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
158 snips
Aug 7, 2023 • 1h 13min
Orgain: Andrew Abraham
Andrew Abraham, the Founder and CEO of Orgain, shares his remarkable journey from battling a life-threatening illness to creating a thriving nutritional brand. He discusses the drive to innovate healthier food options after his own cancer experience and how he developed organic shakes in medical school. The conversation highlights the challenges of balancing entrepreneurship with medical residency, and the turning point when a chance encounter at a trade show launched Orgain into the spotlight. Abraham reflects on the significance of nutrition in health and the recent Nestle acquisition.
18 snips
Aug 3, 2023 • 40min
Powering cars with solar energy with Steve Fambro of Aptera Motors
Steve Fambro, Co-founder and CEO of Aptera Motors, dives into the world of solar-powered electric vehicles. He shares the remarkable journey of reviving Aptera and how their innovative three-wheeled design can run for 40 miles on just solar energy. Fambro discusses the challenges of launching the company and the remarkable integration of solar panels into vehicle design. Listeners will be captivated by insights into the future of sustainable transportation and the unique features that make Aptera a game-changer in the automotive industry.
29 snips
Jul 31, 2023 • 1h 7min
The Tetris Company: Henk Rogers
Henk Rogers, the entrepreneur who played a vital role in globalizing Tetris, shares his journey from discovering the game at a convention to navigating complex negotiations for its rights. He recounts his daring trip to Moscow, where he met Tetris's inventor, Alexey Pajitnov, and the obstacles in securing publishing agreements amid Cold War tensions. The discussion also highlights how bundling Tetris with the Game Boy transformed gaming, alongside Henk’s commitment to environmental causes following a life-changing health experience.
161 snips
Jul 27, 2023 • 38min
When AI is your personal tutor with Sal Khan of Khan Academy
Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy, shares his vision for revolutionizing education with Khanmigo, an AI-driven tutoring platform. He discusses how the pandemic accelerated online learning and how AI can become a personal tutor for every student. Sal also addresses the ethical challenges of using AI in education, including issues of bias and academic integrity. He emphasizes the mission to provide free, quality education while exploring sustainable models for non-profits in the ed-tech sector.
15 snips
Jul 24, 2023 • 1h 28min
MOD Pizza & Seattle Coffee Company: Scott and Ally Svenson
Scott and Ally Svenson, co-founders of Seattle Coffee Company and MOD Pizza, share their journey from coffee lovers in London to successful entrepreneurs. They discuss the shocking discovery of instant coffee in the UK that inspired their coffee venture. The couple reflects on the transition to fast-casual dining with MOD Pizza, emphasizing innovation and customer experience. Their commitment to employee welfare and a purpose-driven brand during challenging times showcases their unique approach to business that combines passion with community impact.
5 snips
Jul 20, 2023 • 40min
When trucks drive themselves with Chris Urmson of Aurora
Chris Urmson, a pioneer in the autonomous vehicle industry and founder of Aurora, shares insights from his experience launching self-driving technology for semi-trucks. He discusses the evolution of autonomous vehicles, the challenges faced during early trials, and the potential for automating trucking to address driver shortages. Urmson highlights innovations like LiDAR and machine learning, the need for empathy towards job displacement, and ambitious plans for commercial self-driving services by 2024, emphasizing safety, trust, and transparency in the industry.
31 snips
Jul 17, 2023 • 1h 9min
Grindr: Joel Simkhai
Joel Simkhai, the founder of Grindr and Motto, shares his journey from a corporate life to creating a revolutionary dating app for gay men. He discusses the initial challenges of launching Grindr, including technical issues, safety concerns, and navigating monetization strategies. Joel reveals how personal experiences shaped his vision and the importance of innovative technology. He also touches on his latest venture, Motto, aimed at today's dating dynamics, highlighting his commitment to evolving LGBTQ+ spaces in the digital landscape.
5 snips
Jul 13, 2023 • 39min
Delivering the future in drones with Keller Rinaudo Cliffton of Zipline
Keller Rinaudo Cliffton, Co-founder and CEO of Zipline, shares his journey from robotics to pioneering drone deliveries, especially in healthcare. He discusses how Zipline started with critical medical supply deliveries in Rwanda and its plans to expand into commercial markets, potentially partnering with retailers like Walmart. Keller highlights the concept of 'leapfrogging' technology, the challenges of regulatory hurdles, and the impact drones can have on speeding up and revolutionizing logistical systems while promoting sustainability.
6 snips
Jul 10, 2023 • 1h 7min
Mary's Gone Crackers: Mary Waldner
Mary Waldner, founder of Mary's Gone Crackers, turned her battle with celiac disease into a thriving gluten-free snack empire. She shares her journey from psychologist to entrepreneur, sparked by her quest for healthier snacks. Mary discusses the challenges of scaling production, navigating investor pressures, and the joys of seeing her products flying off grocery shelves. Her story highlights the unexpected paths that can arise from personal struggles and the importance of consumer feedback in launching a successful food brand.
15 snips
Jul 6, 2023 • 33min
When robots recycle with Matanya Horowitz of AMP Robotics
Matanya Horowitz, Founder and CEO of AMP Robotics, dives into the world of recycling innovation. He discusses how his company employs AI and robotics to tackle inefficiencies in waste management. Matanya shares his eye-opening experiences, including dumpster diving to refine their technology. The conversation reveals why so much recyclable material ends up in landfills and highlights the growing investment interest in recycling. With AMP's robots revolutionizing sorting processes, we get a glimpse into a future where recycling is more effective and accessible.
