SwissPats

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⁣ ⁣⁣ ***

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⁣ ⁣⁣ ***

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⁣ ⁣⁣ ***

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⁣ ⁣⁣ ***

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⁣ ⁣⁣ ***

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 [email protected] ***⁣ 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⁣ ⁣⁣ ***

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⁣ ⁣⁣ ***

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 [email protected] 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. 

***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 [email protected].  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⁣ ⁣⁣ ***

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⁣ ***