

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

Dec 19, 2025 • 1h 35min
E121 - Inside The Life Of A Multi-Million $ Dubai Luxury Entrepreneur | Lord Aleem
Lord Aleem, a Dubai-based entrepreneur and founder of Platinum Executive Travel, shares his journey into luxury car hire and yacht experiences. He discusses the importance of selling unique experiences over mere luxury, citing lessons from his father's "no money, no honey" rule. Aleem reveals the challenges of distinguishing genuine success from appearances in Dubai and reflects on the significance of maintaining authenticity in networking. He also dives into the economics of luxury rentals and the value of protecting personal energy while navigating this glamorous but complex environment.

59 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 2h 4min
E120 - 4 Signs You’re Going To Stay Unhappy (No Matter What) | Dr K
Dr. Alok Gawande, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and mental health educator, dives deep into the paradox of achievement versus contentment. He reveals the emotional toll of relentless content creation and how it can become an endless cycle. They discuss the pitfalls of pursuing hedonism, the significance of self-awareness, and the challenges men face in expressing emotions. Alok shares insights on balancing ambition with joy, the power of community, and the personal journey through a midlife crisis, offering practical steps to navigate emotional landscapes.

4 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 1h 20min
E119 - Bodybuilding, Discipline & Legacy From the Uncrowned King of Mr Olympia | Kevin Levrone
Kevin Levrone, a four-time Mr. Olympia runner-up and fitness icon, shares compelling insights from his extensive career. He discusses the shift from physique-focused training to holistic conditioning and how childhood trauma shaped his drive. Kevin emphasizes that true success isn’t about trophies but the legacy we leave behind. He reflects on the importance of emotional expression and therapy while highlighting the impact of personal pain on finding purpose. The conversation is a blend of motivation, nostalgia, and practical life lessons.

Nov 27, 2025 • 1h 51min
E118 - *NEW* UFO Disclosure: Declassified Documents, Government Proof & ET Life On Earth
Richard Dolan, a historian and ufologist with decades of research on UFOs, shares fascinating insights into declassified documents that contradict conventional military explanations. He discusses the dramatic shift in public discourse following the 2017 New York Times articles. Dolan weighs the implications of high strangeness phenomena and the possibility of non-human intelligence monitoring Earth. He also explores how technological advancements may have triggered increased UFO sightings and the potential consequences of true disclosure on society.

Nov 20, 2025 • 1h 27min
E117 - Why I Deleted Everything & Started Again: Leana Deeb's Modesty Journey
Leana Deeb, a fitness creator and founder of Uplift U, candidly shares her journey of deleting past content to embrace authenticity after reconnecting with her faith. She discusses the isolation of sudden fame, her transition to modesty, and the challenges of creating modest fitness wear in a male-led industry. Leana reflects on the pressure of perfection versus vulnerability, the importance of alignment over engagement, and her mission to empower women through genuine representation. Tune in for insights that redefine success in the digital age!

12 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 1h 10min
E116 - You're NOT Lazy: My System To Build Relentless Discipline & Toughness |Adam Radcliffe
Adam Radcliffe, an adventurer and online coach famous for extreme endurance challenges like rowing the North Atlantic, shares his journey from corporate life to full-time adventuring. He discusses the mental resilience required during isolation at sea, including coping with extreme weather and tight quarters. Adam reveals his training framework for staying fit while traveling, the importance of finding intrinsic motivation, and how adventure can be a test for personal relationships. His insights will inspire anyone looking to balance fitness with a life full of adventure!

85 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 1h 27min
E115 - How To Actually Get Ahead With AI (Before It’s Too Late) | Dan Martell
Dan Martell, a serial founder and executive coach, shares insights on leveraging AI to drastically reduce staffing needs. He emphasizes the importance of delegating tasks to unlock growth and discusses the 'buyback rate' for valuing time. Dan reveals practical ways to implement AI, including integrating it into daily operations for improved productivity. He also touches on the future of work, exploring which roles AI may replace and the necessity of retraining staff. With a focus on action over theory, Dan inspires founders to embrace this technology for significant gains.

30 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 1h 19min
E114 - Muscle Expert: You Need To Know This To Get Bigger & Stronger (FAST)
Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, a physician and muscle health advocate, shares her revolutionary approach to health. She emphasizes that building muscle is crucial for longevity and metabolic health, shifting the focus from fat loss to muscle gain. The discussion covers how muscle mass benefits sexual and immune health, the importance of strength training alongside cardio, and effective training strategies for beginners. Lyon also introduces National Muscle Health Month, aiming to raise awareness about the need to prioritize muscle in healthcare.

8 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 1h 26min
E113 - Lessons & Stories From the Most Successful Male Model Ever | David Gandy
David Gandy, the iconic British supermodel turned entrepreneur, shares his journey from fashion's glitzy runways to founding the successful Wellwear brand. He discusses leaving behind guaranteed cash to take control of his image and carve out a lasting legacy. Gandy delves into the challenges of designing for real bodies, the looming threat of AI to the modelling industry, and the long road to success in an often brutal field. With insights on training, brand partnerships, and the importance of maintaining a personal mystique, this conversation is a treasure trove for aspiring entrepreneurs.

15 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 1h 43min
E112 - Become Mentally Strong & Train Your Mind To Overcome Anything | Cory Richards
Cory Richards, a National Geographic photographer and professional climber turned author, opens up about his journey of overcoming mental health challenges after leaving the mountains. He discusses the importance of rewriting your life story and how media consumption can impact happiness. Cory shares insights on bipolar disorder, emphasizing it as a behavior pattern rather than a deficit. He also explores self-sourcing love, the healing potential of psychedelics, and the role of compassion in defining purpose. His candidness about vulnerability sparks powerful discussions on identity and connection.


