Have you ever felt like you’re trying to build your dream business while juggling flaming swords? Same here. Whether you’re knee-deep in spreadsheets, testing your hundredth idea, or just trying to figure out if you’re doing anything right, you’re not alone. That’s where How I Built This by Guy Raz comes in—a podcast so inspiring it’s practically entrepreneurial rocket fuel.
This isn’t just an ode to my favorite podcast (okay, maybe it is a little); it’s a guide to show you why this show is a must-listen if you’re a startup founder, aspiring mogul, or entrepreneurial dreamer. Guy Raz doesn’t just interview founders—he goes straight into the trenches with them, uncovering the good, the bad, and the truly ridiculous moments behind some of the world’s biggest brands.
Grab your coffee (or wine, no judgment), and get ready to learn how How I Built This can light a fire under your next big idea.
What Makes How I Built This a Masterclass in Business
Picture this: You’re sitting across from Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, and she’s telling you how she started by cutting the feet off her pantyhose in her tiny apartment. Or maybe you’re hearing Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia talk about literally selling air mattresses to pay rent. This podcast isn’t just about shiny success stories—it’s about the grit, failures, and wild pivots that got them there.
Here’s why How I Built This stands out from every other podcast in your queue (and trust me, it deserves to be bumped to the top):
- Relatable Storytelling
Guy Raz gets founders to open up about their struggles, self-doubt, and face-palming mistakes. Spoiler alert: The path to success is rarely a straight line, and these stories prove it.
- Actionable Takeaways
Every episode is packed with lessons you can apply to your own business. It’s not just talk—it’s wisdom you can take to the bank (or your garage startup).
- Top-Tier Guests
Spanx, Airbnb, Five Guys, Warby Parker—you name it, Guy has probably interviewed their founder. This is like sitting front row in a crash course taught by billion-dollar innovators.
Now, let’s dig into some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from the show.
1. Struggles Are Universal (Even for the Billion-Dollar Brands)
If you’ve been banging your head against the wall wondering why your grand ideas aren’t working, you’re in good company! Hearing founders talk openly about failures and setbacks is like a giant, comforting hug.
Take Sara Blakely (yes, I’m obsessed—just go listen to her episode already). She didn’t wake up with billions in her bank account. She hustled for YEARS, got rejected left and right, and still managed to persevere. Her story reminds us that grit and resilience are non-negotiable in this game.
These stories remind us that everyone struggles. It’s not just you. And guess what? Those struggles often lead to breakthroughs.
2. Risks Pay Off (Even When They’re Terrifying)
Spoiler alert: Building a business comes with risks. Big ones, small ones, the kind that make you question your sanity. But the recurring theme across How I Built This? Big risks often lead to big rewards.
Take Joe Gebbia of Airbnb. Did he have a backup plan when he started renting out air mattresses to strangers? Nope. But his leap of faith turned into a multi-billion-dollar empire. Listening to these stories gives you the confidence to say, “You know what? Maybe I can take the leap.”
Note: This is not permission to blow your savings on something crazy—unless it’s crazy in a calculated, inspired-by-Guy-Raz kind of way.
3. Stay Authentic to Your Vision
Ever feel tempted to chase every shiny trend that comes along? Same. But some of the best How I Built This episodes are from founders who doubled down on their unique vision.
Brands like Patagonia thrived because they stayed true to their principles, even when it wasn’t the easy route. Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a long-term strategy that keeps you grounded and connected to your purpose.
Pro tip? Next time you’re overwhelmed with “what’s trending,” remember this gem from How I Built This: Stick to what you believe in. Trends might fade, but a solid vision lasts forever.
4. Pivots Are Part of the Process
Your first business idea most likely isn’t going to be the one that blows up—and that’s okay. (Cue collective sigh of relief.) Listening to the advice line episodes of How I Built This, where budding entrepreneurs ask founders for guidance, is eye-opening.
One entrepreneur called in about being stuck on a failing idea. Entrepreneur and Guy brainstormed solutions, and the message was clear—pivot! Take what’s working, ditch what’s not, and shift your focus.
Running a business is all about adaptability. If it’s not clicking, don’t quit—pivot.
5. Failure Is Just a Stepping Stone
Ugh, failure. It’s the F-word we all dread. But How I Built This reframes failure as a crucial step to success. You didn’t fail; you learned something.
One episode on branding completely transformed my way of thinking. It highlighted how failure can actually build a stronger foundation for future success. Not convinced? Every major success story is just a string of failures disguised as progress.
Final Thoughts (And Your Next Steps)
If you’ve been searching for a dose of motivation, inspiration, or just a hint that you’re not totally losing your mind trying to build a business—How I Built This has your back. It’s a podcast for anyone who’s ready to ditch the 9-to-5 grind and take charge of their own future.
My challenge to you? Listen to one episode—just one. Choose a brand you love and hit play. I guarantee you’ll walk away with at least two actionable ideas and a whole lot of inspiration.
And hey, if you love it as much as I do, tell me about your favorite episode. (Mine is still Sara Blakely’s, by the way.)
Finally, if you’re ready to get even more strategic about your business and start implementing the lessons from the podcast, head over here for more tips and coaching. Your dream business is waiting—what are you doing about it?
Go listen, take notes, and crush it, friend.