The Midpoint

The firts season of The Midpoint has come to an end. In this special episode, Rico reflects on the essence of this podcast: to explore different aspects of life, demonstrating that everything can be balanced and that extremes aren't always necessary. Thank you , listener, for embracing this unique approach and making the podcast a success. As the first season comes to a close, we assure you that this isn't a goodbye but a see you soon. The show will return with fresh stories, intriguing guests, and a renewed energy to continue exploring the beauty of moderation in life. Stay connected, subscribe to the podcast, and keep an eye out for updates on social media. Your feedback and support are invaluable, and we can't wait to embark on the next season together. Thanks from The Midpoint team. Keep up with us: Follow The Midpoint on Instagram Connect with Rico on LinkedIn Follow Rico on Medium this show was brought to you by kthrs

In this episode of The Midpoint, Rico speaks with Rahaf Harfoush, a digital anthropologist and New York Times bestselling author, who has been redefining the landscape of digital culture, innovation, and work. They delve into the concept of hustle and the importance of reclaiming creativity and finding balance in a world obsessed with work. Rico and Rahaf discuss the cultural narrative that hard work is the key to success, and how this belief is ingrained in us from an early age. However, they shed light on the fact that success is influenced by various factors such as birthplace, family background, access to resources, and more. Hard work certainly plays a role, but it is not the sole determinant of success. They dig deeper into the paradox of hustle and creativity. While we are often told to work nonstop and push ourselves to exhaustion, Rahaf explains that this approach is counterproductive for creative work. Our brains and bodies are not built to function like machines, and true creativity requires rest, recovery, and stimulation. Taking breaks and embracing downtime is crucial for optimizing performance and maintaining long-term well-being. Rahaf shares her personal experience with burnout and the realization that the traditional work ethic she had been following was unsustainable. This turning point led her to question the belief system that prevented her from prioritizing her own health and well-being. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing our self-worth beyond our job roles and productivity. Only by prioritizing ourselves and finding balance can we ultimately excel in our work. Join Rico and Rahaf in this thought-provoking conversation as they challenge the traditional notions of work and help us redefine what it means to be truly successful. Visit Rahaf's website Get your copy of Hustle and Float: Reclaim Your Creativity and Thrive in a World Obsessed with Work Interview to Elon Musk mentioned by Rahaf Rahaf's Twitter Discover more about The Midpoint Podcast A partner show of kthrs

In this episode of The Midpoint, Rico introduces his guest, Antonis Schwarz, a philanthropist, impact investor, and advocate for social equality. Antonis shares his unique perspective as a wealthy individual who believes rich people should be taxed more. Rico highlights Antonis' background, mentioning that his family's pharmaceutical company, Schwarz Pharma, was sold in 2006, leading to a significant change in Antonis' life. Despite his newfound wealth, Antonis' personal approach remained grounded as he continued his education and pursued higher studies. They discuss the origins of Antonis' philanthropic journey, tracing back to his upbringing in a politically conscious family and experiences with social and political movements in Greece and Germany. Our guest shares how he initially donated to the Red Cross for war relief efforts in Syria, highlighting his passion for supporting social entrepreneurship and organizations such as Ashoka, a global network of social entrepreneurs. As their conversation progresses, Anoni explains that while his approach initially lacked a systematic focus, he has gradually become more opportunistic and has shifted his attention toward supporting social movements and activism, recognizing their potential for significant impact. They both share their own thoughts on inheritance tax, highlighting the challenges of taxing inherited shares in medium-sized companies without jeopardizing job security. As the episode unfolds, listeners gain insights into Antonis' focus on supporting grassroots social movements, and his advocacy for a fairer distribution of wealth through increased taxation. If you like this episode, don't forget to click the 'Follow' button to give us a positive review so you don't miss any future updates. Support Antonis initiatives: PHINEO analysis & consulting Guerrilla Foundation Good Move Initiatives Discover more about The Midpoint A partner show of KTHRS

In this new episode of The Midpoint, Rico sits down with Michel Fornasier, also known as Bionicman, a real-life superhero. Michel is a motivational trainer, comic author, and an inspiring role model who has defied all limitations. Born without his right hand, Michel has transformed his life through the power of technology, becoming a pioneer in promoting bionic prosthetics. Join Rico and Michel as they explore his incredible journey, passion for inclusivity and diversity, and how he uses personal experiences to inspire others. The discussion takes a deep dive into Michel's early childhood and how he grew up in a safe and loving environment with parents who treated him no differently from his younger brother. Although there were instances of bullying in school, Michel emphasizes that it wasn't solely related to his missing hand but rather a part of childhood dynamics. Michel sheds light on the advancements and innovations in bionic prosthetics, particularly through 3D printing. He highlights the lightweight nature of these prosthetics, weighing only about a hundred grams, making them suitable for growing children. Michel stresses that bionic prosthetics should be seen and celebrated rather than hidden, because they are an opportunity to showcase individuality and foster confidence, that's why he created his superpowered alter-ego and started a comic book saga. Tune in to this enlightening episode as Rico and Michel explore the transformative power of technology, the importance of inclusivity, and how challenges can be turned into triumphs. Don't forget to subscribe to The Midpoint and leave a rating to support the show. Enjoy it! Read the Bionicman comic Give Childrean a Hand foundation website Visit Michel Fornasier's website Discover more about The Midpoint Podcast A partner show of Katharsis Media

In this episode of The Midpoint, join Rico as he delves into the art of initiating change in various aspects of life with special guest Alex Budak, a social entrepreneur, author, and faculty member at UC Berkeley who brings his expertise on creating impact and becoming a changemaker. Rico and Alex explore the challenges and strategies involved in instilling change both within oneself and in organizations and communities. They begin by unraveling the importance of a changemaker mindset, where Alex emphasizes the ability to see a brighter future amid challenges and recognize opportunities for positive change. He emphasizes that the vision for change should not be limited to executives or leaders but can emerge from any role within an organization or community. The conversation then shifts to the significance of courage in being a changemaker. Alex highlights the need for individuals to step up and take action, even in the face of uncertainty or resistance. Together, Rico and Alex explore practical strategies for instigating change within organizations and communities. They touch upon the importance of clear communication, fostering collaboration, and empowering individuals to contribute their unique perspectives and ideas. Don't miss this insightful episode that equips you with the tools and mindset needed to become a changemaker in your own life, organization, and community. Whether you're an aspiring leader, an entrepreneur, or someone seeking to make a positive impact, this conversation will inspire and guide you on your journey of change and transformation. Get to know more about Alex Budak Check out the Index that Alex mentions Download your own Changemaker Canvas for free Get your copy of Becoming a Change Maker Watch the video of the dancer's lesson about leadership Discover more about The Midpoint podcast A partner show of Katharsis Media

This week, Rico engages in a captivating conversation with author and ghostwriter Alex Cody Foster. Our guest openly talks about his life journey and his experiences with John McAfee, touching upon the Netflix show 'Running with the Devil: The Wild World of John McAfee' and his book, 'The Man Who Hacked the World: A Ghostwriter's Descent into Madness with John McAfee'. Mental health and the pursuit of balance become recurring themes as they delve into Alex's personal story. Get ready for an episode full of ups and downs, in which Alex shares with us the experiences that marked him and made him the man he is today, from the moment he left his mother's house, to his early influences like the movie about Jack the Ripper "From Hell". He also tells us about his motivations to start writing: Through writing, he discovered the power of transmuting thoughts into tangible pages, fueling his passion throughout his childhood, teenage years, and young adulthood. And of course, the conversation ends up with Alex talking about the days he spent with John McAfee, founder of the software company McAfee when he was on the run from practically the whole world due to his immoral actions and creeping paranoia, how this impacted his life, and how he found a way to get over it. Join Rico and Alex as they navigate the highs and lows of life, the craft of ghostwriting, and the transformative power of storytelling in this thought-provoking and engaging episode of The Midpoint. Don't forget to subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Tune in for this fascinating conversation that will leave you inspired and intrigued. Watch the Netflix show Running with the Devil: The Wild World of John McAfee Get your copy of The Man Who Hacked the World: A Ghostwriter's Descent into Madness with John McAfee Visit Alex Cody Foster's website More about The Midpoint Podcast A partner show of Katharsis Media

Welcome to The Midpoint. In this episode, Rico talks with Andrew Barnes, an entrepreneur who made waves in 2018 with a radical idea that promised to boost workplace productivity and enhance employee well-being: the four-day workweek. Since then, this concept has gained momentum worldwide, with organizations, countries, and companies experimenting, implementing, and studying its effects. But here's the catch: the four-day workweek is far from just another day off. Andrew shares how the four-day workweek has disrupted his own work-life balance, thanks to its incredible success. The idea was born out of curiosity as Andrew read research reports suggesting that people are only truly productive for a few hours each day. He wondered if the same phenomenon was happening in his own company and decided to test the impact of a shortened workweek. But this experiment wasn't about achieving work-life balance; it aimed to maximize productivity by restructuring the traditional workweek. Join us as we explore the fascinating implications of this innovative work structure. By the end of this episode, you'll gain a fresh perspective on how the four-day workweek can significantly influence productivity, profitability, and overall well-being. But before we dive in, have you subscribed to this podcast yet? If not, make sure you do to stay updated on our latest episodes. Visit the 4-Day Week Global website Buy your copy of the book: The 4-Day Week Discover more about The Midpoint Podcast A partner show of Katharsis Media

In this episode of The Midpoint, we dive into the global issue of plastic and explore its impact on our lives and the environment. This episode is special because we have two guests, each one with a unique perspective: Joel Tasche, the co-founder of CleanHub based in Europe, and Lakshmi Menon, a member of the Clean Hub team based in India. Lakshmi, who works closely with informal waste workers in India, shares her journey into waste management. Her organization focuses on integrating informal waste workers into formal systems, recognizing their contribution as a recognized workforce. She highlights the challenges of managing waste in a rapidly growing country like India and the need for cleaner cities. Joel's passion for tackling plastic pollution stems from his personal experiences as a surfer and traveler. He recounts encounters with plastic pollution in various parts of the world, sparking his curiosity and gradually transforming his annoyance into a purpose. In this thought-provoking episode, Rico, Joel, and Lakshmi discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with plastic waste management, offering diverse perspectives from Europe and India. Tune in to explore how we can collectively work towards reducing plastic usage and creating a cleaner, more sustainable future. Visit CleanHub website Know more about Lakshmi Know more about Joel More to see about The Midpoint A partner show of Katharsis Media

Welcome to a new episode of The Midpoint. In today's episode, we're diving into the Swedish principle of Lagom and how it influences Scandinavian cultures like Sweden. Our host, Rico, talks with Niki Brantmark, an expert on Lagom and the author of several books. Niki shares her personal experience of moving from London to Sweden and the huge culture shock she experienced. Tune in as they discuss the Lagom principle in depth and how it can help us all achieve a more balanced life. And don't forget to hit the follow button and leave a positive rating if you enjoy the episode! Buy Niki's book - Lagom: Not Too Little, Not Too Much: The Swedish Art of Living a Balanced, Happy Life Read Niki's blog Discover more about The Midpoint Podcast A partner show of Katharsis Media

In this episode of The Midpoint, Rico welcomes Dilip Kumar, a tech entrepreneur and endurance sports enthusiast, for an inspiring conversation about his remarkable transformation. Dilip shares his journey from being overworked, overweight, and stressed out to becoming a passionate advocate for fitness and nutrition. We highlight Dilip's impressive achievement of running marathons below three hours and explores how he balanced his tech career with his newfound passion. The conversation delves into Dilip's turning point, where he realized the need for a change in his life. Self-awareness and the challenges of recognizing the need for transformation while living in the moment are the main topics of this episode. Join Rico and Dilip as they explore the transformative power of embracing a healthy lifestyle and the profound changes it can bring mentally and physically. An episode filled with inspiration, personal anecdotes, and valuable takeaways for anyone seeking positive change. Discover Dilip's huge change Visit Dilip's website Discover more about The Midpoint Podcast A parter show of Katharsis Media

In this episode of The Midpoint, Rico discuss with Thomas Brudermann, an expert on climate change and behavior change and author of the book Die Kunst Der Ausrede (The Art of Excuse), about the common excuses people use to justify their environmentally harmful behavior. Thomas also offers insights into how we can overcome these excuses and make more sustainable choices. They talk goes about several topics regarding climate change and environment, like the fact that flying is one of the most environmentally harmful things you can do. This episode is intented to show us all that small things you can do to reduce your environmental impact, such as recycling, walking or biking instead of driving, and eating less meat. The most important thing is to be aware of your impact and make conscious choices to reduce it. If you're interested in learning more about climate change and how you can make a difference, we encourage you to listen to this episode. We cover a lot of important information that can help you make more sustainable choices in your everyday life. Get your copy of 'Die Kunst Der Ausrede' (German) Watch Thomas' TED Talk Discover more about The Midpoint Podcast A partner show of Katharsis Media

In this episode of The Midpoint, Rico talks with Mads Holm, a Danish CFO currently residing in Dubai, shares his personal journey of spending over 25 years in the same role, reaching the pinnacle of success, only to realize that the pursuit of money didn't bring him true happiness. Mads takes us back to the beginning, recounting how he found himself in Dubai in 2011 after being offered a job by acquaintances who had a successful business there. Initially starting as a finance manager, Mads was quickly promoted to the position of CFO when his predecessor resigned. As the conversation progresses, Mads reflects on the challenges he faced during his intense work schedule. He candidly admits that he didn't have much personal time for many years, as work became his comfort zone. Driven by fear of not having enough money and a fear of not being good enough, Mads reveals how his upbringing and past experiences contributed to these anxieties. Despite having control over his finances and receiving recognition for his work, he still grappled with feelings of inadequacy. However, he considers himself fortunate to have met his wife, who helped him realize the importance of redirecting his efforts and focusing on his overall well-being. Join us in this thought-provoking episode as Mads opens up about the personal sacrifices he made and the lessons he learned along the way. Discover more about The Midpoint A partner show of Katharsis Media

This week, Rico talks to Tayo Rockson, a diversity and inclusion consultant, cultural translator, storyteller and activist. They met a decade ago and catch up on their personal journeys, their backgrounds and their passions. Tayo describes his role as a cultural translator, someone who fosters bridges between different cultures and promotes inclusive policies in companies. Also, Rico brings up the challenge of navigating corporate communication when companies become more global and diverse and Tayo stresses that it's impossible to avoid offending everyone, but we can reflect internally and communicate with empathy and understanding. Watch the interview they talk about Get your copy of Tayo's book 'Use Your Difference to Make a Difference' Visit Tayo's website Discover more about The Midpoint A partner show of Katharsis Media

Welcome to a new episode of The Midpoint. This week Rico speaks with Valtteri Heinilä, a 26-year-old Finn who just completed an eight-month cycling journey from Helsinki to Singapore. Join us to listen to Valtteri's incredible adventure and know more about his motivation for taking on such a journey. Valtteri explains that he and his friend had originally planned to cycle from Helsinki to South Africa and how circumstances made them change their destination to Asia, emphasizing that they did very little planning for the trip, which was quite remarkable given the scope of the adventure. They only had to get a bike, pack a bag, and obtain some vaccinations. He also shares with us the new adventure he's embarking on another adventure, but this time he's doing it with a different mindset... Follow Valtteri's adventures on Instagram And his website More about Rico Wyder and The Midpoint A partner show of Katharsis Media

In this episode of The Midpoint, Rico will talk with David Radparvar, one of the three members of Holstee, a company that creates products, inspiration, tools, and a community to help people live a more meaningful life, known as the creators of the Holstee Manifesto. Dave talks about his journey with his company and how it has evolved over the years. They discuss the company's manifesto, which is a set of principles that reflect their original ethos, including the importance of creating things with people and seizing opportunities when they come. Dave also shares about their recent spinoff of Reflection.app, a journaling app that offers guided journaling practices and journeys to help people better understand themselves. "This is your life. Do what you love and do it often. If you don't like something, change it". Get your Holstee Manifesto poster Start your own journal now with the Reflection App Discover more about The Midpoint Podcast A partner show of Katharsis Media

Rico interviews Herbert Bay, a Swiss entrepreneur and deep tech expert, who is currently developing an app called Earkick, a mental health tool for the workplace. Herbert talks about his background and how he got into the field of machine learning, he also shares his interest in mental health and how technology can help provide a scalable solution to the problem. Herbert is a man who has lived an adventure-filled life, including his sailing trip to explore the South of the Pacific sea, as well as the challenges of sailing across oceans and the lessons he learned from these adventures. Visit Herbert's website Download the app Earkick to improve your mental health Discover more about Rico Wyder and The Midpoint This podcast is produced by Katharsis Media

In this episode of The Midpoint, Rico joins with Shahank Nigam, an expert in the aviation industry. Shahank founded SimplyFlying, a leading strategy consulting firm for airlines globally, which started as a blog in 2008. Shahank shares his journey and how his passion for aviation led him to start this exciting project. They discuss the evolution of airlines' use of social media for marketing and customer service and the importance of sustainability in this industry and the areas where airlines still require consulting support, despite their increased use of technology. Throughout the episode, Rico and Shahank reminisce about old times and their long-standing friendship. Join us to know more about Shashank, and discover how to fly while taking care of the environment. Know more about SimplyFlying Shashank's Instagram Listen to Shashank's podcast: Sustainability in the Air Discover more about The Midpoint Podcast

In this episode of The Midpoint, Rico talks with Alan Frei, a former minimalist who has an interesting perspective on finding balance, productivity and freedom in life. Alan shares his journey on minimalism, which started after his father's death when he had to clear out his house. He was overwhelmed with the number of things that his father had collected over the years and decided he didn't want to accumulate unnecessary things in his life, so he started to do a 'spring celaning'. Surprisingly, his apartment looked the same despite getting rid of all these things and this made him question how many things he needed to live a happy life. So he continued with this mindset and he didn't stop until he finally owned only 73 items and lived in a hotel. However, this changed when he moved in with his girlfriend and they got a pasta machine, technically ending his minimalist lifestyle. Tune in to listen to Alan's story and what he learned about having a minimalist lifestyle. Take a look to Alan's website Alan´s Instagram Discover more about The Midpoint Podcast A partner show produced by Katharsis Media

Welcome to the The Midpoint, where our host Rico welcomes Viktor Meyer, the founder of Glice, a company that helps to reduce the carbon footprint which product looks like ice, feels like ice, but is not ice. Viktor joins the podcast from Bali, where he has been living with his family for a few years now. You will also know about Viktor's journey from Switzerland to Bali, and how his business based in Switzerland is decentralized, allowing Viktor to work from wherever he wants. They talk a little about Glice, and most importantly, on how Viktor balances work stress with routines such as working out, taking walks with his daughter, and meditating. The episode is full of interesting insights into the life and work of a successful entrepreneur who has built a global business from his home. Discover more about Glice Glice's Instagram Discover more about The Midpoint Podcast produced by Katharsis Media

In this episode of The Midpoint, Rico calls Till Quack to discuss his startup Zerofy, his background, and some ways to reduce carbon footprint. Till is also an expert in machine learning and has lived in many different places, including Silicon Valley in the US and Estonia. They talk about the differences between European countries and the US in terms of infrastructure and carbon footprint. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of being aware of our carbon footprint and finding innovative ways to reduce it. Hey! Read this blog entry Download Till's app Zerofy Zerofy Blog More about The Midpoint Podcast This is a Katharsis Media production