Secret Sauce

by Wondery
250
Entrepreneurship #163

How do certain companies succeed where others have failed? What’s their “secret sauce”...and how can we get our hands on their recipes? From Wondery, the makers of the hit podcasts Business Wars and WeCrashed, comes SECRET SAUCE. Co-hosts Samuel Donner and John Frye take you behind the scenes of the most innovative leaders, trailblazing companies, and thriving cultures to learn what they have done to become a success. From how design guru Jony Ive worked with Steve Jobs to create some of Apple’s most iconic products, to how Warren Buffett invests better than just about anyone else. These are the unique recipes for what it takes to get to the top and stay there.

Binge all episodes of Secret Sauce exclusively and ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/secret-sauce/ now.

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Recent Reviews
  • Jerdpaul
    Too contrived
    Way too contrived, too scripted, too forced. The hosts try way too hard to be funny and just are not. This one was painful to listen to
  • Stevenjcampbell
    So um… like? You know? Right?
    Why do they have these horrible terrible generation z people doing these terrible sounding voiceovers.
  • Katkeen
    Pls limit the side comments
    Or maybe eliminate that person altogether. The back and forth really doesn't add to the podcast. Content is good tho.
  • David McGovern
    Warren Buffet, presented through 8th grade dialogue.
    So Warren Buffet like, super totally, right? For sure. I mean, totally. Okay, so like, yeah, totally. No, literally, like, honestly… totally.
  • SportyDad
    Annoying hosts
    Topics are good but the delivery is terrible. Spare me the poorly attempted humor and cringe banter!
  • Sean and Daddy
    Hosts sound like teenage girls
    Very unlike Wondery to have such unpolished hosts who say “like” all the time and use that odd interrogative tone even when not asking a question.
  • Bflogirl1
    Informative and fun
    I just finished the Warren Buffett series. I enjoyed it. Loved that they sprinkled in some personal fun facts along with pertinent information. The hosts keep you wanting for more. Look forward to the next one! Keep em coming. 👏👏😊😊
  • Bizmax
    Great Podcast
    I like the speakers, the music, and the words they choose to use.
  • paulfmcd
    One thumb up
    The information is certainly interesting and it is entertaining. My only real issue is with the delivery, the main speaker does a good job. But his rather goofy side kick asks questions in a kind of goofy teenage girl kind away. So I’ll keep listening I just wish the delivery was a bit more polished. Paul Milton
  • jgbulman
    Stop saying Like!
    I’ve never heard so many Valley Girl “Likes” from Men!! So annoying! If this was a drinking game I would be passed out! How can speaking like be your profession if you like can’t stop saying this word??
  • Scorpion101
    Good content, not a fan of the story telling style.
    The Jony Ive Season mostly feels like book reports mixed with that Family Guy episode where Brian and Stewie ran a radio station. Even the dramatic moments feel fake. Like something on MTV.
  • Jadejasidy
    Annoying Narration & Music
    The style of Business Wars is much better! I couldn’t get through even 1 episode due to the annoying chit-chat kind of narration and overly dramatic background music.
  • kdesmond2159
    Worth a try
    I appreciate the stories. Not a fan of the story-telling. I don’t mind the conversational format but they both need to saying “like” all the time.
  • jaytorres
    Inaccurate
    The 2nd Jony Ive episode is completely inaccurate. The idea for the iPhone came from the iPad. Apple had been working on a tablet for awhile. Steve had the idea of using multitouch on the phone after he saw the list of contacts scrolling. Most Apple needs would know this. The hosts come off as bros. Can't listen for more than 2 episodes.
  • cedry231
    Is this just an AD for Airbnb?
    Remember a few years back when Airbnb was explicitly racist? I do. There’s no secret sauce. It’s just a house rental company with high gloss. It’s all hype. It’s no longer cheap and I’d rather spend money in a hotel with a pool and breakfast.
  • kticeicebaby
    Season 1 yes, Season 2 no
    Really enjoyed Season 1. Season 2 seemed to be more opinion based than factually based. Fully understand that BLM and incidents of last summer played into what happened with the bubble, but it still seemed to be more commentary than “reporting”. Season 1 addressed the racial issues AirBnB faced well. Hopeful Season 3 will be along the lines of Season 1.
  • TooWoke4Me
    Woke
    10 minutes in to the 2nd episode and I’m done with this series. The added woke narrative in this series was too much. Maybe I missed it when enjoying the series on Uber. I just wanted to hear what the NBA did, not what the hosts think of the political climate and BLM. Hoping series three is better. If not, I’m out for good.
  • i4u2c
    Great Listening
    Good incite, followable play by play, and Entertaining hosts! Only listened to first part of NBA special. More to review after these messages!
  • luke morn
    NBA Bubble?
    NBA bubble...pretty partisan subject.
  • Remoh Cuz
    Love this
    Very interesting. I had heard a podcast segment on Airbnb in NPR’s “How I Built This” series so was prepared to listen to something else if this series seemed redundant. It wasn’t. I learned a lot and enjoyed every minute. Secret Sauce is well done. Also, both hosts have voices perfect for audio, important to a good podcast but overlooked by some hosts. Glad to see these guys preparing for another round. Thanks!
  • dtothek
    Great content, need new narrators
    Really enjoy the show so far — well researched and written. Would benefit from different narrators — I find the voices of the two speakers irritating. Need someone more in the Dave Brown style.
  • Adamfis
    Too jokey
    The incessant jokey tone is really off putting. Stupid stylistic choice.
  • josephd_999
    Amazing show!
    This show is really good to listen to before going to bed. While they explain the stories, I can visualize them.
  • DCA6457
    Love This
    I loved this - I was scared the hosts were going to be annoying but they weren’t - high energy with genuine feeling dialogue and banter. My one complaint is that they call South By Southwest South By constantly which is what people do when they want to sound like they are in the know. Cool beans guys🙄
  • andyroo569
    Dynamic duo
    Sam and John have a great chemistry. Well produced and so informative with a little tongue in cheek humor
  • Starlynmarie
    Interesting the whole way through!
    Loved the AirBnb series and hoping there’s another one soon! It’s such an interesting story and I LOVE how it’s told. It’s easy to follow and they do a great job of telling the story and keeping your attention. Keep the stories coming!
  • Waynestaticluva
    Very Informative
    This is a super interesting show! The hosts also keep me intrigued and wanting to continue listening.
  • alexi.gnm
    Please create more like this!
    Great and informative! Please continue with more series like this - love it!
  • trod94
    Love this show!
    I love learning about businesses. Sam and John are smart and funny. Like all Wondery Podcasts, this is a very well produced show. I can’t wait for more episodes.
  • Stoneyclaus
    Great Content - Fake enthusiasm is annoying
    Hard to listen to these guys deliver really well written material.
  • Jfugducxi
    Keep it coming
    This is a great show. I would like to hear more about the founders.
  • Miggy398
    Interesting and engaging
    Great content and format. And it sounds like a lot of work and analysis went into the episodes. I subscribed. I’m hooked!!!
  • FDon3
    The Secret sauce behind the success of the podcast Secret Sauce
    I started following Samuel Donner on @findingfounders podcast and love his storytelling style / on The SS podcast it’s The energy and enthusiasm between Samuel and John that’s infectious- these two guys really bring the entrepreneurs startup journey to a full technicolor life - I feel like I’m in the moment with the experience!! Well done @wondery !!
  • Francisser96
    I really like the show but wish you had some interviews
    I’m a big fan of podcasts like these I listen to all the others. I do kind of wish that we heard more from early company employees or founders etc. As you tell the story it’s quite nice to hear from people directly as it can sometimes feel like it’s just third-party research
  • booooooopy
    An energizing listen—with fun sound design!
    The sound design on the this series is so fun and really places you in the scene they’re describing. The hosts have an energetic and genuine banter without making things drag along. It’s a fun listen and very well reported!
  • Ninjaboy_Bruin
    Great show about popular businesses
    This series is fantastic! I’ve followed Sam’s work with Finding Founders (another great pod) and I’m excited to hear his energy and style carry over to Secret Sauce! His and John’s stories are so entertaining and I love hearing their back and forth exchanges. Great show and I’m excited to hear more!
  • DAWNER_xx
    Exceptional Concept with enormous potential
    There’s a lot of amazing free value to be found here! Great content curators have a way of showing you things they know you’ll love before you do! The same goes for the “Finding Founders” podcast that has executed on providing the listener with an edge over the ladder. Secret Sauce will guaranteed compound leverage if you apply it. Highly Recommend.
  • hiimpaul123456
    Love it!
    These first two episodes were fantastic! Such an interesting story with some great story tellers. I’ve followed Samuel Donner’s other podcast (Finding Founders) for about a year now. After seeing the production quality of that show and listening to these episodes, I can’t wait to hear more!
  • marcelsalapa
    Lovely storytelling
    These hosts really bring this story to life. Another great podcast from Wondery!
  • missjesslin
    Amazing work!
    Came here as a fan of Sam’s from Finding Founders, and he did not disappoint! I love the structure of this podcast - Sam and John play off of each other so well! Loved the Airbnb episode and I can’t wait for more! Subscribed and shared with all my friends!
  • Sara Bjorkman
    Wonderful podcast, wonderful editing
    Not only is this podcast super entertaining with great ideas discussed and topics that can be enjoyed by any general audience, but the style of editing makes it captivating. It’s beautifully put together, with no part feeling too long or that it drags out. Can’t wait to see what other episodes come out and what I can learn from these fine gentlemen!
  • tilapia_adrian
    Chemistry that I have not found anywhere else
    Sam and John’s personalities bounce off of each other and make for such a funny and intimate experience. It’s as if they have known each other their entire lives. Super informative show !
  • Vix9809
    Amazing!
    Loving these first two episodes, adding this show to my rotation.
  • Mick_Wang
    Lots of Potential and A Great Start
    Love the fact that these stories are going to be brought to life by hosts that are storytellers and entrepreneurs in their own right! I followed previously John Frye’s work and the guy is a real mover and shaker in the startup scene in the Bay. Can’t wait to keep hearing more of these stories of how all these companies came to be!
  • jerseygirlforeverr
    Fascinating & such strong production
    Absolutely loved the first episode of the Airbnb series!! An amazing story & brilliant storytelling. Can’t wait to listen to the second episode!
  • mountaindoofus
    5 stars just because
    I haven’t listened and I don’t plan on it. Here’s 5 stars!!!
  • la ark
    Absolutely Fabulous
    I love hearing about entrepreneurs told by people who are about the same age as the dudes who started such companies... Sam and John have such a great rapport and the production quality is what we come to expect from Wondery! Love it and can’t wait to hear the third episode!!!
  • CashMoneySF
    The intro is 🌶
    Oh snap! The intro got me so excited!! Loving the chemistry between John
  • Jfrye57395
    Great hosts ;)
    OK you got me I’m one of the hosts! But that doesn’t mean this is a fantastic show! We’ve been putting in a TON of time with the incredible team at Wondery and I think you’re going to absolutely love this show!
  • MeteorCrashSite
    Secret Sauce episodes on my calendar!
    Loved the Secret Sauce intro! So I put the launch date on my calendar!
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