Advice Line with Julia Hartz of Eventbrite - How I Built This with Guy Raz Recap

Podcast: How I Built This with Guy Raz

Published: 2026-02-12

Duration: 46 min

Summary

In this episode, Guy Raz welcomes Julia Hartz, co-founder of Eventbrite, to answer callers' business challenges while reflecting on her company’s recent acquisition and the evolving role of events in community building.

What Happened

Guy Raz kicks off the advice line episode by introducing Julia Hartz, who shares exciting news about Eventbrite's acquisition by Bending Spoons. Julia emphasizes that this transition is focused on enhancing support for Eventbrite creators and ensuring the long-term sustainability of their mission. After 20 years in the business, she's eager to embrace this new chapter, showing appreciation for the journey that led to this moment.

As the conversation unfolds, Julia discusses the importance of events in fostering real-life connections for brands. Citing research that shows 98% of Gen Zers want to extend their relationship with brands in person, she highlights how events can bridge the gap between online identities and community. This perspective resonates with Guy, who shares his experiences with live events, noting that they create a unique connection with fans that is often missing in digital interactions. Julia points out that live podcasting shows have seen a remarkable increase on their platform, underscoring the growing significance of community engagement through events.

The episode also features a caller named Maya Miller, who runs a pottery business that combines YouTube educational content with an online shop. Maya shares her journey from teaching pottery to launching her YouTube channel, which has garnered nearly 200,000 subscribers. Julia listens attentively as Maya navigates the challenges of managing two distinct facets of her business, seeking advice on how to effectively integrate her online presence with her product sales. Julia's insights into community building and event strategies may provide valuable guidance for Maya's unique business model.

Key Insights

• Events are crucial for building real-life connections between brands and their communities, especially among younger generations.
• The recent acquisition by Bending Spoons is a strategic move to enhance the support and sustainability of Eventbrite's mission.
• Live events, including podcasting, are on the rise, highlighting the importance of community engagement in content creation.
• Navigating different facets of a business, like combining YouTube content with product sales, requires strategic planning and understanding of customer bases.

Key Questions Answered

What are the benefits of hosting live events for brands?

Julia Hartz emphasizes that live events allow brands to create real-life connections with their audiences. According to research, 98% of Gen Z wants to engage with products and stories they love in person, indicating a desire for tangible experiences that deepen their relationship with brands. This connection fosters a community, bridging online identity with offline experiences.

How does Eventbrite plan to adapt post-acquisition?

Julia expresses optimism about the acquisition by Bending Spoons, indicating that the decision was made with the best interests of Eventbrite's creators in mind. She acknowledges the transition as a significant change but remains committed to supporting the mission of Eventbrite and its community. Her focus is on ensuring that the company continues to thrive and innovate in the event space.

What trends are emerging in live podcasting?

Julia notes that live podcasting shows have increased by over 65% on the Eventbrite platform this year. This growth suggests that audiences are increasingly interested in experiencing content creation in a live format, which can enhance listener engagement. The blend of live events with podcasting is becoming a vital component of content strategy, allowing creators to connect with their fans directly.

What challenges do entrepreneurs face when building a community?

Julia acknowledges the difficulty of balancing different aspects of a business, especially when they cater to varied customer bases, as seen in her conversation with a caller who sells pottery tools and creates YouTube content. Navigating these diverging aspects requires a clear understanding of the audience and a strategy to maintain engagement across platforms.

How can creators leverage platforms like Eventbrite?

Julia highlights that platforms like Eventbrite provide essential tools for creators to organize and promote live events. By utilizing these tools, creators can foster a sense of community and deepen relationships with their audiences, which is key to long-term sustainability. The success of live events can also drive significant revenue, allowing creators to monetize their passion effectively.