Episode Summary My guest today is Mathias Müller, an elected member of the SVP party in the Grand Council of the Canton of Bern. He is a career officer in the Swiss Army and was previously the commander of recruitment for the Swiss Armed Forces. In addition to his military and political work, he is an author and hosts the official podcast of the Swiss Armed Forces, which gives him a unique perspective on the country's public discourse on...
Episode Summary In this episode, I sit down with Sebastian Huber, an expert in global trade and luxury goods with a deep focus on the business dynamics of Asia, particularly China. As a lecturer and researcher at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts and with a background that includes global roles at luxury brands like Montblanc, he brings a unique perspective on Switzerland's place in the global market. Expect to learn about the...
Episode Summary In this episode, I sit down with Javier Pérez-Ramírez, a full Professor of Catalysis Engineering at ETH Zurich and a highly cited researcher in the field of chemistry. His work focuses on developing sustainable chemical and energy processes to tackle some of our world's biggest environmental challenges. Expect to learn about the magnitude of the global plastic waste problem and the significant discrepancy between the plastic...
Episode Summary In this episode, I sit down with Elsbeth Stern, a cognitive psychologist and Professor of Teaching-Learning Research at ETH Zurich. We delve into her expertise to gain a deeper understanding of intelligence, its development, and its role in a changing world. The conversation addresses common myths about learning and provides a critical look at modern education. Expect to learn about what intelligence really is and the influence...
Episode Summary This episode features Tanya Deans, the creator of the popular Swiss hiking blog Swiss Family Fun. We delve into her unique journey of transforming a personal passion project into a leading online resource for navigating Switzerland's landscapes and experiences. This episode features Tanya Dean, the creator of the popular Swiss hiking blog Swiss Family Fun. We delve into her extensive expertise on Swiss hiking trails, offering...
Episode Summary In this episode, we examine five moments in history that involve Swiss individuals. From maritime events to political roles and exploration, we explore how people from Switzerland engaged with global events. We discuss stories that illustrate various contributions and experiences of Swiss people beyond their home country. Expect to learn about Swiss passengers on the Titanic and the controversial and horrific sinking of the...
Episode Summary Switzerland may not have a space agency, but it plays a surprisingly important role in global space exploration. In this episode, we explore the Rosetta mission—the first spacecraft to orbit and land on a comet—and the Swiss-led instrument that made key discoveries along the way. Expect to learn how Swiss engineering helped make the mission possible, what comets can teach us about the early solar system, and why the...
Episode Summary At the height of Nazi power in 1942, Switzerland was surrounded—geographically and politically—by Axis-controlled countries. While the country maintained a stance of neutrality throughout World War II, that neutrality came with trade-offs, contradictions, and difficult decisions. In this episode, historian Jakob Tanner helps unpack what life was really like in Switzerland during the war. We explore the widespread fear of...
Episode Summary Nora Markwalder, former prosecutor and professor of criminal law and criminology at the University of St. Gallen, joins me to unpack how Switzerland’s criminal justice system really works. Drawing on her deep experience across criminal procedure, white-collar crime, and criminology, Nora explains what happens from the moment a crime is investigated all the way to sentencing. Expect to learn how Switzerland’s justice system...
Episode Summary: What makes Switzerland's political system so unique? In this episode, we break down how direct democracy shapes the country’s decision-making process and political culture. We explore the mechanics behind public votes, how new laws are introduced, and the balance of power between elected officials and the people. We also look at the structure of the Swiss Federal Council, the influence of lobbying, and how representation is...
