Acquired – Live at Radio City Music Hall (Presented by J.P. Morgan)
Date: November 5, 2025
Podcast Hosts: Ben Gilbert & David Rosenthal
Episode Overview
This special episode captures Acquired’s live event at the famed Radio City Music Hall, featuring a star-studded lineup including Jamie Dimon (CEO of JP Morgan), Meredith Kopit Levian (CEO of The New York Times), Barry Diller, and journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin. The event transforms the classic Acquired format into a high-production “concert film” experience, focusing on the playbooks and stories behind legendary companies and leaders. The episode celebrates the intersection of business, media, and culture, promising listeners exclusive insights and memorable moments from top industry figures.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Power and Influence of Iconic Venues
- Hosts emphasize the significance of recording at Radio City Music Hall, noting the energy and symbolism the venue brings to conversations about giants in business and media.
- Quote: “We thought that the grandeur of Radio City Music Hall as a venue deserved more than just a standard podcast episode.” – David Rosenthal (00:15)
2. Elevating the Acquired Format
- The event is described as more than a podcast—likened to a “concert film” or “stand up comedy special,” highlighting the team’s ambition to capture the atmosphere and engagement of a live audience.
- Quote: “We created something more akin to a concert film or a stand up comedy special.” – David Rosenthal (00:20)
3. Featured Conversations with Industry Titans
- Jamie Dimon (JP Morgan): Discusses leadership, navigating crises, and building an enduring financial powerhouse.
- Meredith Kopit Levian (The New York Times): Shares insights on digital transformation and the lasting importance of journalism.
- Barry Diller: Brings perspective on the evolution of media empires and adapting to changing technological landscapes.
- Andrew Ross Sorkin: Adds journalistic context and sharp questions, helping tie critical stories together.
4. Community and Cameos
- The episode nods to the vibrant “Acquired Cinematic Universe,” with references to audience members from the industry and unexpected cameos.
- Quote: “It is the physical embodiment of the acquired cinematic universe in New York City with the most iconic companies and CEOs.” – Ben Gilbert (00:43)
5. Accessibility and New Media Frontiers
- The full live event, including video, is exclusively available on Spotify—demonstrating the growing convergence of media formats and platforms.
- Quote: “Spotify now has the capability to release full video to our podcast listeners, so we've put it there for you all to watch on any device you like.” – David Rosenthal (00:56)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Upping the Game:
“We decided to up our game on this one.”
— David Rosenthal (00:16) -
On the Importance of the Live Format:
“The grandeur of Radio City deserved more than just a standard podcast episode.”
— David Rosenthal (00:15) -
On the Event’s Unique Place in Acquired Lore:
“It is the physical embodiment of the acquired cinematic universe in New York City.”
— Ben Gilbert (00:43)
Important Timestamps
- 00:00–00:15: Introduction and background to the Radio City event
- 00:15–00:32: Rationale for elevating the show’s format and production
- 00:32–00:56: Overview of featured guests and the event’s scope
- 00:56–01:15: Details on where and how to watch the full live production
Summary
The Acquired Live at Radio City Music Hall episode marks a milestone for the podcast, blending high-profile interviews, live energy, and cutting-edge media distribution. Through conversations with elite business and media leaders, the hosts unpack the playbooks behind legendary companies—offering both inspiration and practical takeaways for listeners eager to learn from the best. The episode sets a new standard for business storytelling in the podcasting world, inviting the Acquired community to experience it in a uniquely immersive way.
To watch the full video special, visit the Acquired feed on Spotify.