Acquired

A wild mix of 200mph racing, engineering arms races, and billionaire paddock drama. They trace Formula 1 from deadly early glamour to Bernie Ecclestone’s iron grip over TV and money. Then comes Liberty Media, Netflix-fueled fandom, soaring team valuations, and America’s sudden obsession with the sport.

A narrated history of how a regional sport became a national business juggernaut. Stories about rule changes, TV deals, and the rise of crafted narratives in sports film and broadcasting. Deep dives into rival leagues, the merger that birthed the Super Bowl, and the economics of drafts, revenue sharing, and stadiums. Recent updates cover streaming deals, legalized sports betting growth, and soaring franchise valuations.

Discover the paradox of Rolex, a luxury brand that thrives on the demand for outdated mechanical watches over digital alternatives. Learn about its extravagant comparison to the Birkin bag and the surprising origins of its founder. Delve into the brand's evolution during key historical moments like World Wars I and II. Explore the innovative marketing behind the Oyster dive watch and the cultural significance of the Daytona. Uncover how Rolex maintains its prestige while producing over a million units annually, all while giving back through philanthropy.

Discover the secrets behind Costco's incredible success and unique business model. The company combines rock-bottom prices with a wealthy customer base, while also prioritizing employee welfare. Learn how their limited SKU approach sells 15 times more per item compared to competitors like Walmart. Dive into the origins of Costco and the legacy of retail pioneer Saul Price. Plus, explore customer-centric policies and vertical integration strategies that keep prices low and satisfaction high. It's a fascinating look at a retail giant that challenges conventional norms!

Renowned nonfiction author Michael Lewis, known for hits like Moneyball, joins the conversation to delve into the intriguing success of the show despite its unconventional approach. He explores the hosts' commitment to quality and craftsmanship, their journey from hobby to business, and the significance of building subscriber trust. They discuss how deep dives into topics enthrall audiences and how relationships with industry insiders enhance storytelling. Lewis emphasizes the importance of passion, curiosity, and the transformative power of continuous delight in content creation.

Dive into the fascinating journey of Coca-Cola, from its roots as a Civil War tonic to becoming a cultural icon. Discover how emotional branding transformed a simple drink into a symbol of happiness and togetherness. Explore the quirky history of Santa Claus advertising, wartime diplomacy, and strategic partnerships with McDonald's. Learn about marketing innovations, the rise of rivals, and the ups and downs of product reformulations. This story reveals the magic behind Coke's enduring power and relentless adaptability.

Trader Joe's defies modern retail norms with no e-commerce or loyalty programs, yet generates staggering sales figures. Founded by Joe Coulombe, the grocery chain began with a unique pivot to liquor and embraced a quirky store identity. Their focus on private label products and California wines created a cult following. Even with cramped spaces and legendary parking woes, passionate shoppers overlook the inconveniences. The discussion reveals how a counterintuitive approach led to unmatched success in the grocery industry.

Google, the pioneer of transformer technology, finds itself grappling with the surprising rise of startups like OpenAI. The journey traces Google's early AI efforts, the creation of groundbreaking models, and the talent exodus that fueled competitors. With the launch of ChatGPT, the company faced a 'code red' and struggled to keep pace. Meanwhile, Waymo evolved from a bold concept to a commercial success. As Google seeks to merge Brain and DeepMind into Gemini, it confronts the challenge of innovating while safeguarding its lucrative search business.

Experience a thrilling live show with renowned guests like Jamie Dimon and Meredith Kopit Levien. The hosts dive into why Radio City deserved a concert-film treatment, elevating the podcast experience. Expect insightful discussions and entertaining cameos from industry icons such as Barry Diller and Howard Schultz. The excitement is palpable as they tease the unique production style and where viewers can catch the full video. Don’t miss this blend of entertainment and insight brought to life on stage!

Explore how Google transformed from a search engine to a powerhouse of innovation. The rise of Gmail, Maps, and Android showcases their groundbreaking strategies. Discover the challenges of Google Plus and how it influenced the company's direction. Marvel at YouTube's explosive growth and its impact on digital media. Analyze Google's advertising dominance and evolving business model, all while anticipating the future powered by AI. This dynamic narrative illustrates the highs and lows of a tech giant's journey in redefining user experience.