Acquired Holiday Special 2022
Cozy up for a year-end recap, where the hosts reflect on significant moments in tech and their favorite things of 2022. They share insights on the evolving landscape of security in startups and how social media is changing the music industry. Personal anecdotes highlight the original iPhone's impact and the role of technology in retail innovation, while discussions on podcast production reveal the creative balance they strive for. Finally, they celebrate community engagement and recommend impactful reads that shaped their perspectives.
02:20:00
Holiday Special Recording
- Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal record a holiday special.
- They discuss the past year's episodes and the state of the tech ecosystem.
Taylor Swift's Internet Stardom
- Taylor Swift's immense popularity reflects her status as an internet rockstar.
- The internet amplifies demand and creates larger markets.
Internet's Impact on Music
- The internet enables niche artists to thrive while also amplifying mainstream popularity.
- This increased distribution explains Taylor Swift's massive reach compared to earlier artists like the Beatles.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Reflections on 2022: Evolving Security and Compliance in Startups
01:38 • 3min
Reflections on 2022: Music and Movement
04:40 • 6min
The Evolution of Digital Information and Corporate Resilience
10:32 • 16min
Reflections on iPhone Beginnings and Retail Innovation
26:51 • 12min
Navigating Podcast Production
39:10 • 14min
Building Meaningful Sponsorships
53:30 • 4min
Empowering Creators: The YouTube Evolution
57:14 • 11min
Navigating Podcast Monetization
01:08:42 • 11min
Luxury and Personal Reflections
01:19:16 • 11min
Tech Travels: Balancing Gadgets and Getaways
01:30:31 • 16min
Navigating Parenthood
01:46:51 • 4min
Navigating Parenthood and Urban Living
01:51:20 • 5min
Impactful Reads and Recommendations
01:55:51 • 19min
Exploring the Features of Roborock S7 Max
02:14:53 • 2min
Simplifying Parenthood and Technology Preferences
02:16:32 • 2min
Celebrating Community and Favorite Gear
02:18:20 • 4min
#4664
• Mentioned in 6 episodes
Made in Japan
Guenther Stein
This volume provides an in-depth analysis of the effects of Japanese trade competition on the UK and Europe.
It also offers insights into the political and social aspects of Japan's economic policies.
Additionally, it explores the roots of Japan's aid policy and its international economic implications.
#767
• Mentioned in 26 episodes
The Godfather
Mario Puzo
Published in 1969, 'The Godfather' by Mario Puzo is a crime novel that follows the story of the Corleone family, one of the Five Families of the New York Mafia.
The novel spans from the early life of Vito Corleone to the rise of his youngest son, Michael, as the new Don. The story explores themes of loyalty, power, and violence as the family navigates internal conflicts, external threats, and the transition of leadership.
Michael, initially reluctant to join the family business, becomes deeply involved after an assassination attempt on his father and eventually succeeds Vito as the head of the family.
The novel is known for its realistic portrayal of organized crime and its impact on the characters' personal lives.
#18
• Mentioned in 230 episodes
The Psychology of Money
Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness
Morgan Housel
In 'The Psychology of Money,' Morgan Housel delves into the psychological and emotional aspects of financial decisions.
The book consists of 19 short stories that illustrate how personal history, worldview, emotions, and biases influence financial outcomes.
Housel emphasizes the importance of behavior over knowledge in managing money, highlighting the power of compounding, the dangers of greed, and the pursuit of happiness beyond mere wealth accumulation.
He advocates for a frugal lifestyle, long-term perspective, and a balanced approach to investing, stressing that financial success is more about mindset and discipline than about technical financial knowledge.
#1160
• Mentioned in 19 episodes
Made In America
John Huey
Sam Walton
In this autobiography, Sam Walton shares his life story and business philosophy, detailing how he transformed a small dime store into the global retail giant Walmart.
The book is rich with anecdotes and insights into Walton's leadership style, entrepreneurial spirit, and the 'rules of the road' that guided him on both Main Street and Wall Street.
It highlights his humility, frugality, and commitment to customer service, as well as the challenges and setbacks he faced along the way.
The narrative provides a deep understanding of Walmart's culture and foundational principles, making it a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and business leaders.
#2696
• Mentioned in 9 episodes
Masters of Doom
David Kushner
Masters of Doom tells the story of John Carmack and John Romero, often referred to as the 'Lennon and McCartney of video games.
' The book details their rags-to-riches journey, from their troubled childhoods to the creation of iconic game franchises such as Doom and Quake.
It explores their unique personalities, their contributions to gaming culture, and the eventual rift that drove them apart.
Kushner's narrative delves into the broader impact of their games on society, from MTV to the Internet, and the controversies they provoked.
#47
• Mentioned in 152 episodes
Project Hail Mary
Andy Weir
In 'Project Hail Mary', Ryland Grace, a high school science teacher, awakens on a spaceship with no memory of how he got there or his mission.
He soon discovers that he is the sole survivor of a desperate mission to save Earth from a microorganism called the Astrophage, which is threatening to cause a new ice age.
As Ryland regains his memories, he encounters an alien named Rocky, and together they work to solve the scientific mystery and save their respective home planets.
The story blends science, humor, and heart, exploring themes of survival, discovery, and unlikely friendships.
#607
• Mentioned in 30 episodes
The Power Law
Venture Capital and the Making of the New Future
Sebastian Mallaby
In 'The Power Law', Sebastian Mallaby provides a riveting and meticulously researched account of the venture capital industry.
The book delves into the history of tech incubation in Silicon Valley and worldwide, featuring key figures from firms like Sequoia, Kleiner Perkins, Accel, Benchmark, and Andreessen Horowitz.
It covers iconic successes and failures, such as the birth of Apple and the rise and fall of WeWork and Uber.
Mallaby also examines the 'power law' that drives the VC business, where a few massive successes compensate for numerous failures.
The book highlights the industry's influence on innovation, its biases, and the rising competition from China's venture capital sector.
Cozy up to the fire and join Acquired as we do our annual strategic review of the show and our business “in public”. We recap our perspectives on Acquired’s big moments from the past year, a bit of commentary on the current state of the tech ecosystem, and what lies ahead for us in 2023. Plus as always at the holidays, we do an extended carve out session on our favorite things from the past year. Huge thank you to all of you for making 2022 an amazing year here in Acquired-land, and here’s to even bigger and better things to come in 2023!
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Carveouts!:
- Jerry Seinfeld on The Tim Ferriss Show
- Project Hail Mary
- The Psychology of Money
- The Power Law
- Made in America
- Made in Japan
- The Godfather (book)
- Masters of Doom
- Stevie Case vs. the World
- How All this Happened
- Resonant Arc
- All-In
- Founders Podcast
- MKBHD’s Waveform Podcast
- The Verge
- Huberman Lab - What Alcohol Does to your Body
- Smartless
- T-Swift’s Midnights
- Olivia Rodrigo
- Andor
- Black Panther
- Top Gun Maverick
- Everything Everywhere All At Once
- The White Lotus
- The Vow
- Flighty
- Roborock S7 Max
- Apple Keyboard with TouchID
- Elgato AV gear, especially sound panels and the Cam Link 4K
- Capri
Note: Acquired hosts and guests may hold assets discussed in this episode. This podcast is not investment advice, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any financial transactions.