Four of NASA’s newest flight directors discuss their new role at NASA, their journey to where they are now, and how their expertise will be critical in humanity’s return to the Moon and eventually, future exploration of Mars. HWHAP Episode 261.
Archives
Finding Another Way (2020)
Original Broadcast Date: September 4, 2020. Conflict is a part of life. But in a polarized world, reaching a resolution is harder than ever. This hour, TED speakers explore creative and extraordinary ways of approaching conflict. Guests on the show include authors Shaka Senghor and Ebony Roberts, zoologist Lucy King, and radio journalist Jad Abumrad.
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Mysteries of Dust
Joining us from NASA’s Jet Propulsion laboratory, Dr. Robert Green and Dr. David Thompson discuss how the Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source investigation on the International Space Station is helping solve the mysteries of dust on Earth. HWHAP Episode 260.
Friction
We encounter friction every day—in all its forms—as we brush our teeth, go for a jog, argue with a friend. This hour, TED speakers explore how this force can be dialed up or down to improve our lives. Guests include tribologist Jennifer Vail, democracy activist Yaël Eisenstat, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Education David Moinina Sengeh, and TV producer Elan Gale.
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ACQ Sessions: Jason Calacanis
We kick off ACQ Sessions with the-behind-the-scenes story of All-in, from the world’s greatest moderator himself Jason Calacanis. ACQ Sessions is our new, occasional “MTV Unplugged” version of Acquired: a great IRL guest, a bottle (or two) of wine, and no script. We talk about everything you’d imagine we would over wine with JCal — All-In, bestie relationships, money & politics in Silicon Valley, who his influences and mentors have been (one surprise — the great Fred Wilson of USV!), what motivates him to keep grinding and why, at age 50+ when he could easily be winding down he’s instead speeding up into the most productive phase of his entire career. Pour a beverage yourself, pull up a comfy seat and join us!
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- Legora: https://bit.ly/acquiredlegora
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More Acquired!
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© Copyright 2015-2026 ACQ, LLC
Note: Acquired hosts and guests may hold assets discussed in this episode. This podcast is not investment advice, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any financial transactions.
The Crew-5 Astronauts
The Crew-5 astronauts discuss their individual journeys that brought them together on the upcoming fifth crew rotation of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. HWHAP Episode 259.
Special Delivery (2021)
Original broadcast date: October 29, 2021. What does it take to deliver a message, precious cargo, or vaccines — meant for exactly the right place in our bodies? This hour, TED speakers explore the often perilous journey of crucial deliveries. Guests include theater director Amir Nizar Zuabi, astrophysicist Erika Hamden, chemical engineer Kathryn Whitehead, and entrepreneur Keller Rinaudo.
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Benchmark Part I
Benchmark Capital. We tell the tale of the legendary equal partnership that accomplished something no other venture firm can claim: twice it has produced the highest returning fund of its cycle, each time with a 100% different GP lineup. If ever there were a playbook for successful generational transfer of a generational-defining venture firm, this is it. We spend 3.5+ hours digging into how the dotcom “eBay eBoys” transformed into the rockstar Fab Four of the Uber, Instagram and Snap mobile gold rush (spoiler: not by a straight line!), and what the future holds for Benchmark’s next GP generation. If you’re a student of the venture game from any angle — founder, GP, LP, etc — this is a story you need to tune in for!
Sponsors:
- Legora: https://bit.ly/acquiredlegora
- Vanta: https://bit.ly/acquiredvanta
- ServiceNow: https://bit.ly/acquiredservicenow26
- Statsig: https://bit.ly/acquiredstatsig26
More Acquired!
- Get email updates with hints on next episode and follow-ups from recent episodes
- Join the Slack
- Subscribe to ACQ2
- Merch Store!
© Copyright 2015-2026 ACQ, LLC
Links:
- Benchmark’s website circa 1997
- Benchmark’s website circa 2000
- Benchmark’s website today
- Episode sources
Carve Outs:
- Bill Gurley’s Runnin’ Down a Dream talk
- Smartless Podcast
- Mitch Lasky on Invest like the Best
- Ursula Le Guin’s Earthsea Cycle
Note: Acquired hosts and guests may hold assets discussed in this episode. This podcast is not investment advice, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any financial transactions.
Moon Farming
Dr. Anna-Lisa Paul and Dr. Rob Ferl discuss how their latest discovery of plant growth in lunar soil just may change the future of spaceflight as we know it. HWHAP Episode 258.
Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish
From hippie culture to the first personal computers, Stewart Brand has been key to some of the most groundbreaking movements of the last century. This hour, he reflects on his life and career.
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