The Gstaad Guy Podcast

The Gstaad Guy sits down with Matt Friend, the comedian, actor, and impressionist who has built a devoted following by turning razor-sharp observation into some of the most entertaining content online and on stage, to explore what it truly means to make people laugh in a world that takes itself far too seriously. From discovering comedy to performing in front of live crowds, Matt reflects on the craft, the nerve, and the instinct required to land a joke in any room, for any audience.

The conversation moves through the journey from online skits to major stages, the difference between performing for a camera and commanding a room, and why great comedy has always been rooted in great observation. Matt shares how he approaches his impressions, what it means to adapt your voice without losing it, and why humour remains one of the most powerful and underrated tools a person can have. A genuinely funny and surprisingly thoughtful conversation about passion, performance, and the art of noticing what everyone else is too polite to say.

Filmed at Casa Cipriani New York's Premier River View Suite.

(00:00) Intro ✨🎙️

(02:20) Accents 🗣️🌍

(06:20) Impressions 🎭😄

(08:18) Trump Impression 🇺🇸🎤

(08:39) Roger Federer 🎾🏆

(09:13) Rafael Nadal 🎾💪🏼

(09:26) Novak Djokovic 🎾🌟

(09:53) RFK Jr. 🇺🇸🎙️

(10:13) Bill Gates 💻💰

(13:05) Discovering Comedy 😂💡

(14:18) Performing In Front Of A Crowd 🎤👥

(17:36) Social Media vs. IRL 📱🌍

(19:11) Mitch McConnell 🏛️🐢

(20:12) Ted Cruz 🇺🇸🤠

(20:30) Bernie Sanders 🌹✊🏻

(21:34) Austin Butler 🎬😎

(22:25) Language vs. Final Product 🗣️🎯

(27:49) An Unserious Generation 😜📱

(31:24) Embracing Comedy 😂❤️

(33:16) Observing The Rich 👀💎

(35:36) Tapping Into Luxury Brands 👔✨

(37:50) Inspiration For The Comedy 💡😂

(41:54) Comedy As A Tool In Dating 😂❤️

(45:29) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨

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The Gstaad Guy sits down with Charles Rosier, co-founder & CEO of Augustinus Bader, the biotech skincare brand that brought revolutionary stem cell science out of the medical world and into the hands of consumers, to explore what it truly takes to build something extraordinary from the edge of the impossible. From a dramatic change in career path to navigating near bankruptcy, Charles reflects on the determination, sacrifice, and quiet self-belief that kept the vision alive when almost nothing else did.

The conversation moves through the science behind the brand, the challenge of democratising skincare without compromising its integrity, and why building a strong identity in one of the world's most competitive industries demands as much courage as it does innovation. Charles shares what he looks for in a team, how the perception of skincare is evolving, and why trusting the process, even when the process is brutal, is the only way to create something that lasts. A compelling conversation about medicine, reinvention, and what happens when science and luxury finally meet.

Filmed at The Twenty Two (London), Gingko Suite.

(00:00) Intro ✨🎙️

(00:34) Who Is AB? 🙋👤

(03:45) Early Applications 🧴✨

(05:55) Purpose 🎯❤️

(08:00) Launching A Brand 🚀🌟

(10:00) The Idea 💡🔮

(11:14) Democratising Skincare 🤝🏻💆

(14:59) Perception Of Skincare 👁️🧴

(20:10) Ingredients 🌿🔬

(21:35) The Rich Cream 💎🧴

(27:01) Becoming A Founder 👔🚀

(31:33) Skincare Landscape 🌍🧴

(36:10) Ready To Sacrifice Everything 💪🏻🔥

(39:53) Packaging 📦✨

(44:08) Becoming A Skincare Entrepreneur 💼🌟

(48:34) What To Look For In A Team 👥🔍

(51:34) Running A Business In London 🇬🇧💼

(55:42) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨

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The Gstaad Guy sits down with Endo Kazutoshi, one of the most revered third-generation sushi masters in the world, to explore a life shaped by inherited craft, quiet discipline, and an unwavering devotion to the guest. From a destiny that was never forced upon him yet always seemed inevitable, Endo reflects on what it means to carry a family tradition forward while finding his own voice within it, and how the loss of his father deepened his understanding of what this craft truly demands.

The conversation moves through the philosophy of omakase, the art of reading a guest before a single piece of fish is cut, and why the best sushi experience is one where less does infinitely more. Endo shares his approach to sourcing ingredients, the discipline required to build the right team around a shared vision, and how a deep knowledge of produce, technique, and human emotion combine to create something that transcends a meal. A rare and intimate look at mastery in its most refined form, and the lifetime of dedication it takes to make something look effortless.

Filmed at the TASCHEN London bookstore.

(00:00) Intro ✨🎙️

(01:11) Career Path 🛤️💼

(01:50) Third-Generation Sushi Master 🍣👨‍🍳

(05:39) Destiny 🌟🔮

(06:42) Student & Master 📚🥋

(08:38) Father Passing 🕊️❤️

(12:13) Omakase 🍣🎌

(14:43) Definition of Omakase 📖🍽️

(17:56) Building The Right Team 👥🤝

(20:27) Common Goal & Vision 🎯🌟

(22:57) Evolution Of Sushi Making 🔄🍣

(26:40) Italian vs. Japanese Values 🇮🇹🇯🇵

(29:55) Storytelling Around Food 📖🍽️

(32:04) Core Pillars Of Sushi 🏛️🍣

(33:48) Wasabi 🌿🔥

(36:43) Dining Emotions 😌❤️

(38:22) London 🇬🇧🌆

(39:21) Why I Source Locally 🌱🏡

(41:38) Aging Technique ⏳🔬

(43:30) Handling Fish 🐟🤲

(44:17) Personal Drive 💪🔥

(45:39) Apprentices 👨‍🎓🍣

(47:52) Rapid-Fire Sushi Etiquette ⚡🍣

(51:00) Uni 🦔🍣

(52:05) The Perfect Omakase Guest 😊🎌

(54:45) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨

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The Gstaad Guy sits down with Simon de Pury, founder of de PURY, former chairman and chief auctioneer of Phillips de Pury & Company, former Europe chairman and chief auctioneer of Sotheby's, and former curator of the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection, to explore a life lived entirely in pursuit of beauty, curiosity, and the extraordinary. Raised on Swiss values and drawn to galleries and collectors from a young age, Simon reflects on how a deep obsession with art, music, and human connection shaped a career at the very centre of the global art world.

(00:00) Intro ✨🎙️

(01:24) Background 🌍📖

(02:07) The Gstaad Guy 🎿😎

(03:15) Humour 😂🎭

(05:58) Charity Events 🤝🏻❤️

(08:50) Basel 🎨🏛️

(11:13) Curiosity 🔍🧠

(13:47) Passion For Art 🎨❤️

(14:14) Collecting Is An Art 🖼️✨

(18:45) Storytelling 📖🎙️

(21:26) How Taste Evolves 👁️📈

(26:04) Art Has Become Social 📱🎨

(29:47) Kanye West 🎤👑

(31:49) Footballers Buying Art ⚽🖼️

(33:22) Tastemakers 👔✨

(34:03) Fashion & Art 👗🎨

(36:54) Showcasing Your Art 🖼️💡

(39:48) Art Ecosystem 🌍🔄

(42:10) How Freeports Work 🏦🔒

(48:21) Important Factors In Art ⚖️🔑

(51:27) The Art Piece Choosing The Buyer 🖼️🤝🏻

(56:04) Interdisciplinary Approach 🔀🧠

(1:01:13) Obsession 🔥💭

(1:03:43) Attributes Of An Art Collector 🧐💎

(1:07:30) The Art World 🌍🖼️

(1:10:35) Money vs. Passion 💰❤️

(1:12:33) Art World Dos & Don'ts ✅❌

(1:15:34) DJing 🎧🎶

(1:18:28) Being Swiss 🇨🇭⛰️

(1:24:40) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨

(1:27:45) The Future 🔮🚀

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The Gstaad Guy sits down with PROFF, the man behind the AskOkey universe, a former JP Morgan investment banker turned tailor, blogger, and one of the most quietly compelling voices in men's style, to explore what it truly means to dress with intention and live with purpose. From the boardroom to the cutting table, PROFF reflects on a life shaped by reinvention, resilience, and the profound relationship between how we dress and how we carry ourselves.

The conversation ventures into the philosophy beneath the cloth: the stoicism that steadies him, the desire to grow that drives him, and the responsibilities inherited along the way that forced him to find his footing faster than most. PROFF shares what it means to build something from nothing, why necessity has always been his greatest teacher, and how observation, solitude, and a commitment to becoming the best version of yourself can quietly transform a life. A thoughtful and deeply personal conversation about identity, grit, and the elegance of knowing exactly who you are.

Filmed in the One&Only One Za’abeel Royal Suite.

(00:00) Intro ✨🎙️

(00:58) Aura ✨🌀

(02:55) Solaro Suit 👔🌞

(05:32) Ask Okey Universe 🌍🙏🏼🙏

(07:49) Public Persona 🎭😎

(09:55) Becoming A Tailor 🧵✂️

(11:58) Audience Engagement 🎤👥

(15:04) What You Stand For 🏛️💪🏻

(17:00) Life Changing Moment ⚡🔄

(20:00) JP Morgan 🏦💰

(26:30) Playbook For Life 📖🗺️

(28:27) Stoicism 🧘⚖️

(30:18) Desire To Grow 🌱📈

(34:18) "Why Am I Doing This?" 🤔💭

(37:40) Spending Time Alone 🌙🚶

(38:49) "The Journey vs. The Destination" 🛤️🏁

(40:49) The Irony Of Life 😏🔄

(43:46) Being Content With Progress 😌✅

(47:35) Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦❤️

(48:39) Necessity Is The Mother Of Invention 💡🔧

(53:00) Gentle Guidance 🧭🌿

(53:26) Grit 💪🏻🔥

(57:25) The Greatest Gift Is Observation 👁️🎁

(59:56) Knowing Where You Come From 🌍🏠

(1:02:21) Be The Best Version Of Yourself 🌟💯

(1:05:38) Looking For Knowledge 📚🔍

(1:08:01) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨

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The Gstaad The Gstaad Guy sits down with Björn Frantzen, the Swedish chef and restaurateur who holds nine Michelin stars across three separate restaurants, making him the only chef in the world to simultaneously manage three three-Michelin-starred establishments, to explore what it truly means to pursue excellence in the kitchen and beyond. From a football injury that rerouted his entire life to earning some of the most coveted accolades in gastronomy, Björn reflects on the discipline, creativity, and relentless hard work that transformed a passion for food into a world-class institution.

The conversation explores the complexities of life as a restaurateur, the delicate balance between being a chef and running a business, and the Swedish philosophy of "lagom" as a quiet force behind great work. Björn shares how he designs a dish, builds a team, and innovates within a tradition as exacting as French fine dining, all while maintaining the spirit of casual elegance that defines his approach. A rich and absorbing conversation about craftsmanship, culture, and what it takes to make people feel something through food.

Filmed at Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel in Paris.

(00:00) Intro ✨🎙️

(00:33) Inspiration ✨🌟

(03:28) Earning A Michelin Star ⭐🏆

(09:20) Consumer vs. Creator 🍽️🎨

(11:35) Creativity 🎨💡

(12:35) Discovering Cooking 👨‍🍳🔍

(14:00) Football Career ⚽🏃

15:18) Sports & The Restaurant Industry 🏅🍴

(16:55) Swedish Business Acumen 🇸🇪💼

(21:28) "Lagom" ⚖️🧘

(28:32) Chef To Entrepreneur 👨‍🍳🚀

(30:33 Being A Restauranteur 🍽️🏠

(34:37) Acquiring Experience 📚🌱

(38:27) Next Generation 👶🏻🔮

(42:54) Designing A Dish 🎨🍴

(45:16) Innovation In The Industry 💡🔧

(49:00) Wine Pairing 🍷🍾

(54:09) Kitchen Environments 🔪🍳

(59:00) Being A Good Customer 😊🤝🏻

(1:01:21) Music 🎵🎶

(1:02:01) Balance Between Personal Life & Work ⚖️❤️

(1:04:54) Specialisation 🎯🔬

(1:09:07) Food In Japan 🍣🇯🇵

(1:09:47) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨

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The Gstaad Guy sits down with Simon Cohen, the South African-born, Australian-raised entrepreneur behind Cohen Handler, the buyer's agency that turned a gap in the market into a movement, to explore what it truly takes to build something original in an industry resistant to change. From discovering real estate to flipping the traditional agent model on its head, Simon reflects on the drive, honesty, and relentless problem-solving that transformed a bold idea into one of Australia's most trusted property firms.

The conversation ventures into the lessons only life can teach, taking risks before you're ready, earning client trust through radical transparency, and why chasing your dreams means being willing to reinvent the wheel entirely. Simon shares the values that shape his team, the passion that fuels his process, and why in a world of imitators, being genuinely original is still the greatest competitive advantage. A candid, grounded conversation about building with purpose, betting on yourself, and what luxury real estate truly demands of the people who serve it.

Filmed at the TASCHEN London bookstore.

(00:00) Intro ✨🎙️

(01:33) Discovering Real Estate 🏠🔍

(03:00) Seller Agent vs. Buyer Agent 🤝🏻🤝⚖️

(04:56) From Salesman To Entrepreneur 💼🚀

(06:45) Entrepreneurial Landscape 🌍📈

(09:08) Doubt 🤔😰

(09:56) Main Business Driver ⚙️💡

(11:06) Australian Market 🦘🇦🇺

(12:19) Innovation 💡🔧

(15:40) Earning Trust 🤝🏻🏆

(18:38) Team Values 👥❤️

(20:16) Passion 🔥❤️

(21:16) Outcome vs. Process 🎯🛠️

(26:10) Building Connections 🤝🏻🌐

(30:41) Competition Breeds Innovation ⚡💡

(34:34) Buying A Property 🏡💰

(38:38) The Real Life Gstaad Guy 🎿🏔️

(43:33) Decision Makers 🧠👔

(44:23) Who You Want To Be 🪞✨

(46:33) Technology 💻📱

(48:12) Remote Lifestyle 🌴💻

(51:10) Seizing Opportunities 🙌🏻⚡

(54:19) Understanding Your Customer 👂🏻🎯

(57:32) Transfer Of Wealth 💸🔄

(59:31) Luxury Requires Luxury 💎👑

(1:01:30) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨

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The Gstaad Guy sits down with Elie Saab Jr., CEO and Vice Chairman of Elie Saab Group, to explore how a family vision rooted in haute couture grew into one of the world’s most recognisable luxury houses. Reflecting on the inception of the brand and the influence of his father, Elie Saab, Elie Saab Jr. shares how family values, Middle Eastern roots, and an upbringing centred on groundedness and resilience shaped his approach to leadership. From curiosity and ambition to grit and the desire to succeed, he discusses the mindset required to step into a legacy business while carving out your own path.

The conversation dives into joining the company, restructuring the organisation, and expanding the brand globally while protecting the spirit of couture craftsmanship. Elie Saab Jr. reflects on diversifying the house into a broader lifestyle brand, the realities of the fashion industry, and why passion must always be balanced with humility. They also explore leadership, learning, choosing the right partner, and building the support system required to sustain long-term growth. A thoughtful look at turning dreams into action, driving innovation without losing heritage, and preparing a family business for future generations.

Filmed at Elie Saab's London Bruton Street Boutique.

(00:00) Intro ✨🎙️

(01:28) Inception Of Elie Saab ✨🧵

(03:10) Family 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦❤️

(06:58) Work Environment 🏢💼

(07:15) Middle Eastern Roots 🌍🕌

(09:53) Celebrating Life 🥂🎉

(11:14) Desire To Thrive 🔥🌱

(13:44) Joining The Business 🤝🏻🏢

(17:25) Upbringing & Values 🧬🧭

(20:20) Choosing Your Partner 💍🤝🏻

(25:01) Future Generations 👶✨

(25:55) Diversifying The Business 🌐📈

(32:59) Becoming A Lifestyle Brand 🏡💎

(33:42) Reality Of The Fashion World 👗⚖️

(36:35) Passion vs. Humility 🔥🙏🏼

(40:35) Learning 📚💡

(41:35) Becoming CEO 👔🏆

(45:41) Restructuring 🔧📊

(50:27) Driving Growth 🚀📈

(53:16) Future Of The Industry 🔮✨

(56:50) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨

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The Gstaad Guy sits down with Tony Kelly, the Irish fine art photographer and director known for his vivid, cinematic imagery that blurs the line between fantasy and reality. From early days as a press photographer covering conflict in Afghanistan to developing a distinctive visual language built around colour, atmosphere, and playful storytelling, Tony reflects on how photography became an instinct rather than a technique. He shares how mentorship, relentless practice, and the right creative environments helped shape a style that prioritises original ideas and emotional impact over imitation or status.

The conversation explores the power of visual storytelling, creating images that feel playful, cinematic, and infused with a sense of nostalgia. Tony discusses shooting self-funded projects for creative freedom, the importance of substance over status, and why hard work and resourcefulness matter more than talent alone. From the cultural magnetism of St. Moritz and the timeless atmosphere of Badrutt’s Palace Hotel to the influence of James Bond and classic film aesthetics, he reflects on building a genre of photography that feels both glamorous and mischievous. A candid look at creativity in the modern era, why this may be the greatest time to be alive for artists, and why the most powerful images still come from curiosity, discipline, and the courage to shoot for yourself.

Filmed at The Badrutt’s Palace Hotel in St. Moritz.

(00:00) Intro ✨🎙️

(03:20) Hard Work 💪🏻🛠️

(04:23) Effort 🔥💪🏻

(05:53) Right Shooting Environment 📸🌄

(07:24) Style of Photography 🎨📷

(09:28) Mentor 🧑‍🏫✨

(13:00) Storytelling 📖🎬

(14:25) St Moritz 🏔️🇨🇭

(20:29) The Badrutt’s Palace Hotel 🏰🏨

(23:35) Mountain Values 🏔️💎

(27:01) Discretion 🤫🔒

(28:37) James Bond 🕶️🎬

(29:49) Nostalgia 📼💭

(32:16) Media Capital Of The World 🌍📰

(34:32) Self-Funded Projects 💰🎨

(36:19) Starting Photography 📷🌱

(38:18) Creativity Democratised 🎨🌐

(40:49) The New Creative Era 🚀🎥

(42:50) Hard Work vs. Talent ⚖️🎯

(44:19) “Ireland Is About Substance Not Status” 🇮🇪🌿

(47:53) Starting As A Press Photographer 📰📸

(53:12) Being Resourceful 🧠🛠️

(56:24) Greatest Time To Be Alive 🌍✨

(1:00:14) Validation 👍🏻✨

(1:00:58) Imitation As A Form Of Validation 🪞📸

(1:06:26) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨

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The Gstaad Guy sits down with Philippe Zuber, CEO of Kerzner International, to explore how modern luxury hospitality is evolving from hotel stays into fully immersive destinations. As the driving force behind brands such as One&Only, Atlantis, SIRO, and Rare Finds, Philippe shares how unlocking extraordinary locations and designing once-in-a-lifetime experiences requires both discipline and imagination. From selecting destinations to shaping brand emotion and storytelling, he reflects on what it takes to define the future while preserving exclusivity, privacy, and trust.

The conversation dives into the shifting expectations of a multi-generational, highly discerning clientele and why luxury today is about anticipating guest needs before they are spoken. Philippe discusses health and wellness stays, sports and longevity, mindfulness, and the growing demand for meaningful escapes that enhance how time is spent. They explore decision-making in private companies, curating experiences beyond the traditional hotel model, and the added value of personalisation in a world saturated with options. A thoughtful look at comfort, adventure, innovation, and the evolving relationship between brand and guest, revealing how true luxury is not excess, but precision.

Filmed in the One&Only One Za’abeel Royal Suite.

Chapters:

(00:00) Intro ✨🎙️

(02:02) Kerzner International Ecosystem 🌍🏨

(11:46) Decision Making 🧠⚖️

(12:30) Private vs. Public Companies 🔒🏢

(15:30) Selecting Destinations 📍✨

(21:26) Success By Design 🎯📐

(22:21) Destination Selection Process 🗺️🔍

(29:08) Defining The Future 🔮🚀

(30:36) Discerned Customers 👁️💎

(32:56) Health & Wellness Approach 🌿🧘‍♂️

(40:52) Target Clientele 🎯👥

(43:37) Understanding Your Desires ❤️🔍

(50:41) Sports & Longevity 🏃‍♂️⏳

(53:07) Montana 🏔️🌲

(53:30) Escapes & Retreats 🌅🏕️

(55:08) Curating Experiences 🎨✨

(1:01:03) How Time Is Spent ⏳📊

(1:03:47) Hotel Bar 🍸🏨

(1:05:15) Understanding The Consumer 🧠👥

(1:10:18) Demand & Consumption 📈🔄

(1:17:54) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨

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