SwissPats
By Susan Lyon
SwissPatsJun 12, 2019
S4E01 - Louise Gooding is Just Like Me... and you should read her new book!
A few months ago Louise and Suzi met up in a covid friendly way at Louise's lovely home in the mountains to discuss her life as a new author. Louise has written and published her book Just Like Me which discusses the topics of neurodiversity and disability. Joining forces with 4 talented illustrators, Louise has managed to bring a book to the shelves on topics that are often shied away from, ignored or forgotten. As Louise has a neurodiverse family, she is keen to increase the visibility of disabled and neurologically different people through her children's book.
Louise also discusses her life before being an author and her move to Switzerland, and how she made the decision to stay.
Louise isnt the only Gooding to have written a book - daughter Ellie joined us briefly in the interview (although silently!) so we could discuss her book! Ellie wrote and published Georgie Moves to Switzerland which is a must read for all kids who have made the journey here, or plan to in the future.
To get copies of Louise's book, you can pre order from Swiss book shops directly such as Orell Füssli, Buchhaus, Press & Books as well as Book Depository. Here is just one link for the book, but you can choose where you order from!
https://www.pressbooks.ch/detail/ISBN-9781787418486/GOODING-LOUISE/JUST-LIKE-ME?bpmctrl=bpmrownr.2%7Cforeign.56071-1-0-0
This book is sure to make it around the world, so make sure you get your hands on one of the first copies available!
To get a copy of Ellie's already released book, visit her website at www.elliegooding.com
***
Don't forget to like and subscribe, follow and download!
To listen ~~
Anchor - https://anchor.fm/swisspats
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/swisspats/id1255274540
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1OKeUnxaZCiagpG88isB5g
***
S3E35 Lets get SALTY with Smiqql!
Suzi travelled to Pfäffikon to meet Dina of Smiqql fame, the co creator of "sprinkles of joy" - flavoured salts! Dina and Murat met, fell in love and created Smiqql as a way to share their love of food with Switzerland, Europe and eventually the world!
Dina was a lovely guest who shares her story about life as a third culture kid in the USA and her return to Europe as an adult, and her journey from the corporate world to flaky salts. And it isnt just about the taste, Dina discusses why sustainability is important to her and the company and what Smiqql are doing to ensure sustainability.
It is hard to express in podcast form how delicious Smiqql's flaky salts are, but if you have the chance to try them you should! visit smiqql.com to get your hands on some!
***
Don't forget to like and subscribe, follow and download!
To listen ~~
Anchor - https://anchor.fm/swisspats
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/swisspats/id1255274540
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1OKeUnxaZCiagpG88isB5g
***
S3E34 - Healthfirst.ch joins us to tell us about an importance subject, including a free webinar!
Dr Mecky McNeill from Healthfirst.ch joined Gary to discuss some serious and important issues - Mental Health and suicide. To coincide with Movember, the yearly event to raise awareness for mens health, HealthFirst.ch is running a free webinar about the topic, with experts on hand to discuss it, as well as interact with the audience.
This free 1 hour online panel discussion on the subject of men's mental health, hosted by Dr Mecky and Dr Michelle Wright, will be on 30th November, and the guest speakers are
- Dr Thomas Ihde, Swiss Psychiatrist and Pro Mente Sana President
- Dr John Barkat, International Monetary Fund Mediator and former head of the United Nations Ombudsman and Mediation Services
- Scott Poynton, Movember Switzerland Representative
- Carl Wahlers, founder of Blokes and Black Dogs peer-to-peer support group for men
To join this excellent opportunity to discuss and gain understanding around this important issue, all you have to do is REGISTER at https://www.healthfirst.ch/event/movember/
***
Don't forget to like and subscribe, follow and download!
To listen ~~
Anchor - https://anchor.fm/swisspats
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/swisspats/id1255274540
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1OKeUnxaZCiagpG88isB5g
***
S3E33 Betwixt & Between, the theatre group bringing you a Hansel & Gretel: Lost & Found.
American Scott and Swiss Miriam joined Suzi (with Covid Measures in place! If you are wondering why we sound muffled, its because we wore masks!) to discuss their lives in theatre as well as their own bilingual theatre company Betwixt and Between. By having a bilingual play, children and adults alike can enjoy the story in their own language. The two friends discovered, with Basel being such a multi diverse city, that combining the languages and performing in both brings a unique and memorable flair to their plays.
Scott and Miriam wrote, directed and stared in this hit play which showed in 2019 at the Mitte Safe in Basel, and now they are bringing it back for another round at the Theater Arlecchino. Remember the story of Hansel & Gretel? Scott and Miriam bring it to life on stage with a new take on the story - siblings return to their family home and discover a toy box that they used to enjoy together... what stories will they remember from their past?
Even the Cantons in Basel Stadt and Land like the idea - So much so, they provided a discount for tickets! Listen for more details.
And if you are worried about COVID restrictions, you can be sure that Betwixt & Between have taken it seriously! With a maximum number allowed in the audience so guests can spread out, extra room at the bar and other measures in place, this is a Covid friendly production that you can catch for a few shows only!
For schools from Basel-Stadt: A ticket price of CHF 6.- per ticket.
For schools from Basel-Landschaft: A ticket price of CHF 11.- per ticket.
General Admission prices are 17chf for kids and 22chf for adults.
The play is suitable for 1st - 7th grade.
There are four performances for schools on the following dates:
- Tuesday, 17.11. & 24.11.2020 @ 10am
- Wednesday, 18.11. & 25.11.2020 @10am
And two general audiences performances, although you can also attend the day time shows if you wish!
- Friday 4.12 and Saturday 5.12 @6pm
They take place at the Theater Arlecchino, Walkeweg 122, 4052.
Tickets can be booked at www.theater-arlecchino.ch or 061 331 68 56
***
Don't forget to like and subscribe, follow and download!
To listen ~~
Anchor - https://anchor.fm/swisspats
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/swisspats/id1255274540
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1OKeUnxaZCiagpG88isB5g
***
S3E32 - Chocolate Lovers Unite! For Britta and her vegan friendly treats from Kürzi Kakao
Britta joins Gary and Suzi in Zurich, hometown of Kürzi Kakao, to discuss her journey from the USA to Switzerland, and how she got into the competitive but exciting world of Kakao production and her desire to make a sustainable chocolate that is also vegan. As someone who has tasted this delicious choccy, Suzi can assure you it's AWESOME! And Britta was such a great guest, she is even giving away some of her bars! See below for details. One last thing... American listeners overseas... Don't forget to VOTE!
NOTE: APOLOGIES for the sound quality at the beginning of the podcast - Gary and I haven't recorded for a few weeks, and we forgot what we were doing! Next time will be much better, we promise!
*******WINWINWINWIN!!!********
For your chance to win 3 (Yes, THREE!) bars of delicious Kürzi Kakao, all you have to do is:
- Follow swisspats on facebook or instagram
- Follow Kürzi Kakao on facebook or instagram
- Comment on this post tagging a friend who you’d like to share a bar of delicious chocolate with
That's it! And the winner will be announced in a week! Prize will be sent within Switzerland.
***
Don't forget to like and subscribe, follow and download!
To listen ~~
Anchor - https://anchor.fm/swisspats
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/swisspats/id1255274540
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1OKeUnxaZCiagpG88isB5g
***
S3E31 - VOTE! with Democrats Abroad!
Liz Voss, Vice Chair of Democrats Abroad, joined Suzi and Gary to update us on whats going on with the upcoming (Just 45 days!) US election and how you can make sure your vote counts in this very important election...
For voter registration information go to https://www.votefromabroad.org/ there you can find how to get your ballot and how to make sure your vote counts.
For information on events and how to get involved on a local level visit https://www.democratsabroad.org/ch_events - there you will find information on every Swiss event coming up, as well as how to be a part of a community for Americans living aboard.
Contact Liz directly at vice-chair@democrats.ch
***
Don't forget to like and subscribe, follow and download!
To listen ~~
Anchor - https://anchor.fm/swisspats
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/swisspats/id1255274540
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1OKeUnxaZCiagpG88isB5g
***
S3E30 - Funny French Man enters the Chat!
Suzi and Gary travelled to Zurich to interview the ever hilarious Benjamin Delahaye, who is a comedian based in Zurich. Juggling with marriage, two children, comedy gigs, a full-time job and heavy partying, Ben still believes he can have it all. His comedy will make you realize that all the stereotypes you hold about French people are not only true but also worse than you thought. He has performed all over Switzerland, in his home country France, in Los Angeles at the Comedy Store, in Singapore, Tokyo, Shanghai, Amsterdam, the UK & Australia. He also published a children's book on Kindle under the pen name "Isaac Cocci"
Ben had us in stitches the whole time, and it was a shame to end the interview! Check out Ben's work at @comediesuisse and watch his youtube quarantine project at onlinecomedyshow.com @online.comedyshow
Gary and Suzi also discuss some interesting things happening in Switzerland, like mandatory masks in Basel from the 24th August, and the possibility for fathers to enjoy time off when they welcome a newborn to their family.
***
Don't forget to like and subscribe, follow and download!
To listen ~~
Anchor - https://anchor.fm/swisspats
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/swisspats/id1255274540
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1OKeUnxaZCiagpG88isB5g
***
S3E29 - Aussie Singer Songwriter Sings his Songs for SwissPats
SEE BELOW FOR A DISCOUNT FOR CARLYLE'S CD!
Aussie Carlyle Christopherson came to Switzerland for love AND a job, usually its one or the other! But Carlyle moved on, finding a new love in life; his Swiss wife and his passion; music. After a long career in the corporate world Carlyle made a decision, to live a life with Authenticity and Integrity - AI. And what an inspiration! Suzi and Carlyle confuse Gary with their Aussie talk about Boxing Day and Bogans, but the thing about music is... it transcends all language and culture. You will love Carlyle's positive attitude and bright demeanour, and that is why we love his music too!
Some of the artists mentioned are Paul Kelly, Mike Stipe, Jackson Browne and Bernard Fanning, amongst others.
Listen to Carlyle's music on Spotify here!
If you would like to own a physical copy of Carlyle's debut album Here Comes History, you can get a copy for 50% off, exclusive for SwissPat listeners! All you need to do is contact Carlyle on Facebook or at carlyle@cervorosso.com and say SWISSPATS SENT ME to get the CD for 7.50chf instead of 15chf. Support Local Artists!
AND
If you have windows that need cleaning, Carlyle also cleans windows with a super system - HydroPure Ionic Pure Water Glass Cleaning.
S3E28 - Art in Basel, Art Basel. Basel Art... Natalie Corman, the Basel Artist!
***SEE BELOW FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN THE PAINTING IN THE PIC ABOVE***
Natalie Corman joined Suzi to discuss her journey from Belgium, then Montreal then Basel, with falling in love and starting a family squeezed in too! Natalie brings a breath of fresh air to the usual expat stories - while she studied Biology and had an internship in Basel, her plans were not set in stone, and that lead her to discover many great passions, from working and training with dogs to her wonderful and unique art. You can also visit Natalie at her Atelier in Basel! Email her at corman@bluewin.ch.
Some of the artists Natalie mentioned are www.dorianfitzgerald.com/ and El Anatsui www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/el-anatsui-17306/who-is-el-anatsui
***WINWINWIN***
Would you like to own an original Natalie Corman? You can win this great piece, the French Bulldog, last of the series! All you have to do is find his name *HINT* you can visit https://www.corman.ch/pop/ or https://www.instagram.com/p/B8oLhHugOFN/ and like the picture!
Comment below with his name, and you could win this special artwork! Winner must live in Europe!
Before we get to the interview, Gary and Suzi discuss those oddities in Switzerland which make it so great, such as - If you lose 182,000chf worth of gold bars on the train, don’t fret, someone will probably hand them in! Also, the US embassy in Bern had a nice little loop hole to ensure they honoured Pride month in June.
***
Don't forget to like and subscribe, follow and download!
To listen ~~
Anchor - https://anchor.fm/swisspats
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/swisspats/id1255274540
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1OKeUnxaZCiagpG88isB5g
***
S3E27 - Ruxi tells us what Transylvania is really like!
Ruxi Balea is originally from Romania but it was Zurich that Suzi and Ruxi met to discuss her life and journey from Romania and economics, to Zurich and professional photography. A woman with a passion for life, her family and her business, Ruxi made Suzi feel right at home in her studio. Visit Ruxi at Ruxi.photo to see her passion that fills the lens to create awesome shots.
Gary and Suzi also discuss whats happening in Switzerland this week - holiday plans, or lack of! Are you heading away from Switzerland this summer, or staying close to home. Both Gary and Suzi discuss their plans to stay within driving distance of home, and how Americans will not be able to visit their families in Europe due to a ban on travel from the USA.
Let us know your travel plans this summer.
Don't forget to like and subscribe, follow and download!
***
To listen ~~
Anchor - https://anchor.fm/swisspats
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/swisspats/id1255274540
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1OKeUnxaZCiagpG88isB5g
***
Anyone can paint with Paint It Easy!
*** SEE BELOW FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A GUIDED WORKSHOP OF YOUR CHOICE! ***
This weeks guests are couple Patricia and Peter with Paint it Easy, that's a lot of P's! Patricia is the the artist, Peter is the one pouring your glass of prosecco while you paint! Paint It Easy was set up with a passion for art and the desire to cultivate everyones creative side, because Patricia believes that anyone can paint in her workshops. Not only do we get an insight into the story behind Paint It Easy, we also get to know the couples story from their goat herding days (!!) to meeting in a Brocki and eventually landing in Basel.
*** WIN WIN WIN ***
To win a spot in a guided workshop of your choice, visit paintiteasy.ch and scroll through the art, then comment on this post which one you would like to paint. One lucky winner will be chosen to attend a workshop with Patricia leading you through the creation of that artwork, for you to keep and hang with pride on your wall at home!
*** WIN WIN WIN ***
Don't forget to like and subscribe, follow and download!
***
To listen ~~
Anchor - https://anchor.fm/swisspats
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/swisspats/id1255274540
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1OKeUnxaZCiagpG88isB5g
***
Want to have a HELLA'GRAND time? Odette is here to tell us how!
This week SwissPats get a special guest, a two in one - Joe visits us as himself, to tell us about his Drag persona - Odette Hella'Grand. Odette is the best Drag artist in Basel (she has the awards to prove it!) and one of very few drag performers who live and work in Basel. Bringing shows that are suitable for all adults in Basel, regardless of if you're a Swiss native, an expat or a visitor, Odette has thrilled with glitz and glamour while aiming to make Basel's Drag scene an integral part of Switzerlands entertainment circuit - and we at SwissPats think she is doing an awesome job!
To see Odette in show in Basel, head to odettehellagrand.ch where you can click on the links to buy tickets for the Oh G! It's Drag, the Roasting Edition, set to take place on Oct. 9 2020. Or head directly to starticket.ch to book your ticket.
Follow Odette at www.instagram.com/odettehellagrand as well as her friend and makeup artist, fellow drag queen Dita Whip www.instagram.com/ditawhip
***
Don't forget to like and subscribe, follow and download!
***
To listen ~~
Anchor - https://anchor.fm/swisspats
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/swisspats/id1255274540
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1OKeUnxaZCiagpG88isB5g
***
Grab a Cuppa and get comfy with Shirin, Coffee Roaster Extradonaire!
Today Shirin joins SwissPats to tell us all about coffee - from living and working in the coffee regions of Papua New Guinea, to buying and selling beans for Peets and Nespresso in USA, Singapore and Switzerland. Shirin is knowledgeable and passionate about coffee, and wants you to get to know your coffee roaster - where do your beans come from? Are you buying sustainable beans? She certainly made Suzi eager to sniff a cup of freshly roasted coffee!
Visit Shirin at the Carouge Farmers Markets near Geneva every Saturday and www.instagram.com/sweetbeancoffeeswitzerland and www.sweet-bean-coffee.ch
***
Don't forget to like and subscribe, follow and download!
To listen ~~
Anchor - https://anchor.fm/swisspats
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/swisspats/id1255274540
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1OKeUnxaZCiagpG88isB5g
To leave a review go to our Facebook or iTunes page!
https://www.facebook.com/Swisspats
https://www.instagram.com/swisspats
***
Gary And Cary get together (over Zoom) to discuss life in the dramatic world of Theatre and Dance
Cary Rick is this week's esteemed guest on SwissPats, and he joins a guest co host! Gary Colen is a friend of Suzi, and has been kind enough to take some of the SwissPats load. We think you will enjoy hearing a different voice and it’ll be nice to get back into the studio with 2 voices instead of 1! But back to this week's guest... Cary hails from Chicago, and has spent so long in Europe he feels much more at home here. Not only has he had a successful career in acting and dancing, but he has worked with many people to make their lives better through Movement Analysis and the creation of Institut fur Bewegungsanalyse. Click the link below for the Les Arts Sceniques theatre company run by Cary and Martina Rich.
https://lesartssceniques.ch/en/home/
***
Don't forget to like and subscribe, follow and download!
To listen ~~
Anchor - https://anchor.fm/swisspats
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/swisspats/id1255274540
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1OKeUnxaZCiagpG88isB5g
To leave a review go to our Facebook or iTunes page!
https://www.facebook.com/Swisspats
https://www.instagram.com/swisspats
***
The Professor who inspires not just her students... but all women (and men!) too!
Dr. Ruby Bakshi Khurdi is an award winning International Motivational Public Speaker, Global Goodwill Ambassador for Switzerland, Chairperson for All Ladies League, Charismatic Educationist, Social Entrepreneur, Leadership & Cultural Trainer. She has been nominated Most Inspirational Female Entrepreneur of 2017 by Swiss Entrepreneur Magazine. She is a Role Model and Mentor to International students from Business and Hospitality Management Colleges. WOAH! What a resume! And she joined Suzi to discuss her 20 year Swiss journey to create this supportive network for women in Switzerland. Follow Dr Ruby on her YouTube page and join in her webinar on 22nd May on Managing Emotional Intelligence, information in the eventbrite website below.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_GI2pV0T8Lo7O-oYRnyVpQ
Don't forget to like and subscribe, follow and download!
To listen ~~
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/swisspats/id1255274540
https://open.spotify.com/show/1OKeUnxaZCiagpG88isB5g
To leave a review go to our Facebook or iTunes page!
https://www.facebook.com/Swisspats
https://www.instagram.com/swisspats
The Barbie Girl who loves to Party... and make people happy
www.facebook.com/GraceMengulloLeupi/
www.facebook.com/GraceLeupiHelloKittyHouse/
Dont forget to like and subscribe, follow and download!
To listen ~~
anchor.fm/swisspats
podcasts.apple.com/ch/podcast/swisspats/id1255274540?l=en
open.spotify.com/show/1OKeUnxaZCiagpG88isB5g
Don't forget to comment, like and share all of SwissPats social media.
To leave a review go to our Facebook or iTunes page!
www.facebook.com/Swisspats
www.instagram.com/swisspats
Which Wine Will Work - Let's Ask Maria!
Maria Zioga joined Suzi this week to discuss her journey from a career in politics, hoping to change the world, to a world of wine - but not like you'd expect. Maria also lets us know what being a diplomats wife is like, and tells us the realities of living country to country, for set periods of time. As expats we may understand to some degree, but imagine not having the choice to stay, or having to stay somewhere you hate. Maria tells us how she's coped with that, and what she has decided to do as a result.
You can join Maria on her Wine Tasting events online, which have been such a huge success that Maria will continue them even after life goes back to "normal", a positive outcome from the lock down situation!
If you're in the Geneva area, Maria will continue the wine tasting events in town, as soon as she is allowed!
Follow Maria @genevawinesociety on facebook and instagram, as well as @vinum_lore for regular updates on what Maria is drinking, what she thinks of it and interesting and fun information on grapes, regions and more. To join a meetup event go to https://www.meetup.com/Geneva-wine-meetup/
Dont forget to like and subscribe, follow and download!
To listen ~~
https://anchor.fm/swisspats
https://podcasts.apple.com/ch/podcast/swisspats/id1255274540?l=en
https://open.spotify.com/show/1OKeUnxaZCiagpG88isB5g
Don't forget to comment, like and share all of SwissPats social media.
To leave a review go to our Facebook or iTunes page!
https://www.facebook.com/Swisspats
https://www.instagram.com/swisspats
The Expat Returns... Home
This week Suzi caught up with Don to see how life is treating him back in the ol' US of A, finding out if he has managed to settle into life back home. It seems to be corona as usual, for Don, for Suzi... for everyone!
Suzi also discusses a birthday coming up in her home, and wonders how others have handled Corona Birthdays.
To listen ~~
https://anchor.fm/swisspats
https://podcasts.apple.com/ch/podcast/swisspats/id1255274540?l=en
https://open.spotify.com/show/1OKeUnxaZCiagpG88isB5g
Don't forget to comment, like and share all of SwissPats social media- as well as let us know about what local businesses you are supporting during the quarantine.
To leave a review go to our Facebook or iTunes page!
School's out for Covid... School's out for...ever?
Gary, a Stay at Home dad and Naomi, a teacher and mum joined Suzi on Zoom to discuss what the last 5 weeks have been like - with the kids off from school since 16th March. The guests discuss the difficulty in getting used to having the kids home, and continuing with some sort of school and structure. With an awesome insight into what it's like from the other side - how are the teachers coping, and what are some tips for being a good teacher/parent for your kids. Below are some links on some things we discussed, from screen time to how to work from home, “scaffolding” to how to homeschool.
What have you learnt as a new home school teacher/parent?
Studies -
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/06/opinion/screen-time-kids-covid.html
https://www.edutopia.org/blog/scaffolding-lessons-six-strategies-rebecca-alber
https://nypost.com/2020/03/16/how-to-home-school-your-kids-like-a-pro-during-coronavirus-quarantine/
Life Abroad Reimagined- Don Delco
Rylla is SwissPats Reimagined host - sharing stories of peoples life abroad, reimagined.
Rylla is the author of Trailing Spouses Reimagined, and spent a solid chunk of her own expat life preparing for, interviewing, and curating the book which delves deep into the life of men and women who've followed their partners to create a new life as an expat.
This weeks episode brings Rylla and SwissPats own Don Delco together to tell us about his journey, from the beginning in Basel and the advice to stock up at Costco, to the bittersweet end where his family make the decision to return to the USA to further his wife's career.
Thank you to Rylla for her awesome interview, and to Don Delco for being his usual self (yoga pants, really!).
Don't forget to comment, like and share - as well as let us know about what local businesses you are supporting during the quarantine.
To leave a review go to our Facebook or iTunes page!
Blogger, Business Woman, Badass!
Pragati Siddhanti joined Suzi and Don a few weeks ago, before the great Lockdown of 2020, to tell us about her journey from India to Switzerland, from being a career woman to finding a passion project all while studying and taking on new activities she wasn't used to. Pragati hadn't been an expat until she made the leap to Basel, and there were lots of challenges, hurdles and discoveries for not only her, but her family too.
Joining forces with her sister Pragati began blogging at beforbeauty.com before creating her own blog about being an Indian expat in Basel. On her website myswissstory.com you can find awesome articles, features (including SwissPats own feature!) and more.
To download her free Ebook at https://myswissstory.com/2019/09/11/21-hidden-gems-of-switzerland/ or visit Amazon for a copy.
Follow this weeks guest on instagram at instagram.com/pragatisiddhanti
Don't forget to comment, like and share all of SwissPats social media- as well as let us know about what local businesses you are supporting during the quarantine.
To leave a review go to our Facebook or iTunes page!
https://www.facebook.com/Swisspats
https://www.instagram.com/swisspats
Want to keep the kids zen during the lock down? Listen here!
Don and Suzi drove to Zug to meet the inspiring and fun Maricela Robles, the author of You Don't Need a Body to Sail a Boat, as well as 3 other books. Originally a lawyer in London, Maricela transitioned to published writer after finding solace in mediation, all the while embarking on a journey that took her from Mexico to London to Switzerland.
Good news for parents, SwissPats is giving away 2 copies of You Don't Need a Body to Sail a Boat. All you have to do is comment below letting us know you'd like a copy, and Suzi will send a copy to 2 lucky winners.
Follow Maricela and her meditation journey for kids at meditationfairy.com and @meditationfairy on instagram. Use #thisismeditation and #iamamediationfairy to keep up to date with other Meditation Fairies!
Don't forget to comment, like and share - as well as let us know about what local businesses you are supporting during the quarantine.
To leave a review go to our Facebook or iTunes page!
Let's not all turn into couch potatoes, deal?
Don was still with SwissPats when he and Suzi travelled in the pouring rain to the outskirts of Zurich to visit Danna Levy Hoffmann and her husband Georg to hear all about Organalicious, Danna's health coach business.
Danna takes us on a journey from USA and Israel to Switzerland and explains why her family where a huge part of her healthy lifestyle story.
You can visit Danna online at www.organilicious.ch/
Just because we are all stuck inside, doesnt mean this guest episode is going to waste - Danna explains that you can still use her services during lock down, and why now more than ever its important to look after our health.
Hey, how is the Coronavirus situation in your country? Episode 3
In the final special series on Covid19 where Suzi speaks to people all over the world, we get an insight into the different stages that some countries are currently in - with the understanding that these stages are changing rapidly - what is in place today may be ramped up tomorrow. Also, how is the community coming together to support those vulnerable members of society?
In this episode we meet Maureen in Thailand, Barbora in Netherlands, Nishan in Finland, Ben in Sweden and Gemma in England.
Before the interviews, Dr Michelle Wright from Health Matters provides some medical information for those living in Switzerland. Visit https://coronavirus.unisante.ch/
Thank you to Dr Michelle Wright for providing this service.
To listen to this Special Edition episode, as well as Episode 1 and 2, visit SwissPats at
www.swisspats.com
www.facebook.com/Swisspats
www.instagram.com/swisspats
https://podcasts.apple.com/ch/podcast/swisspats/id1255274540?l=en
https://open.spotify.com/show/2poqC63ETtbuZw8IxDAvZM?si=pzeELgQcQpusKCFTyXoUXg
>>>Also on PlayerFM, PodBean, Stitcher and Google Play<<<
<><><>
Hey, how is the Coronavirus situation in your country? Episode 2
Today Suzi brings you another Covid19 special episode after talking to women all over the world about their personal situations dealing with the coronavirus. Suzi speaks to Hoda in Belgium, Ipsita in Hong Kong, Kim in Albania, Tess in Spain and Laura and Sarah in Singapore.
Before the interviews, Dr Michelle Wright from Health Matters provides some medical information for those living in Switzerland. Visit https://coronavirus.unisante.ch/ Thank you to Dr Michelle Wright for providing this service.
To listen to this Special Edition episode, as well as Episode 1, visit SwissPats at
<><><>
www.instagram.com/swisspats
https://podcasts.apple.com/ch/podcast/swisspats/id1255274540?l=en
https://open.spotify.com/show/2poqC63ETtbuZw8IxDAvZM?si=-CHhcC2YTimH094W9tYbig
>>>Also on PlayerFM, PodBean, Stitcher and Google Play<<<
<><><>
Hey, how is the Coronavirus situation in your country?
A normal podcast didn't seem appropriate this week, so Suzi reached out to people all over the world to find out how they're doing, what their country has implemented and the all important question - whats the toilet paper situation?
In Episode 1, Suzi spoke to people living and working in Italy, Australia, Germany and Austria and got an insight into how their host country is dealing with the coronavirus, and what they are planning (or not planning) for the coming weeks.
There will be more episodes like this, so keep an eye out in the next few days for more first hand, real life experiences of people dealing with this unprecedented situation that has affected the whole world.
The SwissPats Duo Become an Uno
ANNOUNCEMENT! No ads, no guests - SwissPats Suzi and Don are bringing you this unscheduled episode to make an announcement - the SwissPats Duo have officially become an Uno. Breaking up is hard to do, and that is true even for expat friends. Suzi and Don started the SwissPats as a passion project and something to do as expat stay at home parents, but become fast friends who relied on each other, supported each other and had genuine love and care for each other and their families. On this episode we discuss the feelings of leaving, plus the unknown realities of moving home during a pandemic.
SwissPats isn't over, it will continue. But it will sound different for a while. We thank you with the deepest gratitude for your support over the last 3 years, and hope you will continue to listen and support this passion project of ours.
SwissPats Are Keeping Fit with Reggie
Don and Suzi welcomed Reggie Faria to the podcast to hear about his journey from Holland to Basel, and how his football life from the age of 4 has turned into his personal training business.
In addition, Suzi and Don discuss the winner of the World Champion Cheese Contest, as well the Swiss entrant to the Eurovision Song contest, which of the 4 official Swiss Languages will this years entry sing in?
What's Happening in Switzerland March 2020 - NOTHING!
Each month the SwissPats bring you all the coolest and most entertaining events throughout Switzerland. We had something planned for you for March 2020. There were football games, car shows, ski marathons, jazz festivals, a women's expo and of course, the Basel Fasnacht.
Well, those have all been cancelled. On Feb. 28 the Swiss government imposed a ban on public events that gathered more than 1,000 because of the coronavirus outbreak.
So instead of discussing what is happening in March, which is mostly NOTHING, Suzi and Don chat about the nothingness that is occurring in Switzerland. We promise it is more entertaining than that sentence makes it sound.
Helping Americans rock their vote
Don and Suzi welcomed on two members of Democrats Abroad - Liz Voss and Kristen Jafflin. You don't have to be American to know the U.S. is having a Presidential election this November. Liz and Kristen shed some light on what Democrats Abroad do, the upcoming primaries in Switzerland and how non-Americans can help during this election year.
Don and Suzi also cover Switzerland's increase in hazardously unhygienic restaurants and snack bars and the results of one drunk man's plan to walk through a 20-km train tunnel.
SwissPats get their bells rung
The SwissPats travelled to Cow Country — Baerau, Switzerland — where CEO Roger Kern gave us a tour of their factory and even allowed us to help make a bell. After a long day in the factory, they sat down to chat about his journey from IT to Bell Maker in his family's foundry.
The SwissPats also discuss naked dining in Basel and a growing rat population throughout the country.
Switzerland’s famous watches with a female touch
The SwissPats traveled to the heart of Swiss watch making - Biel/Bienne - to interview Giselle Rufer Delance, who is the woman behind Delance watches, which are the only Swiss watch brand created by a woman. The discussion ranges from her childhood without a father to her trail-blazing education to finally battling the male-dominated culture of Swiss watchmaking in the 1980s and 90s.
Attimo World Record Chocolate Bar Giveaway
Suzi and Don traveled to Zurich to talk chocolate, specifically Swiss chocolate, with the co-founders of Attimo Chocolate, Olivia Madet and Alain Mettler.
But wait, there's more. Attimo made world-wide news late last year by producing a CHF 640.- chocolate bar weighing 80 grams. They are listed in the Guinness World Record Book as having, "the world’s most expensive chocolate."
SwissPats listeners can WIN ONE OF THESE BARS. Download and listen to this episode to find out how. (Note: Winner must be located in Europe.)
Good luck!
What's Happening in Switzerland | February 2020
Wondering what to do this month in Switzerland? Fear not the SwissPats have you covered. We may be in the heart of ski season, but there is more to do than carve the groomed pistes of Switzerland.
From the beginning of the month that features is a charity concert for the Australian Bushfires in Basel to the end of the month and the carnival in Bern with plenty in between like igloo building, whiskey and music festival, a drag show and where you can find a 6-kilometer toboggan run.
Charity concert for Australian Bushfire Relief | Feb. 1 | Basel
Whiskey & Music Festival | Feb. 1-2 | Metropol Restaurant, Zurich
My Mother Country – Paintings of the Aborigines | Feb. 2 | Kunsthaus, Zug
Inside the Creative Mind | Feb. 4 | Freie Musikschule, Basel
Expat Expo | Feb. 9 | Congress Center, Basel
Afternoon Tea & Quiz | Feb. 14 | St. Ursula Church, Bern
Oh G! It's Drag | Feb. 21 | Parterre Kultur, Basel
Igloo building | Feb. 22 | Trübsee Engelberg
The Dinosaurs' Garden | all month | Garden Centre in Gland
6 km Toboggan Ride | all month | Preda
Carnival | Feb. 27-29 | Bern
SwissPats head to Ski School
We are in the thick of ski season so Don and Suzi welcomed on Dave Burrows of the SnowPros Ski School to discuss what he does, his teaching philosophies and, even some golf. (Sorry, Suzi).
In addition, the SwissPats get a bit violent talking about a news item that involves a Swiss taxi driver his taser and a movie shoot that involved some actual shooting.
SwissPats How-To | Learning a new language
Welcome to another edition of the SwissPats’ How-To Series. In this episode, Heike Reinhart explains why you should learn the local language upon your arrival to Switzerland, as well as where to go, how to go about it and who you should pick.
Heike was born and raised in Germany and spent eight years living in the US developing a business in education, mentoring and “cross cultural” training.
In Basel she has now established her own business with an emphasis in “cross cultural” training. Heike has provided training for both groups and individuals in Fortune 500 companies in the US. She is bringing together global professional and cultural experience in dealing with cultural diversity. She has taught German to adults and graduate students, and mentored international students studying in the US.
About SwissPats How-To Series:
Unlike our typical show that features a guest or our first-of-the-month What's Happening, our How-To Series is here to help those who are new to Switzerland or even those who have lived here for a long time. Hey, you might’ve forgotten what it was like when you first got here and didn’t know anything.
In our How-To Series, we have sought out those in the known to help you navigate your life here in Switzerland. From getting the train, to taking out your garbage, there are rules, regulations and guidelines that we all need to follow.
A lot of information is out there, but we wanted to bring it to you in a short, bite-sized podcast. Maybe you already have this stuff sorted out, but if you see a newcomer to Switzerland, send them our way and hopefully we can help make that transition to Swiss life a little easier.
SwissPats hit 100!
In the 100th episode of SwissPats podcast, Don and Suzi discuss two new Swiss rules for 2020 that may or may not impact you as well as the country's new president. Did you know there was a new president? Most people didn't!
They also welcome on Catherine Peloquin who is the president of the Basel's Toastmasters Club. What is Toastmasters? Where is Catherine from and how long has she been in Switzerland? Why does she love hiking the Swiss Alps so much? LIsten to find out. Happy New Year!
What’s Happening in Switzerland | January 2020
Wondering what to do this month in Switzerland? Fear not the SwissPats have you covered. It may be the middle of the winter but there is plenty to get out of your cozy chalet to do and see beginning with family ski days to a light festival in Luzern, to a snow festival in Grindewald, a hot air festival in Château-d’Oex and even a museum night in Basel.
(0:56) Three Kings Day | Jan 6.
(3:36) Women Back to Business | Jan. 13 | Zurich
(5:52) Famigro Ski Days | all winter
(8:52) Lilu Licht Festival | Jan. 9-19 | Luzern
(10:39) PhotoZürich | Jan. 10-14
(12:35) World Snow Festival | Jan. 20-25 | Grindewald
(15:08) World Web Forum | Jan. 16-17 | Zurich
(17:21) International Hot Air Balloon Festival | Jan. 25-Feb. 2 | Château-d’Oex
(20:56) Museum Night | Jan. 17 | Basel
(24:34) Cheese Festival | Jan. 26 | Markthalle Basel
Wait, there’s a third kind of football?
Don is approaching his third year living in Europe and he just now got around to calling soccer football. And now to confuse him even more he was introduced to Jason Ransome from the Basel Dragons Australian Football Club. In order to understand this kind of football, Don sat down with Jason to discuss this newly formed team for this very Aussie sport.
Don and Suzi also discuss some good spots to go for some early season skiing and Suzi — once again — finds a Swiss police tactic that really grinds her gears.
Living a plastic free life with Lyfa
Lewys Thomas, co-founder and COO of Lyfa, joined us to discuss his idea of a 21st century milkman. Lyfa (pronounced: LEE-fa) is an online store and delivery service for plastic free groceries. You order all your products online and they deliver everything in reusable packaging directly to your door. Lyfa is in the midst of a crowdfunding that ends Tuesday 17 December. Find out more here.
Suzi and Don also discuss where Lausanne and Basel rank in the best small cities in the world and the news/controversy stemming from Art Basel Miami, duct tape and a banana.
Holidays and Hoops
ANNOUNCEMENT! Suzi and Don reached out to past guests to ask if they would be interested in partaking in a SwissPats Holiday Giveaway for the listeners. And boy did they respond. Listen to find out a bit more on the Holiday Giveaway and stay tuned to our social media channels for all the amazing offers throughout this holiday season.
This week's guest, Ina Nicosia-Schelker, came to Switzerland as a professional basketball player. After retiring from playing, she dove into the education scene and has since founded Kids Camp International. The Oberwill-based bilingual international school is the only school in Switzerland where children get music and sport lessons daily.
Suzi and Don also discuss three Swiss Christmas traditions you should know about and a new Swiss Franc coin that features a "depiction" of tennis great Roger Federer. Listen to find out why "picture" is in quotations.
What's Happening in Switzerland | December 2019
Wondering what to do this month in Switzerland? Fear not the SwissPats have you covered. It's pretty simple for December: Christmas Markets. Don and Suzi discuss the different markets around Switzerland including the biggest one - Basel. Since that's where they live it's the one they know the best, but exploring the different markets makes December in this country so much fun.
Top Christmas Markets in Switzerland:
A Shropshire Lad on SwissPats
Suzi returns after an unscheduled trip back to Australia following the death of her beloved grandmother. Still fighting jet lag and a cold, she is able to focus and turn her attention to her favorite topic (food), as her and Don discuss a delicious new treat from Attimo Chocolates. Don also dishes (pun intended) on his favorite holiday - Thanksgiving - and how America's Black Friday tradition is alive and well in Switzerland.
This week's guest is Jonathan Martin, the man behind every expats favorite Facebook page - A Shropshire Lad in Switzerland.
Life Abroad Reimagined with Rylla Resler | Howard Austin
The SwissPats are back with the third edition of its latest series - Life Abroad Reimagined with Rylla Resler. The Trailing Spouse Reimagined, a book written by Resler and her co-authors Francesca Incocciati and Adriana Quarck, explore the real challenges and true joys of life abroad as a trailing partner. The book was based on dozens of interviews with men and women who have relocated to Switzerland for their partners' career, and this podcast seeks to continue what the authors started.
For the third episode, Resler interviewed Howard Austin, a New Zealander who left behind his surfing life to follow his wife to her native Oberwil where he established himself as a nationally accredited practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
For more information on the book, click here.
What's Happening in Switzerland | November 2019
Wondering what to do this month in Switzerland? Fear not the SwissPats have you covered.
(2:08) Wasserturmcup (underwater rugby) | Nov. 2 | Luzern
(6:02) The Lumineers | Nov. 6 | Zurich Halle 622
(7:22) 23rd International Kurzfilmtage | Nov. 5-10 | Winterthur
(9:25) Rocknacht | Nov. 8 | ISC Club Bern
(12:30) Theater Sports | Nov. 14 | Zurich Improv Comedy
(14:12) Ólafur Arnalds | Nov. 12 | Zurich Halle 622
(16:32) Lausanne Festival of Lights | Nov. 21-Dec. 31
(18:54) Frontofbicycle Exhibition | Nov. 15 | Basel Art Center
(21:20) From Basel, With Love | Nov. 16 | Braswell Arts Center
(22:10) Zibelemärit (Onion Market) | Nov. 25 | Bern
(29:52) "What The Dickens?!" | Nov. 21-24 | Lausanne
Birthday Week is Gone, But 40 Is Here
Both Don and Suzi had birthdays last week, but Don is still coming to grips with turning the big 4-0. To say good-bye to his 30s, the two discuss some German words that perfectly sum up life in your 30s. They also talk Bernese Zungenwurst, or “blood tongue” sausage, and apples that are only grown in Switzerland, Miami and Australia.
This week's guest are the makers of a new app called Let's Meet Now! Ben Freisberg, a Swiss native, teamed up with expat Peter Wakin to develop this app that not only allows users or venues to create events, but acts as a tool for people to spontaneously get together, like someone new to a town or foreign land *coughs* expats *coughs*.
Swiss wines are … good? No, really they are
Suzi and Don are back from the autumn break with author Sue Style, whose latest book - The Landscape of Swiss Wine - takes wine-loving readers on a tour of Switzerland’s wines and vineyards and the extraordinary landscapes that give rise to them.
Suzi is also triggered by a pair of stories involving the pink tax and dash cams.
What's Happening in Switzerland | October 2019
Wondering what to do this month in Switzerland? Fear not the SwissPats have you covered.
(1:21) Whiskey and More | Oct. 4-5 | Geneva
(2:57) The Cheese Market | Oct. 4-5 Huttwil
(4:21) Baby & Kid Planet | Oct. 4-6 | Lausanne
(6:05) Oktoberfest | Oct. 5-6 | Wädenswil
(7:30) Flute Festival | Oct. 4-6 | Gland
(8:40) Zurich Film Festival | ends Oct. 6
(10:55) Zurich Tech Job Fair | Oct. 9
(12:27) Grape Harvest Festival | Oct. 11-13 | Cheyres
(13:51) Living in a Box: Design and Comics | ends Oct. 20 | Vitra Design Museum
(16:18) Shnit (short film festival) | Oct. 17-27 | Bern
(18:43) Swiss Indoors Tennis Tournament | Oct. 19-27 | Basel
(23:05) Career Relaunch Conference | Oct. 22 | Zurich
(24:46) English courses | Volkshochschule Basel
(28:07) Truffle Market | Oct. 26 | Bonvillars
(30:05) Herbstmesse | Oct. 26-Nov. 12 | Basel
Nomad author settles in Swiss countryside
Welcome to the latest edition of SwissPats where Don and Suzi are back to play one of the hottest game shows sweeping the nation: Which thing was invented in Switzerland? They also discuss the urban myth that Swiss housing authorities do not allow residents to flush a toilet between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
The SwissPats welcome author and new expat Tammy Lynn Stoner, who has just released her debut novel, SUGAR LAND. Tammy has lived in 16 cities in three countries and is somewhat new to Switzerland as she is still adjusting to life here after moving with her wife and three kids earlier this year. She not only discusses her new book, but also the odd jobs she's had -- biscuit maker, medical experimentee and waitress in a Greek diner to name a few -- and how her dog became friends with a Swiss cow.
Opera singing French teacher
Don and Suzi are back as Don describes how he went on his first hike in Engelberg over the weekend, and he absolutely loved it. Good thing because those 200 franc hiking shoes weren't a waste of money. They also explain what latest Internet trend was set by the Zurich police department.
This week's guest is Isabelle Johnson, founder of Prêt à Parler. She is a trained opera singer, originally from Montreal, started her teaching company in order to help to native and non-native English-speaking expats to make French and Business French a part of their everyday life in Geneva.