Transcript

Beyond Comfort Zone: Personal Growth and Brand Authority with Ty Schmidt

From Mick Unplugged Podcast · Episode page · Watch on YouTube

· 36 min · 6,530 words · 80 timestamped sections

This is the full, timestamped transcript of "Beyond Comfort Zone: Personal Growth and Brand Authority with Ty Schmidt", an episode of Mick Unplugged Podcast published February 20, 2026 (36 min, about 6,530 words). It mentions 19 people, works and ideas, including Social Media, Branding, Mick Hunt, Jacqueline 'Gisela' Schmidt, Little Big Media.

What this episode is about

Ty Schmidt shares practical strategies for enhancing leadership branding and storytelling on social media, drawing from her background in journalism to explain how authentic personal narratives build brand authority and audience trust. The discussion also covers overcoming personal challenges, the importance of consistent branding, and actionable tips to elevate visibility and influence online.

Key takeaways

  • Branding is storytelling, not slogans; consistency across platforms is the plot arc that keeps audiences invested.
  • Behind-the-brand payoffs: personal vulnerability fuels trust; audiences invest in your journey, not just your cadence.
  • Unique micro-differences matter: tailor narrative shards per channel, yet keep core values loudly intact.
  • The 'because' is the compass: purpose evolves, but its human core—helping people—binds every brand move.
  • Journalism to branding isn't a detour; it’s a masterclass in credibility, context, and compelling reveal.

Who speaks in this episode?

What is discussed, and when

  1. – 5:00: Storytelling, Branding, Social Media, Jacqueline 'Gisela' Schmidt
  2. – 10:00: Psychology, roller coasters, COVID-19, Matthew 5:16
  3. – 15:00: Little Big Media, Branding, Psychology, Social Media
  4. – 20:00: Social Media
  5. – 25:00: Mick Hunt, Social Media, Little Big Media, Maha Abu Elanine
  6. – 30:00: Branding, Jacqueline 'Gisela' Schmidt, roller coasters, Maha Abu Elanine
  7. – 35:00: Little Big Media, roller coasters, Dorothy Bailey, Papa Doc
  8. – 36:04: Mick Hunt

Notable quotes from "Beyond Comfort Zone: Personal Growth and Brand Authority with Ty Schmidt"

  • Know, Tai overcoming some things in her life and moving forward with a lot of things in her life. We talk about her love for roller coasters that started as a fear. but she's…
    about roller coasters · at
  • Like I've been I've been implementing a lot of the things that you talk about just in my overall strategy of brand and brand development and visibility.
    about Branding · at
  • Not giving them something a little different in each of the places? So storytelling is at the soul of branding to me and that's that's really how you know it goes way back with the journalism you know the journalism interest.
    about Jacqueline 'Gisela' Schmidt · at
  • Part of my why is my voice. And the second part comes into play where you know things got rough during COVID again and I made bad decisions again and I landed myself in the…
    about COVID-19 · at
  • So when did little big media like when did that become a thought process as you're going from all the things that you've overcome personally from your father from your.
    about Little Big Media · at
  • With the branding specifically. So what I want to do is I want to help people businesses and companies tell their story through social media. And one of the ways, one of the…
    about Social Media · at
  • Matters. Your reputation matters honestly. I that's another I don't know if you can tell, but Maha Abuan's seven rules of self-reliance has become a bit of my, cultural bible of sorts. And, that's another one of her things is that your.
    about Maha Abu Elanine · at
  • You got it. And to all the viewers and listeners, remember your because is your superpower. Go unleash it. You've been plugged into Mick Unplugged. Don't just listen, take action. Rate and subscribe.
    about Mick Hunt · at

Who and what is mentioned in this episode?

People

  • Mick Hunt — Person · Host · 4 mentions · first at
    He hosts 'Mick Unplugged,' interviews Ty Schmidt, and steers the discussion toward actionable branding/visibility guidance and Ty’s personal 'because' story.
  • Jacqueline 'Gisela' Schmidt — Person · Main guest · 3 mentions · first at
    She shares her personal story (journalism, recovery, motherhood) and connects it to her approach to branding as storytelling, offering practical social media and leadership-brand advice.
  • Maha Abu Elanine — Person · Referenced expert · 2 mentions · first at
    Referenced for principles like 'Don’t be a waiter' and the idea that reputation is currency, reinforcing urgency and credibility in branding.
  • Dorothy Bailey — Person · Referenced guest (on Ty Schmidt's podcast) · 1 mention · first at
    Ty cites him as a notable early guest on her new podcast, describing him as 'Target Santa' from Target’s advertising campaign.
    I've been so honored by the guests that I've had so far. I have had a guy named Brent Bailey who was Target Santa and the advertising campaign that Target did the last couple years.
  • Papa Doc — Person · Referenced guest (on Ty Schmidt's podcast) · 1 mention · first at
    Ty mentions interviewing Coach Doc connected to the Supernatural fitness app, which she credits with helping save her life.
    I had an actor named DJ Piper and I also had a dear friend named Coach Doc from and the super supernatural app that is the fitness workout app that honestly saved my life. So those are the main places. But stand by,.
  • Roddy Piper — Person · Referenced guest (on Ty Schmidt's podcast) · 1 mention · first at
    Mentioned as an actor Ty interviewed, indicating the type of storytelling-focused guests she features.
    I had an actor named DJ Piper and I also had a dear friend named Coach Doc from and the super supernatural app that is the fitness workout app that honestly saved my life. So those are.

Companies & orgs

  • Little Big Media — Company · Core topic (guest's company) · 7 mentions · first at
    Ty Schmidt explains why she founded it, how it evolved from journalism into branding/social media work, and what services/frameworks it provides (e.g., HSA: Hook-Story-Action).
  • Wisconsin Newspaper Association — Organization · Referenced organization (award-granting body) · 1 mention · first at
    Ty mentions receiving an investigative journalism award from this association, marking a career milestone immediately preceding the launch of Little Big Media.
    It's named after. And I started it in an era right the day after I accepted an award from the Wisconsin I messed this up, but the Wisconsin Newspaper Association g I won an…
  • Target — Company · Referenced company (campaign context) · 1 mention · first at
    Appears as the brand behind the advertising campaign in which Brent Bailey played 'Target Santa,' illustrating brand storytelling/marketing examples.
    I've been so honored by the guests that I've had so far. I have had a guy named Brent Bailey who was Target Santa and the advertising campaign that Target did the last couple years.

Concepts & topics

  • Social Media — Concept · Core topic · 8 mentions · first at
    They discuss how to use social platforms to build visibility and trust, including content structure (hook/story/action), authenticity, and serving before selling—especially in an AI-saturated era.
  • Branding — Concept · Core topic · 7 mentions · first at
    The episode centers on how individuals (especially leaders and authors) build a brand through service, authenticity, and clear messaging structures.
  • Storytelling — Concept · Core topic · 5 mentions · first at
    Ty frames branding primarily as storytelling, rooted in her journalism background and used as the mechanism for connection and effective social media content.
    Not giving them something a little different in each of the places? So storytelling is at the soul of branding to me and that's that's really how you know it goes way back with the journalism you know the journalism interest.
  • Psychology — Concept · Supporting topic (foundation for marketing/branding) · 4 mentions · first at
    Ty links psychology to marketing and branding, and her personal academic path (clinical psychology) informs her empathy-driven approach to audience connection.
    Want to like unpack and kind of start to parallel is psychology, right, doesn't equal brand development, brand building.
  • roller coasters — Concept · Personal metaphor / supporting topic · 5 mentions · first at
    Ty uses roller coasters as a lived metaphor for fear vs. excitement and growth outside comfort zones, tying it back to mindset and leadership development.
  • Matthew 5:16 — Concept · Values anchor (faith reference) · 1 mention · first at
    Ty uses this Bible verse to express her purpose: to be a light and serve others, framing her 'because' and impact goals.
    They are while they're building who they're becoming. I want to listen. I want to serve and I want to be Matthew 5:16. I want to be the light. And that is my full circle because simply amazing.
  • Artificial Intelligence — Concept · Contextual trend · 1 mention
    AI is mentioned as contributing to a chaotic content environment, increasing the value of authenticity and humanity in branding.

Places & events

  • COVID-19 — Event · Life event context · 1 mention · first at
    Ty references COVID-19 as a period when things worsened and she made harmful decisions that led to a severe health crisis and ICU stay.
  • SeaWorld — Place · Referenced location (roller coaster setting) · 1 mention · first at
    Ty identifies SeaWorld as the place where her favorite coaster ('Mako') is located, used in a story about fear and mindset.
    My most favorite is Mo. And there is a story. I don't know if we have time for me to tell it, but Mo is at SeaWorld.

Media & podcasts

  • Gumbo Teen Magazine — Media · Background reference (career origin) · 1 mention · first at
    Ty cites her reporting work there as an early foundation for her storytelling skills and her branding philosophy.
    And I was a reporter for a national teen magazine written for teens by teens in Milwaukee, Wisconsin called Gumbo Teen Magazine back in the early 2000s. It was such a fun…

Full transcript with timestamps

Hey everybody. Really excited to bring you this episode with my good friend Ty Schmidt. Ty and I actually met on Instagram. Like she reached out to me, hit me up, and she is one of the best brand experts in the business. So if your social media is struggling, if your storytelling is struggling, this episode is for you. But we start out really personal. We talk about, you know, Tai overcoming some things in her life and moving forward with a lot of things in her life. We talk about her love for roller coasters that started as a fear. but she's going to give you a lot of really cool tips to enhance your leadership brand. Why you should be focused on your brand in general. Ladies and gentlemen, I present my really good friend Tyman.

This is Mick Unplugged. Let us uncover the because that thing that drives you. That thing that fuels you. I'm ready if you are. Let's go. Hi. How you doing today, dear?

You know what? I am so grateful to be here. Thank you for that kind intro. I'm the honored one. I'm the honor one. You know, like like a lot of times on LinkedIn, I I don't accept every request. I don't even look at things you came across. I mean, this was months ago. And then I go look at your bio and then I'm listening to your content and watching your content. And I was like, "Oh, I need to learn from Tai." So Ty, like I've been I've been implementing a lot of the things that you talk about just in my overall strategy of brand and brand development and visibility.

Where did that come from? When did you know that that was who you were destined to be?

Wow, what a good question. Well, you know, I honestly it it goes back to storytelling. I was a reporter for the local newspaper and I was a reporter for a national teen magazine written for teens by teens in Milwaukee, Wisconsin called Gumbo Teen Magazine back in the early 2000s. It was such a fun experience and I got to meet and learn from some amazing humans who taught me so much through their stories and through the through the process and over time I realized how much we can all learn and grow from each other's stories. So, you know, the when I think about branding, I really think I think of it more as storytelling.

And, you know, I' I've tried to integrate that into my social media, which is why it's really

special to me that you recognize that because I actually purposely and intentionally leave different parts of my story in different places because what reason is there for people to follow you in all the places if you're not giving them something a little different in in each of the places? So storytelling is at the soul of branding to me and that's that's really how you know it it goes way back with the with the journalism you know the journalism interest.

Yeah. And I think what what initially drew me to you was one the storytelling, but just how after watching a few pieces of your content, like I felt like I knew Tai. And and by that meaning I genuinely knew you, right? Like like maybe not the person that you were I I don't mean this the wrong way, but the person you're trying to put out there in content because you know a lot of times, right? Like even myself, like sometimes it's like I don't want you to know everything about me, so I'm going to give you this, right? I felt like I genuinely knew who Tai was, what your core values were, what family means to you, and just all the things. And you were not necessarily trying to do that in your content, but that's that's what drew me to you. And because I know more about you than probably I than most people that I follow on social media cuz I interact with you and all that jazz, I'd love for you to tell us what's your

because like what's that thing that's deeper than your why? Like and I'll tell you, she's going to answer it, but if you just go look at her Instagram, you're going to figure out, you're going to see her because she lives it and it's there every day. for us that are listening and watching. Tyler, what's your because?

Thank you for that question. It's a very honestly soulful and layered question for me. So, I I ask for your patience as I've I've given it some thought as a fan of yours. I I had a feeling that I would I would be working through this because you are the king of purpose and understanding and getting to know your purpose. So, thank you for the opportunity

to answer a bit lengthy. So when I think about my because it's kind of something that's evolved over time and the common thread is people and helping helping people. So my because started with wanting to help my dad. He had bipolar disorder and I went to school to be a counselor so that I could help people like him because my doc his doctors didn't end up helping him and he ultimately went to heaven early in 2009 by his choice in in a choice that my mom and my sister and I have were left to figure out the why. And when that happened, I was actually studying to get my master's degree in clinical psychology to do the thing to help the people.

And I told more than one person that, you know, when that happened, I said, I just I'm not. There's no way. There's no way I'm going to finish this degree. There's no way I can actually help people.

This is too hard. Yeah. And when you are as optimistic and bright and happy and sunny as I am just naturally, it was very hard to feel so dark and so down and so depressed. And working through that, I didn't I didn't cope well. I turned to alcohol and it nearly killed me. And I gave up alcohol when I became a mom. And that's the first layer of my my because or my why because my boys have I always wanted to be a girl mom and God God had other plans. So he gave me these two boys who are ruckus and loud and obnox like they're they're they're crazy and I love every every bit of being their mom. But they've taught me so much and and the biggest and most important thing that they've taught me is how important it is to really go just go outside your comfort zone

because growth happens outside your comfort zone. And one of the ways that they've taught me that is through roller coasters. We we I was not a roller coaster person and somehow I found myself on roller coasters. I was uh ridden 50 roller coasters in two years

and I've learned a lot. That's like the whole sidebar of its own. But the first part of my why is my voice. And the second part comes into play where you know things got rough during COVID again and I made bad decisions again and I landed myself in the transplant ICU for 16 days at the age of 35 years old. I was told that I would need a liver transplant and that I was probably I probably had cerosis.

Wow. That was hard. That was um you talk about a wakeup call. That was a wake-up call and also very much the second part of my why or my because I am very grateful and I get kind of emotional talking about it but I'm very grateful and happy to report that after a lot of hard work a lot of God's work a lot of inner work and all of that I now have a healthy normal liver and my doctors call me a miracle and they call me that you know I see that as a calling I see that as like a purpose. I see that as a how God has given me this second chance and I am here to do something with it. I want to empower people to build their unreal life from the ground up using tools like music, mindset and movement to build their unreal life from the ground up so that they can remember who they are while they're building who they're becoming. I want to listen. I want to serve and I want to be Matthew 5:16. I want to be the light. And that

that that is my full full circle because simply amazing. Simply amazing. And and there's so much of just that and that story that I want to unpack and unplug a little bit. So, you know, talking about you going to college and majoring in something specifically to help your father. What was not to not to go into the deep memory bank, but but talk to us about, you know, what that's like as a child to to see a void um and then to want to go help, you know, complete that void or solve that void. like talk to us through that decision process and what that was like for you growing up.

Well, my childhood was a lot of fun. We had a lot of really good times, but we lacked stability. And you know that that remains something that I continue to work on because the lack of stability led to a lot of just kind of chaos and the inability to find your footing and you know just kind of uncertainty knowing because you know when you have bipolar it's really really really good or it's really really really bad. And we had a lot of both. And you know, figuring out that I truly and sincerely wanted to help people like my dad, you know, it it was it wasn't even like I thought about it that much. It just felt again almost like a calling.

like I just felt like, you know, this empathy for him, but also for everybody that has something heavy or has something that they're carrying behind the scenes because breaking news, everybody does, right? Like everybody and every family and every single situation that you you come across, you know, I think I saw J. Shetty had a clip on his social the other day with some people like walking in the road

and you know the little the words above them like got laid off today, got in a car crash, going to visit their grandma in the hospital, you know like you never really know what a person is going through. So you know figuring out that I wanted to bring some level of stability and clarity for the people that are struggling. It just seemed obvious like it seemed like well this is what I'm supposed to do. Um, but then I I recognized the fact that I am also very very empathetic. And my concern with deciding to do counseling and and be a therapist right away after everything that happened with my dad was that I did I knew I couldn't leave it at the office. I knew I would take it home with me. And that that's something that I, you know, actively decided then to not pursue. Even though now, you know, a few years later, I'm thinking, well, gee, maybe I should go back to school. Maybe I should get that 3,000 hours of, you

know, supervised service to people because, you know, just it feels it feels like it might be right. But I think I think that answered your question. I'm not I'm not sure.

No, no, no. It totally did. It totally did. And so then the next part that I want to like unpack and kind of start to parallel is psychology, right, doesn't equal brand development, brand building. So when did little big media like when did that become a thought process um as you're going from all the things that you've overcome personally from your father from your personal all the great things that you've done when did little big media when did that become like a focal point?

Well I would argue that psychology plays much more a role in branding than we think and

let's argue I'm good with that. I'm I think I think it does. I think that psychology and branding go hand in hand because you think about branding as a as a as one of your tools in your tool belt for marketing and marketing is very heavily based in psychology. So I decided to do and to pursue little big media as a relatively intentional career pivot. So I love I I loved my job as a newspaper reporter. I loved my job at the magazine and I recognized very early on that just as papers like newspapers get smaller and thinner, it means there's less people working there. So

yeah, I decided to pivot. How can I tell story? How can I continue to offer a platform and and be a storyteller in this emerging world? And that happened through Little Big Media. So, I started Little Big and it's it's named after my my little and my big my my sons. That's what it's that's what it's named after. And I started it in

an era right the the day after I accepted an award from the Wisconsin I messed this up, but the Wisconsin Newspaper Association g uh I won an award for some investigative journalism that I did. That next day, I started Little Big Media as a way to be a stay-at-home mom and also continue to tell people's stories through branding, through content, through marketing and social media. And I did a lot of different things. I've done so many I'm trying not to like laugh in my microphone too much because or breathe too heavy because it's I'm learning how to use this microphone. But I I got to do so many. I mean, I wrote I wrote pieces for like $3 from Upwork.

Like, I I I did a lot of random work that I learned something from. Every single thing I learned something from. And that's I'm I'm very grateful for for every little opportunity that I had along the way. But that's kind of how it happened. I I I evolved with time and I made that intentional choice that, you know, I had this very expensive degree, which I'll be paying off until after I'm dead, and I wanted to be a mom. So, I was like, how can I be a mom and continue to tell stories? And that's that's where Little Big was born.

Amazing. Amazing. And so, for those that are watching or listening, let's talk about the things that Little Big does. Like, so what are some of the services that you provide that you do?

Thank you for that. My goodness, I'm so grateful for the for the open door and I will I will run through it.

Let's go. So little big is a you know a conduit for for storytelling with the with the branding specifically. So what I want to do is I want to help people businesses and companies tell their story through social media. And one of the ways, you know, one of the I'll just give you an example of like a like a format and a structure and and this is this is just added value for your listeners who, you know, particularly like non-fiction authors, right? Like I love helping non-fiction authors because they've written something that they're very proud of as they should be. And a lot of times just because you're an author doesn't mean you know how to do any amount of social media marketing.

So, something that I find to be very helpful for clients is a framework that I've I've started to call HSA. So, it's hook and then it's story and then it's action. So, a lot of times I'll see an author, particularly in the non-fiction space, they'll they'll they'll put their video out there, which is oftentimes really hard because they're used to they're used to kind of working in a silo of writing in an office and then they have to like do this thing with the camera. Why? you know, so they they tell it and and I and I hear it and I hear it backwards. Like I have a good friend who finally posted her very first video

on [snorts] her book last week and I was so excited cuz I've been coaching her. I've been talking with her. I'm like, "Let's get this out there. Let's get your story out there." So, she finally posts her video and I listened to it and she buried the lead. Like, she buried the hook. The hook was like three4s into it and I just said, "Friend, you did so good." And you need to put that little nugget that you you saved for a minute or you know for 45 seconds in. You need to put that at the beginning. That's the hook, right? That's the pain. That's what people will stop the scroll for.

You need to put that at the beginning. Then you tell the story and then you give the call to action. and she just watching her face, she said, "Oh my gosh, of course that makes sense, but we don't we don't, you know, authors don't necessarily think of things that way." So it's it's an [clears throat] what Little Big is is for is helping to provide the clarity and then the strategy so that PE so that these authors who are very gifted particularly in you know so many ways to just shuffle things around a little bit and have more impact ultimately.

So, we're friends, Ty. We're friends. So, we're gonna have a friend. So, everybody that's watching and listening, you know, over a million downloads and streams a month, million people are about to hear this. We're friends. I'm mad at you. I needed help. I needed help. Like, I need help. Where was my help, Ty? Um, just because Yes, I did out of the gate go USA Today bestseller. I I did,

but I didn't do anything social media with the book. And my best friend over here

didn't give me wisdom, a nugget. Okay, I'm joking everybody. Like, she she did offer. I'm just saying. But but you didn't you didn't give me a proposal. You were just like, "Hey, here you go." So,

you know what? So, now my question to you is, Ty, am I not good enough for you to work with? Is that really what it is? Like, I'm just not good enough. You know, I'm not going to lie, Mick. I too get imposttor syndrome and I too feel sometimes uncomfortable, which is here we go with the growth and the uncomfort, but I feel uncomfortable throwing myself out there sometimes. Um, but I would be honored to help you in any way, which is why, as you know, and if if the if our friends want to go check it out, I mean, honestly, any of this is like Mick keeps saying, any of it is do is documented on the internet. like I have all the things that you can go and follow any of these any of these loops and any of these threads that we're talking through. And one of the things that I that I do actively on social is, you know, maybe I wasn't comfortable asking, hey, I want to help you. And I and I still do. We we

can talk about that later. But the the bigger and kind of maybe more important thing is I do find ways to support and elevate and lift people who I see that are doing amazing work. So, I actually have, you know, a little bit of a reputation of being a fan girl. And, you know, I I've had some leaders in my life tell me that that's not not a good thing. Like, you got to stop. That's embarrassing. And I've decided to embrace it as a superpower because I think being a fan girl of the people and the and the places and the things and the music and all of the things that bring you joy and happiness and and and inspire you, it's almost like your job.

like you need to share that because they're they're you know these people are these artists these you know storytellers these people are not you know necessarily they don't know how to always do it. So I I I it's I feel it's part of my job to say, "Hey, I love this song. You guys need this song in your life or you need this book in your life and to bring things back full circle for us." That is what I did do even though I didn't reach out about helping with your social, which I would love to still do. I did, you know, go out of my way to make sure that everybody that follows Tai Schmidt knows that they needed Mick Hunt in their life and they needed Mick Hunt's book in their life. So,

I mean, that was a very long- winded way of saying, "Yeah, Mick, you just were not good enough for my services." Like, you can just say that. So, I like I

I don't have an ego. It's okay. It's okay. Sorry. I hired somebody yesterday, though. So So, I'm good now. Moving forward.

Sad. I missed my chance. See that? See, guys, that's why you can't wait. Don't be a waiter. Maha Abu Elanine. That's like one of her number one things. Don't be a waiter. Get it done. Do it now.

Absolutely. Absolutely. Um, so I want to shift gears, but not shift gears. I want to talk more about Little Big Media, but more about your perspective of what do you see people doing wrong that they can improve on? So, let's just say Tai has a big clientele and she can't really bring on new clients, especially me. Like, she couldn't even bring me on. So, whatever. But you can give tips and wisdom right now for the person that's watching this listing that's like, "All right, Ty, I get it. I'm probably doing something wrong. One, what's the big thing that you see most people doing wrong? And then two, what's the fix for that?

You're making it too much about you. A lot of people make it too much about them and their pain and their story. And I think we all have the gift of connection to so many people. And like we've talked about, everybody's got something going on. So when I think of my content, I think about what people will gain or h the value that I'm bringing to the table for other people. And then I work into my story, you know, like and and and carefully. And I try I try to use highest value, fewest words, but it doesn't always work out that way because I've always been a wordy human. And you know, I just think that if you come from a place of abundance and gratitude in every part of life, not just in this, but if you come from a place of service and of honestly trying to fix a problem that somebody doesn't necessarily even know they have, that's the best way to truly serve and the business will follow. And because

you're you're leading with heart and you're and then and that that is value that people especially with like our era of AI and things kind of feeling very chaotic and out of control with content right now. Yeah.

The thing that really resonates and really brings people in is that authenticity and it's that humanity part of it.

So the the the thing the biggest thing I would say is serve. [clears throat] You serve serve serve serve

and then you sell, right? Like you you but it has to be like that and it has to come from an authentic and genuine place.

Yeah, totally agree. Totally agree with that. And you know when you talk about people making it about them, I see that all the time. Especially I mean I'm not even talking social media here. I'm talking when you look at professionals in their websites or you look at people that are consultants and I hate that term now, but you look at people that provide personal services, right? Like it's never about the problem you solve and the people that you've helped solve with. Like I'm a huge fan and I'm not just talking about authors here. I'm talking about entrepreneurs in general.

The way viewers and prospects and clients connect isn't necessarily about you. It's being able to see that, oh, they solved this problem that I have and someone else can validate that they've done it. I'd love to get your viewpoint on just that, the power of testimonials, the power of third-party validation to sell yourself or to sell your product or to sell your service because people don't want to hear from you how great you are or how great your product is. But someone else can say the exact same thing and it goes further because I can see myself or I see my pain or I see the solution I'm seeking into what someone else just said. I feel like I'm a little bit of a broken record saying this, but I think it really comes down to connection and feeling that sense of connection and community with whoever you're selling to. Um, you know, in terms of I have a website that needs some love. My website needs like TLC. It

needs updating. And simultaneously, I have been able to work with some of the most incredible thought leaders and authors and businesses and organizations. And I've done almost no marketing. I mean, aside from having that website, right? Like they it exists on the internet. And people, my people have found me because of that. Exactly what you said, because of they they trust it. It it it has to do with trust. And it they trust other people and what other people are saying about you matters. Your reputation matters honestly. You know, I that's another I don't know if you can tell, but Maha Abuan's seven rules of self-reliance has become a bit of my, you know, cultural bible of sorts. And, you know, that's another one of her things is that your reputation is your currency and people speaking about you matters more than you speaking about you for exactly that reason.

Amazing. [clears throat] Amazing. What are some things that business leaders can be doing right now to to show to build to develop their leadership brand and that visibility? Because I don't care these are the thoughts and beliefs of Mick and Mick only. But we're in a day and age now where not only is everyone a brand, everyone's a their own publicist, right? like like meaning you can say do promote however you want to and you have the power to do that but I don't think most people understand that especially when you talk about seuite leaders right you talk about folks that are running Fortune 500 1 1500 companies and they're like oh no my my company is the brand and I'm like no no I promise you externally and internally you are the brand and you are your publicist like talk to us about how folks can develop that or a strategy that they need to look out for.

Thank you. Well, people follow people, not companies, and it's increasingly that way in this in this climate we're in. So, knowing that it's so important and I think it's different for everybody. I have fortunately I have been blessed with opportunities to work with some seauite leaders who needed that exact help and co coaching them and working with them

taught me a lot too. But the the thing that I would say is I think the most important thing that they can do is just start and just be

themselves. And and a lot of them don't start. A lot of them just say well I'm I don't know where to start. So, I'm not going to do it. And, you know, you can get help, too. Like, asking for help is is a thing. And I think maybe maybe that's something that the seauite folks struggle a little bit with is is literally making the ask for help because it shows a level of vulnerability. And, you know, they have learning to do too. But there's there's a lot to be to gained from these leaders who may not have like the right words to say or don't know where to go. But the most important thing they can do is just start and not be afraid to mess it up and not be afraid to fail and not be afraid to really just be themselves because people will sniff out the not themselves real quick these days. So I think it's it's just so important and and who they are is a gift. You know, we all have struggle and we all have gifts

that need translating sometimes, but they they are no different than that. And they they absolutely have so much to offer. So, I think getting through and just honestly starting and and not being afraid to fail and ask for help is the most important thing.

No, agree. You've dropped so many amazing insights and tips, Tai. I I adore you so much. And before I get you out of here with my rapid fire top five, I know how to find and follow you, but where can everyone else find and follow Ty Schmidt?

Oh my gosh, Mick, I am so grateful for you. I am so so grateful because I I am really trying to build all the social right now. So [clears throat] my most I I have actually like 15 million views across all the different platforms and the majority of those came on Tik Tok. So I have been posting daily um very much of my dear diary behind the scenes very private but super public diary is on Tik Tok. So that's Ty Schmidy and then on Instagram I am Tyler T. Schmidt and there I share more of like the snapshots and I do try very hard on all the platforms honestly to share the good and the bad and the ups and the downs and that you know that speaks to the roller coaster stuff and all that but I've learned so much from riding so many roller coasters too by the way but um and then Facebook is you know mostly [snorts] very specific group oriented folks so but I'm also on Facebook and Substack I launched a

Substack called Quick Before You Forget, based on my very, very brand new podcast, which is also called Quick Before You Forget, and is aimed at bringing people on to honestly I I really truly want to listen. I want them I want it to be a showcase for their story and for the lessons that they've learned because I believe that we feel seen in other people's stories. So, um, my new podcast is a, you know, I'm working on the the first two episodes. I've been so honored by the guests that I've had so far. I have had

a guy named Brent Bailey who was Target Santa and the the advertising campaign that Target did the last couple years.

I had an actor named DJ Piper and I also had um a dear friend named Coach Doc from uh and the super supernatural app that is the fitness workout app that honestly saved my life. So uh those are the main places. But uh stand by, there's more coming.

There we go. There we go. One day I'll be bold enough and ask you if I could be on your podcast, but I'll wait till later. I'll get my courage up to ask you. Or, you know, we'll see. We'll see what happens.

Stop being a waiter, Mick. Let's do it now. Let's go. People can go from this podcast and then they can go listen to our podcast together.

Like they can just double do it like that. We first we listen to mix and then they'll hear this and then they'll go listen to us to ours. So, you're coming on next week.

All right. Let's do it. Let's do it. It's out there. It's out there. All right. Rapid fire. You ready? Five questions.

Let's go. I'm ready. Yes. The biggest success story that you've had with little big media was who? There's got to be a huge success story there.

Yes. So, the biggest success story I had was a um also a very big struggle, but that that's a whole other story. And this is not a rapid fire answer, so I will keep it brief. Yes.

And say the leadership development firm that I got to work with was the long-term relationship that lasted about five years. And that was that was by far the the biggest success story.

Okay. If you could collaborate with anyone right now, who would it be and why? Oh my gosh. Andrew McMahon in the wilderness. Andrew McMahon is my musical healer. I don't know how else to describe it, but I would I would want I He's going to come on my podcast, too. But he's amazing and any anything he does is magical. So

Love it. I love it. What's one tool that you cannot live without for little big media? Like one tool or app you got to have?

Is it too ethereal to say people? No. Because honestly that's the that's and and and I don't mean that in it sounds kind of negative but people have made that what it is. And I don't I am like actually really bad at technology. So, [snorts] when it comes to using tools and apps, I'm not great, but get me in front of people. I can rock that. I can rock any room. So, honestly, you know, leaning into relationships, maybe more is a better word, relationships as opposed to people, but leaning into relationships and networking. Networking is the the tool, honestly.

Love it. I love it. Love it. Love it. Love it. Speaking of roller coasters, you've been talking about that a little bit. What's your most favorite roller coaster now? My most favorite is Mo. And there is a story. I don't know if we have time for me to tell it, but Mo is at SeaWorld. So, we were waiting in the line. Um, and my son, my 12-year-old son was thinking we couldn't do it. And, uh, he really truly was so scared, and I was scared. And my old my younger son was like, "This is no big deal. It's a 300 foot drop. What are you guys so afraid of?"

And my we get on it and we start down this massive drop and my my son goes, "I'm dead. I'm dead. I'm dead. I'm dead. I'm dead." Wait, no. I'm alive. And then the whole way down all he said was he was alive. And it was just the coolest demonstration of fear and excitement being the same chemical in your brain and you getting the choice to pick which which one you're feeling.

Love that. Love that so much. Last question. When the story of Taiishmid Taiishmidy is almost finished, when that chapter when that book is almost I'm not talking about life. I'm talking about the story, right? What's one word you want to define you?

Impact. Love it. So, my best friend in the world, Robert Irvine, that's his word, too. Impact.

Love it. I love Robert Irvine. We, my husband and I, huge um Food Network people for years. Um, so, Restaurant Impossible was on a loop for us for a very long time. So big big fan of Robert Irvine, but not just the actor and you know like the the the personality and the cook and the chef, but he does so much good in this world. He's used his his his whole,

you know, empire to make good in the world. And that's honestly when I say impact, that's what I mean. I I want to I want to be like that.

We all do and we all should. I mean, Robert, again, not only my best friend, but my mentor and just what he does, you can't put words on. And the way that he makes humans feel and the way that he wants to change lives, not just not just give you something, but truly change lives is so unparallel. And he he is the greatest human that I know. And I don't mind saying that publicly. He knows that, too. So, and you do know if you want you can come see him in March with me because we're doing it. We're doing this event together in March. You know, you can come down.

I'd be honored. There you go. There you go. Good stuff, Ty. Appreciate you more than you know. Um, huge fan of you, the person. Keep doing the great work that you do. Appreciate you, dear.

Thank you. Much love to you. You got it. And to all the viewers and listeners, remember your because is your superpower. Go unleash it. You've been plugged into Mick Unplugged. Don't just listen, take action. Rate and subscribe. Follow me on social and get the full experience at mickhuntofficial.com. Keep building, keep leading, and most importantly, keep dominating.

Questions about this episode

Who speaks in "Beyond Comfort Zone: Personal Growth and Brand Authority with Ty Schmidt"?

Ty Schmidt (Guest), Mick Hunt (Host), Maha Abu El Ninane (Guest), Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness (Guest).

What is "Beyond Comfort Zone: Personal Growth and Brand Authority with Ty Schmidt" about?

Ty Schmidt shares practical strategies for enhancing leadership branding and storytelling on social media, drawing from her background in journalism to explain how authentic personal narratives build brand authority and audience trust. The discussion also covers overcoming personal challenges, the importance of consistent branding, and actionable tips to elevate visibility and influence online.

What is mentioned in this Mick Unplugged Podcast episode?

19 people, works and ideas are mentioned, including Social Media, Branding, Mick Hunt, Jacqueline 'Gisela' Schmidt, Little Big Media, Storytelling. Each one on this page links to its own page with every episode that mentions it.

How long is "Beyond Comfort Zone: Personal Growth and Brand Authority with Ty Schmidt"?

The episode runs 36 min; the transcript is about 6,530 words in 80 timestamped sections.

More from Mick Unplugged Podcast

About this transcript: the episode's spoken words as captioned on YouTube, split into timestamped sections. Reclip.Me locates every person, work and idea in the text, keeps the time it is first named, and quotes the words around it verbatim. Last updated October 29, 2026.