School of Hard Knocks Podcast podcast artwork

PODCAST · business

School of Hard Knocks Podcast

Feauturing the Worlds Top Entrepreneurs and CreatorsBrought to you by The School of Hard KnocksHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  1. 62

    John Imah | He Sold 2 Tech Companies At 16… Now His AI Company Is Worth $1.5 Billion

    John Imah is the founder of SpreeAI, a fashion technology company valued at $1.5 billion, and the youngest millionaire in School of Hard Knocks history after selling two tech companies before age 16.In this episode, John shares his journey from growing up poor in an immigrant family to working at Samsung, Twitch, Meta, and Snapchat before returning to entrepreneurship.He breaks down building AI for fashion, attracting elite talent, selling into major brands, overcoming bullying, losing his mother, and using faith, discipline, and execution to build a lasting company.Do you want more options, shorter, more intense, or more viral versions?Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  2. 61

    Ronnen Harary | Meet The Billionaire Toymaker Who Turned 5,000 Toys Into $2 Billion

    Ronnen Harary is the co-founder of Spin Master, the global toy and entertainment company behind Paw Patrol, Bakugan, Air Hogs, Rubik’s Cube, and more. Starting with a handmade product called Earth Buddies, he helped build the company into a multi-billion-dollar business across toys, entertainment, and digital games.In this episode, Ronnen breaks down the early Kmart deal, passing on Beyblade, building Bakugan, creating Paw Patrol, scaling globally, learning from failure, and why your 20s are the best decade to bet on yourself.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  3. 60

    Lynnwood Bibbens | He Sold Cutco Knives In College… Then Built A $2 Billion Empire

    Lynnwood Bibbens is the founder of ReachTV and an entrepreneur who has built billions of dollars in business across tech, media, retail, film finance, and distribution. In this episode, he breaks down how he went from selling knives in college to building major companies, creating new rights windows, and acquiring CNN Airport during the pandemic. Lynnwood shares his philosophy on serving customers, building real relationships, finding hidden value in ecosystems, and why distribution is more powerful than content alone.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  4. 59

    Peter Tuchman | He Survived Every Stock Market Crash… Now He Trades $1 Billion/Day

    Peter Tuchman, known globally as the “Einstein of Wall Street,” is the longest-standing trader on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange and one of the most recognizable figures in finance. After starting as a $47-a-week runner in 1985, he built a decades-long career through Black Monday, the internet bubble, the 2008 financial crisis, Covid, and today’s AI-driven market boom. In this episode, Peter shares lessons on market crashes, greed, disciplined investing, retail traders, wealth building, and what it really takes to survive on Wall Street.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  5. 58

    Greg LaVecchia | He Had a 2.5 GPA… Now He’s Got a $1 Billion Brand

    Greg La Vecchia is the founder of Bloom, one of America’s fastest-growing supplement and energy drink brands, now sold across 70,000 retail doors. After bootstrapping the company to $180 million with no investors, mentors, or traditional playbook, Greg helped turn Bloom into a category-defining brand doing $23 million in weekly net sales.In this episode, Greg breaks down the early days of selling fitness products, building with his wife, betting $1 million on Target distribution, influencer marketing, retail strategy, product failures, fatherhood, and the pressure of scaling a brand built from scratch.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  6. 57

    Patrick Terry | It’s Never Too Late… He Started At 47 And Beat McDonald’s Out

    Patrick Terry is the co-founder of P. Terry’s, the Texas burger brand that grew from a 527-square-foot Austin stand into 38 locations and 1,800 employees.In this episode, Patrick shares how he built the company with his wife Kathy, competed directly against national fast food giants, protected the brand’s culture, and refused franchising or private equity to preserve quality.We discuss leadership, employee loyalty, pricing with fairness, building customer love, and why showing up every day is still the ultimate business advantage.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  7. 56

    Andy Frisella | He Made $58K In 10 Years… Now His Portfolio Is Worth $1B

    Andy Frisella is the founder of 1st Phorm, creator of 75 Hard, and one of the most influential entrepreneurs in the fitness and personal development space. After making only $58,380 total across his first ten years in business, he built a vertically integrated supplement empire and a personal portfolio worth over $1 billion.In this episode, Andy shares the early years of struggle, the mindset behind discipline, how 75 Hard was created, why customer experience changed his business, and what it takes to build culture, standards, and long-term enterprise value.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  8. 55

    Eric Spofford | He Was Addicted To Drugs... Now He's Sold A $115 Million Company

    Eric Spofford is an entrepreneur, investor, and founder who overcame heroin addiction before building and selling his treatment business for $115 million. After dropping out of high school at 15 and getting sober with almost nothing, he launched his state’s first sober living house and scaled it into a major operation.In this episode, Eric breaks down addiction, entrepreneurship, building a sellable company, private equity, hiring elite teams, relationship building, wealth after exit, and the mindset required to survive the hardest seasons in business.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  9. 54

    Lucy Guo | How She Became The World's Youngest Self Made Woman Billionaire

    Go try Agent Opus and start making your own videos today! Get 600 free credits using our link: https://agent.opus.pro/home?special_credit=SOHK Lucy Guo is the youngest self-made female billionaire in the world and the co-founder of Scale AI, one of the most important infrastructure companies behind the artificial intelligence boom. After dropping out of college through the Thiel Fellowship, she helped build Scale AI into a company valued around $26 billion.In this episode, Lucy shares how she handled family pressure, why she believes founders must pivot quickly, how Scale AI found product-market fit, and what young entrepreneurs need to understand about AI, talent, risk, and proximity.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  10. 53

    RJ Jain | He Left India, Sold a Startup to Google, Now He’s Building a $200M Company

    Go try Agent Opus and start making your own videos today! Get 600 free credits using our link: https://agent.opus.pro/home?special_credit=SOHK RJ Jain is the founder of Price.com, an AI-powered shopping platform valued at around $200 million, and previously sold his last startup to Google for nine figures. In this episode, he shares his journey from growing up in India and studying in Michigan to building and exiting a company, then starting again as a solo founder. He breaks down the reality of startup risk, fundraising, distribution, consumer tech, and how AI is changing execution. This conversation is a sharp look at resilience, ambition, and what it takes to build at scale.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  11. 52

    Richard Harpin | He Was $10K From Bankruptcy… Then Built a $4B Company

    Richard built HomeServe into a £4.1 billion global company operating in 10 countries, starting with just £50,000 and multiple early failures.In this episode, he breaks down the near-collapse moments, the pivot that changed everything, and the exact business model that scaled globally.He also shares his 9-step framework for building a billion-pound company, insights on bootstrapping vs. raising capital, and why copying proven ideas beats chasing originality.A masterclass in scaling, resilience, and strategic execution.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  12. 51

    Simon Squibb | He Was Homeless at 15… Now He’s Worth Hundreds of Millions

    Simon Squibb is a self-made entrepreneur worth hundreds of millions who has invested in over 80 companies. After becoming homeless at 15, he built his first business with just £200 and no formal education in business. In this episode, he shares the raw truth about failure, survival, and building from nothing. He breaks down why traditional education fails, why purpose matters more than money, and what it really takes to succeed. This is a conversation about ownership, resilience, and creating your own path.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  13. 50

    Poppi Founders | How They Built Poppi Into A $500 Million A Year Soda Company In 4 Years (Then Sold For $2 Billion)

    Alison and Stephen Ellsworth, founders of Poppi, share how they went from early-stage struggles and personal health challenges to building and exiting a $2 billion beverage company. They discuss risking financial stability, validating their product through real customers, leveraging viral content for growth, and navigating the realities of scaling a business as a married couple. This episode explores entrepreneurship, brand building, leadership, and the mindset required to sustain long-term success.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  14. 49

    Bill Gurley | Legendary Investor on Missing Google, Backing Uber, and What Makes Billion-Dollar Founders

    Bill Gurley, legendary venture capitalist and early investor in Uber and Zillow, shares the principles behind identifying billion-dollar companies. He reflects on missing the Google opportunity, lessons from evaluating thousands of founders, and why execution consistently beats ideas. The conversation explores network effects, founder psychology, venture capital decision-making, and how young investors can build an edge in emerging industries.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  15. 48

    John Caudwell | The British Billionaire Who Lost Everything… Then Built a $2B Empire

    John Caudwell, founder of Phones 4u, built a billion-pound empire from scratch and exited for £1.5 billion after two decades of relentless growth. Starting with monthly losses and facing near collapse after losing 95% of his supply, he rebuilt through sharp commercial instincts and strategic hiring.In this episode, he shares lessons on scaling to 10,000 employees, hiring elite talent, navigating ruthless suppliers, and building wealth on thin margins. He also discusses philanthropy, legacy, and why success ultimately goes beyond money.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  16. 47

    Robert Croak | How the Sillybandz Founder Built a $100M Global Brand and Kept His Millions

    Robert Croak is the founder of Sillybandz, the global toy brand that exploded into one of the biggest product crazes of the 2010s, selling billions of units worldwide. In this episode he shares the story behind discovering the idea in China, scaling from 17 to over 3,000 employees, and building a brand that reached hundreds of thousands of retail stores. Croak also breaks down lessons on entrepreneurship, venture investing, product-market fit, and the wealth habits that separate successful founders from the rest. This conversation dives deep into execution, failure, and building businesses that scale globally.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  17. 46

    Ben Pogue | He Took Over His Dad’s Company at 29… Now He Owns a $20M Private Jet

    Ben Pogue is the CEO of one of America’s fastest growing construction companies, generating over $1.5 billion in annual revenue. After unexpectedly taking over the business at age 29, he navigated personal hardship, public industry controversy, and massive leadership pressure. In this episode, Ben shares how culture, faith, and people-first leadership transformed his company into a powerhouse with industry-leading client retention. The conversation explores crisis leadership, scaling teams, building billion-dollar companies, and the mindset required to endure the hardest seasons of entrepreneurship.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  18. 45

    Forbes Riley | From Actress to the Pitch Queen, $2.5B in Sales, Media, and Modern Selling

    Forbes Riley is the “Pitch Queen,” known for selling over $2.5B in products across TV, infomercials, and live demonstrations, including 64,000 units in 24 hours and $1.2M in a day.In this episode, she breaks down the pitch structure that creates instant desire, third-party proof, urgency, and closes without over explaining.She also shares the personal adversity that shaped her obsession with communication, confidence, and legacy.A tactical masterclass on getting “yes” faster without sounding like a salesperson.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  19. 44

    Vick Tipnes | From $78 in His Bank Account to Owning a Private Jet

    Vic Tipnes is a healthcare entrepreneur who built a dominant sleep testing company after starting with almost nothing. In this episode, he breaks down the low point of having $78 in his account, the long grind before the breakthrough, and the aggressive deal-making that helped him take market share fast. He also explains why service is a competitive weapon, why “money loves speed,” and how leadership and purpose attract top talent.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  20. 43

    Myron Golden | You’re 60 Minutes Away From NEVER Being Broke Again!

    Myron Golden is a renowned business consultant and sales strategist known for turning content into cash flow through offers, authority, and value-based selling. In this episode, he breaks down why income follows value—not effort—why “time is money” is a trap, and how to use the law of averages to win in sales. He also shares his faith-based framework for decision-making, mentorship, and building a fulfilled life through creation, connection, and contribution.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  21. 42

    Jim Keyes | Former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster on What Always Happens Before a Company Crash and How He Ran Multi Billion Dollar Busines

    Jim Keyes led some of the most iconic companies in the world, including serving as CEO of 7 Eleven during one of the most volatile periods in its history.He breaks down how growing up dirt poor shaped his leadership edge, why 7 Eleven’s bankruptcy nearly ended the company, and how seeing crisis as opportunity changed the trajectory of his career.We also cover what actually saves companies in free fall, why fear kills more businesses than bad strategy, how equity creates real wealth, and the leadership decisions most CEOs avoid when the stakes are highest.This episode is a blueprint for navigating collapse, leading at scale, and building a career that turns chaos into opportunity.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  22. 41

    Vic Keller | Sold 9 Companies Including 3 to Berkshire Hathaway on Building Durable Businesses, Partnerships, and Wealth

    Vic Keller founded 17 companies and exited 9 of them, including three sales to Berkshire Hathaway.He breaks down how growing up blue collar shaped his edge, why getting punched in the mouth early almost killed his first business, and how rebuilding instead of quitting changed everything.We also cover what real buyers look for, why cheap deals are not worth the pain, how to deleverage the founder, and the hidden cost of exits when selling the business means losing relationships too.This episode is a blueprint for building companies that survive bad weather and outlast the founder.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  23. 40

    Kirt Linington | He Came to America With $700… Then Sold for 9 Figures, Started Knocking On Doors At 42 & Made Millions

    Kirt Linington is a South Africa–born entrepreneur who came to the U.S. with $700, started door knocking at 42, and sold his roofing company in 2022 for a nine-figure exit.He breaks down how he built $62M in revenue while still working his corporate job, why sales must come before systems, and how to think about rejection as a skill—not a personality trait.We also cover what private equity looks for, how to maximize enterprise value, and why personal discipline shows up in business outcomes.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  24. 39

    Daniel Lubetzky | From a $24,000 Salary to Building a $5 Billion Company, The Billionaire Behind KIND

    Daniel Lubetzky is the founder of KIND and one of the most influential entrepreneurs in modern consumer brands. In this episode, we break down how he went from a $24,000 salary after Stanford Law School to building a $5 billion company, why long term thinking matters more than early wins, and how purpose driven capitalism can create both impact and scale. Daniel shares how embracing setbacks shaped his approach to business, why most people misunderstand wealth creation, and what it really takes to build something that lasts without chasing hype. We also talk about discipline, values, and the role of hard work in a world obsessed with shortcuts. Because real wealth isn’t a paycheck. It’s building something meaningful that compounds over time.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  25. 38

    Ari Rastegar | How Flipping Burgers Led to a $3,000 Deal That Built a Billion-Dollar Real Estate Empire

    Ari Rastegar is a real estate developer and investor behind some of the most ambitious projects reshaping major U.S. cities. In this episode, we break down how starting with just $3,000 turned into a multi-billion-dollar real estate portfolio, why failure became his greatest advantage, and why most people misunderstand what it actually takes to build long term wealth. Ari explains why zoning, timing, and anticipation matter more than chasing “safe” deals, and why a billion-dollar valuation doesn’t mean cash in the bank. He also shares the story of writing himself a $1 billion check at 23 and carrying it for 15 years as a reminder of what he was building toward. Because real wealth isn’t reacting to the present. It’s having the patience to build the future before everyone else sees it.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  26. 37

    Dr. De | Biohax CEO on Longevity, Burnout, Hidden Stressors, and Building Health for the Long Term

    Dr. De is the CEO of Biohax, a healthcare company focused on optimizing health, performance, and longevity for high performers. In this episode, we break down why burnout is normalized, why modern systems treat symptoms instead of building long-term health, and how hidden stressors quietly drain energy and performance over time. Dr. De shares his framework for reclaiming control over your biology through discipline, awareness, and long-term thinking. I also open up about my own health journey and why longevity has become a non-negotiable as I build for the future. Because real wealth isn’t money. It’s energy, clarity, and time to enjoy what you build.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  27. 36

    Dariush Soudhi | How a Violent Home Invasion Forced Him to Start Over From Nothing & Still Made Millions Again

    Dariush Soudhi is a serial entrepreneur who built — lost — and rebuilt multiple companies after a violent home invasion led to a heart attack, frozen accounts, and total collapse. Starting over in Dubai with just $750, he rebuilt from zero through door-to-door sales, ruthless self-accountability, and value-based pricing. Today, he runs a portfolio of businesses by solving real problems and charging what outcomes are worth. This episode breaks down rebuilding after trauma, pricing with self-worth, choosing time over ego, and what it actually takes to earn a second chance without wasting it.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  28. 35

    Robert Kiyosaki | Rich Dad Poor Dad Author on Smart Debt, Cash Flow, Tax Free Wealth, and Rejecting Traditional Education

    In this episode of the School of Hard Knocks, we sit down with Robert Kiyosaki, legendary author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad and real estate investor with over 15,000 rental properties. He shares how he went from Marine helicopter pilot and failed employee to building massive tax-free cash flow and global financial influence.Robert breaks down why he rejects traditional education, why “your house is not an asset,” and how smart debt, cash flow, and the right teachers changed his life. We also explore his lowest moments: homelessness, business failures, betrayal, and the $30M lesson that reshaped his strategy and his circle.This conversation is a masterclass in money psychology, resilience, masculine responsibility, and playing the game of wealth on your own terms.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  29. 34

    Tommy Mello | From Garage Doors to a $300M/Year Empire, The Billionaire Who Got Rich From A Normal Job

    Tommy Mello, founder of A1 Garage Door, scaled his home-service company to more than $300M in annual revenue and over 1,100 employees. His journey spans two decades of failures, rebuilding, systemizing, and mastering leadership. In this episode, he breaks down talent acquisition, firing top performers, building an owner-mindset workforce, and the philosophy that helped him 10x EBITDA in under two years.A grounded, tactical conversation on scaling, discipline, mentorship, and the mindset required to build a dominant organization.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  30. 33

    Ken McElroy | From Property Manager to $2B Real Estate Mogul, Cash Flow, Tax Strategy and True Freedom

    In this episode of the School of Hard Knocks Podcast, we sit down with Ken McEelroy, a real estate investor who manages over $2 billion in assets and runs a 300-person company in just 90 minutes a week. He shares how he went from property manager to owner, using distressed properties, billboards, and smart debt to build a massive portfolio. Ken breaks down tax strategies, passive income, hiring challenges, and why most investors misunderstand risk. We also dive into his views on family, legacy, and what real success looks like after the money is made. This is a raw, practical masterclass in real estate, time freedom, and long-term wealth.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  31. 32

    Butch Hartman | The Untold Story of Nickelodeon’s Most Visionary Creator, How Was Fairly OddParents Show Created & How He Made Millions

    Butch Hartman — creator of The Fairly OddParents, Danny Phantom, and more — reveals how he turned rejection into one of the most successful runs in Nickelodeon history. From his early days as an animator to running his own studio, Hartman shares the formula behind hit shows, building creative teams, learning business in Hollywood, and how faith shaped his success. A masterclass in creativity, persistence, and purpose.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  32. 31

    Neil Patel | Why Followers Don’t Pay the Bills, and How He Built Real Wealth Through Marketing Mastery

    Neil Patel became a millionaire at 17, lost it all by 20, and came back to build a 9-figure global marketing company. In this episode, he reveals the hard truths about fame, money, and the business of content — why followers don’t pay the bills, how AI will redefine marketing, and what it really takes to build lasting success in the new digital era.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  33. 30

    Tony Cuccio | From $200 on Venice Beach to a $2 Billion Global Empire, Reinventing Beauty, Real Estate, and the Meaning of Success

    Tony Cuccio is a true American entrepreneur — a kid from Brooklyn who started with just $200 selling beauty products on Venice Beach and built a global empire worth over $2 billion in sales across 90 countries. Known as the man who revolutionized the nail industry, Tony invented gel nails and turned a small street business into one of the most recognizable beauty brands in the world. In this episode, he shares how he failed twice before striking gold, why he never took investor money, and how grit, discipline, and vision built his $2B legacy.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  34. 29

    Kendra Scott | From Single Mom & College Dropout to Billion-Dollar Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, and Fashion Icon

    Kendra Scott is a single mom and college dropout who built a billion-dollar brand from her bedroom. With only $500 and a dream, she turned handmade jewelry into one of the most successful fashion empires in America. In this episode, she shares how she went from failure and near bankruptcy to building a company rooted in family, fashion, and philanthropy. From shipping Nordstrom orders out of her kitchen to teaching entrepreneurship at the University of Texas, Kendra reveals how grit, purpose, and authenticity can build an empire from nothing.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  35. 28

    Adley Kinsman | How She Went From Broke Creator to Running One of the Internet’s Biggest Media Machines

    Adley Kinsman is one of the most influential creators on the planet, generating over 1.3 billion views every month and proving that virality isn’t luck—it’s a formula. After going bankrupt and starting from scratch, she built an eight-figure media company and became the architect behind some of the internet’s most viral videos. In this episode, Adley reveals how she engineered her success, turned attention into millions, and built a system that any creator can use to win online.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  36. 27

    Greg Perlman | The Real Estate Billionaire Who Built a $2.5B Empire and Chose to Give 75% Of It Away

    Greg Perlman is one of America’s most successful and generous real estate investors. Founder of multiple ventures and one of the largest affordable housing portfolios in the U.S., he built a $2.5 billion empire with over 25,000 apartments nationwide. After decades of building wealth through Section 8 housing, he made a rare decision — to give away 75% of his fortune. In this episode, Greg shares how he turned government programs into billion-dollar opportunities, stayed grounded while making billions, and why he believes true success isn’t about how much you make, but how much you give.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  37. 26

    Thomas Healy | World’s Youngest Billionaire on Dropping Out, Raising $700M, and Building an Empire Before 30

    Tom Healy is the world’s youngest self-made billionaire — a Carnegie Mellon dropout who raised $700M, took his company public at 28, and even dethroned Kylie Jenner. From building startups in his dorm room to ringing the bell at the New York Stock Exchange, his story is a masterclass in vision, risk-taking, and resilience. In this episode, Tom shares the wild swings of watching his net worth rise and fall by $200M in a single day, the bold pivot that saved his company when the EV market collapsed, and the billion-dollar lessons that shaped his empire before 30.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  38. 25

    John Morgan | The Billionaire Lawyer Who Took Down Disney & Coca-Cola

    John Morgan is one of America’s most feared lawyers—and for good reason. Founder of Morgan & Morgan, the largest personal injury firm in the U.S., he turned a family tragedy into a $2 billion empire. From taking down Disney after his brother’s accident to battling Coca-Cola, Big Pharma, and Fortune 500 giants, Morgan built a reputation as the lawyer corporations fear the most. In this episode, he shares how he scaled nationwide, spent $400 million a year on ads, created the “Google of law firms,” and turned pain into power. This is the raw story of a man who made billions fighting for the people—and made corporate America pay.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  39. 24

    Brent Franklin | Broke at 26, Sued, And Became a Multi-Millionaire. How To Turn Rock Bottom Into Power And Empires

    Brant is a ninth-grade dropout who went from sleeping in a garage and mowing lawns for $23 an hour to risking it all on oil wells, losing millions, getting sued, and still refusing to quit. That same obsession and grit turned his failures into fuel, and today he’s built multi-million-dollar companies in oil, real estate, and beyond, chasing a nine-figure future. In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Brant reveals how he turned rock-bottom into an empire, why the fastest way to win is putting yourself in the right rooms, and how betting on yourself can change everything.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  40. 23

    Abdulla Kudrath | Broke Immigrant to Multi-Industry Mogul: How He Built 14 Businesses From Scratch

    Abdulla Kudrath went from broke immigrant to empire builder through sheer discipline, radical self-responsibility, and an unshakable mindset. From poverty to launching 14 companies across multiple industries, Abdulla has become a doctor, actor, world traveler, and founder of his own medical facilities. In this episode, he reveals how extreme ownership transformed his life, why excuses are deadly, and the mindset shifts that turned struggle into unstoppable growth. If you’re ready to stop blaming and start building, this conversation will change how you see success.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  41. 22

    Joshua Crisp | $11.3M in a Day Without Finishing High School

    Joshua Crisp went from sleeping on an air mattress in his family’s one-bedroom apartment, working for $7.25 an hour, and eating ramen every day to making $11.3 million in a single day. With only a 9th grade education, no degree, no connections, he refused to settle for mediocrity. Through sacrifice, obsession, and an all‑in mindset, he turned bath bombs into a best‑selling product, built a digital marketing empire, and became a sought‑after mentor and speaker. In this episode, Joshua shares how he turned rock bottom into rocket fuel and the strategies that took him from broke felon to multi‑millionaire.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  42. 21

    Anne Mahlum | $110M Founder on Betting It All, Turning Trauma Into Power, and Building Solidcore from Scratch

    Anne Mahlum risked it all. Her last $175,000, no investors, no backup plan, just pure belief. Before Solidcore, she was broke, alone, and leading a nonprofit for the homeless, fueled by the trauma of growing up with an addicted father. But she turned pain into purpose, and that purpose into a $90 million empire. Today, with a net worth of $110 million, Anne is living proof that excuses don’t build legacies, courage does. In this episode, she opens up about betting on herself, building from zero, and the mindset it takes to win big.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  43. 20

    John Devaney | He Lost $200 Million in 2008...Then Made It All Back

    He was poor, went broke, and still made $90K on his first deal. By 28, John Devaney bought a brokerage firm and turned it into a money-printing machine: $5M in year one, $25M in year two, $45M in year three. At the peak, his firm was making $110M in pure profit. Then 2008 wiped him out. He lost over $200M… and came back swinging. In this episode, John breaks down how he rebuilt from zero, launched a $200M fund, and pulled off 100%+ returns in the most brutal bond markets. Today, he’s not just killing it in finance, he’s producing films with a mission. This is what happens when you bet big, get crushed, and don’t quit.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  44. 19

    Alli Webb | Drybar Founder Who Started From $0 and Sold for $255M on Reinvention, Grit, and Building a Beauty Empire

    Alli Webb is one of the most unexpected and badass entrepreneurs in the beauty world. What started as a side hustle blowdrying hair for cheap quickly turned into a nationwide movement. With zero outside funding and a deep desire to feel alive again, she launched Drybar—a blowout-only salon that exploded across the U.S. and eventually sold for $255 million. In this raw and powerful episode, Alli opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of building a brand with her ex-husband and brother, what it took to scale Drybar into a household name, and how entrepreneurship helped her find herself again. She also shares the vision behind her new venture, Messy, a product line that embraces imperfection and empowers women to own their real, unfiltered beauty. This is a story of reinvention, resilience, and building something that actually matters.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  45. 18

    Eric Adams | Beaten by Cops as a Kid, Now Mayor of NYC - On Using Pain as Fuel to Rise, Lead, and Rewrite the Rules

    Eric Adams was beaten by police as a child so badly he peed blood for days. He grew up in fear of eviction, struggled with dyslexia, and felt invisible in a broken system. But instead of running from it, he joined the NYPD to change it from within. Today, he runs America’s largest city. In this raw conversation, Eric shares how trauma shaped his purpose, why he chose discipline over anger, and what it really takes to lead when the odds are stacked against you.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  46. 17
  47. 16

    Khalil Rafati | From a Homeless Crackhead.. To a Multi-Millionaire on Addiction, Hitting Rock Bottom, and Turning Pain Into Purpose

    Khalil Rafati is one of the most brutally honest and spiritually grounded entrepreneurs you’ll ever hear from. After surviving heroin addiction, homelessness, and years of childhood abuse, he made a pact with God to become rich and honor his dying mother. Through relentless work and spiritual transformation, he built SunLife Organics into a $34 million smoothie empire rooted in healing and purpose. In this podcast, Khalil opens up about his darkest moments, the faith that kept him going, and how he turned pain into a mission far greater than himself.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  48. 15

    Edward Connors | He Killed 600 Men in Vietnam & Built Gold's Gym Empire, on Turning Pain into Power and Dreams into Reality

    Edward Connors is one of the most powerful and unpredictable figures the fitness world has ever seen. Before reshaping the industry, he fought in the Vietnam War, where he claims to have killed over 600 enemy soldiers. It’s a dark chapter he rarely speaks about, but it forged the fearless mentality that would later redefine bodybuilding forever.After the war, Ed joined a raw, underground gym in Venice Beach—Gold’s Gym—and turned it into a global empire with over 500 franchises. He revolutionized fitness marketing, brought celebrity culture into the weight room, and made muscle mainstream.But Ed didn’t stop at business. He discovered and mentored future icons like John Cena, Randy Orton, and Jay Cutler, recognizing their greatness before anyone else. In this episode, we explore the wild story of a man shaped by war, driven by vision, and obsessed with building giants.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  49. 14

    Karlton Dennis | Makes $10M/Year , Pays Nothing in Taxes, and Teaches You How

    Karlton Dennis is one of the most strategic and unconventional entrepreneurs you’ll ever hear about. After walking away from a future in professional sports, he found himself broke, working odd jobs as a personal trainer and wine salesman. But everything changed when he discovered the world of tax strategy, and realized that the fastest way to build wealth isn’t just making money, it’s learning how to keep it. Today, Karlton runs one of the top tax firms in the country and legally pays zero dollars in taxes. He’s now a powerhouse CEO, mentor, and educator teaching people how to escape the tax trap and take control of their financial future. In this podcast, Karlton breaks down how he went from struggling to secure rent to building a multi-million dollar empire, and shares the exact systems that helped him, and can help you, win the money game for good.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  50. 13

    Edwin Arroyave | From Sleeping with Roaches to $40M: How He Beat the Odds, Found Mentors, and Built an Empire

    Edwin Arroyave is one of the most inspiring and resilient entrepreneurs you’ll ever hear about. Growing up in extreme poverty, Edwin slept in a windowless room infested with cockroaches and often went without food at the end of the month. By age 15, he became the head of his household, taking on adult responsibilities far beyond his years. Against all odds, Edwin built a massively successful business, reaching $40 million in revenue in a single year. Today, he’s a thriving CEO, mentor, and speaker who shares powerful lessons on perseverance, mindset, and scaling with purpose. In this podcast, Edwin opens up about the painful sacrifices he made to survive, the turning points that changed his life forever, and the strategies that helped him turn hardship into a multi-million dollar empire. His story is a powerful reminder that no matter how bad it gets, your past does not define your future.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Feauturing the Worlds Top Entrepreneurs and CreatorsBrought to you by The School of Hard KnocksHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

HOSTED BY

The School of Hard Knocks

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does School of Hard Knocks Podcast have?

School of Hard Knocks Podcast currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is School of Hard Knocks Podcast about?

Feauturing the Worlds Top Entrepreneurs and CreatorsBrought to you by The School of Hard KnocksHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

How often does School of Hard Knocks Podcast release new episodes?

School of Hard Knocks Podcast has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

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Who hosts School of Hard Knocks Podcast?

School of Hard Knocks Podcast is created and hosted by The School of Hard Knocks.
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