Glue Guys Ben Gilbert & David Rosenthal - The Obsessive Craftsmanship Behind Acquired - [Glue Guys, EP.52]
Aug 28, 2025
Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal, co-hosts of the Acquired podcast, dive into their fascinating journey from side project to thriving business. They discuss their explosive audience growth and unique preparation rituals that drive creativity. The duo shares insights into their meticulous research process and the evolution of their storytelling. They also explore their shift from venture capital to podcasting, and how quality—and authentic delivery—is key in today’s podcasting world. Expect engaging anecdotes and valuable reflections on building a successful brand!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Organic Doubling Through Craftsmanship
- Acquired's growth doubled every year for a decade and was entirely organic.
- The show's appeal is the package: format, chemistry, and craftsmanship, not topic-specific loyalty.
Humble Hobby Beginnings
- Ben and David started Acquired as a hobby while working full-time jobs and recorded pilots quickly.
- Early episodes were researched in hours before recording, not months of prep.
Read Select Primary Sources
- Start research with the best one-to-three books and avoid overprepping by reading everything.
- Read primary sources to recreate the moment and make narration feel immediate.
