Guy Raz+

10 Years of HIBT and Some Exciting Changes Ahead!

Guy Raz Newsletter – October 9, 2026

10 Years of How I Built This: A Decade of Innovation, Risk and Reinvention

Stories about starting a business are almost always full of drama. They’re about ambition, loss, triumph, catastrophe, resilience. And they’re also full of life lessons – which is why Guy Raz launched How I Built This 10 years ago: He wanted to host a free master class in entrepreneurship, one conversation at a time. Ten years on, he’s conducted over 600 interviews with some of the world’s most successful founders, and on today’s show, he replays some of the most memorable moments and lessons. Joining him is Jamie Siminoff, the founder of RING and a former guest on the show. Why Jamie? He’s a

◌ 1h 20m

Advice Line with Scott Tannen of Boll & Branch and Jamie Siminoff of Ring (2025)

CEO and co-founder of Boll & Branch, Scott Tannen joins Ring founder Jamie Siminoff and Guy on the Advice Line to answer questions from three early-stage entrepreneurs. Plus, Jamie and Guy talk about how creating repeat customers often comes from creating social good.  First, we hear from Melita in Toronto who's wondering whether to continue bootstrapping her organic clothing business. Then Eric in the Sunshine State asks which direction to take to grow his sunscreen apparel lines. And Chris in Alpine Meadows, California, is trying to figure out how to get his sleek binoculars into the hands o

◌ 51m

Seventh Generation: Alan Newman and Jeffrey Hollender. A Partnership that Flourished—until it Failed. (2021)

With its eco-friendly paper towels, diapers, and cleansers, Seventh Generation was one of the first—and most successful—green household brands to hit the market. But in the early 1990s, its two founders had a bitter falling out.Alan Newman and Jeffrey Hollender have barely spoken since that time, but they both agreed to come on the show to talk about the business they were both passionate about, and the delicate nature of partnership.What you'll learn: Why Alan says his great strength—and his greatness weakness—is his tendency to say “yes”How Jeffrey and Alan lost their friendship and business

◌ 1h 32m

Five Things I Learned From the Guy Who Turned Chickpeas Into the Fifth Best-Selling Pasta in America

Guy Raz Newsletter – September 24, 2026

Advice Line with Danny Meyer of Shake Shack

Today’s callers: Janell from Kentucky wonders how to build a sense of hospitality into her canned bourbon cocktail brand. Jade from South Carolina considers the upsides and risks of shipping her smoked salmon directly to customers. And Bar from Colorado considers strategies for bringing his protein-packed cous cous to quick service restaurants.Plus Danny talks about the elements of a strong company culture as described in his new book, What Could Possibly Go Right?Thank you to the founders of Ponyboy Slings, Angel Oak Smokehouse, and Boostcous for being a part of our show.If you’d like to be f

◌ 43m

Banza: Brian Rudolph. The Chickpea Pasta That Nearly Turned to Mush

Brian Rudolph started making chickpea pasta in his Detroit apartment because wheat made him feel sick. A decade later, Banza was in more than 25,000 stores, and today, it’s one of the most popular pasta brands in the country. Success was not automatic: The business barely got off the ground because the cooked pasta was turning to mush—and as Banza became known for its health benefits, a food-safety scare sent sales plunging by 30%.In this episode, Brian explains why he was inspired to create a whole new category, how he turned chickpea skeptics into fans, and how the company rebuilt trust afte

◌ 59m

She Wiped Out Her Entire Life Savings on Eyeliner Nobody Was Buying. Then It Made Her $30 Million.

Guy Raz Newsletter – September 17, 2026

Advice Line with Michelle Wahler of Beyond Yoga

Today's callers: Carrie from Paris wants to turn interest into bookings for her boutique study-abroad programs for adults. Then, Grace from Nashville considers how to re-build relationships with interior designers she may have let down early on in her furniture upholstery business. And Angel from Indiana explores how to translate the emotional appeal of her self-care soap kits into stronger online sales.Plus, Michelle explains why founders don't always need to raise outside capital, and why they shouldn’t go into business with an exit plan. Thank you to the founders of Elective Study Abroad, G

◌ 50m

Thrive Causemetics: Karissa Bodnar. How a Beauty Business Made Millions for a Mission

Karissa Bodnar had a dream job at L'Oréal when a close friend died from cancer at age 24. It shook her up and made her reassess what she really wanted to do with her life. The answer? Build her own beauty business with a mission of “giving back.”The problem? Nobody seemed to want to carry her products. She pitched Sephora, Nordstrom, Ulta, and others—and kept hearing no.She stuck it out, pouring tens of thousands of dollars of her own savings into it, and worked a full-time job to fund the formulation of new cosmetics.Two years in, another life-changing event. Karissa posted a video of herself

◌ 58m

Five Things I Learned From the High School Dropout Who Built a $100 Million Bag Company

Guy Raz Newsletter – September 10, 2026

Advice Line with Kip Tindell of The Container Store

Today’s callers: Juliette in France wonders how to raise awareness of her “magical” cooling device—without a costly ad campaign. Then David in North Carolina looks to grow the wholesale channel of his engraved gifts business in light of thinning retail margins. And Kaitlin in California wants to leverage the virality of her supportive, bordered sheets and create an enduring sleep brand.Plus, Kip reflects on The Container Store’s bankruptcy and acquisition, and plugs patience and persistence as the keys to sustainable growth.Thank you to the folks at CoolaWand, Hazel Grove Customs, and Kaomi Sl

◌ 49m

Bogg Bag: Kim Vaccarella. The $100 Million Business She Almost Abandoned

Kim’s inspiration to launch a business came from an unlikely source: Her son’s Crocs. She thought the durable, washable material would make a great beach bag. So she designed one. But after investing her savings—inlcuding some of her kids’ college fund—Kim was crushed when her first major shipment of Bogg bags was defective. It knocked her so off balance, that she put the entire business on hold. Then something unexpected happened.The few thousand customers who already had a bag….clamored for more. So Kim decided to start over. She borrowed $120,000, found another factory, shared trade show bo

◌ 1h 24m

The Hail Mary That Saved Snack Brand Late July

Guy Raz Newsletter – September 3, 2026

Advice Line with Ben Goodwin of Olipop

Today’s callers: Darin from North Carolina seeks guidance on consumer education as his ghee-based snack brand grows into major retailers. Then Sarah from Massachusetts explores scaling pathways for her ‘never-frozen’ gluten-free baked goods. And John from Ohio considers whether online sales can turn around his local food co-op. Plus, Ben comments on the drivers of Olipop’s nearly $2 billion valuation, and critiques a common piece of business advice that often holds founders back. Thank you to the founders of Gheelish, Sarah’s Gluten Free Goods, and Bexley’s Natural Foods for being a part of ou

◌ 49m

Late July Snacks: Nicole Bernard Dawes. Crackers and Cookies were Failing… Tortilla Chips Saved Them

Nicole Bernard Dawes spent much of her childhood hanging out in her dad’s potato chip factory on Cape Cod. She liked his kettle-cooked chips a lot more than the flavorless snacks in her mom’s health food store. But when she started her own business, she wanted the best of both worlds: a snack made with natural, organic ingredients…that still tasted good.  Nicole launched Late July Snacks in 2003, when most consumers barely knew what “organic” meant. For years, sales limped along. Then, in a moment of crisis, she made a company-saving pivot by launching a brand new product – organic tortilla ch

◌ 1h 30m

Two Brothers Built a Cooler Nobody Asked For. It Became a $2 Billion Status Symbol.

Guy Raz Newsletter – August 27, 2026

Advice Line with Daymond John of FUBU

Today’s callers: Cristopher from Chicago wants to expand his family’s salsa brand from farmers markets into retail. Next, Darcy in Australia considers adapting his protein bar brand’s messaging to reach beyond his core enthusiasts. Finally, Seema in Canada seeks strategies to increase B2B sales for her ethical kitchen linen company. Plus, Daymond and Guy talk about what makes a great Shark Tank pitch, and why Guy decided to start How I Built This 10 years ago. Thank you to the founders of Sabor a Mexico, Raised Nutrition and Cooks Who Feed for joining us on the show.If you’d like to be feature

◌ 52m

YETI: Roy and Ryan Seiders. How Two Brothers Turned a $400 Cooler Into a $2 Billion Brand

Roy and Ryan were avid outdoorsmen who wanted a cooler that wouldn’t break. So they built one themselves.The result was YETI: a high-end cooler that early retailers thought nobody would buy. But serious outdoorsmen did—and eventually YETI escaped its niche, becoming a status symbol at tailgates, beaches, and soccer fields.In this episode, Roy and Ryan explain how they bootstrapped YETI, survived the sudden loss of their only manufacturing partner, and later stumbled onto the $30 product that supercharged the business. WHAT YOU'LL LEARNWhy solving a problem you personally experience can be more

◌ 1h 35m

Millions of Mothers Were Hiding Their Baby Formula When Guests Came Over. She Built a Brand That Changed That.

Guy Raz Newsletter – August 20, 2026

Advice Line with Carlton Calvin of Razor

Today’s callers: Shawn from Saskatchewan weighs whether brand-building or licensing is best for his card-based party game. Then Shirin in Texas wants to differentiate her graphic stationery in a crowded Etsy marketplace. And Mark from New Jersey works through refocusing his line of craft spirits. Plus, Carlton’s recent efforts to pass on his trendspottting talent to the next generation.Thank you to the founders of Youlogy, Honey Bespoke Stationery & Paper Goods, and Little Water Distillery for being a part of our show.If you’d like to be featured on a future Advice Line episode—where Guy and f

◌ 52m

Bobbie: Laura Modi. How a Baby Formula Startup Took Market Share From Two Industry Giants

Laura Modi set out to build a better infant formula. What followed was years of setbacks: a crippling dispute with the FDA, a frustrating search for a manufacturer, and the constant fear that the company would run out of money before it reached customers.But today, Bobbie generates over $100 million a year and has captured nearly 4% of the U.S. infant formula market by challenging one of the most protected industries in America.In this conversation, Laura explains how she made it through—and why many of the moments that looked like disasters ultimately built a better company, and made her a be

◌ 1h 29m

They Showed Up to Work One Morning and Lost Everything. What They Did Next Built a $100 Million Brand.

Guy Raz Newsletter – August 13, 2026

Advice Line with Bobbi Brown of Jones Road Beauty (September 2025)

Today's callers: Bob in Chicago looks to promote his cabbage-based muscle and joint rub beyond the walls of his orthopedic practice. Then Abby in Dallas wonders whether her popular social media livestreams are a sustainable way to market her trendy phone cases. And Henry in Charlotte wants to turn his mouth rinse for coffee drinkers into a mainstream oral care brand.Plus, Bobbi shares what drove her to found her new company—Jones Road—at the age of 62.Thank you to the founders of Cabbage Labs, AbbyRose, and Tannin Oral Care for being a part of our show.If you’d like to be featured on a future

◌ 58m

MadeGood: Salma and Nima Fotovat Lost Their First Business. They Grew Their Next One Into a Snack Giant.

What do you do when the family business you've spent decades building... gets bought out from under you? That’s what happened to Nima and Salma Fotovat.Devastated, the family rebuilt a new company from the ground up. This time they set out with a new idea: build an allergen-free, organic snack brand not just for kids, but their parents.  Their new brand: MadeGood.Today, the Canadian brand’s parent company does hundreds of millions of dollars in sales. But getting there meant rebuilding from scratch, fixing 200,000 mislabeled snack bars by hand, and turning a family of co-packers into branding

◌ 1h 15m

They Built a $20 Million Brand. Then One Investor Almost Burned It to the Ground.

Guy Raz Newsletter – August 6, 2026

Advice Line: "Strategy Sessions"

Today’s callers: Tony in Michigan is considering bringing on partners to run different parts of his brew pub and theater business. Then Monica in London is exploring the best way to reach style-conscious parents with her line of children’s clothes. And Sandy in Colorado is seeking the ideal pricing strategy to bring his adaptive test prep platform to schools nationwide.Thank you to the founders of Hearsay Brewing and Theater, Tres London and Brain Buffs for being a part of our show.If you’d like to be featured on a future Advice Line episode—where Guy and former show guests take questions from

◌ 54m

Serena & Lily: Serena Dugan and Lily Kanter. They Built a $20M Brand—Then One Investor Almost Destroyed It

Many founders think the hardest thing about business is finding customers.It's not.It's surviving success.When Lily Kanter and Serena Dugan launched a luxury baby linen business, they had no manufacturing experience, no inventory, and barely any capital. But after their first catalog landed just as a major competitor left the market, orders flooded in almost overnight.The problem? They hadn’t made the products yet. Today, Serena and Lily has grown into one of the best known luxury home goods brands in the country. But getting there was a grind. This is one of the most revealing conversations w

◌ 1h 25m

He Built the One Retail Business Amazon Couldn't Beat. Here's Why.

Guy Raz Newsletter – July 30, 2026

Advice Line with Chris Riccobono of UNTUCKit

Today’s callers: Adrian from California wants to grow his apparel company to complete with big-name athletic brands. Then, Preet from the Rockies looks for strategies to reach seniors and their children with his daily check-in app. And Derek from Virginia considers social media and professional partnerships to advertise his hockey equipment brand. Plus, Chris talks about launching a new athletic apparel brand while continuing to grow UNTUCKit.Thank you to the founders of Eras Shorts, Snug Safety, and Hockey Ninja for being a part of our show.If you’d like to be featured on a future Advice Line

◌ 52m

His First Idea Failed in 20 Minutes. His Second Idea Is Worth $15 Billion.

Guy Raz Newsletter – July 23, 2026

The Diagnosis that Led to a Massive Business Idea

Guy Raz Newsletter – July 9, 2026

What a Dollar Tube of Lipstick Taught Me About Building a Billion-Dollar Business

Guy Raz Newsletter – July 2, 2026

Five Business Lessons From the Most Successful Restaurateur You've Never Heard Of

Guy Raz Newsletter – June 25, 2026

The Beanie Baby That Wasn't There: How Maxine Clark Found a Half-Billion-Dollar Idea

Guy Raz Newsletter – June 18, 2026

He Wanted to Sell Snowboards. He Built Shopify Instead.

Guy Raz Newsletter – June 12, 2026

The Untold Story of the Man Who Built UGG

Guy Raz Newsletter – June 4, 2026

The Reason Justin’s Nut Butter Worked Had Nothing To Do With Peanut Butter

Guy Raz Newsletter – May 28, 2026

How Jensen Huang Built the Most Valuable Company in Human History

Guy Raz Newsletter – May 21, 2026

He Turned Down Every Single Investor. Then Built a Billion-Dollar Company Anyway.

Guy Raz Newsletter – May 14, 2026

She Built a Billion-Dollar Company, Got Pushed Out, and Bought It Back for Pennies

Guy Raz Newsletter – May 7, 2026

Sylvan Esso: Their Songwriting Routines, “Hey Mami”, the Durham Scene, and Creative Surprises

Ten years ago, Nick Sanborn & Amelia Meath (Sylvan Esso) exploded onto the indie music scene with their unique electro-pop sound and mysterious aura.Since then, they’ve played some of the biggest stages in the world and have even created their own record label in their adopted hometown of Durham, NC. In this conversation, Nick and Amelia reflect on their chance meeting and the remix that sparked their creative/life partnership; how they blended their musical styles after touring for years with other bands; and why songwriting sometimes feels like fishing. Catch Sylvan Esso's latest tour da

◌ 39m

Ron Howard: Reinventing Himself After Child Fame, Henry Fonda’s Advice, and His New Sydney Sweeney Film 'Eden'

Ron Howard, the Oscar-winning director behind films like 'Apollo 13' and 'A Beautiful Mind,' sits down with Guy to discuss his remarkable journey from child actor to Hollywood heavyweight. Ron’s latest documentary – “Jim Henson: Idea Man” – about the creator of the Muppets, is available now on Disney Plus. Links from the Show: Ron playing Opie on The Andy Griffith ShowGrand Theft Auto, the first film Ron directed Ron’s recent documentary “Jim Henson: Idea Man” Apollo 13CocoonHappy Days A Beautiful Mind Frost Nixon Splash on Disney+ For more conversations like this – with guests ranging from Da

◌ 1h 1m

Tyler Perry's TV and Film Empire Grew Out of a Single Act of Forgiveness

Actor, filmmaker, and playwright Tyler Perry is one of the most prolific and prosperous entertainers of his generation. Despite growing up in New Orleans with little money, no connections, and few entertainment role models, Tyler went on to build a billion-dollar business – totally bypassing Hollywood gatekeepers in the process. How did he do it? And what’s the key to his success? This episode answers that question.Tyler’s new film The Six Triple Eight, about a battalion of black women who served in WWII, is out December 20th on Netflix.Links from the Show: The Six Triple Eight on NetflixTyler

◌ 57m

Kelly Clarkson: The Pop Music Megastar on American Idol, Her Album “Chemistry,” and Her Emmy Award-Winning TV Talk Show (2023)

Kelly Clarkson won the first season of American Idol in 2002, released her chart-topping single “A Moment Like This” the same year, and almost instantly became a music megastar. Kelly talks to Guy about the hardships of her early life, and how they helped motivate her towards success, the personal story of heartbreak while making her album “Chemistry”, hosting her award-winning TV talk show, and how her busy production schedule keeps her creativity flowing. This episode was first published in 2023.Links from the Show: Kelly sings “A Moment Like This” on American Idol Season 1 Finale in 2022Kel

◌ 57m

Josh Brolin: His Wild Childhood, ‘The Goonies’, and Trading Stocks to Survive Before ‘No Country for Old Men’

Josh Brolin (Dune, Avengers, Sicario) knows what it’s like to fall, rise, and live to tell the story.From his chaotic childhood on a horse ranch in California to teen stardom in 'The Goonies' to two decade without a big acting role, Josh pulls back the curtain on family, creativity, and a life driven by "insatiable curiosity". Plus: how he found other ways to support himself while waiting for the right role; a career-defining audition where directors praised the lighting but ignored him; and why he calls his 50's his "F It" decade.You can buy Josh's memoir 'From Under the Truck' here.Links fro

◌ 1h 11m

Tom Hanks Opens Up About His Career, Family, Self-Doubt, and the “Magic” That Shaped His Life (2023)

With a career spanning decades, Tom Hanks has embodied more unforgettable characters than most actors have roles.This episode brings back Tom’s inspiring conversation with Guy Raz from 2023, where he shares his journey through film—from early breakout roles to timeless classics—and his process of breathing life into each character.You’ll also learn how Tom deals with nerves and self-consciousness on set; what Joe DiMaggio and Paul Newman told him about performance anxiety; and why he believes ‘bringing an idea’ is the secret to success.Links from the show:Tom and Peter Scolari in Bosom Buddies

◌ 1h 10m

JR: The Artist Whose Mind-Bending Portraits Cover the West Bank, Louvre, and a Supermax Prison

JR is an internationally acclaimed street artist, photographer and filmmaker known for his massive photo-pasting murals that transform cityscapes into powerful messages of empathy and connection.In this episode, JR shares his journey from tagging buildings in Paris as a teen to using art to bridge divides in tense and dangerous places – from the Middle East to Brazilian favelas to Tehachapi, a maximum-security prison in California. Explore JR’s latest documentary “Tehachapi” here: https://www.masterclass.com/classes/tehachapi/chapters/tehachapi Links from the Show: Tehachapi documentary on Mas

◌ 1h 24m

Norman Reedus’ Wild Journey from Tennis Prodigy to Beloved Star of ‘The Walking Dead’

Norman Reedus is an actor, fashion model, and photographer best known for portraying Daryl Dixon on the wildly popular TV show The Walking Dead. He sits down with Guy Raz to talk about his nomadic upbringing, stumbling into serious acting, motorcycles, fatherhood, the bizarre nature of fame, and how his ‘Walking Dead’ character has made him a better friend and a harder worker.The second season of Norman’s show ‘The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon’ is streaming now on AMC+, and you can pre-order Norman’s new book of photographs, ‘In Transit’, here.Links from the Show: The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon on

◌ 59m

How Anna Kendrick Went From ‘Pitch Perfect’ to Directing a Dark True-Crime Thriller, ‘Woman of the Hour’

Anna Kendrick (Pitch Perfect, Up in the Air) is an Oscar-nominated actress, singer, and now, director.Anna joins Guy Raz to share her journey from Portland, Maine community theater at age six, through her breakout Broadway role at 12, to Hollywood stardom. She reveals her path to directing Woman of the Hour (after swearing she’d never direct), and how George Clooney helped calm her nerves in her breakout role. Listen as she reflects growing from child actor to powerful voice in Hollywood.Watch Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut ‘Woman of the Hour’ on Netflix here: https://www.netflix.com/title/

◌ 1h 12m

Lin-Manuel Miranda on "The Idea That Wouldn't Leave Him Alone" (with 'Warriors' Co-Writer Eisa Davis)

Lin-Manuel Miranda (‘Hamilton’, ‘In The Heights’) and Eisa Davis (‘Angela’s Mixtape’, ‘Bullrusher’) are writers, performers, and collaborators who are revolutionizing hip-hop theater.In this episode, Lin and Eisa join Guy to discuss their latest creative project, ‘Warriors’, a concept album inspired by the 1979 cult film, “The Warriors”.  The duo reflects on how hip hop, New York’s streets, and unexpected muses like "Gamergate" influenced their work. Plus, they reveal how they convinced the elusive Lauryn Hill to play a lead role. Will ‘Warriors’ make its way to Broadway? Tune in to find out m

◌ 49m

Julie Bowen: ‘Modern Family’ Success Came After I Gave Up on My Shakespeare Dreams

Julie Bowen is a celebrated actress and two-time Emmy winner who brought the iconic character of Claire Dunphy to life for 11 seasons.In this episode, Julie chats with Guy Raz about her childhood love of theater in Baltimore, waiting tables while studying acting in New York, breaking into Hollywood with roles in films like ‘Happy Gilmore’ and on TV Shows such as ‘Ed’, and finding out she got cast in ‘Modern Family’ while in labor with her two twin boys.Julie stars in the new Peacock series ‘Hysteria!’ For more conversations like this – with guests ranging from Tom Hanks to Bjork to Jason Sudei

◌ 1h 2m

How Kenny G Became the Best-Selling Instrumentalist of All Time

Kenny G is a Grammy Award-winning saxophonist and the top-selling instrumental artist of all time, with over 75 million record sales, and 1.5 billion streams.Kenny joins Guy to discuss his creative journey, from being the kid who didn’t make the high school band to a global music icon. Listen to how he defied industry norms with ‘Songbird’ to make it to the Billboard chart, his approach to handling critics, and his 50-year philosophy on practice and perfection.Check out Kenny G’s new memoir ‘Life in the Key of G.’: https://a.co/d/2TcYvwN Links from the Show: ‘Songbird’SilhouetteKenny G collabo

◌ 1h 21m

10 Grammys and 2 Oscars: FINNEAS on Working with His Sister, Billie Eilish, Trusting His Taste, and His New Solo Album

Finneas is a Grammy and Oscar-winning producer, songwriter, and artist. He is best known for his close collaborations with his younger sister, Billie Eilish, and for being the youngest person to win the Producer of the Year award. In this episode, Finneas sits with Guy to discuss his unique creative partnership with his sister Billie Eilish, the unexpected virality of their breakout hit “Ocean Eyes” (recorded in their bedroom when Billie was just 13), and how his experiences producing for other artists have shaped his own artistic identity. He also reveals the collaborative energy behind his l

◌ 1h 17m

Diplo: From Working at Subway and the Zoo to Global Music Superstar (2023)

Diplo is one of the most successful and influential DJ/producers working today. He shares his journey from working odd jobs while grinding away on music to selling out festivals and generating billions of streams.Interested in a Visual Map tracing Diplo's creative journey? We made one just for you. Check it out here.And you can find his most recent album, Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley: Chapter 2 - Swamp Savant, here.Links from the show:Paper Planes video: M.I.A. produced by DiploWhosampled.com sample breakdown of Paper PlanesPineapple Express movie trailer feat. Paper PlanesSkrillex and Diplo -

◌ 51m

A Rare Interview with Ray LaMontagne, Carpenter-turned-Musician Who Resists Fame and Lives on His Own Terms

Ray LaMontagne is a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter known for his raspy vocals and soulful, introspective lyrics. He also has an incredible life story that you rarely hear about, because he prefers to avoid the spotlight and let his music do the talking.But in this episode, Ray opens up about his challenging childhood, working as a carpenter to support his young family, and how he resisted pressure from his label to rewrite his debut album, “Trouble.” He also reveals his unique songwriting process, which involves taking long periods of time away from his guitar until certain melodies begin to

◌ 1h 14m

Miranda Lambert: How Honky Tonks, a Pep Talk from Mom, and "Losing" Forged a Country Music Superstar

Three-time Grammy winner Miranda Lambert is a proud Texan who got her start performing during set changes at local bars starting at age 17. It was a “Honky Tonk U” education that would serve her well – igniting a career that would see Miranda become country music’s most award-winning artist of all time… all before the age of 40.In this episode, Miranda talks with Guy Raz about how losing early singing competitions actually helped her “win” in the music industry; the valuable lessons she learned from Keith Urban while the two toured together, and why she decided to return to her Texas roots to

◌ 58m

Esperanza Spalding on the “Suffering” of Songwriting and Her Dream Collaboration with Milton Nascimento

From a lightning bolt moment watching cellist Yo-Yo Ma on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood as a child to becoming a 5-time Grammy winner, Esperana Spalding’s journey has been driven by an innate love for music. But along the way, she’s often felt misunderstood and misrepresented in the press.Today, Esperanza sits with Guy to talk more about the forces that propelled her rise, her decision to livestream the 77-hour process of writing an album from start to finish in real time, and the lessons she learned about presence and love while collaborating with her musical hero, Milton Nascimento, on their n

◌ 1h 12m

Actor Giovanni Ribisi on Child Stardom, Favorite Roles, Marlon Brando, and “Strange Darling”

Giovanni Ribisi, the versatile actor known for his roles in “Saving Private Ryan,” “Avatar,” and “Friends,” reflects on his life growing up in the heart of Hollywood and his enduring passion for filmmaking.He also discusses the emotional toll of “living” in intense roles; why he thinks “humiliation” is an important element of every creator’s journey; and going to extreme measures to push his career forward — like spending his last $700 on a plane ticket to an audition. See Giovanni’s cinematography work in the psychological thriller "Strange Darling," available now: https://www.imdb.com/title/

◌ 1h 0m

‘Tiger King’ Creator on Joe Exotic and Watching a Murder-for-Hire Plot Unfold Before His Eyes

Eric Goode is a filmmaker, conservationist, and a former nightclub owner. His Netflix docuseries Tiger King, about zookeeper and convicted felon Joe Exotic, became a massive cultural phenomenon at the start of the pandemic.In this episode, Eric joins Guy to discuss his eclectic career path - from pinning dead flies to canvas as an eccentric young artist to opening the infamous Area nightclub in 1980s New York, frequented by the likes of Andy Warhol, Jean-Michael Basquiat, and Keith Haring.He also shares how his lifelong fascination with animals led him to conservation work and filmmaking, and

◌ 54m

Mark Foster (Foster the People): I Delivered Pizza and Worked Graveyard Shifts for Years Before ‘Pumped Up Kicks’ Blew Up

Mark Foster is the frontman for Foster the People, which rocketed to fame in 2011 on the strength of their very first single, ‘Pumped Up Kicks’. Mark talks about growing up as a pastor’s son in Cleveland; nearly joining the military but choosing instead to move to L.A. to pursue his music dreams; falling into addiction and getting sober; feeling afraid to perform on SNL after becoming famous overnight; and his process for getting into a flow state in the studio.Mark also reflects on the meaning of ‘Pumped Up Kicks’, more than a decade later – and shares how current events influenced the themes

◌ 1h 14m

Ellie Goulding: From Writing Acoustic Songs in Her Bedroom to Making Smash Pop Hits like “Burn” and “Lights” (2023)

Singer Ellie Goulding has had 35 different songs chart in the UK, the most of any female artist ever. In this conversation from 2023, Ellie shares how she first broke out of her shell performing original songs to her college classmates. She also talks about finding her own sound by using her unique voice in collaboration with some of the biggest producers in the world of EDM. And she explains why she calls her album ‘Higher than Heaven’ her “least personal” record yet.Links from the show:The music video for Under the SheetsPitchfork: How Ellie Goulding Uses Her Voice as an InstrumentEllie sing

◌ 52m

Kenan Thompson: How an Atlanta Kid “Manifested” a Mighty Ducks Role, Starred at Nickelodeon, and Became SNL’s Longest-Running Cast Member (2023)

Kenan Thompson (Saturday Night Live, Good Burger, Kenan & Kel, All That) is perhaps the most consistently funny TV performer of his generation. He’s the longest-running SNL cast member, and is beloved for early roles in Good Burger, D2: The Mighty Ducks, and the TV shows All That and Kenan & Kel. In this conversation from 2023, Kenan joins Guy to talk about his Nickelodeon days, why some of his big breaks have felt like kismet, his awkward SNL audition, impersonating celebrities, and whether – given the chance – he'd consider taking over for SNL creator Lorne Michaels.Links from the sh

◌ 1h 1m

Bjork: The Icelandic Superstar on Being a Child Prodigy, the Power of Nature, and How to Stay Creative (2022)

Bjork, a singular artist whose work extends beyond music to include acting and conceptual art, discusses her career and artistic vision in this wide-ranging interview from 2022. She talks with Guy about forming her unique vocal style; recording her first album at 11 years old; her album, Fossora, which features a bass clarinet ensemble; and why she uses symbols from nature to define each of her albums. Links from the show:An early recording of Bjork singing as a childBjork as a teenager in the band Tappi TíkarrassBjork in the video for the Sugarcubes' "Cold Sweat"Slant Magazine's 15 Best Bjork

◌ 58m

Jim Parsons: From Dreaming to Doing By Trusting Your Talent and Saying 'Yes' (2022)

Jim Parsons is an actor who’s best known for starring as Sheldon on The Big Bang Theory. While many know him as the on-screen super-nerd, he is also a classically trained stage actor. And in this conversation from 2022, Jim reflects on his entire creative journey: from playing the same character for 12 years to embracing new challenges (Hollywood, Spoiler Alert, A Man of No Importance) that have allowed him to flex some different creative muscles. Plus, the uncertainty Jim felt when he came out; his love of New York City; and the first, scary steps involved in taking on new roles.Links from th

◌ 1h 0m

Weird Al Yankovic: Achieving Massive Success by Leaning Into His True (Nerdy) Self (2022)

Alfred Matthew Yankovic, when he was six years old, was told by his parents to choose between accordion and guitar lessons. “And my parents being the visionaries that they were said, ‘Oh, young Alfred would love to play the accordion.’” Alfred, better known as the chart-topping musician, satirist, and beloved nerd Weird Al Yankovic, told Guy in 2022 how that decision had changed his life and decades of popular music to come. They also discussed how Kurt Cobain had saved Weird Al from a lifetime of spoofing Michael Jackson songs and how intense the process of writing silly songs can be.Links fr

◌ 56m

Rashida Jones Almost Gave Up on Acting Before Her Big Break on ‘The Office’

Rashida Jones is an actor, writer, and filmmaker best known for her work on ‘The Office’ and ‘Parks and Recreation’. She sits down with Guy to talk about growing up with dreams of being the President, how acting saved her during a bout of depression in college, and almost quitting acting right before the biggest break of her career. Plus, how becoming a parent and losing her own mother has changed the way she sees her work.Rashida stars in ‘Sunny’ on Apple TV+, out July 10: https://tv.apple.com/us/show/sunny/umc.cmc.7c5t9dde8dxoaxwyl5rkuw38pLinks from the Show: Rashida on “Freaks and Geeks” ht

◌ 44m

Joseph Gordon-Levitt: Will Artificial Intelligence Destroy Art As We Know It?

Actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt spends a lot of time thinking about creativity, technology, and how the two collide. In this episode, Joseph shares his thoughts on a not-too-distant future in which AI-generated content will be able to “make people laugh, make people cry, and win all the likes and awards”. He also talks about theater programs in school, why he used to worry that Hollywood would “infect” him, which of his characters he personally identifies with, and why his toughest day as an actor came on the set of a Pop Tarts commercial.Joseph’s latest film is “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F”. Links f

◌ 1h 19m

Death Cab for Cutie’s Ben Gibbard Worked a Temp Job and “Ate Mustard Sandwiches” in the Band’s Early Days (2023)

Ben Gibbard is the voice of the bands Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service. He talks about Death Cab’s scrappy start, recording their classic album Transatlanticism, how the band learned to defuse internal tensions, and how he approaches songwriting in middle age. This episode was recorded in 2023.Links from the Show: Ben's Tiny Desk ConcertBen breaks down his song "Black Sun"Death Cab for Cutie video for "I Will Follow You Into The Dark"Death Cab for Cutie video for "Soul Meets Body"The Postal Service video for "Such Great Heights" For more conversations like this – with guests ranging

◌ 1h 13m

Indie Icon Phil Elverum on Capturing His Life Story in Song

Phil Elverum has recorded more than 40 albums and documented decades of his life in song – first as “The Microphones” and then as “Mount Eerie”. In this episode, Phil talks with Guy about his musical beginnings playing the tuba, the 40-minute song that tells his life story, and the album he wrote about his wife's death – a project that resonated strongly with countless people experiencing grief.Check out Phil’s latest album, Microphones in 2020, here: https://www.pwelverumandsun.com/products/microphones-in-2020-cdLinks from the Show: Interview with young Phil about NirvanaPhil's WebsiteThe Glo

◌ 1h 1m

Storytelling Secrets from Michael Lewis (The Big Short, Moneyball, The Blind Side)

Michael Lewis is one of the most successful authors in recent memory. And in this episode, he dives deep into exactly how he tells unforgettable stories… from “Moneyball”, “The Big Short”, and “The Blind Side” – all adopted into feature films – to his newest bestseller, “Going Infinite” (about Sam Bankman-Fried). You’ll learn how to “surf the world” for ideas like Michael; how to bring stories to life; how Michael structures narratives using a notecard system; and how he blocks out distractions and conquers procrastination. Whether your goal is to become a better writer or a more persuasive co

◌ 1h 14m

Inside the Mind of Ben Platt, the “Dear Evan Hansen” Star 1 Oscar Short of an EGOT (at 30!)

Ben Platt is an actor, singer, and songwriter who’s quickly become one of the most decorated performers of his generation. He sits down with Guy to talk about his first professional acting role at age 9, breaking out in “Pitch Perfect” and the runaway success of “Dear Evan Hansen,” finding his voice as an “authentically” queer artist, and the secret ingredient behind his success: “sacrifice”. Buy Ben’s new album, “Honeymind”, here: https://interscope.com/collections/ben-platt/products/honeymind-cdBen’s current residency at the Palace Theatre on Broadway: https://www.broadway.org/shows/details/

◌ 54m

Seth Meyers: Lessons in Comedy from 20 Years Inside 30 Rockefeller Plaza (2023)

Seth Meyers was a key player in creating some of the best seasons of Saturday Night Live. Now he's hosting Late Night in the very same building. In this classic episode from 2023, you’ll hear how his two-person comedy show in Chicago randomly landed him in front of just the right person to get him an audition at SNL. Seth also opens up about the anxiety he felt competing with his extremely funny co-stars. And he explains some of the ways he has managed to lead Late Night to new heights. Links from the show:Seth in Northwestern's improv troupe in 1992Seth and his brother Josh on Late NightSeth

◌ 1h 5m

Michael McDonald: I Went from “Couch Surfing” to Playing Arenas… in Just a Few Days!

Michael McDonald brought his legendary singing voice and songwriting talent to not one but two legendary bands: Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers, the latter of which earned him a spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Michael sits down with Guy to talk about writing classic songs on envelopes and forgetting about them for years; feeling self-conscious on stage as a frontman; his solo career; what he thinks of the term “yacht rock”; and how getting sober saved his life.Michael’s memoir is called “What a Fool Believes”. You can buy it here.Links from the show: I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time

◌ 1h 8m

“Bob Dylan Pushed Me Way Out of My Comfort Zone”: T Bone Burnett, the Mysterious 13X Grammy Winning Producer and Soundtrack Wizard

T Bone Burnett is one of the most accomplished music producers of the past 50 years. He sits down with Guy to talk about buying a recording studio at age 17; being pushed out of his creative comfort zone by Bob Dylan on the Rolling Thunder Revue tour; building soundtracks for the Coen Brothers and True Detective; and why, at age 76, he’s the happiest and most creative he’s ever been.T Bone’s new album, The Other Side, is available here: https://shop.tboneburnett.com/Links from the Show: Rolling Thunder Revue documentary on NetflixTrue Detective Season 1 soundtrackBig Lebowski soundtrackInside

◌ 57m

David Duchovny: His Journey from PhD Student to The X-Files, Why He Writes Novels and Music, and Failure as a "Rich" Experience

David Duchovny sits down with Guy to talk about his wide-ranging creative life. He describes the “gut instinct” that led him to drop out of a Yale literature program and pursue acting; his iconic roles as Agent Mulder in The X-Files and Hank Moody in Californication; why he writes novels and makes music; and embracing failure as a critical learning experience in life and work.David’s new podcast is called “Fail Better”, and his film Bucky F*cking Dent comes out in June 2024.Links from the Show: David’s new podcast, “Fail Better”IMDb: Bucky F*cking DentDavid’s booksLive performance of his song

◌ 1h 3m

Lainey Wilson: The Reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year Who "Felt Like a Complete Outsider Moving to Nashville to Chase My Dreams" (2023)

Lainey Wilson burst onto the country music scene in 2022 with her album Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’. But for seven years before that, she struggled to make it in the high-pressure Nashville music scene. And before that, she was a kid from a tiny town in rural Louisiana with a dream of being a country star.In this encore episode from 2023, Lainey joins Guy to talk about how she handled the hard times, what she’s learned about the art of collaboration during the making of two acclaimed albums, and what defines her unique style – which she calls “Bell Bottom Country”.Links from the Show: Lainey Wins

◌ 49m

Billy Idol: “Underneath the Drugs and Acting Out is Someone Who Really Believes in What He’s Doing”

One of the first – and biggest – stars of the MTV era, Billy Idol is nothing short of a rock icon. He sits down with Guy Raz to share how the Sex Pistols inspired him to start a band instead of working for his dad; the stories behind the songs “Dancing with Myself” and “Rebel Yell”; his famously edgy image and lifestyle; and the workout routine that allows him to tour internationally into his late 60s.Buy the 40th anniversary expanded edition of Billy’s album “Rebel Yell” here: https://billyidol.lnk.to/RebelYellExpandedLinks from the Show: Sex Pistols swearing on TV with Bill Grundy Generation

◌ 1h 15m

Oskar Eustis: Bringing “Hamilton” to the Stage and Making Theater Accessible to All

Oskar Eustis is the Artistic Director at the Public Theater in New York City. He sits down with Guy to talk about “falling into the avant-garde rat hole” early in his career; convincing Lin-Manuel Miranda that Hamilton was more than a concept album; bringing theater to senior centers, women’s shelters, and prisons; and why he believes performing arts are essential to democracy.See what the Public theater has playing here: https://publictheater.org/Links from the Show: Lin-Manuel Miranda debuts Hamilton at the White House in 2009Oskar’s TED TalkBrief profile of the Public Theater’s Public Works

◌ 1h 4m

X Ambassadors: How a "Fake Manager" and an Accidental Jeep Jingle Ignited the Band’s Massive Success

Sam Harris is the frontman for X Ambassadors, a multi-platinum pop rock trio from Ithaca, New York. Sam sits down with Guy to talk about his bond with his brother and bandmate Casey, who was born blind; how X Ambassadors felt “so not cool” and faced lots of rejection while trying to make it in the Brooklyn indie rock scene of the late 2000s; and how getting tricked into writing the song “Renegades” for a Jeep commercial turned into a big break.Sam also shares the story behind getting discovered by Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds; his daily routine and habits; the two recent, emotional ev

◌ 1h 19m