Our podcast

In our podcast series People Make Mokum, we take you into the wonderful world of people who enrich Amsterdam, each 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. With Oscar Zeegers as the host.

Afl. 20 – Roos Schlikker in conversation with Oscar Zeegers: a career switch thanks to volunteer work

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

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

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Photo: Marco Keyzer

Most problems in the world are caused, according to Peter, by people having the idea that the tiny little bit I can do is too small to make a difference. But is that really the case? With 7 billion people, that could add up to enormous amounts. That’s why Peter firmly believes that with KLEAN (Complaining Really Absolutely Doesn’t Pay Off) he can bring about a change in behavior. For instance, he picks up one piece of litter every day and tries to inspire as many people as possible to join in. And, from recycled plastic waste, he is building a large plastic Madonna that is 12 meters long to draw attention to his story. Curious? It’s a small effort to hit play. And who knows, you might approach the next ‘problem’ differently.

Afl. 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 falls away here: agendas, egos, it’s not about me. I don’t have to perform or justify a salary here. This is about doing what you can on a deeper, more reassuring level. It brings me peace.”
Janneke and Oscar in conversation about 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.

Afl. 17 – Jay advocates for transgender people

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His crib was beautifully pink. Eventually, Jay stepped out of it because he realized it didn’t match who he had always been: a man. Now his body aligns with this, and he is committed to supporting other transgender people at TransAmsterdam.
Jay speaks very openly, sincerely, and passionately. About representation, visibility, change, pride, creativity, organizing events, and sailing on his own compass. Don’t miss this episode!

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

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1 in 5 Amsterdammers is balancing on or below the poverty line. That’s why Jurre founded the SINA foundation (Together is not alone) ten years ago, which supports children and families. Ranging from offering music lessons or a sports subscription to tutoring, laptops, or beds. This is made possible thanks to donations from companies and individuals. They help about 8000 kids per year. What drives Jurre? What is he proud of? And what does he achieve with his foundation? Let yourself be inspired by his stories!

Afl. 15 – Celine de Jong saves animals

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Van brand bij een reptielenopvang tot gewonde babymuisjes: Celine redt als hulpverlener/chauffeur bij Dierenambulance Amsterdam elk gewond dier in Amsterdam. Ze doet dit vrijwilligerswerk al zo’n vier jaar en iedere dienst is een nieuw avontuur! Altijd al willen weten hoe het eraan toe gaat op de ambulance? Dit is je kans! Ze zit vol met mooie en spannende verhalen over haar stoere job, die ze deelt in deze podcast.
NB. Lijkt dit jou ook zo leuk? Ze zijn nog looking for new volunteers!

Afl. 14 – Koos Koelewijn helps the homeless and those without a home 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 the chances thereafter.’ Koos has helped, among other things, in refugee assistance and provides the homeless with coffee, soup, warm clothing, and blankets through the Soup Bus. What makes him do this for more than 10 years? What has impressed him the most? He is full of beautiful anecdotes! “It is so important that you do things you enjoy. It’s not always an easy target group, but special things always happen!”

Afl. 13 – Marlijn dedicates herself to recovering addicts

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One is too many, a thousand is never enough; this characterized her addictions for many years in various areas: including alcohol, cocaine, and love. Until Marlijn was completely empty and saw death as the only way out. She knew: now I really need to seek help. Just before she was about to fly to the rehab clinic, the first lockdown came. It became forced detoxing via Zoom. She has now been clean for over two years and is now helping others to achieve and maintain this as a volunteer at clubhouse Tru Colours, a place where recovering addicts can come together for connection. Marlijn works bar shifts and serves no alcohol but coffee for a euro. “I enjoy this so much. Being there for others, purely and solely wanting to give, feels so good!” Let yourself be taken away by her stories!

Afl. 12 – Nafiss rebuilds boxes and builds bridges 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, once in the Netherlands, Nafiss also chose poetry for herself. 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. In this way, to promote diversity within the Dutch art sector. The Granate Foundation breaks down boxes and builds bridges with a large audience. Nafiss passionately shares what drives her, what she has achieved, and she also treats you to a poem!

Afl. 11 – Milou is a buddy for Azer

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Photo: Rosie Klein Overmeen

Gappie, amigo, stanko, buddy, or in other words.. mate: That is 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 mainly focuses on social contact: walking together, chatting pleasantly, and eating Afghan meals. They see each other about once every two weeks. “I find it enriching to spend time with someone who is not in my bubble,” Milou says. Conversely, this episode also clearly shows the value for Azer of having a buddy like Milou. We had a subdued, touching conversation with both of them. About cultural differences, what they learn from each other, and how beautiful it can be, but sometimes also difficult.

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

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Imagine you are young and constantly living in temporary small places until you find a picturesque 19th-century home in a rural part of Amsterdam through Stadsherstel. If you have always had a latent desire to live self-sufficiently and bring the countryside into the city, this is the chance. Let the adventure begin! Thought Daan Goppel, the proud resident of Ecohof Amsterdam since early 2021.
He now has an ecological food garden, people can come and drink tea, there are, among other things, foraging walks and plans for sustainability safaris. How did Daan turn his idealistic plans into action? How does he make nature and sustainability appealing? What makes the whole neighborhood involved in this? What makes Ecohof Amsterdam a cool place to visit? Daan shares it all in this podcast!

Afl. 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 represents, just like him, the connection between people in Amsterdam. “Take good care of our city and of each other,” are the now legendary words from the letter Van der Laan wrote to all Amsterdammers shortly 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 giving wings to this dream.
Let yourself be inspired by the story of these two ambitious, passionate ladies.

Afl. 8 – Eric Corton cooks for neighbors

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Foto: Annemieke van der Togt

He is a musician, presenter, actor, theater maker, writer, and in addition, he 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. The knife cuts both ways here: we combat food waste and we provide people in need with a delicious and healthy meal.”
What drives him? What special encounters has he had with residents of the city? Why does he go all out and prefer to do this for 20 hours a week? And did he, as the only punk in the village, also do good things for others back in the day? You will hear this and much more in this episode. Eric Corton is a born storyteller. With a smile and a tear, he takes you fully into his life. And yet, he always returns to his motto: “If you can do something for someone else, then do it.”

Afl. 7 – Sea explorer Sietse Raadt about water scouting

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

Afl. 6 – Ansje Visser coordinates the volunteer work in nursing homes

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What is involved in volunteering at nursing homes of Amsta? And what makes the image of ‘having tea with grandmas’ such a misunderstanding? Ansje also talks about the impact of corona on volunteering: nursing homes closed, residents with Alzheimer’s who do not understand why their son or daughter can no longer visit, etc. Ansje is full of energy and zest for life. Besides her work, 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. And she shares stories about her childhood as a captain’s child.

Afl. 5 – Mohamed Kadouri (18) spreads hope

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Three years ago, Mohamed set up the charity organization Young & Caring. He distributes food packages to families who are less fortunate. They aim for at least 50 packages per month, including items like milk, pasta, flour, spreads, and cookies. “But it actually goes much further than food; we distribute hope.” He is young, but already incredibly wise and aware. “I am not here just to live for myself. If my neighbor is hungry, I cannot 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 asylum seeker centers with toys. What drives this inspiring enthusiast? He also makes a call for a millionaire 😉 And one day he wants to build an orphanage somewhere in the world.

Afl. 4 – Henriette van der Meij has the coolest job in Amsterdam

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Photo: Jackie Mulder

Henriette is at the helm of the Volunteer Center Amsterdam. She often says she has the best job in Amsterdam. She passionately talks about the importance of volunteer work, about why you do this for others but also for yourself, about “nepoma’s” & “opa’s”, about her commitment to a hospice, and about searching for coins at the Waterlooplein. Henriette represents our slogan like no one else: You. We. Happy.

Afl. 3 – Willem Dieleman bakes pancakes for people who could use some extra cheer.

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Photo: Jackie Mulder

Willem, aka 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 a magical impact. Once back in Amsterdam, he regularly makes free pancakes here for people who could use a little extra cheer. In this way, he spreads positivity. He is also involved with the Museum of Unintended Art and dreams of his own pancake baking cargo bike. Let yourself be inspired by the story of this young creative full of ambitions.

Afl. 2 – Nadia Aktaou runs community center Together Strong

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Foto: Jackie Mulder

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

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

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Photo: Jackie Mulder

Theo dedicates himself to the Amsterdam Stray Cats Foundation twice a week. Are you cuddling with cats all day? How do you socialize stray cats? And how does the pet 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 retirement home for cats.

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Enjoy listening!
And do you have suggestions for guests in upcoming episodes? We would love to hear from you! Email us at amsterdam@vca.nu.

Host of the podcast Mensen Maken 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 organize ‘De Nacht van de vluchteling’. “I think it’s really cool to set up this podcast Mensen Maken Mokum as an ambassador of VCA, where I interview people about their work and motivation. I love this city with all its inhabitants, with more than 180 nationalities, where there is a place for everyone and should be. But that a society is also a collaboration, and I hope that as many people as possible want to commit to and continue to strive for that ideal.”

Photo: Jackie Mulder

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 in your head so nicely, and Huub Blekkenhorst for the beautiful visuals.