Is How I Built This Still on NPR? The Truth Behind the Beloved Podcast

Since its inception, How I Built This has cemented itself as one of the most influential and inspirational podcasts in the entrepreneurial world. Hosted by veteran journalist Guy Raz, the show dives deep into the origin stories of some of the most iconic startups and brands, from Airbnb and Patagonia to Spanx and Beyond Meat. But as podcasts evolve, platforms shift, and audiences migrate, questions have arisen: Is How I Built This still on NPR?

In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the current status of the show, its history, distribution channels, audience engagement, and what recent changes mean for fans and aspiring entrepreneurs alike. Whether you’re a long-time listener or a newcomer curious about its legacy, this guide will give you a thorough understanding of where the podcast stands today.

The Origins of How I Built This

Launching a Revolutionary Concept

How I Built This premiered in September 2016 as an official NPR production. At the time, podcasts were gaining momentum as a dominant form of media, and NPR, known for journalistic integrity and compelling storytelling, saw an opportunity to explore the world of entrepreneurship.

Guy Raz, already famous for hosting TED Radio Hour, brought his inquisitive, empathetic style to the new venture. His mission: to peel back the glossy exterior of success and reveal the raw, emotional journey behind building a business from the ground up.

Each episode typically features intimate, one-on-one conversations with founders and innovators who share their struggles—financial hardship, emotional burnout, rejection—and triumphs. Unlike many business-focused shows, How I Built This doesn’t glorify overnight success. Instead, it emphasizes resilience, vision, and the human element behind innovation.

The Early Success and Growth

From its debut, the podcast saw rapid growth in listenership. By 2018, it had reached millions of downloads per month and became one of the most downloaded shows on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Its rise coincided with a broader cultural fascination with startups, the gig economy, founder culture, and disruption.

NPR’s support was instrumental in boosting the show’s profile. With promotions on NPR stations, integration into the public radio ecosystem, and collaborations with member stations, How I Built This enjoyed widespread reach across America.

Is How I Built This Still On NPR?

Official Answer: Yes and No – It’s Complicated

As of 2023, the answer to whether How I Built This is still on NPR is nuanced. The podcast continues to be distributed under the umbrella of NPR, but its content production and direction have undergone significant structural changes.

Here’s a breakdown:

• NPR Distribution: Episodes are still released through NPR’s podcast network and appear on the official NPR website and NPR One app.
• Independent Production Model: Starting in 2021, Guy Raz and his team transitioned *How I Built This* into a more self-sustaining model. While NPR provides distribution and archiving, original production is managed by Guy Raz and his independent media company, Razz Communications.
• Branding: The show retains its association with NPR in branding and promotional materials. However, its evolution reflects a broader trend in podcasting—top creators gaining more editorial and financial control.

So, technically, yes, How I Built This is still “on NPR” in the sense that it’s hosted, archived, and promoted by NPR platforms. However, it is no longer an internally produced NPR program, marking a departure from its earlier days.

The Shift Toward Independence

The move toward independence began in earnest in late 2021 when Guy Raz launched the How I Built This Summit, a live event series featuring interviews with founders, audience Q&As, and networking opportunities. These events were produced independently—outside of NPR’s direct operations.

This independence allows Raz to:

• Control ad sales, partnerships, and merchandising.
• Expand global reach without organizational constraint.
• Experiment with formats, such as live recordings and subscriber-only content.
• Collaborate with sponsors and organizations more flexibly.

While this shift reflects a growing trend among top podcasters—like Serial and The Daily Show alumni—many listeners remain concerned about the show losing its authenticity or public service ethos. However, so far, the integrity and depth of the storytelling remain intact.

Where to Listen to How I Built This Today

Despite the changes, fans can still access new episodes and the rich back catalog through multiple channels. Most of these are free-to-access and supported by sponsorships.

Primary Listening Platforms

The Rise of Video Content

One of the most exciting evolutions of How I Built This is the addition of video episodes on YouTube. While NPR is traditionally audio-first, Guy Raz has embraced the visual format to bring episodes to life.

Viewers can now watch:

• Full-length interview videos with founders
• Clips highlighting key lessons or emotional moments
• Live event recordings from the annual How I Built This Summit
• Special mini-documentaries or behind-the-scenes footage

This approach has not only expanded the audience but also deepened engagement. Founders often appear more vulnerable and authentic on camera, adding another layer to the storytelling.

The Impact of How I Built This on Entrepreneurial Culture

Humanizing Success

Before shows like How I Built This, narratives about entrepreneurship were often dominated by glossy magazine covers, Silicon Valley hype, and the myth of the “overnight success.” Guy Raz’s approach shattered that illusion.

Through honest conversations, listeners learn that:

• Many successful founders faced repeated failure before breakthrough.
• Funding isn’t always essential; bootstrapping is common.
• Personal crises, mental health challenges, and setbacks are universal parts of the journey.

For example, Brian Chesky of Airbnb recounts living off cereal during the company’s early days, while Sara Blakely of Spanx talks about rejections and self-doubt. These stories resonate because they’re real.

Democratizing Entrepreneurial Knowledge

One of the show’s core values is accessibility. It offers free, high-quality insights into business-building that rival what you might learn in an MBA program. This has empowered countless aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those without access to elite networks or venture capital.

Topics regularly covered include:

• Finding product-market fit
• Managing co-founder conflict
• Pivoting after failure
• Funding strategies (from credit cards to angel investors)
• Hiring your first employees
• Scaling sustainably

The podcast has essentially become a masterclass in real-world entrepreneurship, delivered through narrative rather than lecture.

Inspiring Diverse Voices

Over time, How I Built This has made strides in showcasing a wider diversity of founders. Early seasons were often criticized for over-representing white, male tech entrepreneurs. In response, Raz and his team have made deliberate efforts to feature:

• Women founders like Whitney Wolfe Herd (Bumble), Katrina Lake (Stitch Fix), and Arlan Hamilton (Backstage Capital)
• Minority-led startups in food, fashion, and social impact sectors
• Non-traditional entrepreneurs, such as those in nonprofits or arts-based businesses

This has helped broaden the definition of “success” and inspired people from all backgrounds to consider entrepreneurship as a viable path.

The How I Built This Summit: More Than Just a Podcast

Live Events That Build Community

Since 2017, Guy Raz has hosted the annual How I Built This Summit, a live event featuring interviews with founders, audience participation, and networking opportunities. These summits were paused during the pandemic but returned with new energy in 2022 and 2023.

Key locations have included:

• Washington, D.C.
• San Francisco
• New York City
• Online virtual events

Tickets are sold directly through Razz Communications, further highlighting the show’s independent production model. The summits often sell out quickly, demonstrating the podcast’s powerful community-building role.

Behind the Scenes of a Live Episode

At these summits, Guy Raz conducts live interviews in front of thousands. The format keeps the authenticity of the podcast while adding spontaneity and audience interaction. It’s common for hosts to include unscripted questions from attendees, creating a dynamic experience.

Fans frequently report that attending the summit feels like “coming home” to a community of like-minded individuals passionate about innovation, resilience, and storytelling.

Recent Trends and Audience Reception

Listener Growth and Engagement

Even after the structural shift in production, How I Built This has maintained—and in some ways grown—its audience. According to Podtrac and similar podcast analytics platforms, it continues to rank among the top 50 most-downloaded business podcasts.

Monthly downloads hover around the 7 to 10 million mark, with strong engagement across multiple platforms. YouTube views for video episodes have seen particular growth, especially when featuring viral founders like the creator of Liquid Death or the team behind MrBeast Burger.

Content Evolution: From Startups to Social Impact

In recent years, the podcast has begun exploring not just profit-driven startups but also ventures focused on social good. Episodes have featured:

• Founders of sustainability-focused brands
• Social entrepreneurs tackling education or poverty
• Nonprofit leaders using business models for impact

This evolution reflects broader societal shifts toward purpose-driven entrepreneurship and environmental responsibility.

Listener Feedback and Criticism

While the show remains popular, it hasn’t escaped critique. Some listeners feel:

• There’s an increasing focus on high-profile startups with massive funding rounds, moving away from gritty small-business stories.
• The show occasionally lacks follow-up interviews to track how companies evolve.
• Some recent episodes feel more like promotional content than critical journalism.

In response, Guy Raz has acknowledged the need to balance inspiring stories with accountability and depth. He often notes in episodes that the show is designed to highlight beginnings, not necessarily long-term sustainability.

What’s Next for How I Built This?

Continued Independence and Expansion

Given its trajectory, How I Built This is likely to remain a hybrid model: distributed by NPR but independently produced. This allows Guy Raz and his team the freedom to innovate while maintaining public radio credibility.

Potential future directions include:

• Launching a subscriber-based tier with exclusive content
• Expanding international coverage—featuring founders from outside the U.S.
• Creating educational curricula based on podcast episodes for schools and incubators
• Developing a documentary series or long-form specials

The Legacy of Entrepreneurial Storytelling

Regardless of distribution details, How I Built This has proven that stories matter. By focusing on struggle, vulnerability, and perseverance, it has redefined how we view success. It has inspired countless individuals to pursue their ideas, apply for grants, pitch to investors, or simply start small.

For Guy Raz, the journey continues. He remains one of podcasting’s most respected voices, and his commitment to authenticity ensures the show remains a trusted resource in a noisy media landscape.

Final Thoughts: Does the NPR Association Still Matter?

At the heart of this question lies a deeper concern: what defines a podcast’s legitimacy? For many, NPR’s seal of approval signaled journalistic excellence and public service. But in today’s podcast marketplace, independence often signals authenticity and agility.

The truth is, How I Built This remains deeply connected to NPR’s ethos—curiosity, integrity, and storytelling—while operating with greater creative freedom. Whether it’s “on NPR” in the traditional sense matters less than whether it continues to deliver value to its audience. And on that front, the answer is a resounding yes.

Takeaways for Listeners

• The podcast is still available through NPR platforms—website, app, and affiliates.
• New episodes are released weekly and are free to access.
• Video content is now widely available on YouTube.
• The show is independently produced but maintains its editorial vision.
• Its influence on entrepreneurial culture remains significant.

If you’re wondering whether to keep listening—don’t hesitate. How I Built This continues to serve as a powerful reminder that behind every great company is a human story of struggle, hope, and determination. And that’s a story worth tuning in for, regardless of the production label.

Whether you dream of starting your own business, seek inspiration during tough times, or simply appreciate great storytelling, How I Built This remains one of the most essential podcasts of our era—still proudly, albeit differently, part of the NPR ecosystem.

Is How I Built This still airing on NPR?

Yes, How I Built This is still airing under the umbrella of NPR, though it operates as an independent production through Guy Raz’s media company, Mission.org. While it originated as a traditional NPR program and maintained a strong affiliation with the network for many years, the show shifted to a self-produced model in recent times. Despite this structural change, it continues to be distributed through NPR’s podcast platforms and is available on NPR.org and major podcast networks, preserving the perception of it being an NPR show.

This transition allows greater creative control while maintaining the show’s alignment with NPR’s journalistic standards and distribution reach. New episodes are regularly released and feature in-depth interviews with founders of prominent startups and nonprofits. Although Guy Raz no longer hosts live segments on NPR broadcasts, the podcast format ensures that How I Built This remains a trusted and accessible resource for entrepreneurs and listeners who value storytelling about innovation and resilience.

Who is the host of How I Built This and is he still involved?

Guy Raz is the creator and original host of How I Built This, and he remains actively involved in the podcast. Known for his engaging interview style and ability to draw personal insights from entrepreneurs, Guy has been the consistent voice guiding the narrative since the show’s inception in 2016. His deep commitment to exploring the emotional and practical highs and lows of startup journeys has defined the show’s signature tone.

Even after transitioning the production to his independent company, Guy Raz continues to produce, host, and appear in every episode. He has expanded his media presence with other popular podcasts such as The TED Radio Hour and Wow in the World, but How I Built This remains one of his central projects. His ongoing involvement ensures continuity and reliability for the show’s long-time fanbase.

Why did How I Built This stop being a traditional NPR program?

How I Built This evolved from a strictly NPR-produced show into a self-produced podcast in order to gain greater creative and operational flexibility. As the podcast gained popularity and the media landscape shifted toward independent content creation, the team sought more autonomy in production, monetization, and content decisions. This shift aligns with broader industry trends where successful programs move toward independence to scale and innovate beyond network constraints.

Despite stepping away from traditional NPR production, the podcast maintains a content distribution partnership with NPR, allowing it to remain accessible to NPR’s vast audience. This model enables the How I Built This team to control branding, sponsorships, and episode scheduling while still benefiting from NPR’s credibility and reach. The change was strategic, aiming to sustain long-term growth without compromising the show’s integrity or accessibility.

Where can I listen to new episodes of How I Built This?

New episodes of How I Built This can be streamed or downloaded on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and the NPR One app. Additionally, the full catalog of episodes is available on the official How I Built This website and through NPR.org’s podcast section, making it easy for both new and returning listeners to access content. Subscribers receive automatic updates whenever a new interview is released.

The podcast also offers video versions of select episodes on platforms like YouTube, broadening its accessibility across different media formats. Whether listeners prefer audio on the go or visual storytelling, How I Built This provides multiple ways to engage with founder narratives. This omnichannel approach ensures the show remains widely available despite its independent production status.

Has the format of How I Built This changed in recent years?

The core format of How I Built This has remained largely consistent: in-depth, narrative-driven interviews with founders detailing the challenges and triumphs involved in building their companies. Guy Raz continues to focus on authenticity, often guiding conversations through pivotal moments such as near-bankruptcies, breakups with co-founders, and unexpected breakthroughs. This unvarnished look at entrepreneurial life remains the show’s hallmark.

That said, there have been subtle evolutions, including more interactive live events, expanded video content, and occasional themed series, such as episodes focused on climate tech or nonprofit ventures. The production quality has improved with higher-resolution audio and visuals, reflecting the team’s investment in their independent platform. While the delivery has modernized, the essence of raw, inspiring founder stories remains unchanged.

Are there any spin-offs or related podcasts to How I Built This?

While there is no official spin-off titled directly under the How I Built This brand, Guy Raz has developed several complementary podcasts that explore related themes. His work on The TED Radio Hour often intersects with topics from How I Built This, featuring discussions on innovation, creativity, and leadership drawn from TED Talks. This synergy allows listeners to dive deeper into ideas introduced in founder interviews.

Additionally, Guy’s other ventures like Wow in the World (a science podcast for kids) and The Rewind (a history narrative show) reflect his broader storytelling ambitions, though they cater to different audiences. While these aren’t technical spin-offs, they expand the ecosystem of content created by the same team, offering diverse perspectives on curiosity, invention, and human potential rooted in the same journalistic integrity.

How often are new episodes of How I Built This released?

New episodes of How I Built This are typically released on a bi-weekly schedule, meaning listeners can expect a new interview approximately every two weeks. This consistent rhythm allows the production team to thoroughly research and prepare for each guest, ensuring high-quality, in-depth conversations. Occasionally, special episodes or live recordings may be released outside this schedule, particularly during significant events or thematic series.

The bi-weekly release model balances content freshness with the rigorous standards the show upholds. It enables Guy Raz and his team to maintain authenticity and depth in storytelling, both of which are central to the podcast’s appeal. Listeners can subscribe through their preferred podcast platform to receive notifications and never miss a new episode.