Latest news with #GuyRaz
Forbes
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
35 Road-Trip Podcasts To Make The Drive Fly By
NPR's Guy Raz, pictured here with Karlie Kloss during 2018 SXSW at Austin Convention Center, has two ... More podcasts on the list of best podcasts for a summer road trip. Summer road trips are always special. Hitting the highway to cruise to a favorite amusement park, explore a new town or visit friends and family is even more fun when you have the perfect podcast queued up and ready to play. The greatest summer road trip podcasts will keep everyone in the car engaged as they enjoy hours of bantering hosts or fascinating storytelling. The best part is, when you pick the best road trip podcast, you won't have to hear a never-ending loop of 'are we there yet'—everyone will be so engrossed, the miles will fly by. Here is a list of 35podcasts perfect for summer road trip listening. Podcasts That Are Perfect For Road Trips These summer road trip podcasts are grouped by subject area, so you can find the best one for your particular trip. They include a diverse range of topics, hosts and lengths to get you from point A to point B. The list was selected based on podcast popularity, subject matter expertise and listener ratings from various podcast platforms. Family-Friendly Podcasts Family-friendly podcasts are ones you can listen to with anyone in the car, ages 2-99. Host Joy Dolo and the occasional child co-host explore history in a way kids and adults will enjoy. Forever Ago looks into topics you won't find in the typical history class, though, like the origin of school uniforms, the invention of rap music, and how Sesame Street came to be. Why is Forever Ago podcast a great road trip option? Focused on such a wide range of topics, Forever Ago has at least a few episodes everyone in the car will find interesting. You can listen to Forever Ago on iTunes, Tune In, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and Spotify. Want something like a book that's made for shorter attention spans (i.e., younger kids)? This imaginative podcast follows 8-year-old Finn's journey across the universe with his friends Elias, Vale and Abigail. Each episode of The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian offers a self-contained adventure, but they are also working toward solving a greater mystery to save their space station. Why is The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian podcast a great road trip option? The podcast tells a great story that will engage all ages—but especially kids interested in outer space (and what kid isn't?). You can listen to The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian on iTunes, Amazon Music and Spotify. Wow in the World describes itself as a 'cartoon for the ears,' and the zany energy of hosts Guy Raz and Mindy Thomas certainly delivers on that promise. They make STEM lessons not just fun but funny, using narrative storytelling, audio messages sent by young listeners and the occasional fart joke to explore dinosaurs, the science behind tickling, what's super about super glue and so much more. Why is Wow in the World podcast a great road trip option? It makes the time zip by, a must for any family road trip, and you can listen to episodes out of order based on your family's interests. You can listen to Wow in the World on iTunes, Wondery, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and Spotify. Guy Raz, center, who co-hosts two top summer road trip podcasts. In the spirit of this puntacular podcast from one of the most recognized eco-focused media companies—you don't want to 'myth' this chance to hear about Greek heroes and legends. Greeking Out host Kenny Curtis and sidekick Tori Kerr (who plays the Oracle of Wifi) also share facts about Ancient Greece life and culture in between tales of gods' and goddesses' exploits. Why is Greeking Out from National Geographic Kids podcast a great road trip option? Even kids who have studied Ancient Greece in school will learn something new, as the podcast goes beyond the better-known myths. You can listen to Greeking Out from National Geographic Kids on iTunes, Wondery, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and Spotify. When 10-year-old Keyshawn receives a magical set of keys that can unlock every door, he and buddy Kiki decide to use them to solve the mystery of the disappearing bikes plaguing their neighborhood. Can they figure it out before the upcoming Juneteenth bike parade? Using storytelling, Keyshawn Solves It introduces kids to Juneteenth and focuses on social-emotional wellness. Why is Keyshawn Solves It podcast a great road trip option? Perfect for kids 5-10, Keyshawn makes learning enjoyable, and each episode of the 10-part series is 17 minutes or less, making it easy to finish in one ride. You can listen to Keyshawn Solves It on iTunes, PRX, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and Spotify. Business-Focused Podcasts Business-focused podcasts offer insights to success and strategies to go forth and conquer. Business Wars host David Brown delves into the most fascinating business showdowns in history. From Marvel vs. DC Comics to Napster vs. the record labels to Domino's vs. Pizza Hut, each saga includes an extensive backstory on all the parties involved as well as an analysis in the final episode looking at the aftermath of the conflict. Why is Business Wars podcast a great road trip option? Each 'war' lasts several 40-minute episodes, the perfect length to stay engaged for a car ride and wrap up the story before you hit your destination. You can listen to Business Wars on iTunes, Wondery, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and Spotify. Guy Raz (who also hosts Wow in the World) turns his microphone toward grown-ups in this fascinating look at how people created the most successful businesses in the world. Most stories have a surprising amount of drama before finding the right approach. How I Built This has profiled hundreds of entrepreneurs and founders, including Lululemon's Chip Wilson, Slutty Vegan's Pinky Cole and Ben & Jerry's Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield. Why is How I Built This podcast a great road trip option? While the headline-grabbing CEOs are interesting, hearing the stories of smaller companies is absolutely fascinating. You can listen to How I Built This on iTunes, Wondery, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and Spotify. Prominent tech journalist Kara Swisher and New York University Professor Scott Galloway host this biweekly podcast that draws on their expertise to break down the day's top tech, politics and business stories. Pivot pings from predictions to banter, with an edge that anyone familiar with Swisher's social media feeds will appreciate. Why is Pivot podcast a great road trip option? The combination of real-time news and takes no one else will voice make this an informative listen that will also spark in-car debate. You can listen to Pivot on iTunes, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and Spotify. Tech journalist Kara Swisher, co-host of the "Pivot" podcast. Launched in 2014, The Tim Ferriss Show features interviews with the world's most successful businesspeople. Ferriss, a tech consultant and author of the popular book The 4-Hour Workweek, welcomes a wide range of guests, from entertainers like Hugh Jackman and Kevin Hart to tech elites like Mark Zuckerberg to athletes like LeBron James. It is one of the most popular business podcasts out there, surpassing 1 billion downloads in 2024, according to the Journal of Business Communication. Why is The Tim Ferriss Show podcast a great road trip option? The celebrity interviews drill down into more interesting topics than you get in a typical magazine profile, and you can listen to a bunch in a row without it feeling repetitive. You can listen to The Tim Ferriss Show on iTunes, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and Spotify. For anyone who has ever dreamed of turning their after-hours passion project into their full-time job, Side Hustle Pro profiles Black women entrepreneurs who have succeeded in that quest. Their stories range from a nurse who paid off $1 million in debt from her side hustle to a surprising number of women who launched podcasts. Host Nicaila Matthews Okome also offers bonus episodes providing guidance to wannabe entrepreneurs. Why is Side Hustle Pro podcast a great road trip option? Each woman's story is different and fascinating, and the hour-ish runtime is perfect for sliding in road trip bathroom breaks. You can listen to Side Hustle Pro on iTunes, Podbean, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and Spotify. Entertainment Podcasts Entertainment podcasts do a deeper dive on a singular aspect of entertainment or pop culture, such as fatphobia or identity. Maintenance Phase could be classified as a health podcast, but it's so enlightening and goes on so many interesting tangents that it also fits for entertainment. Hosts Michael Hobbes and Aubrey Gordon debunk the 'junk science' behind popular diet and health trends, such as Herbalife, ultra-processed foods, Forks Over Knives and so much more. Why is Maintenance Phase podcast a great road trip option? Anyone with even a passing interest in health will be pulled into the deep dives on nutritional value and fat-phobia. You can listen to Maintenance Phase on iTunes, Podlink, iHeartRadio and Spotify. This alternately hilarious, raucous and touching podcast stopping creating new episodes in tk, but its entire library continues to hold up as it explores the universal themes of identity and belonging without getting too deep. Hosts FavyFav, an artist, and Babelito, a historian, are the beating heart of Latinos Who Lunch, and they're also extremely funny. Their easy dynamic makes this longer podcast (most episodes are more than 60 minutes) a great listen on a lengthy trip. Why is X podcast a great road trip option? You can hear both queer and Latino perspectives on issues of the day, and they cut through a lot of stereotypes in their conversations. You can listen to Latinos Who Lunch on. You can listen to Latinos who Lunch on iTunes, SoundCloud, Podbay and Spotify. Another podcast that flouts traditional perceptions of ethnicity, Asian Enough features interviews with today's biggest Asian celebrities. The Los Angeles Times project, hosted by Jen Yamato, Johana Bhuiyan, Tracy Brown and Suhauna Hussain, features an impressive roster of guests, including Sandra Oh, Simu Liu, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan and more, listening in as they discuss their identities. Why is Asian Enough podcast a great road trip option? Each episode is very different because, duh, the Asian experience is so incredibly vast. You can listen to Asian Enough on iTunes, Podbean, iHeartRadio and Spotify. Actress Sandra Oh was a guest on the "Asian Enough" podcast. The Ringer's Bill Simmons is best known for sports, but he also serves up great cultural commentary in this podcast where he and his guests rewatch the most seminal movies in American cinema. Whether deconstructing the '80s fem-power movie Working Girl or discussing the continued merits of Pulp Fiction, The Rewatchables gang finds something new to focus on despite the movies' long life span. Why is The Rewatchables podcast a great road trip option? The podcast will inspire conversations about your own favorite movies, which is fun. You can listen to The Rewatchables on iTunes, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and Spotify. You can't have a list of best road trip podcasts without a true crime entry. Criminal offers something for everyone—tales of hardened murderers as well as good-intentioned people who got caught up in the system. No two narratives are the same, and the storytelling style of host Phoebe Judge stands out. The podcast was named one of the best of 2023 by the New York Times. Why is Criminal podcast a great road trip option? Since the show is not serialized, you can dip in and out of episodes based on what you're interested in during that moment. You can listen to Criminal on iTunes, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and Spotify. Pop Culture Podcasts Pop culture podcasts dive into the hot topics of the day and provide new, offering sometimes nuanced, and often hilarious takes. Listening to this podcast hosted by real-life friends Sam Sanders, Saeed Jones and Zach Stafford feels like being in the company of the three funniest, coolest people who are wildly well-informed about pop culture and super smart. An episode about Beyonce's new country album turns into a deep dive on Black culture and country music. Why is Vibe Check podcast a great road trip option? The vibe (ahem) between the co-hosts is second to none. You can listen to Vibe Check on iTunes, Pandora, Amazon and Spotify. Four days a week, Pop Culture Happy Hour from NPR serves up suggestions for the week's best entertainment options. From books to movies to, yes, even podcasts, the hosts recommend both high- and lowbrow choices. Their commentary is part of the fun—they have an easy camaraderie that makes each episode zip along Why is Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast a great road trip option? What better way to spend time than planning out the entertainment you'll enjoy once you reach your destination. You can listen to Pop Culture Happy Hour on iTunes, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and Spotify. Comedians Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) host this smorgasbord of pop culture content, which has twice been named an iHeartRadio best podcast. The two have teamed since 2016, serving up their unique, hilarious observations about everything from Pokémon cards to White Lotus to the Tony Awards. Why is Las Culturistas podcast a great road trip option? Rogers and Yang's witty, easy banter will make the miles fly by. You can listen to Las Culturistas on iTunes, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and Spotify. Bowen Yang attends the Las Culturistas Culture Awards at Kings Theatre on June 15, 2024 in New York ... More City. Slate's podcast hosted by Willa Paskin does a deep dive on the history, meaning and significance of pop culture touchpoints. Her take stands out from other options thanks to a broad definition of pop culture. She might examine labeling one week and the 'Boston cinematic universe' (think Ben Affleck and police dramas) the next. Why is Decoder Ring podcast a great road trip option? The podcast invites you to think about things in a new way, which will distract you from road trip boredom. You can listen to Decoder Ring on iTunes, Player FM, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and Spotify. This New York Times venture features critic Wesley Morris (who hosted Still Processing with J Wortham) interviewing artists and writers about the current times. Cannonball is perfectly titled, as the host and guests dive headfirst into complex issues and work out their thoughts in real time. It also gets personal even while tackling topics like the Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial and the legacy of Paul Reubens. Why is Cannonball podcast a great road trip option? Morris is a smart, smooth host whose insights illuminate culture in an entirely new light. You can listen to Cannonball on iTunes, iHeartRadio and Spotify. Sports Podcasts Sports podcasts may cover sports generally or home in on one particular league or topic. Served With Andy Roddick is dubbed 'a tennis podcast with a new spin,' but it's so much more than this glib description. Former world No. 1 player Roddick provides near-daily commentary during tennis's majors, two of which fall in the summer, yet he also offers more, such as an episode diving into fertility support and maternity leave on the women's tour. Why is Served With Andy Roddick podcast a great road trip option? Roddick offers informed opinions and content relevant to even those who've never picked up a racket. You can listen to Served With Andy Roddick on iTunes, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and Spotify. World champion athletes (and longtime couple) Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe know something about athletic achievement; Bird won four WNBA titles and five Olympic gold women's basketball medals, while Rapinoe earned two Women's World Cup titles and a soccer gold medal. Their podcast, A Touch More, covers every aspect of women's sports with their expert insights. Why is A Touch More podcast a great road trip option? The natural chemistry between Bird and Rapinoe enhances the already-interesting subject matter. You can listen to A Touch More on iTunes, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and Spotify. ESPN's exceptional 30 for 30 short documentary series found the perfect format with this audio version. The producers delve into sometimes mainstream, sometimes obscure topics, such as the woman who wanted to run an ultramarathon against a horse and a longform project on amateur ice hockey player Hobey Baker. Why is 30 for 30 podcast a great road trip option? Even people who don't love sports will love the stories about them, which are really more about people. You can listen to 30 for 30 on iTunes, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and Spotify. The perfect mix of sports and pop culture, After the Whistle is nominally a podcast about hockey—but it's also about so much more, like exploring rumors and misinformation related to reporting on the NHL and sports psychology. Hosts Andrew Peters and Craig Rivet also do deep dives into NHL trades, coaching moves and playoffs. Why is After the Whistle podcast a great road trip option? Hockey fans will find the in-depth coverage informative, but even non-NHL aficionados will enjoy the entertainment value. You can listen to After the Whistle on iTunes, Podchaser, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and Spotify. The NFL's most celebrated brother act, former Philadelphia Eagle Jason Kelce and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, have the most entertaining podcast about the NFL. They talk candidly about the league and the game they love, while also giving each other a (lovingly) hard time. Why is New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce podcast a great road trip option? The Kelce brothers are very entertaining—and if you don't like football, maybe you simply want to hear Taylor Swift's boyfriend (Travis). You can listen to New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce on iTunes, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and Spotify. Shorter-Form Podcasts Shorter-form podcasts are not serialized and usually last less than a half-hour. History is a popular podcast subject, but rarely do you find such a perfectly bite-sized bit of history. Nearly every episode of this podcast from the Washington Post is under 10 minutes, delivering a digestible overview of an obscure or long-forgotten historical episode. Topics include profiles of famous athletes, overviews of scandals and discussions of important relationships. Why is Retropod podcast a great road trip option? You can listen to dozens in one sitting while learning lots of interesting trivia. You can listen to Retropod on iTunes, Podchaser, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and Spotify. Who says grammar is dry? No one who's ever listened to this podcast, which provides quick grammar lessons and background on all types of word-related topics. A typical episode, hosted by Mignon Fogarty, might cover the history of emojis or a deep dive on a tricky plural word. Most episodes are under 20 minutes. Why is Grammar Girl podcast a great road trip option? It is possible to have fun while you learn, and Fogarty offers equal part entertainment and education. You can listen to Grammar Girl on iTunes, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and Spotify. Actor LeVar Burton remains famous for hosting Reading Rainbow, and his mellifluous voice is perfect for reading short stories by famous authors. Each episode is generally under an hour, and since they're all single stories, you can listen to one and then move to another podcast if you like. Burton's list includes stories by Stephen King, Toni Morrison, Percival Everett and other literary greats. Why is LeVar Burton Reads podcast a great road trip option? The short episodes offer a palate cleanser between seasons of other shows. You can listen to LeVar Burton Reads on iTunes, Podchaser, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and Spotify. LeVar Burton, hosts of the wonderful podcast "LeVar Burton Reads." Science journalists sum up important, amusing or off-the-wall space stories in just a minute on this innovative podcast from Scientific American. Some subjects may be familiar, such as planets, while others may send you racing to the internet once you reach your destination to look up more on the subject. Why is 60-Second Space podcast a great road trip option? You can listen to the episodes at the end of the trip, as you near your destination but still need a bit more entertainment to make it there. You can listen to 60-Second Space on iTunes and Player FM. This project from the University of Texas at Austin offers a platform for discussions about critical historical events—yes, broken up into 15-minute segments. While it's envisioned as a resource for teachers or students, everyone will enjoy the accessible approach to history and focus on topics such as court packing, student protests and historical films and fiction. Why is 15-Minute History podcast a great road trip option? Listeners will learn a lot about a diverse range of subjects. You can listen to 15-Minute History on iTunes, Podchaser, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and Spotify. Longer-Form Podcasts Longer-form podcasts might explore a single topic for an entire season or serve up single episodes that are 60 minutes or longer. With the tagline 'historical events and people you wouldn't believe, History Impossible explores lesser-known figures, moments and movements in history, such as Revolutionary War spy James Armistead Lafayette, an enslaved man. The podcast doesn't shy away from difficult topics and encourages listeners to spend time thinking about them. Why is History Impossible podcast a great road trip option? Any podcast that makes you think about your role in history is worthwhile. You can listen to History Impossible on iTunes, Wondery, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and Spotify. A narrative history podcast from Slate, Slow Burn focuses each season on a single subject, conducting new research and interviews to reexamine what you thought you knew about a subject. Past focuses have included Watergate, Bill Clinton's impeachment and the Iraq War. Why is Slow Burn podcast a great road trip option? Seasons are the perfect length for completing a trip. You can listen to Slow Burn on iTunes, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and Spotify. Leon Neyfakh, who hosted the first two seasons of Slate's "Slow Burn." This true crime podcast isn't just telling stories. Its purpose is to uncover and expose greed, and it has a mysterious backstory—it's run by someone dubbing themselves 'Concerned Citizen' and aims to bring greed into the public eye. Schemes the podcast has exposed include Ponzi schemes, embezzlement and other corruption. Why is Swindled podcast a great road trip option? Listening to these 75-minute-plus stories may inspire you to push for more transparency in your own life. You can listen to Swindled on iTunes, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and Spotify. The New York Times has produced a lot of excellent podcasts, and Rabbit Hole, hosted by tech reporter Kevin Roose, is near the top. It follows people who have been radicalized by the internet, going down 'rabbit holes' where they find wild conspiracy theories and somehow become convinced of them. The eight-part series showcases exceptional research. Why is Rabbit Hole podcast a great road trip option? You get roughly eight hours of content that will make you reconsider your mindless scrolling. You can listen to Rabbit Hole on iTunes, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and Spotify. The first season of this excellent true crime longform podcast tells the story of a man who was wrongfully convicted of his wife's murder. Bone Valley fleshes out every character so well, you can understand everyone's choices, even when they are wrong. A second season follows the son of the real killer and explores forgiveness. Why is Bone Valley podcast a great road trip option? The depth of reporting and skillful storytelling will make the miles whiz past. You can listen to Bone Valley on iTunes, Player FM, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and Spotify. Bottom Line Whatever your taste, from pop culture to sports, you will enjoy a better road trip when you choose one of these outstanding podcasts to listen to as you cruise to your destination.
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
LinkedIn shares advertising revenue with creators in video push
LinkedIn will begin sharing advertising revenue with creators for the first time, as video content boosts the amount of time people spend on the site. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack Nuclear Power! How India and Pakistan's arsenals stack up Does America have a plan to capture Pakistan's nuclear weapons? Airspace blockade: India plots a flight path to skip Pakistan While influencers like MrBeast and PewDiePie have built significant operations based on their online traffic, business thought leaders didn't have the same opportunity to cash in on their followings on LinkedIn. The change, which the Microsoft Corp.-owned social-media network announced Thursday, is designed to increase engagement and attract more lucrative video advertisers. 'The thing that is coming to LinkedIn is the rise of the B2B creator,' Matthew Derella, the company's vice president of marketing solutions, said in an interview. 'Chief marketing officers want to align with the next generation of voices that are talking about business.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Find Out How to Save on Energy Bills with 5kW Solar Systems Affordable Solar Power | search ads Search Now Undo Earlier this year, the career site debuted a full-screen video feed that looks similar to TikTok . LinkedIn users are now watching 36% more video than they did a year ago, the company said. In June, the company rolled out BrandLink, a system that helps businesses place ads next to the video content from news publishers such as Bloomberg, Reuters and the Wall Street Journal, which in turn get a cut of the resulting revenue. Live Events At the outset, LinkedIn will share a percentage of its advertising revenue with 30 business-to-business creators, including podcaster Guy Raz, Steven Bartlett, the host of Diary of a CEO, and Shelley Zalis of the Female Quotient, a business community for women. Adweek, Conde Nast, the Washington Post and 10 other publishers will also join BrandLink. Discover the stories of your interest Blockchain 5 Stories Cyber-safety 7 Stories Fintech 9 Stories E-comm 9 Stories ML 8 Stories Edtech 6 Stories LinkedIn doesn't disclose what percentage of ad sales it shares with video creators, but the company previously offered news publishers about half of the ad revenue their material generated. The company said on Thursday that since the initial launch it has more than doubled the total amount they're paying publishers. Marketers can also choose to sponsor posts made by LinkedIn creators, called Thought Leader Ads, which resemble regular posts but are shown to more users. 'We want to build a really thriving ecosystem for B2B creators,' Derella said. Recently, brands have been employing more influencers to promote business products, such as design software and finance apps, as they seek to reach the growing number of professionals on social media. In the past year alone, Publicis Groupe SA-owned marketing agency Influential has seen spending on B2B influencer campaigns rise by 250%, the company said. 'Influencer marketing is definitely the fastest growing category we're seeing across the board,' said Joel Lunenfeld, Chief Executive Officer of Publicis Media Exchange US.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Square Teams Up with Guy Raz to Launch "The Way Up," A New Series Celebrating Local Business Innovation and Hard-Earned Wisdom
Award-winning podcast host Guy Raz partners with Square to spotlight journeys and lessons from growing, thriving businesses across America OAKLAND, Calif., April 30, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Square announced the launch of "The Way Up," a new video series hosted by Guy Raz that celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit and showcases the real stories of grit, vision, growth, and heart behind some of America's most innovative local businesses. The series features in-depth conversations with business owners who have transformed their dreams into thriving enterprises, sharing their pivotal moments and the lessons learned along the way. Made in collaboration with Guy Raz, the acclaimed interviewer and creator of "How I Built This," the series features six remarkable Square-powered businesses that represent the diversity and resilience of American business ownership as they use technology and ingenuity to grow: Nixta Taqueria, featuring Chef Edgar Rico and Sara Mardanbigi, evolved from a pop-up to a James Beard Award-winning 50-seat restaurant in Austin, Texas, showcasing the power of culinary innovation. Charles Pan-Fried Chicken, helmed by two-time James Beard Award nominee Chef Charles Gabriel and Chef Quie Slobert, brings Harlem's soul food legacy to new audiences across their three locations. The Sports Bra in Portland, Oregon, founded by Jenny Nguyen and the first-ever sports bar dedicated to women's sports, is expanding its footprint and giving back to advance future generations of women athletes. Vala's Pumpkin Patch, featuring Tim and Kelsey Vala, has grown from a modest 17-acre rental to a 450-acre cultural landmark in Gretna, Nebraska, with 20,000 people visiting per day during peak season, run by the Vala family for over 40 years. Green Apple Books, a San Francisco institution since 1967 owned by Pete Mulvihill, demonstrates how independent bookstores can adapt and thrive in the digital age. Rustler Hat Co., founded by Alex Samuels in Nashville, Tennessee, transforms hat-making into an experience, crafting up to 200 custom hats daily. "Throughout my career, I've been drawn to the human stories behind successful businesses – the moments of truth, the critical decisions, and the community connections that shape their journeys," said Guy Raz. "With 'The Way Up,' we're going deeper into these stories, showing how local businesses across America are reimagining their industries and using technology to bring their unique visions to life. These aren't just business stories – they're stories about human ingenuity, perseverance, and the transformative power of successful businesses on their broader communities." "At Square, we're proud to support the millions of bold, imaginative sellers redefining what local business looks like today," said Lindsey Irvine, Head of Marketing at Square. "'The Way Up' shines a light on their stories – of resilience, reinvention, and impact. Through Guy Raz's lens, we see how empowered business owners don't just build successful companies – they shape the future of their communities." The series will be distributed across multiple platforms, including full episodes on Square's YouTube channel, audio versions on Raz's "Wisdom From the Top" podcast, and exclusive content through The Bottom Line, Square's publication for business owners and operators. Each episode explores how these businesses navigate change and challenge, implement solutions, and scale their operations using Square. The first episode of "The Way Up" launches today on The Bottom Line. Learn more about how Square can power your growth at About Square Square makes commerce and financial services easy and accessible with its integrated ecosystem of commerce solutions. Square offers purpose-built software to run complex restaurant, retail, and professional services operations, versatile e-commerce tools, embedded financial services and banking products, buy now, pay later functionality through Afterpay, staff management and payroll capabilities, and much more – all of which work together to save sellers time and effort. Millions of sellers across the globe trust Square to power their business and help them thrive in the economy. For more information, visit View source version on Contacts press@
