How I Built This

How I Built This is a popular podcast that delves into the stories of entrepreneurship and the people behind some of the world's most successful companies, including Airbnb, LinkedIn, and Dell. The podcast is hosted by Guy Raz, a renowned journalist and interviewer who has also worked with NPR, PBS NewsHour, and CNN. With a unique blend of storytelling and in-depth interviews, the podcast has featured guests such as Reid Hoffman, Sara Blakely, and Howard Schultz, offering insights into the world of Silicon Valley, Wall Street, and Main Street. The podcast has been praised for its ability to humanize the stories of entrepreneurs and innovators, including Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg.

● Introduction to

How I Built This The podcast has been a staple of National Public Radio since its launch, with episodes often featuring conversations with founders and CEOs of well-known companies, including Warby Parker, Patagonia, and Chipotle Mexican Grill. The podcast's focus on the personal stories and struggles of entrepreneurs has resonated with listeners, who tune in to hear about the experiences of Richard Branson, Arianna Huffington, and Seth Godin. The podcast has also explored the stories of disruptors and game-changers in various industries, including technology, healthcare, and sustainability, with guests such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mary Barra.

● Concept and Creation

The concept of the podcast was born out of Guy Raz's own experiences as a journalist and interviewer, having worked with NPR, PBS NewsHour, and CNN. Raz drew inspiration from his conversations with entrepreneurs and innovators, including Steve Case, Russell Simmons, and Joy Mangano, and realized that their stories had the power to educate and inspire listeners. The podcast was created in partnership with National Public Radio and has since become one of the network's most popular shows, with episodes often featuring guests such as Sheryl Sandberg, Marc Andreessen, and Reid Hoffman. The podcast's creation was also influenced by the success of other popular podcasts, including The Tim Ferriss Show, The GaryVee Audio Experience, and HBR IdeaCast, which feature conversations with thought leaders and industry experts, including Malcolm Gladwell, Seth Godin, and Simon Sinek.

● Host and Guests

The podcast is hosted by Guy Raz, who brings his unique interviewing style and curiosity to each conversation, having also worked with TED Radio Hour and The TED Interview. Raz's guests have included a wide range of entrepreneurs and innovators, from tech giants like Google and Facebook to social entrepreneurs like Skoll Foundation and Ashoka. The podcast has also featured guests from the world of entertainment, including Netflix, HBO, and Disney, with conversations with Reed Hastings, Richard Plepler, and Bob Iger. Other notable guests have included politicians and thought leaders, such as Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Malala Yousafzai, as well as authors and journalists, including Sarah Kendzior, Glenn Greenwald, and Nicholas Kristof.

● Production and Episodes

The podcast is produced by National Public Radio and typically features one or two guests per episode, with conversations ranging from 30 minutes to over an hour. The podcast's production team includes a range of producers and editors, who work to craft engaging and informative episodes that explore the stories of entrepreneurs and innovators. The podcast has released over 200 episodes to date, with topics ranging from artificial intelligence and blockchain to sustainability and social justice, featuring guests such as Fei-Fei Li, Andrew Ng, and Leila Janah. The podcast has also explored the stories of women in tech, including Reshma Saujani, Susan Wojcicki, and Ginni Rometty, as well as diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, with conversations with Megan Smith, Mitch Kapor, and Freada Kapor Klein.

● Impact and Reception

The podcast has received widespread critical acclaim, with praise from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Forbes. The podcast has also been recognized with several awards, including the Peabody Award and the Edward R. Murrow Award. The podcast's impact extends beyond the world of entrepreneurship, with listeners from a range of backgrounds and industries tuning in to hear the stories of innovators and disruptors. The podcast has also been credited with inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurs, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ayanna Pressley, and Ilhan Omar, who have been influenced by the stories of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Nelson Mandela, and Malala Yousafzai.

● Behind

the Scenes The podcast's production team works closely with Guy Raz to research and prepare for each episode, often conducting extensive interviews and research to craft engaging and informative conversations. The podcast's editors and producers also work to ensure that each episode is carefully edited and produced, with a focus on storytelling and narrative. The podcast has also been recognized for its innovative approach to podcasting, including the use of immersive storytelling and sound design, with collaborations with Snap Judgment and Radiolab. The podcast's success has also led to the creation of a range of spin-off projects, including live events and video series, featuring conversations with thought leaders and industry experts, including Arianna Huffington, Seth Godin, and Simon Sinek.