First Things THRST (Mike Thurston)

The entrepreneurial journey is often glamorised—start a business, build a following, and success will come easy. But Maxx Chewning's story reveals a different reality: one built on consistency, calculated risk, and staying true to your passions. From juggling a corporate job while building a YouTube channel, to turning his love for candy into the wildly successful Sour Strips brand, Maxx has never taken the easy route.In this episode, Maxx opens up about the years of trial and error behind his fitness content, why he walked away from his clothing brand, and how reinvesting, storytelling, and community built a brand that now sits on the shelves of major retailers. We also dive into what it really takes to scale a business without giving up control—and why doing what you love can be your most strategic move.0:00 Introduction to Maxx Chewning1:37 Mike's experiences in America and Texas weather3:29 Maxx Chewning's relocation and starting District Barbell gym6:50 Early collaborations and decisions in Texas10:00 Building a niche in YouTube and bodybuilding forums13:35 Juggling a job with YouTube and early sponsorships17:45 Launch and evolution of Ever Forward and Sour Strips25:38 Challenges and strategies in starting and scaling Sour Strips34:55 Influencer marketing and brand differentiation41:22 Business growth, employee care, and COVID's impact44:21 Retail approaches and protecting the business50:41 Financial risks and strategies in retail expansion53:20 Preparing for business exit and Hershey's acquisition1:02:46 Post-acquisition obligations and Sour Strips' legacy1:07:24 Maxx Chewning's personal life and future endeavors1:12:20 Discussing candy in the fitness industry1:15:52 Balancing fitness with candy entrepreneurship1:19:29 Instilling ambition in children and managing creativity1:23:00 Personal life balance and content planning1:28:38 Audience engagement and content relatability1:33:01 Home building and design collaboration» Escape the 9-5 & 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 ​⁠@Whoop and get your first month for free - https://join.whoop.com/mikethurston» Follow Maxx«YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRZAa0ay5dZT71_efD-YlOgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxxchewning/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maxxchewning?lang=en

Investing is often made to feel complicated—full of risky strategies and advice that feels out of reach for the average person. But this week’s guest Mark Tilbury is here to cut through the BS. After leaving school at 16 and building multiple successful businesses, Mark has spent decades proving that smart investing is simple, accessible, and life-changing when done right.In this episode, Mark breaks down the basics of financial literacy, the power of starting early, and why consistency always beats chasing quick wins. He explains how index funds quietly build wealth, why personal branding matters more than ever, and how learning the value of money through “boring” jobs can be the foundation for long-term success. Whether you're 18 or 38, this conversation is packed with practical, down-to-earth advice that makes investing feel like something anyone can do.00:00 Meeting Mark and his content journey03:00 Understanding audience spending habits05:52 Learning from financial missteps10:21 Living with location freedom15:11 The constant pursuit of knowledge23:10 Daily habits of successful entrepreneurs25:01 Why passion needs financial planning29:05 Choosing the right business partners34:09 Teaching family about wealth42:21 Social media's double-edged sword47:32 Side hustles for teenagers52:28 Financial education and the story behind Century UK56:16 Manufacturing challenges and adapting to online sales59:28 Navigating real estate through downturns1:02:49 Property investing for beginners1:04:00 Why restaurants are challenging businesses1:07:04 The truth about franchising and day trading1:09:47 Finding mentors who've been there1:14:00 Managing unexpected fame1:18:23 Starting your first business right1:21:09 Smart approaches to cryptocurrency1:25:03 Building a personal brand that lasts1:26:21 Balancing ambition with life1:29:00 The entrepreneur's fitness formula» Escape the 9-5 & 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 ​⁠@Whoop and get your first month for free - https://join.whoop.com/mikethurston

» Follow Mark «

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/marktilbury

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marktilbury/?hl=en

Website: https://marktilbury.com/

This week's episode is a special one. I’m joined by explorer and author Matt LaCroix, a researcher dedicated to uncovering the secrets of ancient history. With a deep passion for challenging mainstream narratives, Matt explores the lost civilisations, advanced technologies, and forgotten sites that reshape our understanding of the past.In this episode, we dive into The Great Pyramid debate, the mysteries beneath the Sphinx, and the evidence of lost technology in ancient stonework. Matt breaks down why historical timelines may be wrong, how global floods reshaped civilisation, and what hidden tunnels beneath ancient sites could reveal. We also tackle the Anunnaki mystery, the question of human origins, and whether past civilisations had knowledge far beyond what we assume.Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges everything you thought you knew about history.00:00 Diving into ancient mysteries01:24 Matthew's path to hidden history03:28 Graham Hancock’s research and Turkey's secrets04:50 Unearthing forgotten sites06:26 Challenging historical timelines10:56 Lost technology in ancient stonework15:02 Mysteries of unfinished monuments17:33 Inside the pyramids debate22:45 Beneath the Sphinx: hidden tunnels28:37 How ancient civilisations collapsed32:12 Why ancient sites were buried35:45 The Sphinx's true origins37:57 Discovering Lake Van's underwater world43:07 Science backs lost civilisations48:00 Turkey's role in ancient history51:33 Breaking down historical myths56:17 Understanding the Anunnaki1:01:09 The mystery of human origins1:06:01 Global flood stories and civilization resets1:11:13 The cycle of rise and fall civilisations1:16:43 Could our civilization collapse?1:21:32 Ancient abilities and ET connections1:24:00 History's biggest question…1:25:38 Essential reading for ancient mysteries1:27:19 Next adventures and documentary plans1:30:49 Why ancient sites still captivate us» Escape the 9-5 & 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 ​⁠@Whoop and get your first month for free - https://join.whoop.com/mikethurston» Follow Matt«YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC65XXzhHyH3BKZ72Q1eKF8Q Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestageoftime/?hl=enWebsite: https://thestageoftime.com

After the success of our first meeting, it was only right to get Sadia back on the show for round 2. With years of experience challenging outdated taboos, Sadia provides deep insights into how wealthy men approach relationships, the struggles of long-distance connections, and why emotional vulnerability in men is often misunderstood.

Whether you’re single, dating, or in a long-term relationship, this conversation offers invaluable insights into navigating love in today’s world.

00:00 Sadia Khan returns

04:45 Breaking dating taboos and client insights

09:41 How wealthy men approach relationships

15:14 Making long-distance relationships work

17:02 When men show emotional vulnerability

19:04 Staying faithful despite temptations

25:03 Inside Dubai's unique dating scene

31:42 Keeping attraction alive in relationships

37:58 Attachment styles and love languages explained

41:41 Why indirect communication hurts relationships

48:15 Setting boundaries in toxic relationships

54:19 Privacy and social media in relationships

59:37 Clear expectations in modern dating

1:07:16 Dating in the social media era

1:12:05 Modern women's approach to dating

1:17:31 The role of sexual compatibility

1:20:22 What social media behaviour reveals

1:26:10 Introducing the 3M relationship method

1:30:22 Finding the right amount of conflict

1:33:52 Understanding why men lose interest

1:37:52 Dealing with infidelity and commitment

» Escape the 9-5 & 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 ​⁠@Whoop and get your first month for free -https://join.whoop.com/mikethurston

» Follow Sadia«

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesadiapsychology/?hl=en

Website: https://www.sadiapsychology.com/

Social media is designed to keep you hooked—dopamine hits, endless comparison, and the pressure to constantly perform. As a hybrid athlete and fitness creator, Heba Ali knows this all too well. She’s built a massive following by pushing limits—but behind the training videos was a growing awareness of how the platforms were rewiring her mind.In this episode, Heba gets real about the psychological cost of content culture—how chasing likes and virality can quietly erode confidence, clarity, and self-worth. Breaking down the addictive nature of validation, the blurred line between discipline and obsession, and why so many creators feel burnt out despite outward success. This isn’t about quitting social media—it’s about taking back control.00:00 Heba Ali Introduction04:00 Mastering focus in a distracted world05:46 From first jobs to entrepreneurship10:16 Finding strength through athletics14:04 The birth of EvolveNation18:24 The journey of becoming yourself21:44 How social media reshapes identity25:00 Healing through life's challenges30:39 Balancing luxury with simplicity35:31 The entrepreneur's responsibility dilemma39:16 Creating content with integrity43:24 The psychology behind what sells47:11 Breaking free from digital addiction53:39 Using distractions to avoid deeper questions59:39 Community care across cultures1:04:49 Making health choices amid fear1:09:25 Building relationships that matter1:19:43 The mindset behind effective training1:25:35 Healing through questioning1:32:11 Redefining roles in relationships1:38:38 Relationships in the social media age1:44:03 Leading with values and purpose1:49:50 Speaking each other's love languages1:56:12 Finding truth in a filtered world2:04:02 Beauty beyond society's narrow lens2:12:05 Creating balance in public life2:18:36 The true currency of life: time» Escape the 9-5 & 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 ​⁠@Whoop and get your first month for free - https://join.whoop.com/mikethurston» Follow Heba«YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EvolveNationInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hybridheba/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hybridheba?lang=en

Modern dating is often reduced to swiping, algorithms, and endless messaging, yet many men still find themselves struggling to make real connections. Blaine Anderson, a dating coach who has helped thousands of men improve their love lives, is here to cut through the noise. Dating isn’t about tricks or perfect pick-up lines—it’s about confidence, presence, and understanding what truly attracts women.In this episode, Blaine breaks down why men struggle to stand out, the common mistakes that turn women off, and how technology has reshaped modern relationships. She shares insights on navigating dating apps, approaching women in real life, and creating real chemistry without relying on outdated tactics. Whether you’re looking for a serious relationship or just trying to improve your dating confidence, this conversation is packed with practical advice on becoming the kind of man women genuinely want to be around.00:00 Meeting Blaine and her coaching story02:28 Modern dating's biggest hurdles06:24 Dating apps vs. meeting in real life09:42 Simple upgrades for men's dating success14:41 Reading signals and making approaches24:51 Mastering the first date experience30:51 Body language that speaks volumes35:31 Why ghosting happens and how to handle it39:12 What truly attracts women47:40 Navigating casual versus serious dating52:08 Inside the matchmaking process56:32 Should men listen to women's dating advice?1:00:26 Finding love while building a career1:05:04 Dating in Dubai's unique landscape1:08:19 How technology is changing romance» Escape the 9-5 & 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 ​⁠@Whoop and get your first month for free - https://join.whoop.com/mikethurston» Follow Blaine«Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/datingbyblaine/?hl=enWebsite: https://www.datingbyblaine.com/

Negotiation is often depicted in movies as a tense, dramatic showdowns, won through aggressive tactics and mind games. But Chris Voss, former FBI hostage negotiator and author of 'Never Split the Difference', joins us to dispel these myths and reveal what truly works. Real negotiation isn't about manipulation—it’s about tactical empathy, trust, and understanding human nature. From high-stakes hostage crises to boardroom deals, Chris teaches the same fundamental skills: reading people accurately, defusing conflicts, and delivering difficult news effectively. Tune in as Chris exposes manipulation tactics, reveals how to spot a liar, as well as essential advice for entrepreneurs and leaders navigating complex negotiations.00:00 Chris Voss introduction02:09 Tactical empathy & bourbon launch03:27 First hostage case lessons05:08 The draw of hostage negotiation06:55 Crisis hotlines shape negotiation skills09:39 Defusing violent situations13:32 From field agent to teacher19:05 Inside Colombian kidnapping cases23:17 How kidnapping funds terror25:45 The weight of high-stakes talks27:53 Hostage skills in business deals28:18 Reading manipulation tactics30:51 Truth about hostage movies33:21 Navigating the film world35:40 Breaking down Black Swan Method38:50 Teaching entrepreneurs to negotiate41:49 Spotting the wrong deals46:53 Where new entrepreneurs stumble48:19 Trusting your gut instincts51:18 Signs someone's not telling truth55:02 Building trust in relationships59:17 Delivering difficult news1:06:31 Leading through uncertainty1:08:11 Solving team conflicts1:12:40 Using charm to win deals1:15:31 Learning from past mistakes1:20:47 Final negotiation wisdom» Escape the 9-5 & 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 ​⁠@Whoop and get your first month for free - https://join.whoop.com/mikethurston» Follow Chris«Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefbinegotiator/?hl=enBlack Swan Group: https://www.blackswanltd.com/chris-vossNever Split The Difference: https://www.blackswanltd.com/never-split-the-difference

Modern medicine tells us chronic conditions require lifelong medications, but today's guest challenges this belief. Dr. Josh Axe reveals how he's spent twenty years proving that most "irreversible" conditions can actually be reversed through natural methods—inspired by watching his mother beat cancer without conventional treatments. We explore why sugar's impact varies dramatically depending on its source, how emotions physically manifest as disease in specific organs, and why Japanese elders maintain health without endless testing. From explaining practical approaches to optimising nutrition to sharing his remarkable recovery from a paralysing spinal infection, Dr. Axe offers a roadmap for anyone facing health challenges. This conversation will transform how you understand your body's capacity to heal.00:00 Dr. Josh Axe introduction01:13 The path to natural health04:39 How emotions shape physical wellbeing07:09 Breaking free from sugar addiction12:19 Why regular blood testing matters14:39 Self-awareness in health20:45 Fighting America's nutrient crisis27:03 When AI meets nutrition science35:06 The future of virtual healthcare40:29 Shopping for better health45:06 Big food's organic revolution46:20 Why pharma fears healthy eating47:51 Navigating supplement quality51:23 Understanding what "organic" really means55:14 Personalising your diet approach1:00:00 Timing nutrients for optimal health1:02:15 Reversing "impossible" health conditions1:08:31 Exploring cutting-edge therapies1:14:26 What your family history reveals1:20:50 Preventing cancer through lifestyle1:22:14 Sleep's hidden power for body composition1:27:05 Creating your perfect sleep environment1:29:43 Pre-sleep rituals for deeper rest1:31:30 Clearing mental fog naturally» Escape the 9-5 & 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 ​⁠@Whoop and get your first month for free - https://join.whoop.com/mikethurston» Follow Josh«Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjoshaxe/?hl=enWebsite: https://draxe.com/

Pain is often seen as something to overcome, but for William Goodge, it became the driving force behind his greatest achievements. After losing his mother, William turned to running—not just as an escape, but as a way to transform grief into purpose. What started as a coping mechanism became an obsession, pushing him to complete ultra-endurance challenges that test the limits of human resilience.In this episode, William shares how loss shaped his mindset, why suffering can be a tool for growth, and the mental battle of running thousands of miles. From his first marathon on Christmas Day to running across entire countries, he explains how endurance sports became his way of finding meaning in hardship. Tune in to hear how turning pain into fuel can unlock an entirely new level of drive, focus, and achievement.00:00 William and his nomad spirit02:34 Early modelling days and industry reality03:51 Finding running on Santa Monica beach07:02 Running barefoot through blood blisters08:49 Dealing with loss through movement10:32 Using exercise to process emotions14:51 Mental strength in endurance sports18:14 Pushing through pain with codeine21:49 Turning suffering into strength24:38 Making marathons accessible for everyone26:12 Finding beauty in earned pain28:37 Breaking down major running achievements31:06 The Africa run possibility35:06 Balancing extremes: trails to fashion shows38:22 Life lessons from Hollister days42:01 Having freedom to explore in your twenties46:19 How Australia shaped his outlook50:06 Going for the cross-country record54:23 Training data and recovery secrets56:08 The special meaning behind Japan58:13 Why Cape Town feels like home1:00:01 Making adventures sustainable1:05:46 Living simply while dreaming big1:25:04 Finding peace in a simpler life» Escape the 9-5 & 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 ​⁠@Whoop and get your first month for free - https://join.whoop.com/mikethurston» Follow William«Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/williamgoodge/?hl=enWebsite: https://tinyurl.com/4vy6pvn5

When most people talk about creating content, they focus on equipment, expertise, or having something groundbreaking to say. But today's guest demolishes those excuses. Jun Yuh reveals how he built an audience of 8 million followers while studying biomedical engineering—not by creating perfect content, but by simply showing up every day. From filming quick videos during lunch breaks to posting consistently for 5 years straight without missing a day, Jun shows that consistency trumps perfection. We explore his "100 video rule" that turns experimentation into strategy, why most beginners focus on the wrong metrics, and how understanding your audience matters more than production quality. Whether you're struggling with impostor syndrome or wondering how to monetise your passion, this conversation offers practical insights from someone who's built a thriving content empire by valuing consistency over complexity.00:00 Jun’s start in content creation 02:30 TikTok’s influence on Jun’s journey 03:08 Staying consistent and understanding your audience 05:02 Hiring help for content production 06:13 Adapting to trends while staying authentic 09:47 Shifting content focus over time 14:06 Expanding to new platforms and camera confidence 22:34 Key advice for aspiring creators 28:09 Overcoming imposter syndrome 34:38 Knowing strengths and weaknesses in content 37:59 Planning content for efficiency 41:52 Short-form vs. long-form content 45:36 Strategies to grow and engage an audience 51:03 Managing time for content creation 58:48 Monetisation and reinvesting earnings 1:09:07 Staying consistent through creative blocks 1:18:29 Planning and working with a team 1:22:09 Future of social media and evolving strategies 1:29:22 Handling public scrutiny and criticism» Escape the 9-5 & 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 ​⁠@Whoop and get your first month for free - https://join.whoop.com/mikethurston» Follow Jun«Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jun_yuh/?hl=enPrivate Mentorship: https://tinyurl.com/4yar2eyr