How I Built This with Guy Raz

Alice Waters, the founder of Chez Panisse, shares her culinary journey that sparked the farm-to-table movement. She recalls her transformative experiences in France that inspired her to create a restaurant focused on fresh, local ingredients. Waters discusses the challenges of maintaining authenticity in the culinary world while navigating the temptation of expansion. She also highlights the significance of food in building community and her passionate commitment to sustainable practices. Additionally, a touch on the Edible Schoolyard Project emphasizes the importance of teaching children about organic gardening.

Keith Alexander, the innovative New Zealand engineer behind the world's safest trampoline, shares how his design journey began with a simple desire for his kids' safety. Joined by businessman Steve Holmes, they recount the challenges of bringing their idea to market, including securing patents and overcoming retail skepticism. They discuss the pivotal moment of unveiling their product at a major trade show and their strategic partnership with Costco. Their inspiring story is a testament to creativity, resilience, and the importance of safety in play.

In 1981, Rod Canion co-founded Compaq, launching the first IBM-compatible personal computer. This groundbreaking move sparked a revolution in the PC industry. Hear about the challenges and innovations that helped Compaq rise against IBM in the competitive market. Plus, discover Danica Lause's journey from a knitting mishap to creating stylish ponytail hats, illustrating the power of adaptability in entrepreneurship. Both stories highlight the spirit of innovation and resilience in the face of adversity.

Jen Rubio, co-founder of Away, shares her journey from a suitcase disaster at the airport to launching a travel brand that took the market by storm. She discusses the fusion of stylish design and practicality that appeals to young travelers. From overcoming production delays to using innovative marketing strategies, Jen emphasizes the importance of perseverance and creativity in entrepreneurship. She also reflects on her cultural identity and the transition from traditional career paths to fulfilling her dream, reshaping the luggage industry along the way.

Logic, the rapper celebrated for his uplifting messages and rise from adversity, shares the story of his journey from a challenging upbringing to stardom. Alongside his manager Chris Zarou, who helped launch his career with innovative marketing, they discuss the power of social media in today’s music landscape. They reflect on their early experiences navigating the industry, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, perseverance, and mentorship. The duo’s candid tales of financial struggles and chaotic tours highlight their dedication to artistry and growth.

In this episode, Anthony Casalena, the founder of Squarespace, shares how he transformed a simple website-building tool from his college dorm into a billion-dollar company. He discusses the challenges of scaling the business and the emotional toll of leadership. Casalena opens up about the struggle of relinquishing control while hiring his first team. He also reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped Squarespace’s growth, including the successful leap into podcast advertising and the launch of Squarespace 6, which redefined user experience.

In 1983, Eileen Fisher signed up for a fashion trade show with no experience, no garments, no patterns or sketches – nothing but a few ideas for a women's clothing line focused on simplicity. Within three weeks, she came up with 12 pieces, a logo, and a name: Eileen Fisher. Today, the Eileen Fisher brand is still known for its elegant and minimalist designs, but it has grown to more than 60 locations and makes over $300 million in annual revenue. PLUS in our postscript "How You Built That," we check back with Glenn Auerbach who invented nICE mug, a container made entirely from ice that keeps drinks cold. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the 1970s, Roxanne Quimby was trying to live a simpler life – one that rejected the pursuit of material comforts. She moved to Maine, built a cabin in the woods, and lived off the grid. By the mid-80s, she met a recluse beekeeper named Burt Shavitz and offered to help him tend to his bees. As partners, Roxanne and Burt soon began selling their "Pure Maine Honey" at local markets, which evolved into candles made out of beeswax, and eventually lip balm and skin care products. Today Burt's Bees can be found in nearly every grocery store and drugstore around the U.S. PLUS, in our postscript "How You Built That," Leigh Isaacson explains how her sister's break up inspired them to create a dating app – for dog owners. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Entrepreneur Blake Mycoskie shares his journey of starting TOMS, a shoe business with a philanthropic mission. He discusses the challenges of communicating with shoemakers and fulfilling orders, as well as the pivotal moments that led to increased attention and growth for the company. He also explores TOMS as a movement and addresses customer engagement and criticisms.

David Neeleman, co-creator of a regional airline and founder of JetBlue Airways, shares his vision for a budget airline with excellent customer service and high-tech amenities. Topics include the success of JetBlue's first year, the 2007 Valentine's Day ice storm, and Lisa Dalton's creation of braille labels for blind consumers.