Unplugged

Adventures from MTV to Timbuktu

By: Tom Freston

Narrated by: Tom Freston

A freewheeling and riveting memoir from media honcho Tom Freston that takes us behind the scenes of his global adventures—from hitchhiking around the world, to running a clothing export company out of India and Afghanistan, to cofounding MTV, to becoming CEO of MTV Networks, then CEO of Viacom, then later returning to work in Africa and Afghanistan.

Tom Freston’s path to the C-suite was decidedly non-traditional. After getting his MBA, he bartended his way through the United States and the Caribbean, sparking a lifelong passion for travel. After a brief stint on the fast track at an ad agency, he chucked it all and headed to the Sahara Desert and beyond. Entranced by India and Afghanistan, he stayed on for eight years and launched his first big success, Hindu Kush, a company that designed and manufactured contemporary clothing for export to America and other countries.

Freston’s next chapter followed his other passion: music. He joined the small original team that launched MTV where he swiftly climbed the ladder, eventually overseeing not only MTV but also Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, VH1, CMT, and other iconic networks. He built a creative powerhouse that transformed global popular culture in cable’s all-conquering heyday.

In this unique memoir of risk-taking, rule-breaking, and warm cultural exchanges, Freston shows how to be successful at living your life on your own terms.

Required reading

Freston is perhaps the most remarkable example of humanity succeeding in life. What made him successful cannot be taught but the lessons of his life experience and business adventure are powerful. He is also hilarious.

Interesting & Fun story

I enjoyed the story and the way Tom Freston told it. We are similar in age and I was interested in listening to his experiences.

Great Storytelling

The life well lived and experiences that as amazing as they are true. Both the corporate and personal stories are riveting.

Boomer Adventurer

It was very enjoyable to follow his adventurous journeys since the 1960s. It gave me an interesting parallel to my musical and spiritual adventures during those same years.

Quite A Life

I already knew the overall story, but to learn about all the details was quite a treat.