Mark Cuban says money changes how people see you. On the “Your Mom’s House” podcast, the billionaire joked that wealth “makes ugly people handsome and pretty,” adding that fame and money go hand in hand when it comes to how people treat you. Despite his status, Cuban keeps his circle tight, mostly sticking to old friends from high school, college, and rugby. He admits the attention can be overwhelming. Even his kids sometimes ask him to skip their games to avoid a scene. Still, he’s quick to clarify: money doesn’t guarantee happiness. “If you were miserable poor, you’ll be miserable rich,” he said. One of his first big buys was a private jet, but he says the real benefit is time. Cuban started hustling at 16 during a newspaper strike and has stayed curious ever since. Today, he’s focused on learning about AI and healthcare and believes failure is essential to success. “If you’re not failing, you’re not trying.”