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.

  • 45 minutes 54 seconds
    Advice Line with Jenn Hyman of Rent The Runway

    Rent the Runway co-founder and CEO Jenn Hyman joins Guy on the Advice Line to answer questions from three early-stage entrepreneurs. Plus, Jenn’s take on how letting go of ego helps business leaders stay in the game. 

    First, we meet Sara near Cape Cod, who’s wondering how much her customers actually value local artisans making her apparel. Then Carrie from New York, who’s trying to unlock seven-figure revenue to attract investors to her active haircare brand. And finally, fellow New Yorker Chabella talks with Jenn about raising capital for her sustainable fashion brand.

    Thank you to the founders of Easkey Right, Swair Hair, and Chabella for being a part of our show.

    If you’d like to be featured on a future Advice Line episode, leave us a one-minute message that tells us about your business and a specific question you’d like answered. Send a voice memo to [email protected] or call 1-800-433-1298.

    And be sure to listen to Jenn tell the story of how Rent the Runway was founded during her first visit to the show back in 2017.


    This episode was produced by J.C. Howard with music by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by John Isabella. Our audio engineer was Cena Loffredo.

    You can follow HIBT on Twitter & Instagram and sign up for Guy's free newsletter at guyraz.com and on Substack.



    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    13 March 2025, 7:10 am
  • 1 hour 7 minutes
    SpotHero: Mark Lawrence

    After racking up thousands of dollars in fines, Chicago roommates Mark Lawrence and Jeremy Smith figured there had to be an easier way to park. So in 2011, they launched SpotHero as a peer-to-peer service, where people who lived near Wrigley Field might rent out their driveway on a game night.  But that strategy wasn’t scalable, so SpotHero soon partnered with garages to sell excess inventory. Over the years, the startup faced intense pressure from investors to expand quickly and copy whatever the competition was doing. But Mark insisted on slow, strategic growth, and today, SpotHero is one of the largest digital parking platforms in North America, servicing about 300 cities.

    This episode was researched and produced by Katherine Sypher with music by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by Neva Grant. Our engineers were Kwesi Lee and Patrick Murray.

    You can follow HIBT on X & Instagram, and email us at [email protected]. Sign up for Guy’s free newsletter at guyraz.com

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    10 March 2025, 7:10 am
  • 49 minutes 12 seconds
    Advice Line with Alberto Perlman of Zumba

    Zumba co-founder and CEO Alberto Perlman joins Guy on the Advice Line, where they answer questions from three early-stage founders. Plus, Alberto’s take on the value of partnerships for growing brands — and why entrepreneurs should say ‘yes’ more often.

    First we meet Stefanie in Michigan, who’s looking for the smartest route to raise capital for her non-slip workout shoes. Then Jack in New Hampshire, who wants to broaden the appeal of his protein powders for sensitive stomachs. And Peter in Colorado, who needs help evaluating which opportunities to chase for his plant-based ski wax.

    Thank you to the founders of Barreletics, Drink Wholesome, and mountainFLOW for being a part of our show.


    If you’d like to be featured on a future Advice Line episode, leave us a one-minute message that tells us about your business and a specific question you’d like answered. Send a voice memo to [email protected] or call 1-800-433-1298.

    And be sure to listen to Zumba’s founding story as told by Alberto and his co-founder Beto on the show in 2017.


    This episode was produced by Sam Paulson with music by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by John Isabella. Our audio engineer was Neal Rauch.

    You can follow HIBT on X & Instagram and sign up for Guy’s free newsletter at guyraz.com or on Substack.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    6 March 2025, 8:10 am
  • 1 hour 23 minutes
    PayPal: Max Levchin (June 2022)

    During its formative years in the late 1990's, Paypal attracted an extraordinary group of young entrepreneurs, who then went on to build some of the best known companies in tech. They became known as The PayPal Mafia—and Max Levchin was one of the leaders. A computer genius from Soviet Ukraine, Max joined Peter Thiel, Elon Musk, Reid Hoffman and others as they grew PayPal into a massively successful online payment service. Along the way, they encountered almost every start-up challenge imaginable, including the emotional ouster of Elon Musk as CEO. After PayPal was acquired by eBay in 2002, Max couldn't sit still, so he launched a startup lab that eventually led to another successful fintech company: Affirm.

    This episode was produced by Alex Cheng with music by Ramtin Arablouei. Edited by Neva Grant, with research from Claire Murashima.

    You can follow HIBT on X & Instagram, and email us at [email protected]. Sign up for Guy’s free newsletter at guyraz.com

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    3 March 2025, 8:10 am
  • 46 minutes 8 seconds
    Advice Line with Lyndon Cormack of Herschel Supply Co.

    Herschel Supply Co. co-founder Lyndon Cormack joins Guy on the Advice Line, where they answer questions from three early-stage founders about leveraging brand stories to reach new customers.

    Today we meet Lauren in Michigan, a former journalist now capturing family histories in bespoke commemorative books. Then Jon in London, whose creation might be a solution for the pile of clothes on your chair. And Virginia in Alaska, who designed a bra that stays comfortable through a 12-hour nursing shift—and now wants to expand to the lower 48.

    Thank you to the founders of Memory Lane Jane, Floordrobe, and SWOOP for being a part of our show. 


    If you’d like to be featured on a future Advice Line episode, leave us a one-minute message that tells us about your business and a specific question you’d like answered. Send a voice memo to [email protected] or call 1-800-433-1298.

    And be sure to listen to Herschel Supply Co.’s founding story as told by Lyndon and his brother Jamie on the show in 2023.


    This episode was produced by Alex Cheng with music by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by John Isabella. Our audio engineer was Cena Loffredo.

    You can follow HIBT on X & Instagram and sign up for Guy's free newsletter at guyraz.com or on Substack.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    27 February 2025, 8:10 am
  • 7 minutes 20 seconds
    Listen Now: Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky

    Monica Lewinsky has been a major reference in pop culture since she was 24 years old when a scandal made her a household name overnight. Since then, she’s fought to redefine her reputation - and now, she's ready to encourage others to take back their power, too.

    On her new podcast "Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky," Monica leads honest and wide-ranging conversations about what it means to write your own narrative. Each week, guests share how they've rediscovered purpose, rebuilt relationships, and redefined success after their most vulnerable moments.

    This is just a preview of Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky. You can listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts, or here: Wondery.fm/ReclaimingWithMonicaLewinsky

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    24 February 2025, 9:00 am
  • 1 hour 4 minutes
    Lenny & Larry’s Protein Snacks: Barry Turner

    When Barry Turner co-founded Lenny & Larry’s, the idea of selling a protein-packed breakfast muffin was practically unheard of: it was the early 1990’s, and protein-fortified food was not yet a thing. But when Barry was sidelined from a promising gig as an American Gladiator, he and his bodybuilding buddy Benny Graham decided to infuse baked goods with protein powder and sell them around L.A. Soon they were selling brownies, cookies, and cinnamon rolls, but mostly anonymously, as a white label business. Barry eventually sold the company, but returned years later to build the brand he’d always wanted, and to focus on one product, The Complete Cookie. Today a majority of Lenny and Larry’s belongs to Lion Capital, and the high-protein cookies—and other treats—can be found in over 30 countries worldwide.


    This episode was produced by J.C. Howard, with music by Ramtin Arablouei

    Edited by Neva Grant, with research help from Katherine Sypher.


    You can follow HIBT on Twitter & Instagram, and email us at [email protected]. Sign up for Guy’s free newsletter at guyraz.com 


    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    24 February 2025, 8:10 am
  • 51 minutes 16 seconds
    Advice Line with Ariel Kaye of Parachute Home (August 2024)

    Parachute Home founder Ariel Kaye joins Guy on the Advice Line, where they answer questions from three founders on being mindful and strategic in their next expansion steps

    Today, we meet Daen, an entrepreneur in Australia considering investment for his line of men’s grooming products after ten years of self-funding. Then Deanna, a former educator in New Jersey seeking new press for the emotional health tool she designed for children. And Meaghan, a Florida-based hard seltzer maker trying to gut-check biases in her male-dominated industry.

    If you’d like to be featured on a future Advice Line episode, leave us a one-minute message that tells us about your business and a specific question you’d like answered. Send a voice memo to [email protected] or call 1-800-433-1298.

    And be sure to listen to Parachute Home’s founding story as told by Ariel on the show in 2023.


    This episode was produced by Carla Esteves with music by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by John Isabella. Our audio engineer was Cena Loffredo.

    You can follow HIBT on X & Instagram and sign up for Guy's free newsletter at guyraz.com.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    20 February 2025, 8:10 am
  • 1 hour 21 minutes
    Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day: Monica Nassif

    Mrs. Meyer’s is a hugely successful line of soaps and cleansers named for a real Mrs. Meyer: a no-nonsense Iowa homemaker who raised nine kids, including the brand’s founder. When Monica Nassif started Mrs. Meyer’s, she’d already launched an upscale cleaning brand, but it was too pricey for the mass market. Worried that another company might muscle into her lane, Monica decided to knock herself off: she launched Mrs. Meyer’s with an elegant design and exotic fragrances– but at a price point that allowed her to target Target. Monica’s mom Thelma became a beloved mascot for the brand, which–after spreading to sinks across America — was eventually acquired by S.C. Johnson.


    This episode was produced by Kerry Thompson with music by Ramtin Arablouei. Edited by Neva Grant, with research from Carla Esteves. Our engineers were Patrick Murray and Jimmy Keeley. 


    You can follow HIBT on X & Instagram, and email us at [email protected]. Sign up for Guy’s free newsletter at guyraz.com 



    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    17 February 2025, 8:10 am
  • 45 minutes 6 seconds
    Advice Line with Travis Boersma of Dutch Bros

    Dutch Bros co-founder and former CEO Travis Boersma joins Guy on the Advice Line, where they answer questions from three early-stage founders. Plus, Travis reflects on the baby steps that scaled his initial espresso cart into a 900+ location national business.

    First we meet Sean in Atlanta, who’s trying to reach new customers for his Korean fried chicken as delivery apps cut into margins. Then Trenton in Central Pennsylvania, who’s considering whether to grow his coffee roastery through DTC or wholesale. And Yasmin in Austin, who wants to bring her social tonics to the mainstream as an alternative to alcohol.

    Thank you to the founders of Mukja Korean Fried Chicken, Pine Ridge Coffee, and Altar Native Bar for being a part of our show.

    If you’d like to be featured on a future Advice Line episode, leave us a one-minute message that tells us about your business and a specific question you’d like answered. Send a voice memo to [email protected] or call 1-800-433-1298.

    And be sure to listen to Dutch Bros’ founding story as told by Travis on the show in 2023.

    This episode was produced by Sam Paulson with music by Ramtin Arablouei and Sam Paulson. It was edited by John Isabella. Our audio engineer was Cena Loffredo.

    You can follow HIBT on X & Instagram and sign up for Guy’s free newsletter at guyraz.com or on Substack.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    13 February 2025, 8:10 am
  • 56 minutes 58 seconds
    Beyond Yoga: Michelle Wahler

    When Michelle Wahler and Jodi Guber Brufsky set out to launch a yoga wear brand in 2005, they had no idea that it would eventually be acquired—for hundreds of millions of dollars—by one of the most iconic apparel brands in the world. 


    But it took years for Beyond Yoga to get to that point. It grew slowly by partnering with yoga studios and mom-and-pop boutiques, and apart from some initial seed money, it never took on any outside investment. With an obsessive focus on soft fabrics, inclusive sizing and U.S.-based manufacturing, Beyond Yoga eventually began competing with more established brands like Lululemon and Athleta. And in 2021, the brand was acquired by Levi’s for $400 million. 


    This episode was produced by Chris Maccini with music by Ramtin Arablouei. Edited by Neva Grant, with research from Kathryn Sypher. Our engineers were James Willetts, Patrick Murray and Robert Rodriguez. 


    You can follow HIBT on X & Instagram, and email us at [email protected]. Sign up for Guy’s free newsletter at guyraz.com


    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    10 February 2025, 8:10 am
  • More Episodes? Get the App