Down to Business English

By Skip Montreux, Dez Morgan & Samantha Vega | Business English InstructorsEducation Language Learning

Down to Business English episodes

October 30, 2024Big Tech goes Nuclear
Big Tech is turning to an unexpected solution to meet the soaring power demands of artificial intelligence — nuclear energy. With Microsoft, Amazon, and Google investing heavily in nuclear technology, this move could reshape energy use in the tech industry.

Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega explore the surprising steps that Big Tech is taking to secure power for their AI-driven future. Microsoft recently made headlines by signing a 20-year agreement to source energy from the infamous Three Mile Island nuclear plant, while Amazon and Google are betting on new nuclear technology with investments in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Samantha and Skip discuss the enormous energy requirements of AI, the environmental goals of these companies, and the potential risks and benefits of Big Tech’s nuclear power ambitions.
Skip and Samantha provide a detailed breakdown of Big Tech’s shift towards nuclear energy as well as introduce many business English words and phrases. Key points include:Key points include:
AI’s overall energy demand.
Microsoft is set to source power from Three Mile Island by 2028.
Amazon and Google are investing in the development of Small Modular Reactors to support their future energy demands.

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23 min
October 23, 2024Charles Ponzi - the father of Ponzi schemes - redux
Ponzi schemes are one of the most famous types of financial fraud, promising big returns but often leaving investors with huge losses. But where did the term "Ponzi scheme" come from, and how do these scams work?

In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega discuss the history of the Ponzi scheme and its infamous founder, Charles Ponzi. They explore how Ponzi scammed investors in the early 1920s with promises of guaranteed returns using international postal reply coupons. Skip explains how Ponzi's business plan quickly fell apart when the press and authorities began investigating, causing panic among investors.
Skip and Samantha’s discussion offers valuable insights into the history of the Ponzi scheme as well as many business English words and phrases. Key points include:Key points include:
How Charles Ponzi’s scheme promised big returns by using money from new investors to pay old investors.
Why Ponzi’s idea seemed successful at first, but quickly became unsustainable.
The role of media and law enforcement in bringing down Ponzi’s operation.

Do you like what you hear?
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Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at
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30 min
October 08, 2024Savory Snacks: Mars Inc.'s acquisition of Kellanova
Mars Inc., known for its chocolate products like Mars bars and M&Ms, is making a major move into the savory snack market. With a $35.9 billion deal to acquire Kellanova, Mars is positioning itself to compete with industry giants like PepsiCo. This acquisition could reshape the savory snack landscape and help Mars diversify beyond its traditional chocolate-based portfolio.

Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan discuss Mars Inc.’s acquisition of Kellanova, a major player in the global savory snack market. Formerly part of Kellogg's, Kellanova produces well-known brands like Pringles and Rice Krispie Treats. Skip and Dez explore why Mars, typically focused on chocolate, is investing heavily in snacks like crisps and pretzels. They also look at how the rise in cocoa prices has pushed Mars to diversify its portfolio and enter the savory snack market.
Listeners looking to enhance their business English, Skip and Dez's discussion offers valuable insights Mars Inc.'s strategic move into the savory snack market. Key points include:
Mars Inc. is acquiring Kellanova for $35.9 billion, giving it a major stake in the global snack food industry.
Kellanova is a new snack food company, formerly a division of Kellogg's, featuring brands like Pringles.
Rising cocoa prices are driving Mars to diversify into savory snacks, which are less affected by cocoa market fluctuations.

Do you like what you hear?
Become a D2B Member today for to access to our -- NEW!!!-- interactive audio scripts, PDF Audio Script Library, Bonus Vocabulary episodes, and D2B Member-only episodes.
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Follow Down to Business English on Apple podcasts, rate the show, and leave a comment.
Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at
[email protected]
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Skip Montreux on Linkedin
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19 min
September 25, 2024Google’s Antitrust Battles
Google’s dominance in internet search and advertising is under intense legal scrutiny. With two major antitrust lawsuits in the United States, these cases could reshape how we navigate the web and interact with digital ads. The results of these legal battles could have wide-reaching consequences, not just for Google but for the entire tech industry.

Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega discuss Google's antitrust struggles in the U.S. courts. They break down two key lawsuits — one regarding Google’s search engine dominance and another about its control of online advertising. Their conversation explores the legal implications, potential outcomes, and what these cases mean for the future of internet use. From exclusive contracts to consumer inertia, they uncover the mechanisms behind Google’s massive power and discuss whether that power is about to change.
Listeners looking to enhance their business English, Skip and Dez's discussion offers valuable insights into Panda Diplomacy and business English. Key points include:
Google has been found guilty of using exclusive contracts to stifle competition by becoming the default search engine on popular devices.
Though its market share has slightly decreased in recent years, Google still controls 90.48% of the global search engine market.
Google's advertising business, the core of its empire, is now the target of another lawsuit, with allegations that it manipulates pricing and competition in digital ads.
These legal battles may set a precedent for how large tech companies like Amazon, Meta, and Apple will be regulated in the future.

Do you like what you hear?
Become a D2B Member today for to access to our -- NEW!!!-- interactive audio scripts, PDF Audio Script Library, Bonus Vocabulary episodes, and D2B Member-only episodes.
Visit d2benglish.com/membership for more information.
Follow Down to Business English on Apple podcasts, rate the show, and leave a comment.
Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at
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Follow Skip & Dez
Skip Montreux on Linkedin
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19 min
September 16, 2024Panda Diplomacy
Giant pandas are more than just cute animals—they're key players in China's global diplomacy. Known as "Panda Diplomacy," China has used its iconic bears to strengthen international relationships and influence global politics for centuries. Learn how these animals serve as soft power tools in China’s foreign policy, fostering diplomatic goodwill and smoothing tensions with other nations.

Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan explore the unique role that pandas play in global diplomacy. They trace the history of Panda Diplomacy, explain why China leases rather than sells its pandas to foreign zoos, and dive into the economic and political impact of these adorable ambassadors. From the high cost of leasing pandas to recent developments in U.S.-China relations, this episode provides an in-depth look at how pandas are wielded as diplomatic envoys.
Listeners looking to enhance their business English, Skip and Dez's discussion offers valuable insights into Panda Diplomacy and business English. Key points include:
China’s panda leasing program comes with hefty fees, costing zoos around $1 million per year.
Breeding giant pandas in captivity is not only a rare event but also a lucrative one for China.
The strategic withdrawal or placement of pandas often reflects China’s diplomatic relations with the host country.

Do you like what you hear?
Become a D2B Member today for to access to our -- NEW!!!-- interactive audio scripts, PDF Audio Script Library, Bonus Vocabulary episodes, and D2B Member-only episodes.
Visit d2benglish.com/membership for more information.
Follow Down to Business English on Apple podcasts, rate the show, and leave a comment.
Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at
[email protected]
Follow Skip & Dez
Skip Montreux on Linkedin
Skip Montreux on Instagram
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Skip Montreux on Facebook
Dez Morgan on Twitter
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23 min
September 06, 2024OPEC Explained: Part 2 - History and Present Day Status
OPEC, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, has played a central role in the global oil market for over six decades. From the 1973 Oil Embargo to the rise of U.S. shale production, OPEC’s influence has evolved as the energy landscape has changed. Despite challenges, the organization continues to be a key player in determining global oil prices today.

In this second part of their two-part series on OPEC, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan examine key moments in the history of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. They revisit the 1973 Oil Embargo, which drastically increased oil prices and led to a global recession, and the 1986 oil price crash caused by Saudi Arabia’s decision to raise production. Skip and Dez also discuss the current state of OPEC’s influence, with competition from U.S. shale production and the impact of China’s economic slowdown putting pressure on the organization’s ability to control oil prices.
Listeners looking to enhance their business English, Skip and Dez's discussion offers valuable insights into both OPEC and business English. Key points include:
The 1973 Oil Embargo and its effect on the global economy.
The 1986 oil price crash, which resulted from overproduction by OPEC members.
How alternative energy sources have reduced global reliance on OPEC oil.
OPEC’s current strategy of production limits to maintain higher oil prices.

Do you like what you hear?
Become a D2B Member today for to access to our -- NEW!!!-- interactive audio scripts, PDF Audio Script Library, Bonus Vocabulary episodes, and D2B Member-only episodes.
Visit d2benglish.com/membership for more information.
Follow Down to Business English on Apple podcasts, rate the show, and leave a comment.
Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at
[email protected]
Follow Skip & Dez
Skip Montreux on Linkedin
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9 min
August 27, 2024OPEC Explained: Part 1 - Origins and Strategic Purpose
The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was established in 1960 to give oil-producing nations more control over their resources and influence global oil prices. Initially formed by five countries—Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela — OPEC has grown to include 12 member countries, with 10 additional nations cooperating under the OPEC+ alliance. The organization has played a critical role in stabilizing oil prices and shaping the global energy market.

Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan kick off a two-part series on OPEC, starting with an in-depth discussion on the organization's founding in 1960. They examine the reasons behind OPEC's creation, its structure, and how it operates.
Listeners looking to enhance their business English, Skip and Dez's discussion offers valuable insights into both OPEC and business English. Key points include:
OPEC’s formation in 1960 marked a shift in control over oil resources from Western companies to oil-producing nations.
The organization’s mandate is to coordinate petroleum policies among member countries and ensure stable prices globally.
OPEC+ includes 22 countries, which together produce 59% of the world’s oil.

Do you like what you hear?
Become a D2B Member today for to access to our -- NEW!!!-- interactive audio scripts, PDF Audio Script Library, Bonus Vocabulary episodes, and D2B Member-only episodes.
Visit d2benglish.com/membership for more information.
Follow Down to Business English on Apple podcasts, rate the show, and leave a comment.
Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at
[email protected]
Follow Skip & Dez
Skip Montreux on Linkedin
Skip Montreux on Instagram
Skip Montreux on Twitter
Skip Montreux on Facebook
Dez Morgan on Twitter
RSS Feed
23 min
August 20, 2024The CrowdStrike Incident: the largest global IT outage in history
In July, a global IT outage, known as the CrowdStrike Incident, disrupted businesses worldwide. A faulty software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike affected millions of devices, leading to significant financial losses across various sectors.

Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega discuss the largest global IT outage in history, triggered by a faulty update from cybersecurity giant CrowdStrike. They explore its impact on businesses globally, including airlines, retail stores, and emergency services, and consider the broader implications for the cybersecurity industry..
Listeners looking to enhance their business English, Skip and Samantha's conversation is a great learning resource. Key points include:
CrowdStrike released a faulty update that impacted 8.5 million devices.
Major corporations like Delta Airlines and McDonald's were severely affected.
Resolving the issue took several days, requiring manual intervention.
The incident has led to lawsuits, with Delta Airlines seeking compensation.

Do you like what you hear?
Become a D2B Member today for to access to interactive audio scripts -- NEW!!!---PDF audio scripts, bonus vocabulary episodes, and D2B Member-only episodes.
Visit d2benglish.com/membership for more information.
Follow Down to Business English on Apple podcasts, rate the show, and leave a comment.
Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at
[email protected]
Follow Skip & Dez
Skip Montreux on Linkedin
Skip Montreux on Instagram
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Skip Montreux on Facebook
Dez Morgan on Twitter
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10 min
August 10, 2024Over Tourism Issues in Spain and Japan
Over tourism is becoming a significant issue in popular destinations worldwide, with cities like Barcelona and countries like Japan struggling to balance economic benefits with the challenges of an increasing number of visitors.

Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega explore the impact of over tourism in Spain and Japan. They discuss how the surge in tourism is driving up living costs, displacing local residents, and prompting government interventions. The episode focuses on the measures being taken in Spanish cities like Barcelona and Valencia, as well as Japan’s efforts to manage overcrowding in famous tourist spots such as Mt. Fuji.
Listeners looking to enhance their business English, Skip and Samantha's conversation is a great learning resource. Key points include:
Spain anticipates over 90 million international visitors in 2024, causing significant increases in housing costs and local displacement.
Barcelona is set to phase out all short-term rental accommodations by 2029 to address the housing crisis.
Valencia is tightening regulations on short-term rentals and imposing heavy fines for illegal rentals.
Japan's record tourism numbers, spurred by a weak yen, are leading to overcrowding in key tourist destinations.
The Japanese government is encouraging regional tourism to ease the burden on popular attractions.

Do you like what you hear?
Become a D2B Member today for to access to interactive audio scripts -- NEW!!!---PDF audio scripts, bonus vocabulary episodes, and D2B Member-only episodes.
Visit d2benglish.com/membership for more information.
Follow Down to Business English on Apple podcasts, rate the show, and leave a comment.
Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at
[email protected]
Follow Skip & Dez
Skip Montreux on Linkedin
Skip Montreux on Instagram
Skip Montreux on Twitter
Skip Montreux on Facebook
Dez Morgan on Twitter
RSS Feed
19 min
July 24, 2024The Dow Jones Industrial Average & Dow Theory
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) remains a vital benchmark for U.S. economic performance, despite being established in 1896. Today, the DJIA and Dow Theory continue to provide investors with valuable insights into market trends.

Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan explore the history and significance of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, often referred to simply as the Dow. They discuss its origins, evolution, and current relevance in the financial world. The conversation also introduces Dow Theory, a set of principles developed by Charles Dow to analyze market trends, highlighting its continued importance in modern investing.
Listeners looking to enhance their business English, Skip and Dez's conversation is a great learning resource. Key points include:
The historical background of the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
The evolution of the Dow, from the original 12 stocks to the current 30 components.
An introduction to Dow Theory, including its six tenets and their application in market analysis.

Do you like what you hear?
Become a D2B Member today for to access to interactive audio scripts -- NEW!!!---PDF audio scripts, bonus vocabulary episodes, and D2B Member-only episodes.
Visit d2benglish.com/membership for more information.
Follow Down to Business English on Apple podcasts, rate the show, and leave a comment.
Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at
[email protected]
Follow Skip & Dez
Skip Montreux on Linkedin
Skip Montreux on Instagram
Skip Montreux on Twitter
Skip Montreux on Facebook
Dez Morgan on Twitter
RSS Feed
25 min

About Down to Business English

From the publisher's feed

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…