10 Years of Acquired (with Michael Lewis)
Acquired
3 DAYS AGO
10 Years of Acquired (with Michael Lewis)
10 Years of Acquired (with Michael Lewis)
Acquired
3 DAYS AGO
What makes a podcast succeed when it defies every modern content rule? Acquired, with its marathon episodes and minimal output, has built a devoted global audience not by chasing trends but by embracing depth, trust, and intellectual joy. In this special anniversary episode, the hosts welcome acclaimed author Michael Lewis—not as a guest in the traditional sense, but as a curious observer trying to unravel the show’s improbable magic. Recorded at the birthplace of Google, the conversation becomes a reflective journey into how authenticity, scarcity, and long-term thinking can create something enduring in an age of noise.
This episode explores the philosophy behind Acquired’s decade-long success, driven by a commitment to quality over quantity and deep, research-rich storytelling. The hosts explain their shift from frequent releases to fewer, meticulously crafted episodes—inspired by companies like Berkshire Hathaway and Hermes—and how staying within their 'circle of competence' has preserved their creative integrity. They prioritize timeless content, audience trust, and organic dialogue over expansion, rejecting outside hires and new shows to maintain control. Their business model thrives on strategic sponsor partnerships, not ads, while live events and original research yield stronger engagement than interviews. Despite underperforming topics, passion remains the compass. The podcast’s longevity stems from compounding knowledge, deliberate pacing, and a shared curiosity that resonates with listeners who value substance. Ultimately, Acquired works because it treats its audience as intelligent peers, building a community around enduring ideas rather than fleeting metrics.
02:52
02:52
The podcast’s deep, research-driven storytelling feels like academic work.
20:33
20:33
Warren Buffett tracked Michael Lewis's trades and respected his decision to sell shares for charity.
32:49
32:49
Great Acquired episodes feature a hero's journey, a hidden secret, and global importance.
40:48
40:48
After the market reset, we felt confident in our path by not chasing easy money.
51:31
51:31
Jensen Huang reached out to verify their sources after an accurate NVIDIA episode.
1:00:39
1:00:39
Hamilton Helmer's 'Seven Powers' provides a strategic lens for understanding business durability.
1:13:34
1:13:34
Editing takes about three days per cycle, usually two cycles to finalize.
1:23:12
1:23:12
They added an investment fund and have invested in five private-company sponsors.
1:28:09
1:28:09
Not all dollars are created equal—pursue only projects expected to be great.
1:40:50
1:40:50
If one of us is passionate about an episode, it's worth doing.
1:50:34
1:50:34
Costco's low SKU count drives faster inventory turnover and stronger vendor relationships.
1:58:37
1:58:37
Acquired helps be a better investor by studying mature businesses
2:18:20
2:18:20
The likely reason for Acquired to fail is losing delight in new discoveries
