First Things THRST

Joining me today for an unfiltered conversation about transformation, sales mastery, and leadership is Andy Elliot, a powerhouse entrepreneur who built a 9-figure business empire after starting from nothing. Beginning his journey as a car salesman at 18, Andy shattered industry records and managed to scale to over $1 million annually before revolutionising the sales training industry with his tough-love approach to coaching.

In this episode, Andy takes us through his journey from a troubled upbringing to becoming one of the most influential voices in personal development. He opens up about the psychological triggers that drive real change, his philosophy on physical fitness as a foundation for success, and why maintaining high standards in every area of life is non-negotiable.

His no-nonsense approach to transformation and success makes this conversation a must-listen for anyone committed to reaching their full potential.

00:00 Introduction to Andy Elliott
01:02 Early life, career start, and learning leadership
07:02 Struggles with self-image and pivotal moment with wife
13:02 Commitment to change and setting new intentions
16:56 Helping others and integrating faith with leadership
19:06 Fitness as a foundation for personal growth
20:28 Building a business vs. building a body
22:04 Breaking free from limiting beliefs
24:05 Influence, role models, and power of choice
28:02 Shifting content to inspire change
32:28 Discipline and challenges in seminars
40:12 Using pain and criticism as motivators
47:06 Importance of tough coaching and driven peers
54:08 Communication skills and ethics in sales
56:28 Advice for personal trainers on branding
1:05:26 Teaching standards: theory vs. application
1:08:51 Client acquisition via social media
1:12:04 Tough coaching and managing online interactions
1:16:43 Training style misconceptions and relationships
1:19:52 Work-family balance and partner support
1:22:03 Future vision and company goals

» 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: CODEBQMIKETHURSTON - https://shorturl.at/fRV67

» Follow Andy «
Website: https://tinyurl.com/3ubb4atv
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialandyelliott/?hl=en

Joining us today is Vadim Fedotov, former elite athlete turned visionary entrepreneur and founder of Bioniq, a world leading supplement brand that tailors to your individual health needs. Reaching extraordinary success, Bioniq has managed to attract the likes of some of the world's greatest athletes, such as Diogo Dalot & Cristiano Ronaldo. novation that’s transforming the wellness industry.

00:00 Introduction
01:37 Vadim's background: from migrating to Germany for national basketball
04:32 How four torn ACL’s changed Vadim’s trajectory forever
05:54 Balancing college basketball and academics (emphasis on business)
08:06 Transition from top German athlete to humbled U.S. college player
10:08 Talent vs. hard work in sports and life lessons
11:42 Shift from sports to corporate life; the challenges of job hunting
14:15 How internships lead to career opportunities
17:09 Key Lessons from sports: dedication and work ethic in business
18:16 Handling physical setbacks; disciplined work mindset
19:38 Joining Groupon, rapid growth, and becoming the youngest CEO
21:48 High-pressure growth strategies and corporate lessons
23:08 Realising value and drive to create something impactful
24:08 Founding Bioniq: passion for health and education
25:27 Early investments and learning through failures
27:25 Finding a health market gap and Bioniq’s early concept
31:30 Developing Bioniq’s pilot and validating through feedback
36:18 Success of pilot, UFC partnership & London launch
37:49 Bioniq’s science-backed, personalised supplement approach
42:07 Founding team dynamics and startup challenges
45:00 Bioniq’s pricing strategy and perceived value
50:32 Launch of Bioniq Go for wider reach & use
53:34 Customer feedback and ongoing data collection
59:48 Scaling challenges, especially in U.S. market entry
1:04:28 U.S. marketing and brand-building strategies
1:09:44 How Diogo Dalot got involved with Bioniq
1:10:02 The big story behind Cristiano Ronaldo investing in Bioniq 
1:24:44 Why Mike invested in Bioniq back in 2021
1:27:11 Does CR7 Watch First Things THRST?! 
1:32:13 Bioniq’s long term vision for personalised health

» 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: CODEBQMIKETHURSTON - https://shorturl.at/fRV67

Dr. Steven Greer is one of the world’s foremost authorities on the subject of UFOs, extraterrestrial intelligence and technologies, and initiating peaceful contact with interstellar civilizations. For over more than 35 years, Dr. Greer has provided briefings for senior government officials across the globe, conducted numerous media interviews, and delivered hundreds of lectures. He has also written five books and produced 5 feature film documentaries that have been seen by hundreds of millions of people. 

0:00 Introduction
3:02 Military defectors and whistleblowers
6:20 Ex-military personnel's disclosures; Legalities and self-censorship of whistleblowers
12:48 The beginnings of ET secrecy
17:00 Targeting ET crafts with advanced technology
21:30 ET civilisations: "there are DOZENS of them"
24:50 The reason there is a lack of Government knowledge on UFO projects
27:06 Hybrid covert operations and government collusion
31:05 How whistleblowers are threatened and targeted when speaking out on the subject
40:24 Dr. Greer's complete database of ET & UFO Proof (backed by 115 testimonials)
43:45 False narratives & media censorship
48:10 The reason why Dr. Greer's episode on Joe Rogan was taken down
50:20 Dr. Greer's documentary being blacklisted from the internet
52:26 Envisioning an ideal future and societal impacts (Dr. Greer's ambition)
56:27 Global destruction & population redudction
1:04:10 Can total peace ever be achieved on Earth?
1:10:52 Hollywood corruption & forced narratives
1:15:55 Did aliens help build the pyramids?
1:18:51 Free energy (and the implications)
1:24:22 Open-source energy lab and investor challenges
1:30:16 The importance of strategic intelligence
1:33:15 Crowdfunding initiatives and extraterrestrial consciousness
1:41:45 If ET existence was 100% confirmed, what would be the societal impact?
1:48:34 Dr. Greer's response to sceptics
1:52:04 Big tech influence and positive feedback from appearances
1:53:45 Encouraging whistleblowers and information sources

» 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: CODEBQMIKETHURSTON - https://shorturl.at/fRV67

» Follow Dr. Greer «
Website: https://drstevengreer.com
Archive: https://www.dpiarchive.com/#/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.steven.greer/

Joining me today is Marisa Peer, a world-renowned therapist, best-selling author and the visionary of Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT). With over 3 decades of experience, Marisa has helped thousands overcome issues related to self-esteem, confidence and love. Today’s episode touches upon key societal issues, such as the negative impact of social media, the root causes of low self-esteem and the best practises for fixing common adult fears and anxieties. Marisa also explores the dynamics of relationships and intimacy, revealing her top tips for deepening connections, having better sex and more. 

00:00 Introduction
03:02 The most common issues among clients over 30 years
03:22 Social media’s negative impact on youth self-esteem
03:54 Advice for dealing with social media addiction
06:34 Defining a fit and healthy mind
07:07 Importance of self-belief and confidence
08:15 Root causes of low self-esteem, especially from childhood
10:56 Childhood experiences shaping adult self-perception
13:04 Comparison between self-improvement and therapy
18:47 What is Rapid Transformational Therapy? (RTT)
21:04 How RTT differs from conventional therapy
22:48 Role of hypnosis in therapy
27:05 Impact of childhood experiences on adult behaviour
30:34 Common adult fears & anxieties (and how to fix)
32:49 Discussing relationships and intimacy dynamics
35:33 Eroticism and intimacy in long-term relationships
37:55 Parenting & raising children
38:49 Key components of a successful relationship
41:08 Sperm compounds and spermidine
42:15 The 5 love languages
47:28 How to communicate expressing personal needs in relationships
48:57 Navigating conflict in relationships
53:44 Emotional expression for men and its complexities
59:43 Mike reflects on losing his mother
1:02:41 Traits of men raised without a mother figure
1:10:07 Advice for young individuals feeling unloved
1:13:45 Embracing self-worth and understanding the concept of love
1:15:45 How to find love in today’s fast paced world
1:19:06 Learning and growing from previous relationships
1:21:02 Breaking the myth of perfect relationships
1:23:18 Vulnerability and relatability in relationships and 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: CODEBQMIKETHURSTON - https://shorturl.at/fRV67

» Follow Marisa «
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarisaPeer/videos
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marisapeertherapy/
Website: https://marisapeer.com/

This week, we’re joined by Menno Henselmans, a leading voice in evidence-based fitness. With a unique background in business and fitness, Menno has become a trusted expert for those looking to cut through fitness myths and focus on what really works. As the author of several books and a globally recognized coach, Menno shares actionable insights on everything from optimising strength training to debunking common nutrition misconceptions. Join us for the next two hours as we dive into topics like testosterone optimization, fasting, and the best approach to supplements, offering a no-nonsense guide to improving performance and well-being.

00:00 Introduction to Menno Henselmans and evidence-based fitness
01:52 Menno Henselmans' transition from business to fitness expert
03:20 Development and issues with fitness certifications
06:09 Bodybuilding and strength training misconceptions
07:22 Evaluating fitness studies and industry drama
11:14 Steroids, TRT, and natural testosterone improvement
16:23 The importance of blood work and nutrient absorption
19:22 Fasting: Benefits and misconceptions
23:30 Meal timing and protein synthesis
25:23 Protein intake requirements and sources
33:08 Selecting the right protein supplement
37:40 Creatine usage, benefits, and misconceptions
42:08 Hair loss and prevention strategies
48:05 Training approaches and injury management
52:07 Training philosophies and favourite exercises
1:00:00 Lat activation and rear delt training strategies
1:06:46 The role and implementation of deload weeks
1:10:01 Unanswered questions in fitness science
1:10:59 The future of fitness, training, and content censorship
1:15:01 Steroid normalisation and influencer scrutiny
1:20:51 Alcohol's effects on muscle growth and energy levels
1:25:38 Overcoming bad habits and future plans
1:28:52 Adherence in fitness and its impacts
1:29:26 Relationship dynamics and physical attraction
1:36:01 Personal development and changes in dating due to social media

» 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: CODEBQMIKETHURSTON - https://shorturl.at/fRV67

» Follow Menno «
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@menno.henselmans
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/menno.henselmans
Website: https://mennohenselmans.com/

This week’s podcast is a special solo Q&A with the head honcho himself, uncle Mike. We invited the First Things THRST community to ask their questions for an unfiltered take on topics such as business, fitness, personal branding and more. Get comfy for an hour of deep reflection as Mike shares his experiences and actionable advice on how to win at life. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply looking for some no-nonsense tips on improving self-improvement, this episode is not one to be missed. 

00:00:00 Introduction and gratitude for support
00:00:43 Morning routine and stress management in your early 20s
00:05:07 Top travel destinations
00:06:46 What makes Mike happy?
00:09:20 Parenting plans and five-year vision
00:12:03 Getting over a breakup (Mike’s raw advice)
00:18:14 Monk mode: get sh*t done
00:20:54 Pivotal life experiences & the biggest lessons learnt 
00:25:12 The optimal training split & workout frequency
00:27:19 Nutrition
00:29:53 Women training: the best way to lose weight & tone
00:32:00 Handling & overcoming training setbacks (injuries, time-constraints etc.) 
00:36:24 How to grow a personal training business in 2024
00:39:37 Fitness maintenance on vacation
00:42:19 Opening a gym
00:45:44 Mike’s first bodybuilding inspirations
00:46:10 The pivotal move from Newcastle to London (the struggles)
00:52:03 Goal setting
00:53:55 What would Mike do if he lost everything (step-by-step plan for come back)
00:57:46 Freedom & moving to Dubai
01:02:22 Content creation
01:07:32 #1 advice for scaling an online business
01:08:39 How to network with high-value individuals
01:10:28 Mastermind weekend
01:12:38 Organisational tips and digital product sales
01:14:30 Mike’s vision & goals for First Things THRST
01:16:03 Why did Mike start his podcast?
01:19:15 Valuable conversations
01:23:26 Future collaborations and guest selection
01:25:49 Podcast preparation and the value of an online presence

» 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: CODEBQMIKETHURSTON - https://shorturl.at/fRV67

Today’s episode is all things exercise science and human performance with Dr. Andy Galpin, an acclaimed professor with a Phd in human Bioenergetics and over 100 peer-reviewed papers to his name. As the co-founder of BioMolecular Athlete and Vitality Blueprint, Dr. Galpin is at the forefront of personalised performance solutions and is associated with coaching world class athletes in the UFC, MLB and NBA. Dr. Galpin breaks down complex scientific concepts into actionable tips for everyday well-being and longevity, covering everything from sleep optimisation to enhancing workouts and more. 

0:00 Introduction
1:16 Andy’s sporting background and early career journey
4:44 Balancing coaching with revolutionary labs (peer-reviewed studies)
9:22 Female physiology and conflicting data
15:12 “Science is only the starting place” merging theory with practical methods
19:33 Challenging common strength & hypertrophy narratives with new research (i.e what is 
23:14 High rep ranges and different muscle group responses (find exercises that work for you)
30:44 Measuring training intensity and RPE
35:12 Can you out-train genetics? 
39:42 Training for aesthetics & improving cardiovascular fitness 
46:12 A scientific breakdown on sleep & performance trackers (i.e Garmin, Whoop, aura) 
55:01 Alcohol’s effects on athletic performance
1:02:22 Biohacking for recovery and longevity
1:06:33 How to increase your rate of recovery
1:13:12 Progressive overload and pushing through plateaus (bloodwork & micronutrient analysis) 
1:18:25 Pre-workout carbohydrates

» 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: CODEBQMIKETHURSTON - https://shorturl.at/fRV67

» Follow Dr. Galpin «
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drandygalpin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drandygalpin/
Vitality Blueprint: https://www.vitalityblueprint.com/

Ali Abdaal is a former NHS doctor turned influential YouTuber, podcaster, entrepreneur and author. With an excess of 4+ million subscribers, Ali delivers insightful content on productivity, business, important life-skills and personal well-being, empowering his audience to live more fulfilling lives. Today’s episode is an honest discussion on getting sh*t done. From discipline, productivity and smarter learning to learning future-proof skills, investing and finance as a young adult.

0:00 Introduction
2:00 Transitioning from medicine NHS to a leading content creator
4:55 How to become successful on YouTube (Ali’s #1 advice)
10:02 #1 advice to 18yr olds with 0 skills
12:24 Become a leader & document the process
16:44 “You’ve already won the lottery” - perspective & gratitude
19:02 How to boost productivity (Ali’s simple steps)
24:02 Becoming more disciplined with social media
28:22 Ali’s favourite app instead of social media
29:33 How to learn smarter (Ali’s personal routine)
33:29 Improving team communications
35:45 How to get sh*t done as a solopreneur (how to make 10k p/m)
37:40 The #3 fundamentals to hit 10K p/m
41:49 How much Mike is making from his app
44:02 Diet & nutrition (macros)
52:02 How to enjoy the gym more
55:01 Ali’s thoughts on the education system
57:05 Relocating / expanding your environment to grow
1:04:03 What equipment for beginners
1:04:25 The future of content creators
1:12:02 Content creation secrets: virality, ideation
1:16:24 Deep Dive with Ali Abdaal: favourite podcasts he’s done
1:19:04 Investing & property
1:24:44 Personal brand

» 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: CODEBQMIKETHURSTON - https://shorturl.at/fRV67

» Follow Ali «
YouTube:  @aliabdaal  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliabdaal/?hl=en
Feel Good Productivity: https://go.feelgoodproductivity.com/ytbanner

Ollie Marchon is a former professional rugby player turned influential coach and entrepreneur. As the owner of MARCHON, the UK’s leading functional fitness brand, Ollie and his team are dedicated to empowering clients to live without limits. They champion the core principles of living, learning and leading, offering science-based training, elite supplements and their signature app to optimise every aspect of their client’s fitness. Today’s episode delves deep into the foundations of building success in all spheres of life. Tune in for the next two hours as Ollie shares his strategies for maintaining peak physical condition, building a business and balancing this all with family, relationships and friends. 

0:00 Introduction
1:00 The beginnings of Marchon Gyms (the journey & story) 
2:45 The difficult reality of scaling a successful gym ecosystem
7:35 Marchon: training approaches & business ecosystem
13:15 The shift from gym floor to zoom workouts: how Marchon
battled through COVID-19
16:49 Venturing into the supplement industry: the hardships & opportunities
23:19 Entrepreneurship: the ins & outs 
27:54 Envisioning the ‘perfect’ gym: Mike & Ollie discuss future plans of opening facilities
35:33 Mike’s experience with Dubai gyms (Binoux etc) 
40:50 Optimising hypertrophy & the importance of cardio
46:40 Addressing common nutrition, calorie monitoring misconceptions
50:34 Balancing entrepreneurship with family life: what you need to know
55:44 The core catalysts of optimal training (environment & behaviour patterns) 
1:01:16 Overcoming social spending & pressure (drinking, partying etc) 
1:10:49 Ollie’s financial targets for the next 5 years
1:17:44 Podcasting 101: growth, demographics & goals
1:25:55 How to navigate relationships & children as a full-time
entrepreneur
1:35:15 The Marchon brand

» 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: CODEBQMIKETHURSTON - https://shorturl.at/fRV67

» Follow Ollie «
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@olliemarchon3076
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olliemarchon/
Marchon: https://www.marchon.co.uk/

Jordan Bown is a self-made entrepreneur who has rapidly ascended to success in the eCommerce world through dropshipping and digital marketing. After building multiple successful dropshipping stores that have generated over $4 million in sales, Jordan is now leveraging his expertise to help others achieve similar success through offering a 18 hour dropshipping course, free of charge. As a mentor to aspiring entrepreneurs, Jordan is dedicated to guiding others through the complexities of online business, empowering them to break free from traditional career paths and achieve financial independence. Tune in for the next 2 hours as we explore the key elements of entrepreneurship, the rise of creator brands and the future of eCommerce.

0:00 Introduction
2:12 Capital club & networking
3:09 Family dynamic & the benefits of living at home in your 20s
5:24 Building a business 101 (CRM, teams, processes) 
7:49 Early personal & career struggles (72 cents) 
10:44 Jordan’s breakthrough with SMMA, drop shipping, Amazon FBA + 
17:49 How Jordan’s free 18hr eCommerce course went viral (importance of free up-front value)
22:34 Signature traits of a successful entrepreneur & common mistakes 
26:36 Creating a successful energy drink brand (logistics, hardships & industry risks)
34:02 The decline of faceless brands & the rise of creator brands (i.e Mr.Beast, Prime) 
39:12 Supplements, simple fixes for improved focus & productivity management
43:07 “Recreate yourself - vision board etc & free vs paid courses 
51:02 eCommerce trends & the importance of niche expertise
55:25 Mentorship & asking yourself the big question: “what do I actually want?”
59:12 Life as a content creator: the unsurfaced truths, complexities & rising standards
1:08:33 Content strategy: short vs. long form, authenticity & creativity
1:20:33 Podcasting for networking & personal branding & how Mike manages First Things THRST
1:24:45 Imposter syndrome & how to beat it
1:28:33 The start of FirstThingsTHRST
1:32:59 Speak your future into existence: manifest & grind
1:36:33 Jordan’s plans for 30 

» 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: CODEBQMIKETHURSTON - https://shorturl.at/fRV67

» Follow Jordan«
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordan.bown/?hl=en
Twitter: https://x.com/JordanBown
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jordanbownteaches