Podcast · 48 episodes
Acquired
by Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal · English
Every company has a story. Learn the playbooks that built the world’s greatest companies — and how you can apply them.
Latest episodes
The Home DepotHome Depot’s rise from a struggling hardware sector into the world’s largest specialty retailer, driven by a “warehouse” model, ruthless merchandising, and a high-stakes chain of events involving key…14 Sep 2026 · 3 h 35 min
Disney: The Renaissance and the EmpireDisney’s turnaround from early-1980s crisis to the “Disney Renaissance” and the expansion of Disney’s “flywheel” (animated storytelling feeding parks, licensing, home video, retail, and Broadway).10 Aug 2026 · 4 h 33 min
The Walt Disney CompanyThe episode tells the business story of the Walt Disney Company up through Walt Disney’s era: how Disney built early animation as a technology-driven entertainment business, the “Oswald” disaster…22 Jun 2026 · 4 h 31 min
All episodes
The Home DepotHome Depot’s rise from a struggling hardware sector into the world’s largest specialty retailer, driven by a “warehouse” model, ruthless merchandising, and a high-stakes chain of events involving key…14 Sep 2026 · 3 h 35 min · 87 chapters
Disney: The Renaissance and the EmpireDisney’s turnaround from early-1980s crisis to the “Disney Renaissance” and the expansion of Disney’s “flywheel” (animated storytelling feeding parks, licensing, home video, retail, and Broadway).10 Aug 2026 · 4 h 33 min · 111 chapters
The Walt Disney CompanyThe episode tells the business story of the Walt Disney Company up through Walt Disney’s era: how Disney built early animation as a technology-driven entertainment business, the “Oswald” disaster…22 Jun 2026 · 4 h 31 min · 99 chapters
VanguardThe episode tells the origin story of Vanguard and Jack Bogle, arguing that Vanguard’s customer-owned structure and relentless fee-cutting helped transfer roughly $1 trillion from Wall Street/finance…18 May 2026 · 3 h 48 min · 107 chapters
FerrariFerrari as a paradoxical luxury business: extremely low production volume (~14,000 cars/year) yet massive global brand recognition; “selling dreams” through racing heritage, scarcity, and…13 Apr 2026 · 3 h 59 min · 98 chapters
Formula 1A deep dive into the history and business of Formula 1, exploring its evolution from a chaotic European racing series to a multi-billion dollar global entertainment powerhouse under the stewardship…2 Mar 2026 · 4 h 30 min · 110 chapters
The NFLThe episode explores the evolution of the National Football League (NFL) and its colossal status in American culture, as well as its business model and strategies that have led to unprecedented…27 Jan 2026 · 4 h 17 min · 100 chapters
10 Years of Acquired (with Michael Lewis)Acquired’s 10-year anniversary episode with Michael Lewis, reflecting on why the podcast works, how its format evolved, and what lessons the hosts learned from studying durable companies and from…15 Dec 2025 · 2 h 38 min · 61 chapters
Coca-ColaThis episode explores Coca-Cola's transformation from a simple beverage to a cultural icon, delving into its history, branding strategies, and significant events that shaped its legacy.24 Nov 2025 · 4 h 4 min
Trader Joe’sThe episode explains how Trader Joe’s was created: starting from Joe Coulombe’s attempt to clone 7-Eleven in California, then pivoting to hard liquor as a moat against 7-Eleven and supermarkets, and…27 Oct 2025 · 3 h 18 min · 84 chapters
Google Part III: The AI CompanyEvery company has a story. Learn the playbooks that built the world’s greatest companies — and how you can apply them.6 Oct 2025 · 4 h 7 min
Acquired Live at Radio City Music Hall (Presented by J.P. Morgan)Every company has a story. Learn the playbooks that built the world’s greatest companies — and how you can apply them.1 Oct 2025 · 1 min
Google Part II: AlphabetIn this episode of the Acquired podcast, hosts Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal explore the evolution of Google from its inception in 1998 through its transformation into Alphabet Inc.26 Aug 2025 · 4 h 12 min
The Jamie Dimon InterviewA podcast exploring the stories and strategies behind the world's greatest companies.16 Jul 2025 · 1 h 6 min
Google: The Origin of SearchThe story of Google search’s evolution from a Stanford research project called BackRub to becoming the wealthiest business model in the tech world.30 Jun 2025 · 3 h 40 min
The Steve Ballmer InterviewIn this episode, the hosts Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal interview Steve Ballmer, the former CEO of Microsoft and current owner of the LA Clippers.2 Jun 2025 · 2 h 59 min
Epic Systems (MyChart)Every company has a story. Learn the playbooks that built the world’s greatest companies — and how you can apply them.21 Apr 2025 · 3 h 57 min
Indian Premier League CricketEvery company has a story. Learn the playbooks that built the world’s greatest companies — and how you can apply them.24 Mar 2025 · 4 h 28 min
RolexDiscusses the intriguing and paradoxical history of Rolex, exploring its journey from a lesser-known entity in the watch industry to a symbol of luxury and success, while examining its business…24 Feb 2025 · 4 h 58 min
TSMC Founder Morris ChangBen Gilbert and David Rosenthal27 Jan 2025 · 2 h 55 min
TSMC (Remastered)In this remastered episode of Acquired, the hosts delve deep into the history of the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), a titan in the semiconductor industry known for manufacturing…21 Jan 2025 · 2 h 28 min
Mars Inc. (the chocolate story)Mars Inc. (The Chocolate Story)16 Dec 2024 · 3 h 51 min
IKEAIn this episode, the hosts dive deep into the fascinating story of IKEA, a global leader in affordable furniture and home goods, exploring its unique business model, history, and the counterintuitive…18 Nov 2024 · 3 h 20 min
MetaThis episode explores the complex story of Meta (formerly Facebook), the company's journey to connect people globally through its various platforms, and the challenges it faced along the way.28 Oct 2024 · 6 h 18 min