Listen Again - to World Radio Switzerland

Is the engagement ring as we know it dead? 

Katt Cullen talks to Alfredo Arredondo and Irina Miric from fine jewellers Agua de Oro, based in Geneva and Zurich, to explore the dramatic shift away from traditional diamond engagement rings.

Together, they dive into the history of the engagement ring, from its origins to how diamonds became synonymous with love - thanks to the genius of De Beers' marketing, Hollywood, and some hit songs along the way. We discuss the rise of lab-grown diamonds, and how trends are shifting and more couples are saying goodbye to diamonds altogether, opting for entirely new ways to symbolise commitment with a more personalised choice.

With Agua de Oro’s commitment to socially ethical and eco-friendly luxury jewellery, they share why alternative, sustainable choices are becoming the new norm.

Is the end of the engagement ring tradition just the beginning of a new era in fine jewellery?

Tune in to find out and discover how you can make a more mindful, modern choice for your love story.

Find Agua de Oro's stores in the old towns of Geneva and Zurich, or find them online at aguadeoro.ch/en

Irina Miric and Alfredo Arredondo from Agua de Oro in their Geneva store. 

Helvetic Clinics handles hundreds of Swiss based patients a year looking for faster - and cheaper – dental treatment,

It does involve a trip to Budapest, but you will be well looked after.

Mark Butcher spoke to Pierre Chaker and Jean François Empain from Helvetic Clinics and asked why go to Budapest for your teeth?

The Growing Trend of Dental Tourism: Why Swiss Residents are Choosing

In recent years, dental tourism has become a rising trend across Europe, with more

Swiss residents, in particular, are increasingly drawn to Budapest, not only for its

Why Budapest?

Hungary has long been known for its excellent dental care, and Budapest is a hub for

In addition to high-quality dental procedures, Budapest is a city that appeals to

Helvetic Clinics: Probably The Best Dental Clinic in Hungary

One of the leading names in Budapest’s dental tourism scene is Helvetic Clinics,

What sets Helvetic Clinics apart is its dedication to patient care. From the initial

The Patient Experience: Smooth, Comfortable, and Hassle-Free

One of the main reasons Swiss residents are choosing Helvetic Clinics as their

Helvetic Clinics’ team of highly skilled professionals uses state-of-the-art equipment

Why Choose Dental Tourism in Budapest?

Besides the obvious cost savings, dental tourism in Budapest offers a number of

Furthermore, dental tourism allows patients to avoid long waiting times often

Conclusion: A Winning Choice for Swiss Patients

For Swiss residents seeking affordable, high-quality dental care, Budapest is quickly

If you’re considering dental tourism, why not make your next smile makeover a reality

Mischa Damev, Artistic Director of the CLASSICS season of Migros Culture Percentage, is bringing an innovative approach to classical music with the aim of rethinking traditional concert formats. He’s focused on pushing boundaries and exploring new ideas while staying rooted in the core of classical music tradition.

As Damev oversees over 25 concerts across Switzerland, including high-profile performances like Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 1 with the B'Rock Orchestra conducted by Alexander Melnikow, he's offering a fresh perspective on the concert experience. This performance, which will take place on January 27, 2025, at Tonhalle Zurich and on January 28, 2025, at Victoria Hall in Geneva, promises to be a highlight of the season, combining the brilliance of Beethoven with the dynamic interpretation of a contemporary orchestra.

The season will also highlight young musicians with fresh ideas and new approaches to classical repertoire. Among them is the Aurora Orchestra, a group known for its innovative approach to classical performance, as well as renowned soloist David Greilsammer, who will continue to explore unorthodox ways of interpreting classical music.

Damev’s focus on both the future and the tradition of classical music reflects his belief in creating a dialogue between past and present. His vision for the upcoming concerts invites the audience to experience classical music in innovative settings while still celebrating the iconic works that have shaped the genre.

On today's Breakfast Show, Dr. Daniele Labriola, University Applications Advisor at TutorsPlus, shares his expertise on how to navigate the complex world of university applications and career choices. With over 10 years of experience helping families prepare students for top-tier higher education, Dr. Labriola discusses when to start thinking about university options, emphasising the importance of exploring early and keeping a range of possibilities open. He also explains how choosing between IB or Swiss Maturité can impact future options and why considering apprenticeships in Switzerland might be a valuable path to explore sooner.

Dr. Labriola offers practical advice on how parents can support their children to understand their strengths and interests, maintain an open mind, and make informed decisions. He also addresses the financial and cultural factors that can influence choices, particularly for international families who may feel overwhelmed by the wide range of options. 

For families feeling uncertain about their options, Dr. Labriola recommends a 30-minute trial session at TutorsPlus to streamline the decision-making process and provide tailored guidance on the next steps.

Katt Cullen speaks with Fanny Baert, a certified life and career coach and founder of Change With Me, serving clients in Geneva, neighbouring France and beyond (online). Specialising in guiding individuals through times of transition, Fanny explains the pivotal moments when people seek out coaching, such as career changes, relocations, or shifts in personal identity. She highlights how these transitions - often seen as daunting or overwhelming - can be reframed as opportunities for growth and empowerment with the right support.

Fanny shares examples from her practice, detailing the unique needs of clients during such transitions. Whether it’s finding clarity after a job change or navigating a major life event, she emphasises the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and strategic planning. As someone who has personally experienced multiple relocations and significant life changes, Fanny draws on her own journey to help others overcome similar challenges. Her personal connection to change and her optimistic approach serve as the foundation for her coaching philosophy: "Change is good! We can do it!"

With her deep understanding of the emotional and practical aspects of transition, Fanny offers valuable insight into how coaching can provide a structured and supportive path forward. For anyone facing a major life change or seeking guidance through periods of uncertainty, Fanny’s expertise and empathetic approach make Change With Me a go-to resource for personal and professional transformation.

Geneva Secretariat Intern Association (GSIA) is a vibrant community of hundreds of interns in Geneva, dedicated to organising engaging activities that foster connection and collaboration. This Thursday, they're collaborating with the Village du Soir for a unique concert: “Soul & Soir”.

"Soul & Soir", hosted and headlined by rap, jazz and neo-soul artist Midé Johnson, will also highlight iconic performances by Rania Yasmine, Emerald, Tanaparis and Marina Santos, and aims to connect local and international Geneva through a rare evening of soul, rhythm, nostalgia and emotion.

Midé, who's also a human rights lawyer and interning at the UN in Geneva, joins Katt Cullen on the Breakfast Show...

Calling all budding writers! In this episode, Quade Hermann from the Geneva Writer's Group speaks with WRS' Katt Cullen about their Literary Prize 2025. They’re inviting writers from around the globe to submit works of fiction & non-fiction (up to 1500 words) and poetry (up to 50 lines) by January 31st to enter the competition.

Winners will receive promotion, a cash prize, and will have the opportunity to read their works at upcoming Geneva Writer's Group events. 

The competition is also a fundraiser; entry into the competition is CHF 25 per for non-members or CHF 20 for young writers and members. The price is per entry (writers can submit multiple works) and that will be split 50/50 to cover the association's admin costs for the competition and as a donation to the excellent work of the Cancer Support Switzerland based in Geneva. 

In this interview, Quade Hermann explains the competition format, introduces the panel of judges, and discusses why the theme of "hope and resilience" is so powerful right now, inspiring writers around the world.

Submit your work at genevawritersgroup.org before 31 January 2025 to enter. 

A unique photo exhibition is on now at the Espace Candide in Ferney Voltaire.

For many years Robin Bielik travelled the world for work – but made sure he had his camera on him. 

If he came across a wedding – he took a few pictures. A collection of those are now on display.

Robin sadly died last month, while the exhibition was being planned. 

Mark Butcher spoke to his wife Peggy Henderson, who was determined the exhibition would go ahead – and started by asking her to describe the type of pictures on display.

Some of the pictures can be seen here: 

Jim's has been selling British goods in the region since 1996. It now sells other international goods from the US, Asia, South Africa. 

Chris Anderson, Jim's son, joined Katt Cullen on the WRS Breakfast Show to share some big news about a partnership with Manor, their Christmas market stand filled with great gift ideas at the Centre Manor Chavannes, and their thriving store in Gland. 

You can also order your turkey, galmon, Christmas crackers, stuffing, sauces and chocolate selections on jims.ch

Diana Casalis arrived in Geneva 15 years ago and started sharing her life on instagram around a decade ago. When her following online grew to 10K, she quit her job and threw a party. Now she shares parts of her life to over 30K followers, including great restaurants, events and outings with the family. 

She talks to Katt Cullen on the WRS Breakfast Show about some of the perks of blogging her life on instagram, as well as the boundaries she puts in place being both an entrepreneur and mum of two. 

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