Episode list

Kwame Onwuachi recounts his tumultuous journey of becoming a restaurateur at 23, an experience filled with ambition, miscalculations, and a harsh awakening. His dream restaurant was closed only six weeks after opening due to financial mismanagement and an unrealistically high price point. Despite the investors' lack of restaurant operation experience and their misjudgment in budgeting, Onwuachi was the one who shouldered the blame and faced significant criticism. The failure pushed him into depression, yet also gifted him profound insights. He learned the importance of understanding financial realities, asking critical questions, and having a grounded approach to dream projects. The experience made him a stronger leader and taught him to treat failure as a stepping stone to success. Drawing from his failure, Onwuachi rallied his team, identified their strengths and weaknesses, and successfully opened another restaurant six weeks later, exemplifying the resilience and growth it takes to become a successful entrepreneur.

Jo Steel an artist and content creator who specializes in body art, gained considerable attention and a following for their use of illusion makeup techniques. Notable figures like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson shared their work, catapulting their career into high gear. While this attention propelled their career forward, it also subjected them to intense social media scrutiny and expectations. This pressure led Steel to question their identity, causing them to alter their appearance and content to fit a mold. The struggle to conform, combined with financial instability, led to a period of severe depression and an eating disorder. Amid these challenges, Steel came to the realization that authenticity was more important than superficial validation. This marked a turning point in their journey, shaping their approach to their art, career, and life.

Rand Fishkin, an internet entrepreneur, faced immense pressure to deliver exponential growth for his first venture, SEO Moz, which yielded $30 million in revenue in 2014. Despite the company's success, the slow and steady growth was insufficient for investors. This, along with struggles to launch a new product, led to his departure as CEO and the company's subsequent sell-off. He experienced significant mental and emotional turmoil during this period, yet it shaped his future approach to entrepreneurship. With his next venture, SparkToro, Fishkin prioritized health, relationships, and meaningful work, demonstrating that success isn't always synonymous with becoming a billion-dollar company.

When you grow up in an environment where the odds are stacked against you, sometimes you really do only have one shot to transcend your circumstances. So what happens when you blow it? Meet Dr. Barbara Hong, the Dean of University College at Texas A&M. Raised in a sweatshop, surrounded by poverty, and living with an illiterate family, Dr. Hong only had one route to escape the life she was born into: education. She recounts the pivotal moment when fear threatened to sabotage her future, leading her to miss a crucial placement exam. But through a remarkable turnaround, Dr. Hong found the strength to repeat a year, despite the ridicule and self-doubt of her teachers and peers. Her remarkable story underscores the transformative potential of education and the boundless possibilities that open up when you believe in yourself - even if nobody else does. Because there's no shame in a Faceplant.

What happens when you achieve the success and fortune you'd always dreamed of, only to lose it all and find yourself back where you were in the first place? Damien Escobar, a musician, and violinist from Queens, New York, made millions of dollars as a teen prodigy musician. Then he spent it all. He started playing the violin at a young age and was accepted into Juilliard. Alongside his brother, he formed a group called Nothing But Strings and gained overnight fame, appearing on America's Got Talent. But the pursuit of money and success left him feeling unhappy and lost. The group eventually disbanded, and Damien faced financial struggles, including eviction and relying on welfare. Determined to turn his life around for himself and his daughter, he rediscovered his passion for music that lead him to success all those years ago. He re-built an online presence and embarked on a successful solo career against all odds. Damien learned that confidence comes from failure; that life is about community and finding joy in the journey. Because if you can get to the top, you can surely find yourself at the bottom, too.

What happens when you reach the top of your game, but you realize the journey there has cost you your mental health and happiness? What if you're so used to the struggle, you don't even know how to celebrate? Meet Rebecca Soni, an American swimming legend with six Olympic medals and numerous former world records to her name. Beneath her stellar accomplishments, Rebecca grappled with the pressure to perform, striving for perfection and suppressing her emotions in the process. As her swimming career came to a blazing crescendo, she stood atop the podium at the Olympic games, listening to the national anthem, and faced the daunting question: "What's next?" Then began her true journey of self-discovery. Through introspection and embracing her emotions, she realized the importance of a healthy mindset and began mentoring young athletes to help them navigate the challenges of their own sports careers. Rebecca Soni's story is one of transcending robotic excellence, finding personal fulfillment, and inspiring others to embrace their own journeys beyond the pursuit of greatness in sports.

What if the path to becoming a doctor led you through extraordinary challenges? We're not just talking about med school: imagine facing homelessness, juvenile prison, and academic setbacks, all while holding onto a seemingly impossible dream. Meet Sheryl Recinos, a physician and author who defied the odds. From running away as a young child to enduring the hardships of foster care, Sheryl's journey was marked by struggles that would test anyone's resolve. Yet, driven by an unwavering determination, she never abandoned her aspirations. When she made it to college, as a single mother, she faced yet another setback: she found herself on academic probation after a mistake that could have cost her everything. With her indomitable spirit, Sheryl eventually earned herself a place in medical school. Today, Sheryl not only bears the title of a doctor but also shares her incredible story as an author, inspiring others to persevere in the face of repeated adversity.

In this online era, we hear so much-maybe even too much-about success stories. But what if you could gain valuable insights from the real-life failures of successful entrepreneurs? Welcome to Faceplant, a series that delves into the less-than-glamorous untold stories behind people at the top of their game. Join us as we sit down with successful entrepreneurs from a range of fields, who share the unfiltered truth behind the challenges they faced on the road to success. From renowned violinist Damien Escobar to internet entrepreneur and Moz founder Rand Fishkin, every single one of these big names failed, and failed hard - but it wasn't the end of their story. Discover the secrets to resilience, innovation, and unwavering determination from those who have faced the hurdles and emerged stronger than ever. Get ready to redefine success and embark on your own entrepreneurial journey. And don't be afraid to Faceplant.