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
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.
Jul 3, 2023 • 1h 12min
The Lip Bar (TLB): Melissa Butler (2020)
In this engaging conversation, Melissa Butler, Founder and CEO of The Lip Bar, shares her inspiring journey from Wall Street analyst to beauty entrepreneur. She discusses her passion for creating inclusive makeup products and the challenges of launching bold lipstick colors that cater to diverse complexions. Melissa reveals the lessons learned from her tough Shark Tank experience and the innovative marketing strategies that propelled her brand, like using a retrofitted bus for promotion. Today, The Lip Bar stands as a beacon of diversity in beauty, sold in Target stores nationwide.
37 snips
Jun 29, 2023 • 43min
Reimagining seafood production with Aryé Elfenbein and Justin Kolbeck of Wildtype (2022)
Aryé Elfenbein, a visionary cardiologist, and Justin Kolbeck, a former diplomat, co-founded Wildtype to revolutionize seafood production through stem cell technology. They share insights on the dire environmental impact of traditional fishing and their mission to cultivate real, sushi-grade salmon sustainably. The conversation covers their journey from foie gras to seafood innovation, the ethical dilemmas of food choices, and the groundbreaking methods that allow them to grow salmon in just weeks. Their commitment to transparency and sustainability is reshaping the future of seafood.
140 snips
Jun 26, 2023 • 1h 18min
Dutch Bros. Coffee: Travis Boersma
Travis Boersma, co-founder of Dutch Bros Coffee, shares his inspiring journey from a coffee cart in Oregon to a billion-dollar franchise. He recounts the brotherly bond that fueled their passion and creativity, even as they faced early challenges from local competition. The conversation takes a poignant turn as Travis opens up about personal tragedies, including an ALS diagnosis in the family, which tested their resilience. They also dive into the evolution of espresso culture, sparking a light-hearted debate about American versus Italian coffee.
11 snips
Jun 22, 2023 • 48min
Reinvesting in our cities with renewable energy with Donnel Baird of BlocPower (2022)
Donnel Baird, founder of BlocPower, champions the electrification and decarbonization of buildings, particularly in low-income neighborhoods. He shares his journey from experiencing energy poverty in Brooklyn to advocating for sustainable living. The discussion explores the stark disparities in renewable energy access and the pivotal role of municipal initiatives in creating greener urban spaces. Baird emphasizes the urgent need for retrofitting buildings, highlights innovative financial models, and underscores the social impact of empowering communities through green initiatives.
110 snips
Jun 19, 2023 • 1h 10min
Spikeball: Chris Ruder
Chris Ruder, the founder of Spikeball, shares his unlikely journey from a non-sporty entrepreneur to the driving force behind a global phenomenon. He discusses the initial doubts and struggles in reviving a forgotten game, turning down a Shark Tank deal to maintain its competitive spirit. The conversation includes insights on building community partnerships, engaging with PE teachers, and the significance of grassroots marketing. Ruder also emphasizes Spikeball's aspirations for Olympic recognition, showcasing the blend of passion and perseverance in transforming a childhood dream into a thriving brand.
71 snips
Jun 15, 2023 • 43min
Saving the f#$%ing rainforests with Shara Ticku of C16 Biosciences
Shara Ticku, co-founder and CEO of C16 Biosciences, leads the charge in creating sustainable alternatives to palm oil, a major contributor to rainforest destruction. She shares her journey of developing a lab-generated palm oil product that sold out upon launch, thanks to innovative sourcing and tight budgeting. The discussion touches on the environmental impact of traditional palm oil and C16's focus on personal care markets. Shara’s scrappy science and unique funding strategies highlight an exciting shift towards eco-friendly solutions in the industry.
87 snips
Jun 12, 2023 • 1h 13min
Harry’s Razors: Andy Katz-Mayfield and Jeff Raider
Andy Katz-Mayfield, co-founder of Harry's razors, shares his journey of disrupting the shaving industry alongside college buddy Jeff Raider. They discuss their frustration with traditional razor buying and their determination to challenge Gillette's dominance. From sourcing quality blades in Germany to navigating challenges like a failed merger, Katz-Mayfield reveals the importance of customer feedback and vertical integration. They also touch on the impact of COVID-19 and the growth of their product lines, highlighting the delicate balance of luck and hard work in entrepreneurship.
40 snips
Jun 8, 2023 • 32min
Tapping the heat beneath your feet with Kathy Hannun of Dandelion Energy
Kathy Hannun, Founder of Dandelion Energy, shares her journey to making geothermal energy a reality for households in the U.S. Growing up in New Hampshire, she witnessed the Environmental impact of traditional heating methods. This conversation dives into the benefits of geothermal heat pumps, emphasizing their potential in combatting climate change. Kathy also discusses the challenges faced by her company in overcoming high installation costs and streamlining adoption, showcasing successful models from Sweden that inspire a greener future.
15 snips
Jun 5, 2023 • 1h 10min
Tory Burch: Tory Burch
Tory Burch, founder and executive chairman of her globally renowned lifestyle brand, shares her journey from humble beginnings to fashion icon. She discusses overcoming early setbacks in the fashion industry, including her designs being rejected by Ralph Lauren. Burch highlights her vision for accessible luxury and the importance of emotional connections in branding. She also opens up about balancing motherhood with her entrepreneurial ambitions and the creation of her iconic Riva ballet flat, all while navigating personal challenges and the complexities of building a business.
