Best Geographical Indications Podcasts (2025)

1
Back to the Workshop: The Rise of Blue-Collar Careers 19:11

Play Pause

18d ago19:11

19:11

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 in…

1
History of Banksy's trademark battles / S2E1: Banksy 15:22

1M ago15:22

15:22

“Copyright is for losers”, said Banksy, the most famous and the most mysterious street artist in the world. Ironically, his intellectual property disputes are the ones that lawyers all over the world discuss every year. In this episode, intellectual property lawyers Victor and Anton review them and remember the most interesting moments of Banksy's …

1
Scarcity Marketing 24:29

1M ago24:29

24:29

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 t…

1
The State of AI in 2025 20:11

2M ago20:11

20:11

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 ar…

1
Crowded Skies: The Commercial Satellite Boom 19:54

2M ago19:54

19:54

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 ar…

1
The Race to Develop Humanoid Robots 22:56

2M ago22:56

22:56

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 Chin…

1
Meat the Future: New Zealand’s Red Meat Industry in Transition 17:48

3M ago17:48

17:48

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. T…

1
Hong Fu Bets Big on India 19:09

3M ago19:09

19:09

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 …

1
Geographical Indications & Jamaican Rum 18:02

3M ago18:02

18:02

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 ne…

1
China's game-changing pharmaceutical and biotech industry 21:01

3M ago21:01

21:01

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…

1
Time Shift: The Economic Impact of Daylight Saving Time 16:08

4M ago16:08

16:08

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…

1
Rare Earth Minerals Explained 16:24

4M ago16:24

16:24

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). T…

1
Brazilian Currency & Debt Crisis 17:29

5M ago17:29

17:29

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…

1
Steel Standoff: The Blocked Nippon-US Steel Acquisition 17:00

6M ago17:00

17:00

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,…

1
Real Ice and their plan to save Arctic sea ice 16:43

6M ago16:43

16:43

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 im…

1
BuzzFeed’s Hot Sale of Hot Ones 21:56

7M ago21:56

21:56

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 t…

1
Coffee Talk: Starbucks CEO turnover and Luckin's expansion 26:45

7M ago26:45

26:45

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. Fi…

1
BRICS: its aims and how it challenges G7 influence 23:38

8M ago23:38

23:38

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 coine…

1
Understanding Economic Stimulus 21:13

8M ago21:13

21:13

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…

1
Big Tech goes Nuclear 22:24

9M ago22:24

22:24

Big Tech is turning to an unexpected solution to meet the soaring power demands of artificial intelligence — nuclear energy. With Microsoft, Amazon, and Google investing heavily in nuclear technology, this move could reshape energy use in the tech industry. Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega explore the surprising steps that Big Tech is taking to secu…

1
Charles Ponzi - the father of Ponzi schemes - redux 29:49

9M ago29:49

29:49

Ponzi schemes are one of the most famous types of financial fraud, promising big returns but often leaving investors with huge losses. But where did the term "Ponzi scheme" come from, and how do these scams work? In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega discuss the history of the Ponzi scheme and its infamous fou…

1
Savory Snacks: Mars Inc.'s acquisition of Kellanova 18:57

10M ago18:57

18:57

Mars Inc., known for its chocolate products like Mars bars and M&Ms, is making a major move into the savory snack market. With a $35.9 billion deal to acquire Kellanova, Mars is positioning itself to compete with industry giants like PepsiCo. This acquisition could reshape the savory snack landscape and help Mars diversify beyond its traditional ch…

1
Google’s Antitrust Battles 18:19

10M ago18:19

18:19

Google’s dominance in internet search and advertising is under intense legal scrutiny. With two major antitrust lawsuits in the United States, these cases could reshape how we navigate the web and interact with digital ads. The results of these legal battles could have wide-reaching consequences, not just for Google but for the entire tech industry…

1
Panda Diplomacy 22:24

10M ago22:24

22:24

Giant pandas are more than just cute animals—they're key players in China's global diplomacy. Known as "Panda Diplomacy," China has used its iconic bears to strengthen international relationships and influence global politics for centuries. Learn how these animals serve as soft power tools in China’s foreign policy, fostering diplomatic goodwill an…

1
OPEC Explained: Part 2 - History and Present Day Status 8:46

11M ago8:46

8:46

OPEC, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, has played a central role in the global oil market for over six decades. From the 1973 Oil Embargo to the rise of U.S. shale production, OPEC’s influence has evolved as the energy landscape has changed. Despite challenges, the organization continues to be a key player in determining global oi…

1
OPEC Explained: Part 1 - Origins and Strategic Purpose 22:28

11M ago22:28

22:28

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was established in 1960 to give oil-producing nations more control over their resources and influence global oil prices. Initially formed by five countries—Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela — OPEC has grown to include 12 member countries, with 10 additional nations cooperating u…

1
The CrowdStrike Incident: the largest global IT outage in history 9:03

11M ago9:03

9:03

In July, a global IT outage, known as the CrowdStrike Incident, disrupted businesses worldwide. A faulty software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike affected millions of devices, leading to significant financial losses across various sectors. Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega discuss the largest global IT outage in history, triggered by a fau…

1
Over Tourism Issues in Spain and Japan 18:30

12M ago18:30

18:30

Over tourism is becoming a significant issue in popular destinations worldwide, with cities like Barcelona and countries like Japan struggling to balance economic benefits with the challenges of an increasing number of visitors. Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega explore the impact of over tourism in Spain and Japan. They discuss how the surge in tour…

1
The Dow Jones Industrial Average & Dow Theory 24:27

12M ago24:27

24:27

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) remains a vital benchmark for U.S. economic performance, despite being established in 1896. Today, the DJIA and Dow Theory continue to provide investors with valuable insights into market trends. Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan explore the history and significance of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, often refer…

1
Elon Musk vs. The Brazilian Supreme Court 16:11

1y ago16:11

16:11

Elon Musk’s social media platform X faces legal challenges in Brazil over content moderation, highlighting the difficulties global companies encounter with varying legal and cultural standards. Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega discuss the recent legal battle between Elon Musk's X (formerly Twitter) and the Brazilian Supreme Court. They discuss the c…

1
Dr. Copper: How Copper Prices Reflect Global Economic Health 8:21

1y ago8:21

8:21

Copper — a critical industrial metal — holds the intriguing title of "Dr. Copper" for its ability to diagnose the health of the global economy. In this episode, we delve into how copper prices act as an economic barometer and explore the factors influencing its market trends. Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan discuss the concept of "Dr. Copper," examini…

1
Roots of Success: Turkey's Hair Transplant Boom 21:29

1y ago21:29

21:29

Turkey's hair transplant industry is booming, attracting international clients and reshaping the medical tourism landscape. This episode explores the factors driving this growth, including advancements in technology, social acceptance, and economic factors. Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega dive into the rapidly growing hair transplant industry in Tu…

1
South Korean Chaebols & The Korea Discount 25:54

1y ago25:54

25:54

South Korea's economic landscape has been significantly shaped by its large family-owned conglomerates, known as chaebols. These entities have driven the nation's rapid development, but also face criticism for their dominant market position and governance issues. Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan examine the world of South Korean chaebols and the phenom…

1
The US TikTok Ban: what you need to know 21:59

1y ago21:59

21:59

The United States government has taken unprecedented steps to ban the popular social media platform TikTok due to concerns over data security and potential influence from the Chinese government. Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega discuss the recent developments surrounding the US government's decision to ban TikTok unless its Chinese parent company, B…

1
Egypt's Economic Headwinds 7:46

1y ago7:46

7:46

Egypt's economy is facing significant challenges, with key sectors like the Suez Canal and natural gas industry experiencing sharp declines in revenue. These difficulties are exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and internal economic issues, creating a complex landscape for the country's financial future. Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan report on the …

1
The Cocoa Crisis 22:27

1y ago22:27

22:27

The global chocolate industry is grappling with a steep rise in cocoa prices, leading to significant changes for producers and consumers alike. This unprecedented surge, driven by unusual weather patterns and long-standing structural challenges, has sent shockwaves through the market, forcing chocolate manufacturers to rethink recipes, pricing, and…

1
Beauty in Distress: What went wrong at The Body Shop? 23:29

1y ago23:29

23:29

The Body Shop, once a leader in ethical consumerism and a pioneer in brand activism within the cosmetics industry, has faced a dramatic downturn. This episode of Down to Business English examines the rise and fall of a company that set the standard for corporate responsibility but has recently struggled with bankruptcy and ownership changes. Skip M…

51
The Wide World of Sports Betting in the USA 20:49

1+ y ago20:49

20:49

Learn how sports betting went from being a national concern to a booming industry in the USA, all while picking up sports-related idioms and expressions that cross over into business English. Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega look at the world of sports betting in the USA. From the 1919 World Series scandal to the monumental shift in 2018 when sports…

51
Soaring Stocks and Semiconductor Success 19:57

1+ y ago19:57

19:57

Discover the latest economic developments in Japan, focusing on the Nikkei 225 index reaching a new high and the opening of a TSMC semiconductor plant in Kumamoto. This episode is a great chance to learn business English vocabulary related to important economic changes. Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega examine recent economic milestones in Japan, in…

51
Turbulent Skies: The Shifting Winds of Air Freight and Cargo 20:35

1+ y ago20:35

20:35

The Air Cargo and Freight industry has faced many challenges over the past few years. The COVID-19 pandemic, increasing operational costs, and fluctuating customer demand have all been issues the industry has had to deal with. In this episode of Down to Business English we look at all of these factors. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to …

51
The Digital Nomad Lifestyle 17:13

1+ y ago17:13

17:13

Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega explore the world of digital nomads in this enlightening episode of Down to Business English. As the concept of digital nomadism gains traction worldwide, this is a timely and relevant conversation. Listeners will gain valuable insights into this lifestyle choice while improving their business English vocabulary and …

51
Russian Gas Exports to Europe 21:53

1+ y ago21:53

21:53

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 en…

51
Carbon Capture: climate saving technology or fossil fuel enabler? 20:22

1+ y ago20:22

20:22

In today's world, where all of us are trying to be more environmentally responsible, this episode of Down to Business English is very timely. Co-hosts Samantha Vega and Skip Montreux not only talk about the important topic of carbon capture technology but also help you to improve your business English vocabulary and listening comprehension skills. …

51
The Cruise Line Industry 21:59

1+ y ago21:59

21:59

The start of 2024 brings with it not only new resolutions but also new insights into one of the most dynamic sectors of global tourism - the cruise line industry. After weathering the storms of the pandemic, this industry has emerged not just afloat but thriving. The Cruise Line Industry industry has a history of making waves — from its transformat…

1
Copyrights to Elvish and Traditional knowledge of Bionicle / Copycast by CLAIMS / S1E6: Tolkien 2 22:58

1+ y ago22:58

22:58

Did Tolkien have copyrights to the languages created by him? Why Māori are more powerful than the Professor? And how the Oracle vs. Google case helps us to understand the protection of Quenya? In this episode, intellectual property lawyers Victor and Anton talk about legal protection of Quenya, Java, Māori and other languages. Key moments: 00:00 Go…

51
Economies across the Eurozone 18:46

1+ y ago18:46

18:46

The Eurozone presents a variety of contrasting economic stories. Germany and France, the bloc's largest economies, are navigating through a period of uncertainty that reflects broader trends impacting the region. Meanwhile, smaller economies like Ireland and Belgium are experiencing growth, highlighting the diverse economic conditions within the Eu…

51
The exit and reinstatement of Sam Altman 19:36

1+ y ago19:36

19:36

In a week marked by unexpected turns and twists, OpenAI, the leader in AI development, witnessed a whirlwind of leadership changes that captured the attention of the business and tech world. In this episode of Down to Business English, Skip Montreux and Samantha Vega take listeners through the riveting series of events at OpenAI, beginning with a s…

1
Copyright to LOTR, Trademarked Middle-earth, and Amazon's deal on the Second Age / S1E5: Tolkien 31:41

1+ y ago31:41

31:41

How long should we wait until Tolkien's legacy becomes public domain? Or will it never happen due to trademarks? Who exactly owns the rights to the world of Middle-earth, and why is 'The Rings of Power' considered Amazon's fan-fiction? In this episode of #Copycast, IP lawyers Victor and Anton explore the world of intellectual property rights to the…

51
Rupert Murdoch: a retrospective of a media mogul 24:37

2y ago24:37

24:37

Rupert Murdoch, the titan behind global media empire News Corp and Fox Broadcasting, has announced he is stepping down. This marks the end of a staggering 70-year career that has had far-reaching influences in business, entertainment, and politics. Skip Montreux and Dez Morgan take you on a comprehensive retrospective of Murdoch's illustrious and o…

51
Unwrapping Kit Kat 25:23

2y ago25:23

25:23

Become a D2B Member Today and get a 25% discount on an annual membership plan. Visit the Down to Business English website and use the discount code: D2B252023 at checkout Kit Kat, a chocolate bar that has transcended borders and cultures, offers an intriguing lesson in business English. From its humble beginnings in a 17th-century pie shop to its c…