Podcasts 4 Brainport, featured by Radio 4 Brainport, 747AM and DAB+

A pre-election political debate among Mpanzu Bamenga, D66 (Democratic 66); Jan Joosten, CDA (Christian Democratic Appeal); Judith Tielen, VVD (People’s Party for Liberals and Democracy), Eva de Bruijn, GL-PvdA (Labour and Green left coalition) and Valerie Pajak, Volt (Pan-European political movement), organized by EindhovenNews.com

The debate has four segments that each focus on key topics. The first segment addresses international students, housing, minimum wage and the development of the Brainport region. The second segment will focus on immigration, 30% ruling, and asylum. The third round is dedicated to innovation, sustainability, mobility and security. The final round highlights housing, health insurance and taxation.

Moderator Beena Arunraj, Eindhoven News is joined by Zach Newmark from NL Times, Jean-Paul Linnartz and Robin Pascoe from Dutch News. Dutch News also reports results from a poll among internationals.

Team Ignite, powered by students of TU Eindhoven will show off once again at the GLOW light festival. Interaction remains a key theme, as Lieke Diederen explains in this podcast interview for Radio 4 Brainport.

Did you know that to be successful you need to build “weak” and ”strong” connections and relationships, as both are equally important to develop and progress in life? In Ralu on Board, Edition 6, I have the pleasure to be in conversation with a very well-known connector, elevator, and promoter from the Brainport area.
He has been involved in the development of the smarter square kilometer in Europe, the High Tech Campus, and in this podcast, you will hear about the importance of creating environments where people can collaborate and connect in many different ways.
The conversation gives many insights into what does it takes to build trust, challenge the system when it does not give the results you want, to build a new system more appropriate, and how can you do that? I more collaboration and more building trust the answer to our current problems.
Bert-Jan Woertman, definitely thinks that we need to surround ourselves with people who can challenge us in the right way and help us ask the right questions, before we can finds the adequate answers.

A podcast by Ralu Nistor-Lustermans for Radio 4 Brainport. 2023

She designs a healthy work place and a more productive environment. Her mission is to make a positive impact. She uses more elements from nature to keep the people more creative and healthy. She adds water elements, sound of the birds, more plants 🌱 As result, less sick leave. More positivity and work productivity.

Susan Smit interviewed her for Radio 4 Brainport at Dutch Design Week DDW 2023

Aniek Bartels, illustrator & designer wants to help children to overcome the fear of having a MRI. In a creative way children can draw their own idea about the experience. Aniek has illustrated a book for the children during DDW to give them a new experience and achieve to be more calm and relaxed. The booklet is still available at het museum after DDW.

The connection is the Philips MRI scanner. This is the reason to present her project at the Philips Museum. Interview by Susan Smit, Radio 4 Brainport

Radio 4 Brainport visits Nino Basilashvili with her project Heartsync at the Philips Museum. Nino creates interactive installations through which she allows people to experience a deeper connection with themselves and the group. It is all about the heart beat, the rhythm of the heart. 

According to Nino you can find your own identity. But she addresses more heart connections, and lets you synchronize with a group. Is it a way to understand people better? How are we connected? Nino wants let people understand each other better, particularly each other's feelings in a group.

Interview by Susan Smit at Dutch Design Week 2023

Third weekend of October, JOTA time is a great moment for scouts. It is a time to connect. To connect via radio, on the air. But also to connect to each other and to enjoy an wide variety of activities, under the umbrella "connecting the dots".

Alisia Willems-Peters explains what you learn at scouting and why it is fun. Being outdoors, building a team, showing leadership, navigating, playing with technology, learning from each other, ....

Jean-Paul Linnartz on Radio 4 Brainport, 2023

Rick Wesseling explains the many aspects of JOTA, the Jamboree on the Air and how scouts connect to each other worldwide and enjoy the magic of radio. Scouting Aalst-Waarle has a number of activities including not only the traditional shortwave international contacts, but also the local contacts and contests, letting radio signals reflect against the moon and running an amateur television station.

Interview by Jean-Paul Linnartz, Radio 4 Brainport, 2023

Scouting Burgemeester Welschen Meerhoven (SBWM) in Eindhoven will again participate in the annual JOTA-JOTI, the Jamboree on the Air and Jamboree on the Internet. This event will take place from Friday 20 October 8:00 PM to Sunday 23 October 2023, 1:00 PM. Since its founding in 2003, SBWM has participated in the JOTA. This year they celebrate the 20th anniversary. An FM transmitter will be active all weekend, so the Meerhoven area can listen on a portable or car radio. Programs are on air on 103.3 MHz in the FM band. Rob Hardenberg explains the set up and the plans for 2023 and gives an impression of previous JOTA's.

The JOTA – JOTI is the largest global scouting event in which 2 million scout members from 174 countries participate annually. The purpose of JOTA – JOTI is to get in touch with other scouts. Here ideas are exchanged but also communicated with friends. The exchange of ideas is known in the world of scouting as Jamboree. Communication traditionally takes place via radio, but for several decades now also via the Internet. JOTA is an abbreviation and stands for Jamboree on the Radio and was first held in 1957. To be able to talk to each other, the help of licensed radio amateurs is called in who have a license to use some frequency bands and can therefore communicate worldwide using of transmitters and antennas. In addition to the JOTA, the JOTI was organized for the first time in 1995. JOTI stands for Jamboree on the Internet and has since been held together with the JOTA as JOTA– JOTI. During a JOTI, communication takes place via the internet, for example through chatting or online video conference.

Alina is a force of change for good, she battles to help create a society which is more inclusive and equitable for everyone. She is currently a policy advisor for the International relationships and labour department at Noord-Brabant Province, she worked at the European Parliament before as a political advisor for the UK delegation on matters related to the transport ministry during Brexit. Alina listens to what people say, and she helps politicians and governments create the right policies and procedures to help fulfill those needs, like giving her contribution to create a mulit-language call center in Noord-Brabant for matters related to international labour.

Join Ralu Nistor Lustermans in listening to Alina, about the importance of aligning governmental policies to our society current issues and needs. Radio 4 Brainport can be heard on 747 AM and DAB+ in the Eindhoven region.

To save energy and to efficiently use resources, we often need to monitor and to sense, we need to communicate and to process data. To make this possible the Internet of Things promises the realisation of dense sensor networks. But sensors consume energy and cannot always be wired for power. In the EU project LoLiPoP-IoT, 38 partners from across Europe develop Energy Harvesting and micro-power management solutions for Wireless IoT edge devices that enable long battery life sensors to be retrofitted on, in or near equipment and infrastructure. Wireless sensors are the key technology platform to enable us to collect data that will be used for anomaly detection, efficiency and performance monitoring. LoLiPoP IoT creates an ecosystem of developers, integrators and users to develop these platforms thinking about power/battery life, ease of installation and maintenance. The project is driven by 12 laboratory- and field-based use cases to initially demonstrate their technical viability and then potential impact.

Jean-Paul Linnartz interviewed Mike Hayes of Tyndall, one of the main thought leaders in this EU project.

Arnout Nederpelt, one of 2% gifted people in the world and a member of Mensa International, is currently a Business Process Analyst at ASML, where he is also an Ethics Liaison and the Chief Ambassador of the neurodiversity-focused Atypical Employee Network in ASML. Outside ASML Arnout is a leader within Toastmasters International, having achieved twice the award of Distinguished Toastmaster and he is the Immediate Past District Director of District 59 (110 club in the Benelux area and France, ~3000 members). Arnout is a neurodivergent leader in a neurotypical world, and his mission is to make the world a more inclusive one.

Hosted by Ralu Nistor Lustermans in Ralu on Board for Radio 4 Brainport

She was responsible for valorization at the University of Antwerp. She came to TU Eindhoven, world leading in industry-academic valorisation. Her research is Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology, while energy, the environment and sustainability are key innovation areas to TU/e. Now, as the new rector of TU/e, Silvia Lenaerts puts forward "valorization" as the main theme for the Opening of the Academic Year 2023. 

Yet, valorization for her is broader than a commercial transfer. Silvia Lenaerts wants to orient TU more towards society. Dissemination requires us to stay connected to the real world. Getting input from outside in. Reaching out to a broader audience. For that, TU needs "Cognitive diversity" from a broad range of disciplines. Academics do not only educate and not only do research, but also need to work on valarization, and that can be in many different forms.   

An interview by Jean-Paul Linnartz for Radio 4 Brainport

Photo by Bart van Overbeeke

"Huge global transitions are ongoing". Peter Wennink sees the global issues as big challenges, but not only as a isolated problems to be solved. The value generation opportunities from these shifts and changes are huge. The US and East Asia are positioning themselves as new leaders in a new world order, with visions on how to dominate in automotive, in technology for the energy transition, in digitization. Will Europe still have a role? Will we stay relevant? Will the Netherlands be able to safeguard welfare if we may loose our negotiation position in a global economy?

ASML says it wants to take co-responsibility in creating a safe environment for employees and other citizens, including access to affordable housing, faster international hiring, good infrastructure. To Jean-Paul Linnartz on Radio 4 Brainport that sounded like the early days of Philips taking care of the entire life of employees, but Peter Wennink does not want be paternalistic. He makes a plea for a grant vision, with collaboration among industry, academia and the government.

Also, global crises need a system vision, and strong cooperations, not point solutions. Starting a lab at the university is an example to setting up collaborations. Yet, proprietary knowledge is highly critical to keeps ASML's leading role. Can open innovation work for ASML? Or, is it a must in a global race to pre-sort as a leader rather than becoming irrelevant?

Photo: Bart van Overbeeke

Mira Dreessen, is a true people believer. She believes in people and in the long-lasting impressions, and I am sure this interview will make a long-lasting impression on you! As a trained psychologist, working in the innovative tech industry, Mira focuses on the people behind the innovation, as she believes that everyone has an intrinsic motivation to contribute to something that matters.Having moved to the Netherlands 12 years ago for her studies, Mira is now, what we call a “dutchee by choice”.

Besides her HR role in ASML where she contributes to changing the world one nanometer at a time by empowering the people behind the technology, she is also an Ambassador for Women for Women program an initiative by Expat Spouses Initiative and supported by Holland Expat Center South & Provincie Noord-Brabant. Listen to Mira’s wisdom pills if you want to know more about how to “get to feel at home” when you live abroad, and the stages you might go through before you get that homey feeling.  

Interview: Ralu Nistor-Lustermans on Radio 4 Brainport

"I collect colours". But Stella Verdult goes beyond that: she shares her passion for colours. She gives a meaning to colour. A new exhibition runs in Albert van Abbehuis: "A conversation starter" is a suggestive and heedful approach in which the diversity of colour is made visible.

Interview by Tatiana Kostina for Radio 4 Brainport

Curious to see what contemporary artists of the Brainport region are busy with? Take a look at the Albert van Abbehuis in the Eindhoven City Center! This exhibition space functions as a multiplatform for contemporary art exhibitions, meet-ups, workshops, performances and cutting-edge lectures. Anne Yianni gave us a nice insight on what is happening at the van Abbe Villa.

An interview by Tatiana Kostina, 2023

We wish you a happy holiday. How do you say that in Dutch? Yet another mini-course by Yvonne van Deursen - Bakx on Radio 4 Brianport

What does it take to get in touch with the Dutch culture or to interact socially? Learning the language can make a big difference. 25 years ago Philips had its own "talen afdeling", and that langaugae department has been split off as STE Languages. Wilfried Gradus is a director at STE. Jean-Paul Linnartz interviewed him. How steep is the learning curve to learn Dutch?

Learning Dutch? Language courses are not a one-size-fits-all. Learning for your Dutch inburgerings-examen may not teach you the Dutch that is most effective in your job. Some people like to quickly engage in a convesation, other like to understand the grammer of the language before they feel comfortable. We interviewed Mathilde Lageman, director at STE languages, Eindhoven.

Ralu Nistor-Lustermans reflects on the IIA Global conference 2023 in Amsterdam. One take away was that the most influential leaders are not necessarily in the board room. Employees in lower ranks often have strong leading impact. Often these defacto leaders underestimate the ripple effect that they have.

Do you have the courage to lead with empathy and purpose? Dr. Kamel Hothi spoke about the power of defining your purpose, finding your allies, mentors and supporters, the courage to be vulnerable and the wisdom to be empathic. I dare to say that many of us in that packed room had a tear or two as Dr Kamel Hothi OBE shared her very personal leadership story packed with many moments of vulnerability and immense courage! We need more leaders who have the courage to lead with a clear purpose, be vulnerable and empathic!

The question to all internal auditors out there is: what’s your purpose?

Vitoria Aquino will update us regularly on upcoming events in one of the local stages in Brainport: Eindhoven, Veldhoven, Valkenswaard, Helmond, Bergeijk. She will cover the Wonkapodia agenda on Radio 4 Brainport. In this pre-interview we chat with Vitoria about the great opportunities to enjoy dance, music, cabaret, theater in the region, next season

Getting kids enthusiastic for science and technology is a challenge. Are physics and math boring? How can you make it exciting? At the Eindhoven Roumanian school, Vlad Niculescu-Dinca goes a step further: bringing a scientific mindset to young kids is not so hard as it may seem. Kids can understand what hypothesis testing is. Just let them find out whether some assumption is crazy or in fact is true.

As the Brainport region is asking schools and universities to make a scale jump on educating engineers, Jean-Paul Linnartz interviewed Vlad about his experience in making science attractive and in promoting a curious and investigative mindset.  

Photo: Jodie Trimble, 10 July 2023

Miriam Frosi, is what we might call “Jenny of trades”, the feminine version of “Jake of trades”, an innovation agent, a woman in politics, a diversity, inclusivity, and equality advocate, a wife, and mom, Italian- Milanese, who in the last 23 years lived and worked in Noord Brabant, making it her mission to break stereotypes, and make her community more inclusive.

Besides her role as CDA councillor, she is an innovation manager determined to show the green in the grey asfalt, first italian woman in dutch policits elected at regional level, an advocate for diversity, inclusion and equity…

Photo: Lev Azarkh

Looking for a last minute opportunity to join a theater festival? Vitoria Aquino takes us to the "parade festival". Language no-problem, as she said on Radio 4 Brainport

Photo Erik van 't Hof for Paradefestival

The Romanian School in Eindhoven, what is it about? Vlad Niculescu-Dinca, the founder of the Romanian School in Eindhoven talks about the ways in which the school helps children with romanian background integrate but also learn about the romanian culture and even science in a fun way.

Interview and podcast by Ralu Nistor-Lustermans on Radio 4 Brainport

In Edition 1, Ralu is in conversation with Bart Ghysels, who describes his journey as "getting more comfortable with being uncomfortable."

Bart started his entrepreneurial journey 2 years ago, taking a lip of faith to create Ghysels recruitment company.  He is passioned about connecting talented technical project managers to organisations in High tech, automotive, R&D, pharma & Life science, Aerospace & Defense, consumer goods, semicon and medtech.

Join us to listen to Ralu on Board, Edition 1, in conversation with Bart, to hear insightful advice on entrepreneurship shills, how organisations can embrace multicultural talents, and how international talents can successfully land their desired job in Brainport.

Bart has many wisdom pills and food for thought!

Ralu on Board is a regular program on Radio 4 Brainport.

Language teacher Yvonne van Deursen-Bakx regularly gives updates on Dutch habits and at the same time gives a mini-lesson in learning the Dutch language. Early summer you may see Dutch flags with school bags. On Radio 4 Brainport, she explains.

Learning the local language also means being emersed in Dutch culture and in Dutch habits. Una Paloma Blanca had a grand opening of their new facilities at the NRE Area on May 11, 2023. Antonio Gutiérrez Rubio explains how for instance Dutch course uses real examples of experiencing the Netherlands, including learning how to ride the bike and the need to protect your bike from it getting stolen. But UPB teaches many languages, we may even call it a language hub.

An interview by Jean-Paul Linnartz for Radio 4 Brainport.

Eindhoven is a hotspot for innovation and TU Eindhoven plays a key role in starting innovation. May 11th is the day that rector Prof Frank Baaijens hands over the helm to Silvia Lenaerts. In fact, Stijn Steenbakers had the honor to decorate Frank Baaijens on behalf of the Dutch King. Alderman Stijn Steenbakkers (CDA) reflects on the role of the outgoing rector for the university and for the region.

We recorded the interview at the official opening of the Una Paloma Blanca language hub. Connecting people, facilitating a social life are also key elements to maintain an innovative region, as the Alderman explains. We took the opportunity to discuss the challenges of being an international city at the forefront of innovation, with all the dynamics of the large and small enterprises and the scale jump ambitions of the university.

An interview by Jean-Paul Linnartz for Radio 4 Brainport, DAB+ and 747 AM.

Curious about the experts who bring the benefits of the EU to life in the Netherlands? Curious about new project ideas and collaboration opportunities? An opportunity to increase your knowledge about Europe and the European Union. You can ask questions to experts. Organized by Jacques Giesbertz en Leverne Nijman 

• Europees Consumenten Centrum
• Jongerenambassadeur Leah Corsmit en Klimaatambassadeur Roberta Bosu
• Epale, Marlies Elderenbosch 
• Eures Europees netwerk voorarbeidsbemiddeling 
• Stichting Geen Grens, Ger Essers
• Samenwerkingsverband Burgerkracht Europa, Ben van Essen
• Europe Direct Eindhoven 

With war in Europe and in other places in the world you might think what can we do about that? What about writing poetry? This is proposed by Kees Minderhoud and Jacques Giesbertz.

The event will take place on May 7 in the Parktheater in Eindhoven and, yes, you can win a prize too.

Why do some people thrive while others get by? Want to learn an instant trick to change the quality of your sleep, or discover the secret to happiness and success? Our guest in Tea Talk: Rajshree Patel, a former prosecutor with the US attorney’s office, a mind and meditation expert, a self-awareness coach, and the author of “The Power of Vital Force.” She has transformed the lives of thousands of people worldwide, helping them access their innate energy, creativity, and fulfillment through the ancient wisdom of #VEDANTA.

Rajshree Patel was on tour in The Netherlands, with the central theme "How to unstuck your life?". In this Tea-Talk podcast, you hear a fascinating conversation with Karishma and Supriya on April 14th at Radio 4 Brainport, the expat station.

Rajshree Patel| Srividya M| Poornima Nair| Karishma Vij| Tea-Talk with Karishma and Supriya| Radio 4 Brainport, the expat station| Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar| The Art of Living|

#thepowerofvitalforce #mindfulness #breathwork #success #happiness #meditation #NLtour #transformation

Ineke Hurkmans who deeply connects with words like positivity, passion, empathy, creativity, and enthusiasm is the Founder and Managing Director of Jump Movement. She is a distinguished leader, who makes a positive impact on organizations and various social settings. Would you like to discover more about her upcoming project “Burst the Bubble”? Tune in to an engaging conversation with Ineke Hurkmans available exclusively on Radio 4 Brainport! 747 AM and DAB+

Photo (c) Lev Azarkh

Interview Karishma Vij, 11 March 2023

Kim Henst - reFlex and Flow- Did you know your Feet can help diagnose serious health conditions? The stress and pressures of modern life can give birth to many underlying issues and lead to harmful diseases. Addressing your deep-rooted problems through orthomolecular therapy can transform your life for the better. At reFlex & Flow, a holistic healthcare practice, they combine reflexology and orthomolecular therapy to provide effective solutions. Kim Henst, is an expert in body and mind functions, nutrition, and lifestyle. Tune in to learn more about how she can help you on Radio 4 Brainport! 747 AM and DAB+

Interview Karry Vij

Photo (c) Lev Azarkh, 11 March 2023

venue: Parktheater Eindhoven

Beyond Language: Insights from a Dutch Language Coach, Yvonne Van Deursen-Bakx, in an interview by Supriya Vij on Radio 4 Brainport. Ever wondered how cultural awareness and sensitivity impact Dutch language learning? Supriya Vij interviewed a Dutch language coach, Yvonne Van Deursen-Bakx, on Radio4Brainport in a live program from Parktheater in Eindhoven. Yvonne and Supriya explore the evolving integration process and how it is creating a supportive environment for highly skilled migrants in the Brainport region.

#DutchLanguageLearning

#NT2examen

#LinguisticDiversity #ProfessionalDevelopment

#CrossCulturalCommunication

Photo (c) Lev Azarkh, 2023

Ralu Nistor-Lustermans interviewed @Nikky Hamerslag, a young politician woman, at the top of her party (for the provincial elections) who inspired us with her energy and drive to have a positive impact and give a voice to the weakest. #positiveimpact #voicefortheplanet

March 11, 2023

Want to know how women in STEM are driving innovation in the Brainport region? Curious about Zonta Eindhoven's efforts to promote STEM education among young girls? Don't miss Supriya Vij’s interview with Jeanne de Loos, President of Zonta Eindhoven. Radio 4 Brainport host Supriya Vij discussed with Jeanne de Loos the challenges faced by women in STEM and how Zonta Eindhoven is working towards overcoming them.

Trailblazing towards a more inclusive workforce - a conversation with Zonta Eindhoven President, Jeanne de Loos, on the importance of STEM education for women. Recorded on March 11, 2023, in a live program around International Women's Day 2023.

#WomenInSTEM #STEMeducation #ZontaEindhoven #IWD2023

Photo (c) Lev Azarkh

Heidi Los was our guest, live on Radio 4 Brainport, talking about her best-selling Dutch management book "De kracht van de ondernemers dochters": "You feel it in everything. How you live. How you approach things with a lot of energy and enthusiasm and see opportunities. How you keep going until you drop, being hard on yourself and others, and getting terribly worked up about people who cut corners." Growing up with entrepreneurs parents has many advantages (and maybe some pitfalls), through which: learning that failure is part of success journey, never giving up and adopting a "can do"attitude". Heidi advices women and girls to step into their strengths and organisations to welcome entrepreneurs daughters as their employees, as they bring in many skills and capabilities.

An interview by Ralu Nistor-Lustermans on March 11, 2023, in the Parktherater, Eindhoven. Photo: Lev Azarkh

Mrs. Joan Roach. Head of Primary International, International School Eindhoven shared her thoughts about equity and equality. She also emphasized that her success has been driven by hard work and her unwavering commitment to learning. Listen to an inspiring conversations on the occasion of International Women's Day.

Running up to the 2023 elections for the water authority "Waterschap de Dommel", Henk Schepers explains the challenges of managing water in the Eindhoven Brainport region. Making sure that nature, farming and the population have enough water even in a dry summer cannot just be solved by just filling a big reservoir. The soil needs to contain enough water continuously to avoid irreversible changes and to ensure that it can still suck up water in wetter periods afterwards. The “battery model”, just cycle charge- discharge is a dangerous misperception that can heavily impact nature and farmland if we would use that as the operational model for managing water.

In a Radio 4 Brainport interview with Jean-Paul Linnartz, Henk Schepers also mentions that in a country full of water experts, still the Brainport region can contribute much more to sustainable water management by offering technical solutions to clean medication residues from sewage water.

Besides pollution by inhabitants, farming, or economic activities, the many criminal drug factory are a very costly factor in keeping our water safe. In Brabant these are a big issue. Illegal dumps in nature pose a huge cost to society.

A thought on women equality and equity by author Chaitali Sengupta, on air on Radio 4 Brainport on the eve of International Women's Day.

Women raise their voice on at Parktheater celebrating International Women's Day 11 March 2023 Parktheater Eindhoven: Embrace Equity. Eindhoven celebrates the collective work of organizations, artist individuals, men and women who create an inclusive city for all.

Radio 4 Brainport wil come live from the event, but Milagros Maldonado already gives us a preview

March 15, 2023 is the day of the elections for the water authority. Mado Ruijs pitches the position of Water Natuurlijk, Lijst 1 in the Eindhoven region. 

Recorded by Radio 4 Brainport.

Mado Ruijs is a member of the executive board of Waterschap de Dommel. Running up to the elections for the Waterschappen on March 15th, 2023, we dive into the dilemma's of avoiding flooding during intense rain, or to maintain adequate ground water levels during draughts. While the Dutch already installed water boards in the 13th century as the first governmental body, its role is dramatically changes. Climate change means more rain in shorter periods but also longer periods without precipitation. But how about the quality of our surface water? While in the past, industries contaminated water with cadmium and zinc, the Dommel is far cleaner than 20 years ago. But the new challenges are also to get rid of medication that ends up in our sewage water.

While Mado also pitches her position as the leader of Lijst 1 WaterNatuurlijk for the water board, she particularly invites internationals to also engage in the dilemmas and challenges of water. Meanwhile ecologist Nuno Curado of Wild Eindhoven explains the essential role that water has on wild life and on a the natural habitats in the Eindhoven region.

A radio podcast by Jean-Paul Linnartz for Radio 4 Brainport 
radio4brainport.org, DAB+, 747 AM
https://www.dommel.nl/mado-ruijs-stelt-zich-voor
https://www.wild-eindhoven.com/

And the winner is....

You may remember that we at Radio 4 Brainport asked you before Christmas to send in your holiday wishes, and as an incentive we promised to give away a DAB radio to one of the contributors. Today, we went to Sweet Dreams bakery to hand over the receiver to Aralys and Amar. They sent in their Christmas wishes for our listeners after Aralys spotted us with the live broadcast during the Winter Market in the Evoluon on December 10th. She noted down our WhatsApp number (06 8329 2000) and sent a voice message once she was back with Amar. It demonstrates how easy it is to get your announcement on air ! You can hear their story in a short podcast on Spotify.   

Nothing better than a dive into the sea on New Year's Day? Ralu Nistor-Lustermans tried it our for herself. To Jean-Paul Linnartz of Radio 4 Brainport she disclosed that it really gives fresh energy for the whole year. Cool!

Ralu writes about this; For decades the Nordics, celebrate the New Year by taking a dive into the freezing water of the Nordic Sea. I used to watch this event on TV and think, what a bunch of crazy people! 🤔 This year, instead of watching it from the side-line, I (and one of my sons) decided to be one of those crazy people 😉, we joined and dived in …….what an amazing experience........physically and mentally refreshed! As we all dive into 2023, let's make sure that no matter what our goals and aspirations are for this year, we prioritise our wellbeing, our mental health and we are kind to ourselves and others. Embrace the challenges 2023 will bring, take a step out of your comfort zone to discover the shivers of unforeseen achievements! Happy New Year everyone!!