Acquired Podcast Episode Summary

Title: Chase Center + Summer Update
Hosts: Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal
Release Date: August 8, 2024

In this summer update episode of the Acquired podcast, hosts Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal share exciting news about their upcoming live event, reflect on recent milestones, discuss changes to their show structure, and offer personal insights through their "carve outs" segments. This comprehensive summary captures the key discussions, insights, and announcements made throughout the episode.

1. Chase Center Live Show Announcement

The episode kicks off with a major announcement about the Chase Center Live Show scheduled for September 10th in San Francisco, home of the Golden State Warriors.

Event Details and Highlights

Ben and David reveal that this event, in partnership with JP Morgan Payments, is the most significant endeavor they have undertaken to date. Notably, Mark Zuckerberg will be among the special guests on stage, among other surprise acts. David enthuses, “This is going to be an amazing event” (00:47).

Ticket Information

The hosts provide details on ticket pricing:

• Floor Seats: $100 (limited availability)
• General Admission: $50
  Both prices are all-inclusive, covering Ticketmaster fees. David emphasizes affordability, stating, “We want this to be open and available and accessible to everybody” (02:44).

Community Involvement and Planning

Ben encourages listeners to attend and participate in community activities surrounding the event, such as dinners and meetups. He mentions, “Almost like the Omaha for Tech or Omaha on the West Coast” (01:20), highlighting the sense of community they aim to foster.

2. Podcast Growth and Wall Street Journal Feature

The hosts reflect on the significant growth Acquired has experienced, largely attributed to a feature in the Wall Street Journal.

Impact of the WSJ Article

David shares the whirlwind of recent events, including personal milestones like the birth of his second daughter and the subsequent Wall Street Journal article. He remarks, “It was a mind blowing sentence. That is not something that we ever, ever thought would even be remotely within the realm of possibility” (04:43).

Subscriber Growth Statistics

Ben provides impressive statistics, noting, “317,000 new subscribers or followers... since the Wall Street Journal piece went live” (05:52). This surge pushed Acquired to the number one podcast on both Spotify and Apple charts worldwide, maintaining its top position due to sustained popularity.

Organic Audience Development

David and Ben discuss their belief in organic growth, where the audience primarily consists of personal recommendations. Ben states, “Everyone personally recommended it to a friend rather than having an explosive growth moment” (07:21), emphasizing the quality and civility of their community.

3. Show Structure Changes and Introduction of ACQ2

Acknowledging the evolving needs of their audience, Ben and David announce changes to their show structure.

Core Show Format

The main Acquired podcast will continue with its established four-hour format, focusing on in-depth stories of exceptional companies. Ben explains, “The main show, with few exceptions, is for doing our core four hour format of David and I together” (11:13).

Launch of ACQ2

To accommodate additional content types, the hosts introduce ACQ2, a new segment dedicated to interviews and deeper dives into specific topics. David highlights upcoming interviews, including industry leaders like Joe Montana and various public company CEOs. Ben adds, “If you're feeling like you want to experience some more acquired and you've already gone through the back catalog, ACQ2 is the place to tune in” (13:10).

4. Personal Carve Outs

Ben and David share personal anecdotes and recommendations, offering listeners a glimpse into their lives outside the podcast.

Ben’s Parent Carve Out: Stroller Recommendation

Ben discusses his recent purchase of a Thule Urban Glide 3 running stroller, a gift for Father's Day. He shares his satisfaction, saying, “The Urban Glide 3 is excellent and I highly recommend it to anyone who is thinking about running with a small child” (14:04).

David’s Parent Carve Out: Family Vacation in Hawaii

David recounts a family vacation to Aulani, Disney Resort in Hawaii, praising its suitability for families with young children. “It nails the center of that Venn diagram... the very best trip we could have done at this stage in our lives” (16:35).

Ben’s Adult Carve Out: Sunglasses Recommendation

Ben recommends Meller M sunglasses, emphasizing their high-quality lenses and value. He notes, “They are the highest quality lenses that I have ever had in a pair of sunglasses” (17:35).

David’s Carve Out: Netflix Series on NFL Quarterbacks and Receivers

David shares his enthusiasm for NFL-related Netflix series, highlighting the intense mental demands on quarterbacks. He states, “The amount of mental work that goes into being an elite NFL quarterback... is so immense” (19:12).

5. Closing Remarks

As the episode concludes, Ben and David reiterate their excitement for the upcoming live event at Chase Center. They express gratitude towards their partners at JP Morgan Payments and encourage listeners to engage with the community via the Acquired Slack channel. Ben summarizes, “Helloquired FM Slack and tickets are available now at Acquired FMSF” (20:26), while David praises the efforts put into organizing the live show, hoping it becomes the best event their audience has attended.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• David on Chase Center Live Show: “This is going to be an amazing event” (00:47)
• Ben on WSJ Article Impact: “317,000 new subscribers or followers... since the Wall Street Journal piece went live” (05:52)
• Ben on Organic Growth: “Everyone personally recommended it to a friend rather than having an explosive growth moment” (07:21)
• Ben on Show Structure: “The main show, with few exceptions, is for doing our core four hour format of David and I together” (11:13)
• Ben on Running Stroller: “The Urban Glide 3 is excellent and I highly recommend it to anyone who is thinking about running with a small child” (14:04)
• David on Aulani Resort: “It nails the center of that Venn diagram... the very best trip we could have done at this stage in our lives” (16:35)
• Ben on Meller M Sunglasses: “They are the highest quality lenses that I have ever had in a pair of sunglasses” (17:35)
• David on NFL Series: “The amount of mental work that goes into being an elite NFL quarterback... is so immense” (19:12)

This episode of Acquired offers listeners valuable updates on the podcast's growth, upcoming events, and structural changes while maintaining the hosts' personal touch through shared experiences and recommendations. Whether you're a long-time follower or a new listener attracted by their recent success, this episode provides a comprehensive overview of what's next for Acquired.

Time Stamps

• [00:47] David on Chase Center Live Show
• [02:44] David on Ticket Pricing
• [04:43] Ben on WSJ Article Impact
• [05:52] Subscriber Growth Statistics
• [07:21] Ben on Organic Growth
• [11:13] Ben on Show Structure
• [13:10] Introduction of ACQ2
• [14:04] Ben on Running Stroller
• [16:35] David on Aulani Resort
• [17:35] Ben on Meller M Sunglasses
• [19:12] David on NFL Series
• [20:26] Closing Remarks