The Ambiguous Truth

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

The Ambiguous Truth is a business podcast hosted by Anthony Mistretta, with 16 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Anthony Mistretta hosts The Ambiguous Truth, a business show with 16 episodes published.

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  Episode #16

  Ep 16: Choosing Love Over Fear — A Peacemaker’s Leap Into Tattooing

  Sep 23, 20261h 29mS2

  Anthony Mistretta sits down with Kyle Shri — a former Peace Corps volunteer who traded conflict resolution for tattooing at 28, and now owns Found Tattoo Studio in Fort Collins. Anthony and Kyle talk about the costs of starting over: the insecurity of being new among experienced professionals, the discipline of separating your worth from your output, and the fear-versus-love filter Kyle uses for nearly every decision he makes. Underneath it all is a simple, hard-won idea — that identity isn't something you find, it's something you build by living it. Key Topics 02:46 Introduction 04:33 The Journey to Tattooing 07:33 Embracing Change and Starting Over 10:27 The Philosophy of Learning as an Adult 13:40 The Myth of Career Stability 16:20 The Value of Authentic Work 19:06 Balancing Analysis and Creativity 22:08 Exploring Belief Systems 25:09 Identity and Authenticity in Life 28:22 Finding Purpose and Alignment 30:32 Authenticity in Personal Branding 32:52 Influence Through Example 35:59 The Impact of Personal Connections 39:08 Rituals and Personal Transformation 42:49 Navigating Fear and Love 54:15 Redefining Money and Work 01:01:49 Investing in Yourself: The Artist's Dilemma 01:13:37 Work and Life: Finding Balance in Passion 01:23:54 Building a Personal Brand: Authenticity vs. Perception Connect with Kyle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyleshritattoo/ Studio: https://www.instagram.com/foundtattoostudio/ Website: https://www.kyleshritattoo.com/ Thanks to Our Partner Hazlo This episode is brought to you by Hazlo, a non-alcoholic seltzer with ginseng, ginkgo, and magnesium — now available in their new blood orange and hibiscus flavor. Purchase Hazlo: https://amzn.to/4fWlauV About The Ambiguous Truth Podcast The Ambiguous Truth explores the new era of work. Not simply breaking away from the 9-to-5, but the fundamental shifts happening in our economy, with our technology, and to our welfare and socioeconomic wellbeing. What does the future of work actually look like? I have no idea. This show is me figuring it out, through conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, artists, you name it... building their own vision. It's not about one big job you land or one big idea that takes off. It's about stringing together your values with opportunities that float your way to see what comes of it — not forcing one thing to be the be-all, end-all. It's about adapting and figuring out how to excel in a world where the old rules don't apply. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theambiguoustruth TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theambiguoustruth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theambiguoustruth Website: https://www.theambiguoustruth.com/

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  Episode #15

  Ep 15: How Creating a Drink Brand Transformed His Entire Life

  Aug 30, 20261h 40mS2

  Anthony sits down with Sam Moore for a conversation about entrepreneurship, identity, and the long arc of building Hazlo, a beverage brand that started as a tequila mixer and evolved into something much bigger. They discuss why so many people feel trapped by off-the-shelf roles, how decision making becomes easier when you focus on forward progress, and why journaling and self-reflection changed the way Sam moves through life. Additionally, Sam shares how Hazlo has unlocked a better life. What started as building a business became the thing that reshaped nearly everything else — his relationships, his mental health, his physical health, and how he shows up day to day. Key Topics 02:21 Introduction 03:09 Off The Shelf v Bespoke Careers 11:46 Entrepreneurship in Denver 18:25 Hazlo: The Beverage Brand Journey 25:36 The Evolution of Hazlo and Personal Growth 32:38 The Journey of Decision Making 45:21 Introspection and Self-Discovery 57:21 Creating a Dynamic Career Path 01:06:09 The Importance of Sleep and Recovery 01:14:11 The Art of Creation and Entrepreneurship 01:19:02 Personal Branding and Product Development 01:25:52 The Journey of Adversity and Growth Resources and Links Purchase Hazlo: https://amzn.to/4fWlauV Connect with Sam If you’re starting a beverage business and want to connect with Sam, find him on socials and LinkedIn below. Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sam.e.moore Hazlo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinkhazlo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-e-moore/ Thanks to Our Partner Hazlo This episode is brought to you by Hazlo, a non-alcoholic seltzer with ginseng, ginkgo, and magnesium — now available in their new blood orange and hibiscus flavor. Purchase Hazlo: https://amzn.to/4fWlauV About The Ambiguous Truth Podcast The Ambiguous Truth explores the new era of work. Not simply breaking away from the 9-to-5, but the fundamental shifts happening in our economy, with our technology, and to our welfare and socioeconomic wellbeing. What does the future of work actually look like? I have no idea. This show is me figuring it out, through conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, artists, you name it... building their own vision. It's not about one big job you land or one big idea that takes off. It's about stringing together your values with opportunities that float your way to see what comes of it — not forcing one thing to be the be-all, end-all. It's about adapting and figuring out how to excel in a world where the old rules don't apply. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theambiguoustruth TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theambiguoustruth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theambiguoustruth Website: https://www.theambiguoustruth.com/

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  Episode #14

  Ep 14: He Hiked 8,000 Miles — Then Made MasterChef Top 23

  Aug 19, 20261h 54mS2

  This episode follows Jake DeBernardi’s path from civil engineering into a season of deep reinvention, shaped by long-distance thru-hiking, community, nutrition, fire spinning, and a growing commitment to purpose. Anthony and Jake dig into what it means to leave the “railroad tracks,” accept all parts of yourself, and build a life anchored in human connection rather than default expectations. In this episode, Anthony and Jake explore how burnout, reflection, and gratitude can coexist with ambition and change. Jake shares how the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, and Continental Divide Trail each helped him grow, why he wrote The Art of Discomfort, and why firefighting and paramedic work feel like his next true calling. Key Topics 02:10 Introduction 04:46 The Impact of College and Early Career 10:52 The Call of Nature: The Pacific Crest Trail 16:07 The Appalachian Trail: A New Challenge 22:04 The Spirituality of Hiking and Nature 27:50 Writing and Sharing Knowledge: The Art of Discomfort 38:26 Embracing Strengths and Self-Acceptance 44:27 Continental Divide Trail: Challenges and Growth 53:20 The Importance of Human Connection 01:05:26 Transitioning to a New Career Path 01:20:01 Navigating Personal and Professional Growth 01:28:40 Finding Your Voice and Authenticity 01:34:15 Building Community and Connection 01:41:18 Embracing Continuous Improvement and Self-Acceptance 01:48:28 Spirituality and Personal Beliefs Action items Practice Kaizen by choosing one small daily change instead of waiting for a dramatic reset. Spend 5 minutes meditating and gradually increase the time as consistency builds. Revisit one activity you used to love and see whether it still brings joy. Look for ways to build real community, not just stay busy or connected online. If you are feeling numb in your work, examine whether your heart is actually in it. Resources and Links The Art of Discomfort: The Through Hiker's Guide to Success Through Nutrition Available directly from Jake: Jacob.debernardi@gmail.com Thanks to Our Partner Hazlo This episode is brought to you by Hazlo, a non-alcoholic seltzer with ginseng, ginkgo, and magnesium — now available in their new blood orange and hibiscus flavor. Purchase Hazlo: https://amzn.to/4fWlauV About The Ambiguous Truth Podcast The Ambiguous Truth explores the new era of work. Not simply breaking away from the 9-to-5, but the fundamental shifts happening in our economy, with our technology, and to our welfare and socioeconomic wellbeing. What does the future of work actually look like? I have no idea. This show is me figuring it out, through conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, artists, you name it... building their own vision. It's not about one big job you land or one big idea that takes off. It's about stringing together your values with opportunities that float your way to see what comes of it — not forcing one thing to be the be-all, end-all. It's about adapting and figuring out how to excel in a world where the old rules don't apply. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theambiguoustruth TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theambiguoustruth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theambiguoustruth Website: https://www.theambiguoustruth.com/

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  Episode #13

  Ep 13: Ex-Spotify Engineer Starts a Landscaping Business With $400

  Aug 5, 20262h 8mS2

  Join host Anthony Mistretta for a wide-ranging conversation with John Kinney, a former Spotify software engineer and product manager who traded corporate tech for Cashew's Lawn Care, his own landscaping business in Colorado. John talks through being laid off during Spotify's 2023 layoffs right before his daughter was born, staying home to raise her for the first year and a half, and eventually starting a lawn care company from scratch with just $400. He and Anthony dig into risk tolerance and why it changes once you have a family, why John thinks the old SaaS-as-moat model won't survive AI, growth for growth's sake versus sustainability, and the weight of losing his father to a brain tumor early in his career. It's a candid, wandering conversation about micro-adjustments, betting on yourself, and figuring out what "enough" actually looks like. Key Topics (Chapters) 01:43 Introduction 08:23 Career Journey: From Design to Software Engineering 17:13 Starting a Lawn Care Business 22:56 Entrepreneurial Mindset and Opportunities 32:26 Navigating Competition and Market Dynamics 42:29 Scalability vs. Personal Needs in Business 52:28 Challenges and Rewards of Starting a Business 01:03:44 Facing Life's Adversities 01:23:37 The Impact of Hyper-Independence on Parenting 01:28:51 The Joy of Parenthood and Work-Life Balance 01:34:45 Risk Tolerance and Financial Planning 01:41:47 The Importance of Experimentation in Entrepreneurship 01:48:13 Starting a Business: Overcoming Mental Barriers 01:55:31 Long-Term Vision and Sustainable Growth 02:05:40 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Resources and Links Cashew's Lawn Care (Denver, west side): https://cashewslawncare.com/ Thanks to Our Partner Hazlo This episode is brought to you by Hazlo, a non-alcoholic seltzer with ginseng, ginkgo, and magnesium — now available in their new blood orange and hibiscus flavor. Purchase Hazlo: https://amzn.to/4fWlauV About The Ambiguous Truth Podcast The Ambiguous Truth explores the new era of work. Not simply breaking away from the 9-to-5, but the fundamental shifts happening in our economy, with our technology, and to our welfare and socioeconomic wellbeing. What does the future of work actually look like? I have no idea. This show is me figuring it out, through conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, artists, you name it... building their own vision. It's not about one big job you land or one big idea that takes off. It's about stringing together your values with opportunities that float your way to see what comes of it — not forcing one thing to be the be-all, end-all. It's about adapting and figuring out how to excel in a world where the old rules don't apply. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theambiguoustruth TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theambiguoustruth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theambiguoustruth Website: https://www.theambiguoustruth.com/

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  Episode #12

  Ep 12: He Quit AT&T, Then Turned Down His Old Boss's Job Offer

  Jul 17, 20261h 4mS2

  Join host Anthony Mistretta for a raw conversation with fitness coach and bodybuilder Justin Meyer. An AT&T enterprise sales alum turned full-time trainer and coach. Just six months after quitting corporate on a self-imposed deadline, with no guaranteed income and a coach's blunt advice ringing in his ears, Justin talks through the fear of leaving stability, the father figures who shaped his discipline, and why "nothing changes if nothing changes." Delve into the world of JMF, betting on yourself before you feel ready, and building community instead of just a following. Key Topics (Chapters) 00:00 Introduction 03:24 Building a Client Base and Making the Leap 09:19 Bodybuilding Journey and Competitive Spirit 15:13 Revenue Streams and Business Strategy 21:23 Discipline and Structure in Business 26:50 Future Goals and Community Impact 32:39 The Role of Diverse Father Figures 41:17 Navigating the Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneurship 52:47 Living Authentically and Overcoming Fear 58:25 Chasing Dreams and Taking Action Resources and Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmeyer_fit JMF Field Days — July 11, Manual High School, Denver (event page: JMF's Instagram bio / SweatPals) 30 for the Kids — 1st Phorm’s charity supporting children around the world: https://1stphorm.com/pages/events-30-for-the-kids About The Ambiguous Truth Podcast The Ambiguous Truth explores the new era of work. Not simply breaking away from the 9-to-5, but the fundamental shifts happening in our economy, with our technology, and to our welfare and socioeconomic wellbeing. What does the future of work actually look like? I have no idea. This show is me figuring it out, through conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, artists, you name it... building their own vision. It's not about one big job you land or one big idea that takes off. It's about stringing together your values with opportunities that float your way to see what comes of it — not forcing one thing to be the be-all, end-all. It's about adapting and figuring out how to excel in a world where the old rules don't apply. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theambiguoustruth TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theambiguoustruth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theambiguoustruth Website: https://www.theambiguoustruth.com/

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