Derrick Johns: Podcast Interview with Nic Espanet

In this episode of The Flex Forward Podcast, host Nic Espanet sits down with Derrick Johns, a former Marine turned medtech entrepreneur based in Austin, Texas. Derrick shares the journey behind founding Diffusion Technologies, a company developing revolutionary biomaterials like ZFuse—designed to overcome chronic inflammation caused by traditional implant materials like titanium and stainless steel.

Derrick opens up about starting his company during the 2009 financial crisis, funding it with the help of surgeon friends, and even selling a car to make payroll. The episode dives into how his team’s grit led to a 93.4% spinal fusion success rate in just 6–8 months—far outperforming industry norms.

He also explains exciting future applications for ZFuse, from breast implants to hernia mesh, and the science behind how their technology avoids rejection by the immune system. You’ll also hear his thoughts on resilience, overcoming hospital contracting hurdles, and the book that’s helped guide him through some of the toughest battles: The 33 Strategies of War by Robert Greene.

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