

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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 21, 2025 • 1h 31min
E104 - Brutal Life Lessons You Must Accept To Live A Better Life | King Keto
Brandon Carter, also known as King Keto, is an entrepreneur and online fitness coach dedicated to helping men master their bodies and mindsets. In this engaging conversation, he shares his journey from a tough upbringing in Chicago to building a successful online fitness empire. Carter discusses the importance of discipline, his insights on navigating the fitness industry, and the transformative effects of testosterone replacement therapy. He also reflects on the contrasts between living in NYC and Miami, emphasizing authenticity and personal growth in relationships and life.

Aug 14, 2025 • 55min
E103 - How to Build Purpose, Freedom & Wealth (Founder's Advice) | Devon Levesque
This week’s guest, Devon Levesque, is a founder known for challenging physical and mental limits. He dives into his journey from running nightclubs to building a health supplement brand, emphasizing community and customer connection. Devon reflects on the impact of personal tragedy, like his father's death, on his resilience. He shares his harrowing Everest climb, balancing thrill with fear. Lastly, he explores the importance of living boldly, embracing discomfort, and finding harmony in life through unique experiences like sauna culture.

10 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 1h 21min
E102 - How to Stop Your Hair Loss Before It's Too Late (Full Guide) | Dr. Raghu Reddy
Join Dr. Raghu Reddy, a leading hair restoration expert from the UK, as he unravels the complexities of hair loss in young men. He shares insights on the emotional and societal pressures surrounding baldness and the importance of choosing skilled surgeons. The discussion covers cutting-edge treatments like Finasteride and PRP, while emphasizing the risks of cheap clinics. Dr. Reddy also addresses lifestyle factors, post-operative care, and innovative nutritional strategies to promote healthier hair, making this a must-listen for anyone concerned about hair loss.

8 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 1h 23min
E101 - Fix These 4 areas to Unlock Your Full Potential | Ben Pakulski
Ben Pakulski, a renowned bodybuilder turned high-performance coach, delves deep into personal growth and self-mastery. He reveals the four crucial pillars that often hinder fitness progress and discusses the psychological battles within bodybuilding. Listeners will discover how trauma shaped his journey, the healing power of psychedelics, and the importance of aligning personal values with fitness goals. Additionally, Ben shares insights on maintaining long-term wellness by adapting training to one's genetics and prioritizing ambition alongside inner peace.

Jul 24, 2025 • 1h 5min
EP100 Q&A: Relationship Lessons, Life Advice & My Worst Podcast Guest
Celebrate a hundred milestones with a heartfelt Q&A delving into personal growth and the challenges of podcasting. Explore reflections on relationships, the balance between extroversion and introversion, and key lessons in financial literacy. Gain insights on navigating dating, finding your prime, and the value of confidence. Discover the journey from carefree youth to the responsibilities of adulthood while prioritizing personal fulfillment amidst entrepreneurial pursuits. Expect a mix of humor, inspiration, and real talk!

Jul 10, 2025 • 1h 46min
E099 - What it Really Takes to Build a Billion-Dollar Brand (Founder of Reebok)
Joe Foster, the founder of Reebok and author of 'Shoemaker,' shares his incredible journey of transforming a small workshop vision into a global sportswear phenomenon. He discusses the role of luck and innovation in brand-building and reveals how aerobics propelled Reebok into the mainstream. Joe also reflects on leaving the family business and the challenges of entering the competitive U.S. market. With insights into overcoming obstacles and embracing fun in entrepreneurship, this conversation showcases the spirit of perseverance and creativity in the world of sports branding.

8 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 1h 45min
E098 - The Biohacking Routine That (Quickly) Changed My Life | Nate Belmar
Nate Belmar, a biohacker focused on mental and physical transformation, shares his inspiring journey from being overweight to achieving clarity and resilience. He discusses the impact of social media on mental health, emphasizing the importance of detaching from online pressures. The conversation dives into health practices like fasting and intuitive eating, along with strategies to maintain nutrition while traveling. Nate also offers insights on authenticity in identity and relationships, combining humor with deep reflections on personal growth and societal expectations.

Jun 26, 2025 • 56min
E097 - The New Way to Make Your First $100,000 Online (Whop)
Cameron Zoub and Steven Zhang, co-founders of Whop, share their insights on building a thriving digital marketplace. They delve into the early days of creating software for sneaker reselling and Twitch streamers, emphasizing adaptability and key lessons learned. The duo discusses their month-to-month growth without relying on ads and the central role of product development. They also reflect on the pitfalls of chasing trends like NFTs, highlighting the importance of focus in entrepreneurship and the emotional dynamics of co-founding a startup.

Jun 19, 2025 • 1h 36min
E096 - The Fastest Way to Power, Money & Freedom | Afnan Khalifa
Afnan Khalifa, founder and life coach, dives into her transformative journey from Saudi Arabia to Canada, emphasizing the importance of mindset in achieving success. She discusses breaking free from societal norms and the dangers of fast money in entrepreneurship. Afnan shares insights on building emotional resilience and mastering personal branding, stressing the significance of authenticity over social media validation. She empowers women to navigate visibility online while balancing ambition and meaningful relationships, showcasing that true growth comes from embracing discomfort.

10 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 1h 37min
E095 - Build an AESTHETIC Physique in 90 Days (Complete Transformation) | Greg O'Gallagher
In this enlightening conversation, Greg O'Gallagher, a renowned fitness YouTuber and creator of the Kinobody approach, discusses how to achieve a stunning physique without obsessive training. He debunks myths around daily workouts and emphasizes the power of smarter eating and stress management. Greg shares insights on optimizing testosterone naturally and the importance of walking as a powerful exercise. His holistic approach challenges fitness norms, advocating for balance and smart lifestyle choices to enhance well-being and aesthetics.