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
Oct 6, 2025 • 1h 6min
Pressbox and Tide Cleaners: Vijen Patel. The $1.99 Gamble That Built a National Brand
Vijen Patel, co-founder of Pressbox (now Tide Cleaners), shares his journey from private equity to launching a locker-based dry-cleaning service. He discusses how a $1.99 price point exposed a gap in the market, leading to a scalable business model. Vijen highlights the importance of unit economics, their low-tech approach, and how they achieved a 98% customer retention goal. After selling to Procter & Gamble, he founded The 81 Collection, investing in 'boring' businesses that power the economy.
30 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 49min
Advice Line with Tony Xu of Doordash
Tony Xu, Co-founder and CEO of DoorDash, shares his insights on navigating entrepreneurship and expanding a business. He discusses DoorDash's ambitious growth into grocery and retail markets, as well as international ventures. Xu addresses callers' questions, advising on when to expand product lines and the complexities of fundraising. He emphasizes the importance of understanding product-market fit and educating consumers on quality. His lessons on managing stress and trusting your instincts make this an invaluable listen for budding entrepreneurs.
82 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 1h 5min
Craigslist: Craig Newmark — The Forrest Gump of the Internet
In this chat, Craig Newmark, the founder of Craigslist, shares how he unintentionally launched one of the internet's biggest platforms simply to connect friends through local events. He emphasizes the value of simplicity and community over conventional marketing. Craig talks about rejecting banner ads and opting for minimal monetization, along with his journey from a quirky mailing list to a global service. Plus, he reflects on his philanthropic efforts, attributing his success to being at the right place at the right time, earning him the title 'Forrest Gump of the Internet'.
17 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 52min
Advice Line with Randy Hetrick of TRX
Randy Hetrick, a former Navy SEAL and founder of TRX, shares his wisdom on early-stage entrepreneurship while updating listeners on his latest venture, a mobile gym called Outfit. He advises Paige from Benny on capitalizing on a new retail account, emphasizing community-building and beneficial partnerships. Kerri seeks guidance on selecting strategic investors for her bakery, while Katharine questions whether to broaden her adaptive clothing brand's focus. Randy stresses the importance of patience and profitability, drawing from his journey with TRX.
77 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 7min
Poppi: Allison and Stephen Ellsworth. From Farmers Market Vinegar Drink to $2B Soda Sensation
Allison Ellsworth, co-founder of Poppi and former health-conscious vinegar enthusiast, and her husband Stephen, who manages product development and operations, share their incredible journey. They discuss transforming a hobby into a farmers market hit before rebranding and scaling up as 'Poppi.' Hear how a Shark Tank deal and their bold decision to market it as soda propelled them to success. Discover the creative use of TikTok during the pandemic and what it took for Poppi to get acquired by Pepsi for nearly $2B. Their story blends love, entrepreneurship, and innovation!
39 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 46min
Advice Line with Bobbi Brown of Jones Road Beauty
Bobbi Brown, a legendary makeup entrepreneur known for founding Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and Jones Road Beauty, shares her insights on transforming her career at 62. She dives into brand philosophy and the importance of quality and creative control. Also featured is Henry from Tannin Oral Care, who discusses his innovative mouth rinse for coffee lovers. They explore how to position health products as wellness essentials, the significance of community engagement, and strategic growth beyond local markets.
114 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 1h 8min
Nirav Tolia: Nextdoor. How neighborhood chatter went global
Nirav Tolia, co-founder of Nextdoor, stepped away from a lucrative career at Yahoo to enhance local connectivity. He shares his journey of creating a platform where neighbors can communicate, tackling challenges like establishing trust and defining neighborhood boundaries. Tolia discusses how an initial lack of vision became a unique advantage and the lessons learned from past failures. He emphasizes the untapped potential of local-focused tech, leading to a remarkable rebrand that now serves over 100 million users, ultimately redefining neighborhood engagement.
44 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 56min
Advice Line with Dave Weiner of Priority Bicycles
Dave Weiner, Founder and CEO of Priority Bicycles, shares insights from his transition from tech to biking. He tackles questions from budding entrepreneurs about national market strategies, striking work-life balance, and innovative marketing for niche products like coffee syrup and dog treats. Weiner discusses sustaining sales in uncertain markets and offers practical tips on business expansion while maintaining personal priorities. His journey is a blend of entrepreneurship and lifestyle, inspiring listeners to navigate their own paths with creativity and resilience.
86 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 1h 14min
Carlton Calvin: Razor. The wild rise, collapse, and reinvention of a mobile toy empire.
Carlton Calvin, an ex-lawyer turned toy mogul, shares his wild journey from the explosive success of Razor scooters to a near collapse. He reflects on spotting trends that captivated kids, from Pogs to electric-powered scooters. Amidst fluctuating interests, Carlton emphasizes the importance of timing and partnerships in building a lasting brand. He discusses the innovative pivots that saved Razor, showcasing how creativity and a deep understanding of customer desires drove transformation in the mobile toy industry.
49 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 38min
Advice Line: Playing to Your Strengths
In a mashup of entrepreneurial wisdom, guests explore how to leverage celebrity partnerships for brand growth. Strategies for scaling businesses in outdoor optics and sailing education take center stage, revealing personal stories and challenges. The discussion highlights the importance of authentic marketing and brand storytelling while integrating unique experiences into business models. Listeners gain insights from real-life examples, making this an engaging resource for aspiring entrepreneurs.
