The Human Risk Podcast

Why was there a women’s orchestra in Auschwitz, and what can that help us understand human resilience? In this deeply moving episode of the show, I speak with Anne Sebba — renowned biographer, historian, and journalist — about one of the Holocaust’s most extraordinary and little-known stories: the Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz. Anne’s latest book tells the story of how a group of female prisoners were forced to form an orchestra in one of the most brutal Nazi concentration camps. They played not for celebration or escape, but as part of the machinery of terror — and yet, through music, they found a way to survive. As Anne shares, her journey into this story began with a startling personal discovery: her father was present at Bergen-Belsen shortly after its liberation. That visceral connection led her to uncover the story of Alma Rosé, the orchestra’s conductor and the niece of Gustav Mahler, who used discipline and musical brilliance to save lives. We talk about the complexities of human behaviour, the ethical dilemmas of survival, and the way music — even when twisted into a tool of torture — remained a powerful expression of the human spirit. We also explore how Anne approached telling this story as someone who is neither a survivor nor the child of survivors. She explains the challenges of working with conflicting testimonies, the emotional toll of researching this subject, and why she took piano lessons while writing the book. Above all, this episode is about the resilience of the women who played in the orchestra, and the importance of telling stories that allow us to see history not just in abstract terms, but through individual lives. 👤 About My Guest: Anne SebbaAnne Sebba is a bestselling biographer, historian, and former Reuters foreign correspondent. She describes herself as a “writer of compelling stories about iconic women,” and has written extensively about women in the 20th century, including Les Parisiennes, That Woman: The Life of Wallis Simpson, and Ethel Rosenberg: A Cold War Tragedy. Her latest work explores the story of the Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz.Anne is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and speaks regularly on women’s history and the ethics of storytelling. Her official website is www.annesebba.com. 🕰️ AI-Generated Episode Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction to Anne Sebba and the Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz[00:01:00] How Anne discovered the story and its personal connection[00:04:00] Anne’s father's presence at Belsen and discovering his handwritten notes[00:07:00] Why her father never spoke about the war[00:10:00] Individual stories as a way to process historical horrors[00:13:00] Interviews with survivors and the challenge of conveying memory[00:15:00] Navigating the wealth of material and ethical responsibility[00:18:00] Using memoirs, archives, and testimony[00:21:00] Anne’s personal journey: taking piano lessons for research[00:24:00] Music as a tool of torture and as resistance[00:26:00] The Nazi logic behind having an orchestra in Auschwitz[00:30:00] How Alma Rosé transformed the orchestra[00:34:00] Alma’s strict standards and her life-saving leadership[00:39:00] How tensions within the orchestra reflected broader dynamics[00:44:00] Spotlight on Hélène (Hilda) and her moral clarity[00:48:00] The absence of clear moral choices in the camp[00:51:00] The psychological legacy and postwar trauma[00:54:00] Antisemitism and internal tensions in the orchestra[00:57:00] Were there moments of humanity among perpetrators?[01:01:00] What lessons have — or haven’t — we learned from history?[01:03:00] Anne on future work and how she finds her stories[01:05:00] Closing thoughts 🔗 Resources & LinksAnne Sebba’s official website: www.annesebba.comThe Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz by Anne Sebba https://www.weidenfeldandnicolson.co.uk/titles/anne-sebba/the-women%E2%80%99s-orchestra-of-auschwitz/9781399610735/Yad Vashem: www.yadvashem.orgShoah Foundation Archive: sfi.usc.edu/vhaUnited States Holocaust Memorial Museum: www.ushmm.orgAlma Rosé on Wikipedia: Alma RoséAlma Rosé playing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQVyd2dz1rkBergen-Belsen Liberation: The Liberation Of Bergen-Belsen 15 April 1945 - The Holocaust | IWM

What makes people want to go to museum? How can they ensure they still remain relevant? I spend a lot of my time in museums.  They inspire me, inform me and put me into mindsets I wouldn't otherwise be in.  So I wanted to learn more about them.Episode Summary On this episode, I sit down with Matthew McNerney, Chief Creative Officer of Luci Creative, to explore the hidden psychology behind museum design. Matthew has worked on everything from the Lego House in Denmark to presidential libraries, science museums, and even the NASCAR Hall of Fame.Together, we dive into the ways museum spaces are meticulously crafted to shape how we learn, feel, and interact with history, culture, and ideas. We also discuss the challenges museums face today—from declining visitor numbers to evolving audience expectations—and what it takes to design experiences that are both educational and entertaining.Along the way, Matthew shares fascinating insights from his career, from how a single professor changed the trajectory of his life to the unexpected lessons learned from working on hospital play spaces. If you've ever been inspired by a museum visit or wondered why some exhibits engage while others fall flat, this conversation is for you.Guest Biography: Matthew McNerney Matthew McNerney is the Chief Creative Officer at Luci Creative, a museum and brand experience design firm that works at the intersection of curiosity and change. His work spans a vast array of projects, from designing experiences for the Lego House in Billund, Denmark, to working on presidential libraries, science museums, and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Matthew’s career in museum design began in an unexpected way — he originally considered becoming a wedding designer before a professor introduced him to the world of exhibition design.Since then, he has spent over 20 years in the field, crafting experiences that spark curiosity and create lasting impressions. His work is deeply influenced by behavioral science, storytelling, and the psychology of engagement, all of which help him transform physical spaces into immersive learning environments.Beyond museums, Matthew has also worked on brand experiences, including designing retail environments for New Balance and flagship stores for Tiffany & Co. His expertise lies in creating multisensory experiences that connect people with content in compelling ways. AI-Generated Timestamped Summary[00:00:00] Introduction[00:01:00] Introducing Matthew McNerney and his work in museum design[00:02:00] How Matthew got into museum design—pivoting from wedding planning[00:06:00] The role of museums in shaping collective memory and conversatio[00:08:00] How museums balance education and entertainment[00:11:00] The variety of projects Matthew has worked on, from LEGO to NASCAR[00:14:00] The complexity of designing exhibits that engage diverse audiences[00:17:00] Museums as the most trusted institutions—but with declining attendance[00:19:00] Competing for attention: Museums vs. other forms of entertainment[00:24:00] The challenges of working with subject-matter experts and overcoming "the curse of passion"[00:29:00] The Mona Lisa effect—why some artworks become pilgrimage sites[00:32:00] Designing for different visitor experiences and expectations[00:37:00] Using behavioral science to map visitor engagement strategies[00:40:00] The hidden barriers that stop people from visiting museums[00:45:00] The challenge of curating history while staying objective[00:50:00] Creating curiosity: Making museums a launchpad for deeper exploration[00:53:00] How Lego taught Matthew a lesson about designing for engagement[00:55:00] Gamifying museum experiences—how the Cleveland Museum of Art makes learning fun[00:57:00] The risks and security challenges of modern museum spaces[01:00:00] Matthew’s favorite museum recommendations[01:02:00] Where to find Matthew’s work and final thoughtsLinks & ReferencesLuci Creative – https://lucicreative.com/Matthew McNerney’s Website – https://matthewmcnerney.com/Lego House, Billund, Denmark – https://www.legohouse.com/Tenement Museum, New York – https://www.tenement.org/Micropia, Amsterdam – https://www.micropia.nl/en/Cleveland Museum of Art – ArtLens Exhibit – https://www.clevelandart.org/artlens-galleryPrevious episode of the show featuring Professor Tom Schössler talking about museum innovation - https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/professor-tom-schossler-on-deploying/

What if the problem isn’t that you’re not happy enough — but that you’re chasing the wrong kind of happiness altogether?Show SummaryOn this episode  I’m joined by Dr Mark Fabian, Associate Professor of Public Policy at the University of Warwick and author of Beyond Happy: How to Rethink Happiness and Find Fulfillment. Mark argues that our modern obsession with happiness often leads us astray, locking us into an endless cycle of striving without ever feeling satisfied. Drawing on insights from economics, psychology, philosophy, and ancient wisdom, he explains why we need to move beyond the shallow pursuit of happiness and focus instead on building lives of meaning, purpose, and community. We explore:How public policy gets wellbeing wrong.The limits of the self-help industry and why quick fixes don’t work.What ancient wisdom — from Stoicism to folklore — teaches us about a fulfilling life.Why understanding yourself is the first step to escaping the hedonic treadmill.How to embrace the emotional side of life in a world that overvalues rationality.Whether you’re looking for a better way to think about happiness, or practical ideas to rethink your life, this episode has something for you. About MarkMark is an Associate Professor of Public Policy at the University of Warwick. His research focuses on wellbeing, public policy design, psychology, and philosophy.His new book, Beyond Happy: How to Rethink Happiness and Find Fulfillment., offers a fresh perspective on what it means to live a good life in the 21st century.LinksBeyond Happy: How to Rethink Happiness and Find Fulfilment by Mark Fabian → HarperCollins Mark's official website → markfabian.com (Google Sites)His University of Warwick profile → warwick.ac.ukBennett Institute at Cambridge → bennettinstitute.cam.ac.ukePODstemology podcast → BuzzsproutStudio Ghibli films (e.g. Princess Mononoke) → studioghibli.com.auMartin Shaw’s Smoke Hole Sessions → Apple PodcastsAtomic Habits by James Clear → jamesclear.comAI-Generated Timestamp Summary[00:00:00] Introduction to Mark Fabian and the concept of Beyond Happy[00:03:00] Why public policy fails to support true wellbeing[00:07:00] The hedonic treadmill and limits of chasing happiness[00:10:00] How ancient wisdom and ritual can reframe modern life[00:15:00] Critique of the self-help industry and overuse of “science-backed” hacks[00:20:00] Emotional signals and the importance of listening to yourself[00:25:00] Identity formation and the value of working out what drives you[00:32:00] Emotional intelligence and the power of asking for care[00:39:00] Self-actualisation as a social process, not a solo journey[00:46:00] Writing the book and the personal transformation it brought[00:53:00] The role of culture, community, and myth in shaping values[00:57:00] Final reflections on empathy, cooperation, and the future of fulfilment

Professor Benjamin Van Rooij, a leading expert in law and society, dives into the dynamics of toxic organizations. He discusses how silencing, secrecy, and unrealistic goals create hostile environments. Benjamin reveals that toxicity often stems from systemic issues rather than just bad actors. He draws alarming parallels between scandals in diverse organizations, including Facebook and Chernobyl, highlighting persistent harmful patterns. The conversation emphasizes the need for better leadership practices to prevent crises before they erupt.

How can we prevent violence against women?  And what role do men who don't engage in violence, have to play?This episode tackles a serious, but important topic.  Violence against women affects millions worldwide, yet too often, the focus is placed on how women can protect themselves rather than addressing the behaviors and systems that enable violence in the first place. This isn’t a problem women can solve alone—society as a whole, and particularly men, need to be part of the solution. But how do we move from awareness to meaningful change?Episode SummaryOn this episode, I sit down with Amy Watson, the founder of HASSL, an organization dedicated to tackling the root causes of female harassment and violence against women.We explore the traditional responses to these issues, why they fall short, and what needs to change. Amy shares her personal experiences that led her to launch HASSL and how her entrepreneurial mindset is driving her mission.We discuss how Amy is using a business model, rather than a charity, to fund and scale her impact. She explains her five-stage strategy, which includes education, community engagement, and innovative reporting technology designed to make it easier for victims to seek justice.She also highlights the importance of engaging men in the conversation, not as part of the problem, but as critical allies in creating safer spaces.Beyond the specifics of violence against women, this conversation offers lessons for anyone interested in advocacy, making a difference, or building a business with a social purpose.Amy’s story is one of determination, strategic thinking, and the belief that real change is possible when we tackle problems at their root.Guest BiographyAmy Watson is the founder of HASSL, a newly launched organization dedicated to addressing the root causes of harassment and violence against women. With a background in entrepreneurship and a degree focused on business innovation, Amy has always been drawn to projects that combine social impact with business acumen.Before launching HASSL, she worked as the COO of a health tech startup, where she honed her skills in building and scaling a mission-driven company. Her experience of being harassed in broad daylight—and the realization that no one stepped in to help—was the catalyst for founding HASSL.Rather than relying on traditional awareness campaigns, Amy is focused on using a business model to fund long-term solutions, including workplace training, school education programs, and cutting-edge reporting technology.She has rapidly grown a strong community, with over 250,000 social media followers and an ambassador network of 650+ individuals dedicated to making society safer for women.AI Generated Timestamped Summary [00:00:00] Introduction to the episode and why this conversation is essential.[00:01:00] Why violence against women is not just a women's issue—it's a societal issue.[00:02:00] Introduction to guest Amy Watson and the mission of HASSL.[00:03:00] Amy’s background in entrepreneurship and social impact.[00:06:00] The personal experience that led Amy to start HASSL.[00:09:00] Why traditional solutions focus too much on reaction rather than prevention. [00:12:00] The role of governments vs. private initiatives in solving societal issues.[00:15:00] The business strategy behind HASSL and why it’s structured as a social enterprise.[00:17:00] The importance of bootstrapping and keeping control over the mission. [00:21:00] The five-stage plan for HASSL’s growth and impact.[00:26:00] The broader implications of addressing harassment beyond public spaces. [00:29:00] The messaging strategy—why starting with strong advocates is key. [00:35:00] Understanding the spectrum of male allyship and how to shift behavior.[00:40:00] The challenge of balancing strong messaging with accessibility. [00:47:00] Addressing the “not all men” argument and why it misses the point.[00:56:00] Why men need to be part of the solution, not just observers. [01:02:00] The importance of scalable advocacy and shifting the messaging over time. [01:07:00] How workplace training can engage people who might not otherwise listen.[01:12:00] The need for a more inclusive and engaging approach to education. [01:20:00] Final thoughts on what needs to change and how listeners can help.LinksHassl website - www.hassl.uk

What does tea have to do with human behaviour? A lot more than you might think.  On this epusoed, I'm exploring one of the world's most popular drinks and what we can learn from it.SummaryMy guest is Giles Oakley, a professional tea taster, entrepreneur, and long-time friend. Giles began his career at Tetley before co-founding Two Spoons Tea, a company dedicated to celebrating tea as the hero crop it is.Over the course of our conversation, Giles introduces me—and you—to the rich history and intricate science behind tea. From its origins in Camellia sinensis to the skill of blending, he reveals why tea is far more complex than we often think.Giles takes us behind the scenes of tea tasting and blending, offering fascinating insights into how colour, flavour, and texture are meticulously evaluated. We even do a live tea tasting during the episode! Along the way, Giles shares incredible stories, from the history of tea pillows to the traditions of tea production in Kenya and Darjeeling. His passion for elevating tea is contagious, and it shines through in the ethos of his company.Whether you’re a casual tea drinker or a full-on enthusiast, this episode has something for you.Learn about the art of crafting consistent tea blends, the delicate balance of tradition and innovation, and the personal philosophy that drives Giles’ business. And of course, don’t forget to grab a cup of your favourite brew while you listen—it’s the perfect pairing.Guest BiographyGiles Oakley is a professional tea taster and co-founder of Two Spoons Tea, a company devoted to celebrating tea as a hero crop.After starting his career at Tetley in 1998, Giles spent over 20 years in the tea industry, travelling the world and mastering the art of tea tasting and blending. With expertise honed in places like Kenya, India, and Malawi, Giles eventually decided to step away from corporate life and create his own tea brand.Two Spoons Tea focuses on high-quality, ethically sourced blends that honour the social and cultural importance of tea. Giles and his business partner Mark, are committed to using their tea-tasting expertise to provide customers with exceptional, sustainably sourced products.Their ethos revolves around making tea fun, accessible, and memorable while maintaining the highest standards of quality.AI Generated Timestamped Summary[00:00:00] Introduction to tea as a topic and Giles Oakley as the guest[00:01:00] Giles’ journey into the tea trade and the importance of tea in daily life[00:03:00] Tea’s global impact and its complex journey from bush to cup[00:06:00] How blending creates consistency in tea flavours[00:08:00] The art and science of tea tasting, including blindfolded tastings[00:11:00] Why tea is an underrated hero crop and its social significance[00:19:00] Starting Two Spoons Tea and building a company ethos[00:23:00] The difference between tea bags and tea pillows[00:27:00] Balancing tradition and innovation in the tea industry[00:32:00] Tea as a personal and cultural experience[00:43:00] Myths about tea, including caffeine content and hydration benefits[00:46:00] Ethical Tea Partnership and ensuring supply chain integrity[00:48:00] Giles’ most memorable cups of teaLinksTwo Spoons Tea websiteTwo Spoons Tea InstagramEthical Tea PartnershipCamellia sinensis plantEpisodes of the show featuring Professor Charles Spence on Sensory Perception and Sensehacking

How do we create systems that encourage whistleblowing without incentivizing malicious reporting? Should we reward whistleblowers financially? Why is closure important, both for whistleblowers and the organisations they are whistleblowing on? Episode SummaryOn this episode, I speak with Pav Gill, the whistleblower behind the Wirecard scandal and former General Counsel for Wirecard’s Asia Pacific operations. But this conversation isn’t about Wirecard. Instead, we explore the broader dynamics of whistleblowing—beyond high-profile scandals—focusing on the personal and organizational challenges of speaking up. Pav shares insights into what happens after a whistleblower comes forward, why some struggle to move on while others thrive, and how organizations can encourage reporting without creating perverse incentives. We discuss the psychological toll of whistleblowing, the role of incentives in encouraging disclosures, and the importance of closure—not just for individuals but for entire organizations. Pav also introduces the Confide Platform, his end-to-end whistleblowing platform designed to improve the process for both whistleblowers and companies. With experience as both a whistleblower and a compliance professional, he offers a unique perspective on making whistleblowing work for all stakeholders. Whether you work in compliance, risk, legal, or HR or are simply interested in ethical business practices, this episode will provide fresh insights into a complex topic. Guest BiographyPav Gill is the founder and CEO of The Confide Platform, a whistleblowing tool that streamlines the reporting and management of corporate misconduct. He gained prominence as the whistleblower behind the Wirecard scandal, exposing a multi-billion-dollar fraud that ultimately led to the company’s collapse. At the time, Pav was General Counsel for Wirecard’s Asia Pacific operations. His decision to speak out was instrumental in bringing the case to light. Beyond his whistleblowing experience, Pav is a legal and compliance expert with deep knowledge of corporate governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Before founding the Confide Platform, he held leadership roles, providing legal and strategic counsel in high-stakes corporate environments. His insights into whistleblowing—shaped by both personal experience and professional expertise—make him a leading voice on ethical corporate behaviour and whistleblower protections. 📌 Pav on LinkedIn: Pav Gill 📌 The Confide Platform: confideplatform.com AI-Generated Timestamped Summary00:00:00 - Introduction to Whistleblowing Beyond Wirecard (2 min)Christian introduces the episode, explaining that this discussion moves beyond the Wirecard scandal to explore the deeper dynamics of whistleblowing. The conversation examines the challenges of speaking up, the psychological toll, and how to encourage ethical disclosures while avoiding perverse incentives. 00:02:42 - Pav Gill’s Journey After Wirecard (4 min)Pav shares what he has been working on since exposing Wirecard, including founding Confide, an end-to-end whistleblowing platform. He explains why most reporting systems fail to address both the logistical and psychological aspects of whistleblowing. 00:06:25 - Why Whistleblowing Is More Than Just a Hotline (7 min)Christian and Pav discuss why many organizations see whistleblowing as a simple logistical issue—install a hotline, job done. Pav explains why it’s much more complex, requiring cultural shifts, psychological support, and credible processes that give employees confidence to report misconduct. 00:13:14 - The Fine Line Between Whistleblowing and Malicious Reporting (6 min)Pav challenges the traditional narrative of whistleblowers as heroes versus corporations as villains. He highlights real cases where people use reporting mechanisms for leverage rather than ethical reasons and explores how organizations can differentiate between genuine concerns and bad-faith claims. 00:19:30 - The Role of Incentives in Whistleblowing (5 min)We examine the controversial topic of financial rewards for whistleblowers. Pav advocates for rewarding genuine whistleblowers who suffer retaliation but warns against systems that create "honeypots" encouraging opportunistic reporting. The discussion highlights global inconsistencies in whistleblower reward schemes. 00:24:40 - Why Recognition Matters Beyond Financial Rewards (6 min)Pav emphasizes that whistleblowers need more than just monetary compensation—they need recognition. He discusses how official acknowledgments, career support, and public appreciation can make a difference in how society perceives those who speak up. 00:30:00 - The Stigma of Being a Whistleblower and Career Consequences (7 min)We discuss why many whistleblowers struggle to find jobs post-disclosure. Pav suggests that companies should rethink how they view whistleblowers, treating them as valuable truth-tellers rather than troublemakers. 00:37:00 - Should Companies Hire Whistleblowers? (5 min)Christian and Pav explore whether companies should actively hire former whistleblowers, similar to how the cybersecurity industry recruits ex-hackers. We discuss how organizations can harness whistleblowers’ skills while ensuring a constructive work environment. 00:44:00 - Corporate Closure: How Organizations Handle Reports (6 min)Pav highlights how companies often prioritize moving on from whistleblower cases without fully addressing the underlying issues. We discuss how organizations can achieve proper closure—for both the whistleblower and the company—without leaving unresolved tensions. 00:50:00 - Why Some Whistleblowers Become Angry and Bitter (7 min)Pav explains why some whistleblowers become embittered, often due to a lack of justice, continued corporate wrongdoing, or personal retaliation. He suggests that structured post-whistleblowing support could help individuals move on positively. 00:57:00 - Lessons for Compliance and Leadership (5 min)The conversation turns to what compliance leaders and business executives can learn from whistleblowing cases. Pav underscores the importance of designing systems that align with how people actually behave, rather than how companies wish they would behave. 01:02:00 - The Confide Platform: Building a Better Whistleblowing System (5 min)Pav explains how The Confide Platform seeks to fix the flaws in traditional whistleblowing platforms by ensuring accountability, psychological safety, and transparency. He discusses the platform’s features, such as audit trails and dynamic case management. 01:07:00 - Final Thoughts: The Future of Whistleblowing (3 min)Pav reflects on his journey, the lessons he has learned, and his mission to improve corporate ethics. We close with a discussion on how organizations can create environments where people feel safe speaking up. Related Podcast Episodes📌 Dan McCrum on Wirecard – Insights from his book Money Men 🎧 👉   Listen here📌 Zelda Perkins on NDAs – Her campaign to limit their use after breaking her NDA to expose Harvey Weinstein 🎧 👉   Listen here📌 Professor Ludmila Praslova on The Canary Code – How improving conditions for neurodiverse employees benefits everyone 🎧 👉   Listen here

Dr. Hemma Lomax, an ethics and compliance expert and former VP at Zendesk, discusses the transformative power of storytelling in corporate settings. She highlights the significance of curiosity in understanding human behavior, emphasizing its role in compliance and leadership. Hemma also explores her new podcast 'Unless', aimed at inspiring action through narratives. The conversation touches on personal transformation, the hero's journey, and the importance of fostering independent thinking in education and corporate environments.

How does a major global bank keep surviving crises; until it doesn't?Episode SummaryOn this episode, I’m joined by Duncan Mavin, author of Meltdown: Scandal, Sleaze, and the Collapse of Credit Suisse.Duncan’s book dives deep into the bank’s dramatic downfall, uncovering decades of mismanagement, scandals, and cultural clashes that eventually led to its collapse. As someone with intersecting touchpoints with Credit Suisse throughout my career, I couldn’t wait to have this conversation.During our discussion, we explore the intricate dynamics that defined Credit Suisse’s rise and fall, from Swiss banking secrecy laws to the revolving door of executives who struggled to fix a broken culture. Duncan shares eye-opening stories, including the mind-boggling choices made by individuals who valued short-term gains over long-term survival.This is more than just a tale of one bank’s failure—it’s a masterclass in understanding human behavior, organizational dynamics, and the systemic issues that plague the financial industry.Whether you’re a financial services expert or a curious observer, this episode will leave you questioning how much has really changed since the financial crisis.Guest BiographyDuncan Mavin is a financial journalist and author. Over his 20-year journalism career, Duncan has worked at renowned publications like The Wall Street Journal, where he served as Finance Editor for Europe, and Bloomberg News.Before becoming a journalist, Duncan spent a decade as a finance professional and accountant.His latest book delves into the story of Credit Suisse, a firm he became intimately familiar with through his reporting and his earlier book on the Greensill scandal.Duncan’s insightful analysis and gripping storytelling bring to life the human decisions and cultural dynamics that contributed to Credit Suisse’s collapse.AI-Generated Timestamped Summary[00:00:00] Welcome and Duncan’s background as a financial journalist.[00:01:00] How Duncan’s first book on Greensill led to Meltdown.[00:02:00] Credit Suisse’s litany of scandals and its survival against the odds.[00:06:00] Swiss banking secrecy laws and their unintended consequences.[00:08:00] Cultural clashes between Swiss and American banking styles.[00:15:00] The short-term thinking and CEO turnover at Credit Suisse.[00:25:00] Archegos and Greensill—critical moments in the bank’s collapse.[00:29:00] How social media accelerated Credit Suisse’s final downfall.[00:35:00] The reaction in Switzerland to the collapse and the book.[00:42:00] The ongoing legacy of Credit Suisse and lessons for banking.[00:50:00] Reflections on regulation and the future of financial services.LinksMeltdown - https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/duncan-mavin/meltdown/9781035037469Pyramid of Lies, Duncan's book on Greensill — https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/duncan-mavin/pyramid-of-lies/9781529088922Duncan on Twitter/X - https://x.com/dumavThe Swiss government report on the collapse of Credit Suisse: https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start/documentation/media-releases.msg-id-103689.html

What can we learn about a country from its favourite sport?  A lot. Particularly when that country has a history and culture like Germany.  Which is what I'm exploring on this episode.Even if you're not a football fan, this episode — in a year when Germany goes to the polls — will have something of interest.Episode Summary On this episode, I speak with Kit Holden, a British-German journalist and author whose love for German football has led him to uncover the rich tapestry of stories behind the Bundesliga.Kit's perspective as an "insider, yet outsider" allows him to explore not just what happens on the pitch but also the cultural and societal dynamics that shape the game in Germany. From the legendary 50+1 ownership rule to the passionate fan culture that prioritizes community, we discuss what sets German football apart.Kit shares his experiences writing two books: Scheisse, We're Going Up, chronicling Union Berlin’s extraordinary journey from underdog to Champions League contender, and Played in Germany, a deep dive into how football reflects the soul of the nation.Our conversation delves into topics such as fan ownership, regional identities, and the challenges of maintaining tradition while engaging a global audience. Whether you're a football fanatic or a newcomer, this episode offers insights into the intersection of sport, society, and storytelling.We also explore Kit’s craft as a journalist, how his bilingual skills and cultural curiosity enable him to connect with fans, players, and club officials, and the lessons football can teach us about resilience and identity. With stories that span the Ruhr Valley to the rise of East German clubs, this episode will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the beautiful game and its deeper meanings.Guest Biography Kit is a British-German journalist and author based in Berlin. He covers German football for Der Tagesspiegel and AFP, and his work has appeared in The Guardian, The Athletic, and Die Zeit.Through his work, Kit explores how football reflects societal values, regional traditions, and the challenges of modern commercialization.AI-Generated Timestamp Summary(00:02) German Football Bundesliga and Fan CultureGerman Bundesliga's unique fan-focused ownership structure and its connection to regional identities explored by journalist Kit Holden.(08:03) Football Fan StoriesUnion Berlin's rise to success is a testament to the dedication of its fans and the power of community in sports.(17:09) East German Football Legacy and IdentityLeipzig's role in German football history divided past and present and challenging traditional values.(21:55) Uncovering German Regional Identities Through FootballStorytelling in journalism captures historical narratives, regional identities, and football culture in Germany and the UK.(29:22) German Football and National IdentityFootball in Germany connects with the past, regional identities, and post-war narrative while acknowledging and remembering its connections to the Nazi era.(32:50) Ultras in German FootballGerman football clubs have taken responsibility for their Nazi ties, with ultras playing a vital role in preserving fan power and resisting private equity investment.(38:21) German Football and Fan ParticipationGerman football clubs, ultras, and fans debate preserving traditional culture while remaining competitive in the global market.(43:03) Resilience and Tradition in German FootballFan culture, commercial interests, private equity, club identity, competitive vitality, local connections, football clubs, and supporters' identities.(49:30) German Football Clubs and Identity ReimaginedExamining Schalke 04's decline and its impact on Gelsenkirchen while exploring diverse matchday experiences in Bundesliga clubs like Union Berlin and HSV.LinksKit's first book Scheisse! We’re Going Up! about Union Berlin's extraordinary rise: https://www.duckworthbooks.co.uk/book/played-in-germany/His latest book Played in Germany: A Footballing Journey Through A Nation's Soulhttps://linktr.ee/playedingermany and https://www.duckworthbooks.co.uk/book/scheisse-were-going-up/Kit's journalistic profilesThe Athletic: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/kit-holden/The Independent: https://www.independent.co.uk/author/kit-holdenTagesspiegel (in German): https://www.tagesspiegel.de/autoren/kit-holdenA football fan's guide to German football: https://www.footballingermany.com/