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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112 Episodes
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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 more!Listen to ‘Warriors’ concept album here: https://music.apple.com/ye/album/warriors/1769091603 Links from the Show: Lin-Manuel Miranda performs ‘Hamilton’ at the White House ‘In The Heights’Angela’s Mixtape“The Warriors” 1979 movieFor 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.
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 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.
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 collaborating with The Weekend ‘Life in the Key of G’ memoirFor 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.
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 latest album “For Cryin' Out Loud,” and why he strives to be a musical “chameleon.”Listen to Finneas’s latest album, “For Cryin' Out Loud” here: https://finneas.lnk.to/ForCryinOutLoudMentioned in this episode:“Ocean Eyes” song by Billie Eilish“Serotonin” by Girl in Red (produced by Finneas) When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? by Billie Eilish: Billie Eilish's debut album, produced by FINNEAS“The Greatest” song by Billie Eilish (produced by FINNEAS)“For Cryin' Out Loud” album by FINNEASFor 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.
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 - "Where Are Ü Now" with Justin Bieber (Official Video)Diary of a Song (New York Times) "Where Are Ü Now"Major Lazer & DJ SNake - Lean On (feat. MØ) (Official Music Video)LSD - Thunderclouds (Official Video) ft. Sia, Diplo, LabrinthDiplo's less well-known collaborators: country artist Sierra Ferrell and songwriters Nija Charles and StarrahDiplo's Instagram pageVisual Mind Map: Diplo's Creative JourneyFor 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.
1Ray 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 surface and “bother” him. Plus, how overcoming self-criticism allowed him to embrace the joy of performing.Listen to Ray LaMontagne’s latest album, “Long Way Home,” here: https://orcd.co/rl-longwayhome Links from the Show: “Trouble” Album“Supernova” Album“Ouroboros” AlbumTill the Sun Turns Black songGod Willin’ And The Creek Don’t Rise songFor 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.
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 record her brand new album “Postcards from Texas".You can get Miranda Lambert’s new album, “Postcards from Texas,” here: https://ml.lnk.to/postcardsfromtexasLinks from the Show: Bluebird songGunpowder and Lead songWranglers songMama’s Broken Heart songPalomino albumKerosene albumFor 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.
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 new album, “milton + esperanza.”Get the new album here: https://esperanzaspalding.bandcamp.com/album/milton-esperanzaLinks from the Show: Esperanza performing at the White House in 2009Esperanza’s album Emily's D+EvolutionEsperanza’s album Radio Music SocietyFall In, song by Esperanza SpaldingJudas, song by Esperanza SpaldingFor more conversations like this – with guests ranging from Stephen Colbert to Björk to Ice Cube– 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.
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/tt22375054/ Links from the Show: Saving Private Ryan (1998)Avatar (2009)Strange Darling (2023)Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)The Gift (2000)Heaven (2002)SubUrbia (1996)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.
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 behind the scenes of documenting Joe Exotic and the murder plot that unfolded while filming for Tiger King.Watch Eric Goode’s latest documentary “Chimp Crazy” on HBO Max here: https://www.hbo.com/chimp-crazy Links from the Show: Tiger King on NetflixChimp Crazy TrailerEric Goode’s Turtle ConservancyFor 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.
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 on the band’s newest album, ‘Paradise State of Mind’.Check out the new album here: https://store.fosterthepeople.com/products/paradise-state-of-mind-cdLinks from the Show: Pumped Up Kicks (Official Video)Lost In Space (Official Video)Paradise State of MindFor 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 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 singing Your Song at the Royal WeddingHigher than HeavenBurn Music VideoEllie's InstagramEllie's TwitterEllie's SpotifyFor 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.
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 show:Kenan & Kel Youtube playlistAll That Funniest Moments compilationKenan's highlights from D2: The Mighty DucksGood Burger - Ed's SauceWhat Up with That? - SNLFamily Feud: Oscar Nominees - SNLKenan's Al Sharpton impressionDarrell Hammond's Bill Clinton impressionPhoto of Kenan's inspiration: headshots lining the SNL hallway 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.
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 videosThe video for Bjork's "Hyperballad"The video for Bjork's "Ancestress" dedicated to the memory of her motherThe video for Bjork's "Atopos"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.
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 the show:The Best of Sheldon from The Big Bang TheoryThe Big Bang Theory cast talks with Stephen Colbert after the series finaleJim talks about playing Henry Wilson in HollywoodSpoiler Alert (2022) TrailerJim's InstagramKaley Cuoco's InstagramMayim Bialik's InstagramJohnny Galecki's InstagramFor 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.
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 from the show:Dr. Demento, Weird Al's early major influence and later employer"Belvedere Cruising", the first song of Weird Al's to air on Dr. Demento's showWeird Al playing "My Bologna" in San Luis Obispo in 1979Eight Weird Al music videos side-by-side with with the songs they spoofMusic video for Weird Al's "Fat"Weird Al interviewing Patrick Stewart at Comic-ConTrailer for "Weird: The Al Yankovic Story" 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.
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” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miQcIbWiSMU Quincy on Netflix https://shorturl.at/bMvu4The Parks and Rec Cast Breaking for 9 minutes 38 seconds Straight https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jEs2OgyyaYRashida showing off her dance skills on IG https://www.instagram.com/rashidajones/reel/C192JNSJjKY/Sunny on Apple TV+ https://tv.apple.com/us/show/sunny/umc.cmc.7c5t9dde8dxoaxwyl5rkuw38pFor 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 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 from the Show: TED Talk: How craving attention makes you less creativeJoseph Gordon-Levitt breaks down his career (Vanity Fair) That Pop Tarts commercial from 1991Joseph’s filmographyFor more conversations like this – with guests ranging from Tom Hanks to Bjork to Jason Sudeikis – scroll down in this feed or 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.
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 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.
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 Glow Pt. 2Microphones in 2020Seaweed by Mount EerieA Crow Looked at MeGeneviève Castrée: complete worksConnect with Phil:• 💻Website: https://www.pwelverumandsun.com/• 📺Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PWElverumandSun• 📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flutelistener/Connect with us:•💻Website: TheGreatCreators.com•📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegreatcreatorspodcast and https://www.instagram.com/guy.raz• 🎵TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@guyrazFor more conversations like this – with guests ranging from 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.
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I absolutely love 'The Great Creators with Guy Raz'! Guy’s insightful interviews and engaging storytelling truly bring out the best in his guests. Each episode dives deep into the creative process and the stories behind some of the most influential creators of our time. https://hubhopper.com/episode/tips-and-tricks-for-designing-eye-catching-stickers-1721926068/32646839
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.