Overview

Episode Theme:
In this engaging episode of Becker Business, host Scott Becker welcomes Oliver (“Ali”) McGrath, a young, insightful sports fan with an international background and a knack for “Olivarisms.” Together they dive into sports fandom, favorite teams, sporting legends, the dynamics of rivalries, and Oliver’s personal philosophies and witticisms, offering both an update on the world of sports and a lesson in thoughtful, independent thinking.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Oliver’s Background & Sporting Interests

• Oliver’s Introduction ([00:56]):

  • Age: Not specified, but young (school-age)
  • Teams for Chelsea Pier soccer in NYC
  • International heritage: Austrian, British, American
  • Educational journey: Formerly at a German school, moving to the Clinton School in Manhattan

• Sports Passion ([01:30]):

  • Main sport: Soccer (as a player and fan)
  • Follows: Formula 1 (F1), basketball

Favorite Teams & Legends

• Favorite Soccer Team ([02:01]):

  • “My favorite team is Manchester United. I think they're the best team ever.”
  • Admirer of Barcelona's playstyle

• Basketball & F1 ([02:10]):

  • Basketball: Chicago Bulls – respect for Phil Jackson and Michael Jordan
  • F1: Ferrari (“they had Michael Schumacher, they have Lewis Hamilton and they used to have Niki Lauda”)

Soccer: Relegation & Rivalries

• Soccer Relegation Explained ([02:56]):

  • “If you're relegated...you won't be playing for the same teams you were that year. But if you do well enough, you can get promoted to the league you were just in.”

• Venice FC’s Hope

  • “There is hope for Venetia FC to make it back up the next year or so, but… it's tough when you're relegated.” ([03:13])

• Manchester United’s Biggest Rival ([05:42]):

  • “Biggest rival is Liverpool because they both won the same amount of premier leagues. There are a lot of clashes between the players and coaches and fans…”

Thoughts on Basketball and the Chicago Bulls

• Bulls’ Prospects ([03:54]):
  • “I think they will get a little better, but I don't think they're going to be title contenders for a very long time until they get some good draft picks.”

Sports Fandom Advice

• How to Get Into Sports ([06:22]):
  • “Most of my information [is from] just watching YouTube videos, googling who's the best at what sport, what are the rules, trophies you can win, how you win them, the best players, teams, coaches. And I read some books.”
  • Magazine recommendation: “442”
  • Documentaries: “30 for 30,” “The Last Dance,” “Beckham documentary”

Notable Sporting Heroes

• Favorite Player ([07:47]):
  • “David Beckham is my favorite player of all time.”

Memorable Quotes & “Olivarisms”

On the McGrathisms & Personal Philosophy

• “The great ones adjust.” ([05:12] – Oliver, on his favorite “McGrathism”)
  • Scott: “Michael Jordan was a great example. Every year he came back with an improved skill set...I absolutely love that the great ones adjust.”

Oliver’s Original Sayings (“Olivarisms”) ([08:14] onward):

• “I'll give you three guesses and the first two don't count.” ([08:14])

  • “That means the question so obvious that you don't really have to ask it.”

• “If it was a snake, it would bite you.” ([08:45])

  • “If you're looking for your glasses but they're right next to you... it's so close to you, it would bite you.”

• “If I were you, who would be me?” ([09:11])

  • “A lot of the time, someone's saying, do this, do that... So you can say, if I would be you, who would be me? Because then you're just doing what that person's telling you to do… but instead doing your own thing.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:56] Oliver’s introduction, background
• [01:30] Favorite sports
• [02:01] Favorite teams and sports legends
• [02:56] Explanation of relegation & Venice FC
• [03:54] Analysis of the Chicago Bulls’ future
• [05:03] On McGrathisms & “the great ones adjust”
• [05:42] Manchester United’s biggest rival
• [06:22] How to become a sports fan
• [07:47] On David Beckham as favorite athlete
• [08:14] Introduction to Olivarisms
• [08:45], [09:11] Further Olivarisms

Notable Moments

• Oliver’s self-assurance in his sports knowledge:

  • “Definitely me.” ([04:38]) – On being the most knowledgeable sports fan in the McGrath household

• Playful family dynamic and encouragement of independent thinking:

  • “He's teaching you to be an independent and intelligent thinker, which is fantastic.” ([09:54]) – Scott on Oliver’s interactions with his father

Style & Tone

The conversation is cheerful, witty, and full of mutual respect. Oliver is sharp and well-spoken, mixing knowledgeable opinions about sports with original, thought-provoking sayings. Scott Becker steers the conversation with warmth and good humor, engaging Oliver’s insights and providing encouragement for his budding philosophies.

Final Thoughts

This episode is both a lively sports conversation and a testament to curiosity, family wisdom, and the power of developing one's own point of view—even at a young age. Whether you’re interested in the future of the Chicago Bulls, the meaning of McGrathisms, or the rise of Olivarisms, there’s something here for every thoughtful sports fan.