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
17 snips
Mar 4, 2024 • 1h 12min
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey: Fawn Weaver (2021)
Fawn Weaver, Founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, is on a mission to honor the legacy of Nearest Green, the first black master distiller who taught Jack Daniel the craft of whiskey. She shares her inspiring journey from a music producer to a whiskey entrepreneur, navigating a male-dominated industry. Fawn discusses the importance of storytelling and heritage in her brand, the emotional intricacies of restoring historic sites, and the innovative strategies that have made Uncle Nearest one of the fastest-growing whiskey brands in the world.
62 snips
Feb 29, 2024 • 32min
The peril (and promise) of AI with Tristan Harris: Part 2
In this discussion, Tristan Harris, Co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology, raises alarms about the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. He explores how AI can undermine trust in media, with technology capable of manipulating information and creating convincing forgeries. Harris emphasizes the urgent need for responsible AI development to combat misinformation and protect societal trust. He also highlights the importance of new regulations and collaborative efforts to ensure the safe deployment of AI and reflect on its profound impact on our daily lives.
42 snips
Feb 26, 2024 • 1h 6min
Poshmark: Manish Chandra
Manish Chandra, the founder and CEO of Poshmark, shares his inspiring journey from India to creating a beloved social marketplace for secondhand fashion. He reflects on the pivotal moment when the iPhone 4 sparked his vision for a mobile shopping app. Chandra discusses the company's rapid growth, user activism, and challenges with shipping costs. He also reveals insights from securing crucial funding and Poshmark's recent expansion into pet products, highlighting the importance of community engagement and adaptability in business.
96 snips
Feb 22, 2024 • 29min
The peril (and promise) of AI with Tristan Harris: Part 1
Tristan Harris, co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology, discusses the urgent implications of artificial intelligence on society. He highlights the potential existential risks posed by AI, likening its development to the Manhattan Project. Harris emphasizes the need for ethical considerations and regulations in technology, advocating for a balance between profit motives and societal benefit. He also reflects on his journey from scrutinizing social media to confronting the rapid evolution of AI and the challenges it brings.
34 snips
Feb 19, 2024 • 1h
Sonos: John MacFarlane
John MacFarlane, co-founder of Sonos and pioneer in wireless audio, shares his journey of revolutionizing home music with innovative speaker systems. He discusses the challenges of developing technology in a wired world, from early Wi-Fi issues to competition with tech giants. John highlights the importance of a positive mindset and adaptability in navigating the evolving smart speaker market. He reflects on the delicate balance of timing, luck, and hard work that has shaped Sonos into a major player in the music industry.
Feb 15, 2024 • 40min
Powering cars with solar energy with Steve Fambro of Aptera Motors (2023)
Steve Fambro, Co-founder and CEO of Aptera Motors, shares the exciting revival of his once-defunct company aimed at revolutionizing transportation with solar power. He talks about the innovative design journey that enables their solar-electric hybrid car to run 40 miles on sunlight alone. Steve discusses the challenges faced in developing a solar vehicle prototype and the emotional journey of the company's rise and fall. He also highlights the practical benefits for drivers in sunny regions and the future implications of solar technology in smart vehicle design.
50 snips
Feb 12, 2024 • 1h 12min
Magic Spoon & Exo: Gabi Lewis and Greg Sewitz
Gabi Lewis and Greg Sewitz, co-founders of innovative food brands Magic Spoon and Exo, dive into their unusual entrepreneurial journey. They initially tackled the challenge of promoting cricket protein bars but found greater success in developing a low-sugar breakfast cereal that captures nostalgic flavors. The duo shares their strategies on branding, consumer acceptance, and the complexities of launching health-conscious products. With anecdotes from their evolution, they highlight the vital lessons in timing and collaboration that shaped their thriving cereal brand.
9 snips
Feb 8, 2024 • 27min
Building a decarbonization army with Shashank Samala of Heirloom
Shashank Samala, Co-founder and CEO of Heirloom, dives into the world of carbon capture technology. He shares his inspiring shift from electronics to climate entrepreneurship. The discussion reveals Heirloom's groundbreaking methods using limestone for cost-effective carbon removal. Shashank highlights the need for scalable solutions and seeks to reach an ambitious target of $100 per ton for carbon capture. With facilities sprouting, including in California and Louisiana, Heirloom aims to play a vital role in the global decarbonization effort.
59 snips
Feb 5, 2024 • 1h 12min
Parachute Home: Ariel Kaye
Ariel Kaye, founder of Parachute Home, shares her inspiring journey of turning a frustration with conventional bedding shopping into a thriving direct-to-consumer luxury brand. She discusses the challenges of launching her business, from navigating manufacturing hurdles to securing funding as a solo entrepreneur. Ariel also reflects on her transformative experiences in European textile factories and the importance of authentic marketing strategies. Ultimately, she emphasizes the blend of innovation and customer feedback that drives her growing home goods empire.
85 snips
Feb 1, 2024 • 42min
3D printing a housing revolution with Jason Ballard of ICON
Jason Ballard, Co-founder and CEO of ICON, talks about his company’s mission to revolutionize housing using 3D printing technology. He discusses how this innovation can create affordable, disaster-resilient homes while addressing urban housing crises and homelessness. Ballard reflects on the challenges and triumphs of developing a prototype in Mexico and the potential for extraterrestrial applications. His visionary ideas highlight the urgent need for new construction methods to meet global housing demands.
