The Ambiguous Truth

Anthony Mistretta
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entrepreneurship

The Ambiguous Truth explores the new era of work. Not simply breaking away from the 9-to-5, but the fundamental shifts happening in our economy, with our technology, and to our welfare and socioeconomic wellbeing. What does the future of work actually look like? I have no idea. This show is me figuring it out, through conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, artists, you name it... building their own vision. It's not about one big job you land or one big idea that takes off. It's about stringing together your values with opportunities that float your way to see what comes of it.

  1. 1d ago

    Ep 14: He Hiked 8,000 Miles — Then Made MasterChef Top 23

    This episode follows Jake DeBernardi’s path from civil engineering into a season of deep reinvention, shaped by long-distance thru-hiking, community, nutrition, fire spinning, and a growing commitment to purpose. Anthony and Jake dig into what it means to leave the “railroad tracks,” accept all parts of yourself, and build a life anchored in human connection rather than default expectations. In this episode, Anthony and Jake explore how burnout, reflection, and gratitude can coexist with ambition and change. Jake shares how the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, and Continental Divide Trail each helped him grow, why he wrote The Art of Discomfort, and why firefighting and paramedic work feel like his next true calling. Key Topics 02:10 Introduction 04:46 The Impact of College and Early Career 10:52 The Call of Nature: The Pacific Crest Trail 16:07 The Appalachian Trail: A New Challenge 22:04 The Spirituality of Hiking and Nature 27:50 Writing and Sharing Knowledge: The Art of Discomfort 38:26 Embracing Strengths and Self-Acceptance 44:27 Continental Divide Trail: Challenges and Growth 53:20 The Importance of Human Connection 01:05:26 Transitioning to a New Career Path 01:20:01 Navigating Personal and Professional Growth 01:28:40 Finding Your Voice and Authenticity 01:34:15 Building Community and Connection 01:41:18 Embracing Continuous Improvement and Self-Acceptance 01:48:28 Spirituality and Personal Beliefs Action items Practice Kaizen by choosing one small daily change instead of waiting for a dramatic reset.Spend 5 minutes meditating and gradually increase the time as consistency builds.Revisit one activity you used to love and see whether it still brings joy.Look for ways to build real community, not just stay busy or connected online.If you are feeling numb in your work, examine whether your heart is actually in it. Resources and Links The Art of Discomfort: The Through Hiker's Guide to Success Through Nutrition Available directly from Jake: Jacob.debernardi@gmail.com Thanks to Our Partner Hazlo This episode is brought to you by Hazlo, a non-alcoholic seltzer with ginseng, ginkgo, and magnesium — now available in their new blood orange and hibiscus flavor. Purchase Hazlo: https://amzn.to/4fWlauV About The Ambiguous Truth Podcast The Ambiguous Truth explores the new era of work. Not simply breaking away from the 9-to-5, but the fundamental shifts happening in our economy, with our technology, and to our welfare and socioeconomic wellbeing. What does the future of work actually look like? I have no idea. This show is me figuring it out, through conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, artists, you name it... building their own vision. It's not about one big job you land or one big idea that takes off. It's about stringing together your values with opportunities that float your way to see what comes of it — not forcing one thing to be the be-all, end-all. It's about adapting and figuring out how to excel in a world where the old rules don't apply. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theambiguoustruth TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theambiguoustruth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theambiguoustruth Website: https://www.theambiguoustruth.com/

  2. Aug 5

    Ep 13: Ex-Spotify Engineer Starts a Landscaping Business With $400

    Join host Anthony Mistretta for a wide-ranging conversation with John Kinney, a former Spotify software engineer and product manager who traded corporate tech for Cashew's Lawn Care, his own landscaping business in Colorado. John talks through being laid off during Spotify's 2023 layoffs right before his daughter was born, staying home to raise her for the first year and a half, and eventually starting a lawn care company from scratch with just $400. He and Anthony dig into risk tolerance and why it changes once you have a family, why John thinks the old SaaS-as-moat model won't survive AI, growth for growth's sake versus sustainability, and the weight of losing his father to a brain tumor early in his career. It's a candid, wandering conversation about micro-adjustments, betting on yourself, and figuring out what "enough" actually looks like. Key Topics (Chapters) 01:43 Introduction 08:23 Career Journey: From Design to Software Engineering 17:13 Starting a Lawn Care Business 22:56 Entrepreneurial Mindset and Opportunities 32:26 Navigating Competition and Market Dynamics 42:29 Scalability vs. Personal Needs in Business 52:28 Challenges and Rewards of Starting a Business 01:03:44 Facing Life's Adversities 01:23:37 The Impact of Hyper-Independence on Parenting 01:28:51 The Joy of Parenthood and Work-Life Balance 01:34:45 Risk Tolerance and Financial Planning 01:41:47 The Importance of Experimentation in Entrepreneurship 01:48:13 Starting a Business: Overcoming Mental Barriers 01:55:31 Long-Term Vision and Sustainable Growth 02:05:40 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Resources and Links Cashew's Lawn Care (Denver, west side): https://cashewslawncare.com/ Thanks to Our Partner Hazlo This episode is brought to you by Hazlo, a non-alcoholic seltzer with ginseng, ginkgo, and magnesium — now available in their new blood orange and hibiscus flavor. Purchase Hazlo: https://amzn.to/4fWlauV About The Ambiguous Truth Podcast The Ambiguous Truth explores the new era of work. Not simply breaking away from the 9-to-5, but the fundamental shifts happening in our economy, with our technology, and to our welfare and socioeconomic wellbeing. What does the future of work actually look like? I have no idea. This show is me figuring it out, through conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, artists, you name it... building their own vision. It's not about one big job you land or one big idea that takes off. It's about stringing together your values with opportunities that float your way to see what comes of it — not forcing one thing to be the be-all, end-all. It's about adapting and figuring out how to excel in a world where the old rules don't apply. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theambiguoustruth TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theambiguoustruth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theambiguoustruth Website: https://www.theambiguoustruth.com/

  3. Jul 17

    Ep 12: He Quit AT&T, Then Turned Down His Old Boss's Job Offer

    Join host Anthony Mistretta for a raw conversation with fitness coach and bodybuilder Justin Meyer. An AT&T enterprise sales alum turned full-time trainer and coach. Just six months after quitting corporate on a self-imposed deadline, with no guaranteed income and a coach's blunt advice ringing in his ears, Justin talks through the fear of leaving stability, the father figures who shaped his discipline, and why "nothing changes if nothing changes." Delve into the world of JMF, betting on yourself before you feel ready, and building community instead of just a following. Key Topics (Chapters) 00:00 Introduction 03:24 Building a Client Base and Making the Leap 09:19 Bodybuilding Journey and Competitive Spirit 15:13 Revenue Streams and Business Strategy 21:23 Discipline and Structure in Business 26:50 Future Goals and Community Impact 32:39 The Role of Diverse Father Figures 41:17 Navigating the Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneurship 52:47 Living Authentically and Overcoming Fear 58:25 Chasing Dreams and Taking Action Resources and Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmeyer_fit JMF Field Days — July 11, Manual High School, Denver (event page: JMF's Instagram bio / SweatPals) 30 for the Kids — 1st Phorm’s charity supporting children around the world: https://1stphorm.com/pages/events-30-for-the-kids About The Ambiguous Truth Podcast The Ambiguous Truth explores the new era of work. Not simply breaking away from the 9-to-5, but the fundamental shifts happening in our economy, with our technology, and to our welfare and socioeconomic wellbeing. What does the future of work actually look like? I have no idea. This show is me figuring it out, through conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, artists, you name it... building their own vision. It's not about one big job you land or one big idea that takes off. It's about stringing together your values with opportunities that float your way to see what comes of it — not forcing one thing to be the be-all, end-all. It's about adapting and figuring out how to excel in a world where the old rules don't apply. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theambiguoustruth TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theambiguoustruth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theambiguoustruth Website: https://www.theambiguoustruth.com/

  4. Jun 26

    Ep 11: Pivots, Peace, and Betting on Yourself with Calvin Trieu

    Join host Anthony Mistretta for an interview with strength and conditioning coach, NFL athletic trainer, published researcher, and PhD candidate, Calvin Trieu. This episode dives into the messy truth about following your passions. A journey filled with highs and lows, self-doubt, uncertainty, and utter chaos. Calvin reveals the truth that chasing your dreams and pursuing the life you want to live doesn't require confidence or certainty that you're making the right choice—you must choose to make your decisions the right ones through commitment and perseverance. Key Topics (Chapters) 0:00 Introduction 05:10 The Shift from Stability to Passion 11:07 Dealing with Fluctuations and Uncertainty 13:36 Balancing Multiple Responsibilities 19:31 Resilience in the Face of Adversity 21:30 Finding Calvin's Passion 29:18 Dials and Switches: Managing Life's Demands 37:27 Entrepreneurial Mindset in Training 45:16 Aligning Work with Personal Values 52:02 The Importance of Passion and Craft 01:03:59 Pursuing Peace Over Happiness 01:12:31 The Impact of Language on Identity Resources and Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calvintrieu.co About The Ambiguous Truth Podcast The Ambiguous Truth follows host Anthony Mistretta on his journey from a desk job towards something more aligned with his passions, hobbies, and values. Relearning what work can look like and accepting new opportunities that flow his way. Listen and subscribe to support us revel in life's synchronicities and the unfolding invitations to play, learn, love, and receive. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theambiguoustruth TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theambiguoustruth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theambiguoustruth Website: https://www.theambiguoustruth.com/

  5. Jan 20

    Ep 10: Creativity, Meaning, and Self-Love with Andrew Pinkowitz

    Join host Anthony Mistretta for a wide-ranging conversation with Andrew Pinkowitz—a Denver-based electronic music producer, bread baker, gardener, and father navigating the beautiful intersection of creativity, survival, and meaning. This episode explores the fleeting nature of creative ideas, how looking in the mirror and saying "I love you, Andrew" transformed his relationship with himself, and his father's philosophy to not overlook "diamonds in your own backyard." This conversation celebrates following the fun, practicing self-love without guilt, and recognizing that time is our most valuable resource. Key Topics (Chapters) 00:00 Introduction 05:31 Dreams and Career Evolution 12:55 Finding Meaning in Nature's Scale 17:28 Understanding Values and Time Management 21:36 The Emotional Connection in Creativity 28:13 The Balance of Preparation and Inspiration 34:42 Preserving Memories Through Music 40:58 Metaphors in Music and Life 48:11 The Journey of a Music Producer 55:25 Theory, Experimentation, and Flow in Music Production 01:01:34 Purpose, Advice on Self-Love, and Inner Child Connection 01:11:18 Upcoming Music Projects and Creative Directions Resources and Links Instagram: http://instagram.com/pinkowitzmusic Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/pinkowitz Website: http://pinkowitzmusic.com/ About The Ambiguous Truth Podcast The Ambiguous Truth explores the stories behind people's passions, diving deep into what drives individuals to pursue unconventional paths and chase what deeply aligns with their values, interests, and skills. Host Anthony Mistretta creates intimate conversations that celebrate authenticity and the courage it takes to follow your own truth. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theambiguoustruth TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theambiguoustruth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theambiguoustruth

  6. Jan 7

    Ep 9: Nature, Presence, and Finding Courage with Micah Rynders

    Join host Anthony Mistretta for a deeply reflective conversation with Micah Rynders—a Grand Rapids native, photographer, and spiritual seeker who's built his life around presence, reverence for nature, and the courage to be himself. From discovering photography in seventh grade to quitting his corporate video job in Chicago to embrace 18 months of nomadic exploration, Micah shares his journey of reconnecting with the childlike wonder he never lost but learned to suppress. This honest episode explores how identity isn't something you find but something you allow to surface, why insects and spider webs hold as much magic as any human achievement, and how Micah healed his lifelong food allergies by changing his relationship with fear. Whether discussing the energetic exchange of eating meat, why releasing anger feels scarier than suppressing it, or the spiritual perspective that we're souls temporarily inhabiting physical bodies, this conversation celebrates living visually, slowing down enough to see beauty, and having the courage to let your true self emerge—bugs, neon hats, and all. Key Topics (Chapters) 00:00 Introduction 03:55 Photography and an Artist's Aha Moment 07:47 Nomadism, Childlike Wonder, and Connection to Nature 18:05 Understanding Identity 30:04 Micah's Spiritual World 35:24 The Sacredness of Hunting and Animal's Experiences 49:42 Rituals of Gratitude Before Meals 57:30 Allergies and Feeling Loved 01:03:16 Anger and Emotional Release Resources and Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/micahrynders Website: http://www.micahrynders.com About The Ambiguous Truth Podcast The Ambiguous Truth explores the stories behind people's passions, diving deep into what drives individuals to pursue unconventional paths and chase what deeply aligns with their values, interests, and skills. Host Anthony Mistretta creates intimate conversations that celebrate authenticity and the courage it takes to follow your own truth. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theambiguoustruth TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theambiguoustruth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theambiguoustruth

  7. 12/23/2025

    Ep 8: Curiosity, Freedom, and Building Life on Your Terms with Maddy Garrett

    Join host Anthony Mistretta for an energizing conversation with Maddy Garrett — an entrepreneur, UGC creator and coach, and adventurer who's built a life around intentionality, curiosity, and refusing to accept "normal." From growing up in conservative Orange County as a straight-A student to deconstructing her religious upbringing and quitting her nine-to-five without a backup plan, Maddy shares her journey of discovering who she truly is beneath all the rules and expectations. This honest episode explores the power of changing your external reality, why meeting new people is the antidote to feeling stuck, and how money wounds from religious and capitalist conditioning keep us playing small. Maddy opens up about her tumultuous relationship with passive income, the danger of overthinking instead of living, and why curiosity without fear is the key to unlocking your intuition. Whether discussing part-time van life, working from Mexican resorts, or why competition is a patriarchal lie we don't need anymore, this conversation celebrates living authentically, traveling slowly, and building businesses that prioritize connection over productivity. Key Topics (Chapters) 00:00 Intro 03:22 From Rule-Follower to Rule-Breaker 08:24 No Plan B: The All-or-Nothing Philosophy 17:36 Travel as a Tool for Growth 26:29 Challenging "Productivity" Norms 37:47 Changing your External Reality 44:04 Unlearning Money Stories 53:25 Curiosity, Intuition, and Living Authentically 01:05:14 Embracing Life's Struggles 01:12:08 Intentionality in Life and Business Resources and Links Work Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddyoutdoors.coach/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whoa_maddy_actually_/ Website: https://maddyoutdoors.mykajabi.com/ About The Ambiguous Truth Podcast The Ambiguous Truth explores the stories behind people's passions, diving deep into what drives individuals to pursue unconventional paths and chase what deeply aligns with their values, interests, and skills. Host Anthony Mistretta creates intimate conversations that celebrate authenticity and the courage it takes to follow your own truth. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theambiguoustruth TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theambiguoustruth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theambiguoustruth

  8. 12/09/2025

    Ep 7: Music, Connection, and Growth with Lojo

    Join host Anthony Mistretta for an expansive conversation with Logan Jones—aka Lojo—a Denver-based DJ, clinical research manager, and creative who's built his life around genuine connection, musical exploration, and continuous self-growth. From beatboxing at high school parties to battle rapping in college with a gun to his head, to producing progressive house and liquid drum & bass in his Denver apartment, Lojo's journey reflects a constant evolution driven by curiosity and authenticity. This wide-ranging episode explores the transition from lyrical to melodic expression, why house music dominates Denver's nightlife, and the power of freestyling versus memorization. Lojo opens up about therapy transforming his relationships, why AI will never capture the human experience in music, and his belief that DJing is about curating energy—not just playing hits. Whether discussing the necessity of harsh winters for amazing summers, the danger of assuming others' thoughts, or why progressive house is the soundtrack to every moment of his day, this conversation celebrates living seasonally, letting go of ego, and finding purpose in human connection above all else. Key Topics (Chapters) 00:00 Introduction 06:27 The Transition to Rap and Electronic Music 12:53 Expression Through Lyrics and Melody 28:49 Therapy, Psychedelics, and Catalysts to World View Evolution 43:33 The Shift from Art to Rap 48:51 Expressing Emotion through Music 53:28 The Human Experience in Music 59:46 The Versatility of Electronic Music 01:07:51 Passion and Connection in Music 01:25:44 The Authenticity of Art 01:33:38 Growth and Change in Artists 01:38:51 The Impact of Perception 02:02:10 Outro Resources and Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lojobeats Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/aNvcEKjLcWz6kM9olj About The Ambiguous Truth Podcast The Ambiguous Truth explores the stories behind people's passions, diving deep into what drives individuals to pursue unconventional paths and chase what deeply aligns with their values, interests, and skills. Host Anthony Mistretta creates intimate conversations that celebrate authenticity and the courage it takes to follow your own truth. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theambiguoustruth TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theambiguoustruth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theambiguoustruth

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About

The Ambiguous Truth explores the new era of work. Not simply breaking away from the 9-to-5, but the fundamental shifts happening in our economy, with our technology, and to our welfare and socioeconomic wellbeing. What does the future of work actually look like? I have no idea. This show is me figuring it out, through conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, artists, you name it... building their own vision. It's not about one big job you land or one big idea that takes off. It's about stringing together your values with opportunities that float your way to see what comes of it.

Information

  • Creator
    Anthony Mistretta
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Anthony Mistretta
  • Show Website
    The Ambiguous Truth