Podcast Summary: Nine Stories We Are Following This Morning

Podcast: Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast
Host: Scott Becker
Episode Date: August 18, 2025
Episode Theme: Scott Becker runs through nine key stories in private equity, the markets, business, and personal development that are shaping the business landscape this morning.

Main Theme

This episode delivers a fast-paced briefing on nine timely stories from financial markets, business news, prominent companies, and personal growth—blending market updates and Scott Becker’s anecdotal insights. The episode is designed for professionals who want a quick, nuanced summary of trends affecting the business and private equity worlds.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Market Movements & Inflation Uncertainty

• [00:00-01:05]
  • The markets are trending downward after performing well last week.
  • Confusion reigns regarding inflation:
    • CPI (Consumer Price Index): “went up a little bit less than expected”
    • PPI (Producer Price Index): “went up a little bit faster than expected”
  • The mixed signals make it difficult for the Fed to decide on interest rate policy.

2. US-Ukraine Diplomacy

• [01:05-01:35]
  • President Trump is meeting with Ukraine's President Zelensky to discuss a possible ceasefire with Russia.
  • “We’ll see how that goes.”
  • Geopolitical negotiations are a significant backdrop impacting global markets.

3. Amazon: Still a Titan?

• [01:36-02:25]
  • Motely Fool features a piece questioning whether to move on from Amazon and consider other stocks.
  • Scott isn’t as interested in the alternatives but dives into Amazon’s future:
    • Is Amazon’s core growth engine, AWS, losing steam compared to Microsoft and others?
    • Can Amazon maintain its track record of innovation and bold moves?
  • “Can they still go after big, big things and succeed at it?” (Scott Becker, [02:20])

4. Weight Loss Drugs and the Pharma Race

• [02:25-03:10]
  • Wall Street anticipates a new weight-loss pill, expected to be priced similarly to Wegovy (Novo Nordisk) and Zepbound (Eli Lilly).
    • Existing drugs: About $1,000/month for payers, $500/month for cash customers.
    • New pill may align closer to cash price.
  • Stock performance:
    • Eli Lilly: Down 9% YTD
    • Novo Nordisk: Down 39% YTD

5. Warren Buffett’s Investment Moves

• [03:10-04:05]
  • Berkshire Hathaway is selling Apple and Bank of America shares and increasing holdings in UnitedHealth Group.
    • Apple: Down 7.5% YTD
    • B of A: Up 6.8% YTD
    • UnitedHealth Group: Down 40% YTD but seen as an opportunity.
  • “Fascinating to watch.” (Scott Becker, [03:45])

6. Soho House Goes Private

• [04:05-05:00]
  • Soho House, the private member club, is being taken private in a $2.5 billion deal.
  • Scott reminisces:
    • “A close friend who is a JP Morgan said to me that it was really for creative and cool people and that he thought definitively I wouldn't be a good fit. That's what I knew about Soho House then—now I’m a fan but still not a member.” ([04:40])
  • Story illustrates how business images and reputations often evolve.

7. Personal Growth Quote: Lao Tzu

• [05:00-05:25]
  • Scott shares a favorite quote:
    • “Truly the greatest gift you have to give is that of your own self-transformation.”
  • He comments: “The constant effort to evolve and grow is so, so important in all of us.”

8. Microsoft’s Continuing Strength

• [05:26-06:15]
  • Microsoft surging: Up 23% YTD with a market cap near $3.9 trillion.
  • FY revenue up 15% to $280+ billion; operating income up 17%.
  • “Overall, a really good year” for Microsoft.

9. Startup Universe & Relationship Wisdom

• [06:16-07:03]
  • September: “Startup Universe” webinar for founders, leaders, and investors in planning.
    • To participate: “Feel free to reach Scott Becker or our sales team…”
  • Shares another favorite quote:
    • “Relationships are easier to build when you perceive your life as full. When you appreciate your life, you attract good people because all you want to do is share the fullness with others… The happier you are, the better you are, the better you are in relationships.” (Scott Becker, quoting [06:43])
  • Scott underscores the importance of gratitude and self-contentment in professional and personal life.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On personal evolution:
  “Truly the greatest gift you have to give is that of your own self-transformation.” (Scott Becker quoting Lao Tzu, [05:10])

• On Amazon’s future:
  “Can they still go after big, big things and succeed at it?” (Scott Becker, [02:20])

• On business club culture:
  “A close friend who is a JP Morgan said to me that it was really for creative and cool people and that he thought definitively I wouldn't be a good fit. That's what I knew about Soho House then—now I’m a fan but still not a member.” (Scott Becker, [04:40])

• On relationship-building:
  “Relationships are easier to build when you perceive your life as full. … The happier you are, the better you are, the better you are in relationships.” (Scott Becker, quoting, [06:43])

Useful Timestamps for Key Segments

• Markets & Inflation: [00:00-01:05]
• US-Ukraine Ceasefire: [01:05-01:35]
• Amazon’s Outlook: [01:36-02:25]
• Pharma & Weight-loss drugs: [02:25-03:10]
• Buffett’s Bet – UnitedHealth: [03:10-04:05]
• Soho House Buyout: [04:05-05:00]
• Quote – Lao Tzu on Self-Transformation: [05:00-05:25]
• Microsoft’s Performance: [05:26-06:15]
• Startup Webinar & Relationship Wisdom: [06:16-07:03]

Final Thoughts

Scott Becker’s rapid-fire update combines market intelligence, company analysis, and personal philosophy. The tone is conversational, direct, and peppered with anecdotes and actionable wisdom meant to inform and inspire seasoned investors, executives, and entrepreneurial listeners alike.