EP. 1780

06/04/25

Gene Simmons

“Never tell a small lie. Always tell the biggest lie right to everybody’s face and continue to repeat it.”

Gene Simmons Opens Up: Coming To America With Nothing, The Mindset That Built An Empire & The Man Behind The Makeup

Leave an Amazon Rating or Review for my New York Times Bestselling book, Make Money Easy!

When Gene Simmons tells me about surviving concentration camps through his mother’s courage, I realize this isn’t just another rock star story—it’s an American dream forged in fire. The KISS frontman takes me on a journey from a Hungarian refugee who couldn’t speak English to building one of the most recognizable brands on earth, more famous than Mount Rushmore itself. What strikes me most is his raw honesty about the price of success, from decades of reckless behavior to finally learning commitment at 62, and his mother’s fearless escape to America that taught him the work ethic that built an empire. This conversation reveals how an outsider’s perspective, unshakeable self-belief, and relentless pursuit of excellence transformed a poor immigrant kid into the demon who redefined what it means to be a rock star.

Gene’s website

Tweet Image
"I want to excel at anything that I try to do, and I'm willing to work harder than you do."
Share:

And now let’s jump into episode 1780 of The School of Greatness! 

Some Questions I Ask:

  • What was that journey like for your mom to make the decision to get you guys to America and what was the lesson you learned from her courage?
  • When did music start to come into your life and did seeing The Beatles on TV open your mind to dreaming you could be that one day?
  • How did you learn to become a marketing master when you had no mentors or father figure?
  • Where do you think you’d be if you guys didn’t put makeup on that first day?
  • Why do you think she stayed with you all those years when you weren’t committed?
  • Did you ever doubt yourself?
  • Why do you think so many people live in self-doubt and don’t go for their dreams?
  • What have you learned about fame that you wish everyone knew?

In this episode, you will learn:

  • Why feeling like an outsider became Gene’s greatest advantage in building a global brand
  • How watching The Beatles on TV at 13 sparked a revolution that led to stadium domination in 18 months
  • The exact mindset shift that turned Gene from victim to victor in every situation
  • Why Gene believes the hunt for greatness matters more than achieving it
  • How to build unshakeable confidence that makes others want to follow you
  • Plus much more…

Show Notes:

The School of Greatness Podcast
The School of Greatness Podcast

The School of Greatness Show

The School of Greatness shares inspiring interviews from the most successful people on the planet—world-renowned leaders in business, entertainment, sports, science, health, and literature—to inspire YOU to unlock your inner greatness and live your best life.