Becker Business Podcast: "16 Stories We Are Following Today 8-27-25"
Host: Scott Becker
Date: August 27, 2025

Overview

In this episode, Scott Becker delivers a rapid-fire rundown of sixteen key stories and insights shaping the business landscape as of August 27, 2025. Covering topics from stock market movements and major corporate deals to quotes, tweets, and personal news, the episode is packed with concise updates and Becker’s signature blend of expert analysis and candid commentary.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Market Updates & Nvidia’s Influence

• [00:08-00:21] Markets closed up yesterday and are set to rise again, with much anticipation hinging on Nvidia’s earnings release later today.
  • “A lot depends on Nvidia. What happens with the video earnings which will be reported later today after the close.” (Scott Becker, 00:11)

2. EU to Fast-Track Removing Tariffs on Industrial Goods

• [00:22-00:31] The European Union announces plans to eliminate tariffs on industrial goods by week’s end, promising to invigorate international business.
  • “The EU said that it will work the fast track getting rid of tariffs on industrial goods by the end of this week. We'll see how that goes.” (00:23)

3. Virtual Business Event on Private Equity & AI

• [00:41-00:54] Becker plugs a virtual business event scheduled for September 25th, focused on private equity startups and artificial intelligence.
  • Registration methods detailed: online link or by texting Scott directly.

4. Major Corporate Moves

• EchoStar & AT&T Deal
  • [00:55-01:10] EchoStar Corporation’s stock surged 70% as AT&T agreed to buy $23 billion in wireless licenses.
  • “It's a lot of money and a big move and a big move for AT&T.” (00:57)
• Eli Lilly’s Weight Loss Pill
  • [01:11-01:19] Eli Lilly jumped over 5% after positive results for their oral weight loss medication—a promising alternative to injectables.

5. EV and Leisure Stocks: Winners & Losers

• Lucid Motors and Rivian
  • [01:20-01:29] Lucid is down 45% YTD, while Rivian is flat; referenced article: “Rivian vs Lucid, Which EV Stock is Winning in 2025?” (Motley Fool).
• Six Flags
  • [01:30-01:34] Six Flags stock dropped nearly 50% YTD, with coverage in the Wall Street Journal.
• Restoration Hardware (RH)
  • [01:35-01:42] RH fell more than 4% yesterday, now down 44% for the year.

6. Upcoming Becker Recordings

• [01:43-01:55] Becker announces they’ll record from the McGuire Woods Healthcare Growth and Operations Conference in Charlotte, September 16-17. Shows included: Becker Business, Becker Private Equity, Becker’s Healthcare Podcast.

7. Furniture Companies and Tariffs

• [01:56-02:05] Recent U.S. tariff news causes sell-offs in both RH and Wayfair stocks.

8. Notable Quotes & Life Advice

• James Clear on Letting Go
  • [02:06-02:22] “At some point you have to learn to let go. There’s an endless list of obligations, expectations, desires, and ambitions and worries and fears will always be ready to... At some point you have to let them go. There’s never going to be enough.” (Scott quoting James Clear, 02:10)
• Blake Burge on Kindness & Reliability
  • [02:38-02:48] “Underrated life advice: Be easy to deal with. Be kind when others can’t. Reliable under pressure. Be someone who lightens the load for folks around them. Make life easier for others.” (Scott quoting Blake Burge, 02:40)

9. Social Media Moments

• Travis Kelce & Taylor Swift Engagement Tweet
  • [02:23-02:37] Becker’s favorite tweet: “It’s going to be strange to see the Swift name on the back of a Chief’s jersey.” (02:26)

10. Philanthropy

• [02:49-02:58] Becker announces matching up to $5,000 in donations to National Medical Fellowships. Contact provided for coordination.

11. Political Commentary

• [02:59-03:18] Becker weighs in on RFK’s political fate, expressing concern over his continued influence:
  • “I do care that RFK is in office still. At the end of the day, I do think he’s a bit of an imbecile... I love smarter people running health care in our country.” (03:06)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On market anticipation:
  • "A lot depends on Nvidia." (Scott Becker, 00:11)
• On EU tariffs:
  • "The EU said that it will work the fast track getting rid of tariffs on industrial goods by the end of this week." (00:23)
• On EchoStar's rally:
  • "It's a lot of money and a big move and a big move for AT&T." (00:57)
• James Clear quote:
  • “At some point you have to learn to let go... There’s never going to be enough.” (02:10)
• Favorite tweet about Kelce/Swift:
  • “It’s going to be strange to see the Swift name on the back of a Chief’s jersey.” (02:26)
• On philanthropy:
  • “We’ll match four, five thousand dollars worth of donations to NMF.” (02:50)
• Political critique:
  • "I do care that RFK is in office still. At the end of the day, I do think he's a bit of an imbecile." (03:06)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:08 — Market watch & Nvidia preview
• 00:22 — EU industrial tariffs news
• 00:41 — Virtual business event announcement
• 00:55 — EchoStar & AT&T deal
• 01:11 — Eli Lilly weight loss pill
• 01:20 — Lucid vs Rivian EV stocks
• 01:30 — Six Flags stock drop
• 01:35 — RH stock drop
• 01:43 — Upcoming podcast recordings
• 01:56 — RH & Wayfair tariff sell-off
• 02:06 — James Clear quote on letting go
• 02:23 — Travis Kelce & Taylor Swift engagement tweet
• 02:38 — Blake Burge life advice
• 02:49 — Becker's philanthropy announcement
• 02:59 — RFK & political commentary

Episode Tone & Style

Becker maintains an informal, energetic, and informative tone, mixing business headlines with personal perspectives, quotes, and touches of humor. He moves briskly between stories, but his opinions and curation guide listeners to what matters most right now in business and markets.