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.

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!

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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? 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

Mars Inc. is making waves with its $35.9 billion acquisition of Kellanova, known for brands like Pringles and Rice Krispie Treats. This strategic move aims to diversify beyond chocolate, especially as cocoa prices rise. The hosts discuss the shifting snack industry landscape and explore unique Pringles flavors from Japan, including Wasabi Nori. The podcast humorously tackles healthy eating challenges while providing insights into the evolving world of savory snacks.