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

Kathrin Altwegg, astrophysicist and professor emerita at the University of Bern, joins me to discuss Switzerland’s surprising role in global space science. As the head of the ROSINA project—one of the key instruments aboard the European Space Agency’s Rosetta mission—Kathrin played a central role in helping humanity land on a comet for the first time.Expect to learn how Switzerland became a respected contributor to space exploration despite not having a national space agency, what the Rosetta mission revealed about the early solar system, and why the discovery of amino acids on comet 67P was such a scientific milestone. Kathrin also shares her reflections on leading a decades-long mission, the challenges of space engineering, and what she hopes future generations will discover among the stars.CONTACT KATHRINhttps://space.unibe.ch/research/groups/rosina/index_eng.htmlCONTACT MIKEhttps://howitticks.ch/contact-page/TRANSCRIPThttps://howitticks.ch/podcast/switzerland-space-science-kathrin-altwegg/TIMESTAMPS00:00 How Kathrin accidentally entered space science through job logistics04:00 Switzerland’s early involvement in space missions and Apollo 1107:00 Why precision engineering made Switzerland a valuable ESA partner09:00 Women in STEM and leadership during the Rosetta mission12:00 Building, testing, and launching an instrument to orbit a comet18:00 What comets reveal about the early solar system and the origins of life26:00 How Rosetta was steered, calibrated, and kept on track from Earth38:00 Discovering organic molecules and why glycine was such a big deal

Jakob Tanner, professor emeritus of modern history at the University of Zurich, joins me to explore Switzerland’s role in World War II and what it really meant to be a “neutral” country surrounded by Nazi-occupied Europe.Expect to learn what daily life looked like for Swiss citizens during the war, how the country balanced fear of invasion with domestic stability, and why the Reduit strategy focused on retreating into the Alps. Jakob also breaks down Switzerland’s trade and financial ties with Nazi Germany, including gold transfers and the country’s role as a safe haven for German assets.If you’re curious about Swiss wartime diplomacy, military preparedness, or the controversies that followed, this conversation offers rare historical insight.CONTACT JAKOBhttps://www.hist.uzh.ch/de/fachbereiche/neuzeit/emeritiert/tanner.htmlCONTACT MIKEhttps://howitticks.ch/contact-page/TRANSCRIPThttps://howitticks.ch/podcast/switzerland-ww2-history-jakob-tanner/TIMESTAMPS00:00 Refugee policies and Switzerland’s stance toward Jewish asylum seekers06:00 The limits of direct democracy and why women didn’t get the vote until 197112:00 German invasion plans: Operation Tannenbaum and strategic miscalculations18:00 Would the Reduit defense plan have worked? What was actually built?24:00 Cultural and agricultural resistance within Switzerland during wartime30:00 Post-war relations with Germany and the long road to historical reflection

Jakob Tanner, professor emeritus of modern history at the University of Zurich, delves into Switzerland’s intricate role during WWII. He explains how neutrality shaped daily life amid Nazi threats, balancing fear of invasion with efforts to maintain stability. The discussion highlights the controversial economic links with Nazi Germany, including the banking haven for looted assets and gold transactions. Tanner also addresses the Reduit strategy, which involved plans for retreating into the Alps. This conversation offers a rare glimpse into Switzerland's wartime complexities.

Nora Markwalder, a former prosecutor and professor of criminal law at the University of St. Gallen, shares her extensive knowledge on Switzerland’s criminal justice system. She reveals how the system prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment, offering a pointed comparison with laws in France and the U.S. Nora also discusses the complexities of sentencing for foreign nationals, the juvenile justice framework, and the evolving trends in crime rates. Insights into Swiss prison life and the handling of international legal cases round out this enlightening conversation.

Nora Markwalder, a former prosecutor and professor of criminal law at the University of St. Gallen, dives deep into how Switzerland handles crime. She explains how the Swiss system favors rehabilitation over punishment and what sets it apart from countries like the U.S. and France. From unique monetary penalties to life in Swiss prisons, Nora shares insights on the challenges of reintegration for former inmates and the rights of victims. The discussion also touches on the complexities of navigating language barriers in Swiss courtrooms.

Patricia Schafer, a Swiss political scientist and civic educator, explores the quirks of Switzerland's democracy. She delves into direct democracy, explaining how citizens shape governance through public votes. Patricia highlights the unique structure of the Swiss Federal Council, where decisions are made collectively without a central leader. She discusses the historical fight for women's voting rights and the current debates around inclusivity in civic participation, including extending rights to long-term residents and lowering the voting age.

In this engaging discussion, Alex Mari—personal branding expert and digital marketing strategist—shares insights on reshaping your personal brand later in your career. He emphasizes the increasing relevance of personal branding, even in traditional roles. Alex explains the concept of a career portfolio and how it facilitates managing diverse interests. He also discusses the importance of authenticity, reflection, and understanding your 'why' to create a meaningful professional identity that resonates with others.

Alex Mari, a personal branding expert and strategic digital marketer, shares invaluable insights on reshaping your personal brand—especially vital for those transitioning careers. He explains why personal branding matters now more than ever and how visibility, consistency, and authenticity are critical. Alex addresses fears around self-promotion, discussing cultural differences in branding, particularly in Switzerland. He also emphasizes the need for a personal brand to reflect one's multifaceted interests beyond just job titles, making it relevant for anyone in today’s workforce.

Laura Hackl, an expert in protein science and sustainability, dives into the future of food and alternative proteins. She discusses the differences between animal and plant-based proteins, the science behind creating meat substitutes, and the ethical implications of lab-grown options. Laura shares her experience with ProFillet, a fish alternative, and the challenges of taste and nutrition in plant-based foods. She highlights the disconnect between nutrition research and real-world applications, emphasizing the need for effective communication in improving public health.

In this discussion, economist Melanie Häner-Müller, head of Social Policy at the Institute for Swiss Economic Policy, dives deep into wealth and social mobility in Switzerland. She explains why income inequality has remained stable for over a century, contrasting public perception with reality. The talk highlights how personal choices, like marriage, can influence long-term inequality and the unique factors that contribute to Switzerland's consistently low income disparity. Melanie also addresses the growing wealth gap and its implications for social policies.