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.

The Story Being Written and Read by the Author

This book by far for me was the best book I listened to in 2025 along with Bono‘s autobiography. Whereas most biographies or autobiographies have a few good stories at the beginning maybe first half, this book was 100% quality content. Tom’s story is one that filled up the entire book and there wasn’t a minute of boredom. I appreciated that he was telling the story,,, you could feel the depth of the experiences that he lived. Strongly recommended!

Outstanding autobiography by somebody who gives a shit

Being about the same age as Tom and having traveled the world extensively. Maybe not as much as Tom but I certainly enjoy his global view. In every place I’ve been I’ve made friends and realized that we are all the same. I find it sad that we have a group of people who believe America should be first when we’re actually going to find out that we’re going to be last.

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.

Makes me miss working for this guy

Fantastic. A bit high and inside but if you had anything to do with the media business in the last 50 years or just like to hear stories about it this book is worth reading.

I had the pleasure of working for this man for 11 years and he is the gold standard of how to run a company. Loved learning about his journey.

Fantastic story and reading too

Did what he felt was right for himself. So very Admirable. Proves what a business degree can do for you