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#462: Guy Raz — Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs, The Story of 'How I Built This,' Overcoming Anxiety and Depression, and More

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Sep 10, 2020

Guest

Guy Raz

In this engaging conversation, Guy Raz, creator of acclaimed podcasts like 'How I Built This,' shares his journey through the world of storytelling and entrepreneurship. He discusses the delicate balance between skepticism and cynicism as a journalist. Raz opens up about personal battles with anxiety and depression, emphasizing the importance of empathy. He also reflects on the power of optimism in entrepreneurship and the impact of storytelling. Finally, he navigates the evolving podcast landscape and champions the need for kindness and creativity in the community.

01:48:55

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ADVICE

Interview Preparation

Prepare extensively for interviews by conducting thorough research.
Contextualize the guest's story and be willing to discuss everything.

insights

INSIGHT

Contextualizing Stories

People are complex, and their stories should be presented in context.
Don't shy away from discussing difficult or embarrassing topics if they are relevant.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Securities Fraud and Interview Cancellation

Guy Raz discovered an entrepreneur he wanted to interview had been jailed for securities fraud.
The entrepreneur refused to discuss it, so the interview never happened.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Health Benefits and Convenience of Fermented Puerh Tea

02:05 • 4min

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The Art of Interviewing: Creating Connection

06:03 • 27min

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Exploring Orwell's Legacy

32:51 • 7min

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The Quest for Truth and Personal Struggles with Depression

39:36 • 3min

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Navigating Mental Health and Transitions

42:44 • 23min

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The Power of Optimism in Entrepreneurship

01:05:39 • 14min

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Navigating Podcasting's Future

01:19:57 • 24min

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Empowering Entrepreneurship Through Storytelling and Practical Resources

In 'Homage to Catalonia', George Orwell provides a firsthand and candid account of his experiences during the Spanish Civil War. The book details his decision to enlist in the worker's militia of the POUM (Partido Obrero de Unificación Marxista), his training in Barcelona, and his time on the front lines in Aragón. Orwell vividly describes the camaraderie, hardships, and political complexities of the war, including the betrayal of the anarchist and socialist factions by the Communist Party. The book also includes his personal account of being wounded and his subsequent hospitalization, as well as his observations on the political deceit and media manipulation that characterized the conflict. Orwell's narrative is marked by his commitment to honesty, his critique of political factions, and his admiration for the resilience and courage of the Spanish people.

Darkness at Noon

Arthur Koestler

Published in 1940, 'Darkness at Noon' is a haunting portrait of life under totalitarian rule. The novel revolves around Nicholas Rubashov, a former high-ranking official in a communist regime, who is arrested and subjected to intense interrogation and psychological manipulation. The story explores the moral crises and existential dilemmas faced by Rubashov as he grapples with the consequences of his past actions and the ideologies he once fervently believed in. The book is a powerful critique of Stalinist totalitarianism and the corrosive effects of political corruption, making it a seminal work of 20th-century literature.

Awareness

a de Mello spirituality conference in his own words

Anthony de Mello

In 'Awareness', Anthony de Mello combines Christian spirituality, Buddhist parables, Hindu breathing exercises, and psychological insight to challenge readers to wake up from the go-go-go world of illusion. The book, composed of short chapters and lectures, encourages readers to become aware of their thoughts, actions, and motivations. De Mello argues that true happiness and freedom come from dropping illusions and living in the present, free from the constructs of culture, conditioning, and fear. He emphasizes the need to observe oneself, understand negative feelings, and practice detachment to achieve a more authentic and fulfilling life.

Rediscovering Life

Awaken to Reality

Anthony de Mello

In 'Rediscovering Life: Awaken to Reality', Anthony De Mello offers insights into breaking free from attachments and misconceptions that lead to dissatisfaction. This book, based on a lecture given before his death, invites readers to transform their lives by seeing the world and God in a new light. It explores themes of attachment, false beliefs, and the path to inner peace and freedom.

The hero with a thousand faces

Joseph Campbell

In this book, Joseph Campbell explores his theory of the 'monomyth', a universal pattern found in the mythological narratives of various cultures. He details the stages of the 'hero's journey', which include departure from the ordinary world, initiation into a supernatural world, and return with a boon. Campbell draws on a wide range of mythological sources and integrates insights from psychology, particularly from Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud, to illustrate the common elements of heroic myths across different cultures.

How I Built This

Guy Raz

Based on his highly acclaimed NPR podcast, *How I Built This*, Guy Raz shares stories and lessons from over 200 successful entrepreneurs. The book provides guidance on formulating ideas, raising funds, recruiting employees, and overcoming challenges. It emphasizes the importance of passion, purpose, and collaboration in building lasting businesses.

“There is a natural skepticism that you develop as a journalist, which I think is important. But oftentimes that develops into cynicism.” — Guy Raz

Guy Raz (@guyraz) is the Michael Phelps of podcasting. He’s the creator and host of the popular podcasts How I Built This, Wisdom from the Top, and The Rewind and the co-creator of the acclaimed podcasts TED Radio Hour and Wow in the World, a children’s program. He’s received the Edward R. Murrow Award, the Daniel Schorr Journalism Prize, the National Headliner Award, the NABJ Award… basically, all the awards.

His brand-new book is titled How I Built This: The Unexpected Paths to Success from the World’s Most Inspiring Entrepreneurs. Past podcast guest Adam Grant has this to say about it: “[This book is] the mother of all entrepreneurship memoirs. It’s a must-read for anyone who wants to start a business, grow a business, or be inspired by those who do.”

Please enjoy!

***

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