#27 - Mark Ward (Part 1)
Mark Ward is a committed humanitarian who led teams to provide critical help after natural or man-made disasters. He saved lives and restored hope to communities affected by many disasters over two decades, including the 2004 tsunami and the Syrian Civil War. In (so-called) retirement, he returned to Afghanistan to lead a humanitarian organization. None other than George H.W. Bush dubbed him "Mr. Disaster." He is--in short--a guy whose stories cannot be contained in a single episode.
SoftPower/FulStories uses first-person stories to explore why U.S. engagement in the world matters. Through conversations with diplomats, aid workers, Peace Corps volunteers, authors and artists, influencers, businesspeople, and more, SP/FS highlights how soft power and foreign aid and assistance strengthen America's security, prosperity, and global standing.
Mark Ward
"Mr. Disaster" in Afghanistan
Mark as a young headmaster in a girl's school in Kenya
The USS Abraham Lincoln and the USNS Mercy in Indonesian waters after the 2004 tsunami
Crew members aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln during Operation Unified Assistance
Mark Ward (Parts 1 & 2)
SP/FS Producer & Host: Christopher Wurst
Opening Voices: Dmitri Wurst, Elena Wurst, Kjara Wurst, Christopher Wurst
Voice of Dubious Aunt Deb: Cathy Zielske
Cold Open Music: BWM – The Brina Band
Dubious Ant Deb Music: Cass County Beauty Queen – Alan Singley
Episode Music (Part 1):
Last Step West – Whispers of Arrakis
Waterbourne – Blue Dot Sessions
Music – Youssoupha Sidibe
Where It Goes - Jahzzar
Words Fall Apart (Instrumental) – Josh Woodward
Ambient Blues Joe – Lobo Loco
Episode Music (Part 2):
Ticky Tack – Blue Dot Sessions
Life in a Dollhouse – Alan Singley
Supermoon – Alan Singley
Driving Home – Dee Yan-key
Stakes & Things – Blue Dot Sessions
Interview date: December 16, 2025