A podcast for people who use English as a Second or Foreign Language (ESL/EFL) in their work environment and want to improve their overall language skills. In each episode, hosts Skip Montreux, Dez Morgan, and Samantha Vega discuss Business news making headlines around the world. Through their discussions, Skip, Dez and Samantha introduce English vocabulary & phrases related to business, review grammar, and identify cultural differences found in International business situations. An excellent way to improve listening comprehension skills, keep up with business trends, and advance your career.
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Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega discuss The Great Resignation happening in the US and around the world. Why are so many people quitting their jobs? Is this a temporary situation? Or are we entering a new era of work? Visit Apple Podcasts to subscribe to Down to Business English , rate the show, and leave a comment. Visit our website or Facebook page to ask a question, post a comment, and sign up for the Down to Business English Newsletter. Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at downtobusinessenglish...
Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega discuss two corporate legal cases. The bankruptcy of Purdue Pharma and the fraud trial of Elizabeth Holmes, CEO of the bio-tech company Theranos. Visit Apple Podcasts to subscribe to Down to Business English , rate the show, and leave a comment. Visit our website or Facebook page to ask a question, post a comment, and sign up for the Down to Business English Newsletter. Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at downtobusinessenglish@gmail.com Follow Skip & Dez Skip M...
Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega delve into Tim Cook's 10-year tenure as Apple's CEO, tracing his journey from his early career at IBM and other tech companies to his pivotal role in rescuing Apple from the brink of bankruptcy. The discussion highlights his genius in supply chain management, strategic decisions that tripled Apple's revenue and made it the world's most valuable company, and his progressive leadership, including being the first openly gay CEO. The episode also examines how his focus on perfecting core products and services, rather than revolutionary new ones, shaped Apple's success.
Skip and Des discuss China's extensive regulatory crackdown, which began with cryptocurrency and notably halted Ant Group's massive IPO. They delve into how new regulations are reshaping industries like ride-sharing (Didi) and private education, leading to significant market value losses. The hosts analyze the government's motivations, including a push for self-reliance, Xi Jinping's power consolidation, and efforts to alleviate the "Three Mountains" financial burden (housing, healthcare, education) on its citizens, signifying a new era for doing business in China.
Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega discuss Scarlett Johansson's lawsuit against Disney over the release of Marvel's Black Widow. The conversation details how Disney's simultaneous theatrical and streaming release allegedly breached Johansson's contract, impacting her performance-based bonuses. They explore the shifting payment structures in Hollywood, Disney's defense amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and what the future holds for this high-profile legal battle.
This episode delves into the fascinating world of whisky, from Scotland's historical production and its modern resurgence, including the pivotal role of gin in new distilleries' survival. It also highlights the rapid growth of the Chinese market and the celebrated excellence of Japanese whisky, exploring its rich history and award-winning quality. Additionally, the hosts clarify the distinct spelling differences between "whisky" and "whiskey" based on origin.
Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega take a deep dive into the impact climate change is having on the global economy. Free audio script available at downtobusinessenglish.com Visit Apple Podcasts to subscribe to Down to Business English , rate the show, and leave a comment. Visit our website or Facebook page to ask a question, post a comment, and sign up for the Down to Business English Newsletter. Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at downtobusinessenglish@gmail.com Follow Skip & Dez Skip Montreux ...
Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega discuss the rising threat that cybercrime and ransomware pose to businesses around the world. Audio script available at downtobusinessenglish.com Visit Apple Podcasts to subscribe to Down to Business English , rate the show, and leave a comment. Visit our website or Facebook page to ask a question, post a comment, and sign up for the Down to Business English Newsletter. Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at downtobusinessenglish@gmail.com Follow Skip & Dez Skip M...
Dez Morgan explains the European Super League controversy, detailing its formation by 12 major European football clubs, its proposed closed structure, and the significant financial backing from JP Morgan. The discussion highlights why the league's concept was problematic, going against football's meritocratic nature, and covers the swift public outcry that led to its collapse. The hosts also define and provide examples for business English vocabulary like "unravel," "twofold," "throw out of the window," and "rankle."
Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega delve into Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), explaining what they are and how blockchain technology authenticates unique digital assets. They discuss the difference between fungible and non-fungible items, highlight the booming NFT marketplace with examples like Beeple's art and NBA Topshot, and explore the motivations behind NFT investments, including diversifying cryptocurrency holdings. The episode concludes with a vocabulary review and reflections on the potential future of NFTs for content creators.
Skip Montreux and Des Morgan discuss the recent Suez Canal incident, detailing how the Ever Given blocked this vital trade artery and its immediate economic fallout. They also explore the broader implications of COVID-19 on global logistics, including container imbalances, surging shipping costs, and port congestion. The episode highlights the fragile "just-in-time" delivery system and its current challenges.
Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega talk about the recent short squeeze of GameStop stock that cost institutional investors billions of dollars in losses. Audio script available at downtobusinessenglish.com Visit Apple Podcasts to subscribe to Down to Business English , rate the show, and leave a comment. Visit our website or Facebook page to ask a question, post a comment, and sign up for the Down to Business English Newsletter. Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at downtobusinessenglish@gmail.com Fol...
Join Skip and Samantha as they delve into the fascinating world of wind power. Discover its surprising history, from the 1970s oil crisis to its current global market dominance, with a special look at China's rapid rise. The discussion also tackles common misconceptions about wind energy's environmental impact, clarifies legitimate concerns, and highlights cutting-edge advancements like GE's powerful Haliade-X 13 turbine, alongside the fierce industry competition driving innovation. This episode offers a comprehensive overview of wind power's past, present, and future role in the energy sector.
Skip and Samantha delve into the world of social media influencers, beginning with a discussion on the broader societal impacts of social media. They define different influencer categories—mega, macro, micro, and nano—exploring their value to brands and varying earning potentials. The hosts also examine the industry's rapid evolution, including the professionalization through agencies and the new trend of virtual influencers, while integrating essential business English vocabulary.
Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega discuss the US government’s antitrust investigation into Google, Apple, Facebook, and Amazon. Audio script available at downtobusinessenglish.com Visit Apple Podcasts to subscribe to Down to Business English , rate the show, and leave a comment. Visit our website or Facebook page to ask a question, post a comment, and sign up for the Down to Business English Newsletter. Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at downtobusinessenglish@gmail.com Follow Skip & Dez Skip M...
Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega report on recent developments in the race to develop a vaccine for COVID-19. Audio script available at downtobusinessenglish.com Visit Apple Podcasts to subscribe to Down to Business English , rate the show, and leave a comment. Visit our website or Facebook page to ask a question, post a comment, and sign up for the Down to Business English Newsletter. Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at downtobusinessenglish@gmail.com Follow Skip & Dez Skip Montreux on Twitte...
Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega discuss the impact coronavirus will have on the global economy. Audio script available at downtobusinessenglish.com Visit Apple Podcasts to subscribe to Down to Business English , rate the show, and leave a comment. Visit our website or Facebook page to ask a question, post a comment, and sign up for the Down to Business English Newsletter. Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at downtobusinessenglish@gmail.com Follow Skip & Dez Skip Montreux on Twitter Skip Montre...
Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega talk about the reasons why palm oil has become such problem for the environment. Audio script available at downtobusinessenglish.com Visit Apple Podcasts to subscribe to Down to Business English , rate the show, and leave a comment. Visit our website or Facebook page to ask a question, post a comment, and sign up for the Down to Business English Newsletter. Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at downtobusinessenglish@gmail.com Follow Skip & Dez Skip Montreux on Tw...
This episode uncovers the detailed story behind the Boeing 737 Max crashes, highlighting how intense competition from Airbus pushed Boeing to rush the aircraft's development. It explains the design compromises, particularly the problematic MCAS software, which pilots were unaware of, leading to two catastrophic accidents. The discussion also covers the extensive financial and legal fallout for Boeing, including groundings, compensation, and a criminal investigation, followed by a valuable business English vocabulary lesson.
This episode delves into Donald Trump's trade tariffs, clarifying what tariffs are, who ultimately pays them, and Trump's controversial claims. It explores the escalating US-China trade war, its effects on American farmers, and the broader global impact, including the EU and Canada. A detailed case study of Harley-Davidson illustrates the complex economic repercussions, concluding that trade wars offer no real winners.
Down to Business English delves into the current crisis facing the UK casual dining sector, examining the impact of factors like Brexit, new legislation, and rising costs on major chains. The hosts define casual dining and detail the rise and fall of Jamie Oliver's restaurant empire, including his significant personal financial exposure. The episode concludes with a practical segment reviewing key business English vocabulary discussed.
Skip and Samantha delve into Amazon's extensive search for a second headquarters, dubbed Amazon H2. They explore the company's initial reasons for expansion beyond Seattle, the specific criteria cities needed to meet, and the enticing benefits Amazon offered. The hosts also detail the highly competitive bidding process, the contentious selection of New York City and Arlington, and the dramatic public backlash that ultimately led Amazon to pull out of the New York deal.
Dez Morgan gives Skip Montreux an update on the current status of the UK’s exit from the EU. Audio script available at downtobusinessenglish.com Visit Apple Podcasts to subscribe to Down to Business English , rate the show, and leave a comment. Visit our website or Facebook page to ask a question, post a comment, and sign up for the Down to Business English Newsletter. Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at downtobusinessenglish@gmail.com Follow Skip & Dez Skip Montreux on Twitter Skip Montreux ...
Hosts Skip and Dez delve into the surprising economics of the sneaker industry, revealing how profits are distributed between manufacturers and retailers, and the impact of direct-to-consumer online sales. They highlight innovative companies like Allbirds, which use sustainable materials and challenge traditional production methods. The discussion also covers the growing 'athleisure' market, the changing role of celebrity endorsements, and how digital marketing targets specific consumer niches, alongside a dedicated segment on business English vocabulary.
Hosts Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega delve into "commodity activism," a marketing strategy where companies align their brands with social issues. They analyze Gillette's "The Best a Man Can Be" ad, explaining why its generated controversy ultimately proved successful by broadening its audience and boosting sales, particularly among women. The discussion also highlights Nike's successful partnership with Colin Kaepernick as another prime example. Finally, the episode offers detailed explanations of business vocabulary terms like "backdrop," "backlash," "backfire," and "take."
This episode delves into the high-profile arrest of Carlos Ghosn, former CEO of Nissan, for alleged financial crimes. It explores the history of the successful Renault-Nissan alliance, Ghosn's pivotal role in its creation, and the specific accusations against him, including underreporting compensation and misuse of corporate assets. The hosts also examine potential conspiracy theories surrounding his arrest and clarify business English vocabulary related to the discussion.
Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan discuss China’s Belt and Road initiative. Audio script available at downtobusinessenglish.com Visit Apple Podcasts to subscribe to Down to Business English , rate the show, and leave a comment. Visit our website or Facebook page to ask a question, post a comment, and sign up for the Down to Business English Newsletter. Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at downtobusinessenglish@gmail.com Follow Skip & Dez Skip Montreux on Twitter Skip Montreux on Instagram Skip Mont...
Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega talk about what's cooking in the meal kit industry. Free audio script available at downtobusinessenglish.com Visit iTunes to subscribe to Down to Business English , rate the show, and leave a comment. Visit our website or Facebook page to ask a question, post a comment, and sign up for the Down to Business English Newsletter. Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at downtobusinessenglish@gmail.com Follow Skip & Dez Skip Montreux on Twitter Skip Montreux on Instagram...
Hosts Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega delve into the contentious Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion in Canada. They explain Kinder Morgan's role, the reasons behind British Columbia's opposition to shipping tar sands oil, and the significant environmental and economic concerns. The discussion covers the political interventions, including Alberta's wine ban and the federal government's surprising decision to purchase the pipeline, highlighting the ongoing complexities of this major business and environmental issue.
This episode delves into the fast fashion industry, tracing its origins with Zara and its revolutionary business model of rapid production cycles and low prices. The hosts examine the industry's vast economic scale and profitability, contrasting it with the severe human and environmental costs. They highlight issues like subpar labor conditions, wage inequality, and excessive waste, concluding with a look at consumer responsibility and key business vocabulary.
