# HIBT Lab! Babish Culinary Universe: Andrew Rea

- Show: [How I Built This](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this)
- Published: 2022-08-18
- Length: 46m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2022-08-18-hibt-lab-babish-culinary-universe-andrew-rea

## Summary

Andrew Rea, founder of Babish Culinary Universe, explains how he transitioned from a disillusioned visual effects artist to a YouTube cooking sensation after his therapist suggested a new creative outlet. He details the viral success of his 'Moist Maker' video, the strategic use of Reddit for distribution, and the evolution of his business model from Patreon to high-value brand integrations with partners like Squarespace. Rea also discusses building a lean, creator-first company culture and his ongoing management of mental health challenges amidst rapid growth.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2022-08-18-hibt-lab-babish-culinary-universe-andrew-rea#t=0) Introduction: Andrew Rea and Babish Culinary Universe
- [1:44](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2022-08-18-hibt-lab-babish-culinary-universe-andrew-rea#t=104) Early Life, Film School, and VFX Career
- [11:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2022-08-18-hibt-lab-babish-culinary-universe-andrew-rea#t=696) Creative Burnout and the Decision to Cook
- [16:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2022-08-18-hibt-lab-babish-culinary-universe-andrew-rea#t=995) The First Video and the Viral 'Moist Maker'
- [24:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2022-08-18-hibt-lab-babish-culinary-universe-andrew-rea#t=1492) Monetization, Patreon, and Quitting Day Job
- [33:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2022-08-18-hibt-lab-babish-culinary-universe-andrew-rea#t=1993) Business Model, Integrations, and Company Culture
- [39:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2022-08-18-hibt-lab-babish-culinary-universe-andrew-rea#t=2367) Mental Health, Burnout, and Future Vision

## Topics

- [Direct-to-consumer & e-commerce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/direct-to-consumer)
- [Marketing & brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/marketing-and-brand)
- [Founder wellbeing](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/founder-wellbeing)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Binging with Babish (product)
- Babish Culinary Universe (company)
- Basics with Babish (product)
- Squarespace (company)
- Patreon (tool)
- Reddit (other)
- Switch Effects (company)
- Bon Appétit (company)

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- [439: The Right Side Of The Grass](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2024-04-26-439-the-right-side-of-the-grass) (Making It)
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- [376: This one only has four utters](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2022-11-04-376-this-one-only-has-four-utters) (Making It)

## Citing this page

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