First Things THRST

Dr. Saliha Afridi, clinical psychologist and founder of The Lighthouse Arabia, joins us for a powerful conversation on the true path to mental well-being. In a world obsessed with hacks, shortcuts, and surface-level wellness, Saliha offers a grounded perspective: healing isn’t quick—it’s deep, reflective work. From high-performing clients masking trauma to the emotional isolation men often face, this episode dives into what genuine mental health progress really looks like. 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Working in Dubai among high-achievers 04:00 Psychedelic therapy: potential vs pitfalls 11:09 How to choose a great therapist 13:10 Therapy as lifelong self-work 16:46 Founding The Lighthouse Arabia 17:26 Why men struggle with emotional support 21:47 Helping men connect to their inner world 27:17 Emotional regulation vs repression 35:08 Why we sabotage ourselves 50:02 Purpose beyond success 58:58 Sadness vs clinical depression 1:14:30 The impact of social media on relationships → Download your free playbook: digitalplaybook.net [https://www.digitalplaybook.net/] → Join our newsletter for key takeaways: thrst-letter.beehiiv.com [https://thrst-letter.beehiiv.com/] → Shop THRST fitness gear: thrstofficial.com [https://thrstofficial.com/] → Custom Bioniq supplements: bioniq.com/mikethurston [https://www.bioniq.com/mikethurston] • Use code for 40% off your first month of Bioniq GO • Use code for 20% off your first month of Bioniq PRO Join WHOOP for free: join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrst [https://join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrst] Follow Dr. Saliha Afridi: Instagram: @drsalihaafridi [https://www.instagram.com/drsalihaafridi/] Website: lighthousearabia.com [https://www.lighthousearabia.com/people/Dr-Saliha-Afridi] This is a must-listen if you're seeking meaningful growth, emotional intelligence, or a deeper understanding of how to navigate modern life with clarity.

Gregg Braden, scientist, spiritual thinker, and bestselling author of Pure Human, joins the show to break one of the biggest modern myths: that we’re broken, and only technology can fix us. From his Cold War engineering background to decades studying ancient cultures, Gregg connects the dots between biology, spirituality, and personal power in a way that’s both grounded and radical. He makes a compelling case that we’re only scratching the surface of what it means to be human—and that embracing our natural design might be the key to lasting health, resilience, and meaning. This one will definitely get you thinking. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Greg Braden 04:49 The drive behind human curiosity 07:58 Breaking free from genetic destiny 17:17 Finding purpose for a longer, healthier life 25:23 Beyond religion: our untapped potential 31:47 The human body as information technology 39:19 Where science falls short on emotions and health 45:47 Ancient wisdom for modern self-care 55:58 Contemplating death, love and human capacity 58:29 Greg's book "Pure Human" 59:07 The microchip debate and personal sovereignty Links: » Escape the 9-5 & build your dream life - https://www.digitalplaybook.net/ [https://www.digitalplaybook.net/] » Transform your physique - https://www.thrstapp.com/ [https://www.thrstapp.com/] » My clothing brand, THRST - https://thrstofficial.com [https://thrstofficial.com] » Custom Bioniq supplements: https://www.bioniq.com/mikethurston [https://www.bioniq.com/mikethurston]    • 40% off your first month of Bioniq GO    • 20% off your first month of Bioniq PRO » Join @Whoop and get your first month for free - join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrst [https://join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrst] Follow Gregg: YouTube: @GreggBradenOfficial [https://www.youtube.com/@GreggBradenOfficial] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregg.braden/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/gregg.braden/?hl=en] Website: https://greggbraden.com/ [https://greggbraden.com/]

EnesYilmazer, a former world-champion windsurfer turned luxury real estate filmmaker, joins this episode to unpack the reality behind touring and filming the world’s most iconic homes—including Michael Jordan’s. It’s easy to assume this kind of content is all access and glamor, but Enes pulls back the curtain on the months-long negotiations, intense pressure, and emotional weight of doing justice to someone else’s legacy. He opens up about the real demands of his work, from 1,000-hour edits to filming with owners and billionaires just out of frame. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes, this episode delivers. Timestamps: 00:00 Meeting Enes and his story 01:25 From windsurfing champion to real estate tours 02:04 Behind the scenes of luxury content creation 07:08 Getting inside the world's most exclusive homes 15:40 Filming in the presence of nervous homeowners (Michael Jordan) 20:56 Choosing integrity over commission checks 24:46 When luxury becomes your normal 32:17 Celebration moments in mansion tours 37:11 Expanding the content empire 40:13 When security concerns force content removal 44:33 Where the wealthy are moving 52:13 Why Dubai attracts luxury buyers 59:56 Future islands and advice for agents 1:05:00 Social media's power in real estate 1:07:08 The art of luxury craftsmanship 1:15:06 Setting sail into yacht content 1:19:17 Do possessions bring happiness? 1:26:15 What makes a home truly luxurious 1:32:34 Launching a healthy home goods brand 1:37:56 Dreams of designing furniture 1:40:00 Connecting with the audience Links: » Escape the 9-5 & build your dream life - https://www.digitalplaybook.net/ [https://www.digitalplaybook.net/] » Transform your physique - https://www.thrstapp.com/ [https://www.thrstapp.com/] » My clothing brand, THRST - https://thrstofficial.com [https://thrstofficial.com] » Custom Bioniq supplements: https://www.bioniq.com/mikethurston [https://www.bioniq.com/mikethurston]    • 40% off your first month of Bioniq GO    • 20% off your first month of Bioniq PRO » Join @Whoop and get your first month for free - join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrst [https://join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrst] Follow Enes: YouTube: @EnesYilmazer [https://www.youtube.com/@EnesYilmazer] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enesyilmazer/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/enesyilmazer/?hl=en]

Most people accept history as it’s written—but Billy Carson is on a mission to uncover what’s been left out. As a researcher, author, and founder of @ForbiddenKnowledge1, he’s spent years diving deep into ancient texts, forgotten technologies, and the possibility that advanced civilisations existed long before our own. In this episode, Billy shares how a childhood UFO sighting set him on a lifelong search for hidden truths—from the secrets buried beneath the Sphinx to the role of frequency, consciousness, and lost knowledge in shaping humanity’s origins. He connects the dots between ancient mythology, quantum science, and modern space exploration in a way that will challenge even the most conventional thinkers. Timestamps: 00:00 Billy Carson and his cosmic journey 01:16 Childhood UFO encounters spark curiosity 04:25 Ancient technology's modern connections 05:07 What lies beneath the pyramids? 09:15 Dating civilisation's true origins 12:05 Sources of ancient knowledge 16:00 Ancient space wars theory 17:31 The Mars-human connection 19:49 How primitive cultures view advanced technology 23:28 Where quantum physics meets spirituality 24:03 NASA's classified space program 29:00 Media control and hidden ancient tech 34:25 Catastrophes that reset human history 39:46 The Sphinx 44:40 Breaking through archaeology's barriers 49:32 Antarctica's forbidden mysteries 55:02 Consciousness beyond the physical realm 1:05:40 Mind expansion through psychedelics 1:09:00 The reality of extraterrestrial contact 1:11:07 Understanding alien propulsion systems 1:17:01 Pioneers in alternative research 1:19:22 Energy technologies kept from the public 1:23:40 Climate change and magnetic pole shifts 1:28:30 Reclaiming our forgotten golden age Links: » Escape the 9-5 & build your dream life - https://www.digitalplaybook.net/ [https://www.digitalplaybook.net/] » Transform your physique - https://www.thrstapp.com/ [https://www.thrstapp.com/] » My clothing brand, THRST - https://thrstofficial.com [https://thrstofficial.com] » Custom Bioniq supplements: https://www.bioniq.com/mikethurston [https://www.bioniq.com/mikethurston]    • 40% off your first month of Bioniq GO    • 20% off your first month of Bioniq PRO » Join @Whoop and get your first month for free - join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrst [https://join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrst] Follow Billy: YouTube: @ForbiddenKnowledge1 [https://www.youtube.com/@ForbiddenKnowledge1] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billycarsonofficial/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/billycarsonofficial/?hl=en] Website: https://linktr.ee/4bktv [https://linktr.ee/4bktv]

alexcosta has built a global brand by blending fashion, grooming, and self-improvement into one simple message: confidence is built, not bought. From posting gaming videos in Brazil to becoming one of the most influential voices in men’s lifestyle content, Alex’s journey is a masterclass in reinvention. In this episode, Alex breaks down how he transitioned from corporate life at Google to full-time content creation, why men’s fashion in the US still has room to grow, and how simple grooming tips can radically shift how you carry yourself. He also opens up about hair loss, facial structure, and the small changes men can make to look and feel more confident without chasing perfection. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by men’s style or self-care, this conversation will give you the tools to simplify, sharpen, and show up better. Timestamps: 00:00 Alex’s move from Brazil and starting out in LA 02:42 From gaming to lifestyle: YouTube evolution 06:00 Leaving Google to pursue content full-time 10:13 Early wins and using corporate skills on YouTube 12:02 Hair loss journey and treatments explored 16:11 Future of hair care and facial hair trends 25:34 Picking the right barber and grooming habits 28:10 Health checkups, diet, and sleep routine 36:00 Personal style and struggles with fit 41:28 Staying motivated to dress well 47:32 Favorite brands and fashion trends 53:40 Dressing for occasions and travel looks 56:02 Color matching and tanning tips 1:02:45 Skincare and tattoo care for men 1:08:18 Managing different hair types 1:10:51 Forte Series and expanding to retail 1:15:18 Fragrances, future plans, and product ideas 1:23:51 Content's role in brand building 1:30:59 Staying creative without burning out Links: » Escape the 9-5 & build your dream life - https://www.digitalplaybook.net/ [https://www.digitalplaybook.net/] » Transform your physique - https://www.thrstapp.com/ [https://www.thrstapp.com/] » My clothing brand, THRST - https://thrstofficial.com [https://thrstofficial.com] » Custom Bioniq supplements: https://www.bioniq.com/mikethurston [https://www.bioniq.com/mikethurston]    • 40% off your first month of Bioniq GO    • 20% off your first month of Bioniq PRO » Join @Whoop and get your first month for free - join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrst [https://join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrst] Follow Alex: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZyCposXwcyopaACep44maQ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZyCposXwcyopaACep44maQ] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexcosta/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/alexcosta/?hl=en] Men's Image Lab: https://www.skool.com/mens-image-lab/about [https://www.skool.com/mens-image-lab/about]