jordan Mendoza (03:59)
2. The Five Types of Adversity Explored in the Book
- Mick outlines the first five chapters: Racial, Physical, Financial, Communication, and Family adversity. (04:16)
- Social Media vs. Reality: He stresses the importance of teaching youth that “perfect isn’t real.” (05:36)
Spotlight: Racial Adversity (05:53–12:55)
- Personal Story: Growing up with the Filipino surname “Mendoza,” Jordan was often mistaken for Hispanic and profiled, most notably during a traumatic false arrest at age 12.
- Quote: “Everybody faces some type of profiling... but the racial subject is one that really should be highlighted and tackled.” — Jordan Mendoza (06:46)
- False Arrest Story: At 12, wrongly arrested due to racial profiling. Chose not to sue, but asked for accountability (officers were fired).
- Quote: “At 12 years old, just to know in my heart of hearts that that wasn’t the right call. The right call was to say, hey, listen, they shouldn’t have a job.” — Jordan Mendoza (12:55)
- Trauma response: No deep trauma lingered; credits faith and empathy developed through his mother’s struggles.
3. Helping Others Share Their Voice
- Finding Courage to Share (15:09)
- Everyone has a story, but most lack the courage to share it.
- Pivotal moment: Speaking about his mother’s life at age 31 unlocked Jordan’s own voice.
- Quote: “If I didn’t share what I’ve overcome, I’d be doing the world a disservice.” — Jordan Mendoza (15:31)
- Business Application (16:40)
- Jordan’s transition from storyteller to business leader started with “borrowed confidence” from mentors who encouraged him to start sharing content.
- Quote: “If you just start showing up, if you just start posting… you’re going to find your people.” — Advice from Brian Schulman, as recalled by Jordan (17:31)
- Practical advice: Posting daily videos for 30 days builds confidence and momentum, regardless of initial response. (18:37)
- Quote: “All about the reps, you know, you gotta put in the reps every day.” — Jordan Mendoza (19:49)
4. Podcasting, Connection, and Growth
- Birth of Blaze Your Own Trail Podcast (21:36)
- Started his podcast pre-business, using it as a platform to interview “heavy hitters,” grow his network, and build confidence.
- Access Strategy: Leveraging livestreams and immediate follow-ups to connect with high-profile guests.
- Podcast as School: The experience became his informal MBA, learning directly from remarkable leaders who encouraged him to leave corporate life. (24:48)
- Quote: “The podcast was essentially my college… I earned, like, four different PhDs.” — Jordan Mendoza (24:13)
- Key Moment: After interviewing Mark Victor Hansen (Chicken Soup for the Soul), Jordan committed to making the leap to full-time entrepreneurship, encouraged by his guests. (26:10)
- Quote: “You’re just one connection away from creating massive impact.” — Jordan Mendoza (26:39)
5. Asking Better Questions to Build Relationships
- Networking with Intention (26:41-29:51)
- Mick and Jordan emphasize that admiration is less important than the ability to ask meaningful, open-ended questions when connecting with mentors.
- Giving feedback or value, instead of just praise, helps build reciprocal relationships.
- Quote: “Closed mouths do not get fed at all. And if you grow up poor, you know that from the early days.” — Jordan Mendoza (28:23)
6. The BLAZE Method Framework
- Explained Step by Step (30:24)
- Believe in Yourself: Confidence is contagious.
- Let Go of the Past: Reflect for lessons but don’t dwell.
- Action: “Action creates momentum, momentum creates consistency, consistency creates habits… habits turn into those results.”
- Zestful: Bring enthusiasm and energy, align with your faith or purpose.
- Elevate: Invest in yourself—education, coaches, family, health.
- Quote: “When you believe in you, others will believe in you too.” — Jordan Mendoza (31:22)
- The book is intentionally short and ADHD-friendly, with space for notes, designed for quick, impactful consumption. (31:04)
- Practical Tip: Take notes as you read; short, accessible chapters for modern leaders on the go.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Adversity is a gift as long as we’re willing to open it…” — Jordan Mendoza (03:59)
- “Perfect isn’t real.” — Mick Hunt on social media vs. life (05:36)
- “If I didn’t share what I’ve overcome, I’d be doing the world a disservice.” — Jordan Mendoza (15:31)
- “All about the reps… you gotta show up for yourself.” — Jordan Mendoza (19:49)
- “You’re just one connection away from creating massive impact in your world.” — Jordan Mendoza (26:39)
- “Closed mouths do not get fed at all.” — Jordan Mendoza (28:23)
- “When you believe in you, others will believe in you too.” — Jordan Mendoza (31:22)
Key Timestamps
- [01:27] – Jordan clarifies his mother’s adversity and introduction to the theme.
- [02:34] – Why the book was written; harnessing adversity for motivation.
- [04:16] – The five types of adversity discussed.
- [05:53] – Deep dive: Racial adversity and personal profiling story.
- [12:55] – Outcome of Jordan’s false arrest and the lesson of forgiveness.
- [15:09] – Courage to speak publicly and its impact.
- [17:21] – Transitioning to sharing more and building a brand.
- [18:37] – The 30-Day Video Challenge: “It’s all about the reps.”
- [21:36] – Building a podcast from scratch and leveraging high-profile guests.
- [24:13] – Podcast as the “college” of entrepreneurship.
- [26:10] – Encouragement from high-profile guests to leave corporate life.
- [26:41] – Importance of asking good questions and bringing value.
- [30:24] – Full breakdown of the BLAZE Method.
- [31:04] – Book design: short, ADHD-friendly, with note spaces.
- [33:28] – Invitation: Listeners can message “Blaze” for a free book.
Rapid Fire: “Quick Five” (34:27)
- Hype up song: “Blimp” by Schema Boy (34:32)
- Favorite recharge spot: Florida Gulf Coast beaches (34:43)
- Dream meal: Filipino lumpia and chicken adobo (34:54)
- Biggest lesson from failure: “That it is a gift.” (35:08)
- Funny moment: Many message an AI bot thinking it’s the real Jordan Mendoza. (35:29)
Closing Reflections
Mick Hunt and Jordan Mendoza close with mutual gratitude and a call to action for listeners: seek your “because,” embrace adversity as a gift, and don’t be afraid to start small or imperfect as you build your story and brand.
- “Remember, your because is your superpower. Go unleash it.” — Mick Hunt (36:25)
Connect with Jordan Mendoza
- Podcast: byotpod.com
- Book: The Life-Changing Power of Adversity – info and purchase at podcast website
- Social: Links available via podcast website
This summary captures the spirit, practical advice, and the vibrant energy of the discussion—perfect for anyone looking to turn adversity into an advantage in leadership and life.