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TED Radio Hour Host Launches A New Podcast On How Successes Began

Long-time NPR journalist Guy Raz is best known as host of the TED Radio Hour.  His latest project is a podcast examining the people behind famous companies and brands. 

Raz says the idea for How I Built This came from digging into what he considers a renaissance of American creativity. 

"There are incredible stories behind Southwest Airlines, or Vice Media, or Instagram, or AirBNB," he said. " It occurred to me that maybe we should do a show."     

Each episode focuses on the founder of a specific program, discussing their successes, failures, and insights. 

Raz believes podcasts serve a complimentary role to NPR.  Their unique content, he says, attracts people who don't otherwise listen to public radio.  

"They didn't grow up with it, or they feel like they don't have time for it, or it just isn't part of their lives," he says.

At the same time, there's a clear separation between the podcast and Raz's main program. He says the TED Radio Hour's main focus is what it means to be human.  

"There are some themes in How I Built This that are related to the themes of optimism and resilience," he explains, "but they are two different shows, and I'm delighted to be doing both of them." 

As for stations looking to branch into podcasting, Raz's advice is simple:  

"Get a good idea, and do good work," he says. "Put out a good, well produced, interesting show, and the audience will come." 

  • The TED Radio Hour airs on WNIJ at 7 p.m. Tuesdays and at 11 a.m. Saturdays. How I Built This is available on NPR's podcast page.