Mick Unplugged: Episode Summary - "Will Craig: Transforms Fear Into Freedom"

Release Date: July 5, 2025

In this compelling episode of "Mick Unplugged", host Mick Hunt engages in an intimate and transformative conversation with Will Craig, a best-selling author, viral speaker, and passionate mental health advocate. The discussion delves deep into Will's personal struggles, his mission to alleviate mental health stigma, and the practical strategies he employs to maintain his resilience. Below is a detailed summary capturing the essence of their dialogue.

1. The Power of Connection

Mick begins the conversation by highlighting how social media platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram played pivotal roles in forging meaningful connections. He emphasizes the importance of reaching out with purpose and passion.

• Mick Hunt (02:03): "I want people to understand the power of social media. When done correctly, it can really introduce you to some amazing people."

Will Craig echoes this sentiment, stressing that the ability to connect—whether online or in person—is a crucial yet often overlooked skill.

• Will Craig (02:50): "Shoot your shot, reach out."

2. Understanding Will Craig's "Because"

Transitioning the conversation, Mick prompts Will to share his core driving force—the "Because" behind his mission. Will opens up about his battles with depression, the unexpected loss of a loved one, and enduring six brain surgeries due to hydrocephalus.

• Will Craig (04:39): "I want others to feel less alone in their struggle. When you're in the darkest parts of your life, the reality is you're not alone."

Will's mission is clear: to use his experiences to inspire and support others facing similar challenges, transforming personal pain into collective empowerment.

3. Will's Personal Journey: Overcoming Adversity

Mick delves deeper into Will's past, seeking to understand the person he was versus who he has become today. Will recounts his early diagnosis of hydrocephalus at two months old and the subsequent surgeries that have shaped his life.

• Will Craig (07:04): "He was a scared kid at its core... I had to be exceptional in order to be worth anyone's time."

Will shares the profound impact of his medical condition, including a harrowing experience where his shunt malfunctioned, leaving him with only eight hours to find medical help.

• Will Craig (08:20): "Living with that kind of ticking time... Having a team in place is so important."

This segment underscores the resilience required to navigate such life-threatening challenges and the importance of preparedness and supportive relationships.

4. The Sunday Reset Journal

Will introduces his latest project—the Sunday Reset Journal, designed to aid individuals in their inner healing journey. Inspired by his own therapeutic writing exercises, the journal offers structured prompts across four sections: Grief, Healing, Self-Discovery, and Hope.

• Will Craig (23:55): "The journal is broken into four sections... write a letter to your future self who has made it through this season."

The journal serves as a tool for reflection, allowing users to process emotions, recognize patterns, and foster personal growth through guided writing and creative expression.

5. Legacy and Living Without Regrets

Discussion shifts to the concept of legacy. Will articulates his desire to leave behind a legacy of authenticity and courage, encouraging others to pursue their passions without fear of regret.

• Will Craig (26:47): "My goal for everyone would be to live life with zero regrets... Do you really want to look back on your life and wonder, what if I had gone for it?"

He emphasizes the unprecedented opportunities available today for creative expression and entrepreneurship, urging listeners to seize them boldly.

6. Mental Health Strategies: Pausing, Journaling, Breath Work

Will shares practical strategies that have been instrumental in his mental health journey:

• Pausing in Stressful Moments: Recognizing physiological signs of stress and taking deliberate moments to breathe and reset.

  • Will Craig (19:51): "Take five seconds, take a step back. Breathe in, breathe out."

• Journaling: Daily writing to process thoughts and emotions, and to identify recurring patterns that may need attention.

  • Will Craig (22:15): "Journaling... helps you spot trends and be mindful of your mental state."

• Breath Work: Utilizing breathing techniques to manage anxiety and maintain focus.

  • Will Craig (22:32): "Dive into breath work to align your body and mind."

These strategies collectively form a robust toolbox for maintaining mental resilience and fostering personal well-being.

7. Hot Five Segment

In a lighter segment, Mick engages Will in a rapid-fire "Hot Five" to reveal personal preferences and insights:

1. Favorite College Basketball Program:

   • Will Craig: "Purdue Boilermakers are my team... but North Carolina blue was my room color."

2. Favorite Comfort Food:

   • Will Craig: "Fried chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans."

3. Mood-Boosting Song:

   • Will Craig: "'Inception' by Logic of All Things—it's empowering and energizing."

4. Favorite Way to Unplug on a Weekend:

   • Will Craig: "Getting lost in the moment with friends, putting my phone away, and being present."

5. Biggest Lesson Learned This Year:

   • Will Craig: "To forgive myself and actually mean it."

This segment offers a glimpse into Will's personality, highlighting his values and the simple joys that balance his intense mission.

8. Closing Thoughts and Final Advice

As the episode concludes, Mick and Will underscore the importance of consistent support and connection. Will advises listeners to reach out to others, even with small gestures, to foster meaningful relationships.

• Will Craig (34:44): "Just that little bit of connection can make someone realize that you're still there."

Mick reinforces the episode's core message, encouraging listeners to unlock their "Because" as their superpower to drive purposeful action.

• Mick Hunt (35:31): "Your 'Because' is your superpower. Go unleash it."

Notable Quotes

1. Will Craig (04:39): "I want others to feel less alone in their struggle."

2. Will Craig (07:04): "He was a scared kid at its core... I had to be exceptional in order to be worth anyone's time."

3. Will Craig (19:18): "Take five seconds, take a step back. Breathe in, breathe out."

4. Will Craig (26:47): "Do you really want to look back on your life and wonder, what if I had gone for it?"

5. Will Craig (34:44): "Just that little bit of connection can make someone realize that you're still there."

Conclusion

This episode of "Mick Unplugged" serves as an inspiring testament to Will Craig's journey from adversity to advocacy. His heartfelt narrative and practical advice offer listeners a roadmap to transform their fears into freedoms. By sharing his vulnerabilities and strategies, Will empowers others to embrace their own struggles and emerge stronger, reinforcing the podcast's mission to cultivate modern leadership rooted in authenticity and purpose.

Stay Connected with Will Craig:

• Podcast: Sunday Reset with Will and Friends available on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts.
• Journal: Sunday Reset Journal: Writing Prompts for Your Inner Healing available on Amazon starting July 1st.
• Social Media: Follow Mental Health with Will across all major platforms.

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