Podcast Summary
Podcast: Becker Business
Host: Scott Becker
Episode: Ben Johnson, Eliot Moskow, & Tim Donohue 12-4-25
Date: December 4, 2025
Episode Overview
This episode is a lighter, off-the-cuff entry in the Becker Business podcast series, where host Scott Becker diverges from his usual focus on market news and business interviews. Instead, he shares personal anecdotes about his paddle tennis team, leadership lessons, appreciation for his teammates, and a quick comment on stock picking. The episode is a blend of humor, relatable reflection, and informal commentary, aimed at connecting with the podcast’s regular listeners in a more casual format.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Episode Format and Feedback Invitation
- Scott discusses the podcast’s blend of business-focused and more personal or “ridiculous” life episodes.
- He asks for listener feedback on whether to continue these casual segments.
- Quote: “Love your feedback. 773-766-5322.” [00:45]
2. Paddle Tennis Team – Leadership & Turnaround Story
- Scott returns to his paddle tennis team after a couple of years.
- Highlights new captains Tim Donohue and Eliot Moskow for their surprising coaching skills and team leadership.
- Quote: “Nobody saw that coming. I don't think anybody saw the coaching acumen that we're seeing out of Tim Donahue and Elliot Moscow that we are seeing. Simply amazing.” [01:24]
- Draws a comparison between the current team’s turnaround and Ben Johnson’s “good, better, best” motivational philosophy.
- Scott shares respect for former captains Alan Cole and Mark Blum, noting their unique contributions but underscores the fresh impetus brought by the new captains.
3. Social & Intellectual Chemistry on the Team
- Appreciates the influx of new, younger players described as “smarter, funnier, better than the rest.”
- Expresses gratitude for a new teammate who also attended Harvard Law School, which provides Scott with someone to engage intellectually.
- Quote: “So I've got somebody that I could actually dialogue and intellect we talk to before that it was very challenging to have the right level conversations that I want to have with people because the rest of them just not as gifted but, but great athletes.” [02:04]
4. Stock Picking Segment (“PS for the day”)
- Scott briefly shifts to business, sharing his personal investments in Microsoft and Amazon from the “Magnificent Seven” tech stocks.
- Remarks that his chosen stocks have been among the weakest performers in that group over the past year.
- Quote: “Microsoft and Amazon are right about the two worst performing of Magnificent Seven this year.” [02:40]
- Reminds listeners that this is “information, not advice.”
Memorable Quotes & Moments
- On Leadership Surprises: “Nobody saw that coming... Simply amazing.” (Scott Becker, [01:24])
- On the Team’s New Dynamic: “The other thing about these new young guys—smarter, funnier, better than the rest right to be and to see those guys.” (Scott Becker, [02:10])
- On Harvard Law Bonding: “Thank goodness they brought in a player who also went to Harvard Law School. So I've got somebody that I could actually dialogue and intellect with, talk to.” (Scott Becker, [02:01])
- On Stock Picking: “Microsoft and Amazon are right about the two worst performing of Magnificent Seven this year.” (Scott Becker, [02:40])
- Community Engagement: “I'd love your feedback on whether you hate or love these episodes and whether we should keep them as part of the periodic diet and repertoire of episodes.” (Scott Becker, [00:30])
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:00–00:45: Episode context, approach, and feedback invitation
- 00:46–01:40: Paddle tennis team, leadership praise, Ben Johnson’s philosophy
- 01:41–02:20: New team members, Harvard Law School connection, witty reflections
- 02:21–02:58: Stock market PS: Microsoft's and Amazon's performance
- 02:59–End: Closing thanks, shoutouts, and recurring encouragement to provide feedback
Tone & Style
Scott’s tone is informal, enthusiastic, humorous, and slightly self-deprecating. He pivots fluidly between business acumen and playful personal storytelling, reinforcing a sense of community among his audience.
Summary
This episode is emblematic of the “business of life” approach that sometimes colors the Becker Business podcast, blending leadership and teamwork lessons from the sports world with brief, relevant nods to market insights. Scott Becker’s genuine appreciation for his teammates—new and old—and his lighthearted self-awareness offer listeners both a smile and a subtle reminder of the universal qualities that make teams (and businesses) successful.