Podcast
First Things THRST
Hosted by Mike Thurston · EN
‘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.
51episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
E129 - The True Purpose Of Life That 99% Of People Miss (It’s Not What You Think) | Peter Crone
Feb 1501:17:45Tap to summarize» 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/Peter Crone is a mind architect who works with elite athletes and CEOs to reprogram their subconscious limitations, and this conversation reveals why mental fitness is the absence of suffering, how childhood narratives control your entire adult life without you realising it, and why complete vulnerability is the only way to overcome fear.Peter breaks down the current operating system—predict and protect—where your brain constantly anticipates worst-case scenarios based on limitations you created as a child (I'm not enough, I'm not worthy). Learn why romantic relationships expose constraints that family and friends never touch because you become sufficiently vulnerable to access what needs healing, and why success has nothing to do with materialism—it's complete peace regardless of what's happening externally.00:00 Introduction04:48 What mental fitness really means and why most people suffer08:24 Suppressing emotions vs knowing when to seek help11:41 Losing both parents and how early trauma shapes adulthood18:04 The power of uncertainty and the lesson heartbreak taught25:28 Vulnerability in relationships and how much to share29:16 Why any lie can quietly destroy your connection36:56 Ambition from fear vs drive from inner peace42:47 Religion vs spirituality and the illusion of separation51:09 Why so many fail to stay consistent with fitness54:18 Muscles, dysmorphia, and the real reason behind self-image issues58:38 Can ambition exist without ego or is it one and the same01:03:44 Comparing traumas and why everyone deserves compassion01:06:56 Subconscious beliefs and how they silently sabotage potential01:10:09 Timing, chance meetings, and trusting the bigger plan» 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 PeterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/petercrone/?hl=enWebsite: https://www.petercrone.com/
Transcribe →E128 - Powerful Life Hacks For Men To Become Dangerous, Free & Unforgettable (unfiltered)
Feb 801:12:40Tap to summarize» 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/Richard Cooper (Entrepreneur in Cars) is a men's coach who helps guys navigate relationships after getting destroyed by his own divorce, and this conversation breaks down why the nice guy strategy fails, how women punish you for giving them everything they ask for, and why successful men throughout history never committed to sexual exclusivity.Richard explains the fundamental disconnect—women demand full commitment, including sexual monogamy, but when you give them the complete package, they often lose interest and punish you. Learn why 43% of North American kids are raised in single-parent households producing boss girls and weak beta males, how daddy issues create women who don't value masculinity, and why tattoos are the most criticised red flag.The harsh reality: paying attention to behaviour versus what people say applies universally in relationships and business.00:00 Introduction02:00 First impressions of Dubai and why he’s exploring relocation04:26 Why modern dating is a minefield for young men08:52 The concept of ‘beta-tization’ through small daily concessions11:39 Should couples live together or live separately long-term?18:06 The idea that commitment and exclusivity aren’t always linked21:49 How the legal system punishes men after breakups27:39 Why modern marriage is a raw deal for most men31:44 Navigating love and ambition when building a business37:14 Social media as a threat to relationship stability40:59 How young men should focus on building long-term value45:08 Tattoos, trauma, and the markers of red flags50:48 Green flags and the women who nurture, not demand52:19 Where to find high-quality women—and why the West struggles58:53 Expectations, disappointment, and better understanding women01:05:46 The risks of fatherhood and how to vet properly» 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 RichardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_unplugged_alpha/?hl=enBooks: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00D4NYPAG?ccs_id=cae3e395-4020-4c99-ac68-456648f0baeb
Transcribe →127 - The Psychology Behind Why We Fall In Love With Luxury Brands | Rory Sutherland
Feb 101:17:21Tap to summarize» 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/Rory Sutherland is Vice Chairman of Ogilvy, and this conversation reveals why personal branding works, how luxury brands are destroying themselves by chasing scale over exclusivity, and why companies optimise completely wrong metrics that customers don't actually care about.Learn why we substitute easy questions for hard ones when making decisions, how status currencies constantly shift from cars to experiences to education, and why expensive signalling through costly marketing actually works better than cheap digital messages.Timestamps00:00 Introduction02:14 Why personal branding matters more in an AI-driven world04:38 Family-owned businesses outperform PLCs in brand building08:43 Why likeability often beats performance in service brands13:45 The hidden value of charm and human interaction16:36 Making travel better through experience, not speed19:30 Obsessively specialising to build premium perception26:21 Why status travel beats local cultural appreciation34:06 Should we admire bold bling or quiet confidence?36:53 Why digital culture shifts how we signal status39:33 How luxury brands are losing cachet through ubiquity49:03 Big screens, little phones and backwards tech habits52:22 Influencer marketing revives old-school trust in digital57:13 The danger of one-size-fits-all outrage in advertising01:10:11 Expensive media still signals credibility and confidenceLinks» 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/FirstThingsThrstFollow RorySubstack: https://rorysutherland.substack.com/X: https://x.com/rorysutherland?lang=en
Transcribe →E126 - The Fitness Industry In 2026: Body Image, Burnout & Broken Standards | Kayla Itsines
Jan 2500:58:20Tap to summarizeKayla 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 Introduction02:00 Starting out in fitness and falling in love with strength08:48 Building a personal brand vs building a sellable business11:21 How an accidental e-book launch turned global fitness empire15:40 Turning the Sweat app into a platform beyond herself21:46 Selling the company and feeling like she lost a child25:53 Keeping Sweat ahead in a saturated women’s fitness market32:22 Why long-term success is about consistency, not extremes38:31 What women struggle with most in fitness today40:25 Debunking myths about women lifting weights and eating carbs44:39 Fitness shifting toward total wellness and biohacking48:39 Stress, control, and the quiet chaos of daily life53:15 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=enSweat – https://sweat.com/join
Transcribe →E125 - How to Un*fck Your Mind So That Hard Things Become Easy | Louis Armstrong
Jan 1801:22:17Tap to summarize» 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/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 Introduction02:10 Catching up, lost Airbnb deposit and lessons for creators06:00 Celibacy, dopamine addictions and cutting out vices09:21 Women as a distraction and learning self-control12:25 Relationships vs single life and patterns of avoidance17:07 Trust issues, jealousy and choosing a secure partner20:26 How men can build true security and self-worth22:34 Balancing being a good partner without becoming a simp27:01 Dubai dating culture and the rise of entitlement31:00 Finding quality women and warning signs to watch for38:44 Advice for young men on meeting women offline41:56 Building confidence through small daily interactions43:50 Mentorship, prioritising freedom and business balance48:28 Scaling without burnout and staying focused52:29 Writing, distractions, and designing optimal mornings57:39 The “Let Them” mindset and emotional resilience01:09:52 Reflecting on alcohol, fun vs optimisation01:13:19 Goals for 2024 and building systems around creativity01:19:40 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 LouisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisarmstrong7/?hl=enCreator Club: https://www.thecreatorclub.co.uk/
Transcribe →E124 - After Making $40M Online, This Is My Best Advice To Get Rich | Charlie Morgan
Jan 1101:42:17Tap to summarize» 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
Transcribe →E123 - Maxims to Live a Rich(er) & More Productive Life In Your 20s & 30s | Mark Manson
Jan 401:18:40Tap to summarize» 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/
Transcribe →E122 - How To Reinvent Yourself In 90 Days (no matter your situation) | Michael Smoak
Dec 2901:44:36Tap to summarize» 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 building public speaking skills through brutal on-camera training and quitting a job after 15 days to go full-time on TikTok, Michael (higherupwellness) proves that authenticity matters more than polish.You’ll hear why his parents being in their 70s gave him wisdom most 28-year-olds don’t have, how two and a half years of mandatory public speaking eliminated his number one fear, and what happens when you realise worldly success never fills the God-shaped hole.Tune in for his framework on maxing out your stat lines in your 20s, why asking God to reveal himself changed everything after his dad died, and how silencing ego long enough to suck at something a hundred times is the barrier most people never cross.00:00 Introduction01:40 Growing up with much older parents and shaping his worldview04:14 Supportive parenting made taking career risks feel safe07:57 Comparing US optimism to UK mindset and ambition12:35 Striking a balance between monk mode and reckless fun17:27 Early career struggles and earning respect as the youngest20:22 Vulnerability online builds real connection and community23:40 Steroid accusations and the reality of 18 years training27:21 Fitting training and nutrition into a hybrid athlete lifestyle33:10 Flexible training splits and sustainable consistency38:37 How calorie awareness gives you long-term freedom44:43 Learning public speaking through immersive sales training50:48 Communicating well, even in a non-native language57:46 What Whoop taught him about sleep, alcohol and basics01:04:32 Why coaching can be draining if boundaries aren’t set01:12:55 Men need spaces where they can be both strong and soft01:22:30 Even elite performers have major blind spots01:26:10 Losing his dad showed him God’s presence through pain01:35:57 Exactly how to start exploring faith without feeling lost» 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 MichaelInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/higherupwellness/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@higherupwellness?lang=en
Transcribe →E117 - Why I Deleted Everything & Started Again: Leana Deeb's Modesty Journey
Nov 20Tap to summarize» Produced by Hack You Media: pioneering a new category of content at the intersection of health performance, entrepreneurship & cognitive optimisationInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hackyoumedia/Website: https://hackyou.media/Leana Deeb deleted all her content and started over because she realised she was performing a version of herself that wasn't real.After years of posting what the algorithm wanted, she wiped everything and rebuilt from scratch — this time focusing on authenticity over engagement.In this episode, you'll hear what triggered the decision to delete everything, how she navigated starting over with zero content, and what changed when she stopped playing to the algorithms.00:00 Introduction04:20 Going viral overnight and handling sudden fame09:35 The lonely chapter after blowing up online13:47 Leaving old circles behind for growth and ambition15:58 Reconnecting with faith and shifting to modesty20:54 Deleting past content and the fear of losing it all26:56 Finding peace through spirituality and time alone31:11 Pressure to appear perfect and the fear of vulnerability37:50 Creating modest fitness wear in a male-led industry43:00 The Gymshark partnership and building true representation48:57 Mixed gyms, filming struggles, and distractions for women51:00 Training motivation after covering up her body56:44 Balancing faith, modesty and showing her personality59:53 The cost of chasing engagement over alignment01:02:38 Leaving Dallas and New York burnout01:06:43 Dating as a public figure and protecting relationships01:14:39 Leana's experience giving an Oxford speech01:23:39 Navigating modern feminism and traditional roles01:26:37 The definition of female empowerment today» 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:https://join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrst» Follow LeanaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanadeebb/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leanadeeb?lang=enUpliftyou: https://www.upliftyou.com/
Transcribe →E115 - How To Actually Get Ahead With AI (Before It’s Too Late) | Dan Martell
Nov 6Tap to summarize» 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/Dan Martell is using AI to replace what used to require entire departments, but most founders are implementing it completely wrong.After building multiple businesses the traditional way with large teams, Dan's discovered AI can handle 60–70% of what he used to hire people for, from customer success to content creation to research. You'll hear his framework for deciding what to automate first, why most founders waste time on the wrong AI implementations, and the specific prompts and systems he uses to run leaner teams that move faster.Plus, his take on which roles AI will eliminate in the next 12 months and why resistance to AI in your company is actually a gift, showing you who's thinking long-term.0:00 Introduction01:35 Why Dan loves Dubai’s safety and privacy03:02 Travelling the world while raising and “world-schooling” kids06:20 Building a team that runs with you, not behind you11:24 How deep trust transformed company culture17:42 The real reason most founders bottleneck their team20:39 Dan’s framework for handling mistakes and underperformers23:22 Separating friendship from leadership with healthy boundaries26:15 Why insecure founders sabotage growth by hiring “yes” people30:11 The buyback rate concept for valuing your time33:07 Four skills that build unstoppable leverage36:02 Learning vs shipping and what’s actually stopping you41:23 Why doing things before you’re ready still works43:20 Personal productivity hacks using everyday AI46:04 How Dan uses AI to replace thinking, not just tasks51:38 What robot-powered superintelligence could trigger globally57:47 Why the AI creator economy will collapse old models01:04:14 What really matters in a world of infinite content01:13:53 Preparing your team for full AI automation01:19:00 Living with full freedom and choosing how to serve» 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 Dan«Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danmartell/?hl=enWebsite: https://www.danmartell.com/Buy Back Your Time: https://www.buybackyourtime.com/
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