Down to Business English

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.

The podcast dives into Google's intense antitrust battles, examining lawsuits challenging its search engine monopoly and advertising practices. Hosts discuss the implications of exclusive contracts that limit competition and how Google maintains a staggering 90% market share. The conversation highlights the impact of these legal challenges on consumers and the tech industry. With potential shifts on the horizon, the discussion unpacks the mechanisms of Google's power and what future changes might mean for internet navigation and advertising.

Explore the fascinating world of Panda Diplomacy, where giant pandas serve as adorable yet powerful tools of international relations for China. Discover how leasing these charismatic bears to foreign zoos costs up to $1 million annually and strengthens diplomatic ties. Dive into the history of panda diplomacy and its strategic implications, especially in light of recent U.S.-China relations. This engaging discussion highlights the interplay between culture, economics, and politics, showing how pandas impact global diplomacy and soft power.

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 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 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 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