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
Oct 10, 2024 • 41min
Advice Line: Growing Beyond Your Niche
In this episode, Fawn Weaver, founder of Uncle Nearest Whiskey, shares how personal storytelling can elevate a brand. Andrew Abraham discusses innovative ways to educate consumers about dry eye treatment, shifting focus from medical jargon to lifestyle marketing. Brett Schulman offers insights on scaling a business, while Oni Colston highlights the transformative power of board games in sparking deeper conversations. Lastly, Adam Goldberg dives into the ups and downs of turning pet photography into a thriving business.
8 snips
Oct 7, 2024 • 1h 6min
Paperless Post: James and Alexa Hirschfeld
James and Alexa Hirschfeld, co-founders of Paperless Post, share their journey from a simple idea to creating a digital invitation powerhouse. They discuss the unique blend of elegance and technology that defines their brand. The duo reflects on overcoming skepticism from investors and navigating the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, which challenged their business model. Their sibling bond plays a pivotal role in their resilience, inspiring innovative pivots and a commitment to customer engagement as they celebrate 15 successful years.
7 snips
Oct 3, 2024 • 38min
Advice Line: Reaching New Customers
This episode features dynamic founders discussing creative ways to reach new customers. One highlights an online platform that simplifies divorce, while another shares strategies for distributing premium olive oil nationwide. There's also a conversation about on-the-go medical kits for travelers, emphasizing innovative marketing techniques and customer engagement. Insights into building trust, unique promotional tactics, and leveraging digital platforms offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs eager to expand their businesses.
5 snips
Sep 30, 2024 • 1h 7min
Lily’s Sweets: Cynthia Tice
Cynthia Tice, the founder of Lily's Sweets, ventured into the chocolate arena at nearly 60, driven by her quest for a healthier sweet fix. She shares her rollercoaster journey of innovating sugar-free chocolate using stevia, revealing the trials of product development and co-founder conflicts. Cynthia discusses the pivotal moment when her brand caught Hershey’s eye, leading to a $425 million acquisition. Her story highlights resilience, the impact of personal experiences, and the growing demand for healthier indulgences in a changing market.
Sep 26, 2024 • 48min
Advice Line with Vicky Tsai of Tatcha
Vicky Tsai, co-founder of Tatcha, shares her transformative journey from finance to skincare, inspired by Japanese beauty rituals. She addresses how to cultivate brand awareness and navigate leadership challenges, emphasizing self-affirmation in the beauty industry. Brittany Lowe, founder of Beya, discusses strategic sales channels for her vegan fem care line. Devon Clymer of Mugsy Bakes talks about launching gluten-free mug cake mixes, highlighting the blend of convenience and quality in food entrepreneurship. The conversation is packed with valuable insights for aspiring founders.
33 snips
Sep 23, 2024 • 1h 6min
Graduate Hotels: Ben Weprin
Ben Weprin, the visionary founder of Graduate Hotels, shares his journey from commercial real estate to creating a brand that captures college town nostalgia. He discusses the innovative approach of his hotels that celebrate local culture, including quirky decor like life-sized mascots. Weprin also reveals how he navigated the financial turmoil of the pandemic and turned challenges into opportunities, ultimately selling the chain to Hilton. His inspiring story underscores the blend of passion and practicality in entrepreneurship.
Sep 19, 2024 • 54min
Advice Line with Sadie Lincoln of barre3
Sadie Lincoln, the co-founder and CEO of barre3, shares her journey of creating a unique fitness concept and the challenges of building a brand. Andrew Pizzullo discusses his innovative backyard game, Ramps, and strategies for selling it at a premium price. Randi Pink reveals her efforts to transition from being the sole face of her community space, Ruffner Treehouse Village, highlighting the importance of storytelling and community engagement. This lively discussion offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.
12 snips
Sep 16, 2024 • 1h 15min
Barefoot Wine: Bonnie Harvey and Michael Houlihan
Bonnie Harvey and Michael Houlihan, the innovative co-founders of Barefoot Wine, transformed their 300k debt and wine naivety into a booming brand. They share their journey of creating a relatable wine experience, emphasizing clever marketing strategies that targeted everyday drinkers. From overcoming skepticism to navigating debt and retail challenges, their story is a blend of persistence and ingenuity. Listeners will love the charming anecdotes of their serendipitous partnership and the iconic branding that made Barefoot a household name.
16 snips
Sep 12, 2024 • 49min
Advice Line with Leah Solivan of Taskrabbit
Leah Solivan, founder of TaskRabbit and a pioneer in the gig economy, shares her insights on connecting with core customers. She offers valuable advice to tech founders dealing with unique challenges. Kate in LA seeks to make her digital cards stand out, while Shahn in Australia revisits user acquisition for his couples coaching app. Meanwhile, Allen in Hawaii explores product-market fit for a children's music education platform. Leah emphasizes the importance of focus, user-friendly design, and innovative marketing strategies to overcome hurdles in today's competitive landscape.
36 snips
Sep 9, 2024 • 1h 11min
Groupon and Descript: Andrew Mason
Andrew Mason, the quirky co-founder of Groupon and now the brain behind Descript, shares his rollercoaster journey in the tech world. He reflects on creating one of the fastest-growing companies and the tumultuous experience of being fired. Mason discusses the challenges of rapid growth, facing imitation from competitors, and the emotional toll of leadership. He also dives into his transition from music to tech, highlighting humorous moments and valuable lessons learned along the way as he ventures into new entrepreneurial endeavors.
