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

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

Author: The School of Hard Knocks July 21, 2025 Duration: 47:50

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.


There's a certain kind of wisdom you can't get from a textbook, forged instead in the unpredictable fires of real-world experience. The School of Hard Knocks Podcast is built on that principle, offering a front-row seat to unfiltered conversations with some of the most accomplished entrepreneurs and visionary creators from across the globe. Each episode moves beyond polished success stories to dig into the gritty, often unspoken challenges these individuals faced on their journeys. You'll hear about the pivotal failures that became turning points, the difficult decisions made under pressure, and the personal philosophies that guide them through uncertainty. This isn't about theoretical business models; it's a deep dive into the resilience, adaptability, and raw determination required to build something meaningful. Brought to you by The School of Hard Knocks, this podcast serves as an ongoing masterclass in navigating the complexities of modern creation and enterprise. Tune in for authentic dialogues that reveal the human effort behind the headlines, providing not just inspiration but tangible insights you can apply to your own path.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 55

School of Hard Knocks Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Myron Golden | You’re 60 Minutes Away From NEVER Being Broke Again! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:13
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—no…