Becker Business Podcast

Host: Scott Becker
Episode: “Are You Seeing Two Cups?”
Date: October 9, 2025

Overview

In this lighthearted episode, Scott Becker departs from his usual business commentary to share an amusing personal anecdote from the golf course. Titled “Are You Seeing Two Cups?”, the episode focuses on the intersection of health setbacks, friendly competition, and good-natured trash talk, all set against the backdrop of a recent eye procedure Scott underwent. While the discussion is lighter in content, Scott weaves in reflections about resilience, humility, and the unpredictable nature of both golf and life.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Opening & Context ([00:00]–[00:52])

• Scott sets the stage, noting this episode’s deviation from standard business news:
  • “Today’s discussion is, of course, one of the more ridiculous, mundane topics. The quote or the title is, 'Are you seeing two cups?'” ([00:10])
• Background: Scott underwent a minor YAG laser eye surgery the previous day following a series of eye procedures stemming from a detached retina and subsequent cataract issues.

The Golf Game Story ([00:53]–[02:30])

• Scott’s ophthalmologist cleared him to play sports post-surgery, so he joined a friend for nine holes:
  • “I was excited to go back to the course and play a quick nine holes with a buddy of mine that I usually beat like a drum.” ([01:02])
• Dramatically, Scott’s typically non-athletic and less skilled friend “absolutely crushed” him in the game—a rare occurrence:
  • “Today, he absolutely crushed me, which is actually soul crushing because it’s towards the end of the season.” ([01:16])
• Scott blames his eye recovery for the downturn in his performance:
  • “My excuse is that I had eye surgery yesterday and could barely see on some putt. My putt was so bad, he asked me, 'Are you seeing two cups or one?'” ([01:25])

Trash Talk Highlights ([01:35]–[02:00])

• The friend’s jab, “Are you seeing two cups or one?” becomes the titular quote—and the episode’s comedic centerpiece:
  • “This may be the ultimate insult for a golfer.” ([01:32])
• Scott is uncharacteristically impressed by his friend’s wit:
  • “I actually don’t usually give him credit for creative trash talking. But today…his trash talking was terrific.” ([01:39])

Stakes and Consequences ([02:01]–[02:34])

• The match was for small stakes, but losing ($15) hit Scott’s pride hard:
  • “No one’s going broke, but having to sell him $15 was enough to have me, you know…going to be in a bad mood for a couple of days, but I will get over it.” ([02:10])
• Scott acknowledges his friend’s unexpectedly strong game and comedic banter:
  • “For his level sport and his level golf, he played out of his mind today and trash talked better than he ever trash talks. So we give him great credit.” ([02:21])

Reflection on Golf and Mindset ([02:35]–[03:05])

• Scott muses on golf as a mental challenge, making an analogy to business and life resilience:
  • “Golf is one of those sports where if I’ve had six cups of coffee and I’m in no mood to play, I shouldn’t be out there. No excuses.” ([02:44])
  • “When you’re not in the mental mood to play golf…it’s an impossible game to play.” ([02:51])

Closing Thoughts – Sportsmanship & Moving Forward ([03:06]–[03:33])

• Despite being “soul crushing” and “spirit crushing,” Scott pledges to “rebound to play another day” and thanks the audience.
• Hopeful closing:
  • “We promise there will be brighter days ahead.” ([03:28])

Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• On today's theme:
  • “Today’s discussion is, of course, one of the more ridiculous, mundane topics. The quote or the title is, 'Are you seeing two cups?'” – Scott Becker ([00:10])
• On the ultimate insult:
  • “My putt was so bad, he asked me, 'Are you seeing two cups or one?' This may be the ultimate insult for a golfer.” – Scott Becker ([01:25])
• On losing to a friend:
  • “He absolutely crushed me... which is actually soul crushing because it’s towards the end of the season.” – Scott Becker ([01:16])
• On taking the loss:
  • “Having to sell him $15 was enough to have me, you know, basically…going to be in a bad mood for a couple of days, but I will get over it.” – Scott Becker ([02:10])
• On golf and mental state:
  • “Golf is one of those sports where if I’ve had six cups of coffee and I’m in no mood to play, I shouldn’t be out there.” – Scott Becker ([02:44])
• On resilience:
  • “Soul crushing. Spirit crushing. I will rebound to play another day. It is what it is.” – Scott Becker ([03:20])

Episode Structure & Noteworthy Segments

• [00:00–00:52] — Introduction, personal health update, setup of the episode's theme
• [00:53–01:35] — The golf game story; expectations vs. reality
• [01:36–02:00] — The “two cups” insult and memorable trash talk
• [02:01–02:34] — Financial stakes and pride; acknowledgment of the friend’s performance
• [02:35–03:05] — Reflections on golf's mental demands, broader life lessons
• [03:06–03:33] — Closing thoughts, looking forward with optimism

In Summary

Scott Becker offers a humorous look at humility and defeat through the lens of a post-surgery golf game, lightly touching on perseverance and the importance of not taking oneself too seriously. The playful banter and introspection serve as a reminder that everyone gets “crushed” once in a while—and the key is to laugh, give credit where it’s due, and bounce back for the next round.