Lost Boys Podcast Episode Summary

Title: How Failure Helps You Succeed
Hosts: Anthony Scaramucci and Professor Scott Galloway
Release Date: July 3, 2025
Website: www.lostboys.men

Introduction

In the episode titled "How Failure Helps You Succeed," hosts Anthony Scaramucci and Professor Scott Galloway delve into the personal struggles and failures that have shaped their paths to success. Unlike typical discussions laden with statistics or expert opinions, this episode is a candid exploration of their own experiences growing up, facing adversity, and learning resilience. The conversation aims to provide a relatable playbook for young men navigating similar challenges in America today.

Personal Stories of Failure

Anthony’s Journey

Anthony opens up about his tumultuous upbringing and the lack of a strong male role model in his life. Reflecting on his father's struggles, Anthony shares:

“At 12 years old, I remember this like it was yesterday because my mother still lives in the house I grew up with... He came home violent because he is completely out of control of his financial circumstances...”
[07:18]

This early exposure to financial instability and domestic violence instilled a deep sense of anxiety in Anthony, fueling his drive to achieve economic security. He recounts various jobs he held to support his family during his youth:

“Got myself a paper route, worked in a motorcycle shop, worked as a stock boy in the grocery store, worked on a stone dock when I was in law school during the summer.”
[12:04]

Despite these challenges, Anthony emphasizes the importance of perseverance through failures, sharing pivotal moments that tested his resilience.

Scott’s Struggles

Professor Scott Galloway mirrors Anthony’s sentiments by sharing his lowest moments, particularly his experience during his mother's battle with cancer:

“When I look back... that was one of them where I felt very, you know, I wasn't living up to my obligation as a man. It was humiliating.”
[04:56]

Scott speaks candidly about the emotional turmoil and feelings of emasculation he faced while trying to care for his ailing mother with limited financial resources. This period was a catalyst for his later achievements, highlighting how personal failure can drive one toward success.

Lessons Learned from Failure

Both hosts agree that failure is an integral part of the journey to success. Scott succinctly encapsulates his philosophy:

“My success can be distilled to one word: failure. And that is my willingness to endure failure.”
[09:03]

He recounts his entrepreneurial ventures, having started nine companies with two successes, underscoring the significance of persistence:

“One out of seven companies succeed so I started nine and guess what? I've had two wins.”
[09:10]

Anthony adds to this by sharing his own setbacks, including his tenure at Goldman Sachs:

“I got fired from Goldman Sachs... I never fit in there. Nice people, smart people. But I didn't fit in.”
[11:48]

These admissions highlight that failure is not only inevitable but also a powerful motivator for personal and professional growth.

Resilience and Overcoming Challenges

The conversation delves into the concept of resilience, emphasizing the necessity of enduring and learning from failure. Anthony reflects on the emotional impact of his failures:

“I felt like there was a ghost following me and my mom around saying, you're not worthy. You're just not worthy. You fucked up your mom up.”
[06:30]

Scott echoes the importance of mental and economic stability as foundations for resilience:

“You fix your own oxygen mask before trying to affix someone else's.”
[15:04]

This metaphor underscores the need for individuals to first stabilize their own lives before they can effectively support others.

Strategies to Support Young Men

Moving beyond personal narratives, Anthony and Scott discuss actionable steps to aid young men facing similar struggles:

1. Modernizing Masculinity: Scott suggests redefining masculinity to include emotional strength and community involvement:

   “A more modern, aspirational vision of masculinity... the ultimate expression of masculinity, is to plant the trees, the shade of which you'll never sit under.”
   [16:04]

2. Building Resilience through Failure: Encouraging young men to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success is a recurring theme. Both hosts advocate for a cultural shift that normalizes setbacks as part of the growth process.

3. Creating Support Systems: Anthony highlights the impact of mentorship and positive role models in fostering resilience:

   “If you're doing well, you got to pull them with you.”
   [16:04]

   He emphasizes the role of peers and mentors in providing guidance and encouragement.

4. Access to Mental Health Resources: Addressing mental health openly and ensuring that young men have access to resources is crucial. Both hosts stress the importance of creating environments where seeking help is normalized and supported.

Conclusion

Anthony Scaramucci and Professor Scott Galloway conclude the episode by reiterating the power of resilience and the transformative role of failure in achieving success. They call for a cultural movement that redefines masculinity, fosters community support, and empowers young men to navigate their struggles with strength and perseverance. By sharing their personal journeys, they aim to inspire and equip the next generation of men to overcome adversity and thrive.

For more insights and resources on supporting young men, visit www.lostboys.men.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Anthony on Financial Struggles:
  “At 12 years old, I remember this like it was yesterday…”
  [07:18]

• Scott on Resilience Through Failure:
  “My success can be distilled to one word: failure.”
  [09:03]

• Anthony on Emotional Impact of Failure:
  “I felt like there was a ghost following me…”
  [06:30]

• Scott on Redefining Masculinity:
  “The ultimate expression of masculinity, is to plant the trees…”
  [16:04]

This episode of "Lost Boys" offers a profound and heartfelt examination of how personal failures can lead to significant personal growth and success. By sharing their vulnerabilities, Anthony and Scott provide valuable lessons and hope for young men striving to find their footing in today’s challenging landscape.