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

Caroline Lustenberger, a PhD sleep researcher from ETH Zurich, dives deep into the science of sleep. Learn why the 8-hour rule isn't one-size-fits-all and how factors like screen time and caffeine affect your slumber. She debunks myths about sleep supplements and explores the benefits and drawbacks of sleep trackers. Caroline also discusses her innovative Herencia initiative, which connects sleep science with Alzheimer’s prevention, offering actionable tips to enhance your nightly rest.

Caroline Lustenberger, a leading sleep researcher with a PhD from ETH Zurich, dives into the fascinating world of sleep science. She debunks the myth of needing eight hours of sleep, explaining that individual needs vary greatly. Learn how screen time, caffeine, and temperature affect sleep quality. Caroline shares practical tips for creating the perfect sleep environment and discusses her groundbreaking work linking sleep research to Alzheimer's prevention. Get ready to rethink your nighttime habits and improve your health!

Annemarie Büttner, Lead of Climate Risk Solutions at Swiss Re, delves into the intricate world of climate risk. She discusses how natural disasters influence global supply chains and the importance of climate risk modeling. Annemarie shares real-world examples, including floods in Spain, and sheds light on the unique climate challenges facing Switzerland. With a focus on urban planning and proactive resilience, she offers practical steps for companies and individuals to prepare for an uncertain future amid climate change.

In this episode, Jörg Sandrock, CEO of Neon and a pioneer in Switzerland's digital banking scene, discusses the hurdles of disrupting a traditional banking landscape. He reveals why Switzerland has lagged in digital banking adoption and how Neon balances innovation with simplicity. Jörg highlights the vital role of AI in their operations and shares insights on their five-year vision for leveraging technology in lending and investments. Tune in for an eye-opening look at the fintech revolution in Switzerland!

Jörg Sandrock, CEO of Neon Bank, is reshaping Switzerland's conservative banking scene with his innovative approach. He discusses the slow digital evolution of Swiss banking and the unique challenges fintech startups face. The conversation dives into balancing simplicity and innovation while scaling effectively. Jörg also shares insights on how generative AI is transforming banking and outlines Neon’s future plans. This is a fascinating look at the intersection of technology and finance in Switzerland.

Dr. Michael Grampp, Chief Economist and Head of Research at Deloitte Switzerland, dives into the transformative effects of AI on the job market. He discusses how generative AI boosts innovation while presenting new challenges. The conversation highlights Switzerland's unique workforce dynamic, marked by a high percentage of expats, and examines the comparison with European job markets. Grampp also tackles economic hurdles, including energy shortages and the importance of attracting talent amid a changing landscape.

Diccon Bewes, a renowned author specializing in Swiss culture and history, shares intriguing insights about Switzerland's unique identity and evolution. He discusses the nation's journey from mercenaries to neutrality, highlighting its distinctive federal system and democratic practices. The transformative role of the railway and the evolution of Swiss chocolate are explored, along with the cultural diversity that shapes today’s Switzerland. The conversation also reveals fascinating voting patterns and the impact of local autonomy on national unity.

Join Baptiste Wicht, the mind behind The Poor Swiss blog, as he unpacks the secrets to financial independence in Switzerland. He shares his journey from saving just 10% to an impressive 50% of his income. Discover his top frugality strategies and favorite budgeting tools that simplify managing finances. Baptiste dives into investment choices, comparing real estate and stocks while advocating for a tailored approach to savings. He also reflects on the challenges of balancing his blog with a full-time job and staying objective in his product reviews.

Join Markus Tschannen, spokesperson for Switzerland Tourism, as he sheds light on the dynamic tourism industry in Switzerland. Discover how marketing strategies are evolving to attract younger travelers, especially Gen Z. Markus dives into the impact of COVID-19 on tourism trends and shares fascinating insights about promoting hidden gems across the country. Learn about iconic ad campaigns featuring Roger Federer and the strategic use of public figures as tourism ambassadors. This conversation uncovers the future of Swiss travel and the charm of its lesser-known destinations.

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 and quality. Additionally, we discuss his experience covering the Vatican and how the institution has adapted to a world that is becoming increasingly secular. Expect to learn about Switzerland's unique geopolitical stance, the changing landscape of news media, and how the Vatican has evolved under Pope Francis. Enjoy!