Comedy & Courage: Breaking Stigmas with Kym Whitley

[00:00] Get that Amex Gold card ready. I'm too tired to cook. We feeling five guys or the Cheesecake Factory? Both. Earn up to $120 a year in statement credits of participating partners. Up to $10 each month when you pay with the Amex Gold card. Learn more at americanexpress.com slash explore-gold. Enrollment required. Terms apply. [00:15] This is a paid message from GoFundMe. [00:17] Meet Juan Naula. When a son was hospitalized for a viral infection, Juan started a GoFundMe to pay for medical expenses. It was $5k to pay the bill for my son, and I needed only 22 hours. It was amazing. People really trust on GoFundMe. How did Juan raise $5,000 in less than a day? He posted a short video on GoFundMe, telling his story in 30 seconds. [00:41] 30 seconds, be specific, be quick, [00:45] and tell what are you going to be using the funds for. I was nervous to do it because it doesn't feel okay to ask money, but you shouldn't be nervous. Sometimes you just have to do it and see the results. [00:58] we were able to save my son's life. Thanks to GoFundMe that we still have my son with us. [01:04] Thank you. [01:05] Start your GoFundMe today at GoFundMe.com. That's GoFundMe.com. [01:11] This message reflects one person's experience. [01:16] You're listening to Mick Unplugged, hosted by the one and only Mick Hunt. This is where purpose meets power and stories spark transformation. Mick takes you beyond the motivation and into meaning, helping you discover your because and becoming unstoppable. I'm Rudy Rush, and trust me, you're in the right place. Let's get unplugged.

[01:42] Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to another exciting episode of Make Unplugged, and today, [01:47] I have a bucket list guest of bucket list guests. [01:51] We're talking about someone who is a force of nature, a brilliant comedic mind who has graced our screens and stages, bringing joy and insight. [02:01] to millions. She is known for her undeniable presence and groundbreaking career. Join me in welcoming. [02:08] The vivacious, the hilarious, the absolutely unforgettable, my queen. [02:13] Ms. Kim Whitley. Kim, how you doing today, dear? [02:16] I'm doing good. That was a great introduction. I will definitely send it to you because I meant every word of that. You are someone who not only has brought joy to millions of people, but you've also been a standard. [02:29] And what I love about Kim Whitley, every time I talk about you, is just that standard that you have for yourself. It's something I'm proud of for you. And just knowing that you are always who you are is so important to me. And I know that's important to you as well. Yes, absolutely. I appreciate that. When you say that and you think about this business now. [02:50] how quickly it goes. You know, it feels like I just started yesterday. So, [02:54] you know I just appreciate you having me on today and I love your background and I mean that just that whole little jealous I'm like oh my gosh I love the lighting that is so nice I've been on a lot of podcasts and I will say you might be you might be number one with the with the look and the lighting hey Kim don't make me come find you and give you a hug now I don't don't make me do

[03:23] I would get myself together. [03:26] So, Kim, I always ask my guests this one question first, and that question is, what is your because? I like to call it that thing that's deeper than your why. [03:36] your true purpose. And I know that it changes over time. So if I were to say now in 2026, [03:42] Kim Whitley, what is your because? What is your purpose? What is your mission? Now, when you say because and you're saying in life, just why am I here? Am I because? Because it is life. [03:53] What? [03:54] how do we say, the gift that was in me, that is in me. The because is because... [04:00] I can't do anything else. The because is because I was made to bring joy to me. [04:08] and laughter to this world. [04:10] from day one. I don't know [04:13] That would be my because. My mother said I came out laughing. Every time she looked at me, I was laughing. And I would say, that's my because. My because is because. [04:23] That is how I was made. [04:26] That is so, so beautiful. Like, I think that's the only way to say that, to respond to that, is that is just beautiful. And again, it goes to your soul. And I think anyone who's ever seen anything you've been a part of, whether it's a show, whether it's on stage, whether it's, you know, some of the shows that you've had, I think that's the definition of you is just beautiful. [04:47] I truly mean that. It's just you have this calming presence. I feel like obviously, you know, I don't know you personally, but I feel like when people are around you, they feel like they are important because you give them that focus, that joy. Has that always been like something that you've paid attention to about yourself? No, no, no. I didn't know this about me. In high school, I was a class clown.

[05:11] you know, and just a tomboy. And, you know, I didn't realize that until I got a little older. I knew that I was funny. [05:20] But there's a difference, like you said, I love the way you asked that question, because you don't understand that it's a gift to give. Not a gift for you to hold on, but to share with the world. And I didn't realize that until... [05:34] I saw that it brought change, that I would change someone's day, that I could change someone's life, that everyone is going through different things at different times. And by me just sharing a joke or [05:47] or laughter. I think when I really first discovered it's going to sound crazy, but I was in the unemployment line at the unemployment office and there was a woman and she told me this horrible, deep, dark story in the line. And, you know, [06:03] I loved on her and I was pretty young, but [06:06] I felt like the situation, I was like, I got to change this. I have to bring light to her. And I just remember being funny and cracking jokes with her and telling her, girl, that ain't nothing, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. And I saw it changed her and changed her day. [06:21] And I was like, this is what I'm supposed to be doing. [06:23] So I think that's definitely what happened. I love it. And that truly is you. That. [06:27] genuinely is you. You know, another thing when I talk to my family, my friends, and we talk about Ms. Kim Whitley, we talk about just how courageous you are, not just being authentic, but, you know, in your line of work, right? Like you have to live your life publicly a lot of times and maybe with a lot of

[06:48] stars. They don't talk about their parenthood. They don't talk about things that are going on personally in their lives, whether it's struggles or things that they're trying to accomplish or new goals that they set for themselves. You've been very courageous to live publicly, but also have a voice. And I want to start by just talking about motherhood and what that means to you, because you've inspired my sister to be a great mom because she's like, [07:12] What would Kim do in this situation? And so we always laugh about that. But talk to us just about motherhood and what that means to Kim Whitley. Oh, my gosh. That's a good question. Motherhood, let me tell you something. Motherhood means you got to grow up. That was like, this is not a game. I think motherhood made me go from, oh, I'm just having fun. I'm in Hollywood. But you have a human being that you are shaping yourself. [07:41] for the next generation. Every day, truck and bus drivers are out there keeping America moving and working to keep our roads safe. But large and heavy vehicles don't stop like cars. They need more time and a lot more space. When you cut in front of a truck or bus too closely, you take away the space the driver needs to stop safely. That space isn't extra. It's essential. So remember, don't cut it too close. Give trucks and buses room. Stay back. Stay safe. America's pros rely on you. [08:11] Paid for by FMCSA. This podcast is sponsored by Talkspace. Last year, I went through many different life changes. I needed to take a pause and examine how I was feeling in the inside to better show up for the ones who need me to be my best version of myself. When you're navigating life's changes, Talkspace can help. Talkspace is the number one rated online therapy, bringing you professional support from licensed therapists and psychiatry providers that you can access anytime, anywhere.

[08:41] life, navigating a long distance relationship, becoming a first stepfather, Talkspace made all of those journeys possible. I could speak with my therapist in the office. I could speak with my therapist in the comfort of my home. I was never alone. [08:54] Talkspace works with most major insurers, and most insured members have a $0 copay. No insurance, no problem. Now get $80 off your first month with promo code SPACE80 when you go to Talkspace.com. Match with a licensed therapist today at Talkspace.com. Save $80 with code SPACE80 at Talkspace.com. [09:14] Motherhood meant to me, you know, women, we complain about the men that we date. [09:24] to be the man that you would want to date. So all these things, but motherhood changed me for the better. [09:32] And I hope that I leave [09:34] lead by example, that it is not easy. It is not easy. You know, the days are long. [09:43] But the years are short. Yes, you look up. [09:46] And my son is, yeah, he's 15. And I'm like, oh my God, did I run out of time? Did I teach him everything he needs to do? Did I give him enough hugs? So if we just lead with every day, think about what you wanted as a child. I want more hugs. I want to be validated. Those are the things that make [10:04] Children thrive, the confidence we put in them. They feel like they can do anything. And so motherhood means like what my parents did to me.

[10:14] They were like, you could be anything. You can do it no matter what, no matter what size I was, no matter what nationality. They were saying you can do it. And I think that's what motherhood is, that even though it's hard, you got to love on these kids. Just love them, love them, and tell them they can do anything. Support them. [10:36] That's it. And so as busy as you are and as busy as you have been, right, not just today, but I'm talking, you know, the last several years of your career. How have you been able to balance motherhood with all the other commitments that you have, like with comedy shows and filming and everything? [11:06] your child with you too, right? Like how do you balance all of that? [11:09] It is a balance. And I'm not saying I'm great at it, but I think as parents, we have to stop. And what my people know is that my son comes first. Everything, a lot of mothers do this, but everything happens. [11:22] decision-making, my son has to be a part of it. Does he have spring break? Well, then I can't do that. Is he doing this? Does he have a basketball game? Someone told me yesterday, which I was like, [11:34] every night. So those are the things I was like, what? If the president of the United States can make it to dinner, then truly I can make some time for my son. And that they say that if you have like a weekly dinner with your kids or you have dinner with them every night, these are the children that they were scoring like high in the SAT scores, something crazy. But once again, that's what I said. I had to stop and was like, I have to, even though I'm like, I'm working,

[12:04] feed him. That's not what's important to a kid. So I try, it's not easy. I have a village and that means not that I got, oh, I can hire all these people. I, I, [12:13] Go to my friends. Hey, I need you to be the auntie. I need you to be the uncle. He's got godparents. I'm not going to make every game. I'm not going to. But he's so happy. [12:23] to have the people that are surrounding him in his life. So I say even if you're a busy parent, you've got to put people in their lives that can support them and that are there for them. Chicago, it's time to create your sunshine with Lily Pulitzer. From weekend brunches and sunset strolls along the lake to those much-anticipated getaways with family and friends, Lily Pulitzer's fresh, vibrant styles are designed for finding joy, embracing new adventures, [12:53] people. Rooted in beloved prints from Lily's Vintage Vault, our latest collection is filled with new arrivals for all the sun-soaked moments ahead. You'll find breezy everyday favorites, celebratory styles for milestone moments, splashy swim for days beside the pool, or vacations to the coast, active wear for hitting the tennis court or golf course, and even coordinating looks for little ones. Visit us in-store at Naperville and Plaza Del Lago in Wilmette. You can try on [13:23] Or shop with one of our personal stylists to make finding your new favorite look even easier. So much sunshine is waiting at your local store. Shop in-store or anytime at lilypulitzer.com. I think something that makes me well-studied to be a nurse is my empathy. Growing up with a big family, I think I've always kind of been a caregiver. When you care give, you get to know the family and the patient and you get really close. And Rasmussen University, they did a very, very good job of giving us the resources that we need.

[13:53] Being able to apply the knowledge that I've retained to my daily life has been so amazing. Learn more at rasmussen.edu. [14:04] I fail sometimes, but I try to make him make sure if I'm on the phone, Oprah told me that, honey. She's like, if you're on the phone or whatever she's in, your child comes in the room. She's like, stop. [14:15] I said, okay, I'm listening. [14:17] Yeah. Yeah. [14:18] I believe that. And I've heard you say that, not the Oprah part, but just how being present matters. And that was something for me that I had to realize as my children got older, being present matters. [14:31] Because the worst thing you can do, especially now... [14:35] You know, you can't let social media... [14:37] for social media topics, raise your children. It's going to try. But if you're not present, it's almost the worst neglect that you can give a child. So I applaud you for being present. I also heard, you know, you talked about Obama making sure he was there for dinner every night. I thought you were going to tell the world about your private jet and how you make it home to your son every night for dinner. I thought that's where you were going. Baby, I wish I could, honey. I wish I said, yeah, I am on that private jet and I make it home. No, I make it home and I try to schedule things. [15:07] things around it. But like I said, you're not perfect, but it will come back. One thing we have to remember. [15:14] It's time. You cannot get time back. You can't wait until they're 20-something years old and say, you know, I just wanted more time. You're like, oh, well, let me turn the clock back and go back to when you were 15 and give you that time. So sometimes you just got to stop and say it.

[15:30] Let me do this now. Amen to that. [15:33] that, you know, [15:34] Kim, you've also been... [15:36] You've been public. You've been... [15:38] a voice of positive for all of us, and I'm including myself in this, that [15:44] have struggled or gone through weight changes, right? Like I don't even want to say anything on the negative side because it's just weight changes that we go through. [15:53] And you've been... [15:55] a voice you've been... [15:57] a partner that we've all needed because you're talking about it where a lot of us aren't. [16:04] Talk to us a little bit about your partnership with Lily and Zep Bound and all the things that you're doing to be this beautiful queen that you are over there. Thank you so much. And you know what? I am. [16:17] Absolutely excited about my paid partnership with ZepBound and Lily because it was the tool that I needed. And you're right. I am a person who's passionate about it. Do you know, Mick, I didn't realize that obesity is a disease? [16:34] Did you know that? I did. I didn't realize it's a chronic disease, just like any other disease, until I went to my doctor. And for some reason, I know people will be like, no, once I found out that. [16:46] obesity is a disease and that there was a medication, ZepBound, that was a tool that can help me with it. [16:54] You know, I really said, okay, I am excited that they found me and I found them and my doctor directed me to this. And, you know, when you become a partnership with people, you want to share it. I want

[17:08] um, uh, [17:09] I mean, any kind of disease, but, you know, especially friends and people that I meet that are struggling with obesity. And I've struggled with obesity my entire adult life. So to find a tool, you know, to help me through this weight loss journey has definitely been incredible. And I want to live out loud. I want if I why would I, you know, sit back and hide that? I want to live out loud. And, you know, so people can go talk to their doctors and find out about it. [17:38] Could you imagine holding this? I got a tool. [17:41] That'll help you with obesity, but, you know, I'm not going to share it with the world. Right. [17:46] Right. And I love that you call it a tool because a lot of folks think that, [17:52] you know, whether it's Zeldon or whatever, that [17:54] They're like a magic bullet. [17:56] Right. There's still things you need to do. Like you've got to be active. And I don't mean like physically active. Yes, you do. But like you've got to be proactive with diet. You've got to be proactive with exercise. Like you you still have to make. [18:08] those mental changes because you, [18:10] It's not easy and it's not, well, let me do this and all of a sudden I'm 30 pounds lighter or 50 pounds lighter. Like life doesn't work that way. I'd love for you to educate us on some of the things that you're doing as it relates to diet and exercise as well. That bound with a healthy diet and exercise, you know, is part of my weight loss journey. And I think about, you know, you know, when you think about you've been going through this, you know, I've used other products.

[18:40] I had a group of friends. We got together. We do that, you know, hey, let's all lose weight. We got to do this and that. But when I talk about the tool, the ZepFound, first of all, let me encourage everybody. I am not a medical professional, but I encourage everyone to talk to their doctor. We sometimes... [18:57] We're afraid to ask questions. And when I say I have to educate people, I want people to go to ZetBoundLily.com or go to your doctor. Well, no, both. I think you've got to go to both. But I would start at ZetBoundLily.com just to read up on it and ask questions. We'll go into our doctor's office and we just might say, we won't even say, I don't think we say anything. We'll get on the scale or the doctor will say, you know, you have obesity. And we feel some kind of shame. There is no shame. You know, that's what we got. We got to ruin. We got to take away this stigma. [19:27] that it is just like any other disease. So the first thing is to ask questions and tell your doctor how you're feeling. That's why I want to be, like when you say a best friend to everyone, I want to really encourage people to sit down with their doctor and say, look, this is how I'm [19:47] And can you help me out? And you could even say, hey, I heard about ZepBow, you know, point me, point me, you know, in the right direction. [19:55] That, when we say a tool, you think about, we use tools for all kinds of things. You know, I've been stuck. You know, if you felt stuck and you're like, I don't know what to do. And that has been [20:07] For me and even my friends that you don't know what to do and you've done this your whole adult life. I say, go over, talk to your doctor. And then, hey, here's this tool. For me, it got me unstuck. If that makes sense, Mick. I'm...

[20:24] It is definitely... [20:25] It totally makes sense. And I think that's an... [20:28] an encouraging word because, you know, there's somebody that's watching or listening to this right now that feels stuck and they also feel some shame, right? It's like, I don't know, like, should I try this? I hear what Kim's saying, but, you know, I could do it on my own and they've been trying it on their own for 10, 15, 20 years and they know on their own it's not there. I tell people this, [20:50] This is the time that you should be selfish for yourself and not have shame and not care what anyone thinks or knows and be proud of it. [20:58] You know, I have this, it's not a joke, but I tell this to my friends all the time. Like, I'm so glad that ChatGPT and AI came out. [21:05] Because I remember what their social media posts used to look like, right? Like they couldn't type two sentences together on their social posts. Now they're writing novels when they respond to people and they start educating. And to me, that's the same thing that like Zep Bound Lily is. It's like, let it help you. Let it put you in the right direction. Like let it be a tool. And if you feel ashamed, [21:26] then maybe you need to change the people that are around you then, because if they're not supporting you, then they were never on your side anyway. But I'd love to hear your take on it. I love that you said that, you know, and it's not about vanity or the number on the scale. You got to make a decision that I am going to, not about anybody else, you know, I'm going to take on this journey. Think about any other disease. [21:49] Why, when it comes to obesity, why is it that, oh, I can't, I'm ashamed or I can't say anything? Any other disease, you're telling everyone, you know, you're like, hey, can you help me? Get me this. What about that? It's the same thing with obesity. It just is. And so that's why.

[22:06] A ZetBound is such a great tool because if people don't know about it, you know, I know a lot of people don't know about it and you feel like you're hiding a secret. And I really encourage other people to. [22:18] Because it's not about vanity. It's not about... [22:21] who look how I look, you know? So it's about going on that lifestyle that you're doing exercise, you have a healthy diet, and you got that tool [22:31] ZepBound that you have talked to your doctor about and they have guided you in the way. Or you go to ZepBoundLily.com and find out the information. You know, read for yourself. [22:41] Because sometimes, you know, other friends, they'll lead you wrong. That's why you're stuck because you keep listening to your friends. Amen to that. Amen to that. So I'll make sure I have links to Zep Bound Lily and everything. [22:54] In the show notes, in the descriptions. Kim, I got to ask you this because for... [22:59] The past six months. [23:01] There's been this buzz, especially on Instagram, about Barnell Hill Show, and it's going to make a debut. It's going to be a real thing. And I'm like, nah, that's not real. That would be so amazing if it's real, but that can't be real. That would change the game in sitcoms and just things that are going on today. Kim, so I'm asking you, is it real? Telling people on the Mick Hunt Show, listen, I'm just going to say this. We filmed eight episodes, so it's pretty real.

[23:31] Terrell Robinson, there was a guy named Noah and my friend Christopher Williams, not the singer, but the actor, Vanessa Williams' brother, who's hysterical. They put this amazing, it's, it's, [23:42] Barnell Hill, the spinoff from the Martin Lawrence show. And when I tell you, it is so funny. And we're supposed to have it come out maybe in June. I'm waiting for the word, so I hope I'm not jumping the gun. But I want people to keep, you know, listening for it, you know, and looking out for it. Look, you don't know how excited you just got me. Because... [24:01] I miss just funny. I think you know what I mean. I just miss funny. There's things that's silly, but silly isn't funny to me. And I know the cast that you're talking about, and I know because you are a part of it, it's about funny, not silly. And I know that there's also going to be some good storylines in there. Talk to us about how you got the call or the audition and you were just like, yep, I'm doing it. [24:27] You know, you get calls a lot for different things. But when they said, first they said Tommy Davidson. I love Tommy. I was like, oh, that sounds great. But then they were like, Martin Lawrence. I was like, Martin's really going to be in it? Wendy Raquel Robinson is one of my dear friends. I was like, wait a minute. Christopher Williams, the cast is fire. And think about old school comedy. Like you're saying, the sitcoms. [24:51] I read the script and I was like, this is laugh out loud funny. So, you know, I don't, [24:58] I don't think I thought about it long. I said, let's do it. And we're all very excited about it. So, you know, I just, that you're making me, I feel like I think I gotta have a moment of prayer. I feel like I need everybody to pray on this and make sure it comes out. No, it's gonna happen. I'm definitely gonna do my part because all the things that I've heard, I was just like, there's no way. Like when I saw the cast list that you just,

[25:20] mentioned too, I was like, there's no way. Like, this isn't real. Like, you know, Instagram will tell you lies. If you're listening or watching this, Instagram will lie to you every once in a while. I was like, there's no way that this is happening. And I was like, [25:33] This is happening. I'm so excited. [25:37] And I'm so proud of you for being in that. And just, I know it's going to be fire because you're a part of it. I'm just excited. So we're going to make sure that... [25:47] that everybody knows. I think every week, I'll just do a breakdown so people continue to watch it. Like, we'll have a little episode party on Mickey Unplugged. Oh, and I will tell you, there are parts that I'm a little silly because sometimes Bentley, he will just let us go. Can you imagine? And Tommy Davidson, oh, my God, he's so silly. So silly. So fun, fun, fun. [26:10] And thank you, Mick. I want to thank you even for this interview, because I like to live out loud. And I want to make sure that anybody who is struggling with weight loss, obesity, that they go to their doctor. [26:25] or go to zetbound.lily.com. It's so important because I just really, you know, people say it, but they're afraid to make that first, you know, initial move. And that would be like, if you can't get your doctor's appointment immediately, or you can't talk to your doctor immediately, I really encourage people to go to the website and read on it. It'll probably excite them and give them, you know, questions that they can ask their doctor. [26:50] For me, yeah, and that's what people don't know. I just want to make sure I know that people know also that I use the self-pay option for my ZepBow, and it ships directly to me because people always wonder how you can get it once you talk to your doctor. So there's all kinds of ways, but it's the first step.

[27:10] is to go check out the website and to call your doctor. Because I have friends. I'm still encouraging to do that. So I want to make sure I tell the people who are my new friends and new fans to go to the website. I will have links there. I love the fact that you said that there are self-pay options as well, too. That's really important. We'll have links to that. We'll have a little spot on our website as well that I'll have this link. Because I believe it's extremely important. In any way that I can support Ms. Kim Whitley, you can promise, you can believe I'm going to do that. [27:40] I'll have links to your website too, because I know you are still touring and tearing up the stage. So we'll make sure that everybody can see where you are at. I appreciate that. I got a show coming up, Arlington, Arlington, Texas. [27:53] At the Arlington Improv in March, March 5th, 6th, and 7th. And then I know I go to Cleveland and I go and Louisville, Kentucky. Oh, I forgot about that one. That's close. I was thinking, I was like, maybe I'll see you in Louisville. Well, you can come on Louisville. That'd be great. All right. Just act like you remember me. Act like you remember me. You ain't got to really remember me. Just like, oh, yeah, I know, Mick. Yeah. I'm not going to forget you. I actually wrote your name down as a person to come back and visit your podcast. [28:20] I love it. I love it. Well, Kim, I know how busy you are. I'm just grateful that you could take a moment out of your busy schedule to spend with us. Thank you for the education. Zep Bound Lily, appreciate what you're doing there. We will, again, have links to everything. Barnell Hill, when it's ready, we'll have links to that too. Just excited about all the positive things that you're doing. And thank you for being an inspiration to millions.

[28:50] Because is your superpower. [28:52] Go Unleash It. [29:21] 16 years ago, I started working as a CNA in the hospital. I loved it. On the day I decided to enroll in the nursing program at Rasmussen University, it was afternoon, my 35th birthday. I was hanging out with a friend, and they had just questioned me what I was going to do with this next chapter of my life. I immediately had said, I want to go to nursing school. So I actually had contact information from an advisor at Rasmussen, contacted her, and actually ended up starting like three weeks later. My name is Cherish Adams, and I'm a Rasmussen University graduate. Learn more at rasmussen.edu. [29:51] I have been with Rasmussen University since 2013, all virtual. All of my professors throughout the entire journey have been nothing but supportive of making me reach my dreams. Rasmussen professors, they want to see you grow so that you can be what you went to school to be. I'm so thankful for Rasmussen University for being able to make it so easy and seamless. Rasmussen University. Find your seat and start now at rasmussen.edu.