
Down to Business English
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 Morgan, and Samantha Vega discuss Business news making headlines around the world. Through their discussions, Skip, Dez and Samantha introduce English vocabulary & phrases related to business, review grammar, and identify cultural differences found in International business situations. An excellent way to improve listening comprehension skills, keep up with business trends, and advance your career.
Latest episodes

May 30, 2024 • 22min
The US TikTok Ban: what you need to know
The podcast discusses the US TikTok ban, covering data security concerns, potential Chinese influence, legal challenges, and economic impact on small businesses. It explores TikTok's history, growth, and the ultimatum for its Chinese parent company to sell. The hosts also highlight the significance of quality sleep, cutting out bad habits, AI disruption in work, the idiom 'deep pockets,' and membership benefits for listeners.

May 25, 2024 • 8min
Egypt's Economic Headwinds
Economic Analyst Skip Montreux and Financial Expert Dez Morgan delve into Egypt's economic challenges, including plummeting Suez Canal revenue and disrupted natural gas exports due to conflicts. They also discuss the impact of high public debt and inflation rates on the country's financial future.

May 9, 2024 • 22min
The Cocoa Crisis
The podcast delves into the cocoa crisis, discussing the sharp rise in cocoa prices and its impacts on chocolate manufacturers. Key topics include the environmental and economic factors driving price increases, the use of 'shrinkflation' by companies, and the influence of speculators on cocoa futures contracts.

Apr 29, 2024 • 23min
Beauty in Distress: What went wrong at The Body Shop?
Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega discuss the rise and fall of The Body Shop, touching on its ethical activism, global expansion, financial struggles, and brand identity. They explore the concept of brand activism, controversies faced by the company, and the impact of corporate acquisitions. The episode serves as a valuable resource for learning business English and delves into the challenges of maintaining ethical values while scaling a business.

Apr 5, 2024 • 21min
The Wide World of Sports Betting in the USA
Explore the history of sports betting in the USA, from the 1919 scandal to legalization in 2018. Learn how online betting transformed the industry and the role of fantasy sports. Discover sports idioms that enhance business English vocabulary.

Mar 22, 2024 • 20min
Soaring Stocks and Semiconductor Success
Economic analysts Skip Montreux & Samantha Vega discuss Japan's Nikkei 225 index hitting new highs and TSMC's semiconductor plant opening. They analyze the impact on Japan's economy and global landscape while teaching business English vocabulary in an engaging manner.

Mar 9, 2024 • 21min
Turbulent Skies: The Shifting Winds of Air Freight and Cargo
Explore the challenges faced by the air cargo and freight industry, from the impact of COVID-19 to the surge in e-commerce demand. Learn about strategies airlines have adopted to convert passenger planes, the distinctions between air freight and cargo, and the evolving needs of global supply chains. Get insights into global trade dynamics and improve your business English skills with Skip and Samantha's informative discussion.

Feb 23, 2024 • 17min
The Digital Nomad Lifestyle
Skip and Samantha dive into the digital nomad lifestyle, discussing its origins and the surge in numbers post-pandemic. They explore demographics, preferred destinations, and the economic/societal impacts, making it a valuable listen for those interested in remote work and improving their business English skills.

Feb 17, 2024 • 22min
Russian Gas Exports to Europe
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 trade and energy dependency while improving their English proficiency.
Dez and Skip discuss the complex issue of Russian gas exports to Europe, a topic central to current geopolitical and economic debates. They examine Europe's reliance on Russian gas and its impact on both politics and the economy, focusing on European strategies to reduce this dependency.
Listeners aiming to enhance their business English will find Skip and Dez’s discussion particularly useful. In this episode they discuss:
The consequences of European countries reliance on Russian gas.
The creative measures taken to circumvent current challenges in energy supply.
The strategic importance of weaning off dependency on a single energy source for achieving autonomy in energy policy and security.
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Contact Skip, Dez, and Samantha at
downtobusinessenglish@gmail.com
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Jan 25, 2024 • 20min
Carbon Capture: climate saving technology or fossil fuel enabler?
The podcast explores carbon capture technology and its potential to reduce carbon emissions. It discusses the different types of carbon capture and the costs involved. The hosts also mention ANA's collaboration with 1PointFive for reducing carbon emissions. The podcast highlights the measures taken by governments to support carbon capture technology. Additionally, the hosts touch upon topics like gasoline costs, public transport, the verb 'enable', the idiom 'the 30,000 foot view', and the term 'abate' in the tech sector.