School of Hard Knocks Podcast

Daniel Lubetzky, the founder of KIND and a pioneering entrepreneur, shares his inspiring journey from a $24,000 salary to creating a $5 billion snack empire. He emphasizes the importance of long-term thinking over quick wins and how setbacks shaped his entrepreneurial mindset. Daniel outlines the three core pillars that fueled KIND’s success: product quality, transparent packaging, and company culture. He also discusses maintaining humility amidst success, the significance of building trust with consumers, and the value of teamwork and constructive debates in leadership.

Ari Rastegar, a dynamic real estate developer and author, shares his remarkable journey from flipping burgers to building a billion-dollar empire. He reveals how a humble $3,000 investment sparked his multi-billion-dollar portfolio. Ari emphasizes the power of failure as a learning tool and the importance of zoning and timing in real estate success. He discusses the necessity of a long-term vision, practical advice for newcomers, and how maintaining health and focus fuels entrepreneurship. Rastegar inspires with his unique insights on wealth building and resilience.

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.

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.

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.

Tommy Mello, founder of A1 Garage Door, transformed his business into a $300M powerhouse through strategic leadership and a focus on talent acquisition. He shares insights on hiring for integrity and the tough decision to let go of top performers who harm team culture. Tommy discusses scaling from technician to leader, emphasizing discipline and mentorship for continuous growth. He also highlights the importance of a strong branding strategy and encourages young technicians to consider trades for financial freedom. His personal journey reflects gratitude and legacy, aiming to be remembered for reliability and generosity.

Ken McElroy, a seasoned real estate mogul managing over $2 billion in assets, reveals his journey from property manager to industry titan. He emphasizes the importance of mastering property management and shares insights on tax strategies and cash flow that can transform investments. Ken discusses finding truly undervalued assets, the lessons learned from poor management, and the significance of relationships over mere wealth. Dive into his unconventional wisdom on entrepreneurship and legacy as he defines real success beyond just financial gains.

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.

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.

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.