How I Built This with Guy Raz • Guy Raz | Wondery

In this episode of "How I Built This with Guy Raz," Guy sits down with entrepreneur Larry Liu to uncover the inspirational journey behind the pan-Asian grocery platform, Weee!. Starting with Larry's boyhood infatuation with American culture and the NBA in China, this conversation reveals the cross-cultural dreams that led to ambition and personal transformation. Adopting his English name after NBA star Larry Bird reflects a young man aligning his identity with his aspirations, setting the stage for a future without boundaries.

Dive into Liu's burgeoning e-commerce expertise, from the early days of eBay reselling to the creation of automated arbitrage software, and explore how fatherhood and Jim Collins' influential book motivated him to pursue a business with lasting impact. Listeners will follow the perilous transition of Weee! from a group buying service facing a dead end to a thriving grocery delivery sensation riding the wave of a global pandemic. As WE adapts and expands, learn how Liu’s vision and commitment to his community drive the company to meet the diverse needs of Chinese American and other ethnic communities.

Discover the journey of two former Apple insiders, Imran Chaudhri and Bethany Bongiorno, on "How I Built This with Guy Raz," as they share their vision for redefining the AI landscape through their company, Humain. Bringing their extensive experience to the forefront, the duo is designing AI technology with a human-centric approach, aiming to create tools that emphasize human connections rather than diminish them. Listen as they delve into their pursuit of technology that enhances user presence and overall well-being, reflecting on their substantial background in the tech industry.

In a market where privacy concerns are paramount, Chaudhri and Bongiorno are committed to establishing new standards of user privacy and data ownership. Their innovative AI pin showcases this dedication, incorporating transparency and control features that reassure rather than intimidate. Throughout the episode, they address the balance of safety and innovation, advocating for regulations that protect the public while allowing for the continued evolution of personal AI experiences. Join Guy Raz in exploring how the Humain founders' vision could shape the future of AI, marrying technological progress with societal values.

Dive into the origin story of Primal Kitchen on "How I Built This with Guy Raz," featuring an engaging conversation with the brand's founder, Mark Sisson. From elite athlete to influential entrepreneur, Mark's journey is a testament to resilience and innovation. Guy Raz delves into how chronic health issues stemming from a demanding sporting career and high-carb diet catalyzed Mark's profound shift towards health and wellness. This episode reveals the transformative effects of dietary changes on Sisson's life and sets the stage for his eventual venture into the health food industry.

Listen as Sisson shares his experience transitioning to the paleo diet, which not only alleviated his digestive woes but also prompted him to create Primal Nutrition and later, his widely-successful Primal Kitchen. Discover the challenges Mark faced when breaking into the supplement market and learn how his adaptability and commitment to clean, diet-congruent products built a loyal following. The episode culminates with the tale of Primal Kitchen's rapid growth, from overcoming initial product setbacks to being acquired by Kraft Heinz Corporation, all while staying true to its core health philosophy.

Join host Guy Raz in "How I Built This with Guy Raz," as Gene Berdichevsky, a trailblazer in battery technology and founder of Sila Nanotechnologies, shares his insights on reinventing lithium-ion batteries. Discover the transformative power of silicon as an anode material over traditional graphite, and delve into the technical nuances that make silicon 24 times more efficient at lithium storage, despite challenges that have hitherto curtailed its utilization in the industry.

Unveil the future of electric vehicles (EVs) with Sila Nanotechnologies' groundbreaking silicon-based battery technology that doesn't just boost energy density but slashes charging times significantly, paving the way for faster, longer-lasting, and more cost-effective EVs. Beneath the surface of this innovation, Berdichevsky outlines the ambitious roadmap for bringing these batteries to the automotive market, with a strategic timeline marking the journey from development to deployment in consumer vehicles. Tune in for a snapshot of a future where Sila batteries could change the face of electric transportation.

Join Guy Raz in "How I Built This with Guy Raz" as he delves into the stirring journey of Fawn Weaver, the founder of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. In a pursuit that blends history with entrepreneurship, Weaver shares her compelling discovery of Nearest Green, the unsung Black distiller who mentored Jack Daniel. Determined to rescue Green's narrative from obscurity, Weaver recounts her adventure to Lynchburg, Tennessee, where a chance encounter with Jack Daniel's eldest living relative and subsequent links to Green's descendants drew her into an odyssey that weaved the past with her future endeavors.

As the conversation unfolds, witness Fawn Weaver's resolve in transforming her reverence for Nearest Green into a tangible homage with the establishment of the Uncle Nearest whiskey brand. Despite the spirits industry's daunting challenges and biases, Weaver's innovative leadership and the powerful alliance with her all-female executive team fostered a paradigm shift. The brand's astonishing growth, withstanding economic upheavals and a global pandemic, reflects her silent ambition to cement Uncle Nearest's place alongside legendary names, an attest to her unwavering dedication and visionary pursuit.