A Scrap Life

A Scrap Life

Follow Brett Ekart as he finds people throughout the country living "A Scrap Life"

Episodes

The Trade - Episode #18 with Brett and Aldo | March Copper Edition

March 6, 2026 • 21 mins
On this episode of The Trade - A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Aldo Jordan to discuss he factors driving the March 2026 copper market, including China's economic slowdown, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and the impact of the strong US dollar. Aldo ultimately advises a "buy, sell, and forget it" approach for scrap handlers due to the lack of clear price support above the $6 mark. Produced by Recycled Media.
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The Trade - Episode #17 with Brett, Chad and Atilla | Ferrous March Edition

March 4, 2026 • 59 mins
On this episode of The Trade - A Scrap Life, Brett and Chad are joined by Atilla Widnell of Navigate Commodities, who explains how satellite technology and thermal imagery provide real-time insights into global steel mill utilization and ferris scrap demand. The discussion also covers the impact of international conflicts on market sentiment, inflation trends in the U.S. and Turkey, and China's significant role in global scrap gene...
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The Trade - Episode #16 with Brett and Mike | February 9th, 2026

February 9, 2026 • 29 mins
On this episode of The Trade - A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Mike Anderson, VP of Materials Trading at Schupan & Sons, to analyze the current state of the aluminum market, focusing on how Section 232 tariffs and record-high Midwest premiums are impacting domestic scrap pricing and international trade flows. The discussion also explores the future of the industry, highlighting the impact of potential interest rate changes and...
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The Trade - Episode #15 with Brett and Aldo | February 6th, 2026

February 6, 2026 • 26 mins
On this episode of The Trade - A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Aldo Jordan to discuss the unprecedented volatility in the copper market and how financial speculation is increasingly decoupling prices from physical supply and demand. This episode provides expert insights into shifting Chinese consumption while offering essential advice for scrap business owners on managing insurance, credit lines, and operational risks. Produced by...
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The Trade - Episode #14 with Brett and Chad | February 5th, 2026

February 5, 2026 • 38 mins
On this episode of The Trade - A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Chad to analyze the February 2026 scrap metal market, highlighting copper as a potential "trade of the year" and discussing how small businesses can navigate current market volatility. This episode explores the impact of macroeconomic trends, such as GDP growth and energy costs, on ferrous and non-ferrous positioning to help operators maximize their margins. 

Produced b...
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The Trade - Episode #13 with Brett and Aldo | January 12th, 2026

January 23, 2026 • 20 mins
On this episode of The Trade - A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Aldo Jordan to dive into the 2026 copper market, exploring why prices have surged toward $6.00 due to heavy financial speculation rather than supply-side fundamentals,,,. They provide critical insights for scrap operators on managing massive cash flow demands, navigating widening spreads, and the importance of rapid inventory turnover during periods of extreme market v...
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The Trade - Episode #12 with Brett and Chad | January 9th, 2026

January 9, 2026 • 28 mins
On this episode of The Trade - A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Chad to kick off January 2026 by analyzing the current state of the scrap metal industry and reflecting on the "muddle along" performance of 2025,. The duo discusses market trends for ferrous and non-ferrous metals, exploring how macro factors like AI, oil price volatility, and steel demand may shape what they hope will become the "year of the commodity". Produced by R...
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The Trade - Episode #11 with Brett and Mike | January 8th, 2026

January 8, 2026 • 44 mins
On this episode of The Trade - A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Mike Anderson, VP of Materials Trading at Schupan & Sons, to analyze the aluminum market. The episode covers how recent tariffs have dramatically increased the Midwest Premium, leading to historically wide scrap spreads and an influx of supply. They stress that sorting and quality are crucial for scrap traders to maximize value by providing material that can substi...
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The Trade - Episode #10 with Nick, Brett and Chad | December 4th, 2025

December 4, 2025 • 40 mins
On this episode of The Trade - A Scrap Life, the guys analyze why iron prices fluctuate, covering the current slow scrap flow and steel mill inventory tactics, while debating a bullish outlook for 2026 fueled by infrastructure projects and anticipated demand for ferrous and non-ferrous metals like copper and aluminum. They also discuss how winter weather slows scrap flow and why steel mills intentionally manage inventory to boost c...
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A Scrap Life: Episode 131 | Gaby Olson | Redwood Materials

October 15, 2025 • 77 mins
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Gaby Olson of Redwood Materials, focusing on the scrap metal industry. The conversation details Gabby's extensive career path, from her start in cosmetics and banking to her experiences buying and trading scrap, and eventually pivoting to the innovative field of EV and lithium-ion battery recycling. Produced by Recycled Media.
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A Scrap Life: Episode 130 | Ian Laffey | Zato North America

October 6, 2025 • 41 mins
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Ian Laffey of Zato North America to discuss the strategic necessity of specialized equipment like dual shaft shredders for bridging processing gaps, navigating market volatility, and finding a profitable niche for growth. Produced by Recycled Media.
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Scrap Expo '25: Maximize Growth, Control Costs and Capitalize on Opportunities | Sep. 17, 2025

October 1, 2025 • 57 mins
The fourth annual Scrap Expo in Louisville, KY concluded on September 17th, 2025. "Maximize Growth, Control Costs and Capitalize on Opportunities", was a session on September 17th that featured Brett Ekart, CEO of United Metals Recycling, as moderator, along with panelists Brian Ferguson, CFO of United Metals, Blake Dorsett, president of ShearWorx, and Aldo Jordan, president of The Metals Agency. They discussed strategies for maxim...
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The Trade - Episode #9 with Brett and Chad | September 4th, 2025

September 4, 2025 • 33 mins
On this episode of The Trade - A Scrap Life, Brett and Chad analyze the "odd" and "sideways" ferrous scrap market in September, noting mill cancellation notices and fluctuating prices, while also discussing macroeconomic factors like interest rates. The guys offer strategic advice for small scrap yard owners, emphasizing strong cash flow management, timely investments, and pursuing growth opportunities during challenging markets. P...
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A Scrap Life: Episode 126 | Chris & Austin Dethmers | Louisburg Recycling

September 3, 2025 • 73 mins
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Chris Dethmers and his son Austin from Louisburg Recycling. They discuss running their family-owned scrap metal business, highlighting the importance of customer service, effective cash flow management, and strategic growth within the industry, as well as the value of mentorship and a strong work ethic.

Produced by Recycled Media.
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A Scrap Life: Episode 125 | Jim Keefe | Recycling Today | SCRAP EXPO 2025

August 26, 2025 • 33 mins
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Jim Keefe from Recycling Today to discuss Scrap Expo 2025. This year marks the fourth annual Scrap Expo, which is scheduled for September 16 and 17 in Louisville, Kentucky. Produced by Recycled Media.
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A Scrap Life: Episode 124 | Levi Morss | Upcycle

August 20, 2025 • 59 mins
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Brett is joined by Levi Morse, a professional with a strong background in the scrap metal industry, including the unique experience of shredding a Lamborghini for  ⁨@MrBeast⁩ . They discuss his journey in a family scrap business, its sale, and his current deliberate approach to building his own scrapyard, highlighting lessons learned about work-life balance and family dynamics in the industry. Produ...
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The Trade - Episode #8 with Nick, Brett and Aldo | August 15th, 2025

August 14, 2025 • 35 mins
On this episode of A Scrap Life - The Trade, Nick and Brett are joined by Aldo Jordan, who drove from California to discuss the recent volatility in the copper trade. They delve into the dynamics of copper prices, the impact of tariffs, and how small and medium-sized businesses can strategically navigate and grow within the challenging scrap metal industry.

Produced by Recycled Media.
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The Trade - Episode #7 with Nick, Brett and Chad | August 1st, 2025

August 1, 2025 • 26 mins
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Nick, Brett and Chad delve into the current state of the scrap metal industry, dissecting pressing issues. The discussion covers macroeconomic trends, including the impact of high interest rates on demand and the disconnect between a strong stock market fueled by AI expectations and a struggling industrial sector. It also explores the volatility of raw material markets, highlighting how tariffs and ...
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The Trade - Episode #6 with Nick, Brett and Aldo | July 25th, 2025

July 25, 2025 • 30 mins
On this episode of A Scrap Life, Nick, Brett and Aldo discuss critical shifts happening in the copper market for scrap recyclers and dealers. The main focus is a significant transition: the industry is moving away from the traditional Comex pricing index to the London Metal Exchange (LME) for copper. This change is occurring because Comex increasingly does not reflect physical trading, with most of its contracts traded by financial...
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The Trade - Episode #5 with Brett and Chad | July 7th, 2025

July 7, 2025 • 30 mins
On this post-July 4th episode of A Scrap Life, Nick, Brett and Chad analyze the market impact of the "Big Beautiful Bill" on business infrastructure, taxes, and the future of ferrous scrap. The guys discuss the relationship between interest rates and inflation, how tariffs affect domestic manufacturing, and the generally bullish outlook for steel and asset values. Discover insights into ferrous and non-ferrous market trends, includ...
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