Becker Business Podcast: “Cocaine Makes a Comeback + 7 Other Stories”

Host: Scott Becker
Date: September 17, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Scott Becker covers the resurgence of cocaine use in the United States along with seven other major stories shaping the business landscape. The episode blends data-driven business news with Becker's signature wit, touching on everything from market trends and tech industry news to notable IPOs and big-money deals.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Cocaine’s Rapid Comeback in the US

• Main Point: According to a recent Wall Street Journal report, cocaine usage and sales have surged by 154% in the United States since 2019.
• Becker’s Perspective:
  • Reflects on the prevalence of cocaine in the 1980s and expresses shock at its resurgence, calling it “not a good thing.”
  • Notes that the drug trend is prominent on both the East and West Coasts.
  • Jokingly links the rise in cocaine’s business activity to the tech sector:

    “When you look at the growth of all the technology companies, it makes you also think that maybe somebody should be investing in the cocaine trade as well. I say this all, of course, tongue in cheek…” (01:25)

• Memorable Quote:

  “Simply incredible and stupid. But it is what it is.” (01:38)

2. Markets Remain Flat, All Eyes on Fed Meeting

• Main Point:
  • Markets are stable ahead of the Federal Reserve meeting.
  • Anticipation of at least a 25 basis point rate cut; additional cuts possible.
  • Becker notes these expectations are already priced into the market.
• Quote:

  “…the markets have already baked in a lot of those potential interest rate cuts and the market's flat today as they wait for that.” (02:13)

3. China Threatens to Boycott Nvidia’s Newest AI Chips

• Context:
  • Ongoing tensions between China and US tech companies.
  • The situation is characterized as “a constant back and forth.”
• Quote:

  “…this seems to be a constant back and forth with China and Nvidia. We'll see if this plays out.” (02:34)

4. TikTok’s Ownership and Investment Drama

• Main Point:
  • The ongoing saga of TikTok’s forced sale continues.
  • Three main investors under consideration: Oracle, Andreessen Horowitz, and Silver Lake.
  • Becker is critical of the forced sale situation:

    “It's all a little bit ridiculous. It is what it is.” (02:57)

5. The $1 Trillion Club: Musk, Ellison, Zuckerberg

• Key Fact:
  • Elon Musk, Larry Ellison, and Mark Zuckerberg together have a net worth exceeding $1 trillion.
  • Notable stock surges:
    • Tesla up 70% year-to-date.
    • Oracle up about 80% this year.
    • Meta Platforms is also performing well.
• Humorous Aside:
  • Becker jokes about his own net worth:

    “If you add in myself and five of my closest friends. That number remains at right about 1 trillion plus and doesn't move at all.” (03:38)

6. StubHub Goes Public

• Update:
  • StubHub, known for charging extra ticket fees, has recently gone public.

7. Becker Business Media’s Virtual Conference

• Announcement:
  • Virtual conference planned for December, focusing on business, media, and technology.
  • Call for speakers:

    “If you have an interest in that, please reach out to us. We've got a few speaking spots available.” (04:09)

8. Live from Charlotte: McGuire Woods Healthcare Growth and Operations Conference

• Personal Note:
  • Becker is recording live from the Charlotte conference.
  • Promotes cross-podcast content and expresses gratitude to attendees.

Notable Quotes

• On Cocaine’s Comeback:

  “This was an incredibly popular drug in the 80s… It’s been a very, very long time… Simply not a good thing.” (00:43)

• On the Market’s Mood:

  “The markets remain relatively flat today as they wait the Fed meeting.” (02:07)

• On the TikTok Sale:

  “It's all a little bit ridiculous. It is what it is.” (02:57)

• Net Worth Humor:

  “If you add in myself and five of my closest friends… doesn't move at all.” (03:38)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:31] – Episode intro and story overview
• [00:43] – Cocaine trade resurgence
• [02:07] – Markets flat ahead of Fed decision
• [02:34] – China vs Nvidia AI chip story
• [02:57] – TikTok investment and forced sale
• [03:24] – Net worth story: Musk, Ellison, Zuckerberg
• [03:57] – StubHub IPO news
• [04:09] – Becker Business Media virtual conference plug
• [04:29] – Live from Charlotte conference

Tone and Style

Scott Becker delivers the episode in an informal, energetic tone marked by directness and a touch of humor. His commentary is data-driven yet laced with candid opinions and asides, especially when dealing with controversial or “ridiculous” developments.

Summary

Scott Becker offers listeners a brisk, engaging rundown of eight top business stories—from the surprising surge in cocaine to major moves in tech, finance, and media. His coverage balances statistical facts with wry humor, making this episode ideal for anyone needing a quick, insightful catch-up on key business trends and headlines.