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Holiday Special 2023

Acquired

Sun Dec 17 2023



Holiday Special 2023 Recap:

  • Acquired hit half a million listeners in 2023, marking significant growth.
  • Ben's favorite episodes were LVMH and Costco, while David favored Nike personally but considered Visa the best episode in terms of quality.
  • Initially deciding to discontinue specials or interviews due to lower engagement compared to regular episodes, they revisited this decision after realizing CEO interviews tied closely to extensively covered companies could still provide unique and evergreen content.

Evolution of Podcast Format:

  • The hosts initially opted to stop doing specials/interviews due to lower engagement compared to regular episodes.
  • They realized that CEO interviews tied closely to extensively studied companies can yield unique, evergreen content aligning with the core Acquired format.
  • Understanding the importance of deep research and knowledge accumulation in creating distinctive, valuable content.

Lessons Learned from Interviews:

  • Intense preparation for interviews doesn't always lead to better outcomes if it feels forced or overworked.
  • Embracing being "good at this" and having fun during recordings are crucial elements for successful episodes.

Implications of Unique Content Creation:

  • Prioritizing depth of research and storytelling has been pivotal in differentiating Acquired's content from traditional interview formats.
  • Acknowledging the value of being highly knowledgeable about a topic before conducting an interview leads to more insightful discussions and engaging content creation.

Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel:

  • This book significantly impacted Ben's investment strategy and personal finance decisions, transforming how he manages his time and family interactions.
  • The insights from the book have led to a shift in Ben's approach towards investing, highlighting the importance of understanding financial psychology and behavior.

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron:

  • Discovered during college, this book introduced Ben to the concept of "morning pages," where one writes three stream-of-consciousness pages before starting the day.
  • The practice helped clear Ben's mind and set a positive tone for the day by providing an outlet for processing thoughts and emotions effectively.

Transitions by William Bridges:

  • A book frequently gifted by David, Transitions explores navigating life changes successfully, offering valuable perspectives on managing transitions with insight and wisdom.
  • This book has been instrumental in guiding individuals through periods of change, helping them adapt and grow amidst various life transitions.

Luxury Strategy Book Recommendations:

  • "The Luxury Strategy" by Jean-Noël Kapferer and Vincent Bastien presents 24 anti-laws of marketing in the luxury industry, challenging traditional approaches.
  • The book emphasizes unique positioning, exclusivity, pricing strategies, non-traditional advertising methods, and customer engagement for luxury brands.
  • It advocates prioritizing quality over quantity and creating an aura of exclusivity to enhance brand value.

QB School YouTube Channel:

  • J.T. O'Sullivan runs the QB School channel on YouTube, analyzing NFL quarterbacks' performances to provide insights into quarterback play and offensive strategies.
  • Viewers gain a deeper understanding of football tactics at a professional level through detailed breakdowns offered by O'Sullivan.
  • The channel offers behind-the-scenes views of NFL offenses and enhances viewers' knowledge about the game.

Silo TV Show Recommendation:

  • "Silo" is available on Apple TV, depicting a civilization living within a silo structure on Earth while exploring human behavior and societal dynamics in confined environments.
  • The series prompts reflection on society's intricacies and personal interactions as inhabitants await an opportunity to leave the silo.
  • Viewers engage with thought-provoking sci-fi storytelling that delves into individual interactions under restricted settings.

Lightroom ML-Powered De-noise Feature:

  • Lightroom introduces a machine learning-powered de-noise feature enhancing image clarity by reducing noise in high-resolution photographs captured using professional cameras.
  • The tool preserves natural details while effectively removing graininess without compromising quality for photographers seeking improved noise reduction capabilities.
  • Photographers benefit from enhanced photo editing options with superior noise reduction for professional-grade images.

Mill Compost Bin Product Review:

  • Mill offers an innovative internet-connected compost bin utilizing roasting technology to convert food scraps into chicken feed efficiently.
  • Users experience reduced odors, minimal mess, convenient disposal options, and sustainable recycling of organic waste into usable resources at home.
  • The product revolutionizes home composting practices by providing an eco-friendly solution for waste management while simplifying household recycling processes.

YouTube Channel Drama and Storytelling in Football:

  • Football games are more than just matches; they involve compelling drama and storytelling around teams and players, creating a unique form of at-scale storytelling.
  • The Monday Night Football Manning cast offers an alternative viewing experience where Peyton Manning and Eli Manning provide insights into the game beyond traditional broadcasts.

Baby Product Recommendations for Strollers:

  • Optimization of stroller choices is discussed for various needs such as home use, travel, and specific requirements for newborns.
  • Specific stroller recommendations include the UPPAbaby Vista for home use due to its large bassinet and comfort features, and the Joolz Aer Plus for travel because it is lightweight and fits in airplane overhead compartments.
  • Innovative products like the Duna car seat/stroller combo that allows a seamless transition between car seat and stroller without disturbing a sleeping baby are considered.

Favorite Movies Recommendation:

  • "Coco," a Pixar movie centered around Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations, is highly recommended as an engaging film suitable for all audiences.
  • Disney Plus platform is acknowledged for offering quality content including shows like "Alias" along with family-friendly movies like "Coco."

Acknowledgments to Podcast Contributors:

  • Gratitude expressed towards key contributors such as podcast editor Stephen for his exceptional editing skills that enhance episode quality.
  • Recognition given to thought partners like Andrew Marks, Mark Bridge, Adam Pritzker, Doug DeMuro, NVIDIA team members, research contributors, listeners, and community supporters who have played vital roles in supporting Acquired throughout the year.