The Air Cargo and Freight industry has faced many challenges over the past few years. The COVID-19 pandemic, increasing operational costs, and fluctuating customer demand have all been issues the industry has had to deal with. In this episode of Down to Business English we look at all of these factors. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of global trade dynamics while improving their business English skills. Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega examine the state ...
Mar 09, 2024•21 min•Season 15Ep. 305
Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega explore the world of digital nomads in this enlightening episode of Down to Business English. As the concept of digital nomadism gains traction worldwide, this is a timely and relevant conversation. Listeners will gain valuable insights into this lifestyle choice while improving their business English vocabulary and listening comprehension skills. Ideal for those curious about remote work and eager to refine their English in a business context. Skip and Samantha d...
Feb 23, 2024•17 min•Season 15Ep. 303
In a time when geopolitical tensions play a crucial role in shaping global economics, this episode of Down to Business English is very pertinent. Join co-hosts Dez Morgan and Skip Montreux as they explore the intricate dynamics of Russian gas exports to Europe. This discussion offers insights into current events while providing an opportunity to enhance your business English vocabulary and listening comprehension skills. Perfect for anyone eager to understand the complexities of international tr...
Feb 17, 2024•22 min•Season 15Ep. 301
In today's world, where all of us are trying to be more environmentally responsible, this episode of Down to Business English is very timely. Co-hosts Samantha Vega and Skip Montreux not only talk about the important topic of carbon capture technology but also help you to improve your business English vocabulary and listening comprehension skills. Perfect for anyone wanting to learn about the balance between technology and taking care of our environment while at the same time developing their En...
Jan 25, 2024•20 min•Season 15Ep. 298
The start of 2024 brings with it not only new resolutions but also new insights into one of the most dynamic sectors of global tourism - the cruise line industry. After weathering the storms of the pandemic, this industry has emerged not just afloat but thriving. The Cruise Line Industry industry has a history of making waves — from its transformation from a niche holiday for newlyweds and retirees to a mainstream vacation choice. In this episode of Down to Business English, Samantha Vega and Sk...
Jan 10, 2024•22 min•Season 15Ep. 295
The Eurozone presents a variety of contrasting economic stories. Germany and France, the bloc's largest economies, are navigating through a period of uncertainty that reflects broader trends impacting the region. Meanwhile, smaller economies like Ireland and Belgium are experiencing growth, highlighting the diverse economic conditions within the Eurozone. Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan look closely at how different economies are faring across the Eurozone and talk about whether or not Brexit was t...
Dec 28, 2023•19 min•Season 14Ep. 292
In a week marked by unexpected turns and twists, OpenAI, the leader in AI development, witnessed a whirlwind of leadership changes that captured the attention of the business and tech world. In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega take listeners through the riveting series of events at OpenAI, beginning with a sudden boardroom decision that shook the foundations of the company. From the initial surprising text message to CEO Sam Altman to his sudden firing an...
Dec 22, 2023•20 min•Season 14Ep. 290
Rupert Murdoch, the titan behind global media empire News Corp and Fox Broadcasting, has announced he is stepping down. This marks the end of a staggering 70-year career that has had far-reaching influences in business, entertainment, and politics. Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan take you on a comprehensive retrospective of Murdoch's illustrious and often polarizing career. Spanning seven decades, his influence has not only shaped the media landscape but also had a profound impact on public opinion...
Oct 18, 2023•25 min•Season 14Ep. 283
Become a D2B Member Today and get a 25% discount on an annual membership plan. Visit the Down to Business English website and use the discount code: D2B252023 at checkout Kit Kat, a chocolate bar that has transcended borders and cultures, offers an intriguing lesson in business English. From its humble beginnings in a 17th-century pie shop to its current status as a global brand, the Kit Kat story is a fascinating case study in international business strategies and language. Skip Montreux and Sa...
Sep 28, 2023•25 min•Season 14Ep. 280
Nvidia, a name synonymous with cutting-edge technology, has a compelling story that spans from its early focus on gaming graphics to its current role as a leader in artificial intelligence. In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega take you through the company's fascinating history, groundbreaking technologies, and its meteoric rise in the tech industry. You'll learn about the company's unique naming story, its game-changing technologies like GPUs and CUDA, and...
Sep 07, 2023•28 min•Season 14Ep. 276
This is a sample of a D2B Member’s only podcast. To get a FREE audio script for this episode, visit https://downtobusinessenglish.com/274-sample/ To become a D2B Member, visit the D2B Membership Page. Choose the D2B Executive Plan (recurring or 1 year only plan) and use this discount code at checkout D2B252023 In this Members-only Bonus Vocabulary episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega go through bonus vocabulary explanations and examples for words and phrases used ...
Aug 21, 2023•16 min•Season 14Ep. 274
In an era where urban landscapes are plagued with traffic snarls, excessive vehicle emissions, and deteriorating air quality, cities worldwide are exploring innovative measures to alleviate or ease these challenges. One such solution, which has become more popular in recent years, is the concept of 'congestion charges.' In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan discuss the controversial topic of traffic congestion charges. The conversation kicks off with a look ba...
Aug 15, 2023•26 min•Season 14Ep. 273
In today's rapidly evolving financial landscape, traditional banking institutions are no longer the sole players. Enter Neobanks and Challenger Banks, two terms that have been making waves in the fintech industry. But what exactly are they, and how do they differ from each other? In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan discuss Neo and Challenger banks and demystify the world of digital banking. In the ever-evolving world of fintech, understanding these new-age b...
Aug 11, 2023•9 min•Season 14Ep. 272
The Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada is renowned for its stunning landscapes and abundant orchards. But the valley also boasts one of Canada’s best kept secrets—a thriving wine industry. In this episodes of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega explore the rich history of grape cultivation in the region, the transformation of the wine industry through government subsidies, and the challenges faced by local wineries. From the initial planting of Labrusca grapes by F...
Aug 03, 2023•27 min•Season 14Ep. 270
India's economy, now the fifth largest globally, is in a state of rapid expansion and transition. This growth is not only reshaping the Indian economy but also redefining its role on the global stage. In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan take a dive deep into India's demographics, the overall health of its economy, and what the future could potentially hold. Visit Apple Podcasts to subscribe to Down to Business English , rate the show, and leave a comment. Co...
Jul 20, 2023•23 min•Season 14Ep. 268
Dez Morgan and Skip Montreux take a deep dive into the concept of a debt ceiling, a term often thrown around in financial news but rarely fully understood. They start by defining what a debt ceiling is, then explore how some countries have set hard limits on their borrowing, while others base their debt ceilings on their GDP. Dez and Skip also discuss the history of the US debt ceiling and shed light on the reasons behind its creation and why it still exists today, despite the changing economic ...
Jun 28, 2023•8 min•Season 14Ep. 266
The ongoing Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. The WGA, a labor union representing over 11,500 writers in the US, is locked in a dispute with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), a trade association of more than 350 US television and film production companies. The core issues at the heart of the strike have been brewing for quite some time, with the evolution of the entertainment industry playing a significant...
Jun 19, 2023•22 min•Season 14Ep. 264
Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba and one of China's most prominent businessmen, has recently returned to China after spending two years maintaining a low profile abroad. This event has not only reignited interest in Ma's activities but also coincides with a series of important changes within the Alibaba Group. Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan discuss Jack Ma's return to China and Alibaba's restructuring. Why was Jack Ma keeping a low profile over the past two years? What are the details behind Alibab...
May 08, 2023•20 min•Season 14Ep. 255
While the beef industry’s impact on climate change is a global phenomenon, Brazil's industry is unique and has specific environmental concerns. Samantha Vega and Skip Montreux discuss the Brazilian beef industry and its impact on the environment. They start by highlighting the size and importance of the industry in Brazil, and also discuss the major concern of the industry's role in deforestation of the Amazon rainforest. How big is this industry? How is it contributing to the deforestation of t...
Apr 30, 2023•8 min•Season 14Ep. 254
Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan delve into the history and sudden collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). Although not a household name, SVB was well-known among venture capitalists and tech start-ups for their specialized banking services. Why did Silicon Valley Bank bank fail? How did high interest rates and social media play a role? And what other banks have met the same fate as SVB? Listen in to learn the answers to these questions and more. Visit Apple Podcasts to subscribe to Down to Business ...
Apr 20, 2023•25 min•Season 14Ep. 252
Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan report on Air India’s record breaking purchase of aircraft from AirBus and Boeing. How many aircraft did Air India purchase? How does this sale compare to previous orders in the aviation industry? Why is Air India upgrading their fleet of airplanes? Listen in to learn the answers to these questions and more. Visit Apple Podcasts to subscribe to Down to Business English , rate the show, and leave a comment. Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at downtobusinessenglish@gmai...
Mar 23, 2023•24 min•Season 14Ep. 247
Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan report on the US dollar and discuss why it is such a strong currency. They also take a close look at the impact a strong dollar has on economies around the world. Why is the US dollar so strong at the moment? How does a strong US dollar affect global trade? What impact does a strong US dollar have on developing and emerging economies? Listen in to learn the answers to these questions and more. Visit Apple Podcasts to subscribe to Down to Business English , rate the s...
Mar 11, 2023•9 min•Season 14Ep. 244
Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega report on the European Union’s proposed ban of Forever chemicals What are Forever chemicals? Why is the EU considering banning them? What will the ramifications of a ban be for manufacturers who use Forever chemicals in their products? Listen in to learn the answers to these questions and more. Visit Apple Podcasts to subscribe to Down to Business English , rate the show, and leave a comment. Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at downtobusinessenglish@gmail.com Follo...
Mar 02, 2023•24 min•Season 14Ep. 242
Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega talk about OpenAI and their disruptive AI powered chat box—ChatGPT. What is OpenAI and ChatGPT? What is ChatGPT capable of? Could this new AI technology be a game changer across a wide range of industries? Listen in to learn the answers to these questions and more. Visit Apple Podcasts to subscribe to Down to Business English , rate the show, and leave a comment. Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at downtobusinessenglish@gmail.com Follow Skip & Dez Skip Montreux on ...
Jan 29, 2023•26 min•Season 14Ep. 238
Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan report on the economics of lotteries. How important is lottery revenue for governments? Why was the recent Powerball lottery in the US historic? Who gets the most benefit from lotteries? Listen in to learn the answers to these questions and more. Visit Apple Podcasts to subscribe to Down to Business English , rate the show, and leave a comment. Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at downtobusinessenglish@gmail.com Follow Skip & Dez Skip Montreux on Linkedin Skip Montreux...
Dec 18, 2022•7 min•Season 13Ep. 235
In part 1 of this 2 part episode, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega talk about the online graphic design company - Canva. What gave Melanie Perkins the idea to establish Canva? How did they raise capital to start the company? Is Canva a challenge to graphic design giants like Adobe? Listen in to learn the answers to these questions and more. Visit Apple Podcasts to subscribe to Down to Business English , rate the show, and leave a comment. Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at downtobusinessenglish@g...
Nov 12, 2022•20 min•Season 13Ep. 230
This episode is part one of a four-part interview with Gregory Kostiuk, the President and Founder of StratEx Sales. Greg speaks with Skip about why it is important for every business to have and effective sales plan and gives 7 tips on how to create one. What are the 3 elements of an effective sales plan? What is an Ideal Customer Profile (ICP)? How do you establish an ICP for your business? Listen in to learn the answers to these questions and more. Visit Apple Podcasts to subscribe to Down to ...
Oct 04, 2022•28 min•Season 13Ep. 225
Dez Morgan explains to Skip Montreux how the British Royal family make their money. Why is the British Royal Family called ’The Firm’? How much is the Royal Family’s brand worth? Why didn’t King Charles have to pay inheritance tax? Listen in to learn the answers to these questions and more. Visit Apple Podcasts to subscribe to Down to Business English , rate the show, and leave a comment. Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at downtobusinessenglish@gmail.com Follow Skip & Dez Skip Montreux on Twitte...
Sep 27, 2022•6 min•Season 13Ep. 224
Skip Montreux tells Samantha Vega about the Hayabusa2 space mission to retrieve a sample from a near-earth asteroid. They also report on the very new industry of asteroid mining. What did the Hayabusa missions accomplish? Is it possible to mine gold, platinum, and other metals from an asteroid … and make a profit? What is the business model around this idea? Listen in to learn the answers to these questions and more. Visit Apple Podcasts to subscribe to Down to Business English , rate the show, ...
Aug 20, 2022•9 min•Season 13Ep. 220
Samantha Vega and Skip Montreux report on the copyright issue surrounding Top Gun: Maverick. Who own’s the copyright to the Top Gun: Maverick movie? Will Top Gun: Maverick be taken out of the theaters? How did this legal dispute come about? Listen in to learn the answers to these questions and more. Visit Apple Podcasts to subscribe to Down to Business English , rate the show, and leave a comment. Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at downtobusinessenglish@gmail.com Follow Skip & Dez Skip Montreux ...
Jun 30, 2022•21 min•Season 13Ep. 216
