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
21 snips
Sep 2, 2026 • 1h 32min
E151 - Hypnotherapist: The 10 Beliefs Controlling Your Life Without You Knowing
Jim Curtis, wellness coach, hypnotherapist, and former WebMD executive, explores the subconscious beliefs shaping identity, ambition, relationships, and freedom. He discusses placebo effects, genuine hypnotherapy versus online quick fixes, the emotional needs beneath material goals, commitment, spirituality, and how high achievers can pursue success without sacrificing happiness or integrity.
13 snips
Aug 10, 2026 • 1h 38min
E150 - The Psychology of The 'Nice Guy' Who Always Loses Mercedes Coffman
Mercedes Coffman, a licensed marriage and family therapist focused on trauma and relationship repair, explains why intensity is often mistaken for long-term fit. She unpacks chemistry versus compatibility, how nervous systems and past trauma shape partner choices, and why “nice guys” may lose due to stimulation biases. Short, practical takes on dating patience, sexual timing, honesty, and whether long-distance or cheated-on relationships can recover.
8 snips
Aug 3, 2026 • 1h 21min
E149 - Rewire Your Mind For Success: The Psychology of the Top 1% Performers | Michael Gervais
Michael Gervais, performance psychologist who coaches world-class athletes and teams. He explores why FOPO (fear of others’ opinions) runs our brains. He contrasts big-wave surfing and high-consequence training with everyday growth. He stresses stress tolerance as a skill, mental imagery rehearsal, and cultivating grounded optimism and discomfort tolerance for peak performance.
4 snips
Jul 20, 2026 • 1h 43min
E148 - Why Every Man In His 20 & 30s Needs Christianity (But Won’t Admit It)
Father Moses McPherson, an Eastern Orthodox priest who converted after a troubled youth, recounts finding peace in crisis and now teaches spiritual formation and family life. He discusses experiential faith versus ideology. He outlines daily Orthodox routines, why many young men return to tradition, and how faith shapes marriage, parenting, and stewardship.
Jun 29, 2026 • 1h 30min
E147 - He Sold His Protein Bar Company For $600M: Peter Rahal on RXBAR, David, & Going Viral
Peter Rahal, entrepreneur who built RXBAR into a $600M exit and now leads David Protein. He recounts starting bars in his apartment, mastering production and shelf-life, landing big retail wins, and relaunching with protein-first, low-calorie formulas. He also covers fundraising, viral launches, unusual product experiments, and building a disciplined team and brand platform.
11 snips
Jun 22, 2026 • 1h 30min
E146 - "Every Relationship ENDS!": The #1 Divorce Lawyer on Love, Marriage & Money | James Sexton
James Sexton, a divorce lawyer and author who turns legal experience into blunt relationship wisdom. He discusses why fear can be healthy, why passion is not the same as compatibility, and how relationships need intentional maintenance. He talks about honesty, teachable relationship skills, the meaning of heartbreak, and how money, fame and children reshape priorities.
38 snips
Jun 15, 2026 • 1h 37min
E145 - To Become a Man, You Must Kill The Boy Before It's Too Late | Cole Hastings
Cole Hastings, author and creator focused on self-development and culture. He digs into declining literacy, how social media and influencer incentives warp empathy and reputation, and the loneliness epidemic among men. Conversations cover shadow work, therapy, meeting people in real life, and his move into fiction with Echoes Across Infinity.
11 snips
Jun 8, 2026 • 1h 42min
E144 - Everything You Were Told About Approaching Women Is Wrong (Full Attraction Guide)
Tristan Yoder, a cold-approach coach who teaches daytime, alcohol-free approaches and masculine social skills. He breaks down why direct, honest starts beat canned lines. Topics include overcoming approach anxiety, building charisma and presence, grooming and style, travel and abundance mindset, and when to blend online and in-person strategies.
6 snips
May 31, 2026 • 1h 46min
E143 - Modern Men Are Soft, Tired & Lost (Here's How To Become Strong Again)
Connor Beaton, founder of Man Talks and author of Men’s Work, is a leader in men’s mental health and masculinity. He breaks down why many young men check out into gaming and dopamine habits. He explores fatherlessness, unprocessed grief, the value of male guides, relationship polarity, and how confronting pain rebuilds strength and purpose.
May 25, 2026 • 1h 35min
E142 - Matt Morsia: How I Reinvented My Life (Money, Media, Burnout & Family)
Matt Morsia, multimillionaire fitness expert and founder of Morsia Ltd, talks business pivots and TV life, from Gladiators to why he shut down an energy drink. He recounts detaching a bicep and rapid recovery. He explains writing a hands-on training book, building teams, balancing family and fame, and making content that actually helps people.
