The Great Creators with Guy Raz
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© Built-It Productions 2022
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Become a more inventive, imaginative you. Every week, Guy Raz (creator of How I Built This) leads a deep dive conversation with someone at the top of their game. From conquering stage fright to learning to be more present and focused, you'll learn how each guest mastered their craft and ultimately became more successful in life. The result? An arsenal of tools and techniques you can apply to your own life and work, allowing you to harness your talent and become a better version of yourself.
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2One 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 X: Kiss Me Deadly Dancing with Myself music video Rebel Yell White Wedding Eyes Without a Face Hot in the City Billy’s InstagramHis YouTube channelFor more conversations like this – with guests ranging from Tom Hanks to Bjork to Jason Sudeikis – go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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 programShakespeare in the ParkFor more conversations like this – including interviews with theater legends like Audra McDonald and Nathan Lane – go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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 events that inspired the band’s new Ithaca-focused album; and much more.You can buy X Ambassadors’ latest album, Townie, here: https://shop.xambassadors.com/Links from the Show: LitostJungle music videoRenegadesUnsteadyYour Town (Todd Peterson tribute from Townie)No Strings (from Townie)Blinding Lights (The Weeknd Cover)Sam Nelson - when love has gone (Sam solo)For more conversations like this – with guests ranging from Tom Hanks to Bjork to Jason Sudeikis – go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Singer-songwriter Natalie Merchant shot to fame as the lead vocalist for the indie-folk band 10,000 Maniacs, then left the band at the height of their popularity to build a successful solo career. She sits down with Guy to talk about the political concerns that animate her work; what a dinner with Allen Ginsberg and Philip Glass taught her about creativity; how a degenerative spinal disease almost ended her artistic career; and her newest project honoring a late Italian poet who’s been nearly erased from history. Natalie’s ninth studio album is called Keep Your Courage.Links from the Show: These Are Days by 10,000 ManiacsCarnival by Natalie MerchantIt’s A-Coming, the song Natalie sings in this episodeBuy Keep Your CourageFor more conversations like this – with guests ranging from Tom Hanks to Bjork to Jason Sudeikis – go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Actor Rainn Wilson is best known for playing Dwight on "The Office," but in recent years he has become a mental health and spirituality advocate through his books and production company, SoulPancake. He joins Guy to talk about auditioning for the role of Michael Scott, the deep anxiety he faced as a young actor, his ensuing search for inner peace, and why he believes performing can be a spiritual act.Rainn’s book is called “Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution”.This episode originally aired in April 2023.Links from the show:Rainn and Steve Carell give a tour of the set of "The Office"The documentary "Laughing Matters," produced by Rainn's production company with comedians talking about mental healthRainn quizzes Billie Eilesh ("The Office's biggest fan")Rainn on the difference between The Office and Saturday Night LiveRainn and Steve Carell talk about pandemic-related stress and give advice on how to overcome itRainn and chess master Magnus Carlsen talk chess and metaphysicsFor more conversations like this – with guests ranging from Stephen Colbert to Ice Cube to Jason Sudeikis – go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Singer-songwriter Cody Jinks shares his journey from heavy metal frontman and part-time bouncer and forklift driver to country music’s top independent artist. He talks about enduring years of poverty in order to keep 100% ownership over his publishing (“it was worth it”); how he wrote the 2x-platinum track “Loud & Heavy”; finding sobriety; and evolving his sound into his 40s.Cody’s new album is called “Change the Game”.Links from the Show: “Loud & Heavy” “Sober Thing”Cody’s websiteCody’s InstagramFor more conversations like this – with guests ranging from Lainey Wilson and Shania Twain to Jeff Tweedy and The Smiths’ Johnny Marr – go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Every weeknight, Louis Cato performs live in front of a few million people as the band leader for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. He arranges the tunes, sets the tone, and plays multiple instruments himself; Colbert calls him a “musical genius”. Today, Louis talks about the multi-decade journey that led him here – from listening to “only Jesus music” in his youth and then having his mind blown by the Rolling Stones, to dropping out of the Berklee College of Music and touring the world, to a near-fatal accident that still affects him to this day. He even sings us a few beautiful bars. Louis’ most recent solo album is called “Reflections”.Links from the show: Louis being introduced by Stephen as the new Late Show band leader in 2022 Introducing Louis Cato and The Late Show Band!Louis’ NPR Tiny Desk Concert Louis Cato: Tiny Desk ConcertLouis performing “Reflections” on the Late ShowBuy Louis’ album “Reflections” Louis’ Instagram See all our episodes – including conversations with Tom Hanks, Jason Sudeikis, Bjork, and many more – at TheGreatCreators.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jacob Collier has been called the “Mozart of Gen Z” by the New York Times. As a teen, his one-man-band performances went viral and led to a cold email from (and friendship with) music legend Quincy Jones – something he discusses in this episode. He also talks about his childhood, where he gets his ideas, why doesn’t make pop hits, and his most recent album, Djesse, Vol. 4. The album features an eclectic range of collaborators, from T-Pain to Chris Martin of Coldplay… plus, 100,000 other voices. Really!Get Jacob’s album Djesse Vol. 4 here: https://shop.jacobcollier.com/More links from the show: Jacob’s rendition of Pure Imagination and Jacob directing an audience choir Jacob Collier - The Audience Choir (Live at O2 Academy Brixton, London)Jacob’s Tiny Desk Concert (2019)Jacob’s YouTube channelHis Instagram TikTok See all our episodes – including conversations with Tom Hanks, Jason Sudeikis, Bjork, and many more – at TheGreatCreators.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Ryan Tedder is the lead singer of OneRepublic and the producer and songwriter behind countless hits including Adele’s Rumor Has It and Beyonce’s Halo. Tedder even sold his own catalog for a reported $200 million. He joins Guy to talk about growing up in a religious family, tackling his stagefright (“I was shaking backstage”), using personal experiences to write hits, working with star musicians, and how to choose singles in the TikTok age. This episode was originally released in 2023.Links from the ShowRyan Tedder performing “Apologize” solo for BBC MusicOneRepublic’s music video for “I Ain’t Worried” featured on Top Gun: Maverick Music video for Adele’s “Rumor Has It” co-written by Ryan TedderMusic video for Beyonce’s “Halo” co-written by Ryan TedderMusic video for Paul McCartney’s “Fuh You” co-written by Ryan TedderRyan’s InstagramHis TikTokHis Hit-Making CourseSee all our episodes – including conversations with Tom Hanks, Jason Sudeikis, Bjork, and many more – at TheGreatCreators.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Hilary Swank is one of just 14 women to win not one but two Academy Awards for Best Actress (Boys Don’t Cry, Million Dollar Baby). And as you’ll learn today, her life story just as remarkable as her career: from growing up in a trailer park (“it was no big deal”) to moving to L.A. as a teenager and living with her mom in their car for a time while chasing her dreams, to her breakthrough role as Brandon Teena in the indie film “Boys Don’t Cry” – a performance that earned Hilary an Oscar, and just $3,000. She also reflects on playing a transgender character as a cisgender woman; which movie she feels doesn’t get nearly the credit it deserves; and how she envisions the next chapter of her career after becoming a mother last year.Hilary’s newest film is called Ordinary Angels.Links from the show: Oscars acceptance speech for Best Actress in Boys Don’t CryAcceptance speech for Best Actress in Million Dollar BabyBoys Don’t Cry Memorable MomentsFreedom Writers (2007)Ordinary Angels (Feb 22, 2024)See all our episodes – including conversations with Tom Hanks, Jason Sudeikis, Bjork, and many more – at TheGreatCreators.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Regina Spektor is one of the most critically-acclaimed and respected singer-songwriters of the past 25 years. She’s also one of the most thoughtful and open guests we’ve had on this show. Today, you’ll learn how Regina went from medical receptionist writing lyrics on post-it notes to rising star in the NYC music scene; how she overcame her fear that record labels would meddle with her art; why “invisibility” has been her greatest creative asset; the songwriting process behind beloved songs like “Samson”; and her thoughts on finding fresh ideas while handling “adult” responsibilities and raising her two young children.Links from the show: “Samson” official music video“Fidelity” music videoHer Tiny Desk ConcertDan Smith of Bastille talking about Regina with GuyOrange is the New Black opening creditsHer new album: Home, Before and AfterListen to, or watch, all our episodes – including conversations with Tom Hanks, Jason Sudeikis, Bjork, and many more – at TheGreatCreators.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
David Chang is the founder of Momofuku, a culinary brand that grew from a single 600-square-foot location to include a Michelin-starred restaurant, a bakery and dessert chain, and a line of consumer packaged goods. David joins Guy to talk about opening his first restaurant after his epiphany about ramen on a trip to Japan; the panic and anxiety he felt in those early days; and how he’s learned to become a better leader and reject the toxic elements of “kitchen culture”.Links from the show: Bon Appetit on Momofuku Inc.Jimmy Fallon and David Chang have a hot wing eating contestDavid shows how to make chili-crunch carbonaraDavid explaining the mystery of his pork buns to ViceDavid makes leftover fried riceDavid’s Shiitake and Swiss Chard Soup with Hand-Cut Noodles RecipeMomofuku websiteDavid’s podcastDavid’s InstagramSee all our episodes – including conversations with Tom Hanks, Jason Sudeikis, Bjork, and many more – at TheGreatCreators.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Dan Aykroyd was the youngest cast member on a brand new comedy show called Saturday Night Live when it premiered in 1975. In addition to iconic performances as Julia Child and a Conehead, Dan also created a real blues band called The Blues Brothers with fellow cast mate John Belushi. In this episode, Dan talks with Guy about playing drums behind Muddy Waters, his fascination with paranormal science that led him to create Ghostbusters, what he thinks of the female-led Ghostbusters reboot he helped produce, and the reason he thinks he's done with acting.Links from the show: Coneheads sketchBass-O-matic sketchAsk President Carter sketchThe Blues Brothers on SNLSoul ManCrystal Head VodkaZombie Town TrailerSee all our episodes – including conversations with Tom Hanks, Jason Sudeikis, Bjork, and many more – at TheGreatCreators.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jake Johnson is an actor, comedian, writer, and director who is best-known for playing Nick Miller on the sitcom New Girl. He’s also one of the voices of Spiderman in the animated movies and he wrote, directed, and stars in the new comedic thriller Self Reliance.In this episode, Jake shares a life story filled with hilarious and poignant moments – from struggling with dyslexia and dropping out of high school, to finding his calling in the arts, to his complicated and ultimately close relationship with his late father. Plus: Jake’s highs and lows on the set of New Girl, dealing with occasional performance anxiety that “physically hurts”, his chemistry with co-stars Max Greenfield and Anna Kendrick, keeping his addictive personality under control, and how the inspiration for “Self Reliance” came from a Japanese game show.Links from the show: Jake's film, Self Reliance, on HuluNick’s advice podcast, We’re Here to HelpJake on Drunk History, a show he’s credited with inspiringNick Miller Being Relatable for Four Minutes Straight: YoutubeMinx on StarzStumptownSee all our episodes – including conversations with Tom Hanks, Jason Sudeikis, Bjork, and many more – at TheGreatCreators.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jesse Tyler Ferguson played one of the most important TV characters of the past 25 years. The role of Mitchell Pritchett – the openly gay lawyer and father on Modern Family – brought Jesse fame; praise; a deep sense of meaning; and as you'll hear in this episode, some criticism, too.In this wide-ranging conversation, Jesse talks about trusting his intuition and going all-in on acting despite financial struggles; the powerful influence of a mentor early in his career; stereotypes and the perils of representing an entire group of people on TV; his one-man show on Broadway; and where he's taking his career next.Jesse's podcast is called Dinner's On Me.Links: Modern Family "Lion King" sceneTrailer for Jesse's one-man Broadway show, Fully CommittedJesse's podcast, Dinner's On MeJesse's InstagramSee all our episodes – including conversations with Tom Hanks, Jason Sudeikis, Bjork, and many more – at TheGreatCreators.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Singer-songwriter Jewel shares her incredible life story, from yodeling in bars as a kid to becoming homeless as a teenager and shortly thereafter becoming one of the most sought-after musicians in the world. She tells Guy about the mental exercises and Stoic philosophy she relied on as she climbed out of homelessness; why she declined a $1 million signing bonus; her "business plan" for her career and happiness; the conversation with Bob Dylan that may have saved her career; and why she's still making music but choosing not to publish it.Links from the show:Discovery show about Jewel's family's Alaska homestead Writers who inspired Jewel: Anais Nin, Flannery O'Connor, Anton Chekhov, Charles Bukowski, Immanuel Kant, Plato, Socrates Her debut album, Pieces of You"Who Will Save Your Soul" video"You Were Meant for Me" videoNew 25th-anniversary edition of Spirit, Jewel's sophomore albumInnerworld, Jewel's online platform connecting people to mental health counseling anonymously Photo credits: Dana Trippe, Brendan WalterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Bobby Hall -- better known by his stage name Logic -- first started making waves in the rap scene with his 2010 mixtape "Young, Broke, and Infamous". In 2018, he blew up and received two Grammy nominations for a song he titled 1-800-273-8255, which is the phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. But just a couple years later, he announced his retirement and moved to rural Oregon to focus on his family. In this episode, Guy and Bobby talk about the methods he’s been using to cope with his persistent anxiety, and why he’s gearing up to release what he's calling his last "rap" album ever.Links from the show:Guy's How I Built This interview with LogicLogic: Young, Broke, and InfamousLogic: 1-800-273-8255Logic's edited Instagram photo that fooled everyoneJohn Cleese on Open and Closed CreativityInterview with Andre 3000 about why he stopped rappingSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Andy J. Pizza is the best-selling author-illustrator of Invisible Things and the host of Creative Pep Talk, his long-running podcast about building a creative career. In this episode, Andy talks about growing up as a hyper-creative but unfocused kid; his rocky journey to developing a unique artistic style; a medical diagnosis that changed his life and work forever; the neuroscience behind artistic taste; what he does when he feels stuck; and the epiphany that led to his biggest creative breakthrough.Links from this Episode:Andy's "Giant Markers" ExhibitHis newest book, Invisible ThingsCreative Pep Talk podcastAndy interviewing Guy on Creative Pep TalkThe ADHD talk that hit Andy like a ton of bricksHow I Built ThisAndy's next book, A Sundae with Everything On ItSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
DJ Shadow, aka Josh Davis, was and is a famous crate digger. He could spend hours in a record store collecting obscure albums, looking for interesting melodies and beats to sample and mix together on his turntables. And in 1996, Josh used this encyclopedic knowledge of music to create the first ever completely sampled album as DJ Shadow. The album, "Endtroducing", became one of the most important albums in experimental hip-hop, and you can still hear its influence today. In this episode, Guy talks with Josh about how he discovered hip-hop on his college radio station, his love of putting people on to new music, and how curiosity became his biggest superpower.Links from the show:Endtroducing - DJ ShadowAction Adventure - DJ ShadowLicensed to Ill - The Beastie BoysPlanet Rock - Afrika BambaataaJam-Master-Jay - RUN DMCOne for the Treble - Davy DMXSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Brian Grazer is the award-winning producer of many iconic and successful films and TV shows, like Apollo 13, The Da Vinci Code, A Beautiful Mind, Frost/Nixon, Friday Night Lights, 24, and Arrested Development. More than 40 years ago he co-founded Imagine Entertainment with director Ron Howard. Together their films have made more than 15 billion dollars. In his conversation with Guy, Brain talks about his accidental start in Hollywood, what it was like working there in the early 70s, and the steps he took that helped him advance in the movie industry. He talks about meeting and working with Ron Howard, and what makes their collaboration so successful and enduring four decades later. And he talks about the power of curiosity, a quality he ultimately credits for his creative success, and explores in his best-selling book A Curious Mind.Links from the show:Night Shift (1982) Movie Trailer Splash (1984) Movie Trailer Bowfinger (1999) Movie Trailer Frost/Nixon (2008) Movie TrailerBrian's book A Curious MindBrian's and Ron Howard's production company Imagine Entertainment See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Caved to the adds in How I built This podcast and came here. So far loving it, keep up the good work
I loved How i Built This, but I think I love Guy's new podcast even more. Great work on this one, Guy. I especially loved the Tom Hanks episode.