How is this series fundamentally different from “Built to Last” book which looks into companies that have lived through many historic disruptions like wars, technologies, political landscapes, environmental and social etc..

Quality is undeniably exceptional but they need to be more reasonable in covering the downsides to the businesses and people they cover. This results in an outdated business case study framework with virtually no concern for non-business stakeholders.

They fawn over people they want to flatter. The end. Somehow it takes 4 hours to do that. Best episode / case in point: Charlie Munger shuts down every single one of their self-serving questions about “advice for young guys like them.” Every. Single. One. Charlie saw through this operation immediately. So naturally, they censor Charlie Munger explaining why the venture business model makes no sense, which is hilarious and absolutely a must watch episode.

私はこのポッドキャストがとても好きです。なぜなら、とても有益で、あなたが選んだトピックがいつも好きだからです。

Really interesting, informative and a pleasure to listen to it 🙂

Amazing

We need an episode on Xbox they tossed around that idea on Microsoft II but it hasn’t happened

We attended the2025 shareholder meeting and met a fan of acquired in line. I’m loving this podcast, you guys are doing an awesome job! Thanks

This is one of the best business podcasts I’ve ever listened to. The depth of information and history about these companies and founders is not easily found otherwise and the way it’s presented in such an easy and fun listen has me eager for each next episode. Great job Ben and David, keep it up!

So informative, and entertaining

Ben and David have found the perfect rhythm where David handles the play by play while Ben adds smart commentary and solid analysis. They make complex business stories feel like you’re listening to really good sports announcers who actually know what they’re talking about.

Super thorough and well researched podcast with smart personable hosts. Love this show and keep em coming guys!

The episode with Charlie Munger was such a let down. I get that you were just fawning over the legend but totally missed opportunity to get any wisdom out of that interview. If you remove the word Costco it would cut the episode length in half.

I have no business experience but these two people explain how these enterprises work with expert precision. Books, who needs em.

Each episode is a deep dive into various companies. I recently listened to the Rolex episode and it was very well done. I’ve always been baffled by how people can be obsessed with luxury mechanical watches, but after listening to the episode I totally get it. I’m glad they are so expensive and out of my budget, because otherwise I’d be trying to find one of my own now. Ben and David are able to take what might be a very boring topic on the surface, and provide a rich, detailed, granular explanation that will fascinate and entertain you for several hours. This and Small Town Murder are the two only long-form podcasts I can actually listen to from start to finish without my attention wandering.

I absolutely love Aquired. Would you like to hear about some of the most fascinating business stories of all time? Then give it a listen

Best

Every podcast is awesome. These episodes are better than audiobooks and they’re FREE

Couldn’t be better. Wonderful personalities who obviously love what they do. The final analysis of the business is invaluable. Opinions are important.

Was intimidated by the length of most of the episodes (they’re quite long) but every time I think I won’t be able to listen for that long, I do because it’s so fascinating. Highly Recommend.

Episode on Augusta National / The Masters. One of the great brands in the world.

This is my favorite podcast. In depth, interesting, unique takes on companies… best of all, it’s all done with amazing and engaging story telling. One request… more consumer brands and retailers please! (Maybe TJX?)

Cricket’s popularity rose in mid 2000s because of the immense roster of players in India (Tendulkar, Ganguly, Sehwag) and the 2005 Ashes between England and Australia - broadcasted on free to air television. It had nothing to do with the shiny new thing T20 but it’s unsurprising Americans would reach this conclusion. Stay in your lane?

A well researched and well presented long podcast.

Most pods here are exceptionally well researched, informative and entertaining. Hard to figure their idolization of Mark Zuckerberg. Bad look.

This podcast is so great. I love listening to the story’s of each CEO and everything about them.👍

Please do YouTube

Perfect laundry folding podcast for people interested in business history. Fans of Hardcore History will enjoy

Plz!!!

Great stories, research, discussion but good lord someone please tell these guys about the art of editing and telling a story in bite size pieces vs 5 hours of stream of consciousness 🫠

Plz do MLB

Best company deep dive podcast there is.

This podcast is proof that not everyone is cut out to be a podcaster/speaker. David especially struggles with enunciation and cannot bring him self to properly speak without a vocal try or up talk. He has the “valley girl” accent and it’s so hard to listen to him talk. There’s always a couple words in every sentence where he says them so quietly or under his breath that you can’t hear him without the volume being obnoxiously high. I think it’s because he has poor breath control. Definitely wish Ben would do a majority of the speaking in every episode. His voice and tone are at least decent and pleasant to listen to.

Ben and David are amazing. Such a fun podcast to listen to and very informative. You learn a lot. I love it. I’m always impatiently waiting for the next new episode to come out thank you guys. You guys are amazing.

Be more objective and don’t gargle ceo balls guys. Meta is awful

Just listened to the hermes one from last year!!! It’s so so good. So apt for valentines day. Loved it.

Typical Libtardian Hatespew Agenda Push. Nothing new to see here folks. Keep it moving……,

Love this podcasts please do one on the JP Morgan Banking Dynasty

Just recently found the show thanks to my wife. Working my way through episodes of companies I find interesting from back at the start, and love the in-depth history and analysis the show provides!

These guys are great businessman and born storytellers. There’s fascinating history behind every company and lessons to be learned regardless of what business you’re in. Everybody I’ve recommended this podcast winds up loving it.

This podcast leverages very strong business insights with top tier storytelling.

It’s a really good podcast I love to learn about companies that you wouldn’t really know the history of . But in the Hermes episode you mispronounced the Chinese

Hearing the story of other companies was way more interesting than the company I work for. On a feedback topic, which I hesitate to give but will in the hope that it can be helpful. Love David, his research, stories, excitement - perfect. Unfortunately less so for Ben, he does have a few great insights, but then tends to be long winded about it, and many times I feel he is just stating the obvious - sorry to be negative but it is to the point sometimes that I want to stop listening. Great premise, keep at it.

Acquired is the case study learning method I always wanted. Told with enthusiasm and relatability. Like the hosts, I put myself in the company’s shoes and ask what I would have done in their circumstance. Then marvel at their choices and subsequent successes. I also appreciate the technical additions to learn and stay sharp. I’m hooked!

The Acquired podcast is truly exceptional! Each episode dives deep into the stories of some of the most iconic companies, offering a masterclass in business strategy, innovation, and leadership. The hosts bring an incredible level of research, insight, and passion, making complex topics both engaging and easy to understand. It’s not just educational but also deeply inspirational, as it uncovers the challenges and triumphs behind major successes. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a business enthusiast, or simply curious about how the world’s greatest companies are built, Acquired is a must-listen. Highly recommended!

When I started listening I couldn’t get enough of it, any time I had I would listen. Best Podcast Ever!

I only started watching this show earlier this year. I think I discovered it because it was mentioned in a WSJ article. Anyway, I did and still have tons of episodes to discover. I decided to look through the episodes and listen to those in the same industry in a row and it is working well for me. My first listen was Hermes, then I listened to LVMH, etc. I especially enjoy the history of the company and the elements that make the company successful. Brad and David are engaging and I like that they do not always present a united front on all issues discussed. I used to live in SF and have visited Seattle so I can relate to where they live and work. This aspect may not be the same for someone from another part of the country. I always learn new things and have a better appreciation for company values and leadership.

Clearly this is a show in a class of its own. I’m obsessed. BUT…I can’t help but wonder about survivor bias. Sure the companies you highlight and are around today did everything right (mostly: I’m looking at you Nintendo) and full of genuises blah blah blah. But what about visionaries that did everything right but were at the wrong place, wrong time, or just got the short end of the stick completely outside their control. I want to hear their stories too.

I absolutely love listening to this podcast while working on projects, very good history, in depth information and they always discuss very interesting topics!

While their history of the subject is thorough, they only look at these tech companies/founders as gods and not mortal men with all their fallibilities. Sycophants was an apt description of these 2, they only see through rose colored glasses at their subjects. The speak in such opaque business jargon that it is almost unintelligible. To say that they have "drank the kool-aid" of the tech world is a understatement! Step back boys, you are in too deep.