The McKay Interview

Michael McKay

5.0 (1)
POLITICS

The McKay Interview

Michael McKay conducts in depth interviews with decision makers and local leaders. The McKay Interview was founded on a simple idea: that listeners would tune in regularly to listen to intelligent yet relaxed, English-language conversation between Michael McKay and interesting people who do interesting things. A variety of prominent and thoughtful people have accepted the invitation and a wide range of topics have been covered.

1 DAY AGO

The Wisdom of Uncertainty: A Conversation with Maggie Jackson

In this episode, I sit down with Maggie Jackson, an award-winning American author and journalist, to explore insights from her latest book, Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure. Jackson challenges our conventional aversion to uncertainty and presents it as a vital skill for creativity, resilience, and adaptability in today's fast-changing world. We discuss: The nature of uncertainty: The difference between aleatory (external) and epistemic (internal) uncertainty and why embracing doubt is crucial. Cognitive benefits: How uncertainty enhances problem-solving, sharpens attention, and fosters innovation. Leadership and decision-making: Why the best leaders and experts embrace uncertainty rather than fear it. The role of technology: How the internet and social media contribute to an illusion of certainty, undermining deep thinking. Cultural differences: How tolerance for uncertainty varies across societies and workplaces. The psychology of disagreement: Why productive disagreement is key to better decision-making and avoiding groupthink. Join us for a fascinating discussion on why being unsure isn't a weakness but a strength—one that can unlock deeper learning, better collaboration, and a more open-minded approach to the world around us.

35 min
11/29/2024

Understanding Eurasia: A Conversation with Diplomat David Moran

In this episode, I sit down with David Moran, a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience in Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Europe. Moran shares his deep insights into the geopolitical complexities of Eurasia, drawing from his time as UK ambassador to countries such as Switzerland and Kazakhstan. Together, we explore a wide range of topics that highlight the historical, cultural, and political dynamics shaping the region today. We discuss: Russia’s influence in Eurasia: How former Soviet states navigate their independence while dealing with Russian aggression. The impact of climate change: The environmental challenges facing Central Asia, from glacier melt to water scarcity. Public aspirations: How youth in the region are redefining national identities and striving for prosperity. China's growing presence: The opportunities and risks posed by the Belt and Road Initiative. Religion in governance: The role of Christianity in the South Caucasus and the challenges of promoting moderate Islam in Central Asia. Brexit reflections: Moran’s observations on the UK’s departure from the EU and lessons from Switzerland's model of engagement. Join us for a compelling discussion on the interplay of history, geopolitics, and culture that defines one of the world’s most dynamic regions.

35 min
11/18/2024

Analyzing the Historic 2024 U.S. Presidential Election with Dr. Daniel Warner, political scientist

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Daniel Warner to analyze Donald Trump's historic victory over Kamala Harris in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, held on November 5th. As Trump returns to the White House, becoming both the forty-fifth and forty-seventh president, Dr. Warner provides an in-depth assessment of what Trump did right and where Harris fell short. We discuss: What key strategies led to Trump’s convincing win, and where Harris's campaign faltered. The voting trends among hyphenated Americans and their sectarian, partisan tendencies. How economic concerns, emotional connection, and nostalgia shaped voter sentiment. The implications of Trump’s victory for U.S. allies and America’s international standing. The potential impact on “international” Geneva and multilateral diplomacy under Trump’s leadership. Join us for this thought-provoking conversation on the deeper forces that shaped the election and its potential consequences for the United States and the world.

33 min
11/03/2024

Ed Flaherty, American / Swiss attorney based in Geneva.

I discuss the imminent, US Presidential Election with Ed Flaherty, an American/Swiss attorney of long experience, based in Geneva, and who is also Legal Counsel to Republicans Overseas Switzerland. We cover the following topics: His prediction of the result His views on the campaigns of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, and why the votes of the Electoral College are so vitally important The continuing appeal of Donald Trump, seen by so many as a flawed character What would or could happen should the result be contested in a democracy with more guns than citizens.

41 min
11/01/2024

Ambassador (rtd.) Charles C. Adams, Jr. Senior Partner, Director of Strategic Relationships Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP; Former US Ambassador to Finland

In this McKay Interview I ask Charles Adams To explain if he thought the bundling of President Joe Biden out of running for a second term was unseemly for a head of state What he thought of Kamala Harris, as very few of us seem to know anything about her Whether he thought the attempted assassination of Donald Trump was a piece of theatre or real. Of course, we talked about many other things too!

35 min
10/02/2024

Selahattin Bilgen, CEO of Istanbul International Airport, known as iGA Istanbul

Insights into the success of managing the most connected airport in the world. In this episode we discuss: -The reasons for his new airport's success -His plans for the future -How he manages the risks and "unknowns" of such a large and dynamic airport.

37 min
06/14/2024

Professor Benoit Dubuis, President of the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences

My discussion with Professor Dubuis centres around food and nutrition, and vaccine and food security. In this episode we discuss: -What functional food is and its place in the diet of a healthy population. -Whether the poor of the world are badly served by the relatively rich north, which appears to pamper itself. -What Switzerland needs to do to ensure security of the supply of vaccines in the event of the next pandemic.

31 min
05/17/2024

Clive Thompson, retired private banker and wealth management advisor

Over a career in finance spanning almost 50 years, Clive Thompson watches, among other things, growing levels of government debt, especially in the USA, and worries about it. In this episode we discuss -Why growing government debt is a problem, especially for the USA. -What happens when government debt becomes intolerable. -As we both live in Switzerland, we spend a little time talking about government debt in this country. And at the end -Where all this leading. His story is rather sombre!

34 min

TRAILER

The McKay Interview (Trailer)

The McKay Interview

06/19/2013

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1 min

Michael McKay conducts in depth interviews with decision makers and local leaders. The McKay Interview was founded on a simple idea: that listeners would tune in regularly to listen to intelligent yet relaxed, English-language conversation between Michael McKay and interesting people who do interesting things. A variety of prominent and thoughtful people have accepted the invitation and a wide range of topics have been covered.

Creator

Michael McKay
Years Active

2020 - 2025
Episodes

120
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 155642
Show Website

The McKay Interview