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
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.
48 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.
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.
