First Things THRST

Mike Thurston

‘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. 2 DAYS AGO

    E134 - Patrick Bet-David: World War 3, Manosphere & Becoming Irreplaceable

    » 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/ Patrick Bet-David built Valuetainment into a media empire, and this conversation reveals why nobody truly knows what's happening in geopolitics even on the inside, how creating stakeholders makes society safer, and why loving the game matters more than tolerating the grind. Learn why societies become safer when people have equity, families, and assets to protect, versus nothing to lose, and how Dubai's lack of military becomes concerning when cheap drones meet expensive defences. This covers why he interviews everyone from controversial figures to world leaders as long as they're respectful, how shutting down YouTube three times at 488K subscribers forced the decision to build a major media company or quit entirely, and why the Michael Jordan "love of the game" clause captures what separates passion from obligation. 00:00 Introduction 02:28 Discussing the situation in the Middle East 07:02 Concerns about safety living in Dubai 12:49 Hypothetical scenario: Becoming the supreme leader of Iran 17:04 Big problems in the world Patrick wants to tackle 21:13 Impact of social media on role models 27:20 Thoughts on Louis Theroux's Manosphere documentary 32:05 Deciding who to socialise or do business with 34:22 Short-term vs long-term thinking in business 40:38 Dealing with controversial interview backlash 45:35 Desire to interview Putin 46:50 Motivations for continuing to build the company 48:25 Coping with stressful or bad days 53:06 Importance of loving what you do 56:54 How to keep up with an overwhelming flow of information 1:04:06 The significance of processing information over just knowledge 1:07:36 Optimism about the future and mindset » 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 Patrick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrickbetdavid/?hl=en Website: https://link.me/patrickbetdavid

    1hr 9min
  2. 17 MAR

    E133 - Supercar Blondie: How I Built a $100M Brand & Youtube Channel

    » 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/ Alex Hirschi built Supercar Blondie from a radio hosting job in Dubai to a global media brand, launched SBX Cars auction platform, and this conversation reveals why she left security in 2017 when colleagues said "see you in two months," how Facebook's golden era paid $1M monthly before collapsing 10x, and why diversifying across platforms became a survival strategy. Learn why she loves Dubai's rapid change instead of romanticising the past, how SBX Cars fills the gap between collectors flying to physical auctions and wanting curated high-end listings without $30K cars next to $3M ones, and why the platform ships supercars globally from Dubai to Hong Kong. This covers why YouTube builds brand loyalty better despite inconsistent revenue, how AI scammers use her face with different voices to target lonely people, and why documenting everything makes life feel less genuine. 00:00 Introduction03:27 Transitioning from radio to social media in 201705:46 Moving to Dubai in 2008 and early experiences09:11 Launching SBX and the online car auction business13:30 Unique aspects of SBX's auction process18:19 Importance of trust and brand reputation in auctions21:52 Strategic goals and personal content creation balance26:34 The hiring process for presenters and maintaining passion30:17 Concept cars and their purpose in car design evolution34:21 Challenges of being the public face and dealing with burnout38:31 Handling online negativity and maintaining mental health40:01 Balancing work drive with personal well-being45:30 AI in content creation and future business prospects51:04 Monetising platforms, YouTube vs Facebook57:27 Building a diverse media and tech business model1:03:30 Favourite cars and collaborations with brands1:09:03 Personal growth and adventure goals for the future » 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 AlexInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/supercarblondie/?hl=enSBX Cars: https://sbxcars.com/

    1hr 36min
  3. 1 MAR

    E131 - Modern Life Is Killing Us: How To Stay Healthy In A Broken System

    » 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/ Noah Laith (thestoicbiohacker) hasn't been sick in 23 years, and this conversation reveals why most people are doing backwards protocols that waste years, how to actually source clean food, and what fundamentals matter before any biohacking tools. People try everything but miss the foundations. Learn why "organic" means nothing when a quarter of it tests positive for pesticides, how to find regenerative farms with farmers obsessed with quality, and why your gut is the first brain determining whether you get sick. The difference between top performers isn't talent—it's avoiding one sick day per year that destroys flow and training cycles. 00:00 Introduction 02:04 Cutting through misinformation in the biohacking space 06:02 Why sourcing quality food matters more than labels 12:05 Gut health as the true starting point of disease 15:26 Processed food, fruit myths and genetic triggers 21:27 Building metabolic flexibility with the 4-2-1 protocol 24:30 What to eat for high energy, digestion and recovery 27:11 The science behind eating fruit before your meal 29:13 Sleep timing and how it affects brain detox 36:43 What optimal testosterone levels really look like 41:18 Why diet alone can’t fix poor food sourcing 44:03 Three types of patients and how approaches differ 46:53 Starting peptides early and choosing the right type 51:01 Peptide safety risks and what to watch out for 54:58 Biohacking tools vs foundational health habits 58:20 Noah’s peptide picks for maintenance and recovery 1:03:19 Hidden toxins in everyday food and water 1:10:32 The future of health is nature plus advanced science » 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 Noah Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoicbiohacker/?hl=en Website: https://thelongevityclinic.online/

    1hr 15min
  4. 22 FEB

    E130 - Everything You Need To Know About Peptides For Fat Loss, Muscle & Longevity

    » 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/ Trusted source for peptides: bioniqlab.com DN Lab Research: Dnlabresearch.com Dean Henry has spent 11 years deep in peptide research after his misdiagnosed ACL led him down the regenerative medicine rabbit hole, and this conversation reveals why therapeutic peptides work completely differently than peptide drugs, and how to avoid toxic contamination from sketchy labs. Learn why the raw material might be fine, but contamination happens during filling in unsterile environments, how micro-dosing triple agonists for longevity differs drastically from medical protocols, and why combining growth hormone peptides with recovery compounds optimises results. 00:00 Introduction 02:10 Peptides 101 and their sudden mainstream popularity 08:45 Dangers of “peptide drugs” like Ozempic and receptor burnout 12:33 Red flags when buying or being sold peptides online 17:10 Why the peptide’s container matters more than people think 18:20 Retatrutide and the future of weight loss peptides 21:04 Cycling peptides safely and avoiding harsh rebounds 28:25 BPC-157 for connective tissue recovery and pain reduction 34:17 Growth hormone peptides that optimise without suppression 37:06 Safe starter blends for building muscle and recovering faster 40:43 Peptides that can boost testosterone naturally, not replace it 44:04 Cognitive enhancers like Semax, Selank and Dihexa 49:42 Sleep-enhancing peptides and managing dependency risks 52:58 GHK-Cu for skin, hair growth, and collagen regeneration 56:50 The gut health stack: BPC, KPV, Lorazotide and more 01:01:40 Peptides can support healing, but not replace lifestyle 01:05:15 Sketchy protocols, histamine responses and what to avoid 01:10:04 How to safely explore peptides with professional guidance » 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 Dean Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dean.e.henry/?hl=en Website: https://uaepeptides.com/author/deanuaepeptides-com/

    1hr 18min
  5. 25 JAN

    E126 - The Fitness Industry In 2026: Body Image, Burnout & Broken Standards | Kayla Itsines

    Kayla Itsines got her first PT job by holding a door open for someone, and she's here to explain why transformations sell everything and quick fixes teach you nothing. Learn how Kayla went from charging a dollar per minute in her parents' backyard to selling millions of e-books before Instagram even had video capabilities. She breaks down why transformational content sells anything—body, business, or mindset—and how she transitioned from personal brand to scalable platform by admitting she wasn't an expert at everything. This conversation exposes why coaches pushing aggressive calorie cuts for quick results don't care about destroying their clients' relationship with food. 00:00 Introduction 02:00 Starting out in fitness and falling in love with strength 08:48 Building a personal brand vs building a sellable business 11:21 How an accidental e-book launch turned global fitness empire 15:40 Turning the Sweat app into a platform beyond herself 21:46 Selling the company and feeling like she lost a child 25:53 Keeping Sweat ahead in a saturated women’s fitness market 32:22 Why long-term success is about consistency, not extremes 38:31 What women struggle with most in fitness today 40:25 Debunking myths about women lifting weights and eating carbs 44:39 Fitness shifting toward total wellness and biohacking 48:39 Stress, control, and the quiet chaos of daily life 53:15 Navigating motherhood while running a global brand » 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 Kayla: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/kayla_itsines/?hl=en Sweat – https://sweat.com/join

    58 min
  6. 18 JAN

    E125 - How to Un*fck Your Mind So That Hard Things Become Easy | Louis Armstrong

    » Produced by Hack You Media: pioneering a new category of content at the intersection of health performance, entrepreneurship and cognitive optimisation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hackyoumedia/ Website: https://hackyou.media/ Louis Armstrong is back for the annual catch-up — and this time we’re talking celibacy experiments, nicotine addiction, and why he thinks I need to go celibate for a month... Louis ditched alcohol, nicotine pouches, and his right hand because he realised easy dopamine was making him deflated and unmotivated. Tune in for a laid-back catch-up with plenty of insight — plus some valuable lessons on discipline, dating, and designing a better 2026. 00:00 Introduction 02:10 Catching up, lost Airbnb deposit and lessons for creators 06:00 Celibacy, dopamine addictions and cutting out vices 09:21 Women as a distraction and learning self-control 12:25 Relationships vs single life and patterns of avoidance 17:07 Trust issues, jealousy and choosing a secure partner 20:26 How men can build true security and self-worth 22:34 Balancing being a good partner without becoming a simp 27:01 Dubai dating culture and the rise of entitlement 31:00 Finding quality women and warning signs to watch for 38:44 Advice for young men on meeting women offline 41:56 Building confidence through small daily interactions 43:50 Mentorship, prioritising freedom and business balance 48:28 Scaling without burnout and staying focused 52:29 Writing, distractions, and designing optimal mornings 57:39 The “Let Them” mindset and emotional resilience 01:09:52 Reflecting on alcohol, fun vs optimisation 01:13:19 Goals for 2024 and building systems around creativity 01:19:40 Hosting transformational in-person masterminds and events » Escape the 9-5 and 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: https://join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrst » Follow Louis Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisarmstrong7/?hl=en Creator Club: https://www.thecreatorclub.co.uk/

    1hr 22min
  7. 11 JAN

    E124 - After Making $40M Online, This Is My Best Advice To Get Rich | Charlie Morgan

    » Produced by Hack You Media: pioneering a new category of content at the intersection of health performance, entrepreneurship and cognitive optimisationInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hackyoumedia/Website: https://hackyou.media/ Charlie Morgan dropped out of a business degree when he realised none of his lecturers had ever run companies, worked four jobs burning himself out to prove he wasn’t a failure, then discovered sales through an apprenticeship that changed everything. You’ll hear why he made his Academy completely free to create a moat no one can compete with, how Hormozi owns the truth about offers the same way Charlie now owns agency fundamentals, and what happens when you realise “passive income” means working 16 hours a day so you can make money while you sleep. Tune in for his take on systemising relationships with spreadsheets, why he told his girlfriend on the first date that work always comes first, and how building B2B software makes the info business look like a walk in the park. 00:00 Introduction04:38 Making a free course as a moat against competitors07:00 The arms race of flex marketing and selling the dream10:39 How Tai Lopez and Lord Sugar nudged Charlie off the uni path16:42 Burning out after juggling four jobs and chasing redemption21:33 Becoming a PT and growing fast as a fitness OG on Instagram24:33 The viral Dubai video and its polarising reactions29:52 Why sudden wealth and no guardrails can derail your growth33:21 Realising nice things don’t equal happiness or fulfilment36:33 When you’re financially set in your 20s, then what?42:26 Turning obsession into output and how love for work evolves46:45 Gym as therapy, consistency, and reclaiming power through strength50:59 Content, gaming addiction, and transferring energy into building54:43 Saturation, short-form fatigue, and the trap of constant content59:32 Cancel culture fading and leaning more into your true self01:04:01 Collaborating with controversial guests and audience backlash01:08:08 Why negativity often hides insecurity01:18:40 Balancing work obsession with a relationship01:25:12 Kids, priorities, and choosing the right partner for legacy01:30:33 Making real friendships after success and the Dubai filter01:33:44 Is London really that bad? Life post-Dubai and recalibrating safety01:36:38 Building software to solve your own business pain points » Escape the 9-5 and 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:https://join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrst » Follow CharlieInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/charliemorganbiz/?hl=enAcademy: https://www.skool.com/academy/about

    1hr 42min
  8. 4 JAN

    E123 - Maxims to Live a Rich(er) & More Productive Life In Your 20s & 30s | Mark Manson

    » Produced by Hack You Media: pioneering a new category of content at the intersection of health performance, entrepreneurship and cognitive optimisationInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hackyoumedia/Website: https://hackyou.media/ After going from low six figures to number one bestseller in 18 months — and dealing with the whiplash of overnight success — Mark Manson proves that learning to say no is a skill you have to relearn at every level. You’ll hear why he quit drinking and immediately got stronger, why being a single podcaster giving relationship advice creates a dangerous vacuum for young men, and what happens when you realise your music dreams have to die so your actual talent can thrive. Tune in for his take on why marriage is the most contrarian position for male influencers today, how his wife accelerated his career more than any business deal, and why hoping your future self cringes at you means you're actually growing. 00:00 Introduction02:00 Reflecting on the lasting success of The Subtle Art04:13 Misinterpretations of the book's meaning and message08:52 Learning to say no as success scales up12:22 Turning 30s into legacy-building vs the experimentation of your 20s15:52 Shifting mindset around dating, time and future family23:48 The brutal reality of the music industry and staying relevant26:10 Creating from passion vs chasing algorithmic performance30:33 Applying the Hollywood idea of “one for them, one for you”35:23 Why Gen Z men and middle-aged women dominate the space39:25 Encouraging younger guys not to skip being stupid sometimes42:07 Could he have written the book without partying and mistakes?45:27 How cutting alcohol levelled up his health, work and mindset54:31 Friendship takes real effort now, and culture has shifted56:09 Navigating friendship and relationship balance as you get older01:00:18 Knowing he found the one and rewiring his views on commitment01:08:39 Championing marriage as a contrarian but essential life upgrade01:12:23 Why legacy now means being honest, useful, and long-term impactful » Escape the 9-5 and 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:https://join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrst » Follow MarkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/markmanson/?hl=enPurpose: https://purpose.app/Website: https://markmanson.net/

    1hr 19min

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.

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