Our podcast

In our podcast series People Make Mokum, we take you into the wonderful world of people who enrich Amsterdam in their own way. What drives them, how did they come up with the idea, and what does it bring them? Beautiful conversations from different perspectives, in all tranquility and openness. Hosted by Oscar Zeegers.

Ep. 20 – Roos Schlikker in conversation with Oscar Zeegers: a career switch thanks to volunteering

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The latest podcast episode of “Mensen Maken Mokum.” Oscar Zeegers, normally the interviewer, tells his own special story this time. He used to be an actor (including in SpangaS) & theater maker and is now a social worker at the Salvation Army. And all thanks to volunteer work. Roos Schlikker does what she’s great at: asking questions and making connections. Enthusiastic, witty, and very empathetic. A joy to listen to these two!

Ep. 19 – Peter Smith on his life philosophy: small things are actually more important than big

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Photo: Marco Keyzer

According to Peter, most problems in the world are caused by people thinking: that tiny bit I can do is too small to make a difference. But is that really the case? With 7 billion people, those could be enormous amounts. That’s why Peter firmly believes that with KLEAN (Complaining Really Does Not Pay Off) he can bring about a change in behavior. He picks up one piece of litter every day and tries to inspire as many people as possible to join him. And, he builds a large plastic Madonna 12 meters long from recycled plastic waste to draw attention to his story. Curious? Just press play. And who knows, you might approach the next ‘problem’ differently.

Ep. 18 – Janneke Siebelink cooks in a hospice

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Through a conversation with her general practitioner, she came up with this idea. “Everything disappears here: agendas, egos, it’s not about me. I don’t have to perform here or live up to a salary. This is doing what you can at a deeper, more reassuring level. It brings me peace.”
Janneke and Oscar discussing the mystery of death and existence. About the beauty that lies in tragedy. About what you can do for each other to make life a little more bearable. And also briefly about growing up with a famous father. Check it out here.

Ep. 17 – Jay advocates for transgender people

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His cradle was beautiful pink. Eventually, Jay stepped out of it because he realized it didn’t match who he had always been: a man. Now his body also matches this, and he is committed to helping other transgender people at TransAmsterdam. Jay speaks very openly, sincerely, and passionately. About imagery, visibility, change, pride, creativity, organizing events, and following one’s own compass. Don’t miss this episode!

Ep. 16 – Jurre van de Kamp helps kids in poverty

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1 in 5 Amsterdammers balances on or below the poverty line. That’s why Jurre founded the SINA foundation (Samen is niet alleen) ten years ago, which supports children and families. They offer anything from music lessons or a sports subscription to tutoring, laptops, or beds. This is made possible thanks to donations from companies and individuals. They help around 8000 kids per year. What drives Jurre? What is he proud of? And what does he achieve with his foundation? Get inspired by his stories!

Ep. 15 – Celine de Jong saves animals

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From rescuing a snake at a reptile shelter to injured baby mice: Celine saves every injured animal in Amsterdam as a volunteer/helper/driver at Dierenambulance Amsterdam. She has been doing this volunteer work for about four years, and every shift is a new adventure! Ever wondered what it’s like on the ambulance? This is your chance! She is full of beautiful and exciting stories about her tough job, which she shares in this podcast. NB. Does this sound like fun to you too?Looking for new volunteersHello!

Ep. 14 – Koos Koelewijn helps homeless people through the Salvation Army

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He is one of the 300 volunteers at this organization, which has the motto: ‘We believe in opportunities. In second chances. In third chances. And in all chances thereafter.’ Koos helped, among other things, in refugee shelters and provides homeless people with coffee, soup, warm clothing, and blankets with the Soup Bus. What makes him do this for more than 10 years? What has made the biggest impression? He has plenty of beautiful anecdotes! “It is so important to do things you enjoy. It is not always an easy target group, but there are always special things happening!”

Ep. 13 – Marlijn advocates for recovering addicts

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One is too many, a thousand never enough; that characterized her addictions on many levels for years: including alcohol, cocaine, and love. Until Marlijn was completely drained and saw death as the only way out. She knew: now I really have to seek help. Just before she was about to fly to the rehab clinic, the first lockdown hit. She was forced to detox via Zoom. She has been clean for over two years now and helps others achieve and maintain this as a volunteer at clubhouse Tru Colours, a place where recovering addicts can come together for connection. Marlijn works shifts at the bar and serves coffee for one euro instead of alcohol. “I have so much fun here. Being there for others, simply wanting to give, it feels so good!” Let yourself be carried away by her stories!

Ep. 12 – Nafiss renovates booths and bridges gaps through art

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Photo: Janita Sassen

Nafiss grew up in the land of Persian poetry: Iran. When her father wanted to give advice or was disappointed, he expressed himself with verses. Later, in the Netherlands, Nafiss also chose poetry. However, she was often the only person of color in her work. That’s why in 2012 she took the step to help others and founded the Granate foundation. The goal? To provide a platform for bi-cultural creators. To promote diversity within the Dutch art sector. The Granate foundation breaks down boxes and builds bridges to a wide audience. Nafiss passionately shares what drives her, what she has achieved, and she also treats you to a poem!

Ep. 11 – Milou is a buddy to Azer

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Photo: Rosie Klein Overmeen

Gappie, amigo, stanko, buddy, or in other words.. maatje: That’s Milou for the Afghan Azer, who has been living in Amsterdam for a number of years. She helps him with complicated letters from authorities, and social contact is central to them: walking together, chatting, and eating Afghan meals. They see each other about once every two weeks. “I find it enriching to interact with someone who is not in my bubble,” says Milou. And in this episode, it also becomes clear what the value is for Azer to have a buddy like Milou. We had a subdued, touching conversation with both of them. About cultural differences, what they learn from each other, and about how beautiful it can be, but sometimes also difficult.

Ep. 10 – Daan Goppel started the green urban farm Ecohof Amsterdam

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Imagine you are young and always living in temporary small places until you find a picturesque 19th-century house on a rural piece of Amsterdam through Stadsherstel. If you have always had a dormant desire to live self-sufficiently and bring the countryside into the city, this is the chance. Let the adventure begin! That’s what Daan Goppel thought, the proud resident of Ecohof Amsterdam since early 2021. He now has an ecological food garden, people can come for tea, there are wild foraging walks, and plans for sustainability safaris. How did Daan turn his idealistic plans into actions? How does he make nature and sustainability sexy? What makes the whole neighborhood involved? What makes Ecohof Amsterdam a cool place to visit? Daan tells it all in this podcast!

Ep. 9 – Résalieke and Ineke are the driving force behind the Eberhardje: the cookie of Amsterdam.

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The Amsterdam cookie is named after former mayor Eberhard van der Laan and, like him, symbolizes the connection between people in Amsterdam. “Take good care of our city and each other” are the now legendary words from the letter Van der Laan wrote to all Amsterdammers just before his death. This inspired Résalieke Vlieger to come up with an idea: How cool would it be to bake cookies with the three crosses of Amsterdam on them? And with the proceeds, we will do good things for the city!
Together with Ineke Kuiper, she is making this dream a reality.
Be inspired by the story of these two ambitious and passionate ladies.

Ep. 8 – Eric Corton cooks for neighbors

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Photo: Annemieke van der Togt

He is a musician, presenter, actor, theater maker, writer, and also regularly cooks up a storm for his neighbors in Amsterdam East. Since 2019, Eric Corton has been a volunteer and ambassador at Buurtbuik. “This is amazing. This literally benefits everyone: we combat food waste and provide delicious and healthy meals to those in need.”
What drives him? What special encounters has he had with city residents? Why does he go all in and prefer to do this for 20 hours a week? And as the only punk rocker in the village, did he already do good deeds for others in the past? You will hear all this and more in this episode. Eric Corton is a born storyteller. With laughter and tears, he takes you on a journey through his life. Yet, he always comes back to his motto: “If you can do something for someone else, then do it.”

Ep. 7 – Sea Scout Sietse Raadt talks about water scouting

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Amsterdam, a city with a rich history of maritime, sailing ships, ports, and of course the essential element: water. So naturally, there are waterscouting associations here too! Sietse has been involved here since his youth and is now active as a volunteer. What does this involve? Who better to tell us about it than a real sea scout!

Ep. 6 – Ansje Visser coordinates volunteer work in nursing homes

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What is involved in volunteering at the care homes of Amsta? And what causes the misconception that it’s all about ‘having a cozy tea with grandmas’? Ansje also talks about the impact of the pandemic on volunteering: care homes closed, residents with Alzheimer’s not understanding why their children can’t visit anymore, etc. Ansje is full of energy and zest for life. Besides her job, she also volunteers as an OBA buddy, is heavily involved in art, and has a passion for collecting. She even wrote a book about it. She also shares about her childhood as a child of sailors.

Ep. 5 – Mohamed Kadouri (18) shares hope

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Three years ago, Mohamed founded the charity organization Young & Caring. He distributes food packages to families in need, aiming for a minimum of 50 packages per month containing items such as milk, pasta, flour, spreads, and cookies. “But it’s actually about more than food, we are spreading hope.” He is young but incredibly wise and conscious. “I am not here just to live for myself. If my neighbor is hungry, I can’t sleep. It feels like my duty to help.” He also plants trees for peace, builds water wells in Burundi, and brings joy to children in refugee centers with toys. What drives this inspiring enthusiast? He also makes a call for a millionaire 😉 And someday he wants to build an orphanage somewhere in the world.

Ep. 4 – Henriette van der Meij has the most enjoyable job in Amsterdam

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Photo: Jackie Mulder

Henriette is at the helm of Vrijwilligers Centrale Amsterdam. She often says she has the best job in Amsterdam. She passionately talks about the importance of volunteering, about why you do this for others but also for yourself, about fake grandmas & grandpas, about her commitment to a hospice, and about searching for coins at the Waterlooplein. Henriette represents like no other our slogan You. Us. Happy.

Ep. 3 – Willem Dieleman bakes pancakes for people who could use some extra cheerfulness

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Photo: Jackie Mulder

Willem, also known as the pancake man, went on a world trip with a frying pan in his backpack and became an ambassador of happiness. His motto: giving something small and simple, like a pancake, can have an enchanting impact. Once back in Amsterdam, he now regularly bakes free pancakes here for people who could use some extra cheer. In this way, he spreads positivity. He also volunteers at the Museum of Unintentional Art and dreams of having his own pancake baking bike. Let yourself be inspired by the story of this young creative full of ambitions.

Ep. 2 – Nadia Aktaou runs the community center Together Strong

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Photo: Jackie Mulder

Together with her husband, Mohammed, Nadia has set up the community center Samen Kracht. They offer cooking classes, sports activities, Dutch lessons, and creative courses such as jewelry making and mosaics. A safe place for vulnerable people in the neighborhood to develop talents and socialize. Nadia is present daily. “My commitment is unpaid, but my reward, in the form of all the appreciation and love I receive in return, is priceless.”

Ep. 1 – Theo van der Meer cuddles with stray cats

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Photo: Jackie Mulder

Theo volunteers twice a week for the Amsterdam Stray Cats Foundation. Are you cuddling with cats all day then? How do you socialize stray cats? And how does the animal food bank work? He experiences a beautiful part of society, which makes him a sharper, happier, and more enjoyable person. Sometimes you have those crossroads in your life, and this has certainly been one for him. And he even met his great love here. His dream: to set up a nursing home for cats.

Enjoy listening!
Do you have any suggestions for guests in the upcoming episodes? We would love to hear from you! Email us at [email].amsterdam@vca.nu.

Host of the podcast People Make Mokum: Oscar Zeegers

Oscar is a born and raised Amsterdammer, has extensive experience as an actor, including in SpangaS, and also has a part-time job as a social worker. As a volunteer, he has undertaken many fun activities with residents of various nursing homes in Amsterdam, provided training at sports clubs, and helped with the organization for ‘The Night of the Refugee’. “I am very excited to set up this podcast, ‘Mensen Maken Mokum,’ as an ambassador for VCA, where I interview people about their work and motivation. I love this city with all its residents, with more than 180 nationalities, where there is and should be a place for everyone. But that a society is also a collaboration, and I hope that as many people as possible are willing to continue to work towards and uphold that ideal.”Photo: Jackie Mulder[/caption]With many thanks to Erwin Visser for the tight editing, Radio Noordzij for the recordings in their professional studio, Mikko Kuiper and Tomas Delfgaauw for the Amsterdam jingle that sticks so nicely in your head, and Huub Blekkenhorst for the beautiful visuals.