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Down to Business English

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

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.

  1. May 28

    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, a country traditionally known for mining, agriculture, tourism, biodiversity, and untouched rainforest. Skip explains how ExxonMobil’s 2015 Liza-1 discovery opened the door to more than 30 additional oil discoveries. The discussion then moves to the economic impact. Guyana’s GDP growth has surged but the boom also brings challenges, including labor shortages, pressure on traditional industries, and the need for highly skilled offshore drilling workers. Finally, Skip and Samantha explore a major paradox — Guyana produces large amounts of crude oil but lacks domestic refining capacity, leaving the country exposed to fuel shortages and high import costs. This episode gives listeners a clear look at how a natural resource boom can transform a national economy In this episode, you will learn: How oil production is changing Guyana’s economy, workforce, and public finances. Why the Natural Resource Fund is important for managing oil revenues. How Guyana is trying to balance oil production with its green development strategy. Why a country that produces crude oil can still suffer from fuel shortages. 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

    22 min
  2. Apr 25

    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. Then they explore why Nike, in particular, appears to be facing headwinds. Dez explains the argument that Nike may have moved too far toward celebrity culture and fashion, and too far away from the sports performance identity that made it so dominant in the first place. They also discuss how Adidas followed a similar path through its high-profile partnership with Kanye West, now known as Ye. The conversation then turns to China, where Nike’s sales have fallen sharply. Skip and Dez discuss the role of weak consumer spending, rising ‘buy local’ sentiment, and the Guochao movement — the ‘National Trend’ that encourages younger Chinese consumers to support products that combine modern design with Chinese cultural identity. Finally, they look at how newer brands like Hoka and On are gaining market share by building clear product identities, and how Anta Sports is trying to expand its global influence through a planned 29% stake in Puma. This episode gives listeners a clear and practical look at how the sportswear industry is becoming more competitive, more fragmented, and more global — while helping you build your Business English. In this episode, you will learn: What has changed in the global sportswear market since D2B first covered ‘Sneakernomics’ in 2019. Why Nike and Adidas may be under pressure despite remaining major global brands. How China’s Guochao movement is influencing consumer behavior and brand loyalty. Why challenger brands like Hoka and On are gaining attention in the footwear market. How Anta Sports is trying to strengthen its global position through its planned investment in Puma. 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

    26 min
  3. Apr 8

    The Great Kiwi Exodus

    New Zealand is seeing a record number of its citizens leave the country, with many moving to Australia for better pay, stronger career prospects, and a different lifestyle. What is driving this exodus and what it could mean for New Zealand’s future? 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 look at the scale of the departure, including the number of New Zealand citizens who left in 2025 and explore the main reasons behind the trend, including the high cost of living, better employment opportunities, and lifestyle. This episode gives listeners an insight on a major workforce and economic challenge facing New Zealand — while helping you build your Business English. In this episode, you will learn: Why so many New Zealand citizens are leaving the country, and why Australia is the main destination. How cost of living, salary differences, and career opportunities are driving the exodus. What impact this labor migration is having on education, healthcare, and the wider economy. Why this trend is raising concerns about New Zealand’s future workforce, tax base, and public infrastructure. 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

    19 min
  4. Mar 27

    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. Skip and Samantha's report gives listeners a clear and practical look at an important business and technology story, while helping you build your Business English. In this episode, you will learn: What ‘a red line’ means in a business ethics context. Why Anthropic refused two military uses of its AI. What it means to be called a ‘supply chain risk to national security’. How government decisions can affect private companies and contractors. Why this case matters for the future of AI and business. 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

    21 min

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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

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.

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