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
48 snips
Jul 1, 2024 • 1h 22min
American Giant: Bayard Winthrop
Bayard Winthrop, founder of American Giant, shares his journey of creating a clothing brand focused on American-made apparel. He discusses the initial hurdles of sourcing materials and finding skilled workers in a shifting textile industry. Bayard reveals how a viral article praised his hoodie as 'the greatest ever made,' leading to overwhelming demand. He emphasizes the socio-political backdrop of American production, the balance of hard work and luck in success, and the significance of supporting local craftsmanship in today’s market.
24 snips
Jun 27, 2024 • 51min
Advice Line with Mark Ramadan of Sir Kensington's
Mark Ramadan, co-founder of Sir Kensington's, shares his unique approach to the food industry, emphasizing bold product launches and brand persona creation. Chef Lucas Manteca discusses his innovation strategies at Taco Shop to compete against fast food giants while emphasizing community engagement. Beth Benecke, founder of Busy Baby, talks about transitioning her products from startup to growth, highlighting financial management and retail strategy challenges. Together, they explore the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and share valuable insights for aspiring business owners.
32 snips
Jun 24, 2024 • 1h 6min
Spin Master/PAW Patrol: Ronnen Harary (2021)
Ronnen Harary, co-founder of Spin Master, shares his unconventional journey in building a $4 billion toy empire. He emphasizes the importance of intuition over market research in creating hits like PAW Patrol. Harary recounts their innovative early products, like the Earth Buddy and Devil Sticks, and the bold decision to launch Air Hogs without traditional testing. He details the triumphs and challenges of navigating financial crises, highlighting how resilience and creativity drove their success in the competitive toy industry.
16 snips
Jun 20, 2024 • 49min
Advice Line with Sarah Kauss of S'well
Sarah Kauss, the founder of S'well, and Adam Barker, the owner of Bolt Skin and Shave, tackle pressing questions from budding entrepreneurs. They delve into unique product positioning and the significance of cultural representation, like greeting cards celebrating Latino heritage. The duo also discusses the innovative launch of a razor specifically for men who shave their legs, shedding light on quirky cycling culture. With advice on fundraising, marketing, and leveraging influencers, this conversation is a treasure trove for aspiring business owners!
37 snips
Jun 17, 2024 • 1h 3min
The Cronut and Dominique Ansel Bakery: Dominique Ansel
Dominique Ansel, the world-renowned pastry chef, shares his journey from humble beginnings to fame as the creator of the Cronut—a delicious fusion of croissant and donut. He recounts the overwhelming demand and chaos his bakery faced when the Cronut took off, leading to lines and scalpers. Ansel discusses the balance between culinary artistry and entrepreneurship, innovations like the cookie shot, and the importance of trademarking the Cronut. He also reflects on the impact of media coverage and resilience in navigating the challenges of business growth.
22 snips
Jun 13, 2024 • 49min
Advice Line with Randy Goldberg of Bombas
Randy Goldberg, co-founder of Bombas, brings his expertise to the table alongside industry innovators Rivki Itzkowicz and Änna Benchavanga. They delve into the entrepreneurial journey, tackling the complexities of brand building and community engagement. Rivki shares her vision for size-inclusive modest fashion, while Änna discusses transitioning her local boutique to a digital space. Together, they explore unique marketing strategies and the importance of storytelling to foster authentic connections with diverse audiences.
85 snips
Jun 10, 2024 • 1h 6min
Dave’s Hot Chicken: Arman Oganesyan
Arman Oganesyan, co-founder of Dave's Hot Chicken, shares the spicy journey from a humble pop-up in East Hollywood to a thriving chain of 200 stores. He humorously recounts the launch mishap of tossing cash and how strategic marketing and product quality fueled their success. Topics include the challenges of launching with minimal equipment, the excitement of celebrity influence on their franchising, and the delicate balance of skill and luck in the culinary world, all while dishing out fun anecdotes from their chicken adventure.
26 snips
Jun 6, 2024 • 37min
Advice Line with Fawn Weaver of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey (April 2024)
Fawn Weaver, founder of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, shares her expertise in business storytelling. She engages with early-stage entrepreneurs addressing essential branding questions. Key topics include the impact of personal narratives on consumer connections and strategies for creating authentic brand stories. Weaver emphasizes transparency in marketing and the emotional ties to products, whether it's coffee, jewelry, or baked goods. The conversation fosters a sense of community, encouraging budding entrepreneurs to share their journeys and seek guidance.
7 snips
Jun 3, 2024 • 1h 25min
ECKO UNLTD and COMPLEX: Marc Ecko
In this engaging conversation, Marc Ecko, founder of ECKO UNLTD and media company COMPLEX, shares his journey from airbrushing t-shirts in New Jersey to creating a cultural phenomenon. He discusses the hurdles of financial struggles and partnerships that nearly led to bankruptcy. Ecko reflects on launching COMPLEX to address the media's lack of diversity and celebrates ECKO UNLTD's 30th anniversary with a nostalgic limited edition collection. His story is a vibrant testament to innovation in streetwear and media.
May 30, 2024 • 47min
Advice Line with Maureen Kelly of Tarte Cosmetics
Maureen Kelly, Founder and CEO of Tarte Cosmetics, shares her innovative insights alongside Marcel Yeager, Founder of Career Valet. They dive into the secrets of marketing strategies for emerging brands, such as sweat-wicking underwear and chemical-free hair care. Topics include personalized marketing, leveraging social media trends, and the importance of authentic storytelling. Kelly and Yeager also discuss entrepreneurial challenges, empowering career trajectories, and how to engage audiences through innovative techniques.
