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
4 snips
Sep 5, 2024 • 46min
Advice Line with Scott and Ally Svenson of MOD Pizza
Scott and Ally Svenson, co-founders of MOD Pizza, share their insights on scaling a successful fast-casual pizza chain. They discuss the resilience of their brand in the face of challenges like the pandemic and their recent acquisition. Additionally, Evan Byrne discusses transforming his pizza restaurant into a vegan frozen pizza company, emphasizing grassroots marketing and brand visibility. The Svensons also offer guidance to fellow entrepreneurs on maintaining quality and navigating growth while fostering community amidst industry hurdles.
15 snips
Sep 2, 2024 • 1h 9min
Olipop: Ben Goodwin
Ben Goodwin, Co-founder of Olipop, shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood to launching a successful prebiotic soda brand. He reveals the chaotic experimentation and innovative fermentation processes behind Olipop, designed to evoke nostalgic flavors while promoting gut health. The talk delves into the importance of resilience, teamwork, and learning from failure. Ben also highlights their strategic pivot from probiotics to prebiotics, aiming to meet the growing demand for healthier beverages.
9 snips
Aug 29, 2024 • 51min
Advice Line with Ariel Kaye of Parachute Home
Ariel Kaye, founder of Parachute Home, leads a discussion on business growth with co-founder Dane Brown of King Brown Pomade and Deanna Blasi-Diandino of Mindset Tapestry. They tackle the intricacies of transitioning from self-funding to seeking investment in men's grooming and offer insights on marketing emotional health tools for children. The group shares strategies for overcoming challenges in a male-dominated industry, emphasizing innovation, brand identity, and the power of positive affirmations.
6 snips
Aug 26, 2024 • 1h 17min
Insomnia Cookies: Seth Berkowitz
Seth Berkowitz, the founder and CEO of Insomnia Cookies, shares his journey from a college student delivering cookies to a $350 million cookie empire. He discusses the challenges of scaling his business while still in school, including funding struggles and navigating early financial crises. Berkowitz emphasizes the importance of resilience and innovative strategies that allowed him to thrive, even during tough times like the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, he reflects on the joy of satisfying late-night cravings and building a loyal customer community.
8 snips
Aug 22, 2024 • 51min
Advice Line with Jamie Siminoff of Ring
Jamie Siminoff, the visionary founder of Ring, shares his entrepreneurial wisdom in a lively discussion. He tackles questions from founders launching innovative products, including a unique ergonomic desk and ethically sourced chocolate. The conversation dives into striking a balance between ethical branding and profitability, emphasizing compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. Jamie highlights the importance of perseverance in entrepreneurship and provides insights on navigating the uncertainties of business ventures, while also encouraging engagement from aspiring founders.
50 snips
Aug 19, 2024 • 1h 31min
Banana Republic: Mel and Patricia Ziegler
Mel and Patricia Ziegler, co-founders of Banana Republic, transformed their journalism backgrounds into a unique retail adventure. They creatively repurposed army surplus gear into stylish safari-themed clothing, which captured media attention and redefined shopping. The conversation highlights their innovative marketing strategies, the challenges of business expansion, and the bittersweet sale of their brand to The Gap. Reflecting on their journey, they also discuss launching The Republic of Tea and the importance of resilience, love, and serendipity in their entrepreneurial life.
9 snips
Aug 15, 2024 • 47min
Advice Line with Holly Thaggard of Supergoop!
Holly Thaggard, founder of Supergoop!, shares her journey of making sunscreen a daily habit. She offers invaluable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, helping a cookie business owner navigate growth challenges and discussing innovative shaving products targeting eco-conscious consumers. Holly highlights the significance of branding and storytelling, while emphasizing the need for safety in water sports through creative product design. Her insights on trusting instincts and market awareness make for a dynamic and practical conversation!
32 snips
Aug 12, 2024 • 55min
Thrive Market: Nick Green
Nick Green, Co-founder and CEO of Thrive Market, discusses his journey from struggling to secure funding to building an online grocery giant focused on healthy living. He shares how they creatively overcame initial setbacks and navigated the world of venture capitalism, eventually winning over critics with grassroots support from health influencers. The conversation dives into unexpected challenges, like a marketing mishap with coconut oil, and the importance of adaptability in entrepreneurship as they achieved rapid growth while staying mission-driven.
5 snips
Aug 8, 2024 • 51min
Advice Line with Jim Koch of Boston Beer Company
Jim Koch of Boston Beer Company dives into entrepreneurship with insightful advice for three founders navigating their unique challenges. From tropical apparel merging into the rum market to innovative tea-bag-soup-broth ambitions, creativity and storytelling play pivotal roles in their journeys. They discuss pricing strategies, exceptional customer service, and the significance of positioning as a premium provider. The conversation also touches on the unexpected joys and philosophical aspects of building a brand, highlighting the rewarding nature of entrepreneurship.
4 snips
Aug 5, 2024 • 1h 15min
SmartSweets: Tara Bosch
Tara Bosch, the innovative founder of SmartSweets, transformed her passion for candy into a $360 million venture at just 21. She shares her inspiring journey from a college dropout living in her grandmother's basement to securing partnerships with major retailers. Tara discusses the challenges of creating low-sugar alternatives, her battles with self-doubt, and the pivotal moment she appeared on Shark Tank. With a focus on health-conscious consumers, she reflects on the emotional ties to candy and her incredible growth amidst personal and professional hurdles.
