The McKay Interview

Dan Basse is an acknowledged expert economist on grains, softs and food supply; and he is also a farmer. In this episode we discuss: -We discuss the current status of grain crops and global supply -Crop yields -The effects of the war in Ukraine -China's importance in both the demand and supply of grain -Climate change.

A sequel to my "McKay Interview" with David Willey in 2013 about prominent issues in the Vatican. We pick up our conversation from 9 years ago and talk about many things, including: -David Willey's Italian grandparents, the present crises in the Vatican -The difference that the first ever Jesuit Pope has made -The state of Pope Francis’s health -The speculative prospect of three Popes in the Vatic...

An overview of the current state of the Swiss economy and Swiss business. In this episode we discuss: -The recurring problem of a strong, safe-haven currency, namely the Swiss Franc -The increasing cost of living in Switzerland -The present impasse between Switzerland and the European Union.

In this episode we discuss Covid19: where it came from, what the current status of the pandemic is, and what the future holds. In this episode we cover the following topics: Debora MacKenzie tells me her views on Wuhan and the way the Chinese handled the outbreak. We also talk about the so-called "Swedish" model; and many other things relating to Covid19 and pandemics in general.

In this epsiode, General Sir Richard Shirreff, talks about the war in Ukraine. We cover the following topics: -Who is wining the war in Ukraine -Why writers like Clausewitz and Sun Tzu are still relevant and the risk of war between nuclear powers

In this epsiode Martin Chungong talks about the GESDA Science Diplomacy Week Open Forum and his role as Geneva Coalition co-Chair. We cover the following topics: -What is GESDA?   -Why the coupling of Science and Diplomacy?  -Who is involved?  -And how will objectives be achieved?

How the air travel sector in general, and London City Airport in particular, are performing post-pandemic?  In this episode we discuss: I ask Robert if things are really getting better in the air travel industry; What has been his experience of the decarbonisation of aviation, and the net zero debate; How he gets on with this neighbours, as London City is almost in the heart of London; The ar...

The future of computing, AI, regulation and many other data-related topics from an industry leader with more than 20 years of experience at Google. In this episode we discuss: If the Model T Ford of 1908 was the most influential car of the 20th century, compare the automobile timeline with the data and IT timelines: where is Google now on the comparable timeline of the 21st century? Do you have a...

A conversation about the importance of communes in the vibrant, bottom-up democracy of Switzerland. Some of  my questions are: Why do we have two "parties" or "groups" during elections in such a small community? How do you deal with wealthy and important persons of families who might be tempted to use their influence to get there way? How "international" is Founex?

Ambassador Filipenko explains how her work at the UN & International Organizations, as well as other institutions in "international" Geneva, underpin her country's fight against the illegal invasion. Some of  my questions are: How do you assess the current situation on Ukraine, as we speak, on the 29th March? What can you say about the 17% Russian speakers in your country? What are they t...

We discussion Austria's history, how Austria's sees it future, multilateralism, Austria and United Nations Geneva, Human Rights, Austria's special neutrality and Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine.

This internationally renowned scientist, highly regarded for his work on bacterial meningitis, discusses his experiences in medical research, the vital significance of vaccines and immunization in public health. In this episode we discuss: What is the biology of a killer, bacterial infection?  Why do we really need vaccines? Are there alternatives?  What does it take to make a vacci...

Discussion of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, scenarios of how the conflict will end, the role that Switzerland and international Geneva could play, and the meaning of Swiss neutrality in a crisis conflict of this nature. In this episode we discuss: What is the history of GCSP?   Can it play a role in this current crisis?  What does Swiss neutrality mean in such present circumstances?

Insights into Leadership and Kindness as paths to success in organisations. What is the emotional source code? Why is kindness in organisations both effective and important?  Why are so many successful achievers in pain? And can we really take "influencers" seriously? These are just a few of the topics we discuss.

Ambassador Yvette Stevens of Sierra Leone talks about Africa, Engineering, Women and Energy.

The leader of SWISS International Air Lines in the French-speaking part of Switzerland talks about his company, the state of business coming out of the pandemic and how he manages regulation.

Ben Hodges answers questions about strategy and the balance of power in today’s geo-political world. Some of the points we covered during the interview: Four months to the day after the Taliban swept into Kabul, and in the wake of the US/Allied Forces withdrawal from Afghanistan – and as you know, some call it a humiliating defeat - how would you characterise what happened? And in light of that ho...

A radio conversation with best-selling author, travel writer, chocolate-lover and Englishman in Bern. Some of the questions we covered during the interview: Why is Switzerland successful?  By all logic, with all its diversity, it shouldn’t be a success story. But it is? What is your theory? You are a good example of “integration”.  Please tell me how you see the efforts the Swiss make to...

François Carrard answers my questions about why the Tokyo Olympics took place in the teeth of a global pandemic; Ideals versus Money -  has Pierre de Coubertin’s vision, as founder of the Modern Olympics in 1896,  been trashed by Mammon?; and what the true meaning of sport is. Some of the questions we covered during the interview: Do new sports like beach volleyball, skateboarding, “brea...

Current prospects for UK international trade, especially with Switzerland. Physical attacks on British Members of Parliament. Declining standards of public behaviour in Britain towards MPs. The low esteem in which the political classes are held by British voters.

An in depth view of how the airports sector has been affected by the pandemic and a view from the top of future challenges. Here are some of the questions I put to my guest: -What are the things that look large – very large - in your sights that need to be fixed for business to return to normal…or almost normal? -There is much talk that the pandemic has changed many things fundamentally. That thin...

Amanda Ellis talks to me about Leadership, Sustainability, Greta Thunberg and Youth, Climate Change and many other topics.

The President of the GESDA Foundation, former Chairman & CEO of Nestlé S.A., gives his experienced perspective on a range of issues including GESDA's unique contribution, public/private partnerships, "international" Geneva and water.

Dr Cynthia Cherrey and Professor Mike Hardy on leadership. What are the different types of Leadership? Technology changing the nature of Leadership. Populism and Leadership.

"John", a Swiss expatriate with over 25 years' experience in aviation, charter, air ambulance, airline, corporate and humanitarian operations. Very recently evacuated from Kabul and speaking on condition of anonymity. A frank, personal opinion on the current situation in Afghanistan from a seasoned, humanitarian operative.