EP 33:The Price of Making It ft. Devale Ellis

In this episode of Learned the Hard Way , Kier Gaines sits down with his brother, Brooklyn native, former NFL player, actor, entrepreneur, husband, and father of four, Devale Ellis , for an honest conversation about money, success, and the complicated emotions that can come with making it. From what they thought having money meant growing up to the first things they could finally afford, Kier and Devale unpack the difference between wanting to be wealthy and wanting to look wealthy.

They also get into survivor's remorse, the responsibility that comes with financial success, and the challenge of figuring out how to bring your people along without losing yourself in the process. Because making it isn't just about how much money you have in the bank.

It's about knowing what enough looks like, building a life that actually feels good, and remembering that you don't have to spend your whole life outrunning where you came from. In this conversation, Kier and Devale get into: Growing up in Brooklyn and what they believed making it financially would look like.

The first things they could finally afford once the money started coming in. The difference between wanting financial freedom and wanting to look rich.

Survivor's remorse and the complicated feelings that can come with outgrowing your circumstances. The pressure to bring your family, friends, and community along as you become successful.

Rethinking what wealth, security, and having enough actually mean. Learning to enjoy what you've earned without feeling guilty about getting ahead.

This Week's Reflection: Take a moment to write down what enough looks like for you. Not what social media says, not what the music told you success should look like, but what you and your family actually need to live well.

Then think about one person or one cause you want to bring along on your journey. What did you come up with?

Leave us a voice note at . We listen to every single one, and we may even answer a few.

We're building this community brick by brick! Because making it isn't the finish line.

It's a responsibility to your family, your community, and yourself. Build the wealth.

Enjoy what you've earned. Bring people with you.

But don't spend your whole life outrunning where you came from. Know what enough looks like, keep dreaming, and learn to be happy at every stage along the way.

Connect with Devale Ellis: Follow Devale Ellis: @iamdevale Connect With Us 🌐 Website: Learned The Hard Way Podcast 🎙️ Leave a Voice Note: Drop Kier a message directly on the site 📧 Email: learnedthehardwaypod@ 📱 Follow the Show: Instagram – Learned The Hard Way Pod 👤 Follow Kier: Instagram – Kier Gaines 📚 Get Kier’s first book, It All Starts When You Do , available wherever books are sold. Tap in: Share your thoughts, leave a review, or send this episode to someone who needs the reminder that struggling doesn’t mean you’re failing—and sometimes the next step is simply being willing to try something different.

Produced & Edited by Idea to Launch Productions See for privacy information.