• Mark Fonseca Rendeiro

In this episode, I take you through my mail-in ballot. As people cast their ballots today, I delve into the mechanics of my mail-in ballot, which combines the alleged responsibilities of citizenship with my inconsistent knowledge on who is who on this ballot im filling out. We even look at some ballot initiatives worth big moneys; fun fun fun!

According to AI:
The episode serves not just as an exploration of my ballot but as a commentary on broader themes of political engagement and the tension that comes with it. I articulate my internal conflict surrounding voting while living abroad—considering whether my time away distances me from the true needs of my community. Yet, despite these uncertainties, I affirm that voting is still a reflection of my perspective on the world, even if it’s shaped by years of living outside the U.S.

• Mark Fonseca Rendeiro

As the American election draws ever closer, Mark ponders how AI could maybe help run any not for profit independent podcast. He also dives into the familiar struggle with publishing quickly and fighting the big companies vs joining them in an effort to just keep your content online and reach people. Later some chit-chat about how he used to accidentally nullify all his ballots in Dutch elections only to discover after 10+ years his votes never counted. This leads to some jabs at the “you must vote” moral policing that kind hearted Americans do to one another. Mark assures you, dear listener, that you if you choose not to vote, he will not shun you. Also if you unknowingly spoil your ballot, no judgement here. This and some other topics on this episode… tune in!

• Mark Fonseca Rendeiro (In Haarlem, The Netherlands)
• Matthew Dons (In Tokyo, Japan)

In this episode, the podcast delves into a profound exploration of memory, media, and the intricate tapestry of social issues through the lens of Matthew’s journey with cancer and the evolution of a community-focused initiative in Japan. Mark reflects on an ongoing nostalgic radio trip down memory lane, to a time before the seismic events of September 11, 2001. He highlights the sense of carefree normalcy during that period, contrasting it with the profound reality that would soon envelop the world post-9/11. Mark emphasizes the human tendency to cling to humor in the face of adversity, captivated by the juxtaposition of laughter and impending tragedy.

The discussion then shifts to Matthew’s ongoing battle with cancer, which has led him to become a proponent for awareness and education through the newly formed nonprofit, Make Cancer History Japan. His experiences navigating the intricate pathways of treatment and survival serve not only as a personal narrative but also as a call to action for those facing similar challenges. The impact of immunotherapy on Matthew’s life has been profound, inspiring continuous research and outreach to elevate conversations around targeted cancer therapies.

The podcast also highlights recent achievements in establishing a nonprofit organization, which has sparked a surge of activities aimed at supporting cancer patients. Matthew elaborates on the significance of collaborating with fellow nonprofits to create a network for distributing vital information, providing resources, and fostering a community where patient voices are amplified. The development of educational materials designed for both patients and healthcare professionals reflects the organization’s commitment to bridging the gap in cancer care.

As the conversation progresses, the hosts explore the unexpected connections between chemotherapy and its long-term effects, including heart health challenges faced by cancer patients. This underscores the need for holistic education and communication. The dual guide being developed for patients and oncologists epitomizes the commitment to enhancing understanding and fostering proactive healthcare strategies.

Throughout the episode, the theme of interconnectedness permeates the discussion—whether through shared experiences within the cancer community, societal responses to trauma, or the educational disparities in healthcare. By sharing his story and the organizational efforts of Make Cancer History Japan, Matthew seeks to cultivate a robust dialogue that acknowledges the multifaceted nature of health, healing, and the collective experiences of those navigating the complexities of cancer.

The episode concludes with a discussion of aspirations to establish a physical space that will function as a research hub focused on terminal cancer care. The hosts emphasize the importance of addressing not only the biological facets of cancer but also the psychosocial dimensions of patient care. As the journey continues, future episodes will further explore the intersections of art, culture, and health, as well as shared histories and evolving narratives. The episode wraps up with a nod to the connection between these themes and John Hughes films.

Summary written by some AI tool so… its probably not accurate!

• Mark Fonseca Rendeiro

Im in the kitchen preparing a meal for the family with just enough time to describe a little radio activity I’ve been working on. It involves listening back to talk radio programs from the end of the summer of 2001 and the leadup to 9/11. Hearing how people spoke and thought back then which is, of course, extremely familiar as I was there and these programs are from my home region. All this through the lens of what we are living through in 2024 and the ways we think and function now. Some people may not want to go back, I find it fascinating to do so.

• Mark Fonseca Rendeiro

Instead of the interview style podcasts this program has been about for almost 2 decades, today we’re back to the other great tradition of old school personal publishing — the monologue.

• Mark Fonseca Rendeiro
• Janelle Ward

Janelle Ward and I were once eager grad students at the University of Amsterdam where we dove head first into the world of personal publishing before most of the world had any idea what this was or why it would matter.

20+ years later, we are communications professionals, somehow still sitting in the Netherlands, watching events unfold online and offline.

The past few months, with the growing unrest and major changes taking place at social media companies, we wonder if this is a major moment that will define the next era of personal publishing and existing online? Today we chat about what it might all mean and what we remember about how we got here.

• Mark Fonseca Rendeiro (In Haarlem, NL)
• Matthew Dons (In Tokyo, JP)

Matthew Dons is back! And after having been diagnosed with terminal cancer over 6 years ago; that’s saying something!

Today on the program we continue to follow his story of life, not after cancer, but with cancer. Including the launch of his new online course to help combat the misinformation that has found its way into every corner of the internet. “Making Cancer History” is the course he is teaching and people around the world are taking notice!

• Mark Fonseca Rendeiro (In the Netherlands)
• Trui Hanoulle (in Belgium)

For Trui Hanoulle it started as an interest in going places and learning about people. Over the past two decades what followed became a life’s work; to gather stories about women who dare to move even in the face of prejudice, stereotypes, and other elements of gender barriers.

Mubaraka Mohammadi, skate boarder, teacher / Afghanistan, photographed in Belgium Mahnaz Bahrami, trucker, motorbiker, musician / Iran Soudabeh Baharloo, long distance busdriver / Iran Venous Balouch, 12, is the only girl in Balouchistan to surf. The town of Chabahar, close to the Pakistani border in the far Southeast of Iran, is the only place with good surf waves. Remarkably, surf was introduced in Iran only in 2010, by the Irish Easkey Britton and two other Iranian women. Now most surfers are men, but Venous’ father believes firmly in his daughter’s talent and trains and supports her as much as he can. But surfing season is limited to four months only, ‘we are beginners ourselves’, says Abdulrahman. Venous should be able to go abroad and get a higher level of coaching to develop her skills and make her dream to become a professional surfer, come true. She herself helps and coaches village kids, boys and girls, to start surfing. She is an example to many. Elke Maria Löhnerz, motorbiker, teacher / Germany

Today on the podcast Trui joins me to talk about her mission and what she has seen and learned from the back of a motorcycle across continents and within cultures that many of us do not often hear from. She has also been kind enough to share photos of her project “Move She Does” which you can see here or in your podcast app as the episode plays.

• Mark Fonseca Rendeiro (In Haarlem, The Netherlands)
• Iuliia Skubytska (In Sarajevo, Bosnia)

Today on the podcast we are joined by the Ukraine director of the War Childhood Museum, to hear about the work they do and how it is being impacted by the ongoing invasion.

I’d like to also inform you that if you appreciate the unique and impactful work they are doing, they could really use your help. Please go to warchildhood.org to find out how to make a monetary donation.

• Mark Fonseca Rendeiro (Rambling when he should be sleeping. )

In a time of so much frustration, confusion and despair – a podcast is always appropriate. Especially when you couple that with the backdrop that this month I also became a father! So much joy on the one hand, so much struggle on the other, and then you have the incredibly unjust world taking another horrible turn. This monologue is the story of the rollercoaster month it has been and the mounting questions that obviously I am not equipped to answer but that doesn’t stop me from trying.

Future Co-Host

• Mark Fonseca Rendeiro
• Elmine Wijnia

Legendary blogger, writer, crtical thinker and my friend of many years — Elmine Wijnia joins me to talk about the big life changes, be in location, the insane buying of a new home, the having of a kid, and all that stuff that sometimes happens in this life. Listen in and join us as we reflect on the how and why of choices made and journeys taken.