RTL Today - The Lisa Burke Show podcast

#Society #Luxembourg #RTL Luxembourg #RTL - Lisa Burke

16:03

Learn about the differences between Alzheimer's and dementia, and how Alzheimer's disease progresses. We talk about why catching the disease early can make a big difference. Dr. Sharon Cohen and Dr. Yaakov Stern walk us through the stages of Alzheimer's disease, from when there are no symptoms to when memory issues start to show. They explain the stages of Alzheimer’s and how it develops over time. We also hear from Kelly, who explains her personal experiences and concerns about developing Alzheimer’s, and what she does about it. For links to resources and information covered in this series, visit our website at HealthUnmuted.com/resources What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear from you. Please visit healthunmuted.com/feedback to let us know! Rethinking Alzheimer’s Disease was made possible with support from Eisai Inc. [00:00:00] Introduction [00:03:10] What's the difference between Alzheimer's disease and dementia? [00:07:04] When does Alzheimer’s begin to develop? [00:09:08] What is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)? [00:10:36] What is subjective cognitive decline? [00:11:59] What is preclinical Alzheimer's disease? [00:13:13] Why is it important to detect Alzheimer’s disease early? Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast or its guests is solely at your own risk. ©2024 Mission Based Media Ltd • April 2024 • AD-M2059…

RTL Today - The Lisa Burke Show

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A place for conversation that spans life in Luxembourg and beyond. Each week an international guest list will reflect on the week’s news, plus a whole host of other topics: politics to pollination; education to entrepreneurship; science to singing. Luxembourg sits in the beating heart of Europe and its diverse population provides a global perspective on a number of world issues.

99 episodes

RTL Today - The Lisa Burke Show

updated il y a environ 4 jours

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99 episodes

#Society #Luxembourg #RTL Luxembourg #RTL - Lisa Burke

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RTL Today - The Lisa Burke Show

1
Paul Galles: Priest to Politician, 21/03/2025 56:50

il y a environ 4 jours56:50

56:50

Member of Parliament, Paul Galles, came to politics via the unconventional route of priesthood. We talk about this, his zest for life, philosophies he abides by and the want for happiness for all. In my latest episode, I had the distinct pleasure of sitting down with Paul Galles, a man whose life journey is steered by excitement and a depth of being. Despite leaving the priesthood aged 37, Paul's core values remain in his role as a politician: commitment to faith, community, and the pursuit of happiness for all. Spiritual awakening As a teenager, we all confront the big questions of life, and that's when Paul's spiritual journey began. Aged 15, he was on a Christian retreat which ignited his connection to God. Coming from a family of mathematicians and scientists, Paul has always been keenly aware of the intersections between faith and reason. Contrary to the notion that religion and science are incompatible, he believes they complement one another. Faith, he asserts, seeks to understand meaning and purpose, while science unravels the mechanics of the universe. His upbringing reinforced the idea that curiosity and belief are not at odds but rather enrich each other, a philosophy that continues to shape his worldview and political approach. After studying theology, aged 21, he had the opportunity to travel to Brazil to observe the community developed by a Dutch priest who lived there. He was immersed in a vibrant community, "A joyful, lively, young Church that dances and is socially engaged". This experience deepened his faith and ignited a passion for social justice. From Priesthood to Social Advocacy After 11 years as a priest, Paul faced the challenges of remaining celibate, something he feels should not be a requirement for priests. Although he stepped away from the clergy, it was not as a rejection of his spiritual path, but an evolution of it. Transitioning to social work, he joined Young Caritas Luxembourg as a project coordinator, focusing on youth volunteerism in the social sector. His work emphasized the importance of solidarity and community engagement, reflecting his enduring commitment to societal well-being. In 2016, Paul was awarded the prestigious European Citizen Prize for his outstanding contributions to society. This honor, bestowed by the European Parliament, recognizes individuals and organizations that promote European values, solidarity, and cross-border cooperation. For Paul, this was an affirmation of his lifelong mission to serve others, both within and beyond Luxembourg and he dedicated it to the team. Stepping into the Political Arena Paul's foray into politics was a natural progression of his advocacy work. Joining the Christian Social People's Party (CSV) in 2016, he quickly became a prominent figure, serving as Deputy Secretary-General and later as Vice-President. His electoral success continued through 2017, 2018, and from 2023, where he serves as an Alderman responsible for children and youth in Luxembourg City. Philosophies Rooted in Compassion Central to Paul's ethos is a profound belief in the dignity of every individual and the pursuit of happiness. Inspired by Robert Baden-Powell’s words, he emphasizes that true happiness stems not from wealth or career success but from living a life of purpose and love. Paul’s commitment extends to environmental justice, social solidarity, and the fight against poverty, with a particular focus on empowering children and youth. A Vision for a Happier Society In my preparation with Paul, he posed some introspective questions that challenge us to reflect on our lives: What are you thankful for? What impresses your heart so deeply? Which wounds of the world do you want to be healed? How do you see the world if you want it to be perfect? These questions, he believes, should be integral to our education system, fostering a generation that values emotional intelligence, creativity, and genuine human connection. Embracing Life's Rhythms Beyond his professional endeavors, Paul finds energy in various passions: a strong network of family and friends, faith, sports, 5Rhythms dance, open-mindedness towards diverse beliefs, astronomy, and philosophy. These interests not only rejuvenate him but also provide a holistic perspective on life, enriching his approach to public service. Paul's story is one of evolution, guided by faith, introspection, and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. His journey from priesthood to politics serves as an inspiring reminder that our paths may change, but the core values of compassion, justice, and love remain steadfast. For a deeper insight into Paul's philosophies and his vision for a happier society, tune in to our full conversation on RTL Today. We do also talk about the Council of Europe but this conversation will be a larger one when I interview Ambassador Ragnhildur Arnljósdóttir in a few weeks time. www.paulgalles.lu https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-galles-b6897429?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app https://www.facebook.com/share/19UyFpEioy/?mibextid=wwXIfr…

RTL Today - The Lisa Burke Show

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The disease of 1000 faces, 15/03/2025 1:13:10

il y a environ 11 jours1:13:10

1:13:10

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a complex neurological condition that impacts an estimated 2.8 million people worldwide. This week we explore the science behind MS, treatment options, and the lived experiences of those navigating life with this chronic illness. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has been called "the disease of 1000 faces" for good reason - it manifests differently in almost every person it affects. Understanding MS: The Science Behind the Disease Dr. Zied Tayeb, neuroscientist and CEO of MyelinZ, explained the fundamental mechanism of MS in terms anyone can understand: "The brain communicates using electrical signals. These signals travel from one neuron to another through axons, which are protected by myelin sheets that help accelerate the transmission of these signals. In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks these myelin sheets, leading to demyelination.” This disruption in communication between neurons explains why MS symptoms can vary so dramatically - the location of demyelination determines which functions are affected. "It could be the motor cortex, resulting in mobility issues, or the visual cortex, causing problems with vision," Dr. Tayeb noted. While the exact cause of MS remains unknown, researchers have identified several factors that may contribute to its development. According to our panel, MS is significantly more prevalent in women, who represent approximately 65% of MS patients - possibly due to women's more active immune systems making them more susceptible to autoimmune conditions like MS. Geographic distribution also offers clues, with higher rates in regions farther from the equator such as Canada, northern United States, and parts of Europe (with Denmark having a particularly high prevalence). This pattern has led scientists to investigate a potential link with vitamin D deficiency, though studies remain inconclusive. The Patient Experience: Hassan's Journey Few stories illustrate the unpredictable nature of MS better than that of Hassan Nada, entrepreneur, journalist, and self-described "MS warrior." Hassan's first symptom appeared in 2018 when he suddenly lost vision in his right eye while on holiday in Egypt. "I woke up one day, and out of nowhere, my vision was blurry to the point where I thought I was blind," Hassan recalled. Despite seeing an ophthalmologist, his condition went undiagnosed as MS. His vision eventually returned after treatment with corticosteroids. Four years later, after moving to Luxembourg, Hassan experienced sciatic nerve pain and numbness in his lower body. His general practitioner recognized the connection between his previous episode of optic neuritis and his current symptoms, immediately suspecting MS. "She screamed at me and had me go to the ER right away," Hassan shared. After extensive testing, including MRIs, blood tests, and a spinal fluid sample, the diagnosis was confirmed: Hassan had multiple sclerosis. The emotional impact of this diagnosis was profound. "My life changed from that moment onwards, and I went into complete depression," he admitted. But through the unwavering support of his wife and access to modern treatments, Hassan has found ways to adapt and advocate for others with MS. Treatment Approaches: Managing an Incurable Condition While MS currently has no cure, Dr. Tayeb emphasized that it is treatable. "Notwithstanding the fact that MS is incurable, it is treatable," he stated. "The problem is that every patient is different. The trajectory of the progression, diseases, symptoms are different.” Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) aim to slow the progression of MS by suppressing or modulating the immune system. These treatments vary widely in their administration methods (pills, injections, infusions) and side effect profiles. Hassan's treatment journey illustrates the often challenging process of finding the right approach. After being diagnosed, he was unable to receive his doctor's first-choice treatment due to having a virus that made it dangerous for him. He then tried a pill-based DMT that, despite its high success rate with other patients, didn't work for him. Finally, he found success with a monthly subcutaneous injection called Kesimpta. "Last week I went to the neurologist office depressed," Hassan shared. "I was like, 'I know it didn't work.' She's like, 'No, it actually worked. There are no new lesions. You can now make long-term plans in life.’" Innovative Approaches: The Brain's Virtual Gym Dr. Tayeb and Samaher Garbaya, co-founders of MyelinZ, are taking a different approach to MS management. Their "virtual gym for the brain" uses neurotechnology to promote neuroplasticity - the brain's ability to form new neural connections. "We're trying to promote neuroplasticity in the brain," Dr. Tayeb explained. Their platform uses games to stimulate specific brain regions while measuring brain activity. Using machine learning, they analyze six different digital biomarkers to create personalized brain exercises. This approach draws inspiration from research showing that activities like playing musical instruments or singing can activate certain brain areas, potentially slowing disease progression by strengthening neural pathways. The Role of Support: Community and Family Multiple speakers emphasized that MS affects not just the individual but their entire support network. Anne Leurs, who manages the Multiple Sclerosis Society in Luxembourg, noted that MS typically appears between ages 20-40 - a critical period when people are building careers, starting families, and establishing their adult lives. "It's a very difficult period, this period of diagnosis," Anne observed. "It's a chronicle disease. This means that you will have to live your life on with this disease.” Hassan's experience underscores the crucial role of support systems. "MS either breaks a couple or it makes them the strongest couple in the world," he remarked. When first diagnosed, he told his wife she should leave. "She's like, 'It's because I love you that I'm not leaving, and we're going to make it out of this stronger than ever.'" Five years later, she remains his "backbone," managing his appointments and ensuring he takes his medications. For those without close family support, community organizations like the Multiple Sclerosis Society provide vital resources, information, and connection. Complementary Approaches: The Mind-Body Connection Mariette Lentz, a Luxembourgish soprano who specializes in the Alexander Technique, offered insights into complementary approaches that can help manage MS symptoms and improve quality of life. The Alexander Technique is "a mental technique" focused on "exploring the relationship between our thoughts and our movement," Mariette explained. While not a therapy or cure, it offers tools to help reduce stress and bring the nervous system to a calmer state - particularly valuable for MS patients who often experience anxiety related to their unpredictable symptoms. This, naturally, is a method that can help us all. The Daily Reality Hassan painted a vivid picture of what daily life with MS can entail: "Imagine waking up every day of your life with the worst hangover in the world without having to drink.” Despite this challenge, he maintains a positive outlook and has channeled his experience into advocacy work, connecting with MS communities around the world. "I'm disclosing some personal parts of my life in hopes that it's actually going to benefit people," he explained. Looking Forward: Hope in Research and Community While MS remains incurable, advances in treatment options continue to improve outcomes for patients. From traditional DMTs to innovative approaches like brain-computer interfaces and neuroplasticity training, the landscape of MS management is evolving rapidly. As our conversation demonstrated, the combination of cutting-edge medical science, dedicated healthcare professionals, strong personal support systems, and community resources creates a foundation for living well despite MS. For those navigating the complex journey of MS - whether as patients, family members, or healthcare providers - knowledge and community remain powerful tools. By continuing to share stories like Hassan's and insights from experts like Dr. Tayeb, Samaher Garbaya, Anne Leurs, and Mariette Lentz, we can work toward greater understanding and better support for everyone affected by this challenging condition. https://myelinz.com https://www.msweb.lu/wp/…

RTL Today - The Lisa Burke Show

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Dementia is not inevitable, 07/03/2025 50:59

il y a environ 18 jours50:59

50:59

Many of us are lucky to grow older, and in Europe there is an aging demographic. With this come the diseases of aging such as dementia and a burden on family and society for care. For a long time people have thought this inevitable but we will learn today that, as with so many diseases, lifestyle changes from a young age can counteract this, to reduce the risk of getting dementia and also stabilising mental decline. In 2021, 20.8% of the EU population was aged 65 years or older. In 2019, an Alzheimer Europe report on the prevalence of dementia estimated that there were about 9 million people living with the disease in Europe. This number is projected to double by 2050, rising towards 19 million in the European region. Globally, there are around 55 million people worldwide who are living with dementia. However, research is now showing that up to 45% of dementias could be prevented: by addressing a range of modifiable risk factors, at different stages of our lives. My guests today are: Dr. Ange Bradshaw: Director for Research at Alzheimer’s Europe Dr. Joëlle Fritz: Research and Strategy Specialist, Luxembourg Institute of Health Dr. Francesca Mangialasche: Geriatrician, Division of Clinical Geriatrics: Alzheimer Research Center Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Executive Director of the World-Wide FINGERS Global Scientific Coordinating Center at the FINGERS Brain Health Institute Hassan Fadli: Founder, 5 Ironmans Beat Alzheimer's Association The 2024 World Alzheimer’s report noted that 80% of people think dementia is a normal part of ageing, and 65% of healthcare professionals. Only 2% of the population are affected by rare genetic factors but for most of us this is not the case. ‘Modifiable risk factors’ can be replaced to deter and stall dementia. Francesca Mangialasce is based at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, and also works as executive director of the ‘FINGERS’ Brain Health Institute, founded by Professor Mija Kivipelto, a world renowned researcher in the field of Alzheimer's disease and Dementia. FBHI is dedicated to promoting healthy brain aging and preventing cognitive impairment and dementia through innovative multi-domain clinical research and the fast translation of these results into personalised clinical practice. Brain is our main capital, and there is so much we can do to promote brain health. Studies have show that cardiovascular and metabolic disorders such as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, high blood sugar or diabetes are risk factors for dementia. There are many other emerging factors such as hearing impairment, vision loss, impaired oral health. Being mentally, physically and socially active during life is important to reduce the risk of memory problems in old age. Secondary and tertiary prevention is also really important, even at the later stages of disease with therapies including art, dance and cognitive stimulation therapy . The FINGER study across 70 countries shows that a multi-domain approach can benefit cognition:exercise, healthy diet, cognitive training, good control of metabolic/vascular disorders, and social stimulation. Stigma Hassan Fadli’s father faced stigma in the village he lived all his life. This stigma deepens the pain of the suffering, knowing you are losing ‘yourself’. It is also a burden for the caregivers at a time when family and friends need the most help to support their loved one. Hassan promised his father to work towards breaking this stigma and founded the 5 Ironmans initiative. Hassan has also made a documentary of his advocacy work alongside the endurance sport to reach people from children in schools across Europe to the Queen of Sweden. His aim is to bring brain health into normal conversation, break the stigma, and integrate brain health awareness into public discourse. Luxembourg support Joëlle Fritz is working as Research and Strategy Specialist at the Luxembourg Institute of Health where she aims to bridge research to clinical care. "Programme démence prevention" (pdp) is a programme raising awareness on modifiable risk factors for dementia prevention and promotes life style changes. PDP is an integrated prevention concept funded by Luxembourg's Ministry of Health and Social Security. PDP is currently coordinated by the Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg in collaboration with national institutions (Luxembourg Institute of Health and Luxembourg Centre for System's Biomedicine at the University of Luxembourg) and partner associations (listed below). It is important to start as early as possible in the prevention of dementia, and so the PDP Braincoach app was created, accessible via browser to everyone also outside Luxembourg: www.pdp-app.lu Associations related in Luxembourg: L’Association nationale des diététiciens du Luxembourg: www.andl.lu ZithaAktiv: www.zithaaktiv.lu Club Seniors of HELP asbl: www.help.lu Club Senior “Schwaarze Wee” Dudelange: www.schwaarzewee.lu Lëtzebuerger Verein fir Gediechtnistraining: www.lvgt.lu NEUROvitalis home and digital Info-Zenter Demenz: www.demenz.lu Association Luxembourg Alzheimer (ala) : www.ala.lu Longevity with health The results are clear, for dementia and living a long life with good health: we need to put in place good habits of physical, social and mental health. Links to the notes above: https://www.5ironmansbeatalzheimer.com www.pdp.lu https://www.alzheimer-europe.org https://fbhi.se/sv/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/fingers-brain-health-institute/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/miia-kivipelto-8a8b1b3b/ https://www.chl.lu/fr https://m3s.gouvernement.lu/en.html https://www.uni.lu/lcsb-en/ https://ki.se/en…

RTL Today - The Lisa Burke Show

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Domestic violence: you are not alone, 28/02/2025 1:09:42

il y a environ 26 jours1:09:42

1:09:42

Coming up for air after being trapped in the fog of a cycle of domestic abuse – the story of (mostly) women who have finally found the strength to leave. After a news review with Sasha Kehoe, the topic of today’s show is Domestic Violence. Eric Lamhène and Rae Lyn Lee set out to make a film a few years ago where the back-story of one of the characters was domestic abuse. When they started their research in 2017, visiting shelters of victims, they realised this was the story they wanted to tell instead. ‘Breathing Underwater’ (Hors d’Haleine) is the result. Produced by Samsa Film, this Luxembourgish independent feature-length film was released in cinemas on 13th of November 2024 and will be re-shown on 7 March ahead of Women’s International Day on 8 March. Eric is the director and Rae Lyn is the co-writer and Director of Photography. www.breathingunderwater-film.com My other guest, Christine Renzi, is a social worker who has worked with women and children at Foyer Sud for many years. Today she is part of a team that runs “Log-in”, part of Conseil National des Femmes du Luxembourg, CNFL. Eric and Rae Lyn talk about the strength of women in the shelters they visited, the camaraderie and strife they share as they figure out a new path ahead. Eric mentions the fact that most of these women are ex-pats as Luxembourgish people tend to reconnect with family or friends here in these situations. Christine tells us that even though some women (as it is mostly women) return, they usually, eventually, leave when the time is ready for them. Both Christine, and Eric & Rae Lyn, have brought their work into schools and every time, whatever the socio-economic demographic, they have children come to talk to them as they know what this is about, they have lived it. Or they walk out as it is too painful for them to relive it. Domestic abuse comes in many forms and it is not always physical. Psychological abuse can be more harmful in ways as it constantly chips away at the other’s confidence, gaining control of that person, making them feel as though they live in a fog of doubt. The victim’s circle diminishes, they may loose work and certainly loose confidence. Often there is a trigger to leave the home, and often this trigger is the children. Of course men are also victims although the figures at the moment for men are much lower than for women. Nonetheless, in Luxembourg law, both genders are seen in equitable terms. What makes a (mostly) man abuse another? Eric says that his conversations with psychologists suggest it happens with these men are not in contact with their emotions. “The patriarchy hurts both sides”. If you want to check the violence scale, here is a good resource: https://oivf.seinesaintdenis.fr/app/uploads/2022/06/violentometre-2019-anglais.pdf If you need help and support in Luxembourg please contact: www.violence.lu You can find more information from Eurostat here: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/w/ddn-20241125-3 www.breathingunderwater-film.com…

RTL Today - The Lisa Burke Show

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One-way, two-way doors, and fear of failure in Europe, 15/02/2025 1:10:13

il y a 6 weeks1:10:13

1:10:13

Is Luxembourg too risk-averse to foster a true startup culture, or can a shift in mindset help entrepreneurs embrace failure as a stepping stone to success? When Pascal Wiscour-Conter got invited to speak at an event in the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, and then at 'Fuckup Nights' (link below), he realised there was an issue about the fear of failure in Luxembourg. This is an issue more broadly across Europe and is one factor as to why Europe doesn’t seem to be as entrepreneurial as some other countries. https://fuckupnights.lu/en/our-speakers/ Is it possible to develop a true start-up spirit in Luxembourg or is it too difficult to pierce the current model of continuity and minimal risk taking? How does all of this fit the exponential age of technological change around us? These are some of the questions we consider. Attila Lengyel is an expert in organizational culture and change management, and spent a large part of his career at Amazon. Attila talks about how an individual and an organisation can learn to deal with risk; real versus perceived risk, and how failures can be celebrated. One-way and two-way doors are a thought experiment we explore, showing that many decisions are not necessarily permanent. The culture of a company is a tangible blueprint for behaviour and decision making. Getting this right is key to ensuring the company’s voice is disseminated through all employees, and that employees can fit the feel of a company. Attila currently leads innovation and business development at Edugamitec, a groundbreaking EdTech startup hoping to revolutionize corporate learning through game-based nano-learning. Daniel Tesch is head of ULESS, Union Luxembourgeoise de l’Economie Sociale et Solidaire. He spent eight years living in Brazil working for Arbed steel group, now Arcelor-Mittal. A lawyer by training he now helps social impact entrepreneurship in Luxembourg. Veerle Dierick is the Fundraising coordinator and corporate relations at Fondatioun Kriibskrank Kanner, the Childhood Cancer Foundation in Luxembourg. 15 February is International Childhood Cancer Day, a global collaborative campaign to raise awareness about childhood cancer. In Europe, every day 100 children are diagnosed with cancer. It’s a rare disease that kills 6000 children per year. In Luxembourg, 180 children and their families are helped by the foundation, with about 30 new children every year. You can find out much more information on their new website here. www.fondatioun.lu You can also raise money on the Lëtz Go Gold charity run which takes place on 27 September each year. www.letzgogold.lu…

RTL Today - The Lisa Burke Show

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Palestine, 02/02/2025 1:08:01

il y a 7 weeks1:08:01

1:08:01

"Killing and Starving children is not Jewish. Fighting antisemitism demands decoupling of Jews from Israel." Since many people don't have time to read full articles anymore, I want to start by linking to two poignant interviews I've had the privilege of conducting over the last few years: - Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, the first Palestinian doctor to work in an Israeli hospital: lost his wife to leukaemia aged just 43, leaving him with their 8 children. Just four months later,during the 2008-9 Gaza War, three of his daughters and one niece were killed. And yet Izzeldin has dedicated his life to using health as a vehicle for peace. https://play.rtl.lu/shows/en/in-conversation-with-lisa-burke/episodes/n/1612726 - Bassam Aramin, Palestinian, and Rami Elhanan, Israeli, are members of The Parents Circle – Families Forum (PCFF), due to the most painful loss of their daughters at different times due to the intractable Israel and Palestine conflict. They have become 'brothers' and advocate constantly for solidarity and peace in their land. https://play.rtl.lu/shows/en/in-conversation-with-lisa-burke/episodes/n/2171062 Last week saw the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. It also saw the return of Palestinians to the north of Gaza. This juxtaposition of events hits hard. The 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz had 56 survivors of the camp in attendance; down from 200 survivors for the 75th anniversary. We are losing the voice of those who experienced violence, discrimination, hatred and genocide first hand in these camps of torture and death. Of course we must add it was not only Jews that suffered in these camps. Meanwhile, anti-semitism is on the rise since Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October 2023 and the ensuing war in Gaza and Lebanon. This sudden attack on 7 October was not out of nowhere of course. It follows in a line of attacks on both sides, and in the greater region, over decades, despite various ‘agreements’, ‘accords’, political handshakes… nothing has yet brought peace. On my show this week I have four strong and learned voices on the region, the culture and the law: - Dalia Hader, a Palestinian living in Luxembourg who is asking for petition signatures here so that the Government of Luxembourg discusses this topic in the chamber: “Luxembourg must sanction Israel for its policies in Palestine.” https://www.petitions.lu/petition/3231 - Martine Kleinberg, President, Jewish Call for Peace a.s.b.l. - Dr. Michel Erpelding, International lawyer specialising in this region - Dr. Engy Ali, President of MSF Luxembourg Dalia Hader, is a Palestinian from Jerusalem but grew up primarily in Amman, Jordan. Like so many Palestinians, families often move if they have a choice as it becomes untenable to ‘live’ and raise a family in Israel / Palestine. Current records show the state of Palestine to have about 5.5 million inhabitants. The Palestinian diaspora is numbered at about 7.4 million. About one third of Palestinians living in Palestine are under the age of 15; only about 3% live to be over 65. We discuss one definition of genocide with Dr. Michel Erpelding, which targets the killing of children to minimise population growth. Access to care and medication Dr. Engy Ali, President of Médecins Sans Frontières, MSF Luxembourg, is specialised in Critical Care medicine and public health, working for over 20 years in the medical and humanitarian field; 12 years with Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors without Borders. She has worked in Bangladesh, Kenya, Somalia, Nigeria, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Mali, Mauritania, Haiti, Liberia, DRC, Philippines, Pakistan, Gaza and Europe. The MSF team in Gaza have lost 9 members since 7 October 2023. This loss is deeply felt by the MSF family as they dedicate their lives to giving access to health to all, equally. ‘Access to care and medication’ is, according to Dr. Ali, the driving force of MSF. Dr. Ali reminds us that MSF has been present in Gaza for years. She herself was working Gaza in 2020, trying to organise medical evacuation programmes for complex trauma cases (but then Covid 19 happened.) “Our humanitarian action in Gaza is guided by our core humanitarian principles of neutrality and impartiality, but we do not stay silent about humanitarian crises as in Gaza. We publicly speak out and report attacks on healthcare facilities, shortages of medical supplies, and obstacles to access care, ensuring that humanitarian needs are recognized.” The testimonials you hear in this interview are from from Nadia Abo Mallouh, MSF medical coordinator from Rafah, and Abu Abed, Deputy Medical Coordiantor. Impunity reinforces antisemitism Martine Kleinberg, President of Jewish Call for Peace (JCP) has worked unceasingly to increase the clamour of Jewish voices that do not want to be connected with the direction of Israel’s government and want to work with Palestinians for peace. This is a growing movement around the world with the Jewish Voice for Peace, and the Not in My Name refrain. https://jewishcallforpeace.lu Martine is herself trained in conflict resolution and prevention. JCP is a founding Member of the European Jews for Palestine launched in October 2024, with more than 20 organisations in 14 European countries, a member of Global Jews for Palestine, and a Member of Luxembourg Collectives for Palestine. On 1 February Martine organised a conference to discuss: “Exploiting Memory: the Holocaust and the distortion of antisemitism” In organising this event, Martine faced cultural decision makers in Luxembourg who did not want their venue associated with such open conversations. Neimënster said no; the Culture Bar said yes. Neimenster said this event did not “correspond to their values…the title leads to negative interpretations against associations and institutions partnered with Neimënster. As a public establishment we remain a neutral entity and cannot be associated with this type of event” Martine is extremely clear in her own reckoning of what the Israeli government are doing to use Judaism as an instrument of war: “I refuse the instrumentalization of my Jewish identity for colonialist supremacist purpose, that has nothing to do with Judaism. My commitment is the solidarity with the oppressed and deconstruction of antisemitic prejudices.” Martine believes strongly that there is a “weaponization of the Holocaust memory and antisemitism by Israel, to gain impunity, which is destroying international law”. “Fighting antisemitism demands decoupling of Jews from Israel.” Martine Kleinberg is aghast on why almost no religious leaders, of all religions, cannot speak out with clarity that the violence against a trapped civilian population in Gaza is indefensible and wrong Does International Law have any power anymore? Michel Erpelding, is a legal scholar in the history of international law, with an additional degree in Middle Eastern studies, and works on international law particularly related to colonialism and individual rights. We speak about the definitions of international lawyers and the International Criminal Court of war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and apartheid. Israel was viewed by the UN, well before 7 October 2023, as an occupying power in Gaza, and as such remained bound by international law to meet the essential needs of the civilian population. Israel can control water going into Gaza. It can exert decisive control over Gaza via land, air and sea. We explore the notion of ‘double standards’ in political discourse when it comes to annexation (for example, Putin annexing Crimea; Netanyahu annexing East Jerusalem, the Golan Heights and the West Bank). Naturally the 7 October attacks by Hamas was the catalyst to this most recent war, but there is also the legal notion of ‘proportionality’ in war. Dr. Erpeling and Dalia discuss why the Oslo Accords of 1995 did not work. “Oslo led to a clearer apartheid reality in the West Bank and Jerusalem” says Dalia, and goes on to say how certain Palestinian segregation means one cannot drive on certain roads, cannot visit certain parts of Palestine without the ‘right’ passport, requires a certain number plate, will be held up for hours at check-points to be humiliated, and so the layers of discrimination continue. This un-ending story of war sits in a region where, fundamentally, humanity has been abandoned. And this humanity at its core, will find not much difference between Israelis and Palestinians, just like the Irish and Northern Irish, just like the Ukrainians and Russians. When the Ukraine war started, how often did we hear the line, “But they are our brothers and sisters?” Humanity is a source of life and support. Borders, walls, check-points, active discrimination and suppression are not the acts of humans who, with a religion or not, know what is right in their heart. Let’s end with a recent poll in the French newspaper La Tribune Dimanche, which showed that when 986 people aged between 16 and 24 were questioned about the Holocaust, one in five had never heard of it (18%), and almost one in five had heard of it without knowing more (17%). Let’s try to remember what has gone before. Let’s try to break the circles of hatred in history. Get in touch Contact Lisa on LinkedIn or via her website. Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. Watch on RTL Play. Tune in to The Lisa Burke Show on Today Radio Saturdays at 11am, Sundays at noon, and Tuesdays at 11am.…

RTL Today - The Lisa Burke Show

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A sip of self-care, 01/02/2025 1:13:54

il y a 8 weeks1:13:54

1:13:54

Philanthropy and rare disease are the topics in this week’s show, after a global news review with Sasha Kehoe. Philanthropy for Brain Research and Rare Disease What would you do if you had a spare €10,000 or more to donate? Well, the University of Luxembourg has just opened up a new fund to tackle Alzheimers, Parkinsons, and Rare Diseases. You could become part of their ‘Champions Circle’ and get to know the researchers, the cutting edge development and help shape the future for so many people in the world with these conditions. Research is expensive and philanthropy can be targeted giving, where you get to make a difference during your lifetime. Naturally another way to give is to leave a legacy through your will. As an entirely separate aside, it is always a good idea to leave a written will. The act of writing one can crystallise what matters most to you once you’re gone, and therefore perhaps what matters most to you whilst you live. Philippe Lamesch created and leads the Fundraising Office at the University of Luxembourg. His own background is in biological sciences, firstly at Namur in Belgium, followed by research at the and then the Carnegie Institution for Science at Stanford University. https://www.uni.lu/en/about/fundraising/how-to-donate/ Daniela Ragni, Director of the André Losch Foundation, talks about his legacy. Given that he didn’t have his own children, he created the foundation with a mission is to support youth, education and social inclusion. They work in partnerships with people and organisations over a number of years to make real and lasting changes within our community. Daniela herself spent a couple of decades working for non-governmental organisations trying to raise money and now finds herself on the other side of the this equation, developing relationships with organisations and individuals who need financing for their ideas for the social good of the community, always with a focus on young people. https://www.loschfondation.lu Rare Disease Associate Professor Dr. Carole Linster’s scientific work has made her the leading researcher on rare childhood disease in Luxembourg. Her biomedical science studies started in UC Louvain in Brussels, followed by the prestigious de Duve Institute there, followed by UCLA in California. Here she discovered enzymes that plants depend on to produce vitamin C. Carole and co-workers also discovered several new enzymes of human metabolism, involved in the breakdown of metabolic side products that become toxic when left to accumulate. In collaboration with researchers from Australia, the US, and the UK, the Linster group identified a novel infantile rare neurodegenerative disorder that is caused by the deficiency of one of those metabolite repair enzymes (NAXD). Carole talks about the fundamental global research that is necessary in order to tackle rare disease, which is not really that rare by definition. It is extremely time consuming for talented scientists to write proposals for grants and other fund opportunities. For this reason again, the idea of university led funds, or partnerships with organisations such as André Losch which can extend over years, takes some pressure off the constant need to ‘ask’ for money. Sip of Self-Care Dr. Laura Riordan flew over from Lisbon to join our conversation. She is an Executive and Career Transitions Coach with a Ph.D. in psychology and over 20 years of coaching experience. Through her work of creating the Sustainable Mom methodology, Laura has extended her knowledge to the world of Raregivers - caregivers within families of Rare Disease. From 2019, Laura has developed retreats for rare caregivers to find relief in a supportive community and bolster their self-care practices to sustain themselves and their families at home. Laura talks about the need to look after one’s own well-being in order to support a child with a chronic condition. We talk about the diagnosis odyssey, on average 5-8 years with a rare disease. This limbo in itself is a source of immense pain and stress for a family, layering on top financial stressors when often one parent has to give up work to care for a child. The Raregiver’s guide trains caregivers and medical professionals on the Raregiver’s methodology, a research-based stress relief methodology shared through peer-to-peer support groups and emotional witnessing workshops. The Raregivers organization is singularly focused on providing necessary mental health and wellness services to raregivers - from sustainable psychosocial training and transformative retreats to a connective peer-to-peer multilingual network. Raregivers currently supports over 22,000 rare families across 33 countries. https://www.raregivers.global Get in touch You can contact Lisa on her website or through LinkedIN. Watch all her shows on RTL Play. Listen on Today Radio: Saturdays at 11am, Sundays at noon, and Tuesdays at 11am. Please do subscribe to the podcast, rate and review.…

RTL Today - The Lisa Burke Show

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Gut health and good living; Art & Audits from the Acropolis, 24/01/2025 1:08:24

il y a 9 weeks1:08:24

1:08:24

Today's episode is all about tips from the renowned Vivamayr clinic on how to have a healthy gut, which means a healthy life; plus audits set in stone from the Accounts of the Acropolis. This week we start with a news review with Sasha Kehoe, where naturally the focus is on Trump’s inauguration, and the direct flow of executives orders from that point on. The conversation continues to Bettel’s comments on his time working with Trump; who is leaving X and Stargate. In other news, we have the continuing, if fragile, Gaza ceasefire, Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s response to a fatal knife attach in southern Germany, Oscar nominations, the return of wolves to Luxembourg and other Luxembourg news. Vivamayr - the basics of gut health Vivamayr is a renowned, world-class medical health resort in the south of Austria, surrounded by a beautiful lake and mountains. Its primary focus lies in a holistic approach to health, emphasizing proper nutrition, gut health, detoxification and healthy aging. The resort has a team of medical and holistic health experts who follow the decades old principles of F.X. Mayr plus more modern additions. Dr. Werner Zancolo is the Head Physician at Vivamayr since 2021. He is a medical doctor specializing in gut health, holistic, and complementary medicine. “Our goal should be to help people maintain their health and support them in aging healthfully.” In this interview, even thought the technology didn’t allow us to see him, he talks us through what we can all do in 2025 and beyond to help our gut heath, and therefore our overall health. Dr. Zancolo talks about the need to eat a mostly plant based diet, with one third animal or other products. He says that about 30% of the population has ‘leaky gut syndrome’ which can be easily diagnosed with a stool sample. This can actually lead to depression due to lack of serotonin. The focus of food is on developing a two thirds alkaline diet, minimising caffeine and alcohol, but everything in moderation. Fasting is good to reboot our cells into a sense of autophagy and cleaning up the internal systems. If we were to skip one meal a day it should be dinner, and we shouldn’t eat raw food in the evenings, nor fruit. Naturally, exercise, minimising chronic stress, adding meditation, good sleep… all of these are necessary for a healthy long life. Perhaps we know this, it’s just good to be told again from a doctor. Accounts from the Acropolis Damijan Fišer from the European Court of Auditors joined us once more to talk about a unique exhibit which has just opened at the European Court of Auditors. Courtesy of the Acropolis museum in Athens, the ECA now proudly hosts the accounts of the Acropolis from over 2000 years ago. On 23 January, the ECA President Tony Murphy and Nikolaos Milionis, ECA Member from Greece, unveiled an exhibit which comprises unique copies of the financial accounts for the construction of the gold and ivory statue of Athena which stood at the centre of the Parthenon. These stone slabs (steles) contain the complete accounts of revenues and expenses of the construction. The unusually large sums of money recorded may have implied that the gold employed in the construction of the statue of Athena Parthenos could be used as a state reserve for emergencies. Art is also increasingly being used to improve working environments and engage with ‘ancestral intelligence’. Get in touch Contact Lisa on LinkedIN or other social media platforms. Tune in to The Lisa Burke Show on Today Radio Saturdays at 11am, Sundays at noon, and Tuesdays at 11am. Watch on RTL Play.…

RTL Today - The Lisa Burke Show

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Predictions for 2025, 18/01/2025 1:15:34

il y a 10 weeks1:15:34

1:15:34

Welcome to 2025 from RTL Today here in Luxembourg! As the new year dawns with blue skies and crisp temperatures, we welcome listeners from around the world. On today’s episode of The Lisa Burke Show, we’re taking a glimpse into the year ahead. What does 2025 hold for geopolitics, technology, culture, and beyond? Joining us is Sasha Kehoe, our seasoned daily news host, adept at finding the most interesting stories, and Sam Steen also jumps onto the show! Geopolitical Shifts The political landscape of 2025 promises dramatic shifts, with the inauguration of the 47th U.S. President, Donald Trump, in January. Domestically, his administration is an unknown quantity, but he is likely to pursue pardons for the January 6th rioters amongst other possible promises in his election campaign. Internationally, we anticipate he will alter U.S.-China relations, remove the US from some climate organisations, and Trump has already been a possible catalyst for the ceasefire in Gaza. What will happen in 2025 for Ukraine and the Middle East? Notably, there’s cautious optimism about a time of rebuild and reconciliation after a ceasefire in Gaza and Israel, alongside predictions of a peace deal in Ukraine by May, aligning with the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s World War II victory. Europe, meanwhile, faces rising populist movements. Germany may see Friedrich Merz steering the nation to the right, while Austria’s Freedom Party forms a far-right government, the first since World War II. France continues to grapple with political gridlock, and tensions simmer in the Balkans, Moldova, and Nagorno-Karabakh. However, there are bright spots, such as Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro and Romania’s upcoming presidential election. Technological Breakthroughs 2025 is officially the UN’s Year of Quantum Science and Technology, heralding advancements in AI, robotics, and space exploration. Companies are pouring over $1 trillion into data centers to harness AI’s potential, though adoption rates remain tentative. Tesla’s humanoid robots are expected to debut in factories, with predictions of increasingly autonomous machines capable of household chores like tidying and loading dishwashers. Eastern Europe continues to lead in cybersecurity and dual-use technologies, while China drives a global clean tech boom with solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles. Luxembourg’s space sector stands out, with the University of Luxembourg having launched its first satellite, POQUITO, on January 14. Luxembourg also ranks third globally in space investments as a percentage of GDP, trailing only the U.S. and Russia. Cultural Highlights and Luxembourg The Luxembourg Song Contest heads to Basel, Switzerland, with semi-finals scheduled for May 13 and 15, and the Grand Finale on May 17. Closer to home, Luxembourg is implementing significant social and economic changes. These include higher wages through indexation, increased energy allowances, and tax reforms to attract foreign talent and support single parents. On the mobility front, tram services will extend to Findel Airport, with WiFi available on board. Educational policies also see changes, such as a ban on mobile phones in primary schools and a doubling of university tuition fees. These initiatives aim to strike a balance between modern convenience and societal well-being. Environmental and Health Trends Environmental challenges persist, with California facing wildfires, the Amazon experiencing drought, and Spain battling floods. Scientists warn 2024 was the hottest year on record, setting a worrying precedent for 2025. Yet, there’s hope in health innovations, such as expanded malaria vaccine rollouts and efforts to eliminate cervical cancer through HPV vaccination. The Oxford Dictionary’s Word of the Year, “Brain Rot,” underscores the mental toll of extended screen time. Encouraging movement remains vital, as demographics shift in the U.S., where deaths now outpace births, affecting economic growth. Looking Ahead As we navigate this year of change and innovation, The Lisa Burke Show invites you to stay engaged, curious, and hopeful. Watch us on RTL Play, listen on Apple or Spotify, and write to Lisa on LinkedIn. Here’s to embracing the unpredictability of 2025 together!…

RTL Today - The Lisa Burke Show

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Girls in SciTech: inspiring the next generation of women in STEM, 14/01/2025 1:39:54

il y a 10 weeks1:39:54

1:39:54

The launch of Girls in SciTech in Luxembourg last week is a movement aimed at empowering girls to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths. The Girls in SciTech campagin, coordinated by Professor Serge Haan, brought together high school students, university alumni, industry professionals, and political leaders, all united to tackle the gender imbalance in STEM fields. How can we encourage more young female minds to take up the ‘hard’ sciences rather than just the ‘soft’ sciences (life sciences, medicine, biological sciences etc.)? Indeed one can even question the words attributed to the sciences here. The State of Women in STEM: A Statistical Snapshot Despite incremental progress, women remain underrepresented in STEM, particularly in senior roles. According to Eurostat, 41% of all scientists and engineers in the European Union were women in 2022. The figures are consistently lower for maths, physics, computer science and engineering, varying from country to country. Philippe Hiligsmann, Vice-Rector for Academic and Student Affairs at the University of Luxembourg, underscored the importance of the campaign: “This is more than an event; it is a movement to change things by motivating and inspiring girls to pursue a career in science.” A Powerful Group of Role Models The event featured a panel of inspiring women from diverse STEM backgrounds, who shared their own personal journeys and ideas: - Hania Tayara, Programme Leader at Native Scientists - Marie-Alix Dalle, Environmental Engineer at ArcelorMittal - Prof. Serge Haan, Full Professor in Biological Chemistry, University of Luxembourg - Laurence Lampecco, Analyst Developer at POST Luxembourg - Prof. Skerdilajda Zanaj, Full Professor in Economics, University of Luxembourg - Marie-Louise Uwizeye, Chargée d’études at Administration de la gestion de l’eau - Monika Zlopasa, Investment Fund Risk Manager at UBS Luxembourg Stéphanie Obertin, Minister for Research and Higher Education in Luxembourg, captured the essence of the event’s message when she said, “It’s about transforming our society by empowering women in STEM fields. The unique perspectives and ideas they bring to the field enhance problem-solving and spark innovation.” The Challenges: What’s Holding Girls Back? The panelists identified several key barriers that contribute to the gender gap: Stereotypes and Gender Roles: From an early age, girls are exposed to stereotypes that suggest STEM is not for them. Many girls are told, either overtly or subtly, that they are not as good at math or science as boys. These messages, often reinforced by parents, peers, and teachers, can impact their self-confidence and limit their aspirations. As Prof. Skerdilajda Zanaj pointed out, “It’s not that girls don’t like science, it’s that they are taught to believe it’s not for them.” Lack of Role Models: The absence of female role models in STEM fields further discourages girls from pursuing these paths. Research shows that girls are more likely to enter STEM fields if they see women succeeding in them. “For every 10 Google queries asking, ‘Is my daughter gifted?’ there are 25 asking, ‘Is my son gifted?’” said Marie-Alix Dalle, an alumna of the University of Luxembourg and an Environmental Engineer at ArcelorMittal. The lack of female role models in leadership positions can make it harder for girls to imagine themselves succeeding in science. Parental Biases: Parents often unconsciously reinforce gendered expectations. Research has shown that girls are less likely to be encouraged to pursue STEM subjects, particularly in math and technology. This parental influence can have long-term effects on girls' academic choices and self-perception. Workplace and Family Balance: Women in STEM often face the additional challenge of balancing their careers with family life. Marie-Louise Uwizeye, an engineer and mother of three, shared her experience of working in engineering while raising children: “If you really want to do it, you can. I am a mother of three children, I have a PhD, and I am working full-time. Don’t excuse yourself—this is your right.” Despite the challenges, she emphasized that women can thrive in STEM, even as mothers. Breaking the Barriers: Solutions and Strategies To address these barriers, the panelists discussed various strategies that can help increase the number of girls in STEM, especially in leadership positions: Increased Representation of Women in Senior Roles: One of the critical points raised during the discussion was the importance of seeing women in senior positions within STEM fields. Not only do these role models inspire the next generation, but they also demonstrate that leadership in STEM is achievable for women. “We need to increase the representation of women in science at senior levels to show young girls that it’s possible to rise to the top,” said Hania Tayara. Studies show that having female mentors or professors increases the likelihood that girls will continue to pursue STEM studies and careers. Changing Course Content: Many panelists emphasized the importance of making STEM content more relevant to girls. As Marie-Alix Dalle put it, “Enough talk about cars!” In order to engage more girls, science education must reflect a broader range of interests and real-world applications. “Science should resonate with girls as well,” she added, advocating for curricula that connect STEM to real-world issues like climate change, healthcare, and technology. Mentorship and Support Networks: Several initiatives are already in place in Luxembourg to support girls in STEM. For example, mentorship programs, such as those offered by Native Scientists and the University of Luxembourg, help guide girls through the uncertainties they may face when applying to university or entering STEM fields. Laurence Lampecco, an analyst developer at POST Luxembourg, shared her personal experience of mentorship and the crucial role it played in her journey: “Having someone who believes in you makes all the difference.” Challenging Societal Norms: Finally, the discussion underscored the importance of challenging the societal norms that dictate what careers are “appropriate” for men and women. By showcasing the success stories of women in STEM, through media and other platforms, we can shift perceptions and inspire young girls to see these fields as viable career paths. As Monika Zlopasa, a Risk Manager at UBS Luxembourg, pointed out, “We miss out on complementary skills and points of view when we don’t have women in STEM. It’s not just about representation—it’s about making work better, more innovative, and more inclusive.” Moving Forward: A Collective Effort The Girls in SciTech event marked an important milestone in the effort to close the gender gap in STEM. But as the panelists emphasized, real change requires a collective effort from all sectors of society. From parents and teachers to industry leaders and policymakers, everyone has a role to play in creating a more inclusive environment for girls in STEM. Yuriko Backes, Luxembourg’s Minister for Gender Equality and Diversity, stated, “When young girls see women excelling in STEM fields, it serves as an inspiration. It shows them that they too can achieve success in these areas.” By continuing to promote mentorship, support networks, and initiatives like Girls in SciTech, we can ensure that the next generation of STEM leaders includes a balanced representation of both women and men. In the end, the journey towards gender equality in STEM is just beginning. With sustained commitment, collaboration, and advocacy, we can create a world where girls in science are not the exception—but the norm.…

RTL Today - The Lisa Burke Show

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Bangladesh 2.0 – the Youth Voice, 04/01/2025 48:32

il y a 12 weeks48:32

48:32

From the youth uprising of Bangladesh in summer of 2024 which overthrew the Awami-led government, a new nation is beginning to sprout. Watch and listen to the interview on RTL Today. Bangladesh doesn't hit international headlines so often unless it's for cyclone reasons. It's been quiet and slightly hidden from global news discussion. Why was that? Well last summer, the youth of Bangladesh ensured their desires for their country was heard. During July and August 2024, the youth of Bangladesh rose up against the Awami League-led government of Bangladesh, with nearly a thousand young people killed. Sheikh Hasina was the longest serving Prime minister, and is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the first president of Bangladesh. Her regime was known to be authoritarian and she’s now in self-imposed exile since the uprising. In October 2024, a team of ten students and three teachers from various Luxembourg high schools, who had been corresponding with Friendship secondary schools in Bangladesh for over a year, went to meet the young people and learn about some of the challenges of Bangladesh. On my show this week, Aysha Siddiqua Tithi and Mir Mahbubur Rahman (Snigdho) talk about their experience, losses and the future they hope for. Mir Snigdho, 25, is the twin brother of Mir Mugdho, who was shot dea by police whilst trying to supply water to demonstrators. His twin brother Snigdho now heads up the July Shaheed Smrity Foundation, to help the victims of the violence of July-August 2024. Mir Mahbubur Rahman (Snigdho), has a background in law and a passion for social impact and the “transformative power of collective action”. Aysha Siddiqua Tithi, 22, is a 3rd year university student who was at the forefront of the July protests and accompanied Professor Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (2006) and current Chief Advisor of the Interim Government of Bangladesh, to the United Nations General Assembly last September. Tithi is Project Director at WOOW (Work for Orientation and Organizing the World), and currently a third-year Computer Science student at BRAC University. Snigdho encompasses the passion these young people have in turning the weight of history into something positive for Bangladesh: “The Quota Movement of 2024 was a moment of sacrifice and resilience. The Movement is deeply personal to me because I lost my own (identical twin) brother during this struggle. His sacrifice has been a profound source of inspiration, driving me to work tirelessly toward building a better future for those who have faced similar losses. This tragedy has given me a strong sense of purpose, motivating me to ensure that every sacrifice is honoured and that no one is left behind in our collective fight for justice and equality. “Witnessing the struggles of my family and of those who fought for equality and justice has inspired me to dedicate myself to ensuring their voices are not forgotten. Through the foundation, I work to provide financial assistance, healthcare, and emotional support to the martyrs and injured, keeping alive the spirit of hope and solidarity that emerged from the movement. This experiences has profoundly shaped my vision for a stronger Bangladesh. I won't let my brother's death be in vain. “I see Bangladesh 2.0 as a land of opportunity, innovation, and inclusion—a nation where the dreams of all citizens are supported and valued. With the right blend of education, leadership, and global collaboration, I believe we can overcome systemic challenges and create a brighter future. My goal is to be part of this transformation, using the skills and knowledge I acquire to contribute meaningfully to the country's development”…

RTL Today - The Lisa Burke Show

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News review 2024, 28/12/2024 48:03

il y a 13 weeks48:03

48:03

What a year 2024 has been. It's had it all. Highs and loves and lows, elections and entertainment. With my colleagues Sasha Kehoe and Vanessa Phelan, we take a look at some of the biggest news stories of 2024. It was a year of elections, but also of countries coming undone through continuous wars or overthrowing of regimes (Syria and Bangladesh). Paris hosted the Olympics and added breakdancing as one of its choices. We can't go without mentioning Taylor Swift and the Eras Tour. Then there was the mispronounced names including Kamala Harris, Chappell Roan, Zendaya, Barry Keoghan. Bringing it back to Luxembourg, we had the Caritas embezzlement scandal, increased defence spending (along with much of Europe), and the idea of conscription was floated. Eurovision mania hit Luxembourg for the first time in 31 years and the new crop of talent is lining up for next year's show. What were your highlights or lowlights? Get in touch and let us know what stories touched you the most in 2024.…

RTL Today - The Lisa Burke Show

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Estrangement from parents, 21/12/2024

il y a 13 weeks

—

As we approach the holiday season, where so much emphasis is put on families being together, I wanted to touch on the taboo topic of parental estrangement. “Dirty Grief” is the phrase Stephanie Peirolo coined to describe that messy landscape of grief when a parent you are estranged from dies. Stephanie and Eugene S. Robinson are seasoned storytellers through the spoken and written word, along with music in the case of Eugene. I first came across Stephanie when I heard her talk about her son’s death on The Moth. One might think that this is what she would want to talk about. But no. It is the story of her estrangement from her mother, and more recently, the unexpectedly messy grief she is currently walking through after her mother died. Eugene has his own story of estrangement from his father, and has also written about this in "Father: the Final Installment". With such familial bonds, when they are frayed or fractured, others often want it to be ‘fixed’ as there is still hope whilst people are alive. There may be judgement from others who perceive you as not trying hard enough to either accept how the parent shows up or just accepting some behaviours which may never change. "We are meaning making beings, we need story and ritual to carry grief” Stephanie and Eugene both honestly share their experiences, and the ripple effect such dynamics have on other family or partner relationships. Stephanie suggests not to rush that line from ‘grief to grace’ and to lean into chosen family. She believes there is a deep sense of knowing what is right inside oneself. My Guests Stephanie Peirolo spent years working in advertising and is now a board-certified executive coach. She is a writer and storyteller whose work on The Moth has been featured on NPR and in the best-selling book All These Wonders. Her new book The Saint and the Drunk - A Guide to Making the Big Decisions In Your Life will be published in the spring. Eugene S. Robinson, an author whose work has appeared in the New York Times, the LA Times, GQ, and Vice, spent time “in the trenches” at Adobe, Apple, Intel, Nikon. His books include A Walk Across Dirty Water and Straight Into Murderers Row, a memoir and Fight: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Ass Kicking But Were Afraid You'd Get Your Ass Kicked for Asking. He is the lead singer for the band BUÑUEL, touring soon through Europe. You can listen to Eugene and Stephanie on their podcast The Bad Boss Brief. Eugene's newsletter is Look What You Made Me Do Stephanie's is The Consigliera Papers Find them on Instagram @speirolo and @mrsleep3 https://consigliera.substack.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WebsjShV0ZA https://eugenesrobinson.substack.com/p/father-the-final-installment http://www.upperhand.biz https://badbossbrief.com…

RTL Today - The Lisa Burke Show

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Mentorship for career goals and self reflection, 14/12/2024 57:41

il y a 15 weeks57:41

57:41

Have you ever looked for a mentor or thought about becoming one? This week’s show explores the benefits on both sides. Mentorship can help shape careers, foster inclusivity, and make a workplace less lonely by developing stronger connections across teams and experiences. Whether through formal programs or informal connections, mentorship creates opportunities, and nurtures growth on both sides. My guests are: - Sonata Louvigny - Patricia Souza - Inês Crisóstomo - Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau National Mentoring Day on 27 Oct was inaugurated at the Houses of Parliament in London, led by Chelsey Baker. In December 2023 the Official Journal of the EU published the Opinion of the European Committee of the Regions entitled “Mentoring: A Powerful and Meaningful Tool for the Europe of Tomorrow." (links below) During this conversation we discuss how to find a mentor, build a trusting environment for effective listening and communication and setting outcome expectations. Two way Street Mentorship can also be effective for mentors themselves, to develop stronger bonds and ideas within their organisation and learn how to ask good questions of oneself along with the other. Inês Crisóstomo encourages people to reach out to someone you might admire professionally and ask for an ‘information interview’ with them for about 15 minutes. “You are not alone” Mentoring can be viewed as a learning conversation: learning about oneself; creating space for reflection and supporting action planning. It also helps to equalise opportunities, to create frameworks that support professional development. Informal networks often serve men more than women for example. With over a decade in Science Management, Inês supports scientists to thrive in an ever-evolving research landscape. She coordinates the Mentoring Program sponsored by the Gender Equality Group at the University of Luxembourg and works as a mentor and coach. Her own background is a Ph.D. in Biology from ITQB-UNL (Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier ITQB NOVA, Lisboa), with research conducted at the Rockefeller University in New York, USA. She has worked at iMM (Lisboa, Portugal) and in the Vienna BioCenter (Austria). Inês knows how important mentorship can be in a research environment and is accredited by the MCAA (Marie Curie Alumni Association), EMCC, EMCC Luxembourg (European Mentoring and Coaching Council), and the CARE network (Career Advisors Supporting Researchers in Europe), fostering collaborations and knowledge sharing within global communities. Patricia Souza is the co-founder of WeSTEM+ (Women in Excel STEM) and a Leadership Development and Inclusion Consultant focused on creating more inclusive and equitable business environments. She is also the co-chair the Membership Stream for the NextGen chapter of Lead Network and a board member of the BeLux Chapter. Patricia believes in empowerment through guidance, and a build-up of confidence and leadership through a good mentor. However, she also states that mentorship is a two-way relationship with a ripple effect to the circles of influence for both participants. “It’s about building a relationship that can change the trajectory of their life.” Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau is a leadership expert who worked in HR for many years, where she became involved with mentoring. Sylvia created the first ever mentoring programme at the European Investment Bank and later, together with Rita Knott, the Youth Mentoring Programme in Luxembourg. Today she works as an executive coach to leaders on all levels, with a focus on leadership presence, resilience, communication and impact. For organisations, Sylvia believes mentor programmes are fantastic (and cheap) L&D tools that cover several purposes, in particular: 1) fostering a cohesive organisational culture 2) passing organisation specific knowledge to newcomers and younger professionals, 3) creating networks 4) fostering a learning environment Mentors give back AND about learn about themselves. Mentees: “You get as much as you put in (it’s not a free lunch)” Keys to successful mentoring include building trust and openness at the start; clear agreements and engagement from both sides; basic coaching skills for mentors. Sonata Louvigny is an EU project and program management leader, coach and mentor. Her starting point in mentoring was experiencing the negative impacts of mismanaged mentoring within her team. Sonata's master's thesis was on managing the mentoring process and to help various organisations develop effective mentoring programs aligned with their goals. She is a member of professional mentoring associations such as IMA and EMCC (European Mentoring and Coaching Council). She worked with EMCC Luxembourg, where her role was to oversee the accreditation process for coaches and mentors. Sonata warns that a mentor could be in a position of authority over the mentee, which is more common in traditional mentoring but not in developmental mentoring, and therefore professional guidelines are really important. Through her work she believes that mentoring is not just a hobby but requires specific competencies and skills. Effective mentors should be aware of the professional standards, continuously develop their capabilities, and, if they wish, seek accreditation to ensure they provide high-quality, impactful mentoring. How to find a mentor My guests suggest: - Identify people that inspire you. - Reach out to them - Join groups - Find peers - Take advantage of organisations that create mentorship programs (workplace, non-profit organisations, educational institutions, professional associations, government initiatives, and community organizations, among others). Links: Mentorship Platforms for anyone, for example: https://www.mentoring-club.com/ https://nationalmentoringday.org/history/timeline https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52023IR1537 https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylvia-rohde-liebenau-phd-b51b0328/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciasouza11/ http://we-stem.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonata-kucin/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/inescrisostomo/ https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-luxembourg/ University of Luxembourg (@uni.lu ) • Instagram photos and videos…

RTL Today - The Lisa Burke Show

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COP29, Christmas carols & Office Hours, 06/12/2024 56:06

il y a 16 weeks56:06

56:06

From a reflection of the COP29 results & what we can do, to Office Hours and a rousing invite to sing Christmas Carols in Echternach next weekend. On this week’s show we talk to Andrew Ferrone about the latest COP29 results from Baku with Tessa Moeller. We also have Adam Petersen to tell us about his new show, Office Hours, on Today Radio. And Jeff Hemmen is inviting us all to either sing, play or come to watch the ‘Big Christmas Wind Orchestra & Choir’ who will perform in Echternach on 15th December. My guests are: - Dr. Andrew Ferrone, Deputy Director for Climate and Sustainable Development, IPCC Head of Delegation Co-Coordinator of EU Negotiation team on science issues at United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change - Tessa Moeller, upcoming Ph.D. student and contributing author to the last IPCC report - Dr. Adam Petersen, presenter of Office Hours on Today Radio - Jeff Hemmen, Organiser of the Big Christmas Wind Orchestra & Choir COP29 Andrew Ferrone & Tessa Moeller are not pessimistic about our climate future and work hard to bring their research to both policy makers and the general public. Andrew Ferrone is a seasoned attendee of the COP events and shares his insight of the latest one, where the key message was the adoption of a climate finance commitment aimed at supporting the Global South. He has not lost hope and can see that combined efforts in all domains, across all countries could, will, and already does make a difference. If you want to make a calculable difference yourself go to Carbon Nerd from the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology. They have examples of how an individual can reduce their carbon footprint. Make research more actionable Tessa’s work focusses on ‘overshoot’, the likely move above the 1.5°C Paris Agreement’s temperature target and its potential consequences for global mean sea level rise. The higher the temperature peaks, the longer the overshoot, the greater the risk of crossing irreversible thresholds in the ice sheets, which in turn, locks in faster and more substantial long-term sea level rise. You can read more about Tessa’s work in her recent publication in Nature Communications article (summarized here ). Tessa’s broader aim in the climate conversation is to make research more actionable. By complete coincidence, Adam Petersen used to run oil rigs in Baku for BP, amongst other places. He talks about the brilliant science which also takes place on the rigs in order to minimise emissions and how fossil fuel scientists are a deep part of this transition conversation. Office Hours Adam Petersen’s ‘business’ show is more about understanding the business world around us here in Luxembourg, and in connection to the world around us. You can find his show, Office Hours, on RTL Play. The Big Christmas Wind Orchestra & Choir Jeff Hemmen fell in love with carol singing whilst studying in the UK, and so he brought it back to Luxembourg. Next weekend, everyone is invited to sign up and sing or play traditional carols in the beautiful and oldest city of Luxembourg, Echternach. This is an open invitation to all to enjoy a Christmas moment with the beautiful Christmas market, and you’ll even be rewarded with a free Glüvin for your efforts. It is important you sign up for numbers however. He also talks about the wonderful work done by shareaction.org Listen to the show Tune in to The Lisa Burke Show on Today Radio Saturdays at 11am, Sundays at noon, and Tuesdays at 11am. Please do subscribe to the podcast on Apple or Spotify, rate and review! You can get in touch with Lisa on LinkedIN or via her website. LINKS: https://unfccc.int/news/cop29-un-climate-conference-agrees-to-triple-finance-to-developing-countries-protecting-lives-and https://carbonnerd.list.lu https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-49863-0 https://play.rtl.lu/shows/en/office-hours/episodes https://www.bigchristmaswindorchestra.lu/ https://www.lisatoniburke.com…

RTL Today - The Lisa Burke Show

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Sport for social change, 30/11/2024 56:41

il y a 17 weeks56:41

56:41

LUNEX legends undertake the Laponie Trophy to raise money for the Red Cross’s programme to support families with trauma through nature activities. Imagine the drudgery of a one hour commute each way to work: France to Luxembourg and back again, to do an office job for the Red Cross Luxembourg. This was Sonia Barjonnet a few years ago. She wanted to do more for her employer, the Luxembourg Red Cross, rather than ‘just’ an office job. Sonia wanted a challenge, and with a random google search for ‘Adventure Travel’ she happened upon the Laponie Trophy. Her reasons: “Because I don't like the cold, I've never been to Lapland; because I'm not sporty, I've never run a marathon; for all of these reasons, I signed up, a bit by chance, for the Laponie Trophy in 2024 in aid of the LRC.” This three day event in January, with temperatures hovering around -30 degrees Celsius, takes place in Lapland and requires proper preparation. The first day is a walk / run with rackets for about 10-15km; the second day is an orientation race; the final day involves a Nordic ski 4 x 800m relay race and then an obstacle course. It’s not for the faint of heart. On top of hard training, Sonia had to start using social media to communicate and ask for sponsorship. LUNEX LEGENDS Dr. Kim Buchholtz, born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, is Assistant Professor in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, chair of the exam board and programme leader for the Bachelor in Physiotherapy here at LUNEX in Luxembourg. “The hill that I am willing to die on is that we should (almost) all be doing more physical activity than we do for our mental and physical health… it’s more powerful than medication in preventing disease.” Her motto is ‘Lift as you rise’ - use one’s privilege and opportunity to provide spaces and mentoring for those less experienced, less privileged and less supported than us to have the same or better opportunities in life than we have had. Kim believes that young adults should be able to see themselves in their role models, and therefore wants to show her current and former students, and patients, that “even a geriatric millennial with low cold tolerance can trek through the snow at -30 degrees for a good cause!”. Dr. Buchholtz was recognised in 2018 as one of the Mail and Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans in the Health category. https://200youngsouthafricans.co.za/kim-buchholtz-2018/ Dr Johanna Johannsson Ingvarsdottir is a senior lecturer and research fellow in the Department of Health at LUNEX. Similar to Sonia, Johanna had a bucket list of activities she wanted to pursue. One was to visit Lapland, another was to complete a sports challenge. The Laponie Trophy combines both. Johanna believes “It doesn’t matter how slow you go, so long as you don’t stop!” Jessie Tembo is the LUNEX Legends Social Media Manager & student. Sophia Harith is a Research Fellow at LUNEX, lecturer and Programme Leader for Bachelor in International Sports Management, plus a reserve on the team. They would all like to you follow them and their training on social media, but more importantly sponsor them on their GoFundMe page: https://www.helloasso.com/associations/lunexlegends/collectes/lunexlegends-lapony-trophy https://gofund.me/bef3798b Or here: https://www.helloasso.com/associations/lunexlegends/collectes/lunexlegends-lapony-trophy Instagram: @lunex.legends LUNEX www.lunex.lu Croix Rouge Luxembourg Kim and Johanna have also decided to support the Luxembourg Red Cross, but more specifically their Service d’Accompagnement et de Transition (SAT) who organise outdoor activities for children or families at risk of social isolation, or who have just moved here as immigrants. This is led by Melodie Neves. As of today, there are approximately 89 children ranging from 4 to 12 years in age, coming from Turkey, Chile, Colombia, Afghanistan, Syria, Somalia, Venezuela, Kosovo, Angola, Ukraine, Zimbabwe, Peru, Eritrea, Gabon and Oman. Melodie’s team built the ‘First welcome’ centre for those arriving in Luxembourg fleeing war zones. It is the first point of social contact for these children and their families, when they land in a strange country, entirely aligned with the mission of the Luxembourg Red Cross: to improve the living conditions of vulnerable people. SAT helps children with trauma slowly and gently integrate, learn Luxembourg’s languages and culture through building trusting relationships. “Komm mat an d’Natur” was created to offer children and families with trauma the chance to reintegrate with educational activities in nature that strengthen their well-being and develop their social skills. The aim is to combat social isolation and build self-confidence. https://www.raid-feminin.com/sahara-trophy/laponie-trophy-raid/ Croix-Rouge luxembourgeoise (@croixrougelu ) https://www.croix-rouge.lu/fr/service/structures-daccueil-et-deducation-integree/ https://www.croix-rouge.lu/en/…

RTL Today - The Lisa Burke Show

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How to flourish financially, 23/11/2024 56:19

il y a 18 weeks56:19

56:19

Financial advisors can be quite intimidating, especially if we feel we’re starting ‘too late’, or we don’t have ‘enough’ money. Dr. Sophie Jablonski and Minna Schmidt are on a mission to break that stigma and encourage more people to talk about money matters in a healthy way. On The Lisa Burke Show this week, Sasha Kehoe starts off by giving us a reflection of the week's news. Flourishing Financially in mid-life. Dr. Sophie Jablonski and Minna Schmidt set up Flourish Financially to help empower people both mentally and financially, the two being highly combined. Their main community are midlife women who fall into the statistical bracket of being behind men in building wealth. The gender wealth gap across all countries has been averaged as about 77%: that’s to say for every €100 earned by a man, a woman earns €77. There are many reasons for this including taking time out to raise a family, returning part-time and sickness. Women are also less likely to talk about money, often end up dependent on others, especially in older years, despite also living longer on average. For many people, it’s midlife, that crunch-point of perhaps raising a family plus parents who might need more help, to heavy workloads, plus possibly divorce, where one contemplates the purpose of having a buffer in life; a financial blanket to ease the inevitable moments of hard times. This duo want to encourage anyone, whatever stage of life you are in, to take control of your own financial health. Unquestionably, more money means more freedom: freedom of choice; freedom to find the best healthcare for aging parents; freedom to leave a bad marriage. Sophie and Minna hope to inspire and create a community who is more aware of their own financial options, without feeling shame or fear, whatever the starting point; at whatever age. Sophie is particularly clear that positive psychology is linked to a flourishing mindset, and when this part is ‘right’ the rest can follow. How is your Financial Health? Sophie and Minna have developed a Financial Flourishing Scale - a reflective tool to help people understand where they stand on their financial health journey— thriving, languishing or surviving. Using evidence-based insights from positive psychology and financial resilience research, it’s a great starting point for building financial well-being. Access the tool for free here: Financial Flourishing Scale https://flourishfinancially.org The PROVIDERS celebrate their 25th anniversary at Den Atelier The Providers started out 25 years ago in a garage in Kehlen with three teenagers. It’s now grown to a 10-piece band and old members will join them to perform at their sold-out show at Den Atelier on Saturday. However, there are two tickets left. In this show, Pit Mass talks about The Providers and mentioned how many people will be on stage for this show. Write into hosts@rtltoday.lu with your answer after listening to the show! Website of Minna: https://www.minnaschmidt.com Website of Sophie: https://drsophiecoaching.com LinkedIn of Minna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/minnaschmidt/ LinkedIn of Sophie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sophie-jablonski/ Instagram of Minna: https://www.instagram.com/minnaschmidt/…

RTL Today - The Lisa Burke Show

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President of the EU Court of Auditors – Tony Murphy, 16/11/2024 1:06:21

il y a 19 weeks1:06:21

1:06:21

Problems with traceability of the EU's Covid Recovery Fund is one of the issues Tony Murphy discusses, with concern, on this show. Irishman Tony Murphy is at the helm of the EU financial watchdog, as President of the European Court of Auditors. The European Court of Auditors is one of the seven EU institutions and it’s based in Luxembourg. With nearly 1000 staff members, their role is to scrutinise the way in which EU money is spent; make it transparent, traceable and accountable. Plus, does the use of the money ultimately serve the EU citizen? And so, one part of the job is to follow the money trail, the other is to ensure the performance or use aligns with the EU’s broader strategic priorities. 2024 has been a year of major reports, most prominently the Draghi report on EU competitiveness and the Letta report focussed more on the single market. Letta also emphasises the need for much stricter control on state aid for those most in need. Both highlight the challenges facing the EU in terms of being a global player, competitiveness, the internal market and industrial policy. ‘Sustainable’ Debt versus ‘necessary investment’ is something that auditors have to consider and advise on, when thinking about the future of the EU and kicking the problem down the line, for future generations to pay for. Tony Murphy talks passionately on the EU’s COVID recovery funds which are a huge problem in terms of following the money - it is not transparent and not easy for the auditors to see whether the money is or was actually used in the right manner as designed https://www.eca.europa.eu/en/news/NEWS2024_04_NEWSLETTER_03?mtm_campaign=NewsletterAnalytics&mtm_kwd=RelatedNews&mtm_source=Newsletter-2024-4-2&mtm_content=https://www.eca.europa.eu/en/news/NEWS2024_04_NEWSLETTER_03 They ECA examine revenue and spending in every area of the EU’s work from growth and jobs to environmental policy and climate action. https://www.eca.europa.eu/en/what-we-do They undertake ‘performance audit’ reports which digs into whether EU action and funding is efficient and effective - does it deliver results for citizens. Naturally there are also the ‘compliance’ and financial audits to see if rules are being complied with. https://www.eca.europa.eu/en/search-publications#k=#l=1033 ECA governance and structure https://www.eca.europa.eu/en/governance ECA’s activity report for 2023 (2024) – this gives a good brief overview of our role and work https://www.eca.europa.eu/en/news/NEWS-AAR-2023 Just published (yesterday): ECA plan of audits for next year and afterwards: https://www.eca.europa.eu/en/news/NEWS-WP-2025…

RTL Today - The Lisa Burke Show

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The carbon cost of our homes, 09/11/2024 56:17

il y a 20 weeks56:17

56:17

Today we discuss the whole energy life cycle of a home and how, perhaps in the future, we should consider a ‘carbon-wallet’ for our lives, which includes where we live and its own carbon costs. "Build nothing, build less, build efficiently, build with less impact" Architects have to think of many things. Resource-efficient designs will help reduce the need for new construction and demolition. In a world facing resource scarcity, the way in which materials are sourced and buildings are constructed must change. My guests are architects Carine Oberweis and Philippe Nathan, civil engineer Lee Frank and Paul Baustert, policy maker and Attaché at the Ministry of the Economy in Luxembourg. Carine is passionate about creating healthy living spaces with low-energy design. Having spent many years working in Ghana (and being the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Ghana in Luxembourg), Carine also works on developing new building products made from waste material. This is an industry with huge future potential. Lee Franck works with the construction industry, currently responsible for about 40% of carbon emissions, to devise low carbon designs. Architect Philippe Nathan has worked on The ‘Grande Porte des Alpes’ in Lyon, developing a vision of a decarbonised and resilient region by 2050. As Attaché at the Ministry of the Economy in Luxembourg, Paul Baustert works on preparing legislation related to the whole life carbon of buildings. Where does carbon reside in our homes? This is not as obvious as it may seem. Every bit of material that makes our home has an energy cost to it, which is why it is not always the most energy efficient decision to demolish and build again. We are all very aware of energy consumption when it comes to heating, ventilation and electricity, not least because this is an on-going (and likely increasing) cost. However, we are less conscious of the ‘stuff’ that our buildings are made of. This is grey energy. For so long the conversation on reducing energy consumption has circled around insulation, energy efficient windows, machines to vent the house mechanically, but not the overall carbon dioxide savings. We are now moving to a ‘whole-life’ carbon approach, and new legislation is on its way to take into account the impact of the materials that go into construction. From 2028 onwards, for a new building to be permitted, it needs to have its carbon footprint calculated over its life-time, energy consumption and carbon in the materials to build it. From 2030, limits on how much carbon can go into a building will come into place. An average size house in Luxembourg has a carbon footprint of roughly 200t CO2 in the materials. That’s about 100 return flights to the United States. If we reduce the carbon footprint of our house by 20%, we save the equivalent of about 20 return flights or the offset of an average person in Luxembourg’s carbon footprint over 2 years (an average person’s carbon footprint in Luxembourg is 18t/annum)! And if we scale this up to a global scale – we could build one city like Paris each week in energy savings. How can we change this situation fast? Lee Franck has a few suggestions here: - Build Nothing: do we need to build more? Could we convert existing buildings? Stop demolishing! “Demolishing and building something new which claims to be “green” is greenwashing.” - Build Less: what is enough? - Reuse materials: start the mindset of urban mining. All existing buildings are material banks. We need better data management systems to log this however. - La frugalité heureuse: what are our fundamental needs to be happy? For example, cellars are highly carbon intensive to build. Can we use one space in multiple ways. - Logistics: how to transfer one component from an old to a new building. - Leave things ‘unfinished’ (exposed ceilings and floors etc.) - Build efficiently: use fewer resources for the same needs - Carbon footprint calculation and set goals on how much carbon should be used - Build with timber. There is a common misconception that building in timber has a negative carbon impact. Global demand for timber is predicted to quadruple by 2050 and although at least in Europe forests are growing, this demand cannot be met and these monoculture plantations come with a loss in health of the forests and biodiversity and illegal sourcing. - Innovation for better materials and products. What is the role of an architect in our society? Architects play a unique role in society, enhancing lives by thoughtfully considering how people live, work, and shape their environments. In today’s fast-paced world, homes should offer a sense of calm and grounding. Carine believes in creating a home which has a soothing effect on the human senses, through careful consideration of volume, colour, touch, acoustics, and even scent. Architects and engineers also have to design for communities, to encourage human interaction whilst ensuring privacy and reducing isolation. Carine’s work in Ghana develops her passion for empowering local communities and promoting social equity. “In response to global challenges such as the climate crisis, demographic changes, economic instability, and disrupted supply chains, the focus is on finding innovative, sustainable solutions - local solutions to local problems.” Collaborative efforts in West Africa have led to the development of new building materials from waste, with plans to apply this knowledge to projects in Luxembourg. Carine’s vision aligns with the philosophy of "build nothing, build less, build more clever, build with less impact." She encourages us to value what already exists, appreciating imperfections both in life and in the built environment. “It's about embracing nature-based materials, minimising transformations, and reducing both embodied and operational energy. For example the Gulf of Guinea may seem distant, the ripple effects of its developments will touch us all. Global well-being is a shared responsibility, shaped by the daily decisions we make. Every choice has global consequences, underscoring the interconnectedness of our world and the urgent need for sustainable, responsible practices.” Paul has the unenviable task of thinking about the whole building ecosystem with associated environmental challenges in order to put together a framework of policy decisions that will help the country for generations to come. Carbon Budget As a final thought, Carine Oberweis has a suggestion for us to consider as we move towards the New Year - what is your carbon budget? “To grasp the importance of global well-being, we must recognise it as a shared responsibility - one shaped by our everyday decisions. Each choice we make has a compounding effect on the world, emphasising our global interdependence and the urgent need for sustainable, mindful practices. Imagine it like a monthly budget, with a limited "carbon wallet" for spending. With each choice, your carbon budget gets smaller, and by the month’s end, we hope you've managed to keep enough for future flexibility. Let's start thinking of each decision as an investment in the world of tomorrow, striving to make each choice one that preserves our collective resources for the long term. What’s your carbon budget for 2025 ?” Tune in to The Lisa Burke Show on Today Radio Saturdays at 11am, Sundays at noon, and Tuesdays at 11am on Today Radio. Watch on RTL Play. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.…

RTL Today - The Lisa Burke Show

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Run in the Dark with Mark Pollock, 02/11/2024 1:06:30

il y a 21 weeks1:06:30

1:06:30

Coping with blindness, then paralysis, to showing us that we can achieve more than we thought possible. Blindness Mark Pollock started losing his sight from childhood, culminating in blindness just before his finals at Trinity College Dublin in 1998. Mark’s blindness is tied to the date of the Good Friday Agreement being signed on 10 April 1998 in Northern Ireland. He speaks of the uncertain years of autopilot after this diagnosis, the five stages of grief and the sense of being left behind as his friends went off to start their adult lives. Mark had to navigate the loss of what he had assumed was his identity; one very much tied to being a sportsman, defined by things he did. He speaks of being a spectator on the sidelines of his life. Slowly, as he emerged from this state of shock and grief, he moved from being a spectator to competitor, designing a life with clarity, confidence and commitment. Small goals built up confidence. Always a lover of endurance sports, he went on to attempt many such feats, both ‘successfully’ and other times needing to be helicoptered off mountainsides. Mark went on to become a global adventure athlete, competing in ultra-endurance races across deserts and the first blind person to race to the South Pole in 2009. Paralysis Perhaps a worse tragedy occurred in 2010, when a fall from a second story window nearly killed him, leaving Mark with a broken back, fractured skull and many internal injuries. He survived, just, but paralysed. Since then, Mark has redirected his attention to the intersection of humans and technology to cure paralysis in our lifetime. Off-air he spoke to me about a particular teenager he shared a ward with, whose life’s potential was wiped away at the time he was paralysed from the neck down. Mark Pollock works to inspire us all, optimise performance and build collaborations and communication channels that can ultimately effect change. He is Chairman of Collaborative Cures. Mark now works a lot with neuroscientists, to understand how to best achieve a state of flow. He also believes in collaboration with an element of competition to get the best results. This also requires great communication, and that relies on trust. Run in the Dark Mark is the founder of the global running series Run in the Dark and here Luxembourg plays an important role! This event will be held on 13 November at 8pm in 50 cities around the world, with 25,000 people running 5km and 10km. You can choose to race, walk or be a Marshall or volunteer on the night. If you want to support Mark’s work you can contact him here: https://www.markpollock.com/ runinthedark.org/volunteer…

RTL Today - The Lisa Burke Show

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Book Club #4, 25/10/2024

il y a 22 weeks

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Colleagues Vanessa Phelan and Sarah Tapp join Lisa to discuss a bookshop book and more besides. The first shocking fact about this month‘s Book Club is that we found a communal date after one try. For three working women, with children and other jobs, this is rather remarkable. We start our discussions by talking about Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum. And, as always, there is a conversation full of books to follow. Tune in to The Lisa Burke Show on Today Radio Saturdays at 11am, Sundays at noon, and Tuesdays at 11am.…

RTL Today - The Lisa Burke Show

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U.S. Elections - Voice of the Minority, 12/10/2024

il y a 24 weeks

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Lisa discusses the significance of the "minority vote," swing states, and other topics that will impact the U.S. elections coming up in November. Dr. Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins, Retired Ambassador Dr. Carlo Krieger, and U.S. Diplomat Meghan Dean share their thoughts on this week's show. Dr. Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins observed the importance of having the right to vote in childhood, watching her Grandmother pick cotton in the morning and teach school in the afternoon so that people could learn how to write their names and therefore vote, once that law eventually came into place. Dr. Jefferson-Jenkins took up the baton to become a life-long advocate and activist for civil rights and social justice. She is a voice for under-represented populations and served two terms as the President of the League of Women Voters of the United States and Chair of the League of Women Voters Education Fund, the only woman of colour to have ever done so. Retired Ambassador Carlo Krieger served around the world: Brazil, China, Russia; and as Deputy in the Embassies of Washington D.C. and Vienna. His academic passion is social anthropology, and in this conversation we learn about Carlo’s knowledge of how Native Americans are discriminated against when it comes to their right to vote. Meghan Dean is the U.S Embassy Luxembourg’s spokesperson. She served as a Deputy Spokesperson for European Affairs and at the State Department Operations Center, the Secretary of State’s 24-hour crisis management and communications centre in Washington, D.C. Meghan served at the U.S. Embassy in Skopje, North Macedonia and on the State Department’s Ukraine Desk. Meghan is a returned Peace Corps Volunteer from Albania and Georgia. She talks about the Electoral College, the complexity of the American elections and that it’s not one Federal election but 50 state elections. On the evening of Tuesday 8 October 2024, Dr. Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins, was in Luxembourg at the behest of Miami University Luxembourg Foundation’s inaugural event, supported by the US Embassy in Luxembourg.…

RTL Today - The Lisa Burke Show

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Fashion Week Luxembourg , 05/10/2024 55:59

il y a 25 weeks55:59

55:59

Joining Lisa and Sasha in the Today Radio studios are the planners of Differdange's Fashion Week Luxembourg, sneaker savvy Today Radio presenter Steven Miller, and Laura da Silva – a fashion-forward nurse, tattoo artist and advocate for breast cancer support and awareness. Starting with a review of the week’s global news with Sasha Kehoe, we discuss: US Election Just one month away and Melania Trump has declared her support for a woman’s right to control her own body, including abortion. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/02/melania-trump-memoir-defends-abortion-rights JD Vance, Donald Trump’s pick for vice-president, has indicated he would support a national abortion ban https://edition.cnn.com/2024/07/17/politics/kfile-jd-vance-abortion-comments/index.html Pelicot Trial Rape Case in France The horrific mass rape trial of 71 year old Gisèle Pelicot continues, creating debate about the culture of male domination in France and across borders https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240927-french-rape-trial-sparks-timid-debate-about-masculinity Teleworking no longer Amazon now requires all employees to return to the office, sparking debate amongst many companies to rethink their working from home / office balance for maximum productivity / employee satisfaction, especially when long commutes are a feature of working in Luxembourg for many. Grand Duke Abdication Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume will officially assume the role of Lieutenant Representative on 8 October, as appointed by his father the Grand Duke. In September Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa moved to their Fischbach residency allowing their son, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and his family to take over Berg Castle in Colmar-Berg. https://today.rtl.lu/news/luxembourg/a/2207770.html Real Art vs Posters Scientists in the Netherlands using eye-tracking and MRI scans found an enormous difference between genuine works and posters. A neurological study revealed that real works of art in a museum stimulate the brain in a way that is 10 times stronger than looking at a poster. Commissioned by the Mauritshuis Museum in The Hague, home to Johannes Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, the independent study used eye-tracking technology and MRI scans to record the brain activity of volunteers looking at genuine artworks and reproductions. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/oct/03/real-art-in-museums-stimulates-brain-much-more-than-reprints-study-finds Fashion Week Luxembourg Livia Smith, Communication Strategist for Luxembourg Fashion Week talks about its growth from the starting point six years ago, with Fabiola Puga still at the helm. This year there will be twelve national and international designers. Luxembourg Fashion Week hopes to become part of the cultural fabric of the hospitality and economy of Luxembourg. Livia also talks about her own use of fashion to help create confidence for someone who is naturally shy. Max Felten, Chief Economist and City Manager of Differdange returns to talks about why Differdange will, once again, host Luxembourg Fashion Week. Natalia Wrona, in charge of the promotion for Differdange City Management, explains the three different locations this year, including one at the International School in Differdange, celebrating all children, with two autistic children taking to the catwalk. AquaSud Differdange is another of the three locations for the Fashion Week, and Céline Moreira, their Communication Manager, explains the difficulty in using an aquatic setting for a fashion show! Céline also talks about the link to Pink October and how emphasising the beauty in diversity. A theme throughout today’s discussion is the power of self-acceptance, and promotion of a positive body image regardless of challenges. Laura da Silva overcame breast cancer ten years ago. Now, she spends her time between nursing at CHL and running her own business as an image consultant and tattoo artist, helping other women who have gone through breast cancer. She travels around with a pink chair, which is a reminder to those who have dealt with cancer that there is a lot of waiting and sitting, for both the patient, but also for their friends and family. https://www.instagram.com/luxembourgfashionweek My colleague, Steven Miller, a presenter at Today Radio is renowned in the office for his sneaker collector. Steven started his collection at the age of 15, peaking at 550 in 2017. He talks about sneaker collecting as an alternative investment, where ‘sneakerheads’ of this world are happy to spend thousands on one pair. Steven also loves Japanese streetwear designers, specialising in minimalist but thoughtful creations. Collector of sneakers since age 15 (peaking at 550 pairs in 2017) Completed a course in ‘Sneaker Essentials’ with the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York in 2020; covering everything from history and design to manufacturing and retail Favoured fashion subject is Japanese designers and streetwear Advocate for pre-loved/owned clothing and the Japanese art of ‘Sa-shiko’ (mending/repair) Please do subscribe via Apple and / or Spotify. It would be great if you could rate and review too — as it helps others find the podcast. Tune in to The Lisa Burke Show on Today Radio Saturdays at 11am, Sundays at noon, and Tuesdays at 11am.…

RTL Today - The Lisa Burke Show

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Building resilience from the inside out, 28/09/2024 1:12:12

il y a 26 weeks1:12:12

1:12:12

Thoughts of a massage with four hands (two people) and 8–9 litres of oil sounds like utter bliss to me. And more, from Ayurveda Parkschlösschen. Our roundup of the week’s news, with Sasha Kehoe, covers: - Pope Francis’s visit to Luxembourg on such a wet Thursday and the much-noted coffee-shop visit - Upcoming Austrian elections with a potential real far-right win - Former Prime Minister and President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker addressing the ongoing rumours of his alleged alcoholism - Pirate Party Defections - Euthanasia in Switzerland - death in a Sarco capsule, which fills with nitrogen and causes death by hypoxia. - A bit of light relief with Pesto the Penguin at an Australian aquarium home Ayurveda Parkschlösschen and Nestwärme Ayurveda Parkschlösschen is not too far away at the Mosel river in Traben-Trarbach and is an oasis for the over-worked. Kathleen Landbeck is a naturopath and psychotherapist, who leads the Resilienz Retreat at Ayurveda Parkschlösschen. Maria Hebel is an Ayurvedic Practicioner at the centre. Dirk Hense represents Nestwärme - a family relief network across Germany, Luxembourg and Austria for families with physically or mentally handicapped children; families that need to become resilient to cope with the realities of their day-to-day existence. Ayurveda is an ancient holistic medical system which focusses on the human being as an individual, with individual problems and needs. Each person is viewed in terms of their ‘dosha’ (body and personality type) to help us understand our personality type and traps. Whatever one’s background or wealth, we face different challenges in life: burdens of work, relationships and health. We also face the burden of ourselves and the weight we put on ourselves through upbringing and culture around us. We’ve certainly come to realise that physical health impacts mental health and our microbiome. At Parkschlösschen they try to reset the digestive tract and calm the nervous system with a series of many of the things we know ourselves: good food habits, sleep, meditation, yoga, and a digital detox. We fall in to habits and traps, and in relationships: “Partners are our gurus, especially when it's difficult” Kathleen and Maria plus the team meet people as they arrive high on stress hormones. We are not always conscious of what’s hurting us, or our unrealistic expectations. Why is it that we are so driven? Or can’t meet the standards set by ourselves or others? Kathleen tries to develop the self love muscle. We learn about the Four Stages of Life: - Learning stage - when we are students or apprentices - Establishing stage through work and family; wealth creation - Doing to being - mentoring and giving back - Returning to our spiritual selves - retreating from the doing and rest in the being - We also learn about the importance of boundaries to maintain our emotional and physical health, and also learn about the five different levels of being: - Physical - Vital force - Mind - thoughts and emotions - Intellect - more subtle and stable than the mind - Bliss body - deep sleep, like in a meditation (or great sex!) Nestwärme Nestwärme helps families in a holistic way, fostering the feeling of community and diversity. It’s so easy to feel alone with not much ‘extra’ energy when faced with an on-going stressful family situation. And this is not an insignificant number - about 2-5% of families are touched by this in western European countries. The work is focused on health and wellbeing where the body follows the mind, plus the intrinsic need for belonging. The motto is ‘me, then you, then we’. We cannot sacrifice too much of ourselves or we burnout. Nestwärme have added 7 elements of building resilience: - Self awareness - Self regulation - realistic optimism - solution orientated - orientation to future - orientation to network - Ability of acceptance And they added the importance of humour Resilience is a muscle that must be trained. They have built and e-learning platform which is available in English, German and French. If you wish to contact any of these organisations you can fine Ayurveda Parkschloesschen here, https://www.ayurveda-parkschloesschen.de/en/homepage-english/ with a blog here https://gb.parkschloesschenblog.de/ They are also available on instagram. https://www.instagram.com/ayurvedaparkschloesschen/ Kathleen is about to become a digital nomad, travelling the world with her work and has a website here. https://www.kathleenlandbeck.de/de Nestwärme is available here https://www.nestwaerme.org/lu/ with their CareYoo programme here http://www.careyoo.org The news stories can be found here: https://today.rtl.lu/news/world/a/2234922.html https://apnews.com/article/austria-election-far-right-kickl-nehammer-9db1d6bebfd67d3225be787e34e0b13d https://today.rtl.lu/news/luxembourg/a/2233867.html https://today.rtl.lu/news/luxembourg/a/2232874.html https://today.rtl.lu/news/world/a/2234508.html https://today.rtl.lu/news/science-and-environment/a/2234566.html…

RTL Today - The Lisa Burke Show

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How to create a career for life, 13/09/2024 54:48

il y a 28 weeks54:48

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Career planning, as a student or an adult; plus the upcoming Science Slam in Luxembourg. Arnit Dey has two more years of High School left before he and his cohort of global students have to decide what to study, where to go and what to do with the first part of the rest of their adult lives. Arnit himself was born in the UAE to an Indian family and now lives in Luxembourg. He feels that the upcoming decisions need to be spoken about more at this important juncture in life, which conflates education, peer and parental pressure and the simple heaviness of figuring out what to do in the future. Anneke Hudson is the in-house careers advisor at St. George’s International School. Anneke is half-English, half-Dutch, born in Kenya, raised there, in Zambia, South Africa, Oman, North America and England and is raising her own family here in Luxembourg. And so, she knows what it feels like to be a ‘3rd culture kid’, a married mother abroad and an expat parent. Anneke first studied law and became an in-house banking solicitor in a City of London international corporate law firm. Quite quickly she realised this was not a career she enjoyed. After a gap to raise her children, Anneke took a Masters degree in Career Development and Coaching from the University of Warwick in the UK and became a registered Career Development Professional with the Career Development Institute in the UK. At St. George’s International School she helps students think about the word ‘career’ to encompass the lifelong journey through life, learning and work. “Your 'career' is the paid and unpaid roles which you undertake throughout a lifetime, including life roles, leisure activities, learning and work.” There are six core career development skills, relevant for any age: - Trying new things - Understanding yourself - Being open - Reflecting - Learning how to research - Networking These complement the six learning areas from the Career Development Institute Framework: - Grow throughout life - Explore possibilities - Manage career - Create opportunities - Balance life and work - See the big picture Dr Ann Kiefer is a mathematician by training, working as a STEM Expert at the Luxembourg Centre for Educational Testing (LUCET) at the University of Luxembourg. She leads a project called PITT (Programme for innovative teaching and training), where she develops science and maths lessons for secondary schools tailored to Luxembourg. Ann is also highly involved with science communication, from designing a maths costume for the Manneken Pis in Brussels https://www.lalibre.be/dernieres-depeches/belga/2020/07/20/des-chercheurs-de-la-vub-concoivent-un-costume-pour-manneken-pis-HJCWWYVOUNHLBIPMU6A2XDVM7Q/ to winning a number of science slams herself in Germany and Luxembourg. She also participates in Science Stand-Up Comedy https ://www.youtube.com/watch ?v=HpcEsVI8ccc Juan Aguilar is a digital archaeologist doing his PhD on the virtual recovery of a destroyed millennia-old cultural heritage site in Mosul, Iraq. Juan also won the Science Slam here in Luxembourg by explaining how he 3D-scanned and 3D reconstructed the presumed tomb of the Prophet Jonah which, until 2014, sat on an Assyrian palace (IG: #nebiyunusdigitalarchaeologicalproject ). He communicates his archaeological project work with short films. https://vimeo.com/829695470?share=copy https://history.uni.lu/team-juan-aguilar/ Ann and Jan are part of the Luxembourg Science Slam organisation team which is open to all on Friday, 4th October at 7pm in Cercle Cité. You can find the tickets here and videos of previous science slams here. https://scienceslam.uni.lu/ Tickets : https://www.echo.lu/en/experiences/luxembourg-s-science-slam-5fQsxu Videos of previous slams : https://www.youtube.com/@luxdoc472/videos…

RTL Today - The Lisa Burke Show

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Book Club #3: Summer Reads, 07/09/2024 58:55

il y a 29 weeks58:55

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Lisa, Sarah, and Vanessa gather in the Today Radio studio for Book Club's third instalment, sharing their very favourite summer reads - and they'd love to know yours! This week's show is a deep chat on the books we've loved this summer. I'm joined by my colleagues Sarah Tapp and Vanessa Phelan. Here are some of the books we talk about: When the Coffee gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi Ann Patchett - all of her books! It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover Do let us know what books you enjoy and if there are any in particular from this list that stand out to you.…

RTL Today - The Lisa Burke Show

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'Not everything goes right the first time': H.M. Ambassador Fleur Thomas, 31/08/2024 41:55

il y a 30 weeks41:55

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British Ambassador Thomas opens up about her life - describing an unusual path towards a successful career in diplomacy, from early struggles with sexual harassment to her recent battle with thyroid cancer. Fleur Thomas was appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg on 21 April 2021. Fleur Thomas's journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of diversity. Starting her career as a chartered surveyor, she faced sexual harassment from senior colleagues, forcing her to leave that path. This early experience, though traumatic, shaped her character and fueled her resolve. Instead of being defeated, Ambassador Thomas redirected her energy into academia, earning two master’s degrees while working as British Airways cabin crew. The drive to succeed, rooted in a sense of not quite measuring up due to her less privileged background, propelled Fleur forward. This determination is a trait she shares with her grandmother, who, after being widowed with five children, fought for her family’s survival by securing a council house after she lost the family tied house upon her husband’s untimely death. “I think Diversity of thought is super important." Fleur's career in the Ministry of Defence (MoD) saw her rise to the role of Head of Exports, a position that underscored her ability to thrive in challenging, male-dominated environments. Her dedication to promoting gender balance and social mobility within the MoD, as well as her recognition of the importance of intersectional diversity, highlights her commitment to creating inclusive spaces. “The modern UK is very diverse and we represent the modern UK” Her role as Ambassador in Luxembourg brought unexpected challenges, including a cancer diagnosis. Ambassador Thomas experienced unusual fatigue for an extended period of time. After several rounds of tests, she was finally diagnosed with T2N0M0 papillary thyroid cancer. Despite the diagnosis, her diary was incredibly full in the weeks surrounding the biopsy, diagnosis and first surgery. Fleur organised and attended His Majesty the King’s Coronation Event and His Majesty The Kings’ official birthday party, hosted a ministerial visit from the UK and attended several receptions before her second surgery in mid-July and eventual return to work in August. Aside from such a heavy and constant workload, which Fleur seems to thrive on, she also finds time for many creative pursuits. Ambassador Thomas arrived in Luxembourg with about 200 cookbooks, enjoys foraging for recipes and also has needlepoint skills passed down by her mother. Alongside this, the residence contains models of fighter jets and a meteor air to air missile. Fleur Thomas’s life example shows how a diverse background, one of thought and experience, can help create new communities within a changing face of civil servants.…

RTL Today - The Lisa Burke Show

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Journalism – Keep a distance from the deciders, 23/08/2024 58:27

il y a 31 weeks58:27

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From one News Director to another – after 32 years of news journalism, Guy Weber hands over to Luc Marteling, the new News Director of RTL. Guy Weber started his career in radio. After a brief stint in PR for the steel works, he returned to RTL Television in June 1994 as a journalist. In 2017, he became Editor-In-Chief of the television division and then News Director. He retired in June of this year. Luc Marteling has returned to RTL where he worked from 2008 to 2019. He left to become Director of the Center for the Luxembourgish Language and has now returned to RTL as its News Director. Guy Weber talks about his many years as a ‘lone wolf’ and cautions the need to keep a distance from the deciders. He believes that journalists can have a positive impact on society. He has worked across 20 elections and notable interviews include those with Yasser Arafat, Václav Havel and Lech Wałęsa. Guy talks about the journalist as an observer who must check their facts and always be a trusted source. They both talk about the way in which RTL needs to use different languages to connect with the population of Luxembourg. Naturally, with the changing nature of how news media is consumed, we talk about the various platforms that need to be fed in an every quicker manner. Guy will continue his journalism privately with a passion for cold case crime. This plus cycling and his beloved Liverpool football team. Luc starts his role with a clear view to working on all that Guy has built and adapting to change in our media landscape using the variety of languages that Luxembourg lives and breathes.…

RTL Today - The Lisa Burke Show

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'Harmony Across Borders' – a competition celebrating female composers, 17/08/2024 24:15

il y a 32 weeks24:15

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The ‘Harmony Across Borders’ international choral competition is now open for entry, a tremendous opportunity for amateur choirs to perform female composers’ work in Cambridge and Ely in July 2026. Anyone who knows me knows that I love music, and that I’ve been singing in choirs most of my life. When I move country, one of the first things I research are choirs. They’re an instant ‘in’ to a community, who share a universal passion for music making and making of music as a shared experience beyond oneself. Music, singing, deep breathing and the social context of a choir makes choral music a great healer. Harmony Across Borders is an international choral competition and the first in the world to celebrate the works of female composers and arrangers. Its founder, Hilary Nicholls, is a life-long chorister, who has sung under the directorships of Sir David Willcocks, John Scott and Neil Ferris. In this conversation, I’m also joined by Joanna Gill, who is an award-winning composer of choral, film, and TV music. Her music has been performed by a variety of prestigious ensembles including the BBC Singers, the London Symphony Chorus and the London Symphony Orchestra. In 2018, Gill was awarded the Cappella Nova Award for her piece commemorating 100 years since women received the vote. Recently, Joanna was commissioned by His Royal Highness, King Charles III, to write a Scottish folksong for Queen Camilla which was sung at the Honours of Scotland Service in July 2023 following the King’s Coronation. Harmony Across Borders This competition welcomes amateur choirs of all ages and nationalities. Choir size: 16 to 40 people. Age categories: Under 18; 18 - 25 years; 25 years plus. The event will take place in Cambridge University with a variety of workshops, talks and concert performances over the first weekend in July 2026. The final gala concert taking place in Ely Cathedral on Sunday 5 July 2026. Celebrating the works of female composers Due to known historic social constraints, a dominantly male voice permeated the cultural sphere. Currently about 7% of repertoire selected is written by female composers and yet there's a wealth of music out there, both historic and contemporary, which is worthy of attention and revival. Cambridge and Ely - the location Cambridge will provide both a prestigious location and one with a strong choral tradition, giving a lifetime’s experience to choirs who wouldn’t ordinarily have that opportunity. Fundraising If you would like to donate to this event please get in touch with Hilary. https://www.harmonyacrossborders.com/ Instagram @harmony_across_borders FB @harmnyacrossborders X @hab2026 https://www.joannagill.com/…

RTL Today - The Lisa Burke Show

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Palliative and End of Life Care, 04/08/2024 54:28

il y a 33 weeks54:28