The McKay Interview

Michael McKay

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POLITICS
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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.

3D AGO

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.

37 min
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.

34 min
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.

39 min
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.

40 min
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.

43 min
12/10/2025

Gen. Sir Gordon Messenger | Inside the King’s Foundation: Harmony & Heritage

General Sir Gordon Messenger, Trustee of the King’s Foundation and former Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, joins the programme from Geneva to discuss the intersection of military leadership, sustainable development, and royal vision. This interview was recorded on 18th of November 2025. Established by King Charles III in 1990, the King’s Foundation is distinct from the King’s Trust, focusing not just on youth but on the philosophy of "harmony"—working with the grain of nature rather than imposing upon it. General Messenger explains how this philosophy translates into practical action, from heritage craft training to urban regeneration. Key discussion points include: The Philosophy of Harmony: King Charles III’s vision of integrating human activity with the natural world. Redefining Sustainability: Why true sustainability goes beyond carbon targets to include heritage, craftsmanship, and community "placemaking." The Economics of Quality: The argument against short-termism and why quality construction (like Poundbury) is more economically viable than "cheap and cheerful." Leadership Lessons: Insights from a distinguished military career on authenticity, building teams around a common purpose, and maintaining judgment during crises. The Next Generation: Why General Messenger remains optimistic about the values and environmental commitment of today’s youth. Impressions of the King: A personal look at King Charles III’s authenticity, lack of airs, and deep commitment to his causes. Global Impact: How the Foundation’s model at Dumfries House is inspiring projects internationally, including in Australia. This episode offers a fascinating look at how traditional values and skills are being revitalized to address modern challenges, guided by experienced leadership.

23 min
11/10/2025

Ambassador Dr. Richard Brown | Jamaica’s Recovery After Hurricane Melissa

Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with winds reaching nearly 300 km/h, recently devastated Jamaica, leaving over 600,000 people displaced and wiping out nearly 30% of the country’s GDP. In this episode of The McKay Interview, Jamaican Ambassador Dr. Richard Brown outlines the full scale of the destruction and the urgent need for stronger global support — particularly from international organisations and the United Nations system. This interview was recorded on 6th of November 2025. Michael McKay and Dr. Brown explore: The unprecedented scale of Hurricane Melissa’s destruction across Jamaica’s western parishes The economic toll: $6–7 billion in damages and over 120,000 structures affected What worked — and didn’t — in Jamaica’s disaster preparedness and response How catastrophe bonds and parametric insurance are helping fund emergency relief Why small island developing states like Jamaica need tailored climate finance and legal recognition The role of Geneva-based organisations and how donors can support Jamaica’s recovery This conversation also delves into larger questions: Is the international system, including the United Nations, still fit for purpose? Can small countries weather climate shocks without systemic global reform? And what does Jamaica’s resilience — “Wi likkle but wi tallawah” — look like in 2025? Listen now to better understand the link between diplomacy, climate justice, and international solidarity.

53 min
10/17/2025

Michael Møller | Is the United Nations Still Fit for Purpose?

Michael Møller, former United Nations Under Secretary-General and Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva, returns to The McKay Interview for a hard-hitting, wide-ranging discussion. With over four decades of service across five continents, Møller offers deep insight into the challenges facing multilateralism — and the urgent reforms the United Nations must now confront. This interview was recorded on 14th of October 2025. We discuss: The fragmentation of geopolitics and the fading taboo against the use of force How technology is reshaping international diplomacy — and exposing systemic weaknesses UN reform: why “UN 2.0” proposals may be too little, too late Why budget cuts are not just administrative — they’re existential The growing disconnect between the political UN and the operational UN Cities, regions, and businesses: the new multilateral actors stepping up The US and China: the funding gap that’s quietly paralyzing international cooperation The future of International Geneva – and whether it's being eclipsed by other global hubs What kind of leadership the UN — and the world — really needs Reflections on Gaza, Trump, peacekeeping, and the limits of diplomacy Møller is frank, thoughtful, and unflinching. This is a timely episode for anyone concerned with the future of the international system and the role of the UN in a deeply divided world.

41 min

TRAILER

The McKay Interview (Trailer)

The McKay Interview

06/19/2013

•

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 - 2026
Episodes

147
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 155642
Show Website

The McKay Interview