E089 - Why Do We Feel So Empty Inside? (Psychologist Reveals Fixes) | Dr. Saliha Afridi
Dr. Saliha Afridi, clinical psychologist and founder of The Lighthouse Arabia, joins us for a powerful conversation on the true path to mental well-being. In a world obsessed with hacks, shortcuts, and surface-level wellness, Saliha offers a grounded perspective: healing isn’t quick—it’s deep, reflective work. From high-performing clients masking trauma to the emotional isolation men often face, this episode dives into what genuine mental health progress really looks like.00:00 Introduction01:00 Working in Dubai among high-achievers04:00 Psychedelic therapy: potential vs pitfalls11:09 How to choose a great therapist13:10 Therapy as lifelong self-work16:46 Founding The Lighthouse Arabia17:26 Why men struggle with emotional support21:47 Helping men connect to their inner world27:17 Emotional regulation vs repression35:08 Why we sabotage ourselves50:02 Purpose beyond success58:58 Sadness vs clinical depression1:14:30 The impact of social media on relationships→ Download your free playbook: digitalplaybook.net→ Join our newsletter for key takeaways: thrst-letter.beehiiv.com→ Shop THRST fitness gear: thrstofficial.com→ Custom Bioniq supplements: bioniq.com/mikethurston• Use code for 40% off your first month of Bioniq GO• Use code for 20% off your first month of Bioniq PROJoin WHOOP for free: join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrstFollow Dr. Saliha Afridi:Instagram: @drsalihaafridiWebsite: lighthousearabia.comThis is a must-listen if you're seeking meaningful growth, emotional intelligence, or a deeper understanding of how to navigate modern life with clarity.
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1:31:23
E088 - Here's PROOF Humans Will Be Replaced By 2030 | Gregg Braden
Gregg Braden, scientist, spiritual thinker, and bestselling author of Pure Human, joins the show to break one of the biggest modern myths: that we’re broken, and only technology can fix us. From his Cold War engineering background to decades studying ancient cultures, Gregg connects the dots between biology, spirituality, and personal power in a way that’s both grounded and radical. He makes a compelling case that we’re only scratching the surface of what it means to be human—and that embracing our natural design might be the key to lasting health, resilience, and meaning. This one will definitely get you thinking.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Greg Braden04:49 The drive behind human curiosity07:58 Breaking free from genetic destiny17:17 Finding purpose for a longer, healthier life25:23 Beyond religion: our untapped potential31:47 The human body as information technology39:19 Where science falls short on emotions and health45:47 Ancient wisdom for modern self-care55:58 Contemplating death, love and human capacity58:29 Greg's book "Pure Human"59:07 The microchip debate and personal sovereigntyLinks:» 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 - join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrstFollow Gregg:YouTube: @GreggBradenOfficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregg.braden/?hl=enWebsite: https://greggbraden.com/
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1:03:56
E087 - Inside the Luxury Lifestyle of Billionaires (Biggest Lessons) | Enes Yilmazer
EnesYilmazer, a former world-champion windsurfer turned luxury real estate filmmaker, joins this episode to unpack the reality behind touring and filming the world’s most iconic homes—including Michael Jordan’s. It’s easy to assume this kind of content is all access and glamor, but Enes pulls back the curtain on the months-long negotiations, intense pressure, and emotional weight of doing justice to someone else’s legacy. He opens up about the real demands of his work, from 1,000-hour edits to filming with owners and billionaires just out of frame. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes, this episode delivers.Timestamps:00:00 Meeting Enes and his story01:25 From windsurfing champion to real estate tours02:04 Behind the scenes of luxury content creation07:08 Getting inside the world's most exclusive homes15:40 Filming in the presence of nervous homeowners (Michael Jordan)20:56 Choosing integrity over commission checks24:46 When luxury becomes your normal32:17 Celebration moments in mansion tours37:11 Expanding the content empire40:13 When security concerns force content removal44:33 Where the wealthy are moving52:13 Why Dubai attracts luxury buyers59:56 Future islands and advice for agents1:05:00 Social media's power in real estate1:07:08 The art of luxury craftsmanship1:15:06 Setting sail into yacht content1:19:17 Do possessions bring happiness?1:26:15 What makes a home truly luxurious1:32:34 Launching a healthy home goods brand1:37:56 Dreams of designing furniture1:40:00 Connecting with the audienceLinks:» 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 - join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrstFollow Enes:YouTube: @EnesYilmazerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/enesyilmazer/?hl=en
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1:43:54
E086 - *NEW* The Biggest Secrets Beneath the Pyramids (Hidden Chambers) | Billy Carson
Most people accept history as it’s written—but Billy Carson is on a mission to uncover what’s been left out. As a researcher, author, and founder of @ForbiddenKnowledge1, he’s spent years diving deep into ancient texts, forgotten technologies, and the possibility that advanced civilisations existed long before our own.In this episode, Billy shares how a childhood UFO sighting set him on a lifelong search for hidden truths—from the secrets buried beneath the Sphinx to the role of frequency, consciousness, and lost knowledge in shaping humanity’s origins. He connects the dots between ancient mythology, quantum science, and modern space exploration in a way that will challenge even the most conventional thinkers.Timestamps:00:00 Billy Carson and his cosmic journey01:16 Childhood UFO encounters spark curiosity04:25 Ancient technology's modern connections05:07 What lies beneath the pyramids?09:15 Dating civilisation's true origins12:05 Sources of ancient knowledge16:00 Ancient space wars theory17:31 The Mars-human connection19:49 How primitive cultures view advanced technology23:28 Where quantum physics meets spirituality24:03 NASA's classified space program29:00 Media control and hidden ancient tech34:25 Catastrophes that reset human history39:46 The Sphinx44:40 Breaking through archaeology's barriers49:32 Antarctica's forbidden mysteries55:02 Consciousness beyond the physical realm1:05:40 Mind expansion through psychedelics1:09:00 The reality of extraterrestrial contact1:11:07 Understanding alien propulsion systems1:17:01 Pioneers in alternative research1:19:22 Energy technologies kept from the public1:23:40 Climate change and magnetic pole shifts1:28:30 Reclaiming our forgotten golden ageLinks:» 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 - join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrstFollow Billy:YouTube: @ForbiddenKnowledge1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billycarsonofficial/?hl=enWebsite: https://linktr.ee/4bktv
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E085 - Guaranteed Ways to Become a Better Looking Man (2025 Guide) | Alex Costa
alexcosta has built a global brand by blending fashion, grooming, and self-improvement into one simple message: confidence is built, not bought. From posting gaming videos in Brazil to becoming one of the most influential voices in men’s lifestyle content, Alex’s journey is a masterclass in reinvention.In this episode, Alex breaks down how he transitioned from corporate life at Google to full-time content creation, why men’s fashion in the US still has room to grow, and how simple grooming tips can radically shift how you carry yourself. He also opens up about hair loss, facial structure, and the small changes men can make to look and feel more confident without chasing perfection. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by men’s style or self-care, this conversation will give you the tools to simplify, sharpen, and show up better.Timestamps:00:00 Alex’s move from Brazil and starting out in LA02:42 From gaming to lifestyle: YouTube evolution06:00 Leaving Google to pursue content full-time10:13 Early wins and using corporate skills on YouTube12:02 Hair loss journey and treatments explored16:11 Future of hair care and facial hair trends25:34 Picking the right barber and grooming habits28:10 Health checkups, diet, and sleep routine36:00 Personal style and struggles with fit41:28 Staying motivated to dress well47:32 Favorite brands and fashion trends53:40 Dressing for occasions and travel looks56:02 Color matching and tanning tips1:02:45 Skincare and tattoo care for men1:08:18 Managing different hair types1:10:51 Forte Series and expanding to retail1:15:18 Fragrances, future plans, and product ideas1:23:51 Content's role in brand building1:30:59 Staying creative without burning outLinks:» 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 - join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrstFollow Alex:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZyCposXwcyopaACep44maQInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexcosta/?hl=enMen's Image Lab: https://www.skool.com/mens-image-lab/about
‘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.
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