How I Built This with Guy Raz
Guy Raz | Wondery
Guy Raz interviews the world’s best-known entrepreneurs to learn how they built their iconic brands. In each episode, founders reveal deep, intimate moments of doubt and failure, and share insights on their eventual success. How I Built This is a master-class on innovation, creativity, leadership and how to navigate challenges of all kinds.New episodes release on Mondays and Thursdays. Listen to How I Built This on the Wondery App or wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/how-i-built-this now. Get your How I Built This merch at WonderyShop.com/HowIBuiltThis.
Episodes
Mentioned books
15 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 43min
Advice Line with Troy Carter of Atom Factory
Troy Carter, founder of Atom Factory and former manager of Lady Gaga, shares his entrepreneurial wisdom. He tackles questions from early-stage entrepreneurs about scaling businesses while maintaining authenticity. Troy discusses the challenges of reaching audiences in a saturated market and highlights the importance of effective influencer collaborations. He also offers insights on niche marketing and the role of social media in building brand loyalty, all while emphasizing the significance of artist ownership in the evolving music industry.
201 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 1h 6min
WHOOP: Will Ahmed
Will Ahmed, founder and CEO of WHOOP, shares his journey from being a Harvard squash player to creating a revolutionary wearable health device. He emphasizes the impact of data on athletic performance, discussing how sleep and recovery can enhance training. Ahmed details the tough road of launching WHOOP, including overcoming fierce competition and transitioning to a subscription model. He also highlights innovations that cater to both elite athletes and everyday users, underscoring the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship.
16 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 40min
Advice Line with Justin McLeod of Hinge
Justin McLeod, the founder and CEO of Hinge, shares his insights on fostering genuine connections in today's digital world. He engages with early-stage founders, offering advice on market expansion and effective marketing strategies. Justin emphasizes Hinge's initiatives aimed at intentional dating and mental health support. The discussion also highlights creative entrepreneurial journeys, including transforming sports history into art and overcoming funding hurdles. His perspective on authenticity in dating and business is both enlightening and entertaining.
21 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 1h 28min
Chobani: Hamdi Ulukaya (2022)
Hamdi Ulukaya, the founder and CEO of Chobani, shares his inspiring journey from Turkey to America as an immigrant who transformed the yogurt industry. He recalls the pivotal moment when he purchased an abandoned yogurt factory that ignited his entrepreneurial spirit. The podcast covers the early struggles of building Chobani, including financial setbacks and the emotional toll of managing a brand during a crisis. Hamdi emphasizes the importance of community and social responsibility in business, along with Chobani's exciting future plans for expansion.
9 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 51min
Advice Line with Norma Kamali of Norma Kamali (2024)
Norma Kamali, the iconic fashion designer known for her innovative creations, teams up with Ahmed Ejaz, founder of the Cambridge Spectacle Company, to offer insights to budding entrepreneurs. They discuss balancing creative visions with financial realities. Ahmed seeks advice on storytelling for his eyewear brand, while another caller, Bob, shares his soup restaurant concept focusing on nutritious offerings. Additionally, they explore the importance of authenticity in branding and the challenges of scaling an inclusive activewear business.
53 snips
Jul 7, 2025 • 1h 18min
Rick Steves' Europe: Rick Steves (2021)
Rick Steves, a renowned travel writer and TV host, shares his adventures from backpacking in Europe on two dollars a day to building a $120 million travel empire. He discusses the importance of affordable travel and how he successfully turned free content into a loyal audience. Steves reflects on the evolution of travel media, his transition from selling guidebooks to producing TV shows, and his personal journey with health awareness. His passion for sharing authentic experiences remains central to his mission in the travel industry.
17 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 51min
Advice Line with Jim Koch of Boston Beer Company (August 2024)
Jim Koch, founder of the Boston Beer Company and a pioneer of the craft beer movement, shares his expertise on brand building and navigating market challenges. He offers advice to Kim on entering the rum market with her apparel line, Llance on launching his tea-bag broth nationally, and Ami on enhancing her electrical contracting business's customer service. Koch emphasizes the importance of storytelling and emotional connections to foster brand loyalty, while addressing growth strategies and the significance of clear communication in entrepreneurship.
78 snips
Jun 30, 2025 • 1h 13min
Talenti: Josh Hochschuler
Josh Hochschuler, founder of Talenti Gelato, shares his journey from experiencing Argentina's vibrant gelato culture to launching a successful brand in the U.S. He faced early setbacks, including shutting down his retail shop to pivot to wholesale, which ultimately led to Talenti's national acclaim. Hochschuler discusses the importance of resilience, creative marketing, and strategic partnerships, including a game-changing deal with Costco and navigating the 2008 financial crisis. His story highlights the transformative nature of entrepreneurship and personal growth.
33 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 47min
Advice Line with Eric Ryan of Method
Eric Ryan, co-founder of Method and serial entrepreneur, shares his expertise on market entry strategies and his latest venture, Tandy, a functional candy brand. He dives into finding mentors for young entrepreneurs, scaling unique products, and the balance between control and growth in business. Ryan also highlights the importance of innovative marketing and strategic partnerships while sharing anecdotes from his own journey. He offers practical advice to founders navigating the competitive landscape of their respective industries.
83 snips
Jun 23, 2025 • 1h 14min
UNTUCKit: Chris Riccobono
In this engaging discussion, Chris Riccobono, the founder of UNTUCKit, shares his entrepreneurial journey from a GE salesman frustrated with dress shirts to launching a successful clothing brand. He details the challenges of creating the perfect untucked shirt and overcoming manufacturing hurdles. Chris highlights pivotal moments like a risky shift to physical retail in Soho and a transformative radio ad campaign. He also reflects on navigating the brand through financial hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing resilience and adaptability in the ever-changing fashion industry.
