Becker Business Podcast

Episode: 3 Signs That We’re Close to the Apocalypse

Host: Scott Becker
Date: November 4, 2025

Episode Overview

Scott Becker delves into three personal anecdotes he views as “signs we’re close to the apocalypse,” using them to highlight broader issues of today’s business, social discourse, and personal growth. The tone is reflective and candid, mixing humor and frustration as Scott connects business realities with changing interpersonal dynamics and political polarization.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Navigating Political Extremes as a Centrist

• Timestamp: 00:10 – 02:30
• Scott shares frustration with the escalating polarization in American politics, noting his own centrist position is increasingly rare.
• He expresses strong dislike for both far-left and far-right figures, specifically naming public personalities:
  • “I've grown to dislike immensely this mom, Donnie guy running for mayor in New York.”
  • “I have grown to dislike immensely, just hate Nick Fuentes and have grown to really dislike Tucker Carlson.” (00:40)
• Emphasizes his personal beliefs:
  • Support for individual rights regardless of identity.
  • Importance of a safety net.
  • Fiscal conservatism—though claims neither major party currently embodies this value.

2. Dealing with Criticism from Both Political Sides

• Timestamp: 02:31 – 04:04
• Scott recounts being criticized from both ends of the spectrum for his views, particularly around immigration and capitalism:
  • “This morning was somebody in the left who says, oh, my God, I can't believe you think we should have borders. Or you're a fan of capitalism, and I am a fan of capitalism. This is a private equity podcast, by golly.” (03:40)
• Underlines the challenge of maintaining productive, apolitical business conversations.
• Advocates for keeping political ideology off his podcast unless strictly relevant to business.

3. Microaggressions and Social Status in Business Interactions

• Timestamp: 04:05 – 05:36
• Shares a recent personal experience with a subtle social jab:
  • “The person writes back to me is, well, I guess you don't have the luxury of controlling your own schedule.” (04:17)
• Reflects on feeling defensive in response to condescension, questioning if he’s being oversensitive.
• Illuminates how professional status and assumptions about success can color business relationships.

4. On Sales Techniques: ‘Problem-Solution Selling’

• Timestamp: 05:37 – 06:47
• Discusses the pitfalls of aggressive sales tactics that put the customer on the defensive:
  • “You have to be somewhat careful in how you do it. You can't really tell the person you're an awful person. And here's how I could fix it. Your product is awful...”
• Points out that even effective solutions can be lost if delivered without tact, leaving clients feeling attacked.

5. Resilience and Broad-Mindedness in Business and Life

• Timestamp: 06:48 – End
• Concludes with a call for thick skin and tolerance amidst daily slights and adversities.
• Invokes the adage, “everything you ever learned, you learned in kindergarten," emphasizing foundational social lessons.
• Closes with gratitude and encouragement:
  • “Thank you for listening to the Becker business and the Becker private equity podcast and God bless you all and God bless America.” (07:10)

Notable Quotes

• “I view myself as somewhat of a centrist, which is almost impossible today.” (01:10)
• “I got lambasted last week from the right by... something I said positive about legal immigration... and that caused somebody on the right to go after me.” (02:55)
• “It just felt like, you know, like such a condescending knock. I guess you don't have that luxury that I have. And I was sort of offended by it, a little taken aback.” (04:29)
• “There’s this great lesson that everything you ever learned, you learned in kindergarten. I believe that it continues to be true.” (07:00)

Memorable Moments & Tone

• Scott’s candid confession about his struggles as a centrist and his exasperation with public figures on all sides.
• The self-deprecating humor in his response to being subtly insulted about his work-life balance.
• His practical advice about the art of sales, delivered with a combination of curmudgeonly wit and compassion.
• The underlying optimism in his belief in human kindness despite daily frustrations.

Segment Timestamps

• Centrist Struggles & Political Rants: 00:10 – 02:30
• Backlash from Both Sides: 02:31 – 04:04
• Social Status Jabs: 04:05 – 05:36
• Sales Technique Reflection: 05:37 – 06:47
• Closing Reflections & Lessons from Kindergarten: 06:48 – End

This episode offers an unfiltered, sometimes humorous look at the daily challenges of staying balanced in today’s polarized business and political landscape, along with a call for civility, thick skin, and empathy in all professional interactions.