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
25 snips
Apr 8, 2024 • 1h 18min
Mythical: Rhett and Link
Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal, the dynamic duo behind the popular YouTube channel Rhett & Link, share their journey from college comedians to viral sensations. They talk about their humble beginnings creating silly videos, the challenges of a failed TV show, and their innovative strategies for content creation. The conversation dives into their evolution as creators, navigating the changing YouTube landscape, and building their entertainment empire, Mythical. Expect laughs, insightful anecdotes, and the transformative power of friendship!
55 snips
Apr 4, 2024 • 29min
Less competition, more creation with Renée Mauborgne
Renée Mauborgne, an economics professor at INSEAD and co-author of 'Blue Ocean Strategy', discusses innovative business strategies that encourage entrepreneurs to create new market spaces instead of competing for dominance in crowded areas. She highlights examples like Cirque du Soleil and Tesla, advocating for unique value delivery. The conversation also touches on non-disruptive innovation as a solution to job displacement in the age of AI, aiming for a balance between profit goals and societal impact.
65 snips
Apr 1, 2024 • 1h 6min
Whole30: Melissa Urban
Melissa Urban, Founder of Whole30, transformed a personal dietary experiment into a thriving wellness brand. She shares how eliminating grains, dairy, and sugar for 30 days drastically improved her health, leading to the creation of a best-selling book and a large following. Urban discusses the evolution of Whole30, challenges she faced during her split from her business partner, and her commitment to community-driven values. She also introduces new plant-based options, illustrating the flexibility and accessibility of her program for diverse diets.
8 snips
Mar 28, 2024 • 35min
“Beaming” people anywhere in the world with David Nussbaum of Proto
David Nussbaum, the founder of Proto, dives into the fascinating world of holoportation, a technology that projects lifelike holograms for real-time communication. He shares his inspiration from science fiction and explains how this innovation is already transforming classrooms and hospitals. Nussbaum envisions a future where holoportation becomes a household norm, revolutionizing everything from live performances to the shopping experience. He also discusses the ethical considerations and potential societal impacts of this groundbreaking technology.
15 snips
Mar 25, 2024 • 1h 14min
MGA Entertainment: Isaac Larian
Isaac Larian, the visionary founder and CEO of MGA Entertainment, shares his incredible journey from Iran to launching iconic toy lines like Bratz and LOL Surprise. He discusses the fierce rivalry with Barbie, navigating intense legal battles, and pioneering in a competitive market. Isaac reflects on the importance of resilience, cultural representation in toys, and his family's role in the business. Listeners will be inspired by his fighter's instinct and his unwavering commitment to innovation in the toy industry.
694 snips
Mar 21, 2024 • 37min
Achieving greater things with Adam Grant
Join Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and author of "Hidden Potential", as he shares his insights on cultivating success through character development. He discusses how resilience and humility, rather than innate talent, foster entrepreneurial success. Learn about the power of social connections and teaching in personal growth, plus strategies for overcoming self-doubt and embracing collaboration. Grant also critiques outdated workplace systems, advocating for a reimagined approach that nurtures collective creativity and support.
57 snips
Mar 18, 2024 • 1h 25min
Weee!: Larry Liu
Larry Liu, the Founder and CEO of Weee!, shares his incredible journey from being an electrical engineering student in Shanghai to leading a multi-billion-dollar online Asian grocery platform. He discusses how his early e-commerce ventures and the cultural challenges of sourcing familiar foods in the U.S. inspired his business model. From navigating group purchasing to pivoting to direct delivery, Larry reflects on the lessons learned through financial setbacks and the importance of community in his entrepreneurial success.
55 snips
Mar 14, 2024 • 46min
AI that can be your second brain with Bethany Bongiorno and Imran Chaudhri of Humane
Bethany Bongiorno and Imran Chaudhri, co-founders of Humane, bring a wealth of experience from Apple, where they worked on groundbreaking products like the iPhone and iPad. They discuss their innovative AI pin, a screenless wearable that serves as a personal assistant, aiming to enhance human connection without the drawbacks of traditional tech. The duo shares insights on developing this new technology and the importance of privacy and user empowerment in AI, while envisioning a future where technology serves humanity, not the other way around.
55 snips
Mar 11, 2024 • 1h 8min
Primal Kitchen: Mark Sisson
Mark Sisson, founder of Primal Kitchen and Paluva, shares his incredible entrepreneurial journey. He turned a mayo mishap into a $200 million condiment empire with paleo-friendly products. Mark dives into the challenges he faced, from financial risks to TV show failures, ultimately leading to the lucrative acquisition by Kraft Heinz. After selling Primal Kitchen, he embarked on a new venture with minimalist shoes that promote natural movement. His story showcases resilience and the unexpected paths of success!
32 snips
Mar 7, 2024 • 40min
Supercharging Lithium-Ion Batteries with Gene Berdichevsky of Sila Nanotechnologies
Gene Berdichevsky, co-founder and CEO of Sila Nanotechnologies, is on a mission to revolutionize lithium-ion batteries. He reveals how his team's innovations could boost battery efficiency by 40%, paving the way for cheaper, faster-recharging electric vehicles. Gene shares insights from his journey, including challenges faced in improving energy density and the shift from graphite to silicon anodes. He emphasizes the impact of sustainable battery technology not just on gadgets but on a future with cleaner energy solutions.
