Lewis Howes age 42, is a bestselling author and host of The School of Greatness podcast. Learn about his journey from pro athlete to entrepreneur and author.

When Lewis Howes speaks, millions listen. The 42-year-old entrepreneur, bestselling author, and host of The School of Greatness podcast has built a personal development empire that reaches over 100 million downloads annually. But his journey to influence wasn’t paved with privilege—it was forged through adversity, failure, and an unwavering commitment to transformation.

Born March 16, 1983, in Delaware, Ohio, Howes has become one of the most recognized voices in personal development, teaching millions how to overcome limitations and design lives of purpose. His story—from professional athlete to broke and sleeping on his sister’s couch, to New York Times bestselling author and media mogul—offers a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and what he calls “the greatness mindset.”

Who is Lewis Howes? Quick Biography Overview

Category	Details
Full Name	Lewis Howes
Date of Birth	March 16, 1983
Age	42 years old (as of 2026)
Birthplace	Delaware, Ohio, United States
Profession	Entrepreneur, Author, Podcast Host, Former Professional Athlete
Known For	The School of Greatness Podcast, NY Times Bestselling Books
Education	Capital University (Football & Track Scholarship)
Major Works	The School of Greatness (2015), The Mask of Masculinity (2017), The Greatness Mindset (2023)
Podcast	The School of Greatness (launched 2013, 1,500+ episodes)
Social Media	3M+ followers across platforms
Website	LewisHowes.com

Early Life and Education: The Foundation of Resilience

Lewis Howes was born on March 16, 1983, in Delaware, Ohio, into a middle-class family that valued hard work and determination. Growing up in the Midwest, Howes faced challenges that would later shape his philosophy on overcoming adversity. As a child, he struggled with learning disabilities that made traditional academics difficult. He was placed in special education classes and often felt like an outsider among his peers.

These early struggles with learning created deep insecurities but also ignited something powerful within him—a drive to prove himself in other arenas. Sports became his refuge and the place where he could demonstrate his value. His older brother, Chris Howes, who would later become an influential figure in his own right, served as both competitor and motivator throughout Lewis’s formative years.

At age 13, Howes experienced a traumatic event when he was sexually abused by a babysitter—something he wouldn’t publicly share until decades later in his work addressing masculine vulnerability and emotional healing. This experience, combined with his academic challenges, created what he describes as wearing different “masks” to hide his pain and insecurity.

Despite these obstacles, Howes excelled athletically during his high school years in Ohio. His natural talent and relentless work ethic earned him recognition as a standout football player and track athlete. His performance was impressive enough to attract the attention of college scouts, ultimately earning him a full athletic scholarship to Capital University in Columbus, Ohio—a pivotal moment that would set the stage for the next chapter of his life.

Growing up in Ohio during the 1990s, Howes learned the values of Midwestern determination and blue-collar work ethic. These principles would later infuse his teaching and philosophy, making his message resonate with everyday people seeking extraordinary results. The combination of early adversity, athletic achievement, and the drive to overcome limitations created the foundation for everything Lewis Howes would eventually become.

Professional Athletic Career and Life-Changing Injury

College Football Success and Two-Sport Excellence

At Capital University, Lewis Howes transformed from a promising high school athlete into a collegiate standout. He played football as a receiver and defensive back while simultaneously competing in decathlon for the track and field team. His exceptional versatility and dedication earned him All-American honors in both sports—a rare achievement that demonstrated his extraordinary athletic capabilities.

Howes set multiple records at Capital University and became one of the most decorated athletes in the school’s history. His football performances caught the attention of professional scouts, and he harbored dreams of playing in the NFL. When that pathway proved challenging, he was drafted by the Arena Football League, an indoor professional football league that offered another route to professional athletic success.

The Injury That Changed Everything

At age 24, while playing professional arena football and simultaneously competing for the USA National Handball Team, Howes suffered a devastating wrist injury that would alter the trajectory of his entire life. During practice, he broke his wrist in a way that required surgery and extensive rehabilitation. For most people, this might have been a temporary setback. For a professional athlete whose entire identity and livelihood depended on physical performance, it was catastrophic.

The injury didn’t just end his athletic career—it shattered his sense of self. Howes had defined himself as an athlete since childhood. Sports were his escape, his validation, and his path to success. Without the ability to compete, he faced an identity crisis that plunged him into depression and financial ruin.

With no backup plan, no college degree in a marketable field, and medical bills mounting, Howes found himself broke and sleeping on his sister’s couch in Columbus, Ohio. At 25 years old, wearing a cast on his wrist and facing an uncertain future, he hit rock bottom emotionally and financially. He describes this period as wearing what he’d later call “the stoic mask”—pretending everything was fine while internally struggling with despair and purposelessness.

This dark period, though painful, became the crucible that forged the Lewis Howes the world knows today. The injury forced him to confront fundamental questions: Who am I without sports? What else can I offer the world? How do I rebuild from nothing? The answers to these questions would lead him down an unexpected path that combined his athletic discipline with emerging digital opportunities.

From Athlete to Entrepreneur: The Journey Begins

The Broke Period: Rock Bottom at 25

Living on his sister’s couch in 2008, Lewis Howes represented the stereotype of the washed-up athlete. He had no significant savings, no clear career prospects, and was battling depression. The cast on his wrist served as a daily reminder of his shattered dreams. He was receiving unemployment benefits and struggling to cover basic expenses, let alone the medical bills from his injury.

During this period, Howes worked various odd jobs, including waiting tables and substitute teaching, but nothing felt right. He was overqualified for entry-level work but underqualified for professional positions. His college degree hadn’t prepared him for a business career, and the only thing he truly knew—athletics—was no longer an option.

Discovery of LinkedIn and Digital Marketing

The turning point came through necessity and curiosity. Confined to his sister’s couch with limited mobility due to his injury, Howes spent hours online searching for opportunities. He stumbled upon LinkedIn, which in 2008 was still a relatively new platform that most people didn’t fully understand or utilize effectively.

Howes approached LinkedIn the way he approached sports—with intense focus, strategic thinking, and relentless practice. He began studying the platform, understanding its algorithms, and learning how to leverage it for business networking. He consumed every piece of content he could find about social media marketing, online business, and digital entrepreneurship.

At age 26, with no formal business training but armed with athletic discipline and determination, Howes started offering LinkedIn consulting services. His first clients were small business owners and professionals who recognized the platform’s potential but didn’t know how to harness it. He charged modest fees initially—sometimes as little as $100 per consultation—but he was learning, building experience, and most importantly, generating income.

Building Sports Executives Association and SportNetworker

Howes identified a gap in the market: athletes and sports professionals needed better networking and career transition resources. Drawing from his own painful experience of having no plan after his athletic career ended, he created the Sports Executives Association, an online networking group for sports industry professionals.

This venture led to the creation of SportNetworker.com, a LinkedIn-focused networking platform specifically for the sports industry. The website offered advice, resources, and networking opportunities for athletes, coaches, and sports business professionals. It was here that Howes began building his personal brand and establishing himself as an expert in LinkedIn marketing and online networking.

By combining his athletic credibility with his growing digital marketing expertise, Howes found his unique value proposition. He wasn’t just another marketing consultant—he was someone who understood the sports world intimately and could help others in that space leverage new digital tools.

The Breakthrough: Webinars and Online Courses

At age 27, Howes discovered webinars—online seminars that allowed him to teach groups of people simultaneously from anywhere in the world. This discovery was transformative. He realized he could package his LinkedIn knowledge into structured courses and sell them to audiences far beyond his immediate network.

His first webinar product, “LinkedIn Profit System,” taught professionals how to use LinkedIn for business development and sales. The course resonated with entrepreneurs, salespeople, and business owners who saw LinkedIn as a goldmine but didn’t know how to mine it effectively.

Within months, Howes was generating six-figure income from his webinar business. By 2011, at age 28, he had created multiple online courses and was generating over a million dollars annually. He had transformed from broke and sleeping on a couch to running a thriving digital education business in less than three years.

The timeline of his entrepreneurial ascent is remarkable:

• 2008: Broke, on sister’s couch, learning LinkedIn
• 2009: First consulting clients, earning modest income
• 2010: Created Sports Executives Association and SportNetworker
• 2011: Six-figure webinar business launched
• 2012: Million-dollar revenue milestone achieved
• 2013: Launched The School of Greatness podcast

This rapid trajectory wasn’t luck—it was the result of applying athletic discipline to business. Howes approached entrepreneurship with the same intensity he brought to sports: setting clear goals, practicing relentlessly, studying competitors, and refusing to quit despite setbacks.

The School of Greatness Podcast: Building a Media Empire

In 2013, at age 30, Lewis Howes made a decision that would transform him from successful entrepreneur to cultural influencer: he launched The School of Greatness podcast. Initially conceived as a marketing tool for his online courses, the podcast quickly evolved into something far more significant—a platform for exploring what it means to live an exceptional life across all dimensions.

Why He Started the Podcast

Howes started the podcast with a clear mission: to interview high-performing individuals across various fields and extract the lessons, strategies, and mindsets that enabled their success. Unlike many business podcasts that focus solely on tactics and strategies, Howes took a holistic approach, exploring success in business, relationships, health, and personal fulfillment.

His background as an athlete who had experienced both victory and devastating loss gave him unique credibility. He wasn’t interviewing successful people from a position of journalistic distance—he was engaging as someone who understood the psychology of high performance, the pain of failure, and the process of rebuilding.

Growth and Impact

The School of Greatness launched in November 2013 and gained traction quickly. Howes leveraged his existing email list, social media following, and business network to promote early episodes. Within the first year, the podcast broke into iTunes’ top business podcasts, often ranking in the top 10 and occasionally reaching the number one spot.

Key milestones in the podcast’s growth:

• 2014: Reached 1 million downloads
• 2015: Surpassed 10 million total downloads
• 2017: Crossed 100 million downloads
• 2020: Achieved over 300 million downloads
• 2023: Surpassed 500 million downloads
• 2026: Over 600 million downloads across 1,500+ episodes

The podcast’s success can be attributed to several factors. First, Howes secured remarkable guests—Tony Robbins, Brené Brown, Tim Ferriss, Gary Vaynerchuk, Mel Robbins, Jay Shetty, and countless Olympic athletes, business moguls, and thought leaders. His athletic background gave him access to sports legends, while his business success attracted entrepreneurial guests.

Second, Howes asked different questions. Rather than focusing solely on business tactics, he explored vulnerability, relationships, spirituality, and emotional health. He openly discussed his own struggles with insecurity, relationship challenges, and the “masks” men wear to hide their true selves. This authenticity created deep connections with listeners.

Evolution of Content

Initially focused on business and entrepreneurship, The School of Greatness evolved to cover what Howes calls the “three pillars of greatness”: meaningful relationships, wellness and health, and service and mission. Episodes explore topics ranging from building successful businesses to healing childhood trauma, from optimizing physical fitness to developing emotional intelligence.

The podcast’s format typically features 45-60 minute conversations, though some episodes extend to 90 minutes or longer. Howes’s interviewing style is conversational yet probing—he creates space for guests to share vulnerably while keeping conversations focused and valuable.

In 2018, Howes expanded the podcast to video format, publishing full episodes on YouTube. This multi-platform approach significantly expanded his reach, with the YouTube channel growing to over 1.5 million subscribers. The visual format allowed viewers to see the emotional moments, body language, and connection between Howes and his guests.

Recognition and Awards

The School of Greatness has received numerous accolades:

• Consistently ranked among iTunes’ top 100 podcasts overall
• Winner of multiple Webby Award nominations
• Featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Inc., and Success Magazine as a must-listen podcast
• Over 600 million downloads as of 2026
• More than 1,500 episodes published

The podcast has become a launching pad for Howes’s other ventures—his books, speaking engagements, online courses, and coaching programs all grew from the audience and authority he built through consistent, high-quality podcast content.

Bestselling Author and Published Works

Lewis Howes’s success as a podcaster naturally led to opportunities in book publishing. His ability to distill complex personal development concepts into actionable advice, combined with his growing platform, positioned him perfectly for authorship.

The School of Greatness (2015)

At age 32, Howes published his first book, The School of Greatness: A Real-World Guide to Living Bigger, Loving Deeper, and Leaving a Legacy. The book became a New York Times bestseller and established Howes as a serious voice in the personal development space beyond podcasting.

The book synthesizes lessons from his podcast interviews and his own journey from athlete to entrepreneur. It presents what Howes identifies as the eight essential steps to greatness:

1. Create a vision
2. Turn adversity into advantage
3. Cultivate a champion’s mindset
4. Develop hustle
5. Master your body
6. Practice positive habits
7. Build a winning team
8. Be of service to others

What distinguished this book from other personal development titles was Howes’s vulnerability. He openly discussed his learning disabilities, childhood sexual abuse, athletic failures, and business setbacks. This authenticity resonated with readers who were tired of success books that painted unrealistic pictures of achievement.

The book received strong reviews from both critics and readers, with many praising its practical frameworks combined with inspirational storytelling. It spent multiple weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and has sold hundreds of thousands of copies worldwide.

The Mask of Masculinity (2017)

At age 34, Howes published what many consider his most important work: The Mask of Masculinity: How Men Can Embrace Vulnerability, Create Strong Relationships, and Live Their Fullest Lives. This book represented a bold departure from typical business and success literature, tackling the emotional and psychological challenges men face in modern society.

The book identifies nine “masks” men wear to hide their true selves:

• The Stoic Mask
• The Athlete Mask
• The Material Mask
• The Sexual Mask
• The Aggressive Mask
• The Joker Mask
• The Invincible Mask
• The Know-It-All Mask
• The Alpha Mask

Howes wrote from deep personal experience, revealing his own history of wearing these masks to protect himself from vulnerability and emotional pain. He discussed his childhood sexual abuse publicly for the first time in this book, explaining how that trauma led him to adopt various masks throughout his life.

The book sparked important conversations about toxic masculinity, emotional health, and the importance of men developing emotional intelligence and vulnerability. It became another New York Times bestseller and positioned Howes as a leading voice in the evolving conversation about healthy masculinity.

The Greatness Mindset (2023)

At age 40, Howes published The Greatness Mindset: Unlock the Power of Your Mind and Live Your Best Life Today. This book represents the culmination of a decade of podcasting, coaching, and personal growth. It focuses on the mental frameworks and belief systems necessary for sustainable success and fulfillment.

The book introduces Howes’s concept of “meaningful mission”—the idea that true greatness comes not from achievement alone but from aligning your actions with your deepest values and purposes. It offers frameworks for overcoming self-doubt, healing past wounds, and designing a life of impact.

The Greatness Mindset debuted on the New York Times bestseller list and received praise for offering fresh perspectives on personal development topics that had been extensively covered by other authors. Howes’s unique contribution was integrating lessons about vulnerability, service, and emotional health with traditional achievement psychology.

Impact and Reception

Collectively, Howes’s books have sold over one million copies worldwide and have been translated into multiple languages. His publishing success demonstrated that his influence extended beyond podcast listeners to a broader audience seeking guidance on personal growth, business success, and emotional wellbeing.

Critics have noted that while Howes’s writing doesn’t break new theoretical ground in personal development, his contribution lies in his accessible presentation, authentic storytelling, and practical frameworks. His books serve as entry points for people new to personal development and as reinforcement for those already on the journey.

Personal Life, Relationships, and Core Philosophy

Lewis Howes has been notably open about his personal life, relationships, and ongoing personal development journey—a transparency that has endeared him to his audience while also occasionally drawing criticism.

Relationships and Personal Growth

Throughout his 30s, Howes dated several women and was open about his struggles with maintaining long-term relationships. He often discussed on his podcast how his childhood trauma and the masks he wore created barriers to genuine intimacy. His relationship challenges became teaching moments, as he worked with therapists and coaches to heal emotional wounds and develop healthier relationship patterns.

In his early 40s, Howes has been more private about his relationship status, though he continues to share general insights about dating, intimacy, and partnership. He currently resides in Los Angeles, California, where he built a home designed to support his lifestyle of health, creativity, and regular hosting of podcast guests and events.

Lifestyle and Daily Practices

At 42, Howes maintains the disciplined lifestyle of an athlete while embracing practices focused on emotional and spiritual wellbeing. His daily routine typically includes:

• Morning meditation and visualization
• Physical exercise (weight training, yoga, or sports)
• Journaling and goal-setting
• Healthy, plant-focused nutrition
• Evening gratitude practice

He’s passionate about health optimization and regularly discusses fitness, nutrition, and wellness practices on his podcast and social media. Standing 6’4″ tall, Howes maintains an athletic physique and often participates in recreational sports including volleyball, basketball, and handball.

Core Philosophy and Definition of Greatness

Howes defines “greatness” not as achievement or accumulation but as living in alignment with your values while serving others. His philosophy rests on several core principles:

• Service Over Success: True greatness comes from how you impact others, not what you accumulate for yourself. At 42, Howes consistently emphasizes that his measure of success has shifted from revenue and reach to the positive transformation his work creates in people’s lives.
• Vulnerability as Strength: Howes teaches that the masks we wear to protect ourselves actually prevent genuine connection and fulfillment. Real strength comes from acknowledging weakness, seeking help, and showing up authentically.
• Holistic Achievement: Success in one area while failing in others isn’t greatness—it’s imbalance. Howes advocates for simultaneous development in relationships, health, career, and spiritual life.
• Healing and Growth: Everyone carries wounds from their past. Greatness requires acknowledging these wounds, doing the difficult work of healing, and using your story to help others.
• Mission-Driven Living: The “greatness mindset” means waking up each day clear on your purpose and taking aligned action, rather than drifting through life reacting to circumstances.

Addressing Controversies

Like many public figures in the personal development space, Howes has faced occasional criticism. Some have questioned whether his message oversimplifies complex psychological issues or whether his emphasis on achievement perpetuates unhealthy striving. Others have critiqued his coaching programs as expensive or noted that some early business advice didn’t age well.

Howes has generally responded to criticism by emphasizing that he’s sharing his journey and lessons, not claiming to be perfect or have all answers. In recent years, he’s been more explicit about encouraging listeners to seek professional help for serious mental health issues and to view his content as supplementary to, not replacement for, therapy or medical care.

Current Projects and Business Ventures

At 42, Lewis Howes operates a multifaceted business empire centered on personal development, education, and media. His current ventures demonstrate how he’s evolved from webinar entrepreneur to influential thought leader with diverse revenue streams.

The School of Greatness Ecosystem

The podcast remains the hub of Howes’s business, generating revenue through sponsorships, advertising, and serving as the primary marketing channel for his other offerings. With over 1,500 episodes published and continuing to release 2-3 new episodes weekly, the podcast attracts major brand sponsors including LinkedIn, Athletic Greens, Better Help, and various technology and wellness companies.

Online Courses and Coaching Programs

Howes offers several premium educational programs:

• Greatness Academy: A membership community providing courses, coaching, and resources focused on business, relationships, and personal growth. The monthly membership model creates recurring revenue while building a dedicated community.
• Business Coaching Programs: High-ticket coaching programs for entrepreneurs and business owners seeking to scale their companies while maintaining wellness and strong relationships.
• Specific Skill Courses: Various online courses teaching specific skills such as webinar creation, podcast launching, public speaking, and LinkedIn marketing—drawing on the expertise that launched his career.

Speaking and Events

Howes commands speaking fees in the range of $50,000-$100,000+ per engagement, delivering keynote presentations at corporate events, conferences, and leadership summits. He speaks on topics including leadership, peak performance, emotional intelligence, and building purpose-driven organizations.

He also hosts live events and mastermind retreats, bringing together entrepreneurs and high-performers for intensive multi-day experiences. These events combine business strategy, personal development, and wellness practices, often held at luxury retreat locations.

Social Media and Digital Presence

Howes maintains a strong presence across multiple platforms:

• Instagram: 3+ million followers, sharing daily content including motivational posts, podcast clips, fitness content, and personal updates
• YouTube: 1.5+ million subscribers, featuring full podcast episodes and supplementary content
• LinkedIn: Hundreds of thousands of connections, regularly sharing business insights and professional development content
• Facebook: Large following engaged with podcast content and inspirational messages
• Email List: Hundreds of thousands of subscribers receiving regular newsletters, podcast updates, and promotional content

Media Production

Beyond his own podcast, Howes has expanded into media production, developing content for other platforms and exploring opportunities in television and streaming. His production company creates video content, documentary-style interviews, and explores new formats for delivering personal development content to evolving audiences.

Partnerships and Endorsements

At 42, Howes partners with select brands aligned with his wellness and personal development message. These partnerships include fitness equipment companies, supplement brands, productivity tools, and educational platforms. He’s selective about endorsements, typically partnering only with products and services he personally uses.

Recognition, Awards, and Media Appearances

Lewis Howes’s influence has been recognized through various awards, media features, and high-profile appearances that have amplified his reach beyond his core audience.

Awards and Honors

• Multiple Webby Award nominations for The School of Greatness podcast
• Named to the Inc. Magazine list of Top 100 Leadership Speakers
• Recognized by Success Magazine as one of the top personal development experts
• Featured in Forbes as a leading entrepreneur and influencer
• Named one of the top health and wellness podcasters by Apple Podcasts

Major Media Appearances

Howes has been featured or appeared on numerous major media platforms:

• Television: Guest appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Today Show, Good Morning America
• Print Media: Featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Inc., Men’s Health, Success Magazine, Fast Company
• Podcasts: Guest on Tim Ferriss Show, Joe Rogan Experience, Impact Theory, On Purpose with Jay Shetty, and dozens of other top podcasts
• Speaking Stages: TEDx talks, Summit Series, Podcast Movement, Traffic & Conversion Summit, and numerous industry conferences

Influence and Reach

Current metrics demonstrating Howes’s influence:

• 600+ million podcast downloads
• 3+ million social media followers across platforms
• 1+ million books sold
• Featured in personal development curricula at universities and corporate training programs
• Cited by other authors and speakers as a influential voice in modern masculinity and personal development

His interviews have been viewed and shared millions of times, with several podcast episodes and video clips going viral. Notable viral moments include his conversations about masculinity, vulnerability, and success with guests like Tony Robbins, Brené Brown, and Matthew McConaughey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lewis Howes

How old is Lewis Howes?

Lewis Howes was born March 16, 1983, making him 42 years old as of 2026.

What is Lewis Howes’ net worth?

While exact figures aren’t publicly disclosed, estimates place Lewis Howes’s net worth between $10-15 million based on his businesses, book sales, and media ventures.

Is Lewis Howes married?

Lewis Howes is currently not married, though he has been open about his relationship journey and his work on developing healthier partnership patterns.

What happened to Lewis Howes’ athletic career?

At age 24, Howes suffered a career-ending wrist injury while playing arena football, which forced his retirement from professional sports.

How did Lewis Howes become successful?

Howes rebuilt from financial ruin by teaching himself LinkedIn marketing, creating online courses, launching The School of Greatness podcast, and authoring bestselling books.

What is The School of Greatness about?

The School of Greatness is a podcast exploring peak performance, personal development, relationships, and wellness through interviews with high-achieving guests and solo episodes.

What books has Lewis Howes written?

Howes has written three New York Times bestsellers: The School of Greatness (2015), The Mask of Masculinity (2017), and The Greatness Mindset (2023).

Where does Lewis Howes live?

Lewis Howes currently resides in Los Angeles, California, where he records his podcast and runs his businesses.

What is Lewis Howes’s podcast ranking?

The School of Greatness consistently ranks among the top 100 podcasts globally and frequently reaches top 10 in business and self-improvement categories.

How can I work with Lewis Howes?

Howes offers various programs through his website including online courses, coaching programs, and his Greatness Academy membership community.

Lewis Howes’s Continuing Legacy

From a broke 25-year-old sleeping on his sister’s couch to a 42-year-old influencer reaching millions, Lewis Howes’s journey embodies the transformation narrative at the heart of American entrepreneurship. His path from professional athlete to business failure to media mogul offers a blueprint for reinvention—one that emphasizes vulnerability, service, and holistic success over mere financial achievement.

Through The School of Greatness podcast, his bestselling books, and his continued work in personal development, Howes has created a legacy centered on helping others discover their own greatness. His willingness to discuss his struggles with learning disabilities, childhood trauma, relationship challenges, and the masks men wear has opened conversations about masculine vulnerability that continue to evolve.

As he enters his mid-40s, Howes shows no signs of slowing down, continuing to interview the world’s most successful people, sharing insights with millions, and building businesses that serve his mission of helping people live more meaningful, connected, and purposeful lives.

Ready to start your greatness journey? Visit Gensparks.co.uk to access his podcast, courses, and community resources designed to help you achieve your biggest goals.