From the Alps to the Rockies

Swiss Representations in Canada

Welcome to the podcast "From the Alps to the Rockies". The broadcasts will feature speakers from Switzerland and Canada, who will discuss various aspects of collaboration from the Swiss Alps to the Canadian Rockies. Episodes will focus on immigration stories, innovation, diplomacy and scientific collaboration. The podcast is presented by the Swiss Embassy in Ottawa and the Consulates General in Montreal and Vancouver.

  1. Nicolas Henchoz - Human-Centered Innovation

    09/04/2025

    Nicolas Henchoz - Human-Centered Innovation

    In this episode, we sit down with Nicolas Henchoz, the founding Director of the EPFL+ECAL Lab, the design research centre at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in Switzerland.  Nicolas wears many hats - engineer, art director, curator, researcher, and author - and he is passionate about turning cutting-edge technology into meaningful human experiences. He talks about how disruptive innovation and hands-on experimentation can reveal what really drives adoption and helps ideas stick.  This conversation was hosted by Thomas Schneider, Consul General of Switzerland in Vancouver.

    29 min
  2. Jessica Droujko - Water Tech Innovator

    03/06/2025

    Jessica Droujko - Water Tech Innovator

    Meet Jessica Droujko, the scientist-entrepreneur who is "reading" rivers in Switzerland, Canada and beyond. From glaciers to hydroelectric dams to agricultural fields, her startup, Riverkin, helps communities and industries collect real-time data on the health of freshwater ecosystems and manage water resources more sustainably.   In this episode, Jessica shares her passion for protecting rivers, the journey of a Canadian startup founder in Switzerland, and how her childhood dream of becoming an astronaut connects to her current work!

    19 min
  3. Holly Cassidy - Author

    12/08/2024

    Holly Cassidy - Author

    Take a moment to escape with Holly Cassidy, the pen name of best-selling author Hannah Mary McKinnon. Raised in Switzerland and now based in Ontario, McKinnon is known for her heartwarming, romantic comedies, including her latest festive release, The Christmas Countdown. In this episode, she shares insights into her unique writing journey, the drive behind her stories, and what it’s like to craft the perfect holiday romance. Tune in for a dose of inspiration!

    20 min
  4. Jacqueline Surer - Puppeteer

    06/13/2024

    Jacqueline Surer - Puppeteer

    Today, we step onto the theatre stage with Swiss puppeteer Jacqueline Surer. Jacqueline is a master in bringing objects to life and has been writing and producing puppeteering productions for over 20 years.   After having spent some years of her childhood in Canada, she returns to Nova Scotia and Ontario to further develop her skills and to exchange with fellow pupeteers in Windsor and Toronto. Join us for a glimpse into this unique and magical world!

    20 min
  5. Dr. Elena Baranova - Electrochemical engineer

    04/11/2024

    Dr. Elena Baranova - Electrochemical engineer

    SPECIAL SERIES: BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS FOR WOMEN IN STEM  On the occasion of Women's history month, we asked ourselves: how can we break down barriers for women in STEM? For the second episode of the special series, we met with Dr. Elena Baranova, Electrochemical engineer and Professor at the University of Ottawa. Discussing her time studying and working in Switzerland and Canada, Dr. Baranova shares what led her to choose the field of electrochemical engineering, great initiatives she encountered as well as what in her view, is needed to further break down barriers for women in STEM.

    19 min
  6. Dr. Maria Oreshenko - Astrophysicist

    03/28/2024

    Dr. Maria Oreshenko - Astrophysicist

    SPECIAL SERIES: BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS FOR WOMEN IN STEM On the occasion of Women's history month, we asked ourselves: how can we break down barriers for women in STEM? For the first episode of the special series, we are joined by Dr. Maria Oreshenko, astrophysicist at the ETH Zurich. From mentorship programs to shifts in societal attitudes, we discuss positive strategies and the essential societal changes needed to achieve greater representation for women in STEM.

    21 min
  7. Bernadette Calonego - Correspondent & Writer

    03/07/2024

    Bernadette Calonego - Correspondent & Writer

    Join us on an adventurous journey with international correspondent and crime writer Bernadette Calonego. On duty as a correspondent, Bernadette has visited places that very few Canadians have seen, including a diamond mine or a trip to the Arctic on an icebreaker. Today, she devotes most of her time to writing thrilling murder mysteries that will send a chill down your spine!    BOOK DRAW Bernadette is giving away a copy of her new novel "Missing in the Dark". In order to enter the draw, send us an email to vancouver.facebook@eda.admin.ch by March 17. Only the winner will be contacted. Find out more about the author here: www.BernadetteCalonego.com

    22 min
  8. Thomas Puschmann - The Future of Fintech

    12/07/2023

    Thomas Puschmann - The Future of Fintech

    Let’s take a look into the future! The one where robo-advisors negotiate your mortgage or insurance, to get you the best possible financial product and save you a trip to the bank. Join Professor Thomas Puschmann, the founder of one of the world's first fintech innovation research labs at the University of Zurich, and the Adjunct Professor at the University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, BC, for a conversation about financial industry trends. In this podcast, he will give you the scoop on sustainable finance, key technological innovations impacting financial institutions, and provide you with a personal recommendation on simple ways to reduce your daily carbon footprint.

    25 min
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Trailer

About

Welcome to the podcast "From the Alps to the Rockies". The broadcasts will feature speakers from Switzerland and Canada, who will discuss various aspects of collaboration from the Swiss Alps to the Canadian Rockies. Episodes will focus on immigration stories, innovation, diplomacy and scientific collaboration. The podcast is presented by the Swiss Embassy in Ottawa and the Consulates General in Montreal and Vancouver.

Information

  • Creator
    Swiss Representations in Canada
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 From the Alps to the Rockies
  • Show Website
    From the Alps to the Rockies