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First Things THRST

First Things THRST

By: Mike Thurston
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About this listen

‘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.

Mike Thurston
Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • E121 - Inside The Life Of A Multi-Million $ Dubai Luxury Entrepreneur | Lord Aleem
    Dec 19 2025

    » Produced by Hack You Media: pioneering a new category of content at the intersection of health performance, entrepreneurship and cognitive optimisation
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hackyoumedia/
    Website: https://hackyou.media/


    After years of building genuine connections through unique experiences — from letting people sit in his Bugatti to creating affordable yacht slots — Lord Aleem proves that Dubai makes everyone look successful while hiding who's actually operating.


    In this episode, you'll hear why his dad's “no money, no honey” rule filters out time-wasters, how car rental became a nightmare when everyone tried to copy his model, and what happens when you realise 80% of your day is solving problems nobody sees.


    Tune in for his framework on protecting £5 million worth of assets from drunk renters, why being driven beats driving in Dubai, and how staying connected to reality matters more than chasing the ultra-rich pulling up in Bugattis.


    00:00 Introduction
    02:10 Launching a yacht business and selling experiences, not just luxury
    06:31 Learning business lessons from his dad's no-nonsense approach
    10:10 Dubai’s flashy image vs actual wealth and real operators
    18:06 Choosing who’s worth your energy and protecting peace
    25:18 Building a personal brand with his dad’s guidance and rules
    30:23 Owning the first Bugatti Chiron for rent in the world
    35:54 Why the car hire business was more about brand than profit
    39:46 Why the UK rental game lost its spark and profitability
    43:39 Starting a chauffeur business in Dubai and why Escalades win
    46:25 Dubai’s oversupply problem and setting a higher service standard
    49:26 Expansion plans and pivoting toward yacht brokerage
    53:10 The massive costs and logistics of moving a superyacht
    56:49 YouTube gaps, self-doubt, and needing the right team around him
    59:14 Stepping up as a businessman and leader in Dubai
    01:03:53 When to say no, avoid time-wasters, and play the long game
    01:07:26 Lessons in building legit businesses in Dubai with red tape
    01:17:18 Why real happiness isn't found through money alone
    01:20:06 Navigating Dubai’s social distraction and staying focused
    01:24:45 Women in Dubai as masterful operators and tacticians
    01:27:21 Taking breaks, evolving creatively, and avoiding content burnout


    » 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 Aleem
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/LordAleem
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lordaleem_official/?hl=en

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 35 mins
  • E120 - 4 Signs You’re Going To Stay Unhappy (No Matter What) | Dr K
    Dec 10 2025

    » Produced by Hack You Media: pioneering a new category of content at the intersection of health performance, entrepreneurship and cognitive optimisation
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hackyoumedia/
    Website: https://hackyou.media/


    After building a massive mental health platform and hitting a midlife crisis at the peak of success, Dr K proves that doing hard things and feeling accomplished isn’t the same as knowing what you want from life.


    You'll hear why content creation is an endless hamster wheel you can't escape, how he left millions on the table to keep things affordable, and what happens when you wake up one day, realising you've built someone else's version of success. We discuss knowing when enough is enough and how internal conflict about money and purpose affects even the people helping others figure out their lives.

    00:00 Introduction
    03:34 The emotional toll of constant content creation
    06:14 Why progress feels good but rarely leads to contentment
    11:24 How living in Dubai affects self-image and motivation
    13:28 Body image, self-esteem and why Mike doesn’t spiral
    18:38 Why self-love feels off-limits for certain men
    22:46 Regret, efficiency, and the pressure of lost time
    27:13 How subtle justifications mask deeper dissatisfaction
    34:35 The fear of wasting potential and staying stuck
    36:08 Why peak hedonism didn’t bring happiness
    40:00 What peace really feels like for high achievers
    44:05 Exploring joy in the unknown vs controlled luxury
    49:54 The quality of company vs the cost of experience
    50:57 The signs of burnout and recognising overwork early
    57:04 Why men struggle to understand their own feelings
    01:01:29 Learning how to name emotions to stop being ruled by them
    01:07:42 The fear of being seen and how it shapes identity
    01:13:42 Relationships, emotional safety, and being misunderstood
    01:24:57 Why men fear losing their edge and becoming “the loser” again
    01:35:38 Building self-awareness and making space to feel things
    01:48:46 How meditation helps process thoughts and reduce noise
    01:53:33 Dr. K’s own midlife crisis and redefining success


    » 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 Dr K
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthygamer_gg/
    Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6VaJwyS2KXxiXqR77jqzmP
    X: https://twitter.com/HealthyGamerG
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@healthygamer.gg

    Show More Show Less
    2 hrs and 4 mins
  • E119 - Bodybuilding, Discipline & Legacy From the Uncrowned King of Mr Olympia | Kevin Levrone
    Dec 4 2025

    » Produced by Hack You Media: pioneering a new category of content at the intersection of health performance, entrepreneurship and cognitive optimisation
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hackyoumedia/
    Website: https://hackyou.media/


    Kevin Levrone spent 30 years chasing the Olympia title — and he's here to show you why the platform you build matters more than the trophies you didn’t win.


    Most people think success is only measured by first place.
    Kevin proves your legacy is defined by how you treat people on the way up, and what you do with your influence once you have it.


    You’ll hear the mental shift required to go from training for aesthetics to training for sustained performance and what happens when you stop chasing perfection and start embracing simplicity.


    00:00 Introduction
    02:13 Training together and pushing past mental limits
    04:11 Shifting from physique to full-body conditioning
    08:57 Balancing intense travel schedules with fan dedication
    12:43 Being overlooked and using it as lifelong fuel
    16:00 Childhood trauma and the real roots of ambition
    20:33 Discovering martial arts and visualisation after losing his dad
    24:27 Competing from a place of pain and survival
    27:46 When your life feels broken, it’s actually building
    30:00 Why not winning Mr Olympia was a gift
    34:46 The crushing stage that creates long-term purpose
    38:24 Struggles with emotional expression and acceptance
    42:03 Hitting your peak later and not fearing age
    45:38 Life as a contracted pro bodybuilder in the '90s
    49:17 Travel stories, rivalries and beating Ronnie Coleman
    55:07 Ronnie’s willpower after all the muscle is gone
    58:59 Natural lifters and ageing with strength intact
    01:03:26 Why kids today need more real guidance
    01:04:42 Fatherhood as the completion of your journey
    01:09:02 Being a role model for the next generation
    01:12:07 Perfectionism and missing life’s real moments


    » 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 Kevin
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinlevrone/?hl=en
    Website: https://levrosupplements.com/

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 20 mins
All stars
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Mike's venture into the podcast game is a natural progression which he has settled into perfectly. Great podcasts, easy to listen to.

Next level Thurston

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