Skip Montreux – Down to Business English

Episode 237: 2022 Year in Review

Release Date: December 30, 2022
Hosts: Skip Montreux (Tokyo, Japan) & Samantha Vega (New Plymouth, New Zealand)

Episode Overview

In this year-end episode, Skip and Samantha reflect on some of the most notable business news stories they covered throughout 2022. They revisit and discuss updates on high-profile topics such as Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, the aftermath of Will Smith’s Academy Awards incident, and the controversial dismissal of Canadian news anchor Lisa LaFlamme. The episode is designed both as a review of the year's most talked-about business stories and as a resource to improve business English vocabulary. The hosts maintain their engaging, friendly tone, encouraging listener participation and learning.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Podcasting in 2022: A Productive Year

• [02:14] Skip notes that the team produced 36 episodes in 2022, covering a wide range of business news – from reverse logistics to UK financial reforms.

  “Somehow managed to produce a total of 36 episodes. All the way from D2B201 on reverse logistics to D2B236 about the Edinburgh financial reforms in the UK.” (Skip, 02:18)

2. Elon Musk & Twitter’s Tumultuous Year

• [03:37] to [06:33]
  The hosts revisit D2B208 (April 2022):
  • Musk’s Takeover: Elon Musk finalized his purchase of Twitter on October 27, 2022.
  • Dramatic Changes: Musk made drastic moves: laying off 50% of staff, eliminating remote work, overhauling verification, and reinstating controversial accounts (e.g., Donald Trump).

    “Within a very short time, he fired almost 50% of the Twitter workforce, gave the remaining workers an ultimatum… canceled Twitter's work from home policy, made a mess of the Twitter certification system…” (Skip, 04:06)

  • Advertiser Exodus: Major advertisers like General Motors and Volkswagen suspended their ads, pressured by activist groups.

    “Some major Twitter advertisers have suspended their ads on Twitter... These companies are getting a lot of pressure not to advertise on Twitter from activist groups…” (Skip, 05:46)

  • Poll for Resignation: Musk polled users about stepping down as CEO—57.5% said “yes,” but Musk’s response has been evasive.

    “He has been very evasive about it… He has also said that future polls will only be open to paying Twitter customers.” (Skip, 05:20)

  • Business Impact: The hosts agree there’s no clear sign yet of Twitter improving under Musk’s leadership.

3. Will Smith’s Oscar Slap Fallout

• [06:40] to [08:38]
  • Low Profile & Apologies: Following the infamous slap, Will Smith stayed out of the spotlight for months, eventually issuing a public apology via social media.
  • Return to Public Life: Smith began reappearing, most notably on The Daily Show to discuss the incident and promote his new film, Emancipation.

    “He is starting to venture out into the spotlight again, a very important step in resurrecting his career.” (Samantha, 07:15)

  • Oscar Eligibility: Smith remains banned from attending the ceremony but can still be nominated for awards.

    “He is banned from attending the ceremony, but not from being nominated for an award.” (Skip, 08:07)

  • Career Prospects: Positive signs for Smith’s career recovery, including potential for Bad Boys 4.

4. The Lisa LaFlamme Controversy: Ageism in Canadian Media

• [08:49] to [12:13]
  Reflecting on D2B222 (September 2022):
  • Dismissal: Bell Media’s firing of news anchor Lisa LaFlamme (CTV News) sparked public backlash and accusations of ageism.

    “Bell Media, one of Canada's largest media companies, was accused of blatant ageism when they fired LaFlamme...” (Skip, 08:58)

  • Industry & Public Reaction: Corporate support, including brands like Wendy’s Canada altering their logos in solidarity.
  • Company Response: Bell Media put the executive responsible (Michael Melling) on leave and launched an independent workplace review.
  • Review Results & Consequences: The review cited fear of reprisal and recommended improving civility and respect. Melling was reassigned but retained a job.

    “The independent review was finished. It found... people were afraid to raise concerns for fear of reprisal, and that... there was a need for greater civility and respect in the newsroom.” (Samantha, 10:09)

  • LaFlamme’s Next Steps: LaFlamme was hired by a competitor (Rogers Media) to cover Queen Elizabeth’s funeral and was invested into the Order of Canada.

    “Just last month, on November 4, she was invested into the Order of Canada.” (Samantha, 11:16) “At the ceremony… she was hailed as one of Canada’s most recognizable journalists...” (Samantha, 12:05)

5. Vocabulary Spotlight – Key Business English Terms

• [15:49] to [23:34]
  Samantha and Skip break down five high-frequency business expressions drawn from the episode’s discussions:

  • To make waves / To cause a ruckus

    • Definition: To be noticeably active, often causing trouble or disruption.
    • Example: Elon Musk “made waves” and “caused a ruckus” since buying Twitter. ([16:10]–[16:59])

  • Evasive

    • Definition: Avoiding a direct answer, often to escape a difficult situation.
    • Example: Musk has been “evasive” about stepping down as CEO. ([17:39]–[18:29])

  • Rationale

    • Definition: Reasoning or logic for a decision.
    • Example: Used in business meetings to ask for the “rationale” behind ideas. ([19:23]–[20:11])

  • To venture

    • Definition: To cautiously proceed or explore—a business “venture” or making tentative public moves.
    • Example: Will Smith “ventured out into the spotlight”. ([20:22]–[21:39])

  • To weather (a situation)

    • Definition: To successfully endure a difficult circumstance.
    • Example: Bell Media “weathered all the negative press”; Japanese companies “weathering” a weak yen. ([21:39]–[23:26])

Notable Vocabulary Quotes

• “To make waves means to be active to such an extent that other people notice you… usually to cause some kind of trouble.” (Samantha, 16:24)
• “When someone or something is described as evasive… it means the person or thing is trying to avoid a difficult situation by being unclear...” (Skip, 17:39)
• “A rationale is the basic reason, thinking or logic for doing something.” (Samantha, 19:23)
• “To venture somewhere means to go or proceed in a cautious or careful manner.” (Skip, 20:22)
• “When you say that you have weathered something, you are communicating that you are successfully dealing with a difficult situation.” (Samantha, 21:39)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “You make it sound so peaceful.” (Samantha on New Year’s in Japan, 01:59)
• “I think you would need to be living under a rock not to know that.” (Samantha on Musk/Twitter news, 04:06)
• “No company wants to be at the wrong end of a well organized boycott.” (Samantha, 06:25)
• “Will Smith is going to be back on the actors a list in no time.” (Samantha, 08:32)
• “She was hailed as one of Canada’s most recognizable journalists and an inspirational role model to news broadcasting.” (Samantha, 12:05)

Timeline of Major Segments

• 00:20 – Opening greetings and holiday talk
• 02:14 – Yearly episode output
• 03:37 – Recalling major 2022 stories: Twitter & Will Smith
• 04:01 – Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover recap and consequences
• 06:40 – Will Smith’s post-incident updates and career prospects
• 08:49 – Lisa LaFlamme’s dismissal: Aftermath and review findings
• 12:15 – Transition to Business English vocabulary segment
• 15:49 – Start of vocabulary explanations and examples
• 24:14 – Season wrap-up, announcements, and farewell

Closing & Announcements

Website Relaunch Announcement ([13:49]–[15:50])

• Plans for a D2B website redesign – may temporarily go offline.
• Members will still receive resources via email.
• Anticipated return: Third week of January 2023 with Season 14.

“I really encourage everyone to go check out the new website. We are making it much easier to search the site and access older episodes...” (Skip, 15:34)

Gratitude & Farewell

• Hosts thank their listeners and D2B members for their support throughout 2022.
• “We wish you all a happy New Year and all the best for 2023.” (Samantha, 25:38)

Summary

This reflective year-in-review episode delivers not just updates on trending business news stories but also practical business English vocabulary, exemplified with real cases. The tone remains educational, conversational, and upbeat, wrapping up a busy year and setting the stage for 2023.

For more detailed learning and episode resources, visit the Down to Business English website and subscribe for announcements about future releases.