Join host Anthony Mistretta for a wide-ranging conversation with John Kinney, a former Spotify software engineer and product manager who traded corporate tech for Cashew's Lawn Care, his own landscaping business in Colorado. John talks through being laid off during Spotify's 2023 layoffs right before his daughter was born, staying home to raise her for the first year and a half, and eventually starting a lawn care company from scratch with just $400. He and Anthony dig into risk tolerance and why it changes once you have a family, why John thinks the old SaaS-as-moat model won't survive AI, growth for growth's sake versus sustainability, and the weight of losing his father to a brain tumor early in his career. It's a candid, wandering conversation about micro-adjustments, betting on yourself, and figuring out what "enough" actually looks like.

Key Topics (Chapters)

01:43 Introduction

08:23 Career Journey: From Design to Software Engineering

17:13 Starting a Lawn Care Business

22:56 Entrepreneurial Mindset and Opportunities

32:26 Navigating Competition and Market Dynamics

42:29 Scalability vs. Personal Needs in Business

52:28 Challenges and Rewards of Starting a Business

01:03:44 Facing Life's Adversities

01:23:37 The Impact of Hyper-Independence on Parenting

01:28:51 The Joy of Parenthood and Work-Life Balance

01:34:45 Risk Tolerance and Financial Planning

01:41:47 The Importance of Experimentation in Entrepreneurship

01:48:13 Starting a Business: Overcoming Mental Barriers

01:55:31 Long-Term Vision and Sustainable Growth

02:05:40 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Resources and Links

Cashew's Lawn Care (Denver, west side): https://cashewslawncare.com/

Thanks to Our Partner Hazlo

This episode is brought to you by Hazlo, a non-alcoholic seltzer with ginseng, ginkgo, and magnesium — now available in their new blood orange and hibiscus flavor.

Purchase Hazlo: https://amzn.to/4fWlauV

About The Ambiguous Truth Podcast

The Ambiguous Truth explores the new era of work. Not simply breaking away from the 9-to-5, but the fundamental shifts happening in our economy, with our technology, and to our welfare and socioeconomic wellbeing. What does the future of work actually look like? I have no idea. This show is me figuring it out, through conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, artists, you name it... building their own vision. It's not about one big job you land or one big idea that takes off. It's about stringing together your values with opportunities that float your way to see what comes of it — not forcing one thing to be the be-all, end-all. It's about adapting and figuring out how to excel in a world where the old rules don't apply.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theambiguoustruth

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theambiguoustruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theambiguoustruth

Website: https://www.theambiguoustruth.com/

Join host Anthony Mistretta for a raw conversation with fitness coach and bodybuilder Justin Meyer. An AT&T enterprise sales alum turned full-time trainer and coach. Just six months after quitting corporate on a self-imposed deadline, with no guaranteed income and a coach's blunt advice ringing in his ears, Justin talks through the fear of leaving stability, the father figures who shaped his discipline, and why "nothing changes if nothing changes." Delve into the world of JMF, betting on yourself before you feel ready, and building community instead of just a following.

Key Topics (Chapters)

00:00 Introduction

03:24 Building a Client Base and Making the Leap

09:19 Bodybuilding Journey and Competitive Spirit

15:13 Revenue Streams and Business Strategy

21:23 Discipline and Structure in Business

26:50 Future Goals and Community Impact

32:39 The Role of Diverse Father Figures

41:17 Navigating the Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneurship

52:47 Living Authentically and Overcoming Fear

58:25 Chasing Dreams and Taking Action

Resources and Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmeyer_fit

JMF Field Days — July 11, Manual High School, Denver (event page: JMF's Instagram bio / SweatPals)

30 for the Kids — 1st Phorm’s charity supporting children around the world: https://1stphorm.com/pages/events-30-for-the-kids

About The Ambiguous Truth Podcast

The Ambiguous Truth explores the new era of work. Not simply breaking away from the 9-to-5, but the fundamental shifts happening in our economy, with our technology, and to our welfare and socioeconomic wellbeing. What does the future of work actually look like? I have no idea. This show is me figuring it out, through conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, artists, you name it... building their own vision. It's not about one big job you land or one big idea that takes off. It's about stringing together your values with opportunities that float your way to see what comes of it — not forcing one thing to be the be-all, end-all. It's about adapting and figuring out how to excel in a world where the old rules don't apply.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theambiguoustruth

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theambiguoustruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theambiguoustruth

Website: https://www.theambiguoustruth.com/

Join host Anthony Mistretta for an interview with strength and conditioning coach, NFL athletic trainer, published researcher, and PhD candidate, Calvin Trieu. This episode dives into the messy truth about following your passions. A journey filled with highs and lows, self-doubt, uncertainty, and utter chaos. Calvin reveals the truth that chasing your dreams and pursuing the life you want to live doesn't require confidence or certainty that you're making the right choice—you must choose to make your decisions the right ones through commitment and perseverance.

Key Topics (Chapters)

0:00 Introduction

05:10 The Shift from Stability to Passion

11:07 Dealing with Fluctuations and Uncertainty

13:36 Balancing Multiple Responsibilities

19:31 Resilience in the Face of Adversity

21:30 Finding Calvin's Passion

29:18 Dials and Switches: Managing Life's Demands

37:27 Entrepreneurial Mindset in Training

45:16 Aligning Work with Personal Values

52:02 The Importance of Passion and Craft

01:03:59 Pursuing Peace Over Happiness

01:12:31 The Impact of Language on Identity

Resources and Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calvintrieu.co

About The Ambiguous Truth Podcast

The Ambiguous Truth follows host Anthony Mistretta on his journey from a desk job towards something more aligned with his passions, hobbies, and values. Relearning what work can look like and accepting new opportunities that flow his way. Listen and subscribe to support us revel in life's synchronicities and the unfolding invitations to play, learn, love, and receive.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theambiguoustruth

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theambiguoustruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theambiguoustruth

Website: https://www.theambiguoustruth.com/

Join host Anthony Mistretta for a wide-ranging conversation with Andrew Pinkowitz—a Denver-based electronic music producer, bread baker, gardener, and father navigating the beautiful intersection of creativity, survival, and meaning. This episode explores the fleeting nature of creative ideas, how looking in the mirror and saying "I love you, Andrew" transformed his relationship with himself, and his father's philosophy to not overlook "diamonds in your own backyard." This conversation celebrates following the fun, practicing self-love without guilt, and recognizing that time is our most valuable resource.

Key Topics (Chapters)

00:00 Introduction

05:31 Dreams and Career Evolution

12:55 Finding Meaning in Nature's Scale

17:28 Understanding Values and Time Management

21:36 The Emotional Connection in Creativity

28:13 The Balance of Preparation and Inspiration

34:42 Preserving Memories Through Music

40:58 Metaphors in Music and Life

48:11 The Journey of a Music Producer

55:25 Theory, Experimentation, and Flow in Music Production

01:01:34 Purpose, Advice on Self-Love, and Inner Child Connection

01:11:18 Upcoming Music Projects and Creative Directions

Resources and Links

Instagram: http://instagram.com/pinkowitzmusic

Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/pinkowitz

Website: http://pinkowitzmusic.com/

About The Ambiguous Truth Podcast

The Ambiguous Truth explores the stories behind people's passions, diving deep into what drives individuals to pursue unconventional paths and chase what deeply aligns with their values, interests, and skills. Host Anthony Mistretta creates intimate conversations that celebrate authenticity and the courage it takes to follow your own truth.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theambiguoustruth

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theambiguoustruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theambiguoustruth

Join host Anthony Mistretta for a deeply reflective conversation with Micah Rynders—a Grand Rapids native, photographer, and spiritual seeker who's built his life around presence, reverence for nature, and the courage to be himself. From discovering photography in seventh grade to quitting his corporate video job in Chicago to embrace 18 months of nomadic exploration, Micah shares his journey of reconnecting with the childlike wonder he never lost but learned to suppress. This honest episode explores how identity isn't something you find but something you allow to surface, why insects and spider webs hold as much magic as any human achievement, and how Micah healed his lifelong food allergies by changing his relationship with fear. Whether discussing the energetic exchange of eating meat, why releasing anger feels scarier than suppressing it, or the spiritual perspective that we're souls temporarily inhabiting physical bodies, this conversation celebrates living visually, slowing down enough to see beauty, and having the courage to let your true self emerge—bugs, neon hats, and all.

Key Topics (Chapters)

00:00 Introduction

03:55 Photography and an Artist's Aha Moment

07:47 Nomadism, Childlike Wonder, and Connection to Nature

18:05 Understanding Identity

30:04 Micah's Spiritual World

35:24 The Sacredness of Hunting and Animal's Experiences

49:42 Rituals of Gratitude Before Meals

57:30 Allergies and Feeling Loved

01:03:16 Anger and Emotional Release

Resources and Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/micahrynders

Website: http://www.micahrynders.com

About The Ambiguous Truth Podcast

The Ambiguous Truth explores the stories behind people's passions, diving deep into what drives individuals to pursue unconventional paths and chase what deeply aligns with their values, interests, and skills. Host Anthony Mistretta creates intimate conversations that celebrate authenticity and the courage it takes to follow your own truth.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theambiguoustruth

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theambiguoustruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theambiguoustruth

Join host Anthony Mistretta for an energizing conversation with Maddy Garrett — an entrepreneur, UGC creator and coach, and adventurer who's built a life around intentionality, curiosity, and refusing to accept "normal." From growing up in conservative Orange County as a straight-A student to deconstructing her religious upbringing and quitting her nine-to-five without a backup plan, Maddy shares her journey of discovering who she truly is beneath all the rules and expectations. This honest episode explores the power of changing your external reality, why meeting new people is the antidote to feeling stuck, and how money wounds from religious and capitalist conditioning keep us playing small. Maddy opens up about her tumultuous relationship with passive income, the danger of overthinking instead of living, and why curiosity without fear is the key to unlocking your intuition. Whether discussing part-time van life, working from Mexican resorts, or why competition is a patriarchal lie we don't need anymore, this conversation celebrates living authentically, traveling slowly, and building businesses that prioritize connection over productivity.

Key Topics (Chapters)

00:00 Intro

03:22 From Rule-Follower to Rule-Breaker

08:24 No Plan B: The All-or-Nothing Philosophy

17:36 Travel as a Tool for Growth

26:29 Challenging "Productivity" Norms

37:47 Changing your External Reality

44:04 Unlearning Money Stories

53:25 Curiosity, Intuition, and Living Authentically

01:05:14 Embracing Life's Struggles

01:12:08 Intentionality in Life and Business

Resources and Links

Work Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddyoutdoors.coach/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whoa_maddy_actually_/

Website: https://maddyoutdoors.mykajabi.com/

About The Ambiguous Truth Podcast

The Ambiguous Truth explores the stories behind people's passions, diving deep into what drives individuals to pursue unconventional paths and chase what deeply aligns with their values, interests, and skills. Host Anthony Mistretta creates intimate conversations that celebrate authenticity and the courage it takes to follow your own truth.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theambiguoustruth

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theambiguoustruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theambiguoustruth

Join host Anthony Mistretta for an expansive conversation with Logan Jones—aka Lojo—a Denver-based DJ, clinical research manager, and creative who's built his life around genuine connection, musical exploration, and continuous self-growth. From beatboxing at high school parties to battle rapping in college with a gun to his head, to producing progressive house and liquid drum & bass in his Denver apartment, Lojo's journey reflects a constant evolution driven by curiosity and authenticity. This wide-ranging episode explores the transition from lyrical to melodic expression, why house music dominates Denver's nightlife, and the power of freestyling versus memorization. Lojo opens up about therapy transforming his relationships, why AI will never capture the human experience in music, and his belief that DJing is about curating energy—not just playing hits. Whether discussing the necessity of harsh winters for amazing summers, the danger of assuming others' thoughts, or why progressive house is the soundtrack to every moment of his day, this conversation celebrates living seasonally, letting go of ego, and finding purpose in human connection above all else.

Key Topics (Chapters)

00:00 Introduction

06:27 The Transition to Rap and Electronic Music

12:53 Expression Through Lyrics and Melody

28:49 Therapy, Psychedelics, and Catalysts to World View Evolution

43:33 The Shift from Art to Rap

48:51 Expressing Emotion through Music

53:28 The Human Experience in Music

59:46 The Versatility of Electronic Music

01:07:51 Passion and Connection in Music

01:25:44 The Authenticity of Art

01:33:38 Growth and Change in Artists

01:38:51 The Impact of Perception

02:02:10 Outro

Resources and Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lojobeats

Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/aNvcEKjLcWz6kM9olj

About The Ambiguous Truth Podcast

The Ambiguous Truth explores the stories behind people's passions, diving deep into what drives individuals to pursue unconventional paths and chase what deeply aligns with their values, interests, and skills. Host Anthony Mistretta creates intimate conversations that celebrate authenticity and the courage it takes to follow your own truth.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theambiguoustruth

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theambiguoustruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theambiguoustruth

Join host Anthony Mistretta for a raw conversation with Drew Tacher, creator of Love People, music producer, and a soul navigating life through intuition, healing, and unconditional love. From growing up in a cult to finding freedom in Austin's creative community, Drew shares his journey of unlearning fear-based conditioning and learning to trust his body over his mind. This deeply honest episode explores the power of slowing down, the practice of feeling rather than thinking, and why gratitude is more about experience than lists. Drew opens up about leaving organized religion, redefining his relationship with God as "everything," and choosing joy over productivity. Whether discussing the intentionality behind Love People's message, the importance of screaming out repressed anger, or why he's tired of small talk about careers, this conversation celebrates living authentically and rejecting the milestone-chasing culture that keeps us disconnected from our true selves.

Key Topics (Chapters)

00:00 Introduction

01:48 Love People

04:51 Drew's Outlets and Current Foci

10:38 Drew's Emotional Growth

18:19 Drew's Gratitude Practices

22:34 Drew's Cult Experience

31:16 Evolving Understanding of God

35:13 What Identity Means to Drew

41:06 The Pursuit of Joy and Freedom

Resources and Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justdrew/

Love People Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovepeople.apparel

Love People Shop: https://lovepeople.shop/

About The Ambiguous Truth Podcast

The Ambiguous Truth explores the stories behind people's passions, diving deep into what drives individuals to pursue unconventional paths and chase what deeply aligns with their values, interests, and skills. Host Anthony Mistretta creates intimate conversations that celebrate authenticity and the courage it takes to follow your own truth.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theambiguoustruth

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theambiguoustruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theambiguoustruth

Join host Anthony Mistretta for an intimate conversation with Anna East, a multi-disciplinary artist, professional dancer, and creative spirit who has been performing professionally since age 14. From her formative years at Tokyo Disney to navigating creative blocks and identity crises, Anna shares her philosophy of living a life guided by curiosity and faith rather than fear. This episode explores the tension between choreographed structure and improvised expression, the danger of productivity culture, and why looking at clouds might be the most important thing you do all day. Anna opens up about the challenges of maintaining authenticity as a professional artist, the false dichotomy between technical skill and emotional artistry, and her evolving understanding of identity as a journey rather than a destination. Whether discussing the gratification of building with your hands, the importance of play in adult life, or why rest is a radical act in our productivity-obsessed world, this conversation celebrates the courage it takes to choose the creative path again and again.

Key Topics (Chapters)

00:00 Introduction

02:10 Early Career and Experiences in Performance

08:15 Curiosity and Faith in Life Choices

12:06 The Role of Family Support in Creative Pursuits

19:40 Choreography vs. Improvisation in Dance

27:42 Emotional Expression in Art

34:31 Navigating Creative Blocks and Emotional Expression

43:18 Balancing Creativity and Productivity in Work

54:16 The Impact of Technology on Human Experience

01:09:16 Embracing Identity and Creativity

01:29:42 Outro

Resources and Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna_eats_bananas

About The Ambiguous Truth Podcast

The Ambiguous Truth explores the stories behind people's passions, diving deep into what drives individuals to pursue unconventional paths and chase what deeply aligns with their values, interests, and skills. Host Anthony Mistretta creates intimate conversations that celebrate authenticity and the courage it takes to follow your own truth.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theambiguoustruth

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theambiguoustruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theambiguoustruth

The Ambiguous Truth, hosted by Anthony Mistretta, dives into life's deepest questions, which seldom have neat answers. Join Anthony for conversations that embrace the gray areas of being human—exploring who we are, how we create, and what it means to live authentically.