14. Behind Closed Eyes
Meet my friend Ozzy: a true adventurer both inside and outside the lab. From chance observations of sleeping mice to building a medical startup now entering operating rooms, her path traces the uncertain yet exciting journey of turning fundamental research into something that can change clinical care. This is a story about patience, collaboration, and what it takes to carry an idea across the fragile space between academia and impact.
13. Back to School
Meet my friend Lindsey: introverted extrovert, wearer of many hats, and a reminder that there’s no expiration date on completing what you started. From childcare to pet sitting to a dozen in-between jobs, her path has zigzagged from Texas to Switzerland, and after over a decade, she went back to University to finish her degree in Psychology. This is a story about second beginnings, the power of support, and the quiet courage it takes to begin again.
12. The Trigger List
Meet my friend Clément: teacher by day, list-maker by night. What began as a tongue-in-cheek “Trigger List” in his Notes app – a catalogue of everything from conspiracy theorists to toilet-paper orientation – has grown into a miniature sociology of modern life. But behind the irony is a man who finds joy in teaching, meaning in curiosity, and humour in the chaos of being human.
11. Mind’s Eye Wide Shut
Meet my friend Clara: supposed to be a student by day and artist by night, but as you’ll see from her profile, she’s basically a full-time artist. Join me as we wander through her world of sketches, colours, and serendipitous creations. From crochet cows to portraits that seem to look right back at you – Clara’s story is one of generosity, curiosity, and a fascinating paradox: an artist who brings entire worlds to life without ever picturing them in her mind’s eye.
10. May it Make You Happy
Meet my friend (and 10th subject woohoo) Uarda: part-time thrifter and full-time style icon. Join me as we trace her journey from childhood market stalls in Albania to Parisian flea markets and beyond – uncovering how thrifting became more than a hobby, but a form of self-expression, creativity, and care. This is a story about finding joy in the worn-in, the well-loved, and the wonderfully unique.
9. Through a Different Lens
Meet my friend and mentor Anthony: full-time professor of Neuroscience, part-time nature photographer. Join me as we explore his journey from darkroom days to dawn hikes, revealing how photography became his way of connecting with nature, and capturing moments of quiet magic in a world that rarely stands still. This is a story about curiosity, connection, and seeing the world through more than one lens.
8. Feeling the Vibe {Code}
Meet my friend Nisheet: a computational neuroscientist, software engineer, entrepreneur, and also husband of our previous profile subject Kelly! Join me in the second part of this special wife-and-husband back-to-back piece, as I try to translate Nisheet’s intelligence into words. We get to learn about various concepts from the difference between programming and software engineering, to the fact that the term ‘design pattern’ is not just used in fashion design!
7. Giving the Chimps their Home Back
Meet my friend Kelly: lifelong animal lover, and our very own Jane Goodall in the making. In this story, we follow her deep into Uganda’s Bugoma forest, where she investigates what drives chimpanzees to use tools. Her work sheds light on innovation in the animal world — and reminds us how even our smallest choices, like how we deal with plastic, are part of a much bigger environmental picture.
6. A Lack of Tenderness and Companionship
Meet my friend Dora: originally named Elisavet by her parents. From vlogging with her friends and brother, to amusing Tik-Toks and chatting with friends on her very own podcast – she’s a true content creator at heart. Dive into her profile to uncover a unique triple collaboration: a podcast where we reverse roles and I interview her, plus cover art from a previously featured creator!
5. A Man of Many Passions
Meet my friend Olivier: a man who has many passions. From consciousness to photography to plants, Olivier thrives on exploring the unknown. Discover the many facets of his ever-curious mind, and how his lifelong curiosities have shaped his artistic and scientific endeavours.
4. Let the House Whisper
Meet my friend Natalie: a talented architect and girl-boss. With her cool designs and a keen eye for detail, she has brought to life some remarkable projects that have garnered both acclaim and recognition. Learn about projects she has designed and won – from sports stadiums to bridges that redefine urban landscapes – you might even recognise some as ones you have passed by and admired!
3. Turn the Volume Up!
Meet my friend and techno brother Hassan: a talented French rap prodigy turned Afro House producer. He is a true creator at heart, be it code, music, or innovative real estate projects. Come with me on a journey as he helps me understand what it entails to become a young producer, new to the industry – from the intricate details of managing royalties to effective marketing strategies and promotion techniques necessary for success. Together, we will explore his origin story, the challenges he faces, and the creative processes behind his first two tracks.
2. We Can Make It at Home
Meet my friend Claudia: everyone’s favourite fairy-godmother. With her unique blend of style and artistic vision, she effortlessly tackles any fashion or artistic conundrum that comes her way, turning each challenge into an opportunity for creative expression right from the comfort of her home. Whether it’s revamping an outdated wardrobe, crafting stunning home decor, or sharing her invaluable insights on modern trends, Claudia has an innate ability to inspire those around her.
1. Svenska Flicka
Meet my friend Linda: Solar warrior by day, musical-loving ceramic-creator by night. Discover the inspiring story of an ambitious girl from Norrköping who grew into an Energy Engineer, bringing solar power to communities where it is truly valued. Through her dedication and innovative ideas, she now works tirelessly to implement sustainable energy solutions, ensuring that communities harness the full potential of solar power for a brighter and greener future.
Talks in Tan-dem 