Mick Unplugged
Chef Andre Rush: Cooking, Combat, and Cause- A Passion for Helping Veterans and Youth
22 May 2025
Chef Andre Rush is an esteemed White House chef, U.S. Army combat veteran, and passionate mental health advocate. Known for his viral 22 push-ups a day campaign spotlighting veteran suicide awareness, Chef Rush combines military discipline with culinary artistry and a heart for service. Having turned adversity into purpose, he’s been recognized with countless accolades—from the Veterans Hall of Fame induction to national honors for suicide prevention. His life’s mission transcends the kitchen, inspiring millions to keep going, never give up, and support one another—whether in the military, through tragedy, or in everyday life. Takeaways: Purpose Through Service: Chef Rush emphasizes that his drive comes from having “no choice” but to serve—turning pain and loss into a relentless mission to uplift others and raise mental health awareness. The Power of Checking In: Both the host and Chef Rush highlight the importance of simply reaching out, reminding listeners that small gestures—like a text or a call—can mean everything to someone struggling. Redefining Strength: Chef Rush’s story proves that true strength isn’t just physical; it’s found in resilience, perseverance, and being vulnerable enough to seek help and lift others up. Sound Bites: “Keep going. Never give up. You can do anything.” “Instead of saying survivor’s remorse, it’s survivor’s strive—it’s a remembrance to remind everyone that life is short.” “You don’t have to be the person going through it to help. You can be the person that checks in.” Mick’s Quote: “If your heart is beating, you have more to give, you have more to do.” Connect & Discover Heather: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realchefrush/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChefRush TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chefrush Website: https://chefrush.com/ Book: Call Me Chef, Dammit! A Veteran’s Journey from the Rural South to the White House FOLLOW MICK ON:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickunplugged/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mickunplugged LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/Website: https://www.mickhuntofficial.com Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mick-unplugged/ Mick's New Book: How to be a Good Leader When You've Never Had One- https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-to-be-a-good-leader-when-youve-never-had-one-mick-hunt/1146931848?ean=9781394357956 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Full Episode
And so instead of saying survivor's remorse is survivor's strife, you know, it's a remembrance of to remind everyone that life is short. You never know. Check on each other. Be with each other. Never take it for granted.
Welcome to Mick Unplugged, the number one podcast for self improvement, leadership and relentless growth. No fluff, no filters, just hard hitting truths, unstoppable strategies and the mindset shifts that separate the best from the rest. Ready to break limits? Let's go.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another exciting episode of Mick Unplugged. And today, not only is a bucket list moment, but we're about to have a conversation with the guy that really sparked me into understanding mental health awareness and how I can contribute to make sure that mental health awareness stays on the forefront of everyone.
We're talking about the White House chef who turned into a viral sensation. He was a US Army combat veteran and mental health advocate with biceps as big as his heart. From the battlefield to the kitchen, from discipline to inspiration, he is fearless, he is passionate, he is unstoppable, and he is someone that I call a mentor. We're talking to none other Then Chef Andre Rush.
Chef, how are you doing today, brother?
Brother, I'm doing absolutely blessed. And thank you so much for that amazing introductory. I'll say the same thing right back at you. Your inspiration to me and thank things for everything that you do and being here.
Man, Chef, you know, I was telling you before, huge fan of yours. But where I became a fan, man, was when you were talking and promoting 22 push-ups a day, what that meant to veterans and the suicide rate. And it really touched me, man. Like, I wasn't someone who served, but I have a lot of friends and family who did. And I understand everything that you were saying in those messages.
And that truly inspired me, man. Like... You don't have to be the person going through it to help. You can be the person that can check in on your friends, as I like to say, doing a checkup from the head up, right? Like just asking people how they're doing, just talking goes such a long way. But I didn't get that until you, bro.
So I just wanted to tell you thank you for that and what that means to me and the people that I'm in connection with as well.
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