The Ambiguous Truth

Anthony Mistretta sits down with Kyle Shri — a former Peace Corps volunteer who traded conflict resolution for tattooing at 28, and now owns Found Tattoo Studio in Fort Collins. Anthony and Kyle talk about the costs of starting over: the insecurity of being new among experienced professionals, the discipline of separating your worth from your output, and the fear-versus-love filter Kyle uses for nearly every decision he makes. Underneath it all is a simple, hard-won idea — that identity isn't something you find, it's something you build by living it.

Key Topics

02:46 Introduction

04:33 The Journey to Tattooing

07:33 Embracing Change and Starting Over

10:27 The Philosophy of Learning as an Adult

13:40 The Myth of Career Stability

16:20 The Value of Authentic Work

19:06 Balancing Analysis and Creativity

22:08 Exploring Belief Systems

25:09 Identity and Authenticity in Life

28:22 Finding Purpose and Alignment

30:32 Authenticity in Personal Branding

32:52 Influence Through Example

35:59 The Impact of Personal Connections

39:08 Rituals and Personal Transformation

42:49 Navigating Fear and Love

54:15 Redefining Money and Work

01:01:49 Investing in Yourself: The Artist's Dilemma

01:13:37 Work and Life: Finding Balance in Passion

01:23:54 Building a Personal Brand: Authenticity vs. Perception

Connect with Kyle

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

Studio: https://www.instagram.com/foundtattoostudio/

Website: https://www.kyleshritattoo.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/

Anthony sits down with Sam Moore for a conversation about entrepreneurship, identity, and the long arc of building Hazlo, a beverage brand that started as a tequila mixer and evolved into something much bigger. They discuss why so many people feel trapped by off-the-shelf roles, how decision making becomes easier when you focus on forward progress, and why journaling and self-reflection changed the way Sam moves through life. Additionally, Sam shares how Hazlo has unlocked a better life. What started as building a business became the thing that reshaped nearly everything else — his relationships, his mental health, his physical health, and how he shows up day to day.

Key Topics

02:21 Introduction

03:09 Off The Shelf v Bespoke Careers

11:46 Entrepreneurship in Denver

18:25 Hazlo: The Beverage Brand Journey

25:36 The Evolution of Hazlo and Personal Growth

32:38 The Journey of Decision Making

45:21 Introspection and Self-Discovery

57:21 Creating a Dynamic Career Path

01:06:09 The Importance of Sleep and Recovery

01:14:11 The Art of Creation and Entrepreneurship

01:19:02 Personal Branding and Product Development

01:25:52 The Journey of Adversity and Growth

Resources and Links

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

Connect with Sam

If you’re starting a beverage business and want to connect with Sam, find him on socials and LinkedIn below.

Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sam.e.moore

Hazlo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinkhazlo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-e-moore/

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/

This episode follows Jake DeBernardi’s path from civil engineering into a season of deep reinvention, shaped by long-distance thru-hiking, community, nutrition, fire spinning, and a growing commitment to purpose. Anthony and Jake dig into what it means to leave the “railroad tracks,” accept all parts of yourself, and build a life anchored in human connection rather than default expectations. In this episode, Anthony and Jake explore how burnout, reflection, and gratitude can coexist with ambition and change. Jake shares how the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, and Continental Divide Trail each helped him grow, why he wrote The Art of Discomfort, and why firefighting and paramedic work feel like his next true calling.

Key Topics

02:10 Introduction

04:46 The Impact of College and Early Career

10:52 The Call of Nature: The Pacific Crest Trail

16:07 The Appalachian Trail: A New Challenge

22:04 The Spirituality of Hiking and Nature

27:50 Writing and Sharing Knowledge: The Art of Discomfort

38:26 Embracing Strengths and Self-Acceptance

44:27 Continental Divide Trail: Challenges and Growth

53:20 The Importance of Human Connection

01:05:26 Transitioning to a New Career Path

01:20:01 Navigating Personal and Professional Growth

01:28:40 Finding Your Voice and Authenticity

01:34:15 Building Community and Connection

01:41:18 Embracing Continuous Improvement and Self-Acceptance

01:48:28 Spirituality and Personal Beliefs

Action items

• Practice Kaizen by choosing one small daily change instead of waiting for a dramatic reset.
• Spend 5 minutes meditating and gradually increase the time as consistency builds.
• Revisit one activity you used to love and see whether it still brings joy.
• Look for ways to build real community, not just stay busy or connected online.
• If you are feeling numb in your work, examine whether your heart is actually in it.

Resources and Links

The Art of Discomfort: The Through Hiker's Guide to Success Through Nutrition

Available directly from Jake: [email protected]

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 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