First Things THRST

Mike Thurston
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‘First Things THRST’ is a weekly masterclass that explores the secrets and experiences of entrepreneurs and content creators from across the globe. Each episode is unfiltered and guided by the premise of leaving no stone unturned, which is accountable for the deep discussions into the backgrounds, hardships and confessions of my guests. My goal is simple, to share insights and fresh perspectives on topics like entrepreneurship, success and fitness. Join me on this exciting adventure, and I'm hoping you gain as much from these discussions as I do.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    E106 - Will AI Replace You By 2026? What You Need To Do | Daniel Priestley

    » Produced by Hack You Media: pioneering a new category of content at the intersection of health performance, entrepreneurship & cognitive optimisation. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hackyoumedia/ Website: https://hackyou.media/ Daniel Priestley returns to the show for a timely conversation on what he sees as the single most disruptive force facing entrepreneurs today: the AI wave. With his signature clarity and founder-first mindset, Daniel breaks down how AI is rapidly reshaping the business landscape, from product creation and hiring to client acquisition and competitive positioning. If you’re a business owner still on the fence, this episode will challenge you to adapt fast or risk falling behind. Packed with practical insights, it’s a sharp reminder that the way we build, grow, and think about businesses is changing quickly. 00:00 The return of Daniel Priestley 01:30 The podcast tipping point and monetising with PE deals 04:33 How big podcasters use influence to build real wealth 08:44 Fail-forward culture, AI bonuses, and Stephen’s team structure 11:06 Using AI to stress-test your business before it’s disrupted 15:29 Vitality vs functionality and putting AI around the human work 20:42 Loops and groups mindset for post-AI entrepreneurs 25:50 Scaling teams with the 2-4-8-30 framework 29:00 Why writing a book unlocks creativity and closes chapters 32:56 Splitting your fitness phase and longevity phase with books 36:01 When to kill a business vs betting on its exponential upside 41:48 Why Prime Energy missed the long tail and lost relevance 45:43 Lighter fluid vs hot coals and surviving beyond the hype 49:00 Why Neutonic could work where others failed 52:42 Beverage market landmines and the path to $1B exits 55:19 Meme culture and TikTok attention hacks 58:25 LinkedIn’s underrated leverage and 1% post advantage 01:01:31 Building equity by trading influence, not just capital 01:08:15 Millionaire migration trends and why the UK is bleeding 01:14:27 Who’s buying up Britain and what it really costs the country 01:19:01 Why left-leaning policy sounds good but wrecks economies 01:26:35 What Daniel would do as PM? » Escape the 9-5 & build your dream life - https://www.digitalplaybook.net/ » Transform your physique - https://www.thrstapp.com/ » My clothing brand, THRST - https://thrstofficial.com » Custom Bioniq supplements: https://www.bioniq.com/mikethurston • 40% off your first month of Bioniq GO • 20% off your first month of Bioniq PRO » Join our newsletter for actionable insights from every episode: https://thrst-letter.beehiiv.com/ » Join @WHOOP and get your first month for free - join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrst » Follow Daniel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielpriestley/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielpriestley/ Website: https://danielpriestley.com/

    1h 39m

  2. 28 AUG

    E105 - This Video Will Force You To Take Action Before It's Too Late | Hardest Geezer

    » Produced by Hack You Media: pioneering a new category of content at the intersection of health performance, entrepreneurship & cognitive optimisation.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hackyoumedia/Website: https://hackyou.media/ Russ Cook (AKA Hardest Geezer) is the first person in history to run the entire length of Africa, over 16,000km through deserts, mountains, war zones and everything in between. But this episode isn’t just about the miles. It’s about the mindset behind them. We dig into how Russ built his pain tolerance, what it really took to push through the darkest moments, and how ordinary people can unlock extraordinary levels of discipline. It’s raw, honest, and wildly motivating, exactly what you’d expect from the Hardest Geezer. 00:00 Introduction01:40 Kicking off in London and where “Hardest Geezer” came from03:15 Growing up in sleepy Worthing and building resilience through banter06:45 The early gym days and getting roasted for self-improvement08:05 Reigniting running after a rough patch of drinking and gambling10:10 Running as a mental battlefield more than a physical one13:00 Influences like Goggins and Gooch and redefining mental toughness14:01 When the idea to run the length of Africa was born15:32 Meeting a world-travelling cyclist and deciding to run instead17:24 Running 66 days from Asia to London with a hammock and little money20:24 Wild solo travel stories including wolves, prostitutes, and relentless hunger22:50 The allure and quiet intensity of running alone with your thoughts25:34 British culture, team sports, and outgrowing binge drinking28:46 Staying shredded with gym consistency and knowing your limits31:07 Body dysmorphia, competing, and finding a healthier relationship with fitness33:54 Life after success and why fulfilment beats chasing numbers36:40 Realising chasing status symbols like cars and watches means little41:48 Planning the Africa run and navigating dangerous, unstable regions46:57 Starting in South Africa with £10k and no sponsors51:33 Hostage situation in Congo54:11 Crossing the Tunisia finish line and feeling true fulfilment58:09 What comes after Africa and why pole-to-pole might be next01:11:15 Launching Hardest Adventures to help others transform through challenge01:14:11 Rediscovering discipline, soft patches, and mental toughness post-Africa » Escape the 9-5 & build your dream life - https://www.digitalplaybook.net/» Transform your physique - https://www.thrstapp.com/» My clothing brand, THRST - https://thrstofficial.com» Custom Bioniq supplements: https://www.bioniq.com/mikethurston• 40% off your first month of Bioniq GO• 20% off your first month of Bioniq PRO » Join our newsletter for actionable insights from every episode: https://thrst-letter.beehiiv.com/ » Join @WHOOP and get your first month for free - join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrst » Follow Russ«Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardestgeezer/?hl=enWebsite: https://linktr.ee/hardestgeezer

    1h 23m

  3. 21 AUG

    E104 - Brutal Life Lessons You Must Accept To Live A Better Life | King Keto

    » Produced by Hack You Media: pioneering a new category of content at the intersection of health performance, entrepreneurship & cognitive optimisation. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hackyoumedia/ Website: https://hackyou.media/ Brandon Carter (AKA King Keto) isn’t just about aesthetics. He’s built an empire helping men master their bodies, finances, and mindsets. In this episode, we unpack the philosophy behind his intense approach to discipline, why modern men are struggling with consistency, and how building a strong body is often the gateway to building a strong life. From entrepreneurship training, we explore the mindsets that fuel long-term success and how Brandon thinks about masculinity, influence, and leaving a mark. 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Growing up in Chicago during the murder capital era 04:36 Military school, discipline, and escaping a destructive path 06:06 His dad’s rise to millions and sudden collapse 08:39 Losing his father during the 2008 financial crisis 09:51 Working multiple jobs and chasing stability in New York 11:50 Starting online fitness before it was a thing 14:03 Blending intermittent fasting and HIIT on YouTube 16:19 Impostor syndrome and early content struggles 18:28 The rise of fitness vlogs and content evolution 20:06 Living in New York vs Miami in terms of opportunities 22:51 Miami’s wealth, reputation, and spotting authenticity 30:52 Outgrowing nightlife and shifting to long-term discipline 34:00 Getting on TRT and the shift in energy, sleep and mood 36:38 Managing sex drive, relationships, and time like an entrepreneur 40:44 Regretting time spent chasing women over building legacy 47:06 Natty debates, genetics, and what people don’t understand 54:31 The truth about Miami, party scene vs focused lifestyle 1:02:56 Why he trains his son and lives to impress a 7-year-old 1:10:44 Avoiding novelty traps and dopamine addictions 1:13:26 Embracing clean living, structure, and delayed gratification » Escape the 9-5 & build your dream life - https://www.digitalplaybook.net/ » Transform your physique - https://www.thrstapp.com/ » My clothing brand, THRST - https://thrstofficial.com » Custom Bioniq supplements: https://www.bioniq.com/mikethurston • 40% off your first month of Bioniq GO • 20% off your first month of Bioniq PRO » Join our newsletter for actionable insights from every episode: https://thrst-letter.beehiiv.com/ » Join @WHOOP and get your first month for free - join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrst » Follow Brandon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingketo/?hl=en Website: https://event.webinarjam.com/login/m9986u74t8srsgsg

    1h 31m

  4. 14 AUG

    E103 - How to Build Purpose, Freedom & Wealth (Founder's Advice) | Devon Levesque

    » Produced by Hack You Media: pioneering a new category of content at the intersection of health performance, entrepreneurship & cognitive optimisation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hackyoumedia/ Website: https://hackyou.media/ Devon Levesque is known for pushing limits, both mentally and physically. But behind the headline-grabbing challenges like bear-crawling a marathon is a founder who’s as focused on discipline and service as he is on strength. In this episode, we get into the mindset behind Devon’s training, his philosophy on building resilience, and how he’s scaling businesses with the same intensity he brings to fitness. We also talk about routine, self-imposed suffering, and why the hardest part of any challenge is often what happens after. 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Devon’s early years on a farm and complete lifestyle shift 04:25 Running nightclubs before transitioning into personal training 06:10 Partnering with Promix and revamping the supplement brand 09:09 Scaling a business through community and customer retention 12:38 Building a supportive network of high performers 15:01 Bear crawling a marathon and raising $2M for suicide prevention 18:58 Processing his father’s death through physical and mental endurance 21:35 Life-changing breakthroughs at a weeklong therapy institute 24:14 The impact of podcasting on personal growth and EQ 29:01 Summiting Everest, doing a backflip, and facing real fear 33:20 Near-death moment and watching others fall on Everest 36:57 Finnish sauna culture and chasing discomfort for growth 38:49 Playing like a kid daily as a form of therapy 41:14 Investing only in businesses aligned with his values 46:40 Devon breaks down his scaling strategy 49:06 Blending wellness, community, and nature 51:33 Building a values-based daily routine and protecting time 54:17 Getting too comfortable in Dubai and seeking new challenges » Escape the 9-5 & build your dream life - https://www.digitalplaybook.net/ » Transform your physique - https://www.thrstapp.com/ » My clothing brand, THRST - https://thrstofficial.com » Custom Bioniq supplements - https://www.bioniq.com/mikethurston • 40% off your first month of Bioniq GO • 20% off your first month of Bioniq PRO » Join our newsletter for actionable insights from every episode - https://thrst-letter.beehiiv.com/ » Join WHOOP and get your first month for free - join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrst » Follow Devon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devonlevesque/?hl=en Website: https://hoo.be/devonlevesque

    55 min

  5. 7 AUG

    E102 - How to Stop Your Hair Loss Before It's Too Late (Full Guide) | Dr. Raghu Reddy

    » Produced by Hack You Media: pioneering a new category of content at the intersection of health performance, entrepreneurship & cognitive optimisation.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hackyoumedia/Website: https://hackyou.media/ Hair loss is one of the most common and misunderstood issues in men’s health. In this episode, Dr. Raghu Reddy, one of the UK’s leading hair restoration experts, joins the show for a deep dive into everything you need to know about prevention, treatment, and long-term strategy. Going over my own transplant, why I did it, how the process actually works, and what most people don’t understand going into it. From Finasteride and PRP to stem cells and transplants, Dr. Reddy breaks down what really works and what to avoid. 00:00 Introduction01:40 Why Mike chose to document his hair transplant on YouTube04:12 Breaking taboos around male cosmetic procedures06:45 The risks of going to cheap, unregulated hair transplant clinics09:11 Planning for long-term hair preservation with fewer grafts12:29 Advances in surgical techniques vs stalled innovation in cloning14:41 Causes of hair loss: genes, stress, hormones and ageing17:36 Steroids, DHT and hair loss acceleration in fitness culture19:08 What made Mike an ideal candidate for a successful transplant22:49 Managing expectations and styling post-transplant26:05 Why a two-day procedure leads to more precision and safety29:00 The gym, healing, and avoiding early mistakes after surgery32:21 Hair shedding timeline and what to expect in regrowth34:01 Rise in beard transplants and cultural beauty standards36:40 What causes a procedure to fail and how they fix it40:38 Tips for recovery, swelling, and avoiding sun damage43:21 Finasteride myths, side effects and how to dose it smartly51:26 Topical vs oral treatments and new options like Dutasteride56:03 Everyday habits that protect and support healthy hair growth59:00 Greying hair, copper deficiency and potential solutions1:02:21 Can you regrow lost hair or just preserve what’s left1:04:42 PRP, stem cells and the ethics of unproven treatments1:07:26 What’s next for Raghu and the future of hair restoration1:11:19 Advice for young men losing hair too early My full hair transplant process: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKKpjoA1Byw3RLRhdFNe_DqiwL62UFfbN&si=GH0z1QciFKvqDePN Escape the 9-5 & build your dream life - https://www.digitalplaybook.net/Transform your physique - https://www.thrstapp.com/My clothing brand, THRST - https://thrstofficial.comCustom Bioniq supplements: https://www.bioniq.com/mikethurston40% off your first month of Bioniq GO20% off your first month of Bioniq PRO Join our newsletter for actionable insights from every episode: https://thrst-letter.beehiiv.com/ Join Whoop and get your first month for free - join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrst Follow Dr. ReddyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drraghureddy/?hl=enWebsite: https://www.drraghureddy.com/

    1h 21m

  6. 31 JUL

    E101 - Fix These 4 areas to Unlock Your Full Potential | Ben Pakulski

    » Produced by Hack You Media: pioneering a new category of content at the intersection of health performance, entrepreneurship & cognitive optimisation. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hackyoumedia/ Website: https://hackyou.media/ Ben Pakulski is widely known for his success in bodybuilding, but what sets him apart is how he thinks. In this episode, Ben breaks down the mental frameworks, lifestyle protocols, and deep internal work that drive high performance – physically and mentally. We go beyond muscle and talk about how to build a system for self-mastery. From testosterone optimisation and training efficiency to breath work, fatherhood, and identity, Ben lays out a sharp, structured take on what it means to grow with intention. 00:00 Reuniting with Ben 01:40 Reflecting on brutal past workouts 04:09 How bodybuilding became therapy 07:56 The tension training revolution 11:27 Building MI40 from necessity 15:41 Four pillars that limit fitness progress 19:14 Why energy crashes and motivation dies 21:05 Travel routines and staying consistent 23:44 Making training sustainable for life 27:38 Training beyond just looking good 31:13 The psychological warfare of bodybuilding 33:23 Learning to embrace discomfort 37:37 Shoulder mechanics and coaching philosophy 40:07 High-performance habit optimisation 44:15 Why people unconsciously abandon goals 47:13 How trauma shaped Ben's character 50:19 Healing through psychedelics and therapy 55:08 Balancing ambition with inner peace 58:34 Finding fulfilment versus chasing happiness 1:04:35 Business evolution and future gym plans 1:08:04 Training for athletic longevity 1:11:31 Personalised health through supplements 1:13:36 Using genetics and blood work for peak health » Escape the 9-5 & build your dream life – https://www.digitalplaybook.net/ » Transform your physique – https://www.thrstapp.com/ » My clothing brand, THRST – https://thrstofficial.com » Custom Bioniq supplements: https://www.bioniq.com/mikethurston • 40% off your first month of Bioniq GO • 20% off your first month of Bioniq PRO » Join our newsletter for actionable insights from every episode: https://thrst-letter.beehiiv.com/ » Join Whoop and get your first month for free – join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrst » Follow Ben« Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bpakfitness/ Website: https://www.benpakulski.com/

    1h 23m

  7. 24 JUL

    EP100 Q&A: Relationship Lessons, Life Advice & My Worst Podcast Guest

    » Produced by Hack You Media: pioneering a new category of content at the intersection of health performance, entrepreneurship & cognitive optimisation.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hackyoumedia/Website: https://hackyou.media/From navigating modern dating and building real confidence, to the realities of entrepreneurship, personal branding, and staying disciplined when no one’s watching, join us for a special Q&A to celebrate 100 episodes of First Things THRST.We talk content strategy, mindset shifts, and the behind-the-scenes lessons that don’t make it into the full episodes.Thank you to everyone who’s tuned in, shared an episode, or supported the journey so far. Here’s to the next 100.Timestamps:00:00 Intro02:07 Have I hit my prime yet?03:28 What my 80-year-old self would be proud of04:23 How my brand will evolve with age09:58 My biggest relationship lesson12:29 Guest wisdom on financial success14:41 What keeps me positive in life16:10 What I'd do differently starting over18:59 My favourite quality about myself21:20 Would I sacrifice physique for success?22:58 Is entrepreneurship really for everyone?25:25 Coming back from my podcasting break27:14 Dating advice for guys in their late 20s32:05 Being a role model for teenage boys35:28 My personal definition of success36:56 Following passion versus building skills37:55 The most challenging part of my journey40:00 When men really take off financially41:25 Do I struggle with relationship contentment?45:24 The moment I realised I'd made it46:40 Disagreeing with guests but staying quiet49:18 What I still struggle with after success51:30 Will I make it to 500 or 1000 episodes?53:05 Building a life like mine54:54 What genuinely makes me happy57:35 Cutting off friends to build this life59:55 Finding inspiration when things go wrong1:01:40 Finding wife material in DubaiResources:» Escape the 9-5 & build your dream life – https://www.digitalplaybook.net/» Transform your physique – https://www.thrstapp.com/» My clothing brand, THRST – https://thrstofficial.com» Custom Bioniq supplements – https://www.bioniq.com/mikethurston• 40% off your first month of Bioniq GO• 20% off your first month of Bioniq PRO» Join our newsletter for actionable insights from every episode: https://thrst-letter.beehiiv.com/» Join @WHOOP and get your first month for free – join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrst

    1h 5m

  8. 10 JUL

    E099 - What it Really Takes to Build a Billion-Dollar Brand (Founder of Reebok)

    » Produced by Hack You Media: pioneering a new category of content at the intersection of health performance, entrepreneurship & cognitive optimisation. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hackyoumedia/ Website: https://hackyou.media/ Before Reebok became a global sportswear giant, it was just Joe Foster and a vision. One shaped in a small UK workshop and fuelled by persistence, not funding. In this episode, Joe breaks down the early days of building Reebok from the ground up: cold calls, missed opportunities, and the moment aerobics unexpectedly catapulted the brand into the mainstream. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:46 Turning 90, family history and surviving against the odds 04:26 Brand building, luck and why fun matters most 06:40 Why sports brands thrived through recessions 09:27 The innovation that started with spiked running shoes 11:48 Leaving the family business and starting from zero 14:15 Launching Mercury Sports and the early branding struggle 16:25 Losing the Mercury name and the birth of Reebok 18:50 How a childhood dictionary led to the Reebok name 22:23 The move from athletic spikes to casual sneakers 26:55 Breaking into UK market through local clubs 29:57 Club-level selling and dominating UK athletes 31:56 Choosing white space over battling Adidas and Nike 33:23 First trip to America and navigating early export failures 37:47 The Runners World five-star rating breakthrough 43:52 Choosing Paul Fireman over Kmart and scaling US reach 49:28 Reebok's biggest challenge: the EVA foam failure 52:15 Crisis with a UK distributor and surviving with direct sales 56:05 The rise of aerobics and Reebok’s pivot to women’s fitness 59:26 Becoming number one globally with an unexpected audience 1:04:23 Expanding into tennis, basketball and new categories 1:13:05 Going up against Nike, using celebrities, and staying innovative 1:17:00 3D-printed AI shoes and what they reveal about new brand strategy 1:24:03 Losing momentum, big changes and the need for reinvention 1:31:53 Advice on building stories, visibility and modern branding 1:37:29 UK vs Dubai: Entrepreneurial energy and global opportunity 1:43:22 Final advice for founders » Escape the 9-5 & build your dream life: https://www.digitalplaybook.net/ » Transform your physique: https://www.thrstapp.com/ » My clothing brand, THRST: https://thrstofficial.com » Custom Bioniq supplements: https://www.bioniq.com/mikethurston   • 40% off your first month of Bioniq GO   • 20% off your first month of Bioniq PRO » Join our newsletter for actionable insights from every episode: https://thrst-letter.beehiiv.com/ » Join @WHOOP and get your first month for free: join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrst » Follow Joe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/founderrbk/?hl=en Website: https://www.reebokthefounder.com/

    1h 46m
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About

‘First Things THRST’ is a weekly masterclass that explores the secrets and experiences of entrepreneurs and content creators from across the globe. Each episode is unfiltered and guided by the premise of leaving no stone unturned, which is accountable for the deep discussions into the backgrounds, hardships and confessions of my guests. My goal is simple, to share insights and fresh perspectives on topics like entrepreneurship, success and fitness. Join me on this exciting adventure, and I'm hoping you gain as much from these discussions as I do.

Information

  • Creator
    Mike Thurston
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    106
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Mike Thurston
  • Show Website
    First Things THRST

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