How I Built This with Guy Raz

Bruce Pavitt and Jonathan Poneman, co-founders of Sub Pop Records, share their thrilling journey from music enthusiasts to key players in the Seattle grunge scene. They discuss the birth of their label with borrowed funds and bold ideas, launching iconic bands like Nirvana. The duo reflects on their creative strategies, navigating the rise of grunge and the emotional rollercoaster of industry changes. Their insights reveal the delicate balance between artistic integrity and commercial success, culminating in a celebration of Sub Pop’s lasting impact on music history.

Alli Webb, co-founder of Drybar, emphasizes the importance of investing in self-care through beauty, even during quiet times. Andy Puddicombe, along with co-founder Rich Pierson of Headspace, shares insights on navigating business challenges and the power of meditation for mental clarity. They discuss the adaptation to remote work, coping strategies during crises, and practical tips for mindfulness. Their candid experiences underline the significance of community and resilience in overcoming life's uncertainties.

Kyle Connaughton, owner of the Michelin three-star SingleThread Farms, shares how he navigated wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic while supporting his community through free meals. Daniel Humm, mastermind behind Eleven Madison Park, discusses turning his iconic restaurant into a commissary kitchen, serving 5,000 daily meals during lockdown. Together, they explore resilience in the culinary world, rethinking fine dining's future, and the emotional toll of adapting their beloved establishments to serve those in need.

Luis von Ahn, a brilliant computer scientist from Guatemala, shares his inspiring journey from creating CAPTCHA to co-founding Duolingo. He reveals how a chance encounter led to the development of reCAPTCHA, monetizing language learning while tackling email spamming. Von Ahn discusses the challenges of maintaining a free platform and navigating monetization, highlighting Duolingo's mission to democratize education. His path symbolizes innovation's intersection with personal challenges and societal needs.

In this conversation, Sarah LaFleur, founder of M.M.LaFleur, discusses her journey in revolutionizing professional attire for women. As many workers shifted to remote environments, she had to creatively adapt her brand. Sarah highlights her strategies for innovation, managing a team, and understanding new fashion trends that prioritize comfort. She shares valuable insights on supporting mental well-being in crisis and the importance of community, providing a refreshing perspective on resilience in entrepreneurship.

Tony Xu, the visionary behind DoorDash, shares how his platform became crucial for local restaurants during the pandemic. He emphasizes community support and adapting to consumer needs. Meanwhile, Marcia Kilgore discusses the ups and downs of her brands, particularly how Beauty Pie has thrived in the digital landscape amidst retail challenges. Both guests highlight resilience, innovation, and the importance of genuine connections in navigating business hurdles.

Jo Malone CBE, founder of Jo Malone London and Jo Loves, shares her inspiring entrepreneurial journey from making face creams as a child in 1970s London to creating iconic fragrances. She discusses the challenges of building her brand, navigating personal struggles, and the emotional toll of leaving her first business. Jo reflects on the beauty industry's evolution, resilience during crisis, and her innovative approaches at Jo Loves. Her story intertwines authenticity, creativity, and the importance of human connection in beauty.

Tobias Lütke, founder of Shopify, shares how his company thrived during the pandemic, emphasizing the resilience of small businesses. Jon Stein, founder of Betterment, discusses the advantages of starting new ventures during economic downturns and why 2008 inspired him. Both guests delve into the importance of adaptability in e-commerce and investment, highlighting lessons learned from past crises. They also explore the evolving financial behaviors of younger generations and the opportunities within economic adversity.

Samin Nosrat, acclaimed author of "Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat," shares her journey in adapting to the cooking revival during lockdown, emphasizing community ties. Fanny Singer, daughter of culinary innovator Alice Waters, discusses the vital role of supporting local farmers and the joys of growing a victory garden. Together, they reflect on the creativity born from cooking challenges, the significance of sensory experiences at home, and the profound connections forged through food. Their insights inspire a passionate approach to home cooking and community support.

Pat Brown, a biochemist and founder of Impossible Foods, shifted from a stable career to create plant-based meat as a solution to climate change. He discusses the journey of developing the Impossible Burger, tackling challenges in mimicking meat's taste and texture. Pat shares insights on the importance of innovation, collaboration with chefs, and the hurdles of securing funding. The conversation also highlights the booming popularity of plant-based alternatives and Impossible Foods' ambitious future plans, including plant-based pork and steaks.