Holiday Special 2023 - Acquired Recap

Podcast: Acquired

Published: 2023-12-18

Duration: 2 hr 18 min

Summary

In this festive episode, hosts Ben Gilbert and David Resenthal recap the highlights from Acquired's 2023 season, share personal updates, and discuss the evolution of their podcasting journey. They reflect on their growth and new directions for 2024, all while celebrating the holiday spirit together.

What Happened

Ben and David kicked off the episode with a touch of nostalgia, recalling the holiday sweater Ben wore for their 2019 live show, just before the pandemic changed everything. They emphasized their decision to shift away from a heavy focus on technology in their episodes, noting that only a minority of their 2023 shows were centered on tech companies. They expressed excitement about covering a broader range of topics while maintaining their commitment to deep dives into tech when it feels right.

The hosts then transitioned into a recap of their year, highlighting the growth of Acquired as a podcast and how it has transformed into a significant part of their lives. David revealed that he will be joining Ben full-time on the show in 2024, marking a significant shift in their professional journey together. They celebrated this change, recognizing it as a culmination of their shared passion for the podcast and the importance of the community they have built over the years, despite the slow burn it took to reach this point. They also touched on personal milestones, including Ben's recent entry into parenthood, which has brought about both joy and challenges in his life.

Key Insights

Key Questions Answered

What changes are happening with Acquired in 2024?

David announced that he will be joining Ben full-time on Acquired in 2024, marking a significant shift in their professional journey together. They both expressed excitement about committing more time and energy to the podcast, which has gradually become their life's work. This transition reflects their passion for the show and the community they have built over the years.

How did Acquired evolve over the years?

Ben and David discussed the slow growth of Acquired, highlighting that they have doubled their audience every year since its inception. They reflected on how it started small but has now become a significant part of their lives. The conversation about their growth emphasized the importance of the community that has supported them throughout this journey.

What personal changes did Ben share during the episode?

Ben shared that he recently became a parent, with a one-month-old baby at home. He expressed that parenting is both joyous and challenging, often feeling overwhelming yet rewarding. He acknowledged that while others had tried to describe the experience, the reality of parenthood is unique and filled with intense moments of need for the child.

How are Ben and David planning to diversify their podcast topics?

The hosts noted that they are moving away from a strict focus on technology, having covered only a minority of tech companies in their 2023 episodes. They expressed a desire to explore a wider range of topics while still committing to deep dives into technology when appropriate, showcasing their evolution in the podcasting space.

What festive elements did they incorporate into this holiday episode?

The episode had a festive tone, with Ben donning a holiday sweater that he purchased for a live show back in 2019. They discussed how they aim to bring good tidings and cheer to their listeners, providing companionship during the holiday season whether it be on long drives or while engaging in holiday chores.