# Acquisition on The No Agenda Show

Acquisition comes up in 22 chapters across 22 episodes of The No Agenda Show, from October 2008 to October 2026.

- **Chapters:** 22
- **Episodes:** 22
- **Discussed:** October 2008 – October 2026
- **Related topics:** [Hln](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hln.md), [Instagram](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/instagram.md), [John Mccain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-mccain.md), [Pfizer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pfizer.md), [Podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md), [Silicon Valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [Spotify](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/spotify.md), [At&t](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/at-t.md), [Bug Magazine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bug-magazine.md), [Building 7](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/building-7.md)

## Chapters 1–20 of 22

### Tech Industry Support for Donald Trump and Regulation

- **Episode:** [1915: Off The Rails](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1915-off-the-rails.md)
- **Published:** 2026-10-25
- **Time:** 54:45–57:31
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1915-off-the-rails/chapter/tech-industry-support-for-donald-trump-and-regulation.md

Jason Calacanis explains why the tech industry has warmed to Donald Trump, primarily due to his stance on deregulation and mergers and acquisitions (M&A). He criticizes FTC Chair Lina Khan's approach to antitrust, arguing that tech companies want "balls and strikes" adjudication rather than predictive regulation. Andrew Horowitz adds that while he is a moderate, he supports innovation and free enterprise.

Keywords: [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [tech industry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tech-industry.md), lena khan, [mergers and acquisitions](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mergers-and-acquisitions.md), [regulation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/regulation.md)

### YouTube Video Podcast Push, Platform Consolidation

- **Episode:** [1726: The Fog](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1726-the-fog.md)
- **Published:** 2025-01-02
- **Time:** 1:16:28–1:20:17
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1726-the-fog/chapter/youtube-video-podcast-push-platform-consolidation.md

YouTube is aggressively financing video-first podcasts to compete with Spotify and traditional audio platforms. Chris Cuomo predicted consolidation in the industry, suggesting YouTube may go on a buying spree of platforms like Rumble. This strategy emphasizes visual learning and high-production values, though critics argue that audio remains the primary way most users consume podcast content.

Keywords: [youtube](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/youtube.md), [google](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google.md), [rumble](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rumble.md), [spotify](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/spotify.md), video podcast, [mergers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mergers.md), [acquisitions](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/acquisitions.md)

### Pfizer Acquisition of CGen and Cancer Focus

- **Episode:** [1621: Haley's Comment](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1621-haley-s-comment.md)
- **Published:** 2023-12-31
- **Time:** 37:09–39:42
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1621-haley-s-comment/chapter/pfizer-acquisition-of-cgen-and-cancer-focus.md

Pfizer completed a $54 billion acquisition of CGen, a leader in cancer-fighting technologies, as part of a strategic shift toward oncology. Critics of the pharmaceutical giant have linked this move to the rise of "turbo cancers" and the company's need for new revenue streams following the decline of COVID-19 vaccine sales.

Keywords: [pfizer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pfizer.md), cgen, [cancer research](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cancer-research.md), [turbo cancer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/turbo-cancer.md), pharmaceutical acquisition

### Hostess Brands Acquisition, Twinkies Market Value

- **Episode:** [1591: Half-Jacked](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1591-half-jacked.md)
- **Published:** 2023-09-17
- **Time:** 1:44
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1591-half-jacked/chapter/hostess-brands-acquisition-twinkies-market-value.md

Hostess Brands was recently sold for approximately $4 billion, surprising observers who believed the company had previously gone defunct. The acquisition marks a significant valuation for the makers of Twinkies and chocolate cupcakes.

Keywords: hostess brands, [twinkies](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twinkies.md), [acquisition](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/acquisition.md), smucker, snack cakes

### Venture Capital Trends, Kleiner Perkins and Podshow History

- **Episode:** [1529: Google Barf](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1529-google-barf.md)
- **Published:** 2023-02-13
- **Time:** 55:53–1:00:38
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1529-google-barf/chapter/venture-capital-trends-kleiner-perkins-and-podshow-history.md

A historical anecdote regarding Kleiner Perkins and the startup Podshow illustrates how venture capitalists often chase "the next big thing," such as the failed video service Joost. Google currently spends $13 billion quarterly on traffic acquisition to maintain its advertising lead. The current AI boom is compared to previous tech cycles where dominant players like Yahoo and MySpace were eventually displaced.

Keywords: [kleiner perkins](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kleiner-perkins.md), [ray lane](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ray-lane.md), [ellen pao](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ellen-pao.md), [joost](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joost.md), [mevio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mevio.md), traffic acquisition

### The Podcast Broker, Buying and Selling Shows

- **Episode:** [1480: Internet of Dogs](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1480-internet-of-dogs.md)
- **Published:** 2022-08-27
- **Time:** 29:30–31:55
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1480-internet-of-dogs/chapter/the-podcast-broker-buying-and-selling-shows.md

ThePodcastBroker.com is highlighted as a new service allowing creators to buy or sell established podcast properties. The service, founded by Heather, targets podcasters who are tired of production but wish to see their shows continue under new ownership. One host mentions submitting the show to the broker out of curiosity regarding its market value.

Keywords: thepodcastbroker.com, heather, [monetization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/monetization.md), [acquisition](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/acquisition.md), [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md)

### Corporate Mergers and Robocall Harassment

- **Episode:** [1124: Work To Rules](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1124-work-to-rules.md)
- **Published:** 2019-03-31
- **Time:** 1:08:55–1:12:43
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1124-work-to-rules/chapter/corporate-mergers-and-robocall-harassment.md

A donor with experience in mergers and acquisitions explains "The Bitter Defense," a strategy where boards investigate their own company's skeletons to prevent hostile takeovers. The conversation shifts to the annoyance of robocalls, specifically those claiming a business is not properly listed in Google's search index.

Keywords: [mergers and acquisitions](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mergers-and-acquisitions.md), [robocalls](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/robocalls.md), [google search](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google-search.md), [elizabeth warren](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elizabeth-warren.md), [telemarketing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/telemarketing.md)

### Spotify Podcast Acquisitions, Gimlet Media and No Agenda Offer

- **Episode:** [1109: Pentacon](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1109-pentacon.md)
- **Published:** 2019-02-05
- **Time:** 26:18–30:37
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1109-pentacon/chapter/spotify-podcast-acquisitions-gimlet-media-and-no-agenda-offer.md

Spotify is reportedly in talks to acquire Gimlet Media for approximately $200 million, signaling a shift toward platform exclusivity in podcasting. It is revealed that the No Agenda show received a similar offer from Spotify involving high numbers but requiring total exclusivity and the removal of the public RSS feed. The hosts express a preference for the "Value for Value" model over corporate acquisition.

Keywords: [spotify](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/spotify.md), [gimlet media](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gimlet-media.md), [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md), exclusivity, [value for value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md), [acquisition](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/acquisition.md)

### Viacom Acquires Pluto TV, Streaming Technology Comparison

- **Episode:** [1106: Smart Wall](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1106-smart-wall.md)
- **Published:** 2019-01-25
- **Time:** 1:20:18–1:25:18
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1106-smart-wall/chapter/viacom-acquires-pluto-tv-streaming-technology-comparison.md

Viacom purchased the free streaming service Pluto TV for $340 million. The discussion compares Pluto TV's superior engineering and instant channel loading to the "horrible" performance of Comcast's Xfinity streaming service. The acquisition is viewed as a move by Viacom to acquire reliable streaming technology that larger telecommunications giants have failed to master.

Keywords: [viacom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/viacom.md), [pluto tv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pluto-tv.md), [xfinity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/xfinity.md), [comcast](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/comcast.md), [streaming](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/streaming.md), [iptv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iptv.md), [acquisition](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/acquisition.md)

### Silicon Valley Acquisition Contracts and User Behavior

- **Episode:** [1075: CIA Paid Me](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1075-cia-paid-me.md)
- **Published:** 2018-10-07
- **Time:** 57:49–1:00:16
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1075-cia-paid-me/chapter/silicon-valley-acquisition-contracts-and-user-behavior.md

The departure of tech founders after acquisitions is described as a standard Silicon Valley practice once stock vesting periods end. One Instagram founder reportedly left $850 million on the table to exit early. Observations of airplane passengers show an obsessive focus on checking Instagram immediately upon landing, highlighting the app's addictive nature.

Keywords: [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [acquisitions](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/acquisitions.md), [instagram](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/instagram.md), [mark zuckerberg](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mark-zuckerberg.md), stock vesting

### Pawternity Leave and Millennial Pet Culture

- **Episode:** [995: Missile by Nike](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/995-missile-by-nike.md)
- **Published:** 2018-01-02
- **Time:** 1:40:05–1:43:35
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/995-missile-by-nike/chapter/pawternity-leave-and-millennial-pet-culture.md

Mparticle, a New York-based data company, has introduced "pawternity leave" to allow employees time off to bond with new pets. The trend is analyzed as a corporate strategy to appeal to millennials who treat pets as "furry children," potentially discouraging them from having human children which might interfere with high-intensity work schedules.

Keywords: pawternity leave, mparticle, [millennials](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/millennials.md), pet benefits, talent acquisition

### John McCain, Defense Acquisition Oversight Removal

- **Episode:** [740: Losers to Lions](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/740-losers-to-lions.md)
- **Published:** 2015-07-19
- **Time:** 1:02:25–1:05:13
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/740-losers-to-lions/chapter/john-mccain-defense-acquisition-oversight-removal.md

Senator John McCain sponsors a bill (S. 1735) that shifts decision-making authority for major military acquisitions directly to service executives, potentially removing layers of oversight. The discussion touches on the Pentagon's inability to be audited and references the "missing" $2.3 trillion announced by Donald Rumsfeld on September 10, 2001.

Keywords: [john mccain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-mccain.md), [pentagon audit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pentagon-audit.md), defense acquisition, [military spending](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/military-spending.md), [building 7](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/building-7.md)

### Senate Armed Services Committee Priorities, Sequestration and Victoria Nuland

- **Episode:** [676: #955251](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/676-955251.md)
- **Published:** 2014-12-07
- **Time:** 12:02–14:28
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/676-955251/chapter/senate-armed-services-committee-priorities-sequestration-and-victoria-nuland.md

Senator John McCain identified the repeal of sequestration and military acquisition reform as his top priorities for the Senate Armed Services Committee. During the seminar, McCain praised Victoria Nuland for her service across multiple administrations. The discussion highlights the transition of power in the Senate and the focus on military spending.

Keywords: [john mccain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-mccain.md), [sequestration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sequestration.md), [victoria nuland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/victoria-nuland.md), [military budget](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/military-budget.md), acquisition reform, [senate](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/senate.md)

### Vice Media Valuation and Potential Acquisition of HLN

- **Episode:** [675: Aristocrats!](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/675-aristocrats.md)
- **Published:** 2014-12-04
- **Time:** 2:20:11–2:23:39
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/675-aristocrats/chapter/vice-media-valuation-and-potential-acquisition-of-hln.md

Vice Media CEO Shane Smith discussed the company's aggressive acquisition strategy, targeting "distressed media assets" like magazines and television networks. Smith hinted that Vice is interested in acquiring HLN (Headline News), claiming the network is currently performing poorly and could be revitalized under Vice's management.

Keywords: [vice media](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vice-media.md), [shane smith](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/shane-smith.md), [tom freston](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tom-freston.md), [hln](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hln.md), [acquisitions](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/acquisitions.md)

### Yahoo Tumblr Acquisition, Marissa Mayer and Tech Analysis

- **Episode:** [517: Chubby Hitler](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/517-chubby-hitler.md)
- **Published:** 2013-05-30
- **Time:** 2:50:37–2:52:58
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/517-chubby-hitler/chapter/yahoo-tumblr-acquisition-marissa-mayer-and-tech-analysis.md

Yahoo's billion-dollar acquisition of Tumblr is analyzed by mainstream tech pundits, with CEO Marissa Mayer vowing "not to screw it up." The deal is characterized as a desperate move by an "old internet giant" to capture the youth market. The segment concludes with a critique of the "idiotic" tech analysis provided by mainstream networks like HLN and ESPN.

Keywords: [yahoo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/yahoo.md), [tumblr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tumblr.md), [marissa mayer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marissa-mayer.md), [acquisition](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/acquisition.md), tech analysis, [hln](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hln.md)

### Disney Acquires Lucasfilm for Four Billion Dollars

- **Episode:** [457: Giblet in EUROLand](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/457-giblet-in-euroland.md)
- **Published:** 2012-11-01
- **Time:** 2:38:59–2:41:35
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/457-giblet-in-euroland/chapter/disney-acquires-lucasfilm-for-four-billion-dollars.md

George Lucas has sold the Star Wars franchise and Lucasfilm to Disney for four billion dollars. The move is noted for its irony, as Disney had previously criticized Star Wars in 1977 before releasing its own failed sci-fi film, The Black Hole. The show concludes with a hand-off to the Freedom Fiends program on the No Agenda stream.

Keywords: [george lucas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/george-lucas.md), [disney](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/disney.md), [star wars](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/star-wars.md), the black hole, [acquisition](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/acquisition.md), freedom feinds

### Facebook Acquisition of Instagram and Youth Perspectives

- **Episode:** [400: This is How We Spin](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/400-this-is-how-we-spin.md)
- **Published:** 2012-04-15
- **Time:** 43:28–45:58
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/400-this-is-how-we-spin/chapter/facebook-acquisition-of-instagram-and-youth-perspectives.md

The $1 billion acquisition of Instagram by Facebook is discussed through the lens of younger users who value exclusivity. The hosts note that younger demographics are becoming suspicious of Facebook's size and data practices. A brief mention is made of family members visiting Austin and their reactions to the social media merger.

Keywords: [facebook](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/facebook.md), [instagram](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/instagram.md), [acquisition](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/acquisition.md), [social media](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/social-media.md), [miami](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/miami.md)

### Federal Drug Registry and Brand Name Mandates

- **Episode:** [383: Hot Rods](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/383-hot-rods.md)
- **Published:** 2012-02-16
- **Time:** 30:32–35:20
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/383-hot-rods/chapter/federal-drug-registry-and-brand-name-mandates.md

New legislation requires online pharmacies to be domiciled in the U.S. and mandates face-to-face meetings between patients and providers. The hosts argue this is a move by behemoths like Pfizer to consolidate the market and force the use of expensive brand-name drugs over generics.

Keywords: pharmacy registry, face-to-face meeting, [xanax](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/xanax.md), [lipitor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lipitor.md), [pfizer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pfizer.md), [acquisitions](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/acquisitions.md), drug supply

### F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, Acquisition Malpractice

- **Episode:** [381: Acquisition Malpractice](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/381-acquisition-malpractice.md)
- **Published:** 2012-02-09
- **Time:** 2:05:52–2:07:50
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/381-acquisition-malpractice/chapter/f-35-joint-strike-fighter-acquisition-malpractice.md

Pentagon official Frank Kendall's admission that the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program was "acquisition malpractice" is discussed. The summary notes that the aircraft was put into production years before its first test flight, leading to massive cost overruns and technical failures. The F-35 is described as a bloated multinational project that has wasted billions in taxpayer funds across NATO member states.

Keywords: [f-35](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/f-35.md), [joint strike fighter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joint-strike-fighter.md), [pentagon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pentagon.md), [frank kendall](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/frank-kendall.md), [acquisition](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/acquisition.md), [nato](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nato.md)

### Greenhill & Co. and the Failed AT&T T-Mobile Merger

- **Episode:** [369: Phobos Grunts](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/369-phobos-grunts.md)
- **Published:** 2011-12-29
- **Time:** 1:13:27–1:14:26
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/369-phobos-grunts/chapter/greenhill-co-and-the-failed-at-t-t-mobile-merger.md

The hosts follow up on a previous story regarding a banker from Greenhill & Co. who died in a plane crash. They note that the firm's rankings in the M&A sector plummeted to 40th place following the collapse of the $39 billion AT&T and T-Mobile acquisition, suggesting a link between the failed deal and the firm's misfortunes.

Keywords: greenhill & co, [at&t](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/at-t.md), [t-mobile](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/t-mobile.md), [mergers and acquisitions](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mergers-and-acquisitions.md), [financial collapse](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/financial-collapse.md)

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