Explore every episode of the podcast First Things THRST
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
E151 - Hypnotherapist: The 10 Beliefs Controlling Your Life Without You Knowing
02 Sep 2026
01:31:35
Jim Curtis spent 25 years building major health media companies like WebMD before realising conscious knowledge only gets you halfway. He breaks down why willpower and motivation are temporary until you reprogram your subconscious beliefs, how your identity determines your reality, and what's actually holding you back from the life you want.
We also cover the real difference between actual hypnotherapy and the fake billionaire hypnotists selling quick fixes on social media.
00:00 Introduction 03:25 Jim introduces his wellness entrepreneurship journey 06:10 Transition from Wall Street trader to WebMD executive 12:26 Experience with a neurologist and placebo effects 20:19 Navigating the subconscious mind to enhance performance 28:04 Can you truly have it all in life? 35:18 Understanding desires and letting go of material attachment 40:02 The evolution of self-awareness and relationships 45:08 Balancing ambition with enjoyment of present life 50:15 Overcoming limiting beliefs and the quest for freedom 55:00 The interconnectedness of spirituality and personal success 1:00:15 Addressing subconscious issues in relationships 1:05:42 Navigating choice and commitment in partnerships 1:10:42 Embracing spirituality and trusting personal journey
E150 - The Psychology of The 'Nice Guy' Who Always Loses Mercedes Coffman
10 Aug 2026
01:37:47
Mercedes Coffman is a marriage and family therapist who's noticed everyone's making the same mistake with dating, confusing intensity with compatibility.
She breaks down what chemistry actually tells you (nothing about long-term potential), the nervous system's role in partner selection, and why your past trauma is attracted to familiar dysfunction. Also covers how men and women assess partners differently, and what actually needs to happen before you decide someone is your person.
00:00 Introduction 02:03 Modern dating challenges with instant gratification 06:00 Personal experiences with dating apps and challenges 12:00 Therapy's role in understanding relationship patterns 18:09 Chemistry vs compatibility in relationships 24:41 The importance of patience in dating 30:25 Differences in dating cultures across regions 36:09 Dating app experiences and their varied impacts 42:56 Vulnerability and emotional risks in relationships 50:08 Oversharing vs fostering emotional safety 57:23 The concept of cheating and its nuances 1:04:31 Long-distance relationships: benefits and challenges 1:11:08 The issue with "nice guys" in modern dating 1:17:09 Financial stability's role in pursuing relationships 1:31:55 Can relationships survive infidelity?
Michael Gervais spent 25 years coaching world-class athletes and discovered that fear of other people's opinions is more powerful than most realise it is.
He explains why our brains are still running prehistoric programming and why the best in the world treat psychology like a separate skill to train, not a weakness. The uncomfortable truth about entrepreneurship and growth, it requires tolerating cold air on your skin, and most people retreat the moment it hurts.
00:00 Introduction 04:20 Personal struggles and psychology in sports 09:05 Big wave surfing and lessons on focus 14:37 Experiencing stress in entrepreneurship and optimism 21:55 The essence of adventure in entrepreneurship 29:40 Real-life examples of handling stress and leadership 34:11 Team dynamics versus individual coaching effectiveness 38:51 Mental imagery and powerful future visioning 44:23 Overcoming FOPO and building self-confidence 50:37 Skills and mindset investment for personal growth 56:33 Perspectives on handling high-pressure moments 1:04:11 Balancing personal and professional lives effectively 1:10:43 Building a positive mindset and tackling challenges
From street chaos to Orthodox priesthood: the journey nobody expected.
Father Moses came from the streets expecting prison or death, found something unexpected in his lowest moment, and now teaches people how to build spiritual lives that actually work.
He breaks down why most people approach faith completely wrong and what actually changes lives.
For the sceptics and the seekers both.
00:00 Introduction 07:06 Decision to embrace faith after life-altering experiences 17:20 Exploring the concept of receiving Christ's presence 23:34 Reflections on goodness and the objective standard in life 29:24 Rise in religious interest among young men 35:11 Father Moses discusses the challenges of being a good Christian 41:06 Daily habits and routines of an Orthodox Christian 49:49 Responsibility of Christians when achieving financial success 54:36 The fleeting satisfaction of wealth and materialism 59:21 Encountering Christ after death and the choice of Heaven or Hell 01:09:46 Starting a journey into Orthodox Christianity 01:21:07 Implications of shifting societal norms on family and religion 01:27:44 Importance of selecting the right spouse based on faith 01:34:11 Challenges and responsibilities of raising children in faith 01:39:58 Final thoughts on embracing Orthodox Christianity
How Peter Rahal dominated the protein bar market twice by finding gaps everyone else missed.
Peter started RxBar in 2010 when CrossFit was exploding, and the market had zero clean protein options. He made them in his apartment with a KitchenAid mixer and five ingredients, then scaled to 10,000 bars per day.
The biggest mistake most entrepreneurs make: they don't understand their market deeply enough before scaling, and the technical details (water activity, shelf life, microbiology) destroy you if you wing it. The formula that works: superior macros, good taste, clean ingredients, fair price. And America is easier to dominate than Europe because there's no tall poppy syndrome, everyone just wants you to win.
00:00 Introduction 02:01 Mike introduces Peter and the RX Bar success 06:12 Transition from kitchen to commercial production 11:21 Overcoming scaling challenges and shelf-life issues 14:28 First breakthrough with Wegmans retail partnership 20:08 Road to a $600M exit and maintaining integrity 25:20 Post-exit identity crisis and brief hedonism 30:36 The itch to build again and non-compete limitations 33:35 Returning to protein bars with a unique approach 37:12 The rise of protein products in everyday foods 45:17 Launching David bars with innovative ingredients 54:15 Incorporating AI and fostering a productive team 1:02:10 Future goals and diversification with new brands
James Sexton, a divorce lawyer, on why fear is good, why marriage needs a plan, and why heartbreak matters.
As someone who sees relationships fail every day, James explains that scepticism about marriage is actually healthy, real bravery requires fear. Most people don't realise marriage is the most legally significant thing you'll do and enter it with zero plan, yet they plan everything in fitness. Passion and chemistry don't equal partnership compatibility, and complacency kills relationships when partners stop trying after "locking someone in." Relationships need intentionality, maintenance, and honest feedback like any other area of life.
The hardest part isn't falling in love, it's believing you're worthy of it. Heartbreak is painful but beautiful because grief proves you had something worth losing, and those experiences create the depth most people never experience.
00:00 Introduction 06:21 Past Relationships and Compatibility 10:19 Relationships as Career vs Side Hustle 14:55 Designing a Perfect Life Without Marriage 18:40 Complacency and Maintenance in Marriage 27:10 Honesty and Difficult Conversations in Relationships 30:21 Teaching Relationship Skills and Managing Disconnection 35:12 Comparison Between Fitness and Relationships 40:42 Age and Experience in Love and Marriage 45:48 Intentionality in Relationships and Maintaining Love 50:01 Appreciating and Valuing Relationships 55:14 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Love 1:02:59 The Importance of Having Children 1:05:47 Financial Stability and Motivation with Children 1:11:22 Fame, Wealth, and Relationship Challenges 1:18:10 Performance Art in Relationships and Social Media 1:25:33 Belief in Love and Life's Fundamental Questions
E145 - To Become a Man, You Must Kill The Boy Before It's Too Late | Cole Hastings
15 Jun 2026
01:36:51
Reconsidered formatting preferences and removed visual separators
» Produced by Hack You Media: pioneering a new category of content at the intersection of health performance, entrepreneurship & cognitive optimisation.
Cole Hastings is worried about how modern entertainment is destroying people's ability to think and relate to each other. Content creators need to protect their reputation because once it's damaged, it never comes back, and platforming the wrong person can ruin you years later.
Most dating coaches online are just projecting their own failures onto young people who trust them completely. People are lonelier because nobody organises hangouts anymore, so find communities around shared interests, meet people in person, and stop listening to dating advice from people who've never actually had a real relationship.
00:00 Introduction 02:01 Concerns about declining literacy 08:31 Entrepreneurship and concerning cultural values 13:10 Impact of controversial collaborations 19:30 Navigating loneliness and personal reflection 24:54 Impact of social media on personal interactions 29:43 The importance of male friendships 37:31 Challenges of maintaining friendships in adulthood 42:51 Meeting new people and improving social circles 49:07 Issues with relationship advice online 57:52 The pitfalls of excessive focus on appearance 1:04:56 Experience with veganism and dietary challenges 1:09:07 Diverse perspectives on health and wellness 1:18:08 Exploring shadow work and self-reflection 1:27:44 Addressing the stigma of therapy
Tristan Yoder teaches cold approach, talking to women in daylight without tactics or games, just genuine conversation and masculine confidence. The old pickup artistry lines got overused, and women started calling them out, so now direct interest works better than playing it cool.
He breaks down the biggest mistakes: men think they need to be jacked, rich, or have game, when really you just need to not be scared to say hi and genuinely make her feel special instead of generic. Most Americans stay broken at dating because materialism and a limited worldview convince them they need external validation before they deserve women, just go say hi to her.
00:00 Introduction 02:01 Intro to dating and relationship dynamics 07:13 Understanding what women find attractive today 14:18 Importance of personal appearance and confidence 19:16 The impact of societal influences and negative content 28:36 Overcoming approach anxiety and building confidence 35:37 The significance of an abundance mindset in dating 43:58 The importance of travel and diverse dating experiences 54:11 The impact of societal expectations on relationships 1:00:20 Navigating honesty and responsibility in dating 1:06:24 Evaluating the role of female dating coaches 1:12:41 Balancing in-person and online dating strategies 1:19:01 Future personal growth and relationship perspectives 1:25:08 The effects of technology and AI on future dating 1:33:28 Reflections on relationship expectations and fulfilment
E143 - Modern Men Are Soft, Tired & Lost (Here's How To Become Strong Again)
31 May 2026
01:45:52
» Produced by Hack You Media: pioneering a new category of content at the intersection of health performance, entrepreneurship & cognitive optimisation.
A generation of men are checking out, living at home, avoiding dating, gaming and scrolling instead of building lives. Connor Beaton breaks down the cultural narrative that's convinced boys they're faulty from birth, how fatherlessness and job market discrimination created the perfect storm, and why suppressing emotions doesn't make you stronger, it makes you fragile.
Mike opens up about losing his mum at 11 and how that shaped every relationship since, never processing the grief properly, just getting on with it. Connor explains how unprocessed pain doesn't stay quiet, it sabotages your relationships, your business, your health until you deal with it.
The conversation covers why male guides matter more than therapists for men with father wounds, how emotional consistency beats sexual polarity in relationships, and why confronting hardship is how you actually mature instead of staying stunted.
00:00 Introduction
01:55 Addressing struggles faced by young men today
06:32 Cultural perception of masculinity affecting men
11:53 Gaming and other distractions are hindering ambition
20:58 Effects of losing a parent on emotional development
26:26 Processing grief and emotional expression
30:51 Importance of processing pain for mental health
38:10 Recognising when professional help is needed
44:30 Gender of therapist influencing therapeutic outcomes
50:11 Navigating vulnerability in relationships with women
56:13 Pushing gender roles and their societal impacts
1:09:52 Influence of social media on relationship dynamics
1:25:14 Feminism's impact on modern gender relations
1:30:08 Misleading influencer messages on masculinity
1:35:21 Redefining what it means to be an alpha male
» 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
Matt Morsia is back on the show to talk about detaching his bicep, building his dream house, shutting down his energy drink, and why his new book actually tells you what to do instead of just theory.
Matt explains how his bicep literally came off and now has two anchors making it indestructible, why you get used to dream houses quickly unless guests remind you it's cool, and how Gladiators killed Morphe Energy, minimum orders were 750,000 cans, and he lost all mental capacity and financial desire when BBC came calling. This covers why his new book gives exact training plans instead of theory, how his face ended up on an erotic novel cover, leading to book signings with middle-aged women in New York, and why training should be guided by goals, not gender.
00:00 Introduction 02:13 Introductions and playful banter between hosts 06:12 Children's ambitions and parenting philosophy 12:04 Navigating injuries and rapid recovery genetics 18:36 Balancing personal growth with busy schedules 25:00 Evolving YouTube strategies and keeping content fresh 30:00 Pros and cons of managing a clothing brand 35:14 Writing a book vs creating other content 40:28 Importance of authenticity in social media 45:00 Misconceptions about fitness for women 51:28 Insight into new book "Fitness Unlocked" 1:02:10 Future podcast aspirations and challenges 1:11:24 The art of making engaging YouTube content 1:15:25 Planning adrenaline-filled future adventures 1:30:00 Wrapping up with creative new ventures and Arsenal accolades
#1 Celebrity Manager Reveals DARKEST Lessons From His Clients (Kayne West, 50 Cent + More)
18 May 2026
01:30:25
» Produced by Hack You Media: pioneering a new category of content at the intersection of health performance, entrepreneurship & cognitive optimisation. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hackyoumedia/ Website: https://hackyou.media/ Mani Nordine is a music industry veteran who manages artists like Snoop Dogg and Akon, and this conversation reveals why mixing family with business always fails, how ego isn't your amigo but you need it to succeed, and why passion beats any strategy. Learn why artists need managers from day one because early mistakes haunt careers forever, how emotion in business destroys relationships when you work with family, and why he never involves himself in the creative process—his job is guiding, not making the art. This covers why ego is essential for superstars even though you finish alone, how digital production and algorithm demands killed music quality, and why rappers struggle with ageing because they eventually become what they once criticised. 0:00 Introduction 03:31 Transition from dance to music management 12:10 Meeting and working with Michael Jackson's family 17:00 Challenges of managing artists' egos and personal habits 20:56 The impact of money and fame on artists' personalities 27:46 Organising large-scale tours and dealing with promoters 32:08 Balancing creative freedom with profitability for artists 40:00 The enduring influence of music from the 2000s 45:14 Strategies to maintain long-term relevance in music 50:24 The evolving landscape of music and content creation 55:32 Differences in DJ and traditional artist lifestyles 01:02:07 Iconic events and their roles in networking in the music industry 01:08:10 Personal philosophy on professional and personal growth » 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 » Discover Bioniq Lab peptide products- https://bioniqlab.com/mike10 10% off with code MIKE10 » Join our newsletter for actionable insights from every episode: https://thrst-letter.beehiiv.com/ » Join @WHOOP and get your first month for free - join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrst » Follow Mani Instsagram: https://www.instagram.com/maninordine/?hl=en-gbhackyou.mediaHack You MediaYour optimized future starts here.THRSTTHRST - Your Ultimate Destination for Fitness, Swim & ActivewearDiscover a wide range of high-quality training shorts, apparel, and swimwear at THRST. With our fitness app, you can take your workouts to the next level. Shop now and get ready to elevate your training game!
E140 - Billionaires Brutal Lessons On Wealth, Discipline & Building From Nothing
Gediminas Ziemelis is Lithuania's wealthiest entrepreneur, who started his first business at 19, and this conversation reveals what separates founders from managers, why treating business like a three-life computer game keeps him motivated, and how being born in a small country forced him to think globally from day one.
Gediminas explains growing up in the Soviet Union where businessmen were criminals, how poverty and limitation shaped his drive to be rich, and why selling his first company at 27 pushed him toward building something unrepeatable in aviation. The key insight: work-life balance doesn't exist when building something big; your lifestyle becomes the business, and you risk everything while managers sell hours for the highest price with no social life at stake.
This covers why he has four assistants but stays hands-on daily, how spending money on relationships beats marketing, and why the only thing he fears is losing motivation.
00:00 Gediminas Ziemelis Introduction 04:47 Early business endeavours in post-Soviet Lithuania 10:19 Importance of international business for Lithuanian entrepreneurs 15:28 First IPO and stepping into diverse business sectors 20:30 Entering aviation amidst challenges and opportunities 26:46 Overcoming financial crises in business 34:25 Global thinking and expanding aviation business 43:54 Dedication to Avia Solution Group and future plans 47:54 Passion and motivation in business pursuits 54:18 Importance of networking and relationships in business 59:53 Expanding interests beyond aviation, including AI and numbers 01:05:09 Space industry insights and potential future ventures 01:10:19 Reflections on health, AI, and personal discipline 01:14:36 Final advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on collaboration and planning
From staying in Dubai despite recent events and travelling to Cape Town and Japan, to losing your peptide virginity at 35 and selling Bioniq, join me for a special Q&A filmed in the apartment where this podcast started five years ago.
I talk starting over from scratch, the balance between life-maxing and business-maxing, why investing in yourself beats everything else, and the mindset shifts that matter when nobody's watching.
Thank you to everyone who's tuned in, asked questions, or supported the journey so far.
Here's to the next chapter.
00:00 Introduction 00:52 Thoughts on living in Dubai long term 02:22 Top three favourite travel destinations 03:42 Starting over and choosing a niche 05:01 Use of peptides and personal experiences 07:14 Views on marriage and having children 08:12 Making friends in a new environment 10:16 Daily non-negotiables for health and wellness 11:17 Thoughts on diminishing returns of wealth 13:48 Strategies for avoiding doomscrolling 15:21 Evolving focus on swimwear brand 17:50 Surrounding oneself with inspiring people 19:56 Boredom and seeking new experiences 21:33 Lessons from launching a coaching channel 25:02 Navigating life post-business acquisition 27:19 Does Mike adjust his training volume according to his Whoop data 28:23 Has Mike ever worked with a performance psychologist 30:28 Mike’s experience with emotional eating 34:01 Should you help others unconditionally? 34:50 What are some non-negotiables when dealing with people in business 36:20 Who would Mike choose as my ideal gym partner 39:34 Controversial figures on First Things THRST 42:34 What if Mike had never travelled to UAE? 44:46 How to date when you're broke 46:54 What excites Mike the most 49:33 Young Financial Investments vs going out to see the world 53:35 How important is Mindset in your journey 55:36 Should you set self-standards? 58:24 Is life in Dubai Better than the UK? 59:33 Biggest Problem in Modern Dating 1:02:23 Admiration for Women with Careers 1:04:34 Mike’s Favourite Film 1:05:45 A Lesson from Mike’s Father 1:08:00 What would you have done if you were 20 again 1:12:04 Perfect Work-Life Balance 1:13:42 Mike’s Biggest Goal 1:16:04 Outro
Paul Saladino left medicine to focus on nutrition and moved to Costa Rica for the surf, and this conversation reveals why he avoids wearables and EMF exposure, how simplifying diet to meat and fruit fixes most chronic conditions, and why organ meats contain forgotten nutritional wisdom.
This covers why carnivore works short-term, but he recommends adding fruit, how elimination diets beat expensive food sensitivity tests, and why eating specific organs like testicle or spleen follows evolutionary logic that modern science is only beginning to understand through peptides and microRNAs.
00:00 Introduction & Costa Rica lifestyle 06:19 Designing a unique home: innovations and choices 11:08 Air quality and EMF exposure: health implications 17:18 Concerns about wireless devices affecting health 24:20 Sleep's role in health and minimising EMF exposure 30:32 Diet quality over calorie counting for weight loss 36:39 Simplifying food choices for optimal health 43:10 An animal-based diet's impact on chronic conditions 51:12 Debates on vegan vs carnivore: nutritional needs 59:42 Organ meats as supplements: sourcing and efficacy 1:10:10 Entrepreneurship in health supplements: challenges 1:18:56 High-quality retail challenges and market entry 1:26:01 Travelling with dietary restrictions and jet lag 1:34:50 Grocery shopping in the US: prioritising quality 1:39:58 Reducing microplastics: practical steps
Lewis Howes is a former professional athlete turned podcaster and author who discovered handball when his football career ended, and this conversation reveals why longevity comes down to relationships and emotional healing more than optimisation.
Learn why longevity isn't about perfect sleep or nutrition but about healing emotional wounds and maintaining quality relationships, how he used to attract partners based on wounds and chemistry instead of values alignment, and why therapy from day one became non-negotiable.
00:00 Introduction 02:20 Handball origins and Lewis's journey to the national team 04:11 Mike's athletic background and transition to fitness 06:21 Genetics and misconceptions about Mike's physique 07:56 Steroid use debate and personal stance 09:40 Risks and experiences with performance-enhancing drugs 11:16 Honesty in the fitness industry and its impacts 11:45 Importance of relationships and emotional healing 14:42 Lewis's belief in God and personal experiences 19:18 Lewis's realisation and journey of self-healing 22:23 Balancing work, life, and relationship values 25:18 The role of therapy and communication in relationships 31:42 The challenges and joys of fatherhood 33:30 Lewis's Olympic aspirations and dedication 36:07 Building an empire, personal fulfilment, and service 38:30 Private relationships vs public life challenges
E136 - Are Young Men Locking Themselves Into Lives They'll Regret? | Rob The Bank
06 Apr 2026
01:32:38
Rob Oliver is a content creator and DJ who went all-in on house music, and this conversation reveals why Miami is optimised for spending not building, how the music industry is surprisingly political, and why pursuing what you love gives energy instead of draining it.
Rob explains why he hates Miami despite being there, it's status games rather than real building, though it remains necessary for what he's creating. Learn why the DJ world is more cliquish than expected with exclusive circles that either embrace or reject you based on having a following, how most people stay bogged down by relationships and jobs they hate without realising what they're leaving on table, and why his viral talking-head format eventually stopped working after massive volume.
00:00 Introduction 02:07 Reflecting on changes since their last conversation 03:22 Observations on Miami's flashy and materialistic culture 06:16 Transitioning focus to music and social media growth 09:04 Lifemaxxing, pursuing passions across multiple domains 12:23 Navigating the political landscape of the music industry 22:53 Discussing tax implications of living in the US 24:57 Perspectives on endless content streaming 30:05 Experiences in Ibiza and its influence on life 34:53 Evaluating personal growth through music and events 39:17 Harnessing music's power & Ideal music performance settings and experiences 47:14 Reflecting on past open relationship dynamics 56:59 Refocusing on positive content & Future plans
Sahil Bloom is an author, investor, and content creator who quit his high-paying finance job after realising he'd only see his parents 15 more times before they died, and this conversation reveals his framework for the five types of wealth, why autopilot in life is the single greatest risk, and how anything above zero compounds.
This covers why he invests in founders who can get punched in the mouth repeatedly and figure it out, how his investments range from healthcare advocates to humanoid robots, and why he uses AI agents for logistics but never outsources the creative work he actually enjoys doing.
00:00 Introduction 03:31 AI possibilities and optimism for the future 07:45 Maintaining uniquely human skills in an AI world 12:18 Personal transformation and redefining success 15:05 Overview of the five types of wealth 19:03 Balancing life's priorities and family importance 21:37 Confronting fear of uncertainty and taking risks 27:44 Growth through personal loss and struggles 30:13 Embracing failure and gaining confidence 33:13 Navigating criticism and public backlash 39:35 Investing in people over ideas 47:07 The impact of AI on daily life and driving 52:10 Exploring luxury in future automated living 55:59 Future plans and ongoing projects
Patrick Bet-David built Valuetainment into a media empire, and this conversation reveals why nobody truly knows what's happening in geopolitics even on the inside, how creating stakeholders makes society safer, and why loving the game matters more than tolerating the grind.
Learn why societies become safer when people have equity, families, and assets to protect, versus nothing to lose, and how Dubai's lack of military becomes concerning when cheap drones meet expensive defences. This covers why he interviews everyone from controversial figures to world leaders as long as they're respectful, how shutting down YouTube three times at 488K subscribers forced the decision to build a major media company or quit entirely, and why the Michael Jordan "love of the game" clause captures what separates passion from obligation.
00:00 Introduction 02:28 Discussing the situation in the Middle East 07:02 Concerns about safety living in Dubai 12:49 Hypothetical scenario: Becoming the supreme leader of Iran 17:04 Big problems in the world Patrick wants to tackle 21:13 Impact of social media on role models 27:20 Thoughts on Louis Theroux's Manosphere documentary 32:05 Deciding who to socialise or do business with 34:22 Short-term vs long-term thinking in business 40:38 Dealing with controversial interview backlash 45:35 Desire to interview Putin 46:50 Motivations for continuing to build the company 48:25 Coping with stressful or bad days 53:06 Importance of loving what you do 56:54 How to keep up with an overwhelming flow of information 1:04:06 The significance of processing information over just knowledge 1:07:36 Optimism about the future and mindset
Alex Hirschi built Supercar Blondie from a radio hosting job in Dubai to a global media brand, launched SBX Cars auction platform, and this conversation reveals why she left security in 2017 when colleagues said "see you in two months," how Facebook's golden era paid $1M monthly before collapsing 10x, and why diversifying across platforms became a survival strategy.
Learn why she loves Dubai's rapid change instead of romanticising the past, how SBX Cars fills the gap between collectors flying to physical auctions and wanting curated high-end listings without $30K cars next to $3M ones, and why the platform ships supercars globally from Dubai to Hong Kong. This covers why YouTube builds brand loyalty better despite inconsistent revenue, how AI scammers use her face with different voices to target lonely people, and why documenting everything makes life feel less genuine.
00:00 Introduction 03:27 Transitioning from radio to social media in 2017 05:46 Moving to Dubai in 2008 and early experiences 09:11 Launching SBX and the online car auction business 13:30 Unique aspects of SBX's auction process 18:19 Importance of trust and brand reputation in auctions 21:52 Strategic goals and personal content creation balance 26:34 The hiring process for presenters and maintaining passion 30:17 Concept cars and their purpose in car design evolution 34:21 Challenges of being the public face and dealing with burnout 38:31 Handling online negativity and maintaining mental health 40:01 Balancing work drive with personal well-being 45:30 AI in content creation and future business prospects 51:04 Monetising platforms, YouTube vs Facebook 57:27 Building a diverse media and tech business model 1:03:30 Favourite cars and collaborations with brands 1:09:03 Personal growth and adventure goals for the future
Nik Setting built multiple businesses before turning 23 by understanding that personal branding isn't a system, it's knowing who you want to become and refusing to dilute your message, and this conversation reveals why most creators fail by chasing what works instead of staying aligned with their identity.
Nik explains why AI is replacing copywriters and media buyers but can never replicate authentic personal brands. Learn why verbal and visual alignment creates trust that converts, how confusion happens at every stage even when making millions because your identity evolves, and why following trending content that doesn't align with your core values just confuses your audience.
00:00 Introduction 02:00 Nick Setting's drive and passion for building unique things 04:20 Transition from survival to growth mindset in business 07:20 Key components of personal branding 10:00 Importance of strategic content post and authenticity 14:30 Niching down in a crowded market for growth 19:00 Monetising personal brand effectively 23:00 Building trust and credibility through content 28:00 Harnessing the power of YouTube for authenticity 32:00 Challenges of maintaining alignment with your brand 37:00 Using communication to convey ideas simply 41:30 Importance of niche and target audience selection 47:00 Finding and hiring loyal team members 51:00 Leveraging personal brand for opportunities 55:00 Nik's vision for the future and maintaining focus
Noah Laith (thestoicbiohacker) hasn't been sick in 23 years, and this conversation reveals why most people are doing backwards protocols that waste years, how to actually source clean food, and what fundamentals matter before any biohacking tools.
People try everything but miss the foundations. Learn why "organic" means nothing when a quarter of it tests positive for pesticides, how to find regenerative farms with farmers obsessed with quality, and why your gut is the first brain determining whether you get sick. The difference between top performers isn't talent—it's avoiding one sick day per year that destroys flow and training cycles.
00:00 Introduction 02:04 Cutting through misinformation in the biohacking space 06:02 Why sourcing quality food matters more than labels 12:05 Gut health as the true starting point of disease 15:26 Processed food, fruit myths and genetic triggers 21:27 Building metabolic flexibility with the 4-2-1 protocol 24:30 What to eat for high energy, digestion and recovery 27:11 The science behind eating fruit before your meal 29:13 Sleep timing and how it affects brain detox 36:43 What optimal testosterone levels really look like 41:18 Why diet alone can’t fix poor food sourcing 44:03 Three types of patients and how approaches differ 46:53 Starting peptides early and choosing the right type 51:01 Peptide safety risks and what to watch out for 54:58 Biohacking tools vs foundational health habits 58:20 Noah’s peptide picks for maintenance and recovery 1:03:19 Hidden toxins in everyday food and water 1:10:32 The future of health is nature plus advanced science
Dean Henry has spent 11 years deep in peptide research after his misdiagnosed ACL led him down the regenerative medicine rabbit hole, and this conversation reveals why therapeutic peptides work completely differently than peptide drugs, and how to avoid toxic contamination from sketchy labs.
Learn why the raw material might be fine, but contamination happens during filling in unsterile environments, how micro-dosing triple agonists for longevity differs drastically from medical protocols, and why combining growth hormone peptides with recovery compounds optimises results.
00:00 Introduction 02:10 Peptides 101 and their sudden mainstream popularity 08:45 Dangers of “peptide drugs” like Ozempic and receptor burnout 12:33 Red flags when buying or being sold peptides online 17:10 Why the peptide’s container matters more than people think 18:20 Retatrutide and the future of weight loss peptides 21:04 Cycling peptides safely and avoiding harsh rebounds 28:25 BPC-157 for connective tissue recovery and pain reduction 34:17 Growth hormone peptides that optimise without suppression 37:06 Safe starter blends for building muscle and recovering faster 40:43 Peptides that can boost testosterone naturally, not replace it 44:04 Cognitive enhancers like Semax, Selank and Dihexa 49:42 Sleep-enhancing peptides and managing dependency risks 52:58 GHK-Cu for skin, hair growth, and collagen regeneration 56:50 The gut health stack: BPC, KPV, Lorazotide and more 01:01:40 Peptides can support healing, but not replace lifestyle 01:05:15 Sketchy protocols, histamine responses and what to avoid 01:10:04 How to safely explore peptides with professional guidance
Peter Crone is a mind architect who works with elite athletes and CEOs to reprogram their subconscious limitations, and this conversation reveals why mental fitness is the absence of suffering, how childhood narratives control your entire adult life without you realising it, and why complete vulnerability is the only way to overcome fear.
Peter breaks down the current operating system—predict and protect—where your brain constantly anticipates worst-case scenarios based on limitations you created as a child (I'm not enough, I'm not worthy).
Learn why romantic relationships expose constraints that family and friends never touch because you become sufficiently vulnerable to access what needs healing, and why success has nothing to do with materialism—it's complete peace regardless of what's happening externally.
00:00 Introduction 04:48 What mental fitness really means and why most people suffer 08:24 Suppressing emotions vs knowing when to seek help 11:41 Losing both parents and how early trauma shapes adulthood 18:04 The power of uncertainty and the lesson heartbreak taught 25:28 Vulnerability in relationships and how much to share 29:16 Why any lie can quietly destroy your connection 36:56 Ambition from fear vs drive from inner peace 42:47 Religion vs spirituality and the illusion of separation 51:09 Why so many fail to stay consistent with fitness 54:18 Muscles, dysmorphia, and the real reason behind self-image issues 58:38 Can ambition exist without ego or is it one and the same 01:03:44 Comparing traumas and why everyone deserves compassion 01:06:56 Subconscious beliefs and how they silently sabotage potential 01:10:09 Timing, chance meetings, and trusting the bigger plan
Richard Cooper (Entrepreneur in Cars) is a men's coach who helps guys navigate relationships after getting destroyed by his own divorce, and this conversation breaks down why the nice guy strategy fails, how women punish you for giving them everything they ask for, and why successful men throughout history never committed to sexual exclusivity.
Richard explains the fundamental disconnect—women demand full commitment, including sexual monogamy, but when you give them the complete package, they often lose interest and punish you. Learn why 43% of North American kids are raised in single-parent households producing boss girls and weak beta males, how daddy issues create women who don't value masculinity, and why tattoos are the most criticised red flag.
The harsh reality: paying attention to behaviour versus what people say applies universally in relationships and business.
00:00 Introduction 02:00 First impressions of Dubai and why he’s exploring relocation 04:26 Why modern dating is a minefield for young men 08:52 The concept of ‘beta-tization’ through small daily concessions 11:39 Should couples live together or live separately long-term? 18:06 The idea that commitment and exclusivity aren’t always linked 21:49 How the legal system punishes men after breakups 27:39 Why modern marriage is a raw deal for most men 31:44 Navigating love and ambition when building a business 37:14 Social media as a threat to relationship stability 40:59 How young men should focus on building long-term value 45:08 Tattoos, trauma, and the markers of red flags 50:48 Green flags and the women who nurture, not demand 52:19 Where to find high-quality women—and why the West struggles 58:53 Expectations, disappointment, and better understanding women 01:05:46 The risks of fatherhood and how to vet properly
Rory Sutherland is Vice Chairman of Ogilvy, and this conversation reveals why personal branding works, how luxury brands are destroying themselves by chasing scale over exclusivity, and why companies optimise completely wrong metrics that customers don't actually care about.
Learn why we substitute easy questions for hard ones when making decisions, how status currencies constantly shift from cars to experiences to education, and why expensive signalling through costly marketing actually works better than cheap digital messages.
Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 02:14 Why personal branding matters more in an AI-driven world 04:38 Family-owned businesses outperform PLCs in brand building 08:43 Why likeability often beats performance in service brands 13:45 The hidden value of charm and human interaction 16:36 Making travel better through experience, not speed 19:30 Obsessively specialising to build premium perception 26:21 Why status travel beats local cultural appreciation 34:06 Should we admire bold bling or quiet confidence? 36:53 Why digital culture shifts how we signal status 39:33 How luxury brands are losing cachet through ubiquity 49:03 Big screens, little phones and backwards tech habits 52:22 Influencer marketing revives old-school trust in digital 57:13 The danger of one-size-fits-all outrage in advertising 01:10:11 Expensive media still signals credibility and confidence
E126 - The Fitness Industry In 2026: Body Image, Burnout & Broken Standards | Kayla Itsines
25 Jan 2026
00:58:20
Kayla Itsines got her first PT job by holding a door open for someone, and she's here to explain why transformations sell everything and quick fixes teach you nothing.
Learn how Kayla went from charging a dollar per minute in her parents' backyard to selling millions of e-books before Instagram even had video capabilities. She breaks down why transformational content sells anything—body, business, or mindset—and how she transitioned from personal brand to scalable platform by admitting she wasn't an expert at everything.
This conversation exposes why coaches pushing aggressive calorie cuts for quick results don't care about destroying their clients' relationship with food.
00:00 Introduction 02:00 Starting out in fitness and falling in love with strength 08:48 Building a personal brand vs building a sellable business 11:21 How an accidental e-book launch turned global fitness empire 15:40 Turning the Sweat app into a platform beyond herself 21:46 Selling the company and feeling like she lost a child 25:53 Keeping Sweat ahead in a saturated women’s fitness market 32:22 Why long-term success is about consistency, not extremes 38:31 What women struggle with most in fitness today 40:25 Debunking myths about women lifting weights and eating carbs 44:39 Fitness shifting toward total wellness and biohacking 48:39 Stress, control, and the quiet chaos of daily life 53:15 Navigating motherhood while running a global brand
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Louis Armstrong is back for the annual catch-up — and this time we’re talking celibacy experiments, nicotine addiction, and why he thinks I need to go celibate for a month...
Louis ditched alcohol, nicotine pouches, and his right hand because he realised easy dopamine was making him deflated and unmotivated.
Tune in for a laid-back catch-up with plenty of insight — plus some valuable lessons on discipline, dating, and designing a better 2026.
00:00 Introduction 02:10 Catching up, lost Airbnb deposit and lessons for creators 06:00 Celibacy, dopamine addictions and cutting out vices 09:21 Women as a distraction and learning self-control 12:25 Relationships vs single life and patterns of avoidance 17:07 Trust issues, jealousy and choosing a secure partner 20:26 How men can build true security and self-worth 22:34 Balancing being a good partner without becoming a simp 27:01 Dubai dating culture and the rise of entitlement 31:00 Finding quality women and warning signs to watch for 38:44 Advice for young men on meeting women offline 41:56 Building confidence through small daily interactions 43:50 Mentorship, prioritising freedom and business balance 48:28 Scaling without burnout and staying focused 52:29 Writing, distractions, and designing optimal mornings 57:39 The “Let Them” mindset and emotional resilience 01:09:52 Reflecting on alcohol, fun vs optimisation 01:13:19 Goals for 2024 and building systems around creativity 01:19:40 Hosting transformational in-person masterminds and events
Charlie Morgan dropped out of a business degree when he realised none of his lecturers had ever run companies, worked four jobs burning himself out to prove he wasn’t a failure, then discovered sales through an apprenticeship that changed everything.
You’ll hear why he made his Academy completely free to create a moat no one can compete with, how Hormozi owns the truth about offers the same way Charlie now owns agency fundamentals, and what happens when you realise “passive income” means working 16 hours a day so you can make money while you sleep.
Tune in for his take on systemising relationships with spreadsheets, why he told his girlfriend on the first date that work always comes first, and how building B2B software makes the info business look like a walk in the park.
00:00 Introduction 04:38 Making a free course as a moat against competitors 07:00 The arms race of flex marketing and selling the dream 10:39 How Tai Lopez and Lord Sugar nudged Charlie off the uni path 16:42 Burning out after juggling four jobs and chasing redemption 21:33 Becoming a PT and growing fast as a fitness OG on Instagram 24:33 The viral Dubai video and its polarising reactions 29:52 Why sudden wealth and no guardrails can derail your growth 33:21 Realising nice things don’t equal happiness or fulfilment 36:33 When you’re financially set in your 20s, then what? 42:26 Turning obsession into output and how love for work evolves 46:45 Gym as therapy, consistency, and reclaiming power through strength 50:59 Content, gaming addiction, and transferring energy into building 54:43 Saturation, short-form fatigue, and the trap of constant content 59:32 Cancel culture fading and leaning more into your true self 01:04:01 Collaborating with controversial guests and audience backlash 01:08:08 Why negativity often hides insecurity 01:18:40 Balancing work obsession with a relationship 01:25:12 Kids, priorities, and choosing the right partner for legacy 01:30:33 Making real friendships after success and the Dubai filter 01:33:44 Is London really that bad? Life post-Dubai and recalibrating safety 01:36:38 Building software to solve your own business pain points
After going from low six figures to number one bestseller in 18 months — and dealing with the whiplash of overnight success — Mark Manson proves that learning to say no is a skill you have to relearn at every level.
You’ll hear why he quit drinking and immediately got stronger, why being a single podcaster giving relationship advice creates a dangerous vacuum for young men, and what happens when you realise your music dreams have to die so your actual talent can thrive.
Tune in for his take on why marriage is the most contrarian position for male influencers today, how his wife accelerated his career more than any business deal, and why hoping your future self cringes at you means you're actually growing.
00:00 Introduction 02:00 Reflecting on the lasting success of The Subtle Art 04:13 Misinterpretations of the book's meaning and message 08:52 Learning to say no as success scales up 12:22 Turning 30s into legacy-building vs the experimentation of your 20s 15:52 Shifting mindset around dating, time and future family 23:48 The brutal reality of the music industry and staying relevant 26:10 Creating from passion vs chasing algorithmic performance 30:33 Applying the Hollywood idea of “one for them, one for you” 35:23 Why Gen Z men and middle-aged women dominate the space 39:25 Encouraging younger guys not to skip being stupid sometimes 42:07 Could he have written the book without partying and mistakes? 45:27 How cutting alcohol levelled up his health, work and mindset 54:31 Friendship takes real effort now, and culture has shifted 56:09 Navigating friendship and relationship balance as you get older 01:00:18 Knowing he found the one and rewiring his views on commitment 01:08:39 Championing marriage as a contrarian but essential life upgrade 01:12:23 Why legacy now means being honest, useful, and long-term impactful
After building public speaking skills through brutal on-camera training and quitting a job after 15 days to go full-time on TikTok, Michael (higherupwellness) proves that authenticity matters more than polish.
You’ll hear why his parents being in their 70s gave him wisdom most 28-year-olds don’t have, how two and a half years of mandatory public speaking eliminated his number one fear, and what happens when you realise worldly success never fills the God-shaped hole.
Tune in for his framework on maxing out your stat lines in your 20s, why asking God to reveal himself changed everything after his dad died, and how silencing ego long enough to suck at something a hundred times is the barrier most people never cross.
00:00 Introduction 01:40 Growing up with much older parents and shaping his worldview 04:14 Supportive parenting made taking career risks feel safe 07:57 Comparing US optimism to UK mindset and ambition 12:35 Striking a balance between monk mode and reckless fun 17:27 Early career struggles and earning respect as the youngest 20:22 Vulnerability online builds real connection and community 23:40 Steroid accusations and the reality of 18 years training 27:21 Fitting training and nutrition into a hybrid athlete lifestyle 33:10 Flexible training splits and sustainable consistency 38:37 How calorie awareness gives you long-term freedom 44:43 Learning public speaking through immersive sales training 50:48 Communicating well, even in a non-native language 57:46 What Whoop taught him about sleep, alcohol and basics 01:04:32 Why coaching can be draining if boundaries aren’t set 01:12:55 Men need spaces where they can be both strong and soft 01:22:30 Even elite performers have major blind spots 01:26:10 Losing his dad showed him God’s presence through pain 01:35:57 Exactly how to start exploring faith without feeling lost
After years of building genuine connections through unique experiences — from letting people sit in his Bugatti to creating affordable yacht slots — Lord Aleem proves that Dubai makes everyone look successful while hiding who's actually operating.
In this episode, you'll hear why his dad's “no money, no honey” rule filters out time-wasters, how car rental became a nightmare when everyone tried to copy his model, and what happens when you realise 80% of your day is solving problems nobody sees.
Tune in for his framework on protecting £5 million worth of assets from drunk renters, why being driven beats driving in Dubai, and how staying connected to reality matters more than chasing the ultra-rich pulling up in Bugattis.
00:00 Introduction 02:10 Launching a yacht business and selling experiences, not just luxury 06:31 Learning business lessons from his dad's no-nonsense approach 10:10 Dubai’s flashy image vs actual wealth and real operators 18:06 Choosing who’s worth your energy and protecting peace 25:18 Building a personal brand with his dad’s guidance and rules 30:23 Owning the first Bugatti Chiron for rent in the world 35:54 Why the car hire business was more about brand than profit 39:46 Why the UK rental game lost its spark and profitability 43:39 Starting a chauffeur business in Dubai and why Escalades win 46:25 Dubai’s oversupply problem and setting a higher service standard 49:26 Expansion plans and pivoting toward yacht brokerage 53:10 The massive costs and logistics of moving a superyacht 56:49 YouTube gaps, self-doubt, and needing the right team around him 59:14 Stepping up as a businessman and leader in Dubai 01:03:53 When to say no, avoid time-wasters, and play the long game 01:07:26 Lessons in building legit businesses in Dubai with red tape 01:17:18 Why real happiness isn't found through money alone 01:20:06 Navigating Dubai’s social distraction and staying focused 01:24:45 Women in Dubai as masterful operators and tacticians 01:27:21 Taking breaks, evolving creatively, and avoiding content burnout
After building a massive mental health platform and hitting a midlife crisis at the peak of success, Dr K proves that doing hard things and feeling accomplished isn’t the same as knowing what you want from life.
You'll hear why content creation is an endless hamster wheel you can't escape, how he left millions on the table to keep things affordable, and what happens when you wake up one day, realising you've built someone else's version of success. We discuss knowing when enough is enough and how internal conflict about money and purpose affects even the people helping others figure out their lives.
00:00 Introduction 03:34 The emotional toll of constant content creation 06:14 Why progress feels good but rarely leads to contentment 11:24 How living in Dubai affects self-image and motivation 13:28 Body image, self-esteem and why Mike doesn’t spiral 18:38 Why self-love feels off-limits for certain men 22:46 Regret, efficiency, and the pressure of lost time 27:13 How subtle justifications mask deeper dissatisfaction 34:35 The fear of wasting potential and staying stuck 36:08 Why peak hedonism didn’t bring happiness 40:00 What peace really feels like for high achievers 44:05 Exploring joy in the unknown vs controlled luxury 49:54 The quality of company vs the cost of experience 50:57 The signs of burnout and recognising overwork early 57:04 Why men struggle to understand their own feelings 01:01:29 Learning how to name emotions to stop being ruled by them 01:07:42 The fear of being seen and how it shapes identity 01:13:42 Relationships, emotional safety, and being misunderstood 01:24:57 Why men fear losing their edge and becoming “the loser” again 01:35:38 Building self-awareness and making space to feel things 01:48:46 How meditation helps process thoughts and reduce noise 01:53:33 Dr. K’s own midlife crisis and redefining success
Kevin Levrone spent 30 years chasing the Olympia title — and he's here to show you why the platform you build matters more than the trophies you didn’t win.
Most people think success is only measured by first place. Kevin proves your legacy is defined by how you treat people on the way up, and what you do with your influence once you have it.
You’ll hear the mental shift required to go from training for aesthetics to training for sustained performance and what happens when you stop chasing perfection and start embracing simplicity.
00:00 Introduction 02:13 Training together and pushing past mental limits 04:11 Shifting from physique to full-body conditioning 08:57 Balancing intense travel schedules with fan dedication 12:43 Being overlooked and using it as lifelong fuel 16:00 Childhood trauma and the real roots of ambition 20:33 Discovering martial arts and visualisation after losing his dad 24:27 Competing from a place of pain and survival 27:46 When your life feels broken, it’s actually building 30:00 Why not winning Mr Olympia was a gift 34:46 The crushing stage that creates long-term purpose 38:24 Struggles with emotional expression and acceptance 42:03 Hitting your peak later and not fearing age 45:38 Life as a contracted pro bodybuilder in the '90s 49:17 Travel stories, rivalries and beating Ronnie Coleman 55:07 Ronnie’s willpower after all the muscle is gone 58:59 Natural lifters and ageing with strength intact 01:03:26 Why kids today need more real guidance 01:04:42 Fatherhood as the completion of your journey 01:09:02 Being a role model for the next generation 01:12:07 Perfectionism and missing life’s real moments
Richard M Dolan started researching UFOs to answer one simple question for his PhD work, and thirty years later, he still can't look away from what the declassified documents are telling him.
In this episode, you’ll hear why mainstream historians ignore military reports from the 1940s that explicitly state these objects aren't Soviet or American technology, what “high strangeness” means and why even sceptical researchers can’t dismiss it, and how the 2017 New York Times articles changed everything about who’s allowed to discuss this publicly.
00:00 Introduction 03:13 How the 2017 New York Times article changed everything 07:24 Declassified documents that made it impossible to look away 13:15 Belief in a non-human intelligence with its own agenda 16:07 Questioning ancient aliens with a historian’s lens 20:57 Why UFO sightings skyrocketed after the 19th century 23:22 Earth’s potential draw for advanced civilisations 25:10 Why aliens might not even be able to talk to us 29:32 How WWII possibly triggered deeper alien involvement 32:51 The logic behind the Roswell crash actually happening 36:33 Would they intervene in a nuclear war, or let us burn? 44:08 The psychological chaos true disclosure might unleash 46:05 Could public alien contact lead to totalitarian control? 50:21 Why democracy isn’t what we pretend it is 58:06 Internal battles are slowing disclosure attempts 01:03:31 The Tic Tac encounter and why no one followed up 01:13:56 Richard’s favourite UFO case from 1936 01:22:29 Why advanced propulsion breakthroughs remain hidden 01:33:43 Finding focus in a noisy, hype-driven UFO media world 01:37:30 Inside his upcoming book series on USO encounters 01:46:48 Which book to start with if you're new to Richard's work
Leana Deeb deleted all her content and started over because she realised she was performing a version of herself that wasn't real.
After years of posting what the algorithm wanted, she wiped everything and rebuilt from scratch — this time focusing on authenticity over engagement.
In this episode, you'll hear what triggered the decision to delete everything, how she navigated starting over with zero content, and what changed when she stopped playing to the algorithms.
00:00 Introduction 04:20 Going viral overnight and handling sudden fame 09:35 The lonely chapter after blowing up online 13:47 Leaving old circles behind for growth and ambition 15:58 Reconnecting with faith and shifting to modesty 20:54 Deleting past content and the fear of losing it all 26:56 Finding peace through spirituality and time alone 31:11 Pressure to appear perfect and the fear of vulnerability 37:50 Creating modest fitness wear in a male-led industry 43:00 The Gymshark partnership and building true representation 48:57 Mixed gyms, filming struggles, and distractions for women 51:00 Training motivation after covering up her body 56:44 Balancing faith, modesty and showing her personality 59:53 The cost of chasing engagement over alignment 01:02:38 Leaving Dallas and New York burnout 01:06:43 Dating as a public figure and protecting relationships 01:14:39 Leana's experience giving an Oxford speech 01:23:39 Navigating modern feminism and traditional roles 01:26:37 The definition of female empowerment today
Adam Radcliffe sailed from the US to the UK in 56 days, and he's here to show you how to live a life of freedom and adventure while staying in shape, because most people think you have to choose between the two.
After spending weeks at sea with minimal resources and unpredictable conditions, Adam proves you can chase wild goals without sacrificing your fitness or health. You'll hear why the mental game matters more than physical preparation, the daily routines that kept him sane and fit during isolation, and what happens to your body when you're stripped of comfort for over a month. Tune in for his training framework for doing hard things you can't fully prepare for, how he maintains fitness while travelling and adventuring, and why living a life of freedom doesn't mean letting your body go.
00:00 Introduction 01:45 Leaving corporate life to pursue adventure full-time 06:47 Realising he was depressed and needed drastic change 09:49 Starting with solo skydiving and pushing personal limits 13:41 Sketchy skydiving jump and learning lessons in freefall 16:42 Using adventure to prove mental and physical toughness 19:34 56 days rowing across the North Atlantic begins 21:29 Mental lows of knowing you can’t escape the boat 23:29 Getting capsized by a rogue wave and surviving it 29:05 Solitary confinement in storm during 36-hour downpour 34:31 Testing resilience in relationships and partnership dynamics 41:33 Letting go of being perfect at everything 45:49 Facing fear and respecting dangerous ocean waves 47:42 Why knowing your why beats external motivation 54:05 Disordered eating habits and building better food systems 58:32 Upcoming challenges in Kyrgyzstan and Arabian deserts 59:49 Starting a new relationship while living a nomadic life 01:04:01 Capturing raw moments without ruining the experience
Dan Martell is using AI to replace what used to require entire departments, but most founders are implementing it completely wrong.
After building multiple businesses the traditional way with large teams, Dan's discovered AI can handle 60–70% of what he used to hire people for, from customer success to content creation to research. You'll hear his framework for deciding what to automate first, why most founders waste time on the wrong AI implementations, and the specific prompts and systems he uses to run leaner teams that move faster.
Plus, his take on which roles AI will eliminate in the next 12 months and why resistance to AI in your company is actually a gift, showing you who's thinking long-term.
0:00 Introduction 01:35 Why Dan loves Dubai’s safety and privacy 03:02 Travelling the world while raising and “world-schooling” kids 06:20 Building a team that runs with you, not behind you 11:24 How deep trust transformed company culture 17:42 The real reason most founders bottleneck their team 20:39 Dan’s framework for handling mistakes and underperformers 23:22 Separating friendship from leadership with healthy boundaries 26:15 Why insecure founders sabotage growth by hiring “yes” people 30:11 The buyback rate concept for valuing your time 33:07 Four skills that build unstoppable leverage 36:02 Learning vs shipping and what’s actually stopping you 41:23 Why doing things before you’re ready still works 43:20 Personal productivity hacks using everyday AI 46:04 How Dan uses AI to replace thinking, not just tasks 51:38 What robot-powered superintelligence could trigger globally 57:47 Why the AI creator economy will collapse old models 01:04:14 What really matters in a world of infinite content 01:13:53 Preparing your team for full AI automation 01:19:00 Living with full freedom and choosing how to serve
Dr Gabrielle Lyon has spent her career studying muscle as the organ of longevity, and her research reveals why most people are approaching health optimisation backwards by focusing on fat loss instead of muscle gain.
While doctors focus on treating disease, her approach is about building muscle as the foundation for living longer and better. The results show massive improvements that traditional medicine completely misses. Now she's created National Muscle Health Month to spread the word about why building and keeping muscle matters so much.
00:00 Introduction 01:40 Gym as a daily ritual and gateway to health 04:15 Why muscle should be central to the health conversation 08:25 Cardio versus weights and why both matter 11:51 Muscle mass and erections linking fitness to performance 17:42 Fat marbling inside muscle and hidden metabolic issues 21:22 Dr Lyon's weekly training schedule and barf sessions 24:44 Maintenance versus gaining and smart training while travelling 28:59 Why beginners should start with machines over free weights 32:58 Men vs women in training and where the differences lie 36:08 Core strength, injury prevention, and the foundational five 41:10 National Muscle Health Month and starting a movement 46:40 Forget weight loss goals, focus on preserving lean mass 48:20 Muscle activates mindset shifts and builds mental strength 50:45 Building standards, not goals for lasting consistency 54:45 Growth through friction, pressure, and controlled adversity 56:52 Too much pressure and the cost of overpushing 01:00:25 Cold plunges, cortisol, and creating capacity for stress 01:05:35 This decade’s hopeful shift toward personal responsibility 01:10:10 Anchoring your mindset to stay strong into your 50s
In this episode, the British supermodel David Gandy joins the show. The man who defined an era of male modelling reveals why he walked away from guaranteed money to build something bigger. After watching female models launch empires while male models remained stuck as "clothes hangers," he made a calculated bet: turn down the certain payday, take back ownership of his image, and build a business that would outlast his modelling career.
Now, at the top of his game, he runs his own brand "Wellwear" which has seen enormous success over the last few years, and it's only on the rise. David dives into his take on why AI will devastate the modelling industry and the coffee brand strategy that's generating more long-term value than any campaign ever could.
00:00 Introduction 01:30 Getting scouted late and breaking into male modelling 03:52 Early modelling stigma and the shift toward aspiration 07:44 Struggles with sample sizes and building a unique fit 11:36 Gym injuries, competitive edge, and learning to scale back 15:28 Training, longevity, and dedication through every era 19:20 Campaign prep, appearance tricks, and dietary tweaks 23:12 Behind launching a clothing line and early business lessons 27:04 Why fashion’s a brutal industry for newcomers 30:56 Collaborating without conflict and owning your brand image 34:48 Exiting M&S, brand evolution, and staying relevant 38:40 Modelling’s unpredictability and carving your own path 42:32 AI models, declining rates, and the future of modelling 46:24 Debunking modelling myths and why few succeed 50:16 Moments of doubt and surviving early rejection 57:59 Embracing discomfort, training consistency, and hard truths 01:01:51 Crafting a personal brand by staying selective 01:05:43 Designing legacy beyond his own image 01:09:35 Mentorship, new faces, and passing the torch 01:13:27 Aging, grey hairs, and why 30s are underrated 01:17:19 Escaping social media and the battle for attention
Cory Richards, National Geographic photographer and professional climber for 25 years, walked away from both careers at 40 after his nervous system broke from constantly visualising his own death on mountains. After realising his value had become tied to proximity to mortality, he faced a truth: the "fuck you, watch me" energy driving his achievements stemmed from believing something was fundamentally wrong with him since his bipolar diagnosis at 14.
You'll hear his single-word framework for defining purpose, why he believes all love is self-sourced rather than received from others, and why mental health diagnoses describe behaviour patterns rather than fundamental deficits.
00:00 Introduction 01:30 Why Cory left the mountains to start over in Venice 04:17 Contrasting freedom in LA with safety in Dubai 10:20 Reducing news and social media to protect happiness 13:00 Changing your life starts with changing your story 15:06 The Everest Snapchat that sparked public vulnerability 17:02 What bipolar disorder actually is and why labels matter 20:19 Learning to manage depressive waves with self-compassion 23:20 Social isolation vs pushing yourself into connections 27:15 Confronting mortality while climbing Everest 30:53 Consciousness, nature, and the idea of energy 34:20 Psychedelics as a hard reset and mental health tool 41:02 Finding purpose and fulfilment through service 49:24 Why compassion, not performance, is Cory’s core value 54:05 Money as freedom units, not status signifiers 55:32 Replacing risky climbs with entrepreneurial adventure 58:49 Navigating authority, expectations and independence 01:00:42 Generational tension between safety and freedom 01:04:09 Online role models, influence, and bad advice 01:11:06 Cultivating a strong heart and filtering your circle 01:14:15 Heartbreak, resilience, and learning from pain 01:19:54 Is love self-sourced or something we find? 01:28:41 Cory’s career with NatGeo and letting it all go 01:33:02 Capturing moments vs being trapped in the shot 01:35:48 Tech, suicide rates, and the illusion of connection
Sabri Suby, founder of King Kong agency and Shark Tank investor, went from making 600 cold calls daily selling Sky TV to building a marketing empire by applying one principle: take what works face-to-face and scale it to the masses.
After burning through multiple businesses and hitting rock bottom with $600 in his bank account following his wedding, Sabri rebuilt by cold-calling 150 business owners daily from his bedroom. Tune in for his specific framework for transitioning from selling one-to-one to selling one-to-many.
00:00 Introduction 01:20 Starting in LA, the energy and entrepreneurial spirit 04:36 Why Australian culture can stall ambitious people 08:26 Having three daughters and choosing to travel anyway 11:27 Cold calling ink cartridges at 16 in a shipping container 16:06 The moment of desperation that rewired his sales script 19:17 Sales lessons that can’t be taught in books or videos 24:01 Moving to London and becoming Sky’s top salesperson 29:00 How rejection taught him to embrace hard things 34:53 Dropping out of uni after building a profitable agency 39:15 Broke after his wedding, back to cold calling with $50 45:34 Building King Kong from his bedroom into a real office 51:41 Scaling with a lean team and long-time staff 56:38 From individual sales to direct response ad mastery 01:00:35 What makes his YouTube ads stand out and convert 01:05:12 Copywriting inspiration from legendary advertisers 01:10:13 Rolex sent a cease and desist over one of his videos 01:12:22 How luxury brands engineer desire and loyalty 01:14:03 Tactics he's borrowed from high-end retail brands 01:17:57 Keeping it focused: agency, SaaS, Shark Tank investments 01:19:31 Shark Tank versus YouTube for personal brand growth
David Kipping studies exoplanets and the search for life beyond Earth, but he's grounded about what we actually know versus what we hope for. He's spent his career looking for moons around distant planets, while most astronomers thought it was a waste of time.
In this conversation, we unpack why finding microbial life on Mars would actually create more questions than answers, how the "doomsday argument" suggests humanity has less time than we think, and why competition might be both the driver of technological progress and the cause of our extinction.
00:00 Introduction 03:14 How rogue planets drift through darkness 06:09 Earth's billion-year countdown to doom 09:46 Why bigger stars blow our minds 12:21 What came before the Big Bang? 16:43 The haunting question: why does anything exist? 21:06 Life appeared fast but we can't recreate it 26:13 Could aliens hide under Jupiter's moons? 29:14 How we actually detect distant planets 34:20 The challenge of confirming alien life 39:46 The Fermi Paradox gets worse with Mars life 44:18 Accelerating toward our own extinction 50:45 Our obsession with the present over survival 56:26 What a trillion-dollar NASA could achieve 1:00:12 Ancient civilisations on Earth before us? 1:04:38 Why space hoaxes thrive 1:13:26 Debating alien spacecraft theories 1:22:38 Could we nuke a comet to survive? 1:27:28 Mars versus Moon colonisation 1:30:07 Sci-fi that gets the science right 1:38:06 How talking science improves research 1:42:21 What David wants to be remembered for 1:44:21 What finding aliens would really look like
Michael Franzese was pulling in $10 million a week from a gas tax scheme that made him one of America's most powerful mobsters. Then he did something almost nobody survives: he walked away alive.
In this conversation, Franzese strips away the Hollywood mythology and breaks down what real power looks like when your life depends on reading people correctly. We unpack the brutal stress of criminal operations, why most "tough guys" don't last, and how the negotiation tactics that kept him alive now close business deals.
00:00 Introduction to Michael Franzese 03:49 First arrests and early surveillance from law enforcement 06:08 Building businesses and the multimillion-dollar gas tax scam 08:00 Knowing it wouldn’t last and how the scheme eventually collapsed 11:04 What he misses about mob life and the lifestyle 12:40 Cleaning millions in cash and dealing with foreign banks 15:30 Whether the mob still operates in New York and Italy today 18:10 Reputation, respect, and fearing the people above you 19:33 Reflections on Frank Costello and doing business without violence 22:02 Applying mob skills to legitimate business and negotiation 23:31 Taking a plea deal and liquidating assets before prison 26:30 Solitary, diesel therapy, and finding faith behind bars 29:06 Rumours, witness lists, and suspicion after leaving the life 32:14 The few mobsters who actually walked away successfully 34:49 Becoming a global speaker and finding purpose in storytelling 39:20 Pizza, vending machines, and building a new empire 51:05 How the Armenian wine business unexpectedly took off 57:16 Delegation, treating people well, and earning respect 01:02:51 Missed opportunities, like skipping Starbucks stock early on 01:05:46 Wanting peace, purpose, and more freedom in his 70s 01:11:36 The weight of regret, purpose, and giving advice to youth 01:16:44 Faith, fear of hell, and the path to redemption 01:29:47 Beating the odds while nearly everyone else ends up dead or jailed
Dan Koe has built a reputation around deep thinking and high output, but in this conversation, he strips productivity down to its fundamentals. No hacks, no hype, just a grounded breakdown of how to create focus, structure your time around creativity, and make work feel meaningful again.
We unpack how identity shapes output, the cost of always chasing growth, and why doing less (but better) is often the smartest move. If you’re overwhelmed, distracted, or feel like you’re always “on,” this one offers a sharp reset.
00:00 Introduction 01:30 Arriving in Arizona and first impressions of Scottsdale 03:25 College life, switching majors, and chasing business ideas 06:11 Trying seven business models before finding traction 08:57 Learning to build an audience while selling services 11:14 Posting content without a product figured out yet 13:49 The challenge of being a young coach 15:42 How to build authority when you're inexperienced 21:15 Daily routine, writing-focused business, and content flow 25:43 Avoiding big teams and staying hands-on with content 27:19 Authenticity vs optimisation in the creator economy 32:09 Why people connect with your deeper philosophy 36:15 Dialling in diet and the illusion of progress 39:07 Writing consistently without relying on motivation 43:04 The real value and stigma around online courses 54:18 Clarity comes from doing, not waiting to find purpose 58:07 Buying flashy cars and getting over material status 01:00:28 Business is the ultimate vehicle for self-development 01:06:11 Rebuilding his software startup from scratch in Japan 01:10:56 Turning down ideas like starting a dream gym
Hudson Leogrande is the founder of Comfrt, a rapidly growing apparel brand that’s rethinking the way creators build businesses. In this episode, we unpack how he’s scaled a brand to seven figures while staying almost entirely behind the scenes, and why he believes most creators are missing the mark when it comes to monetisation.
Hudson shares hard-won lessons on building a product people actually want, crafting content that drives sales without being salesy, and the mindset shift from influencer to entrepreneur. A must-listen for anyone serious about turning creativity into real commerce.
00:00 Introduction 01:20 Kicking things off in NYC with viral hoodie success 04:40 Finding the right manufacturers and negotiating better terms 07:36 Using mentors and AI to scale smarter and faster 10:52 How AI automates content and creator approval 13:36 Purely White’s rise through Snapchat before pivoting to TikTok 16:45 How changes in algorithms nearly sank the business 19:17 What makes a good media buyer and how to track performance 22:26 Scripting influencer content and learning from audience behaviour 25:15 Street interviews and podcast clips as powerful ad formats 28:52 Getting copied by Gap and taking it as a compliment 32:11 Learning from global brands to prep for international expansion 36:10 Why Europe, UK, Canada and cold climates are next 39:34 What they look for in creators beyond follower count 42:05 Why talking on camera builds stronger consumer trust 47:09 TikTok Shops vs Meta for content and sales strategy 50:00 Testing blankets, tees, snack hoodies and what to avoid 53:25 Why top creators rarely leave to start their own brands 56:56 In-house hires over agencies and building a loyal team 60:00 What his day-to-day actually looks like as a founder 62:11 Scaling Nude while keeping focus on what’s working
Daniel Priestley returns to the show for a timely conversation on what he sees as the single most disruptive force facing entrepreneurs today: the AI wave. With his signature clarity and founder-first mindset, Daniel breaks down how AI is rapidly reshaping the business landscape, from product creation and hiring to client acquisition and competitive positioning.
If you’re a business owner still on the fence, this episode will challenge you to adapt fast or risk falling behind. Packed with practical insights, it’s a sharp reminder that the way we build, grow, and think about businesses is changing quickly.
00:00 The return of Daniel Priestley 01:30 The podcast tipping point and monetising with PE deals 04:33 How big podcasters use influence to build real wealth 08:44 Fail-forward culture, AI bonuses, and Stephen’s team structure 11:06 Using AI to stress-test your business before it’s disrupted 15:29 Vitality vs functionality and putting AI around the human work 20:42 Loops and groups mindset for post-AI entrepreneurs 25:50 Scaling teams with the 2-4-8-30 framework 29:00 Why writing a book unlocks creativity and closes chapters 32:56 Splitting your fitness phase and longevity phase with books 36:01 When to kill a business vs betting on its exponential upside 41:48 Why Prime Energy missed the long tail and lost relevance 45:43 Lighter fluid vs hot coals and surviving beyond the hype 49:00 Why Neutonic could work where others failed 52:42 Beverage market landmines and the path to $1B exits 55:19 Meme culture and TikTok attention hacks 58:25 LinkedIn’s underrated leverage and 1% post advantage 01:01:31 Building equity by trading influence, not just capital 01:08:15 Millionaire migration trends and why the UK is bleeding 01:14:27 Who’s buying up Britain and what it really costs the country 01:19:01 Why left-leaning policy sounds good but wrecks economies 01:26:35 What Daniel would do as PM?
Russ Cook (AKA Hardest Geezer) is the first person in history to run the entire length of Africa, over 16,000km through deserts, mountains, war zones and everything in between. But this episode isn’t just about the miles. It’s about the mindset behind them.
We dig into how Russ built his pain tolerance, what it really took to push through the darkest moments, and how ordinary people can unlock extraordinary levels of discipline. It’s raw, honest, and wildly motivating, exactly what you’d expect from the Hardest Geezer.
00:00 Introduction 01:40 Kicking off in London and where “Hardest Geezer” came from 03:15 Growing up in sleepy Worthing and building resilience through banter 06:45 The early gym days and getting roasted for self-improvement 08:05 Reigniting running after a rough patch of drinking and gambling 10:10 Running as a mental battlefield more than a physical one 13:00 Influences like Goggins and Gooch and redefining mental toughness 14:01 When the idea to run the length of Africa was born 15:32 Meeting a world-travelling cyclist and deciding to run instead 17:24 Running 66 days from Asia to London with a hammock and little money 20:24 Wild solo travel stories including wolves, prostitutes, and relentless hunger 22:50 The allure and quiet intensity of running alone with your thoughts 25:34 British culture, team sports, and outgrowing binge drinking 28:46 Staying shredded with gym consistency and knowing your limits 31:07 Body dysmorphia, competing, and finding a healthier relationship with fitness 33:54 Life after success and why fulfilment beats chasing numbers 36:40 Realising chasing status symbols like cars and watches means little 41:48 Planning the Africa run and navigating dangerous, unstable regions 46:57 Starting in South Africa with £10k and no sponsors 51:33 Hostage situation in Congo 54:11 Crossing the Tunisia finish line and feeling true fulfilment 58:09 What comes after Africa and why pole-to-pole might be next 01:11:15 Launching Hardest Adventures to help others transform through challenge 01:14:11 Rediscovering discipline, soft patches, and mental toughness post-Africa
E104 - Brutal Life Lessons You Must Accept To Live A Better Life | King Keto
21 Aug 2025
01:31:26
» Produced by Hack You Media: pioneering a new category of content at the intersection of health performance, entrepreneurship & cognitive optimisation.
Brandon Carter (AKA King Keto) isn’t just about aesthetics. He’s built an empire helping men master their bodies, finances, and mindsets. In this episode, we unpack the philosophy behind his intense approach to discipline, why modern men are struggling with consistency, and how building a strong body is often the gateway to building a strong life.
From entrepreneurship training, we explore the mindsets that fuel long-term success and how Brandon thinks about masculinity, influence, and leaving a mark.
00:00 Introduction 01:00 Growing up in Chicago during the murder capital era 04:36 Military school, discipline, and escaping a destructive path 06:06 His dad’s rise to millions and sudden collapse 08:39 Losing his father during the 2008 financial crisis 09:51 Working multiple jobs and chasing stability in New York 11:50 Starting online fitness before it was a thing 14:03 Blending intermittent fasting and HIIT on YouTube 16:19 Impostor syndrome and early content struggles 18:28 The rise of fitness vlogs and content evolution 20:06 Living in New York vs Miami in terms of opportunities 22:51 Miami’s wealth, reputation, and spotting authenticity 30:52 Outgrowing nightlife and shifting to long-term discipline 34:00 Getting on TRT and the shift in energy, sleep and mood 36:38 Managing sex drive, relationships, and time like an entrepreneur 40:44 Regretting time spent chasing women over building legacy 47:06 Natty debates, genetics, and what people don’t understand 54:31 The truth about Miami, party scene vs focused lifestyle 1:02:56 Why he trains his son and lives to impress a 7-year-old 1:10:44 Avoiding novelty traps and dopamine addictions 1:13:26 Embracing clean living, structure, and delayed gratification
Devon Levesque is known for pushing limits, both mentally and physically. But behind the headline-grabbing challenges like bear-crawling a marathon is a founder who’s as focused on discipline and service as he is on strength.
In this episode, we get into the mindset behind Devon’s training, his philosophy on building resilience, and how he’s scaling businesses with the same intensity he brings to fitness. We also talk about routine, self-imposed suffering, and why the hardest part of any challenge is often what happens after.
00:00 Introduction 01:00 Devon’s early years on a farm and complete lifestyle shift 04:25 Running nightclubs before transitioning into personal training 06:10 Partnering with Promix and revamping the supplement brand 09:09 Scaling a business through community and customer retention 12:38 Building a supportive network of high performers 15:01 Bear crawling a marathon and raising $2M for suicide prevention 18:58 Processing his father’s death through physical and mental endurance 21:35 Life-changing breakthroughs at a weeklong therapy institute 24:14 The impact of podcasting on personal growth and EQ 29:01 Summiting Everest, doing a backflip, and facing real fear 33:20 Near-death moment and watching others fall on Everest 36:57 Finnish sauna culture and chasing discomfort for growth 38:49 Playing like a kid daily as a form of therapy 41:14 Investing only in businesses aligned with his values 46:40 Devon breaks down his scaling strategy 49:06 Blending wellness, community, and nature 51:33 Building a values-based daily routine and protecting time 54:17 Getting too comfortable in Dubai and seeking new challenges
Hair loss is one of the most common and misunderstood issues in men’s health. In this episode, Dr. Raghu Reddy, one of the UK’s leading hair restoration experts, joins the show for a deep dive into everything you need to know about prevention, treatment, and long-term strategy.
Going over my own transplant, why I did it, how the process actually works, and what most people don’t understand going into it. From Finasteride and PRP to stem cells and transplants, Dr. Reddy breaks down what really works and what to avoid.
00:00 Introduction 01:40 Why Mike chose to document his hair transplant on YouTube 04:12 Breaking taboos around male cosmetic procedures 06:45 The risks of going to cheap, unregulated hair transplant clinics 09:11 Planning for long-term hair preservation with fewer grafts 12:29 Advances in surgical techniques vs stalled innovation in cloning 14:41 Causes of hair loss: genes, stress, hormones and ageing 17:36 Steroids, DHT and hair loss acceleration in fitness culture 19:08 What made Mike an ideal candidate for a successful transplant 22:49 Managing expectations and styling post-transplant 26:05 Why a two-day procedure leads to more precision and safety 29:00 The gym, healing, and avoiding early mistakes after surgery 32:21 Hair shedding timeline and what to expect in regrowth 34:01 Rise in beard transplants and cultural beauty standards 36:40 What causes a procedure to fail and how they fix it 40:38 Tips for recovery, swelling, and avoiding sun damage 43:21 Finasteride myths, side effects and how to dose it smartly 51:26 Topical vs oral treatments and new options like Dutasteride 56:03 Everyday habits that protect and support healthy hair growth 59:00 Greying hair, copper deficiency and potential solutions 1:02:21 Can you regrow lost hair or just preserve what’s left 1:04:42 PRP, stem cells and the ethics of unproven treatments 1:07:26 What’s next for Raghu and the future of hair restoration 1:11:19 Advice for young men losing hair too early
My full hair transplant process: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKKpjoA1Byw3RLRhdFNe_DqiwL62UFfbN&si=GH0z1QciFKvqDePN