The Art of the Long-Form: Crafting Epic Business Narratives and Creating Amazing Podcasts

Every Host has a Story....

In this latest episode of Policy Punchline, we sit down with David Rosenthal, co-founder and co-host of the Acquired Podcast. From his days as a Princeton "organization kid" to becoming a leading voice in business history storytelling, Rosenthal's journey is as unconventional and inspiring. As a French literature major turned venture capitalist turned full-time podcaster, Rosenthal offers insights into the evolving landscape of tech, entrepreneurship, and digital media.

Throughout our conversation, Rosenthal takes us behind the scenes of Acquired, revealing the meticulous research process and unparalleled access that sets his  long-form business histories apart. He shares reflections on his time at Princeton, his stint on Wall Street during the 2008 financial crisis, and his transition into venture capital. Rosenthal's perspective on the serendipitous nature of career paths and the importance of balancing focus and openness to unexpected opportunities is invaluable to students and young professionals alike.

We explore the challenges and triumphs of building a podcast empire, from humble beginnings to becoming one of the largest and best respected technology podcasts. Rosenthal discusses the possible impact of AI on content creation, the future of podcasting, and the enduring value of deep, well-researched storytelling in the age of information overload. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a podcast enthusiast, or simply curious about the inner workings of successful tech companies, this episode offers a wealth of insights and inspiration. Join us as we unpack the art of business storytelling and the unexpected paths that lead to success in the ever-changing world of tech and media.

Acquired Podcast's David Rosenthal: The Art of the Long-Form

In the aftermath of a shattering illness, Lonni Sue Johnson lives in a "perpetual now," where she has almost no memories of the past and a nearly complete inability to form new ones. The Perpetual Now is the moving story of this exceptional woman, and the groundbreaking revelations about memory, learning, and consciousness her unique case has uncovered. Lonni Sue Johnson was a renowned artist who regularly produced covers for The New Yorker, a gifted musician, a skilled amateur pilot, and a joyful presence to all who knew her. But in late 2007, she contracted encephalitis. The disease burned through her hippocampus like wildfire, leaving her severely amnesic, living in a present that rarely progresses beyond ten to fifteen minutes. &#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; Remarkably, she still retains much of the intellect and artistic skills from her previous life, but it's not at all clear how closely her consciousness resembles yours or mine. As such, Lonni Sue's story has become part of a much larger scientific narrative&mdash;one that is currently challenging traditional wisdom about how human memory and awareness are stored in the brain. &#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; In this probing, compassionate, and illuminating book, award-winning science journalist Michael D. Lemonick uses the unique drama of Lonni Sue Johnson's day-to-day life to give us a nuanced and intimate understanding of the science that lies at the very heart of human nature.

The Perpetual Now by Michael D. Lemonick, read by Kaleo Griffith

Economics professor Alan Krueger — former chairman of President Barack Obama’s Council of Economic Advisers — tells PAW’s Allie Wenner about his research on the economics of the music industry, including his opinions about the secondary market for concert tickets, how online streaming has reversed the downward trend in revenue for recordings, and why he thinks Taylor Swift is an “economic genius.”

PAWcast: Professor Alan Krueger on ‘Rockonomics’ (September 2018)

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Sponsored by the Julis-Rabinowitz Center for Public Policy and Finance and the Griswold Center for Economic Policy Studies at Princeton University. 

Hosted by Tiger Gao '21 and other undergraduate Princetonians. 

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Acquired Podcast's David Rosenthal: The Art of the Long-Form

Policy Punchline

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