

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

35 snips
Jan 11, 2026 • 1h 42min
E124 - After Making $40M Online, This Is My Best Advice To Get Rich | Charlie Morgan
Charlie Morgan, a dynamic online entrepreneur who created a free Academy to teach agency fundamentals, shares his journey from burnout to breakthrough. He reveals how making courses free sets him apart in a saturated market. Charlie discusses the pressures of sudden wealth and the misconceptions of 'passive income,' emphasizing the hard work beneath the glamour. He candidly reflects on relationships, his ambitions for billionaire status, and the importance of authentic connections after success.

Jan 4, 2026 • 1h 19min
E123 - Maxims to Live a Rich(er) & More Productive Life In Your 20s & 30s | Mark Manson
Mark Manson, bestselling author known for The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F***, shares insights on navigating success and personal growth. He discusses the art of saying no as opportunities grow and reframes the focus from experimentation in your 20s to legacy-building in your 30s. Mark reveals the harsh realities of the music industry and emphasizes the importance of meaningful relationships, arguing that choosing marriage positively impacts life and career. He also highlights the value of youthful mistakes and the growth that comes from them.

18 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 1h 45min
E122 - How To Reinvent Yourself In 90 Days (no matter your situation) | Michael Smoak
Michael Smoak, known as Higher Up Wellness, is a content creator focused on fitness, communication, and faith. He shares insights on how growing up with older parents shaped his perspective and wisdom. His journey includes quitting a corporate job for TikTok, embracing vulnerability to build connections, and offering advice on public speaking. Michael emphasizes the importance of consistent training and nutrition while balancing life's demands. His deep faith journey, especially during his father's illness, highlights the power of surrender and finding peace.

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.


