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
31 snips
Nov 15, 2021 • 1h 23min
Coinbase: Brian Armstrong
Brian Armstrong, Co-founder and CEO of Coinbase, shares his journey from building a struggling tutoring website to launching one of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchanges. He discusses the initial skepticism he faced about Bitcoin's value and how he navigated the challenges of securing investment and talent in the startup world. Armstrong reveals stories from the infamous crypto winter and the emotional toll it took on his leadership. He also shares insights on maintaining focus amid market volatility and the future potential of cryptocurrencies.
Nov 8, 2021 • 1h 19min
Back to the Roots: Nikhil Arora and Alejandro Velez
Nikhil Arora and Alejandro Velez, co-founders of Back to the Roots, share their entrepreneurial journey from sustainable mushroom farming on coffee grounds to popular organic gardening kits. They discuss overcoming personal challenges, including Alejandro's struggles with childhood trauma and cancer. The duo reflects on their innovative approach to sustainability, their strategic pivot towards gardening, and the excitement of launching products in major retailers. Their story illustrates the power of resilience, creativity, and community engagement in entrepreneurship.
30 snips
Nov 1, 2021 • 1h 16min
Audible: Don Katz
Don Katz, founder and executive chairman of Audible, shares his journey of transforming the audiobook industry. He discusses the frustrations of old-school cassette listening and his vision for a digital audio platform. Katz recalls the challenges of launching Audible during the dot-com bust and how a partnership with Apple turned the tide. He reflects on the importance of perseverance in entrepreneurship, the pivotal moments leading to Audible's acquisition by Amazon, and the evolution of an entire industry with over 600,000 titles today.
10 snips
Oct 25, 2021 • 1h 5min
Live Episode! Milk Bar: Christina Tosi (2019)
Christina Tosi, the founder of Milk Bar, shares her delightful journey from childhood baking to creating a beloved dessert empire. She candidly discusses the creative process behind iconic treats like confetti birthday cakes and cereal milk. Highlighting her unique blend of nostalgia and innovation, Tosi reveals how a serendipitous nod from Anderson Cooper transformed her business. With charming anecdotes and insights on overcoming culinary challenges, she embodies the sweet balance of hard work and whimsical creativity that defines her brand.
Oct 18, 2021 • 1h 23min
Title Nine: Missy Park
Missy Park, Founder and CEO of Title Nine, shares her journey of creating a women's athletic apparel brand driven by her passion for sports and the impact of Title IX. She recalls the challenges of launching a mail-order catalog in 1989, emphasizing resilience and personal connections. Missy discusses the importance of sustainable growth over venture capital, navigating the male-dominated industry, and building a loyal customer base. Her insights highlight the ongoing fight for women's empowerment in athletics and the evolution of the athletic wear landscape.
5 snips
Oct 11, 2021 • 1h 6min
Moderna and Flagship Pioneering: Noubar Afeyan
Noubar Afeyan, co-founder and chairman of Moderna and founder of Flagship Pioneering, shares his journey in biotechnology. He discusses the ten-year timeline and risks of developing life-saving treatments and reflects on how Moderna quickly created a COVID-19 vaccine amidst a global crisis. Afeyan recounts his family's escape from Lebanon and how that shaped his entrepreneurial spirit. He emphasizes the importance of innovation and mentorship in biotech, highlighting Moderna's groundbreaking use of mRNA technology and the creation of multiple startups under Flagship Pioneering.
Oct 4, 2021 • 1h 16min
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey: Fawn Weaver
Fawn Weaver, the Founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, shares her inspiring journey of honoring Nearest Green, the man who taught Jack Daniel distilling. Discover how Fawn transitioned from aspiring author to whiskey entrepreneur, overcoming industry barriers. She delves into the historical significance of Nearest's contributions and her decision to restore the land where he worked. The conversation highlights the challenges of launching a whiskey brand while emphasizing heritage, authenticity, and representation for women of color in the spirits industry.
6 snips
Sep 27, 2021 • 1h 12min
KAYAK: Paul English
Paul English, a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of KAYAK, shares his fascinating journey from childhood challenges to building a travel empire. He recounts the spontaneous moment that sparked KAYAK's creation over drinks with co-founder Steve Hafner. Paul discusses the innovative partnerships that set KAYAK apart in the competitive travel space and reflects on the importance of personal growth and mental health in entrepreneurship. With stories of conflict, creativity, and the unexpected popularity of their brand name, his insights are both entertaining and inspiring.
4 snips
Sep 20, 2021 • 1h 29min
Dude Perfect: Cory Cotton and Tyler Toney
Cory Cotton and Tyler Toney, co-founders of Dude Perfect, transform their college mischief into a YouTube powerhouse. They share hilarious tales of their initial trick shots, including the pivotal moment that caught the attention of Good Morning America. The duo discusses the grueling journey from part-time creators to full-time entertainers, battling financial challenges while trying to perfect their craft. With insight into their shift from basketball to diverse content and the importance of faith and friendship, they outline how they built a media empire that captivates millions.
Sep 13, 2021 • 59min
inov-8: Wayne Edy
Wayne Edy, founder of inov-8, shares his remarkable journey from a 20-year shoe industry veteran to creating a successful trail running brand. He discusses the initial risks he took, focusing on niche markets like trail running, and how his shoes gained traction among elite athletes. Edy reflects on the challenges during the 2008 crash and his unique designs that stood out. He also talks about expanding into CrossFit and the emotional complexity of repurchasing his brand during the pandemic, showcasing resilience and innovation.
