RTL Today - In Conversation with Lisa Burke

Where can we retain the human touch, impactfully, in the age of AI? Thomas Scherer, cloud architect & computer scientist working for Google joins Lisa. One Saturday night, Thomas sat down with Gemini and asked, "What will make me the happiest person in the world?" Over the course of the next few hours, he got some fascinating results. All of this is part of the story of AI in our lives today, but there is so much more. This conversation is a small reflection of where we are with AI and why we should embrace its benefits, learning as much as we can with careful curiosity. From Horses to Cars “What do I do with my horse-riding skills now that the car has been invented?” With this statement, Thomas reminds us that mega shifts in our human experience is historically normal, and a reflection of the human mind's brilliance. The AI Shift is just another technological step change. AI is replacing ‘commodity tasks' - those which are repetitive, standardised processes, providing us with more time to lean into creativity. We become the navigator whilst the more mundane jobs could be taken over by AI. A new way to Search Traditional search engines try to match words whereas modern AI systems match meaning. When you search for trousers for instance, AI systems can use images and semantic understanding to infer style, intent, and context rather than just scanning for the keyword ‘pants or trousers.' Large language models (LLMs) such as Gemini, ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and so on, predict the most likely next word, turning colossal amounts of data into fluent conversation, explanation, and even advice based solely on statistical probability of word patterns. We don't even need to invent the perfect query as they can also predict this. AI as Your Collaborative Partner Used well, AI is more like a creative collaborator: a brainstorming partner that proposes alternative angles, structures, and prompts. For small businesses, it can become an extra “virtual team,” generating draft podcasts, social posts, or marketing visuals that can then be curated and refined. But all the while, it remains the human who sets the objectives and the required tone. This also lends itself to the possibility of many people becoming autonomous, single-person businesses. Agents: When AIs Start Working Together When you give an AI tools and sub-tasks, it can orchestrate them toward a goal. One agent might create images; another might check whether those images match the brief (e.g. 'sunny landscape, not rain'); together, they negotiate improvements until the output fits what you asked for. Even non-technical people can use early agent-like products. NotebookLM, for instance, lets you upload documents, then: - Ask questions about them in natural language. - Generate personalised podcasts from your own material that you can listen to during a commute. - Work across multiple languages, both in sources and in the audio you generate. A recurring complaint in companies is: “Our data is too messy to do AI.” That is partly true for training bespoke models: bad data in, bad model out, but paradoxically, AI is also very good at cleaning data in the first place. You can literally give such a tool a messy folder of information and ask to make sense of it. Because it understands patterns in addresses, email formats, names, and categories, AI can, for example: - Standardise your contact lists so mailings no longer bounce. - Extract fields from scanned paperwork and fill out forms for you. - Help you perform a “data spring clean” on everything from CRM records to home admin. For an individual drowning in paperwork, this is transformative: scan, upload, and ask the AI to pre-fill or summarise, then you simply review and sign. Everyday Simplifications with AI You do not need to be a computer scientist to get real value from AI. A good starting sequence for a normal day could include: - Identify what you hate doing: repetitive emails, calendar logistics, summarising long documents, or form-filling. - Ask the AI directly: “Show me how to use you to spend less time on this task,” then iterate based on its suggestions. - Start with non-sensitive data and low‑risk tasks, and only move to personal or client material once you understand the provider's terms and privacy guarantees. People in Luxembourg working across languages can also benefit from live translation and dubbing: tools already exist that let you speak in German and be heard in French or English in your own voice, with a slight delay, in meetings or recorded content. Jobs, Risk, and the Human Edge AI is reshaping the job market. In the UK, one study found that companies using AI had eliminated 11% of previous roles and left another 12% unfilled, while creating 19% new roles, which is a net loss of 4% overall, with the UK faring worse than the US on the balance between jobs lost and created. That reality naturally fuels both excitement and anxiety. What AI targets first are commodity tasks: copy-pasting, routine classification, basic template writing, or standardised analysis. The more your work relies on unique human context, judgment, empathy, and rapport, from live concerts to therapy and even parenting, the harder it is to replace. The opportunity, and pressure, is to climb the value chain: stop being the engine that moves the data and become the navigator who decides where to go. Trust, Safety, and Owning Your Self Image and Voice As AI systems get better at imitating voices and faces, distinguishing fake from real becomes a societal survival skill. Voice scams already exploit cloned speech to convince parents their child is in danger, and manipulated images can travel faster than fact‑checks. Two layers of protection are emerging: - Technical safeguards such as watermarking in generated images or audio, which allow downstream tools to flag AI‑created content. - Legal and ethical frameworks like GDPR in Europe, which treat your appearance and voice as personal data requiring your consent for alteration and reuse. - Providers also increasingly commit to indemnifying users when material generated within the rules is later challenged on copyright grounds, shifting some of the risk back to the platforms that trained the models. Prompting: Talking to AI so It Really Helps You do not need to be a prompt engineer, but a few habits make a big difference. First, describe what you do want rather than only what you do not want: “Keep the face unchanged and brighten the background” works better than “Don't change the face.” Second, you can use AI to improve your own prompts: - Tell it your goal (“I want a video that shows X for Y audience”). - Ask: “Write a detailed prompt I can paste into a video/image generator.” - Edit the suggested prompt so it fits your tone, context, and constraints. Over time, this becomes a self-teaching loop: the AI drafts the prompt, you tweak and observe the output, and your intuitive sense of what to ask for gets sharper. AI, Emotions, and the Limits of the Machine Some people now confide in chatbots as if they were friends or therapists. In one late-night experiment, Thomas asked Gemini to interview him and figure out what would make him “the happiest person in the world”; the system eventually pointed out contradictions in his answers and nudged him toward deeper reflection. That shows how AI can mirror back patterns in your own thinking and ask probing questions. But it still lacks the embodied empathy, nuanced perception, and ethical responsibility of a trained human therapist, who reads not just words but tone, pauses, posture, and history. AI can supplement support; it should not replace serious care. Why You Should Start Now Paradoxically, Thomas's biggest fear is not that AI will take over, but that people will be left behind because they are too afraid to try it. Like refusing to learn to drive when everyone else has moved to cars, opting out of AI entirely risks shrinking your options just as the toolset explodes. The most practical stance is curious, critical use: test it, set boundaries, keep the human touch at the centre, and let the machines handle the drudgery.

Rugby Club Luxembourg hosts Oxbridge this weekend in Stade Josy Barthel. This weekend on The Lisa Burke Show, rugby takes centre stage as Rugby Club Luxembourg (RCL) prepares to welcome a combined Oxford-Cambridge “Oxbridge” team to Stade Josy Barthel for what is believed to be their first ever visit to the Grand Duchy. Seniors player and schools rugby coordinator Matthew Dennis Soto explains that the fixture offers a perfect mid‑season test for RCL, while also reconnecting him with university teammates from his PGCE days at Oxford, in a match he jokes might even mark a “secret retirement” at 80 minutes. The game also plugs Luxembourg directly into one of the sport's oldest traditions: the varsity rugby culture that has produced generations of international players since the first iconic Oxbridge match in 1872. On the show, Matthew tells us how the Oxford and Cambridge system has historically functioned as an informal England trial, with selectors once taking 15 to 20 players from a single varsity match into national squads. Today, professional academies have taken over much of that role, but the commitment remains close to professional standards: double daily training sessions, gym and pitch work, video analysis and eight hours of study woven through the day. That intensity, he argues, leaves graduates ready for both professional rugby and demanding careers beyond sport, thanks to a culture where “buy‑in” is non‑negotiable and no one can simply skip training because they are tired. RCL's aim is to build that ethos, with more Luxembourgish now spoken at training than English or French, and a growing number of locally raised players feeding into the national team. Rugby Club Luxembourg: 500 members, 54 nationalities, one “tribe” Vice President Tony Whiteman sketches the remarkable growth of RCL, founded in 1973 and now boasting around 500 active members encompassing players, referees and coaches, making it one of Luxembourg's largest sporting organisations. The club currently represents 54 nationalities and competes in Germany's First Division, a notable achievement for a country of Luxembourg's size and a testament to decades of volunteer‑driven development. Tony's own story mirrors that journey: arriving from New Zealand “for 18 months” to play rugby, finding community in the legendary Irish pub The Black Stuff, and staying to build a life, a family and a career, helped along by a network of club members who even opened professional doors in finance. And he has done the same for so many more. Belonging, discipline and life skills on and off the pitch A recurring theme of the discussion is rugby's unique capacity to create belonging across ages, body types and backgrounds. Nathan Sneyd, now a familiar voice from “Let's Talk Sport” and a long‑standing squash coach in Luxembourg, describes rugby as a “jigsaw of athletes”, where fast and slow, tall and short, heavy and light all fit together in different positions toward a shared objective. That sense of purpose and identity, symbolised by a simple shirt colour, translates into powerful benefits for mental health and social integration, especially for newcomers who might otherwise dismiss Luxembourg as “quiet” if they never join a club or community. Tony highlights rugby's thread of decency: respect for referees, listening to coaches, learning discipline from adults outside the family, as a life school that employers value, noting that his own first job in Luxembourg came precisely because a manager trusted the work ethic of sportspeople. Women's rugby and infrastructure: the next frontier Looking ahead, the guests agree that women's rugby represents one of the biggest growth opportunities, both globally and at RCL. The club has established a women's section with regular training, and women's rugby is cited as one of the fastest‑growing areas of the sport, yet limited pitch space in Luxembourg City is now a hard constraint on how far that momentum can go. As Director of Rugby Antoine Alric (who could not join the recording) works across elite competition, 350‑plus youth players and an expanding women's programme, the club is lobbying for at least half a pitch more in the short term and, eventually, a second ground to match demand. For listeners inspired to get involved, Nathan underlines how approachable Luxembourg's sporting community is: from elite racer Dylan Pereira inviting Instagram messages from aspiring drivers to RCL's own open‑door culture, often the first step is as simple as showing up or sending a message, and letting the game, and the community around it, do the rest. https://rcl.lu/

The power of movement & defining the love you want: movement choirs; nervous system regulation & a ten-step path to figure out the type of love you deserve On this episode of The Lisa Burke Show, dancers Veronique Scheer and Gabrielle Staiger talk about how the body stores emotions. Mentor Rick Serrano walks through a simple checklist to define a partner that matches your life goals and one deserving of you. Traumatic Injury to Identity Shift, Education and Trauma-Healing workshops Veronique Scheer, founder of Very Unique Yoga, was a professional musical theatre performer living her dream life in Barcelona as a young adult. This dream was abruptly halted by a devastating motorbike accident at 21. Through years of rehabilitation, a law degree (plan B) and reinvention, Veronique turned to yoga, pilates and trauma-healing practice. She realised that movement could me more than performance or aesthetics; it could be a tool for nervous system regulation, trauma healing and identity reconstruction. “The nervous system governs how we experience life.” Today, Veronique's work blends movement science, hormonal literacy and nervous system education into a holistic approach, particularly supporting women navigating stress, burnout, postnatal recovery and life transitions. She distinguishes between nervous system regulation and long‑term training, emphasising that our reactions often arise from stored patterns in the nervous system long before cognition catches up. Co-regulation in couples Veronique also conducts couples yoga classes, and can see how their nervous systems sync in a calming or dysregulated way. Through workshops and couple classes, she sees first‑hand how movement can reveal communication patterns, power struggles, people‑pleasing and sexual disconnect. These workshops also show how playful, shared movement can help partners remember why they fell in love. Using practices such as AcroYoga, she watches trust, control and surrender play out physically: some couples re‑discover laughter and tenderness; others confront that their relationship may actually be over. Veronique's upcoming digital academy and app (launching 2026) brings together: - Nervous system regulation - Hormonal health education - Trauma-aware movement - Conscious relationship development

How do you show up in your own body, to yourself? What's your own internal dialogue? And how does that manifest as confidence?
 Confidence is a trainable skill, which is a good thing as it can influence so many aspects of our lives from work to personal relationships, even to the relationship we have with our own body and mind. It's shaped by mindset, nutrition, hormones and fluctuates through the various changes and challenges of life. Confidence as a Skill: how to Build Self-Belief Founded by Natalia Wrona, Confidence House was created in response to a recurring pattern Natalia observed over nearly two decades of working closely as a make-up artist and photographer with clients: many people appear confident externally, yet feel deeply disconnected internally. Through guided make-up lessons, image advice, and ‘self-confidence photography', clients are offered a safe space to reconnect with themselves. These sessions are about reclaiming a connection to your own external-facing body. “Caring for one's appearance is not superficial. It can be a powerful act of self-respect. When we treat ourselves with intention, we begin to rebuild confidence from the inside out.” But confidence is built on the inside, some of which we have control over (nutrition, sport, sleep) and some of which is outside of our control to some degree (life events, hormonal fluctuations). Menopause, Hormones and Confidence For many women (and men - something we speak about less at the moment), hormonal transitions play a major role in confidence. That reality is at the heart of Lëtz Menopause, a non-profit association raising awareness around perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause in Luxembourg. Dr. Susanne Folschette, explains that confidence loss during hormonal transitions is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. Anxiety, sleep disruption, brain fog, and self-doubt can begin years before menopause itself, frequently without women realising what is happening. Education is transformative. Understanding the biological changes at play reduces fear, restores self-trust, and allows women to advocate for themselves. Menopause is a natural transition that deserves informed support, evidence-based care, and open conversation. ‘Mr. Breakfast' on Nutrition, the Brain and Emotional Confidence Confidence is also biochemical. University lecturer and micro-nutrition specialist Anthony Sternotte highlights how nutrition directly influences mood, emotional regulation, and resilience. Micro-nutrient deficiencies, including iron, zinc, B-vitamins, and amino acids, can impair neurotransmitter production, affecting serotonin, dopamine, and melatonin. Skipping meals, particularly breakfast and lunch, may feel efficient, but over time it undermines energy, focus, and emotional stability. Nutrition supports confidence by supporting the brain. A well-nourished body creates the conditions for calm, clarity, and self-belief, especially during periods of stress or hormonal change. Confidence Development Is Multidimensional and Trainable Confidence as a skill can grow when we: - understand what is happening in our bodies and take care to listen - nourish ourselves properly - set boundaries and protect our energy - invest time in self-care and self-knowledge - allow ourselves to be seen, imperfectly and honestly Confidence is about trusting yourself even when things feel uncertain. To just keep going. Suggested Reading on Confidence and Self-Esteem To deepen the journey of confidence development, our guests recommend these books: - Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway — Susan Jeffers - The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem — Nathaniel Branden - The Gifts of Imperfection — Brené Brown

Luxembourg depends on international talent and launched Work in Luxembourg this week to attract, integrate and retain global skills. Luxembourg is competing in a global race for talent. With the launch of Work in Luxembourg, a national portal and brand, the country is reshaping how international professionals discover, choose and settle in the Grand Duchy. Talent attraction, integration and retention is central to Luxembourg's economic future. This week, I was joined by Muriel Morbé, Director of Talents & Skills at the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, to unpack what Luxembourg is doing differently to attract the best talent. Around 75% of Luxembourg's workforce is international, including residents and cross-border workers. At the same time, demographic shifts, digital transformation and accelerating retirements are reshaping the labour market. Despite unemployment figures, many sectors, from digital and finance to healthcare, engineering and technical trades, face acute skills shortages. The challenge is to both attract people and ensure they stay. Luxembourg is trying to attract about 335,000 new recruitments by 2040 to meet its workforce requirements, according to estimations from the General Inspectorate of Social Security (IGSS) and the Chamber of Commerce. The Work in Luxembourg portal is designed as a single national entry point for both international talent and companies of all sizes recruiting globally. It brings together job opportunities, practical guidance on living in Luxembourg, immigration pathways and relocation support all under one coherent national narrative. Alongside the digital portal, a new physical Talent Desk has been launched. This human touchpoint recognises that ‘talent' does not arrive alone. International professionals arrive with partners, children and real lives, and if families fail to integrate, talent leaves. The Talent Desk supports both individuals and employers with administrative guidance, integration pathways and access to the right networks. A standout element of the initiative is the forthcoming Spouse Programme, developed with partners including the Ministry of Family Affairs and the House of Training. It helps partners of international recruits understand Luxembourg's economy, explore career or volunteering opportunities, and build social and professional networks. “Integration is not a ‘nice to have', it's an economic imperative.” As work evolves through AI, automation and multigenerational workplaces, Luxembourg is also focusing on lifelong learning, re-skilling and talent development. Through initiatives such as the House of Training and the Chamber's Talents 4 Luxembourg recommendations, the emphasis is on preparing for today's jobs, and roles that don't yet exist. Luxembourg is no longer just competing for jobs is competing for people, for families, and for long-term commitment. The success of Work in Luxembourg will not be measured by whether people choose to build a life here and stay. Work in Luxembourg portal
 https://workinluxembourg.com/ Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce
 https://www.cc.lu Talent Desk (via Chamber of Commerce / House of Entrepreneurship)
 https://www.cc.lu/house-of-entrepreneurship/ Talents 4 Luxembourg https://www.cc.lu/toute-linformation/actualites/detail/34-recommandations-pour-renforcer-lattractivite-le-developpement-et-la-retention-des-talents-au-luxembourg

Plus the RESET Festival at Neimënster Luxembourg vibraphonist and composer Pascal Schumacher has spent a career sculpting sound, as a composer and performer. A deep admirer of Philip Glass, Pascal has become more interested in the concept of time and how our perception of time can be shifted with music. A metronome is a minimal music instrument We open the show with Schumacher's shimmering “Re: Amarcord”, which is a reworked piece from his Sol album. This album was created from a residency at Op der Schmelz in Dudelange. We then discuss the metronome experiment: when people listen to a perfectly repeating click their perception of time slows or even seems to stop. Schumacher explains that our first reaction to repetition is that it can be boring. However, minimalist composers play with this concept. “If you're bored after four repeats, listen to eight; if you're bored after eight, stay for sixteen. At some point, it becomes something else.” A study of Philip Glass Schumacher's admiration for Philip Glass starts with structure as sound. Philip Glass stars with the form, the shape, the arc; before disappearing into detail. Pascal tries to pass on this lesson to students: musicians can become obsessed with tiny technical questions before they've even agreed what the piece is. Glass's comfort with exceptionally long forms, he notes, was shaped by theatre thinking: the patient building of scenes for example, and that patience shows up in works like Einstein on the Beach, designed from the start as a multi-hour world the audience can enter and exit. Clock time versus Musical Time One of Schumacher's most striking ideas is that clock time only moves forward, but musical time has more freedom. He describes music as a place like a city you visit. If you love it, you go back. That's why a song can instantly return you to an old memory: a first kiss, a summer drive, a chapter of life you thought was gone. Music is emotional time travel. Silence We also talk about the concert moments audiences feel in their bones: the stillness before the first note, and the suspended beat after the last note when nobody dares clap first. Schumacher calls this a breath and reminds us that what we call silence is never empty; it's a change in listening. The room is part of the piece, the lighting, the people around you at that moment in time, the season you play in. Notably American composer John Cage played with this concept with his 4'33 piece where every orchestral instrument has 4'33 bars of rest RESET Festival 2026: a ‘musical jazz hackathon' at Neimënster Abbey Schumacher is also the musical curator behind RESET, now in its 9th edition, and it's built around one core idea: residency changes everything. 8 musicians from 8 different countries and different ages come together to build music. RESET runs 25–31 January 2026, with eight artists in a creative residency at Neimënster. The three-night public programme Day 1 (Thu): #jazzcrawl — three short sets across the city: Neimënster (Salle Nic Klecker) → Cercle Cité → Bazaar. Day 2 (Fri): #solos — each musician takes an eight-minute solo: eight distinct “time worlds” in one evening. Day 3 (Sat): #concert — the full group comes together, with each artist contributing to the final shape of the night. RESET is the live jazz laboratory of music where Luxembourg can experience it. Pascal and the team are offering three sets of two tickets for the final performance on Saturday night at Neimënster Abbey. https://www.neimenster.lu/collection/reset/ MUSIC / TRACK REFERENCES “Amarcord (Fejká's Daydream Version)” (SoundCloud stream): https://m.soundcloud.com/fejka/pascal-schuhmacher-amarcord-fejkas-daydream-version “Glass Two” (YouTube album playlist – includes “Mishima Closing”): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kWNfNju6rtKIVotOfOXWJC7s-HR-R4Oys “Mishima Closing” on Spotify (Pascal Schumacher & Danae Dörken / Philip Glass): https://open.spotify.com/track/5Bq9jwy1UdmIpYOmFFr8hi

Luxembourg School of Business research challenges generational stereotypes on job-hopping, hybrid work and values. Are younger generations really less loyal at work? Do they care more about purpose than pay? And is hybrid working fundamentally a Gen Z demand? A new Luxembourg School of Business (LSB) report, conducted by Dr Adam Petersen suggests the answers are far more nuanced than the headlines imply. This week on The Lisa Burke Show, I was joined by Dr Adam Petersen, Professor of Management Practice at LSB and host of RTL Today Radio's Office Hours, to discuss the findings of the Generational Attitudes Study (released 26 January 2026) a Luxembourg-focused survey examining values, work preferences, and career expectations across generations. Adam started this research because organisations are increasingly asking for training on managing generations, yet much of what circulates online is based on stereotypes rather than evidence. What the data shows, and what it doesn't The study analysed 326 Luxembourg-based respondents, largely drawn from business school students, alumni and professionals connected to LSB; a group broadly aligned with the private-sector talent many employers seek to attract. One of the most persistent workplace assumptions is that younger generations are less loyal and more prone to job-hopping. The data does show that younger respondents expect shorter tenure in early career roles, but Adam cautions against interpreting this as weaker commitment. Instead, he points to changed incentives. Earlier generations often benefited from defined-benefit pension schemes and long-term security. Today, salary progression and housing affordability pressures mean moving jobs can be a rational financial strategy rather than a sign of disengagement. Purpose vs pay: the stereotype flips Another widely held belief is that Gen Z and Millennials prioritise purpose over salary. The LSB data challenges this narrative. When respondents were asked to rank company priorities such as profit, people and planet, and choose between higher pay or working for a socially engaged organisation, younger cohorts were more likely to prioritise salary, while older respondents showed slightly greater emphasis on societal contribution. In a high-cost country like Luxembourg, Adam suggests this reflects economic reality rather than generational values: younger workers are often focused on achieving financial independence before they can afford to prioritise anything else. Hybrid work: not a generational divide Hybrid working is often framed as a generational battleground. Yet the report finds no clear evidence that younger generations want to work from home more than older ones. Overall, respondents across generations favour hybrid models, with preferences shaped more by role and seniority than age. Notably, Generation Z showed the highest preference for online meetings, but the lowest likelihood of reporting higher productivity when working from home. One of the most revealing questions asked who should decide which days employees come into the office: the manager or the employee. Older generations leaned more towards managerial decision-making, but Adam's conclusion was pragmatic rather than ideological: “You cannot manage organisations using simple generational rules. You have to get to know your team.” Bias, leadership and career stages The report also uncovered subtle age-related biases. Respondents tended to prefer peers from their own generation, favoured older managers, and preferred to manage younger colleagues, suggesting an ingrained association between age, authority and competence. Adam warned that these assumptions can quietly influence promotion decisions and performance evaluations, reinforcing the need for data-driven people processes rather than intuition or stereotype. The bigger takeaway Perhaps the most important conclusion from the study is this: generational labels are weak predictors of workplace attitudes. Career stage, organisational culture, and incentive structures matter far more. For leaders, HR teams and policymakers, the message is clear. If we want better engagement, retention and performance, the answer isn't learning how to ‘handle Gen Z' but to design systems that recognise how people's priorities evolve across a working life. Links Generational Attitudes Study (LSB Voices): https://luxsb.lu/lsb-voices/ Office Hours with Adam Petersen (RTL Play): https://play.rtl.lu/shows/en/office-hours/episodes Adam Petersen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-petersen/

LTS celebrates 10 years of educating young minds to create, code and pitch ideas directly to business. Dr. Sergio Coronado is a man with a very busy day job, as CIO of NSPA. Perhaps he is in that position due to the chance he got as a 12 year old to learn to code plus a great mentor. Sergio showed a natural affinity in the after school club, which was noticed by the trainer, who took it upon himself to give Sergio extra time between the youth and adult lessons. Sergio then stayed through the adult lessons and the trainer even drove him home. It is this giving-back mentality and mentorship that Sergio and his team bring to the Luxembourg Tech School. Sergio's life is an example of constant growth through learning and contribution - giving back to society. Perhaps this is the combination to lead a deeply fulfilling life. Sergio's continual learning is particularly apt now, in a time when we simply cannot keep pace fully with the speed of change of AI. Nonetheless he encourages us all to keep learn, build the habit of making informed decisions, and accepting that experience comes from making choices and living with consequences. He adds “If you think you can do something, then try. Don't sit there. Just try.” The Luxembourg Tech School (LTS) started a decade ago with Sergio Coronado alongside Ralph Marschall, Anush Manukyan and Christophe Tréfois. Since then it has grown into a nationwide, after-school, non-profit programme for 12–19-year-olds. Their training model is project driven, tackling some of the most important tech issues of our times, and those most closely connected to the economy of Luxembourg: cybersecurity, AI, fintech, emerging tech, space resources and Game Dev. LTS also flips the traditional classroom model, so that teams work on projects over the term or through weekend hackathons to deliver projects to deadlines, and then pitch their designs to business leaders directly connected to industry. Even when things don't go perfectly, that becomes part of the lesson. Even when a project isn't finished, the success is still getting up there and explaining why. In other words: real deadlines, real pressure, real communication, which is really the full 360 of modern life. Over the past decade, LTS has grown to deliver a three year programme, with early years added in addition. There are over 20 partner schools, 18 groups per year, and more than 200 annual students. They also work with refugee communities in societal inclusion programmes, plus students who have special needs through Digital Inclusion programmes, notably the autism community. Sergio and his team have noticed that the confidence of the autistic children grew when they could show what they had built. This whole programme is entirely free for students. This depends on donorship from ministries, institutions and companies, and they're always happy to receive more! Find out more and get involved: LTS is open to students aged 12–19, and supporters can help as partners, mentors or sponsors. www.techschool.lu | info@techschool.lu

ISL launches new global impact programme.

Ambassador Karpetova links the Czech Republic to Luxembourg through the life of the beloved Charles IV Ambassador Barbara Karpetová, the Czech Republic Ambassador to Luxembourg, is a Doctor of Social Anthropology. As such, she is fascinated by the way in which our world is shaped by humans and their choices or actions. Charles IV, a man so omnipresent in the lives of Czech people still today, is a man worth the study of a social anthropologist, as his life is far from ordinary. And indeed, his father was from Luxembourg.  Few historical figures embody Europe's interconnected identity as vividly as Emperor Charles IV. Born in 1316 to a Luxembourgish father and a Czech mother, Charles would become one of the most enlightened rulers of the Middle Ages: the greatest Czech of all time according to so many Czech polls, and arguably the most influential Luxembourger in European history. Yet many in Luxembourg remain unaware that this remarkable visionary, whose reign transformed Central Europe, was one of their own. Charles IV's early life was shaped by trauma and displacement. Taken from his mother at the age of three amid political turmoil, he spent his formative years at the French court, where he absorbed languages, diplomacy, and intellectual rigour. His father, John the Blind of Luxembourg, a charismatic but restless knight-king, embodied glory and instability in equal measure. His mother, Elizabeth of Bohemia, offered emotional depth, cultural identity, and spiritual grounding, although her own tragic life imprinted upon him a lifelong empathy and introspection. These tensions forged a ruler who sought stability, reflection, and humane governance rather than the cycle of destruction so common in his era. Unlike many medieval monarchs who fashioned their legacy through conquest, Charles IV built his through construction and culture. In Prague, he imagined and executed a city worthy of an imperial capital: Charles Bridge, St Vitus Cathedral, the New Town of Prague, and the glittering fortress of Karlštejn, his sanctuary for meditation and prayer. These were not monuments of vanity but investments in civic life, education, and international exchange. Above all, his founding of Charles University in 1348, the first in Central Europe, signalled a radical belief: that a prosperous society begins with knowledge, openness, and shared intellectual endeavour. Charles IV was also a political architect. His Golden Bull of 1356 established clear rules for imperial elections and gave the Holy Roman Empire centuries of stability. This was an achievement so visionary that historians still marvel at its durability today. His reign was defined by diplomacy, multilingual engagement, and the kind of pragmatic cooperation that Luxembourg cherishes today. A fluent speaker of five languages, he travelled extensively, preferring personal dialogue over emissaries. His political style, rooted in listening and persuasion rather than coercion, made him a quietly transformative figure in a turbulent century. Though he carried Luxembourgish blood and Czech devotion in equal measure, Charles IV saw Europe as a unified web long before the concept existed. He moved between courts, cultures, and identities with the ease of a modern European statesman. His values of multilingualism, education, peaceful leadership, and cultural openness mirror those of Luxembourg today, a nation where diversity is not a challenge but a strength. In many ways, Charles IV was Europe before Europe: a bridge between peoples whose life story reminds us that one person, or small countries, can shape the continent in profound ways. This Advent season, his legacy carries a particularly resonant message. In an age of fast decisions and constant noise, Charles IV was a ruler who stopped, reflected, prayed, and reshaped his world with intention. He believed deeply in service, in building rather than breaking, and in leading through wisdom rather than force. His life encourages us to pause, to examine our direction, and to choose the kind of leadership—personal or political—that uplifts rather than divides. For Luxembourg and the Czech Republic, Charles IV is not just shared history; he is shared inspiration. A child of two nations, a builder of cities, a scholar-king, a European long before the invention of the term. He is a reminder that greatness can arise from unlikely circumstances, and that values rooted in openness, stability, and compassion endure across centuries. And in the heart of Prague, where his bridges cross the Vltava and his university still thrives, Charles IV continues to welcome the world, just as he did in life.

Kenneth Lasoen joins Lisa Burke to expose modern espionage, from cyberattacks to insider threats and the hidden power struggles shaping our world today. I wonder if John Le Carré's protagonist spy, George Smiley, could recognise the world of tradecraft today. Dr Kenneth Lasoen is one of Europe's foremost intelligence and security scholars. He serves as Associate Professor of Intelligence & Security at the University of Antwerp, Senior Lecturer at the KSI Institute, and is an advisor to governments, institutions and major corporations on national security, counterintelligence, and risk mitigation. His academic background includes degrees from Ghent, Leuven, Brunel and Cambridge; and the Belgian Royal Military Academy. Kenneth's research focuses on espionage, insider threats, economic and industrial spying, and how intelligence agencies shape geopolitics and corporate competition. He also briefs senior industry leaders on cybersecurity, supply-chain vulnerabilities, and foreign influence operations. Espionage has slipped out of the shadows and into everyday life. It's no longer a distant Cold War memory of trench coats, microfilm and whispered exchanges in European capitals. In the 2025 world, the spy wars are being fought through our smartphones, coded supply chains, university labs, satellites, corporate R&D hubs, and even the unlocked devices on our desks. Every industry is a target. Every citizen, a potential data point. Every corporation, hackable banks of information. Kenneth reveals the uncomfortable truth:
 • Allies spy on allies, because they can • Insider threats (it just takes one) can bankrupt global companies
 • Cyber incidents can cripple supply chains instantly
 • The Internet of Things is, in reality, the Internet of Hacked Things • Some of the most devastating breaches begin with the simplest human error (or human intent) Russia, China, North Korea and Iran might operate aggressively in the intelligence space, but Western governments, corporations and academia are deeply enmeshed in their own networks of surveillance, information-gathering and counter-espionage. Kenneth also brings the story closer to home: into research labs, corporate headquarters, scientific centres, and even vineyards. He explains why security failures often start from the inside, why organisations underestimate their risk, and how a single breach, digital or human, can destroy decades of innovation. There are vulnerabilities across all parts of our society that touch every citizen and business. https://ksi.institute/en/

The Czech republic is the Pays d'Honneur for this biennial event. De Mains De Maîtres is dedicated to the profound artistry of making things by hand. This, the 5th edition of the biennale, has grown into one of the most prestigious applied Art and Design events in the Greater Region. De Mains de Maîtres was founded in 2016 under the patronage of Their Royal Highnesses, the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Luxembourg.  The mission is to honour craftsmanship and give visibility to those who shape our world with their hands. In this conversation we will discuss how craftsmanship connects heritage, identity, sustainability, and emotional well-being across generations. It is linked to the materials around us, the conversations and subversions of the day, the need to slow down and connect with our world through our hands and our heads. Artistry of this level is worth elevating, celebrating, respecting and encouraging through our educational system - another theme of the conversation. This year hosts Czechia as the Pays d'Honneur, bringing centuries of glassmaking, ceramics, puppetry and design heritage to Luxembourg. My guests this week are: - Her Excellency, Ambassador Barbara Karpetová, who has been instrumental in coordinating Czechia's participation. - Tom Wirion, Director General of the Chambre des Métiers. - Embroidery artist Yanis Miltgen, whose sculptural textile work has gained international acclaim. - Ceramicist Ellen van der Woude, whose work is influenced by nature, harmony and emotional resonance. Ambassador Barbara Karpetová speaks so eloquently about the changing borders and names of her homeland, and how, throughout this, the language of the artists developed its own conversation with people. The humour that can be spotted in artisans' work through generations of history; the means to remain resilient through periods of political repression. Craft can hold the history and identity of a nation's people. Her Excellency also highlighted the psychological importance of making: the sense of satisfaction in producing something from beginning to end, and the power of craft to reconnect us with our own creativity which is so easily lost in an era of screens and speed. Ambassador Barbara also spoke about the rich material landscape of ‘Bohemia' which easily allowed the arts of certain genres to flourish, such as glass-making. On the Luxembourg side, Tom Wirion, Director General of the Chambre des Métiers, underscored how essential the craft sector is to the country's cultural landscape. Tom noted that one of the greatest challenges remains perception: encouraging young people (and parents) to view skilled trades as a stable, innovative, and rewarding career path. “Buying a crafted object,” he explained, “means investing in a gesture, not just a product.” His vision is to make artisans visible, valued, and actively supported through new pathways, partnerships, and gallery collaborations.  And naturally the educational system has to allow this subject to shine more too. Ceramic artist Ellen van der Woude, formerly a lawyer, turned to ceramics after personal loss and found profound therapeutic power in clay. Her sculptures embrace movement, tension, harmony, and imperfection: an homage to nature's organic balance. For this edition, she presents three works inspired by the transition from winter to spring, reminding us that renewal follows even the longest winters.  Ellen's own confidence in realising that she was indeed an artist only settled once she won the Jury Prize in the first edition of De Mains de Maîtres. She went on to win numerous other awards since. Yanis Miltgen, at just 24 years, found embroidery at the age of 15. Like Ellen, he found working with his hands and mind to be therapy as he had panic attacks at school. Yanis has won the most prestigious embroidery prize (just last week in London); the Hand & Lock Prize. He also won “Les de(ux) mains” Prize from the Comité Colbert (which is ‘the voice of luxury in France). Yanis has brought embroidery to an entirely new level of textile sculptural artistry, merging embroidery with metal, silicone, and reclaimed materials. His pieces, often requiring hundreds of hours, push the boundaries of what textile art can be: scientific in process, poetic in effect. We are reminded at the end by Ambassador Karpetová that even we, as customers, continue this line of artisan appreciation, as we observe the flow of an artists hands' into our homes, or gifting to a loved one. The continuity of time and art, heritage and thought, all combined. These are the things of divine creation which we can contemplate. To stand amongst these curated pieces, visit De Mains De Maîtres 20th to 23rd of November, 10am to 6.30pm, no entrance fee at 19 Avenue de la Liberté. Useful Links https://www.demainsdemaitres.lu/en/ Czech Embassy • Website: https://mzv.gov.cz/luxembourg • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmbassadeTchequeLuxembourg/ Tom Wirion – Chambre des Métiers • https://www.cdm.lu • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-wirion/ Yanis Miltgen • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miltgen_design/?hl=en Ellen van der Woude • Website: http://www.ellenvanderwoude.com • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenvanderwoude/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madebyEF/

The Czech republic is the Pays d'Honneur for this biennial event. De Mains De Maîtres is dedicated to excellence in craftsmanship, creativity, and the profound artistry of making things by hand. This, the 5th edition of the biennale, has grown into one of the most prestigious applied Art and Design events in the Greater Region. De Mains de Maîtres was founded in 2016 under the patronage of Their Royal Highnesses, the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Luxembourg.  The mission is to honour craftsmanship and give visibility to those who shape our world with their hands. In this conversation we will discuss how craftsmanship connects heritage, identity, sustainability, and emotional well-being across generations. It is linked to the materials around us, the conversations and subversions of the day, the need to slow down and connect with our world through our hands and our heads. Artistry of this level is worth elevating, celebrating, respecting and encouraging through our educational system - another theme of the conversation. This year hosts Czechia as the Pays d'Honneur, bringing centuries of glassmaking, ceramics, puppetry and design heritage to Luxembourg. My guests this week are: - Her Excellency, Ambassador Barbara Karpetová, who has been instrumental in coordinating Czechia's participation. - Tom Wirion, Director General of the Chambre des Métiers. - Embroidery artist Yanis Miltgen, whose sculptural textile work has gained international acclaim. - Ceramicist Ellen van der Woude, whose work is influenced by nature, harmony and emotional resonance. Ambassador Barbara Karpetová speaks so eloquently about the changing borders and names of her homeland, and how, throughout this, the language of the artists developed its own conversation with people. The humour that can be spotted in artisans' work through generations of history; the means to remain resilient through periods of political repression. Craft can hold the history and identity of a nation's people. Her Excellency also highlighted the psychological importance of making: the sense of satisfaction in producing something from beginning to end, and the power of craft to reconnect us with our own creativity which is so easily lost in an era of screens and speed. Ambassador Barbara also spoke about the rich material landscape of ‘Bohemia' which easily allowed the arts of certain genres to flourish, such as glass-making. On the Luxembourg side, Tom Wirion, Director General of the Chambre des Métiers, underscored how essential the craft sector is to the country's cultural landscape. Tom noted that one of the greatest challenges remains perception: encouraging young people (and parents) to view skilled trades as a stable, innovative, and rewarding career path. “Buying a crafted object,” he explained, “means investing in a gesture, not just a product.” His vision is to make artisans visible, valued, and actively supported through new pathways, partnerships, and gallery collaborations.  And naturally the educational system has to allow this subject to shine more too. Ceramic artist Ellen van der Woude, formerly a lawyer, turned to ceramics after personal loss and found profound therapeutic power in clay. Her sculptures embrace movement, tension, harmony, and imperfection: an homage to nature's organic balance. For this edition, she presents three works inspired by the transition from winter to spring, reminding us that renewal follows even the longest winters.  Ellen's own confidence in realising that she was indeed an artist only settled once she won the Jury Prize in the first edition of De Mains de Maîtres. She went on to win numerous other awards since. Yanis Miltgen, at just 24 years, found embroidery at the age of 15. Like Ellen, he found working with his hands and mind to be therapy as he had panic attacks at school. Yanis has won the most prestigious embroidery prize (just last week in London); the Hand & Lock Prize. He also won “Les de(ux) mains” Prize from the Comité Colbert (which is ‘the voice of luxury in France). Yanis has brought embroidery to an entirely new level of textile sculptural artistry, merging embroidery with metal, silicone, and reclaimed materials. His pieces, often requiring hundreds of hours, push the boundaries of what textile art can be: scientific in process, poetic in effect. We are reminded at the end by Ambassador Karpetová that even we, as customers, continue this line of artisan appreciation, as we observe the flow of an artists hands' into our homes, or gifting to a loved one. The continuity of time and art, heritage and thought, all combined. These are the things of divine creation which we can contemplate. To stand amongst these curated pieces, visit De Mains De Maîtres 20th to 23rd of November, 10am to 6.30pm, no entrance fee at 19 Avenue de la Liberté. Useful Links https://www.demainsdemaitres.lu/en/ Czech Embassy • Website: https://mzv.gov.cz/luxembourg • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmbassadeTchequeLuxembourg/ Tom Wirion – Chambre des Métiers • https://www.cdm.lu • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-wirion/ Yanis Miltgen • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miltgen_design/?hl=en Ellen van der Woude • Website: http://www.ellenvanderwoude.com • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenvanderwoude/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madebyEF/

Sean Blake is lucky to be alive. Through recovery, developing self-compassion, Sean now advocates for early intervention with a society that understands this mental illness more. Sean Blake, an Irishman from Swords, Dublin, made his way to a Brain Conference in Brussels a couple of weeks ago. This was the first time he travelled alone as an adult, aged 43. All of this was historically linked to his own feeling of unworthiness and inadequacy. Sean's story begins in childhood, marked by years of not feeling “good enough.” This relentless inner critic eventually manifested as incessant running and starvation. After a couple of compliments on how he looked through initial fitness, he was locked into an ever-increasing path of torturous training. He was training to become invisible. He was running himself to death. By his forties, with four children observing this pattern, Sean's daily life was consumed by a regime where he was running many kilometres before ‘breakfast'. We don't mention how many kilometres as this can be a trigger of competition for other anorexics who may feel they are not doing enough in comparison. His ‘breakfast' would be the toast crusts after his children had eaten. They would remember the first time he eventually sat with them to eat a ‘normal' meal. His daughter commented at that moment that he thought his dad only ever ran and ate different food to them. Sean was lucky. A voice inside his head found a way to ask for help. When he arrived at St Patrick's Mental Health Services in Dublin, they told him he was extremely close to death and needed urgent, instant treatment. Over a period of many weeks, Sean unlocked the hold this disease had over his head. He promised himself that if he could get through those months and gain recovery, he would dedicate his voice to this cause. And that is what he has done. Sean transformed his feelings towards himself, and took a path to healing through Compassion-Focused Therapy. One of the exercises was to write a letter to himself: a letter of forgiveness and love. “That letter lifted something off my shoulders, I realised it wasn't my fault. I am good enough.” Today, Sean is a Shine See Change Ambassador, a member of NIMC's lived experience committee (NIMC is the National Implementation Monitoring Committee that  oversees  ''Sharing The Vision'' Mental Health Policy in Ireland), part of the Service User & Supporters Council at St Patrick's Mental Health Services. He also appeared in the RTÉ documentary Anorexia: My Family and Me, helping to reshape how we talk about eating disorders. In our conversation, Sean shares how recovery means learning to speak kindly to oneself. We discuss the importance of the words used as a community around food and body image; seemingly harmless words about food, fitness or weight can deeply affect those in fragile states of mind. Sean is particularly invested in working with Fitness Studios. Here, right under the observation of health advocates, lies a slightly hidden story of obsessive fitness to the point of anorexia athletica. This episode is a reminder that even the hardest stories can lead to healing when spoken aloud. https://www.instagram.com/seanblake80/?hl=en https://www.stpatricks.ie/ https://about.rte.ie/2024/10/14/rte-airs-compelling-new-documentary-anorexia-my-family-me/ https://www.bodywhys.ie/ https://www.instagram.com/gamian_europe?igsh=MTVqZzd1cmNlNWk5Mw%3D%3D

Sean Blake is lucky to be alive. Through recovery via self-compassion Sean now advocates for early intervention & understanding of this mental illness. Sean Blake, an Irishman from Swords, Dublin, made his way to a Brain Conference in Brussels a couple of weeks ago. This was the first time he travelled alone as an adult, aged 43. All of this was historically linked to his own feeling of unworthiness and inadequacy. Sean's story begins in childhood, marked by years of not feeling “good enough.” This relentless inner critic eventually manifested as incessant running and starvation. After a couple of compliments on how he looked through initial fitness, he was locked into an ever-increasing path of torturous training. He was training to become invisible. He was running himself to death. By his forties, with four children observing this pattern, Sean's daily life was consumed by a regime where he was running many kilometres before ‘breakfast'. We don't mention how many kilometres as this can be a trigger of competition for other anorexics who may feel they are not doing enough in comparison. His ‘breakfast' would be the toast crusts after his children had eaten. They would remember the first time he eventually sat with them to eat a ‘normal' meal. His daughter commented at that moment that he thought his dad only ever ran and ate different food to them. Sean was lucky. A voice inside his head found a way to ask for help. When he arrived at St Patrick's Mental Health Services in Dublin, they told him he was extremely close to death and needed urgent, instant treatment. Over a period of many weeks, Sean unlocked the hold this disease had over his head. He promised himself that if he could get through those months and gain recovery, he would dedicate his voice to this cause. And that is what he has done. Sean transformed his feelings towards himself, and took a path to healing through Compassion-Focused Therapy. One of the exercises was to write a letter to himself: a letter of forgiveness and love. “That letter lifted something off my shoulders, I realised it wasn't my fault. I am good enough.” Today, Sean is a Shine See Change Ambassador, a member of NIMC's lived experience committee (NIMC is the National Implementation Monitoring Committee that  oversees  ''Sharing The Vision'' Mental Health Policy in Ireland), part of the Service User & Supporters Council at St Patrick's Mental Health Services. He also appeared in the RTÉ documentary Anorexia: My Family and Me, helping to reshape how we talk about eating disorders. In our conversation, Sean shares how recovery means learning to speak kindly to oneself. We discuss the importance of the words used as a community around food and body image; seemingly harmless words about food, fitness or weight can deeply affect those in fragile states of mind. Sean is particularly invested in working with Fitness Studios. Here, right under the observation of health advocates, lies a slightly hidden story of obsessive fitness to the point of anorexia athletica. This episode is a reminder that even the hardest stories can lead to healing when spoken aloud. https://www.instagram.com/seanblake80/?hl=en https://www.stpatricks.ie/ https://about.rte.ie/2024/10/14/rte-airs-compelling-new-documentary-anorexia-my-family-me/ https://www.bodywhys.ie/ https://www.instagram.com/gamian_europe?igsh=MTVqZzd1cmNlNWk5Mw%3D%3D

Exploring timeless lessons from the Philosopher Emperor at Trier's State Exhibition with Dr. Viola Skiba and Helena Huber. Across the border from Luxembourg, in Germany's oldest city, two of Trier's leading museums, the Rheinisches Landesmuseum and the Stadtmuseum Simeonstift, have joined forces for an extraordinary state exhibition on Marcus Aurelius. This collaborative showcase invites visitors to explore one of Rome's most fascinating figures: the Philosopher Emperor whose reflections on Stoicism and virtue continue to inspire thinkers, leaders, and citizens nearly two thousand years later. In this episode Lisa Burke speaks with Dr. Viola Skiba, Director of the Stadtmuseum Simeonstift, and Helena Huber, Curator at the Rheinisches Landesmuseum Trier. Together, they unpack the meaning of good governance: what makes a good leader? And for whom? This is a question as urgent today as it was in the Roman Empire. “Marcus Aurelius is remembered as the ‘good emperor',” explains Huber. “But his reign was far from peaceful. His stoic philosophy guided him through wars, plague, and political turmoil — and it still offers lessons for ethical leadership today.” Dr. Skiba adds: “The question of good governance is universal and timeless. From antiquity to our modern democracies, people have always asked: what makes a good ruler, and for whom?” The exhibition is divided between the two museums. The Landesmuseum explores Marcus Aurelius: Emperor, Commander, Philosopher, combining archaeological treasures with philosophical interpretation. The Stadtmuseum complements this with What Is Good Government? Here, they examine ideals of leadership, justice, and representation through history including striking medieval imagery where kings symbolically kissed or even shared a bed to show peace and trust to their people. Beyond the exhibition's intellectual richness, visitors can immerse themselves in Trier's extraordinary Roman heritage: the Porta Nigra, vast thermal baths, and some of Europe's most important mosaics. As Huber puts it, “The Romans left us their Instagram of the time; images and monuments showing how they wanted to be remembered.” For today's audiences, Marcus Aurelius is more than a historical figure. His Meditations, a private diary of self-discipline, justice, and humility, continue to offer a mirror for leadership and citizenship in the 21st century. “Peace, justice, prosperity and the common good: these are still the foundations of what we all seek,” says Skiba. “Marcus Aurelius helps us remember that good governance begins with virtue.” https://www.trier-info.de/en/package-offers/marc-aurel-2025

Lisa Burke on Today Radio explores timeless lessons from the philosopher emperor at Trier's state exhibition with Dr Viola Skiba and Helena Huber. Across the border from Luxembourg, in Germany's oldest city, two of Trier's leading museums, the Rheinisches Landesmuseum and the Stadtmuseum Simeonstift, have joined forces for an extraordinary state exhibition on Marcus Aurelius. This collaborative showcase invites visitors to explore one of Rome's most fascinating figures: the Philosopher Emperor whose reflections on Stoicism and virtue continue to inspire thinkers, leaders, and citizens nearly two thousand years later. In this episode Lisa Burke speaks with Dr. Viola Skiba, Director of the Stadtmuseum Simeonstift, and Helena Huber, Curator at the Rheinisches Landesmuseum Trier. Together, they unpack the meaning of good governance: what makes a good leader? And for whom? This is a question as urgent today as it was in the Roman Empire. “Marcus Aurelius is remembered as the ‘good emperor',” explains Huber. “But his reign was far from peaceful. His stoic philosophy guided him through wars, plague, and political turmoil — and it still offers lessons for ethical leadership today.” Dr. Skiba adds: “The question of good governance is universal and timeless. From antiquity to our modern democracies, people have always asked: what makes a good ruler, and for whom?” The exhibition is divided between the two museums. The Landesmuseum explores Marcus Aurelius: Emperor, Commander, Philosopher, combining archaeological treasures with philosophical interpretation. The Stadtmuseum complements this with What Is Good Government? Here, they examine ideals of leadership, justice, and representation through history including striking medieval imagery where kings symbolically kissed or even shared a bed to show peace and trust to their people. Beyond the exhibition's intellectual richness, visitors can immerse themselves in Trier's extraordinary Roman heritage: the Porta Nigra, vast thermal baths, and some of Europe's most important mosaics. As Huber puts it, “The Romans left us their Instagram of the time; images and monuments showing how they wanted to be remembered.” For today's audiences, Marcus Aurelius is more than a historical figure. His Meditations, a private diary of self-discipline, justice, and humility, continue to offer a mirror for leadership and citizenship in the 21st century. “Peace, justice, prosperity and the common good: these are still the foundations of what we all seek,” says Skiba. “Marcus Aurelius helps us remember that good governance begins with virtue.” https://www.trier-info.de/en/package-offers/marc-aurel-2025

Two Poles pushing human limits: one running marathons in nearly every country on Earth, the other summiting the world's highest peaks What drives a person to test the limits of body and spirit? Wojtek Machnik and Magdalena Skawińska,both Polish-born adventurers have redefined what it means to explore the world and the inner frontiers of discipline and resilience. Wojtek Machnik: Running the World, One Country at a Time Wojtek Machnik is a man in motion: he's visited 193 countries and ran 238 marathons in 181 of them. After 12 years in corporate banking and insurance, he left it all behind in 2016 to create a company combining travel and running, aligned with his own life's mission. Wojtek founded a travel agency for marathon enthusiasts, became a dive instructor, and then, in 2018, launched his life's defining challenge: the 249 Challenge, to complete a marathon in every country and territory on Earth. From December 2018 to December 2019, he ran 66 marathons in 66 countries, setting a world record for the most marathons completed in different countries within one year. When COVID-19 halted global races, Wojtek's creativity continued despite confinement due to quarantine: he famously ran a marathon in flip-flops around his bed, completing 5,626 loops of a 7.5m circuit. This viral act of defiance inspired runners worldwide. Later that year, Wotjek broke another world record for the shortest marathon loop — just 5 metres, requiring 8,440 laps and 13 hours of sheer determination. By 2020, Wojtek had become the first Pole in history and only the 16th person in the world to complete marathons in 100 countries. His goals remain as ambitious as ever: “I plan to reach 300 marathons in 200 countries by my 50th birthday, on June 20, 2027.” Beyond his personal achievements, Wojtek has also brought marathons to nations that had none, including Syria, Guyana, and Suriname, creating platforms for unity, health, and peace through sport. In 2022, in partnership with the Syrian Olympic Committee and Ministry of Tourism, he helped launch the Damascus International Marathon, the first major international sports event in Syria since the war. The following year, runners from 30 countries participated. Next stops: Ethiopia, Djibouti, Eritrea, and Somalia as part of his planned Horn of Africa Marathon Challenge (2026). “Running connects people beyond politics, borders, and beliefs,” Wojtek says. “It's the simplest way to explore, and to understand, our shared world.” Magdalena and her Mountains If Wojtek runs across the world, Magdalena Skawińska climbs it. Magdalena Skawińska's father was deeply attached to the mountains and from as early as was possible, Magdalena and her mother joined him on these expeditions in Poland, getting up at 2am to hit the mountain tracks before any trails got ‘busy' or, more notably, bad weather set in. As a young child Magdalena didn't always realise the power of this time together, bonding as a family, nor the power of extremely tough self discipline which was instilled. Since then, Magdalena who, by the way has a demanding day-time job as a lawyer in Luxembourg, has summited several of the worlds highest peak: Mont Blanc (4,808 m) Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) Elbrus (5,642 m) Aconcagua (6,962 m) Kazbek (5,047 m) Mera Peak (6,476 m) – her first Himalayan 6,000er Lenin Peak (7,134 m) – her first 7,000m summit, conquered in 2024 For Magdalena, mountaineering is more than sport — it's a spiritual and philosophical act of empowerment. She has travelled to Yemen, Syria, and Armenia, combining her expeditions with photography and cultural immersion, using her lens to capture both landscapes and the human stories within them. “Climbing and travelling to unconventional destinations is about reclaiming your own individuality and quiet courage,” she explains. “It's about defying expectations, especially as a woman, and believing deeply in your own strength, perseverance, and dreams.” Her story embodies balance between ambition and courage plus reflection and wonder.

Two Poles pushing human limits: one running marathons in nearly every country on Earth, the other summiting the world's highest peaks; both pushing human endurance for personal strength. What drives a person to test the limits of body and spirit? Wojtek Machnik and Magdalena Skawińska,both Polish-born adventurers have redefined what it means to explore the world and the inner frontiers of discipline and resilience. Wojtek Machnik: Running the World, One Country at a Time Wojtek Machnik is a man in motion: he's visited 193 countries and ran 238 marathons in 181 of them. After 12 years in corporate banking and insurance, he left it all behind in 2016 to create a company combining travel and running, aligned with his own life's mission. Wojtek founded a travel agency for marathon enthusiasts, became a dive instructor, and then, in 2018, launched his life's defining challenge: the 249 Challenge, to complete a marathon in every country and territory on Earth. From December 2018 to December 2019, he ran 66 marathons in 66 countries, setting a world record for the most marathons completed in different countries within one year. When COVID-19 halted global races, Wojtek's creativity continued despite confinement due to quarantine: he famously ran a marathon in flip-flops around his bed, completing 5,626 loops of a 7.5m circuit. This viral act of defiance inspired runners worldwide. Later that year, Wotjek broke another world record for the shortest marathon loop — just 5 metres, requiring 8,440 laps and 13 hours of sheer determination. By 2020, Wojtek had become the first Pole in history and only the 16th person in the world to complete marathons in 100 countries. His goals remain as ambitious as ever: “I plan to reach 300 marathons in 200 countries by my 50th birthday, on June 20, 2027.” Beyond his personal achievements, Wojtek has also brought marathons to nations that had none, including Syria, Guyana, and Suriname, creating platforms for unity, health, and peace through sport. In 2022, in partnership with the Syrian Olympic Committee and Ministry of Tourism, he helped launch the Damascus International Marathon, the first major international sports event in Syria since the war. The following year, runners from 30 countries participated. Next stops: Ethiopia, Djibouti, Eritrea, and Somalia as part of his planned Horn of Africa Marathon Challenge (2026). “Running connects people beyond politics, borders, and beliefs,” Wojtek says. “It's the simplest way to explore, and to understand, our shared world.” Magdalena and her Mountains If Wojtek runs across the world, Magdalena Skawińska climbs it. Magdalena Skawińska's father was deeply attached to the mountains and from as early as was possible, Magdalena and her mother joined him on these expeditions in Poland, getting up at 2am to hit the mountain tracks before any trails got ‘busy' or, more notably, bad weather set in. As a young child Magdalena didn't always realise the power of this time together, bonding as a family, nor the power of extremely tough self discipline which was instilled. Since then, Magdalena who, by the way has a demanding day-time job as a lawyer in Luxembourg, has summited several of the worlds highest peak: Mont Blanc (4,808 m) Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) Elbrus (5,642 m) Aconcagua (6,962 m) Kazbek (5,047 m) Mera Peak (6,476 m) – her first Himalayan 6,000er Lenin Peak (7,134 m) – her first 7,000m summit, conquered in 2024 For Magdalena, mountaineering is more than sport — it's a spiritual and philosophical act of empowerment. She has travelled to Yemen, Syria, and Armenia, combining her expeditions with photography and cultural immersion, using her lens to capture both landscapes and the human stories within them. “Climbing and travelling to unconventional destinations is about reclaiming your own individuality and quiet courage,” she explains. “It's about defying expectations, especially as a woman, and believing deeply in your own strength, perseverance, and dreams.” Her story embodies balance between ambition and courage plus reflection and wonder.

Sex, love, and attachment affect our health, happiness, and identity. How are love and intimacy affected by our biology, our backgrounds, and how can we develop an environment for it to flourish? I've done a lot of reading about how long ‘love' lasts: the being ‘in-love' part, how that fades, but might, if you're lucky and work at it, evolve into another form of long-term love. Or it ends. Well, apparently desire isn't doomed to fade after three years, but could actually deepen and transform across a lifetime. It's still a little taboo and certain aspects of this remain unspoken, often due to feelings of shame or inadequacy. So, with my hope to bring clarity and courage to difficult conversations, I was joined by three wonderful voices: Professor Francesco Bianchi-Demicheli, Associate Professor at the University of Geneva and a world-leading sexologist, whose work spans neuroscience, literature, and the psychology of intimacy. Guy Brandenbourger, health advocate and founder of Health A Gesondheet Luxembourg - CAP ʰOR™️, who has made it his mission to put sexuality and longevity at the heart of public health debates. Marie-Adélaïde Leclercq-Olhagaray, Editor-in-Chief of Elle Luxembourg, who understands from her readers that love and relationships are among the most pressing questions women, and men, are seeking answers to today.  Attachment: The Blueprint of Intimacy Attachment is the architecture of how we love as adults. Professor Bianchi explained that our early bonds set patterns of intimacy: secure, anxious, avoidant, or disorganised. These invisible scripts influence how we choose partners, navigate desire, and respond to closeness or conflict. Now as children we don't have much agency over the situation of family we're born into. But the good news is that these patterns are not fixed. Encounters with secure, loving partners, or the deep work of psychotherapy, can reshape attachment. Love Beyond the Myth of Three Years Perhaps the most liberating truth revealed in this conversation is that the so-called “three-year limit” on love is a dangerous myth. Using brain imaging, Bianchi has shown that love can ignite neural networks across a lifetime. Passion can evolve into intimacy, companionship, and shared purpose. Love can metamorphose and grow if we nurture playfulness. Couples who play together regulate stress, fuel creativity, and keep joy alive. “Play is not frivolous,” he said. “It's a survival skill for love.” Sexuality Across Life's Stages Sexuality is not confined to youth. From puberty to pregnancy, perimenopause to andropause, hormonal transitions profoundly shape desire, mood, and connection. Too often, these changes are dismissed or medicalised without acknowledging their impact on intimacy. Marie-Adélaïde highlighted how women, in particular, are reframing midlife. Financial independence has shifted dynamics: women no longer remain in relationships out of necessity, but from choice. Increasingly, they seek companionship without obligation: “not a nurse, not a cook, but a partner,” as she put it. Marie-Adélaïde also spoke about the clear shift for financially independent mid-life women to choose, possibly even marry, a partner but not live with them.  Guy underscored why addressing these realities is urgent for public health. Longevity without quality of life, intimacy, and purpose is incomplete. His CAP hOR™ framework argues for prevention across the first 1,000 days of life, adolescence, adulthood, and senior years, and of course sexual health is part of overall health. Guy also spoke about the often very fixable issues of erectile dysfunction, which many men are too ashamed to speak about. And yet a large percentage of these issues can be treated.  Intimacy and Passion through artistic endeavours Professor Bianchi observed that society still divides pleasure into acceptable and unacceptable forms. We applaud someone for practising violin eight hours a day, but stigmatise the same dedication to intimacy. This double standard silences us, when in truth pleasure is not indulgence but evolution: our way of learning, connecting, and discovering meaning. “We don't just receive passion from the sky,” says Bianchi, “We create it, and we can recreate it.” Beyond his scientific work, Professor Bianchi-Demicheli has also created TIAMOFORTE - a groundbreaking fusion of science, poetry, and music. In these poetic-scientific recitals, his words as a sexologist, poet, and storyteller intertwine with the artistry of a pianist, blending knowledge with emotion. The performances explore desire, love, and human bonds not only as biological or psychological forces, but as deeply cultural and creative ones. Music, literature, and art, he argues, are essential in sustaining intimacy, rekindling passion, and expressing what neuroscience alone cannot capture. In this way, TIAMOFORTE is a living, real-time experiment in how creativity deepens connection, playfulness, and the shared ecstasy of being alive together. And so hopefully you can sit back, relax and enjoy this show, learning that love can become a lifelong energy to be reshaped, reignited, and deepened. Attachment styles can be redrawn and redeveloped. And sexuality, in all its phases, is not a shameful secret but a powerful thread in the tapestry of health, happiness, and purpose. https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesco-bianchi-demicheli-a5177535/?originalSubdomain=ch https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-brandenbourger-5b586228/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/marieadelaideleclercqolhagaray/ https://www.elle.lu/fr/

When a sizeable section of his students told Dr. Abdelfattah Abusrour they want to die, he changed his life to help heal their trauma This week I had the honour to share space with Dr. Abdelfattah Abusrour, founder of the Alrowwad Cultural & Arts Society located in the Aida Refugee Camp in Bethlehem, Palestine. Abdelfattah Abusrour was born into a refugee family after the 1948 Nakba. His parents lost ten of their fourteen children to poverty, displacement, and disease. Despite their enormous losses, they raised him with compassion not hatred. “Even with a just cause,” his father told him, “if you carry hate, you lose your humanity.” Abusrour won a scholarship to study in France, where he completed a PhD in biological and medical engineering. However, he always wanted to return home and did so firstly as a teacher. It was when teaching that he realised a large proportion of his students had no hope at all - they told him they wanted to die; a stark reflection of life under occupation. And so he stopped teaching and founded Alrowwad, a community arts centre that uses theatre, dance, photography, and storytelling to transform despair into dignity. He calls this work “Beautiful Resistance.” 
“Art is not just therapy,” says Abusrour, “It's a creative process that allows people to auto-heal, to find peace within, and to become peace-builders in their communities.” At the heart of Alrowwad are children and women. Through performance and expression, these children find confidence, purpose, and joy. The women's programmes focus on economic independence and the idea that ‘women change the world' beginning in their own homes. Abusrour refuses to show images of Palestinians as helpless. “We are not objects of pity. We are people of creativity and imagination.” His mission: to build peace with respect and dignity, not charity. Touring with Alrowwad's theatre troupe across Europe and the US, he has seen audiences deeply moved as we share our humanity. “Differences are gifts that should enrich us, not divide us.” https://alrowwad.org/en/?lang=en https://www.linkedin.com/company/alrowwad-cultural-arts-society/?originalSubdomain=ps https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdelfattah-abusrour-822a048/?originalSubdomain=ps

Sex, love & attachment shape health, happiness & identity. How do biology & background influence intimacy, and how can we help it thrive? I've done a lot of reading about how long ‘love' lasts: the being ‘in-love' part, how that fades, but might, if you're lucky and work at it, evolve into another form of long-term love. Or it ends. Well, apparently desire isn't doomed to fade after three years, but could actually deepen and transform across a lifetime. It's still a little taboo and certain aspects of this remain unspoken, often due to feelings of shame or inadequacy. So, with my hope to bring clarity and courage to difficult conversations, I was joined by three wonderful voices: Professor Francesco Bianchi-Demicheli, Associate Professor at the University of Geneva and a world-leading sexologist, whose work spans neuroscience, literature, and the psychology of intimacy. Guy Brandenbourger, health advocate and founder of Health A Gesondheet Luxembourg - CAP ʰOR™️, who has made it his mission to put sexuality and longevity at the heart of public health debates. Marie-Adélaïde Leclercq-Olhagaray, Editor-in-Chief of Elle Luxembourg, who understands from her readers that love and relationships are among the most pressing questions women, and men, are seeking answers to today.  Attachment: The Blueprint of Intimacy Attachment is the architecture of how we love as adults. Professor Bianchi explained that our early bonds set patterns of intimacy: secure, anxious, avoidant, or disorganised. These invisible scripts influence how we choose partners, navigate desire, and respond to closeness or conflict. Now as children we don't have much agency over the situation of family we're born into. But the good news is that these patterns are not fixed. Encounters with secure, loving partners, or the deep work of psychotherapy, can reshape attachment. Love Beyond the Myth of Three Years Perhaps the most liberating truth revealed in this conversation is that the so-called “three-year limit” on love is a dangerous myth. Using brain imaging, Bianchi has shown that love can ignite neural networks across a lifetime. Passion can evolve into intimacy, companionship, and shared purpose. Love can metamorphose and grow if we nurture playfulness. Couples who play together regulate stress, fuel creativity, and keep joy alive. “Play is not frivolous,” he said. “It's a survival skill for love.” Sexuality Across Life's Stages Sexuality is not confined to youth. From puberty to pregnancy, perimenopause to andropause, hormonal transitions profoundly shape desire, mood, and connection. Too often, these changes are dismissed or medicalised without acknowledging their impact on intimacy. Marie-Adélaïde highlighted how women, in particular, are reframing midlife. Financial independence has shifted dynamics: women no longer remain in relationships out of necessity, but from choice. Increasingly, they seek companionship without obligation: “not a nurse, not a cook, but a partner,” as she put it. Marie-Adélaïde also spoke about the clear shift for financially independent mid-life women to choose, possibly even marry, a partner but not live with them.  Guy underscored why addressing these realities is urgent for public health. Longevity without quality of life, intimacy, and purpose is incomplete. His CAP hOR™ framework argues for prevention across the first 1,000 days of life, adolescence, adulthood, and senior years, and of course sexual health is part of overall health. Guy also spoke about the often very fixable issues of erectile dysfunction, which many men are too ashamed to speak about. And yet a large percentage of these issues can be treated.  Intimacy and Passion through artistic endeavours Professor Bianchi observed that society still divides pleasure into acceptable and unacceptable forms. We applaud someone for practising violin eight hours a day, but stigmatise the same dedication to intimacy. This double standard silences us, when in truth pleasure is not indulgence but evolution: our way of learning, connecting, and discovering meaning. “We don't just receive passion from the sky,” says Bianchi, “We create it, and we can recreate it.” Beyond his scientific work, Professor Bianchi-Demicheli has also created TIAMOFORTE - a groundbreaking fusion of science, poetry, and music. In these poetic-scientific recitals, his words as a sexologist, poet, and storyteller intertwine with the artistry of a pianist, blending knowledge with emotion. The performances explore desire, love, and human bonds not only as biological or psychological forces, but as deeply cultural and creative ones. Music, literature, and art, he argues, are essential in sustaining intimacy, rekindling passion, and expressing what neuroscience alone cannot capture. In this way, TIAMOFORTE is a living, real-time experiment in how creativity deepens connection, playfulness, and the shared ecstasy of being alive together. And so hopefully you can sit back, relax and enjoy this show, learning that love can become a lifelong energy to be reshaped, reignited, and deepened. Attachment styles can be redrawn and redeveloped. And sexuality, in all its phases, is not a shameful secret but a powerful thread in the tapestry of health, happiness, and purpose. https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesco-bianchi-demicheli-a5177535/?originalSubdomain=ch https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-brandenbourger-5b586228/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/marieadelaideleclercqolhagaray/ https://www.elle.lu/fr/

When a sizeable section of his students told Dr. Abdelfattah Abusrour they want to die, he changed his life to help heal their trauma. This week I had the honour to share space with Dr. Abdelfattah Abusrour, founder of the Alrowwad Cultural & Arts Society located in the Aida Refugee Camp in Bethlehem, Palestine. Abdelfattah Abusrour was born into a refugee family after the 1948 Nakba. His parents lost ten of their fourteen children to poverty, displacement, and disease. Despite their enormous losses, they raised him with compassion not hatred. “Even with a just cause,” his father told him, “if you carry hate, you lose your humanity.” Abusrour won a scholarship to study in France, where he completed a PhD in biological and medical engineering. However, he always wanted to return home and did so firstly as a teacher. It was when teaching that he realised a large proportion of his students had no hope at all - they told him they wanted to die; a stark reflection of life under occupation. And so he stopped teaching and founded Alrowwad, a community arts centre that uses theatre, dance, photography, and storytelling to transform despair into dignity. He calls this work “Beautiful Resistance.” 
“Art is not just therapy,” says Abusrour, “It's a creative process that allows people to auto-heal, to find peace within, and to become peace-builders in their communities.” At the heart of Alrowwad are children and women. Through performance and expression, these children find confidence, purpose, and joy. The women's programmes focus on economic independence and the idea that ‘women change the world' beginning in their own homes. Abusrour refuses to show images of Palestinians as helpless. “We are not objects of pity. We are people of creativity and imagination.” His mission: to build peace with respect and dignity, not charity. Touring with Alrowwad's theatre troupe across Europe and the US, he has seen audiences deeply moved as we share our humanity. “Differences are gifts that should enrich us, not divide us.” https://alrowwad.org/en/?lang=en https://www.linkedin.com/company/alrowwad-cultural-arts-society/?originalSubdomain=ps https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdelfattah-abusrour-822a048/?originalSubdomain=ps

From Madrid to Luxembourg, BMX legend Viki Gómez and his wife Alexandra share their story of the sport, sponsorship, artistry, resilience and dreams for the sport's future. When you think of BMX, images of ramps, flips, and adrenaline-fueled stunts may come to mind. But for Viki Gómez, the Spanish-born, six-time World Champion in BMX Flatland, the sport is art form on two wheels. For over two decades, Viki has pushed the limits of what's possible, carving out a career of creativity, athleticism, and global recognition. That's what Red Bull spotted and why, since 2003, Viki has been a Red Bull Athlete - one of the very first BMX riders to gain such a sponsorship. This partnership also helped to catapult BMX Flatland to be seen as a serious international sport, requiring skill, creativity and practiced technique. Red Bull's backing gave Viki the chance to travel all over the world, inspiring so many young people, some who had never seen a bike before. “It meant credibility,” Viki reflected. “It gave me the chance to keep innovating.” Behind the titles, trophies, and TEDx talks, there is also a working and loving partnership off the bike. His wife, Alexandra Gobran, originally from Luxembourg and raised in Sweden, has been instrumental in steering his professional journey. With a background in law and sports management, she co-founded GG.M. Gobran Gomez Management. In Luxembourg, they've brought international projects to life — from the Red Bull 3EN1 events at Péitruss Skatepark to cultural collaborations with UNESCO and ESCH2022. In 2024, they spearheaded the UEC European Championships in BMX Flatland at Rotondes, in collaboration with the Luxembourg National Cycling Federation, the Sports Ministry, and the City of Luxembourg. Of course, as with all sports at the highest levels, injuries are ever-present realities. This has helped Viki and his wife develop their latest venture, VIKING Cykles, which merges sport, design, and sustainability, producing premium titanium gravel and BMX parts. Follow Viki & Alexandra: Instagram: @vikigomezbmx | @alexandra.gg Projects: @vikingbmxtitanium | @letzridelu | @ggmmgmt Website: www.ggmimage.com Get in touch  Contact Lisa here. Tune in to The Lisa Burke Show on Today Radio Saturdays at 11am, Sundays at noon, and Tuesdays at 11am. Watch the full interview on RTL Play, join the conversation on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

From Madrid to Luxembourg, BMX legend Viki & Alexandra share their story of the sport, sponsorship, artistry & resilience When you think of BMX, images of ramps, flips, and adrenaline-fueled stunts may come to mind. But for Viki Gómez, the Spanish-born, six-time World Champion in BMX Flatland, the sport is art form on two wheels. For over two decades, Viki has pushed the limits of what's possible, carving out a career of creativity, athleticism, and global recognition. That's what Red Bull spotted and why, since 2003, Viki has been a Red Bull Athlete - one of the very first BMX riders to gain such a sponsorship. This partnership also helped to catapult BMX Flatland to be seen as a serious international sport, requiring skill, creativity and practiced technique. Red Bull's backing gave Viki the chance to travel all over the world, inspiring so many young people, some who had never seen a bike before. “It meant credibility,” Viki reflected. “It gave me the chance to keep innovating.” Behind the titles, trophies, and TEDx talks, there is also a working and loving partnership off the bike. His wife, Alexandra Gobran, originally from Luxembourg and raised in Sweden, has been instrumental in steering his professional journey. With a background in law and sports management, she co-founded GG.M. Gobran Gomez Management. In Luxembourg, they've brought international projects to life — from the Red Bull 3EN1 events at Péitruss Skatepark to cultural collaborations with UNESCO and ESCH2022. In 2024, they spearheaded the UEC European Championships in BMX Flatland at Rotondes, in collaboration with the Luxembourg National Cycling Federation, the Sports Ministry, and the City of Luxembourg. Of course, as with all sports at the highest levels, injuries are ever-present realities. This has helped Viki and his wife develop their latest venture, VIKING Cykles, which merges sport, design, and sustainability, producing premium titanium gravel and BMX parts. Follow Viki & Alexandra: Instagram: @vikigomezbmx | @alexandra.gg Projects: @vikingbmxtitanium | @letzridelu | @ggmmgmt Website: www.ggmimage.com Get in touch  Contact Lisa here. Tune in to The Lisa Burke Show on Today Radio Saturdays at 11am, Sundays at noon, and Tuesdays at 11am. Watch the full interview on RTL Play, join the conversation on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

How media helps to shape the conversation around innovation & social good to create global impact. This week my guests are: - Pierre-Yves Lanneau Saint Léger, CEO of Forbes Luxembourg and Silicon Luxembourg - Jess Bauldry, Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Luxembourg - Genna Elvin, co-founder of Tadaweb and President of Pulse, Luxembourg's largest startup association. - Anne Goeres, founder of Philantree Why Forbes Came to Luxembourg For Pierre-Yves Lanneau Saint Léger, the arrival of Forbes in Luxembourg was a recognition that our success stories deserve a global stage. Forbes embodies the values of celebrating entrepreneurship and Luxembourg is now part of the global Forbes family (49 editions). Pierre-Yves also highlights the continuing importance of Silicon Luxembourg, launched 13 years ago as a blog and now a vibrant community of 40,000 followers. “If you create your startup, you are in Silicon; when you sell your startup, you are in Forbes,” he quipped, neatly capturing the lifecycle of highly successful entrepreneurship. Storytelling and Connection Jess Bauldry knows that in Luxembourg, connections and jobs are often fostered through in-person engagement, especially in the startup sector. “So many business deals and jobs here are still made through face-to-face encounters, not just applications.” Storytelling is business necessity. Nonetheless, Jess and her team at Forbes and Silicon Luxembourg are highly attuned to spotlighting innovators who may not be the loudest in the room but are making transformative contributions without the self-promotion. She feels it is their job to shine a spotlight on people like this, rather than the ‘same faces' constantly. Building a Startup Nation Genna Elvin has become the pin-up girl for entrepreneurial tech success in Luxembourg. From modest beginnings in Brussels to developing Tadaweb in Luxembourg, the team has grown from nothing to 150 employees, raised €40 million in capital and expanded internationally with offices in Luxembourg, Paris, London and the United States. Recognised as one of Forbes' Top 100 Female Founders in Europe, Genna now also leads Pulse, Luxembourg's largest startup association. Elvin recalled being told a decade ago that Luxembourg could never attract top talent. “That's not true,” she insisted. Instead, her company recruit globally, offering newcomers an instant community and support system. From an in-person welcome to apartments on arrival, to thoughtful gestures like helping employees navigate supermarkets,  Tadaweb put people first. “At a human level, you need to get the base right if you want to execute at a high level,” she said, referencing Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Her perspective also touched on Luxembourg's risk-averse culture, often cited as a barrier to innovation. While family-run businesses might make caution understandable, Genna knows that progress requires calculated risks. Philanthropy: Love for humanity Anne Goeres, who previously ran Luxembourg's children's cancer foundation, has now founded Philantree, an organisation designed to help businesses and families channel their wealth into meaningful impact. Goerges explained that while terms like charity, foundation or non-profit differ in structure, their essence is the same: love of humanity. “It always starts with a group of people committed to a cause,” she said, noting that even the largest organisations begin with small acts of compassion. Today, she sees a shift toward long-term partnerships rather than one-off donations. “Companies want to integrate philanthropy into their culture, aligning their values with those of their employees,” she said. This approach not only deepens impact but also helps unite generations around shared purpose. ESG: Beyond Box-Ticking Of course, philanthropy and sustainability are not immune to scepticism. Regulations can sometimes feel bureaucratic, and companies risk treating ESG commitments as box-ticking exercises. Yet Pierre-Yves and Bauldry agree that in today's job market, values-driven business is non-negotiable. Millennials and Gen Z want purposeful careers. Without them, companies will lose talent, and no amount of AI can replace that. That is why Forbes Luxembourg continues to highlight stories that blend profit with purpose. From entrepreneurs innovating in health and space tech to executives shaping green finance, the magazine seeks to showcase leaders who both earn and spend wisely, with an eye toward long-term wellbeing. The Future: Voices That Matter As Luxembourg prepares to unveil its Forbes Under 30 list, the challenge is not just to identify the loudest voices but to find and elevate those who deliver true, lasting impact. There is still time to apply or nominate someone! “Some founders don't have time for self-promotion,” Bauldry admitted. “Our job is to find them, investigate, and shine a light on their work.” This inclusive approach reflects the broader Luxembourg ecosystem: diverse, international, ambitious, yet grounded in a sense of community. https://philantree.lu/ https://www.tadaweb.com/ https://www.gennaelvin.com/ https://www.forbes.lu/ https://www.siliconluxembourg.lu/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/pylsl/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-bauldry/?originalSubdomain=lu https://www.forbes.lu/under-30/

How media helps to shape the conversation around innovation and social good to create global impact. This week my guests are: - Pierre-Yves Lanneau Saint Léger, CEO of Forbes Luxembourg and Silicon Luxembourg - Jess Bauldry, Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Luxembourg - Genna Elvin, co-founder of Tadaweb and President of Pulse, Luxembourg's largest startup association. - Anne Goeres, founder of Philantree Why Forbes Came to Luxembourg For Pierre-Yves Lanneau Saint Léger, the arrival of Forbes in Luxembourg was a recognition that our success stories deserve a global stage. Forbes embodies the values of celebrating entrepreneurship and Luxembourg is now part of the global Forbes family (49 editions). Pierre-Yves also highlights the continuing importance of Silicon Luxembourg, launched 13 years ago as a blog and now a vibrant community of 40,000 followers. “If you create your startup, you are in Silicon; when you sell your startup, you are in Forbes,” he quipped, neatly capturing the lifecycle of highly successful entrepreneurship. Storytelling and Connection Jess Bauldry knows that in Luxembourg, connections and jobs are often fostered through in-person engagement, especially in the startup sector. “So many business deals and jobs here are still made through face-to-face encounters, not just applications.” Storytelling is business necessity. Nonetheless, Jess and her team at Forbes and Silicon Luxembourg are highly attuned to spotlighting innovators who may not be the loudest in the room but are making transformative contributions without the self-promotion. She feels it is their job to shine a spotlight on people like this, rather than the ‘same faces' constantly. Building a Startup Nation Genna Elvin has become the pin-up girl for entrepreneurial tech success in Luxembourg. From modest beginnings in Brussels to developing Tadaweb in Luxembourg, the team has grown from nothing to 150 employees, raised €40 million in capital and expanded internationally with offices in Luxembourg, Paris, London and the United States. Recognised as one of Forbes' Top 100 Female Founders in Europe, Genna now also leads Pulse, Luxembourg's largest startup association. Elvin recalled being told a decade ago that Luxembourg could never attract top talent. “That's not true,” she insisted. Instead, her company recruit globally, offering newcomers an instant community and support system. From an in-person welcome to apartments on arrival, to thoughtful gestures like helping employees navigate supermarkets,  Tadaweb put people first. “At a human level, you need to get the base right if you want to execute at a high level,” she said, referencing Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Her perspective also touched on Luxembourg's risk-averse culture, often cited as a barrier to innovation. While family-run businesses might make caution understandable, Genna knows that progress requires calculated risks. Philanthropy: Love for humanity Anne Goeres, who previously ran Luxembourg's children's cancer foundation, has now founded Philantree, an organisation designed to help businesses and families channel their wealth into meaningful impact. Goerges explained that while terms like charity, foundation or non-profit differ in structure, their essence is the same: love of humanity. “It always starts with a group of people committed to a cause,” she said, noting that even the largest organisations begin with small acts of compassion. Today, she sees a shift toward long-term partnerships rather than one-off donations. “Companies want to integrate philanthropy into their culture, aligning their values with those of their employees,” she said. This approach not only deepens impact but also helps unite generations around shared purpose. ESG: Beyond Box-Ticking Of course, philanthropy and sustainability are not immune to scepticism. Regulations can sometimes feel bureaucratic, and companies risk treating ESG commitments as box-ticking exercises. Yet Pierre-Yves and Bauldry agree that in today's job market, values-driven business is non-negotiable. Millennials and Gen Z want purposeful careers. Without them, companies will lose talent, and no amount of AI can replace that. That is why Forbes Luxembourg continues to highlight stories that blend profit with purpose. From entrepreneurs innovating in health and space tech to executives shaping green finance, the magazine seeks to showcase leaders who both earn and spend wisely, with an eye toward long-term wellbeing. The Future: Voices That Matter As Luxembourg prepares to unveil its Forbes Under 30 list, the challenge is not just to identify the loudest voices but to find and elevate those who deliver true, lasting impact. There is still time to apply or nominate someone! “Some founders don't have time for self-promotion,” Bauldry admitted. “Our job is to find them, investigate, and shine a light on their work.” This inclusive approach reflects the broader Luxembourg ecosystem: diverse, international, ambitious, yet grounded in a sense of community. https://philantree.lu/ https://www.tadaweb.com/ https://www.gennaelvin.com/ https://www.forbes.lu/ https://www.siliconluxembourg.lu/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/pylsl/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-bauldry/?originalSubdomain=lu https://www.forbes.lu/under-30/

Rhea Wessel joins Lisa Burke to explain thought leadership through the written word: find your niche, write with generosity & gift expert ideas to others Rhea Wessel is an American journalist, author, and educator based in Frankfurt. For many years, she has written reports for well-known media giants such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and the BBC. Through this time, having spoken with thousands of experts in their field, Rhea noticed the difficulty in getting them to figure out what their main idea was, and how to write about it, delivering their unique understanding and knowledge to a much wider audience. And so she decided to map out her process so that we can all learn. Rhea has written a book, Write like a Thought Leader, and also founded the Institute for Thought Leadership to share her process for bringing clear, engaging thought-leadership writing to a wider world. What Is Thought Leadership According to Rhea, thought leadership isn't something we bestow unto ourselves but is a status acknowledge by others, earned by generously sharing unique, actionable ideas that help solve real problems. In Wessel's words, a true thought leader “gives away their best ideas to help people” and builds trust through both generosity and consistency. What makes a good idea? Wessel identifies five essential qualities: - Novelty - Usefulness - Clarity - Brevity - Zinger / wow effect These attributes provoke the reader's interest, solve a genuine challenge, and spark an ‘Aha!' moment. The Three-Step Process: Find It, Frame It, Flesh It Out Rhea has developed an easy, three-step writing model, outlined in her book.  First, ‘Find It': pinpoint your niche where deep expertise, true passion, and a unique viewpoint overlap. It has to come from the heart: intellectual curiosity matched with a drive to make a difference. Second, ‘Frame It': this is about journalistic story-framing, zooming in on the most original, relevant angle for your audience and knowing what to leave out, so the core idea shines. Wessel teaches a five-step story-framing system to help experts map their field and surface compelling, headline-ready story topics. Finally, ‘Flesh It Out': here, the focus shifts to execution. Wessel stresses writing with clarity, authenticity, and a conversational tone.  Short, Sharp, and Generous In the shifting media landscape, where everyone from global corporations to solo-preneurs can shape conversations through digital articles (especially on platforms like LinkedIn), podcasts, and even short-form posts. Wessel advises budding thought leaders to start with several well-crafted articles (700–1100 words is ideal), focused on a single consistent theme, to build a visible ‘necklace' of expertise. Facing the Fears: Confidence, Consistency, and Courage Sometimes psychological hurdles stop experts from writing: fear of giving away too much, imposter syndrome, perfectionism, or risking ridicule. Wessel's coaching draws on techniques like free-writing, purpose work, and simply starting with a supportive friend or editor. She reframes her work as being a midwife for world-changing ideas that might otherwise stay locked in someone's head. The Role of AI: Friend, Not Replacement While AI tools can help with idea scouting and drafting, Rhea cautions that a human voice, honed through personal experience and reflection, remains irreplaceable. “AI can't capture your true voice unless it has a body of work to learn from,” she notes, urging experts to first develop their unique style organically. Giving Ideas Wings Rhea's final clear encouragement: start articulating what matters most, seek out genuine feedback, choose the format that suits your strengths, and do the work of clarifying your message. True thought leadership is about service, not ego—it's helping audiences navigate complexity through clarity and trust. In today's world, those trusted voices are needed now more than ever.

On the latest episode of The Lisa Burke Show, host Lisa Burke spoke with Rhea Wessel, an American journalist and strategist who founded the Institute for Thought Leadership. Rhea Wessel is an American journalist, author, and educator based in Frankfurt. For many years, she has written reports for well-known media giants such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and the BBC. Through this time, having spoken with thousands of experts in their field, Rhea noticed the difficulty in getting them to figure out what their main idea was, and how to write about it, delivering their unique understanding and knowledge to a much wider audience. And so she decided to map out her process so that we can all learn. Rhea has written a book, Write like a Thought Leader, and also founded the Institute for Thought Leadership to share her process for bringing clear, engaging thought-leadership writing to a wider world. What Is Thought Leadership According to Rhea, thought leadership isn't something we bestow unto ourselves but is a status acknowledge by others, earned by generously sharing unique, actionable ideas that help solve real problems. In Wessel's words, a true thought leader “gives away their best ideas to help people” and builds trust through both generosity and consistency. What makes a good idea? Wessel identifies five essential qualities: - Novelty - Usefulness - Clarity - Brevity - Zinger / wow effect These attributes provoke the reader's interest, solve a genuine challenge, and spark an ‘Aha!' moment. The Three-Step Process: Find It, Frame It, Flesh It Out Rhea has developed an easy, three-step writing model, outlined in her book.  First, ‘Find It': pinpoint your niche where deep expertise, true passion, and a unique viewpoint overlap. It has to come from the heart: intellectual curiosity matched with a drive to make a difference. Second, ‘Frame It': this is about journalistic story-framing, zooming in on the most original, relevant angle for your audience and knowing what to leave out, so the core idea shines. Wessel teaches a five-step story-framing system to help experts map their field and surface compelling, headline-ready story topics. Finally, ‘Flesh It Out': here, the focus shifts to execution. Wessel stresses writing with clarity, authenticity, and a conversational tone.  Short, Sharp, and Generous In the shifting media landscape, where everyone from global corporations to solo-preneurs can shape conversations through digital articles (especially on platforms like LinkedIn), podcasts, and even short-form posts. Wessel advises budding thought leaders to start with several well-crafted articles (700–1100 words is ideal), focused on a single consistent theme, to build a visible ‘necklace' of expertise. Facing the Fears: Confidence, Consistency, and Courage Sometimes psychological hurdles stop experts from writing: fear of giving away too much, imposter syndrome, perfectionism, or risking ridicule. Wessel's coaching draws on techniques like free-writing, purpose work, and simply starting with a supportive friend or editor. She reframes her work as being a midwife for world-changing ideas that might otherwise stay locked in someone's head. The Role of AI: Friend, Not Replacement While AI tools can help with idea scouting and drafting, Rhea cautions that a human voice, honed through personal experience and reflection, remains irreplaceable. “AI can't capture your true voice unless it has a body of work to learn from,” she notes, urging experts to first develop their unique style organically. Giving Ideas Wings Rhea's final clear encouragement: start articulating what matters most, seek out genuine feedback, choose the format that suits your strengths, and do the work of clarifying your message. True thought leadership is about service, not ego—it's helping audiences navigate complexity through clarity and trust. In today's world, those trusted voices are needed now more than ever.

Christine Nehrenhausen & Sven Clement candidly share their partnership from teenage school radio, to marriage and political life. Christine Nehrenhausen and Sven Clement's partnership is a remarkable life of young love kindled with radio, political ideals and family-centred resilience. Their story, which they share so openly, traces its roots to Schülerradio, where they first met as teenagers. Elected Sven was elected to parliament quite unexpectedly aged just 29. For Christine this shock was an abrupt and overwhelming shift into the public eye. Overnight, expectations piled up on her: strangers assumed wealth and addressed her as "Madame la Députée." Despite outside perceptions, their inherent values remained unchanged. Transparency and Cybersecurity Transparency defines Sven's work with the Pirate Party, especially on digital security and government accountability. He championed public awareness by exposing vulnerabilities like the Medico Sportif data breach, emphasising the importance of whistleblowing and the dangers faced by those who reveal systemic flaws. His political career has increasingly focused on using his technological expertise to ask crucial questions about Luxembourg's digital infrastructure, pressing for genuine reforms amid the emergence of hybrid warfare and cyberattacks. Facing Miscarriage Alone Yet, the couple's journey has not been without its deeply personal trials. Christine spoke candidly about suffering a miscarriage while Sven was abroad for parliamentary work, highlighting the isolation and lack of emotional support in Luxembourg's healthcare system. Her experience spurred both public advocacy and personal healing, including Sven's article in Lëtzebuerger Land and Christine's podcast, "YODO—You Only Die Once," which tackles grief and mental health. Their openness has brought comfort to many, shining a light on taboo struggles faced by countless families. Baby Mia Navigating family life alongside their careers, Christine and Sven encountered unique challenges: the birth of their daughter Mia, administrative obstacles in accessing early childhood education, and Christine's own recovery from a severe injury while on maternity leave. Self-Employment in Luxembourg  Self-employment has also shaped their path. Both have faced the complexities of Luxembourg's tax and social security systems, with Christine crediting Sven's support and encouragement for her entrepreneurial ventures. Their story brought attention to the urgent need for reform, advocating for simpler processes and greater protection for independent workers who too often face sudden, heavy financial burdens. Open conversations on Mental Health & Vulnerability Christine and Sven argue for a society that embraces vulnerability, mental health openness, and gender-inclusive empathy. Their openness on these issues is a powerful call for the destigmatising of mental illness, recognising the humanity behind both public office and private struggle. Their hope is for a Luxembourg where more people are empowered to speak up and political leaders listen to those whose voices are too often quieted.

Christine Nehrenhausen and Sven Clement candidly share insights on their partnership from teenage school radio to marriage and political life. Christine Nehrenhausen and Sven Clement's partnership is a remarkable life of young love kindled with radio, political ideals and family-centred resilience. Their story, which they share so openly, traces its roots to Schülerradio, where they first met as teenagers. Elected Sven was elected to parliament quite unexpectedly aged just 29. For Christine this shock was an abrupt and overwhelming shift into the public eye. Overnight, expectations piled up on her: strangers assumed wealth and addressed her as "Madame la Députée." Despite outside perceptions, their inherent values remained unchanged. Transparency and Cybersecurity Transparency defines Sven's work with the Pirate Party, especially on digital security and government accountability. He championed public awareness by exposing vulnerabilities like the Medico Sportif data breach, emphasising the importance of whistleblowing and the dangers faced by those who reveal systemic flaws. His political career has increasingly focused on using his technological expertise to ask crucial questions about Luxembourg's digital infrastructure, pressing for genuine reforms amid the emergence of hybrid warfare and cyberattacks. Facing Miscarriage Alone Yet, the couple's journey has not been without its deeply personal trials. Christine spoke candidly about suffering a miscarriage while Sven was abroad for parliamentary work, highlighting the isolation and lack of emotional support in Luxembourg's healthcare system. Her experience spurred both public advocacy and personal healing, including Sven's article in Lëtzebuerger Land and Christine's podcast, "YODO—You Only Die Once," which tackles grief and mental health. Their openness has brought comfort to many, shining a light on taboo struggles faced by countless families. Baby Mia Navigating family life alongside their careers, Christine and Sven encountered unique challenges: the birth of their daughter Mia, administrative obstacles in accessing early childhood education, and Christine's own recovery from a severe injury while on maternity leave. Self-Employment in Luxembourg  Self-employment has also shaped their path. Both have faced the complexities of Luxembourg's tax and social security systems, with Christine crediting Sven's support and encouragement for her entrepreneurial ventures. Their story brought attention to the urgent need for reform, advocating for simpler processes and greater protection for independent workers who too often face sudden, heavy financial burdens. Open conversations on Mental Health & Vulnerability Christine and Sven argue for a society that embraces vulnerability, mental health openness, and gender-inclusive empathy. Their openness on these issues is a powerful call for the destigmatising of mental illness, recognising the humanity behind both public office and private struggle. Their hope is for a Luxembourg where more people are empowered to speak up and political leaders listen to those whose voices are too often quieted.

Physical movement + mental stimulation combined, plus food, sleep and motivation I know you're all busy and might only read the first paragraph so I'll summarise what I can from the interview here, but of course, please do listen / watch the interview as you'll get so much more from the conversation between my guests.  The core takeaways from our experts for boosting both lifespan and healthspan: - Challenge your brain: Aim for tasks you succeed at 70 - 80% of the time. - Move with purpose of thought: Combine high-intensity bursts with cognitive challenges. - Food: Favour a Mediterranean-style diet rich in plants, healthy fats, and quality protein. - Sleep: Aim for 7 - 9 hours nightly, prioritising quality as much as quantity. - Stay motivated: Choose activities you actually enjoy; consistency is key. It's one thing to live a long life. It's another to live it well: physically sharp, mentally agile, and emotionally engaged. This week on The Lisa Burke Show, my guests are three leaders in neuroscience, nutrition, and biohacking who share the latest, evidence-based ways to extend your health span. Professor Thorben Hülsdünker is a performance neuroscientist and sport neurophysiologist at LUNEX. His research bridges the gap between how the brain and body adapt to training, with practical insights for everyone from elite athletes to ‘normal' adults looking to stay sharp. Myriam Jacobs, a sports and clinical dietitian, now works full-time with the Luxembourg Institute for High Performance in Sport. With a career spanning hospital work in diabetes and obesity to elite sports nutrition, she knows what fuels what is needed for each individual body and at what time of day. Manlio Lo Giudice is a mechanical engineer turned human potential coach, trainer, biohacker, and co-founder of MobiGym: Luxembourg's first longevity fitness studio. He's hosted longevity meetups around the globe, spoken with pioneers like Bryan Johnson and Aubrey de Grey, and tested countless self-optimisation strategies on himself. Professor Hülsdünker starts by reminding us that, evolutionarily, our brains weren't designed to last beyond 50. That's why natural cognitive decline is so common in later life, but not inevitable. Just as we strengthen muscles, we can train the brain. Thorben does not like most of the “brain training” apps as they rarely translate into real-life benefits. He believes in a blend of movement and mental challenges. That's why ball sports, dance, or running whilst solving mental puzzles are best to produce the growth factors that keep neurons thriving. Sleep is another silent superpower. Beyond memory consolidation, deep sleep clears away toxins that can accelerate dementia risk. Shift workers and those with irregular schedules face added challenges, making sleep quality crucial to their health. From the kitchen, Myriam made the case for the Mediterranean way of eating which is not a diet but a lifestyle rich in plants, nuts, olive oil, fish, and limited red meat. On wine, the advice is still moving. Protein does matter, but so does the timing of its intake. As we age we should spread it across the day for optimal absorption. Manlio brought the biohacker's perspective, drawing on the Pareto Principle: 80% of the benefits often come from 20% of our actions. He suggests to focus on the minimum effective dose of exercise to trigger adaptation, avoid chronic stress, and use short, sharp challenges to strengthen both brain and body. Fasting, done wisely, can act as a beneficial stressor, stimulating cellular ‘clean-up' processes like autophagy, but should be tailored to individual needs and lifestyles. When it comes to the whole array of technological devices we can use or wear, Professor Hülsdünker suggests that even if they're not accurate, they might be able to show trends. The whole industry around longevity and all of the apps available to us to track, monitor alter are there if this aids your motivation, but motivation is another large part of what we need it order to develop habits. If you can find a way to physically move whilst using your brain, and eat ‘well' for your body and its needs, do this with a supportive social circle… then you're on your way to living a good and long life. https://www.linkedin.com/in/thorbenhuelsduenker/ https://lunex.lu/ https://lihps.lu/what-we-offer/sports-nutrition/ https://lihps.lu/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/manlio-lo-giudice-a8b7773/

Physical movement + mental stimulation combined, plus food, sleep and motivation. I know you're all busy and might only read the first paragraph so I'll summarise what I can from the interview here, but of course, please do listen / watch the interview as you'll get so much more from the conversation between my guests.  The core takeaways from our experts for boosting both lifespan and healthspan: - Challenge your brain: Aim for tasks you succeed at 70 - 80% of the time. - Move with purpose of thought: Combine high-intensity bursts with cognitive challenges. - Food: Favour a Mediterranean-style diet rich in plants, healthy fats, and quality protein. - Sleep: Aim for 7 - 9 hours nightly, prioritising quality as much as quantity. - Stay motivated: Choose activities you actually enjoy; consistency is key. It's one thing to live a long life. It's another to live it well: physically sharp, mentally agile, and emotionally engaged. This week on The Lisa Burke Show, my guests are three leaders in neuroscience, nutrition, and biohacking who share the latest, evidence-based ways to extend your health span. Professor Thorben Hülsdünker is a performance neuroscientist and sport neurophysiologist at LUNEX. His research bridges the gap between how the brain and body adapt to training, with practical insights for everyone from elite athletes to ‘normal' adults looking to stay sharp. Myriam Jacobs, a sports and clinical dietitian, now works full-time with the Luxembourg Institute for High Performance in Sport. With a career spanning hospital work in diabetes and obesity to elite sports nutrition, she knows what fuels what is needed for each individual body and at what time of day. Manlio Lo Giudice is a mechanical engineer turned human potential coach, trainer, biohacker, and co-founder of MobiGym: Luxembourg's first longevity fitness studio. He's hosted longevity meetups around the globe, spoken with pioneers like Bryan Johnson and Aubrey de Grey, and tested countless self-optimisation strategies on himself. Professor Hülsdünker starts by reminding us that, evolutionarily, our brains weren't designed to last beyond 50. That's why natural cognitive decline is so common in later life, but not inevitable. Just as we strengthen muscles, we can train the brain. Thorben does not like most of the “brain training” apps as they rarely translate into real-life benefits. He believes in a blend of movement and mental challenges. That's why ball sports, dance, or running whilst solving mental puzzles are best to produce the growth factors that keep neurons thriving. Sleep is another silent superpower. Beyond memory consolidation, deep sleep clears away toxins that can accelerate dementia risk. Shift workers and those with irregular schedules face added challenges, making sleep quality crucial to their health. From the kitchen, Myriam made the case for the Mediterranean way of eating which is not a diet but a lifestyle rich in plants, nuts, olive oil, fish, and limited red meat. On wine, the advice is still moving. Protein does matter, but so does the timing of its intake. As we age we should spread it across the day for optimal absorption. Manlio brought the biohacker's perspective, drawing on the Pareto Principle: 80% of the benefits often come from 20% of our actions. He suggests to focus on the minimum effective dose of exercise to trigger adaptation, avoid chronic stress, and use short, sharp challenges to strengthen both brain and body. Fasting, done wisely, can act as a beneficial stressor, stimulating cellular ‘clean-up' processes like autophagy, but should be tailored to individual needs and lifestyles. When it comes to the whole array of technological devices we can use or wear, Professor Hülsdünker suggests that even if they're not accurate, they might be able to show trends. The whole industry around longevity and all of the apps available to us to track, monitor alter are there if this aids your motivation, but motivation is another large part of what we need it order to develop habits. If you can find a way to physically move whilst using your brain, and eat ‘well' for your body and its needs, do this with a supportive social circle… then you're on your way to living a good and long life. https://www.linkedin.com/in/thorbenhuelsduenker/ https://lunex.lu/ https://lihps.lu/what-we-offer/sports-nutrition/ https://lihps.lu/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/manlio-lo-giudice-a8b7773/

The Thrilling World of Horseback Archery combines trust and precision as Nico Thielen and blind rider Nadine Schumacher share their dynamic, niche sport. Horseback archery isn't your typical weekend sport. Imagine galloping at 50 km/h, letting go of the reins, holding onto your horse with just your legs and swiftly releasing arrows at a moving target. Now imagine doing this with no sight. Nico Thielen, a horseback archery coach based in Luxembourg, knows precisely how exhilarating and demanding this ancient martial art can be. Having competed internationally, from Hungary to Jordan, Nico champions this revitalised discipline that requires profound trust between rider and horse. Yet Nico's most remarkable coaching challenge is Nadine Schumacher, who became blind two years ago due to complications from Type 1 Diabetes, exacerbated by severe and chronic stress. Despite this life-altering event, she is determined not to let blindness define her limitations. Nadine's journey into horseback archery began through a friend's introduction to Nico and his fiancée, Sarah Elmquist, who embraced the unique challenge of trying to teach someone who cannot see. Both certified coaches trained in Hungary, they adapted their training methods ingeniously. Nadine shoots by the rhythmic sound of a metronome placed on targets, proving sight is not the only means of achieving pinpoint accuracy. The synergy between horse and rider is profound, especially given that horses, highly sensitive prey animals, mirror human emotions. For Nadine, whose connection to horses was already strong from years as a riding therapist, horseback archery became a natural extension of her understanding of non-verbal communication. Nico highlights the emotional intelligence required in horseback archery, emphasising harmony rather than dominance. "Horses prefer a softer, more intuitive energy," he notes, pointing out why women often excel in equestrian sports. He also shares a fascinating insight about herd dynamics: it's typically the oldest female horse leading through wisdom and experience, a concept he humorously suggests humans might adopt in leadership roles. Both Nico and Nadine stress the therapeutic aspect of their sport. For Nadine, horseback archery represents a remarkable physical and mental challenge, providing immense satisfaction with every arrow hitting its mark. Her resilience serves as an inspiring testament that obstacles, even blindness, can become gateways to extraordinary achievements.  You can also hear the perspective of Nadine's son, Sam, in this show who came to accompany his mother.  You can find both Nico, his finacée Sarah and Nadine competing in the Limpach Open Horseback Archery Festival this weekend.  More information can be found here: Find Nico on instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/bow.rider/ And Nadine here: https://www.instagram.com/souls_in_balance_hobscheid/ Join D'Arc Angels here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/224446304261833/

The Thrilling World of horseback archery combines trust and precision as Nico Thielen and blind rider Nadine Schumacher share their dynamic, niche sport. Horseback archery isn't your typical weekend sport. Imagine galloping at 50 km/h, letting go of the reins, holding onto your horse with just your legs and swiftly releasing arrows at a moving target. Now imagine doing this with no sight. Nico Thielen, a horseback archery coach based in Luxembourg, knows precisely how exhilarating and demanding this ancient martial art can be. Having competed internationally, from Hungary to Jordan, Nico champions this revitalised discipline that requires profound trust between rider and horse. Yet Nico's most remarkable coaching challenge is Nadine Schumacher, who became blind two years ago due to complications from Type 1 Diabetes, exacerbated by severe and chronic stress. Despite this life-altering event, she is determined not to let blindness define her limitations. Nadine's journey into horseback archery began through a friend's introduction to Nico and his fiancée, Sarah Elmquist, who embraced the unique challenge of trying to teach someone who cannot see. Both certified coaches trained in Hungary, they adapted their training methods ingeniously. Nadine shoots by the rhythmic sound of a metronome placed on targets, proving sight is not the only means of achieving pinpoint accuracy. The synergy between horse and rider is profound, especially given that horses, highly sensitive prey animals, mirror human emotions. For Nadine, whose connection to horses was already strong from years as a riding therapist, horseback archery became a natural extension of her understanding of non-verbal communication. Nico highlights the emotional intelligence required in horseback archery, emphasising harmony rather than dominance. "Horses prefer a softer, more intuitive energy," he notes, pointing out why women often excel in equestrian sports. He also shares a fascinating insight about herd dynamics: it's typically the oldest female horse leading through wisdom and experience, a concept he humorously suggests humans might adopt in leadership roles. Both Nico and Nadine stress the therapeutic aspect of their sport. For Nadine, horseback archery represents a remarkable physical and mental challenge, providing immense satisfaction with every arrow hitting its mark. Her resilience serves as an inspiring testament that obstacles, even blindness, can become gateways to extraordinary achievements.  You can also hear the perspective of Nadine's son, Sam, in this show who came to accompany his mother.  You can find both Nico, his finacée Sarah and Nadine competing in the Limpach Open Horseback Archery Festival this weekend.  More information can be found here: Find Nico on instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/bow.rider/ And Nadine here: https://www.instagram.com/souls_in_balance_hobscheid/ Join D'Arc Angels here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/224446304261833/

Trauma in rural France; leadership through equine coaching: Isabelle Constantini and Christine Hansen share how horses, an innate willingness to try new things and adapt has built resilience and reinvention. Isabelle Constantini's life has taken her from Parisian theatre stages to the rugged countryside of the South of France. A former actress, film director and casting director, Isabelle also competed in amateur equestrian championships. However, she had always harboured a dream to live in the south of France in nature with her beloved horses. And so she did it. This bold move to rural France with her 10-year-old daughter changed everything. Seeking a simpler life in nature, Isabelle instead faced harassment from hunters, which cost her her prized horse's career, and bullying from some neighbours which ultimately forced her to move. One method of overcoming the pain endured was writing. Isabelle, through introspection, and an abiding commitment to non-violence wrote a novel about self-discovery and endurance. "Empathy," she said, "is one of the few things left to us as humans." It's a theme she now champions, alongside energy healing, vegetarianism, and a life led by connection to the natural world. “Where leaders learn from the herd” Joining Isabelle in studio was Christine Hansen, who came to horse riding at the age of 38. A former teacher turned coach and entrepreneur, Christine now offers corporate leadership training through equine-assisted learning. This course is co-owned and co-run by Anne Ludovicy who owns Centre Équestre Kehlen, where the course takes place. At the heart of her approach lies one truth: horses don't lie. As prey animals, their survival depends on reading body language and energy. "They are honest, intuitive mirrors," Christine explained, "and they'll react to your presence, not your title.” The result is a powerful feedback loop that can transform leadership styles, challenge self-perceptions, and foster authentic communication. And you don't have to be able to ride a horse; in fact, most participants rarely mount a horse at all. Instead, they engage in grounded observation, interaction and reflection. “The smallest pony can change the way you see yourself,” she said. Both women emphasised the profound healing horses can offer. For Isabelle, they've been a spiritual anchor through life's upheavals. For Christine, they are tools for insight, calm, and self-regulation, even helping to teach breathing and mindset shifts in moments of high stress.

Trauma in rural France; leadership through equine coaching: Isabelle Constantini & Christine Hansen share the transformative power of horses to resilience. Isabelle Constantini's life has taken her from Parisian theatre stages to the rugged countryside of the South of France. A former actress, film director and casting director, Isabelle also competed in amateur equestrian championships. However, she had always harboured a dream to live in the south of France in nature with her beloved horses. And so she did it. This bold move to rural France with her 10-year-old daughter changed everything. Seeking a simpler life in nature, Isabelle instead faced harassment from hunters, which cost her her prized horse's career, and bullying from some neighbours which ultimately forced her to move. One method of overcoming the pain endured was writing. Isabelle, through introspection, and an abiding commitment to non-violence wrote a novel about self-discovery and endurance. "Empathy," she said, "is one of the few things left to us as humans." It's a theme she now champions, alongside energy healing, vegetarianism, and a life led by connection to the natural world. “Where leaders learn from the herd” Joining Isabelle in studio was Christine Hansen, who came to horse riding at the age of 38. A former teacher turned coach and entrepreneur, Christine now offers corporate leadership training through equine-assisted learning. This course is co-owned and co-run by Anne Ludovicy who owns Centre Équestre Kehlen, where the course takes place. At the heart of her approach lies one truth: horses don't lie. As prey animals, their survival depends on reading body language and energy. "They are honest, intuitive mirrors," Christine explained, "and they'll react to your presence, not your title.” The result is a powerful feedback loop that can transform leadership styles, challenge self-perceptions, and foster authentic communication. And you don't have to be able to ride a horse; in fact, most participants rarely mount a horse at all. Instead, they engage in grounded observation, interaction and reflection. “The smallest pony can change the way you see yourself,” she said. Both women emphasised the profound healing horses can offer. For Isabelle, they've been a spiritual anchor through life's upheavals. For Christine, they are tools for insight, calm, and self-regulation, even helping to teach breathing and mindset shifts in moments of high stress.

Paul Binsfeld, Honorary Consul of Luxembourg to Arizona and New Mexico brings Arizona delegation to Luxembourg Paul Binsfeld, Honorary Consul of Luxembourg to Arizona and New Mexico since 2021, reached out to me after listening to the show with Geoff Thompson about the Luxembourg diaspora in America. Paul has been in Luxembourg for over a week now, as part of the 128-strong delegation of Honorary Consuls to Luxembourg from around the world. They were met by Minister Bettel, Prime Minister Frieden, The Chamber of Commerce and Foreign Ministry, and rounded off the day with a reception at Colmar-Berg Castle with Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume. Since then the itinerary has been packed, coupled with meetings for a group of high-level Arizona space and business delegates to  explore new potential partnerships. Brett Mecum is a distinguished government relations professional and space policy expert.  He was appointed by the Arizona Speaker of the House to the Arizona Space Commission in 2024, and was instrumental in passing the Arizona House Bill 2254, and securing $1.5 million for the Space Analog Moon and Mars Mission at Biosphere 2.  Currently, Breet is a 2025 Bertelsmann Foundation Fellow, focusing on the Geopolitics of Space. Elizabeth Christensen is Vice President of Business Development, BlackStar Orbital and is in Luxembourg to form strategic European partnerships to develop new markets for BlackStar's reusable space systems. They view Europe as an important market to work with, and Luxembourg is an obvious hub. The delegation also reflected on the shared values between Luxembourg and Arizona: both regions are shaping the future of defence, commercial space and regulatory frameworks. Luxembourg's model of entrepreneurial diplomacy and strategic openness has created a clear signal to all consuls that Luxembourg is open for business and partnerships. https://play.rtl.lu/shows/en/in-conversation-with-lisa-burke/episodes/n/2312858 https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbinsfeld/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-christensen-2rd/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettmecum/

Paul Binsfeld, Honorary Consul of Luxembourg to Arizona and New Mexico, escorted an Arizona delegation to Luxembourg. Paul Binsfeld, Honorary Consul of Luxembourg to Arizona and New Mexico since 2021, reached out to me after listening to the show with Geoff Thompson about the Luxembourg diaspora in America. Paul has been in Luxembourg for over a week now, as part of the 128-strong delegation of Honorary Consuls to Luxembourg from around the world. They were met by Minister Bettel, Prime Minister Frieden, The Chamber of Commerce and Foreign Ministry, and rounded off the day with a reception at Colmar-Berg Castle with Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume. Since then the itinerary has been packed, coupled with meetings for a group of high-level Arizona space and business delegates to  explore new potential partnerships. Brett Mecum is a distinguished government relations professional and space policy expert.  He was appointed by the Arizona Speaker of the House to the Arizona Space Commission in 2024, and was instrumental in passing the Arizona House Bill 2254, and securing $1.5 million for the Space Analog Moon and Mars Mission at Biosphere 2.  Currently, Breet is a 2025 Bertelsmann Foundation Fellow, focusing on the Geopolitics of Space. Elizabeth Christensen is Vice President of Business Development, BlackStar Orbital and is in Luxembourg to form strategic European partnerships to develop new markets for BlackStar's reusable space systems. They view Europe as an important market to work with, and Luxembourg is an obvious hub. The delegation also reflected on the shared values between Luxembourg and Arizona: both regions are shaping the future of defence, commercial space and regulatory frameworks. Luxembourg's model of entrepreneurial diplomacy and strategic openness has created a clear signal to all consuls that Luxembourg is open for business and partnerships. https://play.rtl.lu/shows/en/in-conversation-with-lisa-burke/episodes/n/2312858 https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbinsfeld/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-christensen-2rd/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettmecum/

Housing is one of the most emotionally charged, personally impactful, and politically complex issues in Luxembourg today. Housing is one of the most emotionally charged, personally impactful, and politically complex issues in Luxembourg today.  In today's show, my guests are: - Minister Claude Meisch, who holds the portfolios for Housing and Spatial Planning; and Education, Children and Youth, talks about the way in which he sees the picture to be tackeld and his ideas for doing so. - Professor Lindsay Flynn, Associate Professor of Political Science and Public Policy at the University of Luxembourg, examines the causes and consequences of housing-driven inequality in Europe and North America. - Martin Stoz, a real estate and social entrepreneur, whose estate agency gives away one third of its commission to a charity of the seller's choice.  Minister Meisch: Build Faster, Smarter, Fairer Minister Meisch outlines a housing landscape shaped by rapid economic growth, population expansion, and a growing disconnect between incomes and housing prices. “We want to be a country where every family finds an affordable home,” he says, but current waiting lists have over 5,500 families are on the public housing waiting list, and many more have simply given up trying. To tackle this, the government is pushing through 40 new measures to simplify building procedures, accelerate planning, and prioritise affordable housing, particularly near transport hubs and employment zones. Spatial planning also must include schooling, healthcare, green spaces, and de-centralisation, away from just Luxembourg city and Esch, to include projects such as the Nordstad, to develop Ettelbrück and Diekirch as northern urban centres. Define Affordable: A Moving Target Prof. Lindsay Flynn draws a sharp distinction between policy definitions of affordable housing and people's lived realities. “When people say ‘affordable', they mean affordable for them – not a statistical bracket,” she notes. Her research, funded by the FNR's PROPEL project, focuses on the ripple effects of housing inequality – particularly among young people and renters. Unlike many EU countries, Luxembourg offers both rental and ownership options under the affordable label. However, whether these are truly accessible depends on income, mortgage access, and policy eligibility – highlighting the mismatch between public definitions and private experience. Renting Realities: What Tenants Are Up Against Prof. Flynn's team recently led a landmark study for Mieterschutz Luxembourg, delving into tenant experiences in the private rental market. The findings included mould and landlords commonly ignoring repair requests. Even when tenants have legal rights, many lack the time, money, or confidence, especially in a foreign language, to enforce them. One practical solution she proposes is to download a letter template to support tenants in communicating formally with landlords. But “many fear retaliation. They don't want to make a fuss.” Youth Extended: The Hidden Costs of Inaccessibility Young people are increasingly stuck at home longer, delaying not only homeownership but life itself: settling down with a partner, starting families, building a financial base. Flynn warns that the housing crisis is “not just about shelter. It's shaping our demographics, our birth rates, and our economic futures.” Her transatlantic studies show striking similarities between Europe and North America: housing costs directly correlate with smaller families and fewer life milestones. “It's not always delay,” she says. “Sometimes, it's trade-off. Life choices are being forgone because of rent.” Immigration, Inclusion & Infrastructure Luxembourg can't cap immigration under EU law. So instead, it must anticipate growth. That means not only more homes, but more schools, including three new international public schools planned by 2028, and better integration. “Only one-third of children in Luxembourg speak Luxembourgish or German at home,”  notes Minister Meisch. Flexibility in education, housing, and planning is essential for cohesion. Can Design Save the City? What about the aesthetics of housing? Minister Meisch admits not all new developments are beautiful, and that's a problem. While individual communes control architectural regulations, the Ministry of the Interior is working on harmonising rules. Public developers like the Fonds du Logement are increasingly showcasing that affordability and design don't have to be mutually exclusive. A Human-Centred Real Estate Model Finally, Martin Stoz of Together Immo offers a fresh take: a for-profit real estate agency that donates a third of every commission to a charity of the seller's choice. “I wanted my work to have meaning,” he explains. Stoz hopes to build a model of conscious capitalism in a sector often criticised for its contribution to inequality. Do write to tell us about your housing experiences in Luxembourg. https://www.uni.lu/fhse-en/people/lindsay-flynn/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordstad https://together-immo.lu/ https://snhbm.lu/ https://fondsdulogement.lu/fr

Minister Meisch outlines his plan, alongside Professor Lindsay Flynn discussing house-driven inequality and Martin Stoz highlighting his estate agency's community initiatives. Housing is one of the most emotionally charged, personally impactful, and politically complex issues in Luxembourg today.  In today's show, my guests are: - Minister Claude Meisch, who holds the portfolios for Housing and Spatial Planning; and Education, Children and Youth, talks about the way in which he sees the picture to be tackeld and his ideas for doing so. - Professor Lindsay Flynn, Associate Professor of Political Science and Public Policy at the University of Luxembourg, examines the causes and consequences of housing-driven inequality in Europe and North America. - Martin Stoz, a real estate and social entrepreneur, whose estate agency gives away one third of its commission to a charity of the seller's choice.  Minister Meisch: Build Faster, Smarter, Fairer Minister Meisch outlines a housing landscape shaped by rapid economic growth, population expansion, and a growing disconnect between incomes and housing prices. “We want to be a country where every family finds an affordable home,” he says, but current waiting lists have over 5,500 families are on the public housing waiting list, and many more have simply given up trying. To tackle this, the government is pushing through 40 new measures to simplify building procedures, accelerate planning, and prioritise affordable housing, particularly near transport hubs and employment zones. Spatial planning also must include schooling, healthcare, green spaces, and de-centralisation, away from just Luxembourg city and Esch, to include projects such as the Nordstad, to develop Ettelbrück and Diekirch as northern urban centres. Define Affordable: A Moving Target Prof. Lindsay Flynn draws a sharp distinction between policy definitions of affordable housing and people's lived realities. “When people say ‘affordable', they mean affordable for them – not a statistical bracket,” she notes. Her research, funded by the FNR's PROPEL project, focuses on the ripple effects of housing inequality – particularly among young people and renters. Unlike many EU countries, Luxembourg offers both rental and ownership options under the affordable label. However, whether these are truly accessible depends on income, mortgage access, and policy eligibility – highlighting the mismatch between public definitions and private experience. Renting Realities: What Tenants Are Up Against Prof. Flynn's team recently led a landmark study for Mieterschutz Luxembourg, delving into tenant experiences in the private rental market. The findings included mould and landlords commonly ignoring repair requests. Even when tenants have legal rights, many lack the time, money, or confidence, especially in a foreign language, to enforce them. One practical solution she proposes is to download a letter template to support tenants in communicating formally with landlords. But “many fear retaliation. They don't want to make a fuss.” Youth Extended: The Hidden Costs of Inaccessibility Young people are increasingly stuck at home longer, delaying not only homeownership but life itself: settling down with a partner, starting families, building a financial base. Flynn warns that the housing crisis is “not just about shelter. It's shaping our demographics, our birth rates, and our economic futures.” Her transatlantic studies show striking similarities between Europe and North America: housing costs directly correlate with smaller families and fewer life milestones. “It's not always delay,” she says. “Sometimes, it's trade-off. Life choices are being forgone because of rent.” Immigration, Inclusion & Infrastructure Luxembourg can't cap immigration under EU law. So instead, it must anticipate growth. That means not only more homes, but more schools, including three new international public schools planned by 2028, and better integration. “Only one-third of children in Luxembourg speak Luxembourgish or German at home,”  notes Minister Meisch. Flexibility in education, housing, and planning is essential for cohesion. Can Design Save the City? What about the aesthetics of housing? Minister Meisch admits not all new developments are beautiful, and that's a problem. While individual communes control architectural regulations, the Ministry of the Interior is working on harmonising rules. Public developers like the Fonds du Logement are increasingly showcasing that affordability and design don't have to be mutually exclusive. A Human-Centred Real Estate Model Finally, Martin Stoz of Together Immo offers a fresh take: a for-profit real estate agency that donates a third of every commission to a charity of the seller's choice. “I wanted my work to have meaning,” he explains. Stoz hopes to build a model of conscious capitalism in a sector often criticised for its contribution to inequality. Do write to tell us about your housing experiences in Luxembourg. https://www.uni.lu/fhse-en/people/lindsay-flynn/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordstad https://together-immo.lu/ https://snhbm.lu/ https://fondsdulogement.lu/fr

Clara Moraru & Ivan Leal Martins remind us that democracy grows stronger when more people participate. Real democracy starts with us: our concerns, our friends and family, and more globally our concerns for the world we are in and will leave behind. Politics and law-making creates the scaffold of our society. Whether you're a long-time Luxembourg resident, a recent arrival, a young voter, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, this episode should help guide to becoming politically empowered. Clara Moraru, founder of Politics for All, and Ivan Leal Martins from Wecitizens join me in studio to share how we can all help shape society by participating, speaking up, and even running for office. Why Local Politics Matter — Even If You Can't Vote “You pay taxes. Your children go to school here. You contribute to society — so why wouldn't you be involved in politics?” Clara asks passionately. Her organisation, Politics for All, is demystifying the political system in Luxembourg for residents who may feel excluded, especially foreign nationals. “We have to make people aware that not voting doesn't mean you don't have a voice. You can participate in public consultations. You can go to communal council meetings. You can be present and active in the local debate.” Youth Participation Ivan Leal Martins, European Project Manager at Wecitizens, is leading efforts to connect youth with democratic action. “Sometimes people say young people are not interested in politics. That's not true. They are political, they just express it differently.” He adds: “They protest. They care about the environment. What we're trying to do is help them connect that energy with the political structures that can amplify their voice.” With projects like MEP4aDay and EU Talks & Bites, Ivan is facilitating moments where students meet policymakers, simulate legislative roles, and realise the European Parliament is not a distant monolith but a platform they can influence. “We want young people to feel like they belong to Europe,” Ivan says. “That they are part of something bigger and that their voice matters not only in the classroom but in the European Union.” Politics Without Borders: Luxembourg & Wallonia  This summer marks the start of a 16-month cross-border project: Demystifying Local Politics, connecting communities in Luxembourg and Wallonia. With support from the EU, the initiative will feature civic education workshops, local government engagement, and the production of Voices of Diversity, a media project giving the spotlight to foreign residents who have stepped into public life. More Accessible Politics Throughout the episode, both guests highlighted the need for simpler, more transparent civic education and to bring opportunities that are freely available into school life. The goal of both Clara and Ivan is clear - remove psychological and linguistic barriers that discourage participation and create a more inclusive political culture, especially for minorities, youth, and foreign nationals. How you can get involved: Sign up for events, workshops, and Parliament visits Run as a local candidate — even if you weren't born in Luxembourg Use your platforms to highlight underrepresented voices Subscribe to newsletters at Politics for All or Wecitizens Explore EU opportunities via the European Youth Portal https://www.politicsforall.lu/ https://youth.europa.eu/home_en https://www.wecitizens-lu.org/

Clara Moraru and Ivan Leal Martins are actively involved in creating political dialogue for all and remind us that democracy grows stronger when more people participate. Real democracy starts with us: our concerns, our friends and family, and more globally our concerns for the world we are in and will leave behind. Politics and law-making creates the scaffold of our society. Whether you're a long-time Luxembourg resident, a recent arrival, a young voter, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, this episode should help guide to becoming politically empowered. Clara Moraru, founder of Politics for All, and Ivan Leal Martins from Wecitizens join me in studio to share how we can all help shape society by participating, speaking up, and even running for office. Why Local Politics Matter — Even If You Can't Vote “You pay taxes. Your children go to school here. You contribute to society — so why wouldn't you be involved in politics?” Clara asks passionately. Her organisation, Politics for All, is demystifying the political system in Luxembourg for residents who may feel excluded, especially foreign nationals. “We have to make people aware that not voting doesn't mean you don't have a voice. You can participate in public consultations. You can go to communal council meetings. You can be present and active in the local debate.” Youth Participation Ivan Leal Martins, European Project Manager at Wecitizens, is leading efforts to connect youth with democratic action. “Sometimes people say young people are not interested in politics. That's not true. They are political, they just express it differently.” He adds: “They protest. They care about the environment. What we're trying to do is help them connect that energy with the political structures that can amplify their voice.” With projects like MEP4aDay and EU Talks & Bites, Ivan is facilitating moments where students meet policymakers, simulate legislative roles, and realise the European Parliament is not a distant monolith but a platform they can influence. “We want young people to feel like they belong to Europe,” Ivan says. “That they are part of something bigger and that their voice matters not only in the classroom but in the European Union.” Politics Without Borders: Luxembourg & Wallonia  This summer marks the start of a 16-month cross-border project: Demystifying Local Politics, connecting communities in Luxembourg and Wallonia. With support from the EU, the initiative will feature civic education workshops, local government engagement, and the production of Voices of Diversity, a media project giving the spotlight to foreign residents who have stepped into public life. More Accessible Politics Throughout the episode, both guests highlighted the need for simpler, more transparent civic education and to bring opportunities that are freely available into school life. The goal of both Clara and Ivan is clear - remove psychological and linguistic barriers that discourage participation and create a more inclusive political culture, especially for minorities, youth, and foreign nationals. How you can get involved: Sign up for events, workshops, and Parliament visits Run as a local candidate — even if you weren't born in Luxembourg Use your platforms to highlight underrepresented voices Subscribe to newsletters at Politics for All or Wecitizens Explore EU opportunities via the European Youth Portal https://www.politicsforall.lu/ https://youth.europa.eu/home_en https://www.wecitizens-lu.org/

From planting forests to refugee kitchens, Vicki Hansen reveals the stories of awardees from the 13th Luxembourg Peace Prize. Vicki Hansen is President of the Schengen Peace Foundation, a Luxembourg-based nonprofit dedicated to global peace-building through its two main initiatives: the World Peace Forum and the Luxembourg Peace. Today heralds the 13th Luxembourg Peace Prize, and the awardees come from all over the world. This is a story of hope and people with tremendous purpose and passion, despite so much our our world feeling fractured today. “Peace isn't just the absence of war—it's a culture, a choice, a way of life.” The foundation's origin rests with two men who realised they were the first generation not to pass on war stories. What if peace could become the new inheritance? The sad thought is that this might not be the case for our children today, which is why, I think, this conversation matters even more. Outstanding Award for Peace Tony Rinaudo is an Australian agronomist regenerating deserts through his concept of farmer-managed natural regeneration (FMNR). Tony lived in Niger Republic in the 1980s when he worked on this technique, and now it flourishes across 26 countries. Outstanding Peace Journalism Gloria Laker is a fearless journalist from Uganda. She's trained over 700 others to report in highly sensitive conflict zones. “Peace journalism is the art of choosing healing over harm,” she says. Outstanding Peace Process Dror Rubin and Ghardir Hani are an Israeli-Palestinian duo using interfaith dialogue to heal generations of division. Dror says “Trust will be built upon introduction, we were not forced to live next to each other, we were chosen to be neighbours in the holy land- not one on top of the other but next to one another.” Outstanding Peace Support Chiche! is a restaurant chain in Luxembourg run entirely by refugees, proving that inclusion can dignified. Food, says Vicki, is a universal language for peace. Their motto is ‘inclusion is delicious'! Outstanding Peace Activism Jennifer Teege, a German New York Times bestselling author was adopted but discovered that her grandfather was a Nazi commandant. She turned personal shock and trauma into a life of reconciliation. Her mantra is that “Peace starts in our heads.” Outstanding Peace Activism The World Central Kitchen is another story led to the connection through food and the grace a good meal bestows on all sides. This phenomenon, the WCF, is led by Michelin starred chef José Andrés. His team serve 500 million meals across war zones and disasters. “Everyone deserves a hot meal served with dignity,” Through it all, Vicki's voice is steady, hopeful, fierce. “We can't outsource peace, we must be that fourth leg at the table.” This is a reference to the prize's sculpture—three legs of a chair with the invitation to join the conversation and be part of the solution. Peace isn't a dream—it's a decision. And it's ours to make.

From planting forests to refugee kitchens, Vicki Hansen reveals the stories of awardees from the 13th Luxembourg Peace Prize Vicki Hansen is President of the Schengen Peace Foundation, a Luxembourg-based nonprofit dedicated to global peace-building through its two main initiatives: the World Peace Forum and the Luxembourg Peace. Today heralds the 13th Luxembourg Peace Prize, and the awardees come from all over the world. This is a story of hope and people with tremendous purpose and passion, despite so much our our world feeling fractured today. “Peace isn't just the absence of war—it's a culture, a choice, a way of life.” The foundation's origin rests with two men who realised they were the first generation not to pass on war stories. What if peace could become the new inheritance? The sad thought is that this might not be the case for our children today, which is why, I think, this conversation matters even more. Outstanding Award for Peace Tony Rinaudo is an Australian agronomist regenerating deserts through his concept of farmer-managed natural regeneration (FMNR). Tony lived in Niger Republic in the 1980s when he worked on this technique, and now it flourishes across 26 countries. Outstanding Peace Journalism Gloria Laker is a fearless journalist from Uganda. She's trained over 700 others to report in highly sensitive conflict zones. “Peace journalism is the art of choosing healing over harm,” she says. Outstanding Peace Process Dror Rubin and Ghardir Hani are an Israeli-Palestinian duo using interfaith dialogue to heal generations of division. Dror says “Trust will be built upon introduction, we were not forced to live next to each other, we were chosen to be neighbours in the holy land- not one on top of the other but next to one another.” Outstanding Peace Support Chiche! is a restaurant chain in Luxembourg run entirely by refugees, proving that inclusion can dignified. Food, says Vicki, is a universal language for peace. Their motto is ‘inclusion is delicious'! Outstanding Peace Activism Jennifer Teege, a German New York Times bestselling author was adopted but discovered that her grandfather was a Nazi commandant. She turned personal shock and trauma into a life of reconciliation. Her mantra is that “Peace starts in our heads.” Outstanding Peace Activism The World Central Kitchen is another story led to the connection through food and the grace a good meal bestows on all sides. This phenomenon, the WCF, is led by Michelin starred chef José Andrés. His team serve 500 million meals across war zones and disasters. “Everyone deserves a hot meal served with dignity,” Through it all, Vicki's voice is steady, hopeful, fierce. “We can't outsource peace, we must be that fourth leg at the table.” This is a reference to the prize's sculpture—three legs of a chair with the invitation to join the conversation and be part of the solution. Peace isn't a dream—it's a decision. And it's ours to make.

Geoff Thompson's documentary, Luxembourg in America, shows the continued and important connections between American ancestors from the wave of Luxembourg immigrants to the U.S. Midwest After a round-up of the ever evolving and heavy news of our times, with Sasha Kehoe, my guest this week is Geoff Thompson. Geoff is known for many things in Luxembourg, but most recently has turned his hands and brain to documentary making. Mid-19th century exodus In the mid-19th century, due to Napoleonic law here in Luxembourg which meant equal sharing of inheritance, once sustainable farms became unsustainable when divided between large numbers of children. And so, some shares were sold to siblings and that money was used to pay for the voyage to the ‘free world'. Geoff Thompson's documentary Luxembourg in America visits their descendants in places like Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa, and sees the heritage that is both celebrated and remaining. A Personal Exploration of Heritage Geoff Thompson, who is also President of the British & Irish Film Festival Luxembourg, shared his motivation: “It started with a simple curiosity – how had these Luxembourg communities preserved so much of their identity? What I found was an entire parallel Luxembourg, alive and well in small towns across the Midwest.” From townships like Dacada and Belgium in Wisconsin to the Luxembourg American Cultural Society (LACS) housed in a traditional stone home, the film uncovers an "island of Luxembourgish culture" preserved across oceans and generations. Thompson brings the audience along to the annual “Luxembourg under the Stars” summer festival, where Bofferding beer flows, Träipen (blood sausage) contests are held, and Moselle wine is imported and enjoyed. Midwestern Roots, European Branches The importance of maintaining and exploring one's heritage is deeply evident in this documentary, underscoring our internal need to know where we come from. By deepening our roots on this earth, we seem to feel more connected to our time and place in history. This documentary shows the shared journeys of these Luxembourg-Americans back to Luxembourg for visits, and vice versa, where Luxembourg officials visit the American diaspora. Notably, it is when some of the American Luxembourgers find family connections still alive here in Luxembourg that the magic deepens. The roots grow stronger and that ancestral bond over time is secured today. For Luxembourg nationals and many of us who live in Luxembourg, coming from other countries, this film highlights our own movements and distance from our own roots. It provokes conversation and reflection on multiculturalism, belonging, and identity. Half of Luxembourg's current population is of foreign background. Yet, just like the Luxembourg-Americans abroad, the modern Grand Duchy is also navigating what it means to preserve culture in a globally connected society. We often think of emigration as loss, and indeed one third of the population of Luxembourg was lost at the time, but it grew in another part of the world, maintaining what culture there was. This cultural identity is most evident in food, the passing down of recipes, the religion and of course the language. You can watch the documentary here: https://m.imdb.com/title/tt33996768/

On the latest episode of The Lisa Burke Show, four remarkable women – scientists, divers, and educators – join Lisa to share how landlocked Luxembourg is making waves in ocean conservation ahead of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference. My guests are:  Dr. Anna Schleimer:  Marine biologist, President & Co-founder of Odyssea Dr. Lexi Grosbusch: Science Mediator, Luxembourg Science Center Clarissa Ausilio: Scientific Mediator, Luxembourg Science Center Lorieza (Lori) Neuberger-Castillo: Scientist, Scuba diver, Odyssea Committee Member, Founder of Diving Escapades As the world prepares for the UN Ocean Conference 2025 in Nice, we welcome four incredible women who are passionate about advocating for the protection of our oceans and all of the incredible life therein.  Dr. Anna Schleimer, President of Odyssea and a marine biologist has spent years researching wildlife in our oceans, which has taken her from the coral reefs of Guadeloupe to the icy Gulf of St. Lawrence.  “There are still so many unanswered questions about the biggest animals on the planet,” she said. “We're seeing shifts in whale distributions due to warming waters. Even critically endangered species like the North Atlantic right whales are suddenly appearing in new areas, and facing new threats.” Dr. Lexi Grosbusch, a science communicator at the Luxembourg Science Center, shared how her journey began on Belgian beaches and was catalysed by a formative marine biology trip to the Seychelles led by Dr. Robert Hofrichter. “That excursion changed everything for me,” she explained. “Diving opened my eyes to a world we're all connected to, but often forget.” Clarissa Ausilio, Lexi's colleague and co-creator of Luxembourg Ocean Days, described how their event grew out of a shared passion.  “We wanted to do something fun and meaningful,” she said. “Ocean science isn't just for coastal nations. Luxembourg had hundreds of students eager to learn last year and we're expanding the programme this June.” Lorieza (Lori) Neuberger-Castillo brought a deeply personal connection. Raised in a Philippine fishing village where the sea was her playground, trained as a scientist in Australia, where the Great Barrier Reef was on her doorstep, and now a scientist and scuba diver in Luxembourg, she founded Diving Escapades to promote sustainable travel.  “Scuba diving changed the way I saw everything—its beauty and its fragility.” Despite being landlocked, Luxembourg is part of this story. As Anna reminded us, “Even our rivers flow to the sea. What we do here matters.” Luxembourg Ocean Days 2025 (June 11–15) promises interactive school workshops, public exhibits, and family activities—all underpinned by science and hope, taking place at the Luxembourg Science Center As Anna said, “The ocean has already bought us time. Now it's our turn to act.” https://www.odyssea.lu/en/ https://divingescapades.com/ocean-conservation/ https://www.science-center.lu/en/ocean-days-2nd-edition-june-2025 https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorieza/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarissa-ausilio-032045276/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-schleimer-63224876/

Luxembourg may be landlocked, but these women are proving you don't need a coastline to care deeply and act boldly for our oceans. My guests are:  Dr. Anna Schleimer:  Marine biologist, President & Co-founder of Odyssea Dr. Lexi Grosbusch: Science Mediator, Luxembourg Science Center Clarissa Ausilio: Scientific Mediator, Luxembourg Science Center Lorieza (Lori) Neuberger-Castillo: Scientist, Scuba diver, Odyssea Committee Member, Founder of Diving Escapades As the world prepares for the UN Ocean Conference 2025 in Nice, we welcome four incredible women who are passionate about advocating for the protection of our oceans and all of the incredible life therein.  Dr. Anna Schleimer, President of Odyssea and a marine biologist has spent years researching wildlife in our oceans, which has taken her from the coral reefs of Guadeloupe to the icy Gulf of St. Lawrence.  “There are still so many unanswered questions about the biggest animals on the planet,” she said. “We're seeing shifts in whale distributions due to warming waters. Even critically endangered species like the North Atlantic right whales are suddenly appearing in new areas, and facing new threats.” Dr. Lexi Grosbusch, a science communicator at the Luxembourg Science Center, shared how her journey began on Belgian beaches and was catalysed by a formative marine biology trip to the Seychelles led by Dr. Robert Hofrichter. “That excursion changed everything for me,” she explained. “Diving opened my eyes to a world we're all connected to, but often forget.” Clarissa Ausilio, Lexi's colleague and co-creator of Luxembourg Ocean Days, described how their event grew out of a shared passion.  “We wanted to do something fun and meaningful,” she said. “Ocean science isn't just for coastal nations. Luxembourg had hundreds of students eager to learn last year and we're expanding the programme this June.” Lorieza (Lori) Neuberger-Castillo brought a deeply personal connection. Raised in a Philippine fishing village where the sea was her playground, trained as a scientist in Australia, where the Great Barrier Reef was on her doorstep, and now a scientist and scuba diver in Luxembourg, she founded Diving Escapades to promote sustainable travel.  “Scuba diving changed the way I saw everything—its beauty and its fragility.” Despite being landlocked, Luxembourg is part of this story. As Anna reminded us, “Even our rivers flow to the sea. What we do here matters.” Luxembourg Ocean Days 2025 (June 11–15) promises interactive school workshops, public exhibits, and family activities—all underpinned by science and hope, taking place at the Luxembourg Science Center As Anna said, “The ocean has already bought us time. Now it's our turn to act.” https://www.odyssea.lu/en/ https://divingescapades.com/ocean-conservation/ https://www.science-center.lu/en/ocean-days-2nd-edition-june-2025 https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorieza/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarissa-ausilio-032045276/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-schleimer-63224876/

From Olympic training to injury prevention, Luxembourg hosts the world's brightest minds to prove why maths might just be sport's secret superpower. After a round-up of mid-week news with Sasha Kehoe, my guests this week are: - Prof. Christophe Ley – Main organiser of MathSport International; leads the Modelling, Interdisciplinary Research, Data Science, Applied Mathematics and Statistics group at the University of Luxembourg.  - Prof. Romain Seil – World-renowned orthopaedic knee surgeon, IOC advisor, Director of the Neurosciences and Musculoskeletal Diseases Division at Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg; co-founder of the European Society of Sports Traumatology, knee Surgery and Arthroscopy - ESSKA's Pediatric ACL registry and previous President of ESSKA, amongst many other organisations. - Prof. Thorben Hülsdünker – Professor in Performance Neuroscience and Sport Neurophysiology, Head of the Neurophysiology and Motor Control Research Area at LUNEX. - Alwin de Prins – Former Olympian and Managing Director at the Luxembourg Institute for High Performance in Sports (LIHPS) - Katarzyna Szczerba – PhD student with Prof. Ley, using machine learning with medical data to best use this data for injury prevention, and much more.  This week on The Lisa Burke Show, we dive deep into a blend of brain and brawn as Luxembourg hosts the 11th International MathSport Conference. While it may sound niche, what's unfolding here could revolutionise how athletes train, recover—and even avoid career-ending injuries. And not just athletes as many injuries are caused by people unprepared for activities they undertake once a year, such as skiing. Held from June 4–6 in the Coque and LUNEX University, the conference unites elite athletes, data scientists, surgeons and policymakers to explore how mathematics, data science and AI are transforming global sport. A Surgeon's Warning Professor Romain Seil, Luxembourg's globally celebrated knee specialist, put it bluntly: "If I could ban two sports for injury prevention, it would be football and alpine skiing." His data from years in the operating room is compelling. ACL injuries are devastating, often leading to early joint replacements. Professor Seil hopes we can increasingly pool real data to reform training, and embed prevention strategies from grass-roots to Olympic levels. “Coaches often don't realise the long-term damage until multiple players are injured. Data is how we change that.” Brains Behind the Brawn Professor Thorben Hülsdünker of LUNEX added another dimension with a focus on the connection of our body with our brain. He studies the neurophysiology of elite performance, from how athletes see and react, and how training can rewire the brain. “The brain is the next frontier of sports training,” he said. “Understanding it will define the next generation of champions.” Prof Hülsdünker knows that the best training targets both muscles and minds, combining sport science with neuroscience. AI Gets Personal PhD student AI-enhanced Cox Model blends machine learning with statistical models to predict runner injuries, and other medical issues, before they happen. “We're building tools that doctors and coaches can understand: simple, interpretable, but powerful enough to prevent injury.” Her AI-enhanced Cox Model is one of the standout presentations at MathSport 2025. From Pool to Policy Alwin de Prins, a three-time Olympic swimmer and now Director of LIHPS, reflects on what's changed since his competitive days: “I never had this level of support as an athlete. Now, our goal is to optimise not just performance, but well-being and life after sport.” His mission includes dual career planning, athlete health, and placing Luxembourg firmly on the map as a sporting—and scientific—nation. Why Luxembourg? Why Now? Professor Christophe Ley, the heart of this year's conference, pulled it all together: “Sport is full of data. We want to extract meaning from it—not just for medals, but for health, safety, and strategy.” With keynote talks ranging from sports analytics to injury prevention and economics, MathSport 2025 puts Luxembourg at the centre of a growing global movement: data-driven sport. https://www.linkedin.com/in/alwindeprins/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophe-ley-b71607166/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/romain-seil-9952172a/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/thorbenhuelsduenker/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarzyna-szczerba-4402b9192/ Get in touch  Tune in to The Lisa Burke Show on Today Radio Saturdays at 11am, Sundays at noon, and Tuesdays at 11am. Watch on RTL Play. Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on Apple or Spotify!

From Olympic training to injury prevention, Luxembourg hosts the world's brightest minds to prove why maths might just be sport's secret superpower. After a round-up of mid-week news with Sasha Kehoe, my guests this week are: - Prof. Christophe Ley – Main organiser of MathSport International; leads the Modelling, Interdisciplinary Research, Data Science, Applied Mathematics and Statistics group at the University of Luxembourg.  - Prof. Romain Seil – World-renowned orthopaedic knee surgeon, IOC advisor, Director of the Neurosciences and Musculoskeletal Diseases Division at Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg; co-founder of the European Society of Sports Traumatology, knee Surgery and Arthroscopy - ESSKA's Pediatric ACL registry and previous President of ESSKA, amongst many other organisations. - Prof. Thorben Hülsdünker – Professor in Performance Neuroscience and Sport Neurophysiology, Head of the Neurophysiology and Motor Control Research Area at LUNEX. - Alwin de Prins – Former Olympian and Managing Director at the Luxembourg Institute for High Performance in Sports (LIHPS) - Katarzyna Szczerba – PhD student with Prof. Ley, using machine learning with medical data to best use this data for injury prevention, and much more.  This week on The Lisa Burke Show, we dive deep into a blend of brain and brawn as Luxembourg hosts the 11th International MathSport Conference. While it may sound niche, what's unfolding here could revolutionise how athletes train, recover—and even avoid career-ending injuries. And not just athletes as many injuries are caused by people unprepared for activities they undertake once a year, such as skiing. Held from June 4–6 in the Coque and LUNEX University, the conference unites elite athletes, data scientists, surgeons and policymakers to explore how mathematics, data science and AI are transforming global sport. A Surgeon's Warning Professor Romain Seil, Luxembourg's globally celebrated knee specialist, put it bluntly: "If I could ban two sports for injury prevention, it would be football and alpine skiing." His data from years in the operating room is compelling. ACL injuries are devastating, often leading to early joint replacements. Professor Seil hopes we can increasingly pool real data to reform training, and embed prevention strategies from grass-roots to Olympic levels. “Coaches often don't realise the long-term damage until multiple players are injured. Data is how we change that.” Brains Behind the Brawn Professor Thorben Hülsdünker of LUNEX added another dimension with a focus on the connection of our body with our brain. He studies the neurophysiology of elite performance, from how athletes see and react, and how training can rewire the brain. “The brain is the next frontier of sports training,” he said. “Understanding it will define the next generation of champions.” Prof Hülsdünker knows that the best training targets both muscles and minds, combining sport science with neuroscience. AI Gets Personal PhD student AI-enhanced Cox Model blends machine learning with statistical models to predict runner injuries, and other medical issues, before they happen. “We're building tools that doctors and coaches can understand: simple, interpretable, but powerful enough to prevent injury.” Her AI-enhanced Cox Model is one of the standout presentations at MathSport 2025. From Pool to Policy Alwin de Prins, a three-time Olympic swimmer and now Director of LIHPS, reflects on what's changed since his competitive days: “I never had this level of support as an athlete. Now, our goal is to optimise not just performance, but well-being and life after sport.” His mission includes dual career planning, athlete health, and placing Luxembourg firmly on the map as a sporting—and scientific—nation. Why Luxembourg? Why Now? Professor Christophe Ley, the heart of this year's conference, pulled it all together: “Sport is full of data. We want to extract meaning from it—not just for medals, but for health, safety, and strategy.” With keynote talks ranging from sports analytics to injury prevention and economics, MathSport 2025 puts Luxembourg at the centre of a growing global movement: data-driven sport. https://www.linkedin.com/in/alwindeprins/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophe-ley-b71607166/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/romain-seil-9952172a/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/thorbenhuelsduenker/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarzyna-szczerba-4402b9192/ Get in touch  Tune in to The Lisa Burke Show on Today Radio Saturdays at 11am, Sundays at noon, and Tuesdays at 11am. Watch on RTL Play. Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on Apple or Spotify!

How can Europe reshape its place in the Space world to take more autonomy? We began this week's episode of The Lisa Burke Show with Sasha Kehoe's round-up of global news. From the diplomatic unease surrounding Donald Trump's controversial allegations against South Africa, to critical updates on humanitarian aid delays in Gaza and Luxembourg's shifting pension policies. The segment also touched on CargoLux's heartwarming mission rescuing two brown bears, and the growing geopolitical stature of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni internationally.  Europe's place in the Space Economy François Leproux has just published his second book on space: 'La nouvelle conquête spatiale: quelle place pour l'Europe face au NewSpace?', and he brought a passionate perspective on why Europe must reclaim ambition in crewed spaceflight. A space engineer and author, François is building on his first book about the Hermes shuttle. He believes that Europe has the technical foundation, through Ariane rockets, industrial expertise, and past collaborations on the ISS, to lead independently. Yet without a sovereign crewed space program, François warns that Europe risks becoming irrelevant in the geopolitical narrative of space exploration. His call is urgent: invest in autonomy, unify internally, and inspire a new generation with human-led missions. Joining us online from Paris, Aurélie Bressollette, CEO of Latitude, offered a commercial lens on the space economy. With a formidable background at Airbus, OHB, and Redwire, Aurélie now leads a company pioneering dedicated satellite launch services. She debunked the myth of cost-per-kilo dominance by SpaceX, advocating instead for an ‘Uber-to-the-stars' solution that prioritises mission specificity over brute launch mass. Her view: Europe's competitive edge lies not just in technology, but in agility, customer responsiveness, and institutional backing that can support nimble NewSpace players. With strategic orbits like sun-synchronous within reach, her optimism is grounded in engineering reality. Dr. Laetitia Cesari completed our stellar panel with her legal and policy insight into outer space governance. A practitioner and researcher with expertise in cybersecurity, in-orbit servicing, and the upcoming EU Space Act, Laetitia emphasised the complexity of coordinating Europe's multi-layered space apparatus. ESA, the EU, and national agencies must align more efficiently, she said, if Europe is to compete with faster-moving powers. Defense, though historically out of ESA's remit, is now tightly interwoven with space policy, as satellites become essential for secure communication and surveillance. Laetitia's insights highlighted how law and policy are not just supporting acts, but mission-critical elements. Whether through political will, commercial innovation, or regulatory harmonisation, the message was clear: Europe has the tools and must now use them strategically. The ISS is nearing retirement, Artemis is Moon-bound, and commercial stations are on the horizon. If Europe doesn't step up, it risks becoming a subcontractor in a future it should be helping to lead. Contact Lisa here https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-burke-4272276/?originalSubdomain=lu http://www.linkedin.com/in/françois-leproux-63347263 https://www.deboecksuperieur.com/livre/9782807369757-la-nouvelle-conquete-spatiale https://www.editions-jpo.com/fr/accueil/228-hermes-une-ambition-en-heritage-9782373011395.html https://www.linkedin.com/in/aur%C3%A9lie-bressollette-06b7598/details/education/ https://www.degaullefleurance.com/annuaire/laetitia-cesari/