Listen Again - to World Radio Switzerland

Les Genevoix, Geneva’s gay men’s choir and the only gay men’s choir in French-speaking Switzerland, are preparing for their upcoming concert “Rise Up – Sois Toi-Même.” Formed in 2020 at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic with just ten singers meeting online, the choir has since grown into a vibrant community of around 50 amateur voices representing more than 20 nationalities from every continent. United by a mission to build community among gay men, Les Genevoix also promote tolerance, acceptance, and visibility in support of the wider LGBTIQA+ community. The choir performs a varied repertoire in four-part harmony, spanning contemporary pop, musical theatre anthems, and emotional classics in both French and English, reflecting the diversity of its members. Their concert takes place on Saturday 13 June at 8pm at Salle Frank-Martin in Geneva. The programme includes 16 songs exploring strength, identity, and self-expression. Tickets are available at www.lesgenevoix.com or at the door, and all are welcome to attend. Photo credit: David Wagnières - Ville de Genève

WRS' Breakfast Show host Katt Cullen spoke to Sophia Hatfield-Giraux, Head of Sixth Form at the British School of Geneva, about what makes the school stand out in the region's competitive international education landscape. Sophia discusses how BSG combines the strengths of the British curriculum with a personalised approach that helps students achieve academic excellence while developing the confidence, resilience and skills needed for life beyond school. The conversation explores the school's diverse international community, the support available for university applications and career planning, and how students are encouraged to discover their strengths and ambitions. For more information about the British School of Geneva, including admissions, programmes and upcoming events, visit www.britishschoolgeneva.ch or hear from the students themselves on the school's Instagram page; @britishschoolgeneva.

David Ashtam-Kar founded Star Sports more than two decades ago, and what began as a handful of football camps has grown into a programme that has welcomed over 17,000 young participants and now offers more than 40 activities each year. In this interview, David explains how Star Sports caters for players of different ages and abilities, from beginners taking their first steps in the game to ambitious young footballers aiming for the highest levels. We also discuss the official Tottenham Hotspur camps, where academy coaches travel from the UK to work with players in Switzerland. New for 2026 is the THFC Elite Camp, designed for advanced and elite-level players looking to take the next step in their development. There's also the Girls Only Camp, welcoming girls aged 8 to 16, from newcomers discovering football to advanced and elite players.

This week, head to CERN for the 15th edition of CineGlobe, taking place 5-7 June 2026. Blending film, science, art, culture and education, the free festival offers something for all ages, from workshops and immersive experiences to award-winning films and family activities. WRS's Katt Cullen spoke with one of the organisers this year, Mel Reyes, about this year’s theme and some of the standout events, including the opening-night screening of ARCO, the audiovisual performance Horizons, and the documentary A Life Illuminated about bioluminescence. We also explore hands-on workshops and a programme of eight virtual reality experiences that push the boundaries of storytelling. Full programme available at cineglobe.ch

Steel Magnolias arrives in Basel from 11-14 June, bringing Robert Harling’s beloved story of friendship, resilience and community to the stage. On the WRS Breakfast Show, Katt Cullen speaks with co-directors Scott Holland and Carrie Aikman, alongside cast member Lara Jekke, who plays Anelle. They discuss the challenges and rewards of bringing this moving and often hilarious play to life, the themes that continue to resonate with audiences, and the unique relationships between the women at the heart of the story. Set within the familiar surroundings of a beauty salon, Steel Magnolias explores love, loss, hope, faith, trust and chosen family across generations. Tickets and information are available at semicircle-basel.com.

Geneva-based psychologist and career transition specialist Marion Aufseesser has just released her second book, To Pee Or Not To Pee, a photography collection dedicated entirely to restroom doors and bathroom entrances from around the world. Featuring images of men’s, women’s and unisex bathrooms - alongside symbols ranging from cows to abstract figures - the book explores the many creative, humorous and sometimes outdated ways societies communicate ideas around gender, identity and public space. Alongside the photography, Marion also curates reflections on cultural habits, sanitation issues and the universal experience of navigating public bathrooms. The bilingual French-English book mixes light-hearted observation with broader social commentary. Marion joins Katt Cullen on the WRS Breakfast Show to discuss what inspired the project, what she discovered through the images, and what these everyday symbols reveal about the way we see ourselves and others...

This 7-10 July 2026, the AI for Good Global Summit returns to Palexpo in Geneva for four days dedicated to the future of artificial intelligence and its real-world impact. Hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations agency for digital technologies, the event brings together innovators, policymakers, researchers, artists, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from around the world. Recognised as one of the leading AI gatherings of the year, AI for Good explores how artificial intelligence is transforming industries, accelerating scientific discovery, and tackling some of society’s most urgent challenges. The 2026 edition promises an even bigger programme of interactive exhibitions, live demonstrations, expert workshops, high-level discussions, robotics showcases, and creative performances. This year’s summit will spotlight the growing intersection between AI, culture, and creativity - from AI-generated music, film and digital art to robotic performances and discussions around the future of creative industries - with Will.I.am and John Legend. Visitors can expect everything from immersive installations and AI-powered entertainment to conversations about ethics, regulation, education, sustainability, and innovation. On this morning’s Breakfast Show, Katt Cullen spoke with Fred Werner, Chief of Strategy and Operations for AI for Good at the ITU, to preview some of the major themes, headline speakers, and breakthrough experiences audiences can expect at this year’s event... Register at aiforgood.itu.int

Joëlle Bertossa, Administrative Councillor in charge of Culture and Digital Transition for the City of Geneva, speaks with WRS Breakfast Show host Katt Cullen about Nuit des Musées taking place this Saturday, 30 May. This year's theme is On Your Marks, Get Set, Go... Twenty-eight cultural institutions across Geneva will open from 6pm to midnight for a cultural marathon featuring exhibitions, dance and circus performances, games, workshops and special activities. Venues include the Botanical Gardens, Archives de la Ville de Genève, UNIGE, Bibliothèque de Genève and MEG, among many others, with the skateboarding museum making its debut this year. Joëlle explains why the event is so important for showcasing Geneva’s museums and how the programme is developed with participating institutions. Tickets are CHF 10, free for under-18s, and include TPG shuttle transport and a marathon bib. Full details and planning information at nuitdesmusees-geneve.ch

Ahead of the CERN Croquet and Bowls Club Open Day on Sunday 3 1May from 11:00, WRS explores three unique precision sports played on the Prévessin-Moëns CERN site. Katt Cullen speaks with Peter Payne and Ann Silverman about the differences between croquet, bowls, pétanque and gateball - the Japanese sport inspired by croquet that’s growing internationally. They also discuss the club’s welcoming social side, competitive international tournaments, and why newcomers are encouraged to give the sports a try. Non-CERN visitors are welcome, but advance registration is essential to organise site access passes for the event at [email protected] More information can be found at croquet.web.cern.ch/

This weekend, the vineyards of Vaud are throwing open their doors for the annual Caves Ouvertes Vaudoises - and with one CHF 40 pass, wine lovers can explore more than 250 wineries across the canton. From Lavaux to La Côte, Chablais, Côtes-de-l'Orbe, Bonvillars and Vully, visitors can taste their way through some of Switzerland’s finest wine regions. The ticket includes a tasting glass, official wristband, free public transport throughout Vaud when booked online, and even a CHF 20 voucher towards the purchase of six bottles. WRS’ own Katt Cullen spoke to Johann Parmelin from Domaine La Capitaine about nine generations of winemaking, the challenges and rewards of the latest vintage, and what makes Caves Ouvertes such a special event for both winegrowers and visitors alike. Johann also explains how the family-run domaine balances tradition with an international outlook, why direct feedback from visitors matters, and what guests can expect at Domaine La Capitaine during this year’s festivities. Caves Ouvertes Vaudoises takes place on 23 and 24 May, from 10am to 6pm. You can buy your CHF 40 pass now at mescavesouvertes.ch - and if you book online, public transport across Vaud is included for the entire weekend. Snacks at various vineyards will be a supplement.  Domaine La Capitaine also has their own wine bar open on Wednesdays throughout May and will summer afterwork events every Thursday in July and August with snacks, a DJ, and of course wine. Details at: lacapitaine.ch/

On the WRS Breakfast Show, Katt Cullen speaks with Laura Vila from Verbier International School about their boutique alpine summer camps in the heart of Verbier, Switzerland. Designed for 7 - 17 year olds looking for more than just a holiday, the camps combine leadership workshops, cultural experiences, and adrenaline-filled outdoor adventures in a unique alpine setting.  From tree climbing, splash boats and banana boats to Europe’s highest zipline and unforgettable overnight mountain hut expeditions, campers experience adventure, connection, and personal growth in the Swiss Alps. Activities also include discovering Swiss culture and global awareness through visits to places such as the United Nations in Geneva and a UNESCO World Heritage glacier. Verbier International School’s summer camp experience runs throughout 29 June to 26 July and campers can join for 1, 2, 3 or 4 weeks. For campers 10years and older, there's also accommodation on campus in the Verbier International School's own chalet, which allows the option of overnight stays.  Contact Verbier International School today at verbierinternationalschool.ch to secure your place in Verbier this summer. 

Award-winning Irish novelist John Boyne joins Katt Cullen on the WRS Breakfast Show to discuss his powerful new novel The Elements - a sweeping literary saga exploring guilt, trauma, complicity, and redemption through four interconnected narratives. Best known internationally for The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, Boyne is the author of sixteen novels for adults, alongside books for younger readers, novellas, and short story collections. His bestselling 2006 novel became a global phenomenon, translated into more than 58 languages and adapted into a critically acclaimed film in 2008. The novel has sold more than 11 million copies globally, making it one of the bestselling books of all time. Its sequel, All the Broken Places, was published in 2022. Now in Geneva to speak with the Geneva Literary Society, Boyne is discussing his 2025 novel The Elements, which follows a mother on the run from her past, a young football star facing trial, a surgeon haunted by childhood trauma, and a father and son on a transformative journey. Each story explores a different role within cycles of harm - the enabler, the accomplice, the perpetrator, and the victim - before gradually intertwining in unexpected ways. Widely described as Boyne’s most ambitious work yet, The Elements examines how and why people allow wrongdoing to happen, challenging readers to confront their own understanding of guilt, innocence, responsibility, and forgiveness. Katt spoke with John Boyne about the enduring legacy of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, the inspiration behind The Elements, and why these themes continue to resonate so strongly today. You can attend John's Societé de Lecture talk (in English) at 7pm on Wednesday 20 May at 11 Grand Rue, 1204 Geneva.  Tickets are CHF 20 for members and CHF 30 for non-members and can be purchased at : societe-de-lecture.ch/events/john-boyne-english/

On WRS Breakfast Show, Katt Cullen speaks with photographer and filmmaker Richard Wainwright about his powerful new documentary exploring the role of therapy dogs in Uganda. The 30-minute film follows the work of charity “The Big Fix” which, in the aftermath of the brutal 20-year conflict in Northern Uganda, pairs former child soldiers abducted by the Lord’s Resistance Army and living with severe PTSD with rescued and abandoned dogs. As both the people and animals carry the scars of trauma, the documentary reveals the extraordinary bond that develops between them - and the healing, trust and hope they rediscover together. Richard shares stories from the people featured in the film - including Lucy and Sadik, Francis and Tommy, and Jennifer, who says her dog Ogen saved her life - and explains the science behind the human-animal bond. Richard presents the documentary in Geneva next Wednesday 27 May 2026 at Les Salons Théâtre. He'll be present alongside child psychologst and WRS Kids in Mind host, Dr Rebecca Weber for a post-screening discussion. Tickets are CHF 30 and available now through the American International Club at amclub.ch. It’s a rare opportunity to hear directly from the filmmaker and learn more about the extraordinary healing bond between people and animals affected by conflict.

On this morning's Breakfast Show, Katt Cullen steps into the dazzling world of Kinky Boots with special guests Jessica Chan, director of the upcoming GAOS production in Nyon, and Doryan, who takes on the iconic role of Lola. Ahead of performances from 28–31 May, they discuss the heart, humour, and high heels behind this Tony Award-winning musical. Kinky Boots tells the uplifting story of Charlie Price, who inherits his family’s struggling shoe factory and finds an unexpected partner in Lola, a fabulous performer in need of sturdy stilettos. Featuring music by Cyndi Lauper, the show is packed with energy, emotion, and unforgettable songs. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at a production celebrating friendship, identity, and acceptance. When: 28–31 May, including matinee and evening performances Where: Théâtre des Marens, Nyon Tickets: gaos.ch

Pint of Science is back - and it’s bringing cutting-edge research out of the lab and into the pub! On the WRS Breakfast Show, Katt Cullen spoke to Dr Emily Schafer and Dr Julika Radecke, the Geneva coordinators of the science festival Pint of Science. The idea is simple: grab a drink, pull up a chair, and hear directly from scientists about the fascinating work they’re doing - in a way that’s designed for curious non-scientists, not academics. From neuroscience and biomedical engineering to quantum physics and astrophysics, the talks are short, engaging, and interactive, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions. This year’s Geneva events take place from 18-20 May, with English-language talks happening at the Mr Pickwick Pub on May 19 and 20 at 7pm.  And it’s not just Geneva. Pint of Science events are happening in cities across Switzerland, bringing science to bars, cafés and curious minds nationwide. Find out more about the festival and upcoming talks near you at pintofscience.ch.

Fraternal Compagnia presents Dedalus and Icarus, written by Nobel Prize-winning playwright Dario Fo and newly adapted in English to celebrate the centenary of the Italian master’s birth, promoted by the Franca Rame and Dario Fo Foundation. Reimagining the ancient myth for a modern audience, this powerful production challenges the familiar image of Icarus as merely reckless and arrogant. Instead, Fo reveals a deeper warning: the danger of escaping reality in search of comforting illusions and fantasies. Performed by Geneva local, Gabriel Bird, the adaption blends sharp wit, dark humour, and emotional depth, as well as the fragile bond between father and son. Both heartfelt tragedy and biting social commentary, Dedalus and Icarus remains strikingly relevant in today’s world. The production takes place at Théâtre Les 50, a unique multicultural performance space near Geneva, owned by Karen Curtis. Housed in a transformed 19th-century residence, the theatre is known for its intimate atmosphere, international productions, and commitment to artists in residence from across the region and beyond. Dedalus and Icarus will be performed on 15 and 17 May 2026 in English, and on 16 May in French at the Théâtre Les 50 in Saint-Jean-de-Gonville in neighbouring France. Tickets are €22, with reduced tickets for students.  WRS Breakfast Show's Katt Cullen speaks to Theatre Manager Karen Curtis and Performer Gabriel Bird about the upcoming performances... 

Jim's British Market celebrates 30 years (the same as WRS!) This Saturday you can join in the festivities at their shop in Gland - and sample a new rabge of beers specifically brewed for Jim's. Mark Butcher (who's a little annoyed he didn't think of a WRS beer) spoke to Chris Anderson about the inspiration for the beer and what's happening on Saturday.