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
183 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 1h 5min
Crumbl: Jason McGowan
Jason McGowan, co-founder of Crumbl, transformed a cookie business into a successful restaurant chain by leveraging his tech background. He shares insights on A/B testing recipes and the power of viral marketing, with weekly flavor launches like bubblegum and Almost Everything Bagel captivating customers. Crumbl now boasts over 1,000 locations and a massive social media following, outpacing major brands. McGowan discusses the challenges of scaling rapidly and the importance of fostering customer relationships while maintaining quality in fast expansion.
14 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 42min
Advice Line with Mei Xu of Chesapeake Bay Candle and Blueme
Mei Xu, founder of Chesapeake Bay Candle and Blueme, lends her entrepreneurial wisdom to early-stage founders. She emphasizes the value of networking and community support in business growth. Topics include finding the right co-founder, innovative marketing strategies for unique products like a towel dress, and navigating the challenges of reaching school districts with an online curriculum. Xu's insights on adapting to market changes post-pandemic resonate deeply, offering practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
75 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 1h 8min
Simon Cowell: Music Mogul
Simon Cowell, a music mogul and TV personality famously known for his role on American Idol and The X Factor, shares his inspiring journey from the mailroom at EMI to becoming a successful talent creator. He discusses his unique approach to finding hits and how he embraced unconventional methods during his career. Cowell also reflects on the birth of One Direction and the emotional challenges of balancing pleasure and pain in the music industry, all while humorously recounting his experiences judging talent, including young Harry Styles.
12 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 43min
Advice Line with Isaac Larian of MGA Entertainment
Isaac Larian, founder and CEO of MGA Entertainment, shares invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. He tackles the complex effects of tariffs on the toy industry and offers advice to three unique callers. Meghan learns about targeting the right audience for her educational toys, while Libie seeks strategies to expand her orthopedic cork insole brand. Robin discovers what makes a lasting first impression for her kid-focused outdoor apparel. Larian emphasizes innovation, community engagement, and the realities of building a brand in a competitive market.
83 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 1h 25min
Torchy's Tacos: Mike Rypka
Mike Rypka, founder of Torchy's Tacos, shares his inspiring journey from battling addiction to building a thriving taco empire. He discusses how cooking gave him purpose and led to the launch of a food truck in Austin. Rypka recounts early struggles, including financial challenges and innovative marketing strategies that helped establish a loyal customer base. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining quality and the role of creativity in his culinary success, all while celebrating over three decades of sobriety.
29 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.
413 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.
27 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.
22 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.
