Show Notes
In this episode of Mick Unplugged, Justin, The Real Food Stalker, sits down with Mick Hunt and unpacks the unglamorous work behind a following that grew without a single negative review. He started Food Stalker in 2010with nothing but photos and a habit of asking waiters what the next table ordered. He did not eat on camera until 2021,when his kids told him he made food look too good not to. He paid for every meal himself long before a brand ever called.
Mick opens up about his own start, too. When he was still a LinkedIn-only guy two and a half years ago, Justin was the first account he followed on Instagram, and watching Justin be unapologetically himself is what convinced Mick he did not have to perform to show up online.
The conversation runs from microwave burgers to a lost footrace to a sister who brought home teriyaki wings and accidentally created a food critic. But the through line is simple and it applies far past food: you do not have to be the most talented person in the room. You have to be the one who keeps showing up.
IN THIS EPISODE
Why Justin never posts food he does not like
How Food Stalker started in 2010and became a camera habit in 2021
Why consistency beats talent in every arena
The phone-and-CapCut workflow behind every video
The three thousand dollar camera he never used
How the AJC writing opportunity changed the way he describes food
Why honesty and negativity are not the same thing
The sister whose leftovers built his palate
What brands get wrong when they buy three videos instead of a partner
Why he says he has people, not fans or followers
CHAPTERS
Introduction
How Justin got Mick on Instagram
The Because
Why he only shows food he likes
From 2010photos to eating on camera
The Unplugged Truth
Consistency is everything
Fans, followers, or your people
The gear: phones, CapCut and one take
Writing for the AJC
Hot Takes
The microwave burger debate
The race he lost to his nephew
The Room
The sister who changed his taste buds
Vegan mac and cheese
How Mick Unplugged started
The Unplugged Five
What Justin wants the world to know
Where to follow Justin
Closing
Connect & Discover Justin Brown:
Instagram: @therealfoodstalker
Facebook: @The-Real-Food-Stalker
TikTok: @therealfoodstalker
YouTube: @therealfoodstalker
LinkedIn: @justintherealfoodstalker
FOLLOW MICK ON:
Spotify: MickUnplugged
Instagram: @mickunplugged
Facebook: @mickunpluggedYouTube: @MickUnpluggedPodcast
LinkedIn: @mickhunt
Website: MickHuntOfficial.com
Website: howtobeagoodleader.com
Website: Leadloudseries.com
Apple:MickUnplugged