Susan Orlean on How to Actually Finish Your Book
Orchids. Infernos. Rin Tin Tin. What do these things have in common? They’ve all been the subject of books by Susan Orlean.  In her new book Joyride, she pulls back the curtain on how she does it. Susan and Dan dig into how she decides which ideas are worth pursuing, how she pushes through the doubt, and why audiobooks might just be the purest way to experience a story. Plus, she shares the one...
45m Dec 10, 2025
45m
Snack Break: Alexis Ohanian
If you’ve got “take actual time off” on your holiday to-do list but keep finding yourself sneaking in “just one more email,” this one’s for you.  Just in time for the holidays, Dan revisits this chat with Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, where they talk about why taking a break can be the best thing for the quality of your work. Plus, what’s the one thing he can beat his wife at? Learn more a...
14m Dec 07, 2025
14m
Jack Daniel's is a Family Affair
Turns out Jack Daniel’s isn’t just a whiskey company, it’s a family business. Master distiller Chris Fletcher stops by to share how he followed in his grandfather’s footsteps but he’s not the only one with a family tie on the team. He talks about legacy and what it means to serve a community that’s been working together for generations. Part of that is Operation Ride Home, a nonprofit that help...
33m Dec 03, 2025
33m
Snack Break: Astronaut Ice Cream with Tracy C. Dyson
In this snack break,  Dan revisits his conversation with Tracy C Dyson (no relation to Sir James Dyson from the last episode). Tracy breaks down what it actually feels like to be launched off the planet and step into literal nothingness on a spacewalk. Plus, she also settles the debate once and for all: the Earth is extremely, unambiguously round. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megapho...
14m Nov 30, 2025
14m
James Dyson Found Success on his 5,128 Try
Sir James Dyson can’t stand bad design. Instead of complaining, he channels that frustration into building machines that make the rest of us wonder, “Wait… why wasn’t it always done this way?” And he doesn’t stop at vacuums. From high-tech farming to championing the next generation of innovators, Dyson shares how relentless curiosity (and yes, 5,127 failed prototypes) can power a lifetime of br...
35m Nov 26, 2025
35m
Snack Break: Complex NTWRK
Aaron Levant, the CEO of Complex NTWRK media, drops in to talk about why “ignorance is rich,” how taking wild swings has shaped his entire career, and why real-life experiences beat a thousand Instagram likes any day. This quick burst of inspiration will get you hyped to go out there and try anything. Even if everyone’s telling you not to. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/a...
12m Nov 23, 2025
12m
DuckDuckGo Founder Explains Privacy
Gabriel Weinberg knows a thing or two about taking big risks on big ideas. He’s the founder and CEO of DuckDuckGo, the privacy-first search engine taking on the giants. In this episode, he breaks down the frameworks that help him lead, how he makes tough calls, and where he finds the time to actually do all of it. Plus, he gives us his take on the real risks around AI and privacy. Learn more ab...
34m Nov 19, 2025
34m
Snack Break: Loog Guitars
Rafael Atijas, founder and CEO of Loog Guitars, joins to share how a grad school project turned into a global brand. He talks about learning manufacturing from scratch, mastering Kickstarter, and building a community of first-time rockstars. Plus, what he’s learned as a veteran of five successful Kickstarter campaigns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
16m Nov 16, 2025
16m
ElectroBOOM on Finding Explosive Success on YouTube
ElectroBOOM, the YouTuber who makes learning about electricity shockingly fun, joins us to break down how he built an enduring YouTube career. He gets real about the mistakes he's made, the comments that still sting, and what’s next on his entrepreneurial journey. Plus, he answers the question “Does it still hurt when you get shocked?” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
38m Nov 12, 2025
38m
Snack Break:  Sports Agency Founder Donnie McGrath
Former pro baller turned sports management founder Donnie McGrath joins the show to talk about his jump from ball handling to closing $650 million in contracts. He shares the moment that made him hang up his sneakers, what it’s really like to go from player to agent, and how his definition of success has evolved along the way. Plus, a sneak peek at his company LIFT Sports Management’s next big ...
10m Nov 09, 2025
10m
How a Long-Term Partnership with Amazon Helped This Small Game Business Win
In this special episode of How Success Happens, the small business team behind Wood Expressions Games shares how a nearly 20-year partnership with Amazon transformed their tiny company into a booming board game business. Learn about their inspiring journey of growth, perseverance, and the fulfillment that comes with bringing joy to customers and creating jobs in their community. This episode ma...
26m Nov 06, 2025
26m
'All the Cool Girls Get Fired' Authors Take Back the F-Word
What if getting fired isn’t the end? What if it’s the beginning? Laura Brown and Kristina O’Neill join Dan to talk about their mission to take the shame out of the F word. In their new book All the Cool Girls Get Fired, they share stories from powerhouses like Oprah Winfrey and Carol Burnett about the times they got fired, what they learned, and how those pink slips turned into rocket fuel for ...
41m Nov 05, 2025
41m
Snack Break at Dave’s Chicken
Jack Davis, of Crypt TV, and an early investor in Jomboy Media and Dave’s Hot Chicken, joins the show. On this episode, he breaks down how he finds products people actually want, why organic demand beats throwing money at marketing, and how to know when it’s time to cut your losses. Send Dan your pie pick at howsuccesshappens@entrepreneur.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.f...
17m Nov 02, 2025
17m
Andrew Zimmern Fishes for Success
Chef Andrew Zimmern swings by to talk about his new book The Blue Food Cookbook, and to make a very hungry Dan seriously regret skipping breakfast. Beyond drooling over recipes, they dive into sustainable seafood, Zimmern’s favorite cookbooks, and why social media is doing more harm than good to the food industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
38m Oct 29, 2025
38m
Snack Break: Comedian Kevin Bridges
Scottish comedian Kevin Bridges adds one more stop to his first-ever U.S. tour and makes a pit stop with Dan (us?) on the How Success Happens podcast. He opens up about recovering from those nights when a joke dies a slow, painful death, shares how he tames pre-show nerves, and reveals why he keeps a tiny recording device tucked in his running shorts. (Yes, really.) Want to see Kevin live? Chec...
18m Oct 26, 2025
18m
The Success of Substack and Success on Substack
This episode takes on Substack from both sides of the keyboard, the company’s own success story and how creators are finding success on the platform. Hamish McKenzie, Substack’s co-founder and Chief Writing Officer (that’s what it says on his substack), joins the show to break down the intentional choices that made Substack such a writer’s haven and why he believes it’s still the best deal in t...
37m Oct 22, 2025
37m
Snack Break: Terry Crews
Terry Crews may look like the toughest guy in the room, but as he tells it, real toughness has nothing to do with muscles or touchdowns. In this snack-sized rewind, Terry talks about auditing your life and asking the hard questions. He also shares what he’s learned about team building on and off the field. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
15m Oct 19, 2025
15m
Gen. McChrystal's Plan for Smarter Risk-Taking
Retired four-star general Stanley McChrystal joins the show to celebrate the launch of his new Masterclass and share his approach to empowering teams and cultivating leadership at every level of an organization. He walks us through strategies for encouraging teams to take risks, even when failure carries serious consequences. But he admits that, despite a lifetime in the military, burpees are s...
36m Oct 15, 2025
36m
Snack Break: Dr. Pimple Popper
Dan revisits his chat with dermatologist-turned-global-sensation Dr. Sandra Lee, better known as Dr. Pimple Popper. She shares how a simple blackhead video blew up the internet, and what it’s really like to build a business on pus and pimples (while still protecting her patients). Plus, she bursts some skin myth bubbles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12m Oct 12, 2025
12m
How Elvira Built a Brand to Die For
Cassandra Peterson (aka Elvira, Mistress of the Dark) joins Dan to pull back the coffin lid on her 45-year reign as the queen of Halloween. She shares how The Groundlings and a one-off local TV gig turned into her pop culture empire, why embracing her alter ego became her greatest business decision, and how she spends Halloween. Elvira also talks about her new cookbook Elvira's Cookbook from He...
21m Oct 08, 2025
21m
Snack Break: Dan Aykroyd
 In this snack-sized episode, Dan revisits his conversation with comedy legend Dan Aykroyd. From managing teams on movie sets to co-founding Crystal Head Vodka, Aykroyd shares what he’s learned about leadership, product design, and sales. Plus, as a lifelong risk-taker, he explains the proper way to eject from a fighter jet. A tip you definitely don’t want to miss. Learn more about your ad choi...
13m Oct 05, 2025
13m
From Dropout to Billionaire: Lucy Guo’s Success
Lucy Guo, the tech founder who unseated Taylor Swift as the youngest self-made female billionaire in the world, joins the show with practical advice and some controversial takes. She breaks down her winning strategy for raising funding, explains why we overestimate risk, and shares her biggest red flag when investing. Plus, she talks numbers on why buying a private jet might be the worst finan...
30m Oct 01, 2025
30m
Snack Break: Bethenny Frankel
Just in time for the new season of the Real Housewives franchise, Dan reruns his chat with OG Housewife Bethany Frankel. She shares how she juggles a million things without losing her mind, the secret to keeping her energy sky-high, and why now is prime time for bold new ideas. This episode is sure to have you ready to hit the ground running. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.f...
7m Sep 28, 2025
7m
James Patterson Wants You to Disrupt Your Life
What happens when the world’s best-selling author teams up with a leadership expert? You get a playbook for thriving in a changing world. James Patterson, drawing on his experience as a former CEO, master marketer, and publishing icon, teamed up with Dr. Patrick Leddin, PhD to write Disrupt Everything—and Win. The book and this discussion is an awesome mashup of Patterson’s real-world lessons a...
27m Sep 24, 2025
27m
Snack Break: Michael Strahan
How does Michael Strahan juggle it all? From Good Morning America to hosting game shows, running clothing lines, and producing TV, he somehow makes it look easy. In this throwback chat, he talks about the power of compartmentalizing, why trusting your team matters, and how lessons from the NFL still guide him today. Plus, hear his take on Tom Brady, what it really feels like to sack a quarterba...
14m Sep 21, 2025
14m
For WWE Superstar Chelsea Green, Success Is Built on Trust
WWE Superstar Chelsea Green, recently featured in Netflix’s WWE: Unreal, joins the show to talk about her journey through different wrestling personas, how she made it to the biggest squared circle in the world, and why success is about more than just money. Dan does his best not to cringe as Chelsea shares the injuries that come with life in the ring. Having played both hero and villain, she o...
31m Sep 17, 2025
31m
Snack Break: Sebastian Maniscalco
In this Snack Break, Dan dusts off his convo with comedy powerhouse Sebastian Maniscalco. You know him from sold-out stand-up tours and roles in The Irishman and Green Book. Maniscalco is about to hit the road again, starting September 12. He talks about how to find your voice, why the “downs” are just as important as the “ups,” and what it feels like to stand on a set with Joe Pesci, Robert De...
15m Sep 14, 2025
15m
Mr. Wonderful Finds Success in Brutal Honesty
Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary, aka Mr. Wonderful, stops by to talk about his new watch insurance company, Wonder Care, created with the 1916 Company. He fields listener questions, reveals what he loves about watches, and shares his secrets for keeping his energy cranked to 11. Plus, he justifies how he ended up spending $12.932 million on a baseball card. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit m...
30m Sep 10, 2025
30m
Snack Break: Jerry Rice
Three-time Super Bowl champ Jerry Rice and his daughter, Jaqui Rice Gold, joined the show in 2021 to discuss co-founding G.O.A.T. Fuel energy drink. They share how Jerry's passion and talents on the field (the man holds the record for the most NFL records) have translated to his business endeavors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11m Sep 07, 2025
11m
How This Rural Entrepreneur Turned Her Hobby Into a Thriving National Business by Selling in Amazon’s Store
Tahmi DeSchepper found herself in a spot many of us have been before — she had a comfortable job in a stable field that suddenly crashed, forcing her to figure out what comes next. Tahmi took this moment as an opportunity to pursue her lifelong passion for jewelry making and the arts. And her all-in bet on herself paid off. Her jewelry line, called Tahmi, has been sold in over 100 galleries an...
29m Sep 04, 2025
29m
Psychic Medium John Edward Teaches How to Trust Your Intuition
TV psychic John Edwards has a new book, Chasing Evil, about his work with the FBI to track down a serial killer. But that’s just one part of his story. He’s also the founder of the subscription app Evolve TV Plus and is on a mission to teach people how to take leaps of faith, trust their instincts, and trade security for the unknown. Even with his spirit team on call, his founder journey hasn’t...
34m Sep 03, 2025
34m
How Moola Kicks Got in the WNBA Game
Dan revisits his chat with Natalie White, the powerhouse founder of Moola Kicks, the first high-performance basketball sneaker made just for women. Natalie found success by spotting a hole in the market, ignoring the doubters, and staying locked in on what her customers actually needed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
8m Aug 31, 2025
8m
How to Make Decisions Under Fire
 Mike Hayes, former commanding officer of SEAL Team Two, joins the show to talk about his new book Mission Driven: The Path to a Life of Purpose. He shares hard-won lessons on overcoming doubt, building strong teams, and why serving our communities is one of the highest callings. Even more inspiring - 100% of the book’s profits go to The 1162 Foundation, which has already paid off 11 Gold Star ...
30m Aug 27, 2025
30m
Snack Break: Nikki Sixx
Dan rewinds to his chat with Nikki Sixx, legendary bassist and songwriter for Mötley Crüe. They dig into how the band was founded, what it feels like to hit that opening chord in front of thousands, and why sticking to your guns (and putting in the work) matters more than chasing record deals. Crank up the volume, roll down the windows, and enjoy this bite-sized blast of inspiration. Learn more...
11m Aug 24, 2025
11m
Why Is Everyone Buying Soccer Teams?
Sam Porter began his career as a sports agent before making the leap to sports team owner. Today, he partners with celebrity investors like Ryan Reynolds, Rob Mac, and Eva Longoria to lead Club Necaxa. He joins the show to talk about his new FX/Hulu series Club Necaxa, his philosophy on building winning teams, and the most emotional moment of ownership he’s experienced so far. Want more succes...
33m Aug 20, 2025
33m
Snack Break: Actor Patrick Warburton
You know Patrick Warburton as Putty from Seinfeld, the voice of Joe on Family Guy, or maybe as that very jerky Ken in Bee Movie. In this bite-sized episode, Patrick talks to Dan about what Jerry Seinfeld taught him about leadership, how to survive the highs and lows of a creative career, and why happiness shouldn't wait for success. Last year, Patrick stepped behind the camera to executive pro...
8m Aug 17, 2025
8m
Success Is Running at Your Own Pace (With Beer)
What does it take to climb Mount Everest or run an ultramarathon? Jesse Itzler and Devon Lévesque know from personal experience. That love of testing their limits led them to co-found Runningman,  a three-day health and wellness festival featuring the world’s largest sauna, icy cold plunges, and breakout sessions to help you level up your body and mind.  In this episode, they’ll also share how ...
32m Aug 13, 2025
32m
Snack Break: Ralph Macchio
In this snack, Dan revisits his conversation with the one and only Ralph Macchio, star of The Karate Kid, The Outsiders, and My Cousin Vinny, recorded just after the release of his memoir, Waxing On: The Karate Kid and Me. Ralph opens up about handling early success, surviving career dry spells, and why loving the Mets helped him avoid Hollywood burnout. Plus, Dan shares a big announcement a...
10m Aug 10, 2025
10m
Kim Perell Found Success by Mastering the Moment
Kim Perell is a 9-time founder, investor in over 100 startups, and now the author of Mistakes That Made Me a Millionaire. She stopped by the show to share why knowing when to move on is just as important as sticking things out. Kim breaks down the blocking out the haters, the clever trick she uses to quiet imposter syndrome, and the mindset that helped her rise from her kitchen table to leading...
32m Aug 06, 2025
32m
Snack Break: The Gang Makes Whiskey
Glenn Howerton of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia co-founded a whiskey company with his fellow stars Rob McElhenney and Charlie Day. In this snack-size episode, Glenn and former Four Walls Whiskey CEO Casey McGrath talk with Dan about why their whiskey isn’t just for drinking at home alone, it’s meant to be shared in the place that inspired it - the bar. Got a question or a rude comment? Ema...
9m Aug 03, 2025
9m
Bobby Moynihan Found Success as a LEGO
Bobby Moynihan, superstar SNL alum and the voice of Jedi Bob on LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy, joins Dan to talk about his newest project. The Clean Plate Club, a live improv show where in-person ticket holders can get a meal cooked on stage, and everyone else can join online starting August 12th. Bobby also reads about Dan (the sheep, not the host) from his children’s book “Not all Sheep...
38m Jul 30, 2025
38m
Snack Break: Chessmaster Garry Kasparov
Chess grandmaster and human rights advocate Garry Kasparov joined Dan on Get a Real Job to talk about pressure, performance, and what he calls the “attacker’s advantage.” He explains why being nervous is normal and how he’s learned to channel that energy into winning. If you’ve ever wondered if high performers still get nervous, this episode is for you. Got a question or a rude comment? Email ...
6m Jul 25, 2025
6m
Mick Hunt’s Secret to Success? He Found His Because
Business coach, podcaster, and new author Mick Hunt joins the show to talk about the personal mission that drives everything he does, his because. From growing a $70 million insurance business to casually launching Mick Unplugged (one of Apple’s top-ranked podcasts), Mick shares the world view that shaped his path and the power of emotional intelligence. Want more Mick? His new book How to Be a...
30m Jul 23, 2025
30m
Snack Break: James Patterson
Bestselling author James Patterson sat down with Dan while promoting his memoir James Patterson. In this snack break, Dan revisits their conversation about James’s childhood and the moment he knew it was time to commit to writing full-time. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re headed in the right direction in life, this one’s for you. Got a question or a rude comment? Email it to howsuccessh...
5m Jul 18, 2025
5m
Comedian Ben Gleib Finds Success in Going Slow
Comedian, actor, and founder Ben Gleib is a busy bee. He's the host of the brand new podcast The Wrong Side of History, where he debates politics with guests from the opposite side of the aisle. But he's also taking on his biggest project yet: launching the first late-night talk show built natively for the internet. In this episode, Gleib talks about learning to run a multi million-dollar ...
35m Jul 16, 2025
35m
Snack Break: Emily Ratajkowski
Model, actor, and star of Too Much, Emily Ratajkowski sat down with Dan in 2021 for Entrepreneur’s 100 Women of Impact issue. In this snack break, Dan revisits her honest take on 10-year plans, creative ambition, and the pep talk she gave listeners who might be afraid to take the leap. If you agree that failure sucks, but know it’s part of the deal, this episode is for you. Got a question or a...
6m Jul 11, 2025
6m
Robert Irvine and Dan Bova Live in New York
Food Network star Robert Irvine, of Worst Cooks in America and Restaurant: Impossible, joins Dan for a live taping of the show in New York. Robert shares how one unforgettable episode of his show reshaped his definition of success and the way he treats every guest who walks through his doors. He also does shots with the audience, answers questions from the crowd, and sends everyone home with a ...
1hr 1m Jul 09, 2025
1hr 1m
Snack Break: Ed Brubaker Talks Success in the Comic Book Industry
In this snack-sized episode, Dan revisits his conversation with Ed Brubaker, comic book author of Criminal, Batman, and Daredevil, and co-creator of Marvel’s The Winter Soldier. They talk about how the comic book world has changed, why chasing your dream job can actually hold you back, and the value of doing what you love. Got a question or a rude comment? Email it to howsuccesshappens@entrepr...
9m Jul 04, 2025
9m
Guy Fieri and Dan Bova Live in Las Vegas
In this on-site interview from Las Vegas, Dan sits down with the Mayor of Flavortown himself, Guy Fieri. Their conversation covers everything from creating a positive impact in the world to life after death with a few wild detours in between. Guy gives a listener feedback on a product idea and even leaves a surprise for the next guest. Want to see what he did to Dan’s jacket? Watch this episode...
23m Jul 02, 2025
23m
Snack Break: Laird Hamilton and Gabby Reece
Grab a cup of coffee and check in with volleyball icon Gabby Reece and big-wave surfer Laird Hamilton, the duo behind  Laird Superfood, Laird Apparel and XPT, an extreme performance training system. In this snack-sized episode, they share the lessons sports taught them about business, how they work through challenges together, and why authenticity is their not-so-secret ingredient for success. ...
13m Jun 27, 2025
13m