Down To Business English: Business News To Improve Your Business English

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 into a marketing opportunity. 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: How a personal scandal involving company executives became a global news story. Why Astronomer launched an internal investigation into possible misconduct. How the company managed public perception with

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. 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 reasons why smart glasses failed in the past. How AI is making smart glasses more useful. What Meta, Amazon, Snap Inc., and Google are doing in the smart glasses market. Why tech companies believe smart glasses could be the next big thing. Do you like what you hear? Become a D2B Member today for to acce

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? 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 workforce. 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 definition and origins of ‘blue-collar’ jobs. How attitudes toward skilled trades are changing. Why blue-collar jobs are attracting more workers. Factors behind the skilled trades shortage. Do you like what you hear? Become a D2B Member today for to access to

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? 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 businesses use psychology and clever tactics to make their products more desirable. 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: What scarcity marketing is and how it works. Why companies limit the availability of their products. What ‘loss aversion’, ‘social proof’, and ‘winner’s privilege’ mean in marketing. How Pop M

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? 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. 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: What generative AI is and how it works. How companies use AI in different business areas. What kinds of jobs are most at risk from AI. Why learning how to use AI is important for your future. 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 ep

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. 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. 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 history of satellite development. Who the major players are in the commercial satellite space. How satellite light pollution impacts astronomy. The dangers of space debris. 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.c

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. 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. 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: Why humanoid robots ran in a recent half marathon in China. What Tesla, Boston Dynamics, and Unitree Robotics are doing in the robotics space. The strategic investments by companies like Hyundai, Toyota, and Softbank in robotics. How China has built a cost-effective supply chain for robot deve

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. 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. 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: Why red meat exports are important to New Zealand. How global trade and local rules are changing the industry. What lab-grown meat is and how it could affect farmers. How producers are focusing on quality, not just quantity, to stay competitive. Do you like what you hear? Become a D2B Member today for to access to our -- NEW!!!-- interactive audio scripts, PDF Audio

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. 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 broader trend of global manufacturers shifting operations away from China. Along the way, they highlight the opportunities and obstacles facing India’s footwear market, from new government quality standards to the rise of innovative local brands. 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: Who Hong Fu Industrial Group i

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. Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan explain what Geographical Indications are and why they are important in international business. They look at examples like Champagne and parmesan cheese and discuss how GIs help protect traditional products. They also talk about a disagreement in Jamaica, where a new GI rule for rum is causing trouble for some producers. 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: What a Geographical Indication is and why it is different from a trademark.

China is fast becoming a major player in the global pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Once focused primarily on generic and me-too drugs, Chinese companies are now making headlines with innovative breakthroughs in oncology and gene therapy. Foreign investors are taking notice, pouring billions into partnerships and research projects across the country. But can China maintain this momentum — or will political pressure and consumer skepticism slow things down? Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan explore how China’s pharmaceutical and biotech sectors are reshaping the global healthcare landscape. They trace the industry’s evolution from state-run factories to world-class R&D centers, discuss the surge in foreign investment, and introduce key players like Akeso Biopharma. Along the way, they also unpack some of the challenges that may lie ahead for this fast-growing industry. Their conversation is a great learning resource if you want to build your English listening comprehension skills and expand your busi

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 wor

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 t

Brazil is facing a currency and debt crisis as investor confidence in the country’s economic policies plummets. Since President Lula da Silva returned to office in 2023, increased public spending and rising debt levels have fueled concerns about Brazil’s financial stability. The Brazilian Real has weakened significantly, inflation remains high, and interest rates are soaring. Can Brazil pull itself out of this downward spiral, or is the crisis just beginning? Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan break down Brazil’s economic turmoil. They explore the root causes of the crisis, from government spending policies to investor reactions, and analyze the impact of rising debt and currency devaluation. They also discuss Brazil’s efforts to stabilize the Real, control inflation, and regain investor trust. 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: Why investor confidence in B

In a surprising turn of events, the outgoing Biden administration blocked a $14.9 billion deal for Nippon Steel to acquire US Steel, citing national security concerns. This decision has sparked legal battles, raised diplomatic questions, and left the future of one of America’s most iconic companies uncertain. But is this move purely about security, or are there deeper implications for global business? Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega explore the controversial Nippon Steel-US Steel acquisition. They outline the timeline of events, examine the economic and strategic motivations behind the deal, and analyze why the Biden administration ultimately decided to block it. Their discussion also considers the broader implications for foreign investment in the US and how this decision aligns with the country’s national security and economic policies. 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

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 tech

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

The coffee industry is brewing big changes as Starbucks navigates high CEO turnover and faces a new challenge from Luckin Coffee, China’s largest coffee chain. These developments signal a potential shake-up in the competitive landscape of the global coffee market. Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan report on two major developments in the coffee world. First, Skip examines Starbucks’ history of leadership changes, highlighting its recent struggles with CEO turnover and the challenges of balancing innovation with operational efficiency. Dez then explores Luckin Coffee’s rise to dominance in China and its ambitious plans for international expansion, including breaking into the US market in 2025. 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: A timeline of leadership changes at Starbucks. The unintended consequences of Starbucks’ mobile app. Luckin’s plans to challenge St

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 cooper

China is taking action to boost its slowing economy with different types of economic support. By lowering interest rates, making it easier to borrow money, and helping local governments buy unsold real estate, China hopes to increase growth.  Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan talk about how the Chinese government is using economic stimulus to improve its economy. The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) recently took steps to encourage more borrowing and spending, including lowering interest rates and loosening rules for bank lending. Another important step allows local governments to sell bonds to help fund the purchase of unsold real estate, which indirectly supports property developers. 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: Governments can boost economic growth by cutting taxes, spending on public projects, and lowering interest rates. In the 1930s, the U.S. gove