How It Ticks: The Swiss Culture, Business & Life Podcast

Lisa Falco, a data scientist, digital health expert, and leading figure in women’s health technology, joins me to unpack the science of fertility and reproductive health. With a PhD in Biomedical Imaging and a wealth of experience in FemTech, including her role as Director of Data Science at Ava, Lisa has been at the forefront of leveraging technology to help women better understand their bodies....

In this episode, Philip reflects on his journey as the first doctor to administer a legal, voluntary, lethal injection and the emotional and professional challenges that followed. We discuss the ongoing Swiss federal investigation into the first use of the Sarco Pod in Schaffhausen, the role of mental health and age in assisted suicide decisions, and the broader ethical and societal implications....

In this episode, Philip reflects on his journey as the first doctor to administer a legal, voluntary, lethal injection and the emotional and professional challenges that followed. We discuss the ongoing Swiss federal investigation into the first use of the Sarco Pod in Schaffhausen, the role of mental health and age in assisted suicide decisions, and the broader ethical and societal implications....

Stefan Legge, Vice Director and Head of Tax & Trade Policy at the University of St. Gallen, joins me to unpack the economic forces shaping Switzerland and the world. With his expertise in trade, debt, and policy reform, Stefan explores how small countries like Switzerland navigate a rapidly changing global economy. Expect to learn why free trade agreements with countries like China and India a...

Stefan Legge, Vice Director and Head of Tax & Trade Policy at the University of St. Gallen, joins me to unpack the economic forces shaping Switzerland and the world. With his expertise in trade, debt, and policy reform, Stefan explores how small countries like Switzerland navigate a rapidly changing global economy. Expect to learn why free trade agreements with countries like China and India a...

Caroline Lustenberger, a leading sleep researcher with a PhD in neuroscience from ETH Zurich, joins me to uncover the truths about sleep and its impact on our health and well-being. With her deep expertise, Caroline explores the science behind how and why we sleep, debunks common myths, and provides practical advice for improving sleep quality. Expect to learn why the “8-hour rule” doesn’t apply t...

Caroline Lustenberger, a leading sleep researcher with a PhD in neuroscience from ETH Zurich, joins me to uncover the truths about sleep and its impact on our health and well-being. With her deep expertise, Caroline explores the science behind how and why we sleep, debunks common myths, and provides practical advice for improving sleep quality. Expect to learn why the “8-hour rule” doesn’t apply t...

Annemarie Büttner, Lead of Climate Risk Solutions at Swiss Re, joins me to explore how businesses and communities can adapt to the growing threats of climate change. With her expertise in climate risk modeling and real-world case studies, Annemarie sheds light on the tangible impacts of climate risks and the strategies companies can adopt to build resilience. Expect to learn how climate risk model...

Jörg Sandrock, CEO of Neon , joins me for a candid conversation about shaking up Switzerland’s traditional banking landscape. As the leader of one of Switzerland’s first challenger banks, Jörg offers insights into what it takes to disrupt an industry deeply rooted in convention. Expect to learn why Switzerland has been slow to embrace digital banking, how Neon is navigating the balance between sim...

Jörg Sandrock, CEO of Neon, joins me for a candid conversation about shaking up Switzerland’s traditional banking landscape. As the leader of one of Switzerland’s first challenger banks, Jörg offers insights into what it takes to disrupt an industry deeply rooted in convention. Expect to learn why Switzerland has been slow to embrace digital banking, how Neon is navigating the balance between simp...

Dr. Michael Grampp is the Chief Economist and Head of Research at Deloitte Switzerland, with deep expertise in understanding economic trends and workforce dynamics. The conversation dives into the transformative role of AI in reshaping industries, Switzerland’s unique job market, and the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing economic landscape. Expect to learn about how generative AI...

In this episode, I sit down with Diccon Bewes, the renowned author of  Swiss Watching ,  Slow Train to Switzerland , and  Around Switzerland in 80 Maps . Diccon takes us through Switzerland’s fascinating history, exploring what unites the country despite its linguistic and cultural diversity. Expect to learn about Switzerland’s unique path to neutrality, the evolution of its famous train network (...

In this episode, speak with Baptiste Wicht, creator of The Poor Swiss blog, to explore the journey toward financial independence and how to optimize wealth while living in Switzerland. Baptiste shares practical advice on frugality, budgeting, and investing, providing listeners with actionable tips to take control of their finances. Expect to learn about Baptiste's top frugality strategies, his fav...

In this episode, I sit down with Markus, spokesperson for Switzerland Tourism to explore the inner workings of Switzerland’s tourism industry. We discuss the various strategies and campaigns aimed at attracting tourists from different regions, and how the demographic of travellers to Switzerland is evolving. Markus also shares insights on what younger generations, like Gen Z, prioritize when visit...

Alessandro Speciale is the Switzerland bureau chief for Bloomberg News. In this episode, we explore Switzerland's role in global affairs and how Switzerland navigates neutrality in global conflicts. Alessandro also shares his insights on how social media is changing the way people consume news, the challenges that creates for traditional news organizations, and how short news cycles impact depth a...

Stephan is a Zurich-based psychotherapist and a pioneer in the emerging field of psychedelic therapy. In this episode, we delve into how psychedelics like psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD are being used to treat conditions such as PTSD and depression. Stephan shares his firsthand experiences with these substances in his practice, including the transformative effects he has witnessed in his patients. We a...

Philipp Flesch is an Investment Associate at Nordic Eye Venture Capital, based in Zurich, where he specializes in identifying and supporting high-potential startups. In this episode, we dive into the world of venture capital and the strategies behind selecting startups to invest in. Philipp shares his insights on what makes a startup stand out, the red flags investors watch for, and the decision-m...

Maarten is an international tax specialist with a wealth of experience managing the tax affairs of high-net-worth individuals and multinational corporations. The conversation delves into the complexities of global tax strategies, including why the ultra-wealthy often pay lower tax percentages than the average person and how countries compete to attract lucrative businesses. Expect to learn about t...

Jelena is a seasoned Talent Acquisition Professional in Zurich, with extensive experience in recruitment in a number of companies, big and small. The conversation delves into the challenges of finding the right talent in today’s competitive job market, along with the key attributes she values in potential candidates. Expect to learn about how you can stand out when applying for a job, whether you...

In this episode, I sit down with Hannes Gamper, a robotics engineer at CERN, to explore the cutting-edge world of scientific and engineering innovations at one of the most prestigious research centers in the world. Our conversation begins with an overview of CERN's groundbreaking discoveries, including the creation of the World Wide Web, and how these innovations have shaped our modern world....

In this episode, we delve into the vibrant world of tech startups with Ferdinand Langnickel, co-founder of Snipd — an innovative AI-powered podcast player that lets you save ideas from your favourite shows simply by tapping your headphones. Today, we discuss Ferdinand’s journey from academia and consultancy to launching a startup in the competitive tech landscape of Switzerland. We’ll uncover the...

In this episode of "How It Ticks," I sit down with Professor Dario Neri, the co-founder, CEO, and CSO of Philogen, to explore the multifaceted world of pharmaceutical research and development. Our conversation begins with Dario’s inspiring journey in academia, including what it was like working under Nobel Prize winners. We then delve into the complexities of publishing medical research...