Successful Failure: Lessons Learned Flat on My Face
$0.99
Price: $0.99
(as of Oct 08, 2025 03:13:20 UTC – Details)
Being successful is no laughing matter . . . unless the road there is littered with flops, fool’s errands, fizzles, and straight-up failures—from the New York Times bestselling co-author of Marriage Be Hard.
“I’m so happy Kev failed, because these stories will set so many free from perfection!”—Tabitha Brown, bestselling author of Feeding the Soul
Kevin Fredericks (aka KevOnStage) is a viral stand-up star, an NAACP Image Award-winning comedian, the founder of KevOnStage Studios, a New York Times bestselling author, and a superstar on social media. But his path to success wasn’t always smooth. As a kid, Kevin noticed something useful: If he made people laugh, the grown-ups would let him stay up late. In church plays, his commitment to the role of Goliath led to a busted lip, and the audience couldn’t get enough. He dreamed of becoming a performer, of finding that big break that would launch him into the bright lights of pop culture fame. But as he soon found, the road to the life we want is longer, weirder, more embarrassing, and more entertaining than we think it will be.
In Successful Failure, the comedian recounts hilarious stories and sincere insight from his adventures (and misadventures) trying to make it in life. From performing under an alias to avoid getting fired from his suit-and-tie day job to breaking a chair onstage and quitting stand-up for six months, from pooping his pants on a bus next to his future wife to starting a clothing line called Dreams Don’t Die (they sure do if the merch doesn’t sell), Kevin reminds listeners that while we might not be The Rock, Warren Buffett, or Kevin Hart, we’re all out here trying, and that’s okay.
Laugh-out-loud in one moment and perceptive in the next, Successful Failure is a wild ride from one of America’s funniest comics and a sendup of our ideals around hustle culture and success.
Customers say
Customers find the book humorous, with one review describing it as a “hilarious take on success.” Moreover, the inspirational content receives positive feedback, with one customer noting that it doesn’t feel preachy and another mentioning how it brightens their day with wisdom.
V. MACK –
I Loved It! Listen to Melissa
Kevin Fredericksâ Successful Failure is more than just a book itâs a blueprint for pushing through setbacks, silencing self-doubt, and redefining what success really looks like. His honesty,(especially the Doo-Doo) humor, and transparency about his own missteps and lessons made me feel seen, encouraged, and motivated.This isnât one of those self-help books that talks at you. It feels like a conversation or real story telling with a friend. You can literally see what’s happening. Kevin mixes faith, wisdom, and a whole lot of humor in a way that keeps the pages turning.If youâve ever felt stuck, discouraged, or afraid to take the next step, this book is a must-read. Kev proves that success isnât about never fallingâitâs about how you rise after the fall. And I absolutely loved every word of it. Most importantly if you are blessed enough to have a spouse like Melissa always listen to Melissa. I know Jason is super proud. (yes I cried) ð I also hope he lets his Mom write an episode of Churchy and The Hospital at least one since she is where he gets it from. Oh and whoever made the Illuminati comment ya Momâs a h##. Great Book
Larry W. Robinson –
A Refreshing, Honest, and Hilarious Take on Success
Kevin Fredericks has done it again! Successful Failure is equal parts laugh-out-loud funny and deeply inspiring. What I appreciate most is Kevinâs honesty. He doesnât just tell polished success stories, he shares the missteps, flops, and embarrassing moments that actually shaped his journey. From busted lips onstage to business ideas that didnât go as planned, he reminds us that failure isnât the end. Itâs part of the process.This book is a breath of fresh air in a culture obsessed with perfection and hustle. Kevinâs transparency gives you permission to embrace your own setbacks as stepping stones to growth. The humor keeps the pages turning, but the life lessons stay with you long after you put the book down.If youâve ever felt discouraged by mistakes or slow progress, this book will encourage you to keep going. Successful Failure is not just a comedy-filled memoir. Itâs a guide to finding freedom and confidence in your own imperfect journey. Highly recommended!
Koyia Wiggins –
Funny, heartwarming, and entertaining
My husband and I enjoy this book so much that we highly recommend purchasing. This book by Kev will brighten your day with his wisdom and laughs and give you something to look forward too.I’m planning on getting another one as a Christmas gift too.Proud of how far this man has come and ready for his next book!
Shamikia Brown –
MUST READ
Im hooked on this book. KEV is so funny, you really feel like he is talking to you personally. Good read KEV. Well done
leila –
Falling, Laughing, Rising: My Take on Successful Failure
Man, Successful Failure hit me right. KevOnStage doesnât come telling you how perfect he is and he brings all the mess. The awkward, embarrassing, soul-stinging moments. I found myself laughing at stuff you normally wouldnât confess and nodding when he got real about business mistakes, contracts unsigned, or bombs on stage. Itâs not a blueprint, but more like watching someone trip over the stones so you know which ones to avoid or at least laugh abou).Kevâs voice carries you. It doesnât feel preachy. It doesnât feel distant. It feels like a brother saying: âYeah, I failed. But Iâm still here.â If youâve ever messed up big or small chasing something or trying to be seen, youâll feel seen in this book.
WT –
Real talk from a hella funny guy
I loved this book! Kevin Fredericks talks about success and failure in a way thatâs honest, hilarious, and so relatable. He shares his biggest missteps without shame and shows how each one helped him grow. Itâs refreshing to read something that makes failure feel like a normal â even necessary â part of the journey.The stories are laugh-out-loud funny and full of real lessons you can apply to your own life. If youâve ever felt stuck or scared to take a chance, Successful Failure will give you the courage to keep going. Highly recommend!
Sandy –
Confidence builder
Loved the book. Very helpful
MARIA BAILEY –
Stage Krew member
Must read. Very relatable content.
Ruby M –
I found myself audibly laughing throughout this book. Iâve been a fan of Kev since 2015 in high-school religiously watching All Def. I hate to sound parasocial, but when you have been watching Kev & Melissaâs journey for so long, it really feels like listening to an uncle or older cousin sharing valuable (but funny) stories and life lessons.This book is such an incredible testimony of resilience & acceptance. My only regret is I didnât read along with the audio book! Well done Kev!!