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Down to Business English

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Apr 2, 2025 • 16min

Time Shift: The Economic Impact of Daylight Saving Time

Daylight Saving Time — a simple clock adjustment with far-reaching consequences. As countries debate whether to keep, ditch, or make DST permanent, the economic and health implications of this time-shifting practice are coming under increasing scrutiny. In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega explore the origins, impact, and ongoing debate surrounding Daylight Saving Time (DST). From its wartime beginnings to modern economic studies, they examine how DST affects everything from energy consumption to productivity, retail sales, and even public health. Along the way, they discuss what different countries around the world are doing — or not doing — with their clocks. Their conversation is a great learning resource if you want to build your English listening comprehension skills and expand your business vocabulary. Key points of their discussion include: The historical origins and intended purpose of Daylight Saving Time. How DST impacts energy use, retail sales, and worker productivity. The health risks associated with clock changes. Why the debate over DST is far more than just a matter of time. 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 downtobusinessenglish@gmail.com 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
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Mar 21, 2025 • 16min

Rare Earth Minerals Explained

Rare Earth Elements are everywhere — in your phone, your car, even your headphones — and the world can’t function without them. As demand for green tech and high-performance electronics surges, so does the race to secure reliable access to these crucial elements. Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan dive deep into the world of Rare Earth Elements (REEs). They clarify the difference between Rare Earth Elements and Rare Earth Minerals, explain why these materials are vital to modern industries, and unpack the geopolitical tensions surrounding global supply chains. Their conversation is a great learning resource if you want to build your English listening comprehension skills and expand your business vocabulary. Key points of their discussion include: The role of Rare Earth Elements in modern technology. Their importance to critical industries, from electric vehicles to defense systems. The economic risks created by China’s dominance of the global REE supply. 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 downtobusinessenglish@gmail.com 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
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Feb 17, 2025 • 17min

Brazilian Currency & Debt Crisis

Brazil is grappling with a currency and debt crisis as investor confidence wanes. Increased public spending under President Lula da Silva has raised concerns about financial stability. The Brazilian Real’s depreciation and soaring interest rates fuel inflation worries. Explore the government's economic strategies and whether proposed solutions can succeed. The hosts dive into vicious economic cycles and the struggle to stabilize the economy, contrasting them with potential virtuous cycles. This engaging discussion provides valuable insights into Brazil's complex financial landscape.
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Jan 23, 2025 • 17min

Steel Standoff: The Blocked Nippon-US Steel Acquisition

A surprising move by the Biden administration has blocked a massive deal between Nippon Steel and US Steel, raising questions about national security and global business dynamics. The hosts delve into the historical significance of US Steel and Nippon Steel's motivations behind the acquisition. Legal ramifications and the potential effects on job markets are discussed. They also explore broader implications for foreign investment in critical industries and the emotional complexities inherent in contentious business negotiations. Tune in for insights into this steel standoff!
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Jan 12, 2025 • 17min

Real Ice and their plan to save Arctic sea ice

The Arctic is warming at an alarming rate, leading to dramatic declines in sea ice. A UK-based start-up, Real Ice, is tackling this crisis by developing innovative technology to thicken Arctic sea ice. But can this ambitious project succeed, and is it financially sustainable? Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega explore the environmental and business implications of Real Ice’s mission to save the Arctic. They discuss the science behind Arctic ice loss, the albedo effect, and the cyclical nature of global warming. They also examine the business model designed to fund Real Ice's initiative. The conversation sheds light on the company’s plans, challenges in scaling operations, and the role of ‘cooling credits’ in making this project financially viable. Their conversation is a great learning resource if you want to build your English listening comprehension skills and expand your business vocabulary. Key points of their discussion include: The science of Arctic ice loss and the albedo effect. How Real Ice’s technology increases ice thickness and reduces global warming. Real Ice’s business strategy, including revenue streams and the potential market for ‘cooling credits. The financial and technical challenges facing this ambitious project. 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 downtobusinessenglish@gmail.com 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
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Dec 28, 2024 • 22min

BuzzFeed’s Hot Sale of Hot Ones

Hot Ones, the wildly popular YouTube interview show where celebrities tackle spicy chicken wings, has a new home. BuzzFeed recently sold the production company behind the hit series, First We Feast, to a group of investors led by an affiliate of George Soros’s fund. Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega examine the financial pressures that led BuzzFeed to sell Hot Ones. They explore BuzzFeed’s rise as a digital media pioneer, its decision to go public through a SPAC, and the acquisition of Complex Networks in 2021. They also explain how these moves impacted BuzzFeed’s finances and led to the eventual sale of First We Feast. Their conversation is a great learning resource if you want to build your English listening comprehension skills and expand your business vocabulary. Key points of their discussion include: Learn the differences between a SPAC and an IPO, and why BuzzFeed opted for a SPAC in 2021. A breakdown of BuzzFeed’s $300 million purchase of Complex Networks. How selling Hot Ones has helped BuzzFeed reduce its debt and pivot toward new revenue streams. 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 downtobusinessenglish@gmail.com 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
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Dec 11, 2024 • 27min

Coffee Talk: Starbucks CEO turnover and Luckin's expansion

The coffee industry is buzzing with change! Starbucks faces a whirlwind of CEO turnover while battling to maintain its position against Luckin Coffee, China's rising star. The hosts dive into the history of Starbucks' leadership and the impact of its mobile app. Luckin's ambitious plans to invade the US market by 2025 are also on the table. With competition heating up, the discussion explores how Luckin could steal Starbucks' loyal customers and what it means for the global coffee showdown.
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Nov 29, 2024 • 24min

BRICS: its aims and how it challenges G7 influence

The BRICS nations — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa— are taking steps to challenge the influence of the G7 by promoting economic cooperation, reducing reliance on the US dollar, and creating opportunities for the Global South. Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan explore the origins and evolution of BRICS, from its beginnings as a term coined by a Goldman Sachs economist to its expansion as a formal organization. They discuss the group's goals, including fostering economic collaboration among member nations, reducing dependence on Western-dominated systems like SWIFT, and advocating for a multipolar world order. Skip and Dez talk about how BRICS’ growing membership positions it as a potential counterweight to the G7. Their conversation is a great learning resource if you want to build your English listening comprehension skills and expand your business vocabulary. Key points of their discussion include: BRICS: Initially a term coined in 2001 to describe emerging economies. Goals: Economic cooperation, equitable global governance, and greater representation for developing economies. Expansion: Recent additions include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE, creating "BRICS+," with other nations cooperating as partners. BRICS+ represents 33% of global GDP and 3.5 billion people, surpassing the G7 in population and rivaling its economic influence. 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 downtobusinessenglish@gmail.com 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
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Nov 13, 2024 • 21min

Understanding Economic Stimulus

China's government is implementing economic stimulus measures to invigorate its slowing economy. This includes lowering interest rates to encourage borrowing and allowing local governments to sell bonds for unsold real estate, thus aiding property developers. The discussion also touches on historical examples like the New Deal and how government spending has been pivotal in boosting growth. Listeners can gain insights into complex economic strategies while expanding their business vocabulary.
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Oct 30, 2024 • 22min

Big 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. 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 downtobusinessenglish@gmail.com 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

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