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 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⁣ ⁣⁣ ***

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 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. 

***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⁣ ⁣⁣ ***

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⁣ ***

*** 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⁣ ***

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⁣ ***

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 ***

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 ***

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 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/billets-managing-emotional-intelligence-103335059946?fbclid=IwAR0HcuLBKzpD1l2xAVKxWMZJm85OnEt9vp0OTfIuKS2NIvOjQTbcprxp6NI Don't forget to like and subscribe, follow and download!⁣ ⁣ To listen ~~ ⁣ https://anchor.fm/swisspats 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

Grace joined Suzi to discuss her journey from the Philippines to Switzerland... all in the name of love. In the 9 years Grace has been in Switzerland, she has made a name for herself as a woman who really can do anything - she's hosted very successful galas all over the world, including at the Dolder Grand in Zurich. On top of that, Grace runs her own party supply business AND is the owner of the first of its kind in the Philippines - the Hello Kitty House, which brings joy to those that live near the village she grew up in. Grace admits that the chance to follow her dreams is becuase of her wonderful family - both those still living in the Philippines and her Swiss family. To follow Grace's story and see photos from her past events and Hello Kitty house museum, follow the links below. https://www.facebook.com/GraceMengulloLeupi/ https://www.facebook.com/GraceLeupiHelloKittyHouse/ 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

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

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! https://www.facebook.com/Swisspats https://www.instagram.com/swisspats

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/ https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200312-coronavirus-covid-19-update-work-from-home-in-a-pandemic https://visible-learning.org/john-hattie/

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!