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
Jul 8, 2019 • 44min
Teach For America: Wendy Kopp (2017)
Wendy Kopp, the visionary founder of Teach for America, shares her inspiring journey from a college thesis to launching a nonprofit that revolutionizes education in underserved communities. She discusses the challenges of securing funding, including a pivotal meeting with Ross Perot that shaped the future of her initiative. Kopp emphasizes the enduring impact of TFA on thousands of teachers and students across the nation. Plus, meet 19-year-old Abby Kircher, who shares her entrepreneurial journey from a peanut butter obsession to running a successful nut butter business.
Jul 1, 2019 • 1h 7min
Dave's Killer Bread: Dave Dahl
Dave Dahl, co-founder of Dave's Killer Bread, shares his inspiring journey from prison to entrepreneurship. After years of struggles with addiction and incarceration, he found redemption through baking organic bread. His unique branding highlighted his story, resonating with customers. The podcast also explores the creative process behind their distinct products and the challenges of scaling from farmer's markets to major supermarkets. Additionally, it touches on the importance of hiring ex-convicts and overcoming the darker side of fame.
Jun 24, 2019 • 60min
Yelp: Jeremy Stoppelman
Discover the fascinating origins of Yelp, born from failed attempts but evolving into a thriving platform thanks to user-generated reviews. Jeremy Stoppelman shares the ups and downs of startup life, from securing funding to navigating challenges in a competitive landscape. The podcast humorously highlights quirky Yelp reviews alongside insights on indoor cats' instincts. Plus, hear about an entrepreneurial vet's journey in creating a revolutionary cat toy that taps into those instincts, merging innovation with humor in the pet industry.
Jun 17, 2019 • 42min
Chesapeake Bay Candle: Mei Xu (2017)
Mei Xu, the founder of Chesapeake Bay Candle, shares her remarkable journey from China to the U.S. She found inspiration in Bloomingdale's and started making candles in her basement using Campbell's Soup cans. Mei discusses overcoming challenges, including setbacks at trade shows, and how a pivotal moment at the Frankfurt Trade Show changed her design strategy. She also highlights the beauty of Annapolis that inspired her brand and her transition to empowering women entrepreneurs, creating a platform for future innovators.
Jun 10, 2019 • 1h 9min
Allbirds: Tim Brown & Joey Zwillinger
Tim Brown, co-founder of Allbirds and former professional soccer player, teams up with Joey Zwillinger, a sustainability advocate. They discuss how Tim's experience crafting simple canvas shoes inspired the shift to eco-friendly merino wool. The duo shares their challenges in launching a carbon-neutral footwear brand and the importance of sustainability in their business. They reflect on pivotal moments like their successful Kickstarter campaign and how their partnership evolved, providing insights into the entrepreneurial journey and the balance between innovation and environmental responsibility.
Jun 3, 2019 • 47min
Live Episode! Tofurky: Seth Tibbott
Seth Tibbott, founder of Tofurky, shares his inspiring journey of building a plant-based powerhouse while living in unconventional setups like a barn and a treehouse. He discusses the innovative launch of the iconic Tofurky roast, which started from humble beginnings and grew amid the rising demand for vegetarian options. Tibbott reflects on his early struggles with tempeh production and the importance of family support, ultimately leading to Tofurky's massive success, now generating $40 million in annual sales.
May 27, 2019 • 1h 3min
Stacy's Pita Chips: Stacy Madison
Stacy Madison, co-founder of Stacy's Pita Chips, shares her inspiring journey from selling pita sandwiches from a hot dog cart to creating a beloved snack brand. She discusses the transformative decision to bake leftover pita into chips, which led to their exponential growth. Unexpected challenges, including a factory fire and personal changes, shaped her entrepreneurial path. Stacy reflects on the balance of hard work and luck in her success and the emotional resilience required to navigate rapid growth and partnerships.
May 20, 2019 • 33min
Zappos: Tony Hsieh (2017)
Tony Hsieh, the visionary founder of Zappos, transformed an online shoe retailer into a billion-dollar customer service powerhouse. He shares insights on the unconventional management philosophy that prioritizes happiness and employee culture over traditional structures. Hsieh reflects on overcoming early financial challenges and the joy of creating a nurturing work environment. He also delves into his belief in experiences over possessions, illustrating how these principles fueled Zappos' success and reshaped industry expectations.
May 13, 2019 • 53min
Belkin International: Chet Pipkin
Chet Pipkin, founder of Belkin International, shares his innovative journey from a young cable enthusiast to leading a global tech company. He reveals how he identified a market gap while hanging out in computer shops in the 80s. Chet discusses the emotional hurdles and family support that shaped his entrepreneurial spirit. He elaborates on strategic decisions during rapid growth, including meaningful community engagement and the pivotal sale of Belkin for over $800 million. Plus, hear motivating insights on rebranding a family business into Zipper Rescue.
May 6, 2019 • 58min
Framebridge: Susan Tynan (2017)
Susan Tynan, founder of Framebridge, shares her entrepreneurial journey of creating a mail-order custom framing service after a shocking $1600 quote for four posters. She discusses overcoming initial challenges and scaling the business, while reshaping a rigid industry. Tynan emphasizes perseverance, innovative solutions to high costs, and the emotional rewards of fulfilling customers' cherished memories. Plus, a postscript highlights Len Testa's app that helps users avoid long lines at Disney parks, showcasing the intersection of creativity and convenience in business.
