Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast
Discussions about private equity and business with Scott Becker
Stick to Index Funds, Stupid 2-14-26
In this episode, Scott Becker reflects on recent losses in individual and makes the case for sticking primarily to index funds and treasury bonds.
The Dumbest Thing That I Do 2-13-26
In this episode, Scott Becker shares what he considers his most pointless habit, arguing with bots on Twitter.
The January Jobs Report: The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly 2-13-26
In this episode, Scott Becker breaks down the January jobs report, highlighting stronger than expected job gains and a slight drop in unemployment.
Tanking in Professional Sports with David Pivnick of McGuireWoods LLP 2-12-26
In this episode, David Pivnick, Partner at McGuireWoods LLP, discusses why tanking has become so prevalent in the NBA, how it affects league integrity and fan trust, and the business realities behind rebuilding strategies.
What’s Wrong with Microsoft? 2-12-26
In this episode, Scott Becker explains why Microsoft is down despite strong earnings.
5 Big Tech Stocks Having a Rough Year 2-11-26
In this episode, Scott Becker highlights 5 major technology companies facing significant YTD declines.
Stellantis Jeep Stuck in the Mud 2-11-26
In this episode, Scott Becker discusses Stellantis’ ongoing challenges, highlighting years of poor performance, steep stock declines, and new leadership efforts.
Shout Out to Justin Ishbia & Mark Cuban 2-10-26
In this episode, Scott Becker highlights the energy of leaders like Mark Cuban and Justin Ishbia, praising their continued hustle and engagement even after massive financial success.
The Washington Post & What’s Wrong with the Media 2-10-26
In this episode, Scott Becker discusses the Washington Post’s layoffs and subscriber losses after shifting toward the political middle.
The Markets Surged on Friday & Nvidia and Bitcoin Jump 2-9-26
Markets Rally, Nvidia and Bitcoin Jump
Description: Scott Becker covers a strong market rebound with major indexes surging, Nvidia nearing a $4.5 trillion market cap, and Bitcoin climbing back above $71,000 as investors look for continued momentum.
A Shout-Out to Highly Resilient People 2-9-26
In this episode, Scott Becker highlights the strength of people who face setbacks, loss, or adversity yet continue to show up each day with determination and positivity.
Leading Growth, Technology, and Culture at Magna Legal Services with Mark R. Williams 2-9-26
In this episode, Mark R. Williams, Chief Executive Officer at Magna Legal Services, shares his journey from global law firm leadership to running a private equity backed legal services platform. He discusses technology and AI adoption, disciplined growth through M&A, working with financial sponsors, and the leadership principles that drive client value and culture at scale.
The Least Accomplished People Are Often the Most Critical 2-7-26
In this episode, Scott Becker reflects on how highly critical people are often those who have achieved the least, while successful and confident individuals tend to be more supportive and encouraging.
Thrive Thrive Mentality 2-6-26
In this episode, Scott Becker shares why the most successful teams are built on a thrive thrive culture, where individual strengths and company needs align even without perfect overlap.
Bitcoin Under Pressure 2-6-26
In this episode, Scott Becker discusses Bitcoin’s drop from its recent peak near $126,000 to the mid $60,000 range as risk sentiment weakens, leveraged bets unwind, and the government signals no crypto bailouts.
Is Peloton Spinning Towards Its Grave? 2-5-26
In this episode, Scott Becker break down Peloton’s disappointing earnings report with revenue falling short of expectations and weak future guidance, continuing a sharp multiyear decline in sales and stock performance.
Lululemon, Lucid Motors, Bitcoin, & Oracle 2-5-26
In this episode, Scott Becker shares quick takes on Oracle, Bitcoin, Lululemon, and Lucid Motors, breaking down steep year to date and one year declines and what is driving the pullback in each.
5 Stocks We Love to Follow & Their Best to Worst YTD Results 2-5-26
In this episode, Scott Becker walks through the year to date performance of several closely followed stocks including Intel, Coca-Cola, Bank of America, UnitedHealth Group, and Palantir.
5 Signs the Apocalypse is Upon Us 2-4-26
In this episode, Scott Becker outlines 5 troubling signals in the economy, including sharply lower job creation, major media layoffs, and more.
5 Private Equity Questions with Holly Buckley of McGuireWoods LLP 2-4-26
In this episode, Holly Buckley, Chair of Healthcare at McGuireWoods LLP, shares how private equity investing in healthcare is evolving, from increased selectivity and creative deal structures to operational value creation and execution risk.
Private Equity Funds & the Dog Who Caught the Car 2-3-26
In this episode, Scott Becker reflects on his personal experience investing in private equity and venture capital, comparing expectations with reality and exploring the idea of being the dog who caught the car.
The Mega PE Fund Stocks & Their YTD Results 2-3-26
In this episode, Scott Becker reviews the YTD performance of the largest private equity and alternative asset managers, ranking Carlyle, Apollo, Blackstone, TPG, and KKR from best to worst.
Building the Leadership Layer that Drives Execution and Enterprise Value with Chris Lacy of Priority Search Management 2-3-26
In this episode, Chris Lacy, President at Priority Search Management, joins Scott Becker to share practical insights on hiring, onboarding, and why companies often overlook the critical “missing middle” below the executive level.
The Magnificent 7 & Their YTD Results 2-2-26
In this episode, Scott Becker breaks down the year to date performance of the Magnificent 7, highlighting gains and losses across Meta, Tesla, Apple, Microsoft, and others.
Private Equity Outlook for 2026 with Craig Castelli of Caber Hill Advisors 2-2-26
In this episode, Craig Castelli, Founder and CEO of Caber Hill Advisors and host of The Close M&A Podcast, shares findings from the firm’s annual private equity survey and reflects on a volatile 2025.
How to Excel as a Professional and a Leader with David Pivnick of McGuireWoods LLP 1-31-26
In this episode, David Pivnick, Partner at McGuireWoods LLP, joins Scott Becker to share practical insights on what separates top performers from the rest, from consistency and responsiveness to ownership and self reflection.
Apple Hits Record Revenues: 8 Key Points 1-31-26
In this episode, Scott Becker covers Apple’s $143 billion quarter powered by record iPhone sales, while the stock slipped amid concerns about margin pressure and slowing growth.
Building Great Businesses: Create Momentum, Overcome Setbacks & Scale with Confidence 1-30-26
In this webinar turned podcast, Molly Gamble joins Scott Becker to share insights into the book they co-authored “Building Great Businesses: Create Momentum, Overcome Setbacks & Scale with Confidence”.
Microsoft, Facebook, + 10 Stories We Are Following This Week 1-30-26
In this episode, Scott Becker shares insights into Microsoft’s sharp stock decline, Meta’s rebound, healthcare payers, Starbucks, the Fed, and more.
Microsoft Gets Crushed 1-29-26
In this episode, Scott Becker explains Microsoft’s roughly 12% drop despite solid earnings, driven by slower cloud growth and high market expectations.
Put the Money Away While Times Are Good 1-29-26
In this episode, Scott Becker reflects on why strong income years can create a false sense of permanence and encourages saving early to take full advantage of compounding.
Starbucks, Amazon, Apple, & Epic 1-28-26
In this episode, Scott Becker highlights Starbucks’ turnaround in customer experience, Amazon’s push to improve margins through layoffs, and how Apple and Epic exemplify the power of relentless, incremental improvement.
UnitedHealthcare Gets Crushed 1-28-26
In this episode, Scott Becker breaks down UnitedHealthcare’s sharp stock drop, strong recent earnings, and troubling signals including projected revenue decline, rising medical loss ratios, and shrinking Medicare and Medicaid enrollment.
How Major Weather Events Shape Healthcare Investing and Dealmaking with Amber Walsh of McGuireWoods LLP 1-27-26
In this episode, Scott Becker speaks with Amber Walsh of McGuireWoods LLP, about the economic impact of major storms, from GDP losses to business disruption, and how weather risk is influencing healthcare investing and private equity diligence.
United Healthcare, Google, the 5 Largest Market Cap Stocks, & More 1-27-26
In this episode, Scott Becker discusses UnitedHealthcare’s drop on lower revenue expectations while Alphabet, Nvidia, and other mega cap tech stocks continue to shape the market narrative.
Alphabet Google Remains on Fire 1-26-26
In this episode, Scott Becker discusses why Alphabet continues to look like a compelling growth stock ahead of its upcoming earnings report.
The Planning Gap: Why Most $1–20M Companies Stall Out with Yarin Gaon of Fractional Partners 1-26-26
In this episode, Yarin Gaon, Investor and Founder of Fractional Partners, explains why many companies in the $1 to $20 million range stall despite strong traction. He shares how financial and strategic clarity, focus, and the discipline to say no help founders scale profitably and build investable businesses.Â
People That Require Minimal Supervision Are the Greatest 1-24-26
In this episode, Scott Becker highlights the value of colleagues who require minimal supervision and consistently deliver results, creating true leverage for leaders.
Apple: The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly 1-24-26
In this episode, Scott Becker breaks down Apple’s massive cash flow and iconic brand strength, while questioning whether its high price to earnings ratio is justified by slowing growth.
Intel – Not So Fast 1-23-26
In this episode, Scott Becker discusses Intel’s shares drop sharply after a weaker than expected revenue and earnings outlook, wiping out much of the stock’s recent gains despite a strong yearlong turnaround.