School of Hard Knocks Podcast

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.

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.

Adley Kinsman, a media entrepreneur and creator known for her incredible reach, shares her inspiring journey from bankruptcy to building an eight-figure media company. She discusses how she engineered virality, the importance of authentic storytelling, and her unique five-six-30 method for niche discovery. Adley explores the psychology behind creating viral content and why staying relatable matters even as you scale. She emphasizes building a strong personal brand and offers insights on monetization through audience engagement, forecasting the future of micro creators and shoppable media.

In this conversation, Greg Perlman, a real estate mogul with a $2.5 billion empire and founder of the Always Up Foundation, shares his journey from real estate investor to philanthropist. He discusses leveraging Section 8 housing and the importance of patience in investing. Greg reveals his decision to donate 75% of his wealth and emphasizes that true success lies in giving back. He also provides insights on risk management, building relationships, and finding fulfillment through altruism, urging others to embrace small acts of giving.

Thomas Healy, the youngest self-made billionaire and Carnegie Mellon dropout, shares his extraordinary journey from dorm-room startup to public company founder. He discusses raising $700M during the pandemic and the challenges of navigating market shifts. The bold pivot from EV trucks to distributed power generation showcases his adaptability. He offers insights on startup struggles, the power of mentorship, and the importance of bold decisions. Additionally, Healy emphasizes the need for founders to fully commit, aiming to change the future of electricity for decades.