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
19 snips
Sep 11, 2023 • 1h 1min
Jack Black Skin Care: Curran and Jeff Dandurand
Curran and Jeff Dandurand, co-founders of the innovative men's skincare brand Jack Black, share their entrepreneurial journey against the odds. They discuss how their unorthodox vision for male grooming turned into a $100 million success, despite initial skepticism. Listeners learn about the creative marketing strategies that propelled them into major department stores and the pivotal moments of their partnership. The duo also candidly reflects on balancing business with marriage, emphasizing the importance of communication and resilience in their journey.
52 snips
Sep 7, 2023 • 30min
Threading the future of circular fashion with Peter Majeranowski of Circ
Peter Majeranowski, the founder of Circ, is on a mission to revolutionize fashion through sustainable textile recycling. With over 92 million tons of textile waste annually, he reveals cutting-edge technology that converts polycotton back into usable materials. The conversation takes a turn from his military background to entrepreneurial ventures in biofuels, leading to unexpected breakthroughs in fashion. Peter emphasizes the crucial role of brands in driving circular fashion and the industry's urgent need for eco-friendly practices.
29 snips
Sep 4, 2023 • 1h 7min
Air Lease Corporation: Steven Udvar-Hazy
Steven Udvar-Hazy, founder and executive chairman of Air Lease Corporation, shares his remarkable journey from escaping Communist Hungary to becoming a billionaire in aviation. He reveals his early obsession with planes and how he pivoted from founding an airline to establishing a successful leasing company during the jet age. Udvar-Hazy also discusses the emotional challenges of his family's escape, the dynamics of the aircraft leasing industry, and his philanthropic efforts to inspire future generations through aviation.
8 snips
Aug 31, 2023 • 35min
When your headphones listen to you with Ramses Alcaide of Neurable
Ramses Alcaide, Co-founder and CEO of Neurable, is pioneering brain-computer interfaces to boost productivity through innovative headphones that monitor brain activity. He shares insights on how this technology can transform daily tasks by sensing focus and fatigue. Ramses envisions a future where mental commands control digital interactions effortlessly. The conversation dives into the ethical implications, particularly for individuals with disabilities, and highlights the potential of BCIs to enhance personal and medical decision-making.
13 snips
Aug 28, 2023 • 1h 12min
Supergoop!: Holly Thaggard (2020)
Holly Thaggard, founder of Supergoop!, transitioned from a harpist to an SPF pioneer after a friend’s skin cancer diagnosis shook her world. She shares her mission to redefine sunscreen as an everyday essential, detailing her struggles starting from marketing to schools to successfully landing retail deals. The conversation dives into innovating sunscreen formulas, navigating challenges in the market, and ultimately securing partnerships with major retailers like Sephora. Holly's inspiring journey emphasizes resilience, creativity, and the importance of sun protection for all.
39 snips
Aug 24, 2023 • 41min
Electrifying aviation with Kyle Clark of BETA Technologies
Kyle Clark, Founder and CEO of BETA Technologies, is revolutionizing aviation with all-electric aircraft aimed at reducing emissions. He discusses the visionary leap from concept to creation, sparked by a pivotal meeting with Martine Rothblatt. The conversation delves into the ambitious goals of transforming medical logistics and reshaping the aviation industry’s approach to delivery systems. With plans for a national charging network, Clark emphasizes the potential cost-effective and sustainable future of air transport, addressing the challenges and innovations driving this electric revolution.
16 snips
Aug 21, 2023 • 1h 2min
Kinko’s: Paul Orfalea
Paul Orfalea, founder of Kinko's, shares his entrepreneurial journey from starting a simple copy shop in a converted hamburger stand to building a global chain. He reveals the challenges of partnering with co-owners and the complexities of running a 24-hour business. Orfalea reflects on his early struggles, the importance of customer needs, and the pivotal moments that led to rapid expansion. He candidly discusses personal challenges, the blend of luck and optimism in business, and his transition into philanthropy and teaching after selling to FedEx.
39 snips
Aug 17, 2023 • 44min
Making garbage useful with Tom Szaky of TerraCycle
Tom Szaky, Co-founder and CEO of TerraCycle, aims to revolutionize waste management. He shares his journey from launching a worm poop fertilizer business in college to transforming it into a multimillion-dollar recycling enterprise. Szaky emphasizes the importance of reducing consumption over mere recycling and introduces the innovative Loop initiative, promoting reusable packaging. He candidly discusses the challenges of consumer habits and advocates for a future where recycling becomes obsolete through true sustainability.
20 snips
Aug 14, 2023 • 1h 1min
Solo Stove: Spencer and Jeff Jan
Spencer and Jeff Jan, co-founders of Solo Stove, transformed a DIY camping stove idea into a 9-figure success. They discuss navigating long-distance collaboration, with Spencer in Shanghai and Jeff running logistics from his garage in Dallas. Their innovative use of Kickstarter and Amazon helped propel growth. The brothers reveal the emotional journey of founding their brand, the complexities of manufacturing partnerships, and strategic decisions that led to their eventual financial freedom. Now living a dream lifestyle, they reflect on the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.
12 snips
Aug 10, 2023 • 33min
When our phones are just phones with Kai Tang and Joe Hollier of Light
Kai Tang and Joe Hollier, co-founders of Light, share their vision for a minimalist smartphone that prioritizes genuine human connection over digital distractions. They discuss the challenges of creating a device free from apps and tracking, emphasizing the societal benefits of reduced screen time. The duo reflects on their successful Kickstarter campaign and the evolving consumer demand for mindful technology. They also highlight how alternatives like the Light Phone can enhance creativity and help combat the pressures of a tech-dominated world.
