First Things THRST

Grant Cardone, real estate master and founder of 10X, joins the show for an honest breakdown of his journey from addiction and failure to billion-dollar success. It’s easy to assume his rise was all confidence and sales mastery—but Grant admits he would’ve skipped sales entirely and gone straight to marketing and investing.

From sleeping on couches to building a $5B portfolio, he shares what really changed the game: going 10x bigger in every direction. Whether you love him or hate him, this episode is a masterclass in thinking long-term, building resilience, and playing offense.

• 00:00 Introduction
• 04:18 Grant’s decade of drug use and the harsh realities of addiction
• 08:26 The childhood moment that shaped his view of money
• 12:11 How Grant treats money and the importance of financial respect
• 14:35 Discovering the power of improving sales skills
• 17:13 Borrowing $3,000 to invest in himself after rehab
• 20:59 Studying sales obsessively and becoming a master through teaching
• 24:30 Choosing the wrong lane early on and staying small for too long
• 28:26 From fired car salesman to training the auto industry
• 34:35 First big real estate move and building passive income
• 38:01 Why real estate gave him peace compared to rejection-heavy sales
• 41:00 How to turn criticism and hate into fuel
• 46:07 The myth of social media comments and clickbait haters
• 51:00 How to build unshakable trust
• 54:09 The key reason why the 2008 crash sparked the 10x mindset
• 56:54 Going from $2M/year to nearly $1B/year through bold expansion
• 58:00 Business conflicts, lawsuits, and lessons on who to fight
• 1:06:34 Building a bank and changing the financial system
• 1:09:07 Longevity secrets and 10x Health System
• 1:13:05 Discipline, overeating, and stacking small daily habits
• 1:17:04 Raising kids with contracts, income, and real-world accountability
• 1:22:11 Teaching kids confidence through work and communication
• 1:27:05 Letting go of dying partnerships
• 1:29:16 Why stopping unhealthy habits is the ultimate hack

» 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 our newsletter for actionable insights from every episode:
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» Follow Grant:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grantcardone
Website: https://grantcardone.com/

Christian Guzman, founder of Alphalete and creator of Alphaland, joins the show to break down the real highs and brutal lows of building a multimillion-dollar brand from scratch. It’s tempting to assume overnight success when you see big launches and flashy gyms—but Christian walks us through the failed gyms, manufacturing mistakes, and sleepless decisions that built the empire. From ordering $2.5M in inventory without a finance team to managing influencer trends, middlemen, and changing buyer habits, he shares what it truly takes to scale.

• 00:00 Welcome to Alphaland
• 02:23 From first YouTube video to fitness icon
• 04:05 Choosing entrepreneurship over college
• 05:18 The humble beginnings of gym ownership
• 09:22 Pivoting to digital and apparel
• 10:45 Alphalete's birth and early growing pains
• 15:38 Building community through content
• 20:47 The costly lessons of scaling too fast
• 28:16 Learning the women's apparel market
• 33:49 How women became Alphalete's core business
• 36:46 Mastering production relationships
• 41:38 Nearly losing it all: financial turning points
• 45:46 Building a proper finance foundation
• 50:02 Adapting to evolving marketing landscapes
• 53:52 Reimagining the Alphalete brand
• 55:40 Thoughts on selling vs. building legacy
• 57:19 The 3D Energy drink adventure
• 1:02:28 Fighting to reclaim a stolen brand
• 1:05:53 Rebuilding 3D from the ground up
• 1:11:16 Managing multiple ventures and life
• 1:15:37 Confronting addiction and burnout
• 1:19:48 How Alphaland transformed a community
• 1:22:55 Vision for the brands' future

» 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 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 Christian
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianguzmanfitness
Website: https://alphaleteathletics.com

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 Braden
04:49 The drive behind human curiosity
07:58 Breaking free from genetic destiny
17:17 Finding purpose for a longer, healthier life
25:23 Beyond religion: our untapped potential
31:47 The human body as information technology
39:19 Where science falls short on emotions and health
45:47 Ancient wisdom for modern self-care
55:58 Contemplating death, love and human capacity
58:29 Greg's book "Pure Human"
59:07 The microchip debate and personal sovereignty

Links:
» 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/FirstThingsThrst

Follow Gregg:
YouTube: @GreggBradenOfficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregg.braden/?hl=en
Website: https://greggbraden.com/

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 story
01:25 From windsurfing champion to real estate tours
02:04 Behind the scenes of luxury content creation
07:08 Getting inside the world's most exclusive homes
15:40 Filming in the presence of nervous homeowners (Michael Jordan)
20:56 Choosing integrity over commission checks
24:46 When luxury becomes your normal
32:17 Celebration moments in mansion tours
37:11 Expanding the content empire
40:13 When security concerns force content removal
44:33 Where the wealthy are moving
52:13 Why Dubai attracts luxury buyers
59:56 Future islands and advice for agents
1:05:00 Social media's power in real estate
1:07:08 The art of luxury craftsmanship
1:15:06 Setting sail into yacht content
1:19:17 Do possessions bring happiness?
1:26:15 What makes a home truly luxurious
1:32:34 Launching a healthy home goods brand
1:37:56 Dreams of designing furniture
1:40:00 Connecting with the audience

Links:
» 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/FirstThingsThrst

Follow Enes:
YouTube: @EnesYilmazer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enesyilmazer/?hl=en

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 journey
01:16 Childhood UFO encounters spark curiosity
04:25 Ancient technology's modern connections
05:07 What lies beneath the pyramids?
09:15 Dating civilisation's true origins
12:05 Sources of ancient knowledge
16:00 Ancient space wars theory
17:31 The Mars-human connection
19:49 How primitive cultures view advanced technology
23:28 Where quantum physics meets spirituality
24:03 NASA's classified space program
29:00 Media control and hidden ancient tech
34:25 Catastrophes that reset human history
39:46 The Sphinx
44:40 Breaking through archaeology's barriers
49:32 Antarctica's forbidden mysteries
55:02 Consciousness beyond the physical realm
1:05:40 Mind expansion through psychedelics
1:09:00 The reality of extraterrestrial contact
1:11:07 Understanding alien propulsion systems
1:17:01 Pioneers in alternative research
1:19:22 Energy technologies kept from the public
1:23:40 Climate change and magnetic pole shifts
1:28:30 Reclaiming our forgotten golden age

Links:
» 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/FirstThingsThrst

Follow Billy:
YouTube: @ForbiddenKnowledge1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billycarsonofficial/?hl=en
Website: https://linktr.ee/4bktv

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 LA
02:42 From gaming to lifestyle: YouTube evolution
06:00 Leaving Google to pursue content full-time
10:13 Early wins and using corporate skills on YouTube
12:02 Hair loss journey and treatments explored
16:11 Future of hair care and facial hair trends
25:34 Picking the right barber and grooming habits
28:10 Health checkups, diet, and sleep routine
36:00 Personal style and struggles with fit
41:28 Staying motivated to dress well
47:32 Favorite brands and fashion trends
53:40 Dressing for occasions and travel looks
56:02 Color matching and tanning tips
1:02:45 Skincare and tattoo care for men
1:08:18 Managing different hair types
1:10:51 Forte Series and expanding to retail
1:15:18 Fragrances, future plans, and product ideas
1:23:51 Content's role in brand building
1:30:59 Staying creative without burning out

Links:
» 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/FirstThingsThrst

Follow Alex:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZyCposXwcyopaACep44maQ
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexcosta/?hl=en
Men's Image Lab: https://www.skool.com/mens-image-lab/about

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.

Timestamps:
00:00 Heba Ali Introduction
04:00 Mastering focus in a distracted world
05:46 From first jobs to entrepreneurship
10:16 Finding strength through athletics
14:04 The birth of EvolveNation
18:24 The journey of becoming yourself
21:44 How social media reshapes identity
25:00 Healing through life's challenges
30:39 Balancing luxury with simplicity
35:31 The entrepreneur's responsibility dilemma
39:16 Creating content with integrity
43:24 The psychology behind what sells
47:11 Breaking free from digital addiction
53:39 Using distractions to avoid deeper questions
59:39 Community care across cultures
1:04:49 Making health choices amid fear
1:09:25 Building relationships that matter
1:19:43 The mindset behind effective training
1:25:35 Healing through questioning
1:32:11 Redefining roles in relationships
1:38:38 Relationships in the social media age
1:44:03 Leading with values and purpose
1:49:50 Speaking each other's love languages
1:56:12 Finding truth in a filtered world
2:04:02 Beauty beyond society's narrow lens
2:12:05 Creating balance in public life
2:18:36 The true currency of life: time

Links:
» 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/FirstThingsThrst

Follow Heba:
YouTube: @EvolveNation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hybridheba/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hybridheba?lang=en

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.

Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction to Maxx Chewning
1:37 Mike's experiences in America and Texas weather
3:29 Maxx Chewning's relocation and starting District Barbell gym
6:50 Early collaborations and decisions in Texas
10:00 Building a niche in YouTube and bodybuilding forums
13:35 Juggling a job with YouTube and early sponsorships
17:45 Launch and evolution of Ever Forward and Sour Strips
25:38 Challenges and strategies in starting and scaling Sour Strips
34:55 Influencer marketing and brand differentiation
41:22 Business growth, employee care, and COVID's impact
44:21 Retail approaches and protecting the business
50:41 Financial risks and strategies in retail expansion
53:20 Preparing for business exit and Hershey's acquisition
1:02:46 Post-acquisition obligations and Sour Strips' legacy
1:07:24 Maxx Chewning's personal life and future endeavors
1:12:20 Discussing candy in the fitness industry
1:15:52 Balancing fitness with candy entrepreneurship
1:19:29 Instilling ambition in children and managing creativity
1:23:00 Personal life balance and content planning
1:28:38 Audience engagement and content relatability
1:33:01 Home building and design collaboration

Links:
» 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/FirstThingsThrst

Follow Maxx:
YouTube: @maxxchewning
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxxchewning/?hl=en
TikTok: 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.

Timestamps:
00:00 Meeting Mark and his content journey
03:00 Understanding audience spending habits
05:52 Learning from financial missteps
10:21 Living with location freedom
15:11 The constant pursuit of knowledge
23:10 Daily habits of successful entrepreneurs
25:01 Why passion needs financial planning
29:05 Choosing the right business partners
34:09 Teaching family about wealth
42:21 Social media's double-edged sword
47:32 Side hustles for teenagers
52:28 Financial education and the story behind Century UK
56:16 Manufacturing challenges and adapting to online sales
59:28 Navigating real estate through downturns
1:02:49 Property investing for beginners
1:04:00 Why restaurants are challenging businesses
1:07:04 The truth about franchising and day trading
1:09:47 Finding mentors who've been there
1:14:00 Managing unexpected fame
1:18:23 Starting your first business right
1:21:09 Smart approaches to cryptocurrency
1:25:03 Building a personal brand that lasts
1:26:21 Balancing ambition with life
1:29:00 The entrepreneur's fitness formula

Links:
» 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/FirstThingsThrst

Follow Mark:
YouTube: @marktilbury
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marktilbury/?hl=en
Website: https://marktilbury.com/