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
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.
74 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.
411 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.
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.
79 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.
