The McKay Interview

The McKay Interview

By Michael McKayNewsPolitics
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The McKay Interview episodes

  • Jean-Pierre Roth, President of the Foundation for the Renovation of the Swiss Guard Barracks in the Vatican.

    Jean-Pierre Roth, a former President of the Swiss National Bank, explains the history and the current situation of this iconic, Swiss military institution in Vatican City.


    We discuss many aspects of the Pontifical Swiss Guard including:

    -Why they are there, since when have they been guarding the Pope

    -What do they actually do and how many constitute the Swiss Guard

    -Why the barracks need renovation and how much money is required?

    32 min
  • Dr. Ilia Kolochenko, Founder & CEO of IMMUNIWEB

    We discuss the key, cybersecurity threats and what the future is likely to look like.

    Some of the points we cover:

    -What are the key, cybersecurity threats to businesses, organisations and individuals?

    -What does "resilience" mean?

    -What is your assessment of the role of organised crime as a threat to cybersecurity?

    -Should we fear Artificial Intelligence?

    32 min
  • Bru Pearce, Founder & Managing Director, Envisionation Ltd.

    In this episode, we talk about the current state of the biosphere and Bru Pearce's Envisionation Biosphere Restoration Plan.

    Some of the questions we try to answer:

    -What can be done to repair the damage to the biosphere?

    -Does man have the capacity to be up to this dauting task?

    -What future is there for our grandchildren?

    34 min
  • Lt. Gen. Thomas Suessli, Chief of the Swiss Armed Forces

    In this episode we have a conversation with the Chief of the Swiss Armed Forces about a variety of topical, relevant and sensitive subjects.

    We cover the following:

    -What does Swiss "neutrality" mean?

    -Has the conflict in Ukraine changed the way that the Swiss Armed Forces strategize about warfare?

    -What is the role of women in the Swiss Armed Forces?

    -What part do the Swiss Armed Forces play in the social cohesion of Switzerland.

    31 min
  • Kinza Win of WIN Advisors on Philanthropy

    Kinza Win is an experienced, independent advisor on Philanthropy, with many years working at a high level in the wealth management and financial services industry.

    In this episode we discuss:

    -The giving and receiving side of the equation
    -The size of the growing Philanthropy sector, the pitfalls, the difference between aid and philanthropy
    -Whether sponsorship, as in the case of sports tournaments, is a confusion.

    32 min
  • Professor Petteri Taalas, Secretary-General, World Meteorological Organization.

    In this episode we discuss climate change and climate science.

    Some of the questions we cover:

    -What does the current climate science tell us?

    -Can't we "unmake" climate change, if man is responsible for making it in the first place?
    -Why campaigns about climate change have taken on the mantle of religion in the minds and actions of some?
    -The importance of clouds. If humankind won't adapt to climate change, just as we always have done.

    32 min
  • Ambassador Yevenhiia Filipenko, Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the United Nations & other International Organizations in Geneva

    In this episode we discuss Ambassador Filipenko's current assessment of the war in Ukraine, just two days before the first anniversary of Russia's illegal invasion.

    Some of the topics we cover:

    -What the Ambassador has been doing in and around the UN Geneva in the eleven months since we last met.
    -Why so many African countries abstain on  important vote relevant to Ukraine resolutions at the UN.
    -When will the war end? And how?


    39 min
  • Professor Dr. Rudolf Minsch, Chief Economist and Deputy Chairman of economiesuisse

    In this episode our guest provides an assessment of the current state of the Swiss economy and how Switzerland's peculiarities contribute to its consistent success.

    Some of the topics we cover:

    -Switzerland's success defies the laws of economics just as the flight of the bumble bee defies the laws of physics.
    -The great contribution that migrants have made to Switzerland's success.
    -Though Switzerland does well, it is not Shangri-La, so how could it do better?

    27 min
  • The opinions of "Leila", an Iranian-Swiss woman living in Switzerland, on the current state of Iran.

    In this episode we discuss the views and opinions of an Iranian woman - now a naturalised Swiss - who was at university in Iran at the time of the fall of the Shah in 1979 and has lived in  both countries for many years.

    Some of the topics we cover:

    -How in your opinion has Iran arrived at where it is today in its long and flourishing history?
    -What is it in the governing regime's particular version of Islam that is so anti-female?
    -How do mothers bring up their sons? What values do they teach them?
    -What values do fathers live  by in bringing up their daughters, and their sons?  
    -What are the chances of success of this current revolution?

    33 min

About The McKay Interview

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Michael McKay conducts in depth interviews with decision makers and local leaders.