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Down to Business English

Skip Montreux, Dez Morgan & Samantha Vega | Business English Instructors
  • 4.7 (29)
  • Language 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 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. 1d ago

    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 commonly buy, such as groceries, clothes, transport, household items, and services. Skip and Dez then discuss how this basket changes over time. The items are updated every year to reflect changes in consumer habits and lifestyles. This year, items such as hummus, alcohol-free beer, pet grooming services, and motorhomes were added to the UK basket, while premium lager bought in a pub was removed. Next, they look at why accurate inflation data is so important. CPI can influence pension increases, wage negotiations, and central bank decisions. If inflation is above a target level, a central bank may raise interest rates, which can affect mortgages, credit cards, and economic growth. Finally, Skip and Dez discuss some of the more complicated methods used in inflation calculations. These include substitution, Chained CPI, Owner’s Equivalent Rent, and hedonic adjustments. These methods can be controversial because they raise an important question: should inflation measure only what people spend, or should it also consider changes in product quality? This episode helps listeners understand how inflation is calculated while building practical Business English skills. In this episode, you will learn: How CPI is used to measure inflation. What a representative basket of goods and services means. Why the CPI basket changes as consumer habits change. How CPI can affect pensions, wages, interest rates, and central bank policy. What substitution, Chained CPI, Owner’s Equivalent Rent, and hedonic adjustments mean. Why some people are skeptical of how inflation is measured. 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

    25 min
  2. Tokenmaxxing and the Corporate AI Pullback - Bonus Vocabulary

    Jun 21 • Subscribers Only

    Tokenmaxxing and the Corporate AI Pullback - Bonus Vocabulary

    Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan provide bonus vocabulary explanations and examples for words and phrases used in D2B 414 - Tokenmaxxing and the Corporate AI Pullback. After explaining the words and expressions in the context of how they were used in D2B 414 - Tokenmaxxing and the Corporate AI Pullback, Skip and Dez demonstrate how these words and phrases can be used in a business-related role-play. The words they explain are: 🔸 To pad something (verb phrase) 🔸 Seamlessly (adverb) 🔸 Behind-the-scenes (expression) 🔸 To hit the brakes (idiom) 🔸 To jump on the bandwagon (idiom) 🔸 To cash in (phrasal verb)

    18 min

  3. Jun 13

    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 explains how agentic AI is different from normal AI prompts. Instead of doing one task, agentic AI can work more independently. It can search for information, make decisions, check results, and repeat tasks many times. This can be very useful, but it can also use a lot of computing power and become expensive. Next, they discuss several large companies. Uber reportedly spent its yearly AI budget in only four months, which led to strict monthly token limits for developers. Amazon stopped an internal AI leaderboard, and Microsoft canceled many internal Claude Code licenses after AI costs increased too quickly. Finally, Skip and Dez talk about the bigger business impact. Companies are no longer focusing only on how much AI employees use. Instead, they want to measure how much useful work AI produces. This idea is called Inference Yield. This change could have a big effect on AI companies, especially companies like Anthropic and OpenAI as they prepare for possible future IPOs. This episode helps listeners understand the business costs of using AI while building practical Business English skills. In this episode, you will learn: How token-based AI pricing can lead to unexpected costs for companies. Why agentic AI can use many more tokens than normal AI prompts. How companies like Uber, Amazon, and Microsoft are dealing with high AI usage. Why businesses are focusing more on useful AI results than on AI activity. How limits on AI spending could affect the future value of major AI companies. 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

    25 min
  4. Guyana’s Oil Boom - Bonus Vocabulary

    Jun 3 ·  Bonus • Subscribers Only

    Guyana’s Oil Boom - Bonus Vocabulary

    Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan provide bonus vocabulary explanations and examples for words and phrases used in D2B 412 - Guyana’s Oil Boom. After explaining the words and expressions in the context of how they were used in D2B 412 - Guyana’s Oil Boom, Skip and Dez demonstrate how these words and phrases can be used in a business-related role-play. The words they explain are: 🔸 To be reliant on something (adjective) 🔸 A legacy (Noun) 🔸 To reconcile (Verb) 🔸 A paradox (Noun) 🔸 A windfall (Noun) 🔸 To trickle down (Phrasal Verb)

    16 min

  5. 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
  6. Sneakernomics Revisited - Bonus Vocabulary

    May 15 ·  Bonus • Subscribers Only

    Sneakernomics Revisited - Bonus Vocabulary

    Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan provide bonus vocabulary explanations and examples for words and phrases used in D2B 410 - Sneakernomics Revisited. After explaining the words and expressions in the context of how they were used in D2B 410 - Sneakernomics Revisited, Skip and Dez demonstrate how these words and phrases can be used in a business-related role-play. The words they explain are: 🔸 A landscape (noun) 🔸 To go down the same/similar road (expression) 🔸 o be cut and dry (expression) 🔸 To mock (verb) 🔸 Scrutiny (noun)

    17 min

  7. 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
  8. The Great Kiwi Exodus - Bonus Vocabulary

    Apr 15 ·  Bonus • Subscribers Only

    The Great Kiwi Exodus - Bonus Vocabulary

    Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega provide bonus vocabulary explanations and examples for words and phrases used in D2B 408 - The Great Kiwi Exodus. After explaining the words and expressions in the context of how they were used in D2B 408 - The Great Kiwi Exodus, Skip and Samantha demonstrate how these words and phrases can be used in a business-related role-play. The words they explain are: 🔸 In one way, shape, or form (idiom) 🔸 Workload (noun) 🔸 A positive outcome (collocation) 🔸 To be full-fledged (adjective) 🔸 A ramification (noun) 🔸 Across the board (expression)

    13 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Skip Montreux, Dez Morgan & Samantha Vega | Business English Instructors
  • Years Active
    2010 - 2026
  • Episodes
    222
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Down to Business English
  • Provider
    Malcolm Kostiuk

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