Becker Business Podcast — Episode Summary

Episode Title: Palantir, Blackstone, & Rude People 11-4-25
Host: Scott Becker
Release Date: November 4, 2025

Main Theme

This episode of the Becker Business podcast features Scott Becker reflecting candidly on three separated topics from the week: the volatile performance of Palantir as a personal stock holding, a business update on Blackstone’s current challenges, and personal insights into dealing with rude people. The overall theme blends practical investment discussion with the emotional realities of dealing with criticism as a public-facing entrepreneur.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Palantir: Personal Stock Holding and Performance

• Scott shares that Palantir has been his best-performing stock over the year—up roughly 170% year to date.
• Despite its strong annual performance, the stock dropped by 9% following its latest earnings release.
• Scott humorously reflects on the classic trap of individual stock picking and the illusion of market savvy:
  • Quote: “Of course, this always happens when I try and choose individual stocks and they do well, I think I’m smarter than I am. I should stick to index funds.” [00:31]

2. Blackstone: Current Situation in Private Equity

• Scott explains that he isn’t an investor in Blackstone personally but recognizes its stature as the largest private equity and alternatives asset manager (over $1 trillion AUM).
• The company is down 16% year to date, facing challenges including:
  • Lowered fee percentages as they adjust asset mixes—no longer achieving the 2% fees they previously commanded
  • Fewer exits in the current market, which harms profitability since exits are major revenue drivers for private equity.
  • Quote: “Exits are where private equity funds really clean up… the exit market is soft.” [01:06]
• The segment offers quick, practical insights into structural shifts in private markets.

3. Encounters with Rude People

• Scott pivots to a more personal topic, recounting a recent 24-hour period filled with encounters with particularly rude and condescending people.
• He contrasts this with the “wonderful life” of being around mostly kind, positive individuals.
• These experiences serve as a reminder about the necessity of resilience, especially when in the public eye or leading as an entrepreneur:
  • Quote: “It also teaches me that I need to have a thick skin. If I'm going to put myself out there and be on media and be an entrepreneur and all those kinds of things.” [01:34]
• Scott shares this as a relatable business lesson about criticism, acknowledgment, and growth.
• He closes with his trademark optimism and gratitude, encouraging resilience and thanking listeners:
  • Quote: “This was one of those 24-hour periods where I get lambasted. It is what it is. God bless America. Gentlemen, start your, start your engines and thank you so much for listening. And I should say, ladies and gentlemen, start your engines. God bless you all.” [01:56]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [00:31] “Of course, this always happens when I try and choose individual stocks and they do well, I think I’m smarter than I am. I should stick to index funds.” — Scott Becker
• [01:06] “Exits are where private equity funds really clean up… the exit market is soft.” — Scott Becker
• [01:34] “It also teaches me that I need to have a thick skin. If I'm going to put myself out there and be on media and be an entrepreneur and all those kinds of things.” — Scott Becker
• [01:56] “This was one of those 24-hour periods where I get lambasted. It is what it is. God bless America. Gentlemen, start your, start your engines and thank you so much for listening. And I should say, ladies and gentlemen, start your engines. God bless you all.” — Scott Becker

Important Segments & Timestamps

• [00:00–00:31] Palantir stock story
• [00:32–01:24] Blackstone business update
• [01:25–02:18] Dealing with rude people & personal reflections

Tone & Style

Scott delivers the episode with characteristic candor, humor, and resilience—providing business insights but also touching on the emotional side of entrepreneurship and public life. There’s a blend of pragmatic market updates with an honest acknowledgment of personal frustrations and life lessons, making this a relatable and concise business commentary episode.

For listeners who missed the episode:
You’ll get actionable updates on major business names like Palantir and Blackstone, blended with an empathetic look at handling criticism, all in Scott’s direct and relatable style.