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
30 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 43min
Advice Line with Peter Rahal of RXBAR
Peter Rahal, co-founder of RXBAR and founder of David Protein Bars, shares invaluable advice for budding entrepreneurs. He discusses strategies for positioning products in competitive markets, including Kristi's women's supplements and April's cocktail mixers. Peter emphasizes the importance of clear communication, understanding product-market fit, and leveraging grassroots marketing. He also shares insights on managing sales channels like Amazon and the rising trend of non-alcoholic beverages, all while encouraging a learning mindset in business.
14 snips
Apr 7, 2025 • 1h 20min
Title Nine: Missy Park (October 2021)
Missy Park, founder and CEO of Title IX, shares her inspiring journey from a college basketball player to the creator of a $100 million women's sportswear brand. She lovingly recounts the challenges of launching her mail-order catalog in 1989, driven by her frustration with ill-fitting athletic apparel. Missy reflects on Title IX's pivotal role in shaping women's sports and her unique approach to business, focusing on incremental successes and customer loyalty. With humor and heart, she emphasizes the need for representation in athletic gear, as well as the broader impacts of her $1 million donation to women's soccer.
40 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 48min
Advice Line with Jeff and Curran Dandurand of Jack Black Skin Care
Jeff and Curran Dandurand, co-founders of Jack Black Skin Care, share valuable insights from their entrepreneurial journey. They discuss the challenges of launching a men’s skincare brand and emphasize the importance of customer feedback and networking. Listeners hear from founders like Inga, seeking advice for her eco-friendly venture, and Ashley, navigating the luxury market. They explore innovative solutions for inventory management and building community around outdoor cooking, showcasing real-world strategies for startup success.
103 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 1h 5min
Misfits Market: Abhi Ramesh
Abhi Ramesh, Founder and CEO of Misfits Market, shares his journey from witnessing food waste while apple picking to launching a grocery delivery service for misfit produce. He talks about using Facebook ads to gauge demand and hiring drivers from Craigslist, which led to rapid growth and significant funding. The pandemic accelerated his business's expansion, transforming it into a full online grocery store. Abhi reflects on overcoming challenges, building partnerships with farmers, and promoting sustainability in food practices.
43 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 46min
Advice Line with Jeni Britton of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
Jeni Britton, the innovative founder of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, shares her expertise alongside Jesse Koenig of Jesse & Ben's and Casey White of Jaju Pierogi. They tackle marketing strategies, fundraising pressures, and the unique challenges of the food industry. Jeni discusses her new venture, Floura, aimed at addressing dietary fiber needs. The guests offer insights into building customer engagement and the importance of quality ingredients, weaving in personal anecdotes that highlight the entrepreneurial spirit.
51 snips
Mar 24, 2025 • 50min
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare: Dennis and Carrie Gross
Dr. Dennis Gross, a celebrated dermatologist, and his wife, Carrie Gross, co-founder and marketing whiz, share their thrilling journey of creating a skincare empire. They discuss the initial fears about the brand's name and how a home peel revolutionized skincare. The couple recounts their hustle through challenges, including a major acquisition by Shiseido. Innovative products like their eye-catching LED face mask and dedication to consumer trust exemplify their success. Tune in for laughter, insights, and behind-the-scenes stories from the beauty industry!
13 snips
Mar 20, 2025 • 49min
Advice Line with Leah Solivan of Taskrabbit (September 2024)
Leah Solivan, founder of TaskRabbit, shares her journey in the digital marketplace, offering insights on overcoming early challenges in the sharing economy. Shahn Sereckli, co-founder of My Love Your Love, discusses innovative strategies for user acquisition in couples coaching, emphasizing the importance of accessible relationship resources. Calls from founders reveal unique marketing hurdles, like how to make digital greeting cards stand out and finding product-market fit for educational platforms. The conversation is a treasure trove of advice for budding entrepreneurs.
179 snips
Mar 17, 2025 • 1h 10min
Skype and Kazaa: Niklas Zennström
Niklas Zennström, a Swedish entrepreneur known for co-founding Kazaa and Skype, shares his journey in pioneering peer-to-peer technology. He recounts the challenges of launching Kazaa amidst legal battles with the music industry. Zennström discusses the innovative pivot to Skype, which transformed telecommunications by enabling free global calls. He reflects on the entrepreneurial landscape of the early 2000s, navigating funding hurdles and competition from major tech players, ultimately leading to Skype's acquisition by Microsoft.
Mar 13, 2025 • 46min
Advice Line with Jenn Hyman of Rent The Runway
Jenn Hyman, co-founder and CEO of Rent the Runway, shares her entrepreneurial wisdom while advising early-stage business owners. She tackles the importance of valuing artisan craftsmanship for local apparel, and emphasizes how letting go of ego can enhance leadership effectiveness. Conversations include strategies for raising capital in sustainable fashion and achieving significant revenue for beauty brands. Hyman offers insights on the evolution of fashion rentals and the emotional resilience needed in entrepreneurship, inspiring listeners on their journeys.
63 snips
Mar 10, 2025 • 1h 8min
SpotHero: Mark Lawrence
Mark Lawrence, Co-founder and CEO of SpotHero, shares his journey from dealing with parking fines in Chicago to creating a leading digital parking platform. He discusses the evolution from a peer-to-peer service to partnering with garages, emphasizing strategic growth over rapid expansion. Lawrence reflects on overcoming intense competition and investor pressures, while navigating challenges during the pandemic. He also shares his adventurous spirit, highlighting future goals like a bicycle tour across Africa and the importance of community in entrepreneurship.
