Podcast · Learning

Down to Business English

by Skip Montreux, Dez Morgan & Samantha Vega | Business English Instructors · English · Learning

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 discu

New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 21 min
Latest: 26 Sep 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

26 Sep 2026 · 32 min

100 Coffins - The Life and Times of Zhu Rongji

Zhu Rongji went from being branded a political outcast to becoming one of the most important economic reformers in modern Chinese history. As mayor of Shanghai, vice premier, central bank governor and eventually premier, he helped tackle inflation, restructure China’s huge state-owned sector and push the country toward greater integration with the global economy. In this episode, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan look back on Zhu Rongji’s remarkable life and career, from his difficult early years to his role in transforming Shanghai and helping bring China into the World Trade Organization. Skip…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S17 · E422 · 20 Aug 2026 · 26 min
The Yen Carry Trade
For nearly thirty years, extremely low interest rates in Japan have made the yen one of the world’s most important funding currencies. Investors have borrowed cheap yen and invested the money in higher-yielding assets around the world. But as the Bank of Japan raises interest rates, could this huge flow of money begin to reverse? In this episode, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega explain how the Japanese yen carry trade works, why it has helped support global financial markets, and why changes in Japanese monetary policy could create serious risks for investors around the world. Skip and…
S17 · E420 · 10 Aug 2026 · 23 min
The Fall and Resurgence of Intel … Maybe
For decades, Intel was one of the most dominant companies in the global technology industry. Its processors powered the majority of personal computers, and its ability to both design and manufacture its own chips gave the company a major competitive advantage. But a series of strategic and manufacturing problems caused Intel to lose ground to competitors. In this episode, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan examine Intel’s decline from its position at the top of the semiconductor industry and look at several recent developments that could signal a possible resurgence. Dez begins by looking back at…
S17 · E418 · 31 Jul 2026 · 24 min
RAMageddon
The rapid growth of artificial intelligence is creating enormous demand for advanced memory chips. As chip manufacturers move more of their resources toward High Bandwidth Memory, or HBM, the supply of traditional RAM and flash memory is being squeezed. In this episode, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega examine the global memory shortage that has been dubbed “RAMageddon” and explain why it is increasing the cost of laptops, smartphones, cars, medical equipment, and many other products. Skip begins by explaining the three main types of memory involved in the current shortage. RAM allows…
S17 · E416 · 10 Jul 2026 · 25 min
Calculating Inflation
Inflation affects almost every part of the economy — from food prices and wages to pensions, mortgages, and central bank policy. But how is inflation actually calculated? In this episode, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan look at the Consumer Price Index, or CPI, and explain how governments measure changes in the cost of goods and services over time. They start by explaining CPI, one of the main figures used to measure inflation. Dez explains how the Office for National Statistics in the UK tracks the price of a representative basket of goods and services. This basket includes many things people…
S17 · E414 · 13 Jun 2026 · 25 min
Tokenmaxxing and the Corporate AI Pullback
AI tools were expected to help companies work faster, spend less money, and become more productive. But what happens when employees use so much AI that costs become too high? In this episode, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan look at tokenmaxxing — a new business problem where AI costs grow much more than expected and why some companies are reducing their AI use. They start by explaining what tokens are and why they are important. Many AI companies charge businesses based on the number of tokens their employees use. When employees use too many tokens, AI costs can increase very quickly. Skip then…
S17 · E412 · 28 May 2026 · 22 min
Guyana’s Oil Boom
Guyana has become one of the world’s fastest-growing economies after major offshore oil discoveries transformed its economic outlook. In this episode, we look at how this small South American country is managing a sudden oil boom — and the opportunities and risks that come with it. In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega get Down to Business with Guyana’s offshore oil boom. They begin by discussing how rising oil prices and global supply concerns show how sensitive the world economy is to energy markets and Middle East tensions. Then they turn to Guyana,…
S17 · E410 · 25 Apr 2026 · 26 min
Sneakernomics Revisited
The global sportswear market has changed a lot since Down to Business English first covered ‘Sneakernomics’ back in 2019 (D2B 154). Nike and Adidas are still major players, but they are facing new pressure from challenger brands, changing consumer behavior in China, and the rise of domestic competitors like Anta Sports. In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan get Down to Business with the changing landscape of the global sportswear industry. They begin by looking at the major players in the market, including Nike, Adidas, Anta Sports, Lululemon, and Puma.…
S17 · E408 · 8 Apr 2026 · 19 min
The Great Kiwi Exodus
New Zealand is losing workers at a record pace, with tens of thousands of citizens leaving the country and many heading to Australia. In this episode, we look at why so many New Zealanders are leaving, what is pulling them overseas, and how this growing labor exodus is affecting the country’s economy and public services. In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega get Down to Business with New Zealand’s growing labor exodus. They begin by looking at the scale of the departure, including the number of New Zealand citizens who left in 2025 and the fact that…
S17 · E406 · 27 Mar 2026 · 21 min
Anthropic v. The United States
Oil prices are rising, flights are being canceled, and businesses around the world are feeling the pressure. But another major conflict is also affecting business: a legal fight between AI company Anthropic and the US government. In this episode, we look at how this case raises important questions about business ethics, government power, and the future of AI. In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega get Down to Business with a major legal dispute between Anthropic, the company behind Claude AI, and the US government. They begin by talking about the wider…
S17 · E404 · 14 Mar 2026 · 22 min
Hallyu and the K-Beauty Industry
South Korea’s cosmetics industry has become a major global force. In 2024, South Korea ranked as the world’s second-largest exporter of beauty products, ahead of the United States and behind only France. In this episode, we look at how K-beauty has grown alongside the global rise of Korean popular culture — a phenomenon known as ‘Hallyu’, or the ‘Korean Wave’. In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan get Down to Business with the rise of South Korea’s K-beauty industry. They begin by explaining the meaning of ‘Hallyu’ and how the worldwide popularity of…
S17 · E402 · 28 Feb 2026 · 17 min
SCOTUS Strikes Down Trump’s Trade Tariffs
On February 20, 2026, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruled that the U.S. President cannot use the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose trade tariffs. That decision removes a key legal basis behind the 2025 tariff program — but it does not remove uncertainty for global business. In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega get Down to Business with the court decision that reshaped the U.S. tariff story. They review the timeline of how the tariff policy expanded in 2025 — including reciprocal tariffs that ranged from 10%…
S17 · E400 · 9 Feb 2026 · 20 min
The Netflix–Warner Bros. Acquisition (Part 1)
Netflix has won the bidding battle for Warner Bros. Discovery’s major entertainment assets — and the deal is now moving into its next phase. Even though the final paperwork isn’t fully complete, the competitive fight is effectively over. Paramount’s rival bid failed to gain enough shareholder support, and Netflix’s all-cash offer is the one Warner’s board is backing. In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega get Down to Business with Netflix’s successful bid to acquire key Warner Bros. assets. They walk listeners through the “roller coaster” timeline that…
S16 · E398 · 31 Dec 2025 · 20 min
AI Slop: How Low-Quality Content Is Flooding the Internet
AI-generated content is spreading fast — from strange social media videos to fake product reviews and “polished” workplace writing that says very little. This flood of low-quality output is often called AI slop, and it is creating real problems for consumers, platforms, and businesses. In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega get Down to Business with AI slop — the growing wave of low-quality, AI-generated content that is showing up across the internet. They explain what AI slop looks like on platforms like YouTube, how it is impacting online shopping…
S16 · E396 · 21 Dec 2025 · 20 min
GLP-1 Inhibitors
GLP-1 weight loss drugs are changing the global pharmaceutical market. Products like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are now household names, and competition between drug makers is becoming more intense. As new companies enter this fast-growing market, the question is: who will come out on top? In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan get Down to Business with GLP-1 inhibitors — the drugs behind today’s weight-loss boom. They explain who the main players are, including Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, and compare their leading products. The discussion also looks at…
S16 · E394 · 5 Dec 2025 · 22 min
Jaguar
British automaker Jaguar is undergoing one of the boldest transformations in its 100-year history. From switching to an all-electric lineup to unveiling a new brand identity, Jaguar is taking a radical approach to stay relevant in a fast-changing automotive market. But will its rebrand resonate with consumers — or alienate its traditional base? In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan get Down to Business with Jaguar — one of the UK’s most iconic automotive brands. Their conversation traces Jaguar’s history, from its early days as a motorcycle sidecar maker…
S16 · E392 · 28 Oct 2025 · 19 min
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam
Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is Africa’s biggest hydroelectric project. It is a great step forward for Ethiopia’s development, but it is also a source of conflict with Egypt and Sudan, which depend on the Nile River for almost all of their water. In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega talk about how the GERD was built, why Ethiopia needs it, and why its neighbors are worried about its impact. They also look at how the project could bring both opportunities and risks to East Africa’s energy and business sectors. D2B 392 explains how…
S16 · E390 · 25 Sep 2025 · 22 min
Image Washing
From rainbow logos during Pride Month to eco-friendly rebrands by oil giants, businesses often try to make themselves look more responsible than they really are. These tactics — known as ‘image washing’ — can involve sports, social causes, AI, or environmental promises. In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan explore the world of “image washing.” They define the term and discuss common forms such as sportswashing, pinkwashing, AI washing, and greenwashing. They also talk about well-known cases like BP’s “Beyond Petroleum” campaign and discuss certification…
S16 · E388 · 6 Sep 2025 · 17 min
The Stablecoin Gold Rush — Why Wall Street Is Betting on Digital Dollars
Stablecoins are suddenly the hottest topic in global finance. From Wall Street giants like Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan, to governments in the U.S., Japan, and even China, everyone is rushing to get a piece of the digital dollar market. But what exactly are stablecoins, and why are they attracting so much attention? In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega unpack the booming world of stablecoins. They explain what makes stablecoins different from cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, why new U.S. regulations (the GENIUS Act) have given them legitimacy, and how…
S16 · E386 · 18 Aug 2025 · 19 min
The Protein Push: From Bodybuilding Niche to Global Trend
Once limited to gyms and fitness circles, protein-packed products have gone mainstream. From “proffee” at Starbucks to high-protein rice balls at Japanese convenience stores, protein is everywhere — and the market is booming. In this episode of Down to Business English, Samantha Vega and Skip Montreux explore the rise of the high-protein food market. They discuss why demand for protein is surging, the role of health-conscious consumers and weight-loss medications, and how major brands like Starbucks are repositioning themselves to meet this growing trend. D2B 386 examines how protein has…
S16 · E384 · 11 Aug 2025 · 14 min
The Coldplay Kiss-Cam Scandal
A viral Kiss Cam moment at a Coldplay concert exposed an affair between two executives of the data tech company Astronomer, forcing both to resign. But instead of hiding from the scandal, Astronomer turned the incident into a surprising PR win. In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega unpack the recent PR scandal involving Astronomer’s CEO and head of HR. They review the timeline of events — from the concert mishap to the viral social media storm — and explain how the company’s partnership with Ryan Reynolds’ ad agency transformed the negative attention…
S16 · E382 · 24 Jul 2025 · 24 min
Reimagining Wearables
Smart glasses are making a comeback, with big tech companies hoping these AI-powered wearables will soon become part of everyday life. But will smart glasses finally become popular, or will they fail again like before? In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan talk about the return of smart glasses. They discuss why Google’s first smart glasses did not succeed, and how companies like Meta, Amazon, Snap Inc., and Google are trying again with new features and better technology. D2B 382 looks at the new generation of smart glasses and explains how better AI and…
S16 · E380 · 5 Jul 2025 · 19 min
Back to the Workshop: The Rise of Blue-Collar Careers
Blue-collar jobs are making a comeback around the world. As white-collar office work loses some of its shine, skilled trades are attracting more people than ever before—with higher pay, job security, and newfound respect. But what’s driving this shift, and what challenges still face blue-collar workers today? In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega dive into the rising popularity of blue-collar careers. They explore why young people are increasingly choosing trade roles over office jobs, how wages are changing, and what it all means for the global…
S16 · E378 · 18 Jun 2025 · 24 min
Scarcity Marketing
Scarcity can make people want something more — even if they didn’t want it in the first place. Whether it’s the new Nintendo Switch 2 or a rare collectible toy, businesses are using clever marketing strategies to create hype and boost sales. But what exactly is scarcity marketing, and why does it work so well? In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan explore the world of scarcity marketing — a strategy used by companies to drive demand by limiting the availability of their products. From global tech brands to niche toy companies, Skip and Dez break down how…
S16 · E376 · 4 Jun 2025 · 20 min
The State of AI in 2025
Artificial Intelligence is no longer something from the future — it is already here. From helping people work faster to causing job losses, AI is changing how we live and work. But are we ready for these big changes? In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan talk about how AI is changing the modern workplace. They explain what generative AI is, how companies are using it to improve productivity, and the problems it is causing — especially for young people starting their careers. D2B 376 looks at both the good and bad sides of AI. AI is helping people and…
S16 · E374 · 23 May 2025 · 20 min
Crowded Skies: The Commercial Satellite Boom
You’ve seen them streak across the sky — tiny points of light that are not stars. Satellites are now so numerous, they are changing the night sky and creating new challenges. In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega look at the booming business of commercial satellites. From SpaceX’s Starlink to Amazon’s Project Kuiper, they examine how private companies are transforming space into the next frontier of global internet infrastructure. D2B 374 looks at both the positives and negatives of putting more satellites into space — they help bring internet to more…
S16 · E372 · 17 May 2025 · 23 min
The Race to Develop Humanoid Robots
Robots competing in a half marathon? It might sound like science fiction, but it recently happened in Beijing. Humanoid robots are moving out of the lab and into the real world — and the race to bring them to market is heating up. In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan explore the fast-growing industry of humanoid robots. From Tesla’s Optimus project to China’s state-backed ‘robot schools’, they discuss the companies pushing development forward, the technology powering these machines, and the economic forces shaping this emerging market. D2B 372 looks at…
S16 · E370 · 7 May 2025 · 18 min
Meat the Future: New Zealand’s Red Meat Industry in Transition
When people think of New Zealand, they often imagine green fields and lots of sheep. But the country’s red meat industry — beef and lamb — is facing big changes. Global trade problems, climate rules, and new food trends are creating serious challenges. In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega look at New Zealand’s red meat industry and how it is changing. They explain the history of the industry, its importance to the economy, and the problems it now faces. D2B 370 shows how New Zealand’s red meat industry is trying to grow and change in a world that is…
S16 · E368 · 27 Apr 2025 · 19 min
Hong Fu Bets Big on India
You might not recognize the name Hong Fu Industrial Group — but chances are, you’ve worn their products. As the second-largest manufacturer of sports shoes in the world, Hong Fu produces footwear for major brands like Nike and Adidas. Now, with changing global markets, Hong Fu is making a big move into India. In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan dive into the story of Hong Fu Industrial Group, a Taiwanese OEM powerhouse in the sports footwear industry. They explain Hong Fu’s $130 million investment in a new factory in Tamil Nadu, India, and discuss the…
S16 · E366 · 19 Apr 2025 · 18 min
Geographical Indications & Jamaican Rum
Some products are famous because of where they come from — like Champagne from France or Scotch whisky from Scotland. Products like these are protected by something called a Geographical Indication, or GI. A GI means the product must be made in a certain place and follow certain rules. But sometimes, these rules can cause problems. In Jamaica, a new rule about Jamaican rum is causing a big debate. In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan explain what Geographical Indications are and why they are important in international business. They look at examples like…

About Down to Business English

Down to Business English is a English learning podcast from Skip Montreux, Dez Morgan & Samantha Vega | Business English Instructors. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Skip Montreux, Dez Morgan & Samantha Vega | Business English Instructors
Language: English
Category: Learning
New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 21 min
Latest episode: 26 Sep 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id366265697
Rights: 2025

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