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
150 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 46min
Advice Line with Tim Ferriss
Tim Ferriss, entrepreneur and author of The 4-Hour Workweek, joins two inspiring guests: Lauryn Menard, CEO of Gob, focusing on biodegradable personal care products, and Kimberly Becker, founder of Kay Becker, a sustainable clothing line for women over 40. They dive into scaling eco-friendly businesses, with Lauryn seeking advice on expanding her ear plugs, and Kimberly discussing pre-order strategies for sustainable fashion. Tim also shares insights on his new card game, Coyote, emphasizing the importance of quality time with loved ones.
30 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 1h 19min
(July 2021) Ben Chestnut: From Side Business to $12 Billion – The Accidental Triumph of Mailchimp
Ben Chestnut, co-founder of Mailchimp, started with a side business that evolved into a $12 billion success. He discusses a surprising spreadsheet that tripled their revenue overnight and a mispronunciation on a major podcast that became a clever marketing strategy. Ben also shares transformative leadership lessons learned through miscommunications and the creation of a supportive company culture. His journey underscores the power of innovative marketing and the challenges of navigating rapid growth in the tech industry.
50 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 52min
Advice Line with Jamie Siminoff of Ring (August 2024)
Jamie Siminoff, the inventive mind behind the Ring video doorbell and now founder of Honest Days Work, shares insights on balancing immediate and long-term goals for new entrepreneurs. He tackles real questions from startup founders about innovative crowdfunding strategies, ethical branding in chocolate production, and the nuances of transitioning a digital educational resource business into physical products. The conversation emphasizes emotional storytelling and the importance of creating inclusive, engaging content to resonate with diverse audiences.
47 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 1h 18min
Madison Reed: Amy Errett
Amy Errett, the Founder and CEO of Madison Reed, transitioned from finance to revolutionize the at-home hair color industry after her wife's frustrations inspired her. At 55, she faced immense challenges, including a management meltdown with co-founders, which she describes as deeply personal. Errett discusses developing a safe, chemical-free hair dye and targeting health-conscious women, all while navigating complex early-stage business hurdles and redefining the beauty brand landscape. Today, Madison Reed thrives with thousands of retail locations and its own salons.
72 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 43min
Exclusive Update: The Chef Who Shocked the Culinary World and Why He’s Changing Course Again—Daniel Humm of Eleven Madison Park
Daniel Humm, acclaimed chef and owner of Eleven Madison Park, dives into his culinary journey and groundbreaking decisions. He discusses his radical shift to a fully plant-based menu in 2021, the challenges faced, and the unexpected reactions from critics. Now, he's reintroducing animal products while maintaining a 90% plant-based focus. Humm reflects on the lessons learned, the hidden economics of his restaurant, and what he believes the future of fine dining should look like, all while embracing innovation and inclusivity.
201 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 1h 5min
Crumbl: Jason McGowan
Jason McGowan, co-founder of Crumbl, transformed a cookie business into a successful restaurant chain by leveraging his tech background. He shares insights on A/B testing recipes and the power of viral marketing, with weekly flavor launches like bubblegum and Almost Everything Bagel captivating customers. Crumbl now boasts over 1,000 locations and a massive social media following, outpacing major brands. McGowan discusses the challenges of scaling rapidly and the importance of fostering customer relationships while maintaining quality in fast expansion.
14 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 42min
Advice Line with Mei Xu of Chesapeake Bay Candle and Blueme
Mei Xu, founder of Chesapeake Bay Candle and Blueme, lends her entrepreneurial wisdom to early-stage founders. She emphasizes the value of networking and community support in business growth. Topics include finding the right co-founder, innovative marketing strategies for unique products like a towel dress, and navigating the challenges of reaching school districts with an online curriculum. Xu's insights on adapting to market changes post-pandemic resonate deeply, offering practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
91 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 1h 8min
Simon Cowell: Music Mogul
Simon Cowell, a music mogul and TV personality famously known for his role on American Idol and The X Factor, shares his inspiring journey from the mailroom at EMI to becoming a successful talent creator. He discusses his unique approach to finding hits and how he embraced unconventional methods during his career. Cowell also reflects on the birth of One Direction and the emotional challenges of balancing pleasure and pain in the music industry, all while humorously recounting his experiences judging talent, including young Harry Styles.
12 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 43min
Advice Line with Isaac Larian of MGA Entertainment
Isaac Larian, founder and CEO of MGA Entertainment, shares invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. He tackles the complex effects of tariffs on the toy industry and offers advice to three unique callers. Meghan learns about targeting the right audience for her educational toys, while Libie seeks strategies to expand her orthopedic cork insole brand. Robin discovers what makes a lasting first impression for her kid-focused outdoor apparel. Larian emphasizes innovation, community engagement, and the realities of building a brand in a competitive market.
83 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 1h 25min
Torchy's Tacos: Mike Rypka
Mike Rypka, founder of Torchy's Tacos, shares his inspiring journey from battling addiction to building a thriving taco empire. He discusses how cooking gave him purpose and led to the launch of a food truck in Austin. Rypka recounts early struggles, including financial challenges and innovative marketing strategies that helped establish a loyal customer base. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining quality and the role of creativity in his culinary success, all while celebrating over three decades of sobriety.
