The McKay Interview

Michael McKay

5.0 (1)
Politics
Updated Monthly

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.

Jul 19

Debbie Stettler | The "Can-Do" Mindset: Rethinking Disability in Business

What happens when you write 155 job applications as a 16-year-old, only to face constant rejection due to a physical disability? You develop an unstoppable "can-do" mindset. In this episode, we travel to Horgen, Switzerland, to visit the regional headquarters of Dow, Inc., one of the world's largest chemical companies, employing well over 30,000 people globally. Our guest is Debbie Stettler, a Digital Customer Manager in Digital Sales, Packaging and Speciality Plastics for the Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India (EMEAI) region. Born with a visible physical disability (shortened arms) and a hidden hearing impairment, Debbie shares her candid journey of navigating the corporate world and societal biases. Beyond her day job, Debbie also serves as the Chair of the Disability Employee Network (DEN) for the EMEAI region. We discuss the true meaning of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), why 80% of disabilities are acquired during a person's lifetime, and how living with a disability inherently forces you to become an elite, out-of-the-box problem solver. The Reality of DEI: A breakdown of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion frameworks designed to promote fair treatment and accessible workplaces for underrepresented groups. The 155 Doors: Debbie’s challenging early journey of writing 155 apprenticeship applications and how finding a safe corporate environment allowed her to finally "breathe." The 80% Statistic: Why disability is a universal issue, given that 80% of disabled individuals acquire their conditions during their lifetime. Disability as an Advantage: How constantly navigating physical barriers naturally builds a fierce "can-do" mindset and highly innovative problem-solving skills. The Role of ERGs: How Employee Resource Groups, like Dow's Disability Employee Network (DEN), ensure that disabled talent is recognised, supported, and never disadvantaged. The Swiss System: A look into Switzerland's federal and cantonal disability allowances, and the cultural attitudes of the Swiss public towards visible disabilities. The Three Pillars of True Inclusion: Debbie's personal philosophy on how self-confidence, open curiosity from able-bodied peers, and collaborative teamwork create a truly inclusive environment. Debbie Stettler is a highly experienced corporate professional serving as the Digital Customer Manager in Digital Sales, Packaging and Speciality Plastics at Dow, Inc., overseeing the Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India (EMEAI) region. Having lived with a disability since birth, she is a passionate advocate for workplace accessibility and equal opportunity, simultaneously serving as the Chair of Dow’s Disability Employee Network (DEN) for EMEAI.
Jun 29

Walter Stresemann | The Legacy of the Weimar Republic’s Chancellor

In this episode, we take a step back in time to explore a deeply personal family story intertwined with mid-twentieth century European history. Broadcasting from the village of Thoiry in France, immediately adjacent to Geneva, we sit down with Walter Stresemann to discuss the enduring legacy of his grandfather. Walter’s grandfather, Gustav Stresemann, was a towering figure in German history, serving as the Chancellor of the Weimar Republic in 1923 and as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1923 to 1929. Following the tragic and costly conflicts of World War I, Gustav made huge efforts to establish a lasting peace in Europe. We trace the historical fil rouge (red thread) from the establishment of the League of Nations to the modern day, exploring how the past shapes contemporary Germany. The "Year of Crises": An exploration of Germany in 1923 and why this turbulent period earned its infamous historical title. The Spirit of Locarno: Gustav Stresemann's pivotal role in post-war international relations and the Locarno Treaties. The 1926 Thoiry Meeting: The history and expectations surrounding the famous, discreet meeting between Gustav Stresemann and French statesman Aristide Briand, which took place just hundreds of metres from where this interview was recorded. The Nobel Peace Prize: How the diplomatic breakthroughs of 1926 led to both Stresemann and Briand being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The Fall of Weimar: The profound political impact that Gustav’s sudden death in October 1929, at the age of 51, had on Germany and its neighbours, including France. The Shadow of the Third Reich: How Gustav Stresemann's legacy was regarded by Hitler's regime, and later by the democratic Germany of Konrad Adenauer. Defining Heimat: Walter's personal reflections on his ties to Germany and the complex, difficult-to-translate meaning of the word Heimat. Walter Stresemann is a Geneva-based finance professional and the Founder and Managing Director of Magnolia Family Office. As the grandson of Weimar Republic Chancellor Gustav Stresemann, Walter offers a completely unique perspective that dovetails his own professional and personal journey with the monumental political narrative of his immediate ancestors. About the Guest:Walter Stresemann is a Geneva-based finance professional and the Founder and Managing Director of Magnolia Family Office. As the grandson of Weimar Republic Chancellor Gustav Stresemann, Walter offers a completely unique perspective that dovetails his own professional and personal journey with the monumental political narrative of his immediate ancestors.
Jun 1

Marco ten Bruggencate | The "Tragedy" of the Green Deal & Europe's Industrial Future

In this episode of The McKay Interview, we venture into the industrial sector from the picturesque Zurich countryside to speak with Marco ten Bruggencate, President, Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure; Executive Oversight, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India at Dow. Operating as a titan in the B2B sector, Dow is a Fortune 500 company whose chemical products are the unsung cornerstones of modern life. From e-mobility and renewable energy to everyday consumer goods. However, the European manufacturing landscape is at a critical crossroads. Marco provides a candid warning about the accelerating "de-industrialisation" of Europe, citing surging chemical plant closures and a drop in regional investments. We explore the gap between the ambitions of the European Green Deal and the regulatory realities stifling investment, a dynamic Marco refers to as the potential "tragedy of the Green Deal". Despite these challenges, Marco remains an optimist. He shares Dow's strategic vision for the next decade, focusing on decarbonization, the circular economy, and the pragmatic choices needed to ensure Europe does not become merely an "industrial museum". The Scope of Dow: How a 125-year-old company with $40 billion in revenue impacts our daily lives through sustainable packaging, lightweighting for EVs, and renewable energy infrastructure. The De-Industrialisation Crisis: Why announced chemical plant closures in Europe have surged sixfold since 2022, representing nearly 10% of the continent's capacity. The Regulatory Squeeze: How high energy costs, carbon taxes, and heavy regulatory burdens are driving investments out of Europe and into the US Gulf Coast and the Middle East. Global Unfair Play: The impact of heavily subsidized Chinese manufacturing on the global market and the urgent need for a level playing field. The "Mother of All Industries": Why losing the chemical sector could critically threaten Europe's strategic autonomy and make downstream industries dependent on foreign imports. Dow's Proactive Sustainability: How Dow is leading the Alliance to End Plastic Waste and building the world's first integrated decarbonized chemical complex in Canada. Marco ten Bruggencate serves as the President, Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure; Executive Oversight, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India region for Dow, Inc. Based out of Horgen, Switzerland, he guides strategic planning and operations for one of the world's most critical chemical manufacturers.
May 5

Dr Karen Tse | Defending the Defenceless: The Fight Against Global Torture

Is justice a global privilege? Dr Karen Tse joins the McKay Interview to reveal how providing early access to a lawyer can end investigative torture. In this episode, we sit down with Dr Karen Tse, the visionary Founder and CEO of International Bridges to Justice (IBJ). While many view the lack of legal representation in developing nations as an insurmountable tragedy, Karen sees it as a problem with a definitive, pragmatic solution. Recorded at the IBJ headquarters in the heart of Geneva, this conversation explores the staggering impact of an organisation that has reached over 70 million people, defended 500,000 cases, and trained more than 40,000 lawyers across 52 countries. From her foundational experiences as a public defender in San Francisco to her transformative years in post-Khmer Rouge Cambodia, Karen shares moving accounts of those "lost in the system"—including the story of an innocent boy not released until he was 40. We discuss why torture remains the "cheapest form of investigation" and how IBJ is moving from a paradigm of hopelessness to one of systematic, tech-driven change to protect the world's most vulnerable populations. The Cambodia Catalyst: How living in a post-conflict legal vacuum with fewer than ten lawyers inspired the birth of a global justice movement. Torture as a Tool: Why the lack of early access to a lawyer leads to torture being used as a primary investigative method, and how IBJ trains police forces to "walk forward" into a new reality. Lost in the System: The tragic reality of the criminalisation of poverty, featuring harrowing stories of individuals trapped in prison for decades for minor offences. The "Three Ps" of Justice: Karen’s breakdown of how IBJ uses People, Processes, and Products—including rights advisement, roundtables, and Defender Resource Centres—to build sustainable legal ecosystems. The AI Supercharge: How artificial intelligence and the digital "Justice Hub" are being used to track forgotten prisoners, quantify data, and institutionalise global defence standards. The Power of Neutrality: Why "International Geneva" and Swiss neutrality provide the perfect anchor for a global convener for justice. The Story of Vishna: The inspiring legacy of a four-year-old boy born in a Cambodian prison who taught an entire organisation the power of doing just "one thing." Dr Karen Tse is an American-born lawyer, ordained minister, and the Founder and CEO of International Bridges to Justice (IBJ). After serving as a public defender in San Francisco, she moved to Cambodia in 1994 to work as a United Nations judicial mentor, where she witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of broken legal systems. Recognising that systematic early access to legal counsel could eradicate investigative torture, she founded IBJ in 2000. Operating out of Geneva, Switzerland, IBJ supports local "Justice Makers" and public defenders worldwide to guarantee due process rights for the indigent and vulnerable.
Mar 29

Ross Clark | Not Zero: The Hidden Costs of the Climate Crusade

In this episode, we are joined by acclaimed journalist and author Ross Clark to dissect one of the most consequential, yet under-debated, shifts in modern governance: the legally binding commitment to Net Zero. While public opinion often supports climate action in theory, Ross argues that the practical reality—legislation, regulation, and skyrocketing costs—is leading "Mr and Mrs John Public" toward a period of deep reservation and second thoughts. Drawing from his provocative book, Not Zero: How an Irrational Target Will Impoverish You, Help China, and Not Even Save the Planet, Ross explores the "lunatic" nature of setting a 2050 deadline for technologies that don't yet exist. From the "offshoring" of European carbon emissions to China to the counter-intuitive suppression of air conditioning in the UK, this conversation challenges the mainstream narrative and offers a pragmatic look at how human civilisation can adapt and thrive without sacrificing economic growth. The Legacy Trap: Why the UK's Net Zero target was "nodded through" Parliament in just 90 minutes without a vote, and the long-term consequences of this "hostage to fortune." The 20% Problem: Why energy efficiency and low-hanging fruit aren't enough, and why we lack the commercial technology to decarbonise essential industries like steel, cement, and fertiliser. Offshoring Emissions: How the UK and Europe are "gaming the system" by exporting manufacturing to China—reducing territorial emissions while global output remains unchanged. The Adaptation Argument: Why historical data suggests humans are masters of survival, and why economic growth is the most important tool for vulnerable nations like Bangladesh. The Heat Pump vs. Air Con Paradox: Why the UK government subsidises one-way heat pumps while discouraging reversible units that could protect the elderly during heatwaves. The Political Unravelling: Why Ross believes the 2050 target is destined to be dropped or revised as it inevitably "collides with reality" and public quality of life. Ross Clark is a leading British journalist and social commentator who writes regularly for The Times, The Daily Telegraph, The Daily Mail, and The Spectator. Known for his independent thinking and rigorous research, he has authored several books tackling contemporary political and economic issues. His latest work, Not Zero, has become a central text for those questioning the speed and methodology of the global transition to a carbon-neutral economy. You can follow his latest insights on Substack at Ross on Why.
Feb 28

Martin Pfister | Life Under Fire: 18 Years in Kyiv

We are joined by Martin Pfister, a Swiss expatriate who has called Kyiv home for nearly two decades. While the world often views the conflict in Ukraine through the lens of geopolitical strategy and military maps, Martin provides a raw, "straight from the shoulder" account of the daily reality on the ground. Recorded in early 2026, this conversation marks the four-year anniversary of the full-scale invasion and 12 years since the occupation of Crimea. From the eerie scream of incoming drones to the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian youth, Martin explores the "unreal" dichotomy of living in a city where everything is controlled yet everything is possible. He offers a candid critique of Western rhetoric, the shifting perception of President Zelenskyy, and why, despite the constant threat of "10 Mach" ballistic missiles, he chooses to remain in his adopted homeland. The 12-Year War: Why Ukrainians view 2014, not 2022, as the true beginning of the conflict and the cost of the West "looking the other way." The "Body Shrink" Effect: Martin’s fascinating comparison between the hyper-regulated life in Switzerland and the grit and openness of Ukrainian society. Survival by App: How modern technology—from secret service warnings to drone-tracking apps—has become a fundamental part of daily life in Kyiv. The Betrayal Metric: A breakdown of international support on a per-capita basis and why many Ukrainians feel let down by the United States and the Budapest Memorandum. The Domestic Arsenal: How Ukraine has ramped up its own production of "pink" cruise missiles and high-tech weaponry to reach 45% self-sufficiency. The Corruption Fight: The internal struggle for transparency and why the youth are taking to the streets to protect the independence of the Anti-Corruption Bureau. About the guest: Martin Pfister is a former executive in the duty-free industry who moved from Geneva to Kyiv in 2008. After a decade of leading regional operations, he chose early retirement in Ukraine over a return to Western Europe, captivated by the country’s culture and people. Today, he remains a dedicated observer and resident of Kyiv, offering a unique bridge between Swiss precision and Ukrainian resilience.
Feb 9

The Rt Hon Diane Abbott MP | Mother of the House: 40 Years in Politics

In this episode, we are joined by the Right Honourable Diane Abbott MP, a titan of British politics and a history-maker whose legacy was forged in the landmark general election of 1987. As the first Black woman ever elected to the House of Commons, she has spent nearly four decades at the heart of Westminster, recently earning the title of Mother of the House. This episode was recorded on the 4th February 2026. From her early days as a trailblazing outsider to her current role as the longest-serving female MP, Diane offers a "long view" on the shifting tides of the United Kingdom. We discuss the current state of the Labour Party, the "unusual" rise of Keir Starmer, and the growing public cynicism toward the political class. With her trademark "plain speaking," she also addresses the complexities of race in modern Britain, the "glass ceiling" of the Premiership, and the personal resilience required to survive the "punches" of the 24-hour news cycle. In this episode, you will learn: The Mother of the House: What it means to be the longest-serving woman in Parliament and the ceremonial role of the Privy Council. The Starmer Critique: Why Diane believes the current Prime Minister lacks the "base" and "charisma" of predecessors like Blair or Brown. Political Baggage: A candid discussion on the scandals currently embroiling Westminster and the "existential threat" of the Mandelson-Epstein files. The Race Metric: Why the rise of prominent Black politicians like Kemi Badenoch and James Cleverly shows that the glass ceiling is "cracked," but not yet shattered. The Price of Pioneering: The private phone call that stopped Diane from quitting politics during her most difficult media "car crashes." The Trust Gap: Why only 9% of the public trusts politicians to tell the truth and how "online media" has fueled skepticism. About the Guest: In 1987 Diane Abbott made history by becoming the first black woman ever elected to the British Parliament. She has since built a distinguished career as a parliamentarian, broadcaster, and commentator. As of 4th July 2024, Diane Abbott as the longest serving woman MP is now the Mother Of The House. From the outset of her career, Diane has championed global justice, human rights, and a peace-based foreign policy. From 2015 to 2019 Diane Abbott was a prominent member of the Labour Party’s front bench, serving as the Shadow International Development Secretary, then Shadow Secretary of State for Health, and finally Shadow Home Secretary from 2016. In the last general election Diane was re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Hackney North and Stoke Newington with a landslide majority.
Jan 23

Prof. Dr. Lana Kandalaft | How Vaccines Will Treat Cancer

In this episode, we sit down with Professor Dr. Lana E. Kandalaft, a world-renowned expert in immunotherapy and the Chief of Clinical and Translational Research at the Swiss Medical Network. The interview was recorded on the 17th November 2025. For decades, the "one-size-fits-all" approach to cancer treatment has been the standard. But Professor Kandalaft is at the forefront of a medical revolution: Personalized Cancer Vaccines. By sequencing a patient's specific tumor mutations and "re-programming" their own immune soldiers (T-cells), her work is turning the body’s natural defences into a precision-guided strike force against disease. We dive deep into the "Death Valley" of medical research—the treacherous gap between a laboratory breakthrough and a patient’s bedside—and discuss why the next 20 years of immunology will be the most transformative in human history. In this episode, you will learn: The Soldier Metaphor: How to visualize your T-cells and the "brakes" that cancer uses to hide from them. The Fingerprint Discovery: Why sequencing individual tumors allows for vaccines synthesized for a single person. Bench to Bedside: The reality of "Death Valley" and the massive hurdles in funding and infrastructure for new cures. The Next Pandemic: Professor Kandalaft’s take on global preparedness and why "we cannot stop" the arrival of new viruses. Public vs. Private: How the relationship between big pharma and private research is evolving to bring drugs to market faster. About the Guest: Professor Dr. Lana E. Kandalaft is the Chief of Clinical and Translational Research at the Swiss Medical Network and Genolier Innovation Network, and the Director of the Vaccine Program at Clinique de Genolier. An Associate Professor at the University of Lausanne (UNIL) and Associate Director at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, she formerly held research positions at the University of Pennsylvania. She has spent over 20 years bridging the gap between complex science and life-saving clinical applications.

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The McKay Interview (Trailer)

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.

Creator

Michael McKay
Years Active

2020 - 2026
Episodes

150
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 155642
Show Website

The McKay Interview

History

History

Updated Semiweekly